Hope in Tough Situations -- Threads of Hope

Leslie Gould's Plain Patterns series has been very enjoyable to read, and the conclusion, Threads of Hope, is no exception.

Jane Berger's Plain Patterns quilt shop is a hub of interaction among several Plain women, some of their English friends and family, and others who seem to be somewhat on the fence about where they really belong. The stories Jane shares from past generations seem to meet certain ones in the circle of ladies and resonate with the struggles they find themselves dealing with. 

In Threads of Hope, tough issues play into the story, both in the present day setting and Jane's stories from the past. Decisions concerning war and physical and emotional repercussions from those situations are front and center in both time periods. Tally and Danielle form what might be an unexpected closeness as they each deal with important challenges in their lives, including a lot of uncertainties Tally initially has about Danielle. The experiences they have, together and individually, help them both learn to put fears and problems behind and grow into better versions of who they want to be. There are so many well-developed characters who move this story along and keep the split timeline very engaging.

I highly recommend Threads of Hope to fans of great Amish fiction. Thanks to Bethany House for providing a copy of the book. I am happy to share my own thoughts in this review.

About the Book

Can they find a way to stitch their suffering into hope and embrace an uncertain future?

Tally Smucker's quiet life of reading and quilting hides her sorrow over her mother's declining health and the lack of a fulfilling future for herself. When her daily life is shaken by her free-spirited neighbor Danielle--who grew up Plain but joined the Army at eighteen--Tally's instinct is to distance herself.

Yet she finds she can't turn away when Danielle's brother, Kenan, specifically asks for her help. She invites Danielle to visit Plain Patterns quilt shop with her, where the story of the plight of a WWI soldier and the girl he left behind resonates with both Tally and Danielle, but for different reasons.

When Tally's mother suffers a setback at the same time Danielle's PTSD becomes unmanageable, it seems Tally's efforts to aid them only make things worse. Can the soldier's story, along with the care of Kenan, help Tally accept the hope that waits just around the corner?

From the talented pen of Leslie Gould comes a moving tale of restoration and renewed hope within the Amish community.

About the Author

Leslie Gould (www.lesliegould.com) is a Christy Award-winning and #1 bestselling author of over 35 novels, including four Lancaster County Amish series. She holds an MFA in creative writing and enjoys studying church history, research trips, and hiking in the Pacific Northwest. She and her husband live in Portland, Oregon, and are the parents of four adult children.