[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and WaterBrook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]
Summary
Lyle Greene’s pharmacy serves Raysburg and the Amish community in their region. It’s not a typical community when it comes to medical care. But Lyle knows and understands the Amish and works hard to help them.
When Holly’s dad passed away when she was a teen, it might have been prevented if her father – and the Amish community – had a better understanding of medical care. That prompted Holly’s passion to educate her people and encourage them to show the same care to themselves that they do to their livestock. She gets permission from her bishop to go to school so she can work at the pharmacy. Sadly, her passion for her calling means she can’t ever marry an Amish man. She would have to give up her work and focus on a home and family instead. And she feels too strongly that God has given her this work to do to give it up.
Brandon Greene couldn’t wait to leave Raysburg as a young man. His relationship with his dad has been strained since his mom died, if not before. And while Brandon’s road to becoming a pharmacist has hit some detours and roadblocks, he knows when he’s licensed, he’ll have his own store and run it the way his father has always discounted.
When Lyle has a health emergency, the future of Greene’s Pharmacy is in jeopardy. And Holly and Brandon may not be able to save it.
Review
This was a great book! The story takes place from October to Christmas, so it’s not quite the Christmas story I was expecting from the cover and the title. But there are some nice Christmas-related moments, and that is when everything finally comes together. If you are looking for a Christmas story to read as the season approaches, now is a perfect time to start this one because this is the time of year when the story kicks off. But really, you could read this at any time of year.
Lyle, Holly, Brandon, and Joshua (Holly’s potential love interest in the book) are delightful! I enjoyed watching Lyle and Holly together in almost a father-daughter relationship – and then watching Brandon’s reaction to that in light of his strained relationship with Lyle. Holly’s passion for her calling was inspiring. And she is willing to give up a lot personally to fill this role for her community. Joshua is a good sport, really hearing and understanding Holly even if it means he can’t pursue the relationship with her he wants.
This is a little bit mystery, and a little bit romance with a lot of solid Amish fiction at the center. And it’s terrific. I don’t usually read a lot of Amish fiction, but there have been some great books released this year in the genre. I highly recommend all of the ones I’ve reviewed this year, including this one!