Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Bethany House Publishers (2016), Edition: Illustrated, 336 pages
Description
Fiction. Literature. Leona lost her best friend the day Gloria's family was expelled from the Amish church. When she receives an unexpected letter from Gloria, Leona makes up her mind go after her friend. To the alarm of her fiance, a deacon's son, she sets out on a mission to persuade Gloria to return to the Amish church. Will Leona's dearest wish lead to her own undoing? A compelling story of friendship from the top author in Amish fiction Leona Speicher got the "sister" she'd always dreamed of the day Gloria Gingerich and her family moved to Lancaster County Amish farmland. The Arkansas newcomers seem to be everything a devout Plain family should be, and Leona can't help comparing Gloria's engaging young parents to her own. Leona's cousin shows a romantic interest in Gloria around the same time as Gloria's older brother expresses his fondness for Leonaâ??it seems likely the two young women will marry into each other's families, remaining close friends for life. Thus, Leona is shocked when the Gingeriches suddenly pack up and disappear after being expelled from the church for reasons no one will discuss. Despite Leona's pleas, Gloria goes with them, leaving more than one broken heart behind. When Gloria unexpectedly contacts Leona after a silence of several years, Leona makes up her mind to persuade her friend to return to Lancaster County and the Amish ways. Leona's fiance, the deacon's son, is alarmed when Leona decides to go after Gloria. Will Leona's dearest wish lead to her own undoi… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member alekee
A story of a young woman's lust for the other side of the fence, doesn’t it always look greener? Leona has a dear friend in Gloria, and as a young girl she wishes she could be a part of her family, everything about them is so much better than hers.
When abruptly without so much as a goodbye they
When Gloria comes back to Lancaster with her, will Leona’s family let in the door? She is no longer Amish and is driving a car, and carrying a cell phone, or will she look to return to her roots. All of the answers are here and more, a delightful read that you won’t want to put down and will be page turning late into the wee hours of the morning.
I received this book through Net Galley and Bethany House Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.
When abruptly without so much as a goodbye they
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are gone, and she doesn’t hear from her best friend/sister for over three years, a lifetime, and a grieving time for such a loss. When Gloria finally contacts her, she begs Leona to come to her, and we begin to wonder what is going to happen to our girl? Will she decide she likes what has happened to this family that was so dear to her, will she end up being English?When Gloria comes back to Lancaster with her, will Leona’s family let in the door? She is no longer Amish and is driving a car, and carrying a cell phone, or will she look to return to her roots. All of the answers are here and more, a delightful read that you won’t want to put down and will be page turning late into the wee hours of the morning.
I received this book through Net Galley and Bethany House Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.
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LibraryThing member Kris_Anderson
The Wish by Beverly Lewis is set in Colerain, Pennsylvania. Leona Speicher is thrilled when the Gingeriches move in next door because they have a girl the same age. Gloria Gingeriches becomes Leona's best friend. Leona spends quite a bit of time at Gloria's house while they are growing up. She
The Wish was a good book. It has excellent writing (as usual for Beverly Lewis) and the book moves along at a good pace. The book is about choices. It can be hard to make the right decision/choice. I thought the book had good moral lessons especially that with God all things are possible. You think someone has a better life (greener pastures), but you do not know what goes on behind closed doors. I give The Wish 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). There is a little bit of romance in the story, but it plays out in the background (not the main focus of the book). I thought The Wish was a good, heartwarming novel. I look forward to reading Beverly Lewis' next novel.
I received a complimentary book in exchange for an honest review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
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finds that she prefers Gloria's family to her own. Leona felt that she was born to the wrong family. When Gloria is seventeen, her father, Arkansas Joe has a problem with the Bishop and the community. They the whole family disappears. Gloria leaves behind her dog, Brownie with a note for Leona. Leona does not understand why they just disappeared, but she hopes to hear from her friend soon. Leona hears nothing for three years and then she receives a letter from Gloria asking her to visit. Leona feels that God is calling her to help her friend. Gloria is at a crossroads and needs advice (and assistance). Leona wants to find out what happened three years ago that caused her family to leave without any word. Plus, she misses her dearest friend. Gloria was like a sister to Leona. Will Leona be able to help her friend? Join Leona as she sets out to help Gloria and hopefully return her to the community in The Wish. The Wish was a good book. It has excellent writing (as usual for Beverly Lewis) and the book moves along at a good pace. The book is about choices. It can be hard to make the right decision/choice. I thought the book had good moral lessons especially that with God all things are possible. You think someone has a better life (greener pastures), but you do not know what goes on behind closed doors. I give The Wish 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). There is a little bit of romance in the story, but it plays out in the background (not the main focus of the book). I thought The Wish was a good, heartwarming novel. I look forward to reading Beverly Lewis' next novel.
I received a complimentary book in exchange for an honest review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
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LibraryThing member Mizroady
How incredibly easy it is to see the faults of our own family, overlooking the blessings. Equally simple is see only the good things of another family and be blinded to the problems. The source of this is discontentment. That is exactly where Leona Speicher finds herself. Her heart yearns for her
Her heart is broken when the Gingrich family is shunned from the Amish church, disappearing in the night without even saying goodbye. Leona never quits missing her friend and mourns her absence for 3 long years. Out of the blue Gloria reaches out to her begging her to come for a visit. The family has abandoned their Amish faith and turned English. Leona wrestles whether or not to go. She still loves her friend deeply but isn’t sure not only what to expect but also putting herself in the English world.
With the purpose of trying to bring back with her and become Amish again she decides to go.
The trip turns out to be more than the rescue mission she had anticipated. She is shocked and disheartened by what she finds not only Gingrich’s lives now but what they had been all along. A beautiful story of love, true friendship, and learning to see the wonderful gifts God has given us.
I received this book Bethany House Publishing and was not required to give a positive review. The opinions I have stated are my own.
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family to be like her best friend’s Gloria Gingrich: Fun, affectionate, and close. She idolizes them and fantasizes about becoming a permanent household member. To make the situation even more ideal, Leona and Gloria are as close as best friends can be.Her heart is broken when the Gingrich family is shunned from the Amish church, disappearing in the night without even saying goodbye. Leona never quits missing her friend and mourns her absence for 3 long years. Out of the blue Gloria reaches out to her begging her to come for a visit. The family has abandoned their Amish faith and turned English. Leona wrestles whether or not to go. She still loves her friend deeply but isn’t sure not only what to expect but also putting herself in the English world.
With the purpose of trying to bring back with her and become Amish again she decides to go.
The trip turns out to be more than the rescue mission she had anticipated. She is shocked and disheartened by what she finds not only Gingrich’s lives now but what they had been all along. A beautiful story of love, true friendship, and learning to see the wonderful gifts God has given us.
I received this book Bethany House Publishing and was not required to give a positive review. The opinions I have stated are my own.
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LibraryThing member Becky_L
Authors like Beverly Lewis have long made the Amish lifestyle seem idyllic and peaceful. But in The Wish, Mrs. Lewis brings up a question most Englischer readers have probably asked: would an Amish person who went Englisch really have a desire to return to his or her
Friendship,heartache,romance,and hidden secrets all play a part in this latest offering by Lewis. I sure identified when Leona wishes she belonged to another family...what child hasn't viewed a friend or relative's family as more fun than his/her own?
Part of the ending seemed to come together way too smoothly for as much difficulty as was presented over certain issues and personalities. Very good story, just not one of my personal favorites.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own and are freely offered without compensation.
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roots?Friendship,heartache,romance,and hidden secrets all play a part in this latest offering by Lewis. I sure identified when Leona wishes she belonged to another family...what child hasn't viewed a friend or relative's family as more fun than his/her own?
Part of the ending seemed to come together way too smoothly for as much difficulty as was presented over certain issues and personalities. Very good story, just not one of my personal favorites.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own and are freely offered without compensation.
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LibraryThing member polarmath
A story of friendship that spans a time. Leona Speicher and Gloria Gingerich are great friends who hope to become more as romance develops among family members. It seems like the perfect life until the day that Gloria's family is expelled from the church and must move away. Leona is devastated and
I liked how Leona was willing to stick with her friend even if it is not the popular thing to do. She realized how much the friendship meant and willing to go after her friend even though her fiance didn't approve.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher. The review is voluntary.
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hopes things will work out in the future.I liked how Leona was willing to stick with her friend even if it is not the popular thing to do. She realized how much the friendship meant and willing to go after her friend even though her fiance didn't approve.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher. The review is voluntary.
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LibraryThing member kykim
The Wish by Beverly Lewis is another awesome Amish story told by one of the best Amish story writers, in my opinion.
A story of close friendship between two girls, Leona and Gloria, that feel as sisters and wish that they were. Even after Arkansas Joe, Gloria's father moves her family far away in
Gloria is torn between her family and the world, English ways, or what her heart tells her is right, the Amish way of life that they lived before leaving Lancaster County. Torn between and old Amish beau, Orchid John and a new English boyfriend Darren, which will win her heart.
When Gloria contacts Leona, to come for a visit, she decides to go, praying that she can help her sister/friend. While her beau, Tom wonders if he should be concerned because Leona is going so far away to visit Gloria and her family who are now English.
I highly recommend this to anyone that loves the Amish stories, or is a Beverly Lewis fan, you will not be disappointed.
I received an ARC (advanced readers copy) from the publisher Bethany House and NetGallery in exchange for my honest review.
A story of close friendship between two girls, Leona and Gloria, that feel as sisters and wish that they were. Even after Arkansas Joe, Gloria's father moves her family far away in
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the middle of the night, they find their way back to each other and their friendship, and wishes start coming true.Gloria is torn between her family and the world, English ways, or what her heart tells her is right, the Amish way of life that they lived before leaving Lancaster County. Torn between and old Amish beau, Orchid John and a new English boyfriend Darren, which will win her heart.
When Gloria contacts Leona, to come for a visit, she decides to go, praying that she can help her sister/friend. While her beau, Tom wonders if he should be concerned because Leona is going so far away to visit Gloria and her family who are now English.
I highly recommend this to anyone that loves the Amish stories, or is a Beverly Lewis fan, you will not be disappointed.
I received an ARC (advanced readers copy) from the publisher Bethany House and NetGallery in exchange for my honest review.
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LibraryThing member scoutmomskf
Good story about friendship and forgiveness. Leona had always wished for a sister, and when a new family moved in, she got her wish. The friendship she developed with Gloria brought them as close as sisters. Leona spent a lot of time at Gloria's house, envious of her friend's young and fun parents.
Leona was surprised to get a letter from Gloria several years later, asking Leona to call her. While talking to her, Leona could tell that Gloria was not happy in her new life. I loved that Leona's love for her friend compelled her to make the journey from Pennsylvania to Arkansas to try to help her. Leona was certain that if Gloria came back to the Amish church, she would find what she was looking for. I liked that Leona and her fiancé, Tom, spoke honestly about her trip. His concerns were real and she didn't take them lightly, but she needed to see her friend. Tom's support and his trust were important.
Leona's visit to Arkansas was eye-opening for her. She was stunned at the changes she saw in her friend's family. I liked how time and distance gave Leona a bit more objectivity about Gloria's parents, and that she saw things she hadn't noticed before. Leona began to appreciate her own parents more when she compared them to what she now knows. Leona also got a better idea of how conflicted Gloria was as she saw Gloria in her current life. Leona was determined to be a supportive and loving friend at the same time she tried to encourage Gloria's return to the church.
I ached for Gloria, who hadn't wanted to leave Lancaster and had begged to be allowed to stay with Leona's family. She was an obedient daughter and followed her father's wishes, but always felt that something was missing. That feeling grew as the man she was dating pushed harder for a commitment from her. I liked that she had the courage to reach out to Leona for help. As she showed Leona around her new life, it was pretty clear that she was working just as hard to convince herself that she was happy. Her decision to drive Leona home herself, and spend some time in Lancaster, was her attempt to see if it was possible to return to that life.
I liked seeing Gloria open up to Leona a little bit on the drive back to Lancaster. She still held back on some things that clearly bothered her, but Leona didn't push. Once they arrived back in Lancaster, Gloria took the time to look at her life and dreams. I liked seeing her slip back into her old life without too much effort, but she is still troubled. She had conversations with Dawdi Benuel and the bishop that gave her much to think about. She also encountered Orchard John. I enjoyed their cautious reconnection and what he shared with her. Things looked promising until her father showed up to bring her home to Arkansas. I ached for Gloria as she faced up to the issues that haunted her. I wasn't surprised by her decision. The portrayal of her struggle was realistic, heartwrenching and heartwarming at the same time.
I also liked the scenes with Leona and Tom. It was clear that their relationship was solid, as Leona was able to share her hopes of helping Gloria. I liked the bits that were told from Tom's point of view, highlighting his worry but also his love for Leona. There were some very sweet scenes between them.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. Life with the Amish was shown fairly realistically, not through rose-colored glasses. There were a few times when I felt as though the story dragged a little bit, but I was invested enough to keep going. I did like the ending, as it felt logical and real.
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Leona's parents are older and are not very demonstrative. As the girls got older, romance was in the air. Leona's cousin, Orchard John, started courting Gloria, while Leona's friendship with Gloria's older brother, Adam, seemed to head that way also. But all that came to an end when Gloria's father was expelled from the church and the family packed up and left. Leona was heartbroken at the loss of her friend.Leona was surprised to get a letter from Gloria several years later, asking Leona to call her. While talking to her, Leona could tell that Gloria was not happy in her new life. I loved that Leona's love for her friend compelled her to make the journey from Pennsylvania to Arkansas to try to help her. Leona was certain that if Gloria came back to the Amish church, she would find what she was looking for. I liked that Leona and her fiancé, Tom, spoke honestly about her trip. His concerns were real and she didn't take them lightly, but she needed to see her friend. Tom's support and his trust were important.
Leona's visit to Arkansas was eye-opening for her. She was stunned at the changes she saw in her friend's family. I liked how time and distance gave Leona a bit more objectivity about Gloria's parents, and that she saw things she hadn't noticed before. Leona began to appreciate her own parents more when she compared them to what she now knows. Leona also got a better idea of how conflicted Gloria was as she saw Gloria in her current life. Leona was determined to be a supportive and loving friend at the same time she tried to encourage Gloria's return to the church.
I ached for Gloria, who hadn't wanted to leave Lancaster and had begged to be allowed to stay with Leona's family. She was an obedient daughter and followed her father's wishes, but always felt that something was missing. That feeling grew as the man she was dating pushed harder for a commitment from her. I liked that she had the courage to reach out to Leona for help. As she showed Leona around her new life, it was pretty clear that she was working just as hard to convince herself that she was happy. Her decision to drive Leona home herself, and spend some time in Lancaster, was her attempt to see if it was possible to return to that life.
I liked seeing Gloria open up to Leona a little bit on the drive back to Lancaster. She still held back on some things that clearly bothered her, but Leona didn't push. Once they arrived back in Lancaster, Gloria took the time to look at her life and dreams. I liked seeing her slip back into her old life without too much effort, but she is still troubled. She had conversations with Dawdi Benuel and the bishop that gave her much to think about. She also encountered Orchard John. I enjoyed their cautious reconnection and what he shared with her. Things looked promising until her father showed up to bring her home to Arkansas. I ached for Gloria as she faced up to the issues that haunted her. I wasn't surprised by her decision. The portrayal of her struggle was realistic, heartwrenching and heartwarming at the same time.
I also liked the scenes with Leona and Tom. It was clear that their relationship was solid, as Leona was able to share her hopes of helping Gloria. I liked the bits that were told from Tom's point of view, highlighting his worry but also his love for Leona. There were some very sweet scenes between them.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. Life with the Amish was shown fairly realistically, not through rose-colored glasses. There were a few times when I felt as though the story dragged a little bit, but I was invested enough to keep going. I did like the ending, as it felt logical and real.
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Language
Original language
English
Physical description
336 p.; 8.5 inches
ISBN
0764212494 / 9780764212499