A SIMPLE PRAYER takes the reader back to the community of Paradise, Pennsylvania to tell the story of Linda Zook, a sweet yet shy character present in the series' previous books. As Linda develops a friendship with Aaron Ebersol, they help each other to understand and heal from the wounds left by the past. Linda is no stranger to hardship. She is the sole surviver of a buggy crash that left her a lonely orphan at the early age of four. Her uncle, Reuben, took her in and raised her but it was not a willing gesture. He really had no use for a little girl and had no idea of how to deal with one. Linda's greatest wish is to be worthy of someone's love, but due to past injuries with lasting effects as well as her embittered uncle's demeaning attitude toward her, Linda's self worth has been destroyed. Will she ever find happiness and have a family who will love her the way she deserves to be loved?

Seventeen years ago, Aaron Ebersol left his Amish family behind in Paradise, PA and found himself in Missouri. He couldn't seem to settle down there. All he did was go to work and basically go home to bed. He had no life, no real friends, and no one to share his dreams with. He wrote to his mom for all those years, first weekly then monthly. He never heard back from any of his family. That is, until a week ago when he received a letter from his friend Saul Beiler. Saul tells Aaron to return home because his mom has suffered a stroke. Now he is returning to Paradise, staying at the Heart of Paradise Bed & Breakfast, with no one knowing that he is returning. Will Aaron's family be open to him returning to help with their mother? Will they forgive him for the wrongs he did in his past? Will he wind up breaking their heart again?

Together, Linda and Aaron learn about the importance and complications of family and forgiveness. On top of that, throw in some heartwarming romance for good measure. Overall, A SIMPLE PRAYER is an enjoyable and endearing Amish read. Fans of the Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel or the Amish fiction genre in general should not miss A SIMPLE PRAYER. I am sad that this is the last book in the series because I have come to know and love many of the characters.

A SIMPLE PRAYER is all about forgiveness and learning to stand up for yourself. Aaron and Linda must each come to terms with their past and future. I really enjoyed the storyline and the characters. Amy Clipston's writing makes you feel like you are right there in the pages of the book, not on the outside looking in. Which is exactly why Ms. Clipston is becoming one of my favorite Amish authors. Her stories just leave me feeling really good and always make my heart smile.

Book Summary