Gladden the Heart By Olivia Newport

When you have experienced the Holy Ghost as I have, you would see that it is difficult to turn back.” 
When the lively fervor of nineteenth century revivalism endangers the staid customs of the Amish community in the lush but rugged Kishacoquillas Valley of central Pennsylvania in 1847, the Amish church must deal with a divisive question: What is a genuine spiritual experience?

The question turns personal when Susanna’s beloved cousin Noah begins preaching while under trances and even though he is not a minister he gives long sermons that attract increasing attention. Curious, she helps to keep Noah safe during his trances. At the same time Adam, Susanna's intended, feels pressure from the bishop to speak out against the ways of revivalism.

Susanna and Adam are pushed to opposite sides of a controversy that threatens their traditional Amish faith..  Now they must grapple with whether love is possible...even if they come to different conclusions.
           
When Noah goes missing at a time of day when he often preaches while asleep, circumstances thrust community members with divergent opinions into a crisis that demands they recognize the humanity they share regardless of beliefs.  But can strong-held opinions be softened by the truths that shape their lives? 

More in the Amish Turns of Time Series:
Wonderful Lonesome
Meek and MildBrightest and Best
Hope in the Land

Pick up your copy here..

https://www.amazon.com/Gladden-Heart-Amish-Turns-Time/dp/1683221109/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499559543&sr=8-1&keywords=gladden+the+heart

Olivia Newport's novels twist through time to find where faith and passions meet. She chases joy in Colorado, where daylilies grow as tall as she is. Her husband and two twenty-something children provide welcome distraction from the people stomping through her head on their way into her books.

My Thoughts...

This is book 5 in the Amish Turns of Time series. This is a bit different then what I am use to reading. It felt different to me then the first four books in the series.  I can't put my finger on it.

I did like the story of the "sleeping preachers" this is a big thing in the Amish community it seems. I love learning about new things within the church.

Newport has written  a book telling of God's grace to others. I felt her heart on the pages of this book.

I gave this book 4 stars. I suggest reading the whole series so you won't be lost.

The Mary Reader received this book from the Author for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.