Review: Reckless Heart by Amy Clipston

Title: Reckless Heart
Author: Amy Clipston
Pub. Date: April 17, 2012
Acquired: Netgalley
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Slipping. Lydia Bontrager’s youngest sister is frighteningly ill, and as a good Amish daughter, it falls to Lydia to care for her siblings and keep the household running, in addition to working as a teacher’s assistant and helping part time at her grandmother’s bakery. Succumbing to stress, Lydia gives in to one wild night and returns home drunk. The secret of that mistake leaves Lydia feeling even more restless and confused, especially when Joshua, the only boy she’s ever loved, becomes increasingly distant. When a non-Amish boy moves in nearby, Lydia finds someone who understands her, but the community is convinced Lydia is becoming too reckless. With the pressures at home and her sister’s worsening condition, a splintering relationship with Joshua, and her own growing questions over what is right, Lydia could lose everything that she’s ever held close.

My second Amish book, and I’m starting to wonder why I never read them before.

Reckless Heart didn’t take me long to devour, as I found myself completely consumed with Lydia and her family.

Lydia’s sister is consistently sick and it’s just getting worse, and because of this, a normally very obedient Lydia, starts to rebel. Not much. But, enough to mess with her conscience and her outlook.

Then, Lydia, who feels guilty and, therefore, distant from her friends, finds a new friend in her English neighbor. And this is a BIG no-no to the Amish.

Lydia finds herself faced with decisions every day that non-Amish teenagers don’t ever have to face. She’s hit with more responsibilities as her family must care for her sick sister. Things are not going well for our Lydia.

Everything seems to escalate all at one time as Lydia’s world continues to fall apart. And I was wondering up until the end, how things would turn out for Lydia.

I found this story to be completely sweet and refreshing. There is a subtle, but fulfilling love story that is surrounded by an even greater story of a girl, her family, and what happens when you have to grow up a little bit faster than you intended.

I find it hard to believe that I’ve never read anything else by Ms. Clipston before. Because, now, she’s found a new fan!

My Rating: