Back Cover Copy:

Gentle and unassuming, Hope Kauffman has never been one to question the traditions of her Mennonite upbringing. She quietly helps her father run Kingdom Quilts and has agreed to the betrothal he arranged for her with the devout but shy Ebbie Miller.

Despite the attempts of Hope and other Kingdom residents to maintain the status quo, changes have already begun to stir in the small Mennonite town. The handsome and charismatic Jonathon Wiese is the leader of the move to reform, while Ebbie insists Kingdom must remain true to its foundation. When Hope’s safety is threatened by a mysterious outsider, she can’t help but question what she’s always been taught about the Mennonite tradition of nonviolence.

With tensions high and their lives endangered by an unknown enemy, will Hope and the people of Kingdom allow fear and division to break them or will they draw on the strength of the God they serve?

This is the second book in Nancy Mehl’s series, The Road to Kingdom. You’ll find my review of the first book here.

Hope is the type of woman I aim to be like (and fall far short of the mark). She’s that Proverbs 31 sort of woman who is a hardworker, ladylike and submissive, yet speaks her mind when it’s necessary. 

The story question of this novel is when is it (or is it ever) all right to defend yourself against a threat if that defense results in some kind of violence? Of course, I won’t spoil the story for you, but I will say I liked the way Ms. Mehl handled it.

Churches in the area are under an attack that spreads to Kingdom. When Hope’s safety is threatened, she is rescued by a man who sets her heart racing. Unfortunately, Hope is engaged to be married to another man—a friend who is steady and reliable and a believer in the traditions of the Old Order Mennonites. 

Like the first book, Inescapable, this one is not a formula romance. There is no hero point of view, and you have to read to the end to see which man wins her heart and her hand. (So no cheating by skimming those back pages!) In fact, the romance is secondary to the suspense of wondering who is out to do the citizens of Kingdom harm and what they will do to protect themselves.

Hope’s opinions are divided. She understands Ebbie’s and her father’s pacifist viewpoint, but wonders if they would lay aside their beliefs to protect her should the need arise. Her conflicted emotions keep the tension going.

It is said that, too often, the second book in a series is not as good as the first. Frankly, I thought this one was better. I liked Hope. While she’s not out to be too independent, she has enough spunk to keep her from being a doormat.

I have to say, I’m dying to know whose story is in Unforseeable, the third book in the series due out later this year. I think I know, at least I hope I know, but… By the way, I’ve seen the cover. Oh! My! Goodness!

Disclosure of Material Connection: This story came to me free from Bethany House with the hope that I would mention it on this blog. There was no requirement for me to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.