One book that will tug at your heartstrings. Story line brings faith and forgiveness to the forefront. I love how Laurie Stroup Smith has incorporated the quilt and pockets on the cover and the story. One book that you will want it to not end but leaves you wanting more.

Pockets of Purpose is a very well written Amish romance. I enjoyed the plot, characters and the setting. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review..

Even Amish fiction writers can succumb to the "romantic formula" for writing novels. Laurie Stroup Smith did that, but every line she wrote only added to the story, and it wasn't just a trite use of a common trope.

Dixie and Gideon have been exchanging letters for two years, since they met while his family was on vacation in Pinecraft, Florida. Every letter drew them closer together, so that when Dixie had an opportunity to go to Holmes County to see Gideon, she jumped at the chance.

Gideon is an auctioneer who is having troubles with his voice. After seeing a doctor, he finds that he has a cyst on his vocal cords and needs surgery. When the surgery creates scar tissue and puts paid to his career, Gideon dives deep into his own misery and shuts Dixie out. It comes to the point that Dixie no longer feels welcome and decides to go back home.

So the formula is boy meets girl, boy gets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl back. That is exactly what happened through the pages of this book. But like I said earlier, the author has done a masterful job in making the the formula work, because she explores the emotions, disappointments, and the very human reactions to situations beyond the characters control. It makes the book very readable and enjoyable.

Four Stars

Vinspire Publishing and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Pockets of Purpose by Laurie Stroup Smith is a charming Amish novel. Dixie Yoder has been corresponding with Gideon Petersheim since he visited Pinecraft, Florida two years prior. Dixie gets a chance to visit Holmes County thanks to an invitation from her friend, Mariah. When Dixie learns that Gideon will be having surgery on a cyst in his throat, she arranges to leave early so she can care for him. Unfortunately, Gideon’s surgery is not a success and his career as an auctioneer is in tatters. Gideon pushes away the caring Dixie which has her pondering her future. What does God have in store for Dixie and Gideon? I enjoyed reading this heartwarming Amish tale. Pockets of Purpose is well-written with engaging characters. I love Dixie’s outlook on life. The author provided beautiful descriptions of Holmes County and the characters. That is important to me because it allows me to envision the scenes in my mind. I found myself quickly turning the pages so I could find out how this story would end. Pockets of Purpose is the second book in The Pocket Quilt Series, but it can be read as a standalone. Personally, I feel it is better to have read Pockets of Promise first (it was a delightful story). I am glad we get to catch up with Mariah and Josiah. I appreciated the epilogue at the end which wrapped up the story plus a glimpse at a new couple (maybe they will be in the next book). This is a sweet wholesome Christian story (kissing only). My favorite phrase from Pockets of Purpose is, “Try not to dwell on what isn’t going to be or what might not happen. Tomorrow will have enough worries of its own.” There are good life lessons in Pockets of Purpose including that when one door closes, you need to trust that God will open another one for you. You just have to be brave enough plus have faith in God to walk through that newly opened door. Pockets of Purpose is an uplifting Amish tale with an anxious auctioneer, precious pockets, lengthy letters, a caring community, a serious surgery, and a compassionate maedel.

A wonderful Amish romance between Dixie and Gideon. When she leaves Florida to come visit and to spend time with Gideon it starts fine. After he has throat surgery and finds out he will never fully recover he pushes her away. I liked the characters and the story line overall, but did feel their youth a bit too much. Might have just been me, but as a 50+ the angst of youth is harder to swallow. overall though, I enjoyed this one a lot, and would highly recommend this as a summer read. Love the quilts too, and wish there would have been a bit more about them.

This book was a wonderful read. It's well written and is full of emotions. This book is a heartwarming story full of hope and faith. This is a new to me author and I loved how she brought the story to life and made you feel like you were there. This book was an absolute joy to read and I look forward to reading more of her books. Thank you Vinspire Publishing via NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.