Pockets of Peace

I read at least one of the books in this series by Laurie Stroup Smith, and I truly enjoyed it. This one was a quick read but didn't hold the same enjoyment for me.

Lydia Byler gave birth five years ago under rather unpleasant circumstances. She felt she had no other alternative but to give her baby up for adoption to a couple who were really good friends. In the intervening five years, she was not living at home and was working in another friend's hardware store.

When the opportunity came for Lydia to go to Pinecrest. Florida, to help another friend with her bed and breakfast while she recovered from a knee replacement, Lydia jumped at the chance. For the last five years, she's been in a long-distance relationship with Wesley Hochstetler. Wesley is thrilled at being able to renew his relationship with Lydia. The only thing is that Wesley doesn't know about Lydia's son.

Again, Laurie used the romance novel formula, but this time it seemed too abrupt. It is not a long novel to read, and it has its fun moments, but it's not as good as the other one. It is easy to read in one sitting, and there are a few familiar characters to make the reading seem like settling in with a great friend. Four stars

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

This is the first book I’ve read from Laurie Stroup Smith, but it won’t be the last.

We’ve all been through hard times in our lives, so Lydia’s story is one we can all relate to. Lydia is still working through some traumatic events that have caused her life to completely change forever. Reading her story and followinf along with her as she discovers her new normal while learning to lean on and trust in God really touched my heart. This book is a great, uplifting read with wonderful characters and a beautiful story.

Pockets of Peace by Laurie Stroup Smith is a heartwarming Amish tale. It is the third book in The Pocket Quilt series. Each book in this charming series can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading each book in this engaging series. We travel to Pinecraft, Florida where Lydia Byler is hoping for a fresh start. She gave up a baby boy for adoption five years ago and the memories still haunt her. Lydia gets to reconnect with Wesley Hockstetler to whom she has been attracted for many years. Wesley, though, is not aware of her situation. Lydia learns that her son’s adoptive parents are coming to Pinecraft and that he has been asking questions about her. She is inspired to create a pocket quilt for him using material from her maternity dresses. Lydia includes notes for the boy that she hopes will answer any questions he asks. Lydia worries what will happen with Wesley when her secret is exposed. I thought Pockets of Peace was well-written with realistic characters and situations. I liked getting to know Lydia, Wesley, Birdie, Noelle, Luke, Roxie, and the other characters. I enjoyed the authors beautiful descriptions of Pinecraft. Her vivid word imagery brought the area alive for me. Pinecraft to be a unique community where Amish and Mennonite live and work. Bicycles are the main mode of transportation (no place to keep horses in Pinecraft). Adoption and the pocket quilt are two of the themes in the story. There are touching scenes with Lydia writing the notes and making the quilt. I liked how Lydia helped out at the local women’s shelter and the way the author handled the topic of domestic abuse. I loved little Roxie. I liked seeing Lydia get to know Roxie and help her plus her mother. Pockets of Peace is a poignant Amish tale that provided a special conclusion to the series. I am sorry to see The Pocket Quilt series come to an end. Pockets of Peace is a special Amish tale with an unplanned pregnancy, beautiful beaches, a shameful secret, indulgent ice cream, a beloved boy, a precious pocket quilt, and powerful prayers.

This is a beautifully written book that is full of emotions. Wesley and Lydia's story is heartwarming read that holds your attention from the first page until the last. Once you start reading it you don't want to put it down. Loved it and highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy from Vinspire Publishing via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.