I first fell in love with Amy Clipston’s books when I read the Kauffman Amish Bakery Series. Does the phrase, “She had me on page one” mean anything? Every book I have read of Amy’s has not disappointed, and this novella was no exception to the rule. A Son for Always can be found in An Amish Cradle, collection of four novellas from Beth Wiseman, Amy, Kathleen Fuller and Vannetta Chapman.
You can also read A Son for Always as a standalone. I found it on Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/Son-Always-Amish-Cradle-Novella-ebook/dp/B00KQ2G6A0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449538492&sr=8-1&keywords=a+son+for+always
Meet Carolyn Glick. She is not your typical Amish heroine, which is something I enjoyed reading. She gave into temptation and had a child at the age of 16 with her then boyfriend. There are not many Amish stories out there that include a pregnant young Amish lady. And while this story takes place years later, it references this time in Carolyn’s life. Just about a year ago Carolyn married Joshua, who then adopted her son Benjamin and treated him as his own.
In the beginning of the story Carolyn is expecting their first child and having a hard time dealing with the many insecurities that she has. Carolyn is nervous that Joshua will not love Benjamin as much once the baby arrives. I can understand this as a natural reaction from someone who has been a single mother for so long. She wonders how a man will continue to treat an adopted child as his own once his own child comes into the world.
Carolyn continues working at the local Hotel because she is worried that Joshua will not be willing to provide for Joshua once he comes of age to be on his own. By working this job outside the home she is able to set aside money for Benjamin’s future. But will this lead to problems in her marriage? Enter the loving mother-in-law. Perhaps I should use the term loving loosely. Barbie Glick has a way of putting things that really bothers Carolyn. I think I would feel the same way if I were in her shoes! She implies that Carolyn shouldn’t be working, that she doesn’t cook for her husband and clean her house. It’s like the dreaded in-law that every newly married wife is scared of spending time with.
Once the baby comes, will Carolyn’s fears be put to rest, or will they escalate? Will she keep working at the hotel because she thinks she needs to provide for her son’s future? Do her insecurities hinder the wonderful life and marriage she has with Joshua? Obviously I won’t spoil the ending, so you will have to read it for yourself to find out. It is definitely worth it! And while you are at it, check out Amy’s other books, found here http://amyclipston.com/books/. You will not be disappointed!!