In this prequel to Lewis' popular Shunning series, the reader discovers the backstory of wise woman Ella Mae. As she comes to grips with loosing her husband, Ella Mae must find a new purpose or risk being lost in her grief. At the same time, her great niece, Clara Bender, is looking for her place as well. Following her father's remarriage, Clara grapples with how she fits into the family and seeks refuge in Ella Mae's home. Both women follow a similiar path of rediscovering themselves when the circumstances of life are difficult. But as time moves forward, will these two be able to move with it? Or will they find themselves being left behind?

I often enjoy Beverly Lewis' work, but this was one of the better titles that she has written in recent years. The characters were rich and complex. And Lewis did a wonderful job of paralleling their journeys while maintaining the integrity of both women. Ella Mae's life transition was particularly relatable at my stage in life as Clara's path would be equally as relatable for a younger reader. Although this title is a prequel, it can easily be read on it's own. And in fact has encouraged me to go back to the original series and reread those as well. I really felt like Beverly Lewis hit her mark with The Heirloom and would whole-heartedly recommend this title to anyone who enjoys Amish fiction.

*Disclaimer: I recieved a free copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Like many people I first read The Shunning and the books that followed in the late 90's. I also saw the movies and enjoyed them as well. So naturally when I found out there was going to be a prequel I knew I had to get it and read it. I'm so glad I did.

The story in The Heirloom does not center around Katie Lapp who is the main character in The Shunning. Instead Katie is a side character and the main character is Clara Bender. Clara isn't from Hickory Hollow but she takes a trip to visit her aunt, Ella Mae Zook, who does live in Hickory Hollow.

While in Hickory Hollow Clara finds a sense of renewal. Even though the Hickory Hollow community is more strict than her district she finds a freedom that her very soul was craving. She is able to begin emerging from the grief of losing her mother and opening up to the prospect of not spending the rest of her life as an old maid.

I really liked that this was a completely new story. It takes place shortly before the timeframe of The Shunning which gives a lot more insight into what led up to Katie's story and why the punishment was so severe. Someone that hasn't read the previous series is going to thoroughly enjoy how seamlessly this storyline goes when they read the prequel first and then the series.

By the way, this would also make a good stand alone read if you aren't interested in reading all four books together. But for those of us that have already invested in the series, I say you are in for a real treat when you add this book to your reading list.

l won this ARC as part of the Library Things Early Review Program via NetGalley from publisher Bethany House. I was under no obligation to write a favorable review and received no compensation for writing this review.

This is my first time reading a book by Beverly Lewis and was blown away by this heartfelt, heart-wrenching story. The Heirloom is a prequel to a book called The Shunning which is now on my TBR list, as well as many others by this author. We are introduced to Ella Mae Zook first by letters to her niece and then in person when her great niece Clara Bender comes to stay with her who lives in Hickory Hollow, a more strict Amish community, against the wishes of her father. Together Ella Mae and Clara work on restoring a family heirloom quilt bonding them together helping them to heal from their grief. During Claras stay she meets Aaron, a young man from Hickory Hollow, and falls in love. Clara and Aaron want to marry but it will not be easy as there are many roadblocks for them to overcome. Will God help them through this difficult journey? Read this delightful story and have faith that all will be well in the end.

I highly recommend this inspirational story of strong family ties, values, and even stronger faith.

We are given a young woman whom lost her mother, and her father has recently remarried, she is feeling lost when she discovered letters her Mom had saved from her Aunt. Reading these letters open a new door for Clara.

This is a Amish woman whom loves God, and she is now staying with a woman who lives her life for the Lord, perfect, but her Dad does not approve of this Amish district, to liberal for him.

Enter a love interest and you will soon feel all is lost for poor Clara, especially when the two districts Bishops become involved. But there is a young man that is willing to go to great lengths to win Clara, and we are there to see how determined he is!

I really enjoyed this journey and wanted to stay longer!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.