The Bridesmaid by Beverly Lewis

 I was privileged to get a review copy of Beverly Lewis' new book The Bridesmaid.   This is the next book in the Home to Hickory Hollow series.  Not too long ago I was able to read the first book called The Fiddler.  The Bridesmaid begins with Joanna of the characters from the first book.  She was a good friend to the Englischer, Amelia.   In The Bridesmaid, Joanna and her younger sister Cora Jane do not see eye to eye on everything.  Cora Jane warns Joanna about the age old saying... "3 times a bridesmaid, never a bride", but Joanna doesn't listen and wonders if she is risking meeting someone by being a bridesmaid so many times especially considering that she is already 24 years old.  Cora Jane becomes pretty upset with Joanna when Joanna meets a young man from another state and becomes romantically attached to him.  Joanna is not sure that her long distance romance will last and maybe she will be written off as a maid.
  This was a fun, easy read.  I like to read continuing stories of characters I've previously met.  This book can be read as part of the series or a stand alone novel. It was interesting to see the characters grow as they each encountered disappointing circumstances choosing to trust God in spite of what was happening in their lives.  The plot was well written,  and I would recommend this book.

**I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers and Library Thing in exchange for an honest review.