November 5, 2018
The Woodsmall mother- and daughter-in-law writing duo (As the Tide Comes In) explore the tension between Amish traditions and contemporary feminism in this strong tale of small-town corruption. Holly Zook, motivated by her father’s premature death, did something unusual among Amish women: she became a pharmacist with the goal of helping her Amish community understand and afford care for their aging population, a growing concern in the community. She also decides that her attraction to Josh Smucker needs to be squashed, since there could be no long-term future for a romantic relationship: married Amish women can’t work, and Holly won’t consider giving up her career. Then receipts start mysteriously going missing from the pharmacy. When Holly takes her concerns to Josh, whom she has started to trust as a confidante, the two suspect malpractice that could bankrupt the only pharmacy in town. As Christmas approaches, Holly and Josh must trust their tight-knit community to help them solve the crime. The Woodsmalls’ unusual combination of details about Amish living and the nefarious practices of doctors and pharmaceutical companies adds zing to a romance filled with faithful devotion and second chances. Fans of Amish fiction and traditional romance readers alike should enjoy this cozy holiday story.