The Protector

I must say I really enjoyed continuing to read about the characters from the first book. Ella really deals with self esteem issues,but it was so nice to see her come out of her shell. The character of Dorothy was quite fascinating to hear about. I think bitterness over what had happened to her when she was younger really taken a little far. I really don't think that I have ever read another Amish character quite like her.
I also intrigue in reading more about Calvin and Lucy, and I great seeing things through young Katie's eyes.Her determination to get to the library and sign up for the summer reading program was so sweet. The scenes that take place in the Kaffi Haus really had me wanting to find out what going on there.
I also like the continuing story of Maddie and her health issues and Graham part of the story. Though I think Mattie has found her special someone but I am hoping she find out soon. ( )

I think that if I were to meet Ella, we would probably be friends. Not the toxic friendship that she has with Dorothy, but real honest to goodness friends. I mean we're both not good with mingling with people, we both wear glasses and we both love reading and worked in libraries. Hmm, this makes it sound like we're both antisocial nerds. Anywho, I really liked Ella's character because for the most part, I felt like I could relate to her.

I loved all the bits involving the library. First off, I'm thrilled to see Ella actually working in a library and mixing with all sorts of people. No one is surprised that she's Amish and she is comfortable being around "worldly" books and technology. I also love how she enjoys reading to children and am very glad at the book choices she made about what to read to them. I mean I've read other books about the Amish where they had no idea what fiction even meant. Here Ella is having a ball reading "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom". It warmed my heart.

It's probably not what the author intended but I kept thinking that Dorothy and Ella's relationship is probably the closest thing we'll get to an Amish lesbian story. Dorothy is extremely possessive of Ella. It goes way beyond being a close and concerned friend. I found it most interesting that Dorothy becomes enraged the most when Ella starts hanging out with Loyal. She constantly says that Ella and her should be together and will spend the rest of their lives together. She doesn't want anyone else to be around Ella either. She also keeps calling her a loose woman in order to soil her reputation. Yes it's mentioned as to what could possibly be a reason as to why Dorothy acts like this, but to be honest I wouldn't have been surprised if she had blurted out that she was in love with Ella. This was an intriguing concept that probably made me see this book in a different light from other Amish readers.

The story also has some subplots involving the point of view of a little girl as well as a storyline involving John, a former Amish man who is torn between two women. I found this plot to be a bit distracting from the main storyline. Also it didn't end the way I wanted it to go unfortunately. Mattie, the girl with cancer from the first book, is shown here again. I believe the final book in the series will focus entirely on her.

Again, this book shows why Gray is my favorite Amish author. Throughout the entire book, the characters who are Amish are just treated like normal people who just happen to be living a different culture. No one really points that they are not like the rest of society and they actually act like normal people! This type of Amish fiction is just what I like: non preachy, character focus and including themes that can be interpreted in different ways. I'm looking very forward to the final book in the series. ( )

The second book in the Families of Honor series has Ella auctioning her family home after her mother's death. Loyal Weaver, the man she has admired and loved from afar since she was a child purchased the farm and has plans to fix it up and live there. When Ella moves into a duplex owned by her friend, Dorothy, Loyal begins to notice her for the first time. However, Dorothy saw Ella's move as an agreement that Ella will spend all her time and energy with her. When that doesn't happen, Dorothy becomes more and more unstable, and Ella becomes more and more frightened.

An exceptional book that I could not put down. I read it in 24 hours. ( )

Ella Hostetler was always enamored with Loyal Weaver, all through school she always dreamed of him, but he never noticed her, actually she felt as if no one really paid much attention to her. She wore glasses and always felt tall and gangly. After the death of her father, her mother became ill, and because Ella was an only child the responsibility of caring for her mother and taking care of the farm was sometimes overwhelming. The one person who checked on her regularly was Dorothy. So when Ella's mother dies, she decides to auction off the family farm. Her friend Dorothy helps her get a job at the library and rents her an apt. Turns out Loyal purchased the farm and is soon inviting Ella out to see the changes he has made. Could it be that after all these years Loyal is finally noticing Ella? As Ella's self confidence starts to bloom, Dorothy tries to put doubts in her mind. Will Ella finally have a chance at love?

This is the second book in the Family of Honor Series, and I must say I really enjoyed continuing to read about the characters from the first book. Ella really dealt with self esteem issues,but it was so nice to see her come out of her shell. The character of Dorothy was quite interesting. I think bitterness over what had happened to her when she was younger really warped her mind. I really don't think that I have ever read another Amish character quite like her.
I also enjoyed reading a bit more about Calvin and Lucy, and I love seeing things through young Katie's eyes.Her determination to get to the library and sign up for the summer reading program was so cute. The scenes that take place in the Kaffi Haus really had me wanting a donut!
I also like the continuing story of Maddie and her health issues. I really want her to find someone special of her own, although I feel as if she already has.
At the end of this book we get a brief teaser for "The Survivor," the next book in the series which is due out in August 2011, and I for one can't wait!
If your a fan of Amish fiction that isn't quite so predictable then you should definitely pick up this book. While it is the second book in the series it can easily be read as a stand alone work, but because the stories are so good I would suggest reading the first book in the series as well titled The Caregiver.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me an e-copy of this book for review. ( )