NCLA Review -This final book in the series wove all the threads of Nellie Fisher’s tangled life together in a most satisfying way. The series revolves around the impact Christianity had on an Amish community. In The Longing, family splits, shunning, separation of lovers, grief and forgiveness, all come into play in this saga of extended family. Keeping track of all the characters presents a challenge, and some of the situations portrayed seem far-fetched, but somehow the reader’s desire for a happy ending for Nellie keeps the pages turning. It is delightful to immerse oneself in the Amish community and its ways of doing things. I hated to leave these pleasant simple people behind when I turned the last page. I suggest the three books be read in sequence, but The Longing can be enjoyed on its own. The Parting and The Forbidden preceded The Longing. Rating: 3 —EB Bethany House 2008, 347p, paper, 9780764203121, $13.99 [FIC] ( )

This is the conclusion of Beverly Lewis' "The Courtship of Nellie Fisher" series. Nellie Mae had to make a heartbreaking decision at the end of book 2: follow her new-found faith or her fiance's old ways. Nellie Mae's decision causes no end of heartache for her and Caleb but Nellie Mae is learning to rely on God's peace. Is there any hope for Nellie Mae and Caleb? How can they get over the seemingly insurmountable obstacles before them?