The Thorn by Beverly Lewis is the first of her new Rose trilogy. Rose’s sister, Hannah (Hen for short) had run off a few years earlier to marry an Englisher and leave the Amish lifestyle behind, but now that her young daughter is displaying worldly attitudes, Hen’s roots tug at her heart and pull her back to her home and community. Her husband wants no part of Amish life, leaving Hen at a seeming impasse.

Rose has long been the only real friend to the bishop’s foster son, Nick, who seems to resent his Amish upbringing and has never quite fit in. Rose has been the primary caretaker for her invalid mother since her accident, and though she loves caring for her mother, she wonders if she will ever be free to marry. When kind and handsome Silas shows an interest, Rose is thrilled. But Nick seems to be pulling her closer to what he calls “the edge,” the desire to experience what the non-Amish world is like beyond the confines of their community.

Beverly Lewis was the first author I read in the Amish fiction genre, and to me she’s the best. I enjoyed the exploration of some of the different issues that came up in this book, and, as always, immediately identified with her characters. I am looking forward to seeing what is in store for Rose, Hen, and Nick.