For the most part, the story centered around Caleb Bender and his decision to move his family to Mexico. Daughters Miriam, Emma, and Rachel and their stories were all featured pretty equally, but I wish that there had been more specifically focused on one of them. This book seemed very much like an introduction book to give the reader the story of each character and their relationships within the family. Now, honestly, this was not a bad thing as I had no trouble at all staying interested in the story. There was always something happening--whether it was the fear of bandits stealing from their lands or robbing them on the side of the road, or the excitement of new life beginning for two of the daughters.

One thing that really impressed me was that this was an Amish book that at times, didn't feel like an Amish book. Once the family arrived in Mexico, they were literally all alone. They still felt an accountability to God to maintain their faith and standards, but there were times that their strong trust in their faith crumbled. It was interesting to see how they wrestled with their difficult circumstances without retaliating in anger or with violence, and something that, as a reader, I've not really experienced in an Amish novel up to this point.

This book would appeal to either men or women, and that's the first time I've been able to say that about an Amish novel. Women will be able to relate to the struggles of starting over in a new place while keeping peace with a large family, and men will identify with the desire to protect their families the best way they can. I can't wait to see what's in store for the rest of the series as the Bender family tries to forge a new place for the Amish in the mountains of Mexico. My rating for Paradise Valley is 5 Stars.

Christy
http://southernsassythings.blogspot.com