Her Only Wish, written by Shelley Shepard Gray is the second book in her series, A Season in Pinecraft. Pinecraft, Florida is the vacation spot for the Amish. It is the favored place to go for its fine weather and beaches in Siesta Key.
Betsy has led a very sheltered life and is taking a long vacation from her home in Kentucky and a respite from her over-protective parents. She has suffered from asthma her whole life and as a result, was unable to join in any physical activities. She is determined to finish her own small bucket list while in Florida. To that end, she signs up for golf lessons, learns to ride a bicycle, and also meets a young man.
August Troyer is the son of missionaries who care more for their missions than for their son. August is living with an aunt and uncle in Florida and managing a golf course. His parents are trying to persuade him to join them in ministry, a life he does not want. He is trying to make them understand that what they want for him is not what he wants.
As I read this story, I found that both August and Betsy needed to convince their respective parents that they were the architects of their own destiny. Instead of listening to others, each of them needed to listen to their hearts. Their hearts told them that they loved each other and that they would make their lives together.
I have read many of Ms. Gray’s novels and have enjoyed them. I was not moved emotionally by this novel. Perhaps I wanted to be more stimulated, and I regret to say that this was not a favorite of mine. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishers in return for my honest review.
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