Official Review: The Blue Gate by LL Fox

[Mindi]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Blue Gate" by LL Fox.]

---

3 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

I have read several Amish books in the past, and I've always enjoyed these stories. The Blue Gate by LL Fox is a heartwarming Amish tale, much like others I have read, and the synopsis may sound similar to most other stories of this genre. However, it definitely has its own aura of uniqueness.

Senta Miller is a young Amish woman who has reached courting age. Several of her close acquaintances are moving on and marrying, but Senta faces a difficult situation. Her parents are experiencing health problems, and the bishop asks that Senta stay in their home and become a permanent caregiver for them. Senta's possible future of courting and marriage is pushed aside as she spends her early years of adulthood caring for her parents. She gets a job with a CPA and is able to do her job from home using a computer. As the years pass, she increasingly becomes curious about the outside world and what she has been held back from, including the world outside of her Amish community. One day when she meets an interesting stranger, her stable world is thrown into a whirlwind.

I was really drawn into this book very early in the story. There was an intriguing and almost magical prologue presented to the reader before the main setting was reached. The author did a great job of creating wonder and mystery about the purpose of the prologue and how it could later tie into the story and main characters.

As the main story started, I found myself quickly drawn to Senta's character. As the book progressed, her personality really grew, and it brought the story to life. Another character, a boat captain named Jerrick Douglas, was introduced in an early chapter. It was not immediately clear how he would fit into the story, but I could tell from the beginning that he was going to be an interesting addition to the storyline. Once I reached a certain part of the story, it was very hard to stop reading.

I will say that there were a few parts that seemed a little bit unrealistic or rushed. I found it odd that for the nearly 20 years that Senta was caring for her, Senta's mother never seemed to be very sick or as ailing as you would think since Senta had to put her life aside to care for her. Also, some of the aspects of the storyline seemed to come together too unrealistically. However, that is sometimes common in feel-good, romantic stories. The storyline definitely kept my attention, though. I did come across several grammatical errors, too, but nothing that made the story hard to understand. Many of the errors were small.

Overall, I lean more toward the positive side of the story. I am rating it 3 out of 4 stars. I am mainly subtracting a star because of the handful of grammatical errors. The storyline itself was very heartwarming and interesting with some definite unexpected twists that made this book different from other books about the Amish world. I would recommend this book for those looking for a heartwarming, feel-good story. It kept my interest all the way through!

******
The Blue Gate
View: on Bookshelves | [amazon=B07HX3V9ZV:]on Amazon[/amazon:]

Like Mindi's review? Post a comment saying so!

[DALINTON]

Wow , am curious and will certainly want to read this book

[randompersonavility]

I am not really accustomed to amish stories so I am intrigued by this book. Thanks for the review.

[kandscreeley]

I haven't read many Amish stories, but the few that I've read, I've enjoyed. I already feel sorry for Senta that she is forced to stay home and take care of her parents. I'm curious about her and the stranger. I'll put this on my list. Thanks.

[Jessacardinal]

I enjoy seeing how Amish people handle "the outside world" and am intrigued by this section of the book. I hope Senta is able to experience life outside of being a full-time caretaker of her parents.

[Dentarthurdent]

I can't say that I have ever read an Amish story, so I wouldn't know a good one. If I ever come around to it, now I know where I would start. Thanks for the thorough description.

[June0617]

I just added this book to my "want to read" and I can't wait to get started. Just to see how characters come together and fit in the storyline and see them develop are enough reasons for me to be interested. Much thanks.

[Kablam24]

I definitely want to read this book. Already added to my favorite

[Diana Lowery]

I also have read some Amish romance novels and have noticed the unrealistic, contrived coincidences. However, I still enjoy the stories. I am curious about the use of the computer in this story as that seems unorthodox. Thank you for your review.

[Stephanie Elizabeth]

Sounds interesting. I have never read an Amish romance book before, but this looks like a great story!