Unbreakable

Book Review

Unbreakable by Nancy Mehl is Book Two in the Road to Kingdom series. Kingdom is a traditional Mennonite community in Kansas. Being able to get a close look at an old order Mennonite town was one of my favorite parts of the book. My mother was raised Mennonite and I am fascinated with Mennonite culture and stories. I remember attending church with my grandparents with the entire service being in German. There are many descriptions of wonderful food being served at the town restaurant that brought back memories of dishes my grandmother and mother cooked. The town of Kingdom has been isolated and has maintained its commitment to “the old ways” and it truly is a fascinating look into the past.

When someone begins to set fire to churches in the area the people of Kingdom are shocked. Then there are road rage attacks on the horses and buggies of the Mennonites that tragically ends with a death. Mennonites are pacifists and as the community struggles with their non-violence beliefs juxtaposed with the idea of self-protection I found myself striving to determine my beliefs. Is violence always wrong? Is it wrong to fight for self-preservation? And what is it about human behavior that makes it right to attack those who are different?

Hope Kauffman is a young woman who is one of the victims on the highway as she travels by horse and buggy. The experience leaves her terrified and she struggles to come to terms with the Mennonite belief in non-violence. Is it wrong to take measures to protect themselves? Some of the residents believe they should have armed community members to guard the town at night. Others believe it is not biblical to fight violence with violence. Two young men become leaders for each point of view and as Hope struggles with her own feelings I examined my beliefs. Fighting violence with more violence seems wrong but how much would my desire for self-preservation interfere with my core beliefs?

The story portrays Hope’s journey as well as that of the community. Then their church is torched and burns to the ground.  The intense stress seems like it will tear both the community and families apart as they struggle to trust the God that they serve. It is also the story of Hope’s attraction to two different men on opposite sides of the debate. The romance is really just another aspect of the divisive issues facing the community.

This book is an exciting story. It depicts the difficulties and dangers for Christians who wish to be “in the world but not of it.” It is a story of a community that grows stronger because of persecution. I received this book from the publisher in return for a review. All opinions are my own.

Buy the book for $10.94

About the Book

Gentle and unassuming, Hope Kauffman has never been one to question the traditions of her Mennonite upbringing. She quietly helps her father run Kingdom Quilts and has agreed to the betrothal he arranged for her with the devout but shy Ebbie Miller.

Despite the attempts of Hope and other Kingdom residents to maintain the status quo, changes have already begun to stir in the small Mennonite town. The handsome and charismatic Jonathon Wiese is the leader of the move to reform, while Ebbie insists Kingdom must remain true to its foundation. When Hope's safety is threatened by a mysterious outsider, she can't help but question what she's always been taught about the Mennonite tradition of nonviolence.

As it swiftly becomes apparent the threat Hope faced is only the beginning, the town that's always stood so strong finds itself divided. With tensions high and their lives endangered by an unknown enemy, will Hope and the people of Kingdom allow fear and division to break them or will they draw on the strength of the God they serve?

About the Author

Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband Norman and her very active puggle, Watson. She's authored fourteen books and is currently at work on a new series for Bethany House Publishing. All of Nancy's novels have an added touch - something for your spirit as well as your soul. "I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing," Nancy says. "God is number one in my life. I wouldn't be writing at all if I didn't believe that this is what He's called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan for your life, and there is nothing you can't overcome with His help." Readers can learn more about Nancy through her Web site: http://www.nancymehl.com. She is also active on Facebook.

Giveaway

Celebrate the release of Unbreakable with Nancy Mehl by entering her Kindle Fire Giveaway and RSVPing to the March 5th Author Chat Party on Facebook!

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Books one & two in Nancy's Road to Kingdom series (Inescapable and Unbreakable)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 4th. Winner will be announced at the "Unbreakable" Author Chat Party on March 5th. Connect with Nancy, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be gift certificates, books, and fun Mennonite-themed giveaways.

Grab your copy of Unbreakable and join Nancy on the evening of the March 5th for a chance to connect with Nancy and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 5th!