Firestorm (Volume 1) (The Amish of Mackinac County)

Firestorm by Laura Hilton is the first novel in The Amish of Mackinac County series. Bridget Behr and her family arrive in Mackinac County, Michigan from Ohio on a frigid, stormy November night. Her father has bought a house sight unseen and they are shocked at the ramshackle building they see when they arrive. They are unable to stay in the home that night, so the driver drops them at the Amish neighbors. They are unprepared for Gabe Lapp in his brightly colored pajamas. Gabe is immediately taken with Bridget and her beautiful, bright green eyes. Bridget, though, is unprepared to date after a terrifying experience in Ohio even if the individual is charming and handsome. Gabe works in construction and offers his assistance to Hosea Behr, Bridget's father. The house was recently used for the Halloween haunted house and Gave recommends it be demolished. The Behr's will also need to build a barn. Gabe is not enjoying the icy Michigan weather and cannot wait until he returns home to Pinecraft, Florida. While Gabe is a hardworking and helpful man, he tends to get into trouble with his youthful exuberance (and when he is bored). But troubling times are ahead, and it could be just what is needed to help Gabe grow up and become the man God knows he can be. Bridget is attracted to Gabe, but can she overcome her reservations and her father's objections (it seems someone told him about Gabe's misadventures). The road to future is a bumpy one, but it is a fulfilling one. Join Gabe and Bridget on their journey in Firestorm.

I thought Firestorm was well-written and had a nice lively pace. I was drawn in right away with the sentence regarding Gabe's colorful pajamas. Gabe is a delightful main character. He has a quirky personality with his openness to try new and different things. His character provides light-heartedness to the story (his antics had me snickering). Gabe has many good qualities and I liked seeing him mature. Bishop Miah Brunstetter was kindly man who guides his flock with a steady, calm spirit. There is plenty going on in Firestorm with the nightmare house, construction, miscommunication, Gabe's various antics, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year and so much more. Christian elements are present throughout the story. Prayer and steadfast faith are important to lead a Christian life. The one thing we tend to forget is that we are not in control and things will happen in God's timing (not when we want it to happen). Laura Hilton's descriptions of the area helped me to visualize it especially the cold temperatures (which makes me glad I am in Florida). While snow can be beautiful, the cold temperatures can be deadly. Life is never easy as we see in Firestorm, but all things happen for a purpose. I look forward to the next installment in The Amish of Mackinac County series.