Amish Teacher's Dilemma, The

The Amish Teacher's Dilemma by Patricia Davids is a delightful story. I was hooked from the very beginning and did not want to put it down. Eva Coblentz cared for her grandparents until they passed away. She saw the ad looking for an Amish teacher for the newly constructed New Covenant Amish school. Eva feels fortunate that the position comes with housing and a place for her to store her vast collection of books. Willis Gingrich, the town's blacksmith, has his business and house across from the school and he is now responsible for his three younger step-siblings. They are a handful, and Willis wonders if he is doing what is best for the children. Eva wants to assist the Gingrich's become a family and a help the children deal with the loss of their parents. As time passes, Eva finds herself falling for Willis. Willis feels the same way, but he has a secret that makes him feel he is unworthy of Eva. Then Eva receives a letter from her older brother, Gene telling her to return home. Gene's mother-in-law had a stroke and needs someone to take care of her. Eva does not want to give up the new life she has built in New Covenant. Will Eva stay or will she return to her old life? There are some great characters in The Amish Teacher's Dilemma. Eva is thirty years old and getting to have her own life for the first time. She moved from Arthur, Illinois take the position in Maine. Eva has never taught before, but she loves to read which she wants to pass along to her students. She has lived with her older brother, Gene since she was fifteen. She took care of Gene's household because his wife was busy with their children and Eva nursed their grandparents until they passed. Eva is a kind, compassionate woman who is looking forward to her new life. Willis Gingrich is a blacksmith who can make beautiful items with iron. His father and stepmother passed away leaving Willis to care for his three siblings (two boys and a girl). Willis is the strong, silent type who is does not like to ask for help. The three children are a handful (Harley, Otto and Maddie). Maddie was my favorite. She has an imaginary friend, Bubble who gets her into all types of situations. I laughed often while reading The Amish Teacher's Dilemma. Maddie is a precocious child who will keep Willis and Eva on their toes. Danny, Eva's younger brother, comes to visit. I like Danny and I hope he gets his own book (I like where his story was heading). I did not think it was fair of Gene to expect Eva to give up her new job and home to return to a life of drudgery. There were some important themes in the story which included the importance of prayer, pride can be your downfall, and the importance of learning to read. The author provided good information on dyslexia. It is a shame that students who struggle are picked on and criticized by students, teachers and parents. I liked the community of New Covenant where people came together to help those in need (Amish and English). The Amish Teacher's Dilemma was an engaging story that ended much too soon for me. The Amish Teacher's Dilemma is an appealing Amish tale with an inventive imaginary friend, a clever canine, a new school, a caring community, and a difficult decision.