Customer Reviews

Reflection

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I will preface this review by first saying this book has an aspect which sometimes bothers romance readers, but I will also say this book will go in my top five of all-time favorite reads. If you are adamantly opposed to infidelity in the novels you read, in any way, shape or form, you might want to skip REFLECTION. However, if you're like me and can forgive infidelity in certain circumstances read on. And remember, this book is marketed as "Fiction" rather than "Romance" probably more because of its broad range but also because of the sensitive issues. However if the concepts of lost loves, putting the past behind, forgiveness, and learning to live again appeal to you, run -- don't walk -- to find this fabulous book ASAP.

Schoolteacher Rachel Huber has returned to her hometown of Reflection, Pennsylvania, deep in Amish country, to care for her ailing grandmother. She had fled the area 21 years earlier, immediately after being involved in a horrible tragedy. Her return is bittersweet as she is not exactly made to feel welcome by many of the town members who blame her for the terrible event occurring over two decades earlier. However there is at least one very big exception - her childhood friend, Michael Stoltz. Michael, Rachel, and Luke Pierce had been inseparable in childhood. It was always known that Luke and Rachel would marry but shortly afterwards, Luke was drafted and sent to service in Vietnam. Michael, a conscientious objector, and Rachel join the Peace Corps and are sent to Rwanda. Michael and Rachel have always shared a deep friendship and love but have never acted on their romantic feelings. Michael eventually marries another woman from their town, Katy, who he doesn't love but needs to forget Rachel.

Michael lost touch with the widowed Rachel after she fled Reflection. Her family would not reveal her whereabouts. Soon he, with Katy's urging, goes to school and becomes a Mennonite minister. When Rachel arrives back in town, Michael is a much loved part of the community while Katy is in Russia working as a medical missionary as part of a trial separation between the two. It takes only one meeting between Michael and Rachel to find they still have feelings for each other. But still, both are strong and although they renew their friendship, that's as far as it goes.

Meanwhile, Rachel's octogenarian grandmother, Helen, is recovering from the injuries she suffered when she was struck by lightning while tending her garden. The widow of famed classical composer/pianist who even is the subject of a statue in the town, Peter Huber, Helen has several secrets of her own.

Diane Chamberlain skillfully layers the many facets of this spectacular novel. Readers soon have a myriad of questions which will be answered as the story progresses including what is Helen hiding in the boxes in the attic? What secrets are Rachel's former student Lily and former school principal Jacob Holt hiding? Why did Rachel's parents keep her from her grandparents for many years? And what is Marielle Hostetter's relationship to grandfather Huber? It is a testament to the talent of the author that she is able to tie things up so neatly at the end.

For a compelling read, one readers will be hesitant to put down once started, please give REFLECTION a try. Richly textured and beautifully written, it is truly a very special story and a real keeper.

I have read all of Diane's books and have had mixed feelings about a few of them. However, this one has been VERY enjoyable. Someone called it a slow read, well duh, whats so wrong with reading and absorbing the story. Diane writes books that have depth to them, its like watching a long movie and enjoying each character. The closer I get to the end I am anxious to know how it ends. Personally, I liked it very much, and encourage others to read her works.

I have read many of Ms. Chamberlains books and this one fell far short of her others. It was very slow and I almost gave up trying to read it. Another thing that bothered me was the fact that almost everyone in this book is married and all of them are unfaithful. I don.t like a book that gives the impression that marital infidelity is acceptable. Then on top of everything else laughed out loud at the ending. It was completely unrealistic.

This was a great book, with many-faceted characters and some surprises along the way. My only quibble is that the main character, Rachel Huber, still goes by her maiden name even though she has been married twice. Why doesn't she use her husband's name now? Other than this point, I enjoyed the book a great deal.

Rachel Huber fled her hometown of Reflection, Pa. twenty years ago after a tragic accident, but decides to return when her grandmother falls ill. Entertaining. As usual, Diane Chamberlain's books are a combination of romance, secrets, and suspense.

I read Breaking the Silence and I loved it.So I bought Reflection and I really struggled to finish it.It was nothing like Breaking the Silence in style at all.I was very disappointed!