By Evening's Light

Author: Leslie Gould
Genre: Amish Romance (Dual-Time)
Series: Amish Memories #3
Pages: 416
Release Date: August 20, 2024
Publisher: Bethany House

Treva Zimmerman finds herself at a crossroads in life after a heartbreaking failed relationship. Returning to Lancaster County to visit her Amish grandparents and elderly aunt, Treva plans to leave her Plain heritage behind for a fresh start in Alaska. Torn between the expectations of her community and her own desires, she seeks to follow her own path--but all that changes when her aunt Rosene suffers a heart attack.

As her aunt recounts her own past--a poignant journey through Cold War Germany and a fervent desire to escape her Plain life to search for a lost love--Treva is determined to discover the whereabouts of Rosene's former sweetheart. Amid the turmoil, their former farmhand Gabe Johnson returns unexpectedly, throwing Treva's plans into further disarray.

While working hard to save the farm and explore her own destiny, Treva confronts her deep-rooted ties to her heritage and must decide if she will embrace her family's legacy or break free from the pressures of her past to forge a life of her own.

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Reviewer: Connie Porter Saunders

I enjoyed the first book in the Amish Memories series and after reading this third and final book, I am convinced that I MUST go back to read the second! 

By Evening’s Light is a captivating dual-time book that’s set in both present-day Lancaster County and in Germany during 1948 & 1949. Treva Zimmerman’s decision to leave the Plain lifestyle sends her back to visit her family in Lancaster County, but hearing the memories of her great-aunt’s time in Germany may alter her plans once again. Who would have guessed that an Amish girl could have done so much and loved so deeply?

I love how author Leslie Gould connects the two timelines by sharing Rosene’s account of her time in post-WWII Germany. Gould flawlessly weaves historical details into a remarkable tale that’s filled with adventure, danger, and romance. 

She reveals in her author’s notes that both Red Cross workers and mission workers were known to have been involved in espionage activities. This is why I love historical fiction so much: I always learn something I didn’t know!

This engaging story of faith, resilience, and second chances affirms how the past affects the future. I highly recommend By Evening’s Light to all who enjoy historical Christian romance. 

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Jeanette Durkin

Wow! Once again, Leslie Gould delivers a story that touches the heart. I was excited to read the last book in the Amish Memories series. The journeys from the past impact the future in profound ways. New friends are made, and old friends are reunited. There’s also an amazingly sweet romance in the works.

These characters are beloved by me. I mourn with them in sad times and rejoice with them in good times. Rosene is beyond amazing! She has known much sorrow in her life, but she has also impacted many people’s lives. She’s full of spunk and love! Treva faces some hard decisions. She’s a hard worker and always goes the extra mile.

The parts of the book that intrigued me the most were when Rosene traveled back to Germany. It was a place that impacted her life profoundly. Her choice saved lives. I recommend reading the author’s note as it goes deeper into the issue.

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Elizabeth Eckmeyer

After finishing this book, all I can say is, wow! This is the second in this series that I have read of Leslie Gould. I was so excited to read this story because the last one was so engaging and good and this one was more phenomenal than the last book.

Treva Zimmerman comes home from Haiti after a failed relationship. She is devastated and doesn’t know what to do with her life. She is offered a position in Alaska and is trying to figure out what she will do with her life.

Rosene begins to tell her the story of when she was younger. This story is packed with so much adventure. The characters from the beginning of the series come back stronger than before. We glimpse post-World War II in Germany and the people who gave their lives to help others.

There is also romance and second chances. This book is engaging from beginning to end. I was sad when it ended!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

By Evening’s Light by Leslie Gould is probably my favourite in the Amish Memories series. I will miss these characters.

Once again, Rosene tells her story about what happened to her in Germany and her long-lost love. This time she tells the story mainly to Treva and, of course, it helps Treva as she prepares to leave the Plain life and move to Alaska. 

Rosene’s story was captivating as always, and I enjoyed hearing it all play out. But I was shocked at some things her sister Martha was involved in and how Martha was so willing to put Rosene in danger. When Rosene stopped to rest from telling her story, I (like Treva) inwardly groaned because I wanted to hear more! But, like Treva, I had to wait patiently until Rosene was ready to talk again.

While Treva waits, she is also trying to figure out things in her life about where she wants to work and live. But, while she is figuring things out, she is incredibly busy. Good grief! I was exhausted just reading about all the things this girl did. She was a dynamo, that’s for sure, and her talents showed themselves as she came closer to realizing where she should spend the rest of her life.

I will miss these characters and this entire story. If you haven’t read the first two books, you really must! While it could be read as a standalone, I don’t recommend it. I have read them all, and I was still wondering who certain people were. It would be helpful to have a list of all the characters and who they are at the front of the book.

If you like Amish fiction and dual-time WWII stories, you will love By Evening’s Light. I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley for my honest review.

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