Pockets of Purpose by Laurie Stroup Smith: Review & Giveaway!

Pockets of Purpose

Surgical complications leave an Amish auctioneer searching for his passions and purpose.

 

Book Summary

Two years after exchanging her first love letters with Gideon Petersheim, Dixie Yoder tucks his notes into her pocket quilt and travels from Pinecraft to Holmes County, hopeful for a future together. Upon her arrival, their relationship blossoms until the auctioneer has surgery to remove a cyst from his vocal cords. Complications from the procedure interfere with his healing, leaving him searching for his passions and purpose. Instead of leaning on Dixie through this tough time, he pushes her away and turns his back on God. Frustrated and heartbroken, she is torn between staying in Ohio with the new friends she has grown to love and packing her bags. Having lost everything, he must fight his way back to her, but his apology is long overdue. Only a grand gesture to show her how much she means to him will cause her to pause and reconsider.

About the Author

While writing Amish fiction and contemporary romance, Laurie Stroup Smith strives to inspire readers to serve others. She was named a Finalist in the 2017 ACFW First Impressions Contest and a Semi-Finalist in the 2018 and 2019 ACFW Genesis Contests. She has been interviewed by Loveland Magazine and has been a guest on the Buggy Talk and Fierce Calling podcasts.

Before writing, Laurie earned a bachelor’s degree in both athletic training and exercise science and later obtained her master’s degree in health promotion and education. She now writes full time and lives with her husband and their two daughters in Cincinnati. Connect with Laurie on her website (lauriestroupsmith.com), Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Author Links

Website:  lauriestroupsmith.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/lauriestroupsmith

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lauriestroupsmith

Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/LaurieMSmith

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19903556.Laurie_Stroup_Smith

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/LStroupSmith

My Thoughts

Pockets of Purpose by Laurie Stroup Smith is a charming Amish novel. Dixie Yoder has been corresponding with Gideon Petersheim since he visited Pinecraft, Florida two years prior.  Dixie gets a chance to visit Holmes County thanks to an invitation from her friend, Mariah.  When Dixie learns that Gideon will be having surgery on a cyst in his throat, she arranges to leave early so she can care for him.  Unfortunately, Gideon’s surgery is not a success and his career as an auctioneer is in tatters.  Gideon pushes away the caring Dixie which has her pondering her future.  What does God have in store for Dixie and Gideon?  I enjoyed reading this heartwarming Amish tale.  Pockets of Purpose is well-written with engaging characters. I love Dixie’s outlook on life.  The author provided beautiful descriptions of Holmes County and the characters.  That is important to me because it allows me to envision the scenes in my mind.  I found myself quickly turning the pages so I could find out how this story would end.  Pockets of Purpose is the second book in The Pocket Quilt Series, but it can be read as a standalone.  Personally, I feel it is better to have read Pockets of Promise first (it was a delightful story).  I am glad we get to catch up with Mariah and Josiah.  I appreciated the epilogue at the end which wrapped up the story plus a glimpse at a new couple (maybe they will be in the next book).  This is a sweet wholesome Christian story (kissing only).  My favorite phrase from Pockets of Purpose is, “Try not to dwell on what isn’t going to be or what might not happen.  Tomorrow will have enough worries of its own.”  There are good life lessons in Pockets of Purpose including that when one door closes, you need to trust that God will open another one for you.  You just have to be brave enough plus have faith in God to walk through that newly opened door.  Pockets of Purpose is an uplifting Amish tale with an anxious auctioneer, precious pockets, lengthy letters, a caring community, a serious surgery, and a compassionate maedel.  

Pockets of Purpose is available from Amazon*.  If you are a Kindle Unlimited member, you can borrow for free.  The first novel in The Pocket Quilt Series is Pockets of Promise.  You can follow Laurie Stroup Smith on Amazon to get updates on her latest releases.  The author is hosting a giveaway for a signed copy of Pockets of Purpose plus a felt bird ornament (sorry, but U.S. residents only).  Click here to enter or use the Rafflecopter form below.  Good Luck!  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will be back tomorrow with The Moonshine Shack Murder by Diane Kelly.  It is the debut of A Southern Homebrew Mystery series.  I hope that you have a kindhearted day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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