A Way Home by Keira Andrews (Gay Amish Romance #3)
Released: April 8, 2015
Contemporary M/M Romance
Self Published

Reviewed by Mandi

The third and final book in this delightful m/m Amish series. I recommend reading all three, as David and Isaac’s relationship progress in each book (see my review of book one). At the start of this one, David and Isaac are at odds. David was caught kissing another man and then Isaac received the devastating news that his brother back home in Zebulon, where his Amish family lives, is very sick. Isaac jumps on a plane with is older brother Aaron, to head back to Minnesota, a place they both fled from, but nothing can keep them away from their sick brother.

I’ve really enjoyed this series. I’m not one to seek out Amish themed books, but I was honestly curious how the author would portray a gay Amish couple, and I think she took very delicate care between two men who needed to flee to live their own life, and preserving what the Amish culture really stands for. She also takes her time in letting David and Isaac explore the world outside of Zebulon. Moving in with Aaron, who is shunned and went through the same experience years ago, makes it easier on them, but the world is big and scary and it’s not an easy transition. Not only with learning to deal with things outside of their relationship, but learing how to be in a relationship. They went from secret, scandalous meetings in their strict upbringing, to living together every day. Even for the most seasoned human out there, this is something that is hard to do. David tries to be the bigger protector, only leading him to panic attacks and abusing alcohol. Both are still dealing with sm much guilt over leaving their families, when the are forced to return, their nerves at shattered.

We see not only the effect of David and Isaac leaving on their parents, but also their many siblings. The hurt and anger and lack of understanding why they left comes across very strong. David and Isaac haven’t told their family they left because they are gay and in love, knowing that would cement their shunning, so everyone has hope that now they have returned to see if they can help the sick Nathan, that maybe they can be convinced to stay.

But the Amish way is so strict, there is no way David and Isaac could find a life in Zebulon once again. Isaac’s mother, in particular really shows her devotion to her faith, yet her devastation at now having lost two sons to the “real world.”

“I must have faith. I have to trust in the Ordnung. In our ways. If I don’t, what was this all for?”

“You tell me! How can it be God’s will to have families torn apart? To shun people you love? How can it be right? You don’t have to do it. Not if you don’t want it to.”

She stared incredulously. “But we must, Isaac. If we don’t follow the edicts of the church, we’ll be next on the Bann. What would become of Katie and the boys? We must have faith in our community, even when we disagree. When we question.” Her voice cracked. “When it breaks our hearts.” She took a long breath and regained control. “This is our way. It won’t change. Not a hundred years ago, and not now. It’s the foundation of our lives. It’s everything.”

I like that this author shows there is no easy answers and no easy solutions for what has happened with this family. There are no miracle revelations. It’s messy and sad and devastating. There is so much anger and frustration. It’s portrayed as realistically as I can imagine, not having any real knowledge of the Amish way of life.

A three-book series that shows two men falling in love, finding their way in a scary new world, and coming to terms with losing a family, but starting a new one.

Rating: B

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