A Golden Sunbeam

Library Journal

This quiet, gentle book from Amish author Bender (A Treasured Friendship, Herald, 1996) ends a five-volume set chronicling the life of Miriam, an Amish farmwife. In diary format, Miriam discusses her family and friends, including a visiting student from Germany who enlivens the quiet Amish community with her cheerful attitude and her romantic adventures. A child in Miriam's care is injured in an accident, leading to accusations of child abuse. Through it all, Miriam holds on to a faith in God that is tested but never broken. Extremely well written and a joy to read, with many fascinating details of Amish life, this superior book deserves a place in all libraries.