Marlayne Jan Giron

Following a near death experience, Rachel Winston is recuperating at home with her partner Samuel Miller and her teenage daughter, Karen. The couple found each other unexpectedly, after Rachel bought a farm from Samuel and converted it into a traditional Amish style bed and breakfast, the ‘Second Chance Inn’. Samuel, an Amish man, was shunned by his family due to his relationship with Englisch (non-Amish) Rachel. As the couple prepare for the arrival of their first guests, they struggle to keep up with the work required, due to Rachel’s injuries. Meanwhile, Emma Lapp has been disowned by her Amish family, after she left home and spent time in the Englisch community. Destitute and desperate, she finds the ‘Second Chance Inn’ and asks to work at the inn, in return for a place to stay. Rachel and Samuel are in desperate need of help, and agree to let her stay and provide a much needed refuge.

News soon spreads of Rachel and Samuel’s kindness and hospitality. Others who have been excommunicated from their Amish families, arrive at the inn, in search of work and a safe place to stay.  With the help of their friends, Rachel and Samuel raise funds to develop a refuge. They build a new barn, to provide accommodation, wedding services and religious offerings, to others excommunicated from the Amish community.  As the build commences, Samuel proposes to Rachel and the couple prepare for their own wedding in their new barn. But, as the date of the wedding approaches, Samuel is reunited with his Amish family, and questions whether he has made the right decision to marry Rachel. As the couple contemplate their future, Rachel receives devastating news that will change their lives forever.

A Place of Refuge is a touching and thought-provoking novel by Marlayne Jan Giron, and the sequel to the first book in the series, Second Chance Inn. The book follows on from where the first book ended, and further develops the relationship between Rachel and Samuel as they build a new home together. Both have experienced tragic loss and face difficult choices in their new relationship, while embarking on a huge building project.

This is a beautifully written novel that explores love across different cultures, identity and faith. A perfect read for those who enjoy family sagas, romantic fiction, and who might be interested in Amish culture.

Star rating: 5 Stars

Summary: A beautiful and touching exploration of love across different cultures.