Review: An Enchanting Story of Forbidden Love
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 15, 2013
A story of forbidden love, self-discovery and following your heart.I had a good feeling about Temptation from the moment I read the synopsis. I mean, what's better than reading a tale of forbidden love, right? But Temptation is more than a story of two people who should have never crossed paths, let alone fall in love. It is a story of questioning: questioning your choices, your path, and your faith. I found it to be quite beautiful and intensely provocative.Temptation asks "What happens when a Hollywood actress falls in love with the Amish man next door?" The answer? "It's complicated."  One of the many aspects I loved about the story was, it never felt contrived, or like a huge stretch to believe Laura and Jacob could actually fall in love. Laura, who is in town to shoot a movie, isn't the conventional starlet. Acting since she was a baby, she wants more; a home, personal fulfillment, love. Sensing she might find this in Pennsylvania, she buys a home among the Amish community. Jacob, being a kind man who wants to be a good neighbor, helps Laura as she learns to take care of a home and garden. A talented furniture maker, Laura buys some of his pieces, and they begin to form a friendship. This is frowned upon among an unmarried man and woman, forbidden between an Amish man and English woman. As Jacob and Laura become closer friends, it's apparent that the two could, are, fall in love. Laura wants to be with Jacob, to build a life with him. Jacob, though he loves Laura, is bound by his duties to God, family and faith.I was so wrapped up in Laura and Jacob. Laura is looked upon as a temptress, and she sometimes is. She quickly falls in love with Jacob, and is desperate to be with him. She walked a fine line of showing him what they could have together, and pushing him too far. Laura is so lonely. She should have this huge, glamorous life, but what she wants is true love. What's really interesting, and helped keep her from becoming a too much was that she didn't want Jacob to leave his religion for her, she wanted him to do it for himself.Jacob was simply wonderful. I feel weird saying this, but I've never considered a deeply religious man to be a really good leading man in a story. That's not a knock towards religion, I grew up in a religion that is very strict (no dancing, no music in church, etc.). But the author did a wonderful job of portraying Jacob as simply a man. A man who is ruled by his beliefs and duties, but still human, with doubts and desires. Jacob has always been content with his life. A widower with a young son, he has found his calling in building magnificent pieces of furniture. When he meets Laura, Jacob feels the passion that has always been missing in his life. And when the church elders forbid his making of beautiful furniture, Jacob obeys, but loses a piece of his soul. He begins to question everything in his life. Does God really care if his work isn't Plain? Is what is on the outside (approved clothing) more important than what is in a person's heart? Why can't he love a woman outside of his faith? Jacob's spiritual journey was so beautifully written, showing a man who decides whether or not to follow his heart.Temptation held my heart while I read it. I know that sounds melodramatic, but guys, I put my whole heart into reading books this good. I wanted Jacob and Laura to get their happy ending, but I also wanted Jacob to be true to himself. To make the decision not only for the woman he loves, but also because it is what's right for him. Doing otherwise wouldn't have him being the man Laura has fallen in love with. Kathryn Barrett handled these decisions perfectly, and did her characters justice. It's unclear until almost the very end what Jacob decides, but once that time comes, it is perfect for the characters and the story. And what an epilogue!Temptation was a enchanting story of a forbidden love, and choosing to take a bite.