According to Joshua, his brother Alton is out of control. When the opportunity to join a mission trip to a Texas Island that was hit by a hurricane. Joshua reluctantly goes along to keep an eye on him because he knows his brother will cause trouble.

I was a bit perturbed with Joshua and his attitude toward Alton. A few times I wanted to smack him and tell him to give his brother a break. Well written. ( )

Joshua’s Mission is not your typical Amish fiction. Oh, there are Plain values and examples of Plain living, but it shows a side of the Amish community many don’t think about — the outreach to those in need, even the English. 🙂 The result is a thought-provoking and heart-touching read that anyone would enjoy, regardless of genre preference. Recommended.

Two stories converge in this novel. Joshua Kline is his brother’s keeper, yet that task comes more from obligation than love and concern. Joshua’s mission is to keep Alton out of trouble, and so they both set out on a mission trip to Port Aransas, Texas. That’s where the Amish portion of the story intersects with the English and the community that has been devastated by a hurricane. Both Amish and English characters learn and grow from their interactions and their joint efforts to rebuild the Texas community. I loved all of the characters, main and secondary, Amish and English, and loved how Chapman explored the complexities of both worlds. There are plenty of differences, even among individual Plain communities, but through the story, it becomes clear that we all share a need for dignity, belonging, and connection. I especially liked that serious Joshua was able to hear God’s message through the sermon at a very un-Amish service. The coastal Texas setting came alive in the pages of Joshua’s Mission — through the harrowing storm and the rebirth out of the debris. The description of MDS (Mennonite Disaster Services) and its way of providing hope through tangible means was very informative.

I really enjoyed Joshua’s Mission, so much so that I plan to seek out more books from this author.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to the author and JustRead Blog Tours for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

This was even better than Anna's Healing and I loved it too. Joshua Kline and Becca Troyer join a mission team to help rebuild houses on an island that were destroyed after a hurricane. Joshua convinces his younger brother(Alton) to join in hopes that he will stop getting in trouble. Here they meet Charlie who barely survived the hurricane and other people that they are helping. Charlie is one of my favorite characters. This has some laughs and some tears. Get ready for a great ride. I received this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion. ( )

Joshua's Mission by Vannetta Chapman is the second book in the Plain and Simple Miracles series. Charlie Everman is sixty-five and a retired English teacher. He lives in Aransas, Texas. The area is expecting Hurricane Orion to hit. Charlie is helping Alice givens and her grandchildren get off the island. Charlie is unable to get off the island before the storm hits and witnesses the devastation to the area (gets caught in it).

Joshua Kline lives in Cody’s Creek, Oklahoma. He is the older, responsible brother. He is getting a little tired of getting his brother, Alton out of trouble. Becca Lynn Troyer is twenty years old and lives with her parents. She has no prospects (for marriage) and is feeling a little restless. She is thinking about going on a mission trip with Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS). Becca has decided to pray on it. Seven months after Hurricane Orion a group is going to Texas to help build homes in Aransas. Bishop Levi recommends that Becca go on the trip. Becca’s Aunt Nancy will be her chaperone. The kindly Bishop also suggests that Joshua and Alton go on the trip. He believes it is just what they need (especially Alton after his latest escapade). This group will be working with Charlie to help finish Alice Givens home. They will spend three weeks in the area. This could be just what each of them needs. A little distance and perspective (and maybe a little romance).

Joshua’s Mission is told from three different perspectives (Charlie, Joshua, and Becca's). The story goes back and forth from Texas where the Hurricane Orion is going to hit (and what happens during and after the hurricane) and with Joshua and Becca in their hometown. Joshua's Mission is well written (as are all of Ms. Chapman's books), but it is not as engaging as her other books. I just felt that something was missing. It did not keep my interest like her other works. I think some of it had to do with Joshua (he was really getting on my nerves towards the end of the book). He kept being so insistent that Alton was his responsibility (to keep him out of trouble and on the right path). I give Joshua’s Mission 4 out of 5 stars. Do not get me wrong. Joshua’s Mission is a good book. I just did not think it was a great book (just my personal feelings).

I received a complimentary copy of Joshua’s Mission from NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion. ( )

Joshua’s Mission is really a couple of missions and we are about to experience a wonderful book as we learn about them.
Alton Kline is experiencing his rumspringa, and seems to be having quite a good time with it, including seeing the inside of English jail. All his life Joshua has felt responsible for his brother, and takes a lot to heart, including arguing with Alton about his behavior.
This story has it all with the devastation of hurricane Orion hitting Port Aransas Texas, with its death and destruction. We meet Charlie Everman and his beloved dog Quitz, and Alice and her grandchildren, that Charlie considers family and follow them in this story.
The Mennonite Disaster Service working at the scene needs volunteers and part of Joshua’s community goes to help. What a time we are about to spend helping this area, Joshua, Alton, Becca, Sarah, along with Aunt Nancy head there.
This book will bring tears to your eyes and joy at what is happening, there is a bit of romance, and again jail for some, along with some very scary incidents. We come to know these people personally and see that life for all have the same ups and downs, and we really don’t know what is going on in another person’s house.
I really enjoyed this book, and hope that there are more in this series.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harvest House, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )