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Her Secret Hope (A Season in Pinecraft #3) by Shelley Shepard Gray | Amish Fiction Review

Her Secret Hope

A Season in Pinecraft #3

Shelley Shepard Gray

Contemporary Fiction / Amish

She left home to find herself--instead she found true love

Almost two years after Lilly Kurtz first visited Pinecraft, Florida, she's decided to make a fresh start there. She's ready to be new-and-improved Lilly, a Lilly without a past, a Lilly with no secrets. At first, everything goes well. She gets a job, her coworkers feel like family, and she enjoys reconnecting with her friends. But it turns out the past is reluctant to be left behind.

When Lilly meets hardworking farmer Eddie Byler, she can't get him off her mind. But then she discovers that Eddie isn't staying long in Pinecraft--and he actually lives just a few miles from her hometown in Ohio. Lilly doesn't want him to know about the life she's left . . . and she can't imagine following him back to a place where she's never felt accepted.

Will Lilly have to give up on love in order to find peace? Or could it be that love is actually the solution to all of her problems?

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My Thoughts

I am really enjoying this series. I believe that we met all of the main characters in book one but each of the following books has centered on an individual girl. This time around it is Lilly Kurtz.

Somehow she got up the courage to actually move to Pinecraft and take a position at the Marigold Inn. Both of her friends are now living in Pinecraft so it seemed like the logical next step for her. Of course both of her friends were now married so she was a bit surprised by how little time she actually was able to spend with them. It was kind of one of those lonely in a crowd situations.

Of course there has to be an interesting guy involved. That would be Eddie. He is on vacation with his grandma and takes an interest in Lilly. She's very wary of becoming involved with him because he will be leaving soon. But the attraction is strong and keeps her pursuing a relationship with Eddie.

I have enjoyed getting to know Lilly and her story through this series. She is the most shy of the three girls which of course makes her the most cautious. The story of how she and Eddie work through all the hurdles in making their relationship work was the perfect way to end this series.

When you get to the end of a story and you want to know more about what happens to the characters as their lives progress you know the book has been good. That's the way this book and series were for me. My hope is that these characters will make repeat appearances in upcoming stories. I recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys contemporary fiction with an Amish twist.

A Season in Pinecraft

Her Heart's Desire

Her Only Wish

Her Secret Hope

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Disclosure

I received a copy of this book from the publisher to facilitate my review.

The Heirloom (Prequel to The Shunning) by Beverly Lewis | Amish Fiction Review

The Heirloom

Prequel to The Shunning

Beverly Lewis

Christian Fiction / Amish

This heartwarming prequel to The Shunning is a tender story of love, belonging, and the courage to move forward.

After her widowed father remarries, nineteen-year-old Clara Bender is no longer needed to help run his household. Marriage seems like her best hope of moving out, but there are few young men in her tiny Indiana Amish community. When she comes across letters from her mother's aunt Ella Mae Zook, she sets off to visit Lancaster County's Hickory Hollow to decide where her future lies.

Ella Mae is not quite ready to move from the farmhouse where she and her recently deceased husband spent over fifty happy years, but her children are eager to resettle her, making Clara's visit seem like an answer to prayer. The two women form a warm bond while restoring an heirloom wedding quilt and sharing their lives, with Ella Mae confiding about a tragedy from her courting years. Eventually, Ella Mae suggests Clara stay for the summer, allowing Ella Mae more time with her and giving Clara an opportunity to meet the area's eligible young men. But when the unexpected happens, will Clara find where her heart truly belongs?

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My Thoughts

Like many people I first read The Shunning and the books that followed in the late 90's. I also saw the movies and enjoyed them as well. So naturally when I found out there was going to be a prequel I knew I had to get it and read it. I'm so glad I did.

The story in The Heirloom does not center around Katie Lapp who is the main character in The Shunning. Instead Katie is a side character and the main character is Clara Bender. Clara isn't from Hickory Hollow but she takes a trip to visit her aunt, Ella Mae Zook, who does live in Hickory Hollow.

While in Hickory Hollow Clara finds a sense of renewal. Even though the Hickory Hollow community is more strict than her district she finds a freedom that her very soul was craving. She is able to begin emerging from the grief of losing her mother and opening up to the prospect of not spending the rest of her life as an old maid.

I really liked that this was a completely new story. It takes place shortly before the timeframe of The Shunning which gives a lot more insight into what led up to Katie's story and why the punishment was so severe. Someone that hasn't read the previous series is going to thoroughly enjoy how seamlessly this storyline goes when they read the prequel first and then the series.

By the way, this would also make a good stand alone read if you aren't interested in reading all four books together. But for those of us that have already invested in the series, I say you are in for a real treat when you add this book to your reading list.

The Heritage of Lancaster County

1. The Heirloom

2. The Shunning

3. The Confession

4. The Reckoning

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Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of Aimee Christenson

www.BeverlyLewis.com

Disclosure

I received a copy of this book from the publisher to facilitate my review.

Anything But Plain by Suzanne Woods Fisher | Amish Fiction Review

Anything But Plain

Suzanne Woods Fisher

Amish Fiction

Leaving Stoney Ridge feels unbearable--but how can she stay?

Impulsive Lydie Stoltzfus has always felt like a disappointment--a square peg in a round hole in her quiet Amish community. Leaving her family and church seems like her best move, even though it would mean leaving Nathan Yoder behind. Nathan claims he's in love with her, but she knows she's not good enough for him. And if she is ever in doubt, Nathan's father reminds her frequently.

Knowing Lydie is "between" jobs again, the local doctor asks her to fill in at the front desk for a few months. This gives Lydie time to figure out how she's going to say goodbye to Nathan--and it gives Dok ample time to recognize the symptoms of a disorder rare among the Amish. She offers Lydie treatment that has the potential to change her life.

But will it be enough to make her stay? Or has help come too late?

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My Thoughts

In the midst of all the crazy going on in the world today, a trip to Stoney Ridge is a breath of fresh air. I was so excited to dive into this idyllic world when the book arrived on my doorstep. Suzanne Woods Fisher has created some endearing characters that make you eager to catch up on the latest in their lives.

This time the story centers on Lydie Stoltzfus who is the daughter of the Bishop. She's absolutely delightful but she's also a disaster just waiting to happen. These mishaps not only bother Lydie but they also frustrate those around her. The arrival of her grandmother just exacerbates the situation. Actually the arrival of grandma throws the whole household into chaos.

In the midst of this storm the only calm seems to be with Lydie's neighbor and childhood friend Nathan Yoder. He's been smitten with Lydie for some time but has been thrown for a loop when she suddenly decides to distance herself from him.

The story itself allows the reader to step inside the world of someone with ADHD. It's something that we hear about in the English world quite frequently but probably don't think much about it being present among the Amish. I thought it was very enlightening to picture how this disorder would be handled among the Plain community.

Of course the subject is serious, but do not fear that it would be an emotionally heavy read. Just when things get to be depressing you can always count on Hank Lapp bulldozing onto the scene to lighten thing up.

I absolutely adore a trip to Stoney Ridge and recommend this and other Stoney Ridge books to anyone who needs a little lift to their spirit.

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Photo Credit: © Dan Davis Photography

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Disclosure

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.

Christmas at the Amish Market by Shelley Shepard Gray | Christmas Book Review

Christmas at the Amish Market

Shelley Shepard Gray

Amish Fiction/Christmas

Wesley is so busy running his family’s Amish market at the holidays, he barely has time for Liesl, the young woman he’s been courting for years. When she suggests her aunt Jenny could help Wesley out, he agrees to the plan. But Liesl neglected to mention her aunt is only twenty-six years old—and as charming as she is hard-working.

Jenny, still healing after a painful breakup, welcomes the distraction of working at the market. She soon realizes Wesley is everything she ever dreamed a man could be. But how can Jenny even think about romance with the man Liesl expects to marry?

But Liesl’s own feelings are more complicated than she’s willing to admit. With humor, faith, and a little help from their friends in the community, everyone might just find what their hearts are looking for this Christmas at the Amish market.

My Thoughts

Christmas at the Amish Market was the first Christmas book of the season for me to read. I had intended to go back and forth between the written book and the audio version but the audio version was such a delight to listen to that I wound up sticking with the audio version.

The setting revolves around the Amish market that Wesley's family owns. Christmas is around the corner so the place is hopping with activity. Wesley is overwhelmed with running the market while his father is recovering from some heart problems. Added to the mix is long time girlfriend Liesl.

Liesl is an accomplished seamstress and finds great satisfaction with making beautiful things. But she's a bit oblivious to the needs of others. In fact she's put out with Wesley's devotion to his family's business. With the guise of helping Wesley but really helping herself, Liesl brings her Aunt Jenny into the mix. Unbeknownst to everyone the arrival of Jenny will change everything.

If you enjoy Christmas themed books you'll love this one. It's the perfect combination of interesting characters, situations and solutions. There's a good mix of conflict and sweet romance that makes this a perfect read for the season.

Disclosure

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.

The Bookseller's Promise (The Amish Bookstore #1) by Beth Wiseman | Amish Fiction Review

The Bookseller's Promise

The Amish Bookstore #1

Beth Wiseman

Amish Fiction

An unrequited romance and a rare book . . .

Yvonne Wilson makes the trek from Texas to Indiana with just one goal in mind: to convince Amishman Jake Lantz to sell her client a rare book from his collection. But Jake is as strong-willed as Yvonne. On the eve of his grandfather’s death, Jake vowed never to sell the book, and he intends to keep that promise. But he can’t say more than that, having never read it and not knowing why it was so dear to his grossdaadi.

Eva Graber has loved Jake since he hired her to work in his bookstore years ago, but he doesn’t seem to notice she’s blossomed into a beautiful woman. When Yvonne shows up and seems like she might turn Jake’s eye, Eva suggests she and Jake should read the book together.

What happens after that surprises them all, and the book leads the trio deep into mysterious questions about life and death, love and loss, and the impenetrable purposes of God.

My Thoughts

A new series from Beth Wiseman and the story involves a bookstore . . . what could be better? How about a little mystery and romance? Well that's in there too.

Jake Lantz inherited the bookstore from his grandfather along with a mysterious old book. Jake's grandfather gave it all to him with the only stipulation being that he not ever sell the book. Jake made the promise and fully intends to keep it.

It just so happens that Yvonne Wilson from Texas is looking for that exact book and tracks it down to Jake's bookstore. On a whim she decides to make the trip to Indiana to try to convince Jake to sell it. That trip will change all of their lives.

Throughout the story I loved the subtle reminder that no matter the circumstances God works everything out for His people. It's often in the bleakest of times that He makes His plan known.

I enjoyed the faith journey of Yvonne and the budding romance of longtime friends Jake and Eva and I look forward to reading more about these delightful people in coming books in the series.

Disclosure

I received a copy of this book from the publisher to facilitate my review.

A Season on the Wind by Suzanne Woods Fisher | Amish Fiction Review

A Season on the Wind

Suzanne Woods Fisher

Amish Fiction

Ben Zook was as free as a bird--until a chase for a rare White-winged Tern takes him to the one place on earth he planned to never return: his Amish home in Stoney Ridge.

Desperate for photographs of the elusive tern, Ben hires local field guide Micah Weaver, planning to "bag the bird" and leave Stoney Ridge before anyone recognizes him. But he neglected to plan for Micah's sister, Penny.

Ben had become Penny's spark bird during one long-ago summer, when she had introduced him to birding, even sharing with him a hidden eagle aerie. Penny always hoped Ben would come back to Stoney Ridge. Back to his Amish roots. Back to her.

The only problem? Ben has absolutely no memory of Penny.

Read An Excerpt

My Thoughts

Are you a birder? I think you are really going to like this book. Are you a casual enjoyer of the birds around your house? I think you're going to like this book too! I must admit a couple of things. First I am in the latter category. I enjoy birds but have very little knowledge about them. Second, Suzanne Woods Fisher could write just about anything and I'm confident that I would enjoy it. So with that being said let me tell you what I thought about this particular book.

A Season on the Wind takes us back to the community of Stoney Ridge. We get to catch up with a few of our old favorites like Hank and Edith Lapp. (By the way doesn't Hank remind you of your crazy uncle . . .over the top and somewhat annoying. But he belongs to you and you love him anyway!) We also get to meet some new faces. Siblings Penny and Micah Weaver are recent arrivals in Stoney Ridge. They have taken over the farm of their late grandmother and are busy settling in and getting Micah's local field guide business up and running. We also meet Ben Zook and his cousin Natalie.

Ben is a world renowned birder and he has come back to Stoney Ridge to photograph the elusive White-winged Tern that has recently been spotted in Stoney Ridge. Unfortunately there is a whole lot of baggage associated with Stoney Ridge for Ben.

Penny, Micah, Ben and Natalie all have some serious wounds in their past. Most of the events that caused the wounds seem impossible to reconcile . . .but God! Ms. Fisher does a beautiful job of telling their stories and letting us come along to see how God uses His creation (birds) to reach His creation (people).

I fell in love with these new characters and look forward to them popping up again in future books. I just can't recommend this book enough. Whether you are a bird person or not, get this book for the pure enjoyment of the story.

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Photo Credit: © Dan Davis Photography

www.SuzanneWoodsFisher.com

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Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of this book to facilitate my review.

Softly Blows the Bugle (Amish of Weaver's Creek #3) by Jan Drexler | Amish Fiction Review

Softly Blows the Bugle

The Amish of Weaver's Creek #3

Jan Drexler

Amish Fiction

When Elizabeth Kaufman received the news of her husband's death at the Battle of Vicksburg in 1863, she felt only relief. She determined that she would never be at the mercy of any man again, even if it meant she would never have a family of her own. Then Aaron Zook comes home with her brother when the war ends two years later.

Despite the severity of his injuries, Aaron resolves to move West and leave the pain of the past behind him. He never imagined that the Amish way of life his grandfather had rejected long ago would be so enticing. That, and a certain widow he can't get out of his mind.

Yet, even in a simple community, life has a way of getting complicated. Aaron soon finds that while he may have left the battlefield behind, there is another fight he must win--the one for the heart of the woman he loves.
Welcome back to the Amish community at Weaver's Creek, where the bonds of family and faith bind up the brokenhearted.

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My Thoughts

I enjoy Amish fiction and Jan Drexler is one of my favorite authors in this genre. Her stories aren't cookie cutter but instead come from a unique angle that brings interest that can sometimes be lacking in this category.

Softly Blows the Bugle is the third and final book in the Amish of Weaver's Creek series. The story picks up from the previous books just after the Civil War has ended. We've already met the main character Elizabeth Kaufman so we know some of the grief that she has experienced. We are introduced to Aaron Zook. He comes home from the war with Elizabeth's brother Jonas but plans to move on and explore the West.

The story is full of grace and redemption for two emotionally and physically broken people. That brokenness is what makes the story relatable. We've all made bad decisions. And we've all had circumstances that have left us scarred.

I am of the opinion that you would enjoy this book the most by reading the previous two first. Having said that I do think the author gives enough information that you could probably read this book only and still understand the plot. But you'd be cheating yourself! I'm looking forward to Jan's next series and hoping that some of these characters will pop up again.

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Roaming Reflections Photography

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Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Revell to facilitate my review.

Two Steps Forward (The Deacon's Family #3) by Suzanne Woods Fisher | Amish Fiction Review

Two Steps Forward

The Deacon's Family #3

Suzanne Woods Fisher

Amish Fiction

Sylvie needs a man of substance to help her run her business.

What she gets is Jimmy Fisher.

Back and broke in Stoney Ridge, Jimmy Fisher has coasted through life as long as he could on charm, good looks, and deep-set dimples. They always worked just fine for him--until they didn't. His smile has no effect on the violet-eyed beauty he met at the Bent N' Dent, the one with that stunning horse. She's offered him a job, but nothing else.

The last thing Sylvie Schrock King needs around Rising Star Farm is a grown boy working for her, especially her neighbor Edith's son. The woman holds a serious grudge against Sylvie, and hiring Jimmy Fisher will only fan the flames of Edith's rancor. But Sylvie is desperate for help on the farm, and Jimmy understands horses like no one else.

While Jimmy's lazy smile and teasing ways steal Sylvie's heart, Edith is working on a way to claim her land. Has Sylvie made another terrible mistake?

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My Thoughts

For years now I have been enjoying trips to Stoney Ridge through the pages of Suzanne Woods Fisher's books. It's always nice to catch up with the characters and get introduced to new members. While this is an Amish community and I'm not Amish there are so many ways that I can relate to this group of people.

Ms. Fisher does a marvelous job of reminding us that even though we live a bit differently we still have a lot in common. Being Amish doesn't keep you from sorrow or strife. But it also doesn't keep you from experiencing joy and harmony.

In Two Steps Forward the subjects of abandoned newborns and late term abortion are addressed. In the Amish community children are looked at as a blessing from the Lord so these two issues concern them greatly. I was impressed with their thoughts on making a difference, even if it only had the potential of making a small difference.

The novel introduced a couple of new characters but it was full of the old ones that we have come to know. Edith Fisher Lapp is still a cranky pants but this time around we get to see a bit of backstory and softening of character. Her husband Hank Lapp continues to make me laugh. Edith's son Jimmy Fisher is back, hat in hand and I enjoyed watching him come full circle. The book is centered on his character along with the widow Sylvie Schrock King.

One of the best things about this book and series is that it is very versatile. It can be read as either part of the series or as a stand alone. If you want my recommendation I would say to go all the way back to the first book in the first series, The Choice. You'll enjoy the development of the characters and the ebb and flow of the Amish life. Don't want to go that far back? Just start with this book. You'll get enough background as you go along to know what has happened before you joined the group.

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Photo Credit: © Dan Davis Photography

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Disclosure Statement

I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Mending Fences (The Deacon's Family #1) by Suzanne Woods Fisher | Amish Fiction Review

Mending Fences

The Deacon's Family #1

Suzanne Woods Fisher

Amish Fiction

Every saint has a past. Every sinner has a future.

Luke Schrock is a new and improved man after a stint in rehab, though everyone in Stoney Ridge only remembers the old Luke. They might have forgiven him, but nobody trusts him. He has been allowed to live at Windmill Farm under two conditions. First, he must make a sincere apology to each person he's hurt. Second, he must ask each victim of mischief to describe the damage he caused.

Simple, Luke thinks. Offering apologies is easy. But discovering the lasting effects his careless actions have caused isn't so simple. It's gut-wrenching.

And his list keeps growing. Izzy Miller, beautiful and frustratingly aloof, also boards at Windmill Farm, and Luke's clumsy efforts to befriend her only insult and annoy her. Eager to impress, Luke sets out to prove himself to her by locating her mother. When he does, her identity sends shock waves through Stoney Ridge.

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My Thoughts

I love a fictional trip to the little community of Stoney Ridge. I've been reading about these characters from the beginning and always look forward to seeing what they have been up to since my last trip. When you read long series like this there are always characters that you wonder whatever happened to them. Luke Schrock is one of those people.

We first encountered Luke in The Inn at Eagle Hill series. His story continued with The Bishop's Family series. He was a mess and last we heard he was off to rehab. Well he seems to finally be finished after the third shot at it. But will he be different?

Amos and Fern Lapp have been known to take in troubled kids that need a bit of guidance. With great reluctance they agree to give Luke a place to stay in exchange for help on the farm.

There's a new girl in town and her name's Izzy. She's a mystery to all of us but it was a joy to see her story unfold. Her character has so many layers. Just when you think you know all there is to know about her something else is revealed.

I don't think that I've ever read a book by Suzanne Woods Fisher that I didn't like. But I am going to say that this book has got to be my favorite so far. There are some things that are revealed at the end of the story that tie several previous events from previous novels together. And guess what . . . I didn't even realize that they were loose ends when I was reading those stories! You would think that after all of these books/series set in the same place with mostly the same people would become monotonous. But you would be wrong. I find them just as fascinating as I did with the first book.

This is the beginning of a new series but it is also the continuation of a previous set of series. You can of course read this book without having read the previous books, but you would sorely miss out on some very good fiction. I say treat yourself and start at the beginning!

Other Reviews For This Author

Phoebe's Light (Nantucket Legacy)

The Return (Amish Beginnings)

The Quieting (The Bishop's Family)

The Imposter (The Bishop's Family)

The Heart of the Amish
Anna's Crossing (Amish Beginnings)
Christmas At Rose Hill Farm
The Revealing (Inn at Eagle Hill)
The Calling (Inn at Eagle Hill)
Life With Lily
The Haven (Stoney Ridge Seasons)

Amish Values For Your Family

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www.SuzanneWoodsFisher.com

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The Return (Amish Beginnings #3) by Suzanne Woods Fisher | Historical Romance Review

The Return

Amish Beginnings #3

Suzanne Woods Fisher

Historical Romance

IN A WILD COUNTRY, THE TRUE

COST OF LOVE MAY BE

MORE THAN THEY CAN BEAR.

Beautiful and winsome, Betsy Zook never questioned her family's rigid expectations, nor those of devoted Hans--but then she never had to. Not until the night she's taken captive in a surprise Indian raid. Facing brutality and hardship, Betsy finds herself torn between her pious upbringing and the feelings she's developing for a native man who encourages her to see God in all circumstances.

Greatly anguished by Betsy's captivity, Hans turns to Tessa Bauer for comfort. She responds eagerly, overlooking troubling signs of Hans's hunger for revenge. But if Betsy is ever restored to the Amish, will things between Hans and Tessa have gone too far?

Inspired by true events, this deeply layered novel gives a glimpse into the tumultuous days of prerevolutionary Pennsylvania through the eyes of two young, determined, and faith-filled women.

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My Thoughts

I have completely enjoyed this series! I've been reading Suzanne's books for quite some time so I am familiar with the Stoney Ridge community. It has been interesting to go back to the beginning and see how the community was established and meet the people who through faith and endurance brought it about.

The Return is the third and final book in this series. I think it can be read as a stand alone novel but of course you'll miss out on all the tidbits of what has gone on before to bring them to this point. Of the three books I felt like this one was the most dramatic and compelling. I hope that Ms. Fisher writes a follow-up series that continues on from here. While the story itself is complete there are still threads that I would like to follow and see where they lead.

One of the most interesting aspects of this novel was that it was based on factual happenings. The author's note at the end explains what parts of the story were true. In my opinion that is what gave this story and series such an intriguing sense of authenticity.

If you are a fan of historical fiction then I think you will like this book. The triumphs and pitfalls of our forefathers are presented in a compelling way and should make for a very compelling read.

Other Reviews For This Author

The Imposter (The Bishop's Family)

Amish Values For Your Family

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www.SuzanneWoodsFisher.com

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Naomi's Hope (Journey to Pleasant Prairie #3) by Jan Drexler | Amish Fiction Review

Naomi's Hope

Journey to Pleasant Prairie #3

Jan Drexler

Amish Fiction

When the future is threatened by the past,

can she trust herself to make the right choice?

Despite growing pains in her 1846 Amish community in Indiana, Naomi Schrock has settled into a comfortable life in her parents' home with her adopted son, Davey. Surrounded by family and friends, she tries not to think about the fact that she's not at the top of any man's list of potential wives. Yet when Cap Stoltzfus moves into the area and befriends Davey, Naomi finds herself caught between the plans she has made for her future and the tantalizing thought that Cap might be part of a life she never dared to hope for.

When a couple shows up claiming to be Davey's true family, Naomi and Cap must unite to make the decision that will determine the boy's future--as well as their own.

My Thoughts

I have been eagerly waiting for Naomi's story since the beginning of this series. Naomi is such a gentle and giving person and to see her be passed by time after time was heartbreaking. But of course we know that everything comes in God's timing.

It's looking like Naomi is going to have to be content to just be a momma to her adopted son Davey. A husband doesn't seem to be in her future. But just as she's determined to set that dream aside her family gets a new neighbor in the form of Cap Stoltzfus. He's kind and handsome to boot so of course Naomi is sure he would have no interest in her. Naomi is selling Cap short. He sees beyond her physical imperfections and into her heart.

Naomi's Hope was a wonderful conclusion to the Journey to Pleasant Prairie series. Lots of intriguing situations that remind us that the Amish communities face many of the same issues as the rest of the world. Some people are deceitful and can't be trusted. While others can be truthful and very trustworthy. Discerning the difference between the two is a blessing the Holy Spirit brings.

This series left me wanting to know what happens next in the lives of these interesting people. I hope that Jan sneaks some of them in the next series she writes!

Other Reviews For This Author

Hannah's Choice

Mattie's Pledge

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www.JanDrexler.com

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Herb of Grace (Healing Grace, #1) by Adina Senft {Amish Fiction Review}

Herb of Grace

Healing Grace, #1

Adina Senft

Amish Fiction

Amish widow Sarah Yoder has been struggling to raise her two teenaged sons and provide a home where family and members of her Old Order Amish church can find fellowship and friendship. Though she is close to her in-laws, lately it feels like her relationship with her boys is splintering. Her stepson Simon wants to move out west with his cousins to find work. And her youngest, Caleb, is spending far too much time over at the tumbledown home of a man who left the church long ago. Henry Byler only returned recently to Willow Creek when he inherited the family farm--under protest--and now seems caught in a struggle between the faith of his childhood and the world he's come to know.

Ruth Lehman, the local Dokterfraa, believes Sarah should use her gift for growing plants to become an herbal healer, too. Sarah is reluctant, however, uncertain if caring for others will take her away from her family--the place where she believes God wants her. But when she feels called to help members of her community, she soon discovers that the heart can be scarred as deeply as the body. As she compiles her herbs, she waits for God to do his healing work in a man who rues a harsh decision, in a lonely prodigal who has lost everything, and maybe even in a herbalist-in-training who firmly believes she will never love again.

My Thoughts
I must admit that I judged this book by its cover and because of that I put off reading it. I enjoy Amish fiction and am always eager to read a new author but this one just didn't appeal to me. I was wrong, wrong, wrong!

Adina Senft has a wonderfully engaging writing style that doesn't at all match up with the cover art. The story is quite modern and can easily be compared to other very well known Amish writers. I will most definitely be reading more of Adina's books.

Herb of Grace introduces us to Sarah Yoder who is a young widow. She's struggling to raise her two boys, Simon age seventeen and Caleb age fourteen. Her strength of character is what drew me into the story. Sarah has many obstacles in her way but she is determined to make a life for her and her boys.

One of the most interesting characters is Ruth Lehman who is a Dokterfraa, or an herbal healer. From the beginning Ruth sees that Sarah has to skills and tenacity to also become a healer. Because of their differing personalities they don't really give each other the warm fuzzies but it is a relationship that is intense and heartwarming in the end.

If you like Amish fiction you should check this title out. It is the first book in a three book series. I'm looking forward to reading the next two titles and also going back and reading several of Adina's other books.

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