Showing posts with label Kathleen Fuller. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kathleen Fuller. Show all posts

A Reluctant Bride (Amish of Birch Creek, Book 1) by Kathleen Fuller {Book Review}



Amish of Birch Creek, Book 1
Contemporary Fiction/Amish

She never wanted to marry. He hopes to make 
amends for past wrongs. Can love find a way 
to heal both of their hearts?

Sadie Schrock swore she would never marry. All of her other Amish friends could court and marry—she was content to manage the family business and eventually take it over when her parents are ready to retire. But all of that changes when a reckless driver kills both of her parents and seriously injures her younger sister. With mounting hospital bills adding to the pile of debt her parents left behind, Sadie is left with no choice: she must marry. And not just any man—the man who saw her at her weakest and walked away.

Aden knows what his brother did to Sadie years ago was inexcusable. And every day since that incident, Aden has lived with the guilt for not intervening sooner. When he is faced with the chance to protect Sadie once again, he can’t let her down—even if it means living with the scorn of the woman he loves for the rest of his life.

Working alongside Aden at the store, Sadie realizes he isn’t the same boy who once betrayed her. Just when Sadie starts to let her guard down and perhaps develop feelings for her new husband, dangerous secrets are revealed. Now everything Sadie has worked so hard to protect is threatened, and she must find a way to save her family—and herself.




My Thoughts

It has been a long time since an Amish based book has raised such raw emotion in me. But The Reluctant Bride has done the trick. Bishop Troyer has succeeded in making my blood boil!

This first book in Kathleen Fuller's newest series isn't your average Amish novel. She chooses a more edgy path for her characters and delves into abuse including physical, mental and spiritual. While she allows the dark side of a tight knit community to be revealed this isn't just a novel filled with tragedy, far from it.

It is also a story of healing, hope, and the beginning of a lifelong love. I enjoyed following along while Sadie and Aden navigated the treacherous path set before them. The strength of character that developed in each of them was inspiring and their developing love for each other was moving. 

We expect to be able to trust and rely on our spiritual leaders but sometimes those leaders shouldn't be trusted. This book reminds us that we are all fallible and God should be the only One that we ultimately rely on. 

If you enjoy a story with depth that will surely evoke strong emotions then I encourage you to pick this novel up. Because of the subject matter I think it would make a particularly good choice for a featured read for your book club. To get the ball rolling there are discussion questions at the back of the book.

Connect With The Author






Faithful to Laura by Kathleen Fuller ~ Review & Giveaway





Kathleen Fuller
Middlefield Family, Book 2
Fiction/Amish

Back of the book:

Laura’s Amish faith requires her to forgive, but she can only think of revenge.

Laura Stutzman leaves her Kentucky community for Middlefield, Ohio, with one purpose: to find Mark King, the man who pledged his love to her, then left. She can’t move on with her life until he explains why.

Sawyer Thompson is a Yankee who spent his teen years in an Amish home. Now an adult, he has to make a decision—go back to the life he knew as a child or join the church. Having suffered loss at a young age, he understands Laura’s anger, but is determined to follow God’s will and forgive. As their friendship grows, Laura begins to let her guard down.

New information about Sawyer’s past threatens the couple’s budding relationship. Both Laura and Sawyer will need to release the anger they’re storing in their hearts and forgive the people who’ve harmed them. As Laura struggles to trust God, will Sawyer do whatever it takes to remain faithful to Laura?

About the author:




I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, lived in Geneva, Ohio for 16 years and now make my home in lovely Cabot, Arkansas. I've been married to James for 17 wonderful years (really, they have been wonderful!) We have three terrific children and four dogs. e have also raised cattle, pigs, and chickens at various times over the years. We would have gone into the goat business, but I had to draw the line somewhere.




I started writing in 2000, and published my first short story a year later. Since then I have authored several short stories, novellas, novels, and have done a lot of freelance non-fiction work. I have also worked as an editor. I have a Master’s degree in Special Education, emphasis on teaching the blind and visually impaired, and Bachelors in Early Childhood/Elementary Education. I have taught all age groups ranging from age 4 to age 18.

A few of my favorite things: my relationship with Christ, chocolate (of course!), autumn, a satisfying book, good friends, a sense of humor, people who don't take themselves seriously, haunting melodies, NFL football, and did I mention chocolate?

My thoughts:

When you’ve been wronged it is easy for a seed of bitterness to take root and grow. That is what has happened to Laura and Sawyer but for different reasons. Laura has the added burden of shame and guilt because she feels like she is responsible for what happened. Sawyer on the other hand has no idea what has been done until one day everything changes and all he thought was true isn't.

This series is the first that I have read of Kathleen Fuller. I love her unique voice in this large field of Amish fiction writers. She dares to explore areas such as revenge that is normally taboo in this genre. She uses emotions and feelings that everyday people have to bring about a satisfying ending.

I would not consider this a stand-alone title. I really think to get the most out of this you need to go back and read the first book Treasuring Emma. The storyline of this second book is a continuation of the first and well worth the read. I’m eagerly waiting for the next installment…who will the plot revolve around next?

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance With the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Giveaway:

One reader will win a copy of Faithful to Laura. Open to US only 18+. Giveaway will end on 11/26/2012 at 12:01am EST. Fill out the Rafflecopter form below to be entered!


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