Jennie Beiler’s husband was supposed to be dead, so she’s shocked when he rescues her from an attacker. Although Luke has no memories of his Englisch wife, it’s up to him to protect her from someone who won’t stop until she’s dead. Can the peaceful Amish community he returned to after losing his memory shelter them and their son this Christmas when danger strikes again?
This is the 9th installment in the Amish Country Justice Series from Dana Lynn.
Once I started reading this captivating story I couldn't put it down. The author brings strong characters and a spine tingling suspense.
The story centers around Jennie Beiler. A single mom who's preparing for holidays with her 4 year old son. A news broadcast captures her attention and sets in motion a chain of events that will forever change her life. She grew up in foster care after reporting and testifying against her stepfather for abuse and her mother relinquishing her parental rights. Jeanie has learned to keep her emotions close and has only shared them with one other person, Luke. His loss devastated her, but knew she had to be strong because she had a child to raise. This was not the life she had envisioned, but it was what she had. Suddenly finding out her step father had escaped prison and Luke showing up on her doorstep was much more than she was ready to deal with. I loved how even though Luke had amnesia he still felt a strong need/desire to protect Jennie. Could Luke regain what he had lost? Luke is a strong Amish man who wants to do right not only God, but also Jennie and his son. He never once thinks of himself first.
As the story opens I am quickly pulled me in and held me until the end (until 2:20 in the morning I might add). This story has elements of mystery, suspense, complex characters, turmoil, faith, and love. The plot flows effortlessly. The engaging characters are raw and real. This book is part of a series, but is written as a stand alone read.
I would recommend this book to anyone who love a clean story, Amish, or a good suspense.
**I received this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
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.
Suzanne Woods Fisher has writtent he first installment, Mending Fences, in The Deacon's Family series. This book takes the reader back to Stoney Ridge and introduces bad boy Luke Schrock. After a year of exile and 3 stints in rehab Luke had not planned to return to the community, but his bishop, David Stoltzfus, thought for Luke to truly heal that he must first face his past. Luke wasn't so sure about how welcoming the Amish would be to him considering his past, but he was willing to at least try. So David arranged for Luke to live at Windmill Farm with Amos and Fern Lapp. Of course Amos had his conditions and so did David. One step out of line and Amos would turn him out. I really enjoyed this book! I was immediately pulled into the story and couldn't put it down until I turned the last page. This captivating story pulled on my heartstrings in so many ways. Luke is a character that stole my heart. He has a checkered past in Stoney Ridge where his childhood mischief led to becoming involved with alcohol as a way to escape his thoughts and feelings. This character felt so real to me. I can feel his anxiety about returning home and knowing he's really not welcomed or wanted which is only compounded by his mother not being their to meet his bus. His one stability is David and his support on returning. As Luke begins on his list of people to appologize to his eyes begin to open as to how his mischief could have a negative impact on people. He honestly never dreamed the outcome of some and it deeply bothered him to the point he wanted to make amends. Isabella "Izzy" Miller was invited to stay at Windmill Farm by Amos and Fern. She is not Amish, but as a child she lived next door to an Amish family and has fond memories of them. In the year she has been staying at Windmill Farm she has easily adapted to the the plain life, but she has also been secretly looking for her mom. She is looking for answers to questions that have plagued her life for so long. She loves the farm and loves selling fruits/vegetables at the farm stand. After everything she has heard about Luke's past and with his arrival at the farm Izzy refuses to let his drama have an impact on her life, even when he reaches out a hand in friendship. This is a wonderful story about second chances on many levels. It includes elements of forgiveness, second chances, humor, engaging characters, turmoil, tension, faith, and love. This is a book I would recommend to anyone who loves Amish stories or a good, clean read. **I received this book from the publisher as part of their book bloggers program. I was not expected to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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?
Suzanne Woods Fisher’s interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised Plain in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they can provide wonderful examples to the world. But she’s not implying they’re perfect, or hold a secret to life. In both her fiction and non-fiction books, she has an underlying theme: You don’t have to “go Amish” to incorporate many of their principles–simplicity, living with less, appreciating nature, forgiving others more readily, trusting in God–into your life. Those are values that can be sought and reached by all of us.
When Suzanne isn’t writing or playing tennis or bragging to her friends about her grandbabies (so cute!), she’s volunteering with puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To her way of thinking, you just can’t take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone’s underwear in its mouth.
I have only been reading Amish stories for the past 3 or 4 years. In fact, Suzanne Woods Fisher was the author of the first Amish book I read and since then I have been hooked on her writing. She weaves words together that bring the setting, plot and characters alive in my mind. Honestly, I didn't know much about the Amish until I started reading her books. She has educated me to not only their beliefs, but also their way of life. I am by no means and expert, but I have a better understanding.
This is the third installment in the Amish Beginning series. It can be read as a stand alone story with all the background she weaves into her story, but I would encourage you to read the first two books so you will get the full impact of the series.
This story centers around two young women who come from similar backgrounds, but nothing alike. Betsy Zook lives in the area north of Lancaster with her parents and two brothers. They are recent immigrants from Germany and are practicing Mennonites. Tessa Bauer is the daughter of the minister of Stoney Ridge Amish church. Tessa is an only child and holds Hans Johnson Bauer, her father's foster brother, in high esteem.
Betsy's home was attacked by Indians. Her parents were killed and one younger brother, Willie, escaped. She and her other brother, Johnny, were taken captives by warriors. She suffers at the hands of the warriors, but when taken as a tribute by another her life began to change. Her captivity changes her in ways she doesn't quiet understand. She longs to return to her people even though she has adjusted to this new way of life. I really felt compassion for this young woman and hoped she would be reunited with her brothers.
Tessa sees Betsy abduction as a way to finally have Hans see her as a possible woman he could marry, instead of a young girl. Tessa spends more time with Hans and offers her support to his feelings of desperation and suddenly they become closer. This was her greatest hope come true come true.
This story has elements of anguish, anger, fear, jealousy, faith, but most of all love. The plot immediately takes you back to prerevolutionary life and gave me a glimpse of how hard it can be in many ways. I loved both main characters for many reasons. Betsy wanting to go back to the life she knew and was comfortable, but when you leave can you truly go back. Betsy shows how she has matured in her thinking and reasoning. Tessa was a young girl learning about life through making mistakes and dreams as many of us done while growing up.
A wonderful story I would recommend to anyone who loves history or a good Amish story. The only thing I didn't like was that this would be the end of this series.
**I received this book from the publisher as part of their blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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.
Jan Drexler brings a unique understanding of Amish traditions and beliefs to her writing. Her ancestors were among the first Amish, Mennonite, and Brethren immigrants to Pennsylvania in the 1700s. Their experiences are the basis for her stories. Jan lives in South Dakota with her husband, their four adult children, two active dogs, and a cat. When she isn't writing, she enjoys hiking the Black Hills and the Badlands. She is the author of the Love Inspired novels The Prodigal Son Returns, A Mother for His Children, and A Home for His Family (September 2015).
My Thoughts:
This is the third book in the Journey to Pleasant Prairie series from the author. I was immediately swept back to 1846 in the fairly newly established Amish community in Indiana. This is the story of Naomi Schrock. Naomi is a sweet, young Amish woman who on her trip from Pennsylvania to Indiana encountered a young boy who had been orphaned by a violent storm. Naomi felt an immediately felt a connection to the little boy, Davey, and adopted him knowing that people would wonder about not only his parentage, but also her virtue. After their arrival to Indiana the family has settled into a routine, but there is an undercurrent of discord between their community about tradition and their faith.
Cap Stoltzfus has newly arrived to the community from Holmes County, Ohio. He has suffered a great loss and thinks starting over in a new place might let him put his past behind him. His property lies next to to Schrock farm and he meets Davey almost immediately. Davey brings his past memories to the surface and is immediately drawn to him.
As Cap is drawn into the Amish community he becomes quick friends to the Schrock family, but especially Naomi and Davey. Davey is a lively, young boy who is looking for a big adventure and doesn't always do what he is told which lands him in trouble from time to time. Naomi is attracted to Cap, but their different opinions on child rearing brings many questions about the possibility of a relationship with Cap. With the appearance of someone from Cap's past not only will he cause problems within the community, but also for Cap and Naomi's future.
This is a wonderful conclusion to this series. I loved this story. It has elements of forgiveness, crisis of faith, mystery and love. The plot is engaging and pulled me in quickly. The story quickly came to life for me through the characters and their journey. Even though this book is part of a series I believe this is a stand alone story. The author gives background details that makes it unnecessary to read the first two books, but I encourage you to read them to get the full impact of the story.
**I received this book from the publisher as part of their book bloggers program. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Will Love Be Enough to Fix What Tragedy Threatens?
Gregarious Rose Lehman, who's always the life of the Amish youth singings, is determined to marry the bishop's son, Reuben Byler--until the handsome Army buddy of her future brother-in-law shows up in Lancaster County. In comparison to Trevor, Reuben seems downright boring. Trevor shares Rose's sense of fun and adventure, and her easygoing disposition.
When her sister Lila is injured in a devastating accident, Rose finds herself with more freedom than she's ever experienced in her life. Only Reuben seems to notice, but he never voices his concerns. Part of her relishes the freedom she's found with Trevor, but the other part wishes Reuben would finally express his love and "fight" for her. Have her choices ruined her best chance at love, or is there another path to happiness she just hasn't seen yet?
Leslie Gould is the coauthor, with Mindy Starns Clark, of the #1 bestselling The Amish Midwife and The Amish Nanny. She is also the author of numerous novels including two Lancaster Amish series. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Portland State University and has taught fiction writing at Multnomah University as an adjunct professor. She resides with her husband and four children in Oregon.
Leslie Gould brings us the third installment in her Neighbors of Lancaster County series.
This is the first book in the series that I have read. I had no problems jumping into this series, so I would consider this a stand alone book. Of course I recommend reading the first two books, Amish Promises and Amish Sweethearts, to get a full impact of the series.
As the story opens we are introduced to the Lehman family, who are preparing for the upcoming marriage of Lila Lehman and Zane Beck. The story primarily focuses on Rose Lehman who is Lila's sister. She is a little self-centered and judgemental. She has made up her mind to marry Reuben Byler and is frustrated that he is taking his time in proposing and needless to say patience is not one of her virtues. When her sister Lila is involved in a horrific accident suddenly Rose finds herself with more responsibilities than she could handle with trying to help with Lila's recovery and running her dad's house.
I was immediately drawn into this endearing story. The characters are both engaging and complex. I could feel their fear, joy and turmoil. Rose was not a character I loved immediately, but soon my heart was breaking for this young woman. The plot flows effortlessly with unexpected twists and turns. We see elements of faith, curiosity, forgiveness, trust, and second chances. This is a wonderful story that I would recommend to anyone.
**I received this book from the publisher as part of their book bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
When she feels the pull of both home and the horizon, which will she choose? Mattie
Schrock is no stranger to uprooting her life. Even as her father
relocated her family from one Amish community to the next, she always
managed to find a footing in their new homes. Now as the Schrock family
plans to move west from Somerset County to a fledgling Amish settlement
in Indiana, she looks forward to connecting with old friends who will be
joining them from another Pennsylvania community--friends like Jacob
Yoder, who has always held a special place in her heart.
Since
Mattie last saw Jacob, they've both grown into different people with
different dreams. Jacob yearns to settle down, but Mattie can't help but
dream of what may lie over the western horizon. When a handsome
Englisher tempts her to leave the Amish behind to search for adventure
in the West, will her pledge to Jacob be the anchor that holds her
secure?
Jan Drexler brings a unique understanding of Amish traditions and
beliefs to her writing. Her ancestors were among the first Amish,
Mennonite, and Brethren immigrants to Pennsylvania in the 1700s. Their
experiences are the basis for her stories. Jan lives in South Dakota
with her husband, their four adult children, two active dogs, and a cat.
When she isn't writing, she enjoys hiking the Black Hills and the
Badlands. She is the author of the Love Inspired novels The Prodigal Son Returns, A Mother for His Children, and A Home for His Family (September 2015).
My Thoughts:
Jan Drexler brings us the second installment in the Journey to Pleasant
Prairie series. Even though this book is part of a series it's an easy
stand alone story. This is Mattie Schrock's story. This story is seen
through the young eyes of a young Amish girl as her family moves from
Brothers Valley to start a new settlement in Indiana. Mattie has a dream
that has stayed with her and that is of seeing the western mountains
and this is the first step of her dream or so she thinks. Mattie feels
there's more to life than the daily chores and she wants to experience
it all. Unfortunately this journey will be a difficult crossing and will
show Mattie her true hearts desire. I loved this story. It was full
adventure, love, community and most of all faith. It pulled me in
quickly and kept me turning the pages. The plot gives us a glimpse in
the migration and the difficulties faced by the Amish in their search
for a new land and a way to keep true to their faith. The wonderful
characters weaved their way into my heart quickly. I truly think this is
a wonderful story that is a must read for anyone who loved Amish
stories. *I received this book from the publisher as part of their book blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Suzanne Woods Fisher is the author that introduced me to Amish fiction.
My love of Amish started with her Lancaster County Secrets series and I have been following her writing ever since. When she introduced The Bishop's Family I knew it was a series I wanted to read. I have loved getting to know the Stoltzfus family. The release of the third in the series is The Devoted which is Ruthie's story.
The Amish life is all she's ever known--but will it satisfy her soul? Restless
and adventurous, Ruthie Stoltzfus is right on the cusp of leaving her
Amish home. Secretly, she's earned her GED, saved her money--but she
can't quite set her journey into motion. Just as everything falls into
place, along comes Patrick Kelly.
Patrick is a young man on a
journey of his own. He's come to Stoney Ridge to convert to the Amish
and has given himself thirty days to learn the language, drive a buggy,
and adapt to "everything Plain." Time is of the essence and every moment
is to be cherished--especially the hours he spends with Ruthie, his
Penn Dutch tutor.
Ruthie's next-door neighbor and cunning
ex-boyfriend, Luke Schrock, is drawn to trouble like a moth to a flame.
Rebellious, headstrong, defiant, Luke will do anything to win Ruthie back--and Patrick Kelly is in his way.
Enter today, but hurry! The giveaway ends on November 2. The winner will be announced November 3 on Suzanne's blog.
Meet the Author:
Suzanne Woods Fisher is a bestselling author of Amish fiction and
non-fiction. Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, who
was raised Plain in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. She travels back east
a couple of times each year for research. For fun, too.
Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they
provide wonderful examples to the world. She has an underlying belief
in her books–you don’t have to “go Amish” to incorporate many of their
principles into your life: simplicity, living with less, appreciating
nature, forgiving others more readily, trusting in God.
When Suzanne isn’t writing, playing tennis, or bragging to her
friends about her grandbabies (so cute!), she is raising puppies for
Guide Dogs for the Blind. To her way of thinking, you just can’t take
life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with
someone’s underwear in its mouth.
This is the third book in The Bishop's Family series, but is easily a stand alone to me.
In
this story we travel back to Stoney Ridge and the Bishop's family. We
find Ruthie at a crossroads in her life. She is unsure of what she truly
wants to do, but has obtained her GED to give her some options. She has
worked at the near by inn, but knows she wants to do something more. An
outsider, Patrick Kelly, has arrived and wants to live among the Amish
for 30 days and immerse himself in the culture. At first Ruthie is
astonished and thinks he doesn't truly understand the true rigors of
life living Amish, but as she gets to know him and starts seeing Amish
life through his eyes it opens hers and she's not the only one. The
Bishop is suddenly seeing things that he had not really ignored, but
over looked. This is a well written story that pulled me in from the
very first page. The author weaves words together that bring the
community and characters to life for me. The plot is sweet, engaging and
flows effortlessly. The characters are strong and well developed and
the secondary characters are well integrated into the story. I was
pulled to Ruthie's turmoil almost immediately. I imagine she is like
most young people when they come to a crossroad in their life. I love
the parenting style of the Bishop. The author brings us a wonderful
story with elements of mystery, love, and faith. I would recommend this
to anyone who loves a good Amish story.
**I received this book from the publisher as part of their book bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Years ago, a picnic basket brought two hearts together. For Rachel and Mike, history may be about to repeat itself.Rachel
Fisher is devastated when the young man she’s loved for years leaves
her to date her best friend. Her heart is broken, and she has all but
given up on love. Determined to keep her mind off the pain, she starts
teaching at an Amish school for children with learning disabilities. Since
his father became ill, Mike Lantz has been overwhelmed with the
responsibility of providing for his family and caring for his
six-year-old brother, John. When John joins Rachel’s class and she
learns that his mother is deceased and his father sick, she desperately
wants to help the family, even with something as simple as a meal.With
her parents’ old picnic basket, Rachel begins sending food to the Lantz
family. As the weeks go by, John’s grades start to improve, and the
attraction grows between Rachel and Mike. They can’t deny that their
friendship is growing toward something more, but both of them are
hesitant to risk a more serious relationship. The last thing
Rachel wants is another heartbreak, and Mike is worried about providing
for his loved ones. Will the two be able to reconcile their past hurts
with new hope for the future?
Here is Amy telling us about The Courtship Basket:
About Amy:
Amy Clipston has been writing for as long as she can remember. Her
fiction writing “career” began in elementary school when she and a close
friend wrote and shared silly stories. She has a degree in
communications from Virginia Wesleyan College and is a member of the
Authors Guild, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Romance Writers
of America. She is the author of the bestselling Kauffman Amish Bakery
series and Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series with HarperCollins
Christian Publishing. Amy works full-time for the City of Charlotte,
NC, and lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, mother, and
four spoiled rotten cats.
I loved this story. Amy Clipson takes us back to Lancaster County Pennsylvania for the second installment in her Amish Heirloom series. This sweet story begins with the marriage of Veronica Fisher and Jason Huyard. Mattie and Leroy have 3 daughters, Veronica, Rachel and Emily. Rachel is enjoying the wedding and dreaming of her own wedding to David Beiler. Oh they weren't engaged just yet, but had been dating for four years so the she knew they would soon be announcing their intentions. Suddenly her dreams were evaporating into thin air when she happens upon David and her best friend, Sharon, talking about their own relationship and being open with Rachel about it.
Rachel shows great strength of character when she accepts the job at the Amish school for children who needs extra help. She never imagined herself as a teacher, but she has made up her mind to put all her energies into her position. When assigned a new student John Lantz she finds herself drawn to this young student who recently lost his mother. Unfortunately everything she tried in class fell short of getting John involved in the classroom work, so taking it upon herself she approached his older brother Mike Lantz about not only John's behavior, but his academics.
Mike Lantz is a young man who is truly overwhelmed with responsibilities. His father and uncle share ownership of Bird-in-Hand Builders, but since his father's illness Mike has stepped up to do his father's work. Of course that also extends to their home and care of the animals. He has cousins to help with his father during the day, but in the evenings he's left with the responsibility of not only caring for his father and younger brother, John.
Rachel shows up at their house to talk with Mr. Lantz not realizing the home situation and spoke with Mike about John. Mike tried to explain the situation and that they were trying to help John. Rachel feeling bad about how it may have looked to Mike about her concerns and decided that she wanted to help in any way possible. Her sister Emily gave her the idea to possibly prepare a meal a few times a week and send home with John and also to help tutoring him. Rachel became excited about this plan and hoped it would help convincing Mike to forgive her actions.
This is a very sweet story with elements of betrayal, forgiveness, love and lots of faith. Rachel was a character that I found to be very strong. She was dealt a blow, but didn't let it keep her down. She showed her strength of character so many times throughout the story. Mike was someone I immediately liked. His love of family and stepping up to take on responsibilities he knew nothing about. I was immediately drawn into the plot from page one and with each page I turned I became more invested in the story. This is a book I would recommend to anyone who loves Amish stories.
I received this book free from the
publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book
review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The
opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with
the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Next book in the series, The Cherished Quilt, is set to be released Nov., 2016.
When Christopher Hochstetler comes
from Ohio to work at his uncle’s shop in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, he
gets off on the wrong foot with Emily Fisher. But when he finally opens
up to her about his tragic reasons for leaving home, her heart begins
to change.When Christopher
compliments an old quilt, Emily decides to make a similar quilt for
Christopher as a gesture of friendship. Emily knows she must guard her
heart, as Christopher is not a baptized member of the church, but she’s
suddenly found someone with whom she can imagine sharing a future. When a
family emergency calls Christopher back home to Ohio, Emily decides to
finish the quilt, in spite of her pain, and send it to him for
Christmas. But when Christopher receives it, will he have the courage to
truly follow his heart?
The Stoltzfus family faces serious problems, both in the church and
at home. Everyone in the community expects minister David Stoltzfus to
fix things–fast. But David doesn’t work fast. He prefers to wait for God
to work in individual hearts. However, even he is left wondering if the
solution to their most pressing problem might be a Quieting.
When David’s mother arrives, uninvited, more upheaval is in store.
She has matchmaking plans for everyone in the family, including David
and her eligible granddaughters–and especially for David’s niece
Abigail. When Abigail stumbles onto a curious connection during her
genealogical research, it could help David solve one problem–but will it
create another?
Meet the Author:
Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Letters, The Calling,
the Lancaster County Secrets series, and the Stoney Ridge Seasons
series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. She is also the coauthor of an Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner for The Search, a Carol Award finalist for The Choice, and a Christy Award finalist for The Waiting. She is also a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California.
It is a method of church discipline that revokes the ordination of a minister, deacon or bishop. It is meant to act as a thunderclap to an individual who hears only what he wants to hear.
My Thoughts:
Suzanne Woods Fisher takes us back to Stoney Ridge and the struggles David Stolzfus is facing. He's a widow and raising 6 children on his own, but he's also a minister and the owner of the Bent N' Dent store.
David has been facing a crisis in his church. Freeman Glick, the Bishop, made a grievous error in his duties by switching the lots in the hymnals during the choosing of a minister or bishop. Freeman refused to believe he had done anything wrong because he only modeled his behavior after the former bishop, Elmo Beiler. This wasn't a decision for an individual, but rather the voice of the church. David knew this was a problem that needed to be not only addressed, but also dealt with for the good of the church.
The one thing he hasn't anticipated is the arrival of his mother and two nieces from Ohio. Tillie Yoder Stolzfus is a wonderful mother, but also has the nickname of Meddler and she has arrived for a long-term visit. His two nieces are Laura and Abigail which are around the age of his oldest daughter, Katrina. Abigail is a literal person and only sees things in black and white. While she might get on some people's nerves for her literal talk, that's what draws Dane Glick to her. Of course at present the very last thing on her mind is courting, because currently she is trying to help her father with his genealogical research. Mammi, Tillie, basically finds fault with everything and everyone in the house. She even tries to take over the Bent N' Dent. It seems like she's trying and succeeding in ruffling everyone's feathers. I loved this story. I was immediately drawn in from the first page. The storyline brings elements of mystery, suspense, humor, and faith. The characters are both engaging and complex. David is so easy to love with his easy going personality. He truly wants to do what's best for the church. Abigail is a really strong girl without even knowing it. Her honestly brings complications in various forms, but it's probably what I like best about her. Dane is a character that will sweep you off your feet. He knows what her wants and plots his course to get it. The plot is full of twists and turns involving the family that it kept me turning the pages until the end. To be honest, I love learning about the Amish and since I am new to the genre I had not heard of a "Quieting" so I found that aspect of the story very interesting. Every church has problems because as members we are all human. I know every church handles things, but I liked how David went about finding the right answer for his church. To me it showed a true spiritual leader. This book is part of a series and I have read the first one, but with that being said I still feel that it is a story that can stand alone. The author give enough background in this story that the reading the first book is not necessary, but I would recommend it because it's such a great book. Of course I would recommend this book to anyone who loves the Amish genre or loves a good story. **I recieved this book from thepublisheras part of their book bloggers program for a honest opinion without bias or outside influence. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
