Quiet Quilter's Blog: Amish Fiction

Showing posts with label Amish Fiction. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Beverly Lewis has done it again!! WOW!! What a great book!!

"The Fiddler"

By Beverly Lewis

Another fantastic Amish novel from the author who gave birth to this popular genre in 1997! "The Shunning" was her first book that hit it big and those great books have not stopped coming. The setting is always in Pennsylvania , where Beverly was born and raised, thus her background in knowledge of Amish life is exceptional.

"The Fiddler" takes place in Hickory Hollow, Pennsylvania, where Beverly's first novels began, however this book has brand new characters, drama and new romances. An Englischer, Amelia Devries, takes a wrong turn in a rainstorm and ends up in a challenging situation, throwing her already confused life into turmoil. A concert violinist who likes to fiddle- quite the combination, and in total opposition to her parents' wishes. Now, Amelia encounters new difficulties and changes in her life.

Amelia meets Michael Hostetler, a devout Amishman, who lives in the exquisite little town of Hickory Hollow, an Old Order Amish community. Despite two very different backgrounds, both of these characters are feeling the same pressures, being hemmed in by the wishes and expectations of others. They are undergoing the same feeling of trying to attain their own goals and hopes, while it seems as it everyone important to them is opposing them.

Will this chance encounter change their path in life forever? Will God get them through these tough times?

Beverly successfully combines drama, romance and intense feelings into a winning story of faith and accepting God's plan for their lives. The characters become part of you- you worry with them , fear for them, and rejoice in their successes.
I could not put this book down. Had it read in a day and a half!!! Now, I am eagerly waiting for Book 2 in this series.
Great, great book!!!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Thursday, December 1, 2011

A True Winner in Amish Fiction

"An Amish Wedding" (a novella)
By: Kelly Long, Kathleen Fuller and Beth Wiseman

These fabulous authors of Amish fiction have succeeded again in producing a novella that all Amish fans will definitely not want to miss reading. Kathy and Beth have collaborated in previous novellas, but this time, Kelly has joined the crew! What a wonderful example of three books in one, tied together by the theme, Amish weddings, as the title tells us, using connecting characters in all of the stories, bringing unity to to the book.
Each author uses their unique style to successfully keep you entranced throughout the book. One story just leads into the next so smoothly that you hardly realize that a new author has taken over the story line. Each of these authors has the ability to describe their characters so well that each one becomes part of you. You feel their hurts, their challenges as well as their joy. Although the main characters are all Amish, they experience the same challenges, love and loss that the rest of us do. It is all about how they use their faith to deal in a time of crisis , as well as in times of joy.

Kelly Long, the author of "A Perfect Secret", does a marvellous job of catching our attention at the beginning of this book. Her story's main character, Rose starts out the story by bursting out disapproval at Luke's proposal!! Not an ounce of romance in this man, she thinks!! Does she really know Luke? Mysterious things begin to happen in the community, things are missing and Rose's fiance is right in the middle of the confused happenings. Will this wedding ever come to be?? So many things are going on !! Can God handle this challenge?? I can tell no more, without spoiling the book for perspective readers.

The second story, "A Perfect Match" by Kathleen Fuller, continues the saga of the wedding theme with her main character , Naomi, who is trying her best to make a match for her friend, Margaret. Zeke is the handsome young man who is in the area for his cousin's wedding. Naomi quickly takes on the role of a matchmaker. But is she trying to match the correct couple? Zeke is quickly falling in love, but not in keeping with "the plan". Naomi is falling in love but should she be??? Is it in God's plan for her life? Obstacles appear. Will there be a wedding in the near future for Naomi?

The third novella is by Beth Wiseman, who also outdoes herself again, in her story, entitled "A Perfect Plan". Priscilla is the young woman who is being matched up this time and Naomi, her sister, plays matchmaker again. Chester is invited to Priscilla's birthday party, unknown to her and decides to pursue her. They have one thing in common, they both want to go skydiving!!! Naomi is successful and the wedding finally is planned , however obstacles appear- poison ivy, a destroyed wedding dress plus a failed celery crop. Can it get much worse than this??? Is God sending a special message to stop this wedding from happening??

These three Amish ladies have a common bond- An Amish wedding is to take place! Problems, YES!! Can God prepare their hearts for marriage, in spite of the challenges?
The three authors have done an outstanding job in pulling together a common theme with connecting characters. You feel like you are a member of the family, waiting for the next move! All I can say is "WOW!"

This book is a winner !!! Humor is used as well as heartache! What wonderful talent is exhibited by these three authors. Well done!

Ebook provided by Booksneeze free of charge in exchange for a review.

Friday, October 7, 2011

Another Wonderful Amish Fiction Book- Don't miss this one!

Amish fiction at its
Best!

Tricia Goyer

"Along Wooded Paths"

By Tricia Goyer

Tricia has done an outstanding job
in this Amish fiction novel. Her first book of the series, "Beside Still Waters" was adventurous and full of feeling- often sad and heartbreaking. I thought that I could not possibly enjoy this one as well. However , I was wrong, glad to say!!! Along Wooded Paths, if possible, is even more enthralling , drawing you into the characters' lives and feeling their confusion , at times, while at others, their hope and faith. This book truly reveals the life of the Amish and their lifestyle . Tricia has captured their desire to live their lives according to their interpretation of the Bible.

The main character, Marianna Sommer , continues her life and trials in her family's new home in Montana, among the Englischers, actually depending on them a great deal. This is in great contrast to her former life in Indiana. Life in the remote mountains demands that neighbors depend on each other, whether Amish or Englisch. Marianna does learn to help others who live so differently from the way she was taught and her heart is torn. You feel her anguish in making important decisions.
A huge matter of concern for her , as well as her family is her desire to marry- BUT who will it be? The Amish man from Indiana , who she had planned to be her partner for many years and had to leave behind, or an Englisch gentleman , who walks more closely with the Lord than she has ever seen before!!!
Her confusion is evident as she grows in her faith in her new home. Marianna's heart is torn. What would God have her do? Should she sacrifice her family and the Amish life to marry the wonderful Christian Englischer or remain faithful to the man she fully expected to discover true happiness with in the Amish community? She finds the answer "along wooded paths", thus the title of the book. Very appropriate! Tricia keeps you guessing till the very end of the book as to her decision.

This book is truly one of faith and hope for the future as you walk with the main characters in their daily lives. It is a love story that we want to continue. Tricia, we eagerly await Book 3 in your series!!!

Find out about book 1, Beside Still Waters, here: http://www.triciagoyer.com/contemporaryfiction.html#BesideStillWaters

Read an excerpt.

About the Author:

Tricia Goyer is the author of thirty books includingSongbird Under a German Moon, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.

For more about Tricia and her other books visitwww.triciagoyer.com

Link to buy the book: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1433668696/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=sprightly-20&camp=213381&creative=390973&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=1433668696&adid=1GWJQSEY88PNG6ERWGQP

Come to a Facebook Party and Live Author Chat!

Tricia is celebrating the release of Along Wooded Paths with a Fabulous Facebook party on October 18th. She'll be giving away prizes and a sneak peak at the next book in the Big Sky series.

Then during the second half of the party she'll be hosting a LIVE AUTHOR CHAT on her website and announcing something BIG! CLICK the button (in bar to the right) to RSVP for the party - then go here to sign up for the Live Author Chat.

Blog tour schedule: Read what other reviewers have to say about this book. Click on : http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13430807)

To see a book trailer about this book , go to:

http://youtu.be/6MDNftvD8tE

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

What a Marvellous Amish Christmas Story!!!

Review of a FABULOUS B0ok "
By Suzanne Woods Fisher

"A Lancaster County Christmas"

If you are looking for a Christmas story, with meaning, look no further. Suzanne has done it again- this book is full of emotional turmoil, life changing events and a Christmas that heals and changes the lives of two couples. Suzanne's ability to involve you in the emotions and feelings of these people is rather uncanny. You want to "walk the walk" with them. At times there are tears, sometimes confusion, once in a while laughter- but most important of all there is the Joy of Christ that shines through this story of two confused young couples who are both seeking something- it appears at first they are of two totally different worlds, but the result is the same - hope and renewal- what they all need, reigns with the arrival of Christmas. It is a heartwarming tale indeed. God provides , although in a most unexpected way.

Mattie Riehl, an Amish housewife hopes, with all her heart to give her husband the gift of all gifts for Christmas - news that a new little one is on its way. But, as has happened before, meets with extreme disappointment that this is not to be the case. Sol will not be able to rejoice with her in this pleasure. It is just not to be. Mattie finds this extremely upsetting and hard to accept- aren't all Amish families large- she only has one son! Why is God doing this to her????? she wonders.

An English couple, Jaime and her husband, C.J., also are having their personal challenges. Through an appointment with a Doctor, the English and Amish couples cross paths briefly.
When the Doctor requests a favor from Jaime to deliver a forgotten item to their home, little did she realize how much her life would be affected. What a life changing event this Christmas would become!!

Suzanne manages to engage us in the mystery of a missing child lost in a snowstorm . C.J. who just happens to have his search and rescue dog with him, after he and his wife have been lost in a snowstorm, end up in the Riehl's home to wait out the weather, takes an active part in the drama. The two couple's lives become entwined as neither would have ever dreamed. Lives are changed. Dreams are revised. God gives faith and commitment to those who are totally surprised and changed by the course of events. God uses both couples to see what is really important in life- and Christmas becomes a truly joyous occasion.

This twisting plot keeps you reading late into the night!!! Suzanne's ability to engage you in this truly amazing Amish story is unbelievable. I could NOT put this book down!!
I must not tell you more, as it would spoil the surprises in the book, but I MUST say- READ this book. It is an inspiration to all of us to "wait upon the Lord." and our needs will be met.
I absolutely loved this book! Amish fiction being my favorite genre, I have read many stories and honestly believe this is one of the very best!!

About Suzanne:

Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised Plain. She has many, many Plain relatives living in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and travels back to Pennsylvania, as well as to Ohio, a couple of times each year for research.

Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world. 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-- into your life.

When Suzanne isn't writing or bragging to her friends about her first new grandbaby (!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To Suzanne's 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 book was provided free of charge in exchange for a review, by LitFuse.

To celebrate the release of her first Christmas book, Suzanne Woods Fisher has teamed up with her publisher, Revell, to bring you the "Christmas in September" iPad Giveaway! The winner will be announced on 9/27 at the A Lancaster County Christmas Facebook Party! Details below. Tell your friends and join in the fun (9/7-9/27).

Oh and be sure to follow the blog tour here - many of the bloggers have copies of the book to giveaway!

Suzanne and Revell will be presenting one merry winner with a Christmas Prize Pack (valued at over $600):

A Brand New iPad 2 with Wi-Fi
$25 gift certificate to iTunes
A copy of A Lancaster County Christmas

To enter, click here http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13425768. But, hurry the giveaway ends on 9/26.

But, wait! There's more! The winner will be announced at the A Lancaster County Christmas Facebook Party on 9/27 at Suzanne's author page. During the party she'll be revealing something *BIG* - you won't want to miss it. She'll also be hosting a book chat, trivia contest and giving away a few early Christmas presents! Hope to see you there.

Blog Tour Schedule: http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13425768)

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Review of another excellent Amish fiction book- by the way, my favorite genre!!

Ella's Wish

By Jerry S. Eicher

Jerry has outdone himself again! I read "A Wedding Quilt for Ella" a short time ago and enjoyed it so much. To be able to review the follow up book, "Ella's Wish" was a delightful experience.

Ella, the main character , has lost her husband , due to a tragedy. At the beginning of this book, she is trying to put her life back together, despite losing Aiden, her one true love. She has moved into the house that she would have shared with him, as his wife, after their wedding, if things had gone according to plans. Meaning, their plans, not God's! Somehow, Ella has to learn to survive on her own, but how can she forget her beloved? What will become of her?

This novel tells Ella's story, of how, with God's help, she finds her way through the darkness. Two suitors appear on the scene, but does Ella really want even one, let alone two? Ella's nightmares give her reasons to doubt her future with one of them.

While she is healing, Ella ministers to others by taking care of the three motherless children of the Preacher. She learns to love again, responding to their trust and love of her. Their simple affections seems to answer many of the questions in her heart. But is it God speaking?? Ella has to discover that herself.

Jerry's ability to make his characters come alive is to be commended. I felt Ella's confusion, hurts and challenges. A great book. I highly recommend it to all Amish fiction lovers.

This book was received in return for a review.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Another Fabulous Amish Novel by Kelly Long

Lilly's Wedding Quilt
By Kelly Long
Kelly definitely outdid herself in her newest Amish Fiction novel!! What a fantastic read!! This is one book you do not want to put down, until you are finished. Lost some sleep over this one!!
Jacob, handsome and headstrong, offers Lilly his hand in marriage, however his heart really belongs to someone else. What a dilemma!! He and Lilly become so much a part of you, that you live their challenges and heartache with them. These characters are so lifelike, you hurt with them and rejoice with them at other times. While Lilly has loved Jacob for years, she refused to let herself compete with Sarah King, the woman Jacob was determined to marry. To the reader's surprise, Sarah marries another man! Jacob then spontaneously agrees to marry Lilly.
Lilly, a lovely lady, in every way, has been dividing her time between teaching the local Amish children and caring for her widowed mother who suffers from rather severe depression. You can actually feel Lilly's sense of responsibility and her desire to be the sole object of Jacob's affection. She takes a very long time deciding how to protect her heart, but God is at work and slowly awakens the hearts of these two dear Amish people.
Lilly does NOT even think of her Amish wedding quilt , traditional gift for all young ladies getting ready to wed. The surprise for her is who is making one for her!! I will go no further as it would be a spoiler.
Jacob and Lilly's marriage binds them together in a way totally unexpected by both of them- as well as the reader.
This novel teaches you so much about Amish life and the differences between the sects in different areas and rules of different Bishops.
Thank you Kelly, for giving me a clearer understanding of the way of life of the Amish . What a great book!!
This book was provided by Booksneeze in exchange for a review.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Suzanne Woods Fisher has done it again!! "The Waiting" is a winner!

"The Waiting"
By Suzanne Woods Fisher
Well, Suzanne has done it again!! She has published her second Lancaster County Secrets novel, The Waiting and it is definitely a winner!!
The main character, Jorie's life is on hold. She has been waiting for Ben, her intended, to return to Lancaster County, settle down , join and the church and marry her. When news arrives that Ben has been killed, her hopes are dashed, she is devastated and turns to Ben's brother, Caleb for friendship. This friendship eventually develops into love- with two broken hearts healing the other and a promise for a fresh beginnings, UNTIL their worlds are turned upside down.
The characters are so realistic and complex, you can feel their pain as they struggle with their faith and desires. Although, the Amish are to known to have a simple life, their life is anything but that.
Suzanne has the ability to make the characters part of you and your family.
Her intertwining plots keep you on the edge of your seat, waiting for the next event to happen- how will these challenges be met!!
This book is not only meant for lovers of Amish fiction but for those who want to know more about the Amish lifestyle and how they deal with crises. Definitely a page turner. Once picked up, it is hard to set aside!!

This book was provided for this review by Litfuse.
Enter to win your very own KINDLE in Suzanne Woods Fisher’s KINDLE Giveaway! Enter at the link below and then be sure to attend Suzanne’s Lancaster Secrets Book Club Party on October 28th to see if you won (and to chat about books and win one of the MANY other prizes Suzanne is giving away)! http://www.litfusegroup.com/Blog-Tours/the-waiting-blog-tour.html

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Another Fabulous Book by Beth Wiseman

Seek Me With All Your Heart
By Beth Wiseman

Another great book from my favorite Amish fiction author!! What a delight to read!!
This book is a first in a new series, taking places in Colorado- called A Land of Canaan Novel.
It is still in Beth's wonderful style of writing but the Amish story takes a whole new twist- by taking place in a state not considered by many to be a residence for the Amish.

The land in this area is cheaper, so many are moving in this direction, others are trying to escape memories of strict bishops. For the main character, Emily, she and her family have moved there due to a very personal tragedy. I will not tell you more of this, as it would be a spoiler!! Coming from Ohio, in hope of helping heal painful memories, this family encounters more challenges. Memories seem to follow Emily wherever she is. She has to let the Lord heal these and this book, has her work her way to that purpose.

Another character, David, moves there with his family, not really understanding why they HAD to move. He has a serious health condition that makes him fear for his future and afraid of making commitments to anyone- even to the extent of becoming close to others.All he wants to do , is return home to Paradise, PA- until he meets Emily - and then new problems arise!!
This young couple just has one difficulty after another- each with fears, but now sharing them with each other.Can they overcome their challenges to form a lasting relationship? You will have to read to find out!!
A great book, one you can not put down until you finish it!!

Saturday, October 9, 2010

A Time To Love, by Barbara Cameron

This book is definitely a page turner!! Jenny, the main character is a war correspondent, who is injured in her line of duty- working with children in a war zone. She is fortunate enough to be about to go to her Amish grandmother's home to recuperate- a temporary time- she thinks!! Little does she realize, Jenny meets a man who she had a crush on as a teenager and has the challenge of bridging the life she has led as an Englisher to an Amish man and life. She also has her injuries to deal with and the recovery does not happen as easily as she had hoped.

I would highly recommend this book to readers of Amish ficition as well as those who like a good mystery. I did NOT want this book to end!!Will Jenny return to her job, or will she stay, settle and marry in the Amish community which she had left behind years before???

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Kathy Fuller at her best, yet again!!

Fantastic Amish Fiction for Young Adults- and us oldies, too!!, May 16 2010
By Karla Hanns (Ontario, Canada)

A Summer Secret (Paperback)

Kathy Fuller has done it again!! She has written another wonderful Amish novel, "A Summer Secret" - BUT this time it is the beginning of a series, entitled "The Mysteries Of Middlefield" for young adults. This doesn't mean those of us who are a "few" years beyond that, don't enjoy it too!! The setting is in Amish country, in Middlefield, Ohio, as all of her adult Amish fiction books are, but this time she has "spread her wings"!! This mystery is for a younger audience. The main characters are thirteen year old Mary Beth, an Amish girl and her twin brother,Johnny as well as a "Yankee", Sawyer- a young runaway from the city. It seems as if poor Mary Beth is always enduring the boyish pranks and responsibility of caring for her brothers. She has found a secret peaceful place to get away from it all- in an abandoned barn nearby. Although Mami and Daed have forbidden her to go there- she needs her own space and disobeys. But, then the story becomes exciting- is this really her secret place???? This leads her to a mystery that could put her in grave danger!!! Should she tell her strict Amish parents or not??
The true Amish family life was evident in this story. The young people have normal problems and become involved in situations that are against their Christian values, somewhat. This story is a cliff hanger- what will these kids do to solve the mystery, as well as obey their parents?? The ending was quite different from what I was expecting-
a surprise which was a delight!! I can hardly wait for Book 2 to come out- AND I AM NOT the intended audience- but it is again, Amish fiction at its best!!

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