Book Review: The Captive Heart by Dale Cramer

Excerpt: Caleb cleared his throat. "What I'm trying to say in my clumsy way is that if Gott says it is not good for the man to be alone, then it is probably not good too for people to be alone. We - my wife and children and me - have been alone in a strange land for a year now . . ."

His thoughts overwhelmed his voice for a moment and he paused to collect himself.

When he looked up again, his eyes found John Hershberger and he said quietly, "I think mebbe Gott meant for us to be with Him and with one another. I cannot tell you how full my heart is this morning when I look out and see that we are no longer alone. It is very, very good."

Miriam knew from personal experience that it was definitely not good to be alone. Keeping her eyes on her father, avoiding Micah's glances, she felt a pang of guilt. Domingo was not Amish. It was inevitable; any sort of relationship with him would surely bring censure of the church, but she couldn't help herself. His voice echoed in her head.

"Cualnezqui."

Beautiful one. The Captive Heart, pg 21.

Back Cover: The Epic Story of an Amish Community in Peril

Ravaged by disease, preyed upon by ruthless bandits, the Bender family's second year in Mexico has taken a grievous turn. Faced with impossible choices, the expatriate Amish discover, more than ever before, what it means to live by faith and not by sight.

But it's Miriam who must make the hardest choice as her heart takes her on a new and dangerous course. Domingo. "He is gentle," his sister said, "until someone he loves is threatened." Is Miriam that someone?

"Cualnezqui," he often calls her--the Nahuatl word for Beautiful one. The chiseled native has proven himself a man of principle, grace and power, yet is he the pearl of great price for whom Miriam would sacrifice everything, or is he merely a friend? Tormented by conflicting emotions, she's haunted by vivid dreams: Dressed in the coarse cotton pants and shirt of a peasant, she stands on the precipice of a sun-washed ridge searching desperately for Domingo. Domingo the fierce. Domingo the protector.

Domingo the forbidden.

Inspired by Actual Events!

My Review: The Captive Heart is the second book in the Daughters of Caleb Bender series. (You can read my review of  Paradise Valley, the first book in the series, here.) Dale Cramer's Amish fiction has a flavor all of its own. Too often, I am put off by this genre because of how the Amish way of life is romanticized. Cramer doesn't do that. The Captive Heart is the continuing story of an Amish community's struggle in a foreign and dangerous land. This novel is full of danger, bandits, disease, kidnapping and death. It is also a story of love and longing, and trying to understand the ways of God in the world of men. I appreciate Dale Cramer's style. There were times in this story that I felt distance from the characters. Maybe it was because there are so many characters to keep track of and care about. I didn't lose myself in this book like I would have liked, but I did enjoy it.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this book to readers of Amish fiction and fans of Dale Cramer.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Book Review: Beside Still Waters by Tricia Goyer

About the Book: Marianna Sommer believes she knows where her life is headed. Nineteen years old and Amish, her plan is to get baptized into the church, marry Aaron Zook, and live in the only community she's ever known.

When Marianna's family moves from Indiana to Montana she discovers life and faith will never be the same. As she builds an easy friendship with local guy, Ben Stone, Ben not only draws her heart, he also gets her thinking about what loving God and living in community is all about.

My Review: Beside Still Waters gives and interesting view into the life of an Amish family who has known their share of hardships, but still clings to the God that can sustain them. When the family decides to go to Montana, to escape the memories of a tragic accident, they are amazed to discover that the Englisch are not bad. As friendships bloom, so does the understanding of what it really means to be Amish, and a child of God.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I would recommend this book to those who enjoy Amish Fiction.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review.)

Book Review: Paradise Valley by Dale Cramer

Excerpt: "Do you understand what I'm saying?"

Caleb nodded once. "We understand you want us to sign a paper promising to send our children to school every day." The rest, in Caleb's opinion, was trivial.

The judge peered warily over his glasses.

"And will you agree to do this?"

Caleb did not hesitate, nor did he need to confer with his brethren. There was nothing to discuss.

"No, Your Honor. We will not."

"Sixty days," the judge pronounced, and banged his gavel. "Gentlemen, I'm very disappointed. You should think more of your children's futures. Rest assured, you have not heard the last of this. Bailiff, remove the prisoners." Paradise Valley, pg 26.

Back Cover: "I would do a great many things for you." Even at sixteen, Jake's handsome features hold the calm certainty and patient confidence of a man, and Rachel Bender knows - Jake Weaver is the one.


Rachel will grow into a strong young woman with powerful gifts - but in a faraway country, without her Jake. In 1921, Ohio's new law forces Caleb Bender's family to seek sanctuary in the wilds of Mexico, where the government will not interfere with their Amish way of life or take their children from them. Nor will it protect them from the bandits terrorizing the countryside.

In an unfamiliar land where no one speaks their language or knows their ways, the Benders establish a homestead in exile. Sisters Emma, Rachel and Miriam find strengths unimagined, gifts unexpected, and yearnings beyond their deepest dreams. Even steadfast Caleb is compelled to wrestle with the demands of faith, only to discover that love has its own demands.

My Review: I am still not a huge fan of Amish fiction, but I appreciate the way that Dale Cramer deals with the subject. Cramer doesn't romanticize the Amish lifestyle, but gives a real look into the good and the bad. Perhaps its because of his own family background with the Amish, but for whatever reason, Dale Cramer's Amish fiction rings with authenticity. One thing that I really liked about Paradise Valley was the historical context. I've often wondered about some of the historical issues that the Amish have dealt with, and this book brings out one that I've wondered about. How did the Amish deal with going to school with Englisher children, and what happens if they, or their families, are physically threatened. I'm interested in reading the other books to come in the Daughters of Caleb Bender series. Paradise Valley was an enjoyable first installment.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this book to lovers of historical Amish fiction.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Book Review: The Search by Suzanne Wood Fisher

Excerpt: Lainey felt as if her heart was pounding so loudly that Bertha must be able to hear it. She looked down at her lap and saw that her hands were trembling. It was such a hot day, but she was suddenly cold. For a brief second, the room started to spin and she thought she might faint. "How long...?" Her voice drizzled off.

"How long have I know?" Bertha leaned forward, cool as custard, to take a sip of iced tea. "From the moment I arrived at the hospital, after the accident." The Search, pg 58.

Back Cover: When worlds collide, can the truth set two young women free?

As a child caught up in crisis, Lainey O'Toole made a split-second decision with far-reaching effects. Fifteen years later, when her car breaks down in Stoney Ridge - the very town in which that decision was made - she is forced to face the past and discover how her decision has impacted so many.

Bess Reihl is less than thrilled to be spending the summer at Rose Hill Farm helping her intimidating grandmother Bertha recover from surgery. It doesn't take long for Bess to realize that her grandmother coaxed her to Stoney Ridge for an entirely different reason. But once Bess meets hired hand Billy Lapp, the summer starts to hold some promise.

Lainey's and Bess's worlds are about to collide, and the secrets that come to light will shock them both.

My Review: Though The Search is the third book in the Lancaster County Secrets series, it reads very well as a stand alone novel. Suzanne Wood Fisher does and amazing job showing us the heart of two young woman, both wanting a closer walk with God. The plot twists and turns, and as the characters deal with these changes, we get to see how being Amish is really about the heart. I really appreciated the emphasis that Fisher put on redemption and second chances. It was a good reminder to me not to make a final judgment about a person until I can see them through God's eyes. The Search is well worth the time to read.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this book to lovers of Amish fiction.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review.)

Book Review: An Amish Love by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller & Kelly Long

Excerpt: Joseph's mind whirled. What had the girl been saying? And suddenly a thought came to him - clear and resonant. Here was a provision from the Lord to have a girl like Abigail Kauffman in his life. It didn't matter that she'd obviously lied; she was young. Perhaps her father had forced her into it...

In any case, his impulsive nature took over. To deny the claim would mean the scorn and possible dismissal of his place in the community, something he'd worked too long and too hard to reclaim. And even though the little miss probably had a reputation for being wild, a woman's word, her honor, would always be more valuable than a newcomer's. To admit to the accusations might mean recompense as well, but perhaps not as bad, not in the long run anyway. And he'd have the beautiful Miss Kauffman eating out of his hand for defending her honor.

He lifted his head and met Mr. Kauffman's blazing eyes. "All right. I was wrong. I behaved... poorly with Miss Kauffman. I apologize."

"There. He admits to it. I'll get Abigail from the buggy. You can perform the ceremony here."

"What?" Joseph and Mrs. Knepp spoke in unison.

Mr. Kauffman's lips quivered, and for an instant Joseph thought he might burst into tears. "The wedding ceremony. The bishop will do it here, now." An Amish Love, pg 7.

Back Cover: Romance is in the air, Old-fashioned courtship is alive and well, and Love is an eternal promise.

My Review: An Amish Love is a wonderful collection of three beautiful Amish stories. In the story "A marriage of the Heart," Kelly Long explores the mind of a young woman seeking to escape the restrictions of her Amish upbringing. However, as she learns to take care of her husband, she finds the simple pleasures of a job well done, and the world loses its glamor in the light of her new understanding. I appreciated this story for the similarities that I see in children growing up in strict homes. Some long to throw off the restraints that there parents have placed on them, only to discover that true happiness is found in obedience.

"What the Heart Sees" by Kathleen Fuller is a moving story of a young girl who lost her eyesight in a tragic accident. It is a story of healing and hope, where only the truth can truly set a person free. I loved the character of Ellie because of her gentle spirit even through her difficult times. I can't imagine, personally, what it must be like to go blind like that, but Ellie grows through her difficulty and for that, she is truly courageous.

"Healing Hearts" by Beth Wiseman was not a typical Amish story. After a long separation, Levina and Namman have to learn to live together again. This story is one of fixing broken trust, and the complications that we can get ourselves into when we go our own way. "Healing Hearts" kept me flipping pages, wondering if these two people would ever learn to reconcile the past, and move into the future. Of course, the mysterious appearance of a sheriff searching for Namman added fuel to my curiosity.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to lovers of Amish Fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review.

Book Review: The Thorn by Beverly Lewis

Excerpt: It had been Hen who'd urged Rose to attend Sunday Singings again. Love can't find you if you're hiding at home, her sister had said last week. Yet Rose had been almost reluctant to go again - until Silas's letter had come today.

Starlight slanted in the sky as Rose sat there listening to the last of the stories. Looking at the top of Nick's head as he leaned in toward one of the children, she wondered how it might be if Silas asked to court her. How would it change her life?

A dream come true, she decided, cherishing the delicious warmth brought by this new excitement as she said her good-byes to the little ones and to Nick, then headed toward home.

But as Rose walked through the white moonlit pasture, the vision of Nick attentively sitting with the children lingered. The Thorn, pg. 40

Back Cover: Two Amish sisters divided by one sister's impulsive marriage to an outsider.

Hen longs for the Old Ways she left behind...

Rose is unsure of her own heart - devoted to the bishop's rebellious foster son, yet courted by another.

My Review: Up front, I'm not a huge fan of Amish fiction. However, I did enjoy Beverly's newest release. The thorn is full of real struggles by real people. I appreciated the way that Beverly handled the ever day life of the Amish. She's not afraid to give her characters faults, however, I do feel that like most Amish fiction, there is a bit of romanticizing the Amish lifestyle - not a lot, but some.

I find it interesting the way that Beverly ties in a mystery in the middle of this story. It adds an interesting dimension to an already good storyline. All the characters have struggles and desires that drive them to action. The writing was easy, and enjoyable to read - showing how well Beverly crafted this novel.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this book to lovers of Amish fiction. Beverly Lewis is a master at this genre, and this book is no exception.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Book Review: A Summer Secret by Kathleen Fuller

"First the mysterious button, then a bent page in her journal...now her juice boxes were missing. What was going on?

Standing up, she glanced around the barn. For the first time the cavernous space had lost its comforting appeal. She shuddered. Someone was watching her. She could feel it.

'Who's there?' she called out, walking the length of the dirt floor. 'I know someone's here.'

She heard a rustling sound outside. Rushing out the door, she ran around the back of the barn, expecting to find the spy. But nobody was there. Great. Now her imagination was running wild. She needed to get home before she lost her mind completely. She took a step backward.

Someone grabbed her arm." A Summer Secret, pg 33.

Mary Beth Mullet only wanted a place to call her own - a quiet place away from her three rambunctious brothers. The old condemned barn was the perfect spot for her to sit, dream, write and draw. No one knew her special place, at least that was what she thought until she found the button. Now, it seems that someone else knows about her secret place, an Mary Beth is determined to solve the mystery. With the help of her twin brother Johnny, she works to unravel the web of mystery.

I really enjoyed reading Kathleen Fuller's book. I liked the personality that she gave the characters. Too often in Amish fiction, the characters seem a little flat, and not easy to identify with. Mary Beth is not like that. I think that young girls will be able to identify with her struggles and desires. I also think that the book teaches a great lesson about helping others in the right way. This was a great book and I look forward to reading the next mystery.

This book is a great piece of juvenile fiction. I would highly recommend adding it to your daughter's library.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson for the purpose of review.)

Book Review: Levi's Will by W. Dale Cramer

"He has come to bury his father. The event is a milestone for any man - the falling of the last barrier before his own yawning mortality - but for Will McGruder it is more, having lost great chunks of his father in the tempest of his life, a tempest that with every passing year seems more preordained." Levi's Will, pg. 10.

When Will Mullet left his father's farm, in the Old Order Amish community, he chose to leave behind his past, his family and his name. But the past isn't so easy to bury, and there are things that Will can't forget. Eventually his thoughts drive him back to his father's farm, but Levi won't talk to his son. Will has been put on the ban, and Levi will not forgive a young man's indiscretions.

Levi's Will is a story of the power of truth, forgiveness and love. Will not only seeks to be reconciled with his father and family, but also to bridge the gap between himself and his youngest son - but the road home is long and full of trials. Will isn't sure that he is ready to face them all.

I really enjoyed this story. I appreciated the unique perspective that Cramer uses to tell the story. The story carried me along, and I felt that I knew Will and his son, Riley, well by the end. I also found Cramer's style intriguing. The story bounces back and forth between the present and Will's past, yet the flow of the story feels natural and not disjointed. The characters are complex and very human. I enjoyed watching them grow as the story went on. Excellent craftsmanship!

(I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of reviewing.)

Book Review: Plain Promise by Beth Wiseman

"She recalled the phone call from Mr. Saunders's personal assistant. The woman requested the one-bedroom cottage January through March for Mr. Saunders, but only after insisting that his privacy be respected during his stay. Sadie had hesitated. Her previous renters had been couples and families. How would it look for a single man to be occupying the same property as Sadie for three month, even if they were under separate roofs? Would the bishop be displeased?" Plain Promise, pg 4.

Sadie Fisher, a young Amish widow, struggles with the wisdom of her decision. Was it right to let Kade Saunders stay in her cottage all winter? Kade is running away from his hectic life in Los Angelas. The last think that Kade Saunders wants is the complication of a woman in his life. What he gets is more complicated than he could have imagined. Kade’s soon-to-be-ex wife arrives and drops off their autistic son for Kade to take care of. Kade is now faced with challenges that threaten to undo him... until the beautiful Sadie steps in to help.

Plain Promise is a sweet, comforting story of two people from two different worlds. There are no huge twists and turns in the book, but there were many interesting sub-plots going on throughout. Beth does a wonderful job fleshing out her characters. They are believable, vulnerable and strong at the same time. One of my favourite characters in the story was Jonas. The older Amish man was so much fun to read about. He reminded me a lot of my grandfather, at the beginning of his struggle with Alzheimer’s. Though part of a series, this book reads well on its own. I would recommend this book to those who want a heart-warming story set among the Amish of Lancaster County.

Book Review: A Man of His Word

"Moriah Byler ran her fingers across the soft fabric of the dress hanging on her closet door. Its powder-blue hue, her favorite color, resembled a clear summer sky. Giddiness coursed through her. In three hours she would don the dress, and before God and her church, she would become Mrs. Levi Miller." A Man of His Word, page 1.

Set in the peaceful Amish community of Middlefield, Ohio, Kathleen Fuller takes the reader to a simpler life in the Old Order.

Life seems perfect as Moriah marries the man of her dreams. Soon, however, those dreams turn into a nightmare as her husband leaves her, the church and their unborn child. A tragic accident claims his life before he can return to her. Moriah buries herself in her grief, unwilling to allow anyone near her broken heart. Trust is too painful, even when it comes to trusting God.

This story is actually two love stories woven into one book. Moriah’s story takes the center stage, while her younger brother, Tobias, struggles with his own heart. It is through the wise council of an older man, that Tobias finally realizes what must be done in matters of the heart.

This is the first Amish novel that I have read. I love the realness of these characters as they struggle through some difficult circumstances – abandonment, betrayal, death, love and trust. Kathleen Fuller's novel is well researched and displays the life of the Amish in a very respectful way. The glossary in the front was a wonderful resource, as the characters used Pennsylvanian Dutch vocabulary.

I enjoyed this novel. I finished it in less than 36 hours. A good read!