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Daughters of Caleb Bender #1
Paradise Valley
An Amish settlement in Ohio has run afoul of a law requiring their children to attend public school. Caleb Bender and his neighbors are arrested for neglect, with the state ordering the children be placed in an institution. Among them are Caleb's teenage daughter, Rachel, and the boy she has her eye on, Jake Weaver. Romance blooms between the two when Rachel helps Jake escape the children's home. Searching for a place to relocate his family where no such laws apply, Caleb learns there's inexpensive land for sale in Mexico, a place called Paradise Valley. Despite rumors of instability in the wake of the Mexican revolution, the Amish community decides this is their answer. And since it was Caleb's idea, he and his family will be the pioneers. They will send for the others once he's established a foothold and assessed the situation.Caleb's daughters are thrown into turmoil. Rachel doesn't want to leave Jake. Her sister, Emma, who has been courting Levi Mullet, fears her dreams of marriage will be dashed. Miriam has never had a beau and is acutely aware there will be no prospects in Mexico.Once there, they meet Domingo, a young man and guide who takes a liking to Miriam, something her father would never approve. While Paradise Valley is everything they'd hoped it would be, it isn't long before the bandits start giving them trouble, threatening to upset the fledgling Amish settlement, even putting their lives in danger. Thankfully no one has been harmed so far, anyway.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2010
441 people are currently reading
3463 people want to read
About the author
Dale Cramer
5 books122 followersAbout Dale
Dale Cramer was the second of four children born to a runaway Amishman turned soldier and a south Georgia sharecropper’s daughter. His formative years were divided between far-flung military bases, but he inherited his mother’s sense of place—
"I remember knee-deep snow in the Maryland woods, chasing horned toads in El Paso, playing soccer in Mainz, and the way German shopkeepers and hausfraus fussed over us kids. But when I picture that sun-rippled macadam road leading up to my granparents’ house in Georgia I can still feel the anticipation. That was home."
True to his Amish ancestry, Dale skipped college and went to work with his hands, earning a living as an electrician, but he had early acquired the habit of reading widely and voraciously. The thought was never far from his mind that someday he would like to write books. In 1975 he married his childhood friend, Pam Crowe, and in the early years of their marriage the two of them enjoyed traveling, camping, water skiing, scuba-diving, snow skiing and flying sailplanes. They eventually bought a piece of land and built a home out in the country south of Atlanta. In 1990 their first child, Ty, was born. Dusty arrived two years later. Unlike their parents (Pam was an Army brat as well) Ty and Dusty have lived in the same place all their lives.
At the age of forty, with two toddlers in the house, Dale began to ask deeper questions of himself. He’d attended church all his life but never felt a real sense of God’s presence. After months of study and meditation he began to feel that he was being called to do something, but he had no idea what it was. He finally came to understand that genuine commitment means no reservations, that the answer to the question ‘Will you do it?’ is not ‘What is it?’ The only acceptable response is ‘Yes—whatever the question, the answer is yes.’ That deeper level of commitment brought a very real sense of God’s presence and a sense of direction in Dale’s life, though he still did not know the direction.
After keeping the boys in daycare for a year Pam and Dale decided to make whatever sacrifices were necessary to provide a full-time home. The decision altered their lives in ways neither of them could have anticipated when Dale drew the short straw and became a stay-at-home dad—
"A baby is a lot like an old truck— it leaks and makes weird noises. Clean up the mess, top off the fluids, and the noises usually stop."
He took on small construction projects at night to help make ends meet— "and to preserve the remainder of my sanity," he says. While building an office in the basement of a communications consultant, a debate over labor/management relations turned into an article on mutualism which found its way into an international business magazine. It was Dale’s first published article, and he liked the feel of it. He bought books, studied technique, and began participating in an online writers’ forum, writing during the boys’ naps and after they went to bed at night. Before long he was publishing short stories in literary magazines and thinking about writing a book.
Three storylines vied for Dale’s attention when he finally decided to write a novel. His first two choices were commercially viable secular stories, and a distant third appeared to be some kind of Christian saga about a broken-down biker. The process of determining which novel to write was settled by a remarkable encounter with his youngest son, a lost set of keys, and God.* His sense of direction was suddenly clarified. In 1997, Dale began work on Sutter’s Cross, which was eventually published in 2003.
His second novel, Bad Ground (July 2004), while it is not autobiographical, contains a great deal of material drawn from his own experience as a construction electrician. The industrial setting is based on a real water treatment plant on the southside of Atlanta. One of the main characters, who has been
Dale Cramer was the second of four children born to a runaway Amishman turned soldier and a south Georgia sharecropper’s daughter. His formative years were divided between far-flung military bases, but he inherited his mother’s sense of place—
"I remember knee-deep snow in the Maryland woods, chasing horned toads in El Paso, playing soccer in Mainz, and the way German shopkeepers and hausfraus fussed over us kids. But when I picture that sun-rippled macadam road leading up to my granparents’ house in Georgia I can still feel the anticipation. That was home."
True to his Amish ancestry, Dale skipped college and went to work with his hands, earning a living as an electrician, but he had early acquired the habit of reading widely and voraciously. The thought was never far from his mind that someday he would like to write books. In 1975 he married his childhood friend, Pam Crowe, and in the early years of their marriage the two of them enjoyed traveling, camping, water skiing, scuba-diving, snow skiing and flying sailplanes. They eventually bought a piece of land and built a home out in the country south of Atlanta. In 1990 their first child, Ty, was born. Dusty arrived two years later. Unlike their parents (Pam was an Army brat as well) Ty and Dusty have lived in the same place all their lives.
At the age of forty, with two toddlers in the house, Dale began to ask deeper questions of himself. He’d attended church all his life but never felt a real sense of God’s presence. After months of study and meditation he began to feel that he was being called to do something, but he had no idea what it was. He finally came to understand that genuine commitment means no reservations, that the answer to the question ‘Will you do it?’ is not ‘What is it?’ The only acceptable response is ‘Yes—whatever the question, the answer is yes.’ That deeper level of commitment brought a very real sense of God’s presence and a sense of direction in Dale’s life, though he still did not know the direction.
After keeping the boys in daycare for a year Pam and Dale decided to make whatever sacrifices were necessary to provide a full-time home. The decision altered their lives in ways neither of them could have anticipated when Dale drew the short straw and became a stay-at-home dad—
"A baby is a lot like an old truck— it leaks and makes weird noises. Clean up the mess, top off the fluids, and the noises usually stop."
He took on small construction projects at night to help make ends meet— "and to preserve the remainder of my sanity," he says. While building an office in the basement of a communications consultant, a debate over labor/management relations turned into an article on mutualism which found its way into an international business magazine. It was Dale’s first published article, and he liked the feel of it. He bought books, studied technique, and began participating in an online writers’ forum, writing during the boys’ naps and after they went to bed at night. Before long he was publishing short stories in literary magazines and thinking about writing a book.
Three storylines vied for Dale’s attention when he finally decided to write a novel. His first two choices were commercially viable secular stories, and a distant third appeared to be some kind of Christian saga about a broken-down biker. The process of determining which novel to write was settled by a remarkable encounter with his youngest son, a lost set of keys, and God.* His sense of direction was suddenly clarified. In 1997, Dale began work on Sutter’s Cross, which was eventually published in 2003.
His second novel, Bad Ground (July 2004), while it is not autobiographical, contains a great deal of material drawn from his own experience as a construction electrician. The industrial setting is based on a real water treatment plant on the southside of Atlanta. One of the main characters, who has been
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 346 reviews
February 7, 2018
Different than typical Amish fiction, but so worth the read. A little bit of romance, a little bit of danger. I would describe this as Amish historical fiction. Highly recommended for fans of Amish fiction!
January 12, 2012
To start, I must confess that I have this "thing" for Amish fiction. When I am having a particularly hard week or stressful day, I know that I can open my Kindle and escape to someplace beautiful and wholesome, sweet and innocent, peaceful and predictable. Predictable is the key word. Amish fiction is predictable to its core. Most who read it know it, and we don't care. When I saw this listed as a free Kindle book, I grabbed it without really reading the description. It was Amish-related. It was free. It was predictable, NOT.
Paradise Valley by Dale Cramer certainly was not predictable. This became apparent even within the first chapter. Suddenly, it felt as if someone tossed a bucket of cold water in my face. I was awake and ready to devour this book, and I did.
The story starts off in Ohio during the 1920s. A community is troubled by a new compulsory attendance law which would require Amish children under the age of 16 to attend public school with the non-Amish. Families are torn apart by the government, briefly. Because of this a father is tempted to respond to an ad offering prime farmland in Mexico for a great price.
Without having seen the land, a family embarks on a journey to Mexico to not only begin a new life but to be a start of a new Amish settlement in a new country. The story follows their time there and all the troubles and joy that they find.
I'm sure some are wondering about romance. Don't worry, there is romance. The author, who happens to be male, does a wonderful job in creating a romance that touches the heart. There is a love that is torn apart due to the move, unexpected babies, and new love.
If romance isn't one's "thing", no worries. The story also includes Mexican culture of the early 1920s along with gun-wielding bandits, haciendas, lovely ladies, and handsome men. Pacifist Amish farmers are faced with many trials in a not-so-friendly land.
The author does an excellent job of building strong, likable, and not-so-likable characters. The scenery is described beautifully. Readers are easily taken from the traditional Amish farmland of Ohio to the dangerous mountain valleys of Mexico.
It didn't take me long to fall in love with the characters, and toward the end, it had me in tears.
If one really enjoys Amish fiction, this one will be surprisingly and pleasantly different. It is still clean and wholesome but oh so not predictable. It goes beyond the typical romance-type Amish fiction book to Amish fiction novel.
If one doesn't really enjoy the super sweetness of Amish fiction, this may be one to try. It features a bit more action and danger. It reads more similar to a historical novel with an Amish theme.
This book was a real treat as it was free on Amazon for Kindle users. Sometimes free books will only last a day or two. Later they will appear with a price. I would have happily paid for this book. Actually, a few days after reading this, I purchased the newer one in the series. I've already devoured that one as well.
Paradise Valley by Dale Cramer certainly was not predictable. This became apparent even within the first chapter. Suddenly, it felt as if someone tossed a bucket of cold water in my face. I was awake and ready to devour this book, and I did.
The story starts off in Ohio during the 1920s. A community is troubled by a new compulsory attendance law which would require Amish children under the age of 16 to attend public school with the non-Amish. Families are torn apart by the government, briefly. Because of this a father is tempted to respond to an ad offering prime farmland in Mexico for a great price.
Without having seen the land, a family embarks on a journey to Mexico to not only begin a new life but to be a start of a new Amish settlement in a new country. The story follows their time there and all the troubles and joy that they find.
I'm sure some are wondering about romance. Don't worry, there is romance. The author, who happens to be male, does a wonderful job in creating a romance that touches the heart. There is a love that is torn apart due to the move, unexpected babies, and new love.
If romance isn't one's "thing", no worries. The story also includes Mexican culture of the early 1920s along with gun-wielding bandits, haciendas, lovely ladies, and handsome men. Pacifist Amish farmers are faced with many trials in a not-so-friendly land.
The author does an excellent job of building strong, likable, and not-so-likable characters. The scenery is described beautifully. Readers are easily taken from the traditional Amish farmland of Ohio to the dangerous mountain valleys of Mexico.
It didn't take me long to fall in love with the characters, and toward the end, it had me in tears.
If one really enjoys Amish fiction, this one will be surprisingly and pleasantly different. It is still clean and wholesome but oh so not predictable. It goes beyond the typical romance-type Amish fiction book to Amish fiction novel.
If one doesn't really enjoy the super sweetness of Amish fiction, this may be one to try. It features a bit more action and danger. It reads more similar to a historical novel with an Amish theme.
This book was a real treat as it was free on Amazon for Kindle users. Sometimes free books will only last a day or two. Later they will appear with a price. I would have happily paid for this book. Actually, a few days after reading this, I purchased the newer one in the series. I've already devoured that one as well.
December 20, 2010
While I am not Amish fiction’s #1 fan, I have read a few Amish titles which I’ve liked, and most particularly, Levi’s Will by Dale Cramer. I’ve waited a long time to get my hands on a new book by Cramer, and I was not disappointed. The saga of the Daughters of Caleb Bender begins with Paradise Valley, a fascinating introduction to the Bender family in the early 1900s. Knowing that Paradise Valley is based on actual events with added details from the author’s own family history made this story especially interesting to me. This book is a heart-tugging look at the life of one Amish family, their faith and unwavering devotion to family, hard work and God. I was drawn into this story and left wanting more.
Caleb Bender is a man of faith, steadfast in his beliefs until the law forces him to make a choice that means uprooting his family and beginning again in a strange new land. Though he is undaunted by a world that challenges his beliefs, he finds himself questioning those beliefs when the lives of his loved ones are on the line and he is forced to choose between love and unwavering obedience.
Caleb’s daughters each possess strengths, hopes, and fears; all of which are realized as they face many dangers and possibilities that come with starting over in a new place far from familiar friends. Cramer weaves the sisters’ stories together in a way that tugs at your heart. In this story, we are introduced to Rachel, Miriam, Emma and others whose disrupted lives will never be the same. Rachel’s story is one of coming of age, but more importantly, of coming into her own. These are strong, well drawn characters who feel like family. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and loved learning about Amish culture. I can’t wait for the second story in the Daughter’s of Caleb Bender saga.
Caleb Bender is a man of faith, steadfast in his beliefs until the law forces him to make a choice that means uprooting his family and beginning again in a strange new land. Though he is undaunted by a world that challenges his beliefs, he finds himself questioning those beliefs when the lives of his loved ones are on the line and he is forced to choose between love and unwavering obedience.
Caleb’s daughters each possess strengths, hopes, and fears; all of which are realized as they face many dangers and possibilities that come with starting over in a new place far from familiar friends. Cramer weaves the sisters’ stories together in a way that tugs at your heart. In this story, we are introduced to Rachel, Miriam, Emma and others whose disrupted lives will never be the same. Rachel’s story is one of coming of age, but more importantly, of coming into her own. These are strong, well drawn characters who feel like family. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and loved learning about Amish culture. I can’t wait for the second story in the Daughter’s of Caleb Bender saga.
January 5, 2011
The cover endorsement for Paradise Valley by Dale Cramer reads, "If you like Amish fiction, you'll love this book!" I would amend this..."If you don't read Amish fiction, you'll still love this book!"
I don't read much Amish fiction (although I've enjoyed Suzanne Woods Fisher's books), but I'll read anything Dale Cramer writes. He hooked me hard with Bad Ground, then made me a fan with Sutter's Cross, Levi's Will, and Summer of Light. He is a versatile and extremely gifted writer.
Paradise Valley does not disappoint. Although softer-edged than Mr. Cramer's previous works, this is no fluffy read. Deep questions are raised about standing up for what you believe in - and how to live a peaceful life in a land without law. His characters are deep and interesting - I'm particularly intrigued by Domingo, a young Mexican man employed by the Benders. The setting, the situation, the characters, and Mr. Cramer's gorgeous prose broaden this novel's appeal beyond the audience for traditional Amish fiction. I truly enjoyed it.
I don't read much Amish fiction (although I've enjoyed Suzanne Woods Fisher's books), but I'll read anything Dale Cramer writes. He hooked me hard with Bad Ground, then made me a fan with Sutter's Cross, Levi's Will, and Summer of Light. He is a versatile and extremely gifted writer.
Paradise Valley does not disappoint. Although softer-edged than Mr. Cramer's previous works, this is no fluffy read. Deep questions are raised about standing up for what you believe in - and how to live a peaceful life in a land without law. His characters are deep and interesting - I'm particularly intrigued by Domingo, a young Mexican man employed by the Benders. The setting, the situation, the characters, and Mr. Cramer's gorgeous prose broaden this novel's appeal beyond the audience for traditional Amish fiction. I truly enjoyed it.
April 2, 2015
Paradise Valley by Dale Cramer is a bit different from the normal Famish books. This starts out in Ohio. The sheriff arrests 5 of the dads for not sending their kids to school. When they refused to sign the agreement to send the children to school, social workers rounded up their children to put them in foster care. Giving them baths cutting the boys hair braiding the girls and putting regular clothes on them.Rachel helps Jake. She asks to use the rest room. While the matron shows her, Jake helps his little brother and they flee. The fathers acquiesce and sign the agreement to send their kids to school. Later, Rachel's da sees advertisement for farm land for sale in Mexico. He responds to the ad. He brings it up after meeting. Several families agree to move but then they worry about the banditos. Rachel da agrees to go first. Rachel's sister Emma is pregnant. She marries her fiancee before the move. The secure a boxcar for themselves and their livestock and possessions. Read on to discover what greets the family, how hard they work and how they survive.
September 27, 2013
It is my second Amish book I read. The first one was James A. Michener's "The Novel". Before as well as after that, I was always interest in the Amish lifestyle, their recipes, quilts, etc. and watched just about all the movies made about the Amish culture. I have treasured this book for a long time, waiting for the opportunity to read it. It was a beautiful, heartwarming, amazing experience. I loved every minute of it.
Their way of life always reminded me of how my grandparents lived before electricity and motor vehicles graced their lives. It is a kind of walk down memory lane, and although it is in a different country, the background and religion was the same.
Lots to ponder in the book. Here is a few quotes I would like to remember:
"My dat says a prideful man thinks everyone is vain, and a deceiver thinks everyone is a liar."
“Would we try to rule as the greedy do?” he asked. “Will we try to grab power over other people’s possessions? What fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness, and what communion hath light with darkness?"
"Just remember when you choose a girlfriend, don’t choose so much the girl. Choose the friend."
"Dat says a man who is strong in his heart is gentle in his hands.”
"There was a kind of comfort in knowing that someone else was in control so long as it was someone faithful, someone who cared for his wife as Gott cared for His children.
"Someone strong enough to be gentle with his wife. Someone who not only would allow his wife to be everything Gott intended her to be, but wanted it so. She had seen the other kind too, in the downcast eyes of women whose husbands ruled with an iron hand that squeezed the dreams out of them. If the right man could complete a woman, the wrong one could crush her."
"There was nothing worth doing in this world that could not be accomplished with common sense, hard work, and the help of a strong family."
It will not be the last one I read. This made my day special indeed.
Their way of life always reminded me of how my grandparents lived before electricity and motor vehicles graced their lives. It is a kind of walk down memory lane, and although it is in a different country, the background and religion was the same.
Lots to ponder in the book. Here is a few quotes I would like to remember:
"My dat says a prideful man thinks everyone is vain, and a deceiver thinks everyone is a liar."
“Would we try to rule as the greedy do?” he asked. “Will we try to grab power over other people’s possessions? What fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness, and what communion hath light with darkness?"
"Just remember when you choose a girlfriend, don’t choose so much the girl. Choose the friend."
"Dat says a man who is strong in his heart is gentle in his hands.”
"There was a kind of comfort in knowing that someone else was in control so long as it was someone faithful, someone who cared for his wife as Gott cared for His children.
"Someone strong enough to be gentle with his wife. Someone who not only would allow his wife to be everything Gott intended her to be, but wanted it so. She had seen the other kind too, in the downcast eyes of women whose husbands ruled with an iron hand that squeezed the dreams out of them. If the right man could complete a woman, the wrong one could crush her."
"There was nothing worth doing in this world that could not be accomplished with common sense, hard work, and the help of a strong family."
It will not be the last one I read. This made my day special indeed.
January 6, 2011
This is not your average Amish love story! I was delighted with Dale Cramers newest work of art! As you follow Caleb Bender to a remote part of Mexico, you find yourself truly wishing you had been born Amish. The Bender family loves God Gott with all their being and their faith is unshakeable as they venture into unknown land, an unknown country still reeling from a revolutionary war. With only one family settling in the beginning, it was up to the women, girls and the men to do all of the hard work required when setting up a homestead.
The Bender family is close knit but definitely human. The story is filled with human desires just like our own lives. They have strong desires to protect their families, provide for their families, desire to help others and of course desires of the heart.
In Paradise Valley, some will learn patience, some will learn invaluable skills and others will learn again the importance of trusting the Lord.
By the end of this book you will be hoping and praying that Cramer has a series up his sleeve with this one! I was not fortunate enough to read his previous book but am putting in on my wishlist!
This family will have you rethinking your internal dialog, teach you not to judge a person until you know who they are and that violence is most certainly not always the answer to tough problems.
My favorite quote in this book comes from Rachel’s thoughts. On page 120 “If you don’t like the way things are, just wait.” – Caleb Bender
This one is a MUST read whether you purchase it today or sign up for it at your local library at once!
*A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review purposes
The Bender family is close knit but definitely human. The story is filled with human desires just like our own lives. They have strong desires to protect their families, provide for their families, desire to help others and of course desires of the heart.
In Paradise Valley, some will learn patience, some will learn invaluable skills and others will learn again the importance of trusting the Lord.
By the end of this book you will be hoping and praying that Cramer has a series up his sleeve with this one! I was not fortunate enough to read his previous book but am putting in on my wishlist!
This family will have you rethinking your internal dialog, teach you not to judge a person until you know who they are and that violence is most certainly not always the answer to tough problems.
My favorite quote in this book comes from Rachel’s thoughts. On page 120 “If you don’t like the way things are, just wait.” – Caleb Bender
This one is a MUST read whether you purchase it today or sign up for it at your local library at once!
*A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review purposes
December 30, 2012
"Paradise Valley" by Dale Cramer
"Paradise Valley"by Dale Cramer is definitely a 5 star book.This is the first book by Dale Cramer that I have read and I will definitely be reading more. This is the first book in a series of three. I started reading this book because it is the next book for discussion in my book club. I had a feeling that I wouldn't like this book, I have no idea way I felt that way. I am so glad that I didn't listen to that feeling and not read the book. I was caught up in the story from the first paragraph, When Caleb Bender and other Amish men are arrested for not sending their children to school 5 days a week, Caleb moves his family to Paradise Valley in Mexico, in hopes to avoid the school issue and hopefully to improve, his wife, Martha's health. They encounter bandits and snakes but they make a success of their life there, Emma Bender has a secret of her own and is able to keep it for awhile because her and Levi Mullet get married so he can move to Mexico with the Benders and Rachel is upset because even through she isn't old enough for courting her and Jake Weaver are sort of secretly courting.Miriam has never had a beau and fears moving to Mexico she never will. The Benders will surprise you in their choices and the friends they make. I can't wait to read the other 2 books. This book is Amish but with the bandits and all it makes me think if more westerns were like this I might read more of them.
"Paradise Valley"by Dale Cramer is definitely a 5 star book.This is the first book by Dale Cramer that I have read and I will definitely be reading more. This is the first book in a series of three. I started reading this book because it is the next book for discussion in my book club. I had a feeling that I wouldn't like this book, I have no idea way I felt that way. I am so glad that I didn't listen to that feeling and not read the book. I was caught up in the story from the first paragraph, When Caleb Bender and other Amish men are arrested for not sending their children to school 5 days a week, Caleb moves his family to Paradise Valley in Mexico, in hopes to avoid the school issue and hopefully to improve, his wife, Martha's health. They encounter bandits and snakes but they make a success of their life there, Emma Bender has a secret of her own and is able to keep it for awhile because her and Levi Mullet get married so he can move to Mexico with the Benders and Rachel is upset because even through she isn't old enough for courting her and Jake Weaver are sort of secretly courting.Miriam has never had a beau and fears moving to Mexico she never will. The Benders will surprise you in their choices and the friends they make. I can't wait to read the other 2 books. This book is Amish but with the bandits and all it makes me think if more westerns were like this I might read more of them.
April 19, 2024
The back cover described this novel as “a tale of love, danger, and redeeming faith.” I have never read this author before and it will not be the last. The story which is based on reality revealed Amish families whose fathers were arrested in the 1920’s for not sending their children to public school. They find land in Mexico and emigrate there. It is filled with bandits, no midwives and lots of very hard labor. Rachael discovers an unusual talent for birthing babies that live and Miriam her sister falls in love with a native Mexican. A truly remarkable book!
March 23, 2019
Wow, this author can write! I'd read some of his books before under his other pen name (W. Dale Cramer), but this is the first Amish book of his that I'd tried. I had sort of burned out on Amish fiction for several reasons: they all seem vaguely similar, and they mostly involve Amish who are unhappy or don't feel like they fit in so they are trying to leave the Amish. This book breaks the mold. And moreover it is based on a true story - the story of the author's own ancestors.
It begins with religious persecution, which Amish and Mennonites are very familiar with (I grew up with a Mennonite background). A group of Amish in Ohio in the 1920s are ordered to send their children to the consolidated school 5 days a week (they prefer their children to only attend a couple of days a week through the 8th grade only - enough to learn to read, write, and do arithmetic). When they refuse, the fathers are arrested and jailed, and the children are taken to the local orphanage, where they are stripped of everything Amish, humiliating them and robbing them of their identity.
Not willing to capitulate, Caleb Bender, father of 2 sons and 8 daughters, begins to look for options and he finds an advertisement of land for sale in Mexico - lush farmland located in a place called Paradise Valley. He agrees to take his family and scout the land so that other families may follow if the location is all it promises to be.
The trip across America and Mexico is fascinating through their eyes, and the work of building a new homestead in a foreign country is riveting. But the real drama comes when roving bands of outlaws begin pestering the pacifist Amish, who refuse to use weapons to defend themselves.
I listened to this on audiobook, and the reader does a great job of performing all the various accents, both Spanish and German as well as Texan (everyone knows that Texans have their own language, right?). There are some laugh-out-loud funny spots and some edge-of-your-seat drama, and a wonderful picture of the lives of Amish pioneers in Mexico. I am now beginning the second in the series, A Captive Heart.
It begins with religious persecution, which Amish and Mennonites are very familiar with (I grew up with a Mennonite background). A group of Amish in Ohio in the 1920s are ordered to send their children to the consolidated school 5 days a week (they prefer their children to only attend a couple of days a week through the 8th grade only - enough to learn to read, write, and do arithmetic). When they refuse, the fathers are arrested and jailed, and the children are taken to the local orphanage, where they are stripped of everything Amish, humiliating them and robbing them of their identity.
Not willing to capitulate, Caleb Bender, father of 2 sons and 8 daughters, begins to look for options and he finds an advertisement of land for sale in Mexico - lush farmland located in a place called Paradise Valley. He agrees to take his family and scout the land so that other families may follow if the location is all it promises to be.
The trip across America and Mexico is fascinating through their eyes, and the work of building a new homestead in a foreign country is riveting. But the real drama comes when roving bands of outlaws begin pestering the pacifist Amish, who refuse to use weapons to defend themselves.
I listened to this on audiobook, and the reader does a great job of performing all the various accents, both Spanish and German as well as Texan (everyone knows that Texans have their own language, right?). There are some laugh-out-loud funny spots and some edge-of-your-seat drama, and a wonderful picture of the lives of Amish pioneers in Mexico. I am now beginning the second in the series, A Captive Heart.
January 29, 2012
The characters in this story are fiction, but it is based on true events. In the early 1920's, 5 Amish fathers were arrested and jailed in Holmes County, Ohio, for violating the Bing Act of 1921 by not sending their children to the public schools. They bought land in Mexico, sight unseen, for $10 per acre and moved their families there.
In this novel, Caleb Bender is the man taking that chance. He and his family are going down first to establish a foothold and assess the situation before other families join them. They must learn a new language, and deal with matters such as roving bands of bandits.
The story also focuses on Caleb's 3 middle daughters; 15 year old Rachel who must leave her first love behind, Miriam who at 18 is unmarried, and has no prospects, and newly married Emma.
I really enjoyed this story, and it was different from a lot of the Amish fiction I have read in that the romances were not the main focus of the story. This is the first book in a series. It ties up just enough loose ends to work as a stand alone book, but leaves enough questions to want you to read the other books to see what happens next.
The author's great grandfather was a founding member of the real Paradise Valley colony; his grandparents lived there, and his father was born there.
In this novel, Caleb Bender is the man taking that chance. He and his family are going down first to establish a foothold and assess the situation before other families join them. They must learn a new language, and deal with matters such as roving bands of bandits.
The story also focuses on Caleb's 3 middle daughters; 15 year old Rachel who must leave her first love behind, Miriam who at 18 is unmarried, and has no prospects, and newly married Emma.
I really enjoyed this story, and it was different from a lot of the Amish fiction I have read in that the romances were not the main focus of the story. This is the first book in a series. It ties up just enough loose ends to work as a stand alone book, but leaves enough questions to want you to read the other books to see what happens next.
The author's great grandfather was a founding member of the real Paradise Valley colony; his grandparents lived there, and his father was born there.
April 11, 2013
This book kind of snuck up on me. It was given to me at a book exchange and I'd started it twice but then set it down to linger. Finally read more than the first 5 chapters and then didn't put it down until I finished at 1 a.m.! I really enjoyed it. I'm sure there will be another continuing volume and I look forward to it. I also think I would have been very happy as an Amish girl.
January 22, 2022
Written with an interesting plot based on real happenings back in the early 1920’s…. I enjoyed it! Now for book 2!
May 3, 2012
This book is set in the early 1920’s in Ohio. The government is mandating all children go to school 5 days week even the Amish and they go as far as to put Amish in jail and take the kids. This book follows the Bender family. In this book we follow Rachel who is 15 at the time and must go to school. We also follow the father of the family Caleb as he must decide what is best for his family. He ends up seeing a advertisement for cheap land in Mexico which means freedom from the government. Hearing that there are bandits the community want to send one family down there to start and see how it goes and Caleb agrees to be that family.
Rachel is heart broken because this means she must leave her secret boyfriend Jake behind. She has to deal with her grief over the move as well as help her sisters Emma who is married her boyfriend right before they leave and her other sister Miriam adjust to the move as well. Once in Mexico things get interesting. Its not as friendly or as safe as they had hoped but they soon make friends with a young Mexican named Domingo who help them settle in and also protects them. As the book draws to a close its revealed that Miriam and Domingo seem to have feeling for each other and this sets the stage for the next book.
Wow this was quite the book! This author was quite the story teller and I really enjoyed reading this book.
What I liked: The historical factor of this book is great! Learning about how the Amish where treated during this time was very interesting. I also enjoyed learning about Mexico. The characters where very enjoyable. Even though Rachel was young I really liked her and her family. Again the author is an amazing story teller and I felt like I was right there with the family as they went along on their journey. I also enjoyed the suspense in this book I was on the edge of my seat a few times and felt myself holding my breath as well.
What I did not like: Rachel was 15 at the beginning of the book. I kept forgetting she was that young she came across as more of a 18 year old and it made it hard to relate to her at times. I know it’s the culture for the Amish to want to marry etc, but it just seemed a little forced for her to be worried all throughout the book about Jake. I really wish we could have had a few small chapters where both Jake and Domingo told some of the story. I get the feeling they are going to be a big part of the next book and I would have liked to get to know them a little better especially Domingo.
Over all I really enjoyed this book. Like I stated above I really felt like I was there with the family the author is an amazing storyteller. I am looking forward to the next book and the new adventure this family will face as they settle into Mexico. I highly recommend this book!
http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2012/0...
Rachel is heart broken because this means she must leave her secret boyfriend Jake behind. She has to deal with her grief over the move as well as help her sisters Emma who is married her boyfriend right before they leave and her other sister Miriam adjust to the move as well. Once in Mexico things get interesting. Its not as friendly or as safe as they had hoped but they soon make friends with a young Mexican named Domingo who help them settle in and also protects them. As the book draws to a close its revealed that Miriam and Domingo seem to have feeling for each other and this sets the stage for the next book.
Wow this was quite the book! This author was quite the story teller and I really enjoyed reading this book.
What I liked: The historical factor of this book is great! Learning about how the Amish where treated during this time was very interesting. I also enjoyed learning about Mexico. The characters where very enjoyable. Even though Rachel was young I really liked her and her family. Again the author is an amazing story teller and I felt like I was right there with the family as they went along on their journey. I also enjoyed the suspense in this book I was on the edge of my seat a few times and felt myself holding my breath as well.
What I did not like: Rachel was 15 at the beginning of the book. I kept forgetting she was that young she came across as more of a 18 year old and it made it hard to relate to her at times. I know it’s the culture for the Amish to want to marry etc, but it just seemed a little forced for her to be worried all throughout the book about Jake. I really wish we could have had a few small chapters where both Jake and Domingo told some of the story. I get the feeling they are going to be a big part of the next book and I would have liked to get to know them a little better especially Domingo.
Over all I really enjoyed this book. Like I stated above I really felt like I was there with the family the author is an amazing storyteller. I am looking forward to the next book and the new adventure this family will face as they settle into Mexico. I highly recommend this book!
http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2012/0...
January 11, 2015
Going off the simple fact that I started this book sometime around noon and finished it around 9 PM, that should be a massive indicator as to how much that I liked this book.
For some reason, I think that this was labeled as being a romance novel. While this book did have some romance in it, none of those stories were the main plot. This book would have been better off being labeled "Slice of life" or "historical fiction".
This was a real simple book, in a completely good way. I love the Amish people, and while I have known about Amish fiction for a while, this was the first real book that I've read under this genre.
The characters were all real likable when they needed to be, horrible in all of the right places, and generally just characters that one might actually run into on the street. (If your street is in 1920's Ohio or Mexico??)
I wasn't entirely sure about the entire plot: Amish man decides to move his family to Mexico after the American government arrests him and threatens to take his kids away. Okay, so I believed the first part fair enough, but I wasn't over sure about the Mexico part. I suppose that it's not too far-fetched that some from an Amish community might move just to get away from over-bearing government like that. But, I'm willing to overlook it for 1) artistic license and 2) it was a REALLY good story.
(There was a note at the end that explained that there was a group of Amish who moved down to Mexico after events like the ones depicted in the book, but that everything has been fictionalized, so, maybe that makes it a little bit better...)
I have just two reasons why I'm giving this four stars instead of five:
1) The eldest sister, Ada, who was mentally challenged. While I understand that there were people like her, she served zero point to the story. And when she was introduced, I sort of felt like the author suddenly just remembered that he wanted to include her, even though there had been absolutely no mention of her– even in passing– until that specific point. And even then, she was brought up so few times, it was like "Why bother to include her at all?"
2) It was sort of annoying how the book just casually tossed around Dutch words like it was no big deal. Okay, fine, everybody speaks Dutch, so maybe I can understand that they call their father "Dat" and everything, but do they have to use it in their vernacular, too? ESPECIALLY when the book indicated that they were supposed to be speaking Dutch, even though, in the text, they were speaking perfect English, EXCEPT for like one or two words?
I got sort of used to it after a while, but honestly. If you want to write a book in Dutch, then write a book in Dutch.
For some reason, I think that this was labeled as being a romance novel. While this book did have some romance in it, none of those stories were the main plot. This book would have been better off being labeled "Slice of life" or "historical fiction".
This was a real simple book, in a completely good way. I love the Amish people, and while I have known about Amish fiction for a while, this was the first real book that I've read under this genre.
The characters were all real likable when they needed to be, horrible in all of the right places, and generally just characters that one might actually run into on the street. (If your street is in 1920's Ohio or Mexico??)
I wasn't entirely sure about the entire plot: Amish man decides to move his family to Mexico after the American government arrests him and threatens to take his kids away. Okay, so I believed the first part fair enough, but I wasn't over sure about the Mexico part. I suppose that it's not too far-fetched that some from an Amish community might move just to get away from over-bearing government like that. But, I'm willing to overlook it for 1) artistic license and 2) it was a REALLY good story.
(There was a note at the end that explained that there was a group of Amish who moved down to Mexico after events like the ones depicted in the book, but that everything has been fictionalized, so, maybe that makes it a little bit better...)
I have just two reasons why I'm giving this four stars instead of five:
1) The eldest sister, Ada, who was mentally challenged. While I understand that there were people like her, she served zero point to the story. And when she was introduced, I sort of felt like the author suddenly just remembered that he wanted to include her, even though there had been absolutely no mention of her– even in passing– until that specific point. And even then, she was brought up so few times, it was like "Why bother to include her at all?"
2) It was sort of annoying how the book just casually tossed around Dutch words like it was no big deal. Okay, fine, everybody speaks Dutch, so maybe I can understand that they call their father "Dat" and everything, but do they have to use it in their vernacular, too? ESPECIALLY when the book indicated that they were supposed to be speaking Dutch, even though, in the text, they were speaking perfect English, EXCEPT for like one or two words?
I got sort of used to it after a while, but honestly. If you want to write a book in Dutch, then write a book in Dutch.
May 11, 2014
Beliefs and traditions are put to the test for an Amish community in Ohio. The year is 1922, World War I is rapidly becoming a distant memory and America is well on its way to recovery. The Amish citizens of Salt Creek Township are following their antediluvian and antiquated rural practices when the local sheriff presents the heads of four families with an ultimatum; send their children to school or the family heads will be sent to jail. In defense of their beliefs the men decided for the second option and went to jail. Unfortunately their sacrifice wasn’t the end of it and all of the children of school age were rounded up and sent to a foster home. With their backs to the wall and their families in jeopardy the men finally give in and sign a conformity act, promising to send their children to school. The Amish’s dispute with public schooling can be reduced and expressed in one word; excessive. After a basic introduction to the three R’s (reading, writing and ‘rithmatic) schools were cluttered with subjects that weren’t of interest to but even dangerous for their clan. These subjects include history, geography and all sciences as any or all of these could stimulate the children to asking questions and forming a knowledge and interest in the world outside of the Amish community. By pure chance (or divine intervention) Caleb Bender, one of the leading figures of the community, spies a flyer advertising a rural property for sale. After further questioning it seems to be an answer to their prayers. Paradise Valley seems to be the perfect spot to move the Salt Lake Township community, far away from the state and federal rules and regulations. A decision and migration of this magnitude couldn’t be made blind so Caleb Bender volunteers to pick and pack his family up and explore this new area for the community. This adventure isn’t without its dangers as Paradise Valley is south of the US border in Mexico.
This book isn’t what it seems. It brings the reader on an intimate level with this community seemed caught in time, where principles are standard but the people remain human. No death and destruction, no sex and debauchery, just a wholesome and surprisingly interesting story that keeps you turning the pages and wanting more. I think this story will appeal to a wide but select audience. Are you one of these selected?
This book isn’t what it seems. It brings the reader on an intimate level with this community seemed caught in time, where principles are standard but the people remain human. No death and destruction, no sex and debauchery, just a wholesome and surprisingly interesting story that keeps you turning the pages and wanting more. I think this story will appeal to a wide but select audience. Are you one of these selected?
February 12, 2011
Read the Back:
“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 yearning 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 Thoughts:
Gripping from the very start. Within the first 5 chapters of the book I was hooked! It’s rare that a book can grab me that quickly, but I’m glad it did. Dale Cramer’s book differs from most Amish books in that it adds an adventure side to it as well. There were parts of the book that were very suspenseful and parts where you could just soak up the emotions of each character.
I really love the character of Jake Weaver. He is the hopeless romantic type that most women can only dream of. Each character has their uniqueness to them and I really love that about Dale’s writing. You can vividly picture each character and the emotions they feel are raw and grip the reader.
I also found myself still learning new things about the Amish culture and language. I just love the way that the Amish dialect is peppered throughout the book and it intermittently reminds me that the characters are Amish as sometimes you can forget or your imagination can drift away from who the characters really are.
Thank you to Dale for writing such a beautiful piece of work. I recommend this book highly to anyone!
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.
“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 yearning 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 Thoughts:
Gripping from the very start. Within the first 5 chapters of the book I was hooked! It’s rare that a book can grab me that quickly, but I’m glad it did. Dale Cramer’s book differs from most Amish books in that it adds an adventure side to it as well. There were parts of the book that were very suspenseful and parts where you could just soak up the emotions of each character.
I really love the character of Jake Weaver. He is the hopeless romantic type that most women can only dream of. Each character has their uniqueness to them and I really love that about Dale’s writing. You can vividly picture each character and the emotions they feel are raw and grip the reader.
I also found myself still learning new things about the Amish culture and language. I just love the way that the Amish dialect is peppered throughout the book and it intermittently reminds me that the characters are Amish as sometimes you can forget or your imagination can drift away from who the characters really are.
Thank you to Dale for writing such a beautiful piece of work. I recommend this book highly to anyone!
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.
April 20, 2011
My two favorite genre's to read are historical fiction, and Amish fiction, and when I realized that Dale Cramer had woven the two together to give the reader an Amish historical fiction, I had to read it.
In 1921 Ohio passes a law called the Bing act that stated All children between the ages of six and sixteen must be in school five days a week. The Amish had been sending their children to school one day a week, because they felt the education they needed couldn't be found in a consolidated school, but rather at home where they would learn to be farmers and farmers wives and learn the ways of Gott. To enforce the law and send a strong message to the Amish, in early 1922 five Amish fathers were arrested. One of the fathers that was arrested was Caleb Bender. He started praying to his Gott to show him another way, and when he finds an advertisement for cheap land in Mexico he decides this is Gott's answer and the Bender family are the first to settle in Paradise Valley, Mexico.
This story is quite different than most of the Amish that I read. Since this book is based on actual events I felt as if I was getting an education while reading fiction.The author's note at the end of the story actually tells the reader a bit about the truth behind the story. While I vaguely remember reading a little about the Bing Act, I was totally flabbergasted that the state went so far as to remove Amish children from their loving homes.
Mr. Cramer easily draws you into this story, allowing you to become connected, I found myself in awe of how the Amish adapted to their new home, and the way they interacted with their new neighbors. Because this book is the first in a new series titled "The Daughters Of Caleb Bender,"there are a few loose ends but that only heightens the anticipation for the next book in the series.
On a scale of one to five I would rate this book a six because its just that good!
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
In 1921 Ohio passes a law called the Bing act that stated All children between the ages of six and sixteen must be in school five days a week. The Amish had been sending their children to school one day a week, because they felt the education they needed couldn't be found in a consolidated school, but rather at home where they would learn to be farmers and farmers wives and learn the ways of Gott. To enforce the law and send a strong message to the Amish, in early 1922 five Amish fathers were arrested. One of the fathers that was arrested was Caleb Bender. He started praying to his Gott to show him another way, and when he finds an advertisement for cheap land in Mexico he decides this is Gott's answer and the Bender family are the first to settle in Paradise Valley, Mexico.
This story is quite different than most of the Amish that I read. Since this book is based on actual events I felt as if I was getting an education while reading fiction.The author's note at the end of the story actually tells the reader a bit about the truth behind the story. While I vaguely remember reading a little about the Bing Act, I was totally flabbergasted that the state went so far as to remove Amish children from their loving homes.
Mr. Cramer easily draws you into this story, allowing you to become connected, I found myself in awe of how the Amish adapted to their new home, and the way they interacted with their new neighbors. Because this book is the first in a new series titled "The Daughters Of Caleb Bender,"there are a few loose ends but that only heightens the anticipation for the next book in the series.
On a scale of one to five I would rate this book a six because its just that good!
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 5, 2012
An Amish settlement in Ohio has run afoul of a law requiring their children to attend public school. Caleb Bender and his neighbors are arrested for neglect, with the state ordering the children be placed in an institution. Among them are Caleb's teenage daughter, Rachel, and the boy she has her eye on, Jake Weaver. Romance blooms between the two when Rachel helps Jake escape the children's home.
After he signs a paper that says he will send his children to school as the lesser of 2 evils - send them to school or have them removed from his home to live in an orphanage, Caleb sees a poster that offers land in Mexico at $10 an acre. Caleb sells his farm and moves the family to Mexico and faces the dangers of bandits and an unfamiliar culture.
This is based on history - in the 1920's 5 Amish men were put in jail for not sending their children to school, the author's grandfather or great grandfather was one of the Amish men who moved their families to Mexico to avoid prison or compulsary public school education for their children.
This is hard for us to believe today, knowing that the Amish can run their own schools if they want, can limit education to 8th grade, because of their history of taking care of their own families and not taking any government funds, and a track record of successful business operations.
After he signs a paper that says he will send his children to school as the lesser of 2 evils - send them to school or have them removed from his home to live in an orphanage, Caleb sees a poster that offers land in Mexico at $10 an acre. Caleb sells his farm and moves the family to Mexico and faces the dangers of bandits and an unfamiliar culture.
This is based on history - in the 1920's 5 Amish men were put in jail for not sending their children to school, the author's grandfather or great grandfather was one of the Amish men who moved their families to Mexico to avoid prison or compulsary public school education for their children.
This is hard for us to believe today, knowing that the Amish can run their own schools if they want, can limit education to 8th grade, because of their history of taking care of their own families and not taking any government funds, and a track record of successful business operations.
September 12, 2013
Paradis Valley follows one Amish family in 1920'a America when it's demanded of them to send their children to Englisher schools five days a week. The Bender Family struggles to do what is right and true to their hearts in the sight of God. The Bender's are tested in their conviction that God knows best and will turn things to his honor and grace. Caleb Bender is saddened for his young children going to Englisher school and made to dress like them as well. Rachel Bender is starting to discover what it means to court and sets her sights on Jake Weaver. She knows that he will always do right by her no matter what. But when Caleb announces that he's moving the family to Mexico to start an Amish community because of Englisher school and his wife's failing health. Rachel is heartbroken to learn this but knows that God has purpose even if you can't see it yet. The Bender Family has new and unique challenges that test their faith in God and neighbors. What will The Benders learn of life and God? Your answers await you in Paradise Valley.
July 30, 2015
Checked out of the library, hoping to finish before it's due back :)
Great book, different from the type of books I've been reading lately. Was interesting to see the length a father would go to for his beliefs, for family, and for Amish traditions. Really liked the simple way Caleb dealt with different situations always going back to the what the bible says. I loved the part of teaching the 3R's to the native people to help them improve themselves, giving respect to everyone, letting go of his best horse and taking an ill treated horse and turning him into a healthy beauty only to give him back better than he received it. I loved how the family always worked together in every situation. Would definitely read more of Dale Cramer's books.
Great book, different from the type of books I've been reading lately. Was interesting to see the length a father would go to for his beliefs, for family, and for Amish traditions. Really liked the simple way Caleb dealt with different situations always going back to the what the bible says. I loved the part of teaching the 3R's to the native people to help them improve themselves, giving respect to everyone, letting go of his best horse and taking an ill treated horse and turning him into a healthy beauty only to give him back better than he received it. I loved how the family always worked together in every situation. Would definitely read more of Dale Cramer's books.
August 31, 2017
I enjoy reading good Amish fiction, and I enjoy reading good historical fiction, but when the two are combined? Sometimes, it's just magical!
Such was definitely the case for this book. I felt like I was right there with Rachel and her sisters, and with their Dat, Caleb, as they tried to figure out Gott's plan for their lives. I loved reading about their journey to Mexico, and the joys and hardships they faced while trying to establish a colony.
I was so caught up in the story itself that the writing was almost an afterthought, but there were turns of phrases that Dale Cramer used that were absolutely lovely. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment of this series, and to more of Cramer's work beyond the series.
Such was definitely the case for this book. I felt like I was right there with Rachel and her sisters, and with their Dat, Caleb, as they tried to figure out Gott's plan for their lives. I loved reading about their journey to Mexico, and the joys and hardships they faced while trying to establish a colony.
I was so caught up in the story itself that the writing was almost an afterthought, but there were turns of phrases that Dale Cramer used that were absolutely lovely. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment of this series, and to more of Cramer's work beyond the series.
February 18, 2011
I've never read a Dale Cramer book I didn't like or that didn't touch my heart in a meaningful way. PARADISE VALLEY is no exception. This story, inspired by actual events, explores the depths of love and commitment among the members of an Amish community and the lengths they will go to to honor their beliefs and protect way of life. Even more inspiring is the effect these determined folk have on the people they encounter as they start new lives in the wilds of Mexico. Faced with unscrupulous land owners, bandits, rattlesnakes, and more, they never lose sight of what is most important--family and faith.
July 13, 2015
Fantastic! This fictional story based on historic facts really connected with me at this time in my life. The main character and his family are forced to make life altering decisions. In the early 1900s, the state takes their children to raise them in foster homes and educate them in public school. The families flee to Mexico and start a new life free from religious persecution. Often times while reading I found myself wondering what I would be willing to do to raise my children the way I want too. After taking a long break from Amish fiction, this was a sweet reunion!
January 4, 2011
This was my first book by Dale Cramer and it won't be my last! It is set in the 1920's, the characters are vividly written, he really shows how the Amish were treated and what they went through during that time period. I highly recommend this book, and even though the year has just begun it will be on my top list for the year!
May 14, 2013
Very informative book based on the experiences of the author's family members in the 1920s. I love Amish fiction and when linked with actual historical events, it makes it even better. I can't wait to read the next books in the series. Two thumbs up!
February 21, 2025
I enjoyed this book. The challenges the families faced in Ohio are sad to know people were treated this way. The bandits in Mexico was scary to read, I did not like the constant threat to woman especially wish was not part of the book.
The Rachel and Jake story line was good, and the Emma and Levi was interesting in that they did have lies. The Miriam and Domingo, well we are not sure how that will fully play out yet. The twin loss and then new baby was a sweet side story to read. The heath of the mom improving was good.
I did feel like the last page or two kind of dropped you off, maybe cause this is book one.
The Rachel and Jake story line was good, and the Emma and Levi was interesting in that they did have lies. The Miriam and Domingo, well we are not sure how that will fully play out yet. The twin loss and then new baby was a sweet side story to read. The heath of the mom improving was good.
I did feel like the last page or two kind of dropped you off, maybe cause this is book one.
February 23, 2025
Much more than a romance. Shows the overreaching arm of the gov & how intolerant/un-openminded the Board of Edu is. Ironically they’re so anti-homeschooling even though those kids are way more productive, articulate, and intelligent than most. Discussed are prejudices the Amish face and history on traditions like not wearing brass buttons, reminding them of the cops that harassed them.
Obviously, they’re v family oriented. They get married older than I figured: 16-20+. I won’t continue this because it’s long winded which isn’t a surprise but it’s also not the flowery first-person narrative I wanted.
Obviously, they’re v family oriented. They get married older than I figured: 16-20+. I won’t continue this because it’s long winded which isn’t a surprise but it’s also not the flowery first-person narrative I wanted.
November 19, 2024
Well, definitively I am glad I read this
April 28, 2011
Paradise Valley by Dale Cramer
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. I am under no obligation to write a positive review, just an honest one.
This was my first time reading a book by Dale Cramer, and I was not disappointed!
Paradise Valley is the first book in the new series, The Daughters of Caleb Bender by Dale Cramer.
Paradise Valley is very unique as far as Amish fiction I have read goes. Not only is it period fiction (set in the early 1900s) but a large portion of the book is set in Mexico, which is a completely unique setting for Amish fiction.
Caleb Bender is living with his family in Ohio when the authorities come and take him to jail. Why? Because he and the other Amish men in the community refuse to let their children go to public school through age 16, as required by law. Though it goes against the Amish religion, the government gives the men no real choice: go to jail or send your children to school.
Much to their displeasure, they are forced to send their children to school, and threaten their well-being with worldly ways and worldly children and teachers.
Once Caleb Bender is released from jail, he happens across a flier for many acres of good, fertile land available in Paradise Valley, Mexico. Immediately, he begins to get ideas in his head about moving down to Mexico, a place where the government will not force their children to attend state school, and they will be free to practice their religion without interference.
Not surprisingly, though interested, most Amish families do not care to take the risk of packing up and moving without having seen the place. So, Caleb Bender offers to take his family down to Mexico to see what life is like on the land to be sure it is truly a good investment.
So, he packs up his whole family, including his daughter Rachel who has just reached dating age and has fallen for Jacob Weaver who she now must leave behind.
After a long journey they reach Paradise Valley, where the soil is as good as was told, but the land, the people, the language are all foreign. Not to mention lawlessness runs rampant with bandits feeling free to steal, plunder and otherwise threaten to get what they want. Unlike Ohio, there is zero regard for "right" and "wrong" as the desperation of poverty has pushed many Mexican citizens to steal in order to survive.
The Bender family has a tough time with the adjustments, and all the hard work necessary to make the place livable, like building a house. The most shocking aspect is that no one obeys or enforces the laws, and the Benders, used to trusting everyone, now can not trust anyone.
Word gets back to the Amish families back in Ohio, making many of them change their minds about coming to Mexico, including the Weaver family, and Rachel's beloved Jacob.
Will the Bender family survive the danger in Mexico? Will Rachel ever see her Jacob again? Is Paradise Valley a suitable place for the Amish families to live, or though the land is very fertile, is the country just too rough?
Read Paradise Valley to find out!
I loved that this book dealt with so many unique things: period fiction, lack of government acceptance of the religious beliefs of the Amish, premarital relations & pregnancy, an entirely different location and country, and the juxtaposition of Mexican culture and U.S. culture.
All these aspects made it very captivating and enjoyable. I was able to read through the book in a few short days as I took it with me everywhere and read it on the bus to and from school, while waiting for the bus to run errands, etc.
I also found it fascinating that this story is loosely based on the lives of Dale Cramer's family. I believe the end notes said his grandfather was born Old Order Amish, and that his family had had to flee to Mexico to gain religious freedom when the U.S. government was arresting Amish men for not sending their children to school.
Being the law nerd that I am, I had to look up the date of the landmark case in which the United States Supreme Court held that the Amish are free to not send their children to regular school, and that their religious beliefs supersede the government's interest in sending the children to public school.
For those of you interested, the case is called Wisconsin v. Yoder (406 U.S. 205) and was decided in 1972, some 50 years after this book was set. The Court held that it violated the fundamental right to religious freedom to force Amish parents to send their children to school past 8th grade. If you want a bit more information about the case, you can read more about it by clicking here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wisconsi...
Sorry for that little tangent, the law nerd in me could not help but escape!
Anyway, I anxiously await the next book in this stellar new series. I just wish I had an idea when it was going to be released!
5 out of 5 stars for uniqueness and excellence!!
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. I am under no obligation to write a positive review, just an honest one.
This was my first time reading a book by Dale Cramer, and I was not disappointed!
Paradise Valley is the first book in the new series, The Daughters of Caleb Bender by Dale Cramer.
Paradise Valley is very unique as far as Amish fiction I have read goes. Not only is it period fiction (set in the early 1900s) but a large portion of the book is set in Mexico, which is a completely unique setting for Amish fiction.
Caleb Bender is living with his family in Ohio when the authorities come and take him to jail. Why? Because he and the other Amish men in the community refuse to let their children go to public school through age 16, as required by law. Though it goes against the Amish religion, the government gives the men no real choice: go to jail or send your children to school.
Much to their displeasure, they are forced to send their children to school, and threaten their well-being with worldly ways and worldly children and teachers.
Once Caleb Bender is released from jail, he happens across a flier for many acres of good, fertile land available in Paradise Valley, Mexico. Immediately, he begins to get ideas in his head about moving down to Mexico, a place where the government will not force their children to attend state school, and they will be free to practice their religion without interference.
Not surprisingly, though interested, most Amish families do not care to take the risk of packing up and moving without having seen the place. So, Caleb Bender offers to take his family down to Mexico to see what life is like on the land to be sure it is truly a good investment.
So, he packs up his whole family, including his daughter Rachel who has just reached dating age and has fallen for Jacob Weaver who she now must leave behind.
After a long journey they reach Paradise Valley, where the soil is as good as was told, but the land, the people, the language are all foreign. Not to mention lawlessness runs rampant with bandits feeling free to steal, plunder and otherwise threaten to get what they want. Unlike Ohio, there is zero regard for "right" and "wrong" as the desperation of poverty has pushed many Mexican citizens to steal in order to survive.
The Bender family has a tough time with the adjustments, and all the hard work necessary to make the place livable, like building a house. The most shocking aspect is that no one obeys or enforces the laws, and the Benders, used to trusting everyone, now can not trust anyone.
Word gets back to the Amish families back in Ohio, making many of them change their minds about coming to Mexico, including the Weaver family, and Rachel's beloved Jacob.
Will the Bender family survive the danger in Mexico? Will Rachel ever see her Jacob again? Is Paradise Valley a suitable place for the Amish families to live, or though the land is very fertile, is the country just too rough?
Read Paradise Valley to find out!
I loved that this book dealt with so many unique things: period fiction, lack of government acceptance of the religious beliefs of the Amish, premarital relations & pregnancy, an entirely different location and country, and the juxtaposition of Mexican culture and U.S. culture.
All these aspects made it very captivating and enjoyable. I was able to read through the book in a few short days as I took it with me everywhere and read it on the bus to and from school, while waiting for the bus to run errands, etc.
I also found it fascinating that this story is loosely based on the lives of Dale Cramer's family. I believe the end notes said his grandfather was born Old Order Amish, and that his family had had to flee to Mexico to gain religious freedom when the U.S. government was arresting Amish men for not sending their children to school.
Being the law nerd that I am, I had to look up the date of the landmark case in which the United States Supreme Court held that the Amish are free to not send their children to regular school, and that their religious beliefs supersede the government's interest in sending the children to public school.
For those of you interested, the case is called Wisconsin v. Yoder (406 U.S. 205) and was decided in 1972, some 50 years after this book was set. The Court held that it violated the fundamental right to religious freedom to force Amish parents to send their children to school past 8th grade. If you want a bit more information about the case, you can read more about it by clicking here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wisconsi...
Sorry for that little tangent, the law nerd in me could not help but escape!
Anyway, I anxiously await the next book in this stellar new series. I just wish I had an idea when it was going to be released!
5 out of 5 stars for uniqueness and excellence!!
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