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Seasons of Lancaster #1
A Simple Winter
THE PROMISE OF A HOME,
THE HEARTBREAK OF AN IMPOSSIBLE LOVE
As a budding journalist with a major newspaper, Remy McCallister is eager to prove herself. While investigating an unsolved crime, Remy winds up in the tightly woven Amish community of Lancaster County, the last place she would ever expect to find herself. The story leads her to Adam King and his ten younger siblings, who are trying to sustain their warm, loving home in the wake of the murder of their parents. Although Remy tries to remain professional, she is captivated by the Kings. With her own mother gone and her father disengaged from their relationship, Remy longs for a home and a family just like that of these good, simple people.
Suddenly patriarch of his large family, Adam struggles to do the right thing for his siblings, his community, and his God. He neither wants nor needs the complications that spirited Remy brings. But as much as he tries to push her away, even as he counts all the ways this lovely outsider cannot possibly remain in his world—or in his heart—the wondrous light she shines upon his troubled soul cannot be denied. Adam can only pray for the strength and the faith to get this Englisher girl out of their lives for good.
Snowbound with the Kings, Remy experiences the wonder and the chores of a simple winter among the Plain People, as well as the friendship of their warm community. When her peaceful interlude ends, does she dare to reveal a killer in their midst, knowing that she may lose the love of this special family and this remarkable man?
THE HEARTBREAK OF AN IMPOSSIBLE LOVE
As a budding journalist with a major newspaper, Remy McCallister is eager to prove herself. While investigating an unsolved crime, Remy winds up in the tightly woven Amish community of Lancaster County, the last place she would ever expect to find herself. The story leads her to Adam King and his ten younger siblings, who are trying to sustain their warm, loving home in the wake of the murder of their parents. Although Remy tries to remain professional, she is captivated by the Kings. With her own mother gone and her father disengaged from their relationship, Remy longs for a home and a family just like that of these good, simple people.
Suddenly patriarch of his large family, Adam struggles to do the right thing for his siblings, his community, and his God. He neither wants nor needs the complications that spirited Remy brings. But as much as he tries to push her away, even as he counts all the ways this lovely outsider cannot possibly remain in his world—or in his heart—the wondrous light she shines upon his troubled soul cannot be denied. Adam can only pray for the strength and the faith to get this Englisher girl out of their lives for good.
Snowbound with the Kings, Remy experiences the wonder and the chores of a simple winter among the Plain People, as well as the friendship of their warm community. When her peaceful interlude ends, does she dare to reveal a killer in their midst, knowing that she may lose the love of this special family and this remarkable man?
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
54 people are currently reading
770 people want to read
About the author
Rosalind Lauer
19 books103 followersRosalind Lauer grew up in a large family in Maryland and began visiting Lancaster County’s Amish community as a child. Lauer attended Wagner College in New York City and worked as an editor for Simon & Schuster and Harlequin Books. She now lives with her family in Oregon, where she writes in the shade of some towering two-hundred-year-old Douglas fir trees.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
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July 4, 2020meh, scrapped video. dnf
October 22, 2019
..
A Simple Winter is a wonderful introduction to the series A Simple Winter by Rosalind Lauer. I truly enjoy reading a traditional Amish story because they usually include lessons in faith, humility, and amazing grace. This book is lengthy, but it does not disappoint!
DESCRIPTION:
THE PROMISE OF A HOME,
THE HEARTBREAK OF AN IMPOSSIBLE LOVE
As a budding journalist with a major newspaper, Remy McCallister is eager to prove herself. While investigating an unsolved crime, Remy winds up in the tightly woven Amish community of Lancaster County, the last place she would ever expect to find herself. The story leads her to Adam King and his ten younger siblings, who are trying to sustain their warm, loving home in the wake of the murder of their parents. Although Remy tries to remain professional, she is captivated by the Kings. With her own mother gone and her father disengaged from their relationship, Remy longs for a home and a family just like that of these good, simple people.
Suddenly, patriarch of his large family, Adam struggles to do the right thing for his siblings, his community, and his God. He neither wants nor needs the complications that spirited Remy brings. But as much as he tries to push her away, even as he counts all the ways this lovely outsider cannot possibly remain in his world—or in his heart—the wondrous light she shines upon his troubled soul cannot be denied. Adam can only pray for the strength and the faith to get this Englisher girl out of their lives for good.
Snowbound with the Kings, Remy experiences the wonder and the chores of a simple winter among the Plain People, as well as the friendship of their warm community. When her peaceful interlude ends, does she dare to reveal a killer in their midst, knowing that she may lose the love of this special family and this remarkable man?
Parts of the book reveal how deception and greed affect the primitive life the Amish strive to live, in order to focus their minds on God, in a negative way. There is also an element of mystery not normally associated with an Amish tale, from my recollection anyway.
This inspirational tale reflects how God works in mysterious ways.
I listened to the audible version on loan from my local library and was thankful it was available. This is a clean and wholesome read that should be able to entertain any reader that appreciates this genre.
----------------------------
A Simple Winter:
A Seasons of Lancaster Novel
by Rosalind Lauer (Author)
..
A Simple Winter is a wonderful introduction to the series A Simple Winter by Rosalind Lauer. I truly enjoy reading a traditional Amish story because they usually include lessons in faith, humility, and amazing grace. This book is lengthy, but it does not disappoint!
DESCRIPTION:
THE PROMISE OF A HOME,
THE HEARTBREAK OF AN IMPOSSIBLE LOVE
As a budding journalist with a major newspaper, Remy McCallister is eager to prove herself. While investigating an unsolved crime, Remy winds up in the tightly woven Amish community of Lancaster County, the last place she would ever expect to find herself. The story leads her to Adam King and his ten younger siblings, who are trying to sustain their warm, loving home in the wake of the murder of their parents. Although Remy tries to remain professional, she is captivated by the Kings. With her own mother gone and her father disengaged from their relationship, Remy longs for a home and a family just like that of these good, simple people.
Suddenly, patriarch of his large family, Adam struggles to do the right thing for his siblings, his community, and his God. He neither wants nor needs the complications that spirited Remy brings. But as much as he tries to push her away, even as he counts all the ways this lovely outsider cannot possibly remain in his world—or in his heart—the wondrous light she shines upon his troubled soul cannot be denied. Adam can only pray for the strength and the faith to get this Englisher girl out of their lives for good.
Snowbound with the Kings, Remy experiences the wonder and the chores of a simple winter among the Plain People, as well as the friendship of their warm community. When her peaceful interlude ends, does she dare to reveal a killer in their midst, knowing that she may lose the love of this special family and this remarkable man?
Parts of the book reveal how deception and greed affect the primitive life the Amish strive to live, in order to focus their minds on God, in a negative way. There is also an element of mystery not normally associated with an Amish tale, from my recollection anyway.
This inspirational tale reflects how God works in mysterious ways.
I listened to the audible version on loan from my local library and was thankful it was available. This is a clean and wholesome read that should be able to entertain any reader that appreciates this genre.
----------------------------
A Simple Winter:
A Seasons of Lancaster Novel
by Rosalind Lauer (Author)
..
February 11, 2012
This is the kind of book you just want to curl up with and read straight through from beginning to end. Unfortunately life got in the way and I had to do essential things like work and sleep, but the story so ensnared me that even when I wasn't reading, I found myself anticipating the next time I would be able to.
Remy captivated me right from the start, so clearly at a crossroads in her life -- questioning past hurts but not learning from them as she struggles to find her place in the world. She's looking for meaning and security and love -- a special place to belong.
Adam, on the other hand, has that belonging place and the love of a large family. He is secure in his community but conflicted in his heart. A chance meeting between the two at a crucial point in both their lives is the impetus that hurdles them both into a complicated dance of conflicting emotions. Such a tangled tale! So many twists and turns punctuated by blissful interludes that stole my breath away.
Lauer has spun a captivating tale and I look forward to reading more from her.
Remy captivated me right from the start, so clearly at a crossroads in her life -- questioning past hurts but not learning from them as she struggles to find her place in the world. She's looking for meaning and security and love -- a special place to belong.
Adam, on the other hand, has that belonging place and the love of a large family. He is secure in his community but conflicted in his heart. A chance meeting between the two at a crucial point in both their lives is the impetus that hurdles them both into a complicated dance of conflicting emotions. Such a tangled tale! So many twists and turns punctuated by blissful interludes that stole my breath away.
Lauer has spun a captivating tale and I look forward to reading more from her.
June 12, 2016
This is my second novel by this author, which is really saying something because I was a little harsh with my first review. But alas, here I am again reading one of her books. I liked this one more than the first one. The two MC's were likable. I also liked that this wasn't about just one story line. The fluffy romance was front and center, but the murder mystery was a nice balance. This was probably 2.5 stars, but I struggled with some of the repetitive writing so 2 stars.
November 19, 2025
A very unique Amish novel. Looking forward to reading the remainder of the series.
December 12, 2017
Fantastic read!
This book was one of the best Amish stories I have read to date! It had everything, romance, mystery, but best of all a happy ending!
This book was one of the best Amish stories I have read to date! It had everything, romance, mystery, but best of all a happy ending!
February 12, 2014
Oh my word. Can I possibly explain just how fantastic this book is without giving too much away about how everything turns out. A tough job but someone has to do it.
First of all, No slow start for this book. The intrigue starts in the first paragraph of the first chapter on the first page. We are immediately drawn into this story of heartbreak, loss and of feeling lost. The characters grab our attention and do not let go.
Rosalind Lauer is an excellent storyteller. She spins a story of mystery and intrigue that draws us in and makes us feel a part of the whole thing. We are part of the King family. We are part of Remy’s world-wind life.
We are afraid of “the bear” with Simon. And we are pulled equally between their two worlds just as strongly as Remy and Adam are.
I will say this… It is truly inevitable.
When you try to hide something – it always comes out in the end. People think they can hide who they really are or what they’re really doing but the truth always finds its way to the surface… and it’s usually at the worst possible time.
I will also say this. When I first began reading Amish fiction, I thought the stories about someone actually converting to the Amish faith would be very few and far between. I wasn’t wrong. But this story is not at all like any other story I have read. I kept expecting it to fit into the predictable patterns and it never did. It is all original and it is also – all WONDERFUL!
I can’t wait to get to the next in the series and then to read Rosalind’s NEW series!
First of all, No slow start for this book. The intrigue starts in the first paragraph of the first chapter on the first page. We are immediately drawn into this story of heartbreak, loss and of feeling lost. The characters grab our attention and do not let go.
Rosalind Lauer is an excellent storyteller. She spins a story of mystery and intrigue that draws us in and makes us feel a part of the whole thing. We are part of the King family. We are part of Remy’s world-wind life.
We are afraid of “the bear” with Simon. And we are pulled equally between their two worlds just as strongly as Remy and Adam are.
I will say this… It is truly inevitable.
When you try to hide something – it always comes out in the end. People think they can hide who they really are or what they’re really doing but the truth always finds its way to the surface… and it’s usually at the worst possible time.
I will also say this. When I first began reading Amish fiction, I thought the stories about someone actually converting to the Amish faith would be very few and far between. I wasn’t wrong. But this story is not at all like any other story I have read. I kept expecting it to fit into the predictable patterns and it never did. It is all original and it is also – all WONDERFUL!
I can’t wait to get to the next in the series and then to read Rosalind’s NEW series!
October 25, 2013
I'm rather surprised at myself for giving a full 5 stars to an Amish romance book, but after much though I can't find a reason not to. I became interested in reading this after I read the sequel "A Simple Spring" some months ago and thought it kind of cute. However, "A Simple Spring" pales in comparison to this, which is just flat-out a great novel: stellar writing, interesting characters, a great plot, and just an enjoyable read.
Remy McCallister first meets Amish Adam King on a train. A year later, frustrated with how her life is going, she meets him again in order to write an article on the Amish community and the murder of the King family's parents. Remy becomes sucked into the Amish community and the King family even as she finds herself falling for Adam. To balance the romance is the enduring mystery of just who the murderer is.
This is a wonderfully satisfying read that works for the hopeless romantics as well as those looking for something a bit deeper. This novel works magic in the mystery and romance department, but also reaches into timeless thoughts of faith, love, community, and identity.
Remy McCallister first meets Amish Adam King on a train. A year later, frustrated with how her life is going, she meets him again in order to write an article on the Amish community and the murder of the King family's parents. Remy becomes sucked into the Amish community and the King family even as she finds herself falling for Adam. To balance the romance is the enduring mystery of just who the murderer is.
This is a wonderfully satisfying read that works for the hopeless romantics as well as those looking for something a bit deeper. This novel works magic in the mystery and romance department, but also reaches into timeless thoughts of faith, love, community, and identity.
March 2, 2012
What makes me enjoy a book is not so much the setting but a good writer. Rosalind Lauer is that. I've read two "Amish" romances now, (this being my second) and, to my surprise, enjoyed both. In A Simple Winter you have winsome, well-drawn characters, deft portraits of Amish life (idealized, perhaps), and a sweet attraction between the hero and heroine. There's enough of a mystery to keep the pages turning, hints of darkness and sorrow, and yet an overall sense of goodness that wins the day. Add to that cozy fires after fresh snow, and it's one to curl up with.
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November 14, 2011I loved this book. I've wondered for quite a while what the attraction was to these Amish books. While at a recent romance writers conference, this book was given away in our goodie bags. Now I understand why Amish books are so popular. I'm buying the next one as soon as my new Kindle arrives in the mail.
July 20, 2021
Amish Romance and Murder Mystery are two things I never thought I'd find in the same book, but here we are!
I really liked this story. I love a good cozy mystery (check), when the main character is a journalist (check) and a setting that makes you want to curl up under a blanket (check). My grandmother got me into reading books set in the Amish Country, and while I've liked some, they can be hit or miss. I felt like this was definitely a hit.
Before I go any further with the review, there are trigger warnings for seizures, childhood trauma, murder, and a description of a child having night terrors.
The book starts with Remy (I love that name!) pitching a story idea at the newspaper (owned by her father) where she works to follow up on an unsolved murder in an Amish community.
The story means something to her because as fate would have it, she crossed paths with the oldest son on his way home to care for his many younger siblings shortly after his parents were murdered. One of Adam's younger brothers was there when the murder happened and his memories are haunting him, but the elders of the church don't want the family to get involved in the investigation any more than they were legally required to.
Remy feels out of place in her life, having dropped out of college due to health issues and ending up stuck working for her father who's trying to push her down the corporate path. As she spends more time in the Amish community with the King family, she begins to realize a more simple way of life may be what she's looking for.
I really liked this story. I love a good cozy mystery (check), when the main character is a journalist (check) and a setting that makes you want to curl up under a blanket (check). My grandmother got me into reading books set in the Amish Country, and while I've liked some, they can be hit or miss. I felt like this was definitely a hit.
Before I go any further with the review, there are trigger warnings for seizures, childhood trauma, murder, and a description of a child having night terrors.
The book starts with Remy (I love that name!) pitching a story idea at the newspaper (owned by her father) where she works to follow up on an unsolved murder in an Amish community.
The story means something to her because as fate would have it, she crossed paths with the oldest son on his way home to care for his many younger siblings shortly after his parents were murdered. One of Adam's younger brothers was there when the murder happened and his memories are haunting him, but the elders of the church don't want the family to get involved in the investigation any more than they were legally required to.
Remy feels out of place in her life, having dropped out of college due to health issues and ending up stuck working for her father who's trying to push her down the corporate path. As she spends more time in the Amish community with the King family, she begins to realize a more simple way of life may be what she's looking for.
January 11, 2018
I enjoyed the characters. I liked Remy, but I don't know if I could do what she did, go from Englisher to Amish. But, she found the family life with Adam and his family, that she wanted. She didn't get family from her father. Didn't care for him, but then you have to consider his wife died when Remy was young. I loved the mystery part and how Remy brought out the best in Simon, the little boy that saw what his mamm and dat went through. Remy was a reporter so the reporter in her brought out the things that were hidden in Simon. My heart sunk when Adam broke up with her, but, it worked out. This was a book club book so I'm anxious to know what they all thought.
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January 29, 2020A story of rebirth
This story contains complex characters with complex lives. Fractured relationships, violent deaths, conflicting dreams for the future, this is a story of people with difficult decisions to make. A good read with depth and insight to the characters. I recommend this book highly. You won’t be disappointed.
This story contains complex characters with complex lives. Fractured relationships, violent deaths, conflicting dreams for the future, this is a story of people with difficult decisions to make. A good read with depth and insight to the characters. I recommend this book highly. You won’t be disappointed.
February 8, 2018
Great read!
I rarely give a book 5 stars but i really enjoyed this book. Every character was so alive and the story line was great. I am so glad I found this book and there is no doubt that I will read books from this author again.
Thank for a great clean mystery romance!
I rarely give a book 5 stars but i really enjoyed this book. Every character was so alive and the story line was great. I am so glad I found this book and there is no doubt that I will read books from this author again.
Thank for a great clean mystery romance!
February 17, 2018
A great book for a winter week in PA
Such a lovely escape from life in these turbulent times . A reminder that life could be simple, peaceful, filled with love.
A mystery solved, a love story.
I would recommend this book as an escape, a light jaunt thru a different culture.
Such a lovely escape from life in these turbulent times . A reminder that life could be simple, peaceful, filled with love.
A mystery solved, a love story.
I would recommend this book as an escape, a light jaunt thru a different culture.
June 26, 2020
An easy read if your looking for one. I really liked it but some events didn’t make sense. There was no build up to the event. It would just happen and then the author would move on. Towards the end I felt like the author was just trying to wrap it up. It was still a very sweet book though.
October 2, 2020
This is a wonderful story of faith and forgiveness with characters who will stay with you long after you finish reading it. Once readers open the book, they won't stop until they reach the last page. Fans of Amish fiction with love it.
December 9, 2021
I absolutely loved the story. It’s probably the most beautiful story I have ever read. I normally read mysteries so this was not my usual. I couldn’t put it down. It touched my heart. I loved it so much I ordered the next book in the series.
January 20, 2022
This was an easy read that I did not want to put down.
I enjoyed seeing a peek into the Amish culture. Appreciated that it was a wholesome read. I think the faith theme could have had a little more depth to it.
I enjoyed seeing a peek into the Amish culture. Appreciated that it was a wholesome read. I think the faith theme could have had a little more depth to it.
March 5, 2023
A chance meeting of a journalist and an Amish man grows into love. She has a troubled relationship with her father and he is the oldest of 11 children coming back from the English life to take care of them after his parents death.
June 16, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It had great characters, an interesting story line, and was well written. This book was a quick read, and I had trouble putting the book down. I even found myself thinking about the story, when I wasn't reading the book. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 12, 2017
An enjoyable Amish read.
November 30, 2017
Excellent Read!
I couldn't put this book down. It was sweet, simple ,spiritual and just thee right amount of mystery. I love happy endings and this book fulfilled all my needs.
I couldn't put this book down. It was sweet, simple ,spiritual and just thee right amount of mystery. I love happy endings and this book fulfilled all my needs.
March 3, 2018
New Author for me and I loved the book. Such a great story about God's putting us in the path we should follow.....
June 13, 2019
This books is part of a series of books.
May 1, 2020
Loved the descriptions of the pace & values of the "plain" (Amish) lifestyle. Much needed right now, when I'm trying to embrace a slower pace.
July 12, 2020
A good, inspiational book with a mystery.
December 26, 2020
A relaxing, enjoyable read.
October 15, 2021
A good storyline. Themes surrounding: Strong foundation of family, faith, love and working through grief.
May 5, 2022
One of the best Amish books I have read in awhile.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews