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Hannah's Daughters #3
Anna's Gift
No one in Seven Poplars, Delaware, expects Anna Yoder ever to marry. Among her six pretty, petite sisters, big and plain Anna feels like a plow horse. But then Samuel Mast, the handsome widowed father she has secretly loved for years, asks if he can court her. Surely Anna has misheard—Samuel has his pick of lovely brides! She's convinced he seeks a wife only as a mother for his five children. Or could a man like Samuel actually have a very romantic reason for wanting Anna by his side forever?
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
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387 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
July 31, 2016
This book was exactly what I needed when I read it! It was well written and engrossing. Anna was a very easy to identify with character, even with her all consuming self doubt! I liked Samuel for Anna, he appreciated her beauty, both inner and outer, even when she herself doubted her outer beauty next to her sisters or when being teased. They were an unlikely couple, with a significant age difference, yet they didn't let that or the disapproval of others stop them. My main complaint with this book was that it had both an abrupt ending and a few abrupt "jumps" forward, that made the story a bit disjointed. All in all, it was a great read!
November 23, 2021
This was a good book, i really enjoyed it. I am loving this series. Can't wait to read the next one in this series. Recommend it.
October 8, 2011
GENRE: AMISH ROMANCE
PUBLISHER: STEEPLE HILL/HARLEQUIN
PUBLICATION DATE: SEPTEMBER 9, 2011
RATING: 9 OUT OF 10
In the latest addition to Emma Miller’s Hannah’s Daughters series, Anna Yoder finds herself receiving a surprising marriage proposal. After watching all of her older sisters marry and leave the family home, Anna longs to be swept off her feet by a suitor, but believes this will never happen since she doesn’t have the pretty face or slim figure of her attractive sisters. So when handsome widower Samuel Mast asks her to marry him, Anna can’t help but wonder if he’s only interested in finding a mother for his children. As much as she enjoys spending time with Samuel and his children, teaching the girls to bake and cooking for his family, Anna isn’t quite ready to say yes. With the whole community speculating his proposal, she needs to know whether or not Samuel truly cares for her before she can make a decision. Soon, Samuel finds that he’s having to go through the motions of teenage courtship – and getting to know his potential bride a lot better!
Having read Courting Ruth, the first novel in this series, a couple of months ago I was pleased to have the opportunity to catch up with the Yoder sisters again. Although I skipped on to the third book in the series, I can’t say that I felt like I’d missed anything vitally important to the plot. As with all Love Inspired novels, Anna’s Gift is designed to be read as a standalone novel, although readers who are familiar with Emma Miller’s books will enjoy seeing brief appearances from previous characters. There are also some new additions in this book, as Anna’s younger sisters return from caring to their aging grandmother, and the sisters, grandmother and an elderly aunt return to Delaware to move into the Yoder home.
While I don’t think that I enjoyed Anna’s tale of courtship as much as Ruth’s, it was still a very sweet story. Anna was a very endearing character, and the development of her relationship with Samuel made a very fun read. This book had two of my favourite contrivances – snowstorms and children. When the community is struck by heavy snow while Anna’s mother is out of town, Anna finds herself spending a lot of time with her Samuel and his family, who are their closest neighbours. While normally an unmarried Amish couple wouldn’t be allowed to spend so much time together unsupervised (Samuel’s children and Anna’s learning disabled sister would not count), this set-up allowed for Anna and Samuel to get to know each other better before Samuel broached the subject of married to Anna’s mother. It’s not until later in the book that the have a proper courtship, which is a strange experience for both of them – Anna having never had a suitor before despite being older than the other courting teenagers, and Samuel having been previously married. It was interesting to read about a couple in such a situation, as few Amish romances have this set up of an older, widowed man marrying a much younger woman.
There were two very realistic issues explored in Anna’s Gift, the first of which related directly to Anna’s character. Not being slender like her sisters, Anna has always felt unworthy of a man’s attention, which is further proven by the fact that none of the boys in her community are romantically interested in her. So when Samuel expresses his desire to marry her, Anna can’t help but wonder if he just wants someone to cook, clean and look after his kids. After all, who would want her – practically an old maid, a bit larger than the other women her age and clearly been on the shelf for a while? Her aunt and cousins don’t make matters easier for her but continually suggesting that Samuel could never want her for who she is, making Anna more worried about whether she’s about to enter a marriage of convenience. While the concern over marrying someone for comfort rather than love is one often discussed in Christian novels – particularly historical romances – few realistically portray a young woman’s anxieties over whether her appearance makes her deserving of a husband. As someone who was always a bit too gangly and skinny as a teenager, with the added bonus of glasses and braces, I can sympathise with Anna’s worries over her looks, and I’m sure many other readers will find this makes her a relatable character.
The third book in the Hannah’s Daughters series also sees the return of Anna’s younger sisters, along with her grandmother and great aunt, opening up the floor to explore another very relevant issue – dementia. While it’s never overtly explained what illness Anna’s grandmother suffers from, or whether it is indeed Alzheimer’s, all of the women in Anna’s family have to adjust with their grandmother’s steady decline. From making inappropriate comments to strangers in the supermarket to believing that her son is still alive, she takes her toll on the Yoder family, particularly Hannah, who her mother-in-law is always finding fault with. I found the treatment of Anna’s grandmother very touching, especially seeing how the Amish make caring for their elderly relatives a priority in their lives. This part of the story will particularly resonate with anyone who has witnessed a family member struggling with dementia or Alzheimer’s, and some of the grandmother’s escapades will definitely put a smile on your face!
Not all Christian romance readers are fond of the shorter, category novels from Love Inspired, but I do encourage fans of Amish fiction to give Emma Miller’s series a try – you might find yourself pleasantly surprised! Anna’s Gift would make the perfect stocking filler for the romance fan or an introduction to the genre for a teenage girl. I thoroughly enjoyed the latest instalment in the Hannah’s Daughters series and definitely hope to see more from Emma Miller in the future.
Review title provided courtesy of Steeple Hill at Harlequin.
PUBLISHER: STEEPLE HILL/HARLEQUIN
PUBLICATION DATE: SEPTEMBER 9, 2011
RATING: 9 OUT OF 10
In the latest addition to Emma Miller’s Hannah’s Daughters series, Anna Yoder finds herself receiving a surprising marriage proposal. After watching all of her older sisters marry and leave the family home, Anna longs to be swept off her feet by a suitor, but believes this will never happen since she doesn’t have the pretty face or slim figure of her attractive sisters. So when handsome widower Samuel Mast asks her to marry him, Anna can’t help but wonder if he’s only interested in finding a mother for his children. As much as she enjoys spending time with Samuel and his children, teaching the girls to bake and cooking for his family, Anna isn’t quite ready to say yes. With the whole community speculating his proposal, she needs to know whether or not Samuel truly cares for her before she can make a decision. Soon, Samuel finds that he’s having to go through the motions of teenage courtship – and getting to know his potential bride a lot better!
Having read Courting Ruth, the first novel in this series, a couple of months ago I was pleased to have the opportunity to catch up with the Yoder sisters again. Although I skipped on to the third book in the series, I can’t say that I felt like I’d missed anything vitally important to the plot. As with all Love Inspired novels, Anna’s Gift is designed to be read as a standalone novel, although readers who are familiar with Emma Miller’s books will enjoy seeing brief appearances from previous characters. There are also some new additions in this book, as Anna’s younger sisters return from caring to their aging grandmother, and the sisters, grandmother and an elderly aunt return to Delaware to move into the Yoder home.
While I don’t think that I enjoyed Anna’s tale of courtship as much as Ruth’s, it was still a very sweet story. Anna was a very endearing character, and the development of her relationship with Samuel made a very fun read. This book had two of my favourite contrivances – snowstorms and children. When the community is struck by heavy snow while Anna’s mother is out of town, Anna finds herself spending a lot of time with her Samuel and his family, who are their closest neighbours. While normally an unmarried Amish couple wouldn’t be allowed to spend so much time together unsupervised (Samuel’s children and Anna’s learning disabled sister would not count), this set-up allowed for Anna and Samuel to get to know each other better before Samuel broached the subject of married to Anna’s mother. It’s not until later in the book that the have a proper courtship, which is a strange experience for both of them – Anna having never had a suitor before despite being older than the other courting teenagers, and Samuel having been previously married. It was interesting to read about a couple in such a situation, as few Amish romances have this set up of an older, widowed man marrying a much younger woman.
There were two very realistic issues explored in Anna’s Gift, the first of which related directly to Anna’s character. Not being slender like her sisters, Anna has always felt unworthy of a man’s attention, which is further proven by the fact that none of the boys in her community are romantically interested in her. So when Samuel expresses his desire to marry her, Anna can’t help but wonder if he just wants someone to cook, clean and look after his kids. After all, who would want her – practically an old maid, a bit larger than the other women her age and clearly been on the shelf for a while? Her aunt and cousins don’t make matters easier for her but continually suggesting that Samuel could never want her for who she is, making Anna more worried about whether she’s about to enter a marriage of convenience. While the concern over marrying someone for comfort rather than love is one often discussed in Christian novels – particularly historical romances – few realistically portray a young woman’s anxieties over whether her appearance makes her deserving of a husband. As someone who was always a bit too gangly and skinny as a teenager, with the added bonus of glasses and braces, I can sympathise with Anna’s worries over her looks, and I’m sure many other readers will find this makes her a relatable character.
The third book in the Hannah’s Daughters series also sees the return of Anna’s younger sisters, along with her grandmother and great aunt, opening up the floor to explore another very relevant issue – dementia. While it’s never overtly explained what illness Anna’s grandmother suffers from, or whether it is indeed Alzheimer’s, all of the women in Anna’s family have to adjust with their grandmother’s steady decline. From making inappropriate comments to strangers in the supermarket to believing that her son is still alive, she takes her toll on the Yoder family, particularly Hannah, who her mother-in-law is always finding fault with. I found the treatment of Anna’s grandmother very touching, especially seeing how the Amish make caring for their elderly relatives a priority in their lives. This part of the story will particularly resonate with anyone who has witnessed a family member struggling with dementia or Alzheimer’s, and some of the grandmother’s escapades will definitely put a smile on your face!
Not all Christian romance readers are fond of the shorter, category novels from Love Inspired, but I do encourage fans of Amish fiction to give Emma Miller’s series a try – you might find yourself pleasantly surprised! Anna’s Gift would make the perfect stocking filler for the romance fan or an introduction to the genre for a teenage girl. I thoroughly enjoyed the latest instalment in the Hannah’s Daughters series and definitely hope to see more from Emma Miller in the future.
Review title provided courtesy of Steeple Hill at Harlequin.
January 10, 2015
This was something different from my usual reads and it was refreshing in its simplicity, and I'm not referring to the Amish ways, I mean the romance. They liked, loved each other but finding the way to each other isn't so straight forward with family, community and their own doubts getting in the way.
The context of the Amish faith which I know very little about was at times confusing, and that's a reflection of my ignorance nothing else, but faith is faith whatever the belief system. It had moments, especially at the start where it would lose me and I had to force myself to keep reading but as I finished the book I realised I'd quite enjoyed it.
The context of the Amish faith which I know very little about was at times confusing, and that's a reflection of my ignorance nothing else, but faith is faith whatever the belief system. It had moments, especially at the start where it would lose me and I had to force myself to keep reading but as I finished the book I realised I'd quite enjoyed it.
May 14, 2014
I read this on the Kindle
I am working my way through this series & this is the 3rd book in the series
I enjoyed this book, in it people was not kind about Anna who believes she fat & ugly which Samuel don't believe & neither does her family & they all tell her she has beauty inside & out
Her Aunt Martha well she not too nice & as the wife of a Deacon i surprise at her also that the deacon don't say more
It worth reading & i do feel if you want to read the series you should do it in order i will be starting the 4th one shortly
I am working my way through this series & this is the 3rd book in the series
I enjoyed this book, in it people was not kind about Anna who believes she fat & ugly which Samuel don't believe & neither does her family & they all tell her she has beauty inside & out
Her Aunt Martha well she not too nice & as the wife of a Deacon i surprise at her also that the deacon don't say more
It worth reading & i do feel if you want to read the series you should do it in order i will be starting the 4th one shortly
October 19, 2023
The main character in this book is a fat woman who can’t believe that her suitor would want to marry her, despite his insistence throughout the book. She endures cruel words and bullying from some of her family members who can’t understand it either. And even her supportive mother and sisters talk about the beauty within her, implying that’s while it’s true she’s ugly (Anna refers to herself this way several times) her kind heart is what’s more important.
I found Anna’s self-hatred exhausting and I while she finally starts standing up for herself near the end of the book, it was too little too late.
Samuel’s path from self doubt and social missteps to learning how to trust Anna was more interesting. But when the only obstacle to the romance was the heroine’s stubborn self hatred, it was hard to stay engaged in the story
I found Anna’s self-hatred exhausting and I while she finally starts standing up for herself near the end of the book, it was too little too late.
Samuel’s path from self doubt and social missteps to learning how to trust Anna was more interesting. But when the only obstacle to the romance was the heroine’s stubborn self hatred, it was hard to stay engaged in the story
July 17, 2025
These books are all predictable, but I think that sometimes it's what I like about them. Anna Yoder is Plain. I don't mean Plain, as in she's a good Amish, I mean PLAIN. She's stocky and according to her descriptions, not much in the looks department.
Samuel Mast, a widower with 5 children, is a good friend of the family. While most in the community think he's courting Hannah, Anna's mom, he's not. He has his eye on Anna. Which freaks her out, because he's pretty good looking and why would he want her?
Once she gets over her reluctance, you know there's a happy ending.
Samuel Mast, a widower with 5 children, is a good friend of the family. While most in the community think he's courting Hannah, Anna's mom, he's not. He has his eye on Anna. Which freaks her out, because he's pretty good looking and why would he want her?
Once she gets over her reluctance, you know there's a happy ending.
November 21, 2020
This is the third book in the series of Hannah’s Daughters. So far, this is my favorite. I love Anna’s beautiful spirit and her inside because the outside, eventually grows old, but the sweetness of love that we have inside never fades if we love Christ first and with all our heart. I love the way Anna handles the children who were cruel to her. I love the way she lifts up and encourages instead of answering with a mean and unkind attitude. We need more Anna’s in our world.
February 17, 2018
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Anna Yoder was a big baby when she was born and turned out to be a big lady in her adult life. She always thought herself as really plain....not as beautiful as her petite sisters. she is a great cook and great with children....Samuel's children to be exact....all 5 of them.
Great story. Moving on to #4.
Anna Yoder was a big baby when she was born and turned out to be a big lady in her adult life. She always thought herself as really plain....not as beautiful as her petite sisters. she is a great cook and great with children....Samuel's children to be exact....all 5 of them.
Great story. Moving on to #4.
April 6, 2019
Love, Love the story of Anna. She is not your average beauty who had tons of men flocking to her doorstep. As you read the story of Anna, you realize how the beauty might not be on the outside, but it is in the inside. Samuel a widow is determined to court Anna. This was a great story about acceptance, friendship & Love.
July 30, 2017
This is a wonderful series!!
April 3, 2018
Very touching story!
October 1, 2018
Slow and unnecessarily angsty. At several points I wanted to slap the heroine and tell her to knock it off.
April 19, 2021
Great book.
November 14, 2023
Good book sweet couple excellent quick read would recommend
October 22, 2024
New author for me. A very sweet Amish read.
April 17, 2021
3.5 stars
This was cute and sweet and I really liked Anna and Samuel.
This was cute and sweet and I really liked Anna and Samuel.
September 5, 2011
Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
She’d admired Samuel from afar, but knew he’d never be interested in her. So when he asks her about courting, she gets so excited and embarrassed she falls off the ladder and douses both of them with the blue paint she was using. How can she ever look at him again?
Ms. Miller has written a very pleasant Amish tale about those who live “plain” and have certain rules to follow regarding appropriate behavior and courting. Her main character, Anna, is a large woman. She’s big-boned, she likes to eat, and she has rather plain features. She knows she should choose a husband, but she wants to find love, not just a mate. Ms. Miller makes her a warm, kind woman who is good with children, but finds words wound her soul when people speak badly about her.
Our hero is Samuel. His wife died several years ago and he has five children. He should be getting married again, but he just wasn’t ready for it yet. Then his sister sends his youngest daughter home and he knows she needs a woman’s touch. He also has had an interest in Anna for some time.
The conflict arises because Anna isn’t sure she wants to be courted. She’d love to have Samuel as her husband, but surely he couldn’t love her. She’s too fat and too tall. Maybe he just wants a wife to take care of his five children?
My favorite part of this story is how her friends and family try to make Anna understand that she is someone special in her own way. All beauty isn’t external. Ms. Miller patiently and diligently weaves the story’s way through Anna’s internal insecurities and shows that even the Amish can have sharp tongues.
The author wrote a very good tale that kept me reading until I finished it. I was afraid that Anna was going to shy away like a young, flighty horse. Ms. Miller had me hooked from the moment Anna dropped the blue paint on Samuel and I had to see how this story was going to end. It was a good, smoothly flowing tale where all the characters learned a few lessons on the way.
Ms. Miller has written several other Amish mysteries. Why not check them all out? And do read this one, it’s very good!
She’d admired Samuel from afar, but knew he’d never be interested in her. So when he asks her about courting, she gets so excited and embarrassed she falls off the ladder and douses both of them with the blue paint she was using. How can she ever look at him again?
Ms. Miller has written a very pleasant Amish tale about those who live “plain” and have certain rules to follow regarding appropriate behavior and courting. Her main character, Anna, is a large woman. She’s big-boned, she likes to eat, and she has rather plain features. She knows she should choose a husband, but she wants to find love, not just a mate. Ms. Miller makes her a warm, kind woman who is good with children, but finds words wound her soul when people speak badly about her.
Our hero is Samuel. His wife died several years ago and he has five children. He should be getting married again, but he just wasn’t ready for it yet. Then his sister sends his youngest daughter home and he knows she needs a woman’s touch. He also has had an interest in Anna for some time.
The conflict arises because Anna isn’t sure she wants to be courted. She’d love to have Samuel as her husband, but surely he couldn’t love her. She’s too fat and too tall. Maybe he just wants a wife to take care of his five children?
My favorite part of this story is how her friends and family try to make Anna understand that she is someone special in her own way. All beauty isn’t external. Ms. Miller patiently and diligently weaves the story’s way through Anna’s internal insecurities and shows that even the Amish can have sharp tongues.
The author wrote a very good tale that kept me reading until I finished it. I was afraid that Anna was going to shy away like a young, flighty horse. Ms. Miller had me hooked from the moment Anna dropped the blue paint on Samuel and I had to see how this story was going to end. It was a good, smoothly flowing tale where all the characters learned a few lessons on the way.
Ms. Miller has written several other Amish mysteries. Why not check them all out? And do read this one, it’s very good!
October 2, 2011
Anna's Gift by Emma Miller
Anna Yoder feels that she is the ugly one in her family. With her beautiful thin sisters around her, Anna compares her large plain self to them. She was teased about her weight as a child and now at age twenty-one, she knows she may never be loved. She has secretly admired Samuel Mast from far back already. He seems to be courting her Mam and she cannot imagine him being her step-father. On the other hand she knows such a handsome man would never look her way.
Samuel has waited for two years until Anna turned twenty-one and so he would have the courage to ask to court her. He sees her inner beauty and believes this is the woman the Lord has given him. They are both Amish and carry the same beliefs. He has five children though and he wants a wife who will love them as her own. Little Mae has been with his sister since she was only a few months old. When Freida died he could not take care of the babe. Now that she is with him she sees him as a stranger.
Anna quickly falls in love with Samuel s girls but the boys are mean and don't want their dad to marry her. Anna does not want to marry without love but she don't know if there will another chance for her. With her cousin whispering things like how could he care for her and how she's only needed for her household skills, Anna's decision becomes harder.
When her Grossmama and Aunt Jezebel come to live at their home it adds more tension as her Grossmama seems to dislike her mam and is mean to her. When all is said and done, can Anna ever see herself through the eyes of someone who loves her or will the reflection in her mind keep her from finding happiness?
**Received through NetGalley for review.
Anna Yoder feels that she is the ugly one in her family. With her beautiful thin sisters around her, Anna compares her large plain self to them. She was teased about her weight as a child and now at age twenty-one, she knows she may never be loved. She has secretly admired Samuel Mast from far back already. He seems to be courting her Mam and she cannot imagine him being her step-father. On the other hand she knows such a handsome man would never look her way.
Samuel has waited for two years until Anna turned twenty-one and so he would have the courage to ask to court her. He sees her inner beauty and believes this is the woman the Lord has given him. They are both Amish and carry the same beliefs. He has five children though and he wants a wife who will love them as her own. Little Mae has been with his sister since she was only a few months old. When Freida died he could not take care of the babe. Now that she is with him she sees him as a stranger.
Anna quickly falls in love with Samuel s girls but the boys are mean and don't want their dad to marry her. Anna does not want to marry without love but she don't know if there will another chance for her. With her cousin whispering things like how could he care for her and how she's only needed for her household skills, Anna's decision becomes harder.
When her Grossmama and Aunt Jezebel come to live at their home it adds more tension as her Grossmama seems to dislike her mam and is mean to her. When all is said and done, can Anna ever see herself through the eyes of someone who loves her or will the reflection in her mind keep her from finding happiness?
**Received through NetGalley for review.
December 5, 2011
Title: ANNA’S GIFT
Author: Emma Miller
Publisher: Love Inspired
October 2011
ISBN: 978-0-373-87699-0
Genre: Inspirational/Amish/romance
Anna Yoder never expects to marry. Anna has six pretty, petite sisters, and Anna is big, overweight, and plain. Even her mother tells her so. Anna is accepting of her future, even when the handsome widower she’s long admired appears to be calling on her mother. She’s not sure how she feels about him being her step-dad, but she accepts it.
Samuel Mast is only eight years younger than Anna’s mother, but it’s not her mother he’s calling on, though everyone thinks it is. It’s Anna. No one is more surprised than Anna when Samuel announces his intentions to marry her so she could be a step-parent to his five children. Anna is flattered, but sure it’s a misunderstanding. After all, handsome Samuel has his choice of pretty brides.
When Anna finally becomes brave enough to share with a few friends about Samuel’s surprise proposal, no one believes her. They all think Anna is making up Samuel’s interest. Anna’s already low self-esteem takes a beating. Will she ever accept Samuel’s proposal as real, and take the love that is offered?
ANNA’S GIFT is one of the better Love Inspired books I’ve read recently. I enjoyed getting to know Anna and Samuel and the secondary characters in this book. The story is well written and the plot line is believable, even though Samuel is quite a few years older than Anna.
ANNA’S GIFT is the third book in Ms. Miller’s Amish series Miriam’s Daughters but it easily stands alone. Amish romance fans won’t want to miss this book. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book. $5.75. 217 pages.
This is my copy of the book, no review was required or requested.
Author: Emma Miller
Publisher: Love Inspired
October 2011
ISBN: 978-0-373-87699-0
Genre: Inspirational/Amish/romance
Anna Yoder never expects to marry. Anna has six pretty, petite sisters, and Anna is big, overweight, and plain. Even her mother tells her so. Anna is accepting of her future, even when the handsome widower she’s long admired appears to be calling on her mother. She’s not sure how she feels about him being her step-dad, but she accepts it.
Samuel Mast is only eight years younger than Anna’s mother, but it’s not her mother he’s calling on, though everyone thinks it is. It’s Anna. No one is more surprised than Anna when Samuel announces his intentions to marry her so she could be a step-parent to his five children. Anna is flattered, but sure it’s a misunderstanding. After all, handsome Samuel has his choice of pretty brides.
When Anna finally becomes brave enough to share with a few friends about Samuel’s surprise proposal, no one believes her. They all think Anna is making up Samuel’s interest. Anna’s already low self-esteem takes a beating. Will she ever accept Samuel’s proposal as real, and take the love that is offered?
ANNA’S GIFT is one of the better Love Inspired books I’ve read recently. I enjoyed getting to know Anna and Samuel and the secondary characters in this book. The story is well written and the plot line is believable, even though Samuel is quite a few years older than Anna.
ANNA’S GIFT is the third book in Ms. Miller’s Amish series Miriam’s Daughters but it easily stands alone. Amish romance fans won’t want to miss this book. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book. $5.75. 217 pages.
This is my copy of the book, no review was required or requested.
July 20, 2023
I have to preface this by saying that I *DO NOT* like the Amish. It took a star from it, just being Amish. I think it's utterly hypocritical to have battery-powered things, plastic kid seats, and gas-powered stuff if you're eschewing technology. Batteries generate electricity, for the love of Pete.
We're to be IN the world not OF the world (John 17:14-15) The Amish are *not* in the world. The Bible also says to be not conformed to this world, but be transformed BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, not by separate dress, living, etc. It's wrong, and the segregation has made for prejudice, and I've felt it from them, myself. I do not like the Amish.
Having said...? This is a WONDERFUL book. Anna fights for her Grandmother to be able to go out among the Englisch. Her mother was Mennonite. She's a forward thinking woman who stands up for what she believes and even goes over her intended's head (him being a deacon) to get what she feels she needs for her family.
Anna is a beautiful character... but I wish she and Samuel would just admit to FEELINGS for each other. They never do - and it takes away from the story. Samuel adores her, but never conveys that. Anna is so attracted to him, but she's afraid because his first wife was beautiful, and she's a bigger, plainer girl.
Still and all, the relationships and fun in this made it so I ended up loving the story. The writing is fantastic, the characterizations beautiful... it's a lovely story. Mostly I just pretend it's *NOT* Amish. Because then it would be a perfect book.
We're to be IN the world not OF the world (John 17:14-15) The Amish are *not* in the world. The Bible also says to be not conformed to this world, but be transformed BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, not by separate dress, living, etc. It's wrong, and the segregation has made for prejudice, and I've felt it from them, myself. I do not like the Amish.
Having said...? This is a WONDERFUL book. Anna fights for her Grandmother to be able to go out among the Englisch. Her mother was Mennonite. She's a forward thinking woman who stands up for what she believes and even goes over her intended's head (him being a deacon) to get what she feels she needs for her family.
Anna is a beautiful character... but I wish she and Samuel would just admit to FEELINGS for each other. They never do - and it takes away from the story. Samuel adores her, but never conveys that. Anna is so attracted to him, but she's afraid because his first wife was beautiful, and she's a bigger, plainer girl.
Still and all, the relationships and fun in this made it so I ended up loving the story. The writing is fantastic, the characterizations beautiful... it's a lovely story. Mostly I just pretend it's *NOT* Amish. Because then it would be a perfect book.
May 4, 2012
Anna is just 21 and able to marry yet she feels she is fat and figures no one will ever want to marry her. She secretly has a crush on the the widowed neighbor named Samuel. Anna thinks he is going to court her mom(he is 16 years older then Anna). So she is shocked when he asks to court her!
Samuel has been a widow for 4 years and is ready to find a new wife. Even though Anna is only 21 and he 36 he can’t help but be drawn to her. Will he be able to convince Anna he loves her and does not just want her as a caregiver for his children?
This book was well written and I enjoyed reading it but the subject of Anna hit a little to close to home. I am over weight myself and it really bothered me how the people in this book treated Anna. Considering how excepting the Amish are they came across as mean and down right nasty in this book at times. I have read other books about “Plain” Amish girls but this one was the worst in my option. I was glad that Samuel saw Anna for the wonderful girl she was. I admit the huge age difference between the two felt weird at times in this book. I liked both characters and the writer did a good job of exploring the difficulties that would come from such a big difference in age.
Over all this was a good book. I hope to go back and read the first two books as well. I really liked the writing style and also how well developed the characters where.
http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2011/1...
Samuel has been a widow for 4 years and is ready to find a new wife. Even though Anna is only 21 and he 36 he can’t help but be drawn to her. Will he be able to convince Anna he loves her and does not just want her as a caregiver for his children?
This book was well written and I enjoyed reading it but the subject of Anna hit a little to close to home. I am over weight myself and it really bothered me how the people in this book treated Anna. Considering how excepting the Amish are they came across as mean and down right nasty in this book at times. I have read other books about “Plain” Amish girls but this one was the worst in my option. I was glad that Samuel saw Anna for the wonderful girl she was. I admit the huge age difference between the two felt weird at times in this book. I liked both characters and the writer did a good job of exploring the difficulties that would come from such a big difference in age.
Over all this was a good book. I hope to go back and read the first two books as well. I really liked the writing style and also how well developed the characters where.
http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2011/1...
December 15, 2011
Anna's Gift is part of the Love Inspired mini-series Hannah's Daughters. It is a sweet love story between a widower and a younger Amish girl.
I've read a lot of Amish books this year and this one stands out among them, because it really was a simple love story. There was conflict but it was normal conflict that is experienced in day to day life whether you are Amish or an "Englischer."
Anna wasn't the typical romance novel heroine. She's fat. Yup, I said it, fat. Sturdy is what many of the characters called her. She considers herself to be very plain, but she has a heart of gold. She's forward thinking but not so much so that it would be considered bad in regards to her faith.
There's a lot of interaction between families in this story and a lot of problems between family members with jealousy and just regular life stuff. I'm glad Emma focused a lot of Samuel's children as well as Anna's grandmother who came to live with them from Ohio. Her grandmother, Lovina is a true character. She's a woman with early onset Alzheimer's and it really is a struggle to deal with her. Anna does well with her and grandma is wonderful with Samuel's youngest daughter Mae.
Watching this couple really start to fall in love, even when Anna had misgivings about letting him court her was a delight. You saw love in its purest form. This is definitely a must read for anyone that adores Amish fiction. I also look forward to reading Emma Miller's next book.
I've read a lot of Amish books this year and this one stands out among them, because it really was a simple love story. There was conflict but it was normal conflict that is experienced in day to day life whether you are Amish or an "Englischer."
Anna wasn't the typical romance novel heroine. She's fat. Yup, I said it, fat. Sturdy is what many of the characters called her. She considers herself to be very plain, but she has a heart of gold. She's forward thinking but not so much so that it would be considered bad in regards to her faith.
There's a lot of interaction between families in this story and a lot of problems between family members with jealousy and just regular life stuff. I'm glad Emma focused a lot of Samuel's children as well as Anna's grandmother who came to live with them from Ohio. Her grandmother, Lovina is a true character. She's a woman with early onset Alzheimer's and it really is a struggle to deal with her. Anna does well with her and grandma is wonderful with Samuel's youngest daughter Mae.
Watching this couple really start to fall in love, even when Anna had misgivings about letting him court her was a delight. You saw love in its purest form. This is definitely a must read for anyone that adores Amish fiction. I also look forward to reading Emma Miller's next book.
August 27, 2011
I just finished this book and really enjoyed it. Anna is bigger than her sisters and has been teased all her life for being big. Samuel lost his wife 4 years ago and everyone thought he wanted to court Anna's mother. Right from the beginning this book had me hooked. Samuel wants to court Anna but Anna thinks he could only want her to look after his children and cook and clean for him. He is quite handsome and she doesn't think he could love her for herself. I really felt for Anna in a world where so many people look at the outside and not the inside Anna feels she is unattractive and that no man as good as Samuel could love her for herself. I love the way Emma told Anna's story and showed her insecurities. So many of us feel we are not pretty enough or good enough or even worthy of being loved by someone which makes Anna a character many of us can identify with. I know I do. I have have been teased for my looks and told I am fat even by people in the church and it does hurt and stick. What I love is how Emma tells Anna's story and shows readers how kind hearted and loving she really is. I also love how Samuel's story was told and we see just why he loves Anna so much. This book deals with self image, love and perceptions. This was a wonderful book and the best I have read from Emma so far.
December 27, 2012
Good book. I liked both Anna and Samuel. Anna is stunned when Samuel asks to court her. He could have his pick of any of the girls in the community, but he's asking her. She has had a dream of being married for love but doesn't expect it. She is a big girl who has been teased about it for years. She doesn't see how he could truly be interested in her as a person. She couldn't see that her inner beauty was so much more important to him. I loved how good she was with her sister and with Samuel's kids. She has an amazing amount of patience and deals well with the children and with her grouchy grandmother. I didn't like the way she was treated by some of the other people but loved the way some others tried to make her see herself the way they did. Samuel was terrific. I really liked the way that he had waited for Anna. He also saw the whole person not just her outward appearance. Even though there was a pretty big age difference I liked the way that he was willing to do things that would make her happy. He also worried a little about their different ways of looking at things but eventually saw how much difference it would make to his family. I really liked the way that he knew he loved her and wanted her for his wife.
November 9, 2015
The story talks about the low self esteem of Anna who is not as pretty as her sisters and in addition is larger size which has her thinking no one will want to marry her especially with so many pretty girls try to catch the attention of the available men in this Amish village. It takes a proposal from a widow name Samuel, her grandmother and Mom to make her realize that she has lots of things which she does well and also her kindness of heart which she spreads freely. I love how the story give some of Samuel's background into his feeling for Anna and how he would come to her home and talk with her mother who was part of the school board while waiting for her to become of age (21). I love when she started to listen to other who knew her good points and especially by taking a stand for her Grandmother to go to a non-Amish daycare group (she wanted to ride the red bus and teach the English how to make rugs which she excelled, but was against the Amish teaching that they would take care of their elders. This stand helped her in making her decision to marry or not marry Samuel.
This story could be anywhere USA and we have many young and not so young women feeling inferior because of comments made about their size or facial appearance without looking at the person.
This story could be anywhere USA and we have many young and not so young women feeling inferior because of comments made about their size or facial appearance without looking at the person.
October 8, 2011
This is a Love Inspired book, part of a series set in an Amish community. I like the cast of characters so I went out of my way to find this book. Harlequin novels have a short shelf life and as I have favorite authors writing in the genre, I tend to be diligent in checking ahead for upcoming publications. I view reading a Harlequin similar to watching an hour or two of television but since reading is far and away the drug of choice, I derive much pleasure from this activity. This series is about a widowed Amish women in a farming community. There is a motley cast of characters including a child born with Down syndrome and the lastest addition, a crotchety old Grossmama, who brings a bit of spice with her vinegar.
"I want bologna," Rudy said. "Two slices with cheese in the middle and catsup on my bread. Potato chips. And cookies - six."
You'll eat what we give you," Grossmama said, "And be glad to get it. When I was a girl, my Mam gave us boiled squirrels, still with the head and bones, and corn bread in our lunch pails and we were glad to get it. A bear killed our hogs, and all the meat we had one winter was the wild game my father shot."
"I want bologna," Rudy said. "Two slices with cheese in the middle and catsup on my bread. Potato chips. And cookies - six."
You'll eat what we give you," Grossmama said, "And be glad to get it. When I was a girl, my Mam gave us boiled squirrels, still with the head and bones, and corn bread in our lunch pails and we were glad to get it. A bear killed our hogs, and all the meat we had one winter was the wild game my father shot."
October 1, 2011
When Samuel Mast expresses an interest in Anna Yoder, she is sure she heard him wrong and he meant her mother. Anna is a big boned girl, and can't imagine a man as handsome as Samuel being interested in her.
Anna does not have very good self esteem, but is so kind hearted. To make things worse some of her Aunts and Cousins, tell her that Samuel only wants her to cook, clean and watch his children. They tell her she a big fat girl and he surely would never love her!
Samuel lost his wife 4 years ago, and everyone in the Amish Community expects him to marry Hannah Yoder, but he falls in love with Anna. Anna does not believe he could love her. Some of the incidents in this book are hysterically funny...be prepared for some really great laughs!
Throughout the whole story you find a strong faith in God, even Grossmutter with her dementia keeps her faith.
A really good and fast read...enjoy!
I received this book from the publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.
Anna does not have very good self esteem, but is so kind hearted. To make things worse some of her Aunts and Cousins, tell her that Samuel only wants her to cook, clean and watch his children. They tell her she a big fat girl and he surely would never love her!
Samuel lost his wife 4 years ago, and everyone in the Amish Community expects him to marry Hannah Yoder, but he falls in love with Anna. Anna does not believe he could love her. Some of the incidents in this book are hysterically funny...be prepared for some really great laughs!
Throughout the whole story you find a strong faith in God, even Grossmutter with her dementia keeps her faith.
A really good and fast read...enjoy!
I received this book from the publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.
July 5, 2014
This story is my favorite so far, of all the books in the series. Anna has so much to offer a man, although none of the men (and many of the women) can't see it. I love how Samuel can see it... and appreciate it... and dear, sweet Anna.
Samuel appreciates Anna for her inner beauty and her gift of hospitality, her good sense and kindness. But unknown to Anna, Samuel has been attracted to her for several years... he's been giving her time to grow up... and maybe time for him to get his courage up to ask her to marry him.
In the meantime, everyone - including Anna - thinks Samuel wants to marry Hannah!
Unfortunately, when he does ask her to court him, he forgets to mention how much he cares for her, so she thinks he is settling for her because he desperately needs someone to care for his children and his home.
Will he ever tell her how he really feels? Will she ever know he truly cares for her?
Emma does a superb job showing Anna's reasons for hesitating and Samuel's determination to win her.
November 9, 2011
I like Anna's character alot. Reading thru this book with such a likeable character make it easy and smooth for me. ;) Anna, depicted as a plump and not so pretty as compared to her other sisters, has always have a low self-esteemed. Hence, when Samuel make his intention to court her, she was so surprised that she fell of the ladder! Nevertheless, due to her inferior complex, she have a hard time in convincing herself that Samuel is in love with her and not for other reasons. Her confusion was also fuel by all the negative opinions from the ones that she trust making it worse for her to accept him eventhough deep down she wanted to. I like reading the ending of the book and at last, Anna found her true love ! ;)
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