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Heaven On Earth #3

An Angel by Her Side

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Katie has lived through tragedy and heartache. But with the angel Elias by her side, the best years of her life are just ahead.

A Heaven on Earth Novel, #3

When Katie Bender's fiance died in a tragic accident, so did her hope of finding love. Though heartbroken, Katie is also practical. In the years since the accident she has discovered her gift for teaching. But when a tornado destroys her small Amish settlement, including the schoolhouse, Katie doesn't know how she will provide for herself.

Seth Stutzman arrived in Hope Falls days before the storm. And when he helps usher Katie and the children to safety, sparks fly. But Seth is only in town to help his brother, Amos, get back on his feet following the death of his wife. He can't afford to have feelings for Katie.

Rebuilding the community is a huge task, and soon, Katie and Seth are working side by side. As they privately wrestle with their feelings for each other, another silent--and ultimate--battle for their hearts rages unseen.

Sworn to protect what God has ordained, the mighty angel Elias appears to them as a mysterious visitor. And with his guidance, Katie and Seth find the courage to take the first small steps toward the life, and love, they were destined for.

Paperback

First published December 19, 2012

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About the author

Ruth Reid

25 books373 followers
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Ruth Reid is a CBA and ECPA best-selling author of the Heaven on Earth series. She's a full-time pharmacist who resides in Florida with her husband and three children.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for ReadAlongWithSue ★⋆. ࿐࿔catching up.
2,894 reviews433 followers
October 10, 2019
Oh no, I didn’t realise this was book 3 in the series. I’ve gone and done it again.

I enjoyed it though but of course I’d have felt better if I’d read the other two previous ones.

So much tragedy happening to one person, just doesn’t bear thinking about. But they say......it makes you stronger and have more understanding towards others. If that’s true, then it surely was within the pages of this book.
Profile Image for Maureen Timerman.
3,238 reviews490 followers
December 20, 2012
A different Amish story, and yet a lot about living your life as Amish. The separation of their Community, and yet the being there for those who are not members.
We experience a lot of good and evil. Katie Bender has suffered a lot of loss in her young life. She has resigned herself to being a teacher, instead of a wife and mother. Then the a tornado destroys her school, along with a lot of their Community.
Seth Stutzman is visiting Hope Falls, he is trying to help his brother-in-law Amos. Seth builds bee hives, but he is also dealing with his demons. Amos is actually shunning his community, and is so bitter.
We find their are evil forces involved, whispering in their ears! Makes you realize where some of those thoughts you personally don't want come from! Especially if you love the Lord.
This book paints these pictures in your mind so that you actually feel like you are part of the battles. We look for Elias, the mighty angel. How lucky they are to have him, he seems to be there when needed.
Will the evil Razzen win? I vote for Elias, but will those hear him and pray?
Loved this book, if you enjoy reading Amish stories, this is a must read.

I received this book through the Thomas Nelson Booksneeze reviewer program, and was not required to give a positive review.

Profile Image for Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...).
1,676 reviews581 followers
July 2, 2022
The first scenes of the book were exciting with the tornado- Katie rescuing the children and ensuring their safety in the schoolhouse cellar, aided by Seth as he joined them from a nearby field. The heavenly help from the angel Elias was lovely and I liked the way he provided guidance and promptings. When the stress of the aftermath descends, Katie and Seth are snappy and rude to each other, and somehow it doesn't let up, even though they are both attracted to each other and keep feeling the need to help one another. I wasn't feeling their chemistry at all. It was over a third of the way into the book that we learn Elias isn't the only otherworldly character influencing the members of the community- enter the demon Razzen. This is where I began to lose interest. I continued reading to see if the relationship between Seth and Katie would begin to develop past immature jabs, but the plot continued to be hijacked by the paranormal battle between angel and demon with the Amish characters as their pawns. There are some spiritual lessons to be learned but the storytelling style just wasn't my cup of tea.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Profile Image for Dee.
149 reviews
January 12, 2025
As we go through life, we never know when we are entertaining angels.
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 39 books654 followers
May 24, 2013
Title: AN ANGEL BY HER SIDE
Author: Ruth Reid
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
January 2013
ISBN: 978-1595547903
Genre: Amish / romance / paranormal

Katie has lived through tragedy and heartache. But with the angel Elias by her side, the best years of her life are just ahead.

When Katie Bender’s fiancé died in a tragic accident, so did her hope of finding love. Though heartbroken, Katie is also practical. In the years since the accident she has discovered her gift for teaching. But when a tornado destroys her small Amish settlement, including the schoolhouse, Katie doesn’t know how she will provide for herself.
Seth Stutzman arrived in Hope Falls days before the storm. And when he helps usher Katie and the children to safety, sparks fly. But Seth is only in town to help his brother, Amos, get back on his feet following the death of his wife. He can’t afford to have feelings for Katie.

Rebuilding the community is a huge task, and soon, Katie and Seth are working side by side. As they privately wrestle with their feelings for each other, another silent—and ultimate—battle for their hearts rages unseen.

Sworn to protect what God has ordained, the mighty angel Elias appears to them as a mysterious visitor. And with his guidance, Katie and Seth find the courage to take the first small steps toward the life, and love, they were destined for.

AN ANGEL BY HER SIDE is the third book in Ms. Reid’s An Heaven on Earth series, but it easily stands alone. Fans of Ms. Reid will want to read the first two books in the series The Promise of an Angel and A Brush of Angel’s Wings.

AN ANGEL BY HER SIDE is easily the best book in this series. Ms. Reid has really grown as a writer. The book starts with action and keeps up the pace. Not only is this an Amish story, but it has realistic, hurting characters, served with a side of spiritual warfare. I am greatly impressed. I hope Ms. Reid writes many more books like this one. If you like Amish fiction don’t miss AN ANGEL BY HER SIDE. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book. 5 stars. $15.99. 368 pages.



Profile Image for Abbie.
291 reviews37 followers
March 27, 2013
Katie still feels responsible for the death of her fiancé and does not plan to marry. She works as a teacher in her community and feels like she has found her calling. Yet a tornado destroys her school and leaves her wondering what she will do next. Seth just happened to be in the right place at the right time and helped Katie and the school children to safety during the storm. He is visiting his brother to help him and does not plan to stay in the area. Elias the angel is watching over them both and as love blossoms so does a new understanding of God.

I have really enjoyed this series and this book lived up to my expectations. I really like how this book incorporates angels and evil spirits into the story. It may not be realistic but its so well written you can’t help but imagine a angle whispering God’s messages into your ear.

What I liked: I really liked Katie and Seth. Both where dealing with past issues that required them to listen to God for guidance. I love the good vs. evil that went on in this book. Not a lot of Christian fiction will write of a different realm like this author does and I really enjoy it. I also liked how characters from the first two books pop up from time to time. I liked how the story also dealt with Seth’s brother and how he was lost and slowly with the help of his family and spiritual guidance he found his way back. Very well written.

What I did not like: As much as I liked this book I thought the angel might have gotten to involved in the lives of the characters in the book. There is only one thing that really bothered me and it had to do with the little girl but I also have to remember its fiction and not real.

Over all this was a great book and I really enjoyed it. Both Katie and Seth had to let go and let God and it’s a good lesson for all of us. Adding the angel into the story made it interesting. I highly recommend this book.

http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2013/0...
Profile Image for  Jody Reads Smut.
1,113 reviews259 followers
December 21, 2012
I never got the chance to read the first two books in the ‘A Heaven on Earth’ series, but I will definitely pick them up now after reading An Angel by Her Side the 3rd book in the series. Katie Bender and Seth Stutzman are the main characters in the book. Katie has faced allot of heartbreak and tragedy in her short time on this earth, that she felt she never would never recover from, she is also a schoolteacher in the Amish community of Hope Falls.

The day began like any other day for Katie as she was grading papers and the children worked at their desks quietly, than strong winds began to come through the windows and blow her and the children’s papers around so she worked hard at trying to get the windows shut. As they all looked out the windows the children mentioned to Katie that the sky just did not look right, and Katie watched as the sky turned a color unlike she had never seen.

Then a tornado came through and destroyed their community including the schoolhouse in which she worked. Seth arrives in town just days before the tornado hit the small Amish community to offer healing and support to his brother-in-law who is struggling since the recent death of his wife. Katie and Seth end up working side by side to restore their small community when a stranger comes to town that no one knows. In addition, unknown to anyone, he is actually an Angel there to help Katie restore her faith while he watches over Seth as well.

This is a very heartwarming story that you will not want to miss reading. It will make you look at your own heartbreak and faith in a different way; at least it did this for me. I would recommend this book to everyone.
Profile Image for Rhonda Gayle.
167 reviews8 followers
January 28, 2013
Ruth Reid drew me into Katie and Seth's world in the quiet Amish community on the very first page. Her book truly caused me to question some of my own beliefs about angels and demons. Elias appeared to Seth and Katie as a old man. He was safe, in their minds. He walked with a limp and yet, he walked for miles and camped outside by the river, the very river that had claimed the life of Katie's fiance.
It made me wonder if perhaps, God has sent angels to me at times in my life, and I did not recognize them as such. Razzen, the demonic spirit, whispered negative, discouraging thoughts to Amos and several other characters. When I struggle with negative thoughts, were they planted there in the same way? Read this book and discover your own connections and truths.
467 reviews50 followers
March 5, 2014
Katie Bender thought that she had lost all hope

of finding love again, after losing her fiance.

Many things happen and change for Katie

after a tornado hits her town she lives in.

Seth is in town helping his dearly departed sister’s

family out. He never expected to fall in love

with someone there. Both Katie and Seth are headstrong

people. Will Seth return to what he truely loves to do

with his skills as a master carpenter? Will faith be restored

to a hardened man like Amos?

You need to read this book to find out for yourself!

It is a must read!
Profile Image for William Davis.
12 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2016
Quite unusual!

With the appearance on an angel this is quite unlike any Amish story that I have ever read. It is quite spiritual and has me evaluating my relationship with Christ. A great read.
Profile Image for Merry.
470 reviews
January 8, 2025
the teacher

I’m teaching at the school and the weather is changing fast, I look out and see a green tint to the sky. Then the hailstorm comes, I am anxious and then I hear the siren. Children let’s get to the storm cellar. It’s hard to get it open. Thankfully the older boys helped me out. We were not in there long when I was calling out names of children, when I realized that one of the children had gone to use the outhouse. I told the children to stay there and went to find the child. I found him in the school hiding under a desk, frightened and dazed he didn’t respond. So I pulled him out , he asked where the man went? I said I don’t know but we have to get to the cellar, as we arrived there a man, came and we all went into the cellar. It was very noisy and scary, the children were very scared. So we waited…
Profile Image for Kristin.
460 reviews59 followers
December 17, 2012
I couldn’t wait to pick up this book! I really enjoyed the first two books in the Heaven on Earth series by Ruth Reid and I knew that this one would be another fantastic read! This author keeps getting better. She perfectly blends the Amish genre in seamlessly with angel fiction and the result is amazing. The second and third book really shows that the author is finding her niche. If you’re looking for a great series to read this year then I strongly suggest these books.



Katie Bender is a twenty-nine year old school teacher and borders on “old maid” status in her Amish culture. After the death of her fiancée—Katie accepts that it may not be God’s will for her to marry and have children and teaching becomes a passion for her. That is—until the school and her community is hit by a devastating storm that destroys everything in its path.
Seth Stutzman arrived in the community before the storm and as fate would have it—he is the one who helps Katie and her school children escape from the school’s storm cellar. His presence in Hope Falls is a mission as well. He is there to help his brother-in-law who is still grieving the loss of his wife. The situation that Seth finds in the home is an emotionally charged train wreck. Amos has become bitter and depressed and his children are also suffering.

Amos has stopped going to church and refuses to help with rebuilding the community. Despite struggling with a hidden learning disability and a dark secret that has destroyed his confidence—Seth is determined to do his part. He jumps in on the relief efforts and finds encouragement in an old man that no one seems to know. Perhaps he is from a neighboring community?

What is unknown to Katie and Seth is that the friendly and helpful old man named Elias is actually an angel. He is watching over Katie and Seth and even Amos—protecting them from the fallen angel, Razzen who is bent on destroying lives and turning this family away from God and away from each other. I particularly enjoyed the struggle and the battle scenes that raged between Razzen and Elias. It is a very interesting and unique concept taking place within the story.

This book was a smashing hit. Once again I was pulled into the community of Hope Falls and hung on every bit of dialogue between the characters and also between the angel and demon. I thought it very interesting that these characters were not your run-of-the-mill-perfect characters that are often presented in books and rather had very real issues. Amos had his depression, Katie was often overbearing and Seth struggles with dyslexia. Very real characters that you can relate to! If you’re looking for new Amish fiction to read that is unique—Ruth Reid’s Heaven on Earth series is well worth the read!
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Ruth Reid is a full-time pharmacist who lives in Florida with her husband and three children. When attending Ferris State University School of Pharmacy in Big Rapids, Michigan, she lived on the outskirts of an Amish community and had several occasions to visit the Amish farms. Her interest grew into love as she saw the beauty in living a simple life. You can learn more about Ruth by visiting her site at ruthreid.com



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255





Profile Image for Jean St.Amand.
1,482 reviews7 followers
September 19, 2018
I think I spent this entire book wanting all the characters to just grow the hell up. When I wasn't doing that I was rolling my eyes over every single part about Razzen...was that the ''bad angel's" name?...whatever, that part should have been cut. Too predictable. So glad I am finished. None of the characters were very likable. And by the way, why do the men keep scratching the back of their neck? That and the characters pointing at things and the women putting their fists on their hips seem to be the author's three favourite things to say....I'm 57 and I don't think I have ever ''put my fists on my hips"...Just found it annoying.
Profile Image for ANNETTE.
1,130 reviews6 followers
April 30, 2018
A good story that starts with a tornado that ruined a lot of Amish community. The Demon vs Angel in the story was a nice touch. All the characters were easy to follow .A good lesson was taught here about prayer, & love .
2 reviews
Read
November 5, 2021
I really appreciate the simplicity of Amish life presented in this book. It gave me a further appreciation for God and his power. Through everything, the main character suffered through she was able to find her purpose and love it.
Profile Image for Myrtle.
105 reviews4 followers
October 16, 2017
This was my first Ruth Reid book. Heartwarming story with a very happy ending.
20 reviews
September 11, 2018
Wonderful!

The characters and storyline make this one of my favorites. Truly a wonderful book. I highly recommend. Feel good book
7 reviews
Read
August 20, 2020
Another great book by Ruth Reid and a great reminder to invite God into every situation, every day, all day long!
Profile Image for JoAnn McGowan.
573 reviews12 followers
June 12, 2021
Fabulous / what a wonderful book! With trials and tribulations and 2 angels , one good and one evil
Katie tried to find happiness! It’s a story of love, faith and forgiveness !
Profile Image for Gaylina.
320 reviews8 followers
February 23, 2023
Great conclusion to the series. I enjoyed the characters and the building of the plot. I really could feel the reality in the scenes of spiritual warfare in this book. To see Psalm 91 in action!
188 reviews4 followers
May 15, 2023
A must read! Faith works miracles!
161 reviews3 followers
February 23, 2025
I love Ruth Reid’s books. They are spiritually uplifting and worth the read.
1,016 reviews9 followers
March 5, 2020
BORROWED ON HOOPLA
92 reviews
June 3, 2013
An Angel by Her Side caught me by surprise, literally. Okay, I knew that according to the synopsis, there’s an angel in the story. What I didn’t expect was the supernatural play out – demon vs. angel – in the story. I usually steer away from such books, but this one? It was good. Never mind that this could be included in the paranormal genre and I don’t read paranormal. The good vs. bad scenarios were just too interesting. I found myself cheering for Elias as he battled the evil demon.

I gotta admit that the reason I requested for this book was because it’s an Amish stories. Although I enjoy reading Amish stories, I sometimes feel disgruntled with certain portrayal of the characters. However, I was completely satisfied with the portrayal of the characters. They weren’t super-holy people just because they are Amish. The protagonist, Katie, had her flaws aka attitude problems and so did Amos and the other characters.

The “would-they-or-would-they-not-get-together” kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the book. The author certainly did well in keeping the suspense about the relationship until the end. There was definitely no moment to get bored with the story, especially when I *needed* to know the outcome of Katie and Seth’s relationship! Even though I got impatient and was sorely tempted to skip to the end of the book to find the answer to my question, I patiently read, read some more, waited, and waited.

Besides the main characters, the supporting characters were interesting as well. Yes, the story is mainly a love story, but the drama involving the other characters made the story exciting. There wasn’t only love, there was also bitterness, hatred, being lost, and finding God’s purpose in life.

In conclusion, I loved reading An Angel by Her Side. This is the 3rd book in the A Heaven On Earth series. I don’t know if there will be other new books in the series, but will definitely read them if there are. It would be especially interesting if there’s a story about Amos’ teenaged daughter.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author through the Booksneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Profile Image for Shari.
Author 8 books108 followers
February 4, 2013
I am a BookSneeze Book Reviewer, and was given the opportunity to check out An Angel by Her Side by Ruth Reid.

This story is about Katie who has experienced some tragedies in her life, and experienced great loss. After a tornado takes away the one steady thing in her life, she feels lost and adrift.



I think we can all relate to being lost sometimes, and not knowing the direction our lives. Katie turns to God and asks for his will in her life, and sometimes tells him what she would like his will to be.



Here is the official book description:

Book Description

Please note that this is Book 3 in the A Heaven on Earth series

Katie has lived through tragedy and heartache. But with the angel Elias by her side, the best years of her life are just ahead.

When Katie Bender’s fiancé died in a tragic accident, so did her hope of finding love. Though heartbroken, Katie is also practical. In the years since the accident she has discovered her gift for teaching. But when a tornado destroys her small Amish settlement, including the schoolhouse, Katie doesn’t know how she will provide for herself.

Seth Stutzman arrived in Hope Falls days before the storm. And when he helps usher Katie and the children to safety, sparks fly. But Seth is only in town to help his brother, Amos, get back on his feet following the death of his wife. He can’t afford to have feelings for Katie.

Rebuilding the community is a huge task, and soon, Katie and Seth are working side by side. As they privately wrestle with their feelings for each other, another silent—and ultimate—battle for their hearts rages unseen.

Sworn to protect what God has ordained, the mighty angel Elias appears to them as a mysterious visitor. And with his guidance, Katie and Seth find the courage to take the first small steps toward the life, and love, they were destined for.



I related to how Katie felt in this book, as I've been there, and sometimes still feel that way. I really enjoyed this book, and didn't feel like I was missing anything since I haven't read the other 2 books in this series. Although I would love to read them now, as I thoroughly enjoyed this one!

Profile Image for DJ.
Author 1 book34 followers
February 13, 2015

When Katie Bender’s fiancé dies in a tragic accident, so does her hope of finding love…

We were introduced to Katie in the first book of this series, The Promise of an Angel. In the second book, Brush of Angel’s Wings, we get to know Katie just a bit more. And in this book, Katie has set aside the idea of marriage and has settled in as teacher for the community schoolhouse.

When a tornado destroys much of the small Amish settlement, including the schoolhouse, Seth Stutzman comes to the aid of teacher Katie and her students. Although Seth had arrived just days before to help his brother after the death of his sister-in-law, he feels compelled to stay and help with the rebuilding of the community. With an angel’s guidance, can Katie and Seth find the courage to begin a life together?

As Amos finally turns his heart back towards God, he hears the angel’s words – and cries out to God!

Ruth Reid does a superb job showing how an evil spirit whispered negative thoughts to Seth’s brother Amos, causing him to stay angry and discouraged… and she shows how God is watching over this community and sends an angel to combat the demon – at the appropriate time.

Ruth’s characters are true-to-life, and believable; I found myself getting attached to them. The story kept a tight grip on me and I identified easily with the angry and discouraging thoughts that we all tend to face at times, as well as the encouragement that comes when we need it most. Ruth wrote a most enlightening series with angelic and demonic spirits – one that I will not soon forget.

I wept as I read this heart-warming story; so thankful that there are books available to encourage us... Read this book with a box of tissues nearby; you’ll need them!

I will definitely recommend this series to everyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews

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