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Seasons: A Real Story of an Amish Girl
Updated Spring 2019 with more content.As the oldest child in an impoverished Amish family, Lydia Lee knows little more of life beyond hard work, sacrifice and extreme hunger. Yet, even as a young girl she strives to be content with all God has provided.Against the backdrop of the Great Depression, Lydia’s childhood unfolds as her family struggles to survive, finding strength from their Amish faith. But, when tragedy strikes, that very faith is tested beyond what any child should have to endure. When all hope seems lost, Lydia is reminded that all things have seasons. The spring of her life has been spent planting prayers in the soil of sadness and heartache. Will she see a summer of true love? Will there be a harvest of happiness?
173 pages, Paperback
First published July 26, 2011
133 people are currently reading
577 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Byler Younts
7 books353 followersGo to www.elizabethbyleryounts.com to subscribe to the newsletter and receive the audio of the first chapter of THE SOLACE OF WATER as a thank you gift.
Award-winning author Elizabeth Byler Younts writes historical fiction for Harper Collins/Thomas Nelson. She gained a worldwide audience through her first book Seasons: A Real Story of an Amish Girl. She is also the author of the Carol award-winning novel The Solace of Water, critically-acclaimed novel The Bright Unknown, and The Promise of Sunrise series. She has consulted on Amish lifestyle and the Pennsylvania Dutch dialect for two award-winning television shows. Elizabeth lives in Central Pennsylvania with her husband, two daughters, and a small menagerie of well-loved pets.
Award-winning author Elizabeth Byler Younts writes historical fiction for Harper Collins/Thomas Nelson. She gained a worldwide audience through her first book Seasons: A Real Story of an Amish Girl. She is also the author of the Carol award-winning novel The Solace of Water, critically-acclaimed novel The Bright Unknown, and The Promise of Sunrise series. She has consulted on Amish lifestyle and the Pennsylvania Dutch dialect for two award-winning television shows. Elizabeth lives in Central Pennsylvania with her husband, two daughters, and a small menagerie of well-loved pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
January 4, 2013
I met Elizabeth over two years ago at ACFW when she approached and told me that she loved my radio show Living Inspired--and she listened to it while she did her chores. At the time I wasn't sure anyone listened to my show and so I loved her immediately. {She also has a sweet personality which is wonderful, too.}
Elizabeth gave me a copy of her book, Seasons. I read a little of the book and then I interviewed Elizabeth here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/l...
It wasn't until last month that I remembered I'd only read a few chapters, so I picked up the book again and got fully absorbed in it. It's a TRUE story about Elizabeth's Amish grandmother who grew up during the depression. It reminded me of the Little House books, only different.
If you enjoy Amish novels, you'll enjoy this book. If you enjoy biographies, you'll enjoy this book.
Elizabeth also blogs with me at Not Quite Amish www.notquiteamishliving.com; we'd love if you'd join us there!
Elizabeth gave me a copy of her book, Seasons. I read a little of the book and then I interviewed Elizabeth here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/l...
It wasn't until last month that I remembered I'd only read a few chapters, so I picked up the book again and got fully absorbed in it. It's a TRUE story about Elizabeth's Amish grandmother who grew up during the depression. It reminded me of the Little House books, only different.
If you enjoy Amish novels, you'll enjoy this book. If you enjoy biographies, you'll enjoy this book.
Elizabeth also blogs with me at Not Quite Amish www.notquiteamishliving.com; we'd love if you'd join us there!
January 25, 2020
Shelved fiction, this is based on biographical stories of the author's Amish grandmother--only some names have been changed. I wasn't enthralled at first, but did get more interested. The writing is solid, but nothing sparkling or special. It is primarily set in the Great Depression when her grandmother was growing up, poor and moving around, and it covers from when she is seven until she is twenty.
This is realistic of course, but is about a woman who accepted her faith and religious ways virtually without question growing up, so if you are looking for the conflict to be rebellion, look elsewhere. That said, there were hardships and tragedies along the way, so it's not some schmaltzy romance where everything always works out just right.
This is realistic of course, but is about a woman who accepted her faith and religious ways virtually without question growing up, so if you are looking for the conflict to be rebellion, look elsewhere. That said, there were hardships and tragedies along the way, so it's not some schmaltzy romance where everything always works out just right.
March 23, 2019
It is very short and I read it over several hours. I was expecting more in the line of LITTLE HEATHENS or TOBIAS OF THE AMISH. But being so short if had no room for all the details those books had. It is mostly "creative " conversations and reminiscing.
July 2, 2024
Interesting story about growing up poor and Amish before WW2.
September 22, 2021
Seasons: A Real Story of an Amish Girl by Elizabeth Byler Younts is a true story about the author’s mammie (grandmother), Lydia Lee Coblentz, better known as Liddy. This is a heart-wrenching story about Liddy, the eldest child of eleven, in a poor Amish family in the 30’s and 40’s. It depicts the struggles she went through to help her mother care for the family from a tender age. Her childhood was full of work around the house and caring for her siblings. She often went with little food to make sure the younger children could eat. They frequently had to move so her dat could find work and often she had no shoes to keep her feet warm. This is a story that touches your heart as you read about her young life.
November 3, 2014
Seasons is a book of memories of an Amish grandmother by her granddaughter. It is a fast read, only 173 pages long. The grandmother grew up an Amish family that was already poor but then the Depression came and things got worse.
Liddy usually had no shoes, not even in the winter and wore coats that didn't fit. She yearned for clothes that would keep her warm, never mind what they looked like. She wore feed sack dresses. That reminded me of my mother. Even though she doesn't mention it, the feed sacks did have pretty flower prints. I wore them when I was a toddler in the 1950s.
Also, she talks about the shortage of food. Here she had a little less than my mother's family had to eat as they were a farming family and much more than my father's family who grew up in town.
The best part of the book is the relationships between the family members. They had trials of sorrow and poverty but that was common to non-Amish families. What made their family different was less reliance on the law to protect them and having help from the Amish community.
I enjoyed this little book, I did not learn that much about the Amish or more about the Depression but I learned more about the struggle to be the oldest in the family when you have lost your mother.
I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories about families.
Liddy usually had no shoes, not even in the winter and wore coats that didn't fit. She yearned for clothes that would keep her warm, never mind what they looked like. She wore feed sack dresses. That reminded me of my mother. Even though she doesn't mention it, the feed sacks did have pretty flower prints. I wore them when I was a toddler in the 1950s.
Also, she talks about the shortage of food. Here she had a little less than my mother's family had to eat as they were a farming family and much more than my father's family who grew up in town.
The best part of the book is the relationships between the family members. They had trials of sorrow and poverty but that was common to non-Amish families. What made their family different was less reliance on the law to protect them and having help from the Amish community.
I enjoyed this little book, I did not learn that much about the Amish or more about the Depression but I learned more about the struggle to be the oldest in the family when you have lost your mother.
I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories about families.
April 19, 2012
This story is based on the life of the author's grandmother. All the events that take place were true.
Lydia Lee was the oldest child of a poor Amish family and grew up during the Great Depression. Her family struggles to survive, but they never lose their faith in God. When tragedy strikes, Lydia's faith is tested beyond what any child should endure, but she remembers that all things in life have their seasons.
The spring of her life has been spent in sadness and heartache; will she see a summer of true love, and a harvest of happiness?
I really enjoyed this book, and I could tell the author wrote from the heart. I could picture her sitting and listening to her grandmother tell the story of her life. It was often heartbreaking to read of what the children especially had to go through during the Depression, not just Amish children, but all children. Things like not having cups, and having to drink out of tin cans, and being happy at Christmas just to get a piece of fruit and a pair of socks. Reading Lydia's story really made me appreciate the life I had a child, and the one I have now.
The story ends when Lydia is still in her twenties; I hope one day the author writes a sequel. I would love to learn about the rest of the "seasons" of her life.
Lydia Lee was the oldest child of a poor Amish family and grew up during the Great Depression. Her family struggles to survive, but they never lose their faith in God. When tragedy strikes, Lydia's faith is tested beyond what any child should endure, but she remembers that all things in life have their seasons.
The spring of her life has been spent in sadness and heartache; will she see a summer of true love, and a harvest of happiness?
I really enjoyed this book, and I could tell the author wrote from the heart. I could picture her sitting and listening to her grandmother tell the story of her life. It was often heartbreaking to read of what the children especially had to go through during the Depression, not just Amish children, but all children. Things like not having cups, and having to drink out of tin cans, and being happy at Christmas just to get a piece of fruit and a pair of socks. Reading Lydia's story really made me appreciate the life I had a child, and the one I have now.
The story ends when Lydia is still in her twenties; I hope one day the author writes a sequel. I would love to learn about the rest of the "seasons" of her life.
August 22, 2011
Loved this book based on the true life of the author's grandmother. It was a very short book which left me wanting more....anxious for Ms. Younts to further her writing career!! A couple of parts of the story brought me to tears. I have always been intrigued by Amish life and customs and this book allows you to peer into the life of an Amish girl during the depression years.
August 26, 2014
This book was actually written by my daughters friend. I have known Elizabeth since she was five. She has written another book that my daughter also bought me, and had Elizabeth sign. Both books are about her Amish heritage. Seasons is a book based on her grandmothers life growing up Amish during the Great Depression. An okay book, but not something I would have chosen to read myself.
August 13, 2012
We are proud to announce that this book has been honored with a 2012 B.R.A.G.Medallion - telling you that this book is well worth your time and money!
January 13, 2015
A beautiful and moving book. At times this story was heartbreaking but what a wonderful story it is. The author was new to me, but I've become a fan after reading this book.
December 20, 2020
An interesting tale based on true life that definitely engaged my emotions. I cried and laughed and could feel their hardships deep in my soul. Having a large family plus having to move around in order for their dad to have a job was heartbreaking but written about so matter of factly. How they were always hungry and cold and without shoes and other warm garments but trusted in God to see them through showed their strong beliefs. The story had a nice flow to it but was told in stages as their family grew and took on new responsibilities, dealt with hardships, injuries, death, and changes in their family circumstances.
But they weren't without hope and love. They all worked hard and knew the importance of family and their Amish beliefs. There were scripture verses along with Dutch words. There were definitely happy moments and the love between the siblings and their parents and with their parents shown through. I was surprised that there wasn't better closure. The story ended very abruptly. I would have liked a little something more about Liddy's new life.
I've always enjoyed Amish stories and this showed a different realism in its portrayal. I definitely recommend reading it to all who enjoy stories in this genre.
But they weren't without hope and love. They all worked hard and knew the importance of family and their Amish beliefs. There were scripture verses along with Dutch words. There were definitely happy moments and the love between the siblings and their parents and with their parents shown through. I was surprised that there wasn't better closure. The story ended very abruptly. I would have liked a little something more about Liddy's new life.
I've always enjoyed Amish stories and this showed a different realism in its portrayal. I definitely recommend reading it to all who enjoy stories in this genre.
May 31, 2017
I enjoyed this very much. I just couldn't believe how much Lydia went through before she was even 20 years old. Heartbreaking to read at times. Made me realize again how fortunate I am and to not take anything for granted.
January 26, 2020
A real Amish Girl
I throughly enjoyed this book. I loved her steady relationship with Christ on a daily basis. Hers was a poor life, yet she never complained. It brought tears to my eyes. It was a heartwarming book and one I will not soon forget.
I throughly enjoyed this book. I loved her steady relationship with Christ on a daily basis. Hers was a poor life, yet she never complained. It brought tears to my eyes. It was a heartwarming book and one I will not soon forget.
February 19, 2024
Just wonderful!!
I did not intend on reading this in just a handful of hours, but I couldn't put it down. I left everything about this book. I felt every emotion and lived every moment through the well-written stories of this amazing woman!
I did not intend on reading this in just a handful of hours, but I couldn't put it down. I left everything about this book. I felt every emotion and lived every moment through the well-written stories of this amazing woman!
February 19, 2024
I did not intend on reading this in just a handful of hours, but I couldn't put it down. I loved everything about this book. I felt every emotion and lived every moment through the well-written story of this amazing woman! I love that it was written from the granddaughter and was a true story. 💛
January 7, 2018
A sweet story!
March 25, 2018
Loved this!
Great story, well written. I read straight through it in one shot. What a beautiful way to preserve family memories.
Great story, well written. I read straight through it in one shot. What a beautiful way to preserve family memories.
April 18, 2018
Great read!
I liked this book so much I read it all at once! A good wholesome book for anyone to enjoy.
I liked this book so much I read it all at once! A good wholesome book for anyone to enjoy.
March 31, 2020
Sweet story with life at every turn.
I was not sure at the beginning how this would develop. It turned into the turf times of the 40's in all of the
Groups of people surviving.
I was not sure at the beginning how this would develop. It turned into the turf times of the 40's in all of the
Groups of people surviving.
October 11, 2020
Triumphs and faithfulness
Liddy is an inspiration in her perseverance with love and generosity for all. The story makes our "hard" times seem bearable.
Liddy is an inspiration in her perseverance with love and generosity for all. The story makes our "hard" times seem bearable.
March 3, 2021
Beautiful story
This was such a treat and I thank you for sharing your grandmother with us.what a blessing she must have been to have.
This was such a treat and I thank you for sharing your grandmother with us.what a blessing she must have been to have.
December 17, 2021
Good Amish book.
June 9, 2022
Great story
I loved this story,it was different and very well written. I hope to read many more stories from this author.
I loved this story,it was different and very well written. I hope to read many more stories from this author.
August 8, 2024
This book is an excellent read. I laughed and I cried. At the end I sobbed. I felt as though I was right there with them all as it was happening. I recommended this book to everyone. So far this is my favorite book this year. I would read it again.
June 22, 2025
A beautiful story
This story was so sweet. I enjoyed this simple but well told story of a girl who grew up with nothing, yet still stayed humble and grateful.
This story was so sweet. I enjoyed this simple but well told story of a girl who grew up with nothing, yet still stayed humble and grateful.
September 9, 2025
fabulous
Highly recommend!! Profoundly wonderful! I could not put it down! Highly recommend this book - and it kind of stays with you.
Highly recommend!! Profoundly wonderful! I could not put it down! Highly recommend this book - and it kind of stays with you.
May 10, 2015
BACK OF THE BOOK BLURB
(taken from Amazon.com)
As the oldest child in an impoverished Amish family, Lydia Lee knows little more of life beyond hard work, sacrifice and extreme hunger. Yet, even as a youndg girl she strives to be content with all God has provided.
Against the backdrop of the Great Depression, Lydia's childhood unfolds as her family struggles to survive, finding strength from their Amish faith. But, when tragedy strikes, that very faith is tested beyond what any child should have to endure. When all hope seems lost, Lydia is reminded that all things have seasons.
The spring of her life has been spent planting prayers in the soil of sadness and heartache. Will she see a summer of true love? Will there be a harvest of happiness?
MY REVIEW
I have had this book on my Kindle for quite some time because I though it sounded like one I would enjoy. The problem is I have a LOT of books, paperback and e-book, that I 'really' want to read, it's like sometimes I think I should close my eyes and pick out a book that way. I do wish I'd read this a lot sooner as it is a wonderful story that will pull at your heartstrings and find yourself wanting to help this family even though it happened a long time ago.
Lydia is such a strong little girl with unlimited faith. She goes through so much pain but always seems to have a smile and a big heart. Even when she is hurting you would not know it by looking at her or talking to her.
This is the first book of Elizabeth's that I've read, and I really liked her writing style. I will definitely be reading some more of her books and I would highly recommend this book as a great read! Thank you Elizabeth for sharing this story.
(taken from Amazon.com)
As the oldest child in an impoverished Amish family, Lydia Lee knows little more of life beyond hard work, sacrifice and extreme hunger. Yet, even as a youndg girl she strives to be content with all God has provided.
Against the backdrop of the Great Depression, Lydia's childhood unfolds as her family struggles to survive, finding strength from their Amish faith. But, when tragedy strikes, that very faith is tested beyond what any child should have to endure. When all hope seems lost, Lydia is reminded that all things have seasons.
The spring of her life has been spent planting prayers in the soil of sadness and heartache. Will she see a summer of true love? Will there be a harvest of happiness?
MY REVIEW
I have had this book on my Kindle for quite some time because I though it sounded like one I would enjoy. The problem is I have a LOT of books, paperback and e-book, that I 'really' want to read, it's like sometimes I think I should close my eyes and pick out a book that way. I do wish I'd read this a lot sooner as it is a wonderful story that will pull at your heartstrings and find yourself wanting to help this family even though it happened a long time ago.
Lydia is such a strong little girl with unlimited faith. She goes through so much pain but always seems to have a smile and a big heart. Even when she is hurting you would not know it by looking at her or talking to her.
This is the first book of Elizabeth's that I've read, and I really liked her writing style. I will definitely be reading some more of her books and I would highly recommend this book as a great read! Thank you Elizabeth for sharing this story.
August 28, 2011
Title: SEASONS
Author: Elizabeth Byler Younts
Publisher: EBY Books
July 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4611-4867-8
Genre: Inspirational/nonfiction/Amish/memoir
Lydia Lee Was the oldest child of an improvised Amish family, having little but love, to see them through. She had ten younger brothers and sisters, and her father often moved them around, hoping for a new job, a better future. Liddie became used to going without food to feed her younger brothers and sisters.
Liddie grew up during the Great Depression, then World War II. The story is quite sad in places, but interesting to read about how the Amish lived during that time when most everyone had it rough.
The last few chapters of the book were enough to raise the book from a 4 star to a 5. I absolutely adored the story of Liddie’s romance with Freeman Coblentz; it was so romantic.
Technically, this isn’t a memoir, as a memoir is written by the author about the author, but it isn’t as dull as some biographies. I’m going to have my daughter read it as a biography for a school report, but I’m labeling this a memoir though it technically doesn’t fit in there either. Ms. Younts calls it creative nonfiction. $10.00. 173 pages.
Author: Elizabeth Byler Younts
Publisher: EBY Books
July 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4611-4867-8
Genre: Inspirational/nonfiction/Amish/memoir
Lydia Lee Was the oldest child of an improvised Amish family, having little but love, to see them through. She had ten younger brothers and sisters, and her father often moved them around, hoping for a new job, a better future. Liddie became used to going without food to feed her younger brothers and sisters.
Liddie grew up during the Great Depression, then World War II. The story is quite sad in places, but interesting to read about how the Amish lived during that time when most everyone had it rough.
The last few chapters of the book were enough to raise the book from a 4 star to a 5. I absolutely adored the story of Liddie’s romance with Freeman Coblentz; it was so romantic.
Technically, this isn’t a memoir, as a memoir is written by the author about the author, but it isn’t as dull as some biographies. I’m going to have my daughter read it as a biography for a school report, but I’m labeling this a memoir though it technically doesn’t fit in there either. Ms. Younts calls it creative nonfiction. $10.00. 173 pages.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews