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Middlefield Family #2
Faithful to Laura
Laura Stutzman leaves her Kentucky community for Middlefield, Ohio, with one purpose: to find Mark King, the man who pledged his love to her, then left. She can’t move on with her life until he explains why.
Sawyer Thompson is a Yankee who spent his teen years in an Amish home. Now an adult, he has to make a decision—go back to the life he knew as a child or join the church. Having suffered loss at a young age, he understands Laura’s anger, but is determined to follow God’s will and forgive. As their friendship grows, Laura begins to let her guard down.
New information about Sawyer’s past threatens the couple’s budding relationship. Both Laura and Sawyer will need to release the anger they’re storing in their hearts and forgive the people who’ve harmed them. As Laura struggles to trust God, will Sawyer do whatever it takes to remain faithful to Laura?
Sawyer Thompson is a Yankee who spent his teen years in an Amish home. Now an adult, he has to make a decision—go back to the life he knew as a child or join the church. Having suffered loss at a young age, he understands Laura’s anger, but is determined to follow God’s will and forgive. As their friendship grows, Laura begins to let her guard down.
New information about Sawyer’s past threatens the couple’s budding relationship. Both Laura and Sawyer will need to release the anger they’re storing in their hearts and forgive the people who’ve harmed them. As Laura struggles to trust God, will Sawyer do whatever it takes to remain faithful to Laura?
294 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2012
About the author
Kathleen Fuller
117 books1,158 followersBest-selling author of Amish fiction. Also a wife, mother, crafter, coffee addict, football fan, and chocolate aficionado.
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August 5, 2012
My first thoughts about this book was that uh oh this is the second in a series, but I hoped that it wouldn't make a difference. Sadly though I think it did. With the beginning of the story I knew the protagonist had issues from her past. Terrifying dreams plague Laura Stutzman, but not just dreams, she is haunted by memories from her past, a past that has caused her to leave her home.
She wonders if she will ever be able to make peace and move on or will bitternness and the need for revenge keep her from a future.
Sawyer Thompson, is also dealing with issues from his past, and wonders if he even wants to stay Amish. As a relationship starts to grow between him and Laura will his past keep them from a future, and what about Laura can she let go of her bitterness and perhaps allow her heart to heal?
There were plenty of characters at the beginning of this story that made it difficult for me to really figure out what was going on, which makes me believe that I would have enjoyed this book much more had I read the first book in the series. As the story unfolds and I begin to get a sense for what the characters are dealing with then the book became an interesting read. What I did find unique about this story was the fact that Laura wanted revenge, unlike most Amish fiction where the characters think something is God's will and just forgive. Overall, I did enjoy this story and thought it was very well written, but I really think I should have read the first book in the series, which I plan on doing.
rating 3.5/5
She wonders if she will ever be able to make peace and move on or will bitternness and the need for revenge keep her from a future.
Sawyer Thompson, is also dealing with issues from his past, and wonders if he even wants to stay Amish. As a relationship starts to grow between him and Laura will his past keep them from a future, and what about Laura can she let go of her bitterness and perhaps allow her heart to heal?
There were plenty of characters at the beginning of this story that made it difficult for me to really figure out what was going on, which makes me believe that I would have enjoyed this book much more had I read the first book in the series. As the story unfolds and I begin to get a sense for what the characters are dealing with then the book became an interesting read. What I did find unique about this story was the fact that Laura wanted revenge, unlike most Amish fiction where the characters think something is God's will and just forgive. Overall, I did enjoy this story and thought it was very well written, but I really think I should have read the first book in the series, which I plan on doing.
rating 3.5/5
August 25, 2012
Laura has been through a lot. She was deceived by the man she loved and in the process almost lost her life. Sawyer has been through his own form of problems by losing his parents at a young age. Can they break through their separate pasts to find a future together?
This is the main plot of Faithful to Laura although it does not take long to realize that there are many subplots and stories coming together in this book. As this is the first book in the series I have read, it took me a little while to understand all that was going on. But that did not keep me from being drawn into the story from page one. I found the writing to be fresh and detailed. I connected with all the different characters at once and found them all to be well developed and interesting. As I read through the book I kept wishing that I had read the first one in the series before tackling this one and I also found myself wanting to read the next one to see what happens in some of the unresolved issues of this book. I would say that is a sign that the author has done her job. Definitely a worthwhile read for those who love Amish fiction.
I received this complimentary copy from the Thomas Nelson Publishing through their BookSneeze program. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed here are my own.
This is the main plot of Faithful to Laura although it does not take long to realize that there are many subplots and stories coming together in this book. As this is the first book in the series I have read, it took me a little while to understand all that was going on. But that did not keep me from being drawn into the story from page one. I found the writing to be fresh and detailed. I connected with all the different characters at once and found them all to be well developed and interesting. As I read through the book I kept wishing that I had read the first one in the series before tackling this one and I also found myself wanting to read the next one to see what happens in some of the unresolved issues of this book. I would say that is a sign that the author has done her job. Definitely a worthwhile read for those who love Amish fiction.
I received this complimentary copy from the Thomas Nelson Publishing through their BookSneeze program. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed here are my own.
September 12, 2012
Faithful to Laura is book two in the Middlefield Family series.
Young, Amish and angry, Laura Stutzman has been disfigured by flying glass! The man she loved, Mark King, betrayed her and started a fire, hoping to kill Laura in the blaze. She leaves her home in Tennessee for Middlefield, Ohio to try to regain her life and find work to pay off the debt left when her love stole her parent’s life savings.
She finds a job at a furniture store as an office worker and begins her battle, to overcome her feelings of worthlessness and fear.
There she meets Sawyer Thompson, adopted into an Amish family, but has not joined the Amish. He too fights a battle, he was abandoned as a child after the death of his parents, mistreated and abused in foster care.
Both have much to overcome and forgive. Complications arise in a budding attraction and Sawyer’s discovery of a grandmother he did not know existed. She wants to take him back to New York and teach him the family business.
The book is filled with interesting scenes, probable possibilities and twists that keep the readier in suspense.
Can Laura and Sawyer find a way to solve their problems? Will Sawyer stay outside the Amish faith, and can Laura reconcile with her need to forgive?
Yes, I sat up to read this and will happily award it 5 stars!
Young, Amish and angry, Laura Stutzman has been disfigured by flying glass! The man she loved, Mark King, betrayed her and started a fire, hoping to kill Laura in the blaze. She leaves her home in Tennessee for Middlefield, Ohio to try to regain her life and find work to pay off the debt left when her love stole her parent’s life savings.
She finds a job at a furniture store as an office worker and begins her battle, to overcome her feelings of worthlessness and fear.
There she meets Sawyer Thompson, adopted into an Amish family, but has not joined the Amish. He too fights a battle, he was abandoned as a child after the death of his parents, mistreated and abused in foster care.
Both have much to overcome and forgive. Complications arise in a budding attraction and Sawyer’s discovery of a grandmother he did not know existed. She wants to take him back to New York and teach him the family business.
The book is filled with interesting scenes, probable possibilities and twists that keep the readier in suspense.
Can Laura and Sawyer find a way to solve their problems? Will Sawyer stay outside the Amish faith, and can Laura reconcile with her need to forgive?
Yes, I sat up to read this and will happily award it 5 stars!
June 18, 2013
Faithful to Laura was an enjoyable book. It is the second in Kathleen Fuller's Middlefield Family series. I enjoyed this story more than the first of this series. I enjoy the way the author continued to expand on the characters from the first novel of the series. In this book, we see the developing relationship of Laura and Sawyer. They both have past experiences that have been hurtful in their lives and both have big decisions to make that will impact their futures. The side story going on about Emma and Adam (the couple from the first book of the series), and also about Adam's parents, was very good and helped to add more to the story from the first novel, Treasuring Emma.
August 21, 2012
GENRE: AMISH ROMANCE
PUBLISHER: THOMAS NELSON
PUBLICATION DATE: AUGUST 07, 2012
RATING: 3 OUT OF 5 - ABOVE AVERAGE
PROS: Addresses many difficult issues regarding relationships; Emma and Laura are very realistic characters
CONS: Numerous characters and storylines make it hard to connect with all of the characters; Sawyer’s motives for his indecision over joining the church are underdeveloped; situation with Sawyer’s grandmother is wrapped up too easily
Following on from the conclusion of Treasuring Emma, Emma and Adam's relationship is still going strong in Faithful to Laura. But while Emma is content to take things at a slow pace, Adam can't wait for them to get married. When Adam's father challenges him about a secret he has been keeping from Emma, Adam starts to regret rushing their relationship. Will Emma continue to love him when she learns about all that Adam experienced during his time in the Englisher world?
Adam's father knows that he needs to take his own advice to heart, regarding a secret that he's been keeping from his wife. But the longer he keeps the secret, the harder it becomes to reveal the truth to the woman he loves. Little does he know that his wife has been aware of his secret for a long time, and that it's tearing her apart inside. Will the couple be able to confront each other about their mistakes and reconcile their relationship in time to help Emma and Adam plan their wedding?
The last thing that Laura wants to be thinking about is stepping into a new relationship. Robbed and disfigured by the man who promised he would marry her, Laura is cautious about ever trusting another man. Her current plan is to stay in Middlefield with Emma's family until she has earned enough money to pay back that which Mark stole from her parents. But when she lands an administrative job with Sawyer Thompson's family business, she strikes up an unexpected friendship with the young man. Just when she starts to wonder whether Sawyer is the sort of man that she can put her trust in, his English grandmother unexpectedly arrives and turns their relationship upside down.
Sawyer has been raised by his adoptive Amish family since he was a teenager, and although he'll always love the family who cared for him in his time of need, he has yet to decide whether he wants to join the Amish church. His friendship with Laura comforts him, as they both feel unsure of where their futures are headed. Sawyer's options for his future are expanded further when the English grandmother he never knew about arrives in Middlefield to invite him to New York to take over the family business. Is it possible for Sawyer to remain close to his Amish family and friends while getting to know his long-lost grandmother, or will he have to make a choice between his two families?
This book had so much going on in it that I almost don't know where to start. Unlike some series in the Amish genre, the Middlefield Family novels follow on from each other and really can't be read out of order. I found this to be a rather refreshing change, and was pleased to see that Emma and Adam still had some issues to work out that followed on from the previous book, and that the problems between Adam's parents weren't going to be concluded in one novel, or even two, for that matter. In fact, there were times while I was reading Faithful to Laura when I found these two storylines more interesting than the one surrounding the title character. This, unfortunately, is an issue that often crops up in novels that have multiple plot strands.
While I really did appreciate that Kathleen dared to address the topic of how hurtful infidelity and previous sexual relationships can be on a marriage, I finished Faithful to Laura wishing that each storyline had had its own individual book. For such serious topics, it seemed like some of them might have been better addressed in separate novels, where they wouldn't get sidelined by Sawyer and Laura's drama. While Sawyer's decision on whether he should become Amish or explore the English world with his grandmother was fairly serious, it paled in comparison to the marital problems that Adam's parents were experiencing. At times, Sawyer's situation and personality felt a little underdeveloped, especially when compared to those of other characters in the novel.
I truly did like Laura, and other than Emma, she's probably the character I was able to connect with most in this novel. Although she was sometimes bitter and resentful about events in her past, her emotions seemed very believable. It was sweet to see Sawyer helping Laura to come out of her shell and leave her past hurts behind. Sawyer was at his best when he was spending time with Laura, and there were several lines that he came out with in his attempts to comfort Laura that I just had to highlight on my Kindle. For a man unsure about his future, Sawyer had a lot of wisdom to dispense. That said, I wished Sawyer's issues over joining the church had been developed further. His inability to decide whether to become Amish was mentioned several times throughout the novel, but Sawyer himself didn't spend a lot of time dwelling on this, and from his treatment of his grandmother and her lifestyle, it seemed like his mind was already made up. Again, I think the flaws in Sawyer's storyline are a result of there simply being too many characters and plots going on in this novel for each of them to be fully developed.
As with the ending of Treasuring Emma, it seems like some of the storylines from Faithful to Laura will be continued in the next book in the Middlefield Family series. I'm pleased about this, as the storyline between Sawyer and his grandmother, Cora, seemed to be wrapped up far too quickly. The turnaround of Cora's personality and treatment of her grandson seemed quite sudden, but perhaps it will become more believable in the next book in the series. It also appears that the conflict between Adam's parents will be continued in the third book, which I appreciate. It would have been unrealistic for their situation to have resolved so quickly in Faithful to Laura, and I'm sure many readers will appreciate that Kathleen isn't treating the topic of marital infidelity lightly or suggesting that it's an issue that can be healed in just a couple of short weeks.
I truly do appreciate the way that Kathleen Fuller dealt with the issues between Adam's parents, and Adam and Emma. Emma's situation was one that I could personally relate to, which made it all the more believable to me. The problem I had with Faithful to Laura wasn't the issues it tried to address, but the number of issues it tried to fit into one single novel. I think I could have cared about each of the characters equally if they'd had their own books, but as it was, I ended up relating to Emma and Laura more so than Sawyer, Adam or Adam's parents. It's a pity that I wasn't able to care about Sawyer as much as I did Emma and Laura, considering that he was one of the main protagonists, but he just didn't seem as fleshed out and believable as some of the other characters in the novel. Ultimately, I did enjoy reading this book, but I think I would have enjoyed it more if there hadn't been so much going on in it. If you're the kind of person who likes multiple storylines and large casts of characters, you probably won't have a problem with Faithful to Laura. I'll probably continue to read the rest of this series so that I can see how all of the storylines are tied up, but so far I'm not finding it to be among Kathleen's strongest works.
Review title provided by Thomas Nelson.
PUBLISHER: THOMAS NELSON
PUBLICATION DATE: AUGUST 07, 2012
RATING: 3 OUT OF 5 - ABOVE AVERAGE
PROS: Addresses many difficult issues regarding relationships; Emma and Laura are very realistic characters
CONS: Numerous characters and storylines make it hard to connect with all of the characters; Sawyer’s motives for his indecision over joining the church are underdeveloped; situation with Sawyer’s grandmother is wrapped up too easily
Following on from the conclusion of Treasuring Emma, Emma and Adam's relationship is still going strong in Faithful to Laura. But while Emma is content to take things at a slow pace, Adam can't wait for them to get married. When Adam's father challenges him about a secret he has been keeping from Emma, Adam starts to regret rushing their relationship. Will Emma continue to love him when she learns about all that Adam experienced during his time in the Englisher world?
Adam's father knows that he needs to take his own advice to heart, regarding a secret that he's been keeping from his wife. But the longer he keeps the secret, the harder it becomes to reveal the truth to the woman he loves. Little does he know that his wife has been aware of his secret for a long time, and that it's tearing her apart inside. Will the couple be able to confront each other about their mistakes and reconcile their relationship in time to help Emma and Adam plan their wedding?
The last thing that Laura wants to be thinking about is stepping into a new relationship. Robbed and disfigured by the man who promised he would marry her, Laura is cautious about ever trusting another man. Her current plan is to stay in Middlefield with Emma's family until she has earned enough money to pay back that which Mark stole from her parents. But when she lands an administrative job with Sawyer Thompson's family business, she strikes up an unexpected friendship with the young man. Just when she starts to wonder whether Sawyer is the sort of man that she can put her trust in, his English grandmother unexpectedly arrives and turns their relationship upside down.
Sawyer has been raised by his adoptive Amish family since he was a teenager, and although he'll always love the family who cared for him in his time of need, he has yet to decide whether he wants to join the Amish church. His friendship with Laura comforts him, as they both feel unsure of where their futures are headed. Sawyer's options for his future are expanded further when the English grandmother he never knew about arrives in Middlefield to invite him to New York to take over the family business. Is it possible for Sawyer to remain close to his Amish family and friends while getting to know his long-lost grandmother, or will he have to make a choice between his two families?
This book had so much going on in it that I almost don't know where to start. Unlike some series in the Amish genre, the Middlefield Family novels follow on from each other and really can't be read out of order. I found this to be a rather refreshing change, and was pleased to see that Emma and Adam still had some issues to work out that followed on from the previous book, and that the problems between Adam's parents weren't going to be concluded in one novel, or even two, for that matter. In fact, there were times while I was reading Faithful to Laura when I found these two storylines more interesting than the one surrounding the title character. This, unfortunately, is an issue that often crops up in novels that have multiple plot strands.
While I really did appreciate that Kathleen dared to address the topic of how hurtful infidelity and previous sexual relationships can be on a marriage, I finished Faithful to Laura wishing that each storyline had had its own individual book. For such serious topics, it seemed like some of them might have been better addressed in separate novels, where they wouldn't get sidelined by Sawyer and Laura's drama. While Sawyer's decision on whether he should become Amish or explore the English world with his grandmother was fairly serious, it paled in comparison to the marital problems that Adam's parents were experiencing. At times, Sawyer's situation and personality felt a little underdeveloped, especially when compared to those of other characters in the novel.
I truly did like Laura, and other than Emma, she's probably the character I was able to connect with most in this novel. Although she was sometimes bitter and resentful about events in her past, her emotions seemed very believable. It was sweet to see Sawyer helping Laura to come out of her shell and leave her past hurts behind. Sawyer was at his best when he was spending time with Laura, and there were several lines that he came out with in his attempts to comfort Laura that I just had to highlight on my Kindle. For a man unsure about his future, Sawyer had a lot of wisdom to dispense. That said, I wished Sawyer's issues over joining the church had been developed further. His inability to decide whether to become Amish was mentioned several times throughout the novel, but Sawyer himself didn't spend a lot of time dwelling on this, and from his treatment of his grandmother and her lifestyle, it seemed like his mind was already made up. Again, I think the flaws in Sawyer's storyline are a result of there simply being too many characters and plots going on in this novel for each of them to be fully developed.
As with the ending of Treasuring Emma, it seems like some of the storylines from Faithful to Laura will be continued in the next book in the Middlefield Family series. I'm pleased about this, as the storyline between Sawyer and his grandmother, Cora, seemed to be wrapped up far too quickly. The turnaround of Cora's personality and treatment of her grandson seemed quite sudden, but perhaps it will become more believable in the next book in the series. It also appears that the conflict between Adam's parents will be continued in the third book, which I appreciate. It would have been unrealistic for their situation to have resolved so quickly in Faithful to Laura, and I'm sure many readers will appreciate that Kathleen isn't treating the topic of marital infidelity lightly or suggesting that it's an issue that can be healed in just a couple of short weeks.
I truly do appreciate the way that Kathleen Fuller dealt with the issues between Adam's parents, and Adam and Emma. Emma's situation was one that I could personally relate to, which made it all the more believable to me. The problem I had with Faithful to Laura wasn't the issues it tried to address, but the number of issues it tried to fit into one single novel. I think I could have cared about each of the characters equally if they'd had their own books, but as it was, I ended up relating to Emma and Laura more so than Sawyer, Adam or Adam's parents. It's a pity that I wasn't able to care about Sawyer as much as I did Emma and Laura, considering that he was one of the main protagonists, but he just didn't seem as fleshed out and believable as some of the other characters in the novel. Ultimately, I did enjoy reading this book, but I think I would have enjoyed it more if there hadn't been so much going on in it. If you're the kind of person who likes multiple storylines and large casts of characters, you probably won't have a problem with Faithful to Laura. I'll probably continue to read the rest of this series so that I can see how all of the storylines are tied up, but so far I'm not finding it to be among Kathleen's strongest works.
Review title provided by Thomas Nelson.
October 26, 2012
Laura Stutzman came to Middlefield, OH to find the man who had pledged his love to her, then left leaving her with a broken heart, broken spirit, and with all of her family's money that they'd saved for 30 years. She blamed herself for the loss of the family savings and that's why she went looking for him, not because of her broken heart. When she did find him he attempted to kill her. Now she felt like she couldn't go home until she could earn the money to replace what they'd lost, but who would hire her looking the way she did now.
Sawyer Thompson, an Englisher, was adopted by Lucas and Anna Byler after his parents had died and he got abused while in foster homes. He loved his parents, biological and adoptive, he was allowed to mix both worlds and it was his decision as to whether he'd join the Amish Church or not.
Adam Otto's parents still are not talking to each other but Emma has agreed to marry him. Emma's grandma is happy for them but Adam's parents are showing no excitement over what he felt they had always wanted. When he told his mom and she told him to tell his dad, when Adam finds him, all he can talk about is Adam's time living as an Englisher. Adam admits to sleeping with a girl twice, so his dad tells him that he has to inform Emma. Deciding his father is right, Adam goes to Emma, Emma doesn't know quite how to handle this information until she has a talk with her grandmother.
Leona, Emma's grandma, goes to talk to Norman, Adam's dad, and tells him that he has to share his secret with his wife. Norman follow's Leona's advice and confesses his sin to Carol, but they are still two people living separately in one house and trying, although not doing a very good job of it, to hide what is now their secret from their son.
Laura gets a job working for Lucas Byler and isn't working their very long when Cora Easley bursts onto the scene and disrupts the happy Byler family. She's trying to get Sawyer to leave and move to New York with her, claiming to be his grandmother. Cora goes so far as to pay Laura off so she'll help convince Sawyer to go with her.
This was a great read with a several story lines intertwined somewhat. Kathleen really held my interest with this one. You will have to run out and get this book because you really have to see what the secrets are, does Laura ever confront the thief that stole her heart and the family savings and is Cora really Sawyers grandmother. Wonderful writing Kathleen.
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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Sawyer Thompson, an Englisher, was adopted by Lucas and Anna Byler after his parents had died and he got abused while in foster homes. He loved his parents, biological and adoptive, he was allowed to mix both worlds and it was his decision as to whether he'd join the Amish Church or not.
Adam Otto's parents still are not talking to each other but Emma has agreed to marry him. Emma's grandma is happy for them but Adam's parents are showing no excitement over what he felt they had always wanted. When he told his mom and she told him to tell his dad, when Adam finds him, all he can talk about is Adam's time living as an Englisher. Adam admits to sleeping with a girl twice, so his dad tells him that he has to inform Emma. Deciding his father is right, Adam goes to Emma, Emma doesn't know quite how to handle this information until she has a talk with her grandmother.
Leona, Emma's grandma, goes to talk to Norman, Adam's dad, and tells him that he has to share his secret with his wife. Norman follow's Leona's advice and confesses his sin to Carol, but they are still two people living separately in one house and trying, although not doing a very good job of it, to hide what is now their secret from their son.
Laura gets a job working for Lucas Byler and isn't working their very long when Cora Easley bursts onto the scene and disrupts the happy Byler family. She's trying to get Sawyer to leave and move to New York with her, claiming to be his grandmother. Cora goes so far as to pay Laura off so she'll help convince Sawyer to go with her.
This was a great read with a several story lines intertwined somewhat. Kathleen really held my interest with this one. You will have to run out and get this book because you really have to see what the secrets are, does Laura ever confront the thief that stole her heart and the family savings and is Cora really Sawyers grandmother. Wonderful writing Kathleen.
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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
August 13, 2012
3.5 Stars
Book two picks up pretty close to where book one left off. Laura is trying to heal emotionally from her burns that she received from Mark in book 1. Her goal is to get a job and pay her parents back the money that Mark stole. As luck would have it Sawyer shows up for supper one night with a job and Laura takes it. Sawyer is adopted and is trying to decide if he is going to join the Amish church or not. He soon finds out he has a biological grandmother who is not Amish and she wants him to come back to New York and take his place as the new head of her big company.
Laura finds herself drawn to Sawyer and even though she plans to never trust a man again Sawyer finds a way into her heart. Sawyer can see past Laura’s burns and finds himself drawn to her. Will these two over come the odds to find love?
This book was okay but to be honest this book as way to many storylines and not enough pages.
What I liked: I really like the characters in this book. Emma and Adam are back as well as Emma’s grandma. I like the family and want to see them all happy. I also found myself rooting for Laura and Sawyer.
What I did not like: There was to many people telling this story. We see Emma and Adam again and it’s a continuation of book one to a point thrown in with Laura and Sawyers story. We also get to know Sawyers blood grandmother. On top of that we also deal with Adams mom and dad and an issue going on with them. It was just to many different storylines and I felt the story of Laura and Sawyer was not developed as well as it could have been. I also don’t know why the issue with Adam’s parents could not have been in book one. It just was all thrown into this book and felt like to much.
I did like the story line I just wish it has been more Laura and Sawyer. I am interested to see where book three goes and how this series will wrap up. It is a sweet story and if you like Amish Fiction check it out but be sure to check out book one first.
http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2012/0...
Book two picks up pretty close to where book one left off. Laura is trying to heal emotionally from her burns that she received from Mark in book 1. Her goal is to get a job and pay her parents back the money that Mark stole. As luck would have it Sawyer shows up for supper one night with a job and Laura takes it. Sawyer is adopted and is trying to decide if he is going to join the Amish church or not. He soon finds out he has a biological grandmother who is not Amish and she wants him to come back to New York and take his place as the new head of her big company.
Laura finds herself drawn to Sawyer and even though she plans to never trust a man again Sawyer finds a way into her heart. Sawyer can see past Laura’s burns and finds himself drawn to her. Will these two over come the odds to find love?
This book was okay but to be honest this book as way to many storylines and not enough pages.
What I liked: I really like the characters in this book. Emma and Adam are back as well as Emma’s grandma. I like the family and want to see them all happy. I also found myself rooting for Laura and Sawyer.
What I did not like: There was to many people telling this story. We see Emma and Adam again and it’s a continuation of book one to a point thrown in with Laura and Sawyers story. We also get to know Sawyers blood grandmother. On top of that we also deal with Adams mom and dad and an issue going on with them. It was just to many different storylines and I felt the story of Laura and Sawyer was not developed as well as it could have been. I also don’t know why the issue with Adam’s parents could not have been in book one. It just was all thrown into this book and felt like to much.
I did like the story line I just wish it has been more Laura and Sawyer. I am interested to see where book three goes and how this series will wrap up. It is a sweet story and if you like Amish Fiction check it out but be sure to check out book one first.
http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2012/0...
September 5, 2012
Title: FAITHFUL TO LAURA
Author: Kathleen Fuller
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
August 2012
ISBN: 978-1595547767
Genre: Inspirational/Amish
Laura Stutzman is an Amish girl. Mark King hurt her deeply, leaving her with physical and emotional scars, and despite that the Amish teach forgiveness, Laura has revenge on her mind. She can’t move past what Mark did and she wants justice served.
Sawyer Thompson wasn’t born Amish, but he was adopted by Amish parents and raised in the community. When he discovers a grandmother he didn’t know existed shows up, his life is turned upside down. She wants him to leave the Amish and go to college to become a successful businessman.
Laura and Sawyer form a quick friendship. Their friendship blossoms into something more, but they both harbor deep anger which may destroy not only their relationship but also their lives.
FAITHFUL TO LAURA is the second book in Ms. Fuller’s Middlefield Family series. I recommend reading the first book in the series before this one as it is a continuation of Treasuring Emma. Laura and Sawyer are well developed, but there were a lot of other characters stories and point of views included, so it does jump from character to character and is disjointed. Readers who don’t read Treasuring Emma first might find themselves lost.
Fans of Amish fiction won’t want to miss FAITHFUL TO LAURA. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book as well as an excerpt from one of Ms. Fuller’s previous books. $15.99. 279 pages.
Author: Kathleen Fuller
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
August 2012
ISBN: 978-1595547767
Genre: Inspirational/Amish
Laura Stutzman is an Amish girl. Mark King hurt her deeply, leaving her with physical and emotional scars, and despite that the Amish teach forgiveness, Laura has revenge on her mind. She can’t move past what Mark did and she wants justice served.
Sawyer Thompson wasn’t born Amish, but he was adopted by Amish parents and raised in the community. When he discovers a grandmother he didn’t know existed shows up, his life is turned upside down. She wants him to leave the Amish and go to college to become a successful businessman.
Laura and Sawyer form a quick friendship. Their friendship blossoms into something more, but they both harbor deep anger which may destroy not only their relationship but also their lives.
FAITHFUL TO LAURA is the second book in Ms. Fuller’s Middlefield Family series. I recommend reading the first book in the series before this one as it is a continuation of Treasuring Emma. Laura and Sawyer are well developed, but there were a lot of other characters stories and point of views included, so it does jump from character to character and is disjointed. Readers who don’t read Treasuring Emma first might find themselves lost.
Fans of Amish fiction won’t want to miss FAITHFUL TO LAURA. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book as well as an excerpt from one of Ms. Fuller’s previous books. $15.99. 279 pages.
September 1, 2013
This second book in the Middlefield Family series is a real page turner. Kathleen Fuller adds so many elements to a story that you can't wait to find out what will happen next. This book focuses on Laura Stutzman who left her family and home in Tennessee to find Mark King, a young Amish man who professed his love to her and then stole her family's life savings. Laura meets Sawyer Thompson, a young English man, who was adopted by an Amish family after his parents were killed. Emma, who was the focus character in Book 1, is also an important character in this book. I'm anxious now to read the third book in the series.
April 24, 2015
If I had to sum the book up in one word it would be... Betrayal. Yep, betrayal. Have you ever read an Amish book and thought it was full of several different kinds of betrayal? Well this book most definitely has it. If I were asked to give two words I would say betrayal and forgiveness. For all the betrayal the main characters in the book face they all have the option to forgive those who have wronged them; given how they were wronged some would be VERY hard to get over. I enjoyed the book, but it definitely didn't end how I hoped.
*This book was given to me by Netgalley for an honest review.
*This book was given to me by Netgalley for an honest review.
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February 26, 2016Nice read.
October 1, 2021
The story continues, will Mark get what he deserves? Will there be more weddings? Will Sawyers grandmother take him away from his adoptive family? So many questions and some answers.
Second in the middlefield family series. I liked this one the best so far. Kathleen Fuller is such a good author. Library book for me I wish I could afford to own them all
Second in the middlefield family series. I liked this one the best so far. Kathleen Fuller is such a good author. Library book for me I wish I could afford to own them all
August 2, 2012
Faithful to Laura is book two in the 'A Middlefield Family Novel' series and picks up where 'Treasuring Emma' left off. In this book we meet Laura, a young woman, injured and left disfigured at the hands of the man she loved. Very bitter over the scars that mark her face twist her spirit, she longs for revenge and plans to do whatever it takes so that it will be hers. A that the Amish do not believe in and goes against everything she has been taught.
Sawyer is a young man who was adopted by a young Amish couple after the death of his biological parents. He has spent half of his life among the "English" and the rest among the Amish. He is undecided where his path will lead him. Whether he should remain Amish or go back to the English world.
When he meets Laura he is intrigued and he sees her for who she is and not for the scars that she is so conscious of. He struggles to reach her through her doubts and insecurities and to show her that he isn't like the monster who hurt her. Having been a victim of abuse in the past, he understands Laura more than she knows and he is determine to win her trust.
Just as Laura begins to open up to him, an unexpected guest arrives from New York and complicates Sawyer's decision on whether to commit to the Amish faith, and to Laura. His decision seems to hinge on this one person and his family fear that they may lose him. A final act of desperation threatens to tear Sawyer away from his Amish life and all the progress he had made with Laura seems to have been lost.
From that moment on, Laura has to make a decision for herself. Does she seek revenge? Does she let Sawyer go? Does she go home and explain herself to her parents and ask for their forgiveness? Most importantly, will she learn to let go of the past and trust God?
This book touched on forgiveness, healing and trusting God to bring good out of any situation. The characters were well fleshed out and story seemed to flow at fast but enjoyable pace.
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
Sawyer is a young man who was adopted by a young Amish couple after the death of his biological parents. He has spent half of his life among the "English" and the rest among the Amish. He is undecided where his path will lead him. Whether he should remain Amish or go back to the English world.
When he meets Laura he is intrigued and he sees her for who she is and not for the scars that she is so conscious of. He struggles to reach her through her doubts and insecurities and to show her that he isn't like the monster who hurt her. Having been a victim of abuse in the past, he understands Laura more than she knows and he is determine to win her trust.
Just as Laura begins to open up to him, an unexpected guest arrives from New York and complicates Sawyer's decision on whether to commit to the Amish faith, and to Laura. His decision seems to hinge on this one person and his family fear that they may lose him. A final act of desperation threatens to tear Sawyer away from his Amish life and all the progress he had made with Laura seems to have been lost.
From that moment on, Laura has to make a decision for herself. Does she seek revenge? Does she let Sawyer go? Does she go home and explain herself to her parents and ask for their forgiveness? Most importantly, will she learn to let go of the past and trust God?
This book touched on forgiveness, healing and trusting God to bring good out of any situation. The characters were well fleshed out and story seemed to flow at fast but enjoyable pace.
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
August 20, 2012
One of the things that I love about reading Christian fiction and primarily the Amish novels is that when tragedies occur , people come from the outside or as it's called in these novels the Englischer world. They always tend to welcome them with arms open wide. No matter what their past or circumstances are. As long as they adhere to their customs, anyone is welcome. It's a loving and happy society, where everyone pulls their weight, where everyone looks out for each other. A true community.
Faithful to Laura is no different , the novel starts with a nightmare that Laura is having . A nightmare which sets the pretense for the novel. We learn that Laura was engaged to Mark and that he was evil and set fire to the barn, injuring her and a friend Adam. Laura had loved him with all her heart and had imagined herself walking down the aisle with him. We read as Laura has been welcomed into Adam's fiancee Emma's house and learn that she is happy in parts of the Amish life. However, one thing is still holding her back - she wants revenge on the one person who ruined her life - Mark and won't stop until she gets it. The novel then flips to the world of Englischer where we meet a woman named Celeste who gave up a child when he was young. That boy turns out to be Sawyer Thompson. The pair meet and sparks fly, but is Laura ready to give her heart over to Sawyer ? What will happen when Sawyer's past comes back to bite him on the bum - will he be able to stand strong and prove his love to Laura ? Does Sawyer with God's help have what it takes to help Laura take her mind off revenge and stay Faithful to her for eternity ?
Find out in Kathleen Fuller's next book in the Middlefield Series "Faithful to Laura" and stay tuned for Book #3.
Faithful to Laura is no different , the novel starts with a nightmare that Laura is having . A nightmare which sets the pretense for the novel. We learn that Laura was engaged to Mark and that he was evil and set fire to the barn, injuring her and a friend Adam. Laura had loved him with all her heart and had imagined herself walking down the aisle with him. We read as Laura has been welcomed into Adam's fiancee Emma's house and learn that she is happy in parts of the Amish life. However, one thing is still holding her back - she wants revenge on the one person who ruined her life - Mark and won't stop until she gets it. The novel then flips to the world of Englischer where we meet a woman named Celeste who gave up a child when he was young. That boy turns out to be Sawyer Thompson. The pair meet and sparks fly, but is Laura ready to give her heart over to Sawyer ? What will happen when Sawyer's past comes back to bite him on the bum - will he be able to stand strong and prove his love to Laura ? Does Sawyer with God's help have what it takes to help Laura take her mind off revenge and stay Faithful to her for eternity ?
Find out in Kathleen Fuller's next book in the Middlefield Series "Faithful to Laura" and stay tuned for Book #3.
October 10, 2012
After a betrayal that left her scarred (both physically and mentally), Laura Stutzman is convinced she'll never love again and wants revenge against Mark King, the man who hurt her. Sawyer Thompson was adopted by an Amish family but isn't sure if he wants to commit to the Amish faith. His growing feelings for Laura complicate his decision as do unexpected revelations about his past. Will these two find love together or does God have other plans for them?
“Faithful to Laura” is a multilayered novel set in the Amish community that will make you smile at times and ache for the characters at other times. Laura and Sawyer’s story is a good one. In some ways both are scarred (Laura literally and Sawyer figuratively) and it is interesting to watch these two characters grow closer to each other while each struggles with their past. While the main story comes to a successful conclusion in this book, author Kathleen Fuller leaves some plot lines open that makes me eager to find out what happens to Sawyer next. In addition to the Laura/Sawyer storyline there are several other interesting plot lines. Adam and Emma are still working out issues in their relationship which is hampered by a growing rift between Adam's parents. The reason for that rift and how it is handled makes this book a perfect choice for a book club read (there is a list of discussion questions at the end of the book – you may not want to look at them until you finish reading the book as they contain spoilers). Even a very minor plot involving Katherine Yoder and a (seemingly) unrequited love had me interested - I hope Fuller writes a book in the near future that focuses on Katherine.
“Faithful to Laura: is another nice book by Kathleen Fuller set in the Amish community.
“Faithful to Laura” is a multilayered novel set in the Amish community that will make you smile at times and ache for the characters at other times. Laura and Sawyer’s story is a good one. In some ways both are scarred (Laura literally and Sawyer figuratively) and it is interesting to watch these two characters grow closer to each other while each struggles with their past. While the main story comes to a successful conclusion in this book, author Kathleen Fuller leaves some plot lines open that makes me eager to find out what happens to Sawyer next. In addition to the Laura/Sawyer storyline there are several other interesting plot lines. Adam and Emma are still working out issues in their relationship which is hampered by a growing rift between Adam's parents. The reason for that rift and how it is handled makes this book a perfect choice for a book club read (there is a list of discussion questions at the end of the book – you may not want to look at them until you finish reading the book as they contain spoilers). Even a very minor plot involving Katherine Yoder and a (seemingly) unrequited love had me interested - I hope Fuller writes a book in the near future that focuses on Katherine.
“Faithful to Laura: is another nice book by Kathleen Fuller set in the Amish community.
July 20, 2012
Faithful to Laura is the story of a young Amish woman scarred from a recent attack by someone she though loved her. As a result of her injuries and loss, she has become bitter and focuses on revenge. While recovering she meets Sawyer, who was raised Amish by his adoptive parents, he is trying to decide the path to hiss future. Does he stay with the Amish he has come to think of as family or does he enter the English world. While he is struggling with his decision and unexpected person arrives which may complicate his decision further.
This is a great book. I read it quickly, because I become really engrossed in the story. It had so many different plot twists than the typical Amish books I love. I really appreciated the fact that the heroine was struggling with forgiveness, because this seems to be something that is freely given in most Amish books due to the nature of their religion. I always wonder however, is it harder for some to forgive? I would recommend this book to anyone who loves this genre.
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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
This is a great book. I read it quickly, because I become really engrossed in the story. It had so many different plot twists than the typical Amish books I love. I really appreciated the fact that the heroine was struggling with forgiveness, because this seems to be something that is freely given in most Amish books due to the nature of their religion. I always wonder however, is it harder for some to forgive? I would recommend this book to anyone who loves this genre.
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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
September 11, 2012
Faithful to Laura, an Amish fiction novel by Kathleen Fuller, is a well-paced novel with solid characters and an intriguing story.
Laura Stutzman, whose face is forever scarred after an attempt on her life by a man who also stole her family's life savings, has decided to pay back her family. Taking on a job away from home for another Amish family, Laura is determined to no only repay her debt but to find some answers and put the man who nearly killed her behind bars.
http://jamiswords.blogspot.com/2012/0...
Laura Stutzman, whose face is forever scarred after an attempt on her life by a man who also stole her family's life savings, has decided to pay back her family. Taking on a job away from home for another Amish family, Laura is determined to no only repay her debt but to find some answers and put the man who nearly killed her behind bars.
http://jamiswords.blogspot.com/2012/0...
January 1, 2013
I enjoyed this book so much that I read the entire thing in one night. It was a perfect story to get into while curled up on the couch with a warm blanket.
The characters are believable, in that things aren't perfect and they don't always say or do the perfect things. Laura's life has been hard, and she is a woman experiencing a desire for revenge, while still trying to live out her faith and honor her family. The path her life takes and the man she meets hardly seem ideal, yet these things come together to make for a very good story.
The characters are believable, in that things aren't perfect and they don't always say or do the perfect things. Laura's life has been hard, and she is a woman experiencing a desire for revenge, while still trying to live out her faith and honor her family. The path her life takes and the man she meets hardly seem ideal, yet these things come together to make for a very good story.
August 21, 2012
Just finished reading "Faithful to Laura' by Kathleen Fuller. It is a continuing story to "Treasuring Emma". This story is about Sawyer and when he is a young boy his English parents die and he is adopted by Lukas and Annie Byler, Then when Sawyer is 20 his grandmother comes and wants him to go to New York and take over the family business but he has decided to join the Amish church and he is in love with Laura. I give this book 5 stars
April 22, 2013
I am a fan of Amish fiction and was the first time for me reading this author. I liked how she brought it a character that had issues. Most Amish authors make the Amish look so perfect and God fearing but in reality they are human and make mistakes or go to the extend of committing crimes. The book kept me interested and would be a recommended book.
February 6, 2016
Do we really know the people closest to us? Well Laura is about to find out! It's crazy how people we love can deceive us and we can't see it when it's right under our nose. If you want to know more go read this amazing series, you'll be hooked from the first minute and won't want it to end. I can't get enough and cannot wait to open up the next book
August 24, 2012
EXCELLENT
August 1, 2013
very good!! Heading to the library to get Number #3!!!!!
February 18, 2014
Mark King promised to love Laura Stutzman but ran away. Will Laura ever be loved?
March 18, 2014
Love conquers all...pain, murder, broken promises and lovecthrown away but if you believe the impossible can happen! a must read!
November 23, 2016
Another great book by a great author. This is book #2 in her Middlefield Family Series.
February 21, 2017
Always a great story.
March 23, 2017
hoopla/overdrive good series
June 14, 2017
A beautiful story with lots of action throughout.
August 12, 2017
Another Great Read
Usually, the second in a set isn't that great but this one was! I like how this set has closure and promise for the next book.
Usually, the second in a set isn't that great but this one was! I like how this set has closure and promise for the next book.
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