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Still Life in Shadows
It’s been fourteen years since Gideon Miller ran away from his Amish community in Carlisle, Pennsylvania as a boy of sixteen. Gideon arrives in the Smoky Mountains town of Twin Branches and settles in at the local auto mechanic's garage. He meets a host of interesting characters –the most recent acquaintances are Kiki, an autistic teen, and her sister Mari. Known as the "Getaway Savior" he helps other Amish boys and girls relocate to life in modern America.
One day the phone rings. On the other end is his brother Moriah calling from Florida. Of course Gideon welcomes his brother to stay with him and offers him a job. But Moriah is caught in a web which ends in his death and forces Gideon to return to the town of his youth, with his brother’s body in the back of a hearse and Mari and Kiki at his side. He must face not only the community he ran away from years ago but also his own web of bitterness. Will he be able to give his anger over to God and forgive his father?
One day the phone rings. On the other end is his brother Moriah calling from Florida. Of course Gideon welcomes his brother to stay with him and offers him a job. But Moriah is caught in a web which ends in his death and forces Gideon to return to the town of his youth, with his brother’s body in the back of a hearse and Mari and Kiki at his side. He must face not only the community he ran away from years ago but also his own web of bitterness. Will he be able to give his anger over to God and forgive his father?
304 pages, Paperback
First published July 24, 2012
185 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
About the author
Alice J. Wisler
13 books75 followers* Born in Osaka, Japan and lived in Japan for 18 years
* Went to Kyoto International School and Canadian Academy
* Majored in Social Work and graduated in 1983 from Eastern Mennonite University
* Worked at a group home for disadvantaged kids outside of Philadelphia
* Taught English and Culture Orientation at a refugee camp in the Philippines
* Taught English as a Second Language in Japan
* Speaks and teaches onWriting the Heartache
* Has three kids on earth, and one in Heaven
* Recently got married to Carl on 2/7/09
Alice J. Wisler is a public speaker, advocate, fundraiser, and the author of two contemporary novels, How Sweet It Is and Rain Song, a Christy Award finalist. She has been a guest on several radio and TV programs to promote her self-published cookbooks, Slices of Sunlight and Down the Cereal Aisle. She has a Bachelor of Science from Eastern Mennonite University and has traveled the world in jobs that minister to people. Alice and her family live in Durham, North Carolina.
* Went to Kyoto International School and Canadian Academy
* Majored in Social Work and graduated in 1983 from Eastern Mennonite University
* Worked at a group home for disadvantaged kids outside of Philadelphia
* Taught English and Culture Orientation at a refugee camp in the Philippines
* Taught English as a Second Language in Japan
* Speaks and teaches onWriting the Heartache
* Has three kids on earth, and one in Heaven
* Recently got married to Carl on 2/7/09
Alice J. Wisler is a public speaker, advocate, fundraiser, and the author of two contemporary novels, How Sweet It Is and Rain Song, a Christy Award finalist. She has been a guest on several radio and TV programs to promote her self-published cookbooks, Slices of Sunlight and Down the Cereal Aisle. She has a Bachelor of Science from Eastern Mennonite University and has traveled the world in jobs that minister to people. Alice and her family live in Durham, North Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
May 18, 2017
Okay, THIS was a different Amish book...or maybe un-Amish book.
Gideon escaped his Amish life years before and is now known as the go to guy for Amish people who want to start a new life after leaving their faith. He has assimilated well into the Englisch life but never left his roots, or values or faith in God.
Good book. In fact, it's a very good book.
Gideon escaped his Amish life years before and is now known as the go to guy for Amish people who want to start a new life after leaving their faith. He has assimilated well into the Englisch life but never left his roots, or values or faith in God.
Good book. In fact, it's a very good book.
October 19, 2020
A different kind of Amish love story book.A man who left the Amish is now a saviour that helps them 'escape'.He lives in a town that has accepted him and hid kin.His personal struggles in his head and with family both, in and out of the church ,was a view we seldom get.Living in Amish country I really enjoyed it.David Bosco was a good narrator.His dialect could have been better.lolI was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
July 25, 2013
I've read Amish fiction by several authors and while it's well-written, I don't find I enjoy it. The heroines are generally immature, and it feels to me as though the novels romanticise the lifestyle, in the same way as Pretty Woman romanticised prostitution. I'm wary of any religious community that values conformity to the rule of an individual over belief in and obedience to God.
Still Life in Shadows isn't the typical Amish story. Gideon Miller ran away from his Amish family at the age of fifteen, and now runs a motor garage. Gideon was brought up to believe only the Amish are true Christians, and believes that by leaving the Amish faith he has forfeited his opportunity for salvation. But that doesn't stop him helping Amish teens who seek to do something more with their lives than farming and manual labour. He's known as the Getaway Saviour.
Kiki is a teenage girl with autism, and finds life in mainstream school difficult. But she's great with bicycles, and circumstances conspire to get her a job working for Gideon in his garage. The two form a strange relationship, especially when Gideon's younger brother arrives in town.
The novel is written in the third person from the viewpoints of Kiki and Gideon, and my one complaint is that they sound too similar - or perhaps that's meant to show us they are both damaged individuals (or to remind us that the Amish are only educated to age twelve).
This novel really made me think. If the Amish really believe they are the only way to God, why do they stay in their insular communities rather than seeking to share their faith with others?
Still Life in Shadows isn't the typical Amish story. Gideon Miller ran away from his Amish family at the age of fifteen, and now runs a motor garage. Gideon was brought up to believe only the Amish are true Christians, and believes that by leaving the Amish faith he has forfeited his opportunity for salvation. But that doesn't stop him helping Amish teens who seek to do something more with their lives than farming and manual labour. He's known as the Getaway Saviour.
Kiki is a teenage girl with autism, and finds life in mainstream school difficult. But she's great with bicycles, and circumstances conspire to get her a job working for Gideon in his garage. The two form a strange relationship, especially when Gideon's younger brother arrives in town.
The novel is written in the third person from the viewpoints of Kiki and Gideon, and my one complaint is that they sound too similar - or perhaps that's meant to show us they are both damaged individuals (or to remind us that the Amish are only educated to age twelve).
This novel really made me think. If the Amish really believe they are the only way to God, why do they stay in their insular communities rather than seeking to share their faith with others?
August 23, 2012
This is a quiet little story that leaves us with big questions to ponder. The characters are ordinary people – the kind you might know or run into during the course of your day. They’re well written, likable, and imperfect. It’s those imperfections that allow us to identify with them and like them and root for them and cry with them and for them.
Realistically written, it’s the story of Gideon who left his Amish life at the age of 15 and made his way to rural North Carolina where he makes a life for himself and also helps others escape the grip of their Amish life. And it’s the story of Kiki who is a 13 year old autistic girl who loves to work on bicycles and ends up working for Gideon in the auto shop he runs. Their two paths join through an unfortunate mishap. From that point on, their lives influence each other more than either knows. There are other people in the story but the main characters are Gideon and Kiki. They are the ones that teach us the big lessons that this book offers.
I can’t recommend it enough. It is powerfully written and although it has Christian values as a back drop, it is not over done. You don’t have to be Christian to enjoy it or learn from it.
Realistically written, it’s the story of Gideon who left his Amish life at the age of 15 and made his way to rural North Carolina where he makes a life for himself and also helps others escape the grip of their Amish life. And it’s the story of Kiki who is a 13 year old autistic girl who loves to work on bicycles and ends up working for Gideon in the auto shop he runs. Their two paths join through an unfortunate mishap. From that point on, their lives influence each other more than either knows. There are other people in the story but the main characters are Gideon and Kiki. They are the ones that teach us the big lessons that this book offers.
I can’t recommend it enough. It is powerfully written and although it has Christian values as a back drop, it is not over done. You don’t have to be Christian to enjoy it or learn from it.
January 5, 2013
This was nice. I love the characters. The plot is good. It's definitely a different look at the Amish. Everyone can relate to running away or want to do that.
January 22, 2013
The story was interesting, but I kept stumbling every time she referred to the girl as autistic. Didn't seem well researched for autistic behavior, perhaps Down Syndrome, but not autistic.
April 1, 2023
Note to self (and anyone reading this): do not read reviews on books mid-novel. Form your own opinions before you let others sway your opinion in the middle of the story.
I made this mistake and thought the ending was going to be a flop. I was (pleasantly) surprised when the story was able to stand on its own feet. So, here's my take on the book.
What I Liked
* Moriah. Yes, he was a bit of a jerk sometimes and he ended up paying the price for his addiction. But I still thought he was a good foil.
* Kiki. Although I wasn't the hugest fan of the autism subplot (see below), I thought Kiki was a fun character. I liked reading her thoughts and she had a great personality that brought a new perspective to the story.
* All the other "good guy" characters were great too. Mari and Gideon make an adorable couple, and I thought Gideon's boss (his name escapes me as I write this) reminded me of Mr. Whittaker from Adventures in Odyssey.
* The food. One review said that the author talked way too much about food, but I think it was fine. In some spots, talking about food was an acceptable way to keep the conversation going and in one spot, helps the couple get to know each other. (That said, I have to wonder if maybe the author of this book was hungry when she wrote it?)
The One Thing I Didn't Like
* The autism subplot. Because autism (or any type of Asperger's Syndrome) falls on such a wide spectrum, it is very hard to write effectively and consistently. I don't think the author portrayed the character well, even if Kiki was only meant to be "mildly" autistic. I would've liked to have seen more "quirks" or examples of Kiki's autism play out. It just felt off for some reason.
Overall, it was a good read and it kep me up all night to finish. Recommended for anyone that likes Amish fiction and a good, clean romance.
I made this mistake and thought the ending was going to be a flop. I was (pleasantly) surprised when the story was able to stand on its own feet. So, here's my take on the book.
What I Liked
* Moriah. Yes, he was a bit of a jerk sometimes and he ended up paying the price for his addiction. But I still thought he was a good foil.
* Kiki. Although I wasn't the hugest fan of the autism subplot (see below), I thought Kiki was a fun character. I liked reading her thoughts and she had a great personality that brought a new perspective to the story.
* All the other "good guy" characters were great too. Mari and Gideon make an adorable couple, and I thought Gideon's boss (his name escapes me as I write this) reminded me of Mr. Whittaker from Adventures in Odyssey.
* The food. One review said that the author talked way too much about food, but I think it was fine. In some spots, talking about food was an acceptable way to keep the conversation going and in one spot, helps the couple get to know each other. (That said, I have to wonder if maybe the author of this book was hungry when she wrote it?)
The One Thing I Didn't Like
* The autism subplot. Because autism (or any type of Asperger's Syndrome) falls on such a wide spectrum, it is very hard to write effectively and consistently. I don't think the author portrayed the character well, even if Kiki was only meant to be "mildly" autistic. I would've liked to have seen more "quirks" or examples of Kiki's autism play out. It just felt off for some reason.
Overall, it was a good read and it kep me up all night to finish. Recommended for anyone that likes Amish fiction and a good, clean romance.
July 15, 2019
Gideon Miller doesn't have a lot of answers to life hard questions. But one thing he's absolutely sure about, is that the Amish life is not for him. Fifteen years after leaving home, he works at an auto shop and helps many young people make the transition from being Amish to the real world. Wanting to get them away from the strict lifestyle and potentially bad home situations, Gideon does everything in his power to get them on their feet.
When a autistic teenager come to the shop looking for work, Gideon is at a loss for what to do with her. Kiki seems to be a handful, and despite Gideon's attraction to her older sister Mari, he is reluctant to hire Kiki and take responsibility for her.
Then his brother, Moriah, makes an appearance at the shop. Gideon wants to help his brother, but when things take a turn for the worse, Gideon finds himself unable to help his brother. Fighting the demons of the past, Gideon has nowhere to turn. Will he be able to resolve the hurt of the past - or is it just too late?
The only thing I felt was missing from this book was more resolution at the end. It was a wonderful novel, but the end felt rushed and unresolved. There was lots of anticipation and tension between the characters, but then the plot just fizzled out. I enjoyed this novel a lot, but I just wish there would have been more instead of cutting it short. While I enjoy a story that move along and doesn't drag; realistically, I don't want it to fly by after all the great buildup with the story and characters.
This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.
When a autistic teenager come to the shop looking for work, Gideon is at a loss for what to do with her. Kiki seems to be a handful, and despite Gideon's attraction to her older sister Mari, he is reluctant to hire Kiki and take responsibility for her.
Then his brother, Moriah, makes an appearance at the shop. Gideon wants to help his brother, but when things take a turn for the worse, Gideon finds himself unable to help his brother. Fighting the demons of the past, Gideon has nowhere to turn. Will he be able to resolve the hurt of the past - or is it just too late?
The only thing I felt was missing from this book was more resolution at the end. It was a wonderful novel, but the end felt rushed and unresolved. There was lots of anticipation and tension between the characters, but then the plot just fizzled out. I enjoyed this novel a lot, but I just wish there would have been more instead of cutting it short. While I enjoy a story that move along and doesn't drag; realistically, I don't want it to fly by after all the great buildup with the story and characters.
This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2017
Alice Wisler’s Still Life in Shadows
Alice Wisler’s Still Life in Shadows gives a different view of the Amish than most popular Amish books. The aspect of rules and religion which can lead to either harsh and even abusive leadership and parenting or, in contrast, rebellion in children raised under such a system ...... demonstrates why Jesus became most angry at religious leaders who so misrepresented Father God. The most religious people in our world can often be the most cruel and bring terrible confusion into the hearts of those raised in such a system.
She incorporates the pull of drugs and addiction to young people who have to leave everything in order to try to discover their real identity. This can lead to such devastation.
My only criticism of the book is that she was creating realistic characters with multifaceted emotions until the last chapters when, suddenly, she seems to bring them all to a nice packaged up ending in which everything is suddenly resolved! I wish all could be so suddenly resolved in life....but it doesn't wrap up so quickly and nicely.
Alice Wisler’s Still Life in Shadows gives a different view of the Amish than most popular Amish books. The aspect of rules and religion which can lead to either harsh and even abusive leadership and parenting or, in contrast, rebellion in children raised under such a system ...... demonstrates why Jesus became most angry at religious leaders who so misrepresented Father God. The most religious people in our world can often be the most cruel and bring terrible confusion into the hearts of those raised in such a system.
She incorporates the pull of drugs and addiction to young people who have to leave everything in order to try to discover their real identity. This can lead to such devastation.
My only criticism of the book is that she was creating realistic characters with multifaceted emotions until the last chapters when, suddenly, she seems to bring them all to a nice packaged up ending in which everything is suddenly resolved! I wish all could be so suddenly resolved in life....but it doesn't wrap up so quickly and nicely.
September 10, 2018
*My review is for the audiobook format*
I'm a regular customer of the post-apocalyptic, sci-fi, and crime genres, so 'Still Life' was a real change of pace for me. To be brief, it's a slowly-paced, simple and sweet little story with a lot of heart.
I found minor issues with how the characters and plot were written, and with the wavering point-of-view, but I tried not to let that detract from what I felt the author was ultimately trying to convey. This story addressed some themes common to us all, like acceptance and forgiveness, without getting religious or preachy. It's a feel-good book that can interest even those of us who don't do feel-good books. Despite that this book's title makes zero sense to me, it's a story that doesn't make apologies or excuses for the messiness inherent in all our lives to some degree, and that is something I could relate to.
David Bosco gives a good performance that evokes the emotions of the characters and breathes life into the story. Overall, despite its imperfections, I am glad that I gave this one a try.
(I requested this free review copy audiobook and voluntarily posted this unbiased review.)
I'm a regular customer of the post-apocalyptic, sci-fi, and crime genres, so 'Still Life' was a real change of pace for me. To be brief, it's a slowly-paced, simple and sweet little story with a lot of heart.
I found minor issues with how the characters and plot were written, and with the wavering point-of-view, but I tried not to let that detract from what I felt the author was ultimately trying to convey. This story addressed some themes common to us all, like acceptance and forgiveness, without getting religious or preachy. It's a feel-good book that can interest even those of us who don't do feel-good books. Despite that this book's title makes zero sense to me, it's a story that doesn't make apologies or excuses for the messiness inherent in all our lives to some degree, and that is something I could relate to.
David Bosco gives a good performance that evokes the emotions of the characters and breathes life into the story. Overall, despite its imperfections, I am glad that I gave this one a try.
(I requested this free review copy audiobook and voluntarily posted this unbiased review.)
May 31, 2019
Soothing to read
The story is sweet and simple: forgiveness, redemption, grace, love. Gideon has left the legalistic religious culture of the Amish, and basically resents anything dealing with God. Through an encounter with a high functioning autistic young teen, he begins to perceive life with a sense of the grace that he is actually living in. This does not come easily for him and there are severe situations he will encounter on his journey to wholeness. The irony is that while he is searching and slowly grasping at what grace is, Gideon is a sort of saving grace for many “escapees” , those young people from the Amish communities who are looking for help in transitioning to mainstream society.
This book is a nice read for a rainy day. It is not profound, although there are a few statements highlighted. This is the kind of story that keeps the reader interested enough to finish, but it is not a “page turner.”
I would have liked it more if the author would have delved a bit more into Kiki’s autism and behavioral quirks and blended that into the story.
The story is sweet and simple: forgiveness, redemption, grace, love. Gideon has left the legalistic religious culture of the Amish, and basically resents anything dealing with God. Through an encounter with a high functioning autistic young teen, he begins to perceive life with a sense of the grace that he is actually living in. This does not come easily for him and there are severe situations he will encounter on his journey to wholeness. The irony is that while he is searching and slowly grasping at what grace is, Gideon is a sort of saving grace for many “escapees” , those young people from the Amish communities who are looking for help in transitioning to mainstream society.
This book is a nice read for a rainy day. It is not profound, although there are a few statements highlighted. This is the kind of story that keeps the reader interested enough to finish, but it is not a “page turner.”
I would have liked it more if the author would have delved a bit more into Kiki’s autism and behavioral quirks and blended that into the story.
July 23, 2019
Faith and Hope
Narrator David Bosco has a warm quality to voice as he tells a story--and quite a range of accents on which to draw as, here, he introduces us to the Pennsylvania Dutch while in the midst of the North Carolina mountains. While disaffection with the rigidity of 18th century mores and lifestyle of the Amish is not uncommon, the sect continues to grow--as with any strict belief system there are plusses and minuses which can be enhanced or exacerbated by the personalities of those in power. But this novel is broader in scope than that, looking at mental illness, autism, racial prejudice, fear of "outsiders," and the very major issue of methamphetamine as a destroyer of lives. Despite some of these rough topics, the strongly Christian-based (but not preachy!) story overall has a feel-good atmosphere and a happy ending while perhaps teaching you about some topics with which you may be unfamiliar.
Narrator David Bosco has a warm quality to voice as he tells a story--and quite a range of accents on which to draw as, here, he introduces us to the Pennsylvania Dutch while in the midst of the North Carolina mountains. While disaffection with the rigidity of 18th century mores and lifestyle of the Amish is not uncommon, the sect continues to grow--as with any strict belief system there are plusses and minuses which can be enhanced or exacerbated by the personalities of those in power. But this novel is broader in scope than that, looking at mental illness, autism, racial prejudice, fear of "outsiders," and the very major issue of methamphetamine as a destroyer of lives. Despite some of these rough topics, the strongly Christian-based (but not preachy!) story overall has a feel-good atmosphere and a happy ending while perhaps teaching you about some topics with which you may be unfamiliar.
October 7, 2018
Interesting story about Amish life, and leaving it behind to start a new life outside of the Amish world.
Sometimes you can run, but your problems always have the nasty habit of finding you and settling in....
Gideon, after starting a new life away from his Amish Community in Pennsylvania, meets a teenage girl named Kiki. She's different. She and her sister, Mari have challenges of their own.
Great characters, moving and compelling story, and wonderful narration. I really really enjoyed it :)
Give it a listen :)
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Sometimes you can run, but your problems always have the nasty habit of finding you and settling in....
Gideon, after starting a new life away from his Amish Community in Pennsylvania, meets a teenage girl named Kiki. She's different. She and her sister, Mari have challenges of their own.
Great characters, moving and compelling story, and wonderful narration. I really really enjoyed it :)
Give it a listen :)
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
October 11, 2019
Still life in shadows
"Still Life in Shadows" was a very good book that I enjoyed a lot. It was interesting, and heart breaking reading about how Gideon deals his troubled young life in a very strict Amish family and how even his successful life after escaping the Amish community is scarred by his past. A young autistic girl slowly leads him to a better place with her honest, bold attitude towards life. Her older, cute, God loving sister helps him move on from his past also. The story has a few twists in it which helped me learn more about Gideon's life. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a well told story.
"Still Life in Shadows" was a very good book that I enjoyed a lot. It was interesting, and heart breaking reading about how Gideon deals his troubled young life in a very strict Amish family and how even his successful life after escaping the Amish community is scarred by his past. A young autistic girl slowly leads him to a better place with her honest, bold attitude towards life. Her older, cute, God loving sister helps him move on from his past also. The story has a few twists in it which helped me learn more about Gideon's life. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a well told story.
November 17, 2019
Still Life in Shadows
Alice J. Wisler
This novel seems to be more of an escaping the Amish book instead of one that focuses on the life inside the Amish. Gideon Miller ran away fifteen years earlier at the age of fifteen. After settling into the English life, he helps other young Amish escape their lives. He meets new friends Kiki and Mari that help him see things from a different prospective, and to learn forgiveness. There are many twists that help the story progress......slowly.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed by David Bosco.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Alice J. Wisler
This novel seems to be more of an escaping the Amish book instead of one that focuses on the life inside the Amish. Gideon Miller ran away fifteen years earlier at the age of fifteen. After settling into the English life, he helps other young Amish escape their lives. He meets new friends Kiki and Mari that help him see things from a different prospective, and to learn forgiveness. There are many twists that help the story progress......slowly.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed by David Bosco.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
November 14, 2019
Definitely different then other Amish books. Gideon left his Amish Roots and God when he left the community. Thinking only if he stayed could he believe in God. Then you have Kiki a special need girl, who with her puppet in hand she communicates her feelings.She is a wiz on her bike, in which is what led her to George’s garage. They both were unique and the author in the third person, brought their lives out in a story.
November 22, 2019
A Fantastic read that pulled me in right from the beginning. I love stories that are intriguing and this one is definitely that. There are twists and turns that surprised me which I love. If you love intriguing stories that have fantastic world building this is definitely that. The Narrator does a fantastic job at bringing out the voices of the characters. I definitely recommend this read.
Shauna Joesten
Shauna Joesten
March 30, 2019
Told from the outside-in. A man who left his Amish home before he was in Rumspringa. An autistic barely a teen girl. Her older sister. And a mystery that holds from beginning to end. Enjoyed this book tremendously. It's one that I had to make myself turn-off-your-Kindle-you-have-work-to-do. I highly recommend this book.
September 5, 2019
Still Life in Shadows
I loved this book from beginning to end. It was amusing, emotional and full of life's experiences. It gives the horrors of drug addiction especially in others at the same time the love that is in families. It also shows us how we all need God in our lives to help us when times gets bad.
I loved this book from beginning to end. It was amusing, emotional and full of life's experiences. It gives the horrors of drug addiction especially in others at the same time the love that is in families. It also shows us how we all need God in our lives to help us when times gets bad.
March 27, 2020
A Page Turner
If you you are looking for a little romance, a little history, a little mystery, and a lot of forgiveness, then this book is for you. The author does a wonderful job of weaving all four together, making the reader fall in love with an autistic little girl in the process.
If you you are looking for a little romance, a little history, a little mystery, and a lot of forgiveness, then this book is for you. The author does a wonderful job of weaving all four together, making the reader fall in love with an autistic little girl in the process.
June 13, 2020
Surprisingly wonderful
I am not sure what I expected when I bought this book. Maybe a typical love story. That it clearly is not. It is a character study, a look at people people and how they respond to both the negative and positive things that touch their lives. Several persons of differing backgrounds and cultures are all part of this wonderful story.
I am not sure what I expected when I bought this book. Maybe a typical love story. That it clearly is not. It is a character study, a look at people people and how they respond to both the negative and positive things that touch their lives. Several persons of differing backgrounds and cultures are all part of this wonderful story.
July 18, 2020
And they were led by an autistic teen
My first book by the author and it's a WOW. Well written with fully developed characters it shows the importance of family. Through difficult circumstances and tragedy strangers became a loving and supportive family. Definitely not your typical Amish story but so worth reading.
My first book by the author and it's a WOW. Well written with fully developed characters it shows the importance of family. Through difficult circumstances and tragedy strangers became a loving and supportive family. Definitely not your typical Amish story but so worth reading.
December 16, 2018
Amish book at it's best
This is a top ten book in the Amish genre. Leaving the close knit community to live "English" brings unique struggles in lifestyle and emotions. I loved the truthful look at the good and bad in this situation. Just a superb book.
This is a top ten book in the Amish genre. Leaving the close knit community to live "English" brings unique struggles in lifestyle and emotions. I loved the truthful look at the good and bad in this situation. Just a superb book.
November 24, 2019
This was a sightly difficult book to read. The writing was good but the subject matter was different. An ex-Amish man who helps others leave their communities and an autistic girl trying to get along. When they meet, what a change each one goes through.
September 17, 2022
This is a story about an Amish man who leaves the order to become English. Since there is an Amish community in my county, I enjoyed reading the book. You will find both happiness and heartbreak in this book.
August 12, 2025
wonderful book
I’ll begin by saying this is a very good book. It shows struggles with emotions of life and loss. It depicts freedom, friendship and family in very insightful ways. I really enjoyed the book. I highly recommend reading this.
I’ll begin by saying this is a very good book. It shows struggles with emotions of life and loss. It depicts freedom, friendship and family in very insightful ways. I really enjoyed the book. I highly recommend reading this.
September 28, 2017
Excellent book. I am used to Alice's Japanese books and this was a good departure. Great insight on leaving Amish backgrounds.
December 1, 2017
In his shadow
Would he live in his fathers' shadow eventually becoming like him. Or forgive and become his own person. Would he become a good role model?
Would he live in his fathers' shadow eventually becoming like him. Or forgive and become his own person. Would he become a good role model?
April 22, 2019
Excellent read!!! Tissues needed.
December 14, 2019
A book that highlights the powerful grip our upbringings have on us.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews