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Home to Hickory Hollow #3
The Guardian
Lerares Jodi Winfield vindt tijdens het hardlopen een meisje langs de kant van de weg. Ze heeft alleen ondergoed aan en er lopen dikke tranen over haar wangen. Jodi neemt de peuter mee naar huis met het plan uit te zoeken, waar de kleine meid vandaan komt. Terwijl de dagen voorbijvliegen raakt Jodi steeds meer gehecht aan het meisje, maar ze heeft nog altijd geen idee wie ze is. Op een dag komt Jodi onverwacht bij de Amish in Hickory Hollow terecht. Zal ze bij hen antwoorden vinden?
352 pages, Paperback
Published April 1, 2013
410 people are currently reading
2608 people want to read
About the author
Beverly Lewis
258 books3,013 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country and both a schoolteacher and an accomplished musician, has been an award-winning author for over a dozen years. Her acclaimed novel, The Preacher's Daughter, was a 2006 Quill Book Award finalist in the romance category. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today and The New York Times. She and her husband, David, live in Colorado."
Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country and both a schoolteacher and an accomplished musician, has been an award-winning author for over a dozen years. Her acclaimed novel, The Preacher's Daughter, was a 2006 Quill Book Award finalist in the romance category. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today and The New York Times. She and her husband, David, live in Colorado."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 312 reviews
April 13, 2023
Jodie Winfield has come to Lancaster Pennsylvania to house sit for her cousin Scott and his wife Paige while they are away. What she does not expect to find is the dishevelled young girl curled up by the side of the road. Yet investigation turns up no reports of a missing child. Why has no one reported this child, who looks to be about four years old, missing? Jodi gets no answers to her questions regarding name and where has has come from as the child does not speak English. Jodi’s fiancé is heading to Japan for a year. Jodi is mourning the recent death of her sister Karen. She has lost faith in God and answered prayer and has reached a decision she knows fiancé Trent will disagree with. Could this affect their future? Should she call the wedding off? To add those issues she needs to secure a new teaching position. But first she needs to locate the family of this child. The other main character is widowed Maryanna Esh seeking to raise her four children in the Amish faith in Hickory Hollow. It is in Hickory Hollow that Jodi eventually, with Maryanna’s help finds some answers.
Although this is book 3 in a series about Hickory Hollow, it reads fine as a stand alone. It was easy to like the friendly, caring Maryanna and also to understand the doubts and question’s that circled in Jodi. Other appealing Amish men, women and children fill out the palette of charming characters, including Joshua and Dan, both widowers looking to remarry.
I settled happily into this story and loved all the main characters. A little too abrupt tying up at the end but still a very engaging sweet read.
Although this is book 3 in a series about Hickory Hollow, it reads fine as a stand alone. It was easy to like the friendly, caring Maryanna and also to understand the doubts and question’s that circled in Jodi. Other appealing Amish men, women and children fill out the palette of charming characters, including Joshua and Dan, both widowers looking to remarry.
I settled happily into this story and loved all the main characters. A little too abrupt tying up at the end but still a very engaging sweet read.
July 9, 2013
Very good book that deals with grief and how two very different women have dealt with it. Maryanna lost her husband in an accident leaving her to raise their four children without him. She has done very well but recent events have made her think that perhaps it is time to think of remarrying. When her youngest daughter goes missing she begins to question herself and the way she has been living her life. Her daughter's return by a young Englischer woman gives her a chance to help someone else. I really enjoyed Maryanna's contentment with her life and her love for her children and her faith. She started out very wary of Jodi and her possible influence on her family but soon realized that Jodi was a special person and could become a good friend. She also draws the attention of two Amish widowers and must decide if she wants to take a chance on a new relationship. Maryanna was also dealing with new feelings about her late husband's best friend Joshua. He seemed interested in courting her, but she had some issues with him that were making her unreceptive. I loved seeing the way that her friendship with Jodi also had an effect on the way that she looked at Joshua.
Jodi had come to Lancaster to house sit for her cousin and to try to deal with the grief of losing her sister to cancer. This grief had caused her to lose her faith in God and was also creating some stress with her fiance. When she finds a little girl on the side of the road she tries to find out who she belongs to - not easy when the child speaks no English. A suggestion from her cousin sends her to Hickory Hollow, where she reunites Sarah with her family. She is surprised to find herself so warmly welcomed by the Amish family and invited to visit often. She finds Maryanna's quiet faith comforting, and just being with her and her family begins to renew her own faith. I loved seeing Jodi's honest struggle with her grief and the realistic way it was portrayed. Her enjoyment of spending time with the Esh family goes a long way toward healing her grief. She was surprised to be invited to teach at the Amish school and worked very hard to make sure she didn't abuse the trust they placed in her. I loved seeing her become so close with the Amish people of Hickory Hollow and what a difference they made in her life. I loved the epilogue and how it showed what became of the friendship between Jodi and Maryanna.
Jodi had come to Lancaster to house sit for her cousin and to try to deal with the grief of losing her sister to cancer. This grief had caused her to lose her faith in God and was also creating some stress with her fiance. When she finds a little girl on the side of the road she tries to find out who she belongs to - not easy when the child speaks no English. A suggestion from her cousin sends her to Hickory Hollow, where she reunites Sarah with her family. She is surprised to find herself so warmly welcomed by the Amish family and invited to visit often. She finds Maryanna's quiet faith comforting, and just being with her and her family begins to renew her own faith. I loved seeing Jodi's honest struggle with her grief and the realistic way it was portrayed. Her enjoyment of spending time with the Esh family goes a long way toward healing her grief. She was surprised to be invited to teach at the Amish school and worked very hard to make sure she didn't abuse the trust they placed in her. I loved seeing her become so close with the Amish people of Hickory Hollow and what a difference they made in her life. I loved the epilogue and how it showed what became of the friendship between Jodi and Maryanna.
November 17, 2020
A beautiful story of second chances, finding renewed faith, and making new friends. Amish readers will love this story! Once you start the first page, you won't stop reading until you reach the end!
April 17, 2013
Beverly Lewis is a fixture among Amish fiction authors and I was thrilled to have the chance to read The Guardian. Little Sarah and her siblings view the Englischer, Jodi Winfield, as a guardian angel who saved her. This is a wonderful book that blends the two worlds as Jodi is "adopted" into the Amish family and community of Hickory Hollow. I felt envious of Jodi as I would love to be able to live among the Amish in an actual Amish home and feel that same peace, quiet, and solitude.
Jodi has experienced loss and finds herself feeling angry with God and not quite sure how to pray anymore. I know that I personally have experienced some events that shook my faith and made me question "Why??? Why? Why?" Read this delightful book to find answers to Jodi's questions and you might just find a few of your own faith-questions answered in the process.
Jodi has experienced loss and finds herself feeling angry with God and not quite sure how to pray anymore. I know that I personally have experienced some events that shook my faith and made me question "Why??? Why? Why?" Read this delightful book to find answers to Jodi's questions and you might just find a few of your own faith-questions answered in the process.
March 21, 2013
The Guardian (Home to Hickory Hollow #3) 4 stars
This is my first book that I have read in Home to Hickory Hollow. I can see how the other books would fit in but I thought the story was good at standing on its own.
I really enjoyed reading the Guardian. Though I have to admit to shedding a few tears reading it.Their were parts in it that I laughed and smiled too. Especially the pied piper when the two women realized they were following too. Both books I have read today brought tears.
A mother's worst nightmare she can't find her little girl. After searching all around their house and property they figured she must have fallen out of the buggy and the other children were a sleep and did not see. The community right away start searching for the little girl they search and pray all night long.
Jodi Winfield is house sitting for her cousin while they are on a vacation and taking care of their cat. Jodi is having a hard time getting over her sister Karen's death. She has stopped praying since it did not save her sister. She does not want to have children. Her fiance does want them and loves God. He is going to teach abroad for a year teaching english in Japan.
Jodi is preparing to run in a marathon so she goes running and in the middle of nowhere finds a little girl a sleep on the side of the road in her underwear. She has a bump on the head and some other cuts & road rash. The little girl wakes us and cries for her mama.
Jodi finds no amber alert for a lost child. She does not understand the little girl. Jodi does pick her up and take her back to her cousin's house. She gives her first aid, a bath and some food. The little girl just clings to her. As Jodi is trying to get through to the police she gets a call from her boss telling her that she is being let go. Only a month before the new school year.
Her cousin's husband she is housesitting for is a cop and suggests when he hears she speaks no english where the Bishop of the Amish lives and he might know where she belongs. Explains that they don't turn to police they stay seperate.
The Amish men search all night. Then take turns searching while others feed animals and return. So far they have found her dress and hair pins. The men are split on calling the English police or not.
When Jodi finds the Amish school house Sarah recongizes where she is and points and Jodi going slow finds Sarah's house.
Maryanna is a widow raising four children on her own. She is so grateful to have her daughter back home safe. She invites Jodi into her home for lunch. Sarah and the children call Jodi Sarah's Angel. Sarah does not want Jodi to leave. All the children are drawn to Jodi.
It is a good story and blends both the Amish and English together. How they help each other in many ways. They are the answer to others prayers. Their is a lot of grieving talked about how each is different but some the same. Maryanna over loosing her husband.and a few other widows and widowers in their Amish district. Jodi getting over her sister's death. Just by sharing can make a difference in peoples lives.
I would read Beverly's books in the future based on how much I liked the Guardian.
I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of it in return by Netgalley.
April 2013 by Bethany House Publishers 352 pages ISBN:0764209795
Description below taken off of Goodreads.com
Must-Have Amish Fiction from #1 Bestselling Author Beverly Lewis
When schoolteacher Jodi Winfield goes for a morning run, the last thing she expects is to find a disheveled little girl all alone on the side of the Pennsylvania road, clad only in her undergarments, her chubby cheeks streaked with tears. Jodi takes the preschooler home with her, intending to find out where she belongs. But Jodi is mystified when no one seems to know of a missing child, and the girl herself is no help, since she can't speak a word of English. It's as if the child appeared out of nowhere.
As the days pass, Jodi becomes increasingly attached to the mysterious girl, yet she is no closer to learning her identity. Then an unexpected opportunity brings Jodi to Hickory Hollow--and into the cloistered world of the Lancaster Old Order Amish. Might the answers lie there
This is my first book that I have read in Home to Hickory Hollow. I can see how the other books would fit in but I thought the story was good at standing on its own.
I really enjoyed reading the Guardian. Though I have to admit to shedding a few tears reading it.Their were parts in it that I laughed and smiled too. Especially the pied piper when the two women realized they were following too. Both books I have read today brought tears.
A mother's worst nightmare she can't find her little girl. After searching all around their house and property they figured she must have fallen out of the buggy and the other children were a sleep and did not see. The community right away start searching for the little girl they search and pray all night long.
Jodi Winfield is house sitting for her cousin while they are on a vacation and taking care of their cat. Jodi is having a hard time getting over her sister Karen's death. She has stopped praying since it did not save her sister. She does not want to have children. Her fiance does want them and loves God. He is going to teach abroad for a year teaching english in Japan.
Jodi is preparing to run in a marathon so she goes running and in the middle of nowhere finds a little girl a sleep on the side of the road in her underwear. She has a bump on the head and some other cuts & road rash. The little girl wakes us and cries for her mama.
Jodi finds no amber alert for a lost child. She does not understand the little girl. Jodi does pick her up and take her back to her cousin's house. She gives her first aid, a bath and some food. The little girl just clings to her. As Jodi is trying to get through to the police she gets a call from her boss telling her that she is being let go. Only a month before the new school year.
Her cousin's husband she is housesitting for is a cop and suggests when he hears she speaks no english where the Bishop of the Amish lives and he might know where she belongs. Explains that they don't turn to police they stay seperate.
The Amish men search all night. Then take turns searching while others feed animals and return. So far they have found her dress and hair pins. The men are split on calling the English police or not.
When Jodi finds the Amish school house Sarah recongizes where she is and points and Jodi going slow finds Sarah's house.
Maryanna is a widow raising four children on her own. She is so grateful to have her daughter back home safe. She invites Jodi into her home for lunch. Sarah and the children call Jodi Sarah's Angel. Sarah does not want Jodi to leave. All the children are drawn to Jodi.
It is a good story and blends both the Amish and English together. How they help each other in many ways. They are the answer to others prayers. Their is a lot of grieving talked about how each is different but some the same. Maryanna over loosing her husband.and a few other widows and widowers in their Amish district. Jodi getting over her sister's death. Just by sharing can make a difference in peoples lives.
I would read Beverly's books in the future based on how much I liked the Guardian.
I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of it in return by Netgalley.
April 2013 by Bethany House Publishers 352 pages ISBN:0764209795
Description below taken off of Goodreads.com
Must-Have Amish Fiction from #1 Bestselling Author Beverly Lewis
When schoolteacher Jodi Winfield goes for a morning run, the last thing she expects is to find a disheveled little girl all alone on the side of the Pennsylvania road, clad only in her undergarments, her chubby cheeks streaked with tears. Jodi takes the preschooler home with her, intending to find out where she belongs. But Jodi is mystified when no one seems to know of a missing child, and the girl herself is no help, since she can't speak a word of English. It's as if the child appeared out of nowhere.
As the days pass, Jodi becomes increasingly attached to the mysterious girl, yet she is no closer to learning her identity. Then an unexpected opportunity brings Jodi to Hickory Hollow--and into the cloistered world of the Lancaster Old Order Amish. Might the answers lie there
September 2, 2025
Jodi finds Sarah on the side of the road early morning and wonders how she got there. No wagon is around or other plain people so she takes her back to her family’s house to clean her up and hopes she doesn’t find any sign of her being abused.
When Sarah wakes up she starts calling her an angel. She calls her family to find out where Amish live close by and then drives over that way in hoping someone will recognize the child.
When Sarah wakes up she starts calling her an angel. She calls her family to find out where Amish live close by and then drives over that way in hoping someone will recognize the child.
April 1, 2013
Widow Maryanna Esh and her four sleepy young children headed home in their buggy after a long day at an Amish auction. Upon arriving at home, 4 year old Sarah is no where to be found. After a quick search of the house and barn and surrounding homestead, help is enlisted from the surrounding Amish community. An all night search of the surrounding fields and roads only turns up Sarah’s rumpled clothing.
Laid off elementary teacher Jodi Winfield is house sitting for her cousin in Lancaster, PA. On an early morning jog, she finds a young child, scraped up and crying along the roadside. The child apparently speaks no English. After checking for missing person reports and then consulting with her cousin, she follows his advice and heads toward the home of the Hickory Hollow Amish bishop. As they near the bishop’s home, Sarah excitedly points to a farm down the road so Jodi turns in there instead, and the child is reunited with her happy family.
This begins a unique friendship between Jody and Maryanna. Jody is drawn to the peaceful, simple community as she struggles to deal with the issues in her life that have shattered her faith – her sister’s death, her fiancé’s teaching assignment in Japan and their growing disagreement over the issue of having children, and her loss of employment. The Amish children are drawn to Jody’s warm and caring nature. Her welcome and acceptance by the Amish community brings Jody unexpected healing, and she in turn is able to help out the community by taking an interim position teaching in the Amish schoolhouse until they can find a qualified Amish teacher.
Appalled by nearly losing one of her children falling out of a buggy, Maryanna is pressured into accepting calls from Amish widowers by her parents and the community so she can provide her family with a stepfather who will better care for and protect them. But can she also find love for herself, and if so, will it be Turkey Dan or her dead husband’s best friend Joshua?
This was a delightful story, intertwining simple Amish life with modern technology and customs, due to the prominent characters who were both “English” and Amish. I enjoyed the fresh way Lewis portrayed the interaction between the two cultures in this third book of the Home to Hickory Hollow series, and also the chance to revisit much loved characters from the earlier books.
Laid off elementary teacher Jodi Winfield is house sitting for her cousin in Lancaster, PA. On an early morning jog, she finds a young child, scraped up and crying along the roadside. The child apparently speaks no English. After checking for missing person reports and then consulting with her cousin, she follows his advice and heads toward the home of the Hickory Hollow Amish bishop. As they near the bishop’s home, Sarah excitedly points to a farm down the road so Jodi turns in there instead, and the child is reunited with her happy family.
This begins a unique friendship between Jody and Maryanna. Jody is drawn to the peaceful, simple community as she struggles to deal with the issues in her life that have shattered her faith – her sister’s death, her fiancé’s teaching assignment in Japan and their growing disagreement over the issue of having children, and her loss of employment. The Amish children are drawn to Jody’s warm and caring nature. Her welcome and acceptance by the Amish community brings Jody unexpected healing, and she in turn is able to help out the community by taking an interim position teaching in the Amish schoolhouse until they can find a qualified Amish teacher.
Appalled by nearly losing one of her children falling out of a buggy, Maryanna is pressured into accepting calls from Amish widowers by her parents and the community so she can provide her family with a stepfather who will better care for and protect them. But can she also find love for herself, and if so, will it be Turkey Dan or her dead husband’s best friend Joshua?
This was a delightful story, intertwining simple Amish life with modern technology and customs, due to the prominent characters who were both “English” and Amish. I enjoyed the fresh way Lewis portrayed the interaction between the two cultures in this third book of the Home to Hickory Hollow series, and also the chance to revisit much loved characters from the earlier books.
March 25, 2019
This was great! I have never read a Beverly Lewis novel (how on Earth have I made it this long..) so this is my first one. And it made a great impression!!! The writing was smooth and easy to follow (something I value) and the characters WERE SO GOOD.
And I can't forget.
THE. SHIPS.
img src=" https://www.google.com/search?q=otp+g... " width="40" height="100" alt="description"/>
The shipping is strong with this book.
I like how even in a novel written by a romance author, the romance does take a side note on this book.
BUT.
THE.
SHIPS.
Joshua/Maryanna - I SHIP IT I SHIP IT I SHIP IT SO HARD
Trent/Jodi: I SHIP IT
Joshua/Ida: I know I'm not supposed to have two ships with the same people but if this happened considering how fiery Ida if this happened I WOULD SHIP IT.
Me favorite ship, however, is Trent/Me.
img src="https://www.google.com/search?q=every..." width="40" height="100" alt="description"/>
And besides that I mean come on this SSSSTTTTOOORRRYYYYYY.
And if that wasn't enough there are
AMISH
PEOPLE.
I love hearing about the Plain People. They are so awesome. This book was super accurate (I say that like I know) and the descriptions just took you right there Hickory Hollow.
Love your work, Beverly Lewis. Keep writing. I'll read it!!!
And I can't forget.
THE. SHIPS.
img src=" https://www.google.com/search?q=otp+g... " width="40" height="100" alt="description"/>
The shipping is strong with this book.
I like how even in a novel written by a romance author, the romance does take a side note on this book.
BUT.
THE.
SHIPS.
Joshua/Maryanna - I SHIP IT I SHIP IT I SHIP IT SO HARD
Trent/Jodi: I SHIP IT
Joshua/Ida: I know I'm not supposed to have two ships with the same people but if this happened considering how fiery Ida if this happened I WOULD SHIP IT.
Me favorite ship, however, is Trent/Me.
img src="https://www.google.com/search?q=every..." width="40" height="100" alt="description"/>
And besides that I mean come on this SSSSTTTTOOORRRYYYYYY.
And if that wasn't enough there are
AMISH
PEOPLE.
I love hearing about the Plain People. They are so awesome. This book was super accurate (I say that like I know) and the descriptions just took you right there Hickory Hollow.
Love your work, Beverly Lewis. Keep writing. I'll read it!!!
April 1, 2013
It has been a long time since I have read anything by Beverly Lewis. The first book I read by her was The Covenant from Abram's Daughter series and I fell in love with those characters. I also haven't read any Amish books for a few years. No reason really, just busy reading other books.
First, let's talk about the cover. Who could look at that cover and not be drawn in by the beautiful child? She captivated me before I even opened the book.
Reading The Guardian reminded why I enjoyed reading Amish fiction. I love being swept away in the simple world of the Amish, that often isn't as simple as we think and you will discover if you read The Guardian.
Oh, and I love when I can dig a Genesis 5020 out of a book and this book has one. When Sarah goes missing this could have been used to harm her mother, she could have grown angry at God but instead God uses that tragedy to bring Jodi Winfield into the Amish community. You will have to read the book to see what follows and how this is a Genesis 5020.
Reading this book has made me hungry for more Amish fiction again. Beverly Lewis rarely disappoints and this book is no exception.
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
First, let's talk about the cover. Who could look at that cover and not be drawn in by the beautiful child? She captivated me before I even opened the book.
Reading The Guardian reminded why I enjoyed reading Amish fiction. I love being swept away in the simple world of the Amish, that often isn't as simple as we think and you will discover if you read The Guardian.
Oh, and I love when I can dig a Genesis 5020 out of a book and this book has one. When Sarah goes missing this could have been used to harm her mother, she could have grown angry at God but instead God uses that tragedy to bring Jodi Winfield into the Amish community. You will have to read the book to see what follows and how this is a Genesis 5020.
Reading this book has made me hungry for more Amish fiction again. Beverly Lewis rarely disappoints and this book is no exception.
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2025
The guardian discussion questions
Why dont you think Jodi called 911?
What did you think when they found saras dress?
Do you think the bishop’s decision was a good one? Aka Making everyone feel guilty if they didnt let God take over.
Do you think an amish woman could take care of her family and farm without a husband?
Sara remembered the story of the good samaritan. What is your earliest bible story memory?
What did you think of Saras newfound love of non amish things and names?
Why didnt jodie want kids of her own?
What did you think of joshua?
What did you think of sarahs fascination with the English clothes and names?
What made jodie change her mind about having children?
What do you think of joshuas relationship with ida vs marryanne?
Why dont you think Jodi called 911?
What did you think when they found saras dress?
Do you think the bishop’s decision was a good one? Aka Making everyone feel guilty if they didnt let God take over.
Do you think an amish woman could take care of her family and farm without a husband?
Sara remembered the story of the good samaritan. What is your earliest bible story memory?
What did you think of Saras newfound love of non amish things and names?
Why didnt jodie want kids of her own?
What did you think of joshua?
What did you think of sarahs fascination with the English clothes and names?
What made jodie change her mind about having children?
What do you think of joshuas relationship with ida vs marryanne?
December 5, 2025
I always love a Beverly Lewis book. Jodi is having a crisis of faith after the passing of her sister. She is also having difficulty in her relationship and her career. She finds herself introduced to the Amish community of Hickory Hollow and discovers friendship and peace.
March 10, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
It was a very sweet book, but it kind of dragged on.
It was a very sweet book, but it kind of dragged on.
June 24, 2024
I absolutely love books written by this author. They all make you take a step back and think of how great our God is no matter what may be happening in your life. Wonderful book!
September 28, 2024
Zelfde mening als de voorgaande boeken van deze serie: Ontspannen, prettig lezende, enigszins idyllische verhalen met een te abrupt einde.
June 26, 2013
I love Beverly Lewis, she is one author who I hope to meet one day in real life and her books helped to really spur me to come back to the Father and re-dedicate my life to Him so when the third book in the Home to Hickory Hollow series was available to review I knew I had to read this one too. I’ve read The Fiddler and The Bridesmaid, both of which I thoroughly enjoyed so I was happy to return and meet some new characters and ‘see’ some old ones. The difference with The Guardian, I think was it seemed to have more substance to the characters – it took me a bit longer to finish this one than the other two.
My heart broke for Maryanna as the whole community searched for her missing daughter and then my heart also struggled with Jodi as she tried to decide how she should deal with the little girl she found while out running. I think to this book resonated with me since my goal is to run in some 5K’s, so I somewhat related to Jodi and how fun to run with a group of Amish runners! Regardless, like all of Beverly Lewis’ books the characters struggled in their personal and their spiritual life – not everything comes with a pat answer or wrapped in a bow – and ultimately we see that this is sometimes what the Lord uses to draw us near to Him so we can put all our faith in where it belongs.
I won’t tell you how the story ends or what happens to Jodi’s heart or even to Maryanna as both women, living very different lives, come together and eventually find what the Lord has in store for them. One could easily read this book first without having read the other ones as there wasn’t much overlapping of the stories – but make sure to read the whole series because it’s so nice to come back to Hickory Hollow.
**I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest opinion, no other compensation was given.
My heart broke for Maryanna as the whole community searched for her missing daughter and then my heart also struggled with Jodi as she tried to decide how she should deal with the little girl she found while out running. I think to this book resonated with me since my goal is to run in some 5K’s, so I somewhat related to Jodi and how fun to run with a group of Amish runners! Regardless, like all of Beverly Lewis’ books the characters struggled in their personal and their spiritual life – not everything comes with a pat answer or wrapped in a bow – and ultimately we see that this is sometimes what the Lord uses to draw us near to Him so we can put all our faith in where it belongs.
I won’t tell you how the story ends or what happens to Jodi’s heart or even to Maryanna as both women, living very different lives, come together and eventually find what the Lord has in store for them. One could easily read this book first without having read the other ones as there wasn’t much overlapping of the stories – but make sure to read the whole series because it’s so nice to come back to Hickory Hollow.
**I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest opinion, no other compensation was given.
July 27, 2019
The Wise Woman in this story Ella Mae Zook may speak directly to us!
Fav of the series so far.
THIS SUMMARY/REVIEW WAS COPIED FROM OTHER SOURCES AND IS USED ONLY AS A REMINDER OF WHAT THE BOOK WAS ABOUT FOR MY PERSONAL INTEREST. ANY PERSONAL NOTATIONS ARE FOR MY RECOLLECTION ONLY
Very good book that deals with grief and how two very different women have dealt with it. Maryanna lost her husband in an accident leaving her to raise their four children without him. She has done very well but recent events have made her think that perhaps it is time to think of remarrying. When her youngest daughter goes missing she begins to question herself and the way she has been living her life. Her daughter's return by a young Englischer woman gives her a chance to help someone else. I really enjoyed Maryanna's contentment with her life and her love for her children and her faith. She started out very wary of Jodi and her possible influence on her family but soon realized that Jodi was a special person and could become a good friend. She also draws the attention of two Amish widowers and must decide if she wants to take a chance on a new relationship. Maryanna was also dealing with new feelings about her late husband's best friend Joshua. He seemed interested in courting her, but she had some issues with him that were making her unreceptive. I loved seeing the way that her friendship with Jodi also had an effect on the way that she looked at Joshua.
Jodi had come to Lancaster to house sit for her cousin and to try to deal with the grief of losing her sister to cancer. This grief had caused her to lose her faith in God and was also creating some stress with her fiance. When she finds a little girl on the side of the road she tries to find out who she belongs to - not easy when the child speaks no English. A suggestion from her cousin sends her to Hickory Hollow, where she reunites Sarah with her family. She is surprised to find herself so warmly welcomed by the Amish family and invited to visit often. She finds Maryanna's quiet faith comforting, and just being with her and her family begins to renew her own faith. I loved seeing Jodi's honest struggle with her grief and the realistic way it was portrayed. Her enjoyment of spending time with the Esh family goes a long way toward healing her grief. She was surprised to be invited to teach at the Amish school and worked very hard to make sure she didn't abuse the trust they placed in her. I loved seeing her become so close with the Amish people of Hickory Hollow and what a difference they made in her life.
**
It was sweet watching Jodi learn to interact with a small child, especially when she’s so certain she doesn’t want children. It made me wonder if she’d change her mind and heal the rift between her and her fiancé. However, this was only the first several chapters. Then all is well with this little girl and the book turns into all about Jodi and school teachers--Amish vs. English.
Fav of the series so far.
THIS SUMMARY/REVIEW WAS COPIED FROM OTHER SOURCES AND IS USED ONLY AS A REMINDER OF WHAT THE BOOK WAS ABOUT FOR MY PERSONAL INTEREST. ANY PERSONAL NOTATIONS ARE FOR MY RECOLLECTION ONLY
Very good book that deals with grief and how two very different women have dealt with it. Maryanna lost her husband in an accident leaving her to raise their four children without him. She has done very well but recent events have made her think that perhaps it is time to think of remarrying. When her youngest daughter goes missing she begins to question herself and the way she has been living her life. Her daughter's return by a young Englischer woman gives her a chance to help someone else. I really enjoyed Maryanna's contentment with her life and her love for her children and her faith. She started out very wary of Jodi and her possible influence on her family but soon realized that Jodi was a special person and could become a good friend. She also draws the attention of two Amish widowers and must decide if she wants to take a chance on a new relationship. Maryanna was also dealing with new feelings about her late husband's best friend Joshua. He seemed interested in courting her, but she had some issues with him that were making her unreceptive. I loved seeing the way that her friendship with Jodi also had an effect on the way that she looked at Joshua.
Jodi had come to Lancaster to house sit for her cousin and to try to deal with the grief of losing her sister to cancer. This grief had caused her to lose her faith in God and was also creating some stress with her fiance. When she finds a little girl on the side of the road she tries to find out who she belongs to - not easy when the child speaks no English. A suggestion from her cousin sends her to Hickory Hollow, where she reunites Sarah with her family. She is surprised to find herself so warmly welcomed by the Amish family and invited to visit often. She finds Maryanna's quiet faith comforting, and just being with her and her family begins to renew her own faith. I loved seeing Jodi's honest struggle with her grief and the realistic way it was portrayed. Her enjoyment of spending time with the Esh family goes a long way toward healing her grief. She was surprised to be invited to teach at the Amish school and worked very hard to make sure she didn't abuse the trust they placed in her. I loved seeing her become so close with the Amish people of Hickory Hollow and what a difference they made in her life.
**
It was sweet watching Jodi learn to interact with a small child, especially when she’s so certain she doesn’t want children. It made me wonder if she’d change her mind and heal the rift between her and her fiancé. However, this was only the first several chapters. Then all is well with this little girl and the book turns into all about Jodi and school teachers--Amish vs. English.
December 17, 2013
THE GUARDIAN is book three in Ms. Lewis’ Home to Hickory Hollow series, but it easily stands alone. This was kind of a hard book to read from a mother’s stand-point. I understand how the Amish mom accidentally lost her child—kind of—but why she didn’t hear her cry when she fell out of the buggy, I don’t get. It broke my heart when the girl’s mom lost the child of her heart. I wanted them to find each other.
It was sweet watching Jodi learn to interact with a small child, especially when she’s so certain she doesn’t want children. It made me wonder if she’d change her mind and heal the rift between her and her fiancé. However, this was only the first several chapters. Then all is well with this little girl and the book turns into all about Jodi and school teachers--Amish vs. English.
I give it 3.5 stars. Not my favorite Beverly Lewis book
It was sweet watching Jodi learn to interact with a small child, especially when she’s so certain she doesn’t want children. It made me wonder if she’d change her mind and heal the rift between her and her fiancé. However, this was only the first several chapters. Then all is well with this little girl and the book turns into all about Jodi and school teachers--Amish vs. English.
I give it 3.5 stars. Not my favorite Beverly Lewis book
December 8, 2014
This is Book 3 in the Home to Hickory Hollow series and my favorite one yet! As always, I'm fascinated with the Amish and their lifestyle. This story is two-fold: one focuses on Jodi, an Englischer, who finds Sarah after she takes a tumble from the family carriage and becomes lost. The other focuses on Sarah's mother, Maryanna, who's widowed and has mixed feelings on ever marrying again. This book spoke to me on a personal level, as far as losing someone. The Wise Woman in this story seemed to speak directly to me about the loss of a loved one. Ella Mae Zook may be fictional, but I sure wish I could go right to Hickory Hollow and meet her!
Another great read and can't wait to get my hands on Book 4! Thank you Beverly Lewis!
Another great read and can't wait to get my hands on Book 4! Thank you Beverly Lewis!
January 9, 2021
This is book 3 of the "Home to Hickory Hollow" series; but you do not have to read these in any type of order and can be read as independent reads. They do refer to other characters in the other books but not so much as main characters and carry on the storylines.
In this book I would recommend to anyone that is in mourning and feels 'lost' without their loved one. One character is mourning the loss of her sister, another her husband and another his wife. They all find their way in not only life but with God.
I listened to this on CD and the reader does a well job at changing her tone for the characters and actions going on.
You won't regret the time you take to read-listen to this book
In this book I would recommend to anyone that is in mourning and feels 'lost' without their loved one. One character is mourning the loss of her sister, another her husband and another his wife. They all find their way in not only life but with God.
I listened to this on CD and the reader does a well job at changing her tone for the characters and actions going on.
You won't regret the time you take to read-listen to this book
July 22, 2013
Good writing and I liked the interactions with the kids and the adults in this book, it was well done but I have to hesitate on the openness the Amish community showed the main character, a English woman, in this novel. I don't doubt that they would be pleased that she returned the lost child to them and thankful, but I hesitate to believe that they would welcome her into their community and into their homes and their lives quite as easily as they did in here. The Amish are pretty guarded against anyone outside their community and while they would be kind, I don't think they would be quick to have her come live with them for awhile.
September 8, 2017
Beverly Lewis is an excellent author in the genre of the Amish people. She describes their lifestyle so clearly that you feel you are within a heartbeat of the action. The characters are developed so fully, that they are entirely believable. You meet them and almost become instant friends.
Things happen the way they are suppose to and this book this book walks you through twists and turns that elicited deep emotions, as most of Beverly's Amish tales do. The character development and the plot are mesmermizing. These are definitely remarkable reads.
My preference for clean and wholesome are met wholeheartedly with this tale.
Things happen the way they are suppose to and this book this book walks you through twists and turns that elicited deep emotions, as most of Beverly's Amish tales do. The character development and the plot are mesmermizing. These are definitely remarkable reads.
My preference for clean and wholesome are met wholeheartedly with this tale.
July 10, 2022
An Amish window loses her 4 year old daughter, she is later found by an English woman and the two women become friends. There is information about the different customs of the Amish. Each Amish book reinforces the idea that silly rules that have nothing to do with God make their lives miserable.
Read
May 4, 2013Excellent, as usual for Beverly Lewis!
December 27, 2014
not bad... a little slow... sweet at the end.
March 17, 2025
I love all things Beverly Lewis and this does not disappoint; this is book three in The Home to Hickory Hollow series. Maryanna Esh lost her husband Benuel three years ago in a farming accident; now she has to raise four children on her own at the age of thirty three. She baby's and favors her youngest Sarah (age four), as this is the last child with Benuel. As the family is coming home in their buggy after dark the children fall asleep in the back, and all is quiet. When they arrive home, Maryanna realizes that Sarah is not in the back of the buggy; where could she be? A search party is started with all the neighbors. In the morning Jodi and Englisher is out running and notices a little girl sleeping in the bushes. As she wakes the girl, she finds she does not speak English. She feeds and bathes the girl, and the girl takes a nap. Jodi drives her car with the little girl in it to see if she could find where she lives. Sarah gets excited when they are by a certain house (her home). Jodi and Sarah get out and are greeted by her mother Maryanna, who is so thankful. She invites the Englisher into her home; Sarah calls her her her angel! Jodi and the family become good friends. Jodi is looking for a teaching job, and gets hired at the Amish school temporarily. I loved the blending of the Amish ways, with some of the English ways. Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Beverly Lewis!!!
May 11, 2020
I'm always interested to learn and read more about the Amish culture. I've read several Beverly Lewis books and have yet to be disappointed by them. This one wasn't any different.
What is fascinating about this book is that it involves an Englisher who stumbles into an Amish community in Lancaster by house sitting for a friend. Although her friend isn't part of the Amish community, she lives right outside of it, and this is where the main character, Jodi, discovers a little girl on the side of the road. She later finds out this girl is Amish.
There's a lot more to the book: Jodi is mourning the loss of his sister, struggling with her faith and her relationship with her fiance, and has recently lost her job as a teacher due to budget cuts in her school. The mother whose child Jodi finds is dealing with the loss of her husband.
Jodi's character is realistic in that her struggle with her faith is raw, and it takes her a long time to gain it back. People who are in a similar situation could benefit from reading this book. It's also interesting to see the Amish woman's perspective on loss and the way she handles it.
What is fascinating about this book is that it involves an Englisher who stumbles into an Amish community in Lancaster by house sitting for a friend. Although her friend isn't part of the Amish community, she lives right outside of it, and this is where the main character, Jodi, discovers a little girl on the side of the road. She later finds out this girl is Amish.
There's a lot more to the book: Jodi is mourning the loss of his sister, struggling with her faith and her relationship with her fiance, and has recently lost her job as a teacher due to budget cuts in her school. The mother whose child Jodi finds is dealing with the loss of her husband.
Jodi's character is realistic in that her struggle with her faith is raw, and it takes her a long time to gain it back. People who are in a similar situation could benefit from reading this book. It's also interesting to see the Amish woman's perspective on loss and the way she handles it.
August 16, 2021
Overall, the book is pretty good. The ending was predictable. By about chapter four, you can figure out the ending.
The author walked the reader through the struggles of the characters. The reader sees the process: beginning, middle...and then falters at the conclusion. Near the end of the final chapters, there's suddenly a resolve. The reader is left thinking "Well, that was fast. How did that happen?"
This part was disappointing. You, the reader, go through the process only to "miss out" on the resolution. I can only assume that Beverly Lewis quickly resolved everything because she (1) was either getting tired of writing OR (2) had writer's block OR (3) was trying to meet her publisher's deadline and quickly sorted out all the issues to finish the book on time. But, since the ending is predictable, there may not have been a reason to draw out the resolution unnecessarily. Still, the reader "misses out" on the characters' resolutions.
Nevertheless, the book is a good read. It's kind of like watching a favorite movie you know the ending to, but watch it anyway because you enjoy the story. The Guardian is worth reading.
The author walked the reader through the struggles of the characters. The reader sees the process: beginning, middle...and then falters at the conclusion. Near the end of the final chapters, there's suddenly a resolve. The reader is left thinking "Well, that was fast. How did that happen?"
This part was disappointing. You, the reader, go through the process only to "miss out" on the resolution. I can only assume that Beverly Lewis quickly resolved everything because she (1) was either getting tired of writing OR (2) had writer's block OR (3) was trying to meet her publisher's deadline and quickly sorted out all the issues to finish the book on time. But, since the ending is predictable, there may not have been a reason to draw out the resolution unnecessarily. Still, the reader "misses out" on the characters' resolutions.
Nevertheless, the book is a good read. It's kind of like watching a favorite movie you know the ending to, but watch it anyway because you enjoy the story. The Guardian is worth reading.
November 1, 2016
Listened to The Guardian (Home to Hickory Hollow #3) by Beverly Lewis
When schoolteacher Jodi Winfield goes for a morning run, the last thing she expects is to find a disheveled little girl all alone on the side of the Pennsylvania road, clad only in her undergarments, her chubby cheeks streaked with tears. Jodi takes the preschooler home with her, intending to find out where she belongs. But Jodi is mystified when no one seems to know of a missing child, and the girl herself is no help, since she can't speak a word of English. It's as if the child appeared out of nowhere.
As the days pass, Jodi becomes increasingly attached to the mysterious girl, yet she is no closer to learning her identity. Then an unexpected opportunity brings Jodi to Hickory Hollow--and into the cloistered world of the Lancaster Old Order Amish. Might the answers lie there? I love this book. I give it 5 stars and a 10. Wonderful read!
When schoolteacher Jodi Winfield goes for a morning run, the last thing she expects is to find a disheveled little girl all alone on the side of the Pennsylvania road, clad only in her undergarments, her chubby cheeks streaked with tears. Jodi takes the preschooler home with her, intending to find out where she belongs. But Jodi is mystified when no one seems to know of a missing child, and the girl herself is no help, since she can't speak a word of English. It's as if the child appeared out of nowhere.
As the days pass, Jodi becomes increasingly attached to the mysterious girl, yet she is no closer to learning her identity. Then an unexpected opportunity brings Jodi to Hickory Hollow--and into the cloistered world of the Lancaster Old Order Amish. Might the answers lie there? I love this book. I give it 5 stars and a 10. Wonderful read!
February 18, 2018
I don't quite understand the title--perhaps it was chosen to fit the series. Yes, it is true that Jesus is our guardian, but usually these titles also have a plot application as well. It is true that Jodi is a bit of a guardian to Sarah until she return her to her family, but it's not a huge part of the plot.
In one sense, I felt like the book could have been over 150 or so pages in--I'm glad the author didn't choose to belabor Sarah being returned to the correct family (as I thought might happen). I enjoyed getting to know both Maryanna and Jodi through their friendship with each other. I'm glad both found true love. I was glad to see Jodi and Trent work through their differing desires on having or not having children and come to an agreement rather than breaking up over their different "wants" out of life. I was surprised that an Amish school agreed to hire an non-Amish teacher, even for a few months.
In one sense, I felt like the book could have been over 150 or so pages in--I'm glad the author didn't choose to belabor Sarah being returned to the correct family (as I thought might happen). I enjoyed getting to know both Maryanna and Jodi through their friendship with each other. I'm glad both found true love. I was glad to see Jodi and Trent work through their differing desires on having or not having children and come to an agreement rather than breaking up over their different "wants" out of life. I was surprised that an Amish school agreed to hire an non-Amish teacher, even for a few months.
January 30, 2020
The Guardian is a very sweet story about the connections we can find with people who are different than us. The beginning is exciting with the missing little girl, but thankfully, that is resolved fairly quickly. Next, we get into the heart of the book where we explore how both Jodi and Maryanna are getting over their grief and learning how to move forward. I loved the healing Jodi found in the Plain community and how Maryanna's eyes were opened to see what was right in front of her. I really appreciated how Jodi got to teach for them and was genuinely respectful of their ways and culture. I liked that there was no tension over her having any modern teachings. She simply learned what she needed to, followed their curriculum, and did a good job. The ending was beautiful and romantic. The peaceful, simplicity made it all the more enjoyable. Overall, I liked the growth and relationships that developed throughout this gentle tale.
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