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The Amish of Ephrata #1
The Tomato Patch
Book 1 of the The Amish of Ephrata Series.
Priscilla Smucker finds herself receiving unwanted attention in the community over an upcoming charity event at the local Mennonite church. When jealousy turns to bullying, how will she ever begin to handle it?
This Amish novella is a perfect read for young adults and adult readers who love Amish or Christian fiction. Includes discussion questions for book clubs or just private reflection.
Priscilla Smucker finds herself receiving unwanted attention in the community over an upcoming charity event at the local Mennonite church. When jealousy turns to bullying, how will she ever begin to handle it?
This Amish novella is a perfect read for young adults and adult readers who love Amish or Christian fiction. Includes discussion questions for book clubs or just private reflection.
ebook
First published July 8, 2012
67 people are currently reading
414 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Price
135 books647 followersECPA Christian Fiction Bestseller (June 2014, July 2014)
Amazon Top 100 Author for Books & eBooks (January 2016, September 2013, August 2013, May 2013, April 2013, February 2013, January 2013, December 2012)
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The author of over 30 novels, Sarah Price publishes with Realms, an imprint of Charisma House and Waterfall, an imprint of Brilliance Audio.
Her book, An Empty Cup, was #3 on Amazon Top 100 eBooks in January 2016.
Follow her on social media:
Blog:http://www.sarahpriceauthor.com.
Facebook: http://facebook.com/fansofsarahprice.
Instagram: @SarahPriceAuthor
Twitter: @SarahPriceAuthr
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/SarahPrice
FAMILY HERITAGE
During the early 1700s, the Preiss family arrived in America aboard an old sailing vessel called the Patience. The family left Europe, escaping Catholic persecution for their Anabaptist beliefs. Sarah Price comes from a long line of devout Mennonites, including numerous church leaders and ministers throughout the years.
In 1969, Sarah Price was born in Pennsylvania and lived on the land of her ancestors, Johannes Preiss and "King Tammany", otherwise known as Tamanend, a chief of the Lenni Lenape nation in the Delaware Valley.
In the early 1970s, her family moved to Morristown, New Jersey where she still resides with her husband, two children, and assortment of animals.
Ms. Price has advanced degrees in Communication (MA), Marketing (MBA), and Educational Leadership (PhD).
Ms. Price was a former full-time college professor. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, she now writes full-time.
Amazon Top 100 Author for Books & eBooks (January 2016, September 2013, August 2013, May 2013, April 2013, February 2013, January 2013, December 2012)
-------------------------
The author of over 30 novels, Sarah Price publishes with Realms, an imprint of Charisma House and Waterfall, an imprint of Brilliance Audio.
Her book, An Empty Cup, was #3 on Amazon Top 100 eBooks in January 2016.
Follow her on social media:
Blog:http://www.sarahpriceauthor.com.
Facebook: http://facebook.com/fansofsarahprice.
Instagram: @SarahPriceAuthor
Twitter: @SarahPriceAuthr
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/SarahPrice
FAMILY HERITAGE
During the early 1700s, the Preiss family arrived in America aboard an old sailing vessel called the Patience. The family left Europe, escaping Catholic persecution for their Anabaptist beliefs. Sarah Price comes from a long line of devout Mennonites, including numerous church leaders and ministers throughout the years.
In 1969, Sarah Price was born in Pennsylvania and lived on the land of her ancestors, Johannes Preiss and "King Tammany", otherwise known as Tamanend, a chief of the Lenni Lenape nation in the Delaware Valley.
In the early 1970s, her family moved to Morristown, New Jersey where she still resides with her husband, two children, and assortment of animals.
Ms. Price has advanced degrees in Communication (MA), Marketing (MBA), and Educational Leadership (PhD).
Ms. Price was a former full-time college professor. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, she now writes full-time.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 28, 2020
It's been a long time since I read an Amish fiction story, I read a lot of them around 2010-2013 and then my Amish fiction reading went dark. Of course, in my mission to clear my old kindle books, I stumbled upon Sarah Price's The Tomato Patch. The Tomato Patch is a YA novel that features the taboo topic of Bullying within the Amish community and how jealousy can turn someone's spirit dark and ugly. The book features two girls Susie and Priscilla. Priscilla is such a sweet character who you can tell loves her family, gardening, and helping out when needed. Susie, on the other hand, is boastful and loves being the best and the attention she receives from it and woe anyone who tries to take it from her. When a charity auction with the Mennonites comes to town, Priscilla's brother Jonas nominated her to share her tomatoes and vegetables as an auction item. In the past Susie has always won "best tomatoes" and now with Priscilla's crop, she has some competition and she isn't happy about it and will start spreading nasty rumors about Priscilla to the other girls and families in the community. Of course, though some of the community can see through Susie's lies and Priscilla does the right thing by praying despite her heartbreaking from the bullying. What I loved about this book too was the sermon that the Bishop preached on to do with this matter as it showed exactly what an Amish community represents.
July 12, 2012
Sarah has decided to do a series of “morality” novellas that target both Young Adults & Adults. All keeping with the Amish theme that she is noted for.
In this particular book, Priscilla Smucker finds herself receiving unwanted attention in the community over an upcoming charity event at the local Mennonite church. When jealousy turns to bullying, Priscilla and her friends find themselves in some tough situations. In today’s world, there is a large focusing on bullying. Most of that focus is on bullying via the internet. Sarah brings to light that bullying can happen anywhere. Even among the Amish.
I give this 5 Whoopie Pies
Not because I contributed the Book Discussion Questions, but because the book truly deserves my rating of 5 Whoopie Pies.
In this particular book, Priscilla Smucker finds herself receiving unwanted attention in the community over an upcoming charity event at the local Mennonite church. When jealousy turns to bullying, Priscilla and her friends find themselves in some tough situations. In today’s world, there is a large focusing on bullying. Most of that focus is on bullying via the internet. Sarah brings to light that bullying can happen anywhere. Even among the Amish.
I give this 5 Whoopie Pies
Not because I contributed the Book Discussion Questions, but because the book truly deserves my rating of 5 Whoopie Pies.
January 13, 2014
Have you ever want to slap an antagonist more? I know that's not proper for the Amish, but I had to laugh at the idiocy of Susie (the antagonist).
November 16, 2016
Pride
Sarah,s,story telling is superb in this tale of that sin of pride . How it affects so many people and the negative consequences of it. A fast enjoyable read with a lesson we all need to learn.
Sarah,s,story telling is superb in this tale of that sin of pride . How it affects so many people and the negative consequences of it. A fast enjoyable read with a lesson we all need to learn.
August 23, 2018
Awesome read
I loved the lesson in this novella. Though Priscilla was bullied by someone's jealously, I loved how she prayed for the woman instead of showing hate right back. I pray daily that I can show then same Christian spirit to those around me.
I loved the lesson in this novella. Though Priscilla was bullied by someone's jealously, I loved how she prayed for the woman instead of showing hate right back. I pray daily that I can show then same Christian spirit to those around me.
July 5, 2018
Thoughts
What an excellent insight to the life of the Amish. I can easily see where this would be a great book for a book club for Christian young women.
What an excellent insight to the life of the Amish. I can easily see where this would be a great book for a book club for Christian young women.
August 5, 2019
Great story!
September 20, 2019
Enjoyable M
I loved the characters. I wondered though, why was Suzie so mean to Priscilla?
Really good story though. I'm off to amazon to get book 2!
I loved the characters. I wondered though, why was Suzie so mean to Priscilla?
Really good story though. I'm off to amazon to get book 2!
February 23, 2020
Good writing!
I don't usually read romances but this one was a great romance. I enjoy reading Sarah's books, especially the Plain Game series.
I don't usually read romances but this one was a great romance. I enjoy reading Sarah's books, especially the Plain Game series.
August 1, 2020
Pride vs proud
This story has shown us the different concepts of pride and being proud, both depend on whom this is directed to.
This story has shown us the different concepts of pride and being proud, both depend on whom this is directed to.
August 23, 2020
Good read
Good depiction of how bullying can get out of hand. It was handled well and the support of the community was important.
Good depiction of how bullying can get out of hand. It was handled well and the support of the community was important.
June 21, 2021
Short novella, but such a fun and sweet read!
October 1, 2021
Perfect little book. I’d like to have this series in my high school library . Can’t wait to start book 2!
February 15, 2017
Loved the romance and honor
May 10, 2014
What a beautiful lesson for all of us to learn where bullying is concerned.
Do you remember being a teenager?
Do you remember rumors that hurt you? Or you friends?
Were you one of those that spread the rumors?
In The Tomato Patch, Sarah Price writes about bullying in one of the Amish communities of Ephrata, PA. Priscilla Smucker is on the receiving end of the mean comments from a jealous, young lady in her community. Priscilla tries to focus on the good of the communities' upcoming charity event at the local Mennonite church. Susie has the communities' grapevine running full speed, but will Priscilla be cleared? Will everyone believe the truth? Or hold to the lie?
Find out by reading the book and take the lesson to heart.
Do you remember being a teenager?
Do you remember rumors that hurt you? Or you friends?
Were you one of those that spread the rumors?
In The Tomato Patch, Sarah Price writes about bullying in one of the Amish communities of Ephrata, PA. Priscilla Smucker is on the receiving end of the mean comments from a jealous, young lady in her community. Priscilla tries to focus on the good of the communities' upcoming charity event at the local Mennonite church. Susie has the communities' grapevine running full speed, but will Priscilla be cleared? Will everyone believe the truth? Or hold to the lie?
Find out by reading the book and take the lesson to heart.
September 22, 2012
I really liked this book, its fresh, relaxing and allows you inside a world which separate from the norm Amish
The book allows the reader to understand a little about Amish people, their community their beliefs and family backgrounds, family values and what makes them who and what they are.
We are allowed in a family life as it is today, it shows us that also in their society bullying is present in itself and will not be allowed and how faith dictates how they deal with this sort of behavior.
Its one of those books that is real, no nonsense, how values are affected and how they deal with false friends, jealousy, deceit and lies. I especially liked the part which said " When someone makes accusations, its a mirror to their own soul and they are speaking of their own sins,- a lesson we should learn by.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AND A MUST READ
The book allows the reader to understand a little about Amish people, their community their beliefs and family backgrounds, family values and what makes them who and what they are.
We are allowed in a family life as it is today, it shows us that also in their society bullying is present in itself and will not be allowed and how faith dictates how they deal with this sort of behavior.
Its one of those books that is real, no nonsense, how values are affected and how they deal with false friends, jealousy, deceit and lies. I especially liked the part which said " When someone makes accusations, its a mirror to their own soul and they are speaking of their own sins,- a lesson we should learn by.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AND A MUST READ
October 26, 2013
It's no surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed The Tomato Patch by Sara Price. Having read so much of Sarah's works, I haven't found anything I don't like. However, what I've read of her works falls directly under the category of Amish Romance, and are full length books. So, being that The Tomato Patch is a novella, the story format was somewhat of a surprise to me. That being said, it was a good surprise, because Sarah's wonderful writing skills, storytelling skills, and knowledge of the Amish shine through with every word. She also takes the topic of bullying and skillfully weaves it through the story in such a way that is just right, no overkill & totally realistic and believable. Add to that a little touch of romance, and, voila! Another winner for Sarah Price!
December 15, 2016
Charity event.
The book was very well written with a little suspense. It told about the charity event and hardship with another contestant.
The book was very well written with a little suspense. It told about the charity event and hardship with another contestant.
March 1, 2017
I think not only this book but the whole series is a must read for all kids. Bullying is a heart wrenching problems that effects way to many of our children and we need to find a way to put a stop to it! Sarah Price has done a fantastic job with this series and I'm sure you will agree.
Book 1 The Tomatoe Patch
Book2 The Quilting Bee
Book 3 The Hope Chest
Book 4 The clothes Line
All of which follow Priscilla Smucker/Esh and the bullying she encounters through out her late teen years. As you read you will see bullying effects all and it at times is hard to pin point how to handle it but with faith one can come out on top.
I highly recommend this series
Book 1 The Tomatoe Patch
Book2 The Quilting Bee
Book 3 The Hope Chest
Book 4 The clothes Line
All of which follow Priscilla Smucker/Esh and the bullying she encounters through out her late teen years. As you read you will see bullying effects all and it at times is hard to pin point how to handle it but with faith one can come out on top.
I highly recommend this series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2013
This little novella takes us into the Amish community of Epherata once again. We see how they deal with jealousy, pride, family and even a little courting!
Priscilla Smucker loves her garden. She enjoys working with the earth to bring forth vegetables to nourish her family and community.
Susie Byler also grows tomatoes and makes sure EVERYONE knows that HER tomatoes are the best! Not exactly the normal feelings for a young Amish girl. I guess drama follows all young women, even in an Amish community. A fun glimpse inside their world to see how teen drama is dealt with in their world.
Priscilla Smucker loves her garden. She enjoys working with the earth to bring forth vegetables to nourish her family and community.
Susie Byler also grows tomatoes and makes sure EVERYONE knows that HER tomatoes are the best! Not exactly the normal feelings for a young Amish girl. I guess drama follows all young women, even in an Amish community. A fun glimpse inside their world to see how teen drama is dealt with in their world.
May 13, 2013
Jealousy is an ugly, ugly emotion and it can cause people to lie and do awful things. Priscilla finds herself being the object of jealousy and lies. She copes with it with prayer, but it also upsets her greatly.
January 23, 2014
I just laughed at what an idiot the character Susie is. It's almost as if she's pretending to be Amish when deep down she's just another bully. She's a typical bully, jealous of what others have and she doesn't.
February 8, 2014
Quick read with Christian values
Nice story centered around the importance of Christian values in our lives. The author's use of the bullying theme is very relevant to our current culture.
Nice story centered around the importance of Christian values in our lives. The author's use of the bullying theme is very relevant to our current culture.
May 16, 2014
Bullying
I felt it was a great way how bullying was dealt with by Priscilla toward Susie. Also her true friends knew Priscilla enough to not judge her and stay by her.
I feel this book would be great for a school girl on how bullying can hurt, and it can be found out.
I felt it was a great way how bullying was dealt with by Priscilla toward Susie. Also her true friends knew Priscilla enough to not judge her and stay by her.
I feel this book would be great for a school girl on how bullying can hurt, and it can be found out.
October 7, 2015
I was so disappointed by the grammatical errors and typos that I struggled with the story at first. The author even called a character by the wrong name once! But the content of the story and the story's mssg was good.
September 9, 2012
This was a cute little Amish novella with a theme of love and perseverance.
January 26, 2013
This was a novella. The story took place in Ephrata, PA. It is a short story about bullying and how to handle it
June 9, 2013
Although the story is short I enjoyed this book. I hope Priscilla and Stephen will have a longer story or appear in other books in this series.
October 11, 2013
Would like it to have been much longer.
May 17, 2014
Nice Story
I love stories of the Amish and found The Tomato Patch to be a delightful lesson of how to treat others.
I love stories of the Amish and found The Tomato Patch to be a delightful lesson of how to treat others.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews