In Book two of the Touch of Grace Series, Elsie Yoder can't forgive her sister for leaving the Amish community with the young man she was smitten with, and forcing her to deal with the locals alone who threaten them to leave. Can she work through her bitterness and humble herself enough to give and receive the grace she needs?
Beth started writing after working as a social worker. She received a Bachelors Degree in Social Work from the University of Nebraska.She writes in a variety of genres in both fiction and non-fiction.
Elsie Yoder and her family have lived in Texas for a year. They moved from Virginia to Texas after land got scarce in Virginia, and the young men in their community had problems finding land.Sadly though they weren't always accepted by the locals in Texas, and were even harassed To top things off Elsie's sister Katie had run away six months ago with Jake, someone that Elsie had held feelings for, so now she feels bitter and hurt. Gideon Lapp has always been interested in Elsie, but she feels she is tainted, can she learn to put her bitterness aside, and move on, and allow Gideon into her life?
After reading the first book in the Touch of Grace series and loving it, I couldn't wait to dive into "Grace Given" and all I can say is I wasn't disappointed As a fan of Amish fiction sometimes the storylines seem to run together, not so with "Grace Given." First of all it was interesting that they moved from Virginia to Texas, I thought the setting of Texas a bit unique, but it was the heckling and the threatening demeanor of the three Englisher men in the blue sports car in the prologue that gripped me making me wonder what sort of storyline the author had planned. From that first page I couldn't put the book down! I could easily understand Elsie's feelings of bitterness and hurt, as well as betrayal. The harassment that was woven into the story really set a different tone for this book, making it a standout story. Fans of Amish fiction will enjoy this story, but anyone who enjoys a story about faith,forgiveness, family, harassment and secrets kept will enjoy this one. If you have never read an "Amish" story I think you're going to find yourself pleasantly surprised with this one!
A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review.
What a wonderful look at grace and forgiveness Beth Shriver presents in Grace Given. I am a Virginian so found it interesting that the story focuses on a group of Amish who have moved from Virginia to Texas. I also lived in Texas for several years and there are definitely many differences in climate and with planting for the Amish to deal with. They also must deal with prejudice and bullying from local young people as well as forgiving within their own families. I loved this book and highly recommend it. For a healthy dose of grace and mercy, read this book!
Elsie and Gideon dealing with being Amish. For Elsie and Katie Sisters, being harassed when walking home. Keeping a secret, and then her sister left. The guilt and shame overwhelms her. Gideon one who helps everyone, steps in for her, and sees the hurt, giving her time to heal. When secrets finally told, mishaps happen. She sees a side to him, she didn’t know. Was this the Amish way to handle it, and would this incident, tear them apart.
Elsie and sister are harrassaed by teens in community then, sister Katie disappeared and Jake disappeared Too. This leaves a hole in Elsie's heart. Gideon starts falling in lve with Elsie and picks up pieces . This is a wonderful story about Grace and forgiveness.
This was a sweet, enjoyable Amish romance novel. The writing style wasn't the greatest, but the characters were well developed. I enjoyed this second novel to the series, Touch of Grace.
In the Amish community, opportunities for the young to explore the outside world are given to them before they make a choice to commit to the community for the rest of their lives. Some choose the path of independence, allowing their families to adjust to the change in family dynamics. But it doesn't always work that way. When departures are unexpectedly abrupt, the fabric in the family is jaggedly torn, leaving ugly scars and pain behind.
When Elsie's elder sister Katie suddenly disappeared, Elsie was left with a gaping hole in her heart. It was further complicated when Jake Fisher disappeared with Katie. Elsie had been interested in Jake, and thought he was interested in her. As is usually the case, affairs of the heart are never simple, no matter where you live and how you live.
Gideon wanted to help Elsie ease through her pain. His family had settled in the area earlier than her family. As new families came to join their community, it was Gideon who took on the task of easing the new families' burdens. He was a tower of strength and Elsie quietly admired him but didn't feel worthy of his attention. Her torment over the loss of her sister and Jake held her back from moving forward. In addition, she had a secret she didn't know what to do about.
Eventually Gideon discovered the secrets Elsie was anguishing over. He was suddenly overcome with anger, protectiveness for Elsie, and jealousy. How each became reconciled with their struggles, with their family matters and eventually with each other is what makes this story so gripping. Their relationship with God was not a mantle to put on for show but a living, dynamic relationship where He guided their family matters and matters of the heart.
As the reader becomes increasingly emotionally involved, reading about the community becomes living and breathing the community. The community concerns become our concerns. When Gideon struggles with his intense anger, the reader wants to offer him a hand up. When Elsie takes a couple of baby steps forward, we want to cheer her on. It takes an excellent storyteller to draw her readers in this way.
I also enjoyed one light-hearted element added to the story line--the antics of Elsie's twin brothers, Aaron and Adam. Their exuberance and love of life adds so much energy to the story as well as offers much needed comic relief from time to time.
If you love Amish fiction, great character-driven plots, well rounded characters that feel real to the reader, I highly recommend this book and series.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the Booketeria, which serves Charisma House Book Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
If you understand the Amish people at all, you know that they don't like conflict and will avoid all acts of vengeance or involving the police to deal with any issues they have. They are a peaceful people and prefer to let God deal out the judgements if laws are broken. However when a group of Amish people settle in Texas, a group of English teens are about to make sure they get the message that they are not wanted. Knowing that the Amish will not retaliate, they first come across Elsie and her sister Katie Yoder, walking home one day. They begin to verbally assault them with all kinds of derogatory comments and proceed to leer at them. Katie and Elsie both run for their farm and agree not to tell anyone about what just happened.
Yet once a lie begins it becomes harder and harder to keep it a secret. Now that Katie has left her family along with Jake, the boy Elsie had believed had feelings for her to live among the English. Elsie is left not only to deal with her hurt feelings of being betrayed by her sister and Jake and now has to face continued harassment from the group of English teens that have found an easy mark with Elsie. She finds solace in studying the Martyrs Mirror, an old book that takes about the persecution of the Amish people with her friend Gideon Lapp. Only Gideon wishes his friendship with Elsie may in fact turn into love at some point. However dealing with her heartache with Jake, puts those plans on the back burner and creates a door for Jake's brother Mose to enter with Elsie as they have a common ground for conversation.
In the second book of the Touch of Grace series by Beth Shriver, Grace Given teaches us all how to deal with situations in life that prove difficult. Whether it's a broken heart, a betrayal from a family member or even being harassed, the grace God provides never comes back empty handed. This was such a different Amish novel to read, in that dealing with the harassment from the English teens was something you often wonder about when the Amish community moves into a new location and can create animosity among the residents that live there especially when the Amish start new business opportunities that create a need for their products and services over the English ones. A well written novel that completely captivated me from start to finish and can't wait to read the next one, Healing Grace which the reader is given a glimpse into at the conclusion of this novel.
I received Grace Given by Beth Shriver compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and Realm Publishers for my honest review and have to rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars. The story was a lot different that your typical Amish novels and dealt with a lot of issues facing the world today in our own communities. It just shows how the Amish would likely have handled it with a touch of grace instead of retaliation like most would.
Elsie Yoder can't seem to pull herself out of a depression caused by her sister Katie. Katie has betrayed her sister and left the community. Will Elsie be able to forgive her sister? No matter the turn of events Elsie misses her sister and wants her to come home. Their father does not wish to even talk about Katie, it pains him too much.
Gideon Lapp wants Elsie to be able to open up to him because he holds a special place in his heart for Elsie. He encourages her to interact with the rest of the community. She becomes interested in studying Martyrs Mirror with Gideon.
Elsie has many secrets that is eating her alive, one of which is some local men, not of the Amish community, have been harassing her even before her sister left. She finally confides in Gideon and reveals her secrets of the harassment not only toward her but to the Amish community. The young men have no fear of retaliation because they know the Amish will not use means of violence or by pressing charges against them.
Can Elsie forgive herself therefore humble herself to the community and to accept God's Grace? In doing so she will be free of the fear that grows within her. How will they deal with the local men?
In book two the author writes of the necessity of community support spiritually and physically. It reminds me of the verse. Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
The author also write of humbling oneself and accepting Grace which is a gift from God! Beth also reminds us that we must put on the Armor of God. He gives us so much to fight the evil that tries to oppress us because of our belief in a loving God.
I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Charisma Media for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my honest opinion.
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Elsie Yoder can't forgive her sister, Katie, for leaving the community. Unable to let go of her sadness, she withdraws from her friends and family, nursing her feelings of betrayal.
Gideon Lapp has held a special place in his heart for Elsie and longs to help her get through her troubles. Together they find comfort in their study of the Martyrs Mirror, a centuries-old book that describes their ancestors' sacrifices for their faith through years of persecution.
As Elsie opens up and begins to put her trust in Gideon, she tells him about the harassment she and her sister received at the hands of some local men. When the men return and threaten the community, Elsie and Gideon much stand together to do what is right. But can Elsie learn to give grace and to humble herself to accept grace as well?
My Review:
The elements that stood out to me about this story was not only the setting in the state of Texas, but the re-occurring theme of harassment. This made for a unique backdrop to everything that was happening, and makes for a completely different type of Amish novel. Shriver kept me guessing on where she was going with the story, and really kept me turning those pages! Last but not least, I had to admire the community's determination to deal with the climate changes and challenges in living the Amish lifestyle in the arid state of Texas.
I do have to admit I was very sympathetic when reading about Elsie's sadness that her sister Katie has left the community. I was a runaway once, and left my family, church, and community. I never thought how it affected my sisters when I left them behind, and reading Elsie's side of the story really just broke my heart.
This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.
Grace Given has a complex storyline, which I found very interesting. It deals with many issues that Amish might face, including—choosing the right life partner, being an integral part of the community, committing one’s life to God and to the community, choosing to follow (or not) the decisions made by the community leaders, and peacefully coexisting with non-Amish neighbors. There is much to think about and ponder, when reading this book. I don’t consider it a light and fluffy read. It’s a very satisfying story.
I was confused, when I first started reading this novel. It is the second one in the Touch of Grace series, but this one is set in Texas, rather than Virginia. The main characters in the first book are barely mentioned in Grace Given. This one can definitely be read as a stand-alone novel.
The main characters are Gideon Lapp and Elsie Yoder. They are both well-developed and seem very much like real people. Gideon is an admirable hero with godly qualities. Elsie is a sweet girl, who likes to please God, as well as others. Although she is a deep thinker, her youthful conclusions are not always on target. One of Elsie’s thoughts that I found typified much of the story was this one, “There were rules to follow and traditions to respect. But what were they, and how did they apply to this situation?” (page 182).
Although there is much from this novel that we readers can apply to our own spiritual lives, what I take from this book, more than anything, is summed up by this Bible verse: Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
I recommend Grace Given to readers who enjoy Amish fiction.
Touch of Grace series book 2 "Grace Given" by Beth Shriver
Amish folks have moved into Tx looking for more land for their large families to grow..This story starts with two young sisters being harrassaed by some english teens, this will later become a problem that the whole community is faced with. Elsie is devastated when she awakes one morning to find her friend Jake has left the community along with her sister Katie. We will read how this takes a toll on Elsie and she has to learn to forgive her sister. Can she? Jake and Katie had feelings for one another that no one knew about not even Elsie who cared more for Jake then he did for her. There is a constant in Elsie's life though as Gideon Lapp, a good friend, he seems always to be able to make her feel better. Gideon too has a secret(he cares more for Elsie then she knows). In time Gideon and Elsie become closer as she opens her heart more to him and realizes that he can be "the one". Katie's Daed has closed his feeling off after she left so abruptly and wishes all to not talk about her in the family. An illness finally has Elsie seeking to speak to Katie and let her know which seems to open a doorway and soon Katie ask to come home again. You will enjoy reading this story of forgiveness and "grace given" when second chances are needed in this family. I received this book from "The Booketeria" to read and give honest review, thank you
I love Amish stories! I used to assume they would be boring and never wanted to read them but as soon as I gave one a chance, I fell in love with them and they quickly became a favorite to read! Grace Given is right up there with the best I’ve read! It was a little bit different in that it encompassed several different themes. There was love, sin, oppression, a little mystery, un forgiveness and love. I like that it took a different direction than most of the others I’ve read and wasn’t predictable.
Elsie Yoder is a character I can relate to. After the traumatic loss of her sister to her love interest when they ran away together, Elsie isolates herself from everyone else that she loves. When I go through dark waters, I tend to crawl into a hole and “hibernate” as I call it. It’s a human defense to protect oneself from any further harm. But of course it is never the way to solve things or come out of them.
Elsie has to learn to forgive and move on, With danger lurking and a new love interest, she finds herself overwhelmed with a variety of emotions to sort out. She has a family that loves her and a man that wants to love her but will she let them help her and take care of her?
Grace Given is a beautiful story of the forgiveness no one deserves but we should all strive to give which is at the very heart of grace.
Elsie Yoder and her family have settled in Texas, having left their Amish Virginia Settlement. There is lot more land available here, and her Dad has three sons. When the story opens Elsie and her sister Katie are being harassed by some local hooligans. Strange things have been happening here, and maybe these teens are the answers. Elsie is very afraid, but Katie just shakes it off. They do not tell their folks! Then her sister leaves and betrays her! Elsie is strong in her faith, and spends her time helping her Mom, and Dad. She has two adorable five year old twin brothers, whom she adores. Gideon has admired Elsie for quite awhile, and he seems to appear just when an emergency happened. Gid has a real heart for the Lord and may be being led into the Ministry. I loved how the Community rally around anyone in need. Where their is an illness, new baby, fire, the food and gifts begin to appear. How awesome, made me wish I were living there. We still find that there is a big struggle with forgiveness, they follow their faith, but have to turn to prayer in all circumstances. A wonderful read, and I read this one very quickly, because I could not put it down!
I received this book from the Author, and was not required to give a positive review.
No one asked me to do this review. I enjoyed enough to share with others that enjoy Amish Christin fiction and Beth Shriver is very knowledgeable and her books and her books are always good.
Elsie Yoder feels betrayed and depressed because her sister left the Amish communiy. Gideon has always cared about Elsie and tries to comfort her through teachin her about the centuries old book about the Amish that were martyred for their faith. "Martyrs Mirror" helps Elsie see how her troubles are small in retrospect.
The day befor her sister disappeared some non-Amish young men were harrassing the sisters. After her sister's disappearance things start to get worse. Elsie is afraid sine the young men were threatening the Amish community. With Gideon's help and her faith in God .......wll, read the book. I don't want t spoil the story with more details.
Enjoy the book and if you haven't read Beth Shrver's book then you need to read is on. Even though this is a series, you can read it as a stand-alon.
Love is in the air again, but it is followed by mischief. There are those who have left that want to come back to the community. There is just all kinds of stuff going on. It's a great book. I'm looking forward to the next one.
Another favorable piece by Shriver. She does a nice job of presenting the life of the modern Amish as it's young people come into contact with the life of their neighbor Englischers.