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The Days of Redemption #1
Daybreak
In this close-knit Amish family, nothing is as perfect as it seems . . .
When Viola Keim starts working at a nearby Mennonite retirement home, she strikes up an unlikely friendship with resident Atle, whose only living relative, son Edward, is living as a missionary in Nicaragua. Viola understands the importance of mission work, but she can't imagine leaving her father in the hands of strangers. Even though her family is New Order Amish, it's not the Amish way, and though she doesn't know Ed, she judges him for abandoning his father.
But when Ed surprises his father with a visit, Viola and Ed both discover an attraction they never expected. Despite her feelings, choosing Ed would mean moving to a far-off country and leaving her family behind. She can't do that. Her twin sister, Elsie, is going blind and will need someone to care for her all her life. Her family is reeling with the recent discovery that her grandmother hid her past as an Englischer. Her father seems forgetful and distracted--and to be harboring some secrets of his own.
Does Viola dare leave them all behind and forge her own life? Or will family ties mean her one chance at love slips away?
When Viola Keim starts working at a nearby Mennonite retirement home, she strikes up an unlikely friendship with resident Atle, whose only living relative, son Edward, is living as a missionary in Nicaragua. Viola understands the importance of mission work, but she can't imagine leaving her father in the hands of strangers. Even though her family is New Order Amish, it's not the Amish way, and though she doesn't know Ed, she judges him for abandoning his father.
But when Ed surprises his father with a visit, Viola and Ed both discover an attraction they never expected. Despite her feelings, choosing Ed would mean moving to a far-off country and leaving her family behind. She can't do that. Her twin sister, Elsie, is going blind and will need someone to care for her all her life. Her family is reeling with the recent discovery that her grandmother hid her past as an Englischer. Her father seems forgetful and distracted--and to be harboring some secrets of his own.
Does Viola dare leave them all behind and forge her own life? Or will family ties mean her one chance at love slips away?
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
151 people are currently reading
874 people want to read
About the author
Shelley Shepard Gray
126 books2,319 followersLibrarian Note: AKA Shelley Gray (Western Romance).
Shelley Shepard Gray has published over seventy novels. She currently writes Amish romances for Harper Collins, Kensington, and Simon & Schuster and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing.
Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.
Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations.
Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She currently lives in Colorado Springs and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two young adults, and always has a dachshund by her side. She is an active member of her church, on Facebook and on Twitter. She also has a website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com.
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Shelley Shepard Gray has published over seventy novels. She currently writes Amish romances for Harper Collins, Kensington, and Simon & Schuster and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing.
Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.
Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations.
Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She currently lives in Colorado Springs and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two young adults, and always has a dachshund by her side. She is an active member of her church, on Facebook and on Twitter. She also has a website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
August 25, 2019
Despite how common they are, I usually enjoy Amish novels; their way of life may be quaint, but the stories are almost always touching. This was no exception; an engaging and heartwarming read. I'm glad I have the sequels on hand.
July 24, 2016
This book reminded me of the series that kind of got me hooked on the Amish genre, Abram's Daughters by Beverly Lewis. I think because it had several plot points going on at once instead of just the typical romance. It wasn't nearly as much of a soap opera as Abram's daughters though.
Anyway, one of the things I found amusing about this book was that it takes place in Berlin, Ohio. Which is a real place. I used to live maybe 30 minutes away from there. It kind of made me laugh when the author would describe real places, but have the names changed. i.e. "Himmel's Cheese" was very obviously Heinz's Cheese. The other thing that cracked me up was that the book was taking place in January and the author talked about a huge busload of tourists coming to the cheese shop. My husband and I honeymooned in Amish country in January. No one goes to Amish country in January. (Which makes it the perfect time to go.)
These aren't really negatives, just things that were amusing. Overall, I enjoyed the book, however there was one major, glaring thing that got to me. One main character, Ed, has recently returned from a two year mission in Nicaragua. Having been a missionary, it bothered me that the character of Ed didn't really act like a returning missionary. Coming back from a mission is super rough, there's a lot of reverse culture shock and whatnot involved. It can be very confusing for a very long time. Yet, Ed seemed rather unaffected by it. I feel like the author could've actually built up his inner turmoil about coming back and things a little more, leading to a better plot. But that's just me.
All in all, this was a pretty good entry in the Amish books I've read, just be warned that if you know a lot about missions it might bother you. Or you might be able to just let it go. In any case, I have the other two from the library and I'll probably read them since they are about Viola's siblings and it would be interesting to see what happens to them.
ETA: Also, what exactly does Viola do at the retirement home where she works? Because as far as I can tell she spends most of her time hanging out with the residents, playing cards and drinking coffee. Except for that one time she put toilet paper in a storage closet.
Anyway, one of the things I found amusing about this book was that it takes place in Berlin, Ohio. Which is a real place. I used to live maybe 30 minutes away from there. It kind of made me laugh when the author would describe real places, but have the names changed. i.e. "Himmel's Cheese" was very obviously Heinz's Cheese. The other thing that cracked me up was that the book was taking place in January and the author talked about a huge busload of tourists coming to the cheese shop. My husband and I honeymooned in Amish country in January. No one goes to Amish country in January. (Which makes it the perfect time to go.)
These aren't really negatives, just things that were amusing. Overall, I enjoyed the book, however there was one major, glaring thing that got to me. One main character, Ed, has recently returned from a two year mission in Nicaragua. Having been a missionary, it bothered me that the character of Ed didn't really act like a returning missionary. Coming back from a mission is super rough, there's a lot of reverse culture shock and whatnot involved. It can be very confusing for a very long time. Yet, Ed seemed rather unaffected by it. I feel like the author could've actually built up his inner turmoil about coming back and things a little more, leading to a better plot. But that's just me.
All in all, this was a pretty good entry in the Amish books I've read, just be warned that if you know a lot about missions it might bother you. Or you might be able to just let it go. In any case, I have the other two from the library and I'll probably read them since they are about Viola's siblings and it would be interesting to see what happens to them.
ETA: Also, what exactly does Viola do at the retirement home where she works? Because as far as I can tell she spends most of her time hanging out with the residents, playing cards and drinking coffee. Except for that one time she put toilet paper in a storage closet.
May 1, 2015
Solid 3 stars, wanted to like it even more but some things got on my nerves...a couple of characters, actually... But my favorite character is Edward and I liked Viola, of course. The story had some different situations than what you might think you would find in a book with Amish folk, :). And that's why I liked it, but at times it seemed a little too clean, it could have been a little longer and gone a little deeper. But overall, it was a good read and I will read the next book at some point :).
did-not-finish
May 27, 2019 This is a mini ‘Books For Christian Girls’ review. It is not a full content review and will not receive one. These mini-reviews are years old and just for clarity on the rating the book received on Goodreads.
5/26/2015-
“Personally got bored.”
*Main Content-
Peter drinks a lot (semi-detailed); Minor cussing (gosh).
Noticing; A couple mentions of what widows learned from marriage & a mention of such talk usually burning someone's ears.
5/26/2015-
“Personally got bored.”
*Main Content-
Peter drinks a lot (semi-detailed); Minor cussing (gosh).
Noticing; A couple mentions of what widows learned from marriage & a mention of such talk usually burning someone's ears.
June 29, 2022
Daybreak by Shelley Shepard Gray 248±14 PS pages Paperback
The Days of Redemption #1
Genre: Christian Fiction - Amish Fiction; Romance - Christian, Amish, Contemporary; Inspirational
Featuring: Berlin, Ohio, Retirement Home, Humor, Family Drama, Lies, Secrets, Missionary, Criticism, Illnesses Author's Letter, Discussion Questions, Book Preview 7 pages
Rating as a movie: PG
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
My thoughts: Page 62 of 248, ch. 6 - This is hilarious. I would love a sitcom based on this series.
📖 99, Ch. 10 - This people are a trip. I don't think Amish would be intentionally hurtful verbally, but it's entertaining.
This story is good but more contemporary than other books I've read. I'm really loving this community. I'm going to have to read the entire series to get to the bottom of things but I'm really looking forward to it.
Recommend to others?: Yes. This book is full of humor and drama.
The Days of Redemption #1
Genre: Christian Fiction - Amish Fiction; Romance - Christian, Amish, Contemporary; Inspirational
Featuring: Berlin, Ohio, Retirement Home, Humor, Family Drama, Lies, Secrets, Missionary, Criticism, Illnesses Author's Letter, Discussion Questions, Book Preview 7 pages
Rating as a movie: PG
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
My thoughts: Page 62 of 248, ch. 6 - This is hilarious. I would love a sitcom based on this series.
📖 99, Ch. 10 - This people are a trip. I don't think Amish would be intentionally hurtful verbally, but it's entertaining.
This story is good but more contemporary than other books I've read. I'm really loving this community. I'm going to have to read the entire series to get to the bottom of things but I'm really looking forward to it.
Recommend to others?: Yes. This book is full of humor and drama.
July 2, 2017
I just found a new series by one my favorite authors. This one is the first in the series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Set in Berlin, OH in the heart of Amish country, it had some interesting characters and situations. Looking forward to going on with the series.
February 23, 2018
its just ok. not much of an Amish feel to this one.
March 2, 2025
March 1, 2025
I have one more book in the Amish ABCs series, and I might read the rest of this series, and then I'm done with Shelley Shepard Gray. I don't know why I keep bothering to read her books when they only continually disappoint me.
I wanted to like this book, I honestly did, but I found it too all-over-the-place to really get into it and enjoy it. I couldn't figure out the characters at all. Viola was a judgmental hothead on one page and a sweet Amish girl on another. Mommi Lovina was sometimes a loving grandmother and other times a strict, detached matriarch. Ed's father, Atle (I couldn't stop reading it as "Atlas"), was a happy old father in one scene and an annoying old man in another. It gave me whiplash how often these characters changed personalities between scenes.
I liked Ed, but I couldn't understand why he suddenly started saying that he'd gone as a missionary to Nicaragua for selfish reasons. He had no hint of being egotistical when we readers first met him, but the next thing we know, he's glad to be praised for all of his hard work and flaunting it in front of Viola. What the heck. Oh, and Viola was reeeaaally unlikable at the beginning of the book, especially when she and Ed first met. Ed's father was reading a letter from him out loud to Viola, and she wasn't paying attention and then had the gall to mentally chastise Ed for not caring about his family when he's off in a potentially dangerous foreign country helping bring poor people to God. Then Ed comes home to visit his father, and his father insists that he doesn't want to go back to the old house where he used to live (he is now in a retirement home). And he seems to be mad at Ed for suggesting it and... I don't know, but the father-son dynamic was just really weird. It also mentions that Ed is 22 or something while his father is 75. Their relationship probably would have worked so much better had they been grandson and grandfather instead of son and father.
Plot-wise, the best part of this book was the family drama with Mommi (Grandmother) Lovina and her children. I would have liked a story on them instead of the story that we actually got. Lovina apparently used to be non-Amish, and she married her husband after he had lost his first wife and child. Lovina wanted to be the perfect Amish wife and always tried so hard that she emotionally damaged her kids. That sounds like a really interesting story, but the sad part is that a lot of this is left unexplained. What killed Aaron's first wife and child? How much older than Lovina is he? What made Lovina want to leave her lifestyle for the Amish? How, exactly, did she treat her children while they were growing up? And why does she only play the part of the loving grandmother with Elsie and no one else??
Peter, Viola's father, was probably the best character in the book. He was consistent, had real problems, and finally dealt with them.
I thought that the storyline with Aunt Lorene (Peter's sister) and John Miller would have had more to it than: "We were together ten years ago, broke up because Lovina said so, and then just got back together again because we'd never stopped loving each other." That's the barebones of it, anyway. I thought that it would take more time for them to develop trust and eventually come to love each other again... but no, they have probably two or three meetings and decide that they love each other and want to get married. That's it.
I also wonder why, story-wise, Ed was a missionary who went to foreign countries if we never get to see any of that on-page. A vast majority of Americans aren't missionaries who spend time in foreign countries sharing the Good News with people, so Ed's adventures, struggles, and triumphs would have been really interesting to read about—but no. We get no time in Nicaragua and completely skip over Ed's two-week trip in Belize. So much of it just felt superficial. Ed mentions that the Nicaraguan people with whom he works were poor, and that he ate a lot of rice, beans, and tortillas. And the climate was hot. When he comes back from Belize, he mentions the hills and the hot climate and how there was poor sanitation in some places, and that was it. He never even mentions specific people or shares any of their stories, like he never had a personal connection with anyone there. He talks about the food and the weather but never about the people, which is supposedly the entire reason why he's there to begin with. It felt so lifeless and superficial.
I'm so disappointed.
I have one more book in the Amish ABCs series, and I might read the rest of this series, and then I'm done with Shelley Shepard Gray. I don't know why I keep bothering to read her books when they only continually disappoint me.
I wanted to like this book, I honestly did, but I found it too all-over-the-place to really get into it and enjoy it. I couldn't figure out the characters at all. Viola was a judgmental hothead on one page and a sweet Amish girl on another. Mommi Lovina was sometimes a loving grandmother and other times a strict, detached matriarch. Ed's father, Atle (I couldn't stop reading it as "Atlas"), was a happy old father in one scene and an annoying old man in another. It gave me whiplash how often these characters changed personalities between scenes.
I liked Ed, but I couldn't understand why he suddenly started saying that he'd gone as a missionary to Nicaragua for selfish reasons. He had no hint of being egotistical when we readers first met him, but the next thing we know, he's glad to be praised for all of his hard work and flaunting it in front of Viola. What the heck. Oh, and Viola was reeeaaally unlikable at the beginning of the book, especially when she and Ed first met. Ed's father was reading a letter from him out loud to Viola, and she wasn't paying attention and then had the gall to mentally chastise Ed for not caring about his family when he's off in a potentially dangerous foreign country helping bring poor people to God. Then Ed comes home to visit his father, and his father insists that he doesn't want to go back to the old house where he used to live (he is now in a retirement home). And he seems to be mad at Ed for suggesting it and... I don't know, but the father-son dynamic was just really weird. It also mentions that Ed is 22 or something while his father is 75. Their relationship probably would have worked so much better had they been grandson and grandfather instead of son and father.
Plot-wise, the best part of this book was the family drama with Mommi (Grandmother) Lovina and her children. I would have liked a story on them instead of the story that we actually got. Lovina apparently used to be non-Amish, and she married her husband after he had lost his first wife and child. Lovina wanted to be the perfect Amish wife and always tried so hard that she emotionally damaged her kids. That sounds like a really interesting story, but the sad part is that a lot of this is left unexplained. What killed Aaron's first wife and child? How much older than Lovina is he? What made Lovina want to leave her lifestyle for the Amish? How, exactly, did she treat her children while they were growing up? And why does she only play the part of the loving grandmother with Elsie and no one else??
Peter, Viola's father, was probably the best character in the book. He was consistent, had real problems, and finally dealt with them.
I thought that the storyline with Aunt Lorene (Peter's sister) and John Miller would have had more to it than: "We were together ten years ago, broke up because Lovina said so, and then just got back together again because we'd never stopped loving each other." That's the barebones of it, anyway. I thought that it would take more time for them to develop trust and eventually come to love each other again... but no, they have probably two or three meetings and decide that they love each other and want to get married. That's it.
I also wonder why, story-wise, Ed was a missionary who went to foreign countries if we never get to see any of that on-page. A vast majority of Americans aren't missionaries who spend time in foreign countries sharing the Good News with people, so Ed's adventures, struggles, and triumphs would have been really interesting to read about—but no. We get no time in Nicaragua and completely skip over Ed's two-week trip in Belize. So much of it just felt superficial. Ed mentions that the Nicaraguan people with whom he works were poor, and that he ate a lot of rice, beans, and tortillas. And the climate was hot. When he comes back from Belize, he mentions the hills and the hot climate and how there was poor sanitation in some places, and that was it. He never even mentions specific people or shares any of their stories, like he never had a personal connection with anyone there. He talks about the food and the weather but never about the people, which is supposedly the entire reason why he's there to begin with. It felt so lifeless and superficial.
I'm so disappointed.
March 20, 2019
Viola Kiem is a young New Order Amish woman who works in a Mennonite retirement home. She loves her job and enjoys bantering with Atle, one of the residents. Viola, her brother Roman, and her twin sister Elsie live with her parents in the house her father grew up in. But her father's parents, who now live in the Dawdi house, still rule the home. Viola is outspoken, like her grandmother, but she has a good heart. She wants to take care of her sister who is going blind, and she is obedient to her mother.
Viola soon meets Ed, Atle's son, when he returns from the mission field in Nicaragua. She is not pleased with him because she feels his duty should've been taking care of his father, not traipsing off to a far away country. But Ed is undeterred in trying to establish a friendship with Viola.
While sorting through the confusing thoughts in her mind about Ed, Viola learns that the her father discovered a deep secret about her grandmother, one that throws the entire family into upset. Viola and her sister then discover that their father has a secret of his own. Viola is hurt and confused, and she must look at her own heart with its judgmental ways...including how she feels about Ed.
A good read with an interesting tale of family dynamics.
Viola soon meets Ed, Atle's son, when he returns from the mission field in Nicaragua. She is not pleased with him because she feels his duty should've been taking care of his father, not traipsing off to a far away country. But Ed is undeterred in trying to establish a friendship with Viola.
While sorting through the confusing thoughts in her mind about Ed, Viola learns that the her father discovered a deep secret about her grandmother, one that throws the entire family into upset. Viola and her sister then discover that their father has a secret of his own. Viola is hurt and confused, and she must look at her own heart with its judgmental ways...including how she feels about Ed.
A good read with an interesting tale of family dynamics.
June 5, 2018
Just meh. I read a lot of the Amish books, but this one I just didn't much like. Maybe it's because there are so many story lines, each with a different main character, but I just didn't click with any of them or really want to find out what happened. Viola and Ed's story is, I guess, the main one, but it almost felt like it was wrote by Disney. They fall madly in love after two weeks of knowing each other? So much in love that she is willing to drop her whole life and join him in Belize on mission work? Especially after they hated each other when they first met and then continuously got on each other's nerves. No thanks. Let's leave that kind of ridiculous romance up to old Walt. The other stories were more likable because they were more real. I liked both, the crappy grandparents that realize to late in life that they sucked as parents and grandparents, and the undercover alcoholic father. I'm not sure if I'll read any more of the series, I guess I should to see what happens to the characters, but right now the desire to is just not that great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2019
I enjoyed this book Edward was a missionary in Nicaragua although Viola know how important this work is - she can't understand why he chose this over leaving his home. Now he is home for a visit and Viola who had judged him for not taking care of his father finally meets him. She finds herself in the same dilemma when even though she wanted a life with the son who had abandoning (her opinion) his father has captured her heart and going with him would she would be considered abandoning her father who is becoming forgetful and a twin sister who is going blind. Whatever decision she makes would impact her family as well as a new life with Edward in his missionary work in another country. Into this drama she finds that her grandmother had hidden her past which was not as a Amish. What will her decision be and how will it affect her family - kept me in suspense. This was a great book to read of how family can pull at your heart.
December 30, 2018
Throughout our lives we have both good and bad times. We also are tempted and tried each and every day and to flee from all things that are not holy by staying in Gods will. As humans when we are tempted the devil will tell us that it is alright to do things that displease God. Praise His Holy Name, if we are His child the doubts and feelings will come from His holy spirit to let us know that even though it hurts Him,that He is faithful and just in forgiving. To listen to that small still voice and surrender it all to Him. Being faithful and being in our Fathers will is a blessing that will be given to us all of our days, if we surrender and let Him lead. Ms. Gray is one of my favorite authors. I always start and finish her books with a smile on my face and a song in my heart...
February 18, 2021
This is a great beginning to this series. I liked most characters. I liked the plot as well. I have not read this author before but I will definitely be reading more of her books in the future. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre of book and ones with Christian themes running throughout the pages. This one is not overly preachy and has a good balance of romance and drama. Some of the characters had a good chance to grow and learn about themselves and God. Enjoyable read.
May 26, 2018
What can I say- it's like a glass of warm milk. Goes down smooth, soothes and might make you a little sleepy. And not spicy at all.
I thought the character of the mother was realistic until the end, where...just nah. I mean this whole warm and fuzzy Amish world felt idealistic, but her development was too good to be true.
I thought the character of the mother was realistic until the end, where...just nah. I mean this whole warm and fuzzy Amish world felt idealistic, but her development was too good to be true.
October 11, 2018
I cant say I loved this book - I think the Amish wording throughout annoyed me as I just didn't think it was necessary. The storyline as fine but didn't grab me enough to ready anymore of the redemption series.
January 22, 2021
Decided to reread this Days of Redemption series, since I enjoyed it so when it first was published.
Enjoyed Viola working in a Mennonite retirement living center and the mix of activity. This is worth reading again. Enjoyable light reading.
Enjoyed Viola working in a Mennonite retirement living center and the mix of activity. This is worth reading again. Enjoyable light reading.
January 29, 2018
Didn't finish. This is more "romance" than "Amish" and not my thing. It seemed to be well written but I was looking for more Amish "culture".
February 11, 2018
I liked the theme/title throughout the book and in the end. I really like this author’s style of writing.
February 16, 2018
Read for a library challenge. Didn't realize Amish Romance was a genre category.
September 3, 2018
A little slow in places but overall a good read.
September 17, 2018
It was interesting.
February 15, 2019
Interesting. I have ordered the sequel from the library.
May 3, 2019
The matriarch was born an “Englisher” and kept it a secret! The patriarch was a widower and kept it a secret! Seriously, what a silly drama. We never learn what was so “bad” or wrong about either.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2019
I love these simple stories of faith.
December 15, 2019
Cute but just not well written. Not reading the other two.
February 16, 2020
I enjoyed this book very much. Can't wait for the next book in the series!
December 16, 2020
OK - not great - dominant mother hiding the fact that she was born English and not Amish
March 21, 2021
Just love Amish themed stories. Cute book—just what I needed —enjoyed the characters and just a “no-stress
Feel good book”
Feel good book”
September 17, 2021
I was intrigued by the premise of this book and will definitely be reading the rest in the series!
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January 25, 2022Didn't like.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews