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Emma Raber's Daughter #1
Katie Opens Her Heart
Bestselling Amish fiction author Jerry S. Eicher (nearly half a million copies sold) returns with the first book in another of his delightful and compelling series. Here is the touching story of an awakening young Amish girl, Katie Raber, who finds she wants more from life than to be known as simply “Emma Raber’s daughter.” Emma has refused to remarry since Katie’s daett died soon after she was born. And in an effort to keep Katie home, Emma has forbidden her from participating in the rumspringa tradition. When widower Jesse Mast calls for Mamm ’s hand in marriage, Katie hopes to move into a new phase of life and leave the old “Emma Raber’s daughter” behind. But Emma is having none of it, and Katie must consider abandoning all hope of ever changing her mamm ’s bitterness or of ever having popular Ben Yoder notice her. Out of sheer frustration, she begins attending nearby Mennonite youth gatherings. Sparks fly when Jesse’s children object fiercely to the attentions their daett is paying to Emma Raber. And widowed Ruth Hochstetler makes her own move for Jesse Mast’s hand. Book one in the Emma Raber’s Daughter series.
336 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2013
About the author
Jerry S. Eicher
70 books201 followersJerry Eicher’s bestselling Amish fiction (more than 210,000 in combined sales) includes The Adams County Trilogy, the Hannah’s Heart books, and the Little Valley Series. After a traditional Amish childhood, Jerry taught for two terms in Amish and Mennonite schools in Ohio and Illinois. Since then he’s been involved in church renewal, preaching, and teaching Bible studies. Jerry lives with his wife, Tina Eicher, and their four children in Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 23, 2013
Emma Raber has been widowed and secluded for many years, but she has remained strong in her faith and diligent raising her only daughter, Katie. Isolating herself and Katie from others in their Amish community, Emma is thought of as odd, and Katie has been labeled as Emma Raber's strange daughter. Katie is the love of Emma's life, and mother and daughter have been devoted to one another. When Katie's Mennonite coworker invites her to attend a birthday party Katie's Mamm becomes overwrought at the mere idea of Katie leaving her alone, especially to attend a Mennonite youth gathering. Emma has forbidden Katie from the normal activities of teen years, running around and exploring life with other youth. Emma's fears for Katie become overwhelming, and the quiet life led by Emma and Katie is now becoming complicated. They look to "Da Hah" for guidance in all circumstances.
Amish life is well depicted in this book, and the use of authentic Amish terms and conversation creates a credible backdrop for this narrative about a mother and daughter who arrive at a crossroad in their lives. Emma's fears are realistic regarding the probable adjustments that she foresees in her own life and that of her daughter. Those fears are grounded in the hearts of many mothers who anticipate the changes in life as a daughter reaches maturity. Jerry Eicher has written a complex story of human emotions that are both heartwarming and complicated. His insight into the hearts of his characters is straightforward, believable and sensitive. The author's traditional Amish childhood adds credibility through the details and relationships within the Amish community. This is a well-written, poignant story filled with action, wit and a strong underlying faith in God.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
Amish life is well depicted in this book, and the use of authentic Amish terms and conversation creates a credible backdrop for this narrative about a mother and daughter who arrive at a crossroad in their lives. Emma's fears are realistic regarding the probable adjustments that she foresees in her own life and that of her daughter. Those fears are grounded in the hearts of many mothers who anticipate the changes in life as a daughter reaches maturity. Jerry Eicher has written a complex story of human emotions that are both heartwarming and complicated. His insight into the hearts of his characters is straightforward, believable and sensitive. The author's traditional Amish childhood adds credibility through the details and relationships within the Amish community. This is a well-written, poignant story filled with action, wit and a strong underlying faith in God.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
April 17, 2013
Wow! This si really good. I highly recommend it. I cannot wait for the rest of the series to be on Kindle.
March 1, 2013
Many of the Amish fiction novels are "feel-good" books, but I appreciate the way that Jerry Eicher makes his characters so real and so believable. I noticed that Emma and Katie both engage in a great deal of negative self-talk. I struggle with this myself and it can rob us of much joy and it certainly did that for Emma and Katie at times. This is a wonderful book and my main problem with it was that IT ENDED! I was left wanting more....wanting to know what happens next for Katie and Emma! I am ready for the second book in this series NOW!
February 7, 2013
This work of Amish fiction had some slightly different plots than others. I don't think I've ever read one where a widow was being pursued nor one where an Amish youth hung out with Mennonite youths much to a parent's dismay. I enjoyed the different story line and am looking forward to reading the next book in the Emma Raber's Daughter series.
November 8, 2024
This book was a bit disappointing. While it was an interesting view into the life of the Amish, I found the book overly repetitive and the plot was not developed enough. It is just over 300 pages long but the story could have been told quite easily in half that. Worst of all, I felt that the problems were not all resolved by the end of the book. I realize its one of a series, but a book should be able to stand on its own, even if it is part of a series. Some of the real estate spend harrowing over the main character's worries and feelings, should have been invested in more thorough plot development.
September 20, 2025
My first time reading Eicher's work. This was captivating and filled with suspense. The plot line was solid. I would call this an easy read. The type of book you don't want to put down.
Katie's intro story has me wanting to know more....NOW!
Katie's intro story has me wanting to know more....NOW!
June 14, 2026
1.5 stars
Rounded up ig ┐(-。-;)┌
This was stupid. But Emma and Jesse was cute. Katie and Emma have serious issues and there was no depth in hardly any of the relationships. Katie was sooo very shallow. So shallow it made me angry
Rounded up ig ┐(-。-;)┌
This was stupid. But Emma and Jesse was cute. Katie and Emma have serious issues and there was no depth in hardly any of the relationships. Katie was sooo very shallow. So shallow it made me angry
July 10, 2019
Another great read.
July 24, 2022
New beginning s
I really enjoyed the whole story. Katie stuck with her beliefs and from that Emma also opened her eyes. Ended well!
I really enjoyed the whole story. Katie stuck with her beliefs and from that Emma also opened her eyes. Ended well!
November 24, 2024
very good book
February 20, 2018
This is the first book in the trilogy Emma Raber's Daughter. It is about an Amish mother and daughter who although they are part of the Amish community they have pretty much kept to themselves since Katie's dad died when she was a young girl. As Katie grows up into a young adult, she wants more in her life. She also wants more for her mom. I really enjoyed the book and would recommend to anyone who enjoys reading a nice story with no language, sex or violence.
February 28, 2013
Another fantastic book by Jerry Eicher! This is book one in the Emma Raber’s Daughter series. The next book, Katie’s Journey to Love is expected to release in Aril 2013. I will definitely be picking it up. I did think that this story started a little slow but it was well worth it because the drama and tension just kept rising as I was reading. I enjoy a book that doesn't show all the cards up front so to speak. This is the first fiction book that I have read by this author but now look forward to picking up the rest of his books while I wait for the next book about Katie.
Katie has always been known as “Emma Raber’s daughter” and she’s tired of not being recognized as her own person. In truth, Katie is tired of being a community outcast simply because her mother refuses to let her heart be opened to love. She is tired of being sheltered and kept from living her life and though she loves her mother dearly—she is determined to break free of her controlling thumb.
Things start to change when Jesse steps into Emma’s life. He is determined to win Emma’s heart and Katie is hoping that her mother will learn to love again. The only problem is that Emma has no intention of ever giving her heart to another man and further—his children pretty much hate her. They think she’s odd and they want nothing to do with her.
This is where things got really interesting in the story. While Jesse is trying to woo Emma—another widow lady in the community has her eyes set on him and she will stop at nothing to get him. I really despised Ruth but she made this story interesting. I couldn’t stop reading to see what this nasty manipulative woman would do next. I suppose that makes it sound like I love drama in a book but no romance worth reading about is free of drama!
Overall I thought this story was a definite 5 star plot. Drama, romance and a little rebellion makes for all the qualities that make a really good book. I was rooting for Emma and Jesse from the get go and I’m so excited to see how things turn out for Katie. I’m really hoping she finds a nice boy and has minimal heartbreak. I guess I’ll have to wait and see but I will be doing so very impatiently!!!
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I received this book free from the Author and Harvest House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own
Katie has always been known as “Emma Raber’s daughter” and she’s tired of not being recognized as her own person. In truth, Katie is tired of being a community outcast simply because her mother refuses to let her heart be opened to love. She is tired of being sheltered and kept from living her life and though she loves her mother dearly—she is determined to break free of her controlling thumb.
Things start to change when Jesse steps into Emma’s life. He is determined to win Emma’s heart and Katie is hoping that her mother will learn to love again. The only problem is that Emma has no intention of ever giving her heart to another man and further—his children pretty much hate her. They think she’s odd and they want nothing to do with her.
This is where things got really interesting in the story. While Jesse is trying to woo Emma—another widow lady in the community has her eyes set on him and she will stop at nothing to get him. I really despised Ruth but she made this story interesting. I couldn’t stop reading to see what this nasty manipulative woman would do next. I suppose that makes it sound like I love drama in a book but no romance worth reading about is free of drama!
Overall I thought this story was a definite 5 star plot. Drama, romance and a little rebellion makes for all the qualities that make a really good book. I was rooting for Emma and Jesse from the get go and I’m so excited to see how things turn out for Katie. I’m really hoping she finds a nice boy and has minimal heartbreak. I guess I’ll have to wait and see but I will be doing so very impatiently!!!
View all my reviews|Read an Excerpt
Amazon|CBD|Barnes&Noble
I received this book free from the Author and Harvest House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own
March 26, 2013
Emma Raber has been a widow for many years and has one child Katie. Emma has only loved two men, one in her youth but when he married someone else she made a fool of herself then agreed to marry Ezra Raber even though she didn't love him. When Emma became pregnant she did fall in love with Ezra and they were a happy family until the day he died. After Ezra's death she became withdrawn and refuses to let anyone into her or Katie's life, she is now known as 'strange' Emma and Katie is known as 'plain Katie', Emma Raber's daughter. Katie doesn't have any Amish friends and was not allowed to participate in rumspringa. Katie works at Byler's Store with other Amish and some Mennonite's.
Jesse Mast has been a widower for about a year and has five children. He has been doing a good job but feels there is too much responsibility put on his oldest daughter Mabel and even his younger daughter Carolyn did more than she should have too. He gets the idea that he needs a wife and his children need a mamm.
Widow Ruth Troyer, who has no children, is teaching school this year and uses this to her advantage to get involved in Jesse's family life. The children like her but she has some work to get Jesse to be convinced that she would make a good frau for him and mamm for his children.
Katie has eyes for Ben Stoll, which Emma senses and sees Katie on the same path she was on in her youth so she refuses to let Katie court or even think about boys. When Katie is invited to the birthday party of a Mennonite boy she accepts and goes against her mamm's orders and goes anyway. She really enjoys herself and continues going to their activities. Now Emma has another problem, she feels like Katie is going to leave her Amish faith and become Mennonite.
Emma has to find help somewhere but who can she turn to? Ruth is inviting herself to Jesse's house more than he appreciates so what can he do about this situation? Katie is trying to push her mamm into Jesse's life, Jesse's children don't like Emma or Katie but they adore Ruth. Emma, Ruth and Jesse have known each other since their youth but have never been close friends, will everything turn out for each of them?
Jerry did a good job of keeping me reading, I think it took me about two days to finish this book, which is good for me, lol. I'm anxious to see what comes next in this series. I see there are two more books coming, Katie's Journey to Love due out in April and Katie's Forever Promise coming out in October. At least April isn't too far away.
I would gladly recommend this book for any reader of fiction and especially Amish fiction.
Thank you to Harvest House Publishers for providing this book for review. 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
Jesse Mast has been a widower for about a year and has five children. He has been doing a good job but feels there is too much responsibility put on his oldest daughter Mabel and even his younger daughter Carolyn did more than she should have too. He gets the idea that he needs a wife and his children need a mamm.
Widow Ruth Troyer, who has no children, is teaching school this year and uses this to her advantage to get involved in Jesse's family life. The children like her but she has some work to get Jesse to be convinced that she would make a good frau for him and mamm for his children.
Katie has eyes for Ben Stoll, which Emma senses and sees Katie on the same path she was on in her youth so she refuses to let Katie court or even think about boys. When Katie is invited to the birthday party of a Mennonite boy she accepts and goes against her mamm's orders and goes anyway. She really enjoys herself and continues going to their activities. Now Emma has another problem, she feels like Katie is going to leave her Amish faith and become Mennonite.
Emma has to find help somewhere but who can she turn to? Ruth is inviting herself to Jesse's house more than he appreciates so what can he do about this situation? Katie is trying to push her mamm into Jesse's life, Jesse's children don't like Emma or Katie but they adore Ruth. Emma, Ruth and Jesse have known each other since their youth but have never been close friends, will everything turn out for each of them?
Jerry did a good job of keeping me reading, I think it took me about two days to finish this book, which is good for me, lol. I'm anxious to see what comes next in this series. I see there are two more books coming, Katie's Journey to Love due out in April and Katie's Forever Promise coming out in October. At least April isn't too far away.
I would gladly recommend this book for any reader of fiction and especially Amish fiction.
Thank you to Harvest House Publishers for providing this book for review. 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
January 23, 2013
Here is the touching story of an awakening young Amish girl, Katie Raber, who finds she wants more from life than to be known as simply "Emma Raber's daughter." I enjoyed reading about Katie and her lonliness touched my heart.
A new series by Jerry Eicher "Emma Raber's Daughter" this book Katie Opens Her Heart....
Katie and her mother live alone after her father dies when she is just a little girl. Emma Raber has a secret from long ago that she has never told Katie. Emma holds a little tighter reign on her daughter as she grows up wanting to protect her from the hurt that she had known. Katie is feeling just a little smothered and reached out to some Mennonite young people who want to be friends.
Emma knows that her daughter needs a father's guidance and has for a long time so when Jesse Mast comes around wanting her friendship and maybe a little more she is apprehensive at first and tells him she needs no help and is doing just fine on her own. Jesse is a persistant man and he knows his children need a new mother after they lost theirs so he comes again and again and even suggest they marry.
This story tells of Hearts closed that needed to be opened and of God's forgiveness for old hurts...
Emma feels she is too old to start over with another man but if it will help her daughter to stay away from the Mennonites she is willing to let Jesse come by and it doesn't take long for her heart to see that this good man would make a wonderful husband and father.
She has some problems though when another in the community sets her cap for this good man and makes it her business as a schoolteacher to butt into Jesse life trying to woo him by her attention to his children who like her as she is their schoolteacher. They dont want their father to marry but if he must then they want it to be the schoolteacher....
Now we have much confusion added to the situation and poor Jesse is torn not wanting to hurt anyone's feelings...
It seems the Lord has many hearts to work on in this story and we all know that he can change us if we but accept and hear his still small voice.
A new series by Jerry Eicher "Emma Raber's Daughter" this book Katie Opens Her Heart....
Katie and her mother live alone after her father dies when she is just a little girl. Emma Raber has a secret from long ago that she has never told Katie. Emma holds a little tighter reign on her daughter as she grows up wanting to protect her from the hurt that she had known. Katie is feeling just a little smothered and reached out to some Mennonite young people who want to be friends.
Emma knows that her daughter needs a father's guidance and has for a long time so when Jesse Mast comes around wanting her friendship and maybe a little more she is apprehensive at first and tells him she needs no help and is doing just fine on her own. Jesse is a persistant man and he knows his children need a new mother after they lost theirs so he comes again and again and even suggest they marry.
This story tells of Hearts closed that needed to be opened and of God's forgiveness for old hurts...
Emma feels she is too old to start over with another man but if it will help her daughter to stay away from the Mennonites she is willing to let Jesse come by and it doesn't take long for her heart to see that this good man would make a wonderful husband and father.
She has some problems though when another in the community sets her cap for this good man and makes it her business as a schoolteacher to butt into Jesse life trying to woo him by her attention to his children who like her as she is their schoolteacher. They dont want their father to marry but if he must then they want it to be the schoolteacher....
Now we have much confusion added to the situation and poor Jesse is torn not wanting to hurt anyone's feelings...
It seems the Lord has many hearts to work on in this story and we all know that he can change us if we but accept and hear his still small voice.
June 3, 2015
Title: KATIE OPENS HER HEART
Author: Jerry S. Eicher
Publisher: Harvest House
February 2013
ISBN 978-0736952514
Genre: Amish women’s fiction
Series: Emma Raber’s Daughter
Bestselling Amish fiction author Jerry S. Eicher (nearly half a million copies sold) returns with the first book in another of his delightful and compelling series.
Here is the touching story of an awakening young Amish girl, Katie Raber, who finds she wants more from life than to be known as simply "Emma Raber's daughter."
Emma has refused to remarry since Katie's daett died soon after she was born. And in an effort to keep Katie home, Emma has forbidden her from participating in the rumspringa tradition.
When widower Jesse Mast calls for Mamm's hand in marriage, Katie hopes to move into a new phase of life and leave the old "Emma Raber's daughter" behind. But Emma is having none of it, and Katie must consider abandoning all hope of ever changing her mamm's bitterness or of ever having popular Ben Yoder notice her. Out of sheer frustration, she begins attending nearby Mennonite youth gatherings.
Sparks fly when Jesse's children object fiercely to the attentions their daett is paying to Emma Raber. And widowed Ruth Hochstetler makes her own move for Jesse Mast's hand.
KATIE OPENS HER HEART is the first book in this series by Jerry S. Eicher. I thought it would be a romance for Katie, but it was a romance for her mother. I didn’t really care for this book. I didn’t like Katie, or her mother, and the characters were flat and one-dimensional. I couldn’t relate at all. The pace was very slow…
There are several points of views in the book, Katie’s, and her mother’s and Jesse’s and Ruth’s… I couldn’t believe Ruth was doing exactly what she accused Emma of doing.
Katie was just a bystander in this book and distressed her mother greatly by going out with friends… Emma wanted her to stay home and never having friends or love. So Emma was unhappy when Katie started going out.
Not Jerry Eicher’s best work. But still, his fans might want to read it.
3 stars. Available in print, hardcover, and ebook. 336 pages.
I obtained this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Author: Jerry S. Eicher
Publisher: Harvest House
February 2013
ISBN 978-0736952514
Genre: Amish women’s fiction
Series: Emma Raber’s Daughter
Bestselling Amish fiction author Jerry S. Eicher (nearly half a million copies sold) returns with the first book in another of his delightful and compelling series.
Here is the touching story of an awakening young Amish girl, Katie Raber, who finds she wants more from life than to be known as simply "Emma Raber's daughter."
Emma has refused to remarry since Katie's daett died soon after she was born. And in an effort to keep Katie home, Emma has forbidden her from participating in the rumspringa tradition.
When widower Jesse Mast calls for Mamm's hand in marriage, Katie hopes to move into a new phase of life and leave the old "Emma Raber's daughter" behind. But Emma is having none of it, and Katie must consider abandoning all hope of ever changing her mamm's bitterness or of ever having popular Ben Yoder notice her. Out of sheer frustration, she begins attending nearby Mennonite youth gatherings.
Sparks fly when Jesse's children object fiercely to the attentions their daett is paying to Emma Raber. And widowed Ruth Hochstetler makes her own move for Jesse Mast's hand.
KATIE OPENS HER HEART is the first book in this series by Jerry S. Eicher. I thought it would be a romance for Katie, but it was a romance for her mother. I didn’t really care for this book. I didn’t like Katie, or her mother, and the characters were flat and one-dimensional. I couldn’t relate at all. The pace was very slow…
There are several points of views in the book, Katie’s, and her mother’s and Jesse’s and Ruth’s… I couldn’t believe Ruth was doing exactly what she accused Emma of doing.
Katie was just a bystander in this book and distressed her mother greatly by going out with friends… Emma wanted her to stay home and never having friends or love. So Emma was unhappy when Katie started going out.
Not Jerry Eicher’s best work. But still, his fans might want to read it.
3 stars. Available in print, hardcover, and ebook. 336 pages.
I obtained this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
February 22, 2013
Fear Of Living Is Not What God Intended!
I have read nearly all of Jerry Eicher’s Amish fiction books. I must say each book gets better and better. What made this book a great read? This story grabs you right from the beginning to the end. After reading the last page I sat here thinking, I can’t wait for book 2 in this series to come out. I want to see what happens to Katie right now! It just ended too soon.
When you live in isolation so to speak as Katie Raber and her Mamm Emma Raber did people look upon you as strange and tend to leave you alone. Emma was content in keeping Katie all to herself because of past hurts in Emma’s life. She didn’t want Katie to experience the hurts that life brought upon her. Emma went so far as to be in complete control over her daughter, not allowing Katie to decide things for herself. Was Emma right in doing so? Was Katie content living this way?
The characters in this book are very real to the reader. I experienced several emotions while reading this book. I really wanted to give a certain character a piece of my mind! I was completely caught up in this story and at times I found myself praying for these characters! I got a little anxious hoping for things to turn out my way. Isn’t it amazing how certain characters can capture your heart?
This is a perfect situation where God starts working in the hearts of his followers. When we take matters into our own hands life never turns out as God had intended it too. Will Emma open her heart to what God wants for her life and will she accept God’s leading? Will Katie follow God’s leading or will she venture out on her own?
These are questions that only reading the book will answer. I wouldn’t even think of spoiling this great read for anyone. I highly recommend this book to all Amish fiction lovers. This book is getting a 5 star rating from me.
I received this book from Harvest House Publishers and the author, Jerry Eicher in return for an honest review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.
I have read nearly all of Jerry Eicher’s Amish fiction books. I must say each book gets better and better. What made this book a great read? This story grabs you right from the beginning to the end. After reading the last page I sat here thinking, I can’t wait for book 2 in this series to come out. I want to see what happens to Katie right now! It just ended too soon.
When you live in isolation so to speak as Katie Raber and her Mamm Emma Raber did people look upon you as strange and tend to leave you alone. Emma was content in keeping Katie all to herself because of past hurts in Emma’s life. She didn’t want Katie to experience the hurts that life brought upon her. Emma went so far as to be in complete control over her daughter, not allowing Katie to decide things for herself. Was Emma right in doing so? Was Katie content living this way?
The characters in this book are very real to the reader. I experienced several emotions while reading this book. I really wanted to give a certain character a piece of my mind! I was completely caught up in this story and at times I found myself praying for these characters! I got a little anxious hoping for things to turn out my way. Isn’t it amazing how certain characters can capture your heart?
This is a perfect situation where God starts working in the hearts of his followers. When we take matters into our own hands life never turns out as God had intended it too. Will Emma open her heart to what God wants for her life and will she accept God’s leading? Will Katie follow God’s leading or will she venture out on her own?
These are questions that only reading the book will answer. I wouldn’t even think of spoiling this great read for anyone. I highly recommend this book to all Amish fiction lovers. This book is getting a 5 star rating from me.
I received this book from Harvest House Publishers and the author, Jerry Eicher in return for an honest review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.
January 8, 2013
As usual I love Jerry Eicher’s writing. This is a great book and I recommend it to all my friends, family and blog followers. My only problem is I have to wait 5 months for the next book to find out what more happens to Katie.
This book is titled Katie Opens Her Heart, which I wrongly assumed would mean Katie fell in love, got married and had bopli. No that is not what happens in this book, looking at the next 2 books in the series I am thinking she doesn't get married until the third book, thus my impatience in waiting for Jerry's next books. I want to know what happens. Jerry's writing draws you in so much you can't put his books down, only now I am forced to "put it down" and wait for the next book to be published.
This is a heartwarming story mainly about Katie and her widowed mother, who are seen as odd by the Amish community because the widowed mother has never remarried after over 10 years. Mom has become somewhat of a recluse and wants to keep Katie all to herself, never dating, falling in love and marrying. I was so drawn into the book that I became angry at Katie's mom for not allowing her to grow up and meet new friends and attend youth gatherings. Poor Katie just wants to please her mother yet have the life of a Plain teenager. Katie's mom has sworn off ever falling in love again because there is too much pain in loving someone. She wants to keep Katie all to herself, not even wanting her to have a job. Katie rebels and stays at her job and makes new friends while going against her mother and attending Mennonite youth gatherings. What happens is a heartwarming story of how a mother and daughter overcome obstacles, remain close in adversity and rebellion and both open their hearts to a life outside of their own home. I won't go into what happens that is for you to find out by reading the book, someone does fall in love, and mother and daughter become closer than ever and allow other people into their lives, read the book to find out more.
This book is titled Katie Opens Her Heart, which I wrongly assumed would mean Katie fell in love, got married and had bopli. No that is not what happens in this book, looking at the next 2 books in the series I am thinking she doesn't get married until the third book, thus my impatience in waiting for Jerry's next books. I want to know what happens. Jerry's writing draws you in so much you can't put his books down, only now I am forced to "put it down" and wait for the next book to be published.
This is a heartwarming story mainly about Katie and her widowed mother, who are seen as odd by the Amish community because the widowed mother has never remarried after over 10 years. Mom has become somewhat of a recluse and wants to keep Katie all to herself, never dating, falling in love and marrying. I was so drawn into the book that I became angry at Katie's mom for not allowing her to grow up and meet new friends and attend youth gatherings. Poor Katie just wants to please her mother yet have the life of a Plain teenager. Katie's mom has sworn off ever falling in love again because there is too much pain in loving someone. She wants to keep Katie all to herself, not even wanting her to have a job. Katie rebels and stays at her job and makes new friends while going against her mother and attending Mennonite youth gatherings. What happens is a heartwarming story of how a mother and daughter overcome obstacles, remain close in adversity and rebellion and both open their hearts to a life outside of their own home. I won't go into what happens that is for you to find out by reading the book, someone does fall in love, and mother and daughter become closer than ever and allow other people into their lives, read the book to find out more.
February 26, 2013
"Plain" Katie Raber the out of step daughter of the odd Emma Raber, feels like she is just an extension of her mamm, and feels that most of the community looks at her that way.Emma is raising Katie on her own after the death of her husband and does her best to shelter her, to keep her from being hurt. Thing is Katie feels like she never really fits in but longs for change, especially when she notices Ben Stoll someone she believes is totally out of her reach. When Katie does something that finally has her feeling like she fits in, Emma has problems accepting it and decides to seek the advice of Jesse Mast a widower who has payed a few visits to her. He has prayed and decided it's time to find a wife and mother for his five children. Jesse has had his eye on Emma for a while, but there is someone in the community that is interested in him as well. How will things work out for Katie,and what about her mother, will she accept that her daughter is growing up? Of course there is also the story of Jesse Mast and his decision to find a wife, who will he choose?
To say that I am excited to start a new series by Jerry Eicher is an understatement! I couldn't put this book down once I started reading it. I expected a love story and instead what I found was so much more,of course I felt like it was a coming of age story for Katie, but I also found Emma's story interesting as well. I felt like the characters were very down to earth and could easily understand what they were going through. I find that Mr. Eicher does a wonderful job of creating real characters with situations that are very believable. My only complaint with this book is that we have to wait for the next book in the series.
Fans of Amish fiction are going to enjoy this book,but if you have never read a Jerry Eicher story what are you waiting for, "Katie Opens Her Heart" is the perfect story to introduce yourself to the Amish world that Mr.Eicher easily pulls his reader into. Highly recommended!
To say that I am excited to start a new series by Jerry Eicher is an understatement! I couldn't put this book down once I started reading it. I expected a love story and instead what I found was so much more,of course I felt like it was a coming of age story for Katie, but I also found Emma's story interesting as well. I felt like the characters were very down to earth and could easily understand what they were going through. I find that Mr. Eicher does a wonderful job of creating real characters with situations that are very believable. My only complaint with this book is that we have to wait for the next book in the series.
Fans of Amish fiction are going to enjoy this book,but if you have never read a Jerry Eicher story what are you waiting for, "Katie Opens Her Heart" is the perfect story to introduce yourself to the Amish world that Mr.Eicher easily pulls his reader into. Highly recommended!
December 17, 2014
What really struck home with me was the normalcy of this story. There is not an overwhelming plot with excessive or outlandish problems and situations. This story is a coming of age story for Katie who deals with normal problems that occur. I was immediately pulled into the story and could relate to the problems that may seem small to an observer but huge to the one involved.
Katie is a loner due to being raised in a somewhat broken home. Her dad died when she was little causing her mother, Emma, to cut them off from their community. In Emma's grief and misguided efforts to protect Katie from ever feeling hurt or unhappiness, Emma has made her a prisoner of sorts. The Amish community does not see Katie as an individual but as the poor, weird child of the strange Emma Raber.
As Katie grows into a young lady her contentment with her cuurent life begins to wane. People outside her community begin to notice Katie as well. The Mennonite community begins inviting Katie to youth functions much to the distress of Emma.
For the first time, Katie bucks her mother's wishes. She craves companionship and friendship with others, especially with other girls. She wants to be normal, to be cared for by her peers, to fit in and be inside a group. At this time she does not crave a romance. Emma, however, can only see her own past which centered around a boy she wanted a romance with but was not to be. She projects this onto Katie and in desparation to hold Katie tries everything from lectures to guilt to forbidding.
To add to Emma's stress, a local widow, Jesse has decided God has lead him to Emma to marry her. As Emma struggles with Katie, her changing emotions, her fears, and her admirer she learns to lean on God and let Him work on her. In a way, this is a coming of age story for Emma as much as for Katie.
Katie and Emma must both learn to trust God and let Him guide their footsteps. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Katie is a loner due to being raised in a somewhat broken home. Her dad died when she was little causing her mother, Emma, to cut them off from their community. In Emma's grief and misguided efforts to protect Katie from ever feeling hurt or unhappiness, Emma has made her a prisoner of sorts. The Amish community does not see Katie as an individual but as the poor, weird child of the strange Emma Raber.
As Katie grows into a young lady her contentment with her cuurent life begins to wane. People outside her community begin to notice Katie as well. The Mennonite community begins inviting Katie to youth functions much to the distress of Emma.
For the first time, Katie bucks her mother's wishes. She craves companionship and friendship with others, especially with other girls. She wants to be normal, to be cared for by her peers, to fit in and be inside a group. At this time she does not crave a romance. Emma, however, can only see her own past which centered around a boy she wanted a romance with but was not to be. She projects this onto Katie and in desparation to hold Katie tries everything from lectures to guilt to forbidding.
To add to Emma's stress, a local widow, Jesse has decided God has lead him to Emma to marry her. As Emma struggles with Katie, her changing emotions, her fears, and her admirer she learns to lean on God and let Him work on her. In a way, this is a coming of age story for Emma as much as for Katie.
Katie and Emma must both learn to trust God and let Him guide their footsteps. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
January 16, 2016
'Katie Opens Her Heart' by Jerry Eicher is a very good book, well written and edited. Jerry Eicher is a best selling Amish fiction writer. This book is the first book in a series due to be released Feb. 1, 2013.
Katie has always been "Emma Raber's Daughter", Maybe the title should have been that. Katie wants more, much more. Katie and her maam live in the Delaware Amish county. Katie is a prisoner in her own home, kind of held captive by her own mother. Emma has been asked for her hand several times but refuses. Katie wishes she would wed.
Will Katie become defiant and realize if she doesn't do something soon, she will never have a life outside of being "Emma Raber's Daughter? If Emma doesn't decide to wed soon, will another take her place? Will Katie find love, after being kept from the 'rumspringa' while all the other young folk were funning around and discovering new things?
Katie misses her daett. Should she put her faith in DaHah? Would life eventually be wonderbah?
You wonder why her mother hangs on to Katie so hard. I think the author wrote a great book. You want to step into their Amish community and live their lives. The book was well written and held you in suspense at just the right moments. It's a page turner. He was very descriptive in the surroundings and the people. You just don't want it to end. When and where is the next book? Don't know if I can wait.
Take this book and read every word and you'll find sort of a peace come over you. Then wait for Book 2 and READ!
http://bemiown.blogspot.com
http://www. harvesthousepublisher.com/book/Katie-...
http://www.netgalley.com/reviewer/rev...
I received a complimentary e-book from Net Galley on behalf of Harvest House Publishers for the review.
Katie has always been "Emma Raber's Daughter", Maybe the title should have been that. Katie wants more, much more. Katie and her maam live in the Delaware Amish county. Katie is a prisoner in her own home, kind of held captive by her own mother. Emma has been asked for her hand several times but refuses. Katie wishes she would wed.
Will Katie become defiant and realize if she doesn't do something soon, she will never have a life outside of being "Emma Raber's Daughter? If Emma doesn't decide to wed soon, will another take her place? Will Katie find love, after being kept from the 'rumspringa' while all the other young folk were funning around and discovering new things?
Katie misses her daett. Should she put her faith in DaHah? Would life eventually be wonderbah?
You wonder why her mother hangs on to Katie so hard. I think the author wrote a great book. You want to step into their Amish community and live their lives. The book was well written and held you in suspense at just the right moments. It's a page turner. He was very descriptive in the surroundings and the people. You just don't want it to end. When and where is the next book? Don't know if I can wait.
Take this book and read every word and you'll find sort of a peace come over you. Then wait for Book 2 and READ!
http://bemiown.blogspot.com
http://www. harvesthousepublisher.com/book/Katie-...
http://www.netgalley.com/reviewer/rev...
I received a complimentary e-book from Net Galley on behalf of Harvest House Publishers for the review.
February 26, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Katie Opens Her Heart by Jerry Eicher, ©2013
Harvest House Publishers (February 1, 2013)
***Special thanks to Ginger Chen for sending me a review copy.***
Jerry Eicher (nearly half a million copies sold) returns with the first book in another of his delightful series centering on Amish life. Here is the story of a young Amish girl, Katie Raber, who finds she wants more from life than to be known as simply “Emma Raber’s daughter.”
I love the photo on the cover and above the chapter headings. My uncle had a pair of horses, Pat and Mike; what beauties they were! Large draft horses. I remember a photo of me astride the breadth of a wide back, after possibly their long day of haying, with my ankle-high brown leather shoe dangling down. My uncle had his hand across my leg making sure I stayed. I had a big grin to be up that high.
Emma Raber wants her life to continue as it has with her young daughter. However, Katie Raber is no longer a child. I met a woman once who kept her daughter home from school, calling in "she wasn't feeling well," because the mother was lonely. Seclusion. Katie wants to be known as herself, not as an extension of someone else's reflection.
This is Book 1 of the Emma Raber's Daughter Series. This sets the stage of a life lived well. Smiling, getting beyond what might have been to what can be.
For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall. As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
--Psalm 18:28-30 KJV
Book 1 ~*~ Join this new series and meet Katie Raber!
Katie Opens Her Heart by Jerry Eicher, ©2013
Harvest House Publishers (February 1, 2013)
***Special thanks to Ginger Chen for sending me a review copy.***
Jerry Eicher (nearly half a million copies sold) returns with the first book in another of his delightful series centering on Amish life. Here is the story of a young Amish girl, Katie Raber, who finds she wants more from life than to be known as simply “Emma Raber’s daughter.”
I love the photo on the cover and above the chapter headings. My uncle had a pair of horses, Pat and Mike; what beauties they were! Large draft horses. I remember a photo of me astride the breadth of a wide back, after possibly their long day of haying, with my ankle-high brown leather shoe dangling down. My uncle had his hand across my leg making sure I stayed. I had a big grin to be up that high.
Emma Raber wants her life to continue as it has with her young daughter. However, Katie Raber is no longer a child. I met a woman once who kept her daughter home from school, calling in "she wasn't feeling well," because the mother was lonely. Seclusion. Katie wants to be known as herself, not as an extension of someone else's reflection.
This is Book 1 of the Emma Raber's Daughter Series. This sets the stage of a life lived well. Smiling, getting beyond what might have been to what can be.
For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall. As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
--Psalm 18:28-30 KJV
Book 1 ~*~ Join this new series and meet Katie Raber!
June 27, 2015
This is one of those books that creates such a roller coast of emotions in the reader. We meet Emma Raber a widow and her daughter Katie. Emma has withdrawn since the death of her husband. The problem with this is that she is also forcing her daughter to withdraw from society. This causes Katie a lot of pain in so many ways. She misses out on activities other girls her age participate in. Her mother squashes all attention paid toward her by the boys. Katie loves her mother and has always been obedient. While working at Byler’s store she becomes friends with some of the Mennonite girls. They invite her to some of their activities and she disobeys her mother and goes with them. Not only is she hanging out with the Mennonites she has a big time crush on Ben Stoll. No one in her life thinks he is right for her.
Another story line running through this is that of Jesse Mast. He is a widower with five children. His oldest daughter Mabel has pretty much stepped into her mother’s shoes. Her dad decides he needs a wife and his kids need a mother. He asks Emma to marry him and she turns him down. Ruth Troyer is another widow and is trying to work her way into their lives. Jesse’s children don’t like Emma or Katie. They’ve heard the talk about how strange they are.
Will Katie switch to the Mennonite faith? Will Jesse find a wife and mother for his kids? Will Emma ever allow herself to love again? I suggest you read this book to find out.
I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Another story line running through this is that of Jesse Mast. He is a widower with five children. His oldest daughter Mabel has pretty much stepped into her mother’s shoes. Her dad decides he needs a wife and his kids need a mother. He asks Emma to marry him and she turns him down. Ruth Troyer is another widow and is trying to work her way into their lives. Jesse’s children don’t like Emma or Katie. They’ve heard the talk about how strange they are.
Will Katie switch to the Mennonite faith? Will Jesse find a wife and mother for his kids? Will Emma ever allow herself to love again? I suggest you read this book to find out.
I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
July 15, 2016
From the publisher: Here is the touching story of an awakening young Amish girl, Katie Raber, who finds she wants more from life than to be known as simply "Emma Raber's daughter." Emma has refused to remarry since Katie's daett died soon after she was born. And in an effort to keep Katie home, Emma has forbidden her from participating in the rumspringa tradition. When widower Jesse Mast calls for Mamm's hand in marriage, Katie hopes to move into a new phase of life and leave the old "Emma Raber's daughter" behind. But Emma is having none of it, and Katie must consider abandoning all hope of ever changing her mamm's bitterness or of ever having popular Ben Yoder notice her. Out of sheer frustration, she begins attending nearby Mennonite youth gatherings.
Sparks fly when Jesse's children object fiercely to the attentions their daett is paying to Emma Raber. And widowed Ruth Hochstetler makes her own move for Jesse Mast's hand. Book one in the Emma Raber's Daughter series.
Sparks fly when Jesse's children object fiercely to the attentions their daett is paying to Emma Raber. And widowed Ruth Hochstetler makes her own move for Jesse Mast's hand. Book one in the Emma Raber's Daughter series.
March 5, 2014
This was such an inspiring and heartfelt book by Jerry S. Eicher. I read the book in only two evening it was so good.
Young lady Katie learns to open up her heart and trust people … after being issolated and referred to as
the daughter of Emma Raber all her life. She yearns for love, acceptance and freedom to discover what God has in store for her life.
This shows how the bonds of a mother’s and daughter’s love is tried and tested. How their love for each other endures.
It made me realize how hurtful people can be at times, and not even know it. A must read book!
Looking forward to reading the next book in the series! Katie’s Forever Promise.
Keep up the wonderful writing Jerry.
Young lady Katie learns to open up her heart and trust people … after being issolated and referred to as
the daughter of Emma Raber all her life. She yearns for love, acceptance and freedom to discover what God has in store for her life.
This shows how the bonds of a mother’s and daughter’s love is tried and tested. How their love for each other endures.
It made me realize how hurtful people can be at times, and not even know it. A must read book!
Looking forward to reading the next book in the series! Katie’s Forever Promise.
Keep up the wonderful writing Jerry.
August 17, 2013
I gave this book 4/5 stars. I thought the relationship between mother and daughter was well written. I did however feel like there was a negative light shown on protective parents. In the end it works out for the best of all the characters but this was not one of my favorite books by this author. I do recommend this book for anyone who enjoys Christian Amish fiction. I would also recommend this book for anyone who enjoys stories about family relationships.
I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
April 21, 2013
I enjoyed this book. It is a good story that is more of a character study than many other books in this genre, so it is a little different. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series, Katie's Journey to Love. Unfortunately, the third book in the series, Katie's Forever Promise, is not scheduled for release until October, 2013, so will have to wait for that one.
March 7, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I am happy though that I have all three of this series to read at once. It makes it much more enjoyable not having to wait for the next one to come out *smile*. Jerry Eicher is so talented in his storytelling capabilities. I could feel the pain that Katie was feeling and her Mamm too. I loved the story and have quickly moved to the second story. I have to say I did chuckle at the scenes with Ruth Hochstetler, she was one determined woman. Great story, 4 stars from this reviewer.
This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.
This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.
March 6, 2022
I truly enjoyed this one. I feel that Jerry Eicher has become so much more experienced as an author. The first few books I read by him were a little dry and strange, but the books I've read by him these past few years were much better. This novel was well-written and entertaining. I enjoyed the changes in the characters as well and have really enjoyed this series
August 25, 2013
I picked this book up not really knowing anything about this author at all, as soon as I started reading I was pulled in...it's one of the best amish novels I've ever read. You should give it a try sometime.
October 18, 2014
For the most part I enjoyed this book. I was a little bored with Katie and the Mennonite talk throughout the book but was won over by Jesse and Emma. They truly make this book for me. Both of their characters were full of depth. I felt like maybe Katie's character was lacking in that area.
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