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Fields Of Home #1
Missing Your Smile
Book by Eicher, Jerry S.
510 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2012
46 people are currently reading
660 people want to read
About the author
Jerry S. Eicher
70 books200 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
September 22, 2012
I love Amish fiction. I'm not sure why - maybe because I think about how wonderful it would be at times to live in peaceful settings and enjoy the simple things of life. Of course then there are the things that make it a hardship living like the Amish do. So I suppose maybe it's that conflict that keeps me reading.
In Missing Your Smile, Susan Hostetler is betrayed by her fiance and leaves her Amish community for life in the English world to try to find her way. She experiences life in the big city, makes friends and even dates. While trying to decide whether to embrace the Englisha way or to return home to her family who misses her, she meets a young unwed pregnant girl, Teresa. She is surprised when Teresa asks her to adopt her child or find another Amish couple to adopt and this only causes more confusion for Susan.
The characters in this book are well-developed and I found myself caring about Susan and her ordeal from the first few pages. Even the secondary characters are fully developed and I really enjoyed reading about them as well. The plot and the Christian theme were skillfully interwoven.
If you enjoy Religious Fiction, I would definitely recommend this book. It's the first of three and I've already purchased the second in the series. I can't wait to find to find out what happens next.
In Missing Your Smile, Susan Hostetler is betrayed by her fiance and leaves her Amish community for life in the English world to try to find her way. She experiences life in the big city, makes friends and even dates. While trying to decide whether to embrace the Englisha way or to return home to her family who misses her, she meets a young unwed pregnant girl, Teresa. She is surprised when Teresa asks her to adopt her child or find another Amish couple to adopt and this only causes more confusion for Susan.
The characters in this book are well-developed and I found myself caring about Susan and her ordeal from the first few pages. Even the secondary characters are fully developed and I really enjoyed reading about them as well. The plot and the Christian theme were skillfully interwoven.
If you enjoy Religious Fiction, I would definitely recommend this book. It's the first of three and I've already purchased the second in the series. I can't wait to find to find out what happens next.
April 20, 2019
This was the first Amish book by Jerry Eicher that I have read and I have to say that was very enjoyable. He brought his characters to life with everyday emotions and very relatable situations. From becoming disheartened by her beau in her Amish community, follow Susan Hostetler as she tries to find her way in the English world. Will she find a man to fulfill her dreams and become totally worldly or will she follow her heart and return to the home that is still in very much on her mind? Come read and see where Susan's faith and caring heart leads her. I know I am looking forward to the next book, Follow Your Heart, to see what comes next! Happy Reading Everyone!
June 24, 2019
Great start to a series!
February 16, 2012
Susan Hostetler left Indiana for a new life. She decided she no longer wanted to be Amish. Her boyfriend, Thomas Stoll, helped her make that decision. One night, after a singing, she found him and her best friend, Eunice, being a little too friendly. She told her parents she had to leave and ended up in Asbury Park, New Jersey working at a bakery. She worked for Laura and became friends with her and her son Robby.
Susan had trouble adjusting to city life. It was noisy at night when she was trying to sleep. During the day it was crowded with people and traffic. Still, she had decided she was going to become English and would adjust. She even started dating Englisher, Duane Moran. Susan was hesitant to go full fledged English all at once, so she did it gradually. When the story started she was still using kerosene lamps for lighting. Her apartment had functioning electricity.
Susan met an unwed mother, Teresa Long, that found out she was Amish. Teresa wanted Susan to adopt her baby. Susan promised Teresa that she will ask if a family from Indiana wanted the child. This situation threatened to take her back to the life she left behind.
Meanwhile, in Indiana, Susan's parents are heartbroken with their daughter gone and Thomas realizes he needs to make amends with Susan. Is Thomas too late?
The focus of this story is Susan living with her choice to leave her Amish life behind and become English. She still had her faith in God, which kept her going. Does Susan ever fully adjust to life as an Englisher? What happens to Teresa and her baby? Read Missing Your Smile to discover what Susan does with her new life.
I was hesitant to read another Jerry Eicher book. I read his Rebecca Series and did not care for the books. I didn't like his style of writing. It seemed to me he assumed the reader should know what he was thinking even though it wasn't conveyed in his writing. I read Missing Your Smile because I wanted to give him another chance. I liked this story much better. It was too slow moving for me though, it took me 4 or 5 sittings to finish reading it. When I really enjoy a book it's done in 1 or 2 readings. The biggest issue I had was that I when I started reading the book I thought Susan and Robby were teenagers. They acted immature. Robby's character actually annoyed me with the constant comedy. As I got further into the book I discovered Susan was 21 and Robby had attended college. I will read the next book in the series because I'm interested in finding out what happens to the characters in this book. I am still on the fence as to if I would recommend this book to others.
Fields Of Home Series
Missing Your Smile #1
Following Your Heart #2
Where Love Grows #3
I received a free copy of this e-book from NetGalley for my honest review.
Susan had trouble adjusting to city life. It was noisy at night when she was trying to sleep. During the day it was crowded with people and traffic. Still, she had decided she was going to become English and would adjust. She even started dating Englisher, Duane Moran. Susan was hesitant to go full fledged English all at once, so she did it gradually. When the story started she was still using kerosene lamps for lighting. Her apartment had functioning electricity.
Susan met an unwed mother, Teresa Long, that found out she was Amish. Teresa wanted Susan to adopt her baby. Susan promised Teresa that she will ask if a family from Indiana wanted the child. This situation threatened to take her back to the life she left behind.
Meanwhile, in Indiana, Susan's parents are heartbroken with their daughter gone and Thomas realizes he needs to make amends with Susan. Is Thomas too late?
The focus of this story is Susan living with her choice to leave her Amish life behind and become English. She still had her faith in God, which kept her going. Does Susan ever fully adjust to life as an Englisher? What happens to Teresa and her baby? Read Missing Your Smile to discover what Susan does with her new life.
I was hesitant to read another Jerry Eicher book. I read his Rebecca Series and did not care for the books. I didn't like his style of writing. It seemed to me he assumed the reader should know what he was thinking even though it wasn't conveyed in his writing. I read Missing Your Smile because I wanted to give him another chance. I liked this story much better. It was too slow moving for me though, it took me 4 or 5 sittings to finish reading it. When I really enjoy a book it's done in 1 or 2 readings. The biggest issue I had was that I when I started reading the book I thought Susan and Robby were teenagers. They acted immature. Robby's character actually annoyed me with the constant comedy. As I got further into the book I discovered Susan was 21 and Robby had attended college. I will read the next book in the series because I'm interested in finding out what happens to the characters in this book. I am still on the fence as to if I would recommend this book to others.
Fields Of Home Series
Missing Your Smile #1
Following Your Heart #2
Where Love Grows #3
I received a free copy of this e-book from NetGalley for my honest review.
January 24, 2012
Susan Hostetler's plans were to marry her beau Thomas and take over the running of her datt's farm. Things change though when she catches Thomas kissing one of her friends. She decides the only thing to do is get away and with the help of an Englisher friend leaves the farm in Indiana and moves to Asbury Park New Jersey. She goes to work in a bakery for a very nice woman named Laura, who also happens to be the sister of the English friend that helped her leave home.Life seems to be going ok, she has an apartment, a pretty good job and meets a nice Enghisher man named Duane. She decides to try and get her GED and drivers license, and with the help of Laura's son Robby it seems as if she might achieve her goals. A young pregnant girl named Teresa starts coming into the bakery. Teresa has a fascination with the Amish and when she learns that Susan is Amish she asks Susan to help her find an Amish home for her unborn child. To help Teresa, Susan soon realizes she will have to take a trip back home. Meanwhile Thomas is missing Susan and decides to take a trip to Asbury Park. How will the relationship between Duane and Susan work out? Will the Amish community accept Teresa and her unborn child, and will Susan move back home? What about the relationship between Susan and Thomas, will they ever get back together? Your just going to have to read the book and find out!
I am a huge Amish fiction fan and Jerry Eicher is quickly becoming one of my favorite Amish writers. He has the ability to pull me into a story and make me feel as if the characters are people I know. As Susan's story unfolded it was easy to see she wasn't really settled with living away from the Amish, but she didn't let that stop her from trying to move forward with her life. I thought Susan did a good job of trying to steer Robby in the right direction, and actually I sort of hoped a relationship might develop between those two. There were a few secondary stories going on that kept me turning the pages to see how things would work out. I thought the story line with Teresa was quite interesting, I can't help but wonder if she will find what she is looking for in Amish country.With a few unanswered questions at the end of the story, I will easily say the author knows how to leave me wanting more! I can't wait to read the next book in the series titled "Follow Your Heart" due out May 2012.
rating 5/5
I was provided an e-book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I am a huge Amish fiction fan and Jerry Eicher is quickly becoming one of my favorite Amish writers. He has the ability to pull me into a story and make me feel as if the characters are people I know. As Susan's story unfolded it was easy to see she wasn't really settled with living away from the Amish, but she didn't let that stop her from trying to move forward with her life. I thought Susan did a good job of trying to steer Robby in the right direction, and actually I sort of hoped a relationship might develop between those two. There were a few secondary stories going on that kept me turning the pages to see how things would work out. I thought the story line with Teresa was quite interesting, I can't help but wonder if she will find what she is looking for in Amish country.With a few unanswered questions at the end of the story, I will easily say the author knows how to leave me wanting more! I can't wait to read the next book in the series titled "Follow Your Heart" due out May 2012.
rating 5/5
I was provided an e-book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2012
Review of Missing Your Smile by Jerry Eicher
Book one in Fields of Home series
Wow! I love Jerry Eicher's books and this book, Missing Your Smile, is no disappointment!
Susan Hostetler is all set to marry Amishman, Thomas Stoll, until she catches him with her best friend, Eunice. She is so upset by this that she leaves the Amish community and flees to a big city, Asbury Park, New Jersey. Leaving her Indiana Amish home and community is not easy. She receives numerous letters from her Mamm, telling her that they are all "missing her smile".
Susan works in a bakery with Laura, who hired her after receiving a glowing recommendation from their mutual friend, Bonnie. Susan becomes close with Laura's son, Robby, who is like the brother she never had. Susan receives a visit from a young woman, Teresa, who is pregnant and unmarried. Teresa wants Susan to adopt her baby and raise it in the Amish faith. Susan feels she is unable to do this, but writes her Mamm to see if any one in the Amish community would be interested in adopting Teresa's baby. Susan returns home, taking Teresa with her. Susan's parents are most loving and caring towards Teresa, but trouble is brewing. How will the bishop and deacons and Amish community react to Teresa? Will they hold forgiveness in their hearts or turn against this young woman, who is so anxious for her baby to have a better life than she had growing up?
I love the vivid descriptive details in this book. I almost feel like I'm in Laura's bakery, smelling the coffee and cinnamon rolls. I feel as though I am actually sitting in the kitchen of Susan's parents' home, smelling the woodstove and breakfast cooking. What I didn't like about this book: it ended too quickly!
I highly recommend this book to readers! Please check it out! Coming soon....review of Following Your Heart, book 2 in Fields of Home series.
About the Author:
Jerry Eicher was raised in the Amish faith. He and his wife, Tina, are now practicing Mennonites. Jerry taught for two terms in Amish and Mennonite schools. They make their home in Virginia. Please see my blogpost, Interview with author, Jerry Eicher, for even more information about him. You may also want to see his website, www.eicherjerry.com for more on him and his writing.
I received a free copy of this book from the author, in exchange for my honest review.
Book one in Fields of Home series
Wow! I love Jerry Eicher's books and this book, Missing Your Smile, is no disappointment!
Susan Hostetler is all set to marry Amishman, Thomas Stoll, until she catches him with her best friend, Eunice. She is so upset by this that she leaves the Amish community and flees to a big city, Asbury Park, New Jersey. Leaving her Indiana Amish home and community is not easy. She receives numerous letters from her Mamm, telling her that they are all "missing her smile".
Susan works in a bakery with Laura, who hired her after receiving a glowing recommendation from their mutual friend, Bonnie. Susan becomes close with Laura's son, Robby, who is like the brother she never had. Susan receives a visit from a young woman, Teresa, who is pregnant and unmarried. Teresa wants Susan to adopt her baby and raise it in the Amish faith. Susan feels she is unable to do this, but writes her Mamm to see if any one in the Amish community would be interested in adopting Teresa's baby. Susan returns home, taking Teresa with her. Susan's parents are most loving and caring towards Teresa, but trouble is brewing. How will the bishop and deacons and Amish community react to Teresa? Will they hold forgiveness in their hearts or turn against this young woman, who is so anxious for her baby to have a better life than she had growing up?
I love the vivid descriptive details in this book. I almost feel like I'm in Laura's bakery, smelling the coffee and cinnamon rolls. I feel as though I am actually sitting in the kitchen of Susan's parents' home, smelling the woodstove and breakfast cooking. What I didn't like about this book: it ended too quickly!
I highly recommend this book to readers! Please check it out! Coming soon....review of Following Your Heart, book 2 in Fields of Home series.
About the Author:
Jerry Eicher was raised in the Amish faith. He and his wife, Tina, are now practicing Mennonites. Jerry taught for two terms in Amish and Mennonite schools. They make their home in Virginia. Please see my blogpost, Interview with author, Jerry Eicher, for even more information about him. You may also want to see his website, www.eicherjerry.com for more on him and his writing.
I received a free copy of this book from the author, in exchange for my honest review.
January 20, 2012
Jerry S. Eicher has done it again, wrote another great book witha great story line. And it's a great start to another series.
I'll be adding Missing Your Smile to my list of recommendation of books to read for 2012.
I loved this question, "'Can a young Amish woman find happiness in the Englisha world?'"
When not able to face her boyfriend, Thomas Stoll, after finding him with her best friend, Susan Hosteller leaves her Amish community in Indiana to go to Asbury Park, New Jersey, as an Eghlisha and keeping her faith. Susan's goals while living among the Englisha is to learn to drive and get her GED thanks to her boss and friend for the support and encouragement. But how does she feel about Englisha guys?
Susan's parents are missing her at home and talking of changes there.
"'... Da Hah (The Lord) didn't make a man to stay inside all day away from the sun and the rain. A man was made for the outdoors, for tilling the soil, for feeling the heat of the sun on his neck. He was made to have sweat pouring down his back.'"
Susan's plans are interrupted when she meets Teresa Long, a young, unwed, expectant mother. Teresa wants to have her baby adopted by an Amish family.
Can Susan help Teresa?
Does Susan change her plans to live among the Englisha or stay?
By the end of the book I was begging for more. I already cant wait for May to come so I can read Following Your Heart to know what happens next.
A terrific job well done Jerry Eicher!
I wish to thank Harvest House Publisher and Author Jerry S. Eicher for sending me this book to read and review. The opinions expressed above are mine alone and no payment was received for this review.
I'll be adding Missing Your Smile to my list of recommendation of books to read for 2012.
I loved this question, "'Can a young Amish woman find happiness in the Englisha world?'"
When not able to face her boyfriend, Thomas Stoll, after finding him with her best friend, Susan Hosteller leaves her Amish community in Indiana to go to Asbury Park, New Jersey, as an Eghlisha and keeping her faith. Susan's goals while living among the Englisha is to learn to drive and get her GED thanks to her boss and friend for the support and encouragement. But how does she feel about Englisha guys?
Susan's parents are missing her at home and talking of changes there.
"'... Da Hah (The Lord) didn't make a man to stay inside all day away from the sun and the rain. A man was made for the outdoors, for tilling the soil, for feeling the heat of the sun on his neck. He was made to have sweat pouring down his back.'"
Susan's plans are interrupted when she meets Teresa Long, a young, unwed, expectant mother. Teresa wants to have her baby adopted by an Amish family.
Can Susan help Teresa?
Does Susan change her plans to live among the Englisha or stay?
By the end of the book I was begging for more. I already cant wait for May to come so I can read Following Your Heart to know what happens next.
A terrific job well done Jerry Eicher!
I wish to thank Harvest House Publisher and Author Jerry S. Eicher for sending me this book to read and review. The opinions expressed above are mine alone and no payment was received for this review.
February 12, 2012
**I received this book from Harvest House Publishers through NetGalley. I am not required to give a positive review, just an honest one**
Susan Hostetler decides to leaver her Amish Community after her boyfriend, Thomas Stoll broke her heart. This begins Susan's journey in Asbury Park, New Jersey and the beginning of her new English life. In a short period of time Susan gets her GED, her driver's license, and falls in love with Duane. Meanwhile her parents miss her terribly and pray for her return home.
Just as Susan was settling into English life, she meets Teresa Long, an unwed mother to be. Teresa pleads with Susan to help her find a nice Amish family to adopt her baby boy. Little did Susan know that being drawn to Teresa would also keep her drawn to her Amish roots. Will Susan help Teresa find a nice Amish family to adopt her baby? Even if it means leaving Duane behind as well? To find out read: Missing Your Smile.
I really enjoyed this book. This is the first book that I have read by Jerry S. Eicher and I wasn't disappointed. Let's talk about the story. As the story unfolded, it was apparent that Susan was not completely ready to give up her Amish roots. Keeping that in mind, she was still willing to try. Hence, she received her GED and got her drivers license. I think Susan was a God sent to Robby throughout this story. She helped him in more ways than she could even imagine.
I enjoyed that there was more than one story line going on. Of course there was Susan's story, Susan and Duane, Susan and Laura, Susan and Robby, and of course Susan's parents story. All of which kept me wanting to turn the pages.
The ending of the story has left me waiting to start the next book in the series, Follow Your Heart. I am curious to see what happens to Teresa as she enters the Amish Community. I am also curious to see what life has in store for Susan.
Susan Hostetler decides to leaver her Amish Community after her boyfriend, Thomas Stoll broke her heart. This begins Susan's journey in Asbury Park, New Jersey and the beginning of her new English life. In a short period of time Susan gets her GED, her driver's license, and falls in love with Duane. Meanwhile her parents miss her terribly and pray for her return home.
Just as Susan was settling into English life, she meets Teresa Long, an unwed mother to be. Teresa pleads with Susan to help her find a nice Amish family to adopt her baby boy. Little did Susan know that being drawn to Teresa would also keep her drawn to her Amish roots. Will Susan help Teresa find a nice Amish family to adopt her baby? Even if it means leaving Duane behind as well? To find out read: Missing Your Smile.
I really enjoyed this book. This is the first book that I have read by Jerry S. Eicher and I wasn't disappointed. Let's talk about the story. As the story unfolded, it was apparent that Susan was not completely ready to give up her Amish roots. Keeping that in mind, she was still willing to try. Hence, she received her GED and got her drivers license. I think Susan was a God sent to Robby throughout this story. She helped him in more ways than she could even imagine.
I enjoyed that there was more than one story line going on. Of course there was Susan's story, Susan and Duane, Susan and Laura, Susan and Robby, and of course Susan's parents story. All of which kept me wanting to turn the pages.
The ending of the story has left me waiting to start the next book in the series, Follow Your Heart. I am curious to see what happens to Teresa as she enters the Amish Community. I am also curious to see what life has in store for Susan.
June 26, 2015
I've read several books by this author and think he is one of the best Amish Fiction Authors out there. That might be because he was raised Amish. This is why his books ring true.
In this story we have a young Amish girl, Susan Hostetler, who has decided to become English. Her reasons are simple. She was to marry Thomas Stoll, until she caught him kissing her best friend. She runs off to New Jersey where she gets a job working in a bakery and living above it. She is trying hard to blend both of her worlds. She is trying to stay true to her faith and the values she has learned growing up Amish, yet blend in with her new English world. She loves working for Laura and her son Robby. Robby is good at listeing to her and she is good for trying to straighten him out. When a young unmarried pregnant girl named Teresa comes into the bakery, Susan's new life runs into her old life. Teresa has not had the best home life and she wants her baby to have a chance in life. To her that means she having her baby adopted by an Amish couple. Since the only Amish person she knows it Susan, she asks for her help. Susan agrees to help her. One of the things that irritate me was that Teresa's boyfriend wants nothing to do with her until she gets rid of the baby. I wanted to smack Teresa upside the head and scream at her, do you realize that he is a piece of garbage if he feels this way? Susan takes Teresa back to Indiana with her. Eventhough her parents are kind and caring to Teresa, that doesn't mean the rest of the community will be. This is a well thought out book. The conflict is real. You don't have to be Amish to have similar conflicts. The ending makes you pine for the next one in the series.
I received a copy to facilitate my reviews. The opinions expressed here are my own.
In this story we have a young Amish girl, Susan Hostetler, who has decided to become English. Her reasons are simple. She was to marry Thomas Stoll, until she caught him kissing her best friend. She runs off to New Jersey where she gets a job working in a bakery and living above it. She is trying hard to blend both of her worlds. She is trying to stay true to her faith and the values she has learned growing up Amish, yet blend in with her new English world. She loves working for Laura and her son Robby. Robby is good at listeing to her and she is good for trying to straighten him out. When a young unmarried pregnant girl named Teresa comes into the bakery, Susan's new life runs into her old life. Teresa has not had the best home life and she wants her baby to have a chance in life. To her that means she having her baby adopted by an Amish couple. Since the only Amish person she knows it Susan, she asks for her help. Susan agrees to help her. One of the things that irritate me was that Teresa's boyfriend wants nothing to do with her until she gets rid of the baby. I wanted to smack Teresa upside the head and scream at her, do you realize that he is a piece of garbage if he feels this way? Susan takes Teresa back to Indiana with her. Eventhough her parents are kind and caring to Teresa, that doesn't mean the rest of the community will be. This is a well thought out book. The conflict is real. You don't have to be Amish to have similar conflicts. The ending makes you pine for the next one in the series.
I received a copy to facilitate my reviews. The opinions expressed here are my own.
July 18, 2012
Title: MISSING YOUR SMILE
Author: Jerry Eicher
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
February 2012
ISBN: 978-0736939430
Genre: Inspirational/Amish
Susan Hostetler leaves the Amish and flees to New Jersey when she catches her boyfriend, Thomas Stoll, kissing her best friend Eunice. Susan is uncomfortable in her new fancy world, and still using kerosene lanterns, fearful of even turning on the electricity. She lands a job in a bakery, and helps sells roast beef sandwiches during festivals. Still, she isn’t quite sure what she’s doing there, at least until handsome Duane Moran, a CPA, pays some attention to her.
Thomas Stoll is confused. He loves Susan, and doesn’t quite understand why she doesn’t understand that. Sure, he kissed Eunice, but why should that mean the relationship is over? He doesn’t know how to make it up to Susan, so he turns around and asks Eunice out again.
Susan is adjusting to her new life, but then she meets a young unwed expectant mother who wants Susan to help her get her unborn baby adopted by an Amish family. As Susan tries to help the young woman, she’s drawn back to her Amish roots—but will her heart allow her to return to the life she left behind?
MISSING YOUR SMILE is the first book in Mr. Eicher’s newest series Fields of Home. Readers will be drawn into Susan’s life, experiencing first hand what an Amish teen would go through as they adjust to life among the English. Mr. Eicher has Amish roots so he writes with firsthand knowledge.
MISSING YOUR SMILE is a quiet, gentle read, that will leave you caring for Susan and even Thomas, though you want to sit the boy down and have a talk with him. Fans of Amish fiction won’t want to miss MISSING YOUR SMILE. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book. $11.99. 286 pages.
Author: Jerry Eicher
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
February 2012
ISBN: 978-0736939430
Genre: Inspirational/Amish
Susan Hostetler leaves the Amish and flees to New Jersey when she catches her boyfriend, Thomas Stoll, kissing her best friend Eunice. Susan is uncomfortable in her new fancy world, and still using kerosene lanterns, fearful of even turning on the electricity. She lands a job in a bakery, and helps sells roast beef sandwiches during festivals. Still, she isn’t quite sure what she’s doing there, at least until handsome Duane Moran, a CPA, pays some attention to her.
Thomas Stoll is confused. He loves Susan, and doesn’t quite understand why she doesn’t understand that. Sure, he kissed Eunice, but why should that mean the relationship is over? He doesn’t know how to make it up to Susan, so he turns around and asks Eunice out again.
Susan is adjusting to her new life, but then she meets a young unwed expectant mother who wants Susan to help her get her unborn baby adopted by an Amish family. As Susan tries to help the young woman, she’s drawn back to her Amish roots—but will her heart allow her to return to the life she left behind?
MISSING YOUR SMILE is the first book in Mr. Eicher’s newest series Fields of Home. Readers will be drawn into Susan’s life, experiencing first hand what an Amish teen would go through as they adjust to life among the English. Mr. Eicher has Amish roots so he writes with firsthand knowledge.
MISSING YOUR SMILE is a quiet, gentle read, that will leave you caring for Susan and even Thomas, though you want to sit the boy down and have a talk with him. Fans of Amish fiction won’t want to miss MISSING YOUR SMILE. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book. $11.99. 286 pages.
January 13, 2012
After being betrayed by her boyfriend Thomas, Susan flees to the Englisha world. Devastated and hurt Susan seeks comfort in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Susan hopes to build a new life for herself away from her Indiana home and away from Thomas.
Susan is quite pleased with herself. She has managed to buy some Englisha clothes, went on a few lunch/dinner dates with an Englisha gentleman, passed her GED test and her driver’s license test. Is she really fitting into this strange but fascinating new world?
While working at her job in a bakery Susan befriends Teresa a young unwed expectant mother. Teresa’s boyfriend left her and won’t return until Teresa gets rid of the baby. She begs Susan to find a nice Amish family to adopt her baby. Susan, after much thought, promises to do what she can to help Teresa.
I absolutely loved this book. I gave it 5 stars.
This in not your typical Amish story. The author takes us into the world of a young woman that has left her Amish community because of the hurt and betrayal by her boyfriend. Here in the Englisha's world the author gives us insight into how she feels, thinks, acts, reacts, etc. By the end of the book I was begging for more. I can't wait to see what happens next! I will be waiting patiently for "Following Your Heart" the next book in this series to be published! A job well done Mr. Eicher!
I wish to thank Harvest House Publisher and Author Jerry S. Eicher for sending me this book to read and review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.
Susan is quite pleased with herself. She has managed to buy some Englisha clothes, went on a few lunch/dinner dates with an Englisha gentleman, passed her GED test and her driver’s license test. Is she really fitting into this strange but fascinating new world?
While working at her job in a bakery Susan befriends Teresa a young unwed expectant mother. Teresa’s boyfriend left her and won’t return until Teresa gets rid of the baby. She begs Susan to find a nice Amish family to adopt her baby. Susan, after much thought, promises to do what she can to help Teresa.
I absolutely loved this book. I gave it 5 stars.
This in not your typical Amish story. The author takes us into the world of a young woman that has left her Amish community because of the hurt and betrayal by her boyfriend. Here in the Englisha's world the author gives us insight into how she feels, thinks, acts, reacts, etc. By the end of the book I was begging for more. I can't wait to see what happens next! I will be waiting patiently for "Following Your Heart" the next book in this series to be published! A job well done Mr. Eicher!
I wish to thank Harvest House Publisher and Author Jerry S. Eicher for sending me this book to read and review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.
January 19, 2012
Another good book from Jerry Eicher! When I first started this book I knew it was going to be a different read than anything I have read before. This story is told from 3 different points of view. Susan Hostetler is Amish, but after catching her Amish boyfriend kissing another girl she leaves her home and moves to the English world of Asbury Park, New Jersey where she starts work in a bakery and is befriended by the owner. In her attempts to "become English" she gets her GED and a drivers license with the help of the bakery owners son, but is she really happy? Thomas, the boy she left behind, is wondering if she will come back and forgive him for his one mistake. Her parents are trying to get on with their lives while missing Susan terribly and wondering about the real reason she left in such a hurry.
One day a young, unwed, pregnant, woman comes into the bakery and forms an instant attachment to Susan. What transpires is a friendship and a very unusual request. Will Susan be able to grant this young woman's request? Will Susan decide to go home, and if she does, will she stay? Well, I guess you will have to read the book to find out! As for me, this Book 1 of the Fields Of Home series kept my interest and was a very well told story. I can't wait for Book 2! I want to see what happens next! I highly recommend this book!
One day a young, unwed, pregnant, woman comes into the bakery and forms an instant attachment to Susan. What transpires is a friendship and a very unusual request. Will Susan be able to grant this young woman's request? Will Susan decide to go home, and if she does, will she stay? Well, I guess you will have to read the book to find out! As for me, this Book 1 of the Fields Of Home series kept my interest and was a very well told story. I can't wait for Book 2! I want to see what happens next! I highly recommend this book!
February 11, 2012
Sarah Hostetler left her Amish community to distance herself from her boyfriend after witnessing him kissing another woman. Suddenly in the Englisha community, Sarah decides that if she is here, she needs to become Englisha. She gets her GED, wears Englisha clothing, and learns to drive. She dates an Englisha man, and she encounters a young, pregnant girl that wants her child brought up in the Amish community. Sarah tries to become Englisha, but home still pulls her.
Sarah's views of the Englisha world add an interesting twist to the story line, as she tries to stay focused on the Lord, and live a life she believes acceptable, throughout all the changes going on around her. Missing Your Smile is the first in a series of three, and leaves the reader hanging with an incomplete story, which means, since I enjoyed reading this one, I'll definitely get the next two. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy an interesting story wrapped around a mild, Christian romance.
Received Galley from NetGalley.com
Sarah's views of the Englisha world add an interesting twist to the story line, as she tries to stay focused on the Lord, and live a life she believes acceptable, throughout all the changes going on around her. Missing Your Smile is the first in a series of three, and leaves the reader hanging with an incomplete story, which means, since I enjoyed reading this one, I'll definitely get the next two. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy an interesting story wrapped around a mild, Christian romance.
Received Galley from NetGalley.com
June 24, 2012
Book 1 in the Fields of Home series by Jerry S. Eicher published by Harvest House is a good read and leaves you wanting more. Not your typical Amish romance that ends with a kiss or plans for a wedding.
Eicher brings to life Susan Hostetler who leaves her Amish farm life in Indiana behind to attempt to recover from a broken engagement, and joins the Englisha community in Asbury Park New Jersey.
Susan buys new clothes, gets her GED and learns to drive with the help of compassionate and very real friends she meets there as she changes her life.
Complications begin with a young unwed mother, Teresa who wishes her baby to be adopted and raised by the Amish. Susan is the only Amish person Teresa has ever seen outside of a TV set.
The book moves along well as we follow Susan’s trail and trial to come to grips with the modern world and he struggles to leave her Amish persona behind, while still helping Teresa with her desire for Amish parents for her baby.
Eicher brings to life Susan Hostetler who leaves her Amish farm life in Indiana behind to attempt to recover from a broken engagement, and joins the Englisha community in Asbury Park New Jersey.
Susan buys new clothes, gets her GED and learns to drive with the help of compassionate and very real friends she meets there as she changes her life.
Complications begin with a young unwed mother, Teresa who wishes her baby to be adopted and raised by the Amish. Susan is the only Amish person Teresa has ever seen outside of a TV set.
The book moves along well as we follow Susan’s trail and trial to come to grips with the modern world and he struggles to leave her Amish persona behind, while still helping Teresa with her desire for Amish parents for her baby.
July 21, 2012
Missing Your Smile by Jerry Eicher is definitely different from anything I have ever read about the Amish. Susan's heart is broken by Thomas and her best friend, Eunice, so she flees her home and the pain there. She works at a bakery and lives in the apartment upstairs... but struggles with using Englisha electricity to light the rooms, and carrying a purse or wearing Englisha dresses. Soon, Duane shows interest and they go on some dates. While he is very kind and caring, her Amish ways still hold them back from becoming more than just friends. And, then there's Robby. Robby is her bosses' son and he's a sweetheart that has strayed from any faith. He's kind of like a brother... he teases, but still listens when she needs an ear. Honestly, I wondered if something would happen between them??
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes Amish fiction or romantic fiction. I would also say this is a good book for anyone 14 and up.
November 26, 2017
Book 1 of this series finds Susan Yoder running away from the Amish community because of a jilted relationship. It is about her time there as she works to try to forget her Amish roots. Things go well and she gets her GED and driver’s license (both are forbidden by the People). While in the Englisha world, Susan befriends a unwed mother who voices a desire to join the Amish community. Will Susan return home in order to help Teresa or return to the Englisha world?
May 2, 2012
Just read an advance copy of Jerry Eicher’s Missing Your Smile. This is a must read for all fans of Amish fiction and offers a heartwarming look at the life of the young protagonist of the novel, Susan, as she struggles with each decision while striving to live the life that God wants her to lead. I was drawn into Susan’s life similar to how she is drawn to the world of the Englisha and I am looking forward to the next book in The Fields of Home Series. Eicher has given his readers another inspiring book!
March 5, 2014
What a wonderful story!! I really enjoyed it. I am looking forward to reading the second book in this series, Following Your Heart. Incidentally, I think the picture on the cover ofMissing Your Smile is priceless.
March 28, 2019
Susan though since they were children it would be Thomas she would wed. When a new family and their daughter caught Thomas eye, he spends time with her, and a kiss was shared, and witnessed by Susan. She flees to the English world and a bakery, the ocean that calms her trouble soul. Thinking she needs to try some things that are common for the English, as using a light switch, instead of a kerosine lantern . Meeting Teresa and befriending her and the baby, leads them back to Susan home.A good Amish read
June 8, 2015
Ahhhh, an Amish story where a female finally stands up for herself and tells the community (not initially) that it is not OK for a bethothed male to kiss another female.
Very different slant on an Amish woman going Englische. I am looking forward to reading the other two books in this series.
Fields of Home #1
Very different slant on an Amish woman going Englische. I am looking forward to reading the other two books in this series.
Fields of Home #1
April 21, 2012
# 1 in a four book series and yes it is Amish. Just put #2 on hold at the library. This author really keeps you guess as to what will happen. In fact I'm finished with this one and I still don't know what is going to happen.
August 9, 2012
This book gets 5 stars. Susan, an Amish girl is heartbroken when she sees her finance do something that breaks her heart and run away to New Jersey to become English. While working in a bakery she mets a pregnant girl who begs her to take the baby to her Amish community so it can be raised Amish.
May 25, 2017
I'm usually not picky about writing style, but I do not like this author. The conversations and even the plot was very awkward. Struggled to make it though the entire thing. I won't be reading the next two books.
July 12, 2012
Great read, cant wait for next one.
August 17, 2012
Badly written, weak characters, little plot. Not recommended.
November 9, 2012
I enjoyed reading this book. Alll of the stories that I read about the Ahish puts me in a wonderful place.
July 5, 2014
This is the first book in the Field og Homr Drtird. It is about the Amish community and one
girl's journey. I am about to start book #2 and can't wait to get started.
girl's journey. I am about to start book #2 and can't wait to get started.
November 22, 2014
Amish
I Thought it was a
little slow in getting
to the end. I love reading the books by Jerry. Either her.
I Thought it was a
little slow in getting
to the end. I love reading the books by Jerry. Either her.
January 21, 2018
This is different from the usual Amish story. An Amish girl has left her home after being betrayed by her boyfriend. She partakes of Englisha life returning home for an unusual reason
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