Fire in the Night

Lancaster Burning #1

by Linda Byler

The Amish community of Lancaster is being terrorized by barn fires.
David and Malinda Beiler’s barn was the first to go. The clues are sparse, but Levi, the Beilers’ oldest son, happened to be awake in the middle of the night and spotted a white vehicle driving past the house with its lights off.
Sarah, David and Malinda’s daughter, is in her late teens and old enough to observe her parents’ agony. Not only is she afraid, too, and wishing she could protect her parents, she’s entranced by the flirtatious Matthew Stoltzfus. He’s dating her friend, Rose, but when he tenderly bandages Sarah’s hand after she burned it at the barn raising, she wonders who he’s really interested in.
When a second Amish barn burns for suspicious reasons, the Amish grow more restless. “We’re too quiet too much of the time,” a group of Amish men tell David Beiler, their minister. Seriously considering police protection, the increasingly tense community questions their traditional nonresistant approach to violence.
Sarah now finds herself at odds with her mother over her choice of boyfriends and uncertain about how to respond to the attention of Lee, a newcomer to Lancaster. Not only that, she wonders if her dad is a wise enough leader as her community reels from within and without.
Everyone is on edge as the losses mount and suspicions undo the usual steadiness of these people.

Genres: Amish, Mystery, Romance, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Amish Fiction

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Linda Byler grew up Amish and is an active member of the Amish church today. Growing up, Linda Byler loved to read and write. In fact, she still does. She is well known within the Amish community as a columnist for a weekly Amish newspaper. Linda and her husband, their children and grandchildren live in central Pennsylvania.

Reviews

[Leonard · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first in a series of three novels under the general title of "Lancaster Burning." This is an Amish romance novel, that has the romance positioned in the background with the barn fires take center stage. Actually for the Amish, and this novel is written by an Amish writer, relationships and faith seem to be the main subject, as it probably will continue to be in the whole series, and this is an accurate way of telling this interesting story.

[Alice Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an exciting Amish novel book! It was hard for me to put it down at bedtime ~ it was a wonderful story of how the Amish folk all work together in their communities and the love that was exemplified for the neighbors and family members is just so neat to read about in these days when one doesn't really get to know their neighbors. I thoroughly enjoy reading these Amish books. I lived in Amish Country in Ohio. I have seen the barns, the fields of corn ,and other vegetables and we often stopped and frequented the restaurants and bought gifts in their shops! Wonderful memories and I have read so many books and enjoy the many Amish authors! This one is about someone who is setting fires in Amish country.It begins David and Matilda Beiler's barn and goes on.The Amish are such good people who would do such evil to them? Then a second and third Barns burn what action can the Amish take to stop this from continuing? Why would anyone be a pyromaniac to the Amish who bother no one?

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time I've ever read a book written by someone who not only grew up in the Amish faith, but is still a practising member thereof. It was interesting to see the different nuances that she included in her book that were familiar to me from other Amish fiction, but discrete from the others at the same time.
Have you ever read a book where the main character was someone you could relate to so well that it made you cringe a bit? Sarah was that character for me. I could see so much of myself in my own teenage years (thankfully more than half a lifetime ago . . . I hope I have done some growing up in the mean time!), especially with her relationship with Matthew. I kept hoping she would listen to Mam and the other people that loved her. Perhaps in the next book?
Speaking of the next book, I *loved* how this one ended. There is definitely a segue into the next book: the story is by no means complete!, but the phrasing of the last sentence especially was very well done.
I'm just glad I'm reading this series after all 3 novels have been published. I think it would be very hard to have to wait a long time to find out what happens next!

[ReadAlongWithSue recovering from a stroke★⋆. ࿐࿔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have read the blurb, you get the gist of what this book is about. Its well written as is the authors other books. I found the book easy to get into, it captured my interest straight away with a fire in the first few pages. Then when it was discovered that the fire was not an accident it gripped my entire attention more.

Its a shame my housework and mowing the lawn today took me away from the story! However, it did slow down in the middle bit, for a while I was finding myself relaxed and my mind wandering, but then it picked up again.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading Amish stories, and if you've not read any Amish stories, I urge you to try reading one, maybe start with this one.

*This copy was given me by the publisher for an honest and truthful review*

[Judie Dooley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have given it a 5 but it kind of left me hanging at the end. WHAT HAPPENED???? I hope there is another book following this one.
This was the story of Amish barn burnings in Lancaster County ,PA. I liked the story--learned a lot about the Amish people. The story line was interesting and informative. The characters were strong.The story has a lot of sadness, and also happy times, but I didn't like the ending.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm finished with Fire in the Night: this is my first reading of this author; and I am not disappointed. It helps that author linda Byler grew up Amish. Her details of barn raising are the first I have read in amish reading and are very thorough. I like the characters in this book and it is filled with suspense as to what the community will do to prevent further 'victims' of someones' anger and unjustified actions. Looking forward to book 2

[Glmomich]

I found myself skimming a lot more than usual. I think the Author could have moved the story along better and maybe left out some of the unnecessary details and descriptions. I'm going to start the 2nd book and see how that one goes.

[Virginia Winfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable story. It sometimes seemed hard to follow because it would start a new thought . I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Kristy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, this book was okay. It was kinda slow though. So glad I finally finished reading it.

[Debbie Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book because I love Amish Fiction... and... I needed a book with a personal phobia and fire is one of my strongest fears. We live in a two story home with a basement. If we had a fire we are almost all too heavy to just get out an upstairs window. We would be stuck. Most nights, my fear is stronger at night, I can sleep well and trust my Lord. But some nights it worries me more than others.

In this book series an arsonist is setting fires in Amish barns and one fire catches onto the house as well. The character development of the Amish characters and Englishers is wonderful and the plot drew me in quickly and I read book 2 and 3 although I did not need them for my challenge, but I am ahead for the year... surprise, surprise for me... so I was able to read them and did that quickly. Reviews coming soon. This is definitely a series to read all of and in order.

Using this book for the The 52 Book Club 2024 Challenge prompt #31 - Includes a personal phobia

[Phylis Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by LInda Byler and it will not be the last. I love the cast of characters, the storyline is good. She tells it in a way that makes you feel like you are there and can feel the sorrow and despair they are feeling when they watch their barn burn to the ground with almost everything they own. One instance one of the neighbors lost their barn and most of the house.

The Amish are not a violent people but they are feeling desperate because of their losses. Sarah on the one hand knows how upset her Mother and Father are over everyone's losses but also know that they can not condone doing anything about it because of their religious beliefs and her father is the Pastor.

Check out the story I think you will enjoy it

[Lainey · Rating 2 out of 5]

My low rating doesn’t mean I disliked the book—it kind of reminded me of LM Montgomery in the way the plot moved and you can see how the seasons shape the lives of the characters. Also it made me sooo hungry and I looked up a bunch of Amish recipes afterwards.

However, I will not be reading the rest of the series. I felt like the mystery could have been resolved in this book and was really disappointed when it wasn’t. I also found the romance aspect frustrating, if extremely engaging.

Anyway, not a bad book. Just not for me.

[Lgordo · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first beef with this book is that it ends with zero resolution of anything. I know it's part of a series but still.

My second issue is with the quantity of sugar consumed in this book: I routinely got indigestion.

The writing is decent but nothing special; what you'd expect from an Amish author.

I primarily picked up this book out of ethnic curiosity. I live nearby, we visit Lancaster regularly. If I didn't know the author was Amish I would be very skeptical of what I read. Horseback riding? Mixed-gender social groups for teens? Dating for 2-3 years before marriage? Shocking stuff.

[Hope Irvin Marston · Rating 2 out of 5]

I prefer novels that show more frequently than the Tell what is going on which is not the case with this novel. The storyline with it's light romance is intriguing, but the tale ended leaving me wondering what happened to the couple that featured so prominently in it. Since I don't have an Amish background, I found the many Pennsylvania Dutch expressions followed by their translation to be distracting.

Hope Irvin Marston, author of AGAINST THE TIDE: THE VALOR OF MARGARET WILSON

[Susan Phelan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although I read through the trilogy and enjoyed the POV of someone in the Amish religion/way of life, the writing could have used some more editing. Lots of things happening , little plot, lots of telling rather than showing and a protagonist who let things happen to her more than making things happen.
If you are interested in the Amish life style and beliefs, that may pull you through the book.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, mostly for the insider look into Amish life. I’ve read a few books this year that are set in Amish communities and I think I like Linda Byler’s best because she gives an insider explanation as the “why” the Amish choose to live the lifestyle they do. I’ve learned a lot about this community and have come to understand and appreciate them more.

[Michelle Hassan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s not a book I would have chosen it was a gift and I truly enjoyed it. It was a glimpse inside the Amish community and I loved it. They are such a caring close knit group and makes me at least strive to be a better person. It has a bit of love. Mystery and even teaching. I definitely would recommend it.

[Arial · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! It is beautifully written and very descriptive. I was pulled in and it was impossible to put the book down. It is as if you are there and you are experiencing the emotions as you read. I was crying during parts of this book.

[Di Schlenk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book that leaves you hanging at the end.

Deals with a firebug who is setting fires in the Amish district in Lancaster.

This proves challenging to the peace loving Amish folk especially when a child dies.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really impressed with this book. I fell asleep quite frequently, skimmed a lot- and was wishing that it would move along more. I am usually a sucker for a good Amish book- but I just can’t with this. I don’t think I’ll be reading the second book.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I originally bought this book on a dare, after getting around to reading it I found myself rather enjoying it. I liked the characters and the vivid descriptions of every-day tasks and life, helping to round the story out.

[Gwen Holloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author Linda Byler's writing is very descriptive. She makes you feel that you are in the suspense story along with her characters.
I loved the ending. Can not tell you because it would spoil your read.

[Lorraine Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

[Massanutten Regional Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nancy, Page patron, July 2018, 4 stars:

A bit slow to get started, but press on, it's worth it.

[Lona Schuett · Rating 4 out of 5]

book 1 of series

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Linda Byler’s books. Don’t want Sarah to marry Matthew. I like Lee better. I think Ashley knows something. Must get the next one.

[Connie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really hope she ends up with Lee

[Ann Torrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good book but unfortunately it was the 1st in a series so you don't know what happen

[melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love Linda's book's.
I love the fact she is actually amish. makes the book's so much better to me.
I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize this was the first of a trilogy and you would have to read all to get to a resolution.