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Ruth's Dilemma
Life is complicated for Ruth Zook when her older sister, Emma, stakes her claim on Jeremiah Fisher, the man Ruth secretly loves. Ruth leaves her community to stay with an aunt in Philadelphia. Will she remain in the "English" world with all its conveniences and freedom, or will she return to her plain Amish life and settle for a marriage, perhaps one without love?
288 pages, Paperback
First published September 13, 2011
58 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
About the author
June Bryan Belfie
34 books48 followersJune Bryan Belfie began writing in her 70s and has written over 30 books. Her Amish novels became best sellers on Amazon Kindle, and her work has been published with both Harlequin and Desert Breeze. You can find most of her books available at Barnes and Nobles in paperback or e-book. Soon audio books will be available for some of her Amish and Christian-based novels.
While raising five children, June found time to take up oil painting and studied under several nationally known artists. She also loved to play the piano, sing, and sew.
In the 1970’s, she and her husband, Jim, purchased and operated a thirty-eight-room country inn located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania where she established an art gallery as well as creative workshops, which took place in a converted recreation hall. Professional artists and writers from all over the country presided over classes held during the summer months.
In addition to inn-keeping, Ms. Belfie has owned a restaurant, cooked professionally, worked in a bank, collected and sold antiques, directed a church choir, and served as a Stephen's Minister.
She enjoys her eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, as well as her adult children and their spouses. She now resides in Media, Pennsylvania.
While raising five children, June found time to take up oil painting and studied under several nationally known artists. She also loved to play the piano, sing, and sew.
In the 1970’s, she and her husband, Jim, purchased and operated a thirty-eight-room country inn located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania where she established an art gallery as well as creative workshops, which took place in a converted recreation hall. Professional artists and writers from all over the country presided over classes held during the summer months.
In addition to inn-keeping, Ms. Belfie has owned a restaurant, cooked professionally, worked in a bank, collected and sold antiques, directed a church choir, and served as a Stephen's Minister.
She enjoys her eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, as well as her adult children and their spouses. She now resides in Media, Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 10, 2015
Ruth's Dilemma presents the conflict of a young Amish girl that loves classical music which is forbidden in the Amish faith of her order. She also is in love with Jeremiah Fisher and he is in love with her but her older sister also thinks she is in love with Jeremiah. She decides to go visit her Aunt Ester that left the Amish faith twenty years ago and explore English ways. The book presents the conflict of finding good things in both ways of living and the dilemma of deciding where Ruth truly belongs. Will she return to her Amish community and Jeremiah or learn to live in the English community? The book is beautifully written and I was impressed with how the author showed the strong faith Ruth had while in both worlds.
June 7, 2013
This was a great book! I could not put it down and read it in one day.It is a story about an Amish family of sisters who go through the growing pains of women. Ruth falls in love with a man who her sister Emma thinks she is in love with and the story begins. It is an amazing book. When I was done with that, I started Emma's choice. Hooked on the Zook sisters of Lancaster county.
December 9, 2020
Ruth's Dilemma is a wonderful story that starts out the series The Zook Sisters of Lancaster County written by June Bryan Belfie. This book introduces the readers to the Zook Sisters and their stories. This book concentrates on Ruth Zook. When Ruth habits a secret love for Jeremiah Fisher it is devastating for her when her sister Emma announced she loves Jeremiah. Ruth now has a decision to make and what she will do with her life. When Ruth decides to visit her Aunt Esther in Philadelphia Ruth is torn about leaving Lancaster County and her community. As events play out Ruth is introduced to a handsome young lawyer who quickly shows an interest in Ruth. Now Ruth is torn between leaving all she's ever known for a life amongst the English world. As she weighs the best of both worlds it just adds to her dilemma. What Ruth chooses may shock you. The characters in this story are very likeable and realistic. The storyline is one that leaves the reader wanting more.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. All opinions are my own. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to June Bryan Belfie on writing a truly inspiring story for her readers enjoyment.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. All opinions are my own. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to June Bryan Belfie on writing a truly inspiring story for her readers enjoyment.
April 2, 2018
Interesting look into an Amish home that has 3 daughters, Ruth being eighteen and the middle child, takes a back seat, to the older one. She is twenty and declared her interest in Jeremiah. Leaving Ruth to take a drastic measure and go visit and aunt, so her feeling for him, won’t show, will he get tire of waiting for her to return and turn his attention to the other sister. Good interesting read of young love
July 6, 2017
Wonderful
As always, I enjoyed this book so very much! I love reading about the Amish lifestyle. When I was young, I would sometimes wish that I were Amish. I'll definitely be reading this entire series
As always, I enjoyed this book so very much! I love reading about the Amish lifestyle. When I was young, I would sometimes wish that I were Amish. I'll definitely be reading this entire series
December 15, 2017
Emma & Ruth are sisters & both seem to be interested in Jeremiah, a family friend & local buggy maker. Ruth is unsure about her future should she commit to the Amish lifestyle or is there another path she should follow? How does Jeremiah feel about all this ? Well worth the read.
December 21, 2017
Wonderful story
This is a wonderful story about making a life decision in the Amish community. Ruth felt strongly for a young man but so did her sister. This could not be a good thing, maybe rumpsring would clear her mind.
This is a wonderful story about making a life decision in the Amish community. Ruth felt strongly for a young man but so did her sister. This could not be a good thing, maybe rumpsring would clear her mind.
December 7, 2019
Good book
The book started slow, but it picked up rather quickly. When it did, I couldn't put it down! The author did a great job of letting you feel the confusion that Ruth was feeling. I loved the storyline and I look forward to reading more about the family.
The book started slow, but it picked up rather quickly. When it did, I couldn't put it down! The author did a great job of letting you feel the confusion that Ruth was feeling. I loved the storyline and I look forward to reading more about the family.
December 20, 2017
Excellent!
An awesome novel. So hard to put down. I loved the sense of family loyalty, the faith, and the trials that were overcome by relying on God.
An awesome novel. So hard to put down. I loved the sense of family loyalty, the faith, and the trials that were overcome by relying on God.
January 4, 2018
Awesome
This was an interesting book. It showed me no one has a right to judge anyone for there beliefs. The people stayed true to form and the author kept my interest.
This was an interesting book. It showed me no one has a right to judge anyone for there beliefs. The people stayed true to form and the author kept my interest.
January 15, 2019
Love this book!!
April 10, 2021
Wundebar!!
I had a hard time putting the book down, eager to find out if Ruth's prayers were answered. Gott is gut!
I had a hard time putting the book down, eager to find out if Ruth's prayers were answered. Gott is gut!
August 17, 2022
2.5 stars
February 25, 2017
A good story of deciding to stay in God's graces.
A lovely story with morals and sweet love building between two. You will enjoy reading about Ruth and her journey. Two different worlds with so much to give a young girl. But her love for God along with her love for Jeremiah. Family is always the best. Read it today you won't be able to put it down. Thanks, Debbie
A lovely story with morals and sweet love building between two. You will enjoy reading about Ruth and her journey. Two different worlds with so much to give a young girl. But her love for God along with her love for Jeremiah. Family is always the best. Read it today you won't be able to put it down. Thanks, Debbie
February 26, 2017
Ruth wanted to see the English world. She went to Philadelphia to stay with an aunt she had never seen.
She enjoyed seeing museums, learning to play a violin, and seeing the English ways.
Her heart was with her family.
She enjoyed seeing museums, learning to play a violin, and seeing the English ways.
Her heart was with her family.
October 31, 2014
I really enjoyed reading this sweet Amish romance. It helped me see things differently. I loved the praying, and quoting scripture. I loved not completely predicting the book. I liked the Amish dialect too! The way June writes this you can just tell she is a woman of God, and firmly believes in Jesus and what he's done for us. God must have had his hand in helping create this story. I believe it reaches out to you and helps you feel closer to God, or can show you you can still have a relationship with him. The funny part is it's just a novel. Anyway here are two passages from the book I remembered to highlight that I liked. The first one made me laugh because it is what my husband also calls our youngest daughter, actually my hubs term is 'piggy pie.' Spoilers ahead:
"Wait your turn, little wootzer."
"Mamm, don't call me 'little piggy.' "I hate that."
"Sorry, sweetie. It's only a nickname."
"But it's awful. Daed sarted it. Please tell him to stop."
"Ruthie, Ruthie, I prayed all the time that you would love me and we would marry."
"I prayed it too."
"I guess He got tired of us praying about the same thing over and over and said, 'okay you two.'"
"Wait your turn, little wootzer."
"Mamm, don't call me 'little piggy.' "I hate that."
"Sorry, sweetie. It's only a nickname."
"But it's awful. Daed sarted it. Please tell him to stop."
"Ruthie, Ruthie, I prayed all the time that you would love me and we would marry."
"I prayed it too."
"I guess He got tired of us praying about the same thing over and over and said, 'okay you two.'"
December 14, 2013
I enjoyed this book. It described a real struggle that young people have with the battle between what they were raised in and what the world has to offer. I'm not amish, but I was raised in a very religious background and I could really relate to Ruth. The author did a great job outlining what is really important in life: love, family and friends. Those are the things that truly matter. I may not agree with all the Amish do, but I really do admire them for their strong family-friendship bonds. I love how they all work as a community to help when someone is in need. This book is heartwarming and thinking about it makes me smile. Definitely something I would recommend to another to read. May even read it again myself!
June 17, 2014
Ruth Zook and her sister both have eyes for the same boy and her sister imagines signs that he is also interested in her and Ruthie feels more loyalty to her sister and does not want to break her heart. Torn between her love of her Amish life and interest in the English world, Ruth goes to live with her aunt in Philadelphia. She soon finds a job in a coffee shop and becomes the subject of attention from a very handsome popular young attorney. As they become acquainted, Ruth is even more torn in her decision about returning to her family or remaining in the English world. Yeah, ok the story is a bit far reaching and unbelievable, but that's what I love about Amish books; faith, love,and family.
December 19, 2013
It;s been a very sad week for my family and I wanted a book that would distract my mind and soothe my
soul and this gentle story fit the bill. Ruth has questions about her Amish lifestyle and its limitations. She
loves classical music, enjoys learning to play an instrument, and is fascinated with the "Englisher" people she meets.
She loves her family and their simple life but she also loves wearing jeans, playing tennis with friends, eating new, exotic food, and her Aunt Esther who left the Amish community years ago.
No sex
No violence
soul and this gentle story fit the bill. Ruth has questions about her Amish lifestyle and its limitations. She
loves classical music, enjoys learning to play an instrument, and is fascinated with the "Englisher" people she meets.
She loves her family and their simple life but she also loves wearing jeans, playing tennis with friends, eating new, exotic food, and her Aunt Esther who left the Amish community years ago.
No sex
No violence
November 26, 2013
Of all the books I've read about the Amish, fictional or otherwise, this is the first one where the main character goes on her rumspringa. It was really cool to have a different perspective than the run of the mill books. I found myself laughing and crying in this book. The writing was well done, and the characters complete. I really reading enjoyed this book.
P.S. I got it for free on Amazon.
P.S. I got it for free on Amazon.
January 6, 2014
Good after the first few chapters
This was a great read after Ruth went to visit her Aunt. She loved the same man her sister did. Ruth didn't want to hurt her sister , so she took this time to do her running around as it is called ,she was not Baptized yet. she was able to do many things after getting to her Aunt's house and saw things she had only dreamed. I would recommend this book.
This was a great read after Ruth went to visit her Aunt. She loved the same man her sister did. Ruth didn't want to hurt her sister , so she took this time to do her running around as it is called ,she was not Baptized yet. she was able to do many things after getting to her Aunt's house and saw things she had only dreamed. I would recommend this book.
April 8, 2014
3.5 stars
I have been reading another Amish based series, so when I saw this for free on amazon I got it. It has some great themes in it: finding your own way, trying to do what's right. However, it was a bit hard to believe in some parts. I guess I don't know a whole lot about the Amish and should suspend my belief a bit. I didn't find it as convincing as the other series I have been reading.
I have been reading another Amish based series, so when I saw this for free on amazon I got it. It has some great themes in it: finding your own way, trying to do what's right. However, it was a bit hard to believe in some parts. I guess I don't know a whole lot about the Amish and should suspend my belief a bit. I didn't find it as convincing as the other series I have been reading.
May 18, 2015
Good Amish story
Her sister declared she wanted to marry the man Ruth secretly loved. Ruth wanted to get away and try out living English. Her parents agreed as long as she stays with her aunt who left to become educated and became a professor. Ruth enjoys the music and english life, but decides to return home. Things have changed and not always as she expected. A predictable sweet ending. Worth the time to read.
Her sister declared she wanted to marry the man Ruth secretly loved. Ruth wanted to get away and try out living English. Her parents agreed as long as she stays with her aunt who left to become educated and became a professor. Ruth enjoys the music and english life, but decides to return home. Things have changed and not always as she expected. A predictable sweet ending. Worth the time to read.
September 17, 2015
I enjoyed this book more, I think, because I hadn't read any Amish fiction for a few weeks. Ruth's life followed a realistic trajectory, and the decisions she made with regard to her sister and her love interest(s) made sense logically from my perspective. It was fun to follow her to the English world for a time, and even more fun to see how God showed her what He wanted for her life and gave her the desires of her heart. Great lightweight read.
June 2, 2015
Wonderful
Amazing and outstanding writing. A wonderful and inspiring spiritual love story. A decision to change to a different lifestyle or remain in the same close knit community with strong religious beliefs and practices that are so far from the mainstream that people laugh when they hear them. A truly great read.
Amazing and outstanding writing. A wonderful and inspiring spiritual love story. A decision to change to a different lifestyle or remain in the same close knit community with strong religious beliefs and practices that are so far from the mainstream that people laugh when they hear them. A truly great read.
June 11, 2016
Ruth and Jeremiahs story is really special. Ruth is a amazing person, she is always ready to help her family and friends. When Ruth leaves to stay with her aunt her life changed. Watching Ruth change will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. You will feel God working throughout this whole book.
April 29, 2016
So very good
I was pleased to read this book. I have n e cornbread anything by this writer but I will surely read her work now. There was emotional and religious overtures and caused a tear or two. Happy Reading.
I was pleased to read this book. I have n e cornbread anything by this writer but I will surely read her work now. There was emotional and religious overtures and caused a tear or two. Happy Reading.
August 16, 2015
Another awesome Amish love story!
What a good book,
I highly recommend it.
This is about Ruth...who at eighteen years old has to decide to stay Amish or live in the English world.
Seeing it from the woman side of it is refreshing.
Please read and enjoy this book.
What a good book,
I highly recommend it.
This is about Ruth...who at eighteen years old has to decide to stay Amish or live in the English world.
Seeing it from the woman side of it is refreshing.
Please read and enjoy this book.
November 26, 2015
Great read
I thought this was a good christian read .what a great story with Ruth and Jerimah.even tho Ruth went to live the English life for awhile God had saw fit that Ruth Amish values would not change such a great christian read.
I thought this was a good christian read .what a great story with Ruth and Jerimah.even tho Ruth went to live the English life for awhile God had saw fit that Ruth Amish values would not change such a great christian read.
January 1, 2016
Ruth's Dilemma gives the reader a look into the way of life of the Amish and how they are offered a choice to follow the plain ways or enter the English world. Ruth loves music but music is not part of the simple ways so she has to make a difficult decision.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews