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In Your World #1
Healing Faith
Kate Hill is fleeing from her abusive boyfriend when her bus breaks down in rural Iowa. With her abuser in pursuit, she seeks sanctuary with an Amish family after hiding in their buggy. She discovers a world unlike hers in many ways: full of love and sense of family that she had never experienced in her own world. But with the love also come prejudice and a faith that she has never experienced before.
Nathan Fisher is an innocent Amish man questioning his faith after the loss of his family. Struggling on his own to keep his family’s farm working, he discovers his guiding angel when the English woman becomes his inspiration to his heartsick soul. He knows it would be wrong to fall for this woman, whom the Bishop says is merely temptation to lead him astray. But perhaps that is what his God has sent for him. A fresh start, even if it means the risking all he has ever known.
Kate must overcome the prejudices of a guarded community and confront the harsh brutality of her world when it comes to find her in order for her to find a life she can be proud to live. Nathan must find his lost faith while battling the forbidden desire he has for the Outsider that would surely leave him shunned from all he has ever known should he give into his feelings.
Together they will discover that love can break down boundaries in cultural differences, and heal broken faith.
Nathan Fisher is an innocent Amish man questioning his faith after the loss of his family. Struggling on his own to keep his family’s farm working, he discovers his guiding angel when the English woman becomes his inspiration to his heartsick soul. He knows it would be wrong to fall for this woman, whom the Bishop says is merely temptation to lead him astray. But perhaps that is what his God has sent for him. A fresh start, even if it means the risking all he has ever known.
Kate must overcome the prejudices of a guarded community and confront the harsh brutality of her world when it comes to find her in order for her to find a life she can be proud to live. Nathan must find his lost faith while battling the forbidden desire he has for the Outsider that would surely leave him shunned from all he has ever known should he give into his feelings.
Together they will discover that love can break down boundaries in cultural differences, and heal broken faith.
461 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2013
18 people are currently reading
646 people want to read
About the author
Jennyfer Browne
5 books92 followersJennyfer Browne has always been a sucker for a good love story- a complex recipe with a dash of dashing, a pinch of heroism, and a hefty dose of outside forces that test young lovers. Seasoned with tears and laughter, followed by a sprinkle of happy sighs fill out the perfect recipe.
Jennyfer also enjoys pie.
Ms. Browne lives in California with her wonderful husband and adoring son, where she enjoys the beach and sailing off on further adventures.A member of the Romance Writers of America and blessed with an overactive imagination, she writes sweet and savory romances with a twist of tart that always come to a happy ending.
You can visit Jennyfer Browne on her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/jennyferbrow...
Jennyfer also enjoys pie.
Ms. Browne lives in California with her wonderful husband and adoring son, where she enjoys the beach and sailing off on further adventures.A member of the Romance Writers of America and blessed with an overactive imagination, she writes sweet and savory romances with a twist of tart that always come to a happy ending.
You can visit Jennyfer Browne on her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/jennyferbrow...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
November 18, 2014
I was completely taken with this man. His mouth both in how it moved and what he said to me had me enthralled.
When I started reading this book, I thought it would end up in the endless pile of DNF's that I've been accumulating lately. But I was desperate because nothing was sticking and I was getting distracted, and seriously what the hell is going on with me.
So at 1 AM on Sunday morning I started this little gem and I couldn't stop reading. To be quite honest I was afraid the book would be preachy, and well that really wasn't what I was looking for. All I wanted was an epic love story, that fed my particular tastes. I rarely like beta heroes let alone love them, it's just not in me, but Nathan was so freaking amazing that I fell in love with him immediately. And after reading one of the poems he wrote for Kate I was an oozing mess of emotions.
So much beauty in your being.
Surely you are an angel sent down to me
If you read any of the above ramblings and feel the need to read it too. You should know something first. This is a pushed to publish fanfic, I love fanfics so this never deters me, but I just had to put that out there. If you're worried about the religious bit, here are my thoughts. This book is about a girl who falls in love with a guy who happens to be Amish. The book is not preachy, but the backdrop is an Amish community and religion is an integral part of Amish life. Does the help? I hope so!
Here's a little more information on the story
Kate Hill, is on the run from an abusive boyfriend. She's tried countless times to reach out to her father for help, but to no avail. He's the town councilman and her boyfriend's father is the town sheriff. It seems political allies are more important to her father than the well being of his child. On her way to see her sister, the bus she's on breaks down and while waiting for another her boyfriend shows up. Desperate to get away, she hides in the buggy of a stranger.
The Berger's become Kate's new family, and it's while living with them that she meets Nathan Fisher who's recently lost his entire family. I won't go into further detail but there are a lot of factors going against Nathan and Kate's relationship. The Bishop, who feels that Kate will tire of Amish life and leave Nathan. The looming threat of Kate's ex boyfriend finding her, Kate is also afraid that staying with the Berger's will bring violence to their lives because her boyfriend is an aggressive man.
In the twenty-four hours I had been with this family. I had not once heard Jonah belittle his wife like my dad had done all those years. If anything Jonah Berger worshiped his wife, and she him. It was completely foreign to me, for I had never seen my family act as the Berger's did.
So what I got was truly an amazing love story, it was wildly romantic. Yet not so much that I felt like gagging or rolling my eyes. There was enough mystery and danger to keep me from being bored. When ever I get stuck in a bookslump, one of the best remedies is deviating from what I normally read, and this worked like a charm.
February 24, 2016
I absolutely loved this book. It is long and pretty detailed when describing daily chores, clothing, houses, etc, but I found it fascinating. Plus the writing is great! The book is from Kate's POV but because it is so well written I always felt like I had good insight to Nathan too. I liked watching Kate learn the Amish ways and realize that was the life for her. I adored Nathan- what a sweet man. He suffered great losses, but was still kind and so tender toward Kate. This is one book where everything makes sense and it flows really well. You can see Kate and Nathan falling in love and it is a really special story. I loved most of the side characters too. There is drama with Kate's ex boyfriend- it was written well and didn't drag on. This would make a marvelous movie!
June 1, 2013
What did I think?? I have been following this author forever and was chomping at the bit for the story to publish.
I loved the story so much I wanted to hug everyone around me!
And yes, this is a dreaded P2P, but you know what...
I know this story. I could practically recite it to you word for word, that's how much I loved it and have read it many times. I never get bored with it. Really just a good story and that's what we all want, a good story where we are engaged, entertained, feel and just *sigh* when finished. It was one of the best stories posted...ever.
Now, if you are on the con side of P2P, I am not going to change your mind, and that's OK. But if you are a fencer like I was, Healing Faith is not to be missed!
Jennyfer Browne did an amazing job of reworking her story.
Oh! On a sidebar, the author self published and the formatting was perfect!! That in itself is worth mentioning. I can't tell you how many times I've read a self published story with crossed eyes because of the formatting. Kudos JB.
It is the same story but not the same story. There were significant changes made to the story.
The family dynamic is not the same. The mom has passed away, there is an older sister, and the father is a city councilman. There is also the addition of a sister in the adoptive family. These changes alone changed the characterizations and overall feel of the story.
There were large chunks of the story removed and some new material added. The characterizations were beefed up and broadened. One thing that did not change, the prose. The story is extremely well written, engaging, entertaining, loaded with emotions, drama, and a flow that you just sail along with. And even though this is a trilogy, book 1 ended smoothly and evenly. It stands on it's own, even if you didn't want to continue with the rest of the series you would be fine. Again, kudos JB.
The story is about Kate who is fleeing for her life from her abusive boyfriend. Her sister Stacey is away at school in Chicago and has offered her refuge. Kate's father is to busy to admit things are not right between Kate and Sean, but turns a blind eye to it. On her way to her sister, the bus breaks down in rural Iowa, near an Amish community. As luck does not seem to be part of Kate's world, Sean has followed her. Kate escapes in the back of an Amish buggy and is offered sanctuary by the family. The family grows to love Kate and Kate them. It is the first time Kate has felt at peace and truly belonged. The first time she has felt deserving of love and kindness.
Then she meets Nathan.
Oh Nathan. He has lost his faith and way. His entire family passed away suddenly of sickness why he was away at missionary school with the Bishop. He struggles to find meaning...a struggle that ends but adds to his confusion with Kate. She is a forbidden fruit, an English and not of his world. But the attraction is instant and they are soon drawn together.
Now the story is simplistic in it's nature. Boy meet girl. Instant attraction. Forbidden love. Us against the world. But it is so much more than "that" story line. There is a passion in the author's writing. It just oozes emotion and feelings. I found myself completely absorbed by these two and their day to day interactions. Their courtship was very sweet. And Nathan's poetry was just breathtaking! I hung on every word and found myself imitating his gentle voice in my mind as I was reading. Yep, I could hear him speaking to me.
And it wasn't all sweetness going on. There were little touches here and there tempting them both, some in the community felt Kate would lead Nathan astray and away from their way, mainly the Bishop. And there was still Sean on the lose and relentlessly hunting down Kate. Definitely some action interwoven.
This was a story about love, acceptance, finding ones way, and becoming a part of a greater good in their world.
It is a definite must read for the summer!
ARC was provided by the author after I relentlessly stalked her. See...stalking definitely has it's benefits! Now for Book 2 Jennyfer!!! *GrabbyHands*
I loved the story so much I wanted to hug everyone around me!
And yes, this is a dreaded P2P, but you know what...
I know this story. I could practically recite it to you word for word, that's how much I loved it and have read it many times. I never get bored with it. Really just a good story and that's what we all want, a good story where we are engaged, entertained, feel and just *sigh* when finished. It was one of the best stories posted...ever.
Now, if you are on the con side of P2P, I am not going to change your mind, and that's OK. But if you are a fencer like I was, Healing Faith is not to be missed!
Jennyfer Browne did an amazing job of reworking her story.
Oh! On a sidebar, the author self published and the formatting was perfect!! That in itself is worth mentioning. I can't tell you how many times I've read a self published story with crossed eyes because of the formatting. Kudos JB.
It is the same story but not the same story. There were significant changes made to the story.
The family dynamic is not the same. The mom has passed away, there is an older sister, and the father is a city councilman. There is also the addition of a sister in the adoptive family. These changes alone changed the characterizations and overall feel of the story.
There were large chunks of the story removed and some new material added. The characterizations were beefed up and broadened. One thing that did not change, the prose. The story is extremely well written, engaging, entertaining, loaded with emotions, drama, and a flow that you just sail along with. And even though this is a trilogy, book 1 ended smoothly and evenly. It stands on it's own, even if you didn't want to continue with the rest of the series you would be fine. Again, kudos JB.
The story is about Kate who is fleeing for her life from her abusive boyfriend. Her sister Stacey is away at school in Chicago and has offered her refuge. Kate's father is to busy to admit things are not right between Kate and Sean, but turns a blind eye to it. On her way to her sister, the bus breaks down in rural Iowa, near an Amish community. As luck does not seem to be part of Kate's world, Sean has followed her. Kate escapes in the back of an Amish buggy and is offered sanctuary by the family. The family grows to love Kate and Kate them. It is the first time Kate has felt at peace and truly belonged. The first time she has felt deserving of love and kindness.
Then she meets Nathan.
Oh Nathan. He has lost his faith and way. His entire family passed away suddenly of sickness why he was away at missionary school with the Bishop. He struggles to find meaning...a struggle that ends but adds to his confusion with Kate. She is a forbidden fruit, an English and not of his world. But the attraction is instant and they are soon drawn together.
Now the story is simplistic in it's nature. Boy meet girl. Instant attraction. Forbidden love. Us against the world. But it is so much more than "that" story line. There is a passion in the author's writing. It just oozes emotion and feelings. I found myself completely absorbed by these two and their day to day interactions. Their courtship was very sweet. And Nathan's poetry was just breathtaking! I hung on every word and found myself imitating his gentle voice in my mind as I was reading. Yep, I could hear him speaking to me.
And it wasn't all sweetness going on. There were little touches here and there tempting them both, some in the community felt Kate would lead Nathan astray and away from their way, mainly the Bishop. And there was still Sean on the lose and relentlessly hunting down Kate. Definitely some action interwoven.
This was a story about love, acceptance, finding ones way, and becoming a part of a greater good in their world.
It is a definite must read for the summer!
ARC was provided by the author after I relentlessly stalked her. See...stalking definitely has it's benefits! Now for Book 2 Jennyfer!!! *GrabbyHands*
July 15, 2016
This was a book I was very skeptical to read but I am so glad I took the chance. First it is NA, which is usually a genre I don't go for. It is also from the heroine pov only which again is not a favorite either but the way the story was told was very enjoyable, sweet, fascinating, and also very sensual.
The story is about a young woman named Katherine or Kate Hill. She is on the run from an abusive ex and finds sanctuary with an Amish family name Berger. They take her in and she has to learn to live the way they do while trying to figure out what is her next move, what really makes her happy, and how to deal with her situation back home.
The hero is Nathan Fisher and is the nephew of the family that has taken Kate in. He is dealing with the loss of his entire family and is struggling on how to move forward. He has pulled away from not only his remaining family but their community.
Kate and Nathan are of course from two different worlds as far as how they have lived but both have been struggling with their circumstances and trying to find what to do next. They find themselves attracted to each other but are very hesitant at first due the fact that Kate is considered an outsider by the community unless she decides to become apart of the community officially.
While living with the Amish community, the Berger family and getting closer to them and Nathan, she start to see love in a way that is not like she has experienced and about forgiveness and acceptance. She develops something with Nathan but they have a shake up due to the ex and her family, and some people in the community as well. Many things are addressed but many things set up for the follow up book.
This was such a great read.
The story is about a young woman named Katherine or Kate Hill. She is on the run from an abusive ex and finds sanctuary with an Amish family name Berger. They take her in and she has to learn to live the way they do while trying to figure out what is her next move, what really makes her happy, and how to deal with her situation back home.
The hero is Nathan Fisher and is the nephew of the family that has taken Kate in. He is dealing with the loss of his entire family and is struggling on how to move forward. He has pulled away from not only his remaining family but their community.
Kate and Nathan are of course from two different worlds as far as how they have lived but both have been struggling with their circumstances and trying to find what to do next. They find themselves attracted to each other but are very hesitant at first due the fact that Kate is considered an outsider by the community unless she decides to become apart of the community officially.
While living with the Amish community, the Berger family and getting closer to them and Nathan, she start to see love in a way that is not like she has experienced and about forgiveness and acceptance. She develops something with Nathan but they have a shake up due to the ex and her family, and some people in the community as well. Many things are addressed but many things set up for the follow up book.
This was such a great read.
February 23, 2016
Overall rating: 4.5 stars!
Triggers:
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Sex with om/ow:
Intimate pasts:
Push/pull:
OW/OM drama:
Other triggers:
HEA:
My review:
This is my first Amish type of romance. It was interesting to read about this type of community and how wonderful they were to Kate in her time of need. There is one man, the Bishop, who I don't like, but I am sure I will find out more about him in the second installment.
The hero was the absolute sweetest and really everything about the Berger family was wonderful. I wasn't sure about one of the girls at first - Hannah, but she came around.
Why not 5 stars? I felt that this book was LOOONG and drawn out. Sometimes I am in the mood for it and sometimes I'm not.
Also, I am confused about this "spring break" for the Amish people. It is where they "get a taste" of what it's like in the outside world and decide if they should stay or leave. I guess it's a party of sorts that takes place on the outskirts of town in a barn. There is drug, sex and rock and roll. I know Nathan never participated. Apparently it wasn't just for those who were single, many "couples" went just to be alone and out of the prying eyes of their parents so they could do what they wanted with their mate. Whatever is done here is supposedly forgiven when you make your choice. What I am confused about is that there are a few side romances. Anyways, that's just my side note. I am going to choose to believe positively about that situation LOL!
Anyways, it was enjoyable and I have to go to the next installment so I can see how Kate and Nathan's full and complete story will turn out :D
Triggers:
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Sex with om/ow:
Intimate pasts:
Push/pull:
OW/OM drama:
Other triggers:
HEA:
My review:
This is my first Amish type of romance. It was interesting to read about this type of community and how wonderful they were to Kate in her time of need. There is one man, the Bishop, who I don't like, but I am sure I will find out more about him in the second installment.
The hero was the absolute sweetest and really everything about the Berger family was wonderful. I wasn't sure about one of the girls at first - Hannah, but she came around.
Why not 5 stars? I felt that this book was LOOONG and drawn out. Sometimes I am in the mood for it and sometimes I'm not.
Also, I am confused about this "spring break" for the Amish people. It is where they "get a taste" of what it's like in the outside world and decide if they should stay or leave. I guess it's a party of sorts that takes place on the outskirts of town in a barn. There is drug, sex and rock and roll. I know Nathan never participated. Apparently it wasn't just for those who were single, many "couples" went just to be alone and out of the prying eyes of their parents so they could do what they wanted with their mate. Whatever is done here is supposedly forgiven when you make your choice. What I am confused about is that there are a few side romances. Anyways, that's just my side note. I am going to choose to believe positively about that situation LOL!
Anyways, it was enjoyable and I have to go to the next installment so I can see how Kate and Nathan's full and complete story will turn out :D
March 4, 2016
Very sweet story. Kate runs away from her abusive boyfriend, Sean. She takes a bus from Northern Calif. to Illinois (to stay with her sister). She ends up in rural Iowa. She stays with an Amish family while hiding out from her violent ex. Kate immediately takes to the (much) slower pace lifestyle. As in NO electric, automobiles, computers, TV, etc. The Berger family is very kind to Kate. She pitches in with the chores. Her talent: baking fruit pies. The Bergers have 3 daughters. One of the daughters, Hannah doesn't exactly welcome Kate with open arms. Kate becomes closest to Emma. Fannie (mom), Jonah (dad) & Emma & Abigail start to call her daughter and sister.
I was intrigued by this story since I have two (adoptive) cousins that lived with the Amish when they were very young.
I loved the gentle pace of the story. I loved being immersed in their loving gentle way. For a time, Kate could forget her trauma and have some peace with a real family.
Kate had to get away from her ex since her own father sided with her ex, Sean.
The Bergers have a neighbor, Nathan. Nathan is Fannie's nephew. He had tragically lost his entire family to illness not too long before this story begins.
Nathan is very withdrawn and very sullen. Kate immediately catches his eye. She is like a bright star to him. The POV is all 1st Person- Kate, so there are subtle signs that he likes her.
Emma and Kate are very close in age. They share a bed & talk things over at night (everyone goes to bed when (dad) Jonah says so- ever so gently, I must say). Emma points out Nathan's interest in Kate.
The middle of the book was a little slow for me. I did take a break and then came back to it.
I really missed my Amish story.
The pace really picked up around 65%.
Kate makes a decision of whether to stay with her new Amish family and say goodbye to her "English" (non Amish) family and lifestyle.
The last 10-15% went from intense-heartbreaking to very sweet. I loved Nathan, what a 100% genuinely sweet H. One of my favorites. Once he met Kate, that was IT. No more loner-super sadness. He came alive when he met Kate & vice versa for Kate.
Thanks for the recco JLC I loved this story. There is an HFN- but I do want to read the sequel.
I was intrigued by this story since I have two (adoptive) cousins that lived with the Amish when they were very young.
I loved the gentle pace of the story. I loved being immersed in their loving gentle way. For a time, Kate could forget her trauma and have some peace with a real family.
Kate had to get away from her ex since her own father sided with her ex, Sean.
The Bergers have a neighbor, Nathan. Nathan is Fannie's nephew. He had tragically lost his entire family to illness not too long before this story begins.
Nathan is very withdrawn and very sullen. Kate immediately catches his eye. She is like a bright star to him. The POV is all 1st Person- Kate, so there are subtle signs that he likes her.
Emma and Kate are very close in age. They share a bed & talk things over at night (everyone goes to bed when (dad) Jonah says so- ever so gently, I must say). Emma points out Nathan's interest in Kate.
The middle of the book was a little slow for me. I did take a break and then came back to it.
I really missed my Amish story.
The pace really picked up around 65%.
Kate makes a decision of whether to stay with her new Amish family and say goodbye to her "English" (non Amish) family and lifestyle.
The last 10-15% went from intense-heartbreaking to very sweet. I loved Nathan, what a 100% genuinely sweet H. One of my favorites. Once he met Kate, that was IT. No more loner-super sadness. He came alive when he met Kate & vice versa for Kate.
Thanks for the recco JLC I loved this story. There is an HFN- but I do want to read the sequel.
June 3, 2013
Can't help myself. I know I read this for free as fanfiction, but I loved it so much that I felt like I owed it to Jennyfer to pay for it, too. I have over 200 books on my Kindle that I haven't read yet, but as soon as Healing Faith was available I bought it and re-read it. Truth, loved it just as much the second time.
Jen has a real gift for story telling and I love that she immerses us in a world we rarely get to see. The romance between Nathan and Kate is a beautiful journey, but so happy she gives us a little cheeky-ness to it, too. Some of my favorite parts of the book are Nathan's struggle to be respectful.
Even though I know where the next book goes, I still can't wait to read it, and that's the sign of a great story. Thanks Jen!
Jen has a real gift for story telling and I love that she immerses us in a world we rarely get to see. The romance between Nathan and Kate is a beautiful journey, but so happy she gives us a little cheeky-ness to it, too. Some of my favorite parts of the book are Nathan's struggle to be respectful.
Even though I know where the next book goes, I still can't wait to read it, and that's the sign of a great story. Thanks Jen!
May 29, 2013
I won an ARC to this book and found myself immersed in a world I wish I could explore. As a child we got to go on field trips to Amish farms, making it quite easy for me to visualize and see myself at the dinner table Ms. Browne sits us at. The love of family, friends and God shines so brightly it would be impossible not to heal. Ms. Browne did an excellent job in showing us how different and amazing life could be if we just took a moment to appreciate it. I look forward to the next book and wish this author much success. Enjoy.
June 7, 2013
Healing Faith gives the reader an enlightening look into the Amish world through the eyes of Kate, a young woman who is in desperate need of healing. She finds sanctuary with the Berger family and loses her heart to sweet Nathan, a young man in need of healing of his own.
Healing Faith is one of the sweetest love stories I've ever read. I can't wait for Book #2.
Healing Faith is one of the sweetest love stories I've ever read. I can't wait for Book #2.
September 22, 2016
++Spoilers Possible++
3 stars. I liked it, I didn't love it.
The long & the short of it: This is a sickenly super sweet clean romance with a too perfect heroine.
Overall: The writing itself was pretty good, but not without flaws. It was "nice."
Romance:
I felt a lack of a connection with the characters most likely because it's written 1st person POV with only the heroine's perspective. In all honesty, it truly wasn't necessary to get inside the hero's head, but I find that the romance seems to feel diluted when it's not done. There was too much repettitiveness which also hurt the romance. How many times can two people kiss and hold hands?
The pace was painstakingly slow:
Every minute action, breath and thought was written in exhausting detail. I also could have done without all the heroine's monotonus inner thoughts which detracted from the action of the scene. Clearly, this book could have and should have been and least 100 pages shorter.
Although I do like sweet reads, I prefer them to have something driving the story forward, something to keep me on the edge of my seat. Here the story just plods along until 75% when we are bombarded all at once by the cartooinishly evil ex boyfriend "Sean" as he kidnapps Kate. No worries! It's not long before all is resolved and we are back to the same ole same ole.
I found myself skimming a lot, especially near the end. I truly didn't need a detailed day by day account of the two MC's 4 day journey back to Iowa, eating sandwhiches and holding hands.
Characters:
The hero is what made the book. He was very sweet. He felt more real to me because he had...... flaws!! Yes, that's how one makes three dimensional characters..........Whereas the flawless perfect heroine was to me a bit... nauseating. Not unlikable, but just...... dull.
The secondary characters were ok, a bit stereotypical, but likable enough.
Closing words:
I chalked this up in my tags as a cliffhanger because if you want to find out if the community ends up accepting Kate you'll need to read the next book.
There is no epilogue here, but there is a half hearted ending leaving the H & h back in Iowa being welcomed back home.
I plan to read the next book in the series with the hopes the conflict picks up and the author doesn't drag things out so much since the whole Amish life thing has already been established.
Safety:
H & h Both virgins and remain virgins at the end of this book.
Cheating-No
OM/OW - Sean is Kate's abusive ex. He makes a few appearances and tries to rape her but decides against it last minute. Kate wants nothing to do with him.
Violence- A little, mild by my standards
Rape- Attempted, not accomplished. The scene is detailed by wasn't bothersome to me. others may not care for it.
Abuse- Yes. Sean the ex smakes Kate around a bit on a number of occasions and attempts to rape her (see above)
Adultery-No
HEA ILY- Yes basically
Marriage-No
Baby-No
Sex-No but lots of holding hands, kissing and eventually touching.
3 stars. I liked it, I didn't love it.
The long & the short of it: This is a sickenly super sweet clean romance with a too perfect heroine.
Overall: The writing itself was pretty good, but not without flaws. It was "nice."
Romance:
I felt a lack of a connection with the characters most likely because it's written 1st person POV with only the heroine's perspective. In all honesty, it truly wasn't necessary to get inside the hero's head, but I find that the romance seems to feel diluted when it's not done. There was too much repettitiveness which also hurt the romance. How many times can two people kiss and hold hands?
The pace was painstakingly slow:
Every minute action, breath and thought was written in exhausting detail. I also could have done without all the heroine's monotonus inner thoughts which detracted from the action of the scene. Clearly, this book could have and should have been and least 100 pages shorter.
Although I do like sweet reads, I prefer them to have something driving the story forward, something to keep me on the edge of my seat. Here the story just plods along until 75% when we are bombarded all at once by the cartooinishly evil ex boyfriend "Sean" as he kidnapps Kate. No worries! It's not long before all is resolved and we are back to the same ole same ole.
I found myself skimming a lot, especially near the end. I truly didn't need a detailed day by day account of the two MC's 4 day journey back to Iowa, eating sandwhiches and holding hands.
Characters:
The hero is what made the book. He was very sweet. He felt more real to me because he had...... flaws!! Yes, that's how one makes three dimensional characters..........Whereas the flawless perfect heroine was to me a bit... nauseating. Not unlikable, but just...... dull.
The secondary characters were ok, a bit stereotypical, but likable enough.
Closing words:
I chalked this up in my tags as a cliffhanger because if you want to find out if the community ends up accepting Kate you'll need to read the next book.
There is no epilogue here, but there is a half hearted ending leaving the H & h back in Iowa being welcomed back home.
I plan to read the next book in the series with the hopes the conflict picks up and the author doesn't drag things out so much since the whole Amish life thing has already been established.
Safety:
H & h Both virgins and remain virgins at the end of this book.
Cheating-No
OM/OW - Sean is Kate's abusive ex. He makes a few appearances and tries to rape her but decides against it last minute. Kate wants nothing to do with him.
Violence- A little, mild by my standards
Rape- Attempted, not accomplished. The scene is detailed by wasn't bothersome to me. others may not care for it.
Abuse- Yes. Sean the ex smakes Kate around a bit on a number of occasions and attempts to rape her (see above)
Adultery-No
HEA ILY- Yes basically
Marriage-No
Baby-No
Sex-No but lots of holding hands, kissing and eventually touching.
June 11, 2013
As a full time reviewer there is usually little time left to read novels that are self-published. However, I've found that when I do read one, it's often times the book that pulls at my soul. Pulls at my heart and magically takes me to a world that I long to be a part of if only for awhile. Kate has found herself fleeing from an abusive relationship. An abuse that forces Kate to leave her family, friends, and the life that she knows to go into complete hiding. Little did she know that her jump into a small black buggy would lead her to a simple life of refuge. A simple life of living. A massive life of love that is true. Her devotion to the new Amish way of life comes with a price. It won't be easy and everyone will not be supportive. But it's her new family and a young man named Nathan that begins to mend her broken heart and spirit, while at the same time, she begins to mend Nathan as well. I'm not sure if there is an official Webster definition of fan-fiction, however here is what I have given it: the development and creation of an original storyline and plot using a previous established character or characters for writing inspiration. When I first became aware that there was such a concept of fan-fiction it was many, many years ago. You tend to follow a few good stories and wait patiently for the weekly or bi-weekly updates to arrive that usually always leave the reader wanting more. That's how we stayed hooked! In My World was first presented to readers through the realm of fan-fiction under Holdmeransom. Whom you can still find on twitter and facebook as she has other pieces she has written or are in the works. Self-Published, Healing Faith (In My World #1) is presented to readers under her pen name, Jennyfer Browne. If you have never read fiction with an Amish focus, this should be the one that you pick up and give a try. Jennyfer captures her readers with the very first chapter, even the very first page. You'll grip your e-reader tightly. You'll fall in love with Nathan and Kate and silently wish the story never ends.
July 6, 2013
I loved this book. It made me want to clean my house, do laundry, make corn cakes, find a good strong Amish man, put on a bonnet and hop in his wagon.
This is one of the few romance books that I've read that actually has some wholesome content and it's refreshing to get that once in a while.
All together, this book took me away and gave me all of those feel good feelings a story can give you while reading. I smile when I think about this one. Healing Faith ((In Your World)) will always be a favorite of mine.
This is one of the few romance books that I've read that actually has some wholesome content and it's refreshing to get that once in a while.
All together, this book took me away and gave me all of those feel good feelings a story can give you while reading. I smile when I think about this one. Healing Faith ((In Your World)) will always be a favorite of mine.
June 19, 2013
As a full time reviewer there is usually little time left to read novels that are self-published. However, I've found that when I do read one, it's often times the book that pulls at my soul. Pulls at my heart and magically takes me to a world that I long to be a part of if only for awhile. Kate has found herself fleeing from an abusive relationship. An abuse that forces Kate to leave her family, friends, and the life that she knows to go into complete hiding. Little did she know that her jump into a small black buggy would lead her to a simple life of refuge. A simple life of living. A massive life of love that is true. Her devotion to the new Amish way of life comes with a price. It won't be easy and everyone will not be supportive. But it's her new family and a young man named Nathan that begins to mend her broken heart and spirit, while at the same time, she begins to mend Nathan as well.
I'm not sure if there is an official Webster definition of fan-fiction, however here is what I have given it: the development and creation of an original storyline and plot using a previous established character or characters for writing inspiration. When I first became aware that there was such a concept of fan-fiction it was many, many years ago. You tend to follow a few good stories and wait patiently for the weekly or bi-weekly updates to arrive that usually always leave the reader wanting more. That's how we stayed hooked! In My World was first presented to readers through the realm of fan-fiction under Holdmeransom. Whom you can still find on twitter and facebook as she has other pieces she has written or are in the works. Self-Published, Healing Faith (In My World #1) is presented to readers under her pen name, Jennyfer Browne. If you have never read fiction with an Amish focus, this should be the one that you pick up and give a try.
Jennyfer captures her readers with the very first chapter, even the very first page. You'll grip your e-reader tightly. You'll fall in love with Nathan and Kate and silently wish the story never ends. Healing Faith can be found on Amazon, however Jennyfer is giving three ecopies away with my review. In addition, because I love Jennyfer's writings (and Kate and Nathan) so much I'm going to throw in 1 mystery box of ARCs in addition to the awesome ecopy of Healing Faith to one grand prize winner. It's time for a summer clean up and this would be the perfect time!
I'm not sure if there is an official Webster definition of fan-fiction, however here is what I have given it: the development and creation of an original storyline and plot using a previous established character or characters for writing inspiration. When I first became aware that there was such a concept of fan-fiction it was many, many years ago. You tend to follow a few good stories and wait patiently for the weekly or bi-weekly updates to arrive that usually always leave the reader wanting more. That's how we stayed hooked! In My World was first presented to readers through the realm of fan-fiction under Holdmeransom. Whom you can still find on twitter and facebook as she has other pieces she has written or are in the works. Self-Published, Healing Faith (In My World #1) is presented to readers under her pen name, Jennyfer Browne. If you have never read fiction with an Amish focus, this should be the one that you pick up and give a try.
Jennyfer captures her readers with the very first chapter, even the very first page. You'll grip your e-reader tightly. You'll fall in love with Nathan and Kate and silently wish the story never ends. Healing Faith can be found on Amazon, however Jennyfer is giving three ecopies away with my review. In addition, because I love Jennyfer's writings (and Kate and Nathan) so much I'm going to throw in 1 mystery box of ARCs in addition to the awesome ecopy of Healing Faith to one grand prize winner. It's time for a summer clean up and this would be the perfect time!
January 14, 2016
This was one of the sweetest romance novels I have ever read. It was about love, discovery, healing and acceptance. Sure there was a bit of spice but nothing that I would consider pornographic.
I felt the author did a great job giving readers like me a look into the Amish culture without making it too preachy or overselling religion. The book was very well balanced and insightful.
I truly hope the author continues with many books in this series. I will read them all.
I felt the author did a great job giving readers like me a look into the Amish culture without making it too preachy or overselling religion. The book was very well balanced and insightful.
I truly hope the author continues with many books in this series. I will read them all.
August 7, 2016
Not a fan- this is recycled damsel-in-distress material.
March 19, 2016
5 Beautifully Written Stars!
All I can say is WOW! I loved this book! I was completely taken with the love in this story....the sense of family, the innocence, and the strength. But overall, it was thoroughly romantic with a great list of characters that you become invested in quickly. The hero is strong and sensitive, innocent and protective ...and completely, utterly taken with the heroine. He is not the average romantic male lead in the books I tend to read, but he is no less enthralling. The heroine is a great lead. She is young but takes control of her life and grabs on to a good thing when she falls into it. She dares to reach for more from life than an abusive boyfriend, and she falls deeply and irrevocably for hero. This book wasn't really angsty, but it did have an air of expectation that shit was going to go down. And wow did it...but there was so much more too. It was a journey for Katherine to find her footing and fight her demons and it was the same for Nathan. This book was such a surprise! No gratuitous sex, but very sensual with great build up. No subliminal messages to the reader about how to feel about religion or telling you what and how to believe, but plenty of loving example of how this group of characters lived, loved, and shared their own imperfections which made their group jus perfect! I loved this book...and have already read the second one. You will not be disappointed if you go this route!
All I can say is WOW! I loved this book! I was completely taken with the love in this story....the sense of family, the innocence, and the strength. But overall, it was thoroughly romantic with a great list of characters that you become invested in quickly. The hero is strong and sensitive, innocent and protective ...and completely, utterly taken with the heroine. He is not the average romantic male lead in the books I tend to read, but he is no less enthralling. The heroine is a great lead. She is young but takes control of her life and grabs on to a good thing when she falls into it. She dares to reach for more from life than an abusive boyfriend, and she falls deeply and irrevocably for hero. This book wasn't really angsty, but it did have an air of expectation that shit was going to go down. And wow did it...but there was so much more too. It was a journey for Katherine to find her footing and fight her demons and it was the same for Nathan. This book was such a surprise! No gratuitous sex, but very sensual with great build up. No subliminal messages to the reader about how to feel about religion or telling you what and how to believe, but plenty of loving example of how this group of characters lived, loved, and shared their own imperfections which made their group jus perfect! I loved this book...and have already read the second one. You will not be disappointed if you go this route!
July 30, 2013
Mrs A's review.
Katherine Hill is running from her abusive boyfriend Sean Miller.
On the way to her sister, Stacy, in Illinois, the bus breaks down and she ends up in West Grove, Iowa where there seems to be nothing more than endless fields of corn.
Sean finds the bus in the little town as it waits to be repaired, knowing she must be in the area somewhere he starts looking for her. She hides in the buggy of a Amish man named Jonah Berger.
He takes Katherine home with him and puts her under his protection.
Jonah and his wife Fannie take her in and begin to love her like a daughter.
It´s not easy to be an Englisher and go to live with an Amish family and follow their ways, but she doesn't plan to stay for long.
Everything changes when she meets Fannie´s nephew Nathan Fisher.
Nathan has had a very troubled year and everything he knows turns upside down when he meets Katherine.
We get to follow Katherine as she struggles to fit into the Amish ways, then Nathan´s issues with falling for an “outsider”. The elders in their society have a say in everything.
Will Nathan and Kathrine overcome all their obstacles? Will Sean leave her alone?
This book is beautifully written, and Nathan is the sweetest character and so easy to fall for, I did.
Can't wait for the sequel since the author left us hanging wanting more.
Katherine Hill is running from her abusive boyfriend Sean Miller.
On the way to her sister, Stacy, in Illinois, the bus breaks down and she ends up in West Grove, Iowa where there seems to be nothing more than endless fields of corn.
Sean finds the bus in the little town as it waits to be repaired, knowing she must be in the area somewhere he starts looking for her. She hides in the buggy of a Amish man named Jonah Berger.
He takes Katherine home with him and puts her under his protection.
Jonah and his wife Fannie take her in and begin to love her like a daughter.
It´s not easy to be an Englisher and go to live with an Amish family and follow their ways, but she doesn't plan to stay for long.
Everything changes when she meets Fannie´s nephew Nathan Fisher.
Nathan has had a very troubled year and everything he knows turns upside down when he meets Katherine.
We get to follow Katherine as she struggles to fit into the Amish ways, then Nathan´s issues with falling for an “outsider”. The elders in their society have a say in everything.
Will Nathan and Kathrine overcome all their obstacles? Will Sean leave her alone?
This book is beautifully written, and Nathan is the sweetest character and so easy to fall for, I did.
Can't wait for the sequel since the author left us hanging wanting more.
July 5, 2013
Kate sought refuge with a family in an Amish community, hiding from her abusive and obsessive boyfriend. In this community, she experienced love, care, and warmth from her adopted family which was a sharp contrast to her life in the “English” world. Her real father never paid her much attention and turned a blind eye to her boyfriend’s abuses. Though in the Amish community, she lived very simply, spending most of her time cleaning and cooking without any modern amenities, she truly felt happy and a sense of belonging. Also, she shared a strong attraction with an Amish boy, Nathan, and their relationship gradually grew. Their love for each other healed the pain of what life had dealt them. This is a wonderful story and I enjoyed the subtle touches, stolen kisses, and loving gestures that Kate and Nathan shared during their courtship. There will be obstacles encountered during their journey to be together and I look forward to reading the next one in the series.
June 10, 2013
I read this book when it was a fan fiction and loved it.. when I went back to re-read it i found out the author had pulled it off ff as it was going to be published..since then I have been waiting for the book to be out.. now that I have bought it and read it again, I can't wait to read the next part.. An excellent story about finding where you belong..
Healing Faith is the story of Kate who runs away from an abusive boyfriend and takes shelter in an Amish community.. Here she finds love and a family.. Love in the form of Nathan Fisher an Amish farmer and family in the form of Jacob, Fannie and their 3 kids..this book follows the story of how Kate learns to let go of the life she left behind
Healing Faith is the story of Kate who runs away from an abusive boyfriend and takes shelter in an Amish community.. Here she finds love and a family.. Love in the form of Nathan Fisher an Amish farmer and family in the form of Jacob, Fannie and their 3 kids..this book follows the story of how Kate learns to let go of the life she left behind
June 3, 2013
I had the pleasure of reading the fanfiction to this as it was being written. I absolutely LOVED it! I assumed the published version was going to be almost exactly the same but with names changed. I was COMPLETELY wrong. It was sooo much better! There's so much more to the story now. Larger families with lots more details. I can honestly say this is on my top 10 of favorite books.
Also, you'd never know this is a self pub. It is written beautifully with perfect grammar and punctuation.
If you haven't already read it, download/buy a copy now :)
Also, you'd never know this is a self pub. It is written beautifully with perfect grammar and punctuation.
If you haven't already read it, download/buy a copy now :)
July 21, 2013
Loved It! I was lucky enough to read this as a fanfic sometime ago and loved it then. And now reading it again in it's newer revised published version I can again honestly say with 'hand on heart' "I Loved It". There's nothing like reading a good old paperback especially while relaxing in the sun and I have found this in Healing Faith.
I'm now going to be constantly looking for any news for release dates for the second book in the series.
If you read this Jennyfer Browne, Thank You! Thanks for taking the chance and publishing this amazing story.
I'm now going to be constantly looking for any news for release dates for the second book in the series.
If you read this Jennyfer Browne, Thank You! Thanks for taking the chance and publishing this amazing story.
June 25, 2013
A beautifully written heart warming story full of great about finding your place in the world, and making it your own. I loved this book so much, it's a little window into a world unlike any I know, it makes me long for a simpler life dedicated to focusing on what's really important in life. Thank you Jennyfer Browne for having the strength and courage to craft this wonderful story for all of us!
March 20, 2017
Jennyfer Browne is the queen of the slow burn! Who would have thought reading about a hot and bothered, yet chaste and genuinely sweet couple could be so romantic. I enjoyed reading this story in its original FF form but now that it's been updated and published, I found that I didn't want to put it down. I'll be jumping into book #2 today!
May 25, 2015
Read it as a fanfiction and absolutely loved it! It completely opened my eyes to the Amish culture in a curious and intriguing way! Living in Arizona, the Amish are something of an extraordinary phenomenon to those of us who have never had the pleasure of meeting one! Plus, I completely ADORE the author and have read everything she's ever written!
August 5, 2021
Okay I will be honest and just say that I am a reader of smut! Good old fashion dirty books. When my friend begged me to read it I knew it was going to end up on the DNF shelf. Strike m'down and shiver me tenders, I LOVED IT!! This was an amazing story! I absolutely loved it and glad I let her talk me into reading it. Nice Sunday read.
June 18, 2013
This was such a sweet love story. It is very rare to come across a book that is so full of "innocence".. Brings me back to such simple times, times that we do not see anymore. My only complaint is that I would have loved to "hear" Nathan. Regardless, I can't wait for the next book.
June 2, 2013
Review to come eventually...but suffice it to say that this is a story about survival, forgiveness, mourning, faith, and finding love in the most unexpected places.
May 26, 2013
Healing Faith is an excellent story.I enjoyed getting to know the characters as they come to know themselves.I highly recommend this book to all.
May 31, 2013
Such a page turner! This story made me thirst for more.
June 10, 2013
I enjoyed this one so much, and know it's one I will read over & over. I look forward to the next part of the story!
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