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Lancaster Crossroads #2
A Simple Hope
Ever since the accident that confined him to a wheelchair, James Lapp has fought relentlessly to regain his strength. He knows he must be whole and healthy to run his family’s orchard and provide for Rachel King, the young woman he plans to marry. But when he defies his father’s wishes and seeks treatment outside their close-knit Amish community, James discovers just how long and treacherous the road to recovery will be. Unwilling to saddle a wife with his troubles, James decides he must part with the woman he loves.
Rachel won’t give up her dream of being a devoted wife to James, and it breaks her heart to watch him shut her out. Then their lives change forever when a runaway Englisher girl hides in the Lapp orchard. Rachel and James feel they must risk the disapproval of their friends and neighbors to help her. Will the young stranger bring them closer—or will the consequences of a shared secret tear them apart once and for all?
Revealing the wonder of plain, everyday blessings, A Simple Hope burns bright with the power of love to heal even the deepest wounds.
Rachel won’t give up her dream of being a devoted wife to James, and it breaks her heart to watch him shut her out. Then their lives change forever when a runaway Englisher girl hides in the Lapp orchard. Rachel and James feel they must risk the disapproval of their friends and neighbors to help her. Will the young stranger bring them closer—or will the consequences of a shared secret tear them apart once and for all?
Revealing the wonder of plain, everyday blessings, A Simple Hope burns bright with the power of love to heal even the deepest wounds.
352 pages, Paperback
Published March 4, 2014
21 people are currently reading
534 people want to read
About the author
Rosalind Lauer
19 books103 followersRosalind Lauer grew up in a large family in Maryland and began visiting Lancaster County’s Amish community as a child. Lauer attended Wagner College in New York City and worked as an editor for Simon & Schuster and Harlequin Books. She now lives with her family in Oregon, where she writes in the shade of some towering two-hundred-year-old Douglas fir trees.
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October 19, 2020
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An Amish read. Back to my roots. I used to read loads of this genre back in the day, so it was a huge treat to get to this one by Rosalind Lauer. Thing is, I didn’t realise it was book 2. Yes I’ve gone and done it again.
A couple so deeply in love planning to marry. Her fiancé has an accident that leaves him in a wheelchair. He doesn’t want her caring for him all they’re married life so he wants to let her go.
Of course, she’s not going to agree to that is she.
To top it all, there’s a young girl found in the Orchard.
A very moving read with lots of turmoil to get you’re thoughts going.
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An Amish read. Back to my roots. I used to read loads of this genre back in the day, so it was a huge treat to get to this one by Rosalind Lauer. Thing is, I didn’t realise it was book 2. Yes I’ve gone and done it again.
A couple so deeply in love planning to marry. Her fiancé has an accident that leaves him in a wheelchair. He doesn’t want her caring for him all they’re married life so he wants to let her go.
Of course, she’s not going to agree to that is she.
To top it all, there’s a young girl found in the Orchard.
A very moving read with lots of turmoil to get you’re thoughts going.
January 10, 2017
Good book. James and Rachel are survivors of an automobile crash and are dealing with the emotional and physical consequences. James was badly injured and is now stuck in a wheelchair. He is determined to do whatever is necessary to regain the ability to walk, because he feels like "half a man". Rachel wasn't injured, but because of her love for James, the accident is still affecting her life.
I really liked how Rachel hasn't given up on her relationship with James, even though he keeps trying to push her away. She doesn't care whether he can walk or not, she just wants to be with him. She's even willing to support them with her painting. At the beginning of the book she doesn't truly realize that that is the last thing he wants. She doesn't understand that his personal self-worth depends on him being able to support her, not the other way around. As she becomes more involved in helping him get to his treatments, they are able to spend far more time together, talking about their dreams and worries. I liked that how she became more accepting of his attitude, while trying to show him that she loved him no matter what. I also loved her joy in her art, and how that art was a big part of how she coped with the turmoil in her life.
James occasionally frustrated me, especially at the beginning. He was so focused on what he couldn't do that he lost sight of what he could. At the same time, I cheered for his determination, and ached for him when he thought his father was going to stop him from getting any more treatments. It was a bit frustrating to see how impatient he was for progress, especially considering the severity of his injury. He was also frustrated by his inability to do his usual work in his family's orchard, a job that is a bone deep part of who he is. I understood his anger at his father, who didn't seem to appreciate what the orchard means to James. His relationship with Rachel is also strained because of his pride. He doesn't like feeling like "half a man" and thinks that he needs to end his relationship so she can find someone better. It was fun to see him deal with her refusal to go away. I liked seeing their relationship improve as they talked and shared their dreams and hopes.
James's life grew a little more complicated when he found the Englischer girl hiding in the shack at the back of the orchard. Though he knew what his father would tell him to do, he felt that the right thing was to help her, not send her away. Having Rachel find out was both good and bad, as having her assistance was helpful, but it put her in an awkward position too. I loved James's protectiveness, and Rachel's "mothering", as they tried to help Shandell after running away from her abusive friend. It was interesting to see how the people from two such different worlds were so easily able to learn to relate to each other. I felt bad for the situation Shandell found herself in, and loved seeing how exposure to the Amish life gave her a new perspective on her own. When her presence was discovered, it created a whole new set of problems for James and Rachel. It was interesting to see the consequences and how they affected all three.
James's father Jimmy played a big part in the book. His attitude that James should just accept his handicap was a major irritation to me. When he made the decision that the Englisch medical people could no longer come to the house, I was almost as mad as James. It was obvious that he was allowing something from his own past affect his decisions, and that James was going to suffer for it. I was glad when he grudgingly allowed James to get the treatments, even though he couldn't accept transportation help from them. His lack of empathy for James and his constant negativity toward his future was disturbing. I also didn't like his reaction to James and Rachel helping Shandell. There was a very interesting twist at the end involving the two of them that I found very satisfying.
This was the first book I have read by this author. I will put her other books on my "want to read" list, as I would like to read the others in this series.
*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked how Rachel hasn't given up on her relationship with James, even though he keeps trying to push her away. She doesn't care whether he can walk or not, she just wants to be with him. She's even willing to support them with her painting. At the beginning of the book she doesn't truly realize that that is the last thing he wants. She doesn't understand that his personal self-worth depends on him being able to support her, not the other way around. As she becomes more involved in helping him get to his treatments, they are able to spend far more time together, talking about their dreams and worries. I liked that how she became more accepting of his attitude, while trying to show him that she loved him no matter what. I also loved her joy in her art, and how that art was a big part of how she coped with the turmoil in her life.
James occasionally frustrated me, especially at the beginning. He was so focused on what he couldn't do that he lost sight of what he could. At the same time, I cheered for his determination, and ached for him when he thought his father was going to stop him from getting any more treatments. It was a bit frustrating to see how impatient he was for progress, especially considering the severity of his injury. He was also frustrated by his inability to do his usual work in his family's orchard, a job that is a bone deep part of who he is. I understood his anger at his father, who didn't seem to appreciate what the orchard means to James. His relationship with Rachel is also strained because of his pride. He doesn't like feeling like "half a man" and thinks that he needs to end his relationship so she can find someone better. It was fun to see him deal with her refusal to go away. I liked seeing their relationship improve as they talked and shared their dreams and hopes.
James's life grew a little more complicated when he found the Englischer girl hiding in the shack at the back of the orchard. Though he knew what his father would tell him to do, he felt that the right thing was to help her, not send her away. Having Rachel find out was both good and bad, as having her assistance was helpful, but it put her in an awkward position too. I loved James's protectiveness, and Rachel's "mothering", as they tried to help Shandell after running away from her abusive friend. It was interesting to see how the people from two such different worlds were so easily able to learn to relate to each other. I felt bad for the situation Shandell found herself in, and loved seeing how exposure to the Amish life gave her a new perspective on her own. When her presence was discovered, it created a whole new set of problems for James and Rachel. It was interesting to see the consequences and how they affected all three.
James's father Jimmy played a big part in the book. His attitude that James should just accept his handicap was a major irritation to me. When he made the decision that the Englisch medical people could no longer come to the house, I was almost as mad as James. It was obvious that he was allowing something from his own past affect his decisions, and that James was going to suffer for it. I was glad when he grudgingly allowed James to get the treatments, even though he couldn't accept transportation help from them. His lack of empathy for James and his constant negativity toward his future was disturbing. I also didn't like his reaction to James and Rachel helping Shandell. There was a very interesting twist at the end involving the two of them that I found very satisfying.
This was the first book I have read by this author. I will put her other books on my "want to read" list, as I would like to read the others in this series.
*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2014
Okay, so Amish romance is my secret guilty pleasure. This one was no exception.
There is something extra special about this genre. I love the simple lives of the Amish, their dedication to their faith and the way they can keep themselves seperate yet part of the world around them. While many people might think that Amish and Romance don’t mix that well as genre – I beg to differ! I adore the purity of love that is bought out in these stories.
Previously I had only read novels in this genre by Beverley Lewis, so was excited to find another author who writes in this distinctly niche market.
While, honestly, I did find I was eternally comparing the two authors, I was very happy, in the end, with Lauer’s novel. This is not the first one in the series, but it reads quite easily as a stand alone book. There is absolutely no bog down of backstory relating to the first novel at all, nor is there any confusion as to what happened.
However, I did find parts of this novel lacking. There were times when there just felt like there were time frame issues. Sometimes it seemed Shandell (the main character who is stranded in Halfway after escaping her thieving non-boyfriend, Gary) is staying only a short time in the town. Towards the end of the novel, though, you are left wondering just how long she will be stuck there, or if you are just misreading.
Some of the conversations – especially at the start of the novel – appear to be quite sterile and formal. Now I know we are talking about the Amish here and their manner of speaking is certainly different to mainstream culture, but, even taking that into account, I found myself loosing interest as soon as they opened their mouths to speak. Persevere though, because the characters do loosen up in the middle and there are only a few stilted conversations after that.
As for Rachel, one of the main Amish characters, I just found I didn’t connect with her at all. She appeared quite flat as a character since she was completely perfect and forgiving in every way. While this is the Amish way, surely there should be some sort of internal struggle at times?
James, on the other hand was by far my favourite character! He struggled constantly with his lot in life and, as a result, the author manages to take his story and make it deliciously rich.
There are times at the end when it just feels like the author is laying everything out on the table without letting the reader fully explore these ideas and come to their own conclusions. As a result, sometimes the characters have epiphanies without the reader realising there was a lead up to it beforehand.
Even with this telling over showing, the author wound up the threads of this novel beautifully in the last few chapters. For all the faults I found with this novel, James and the ending wrapped it up tight for me. I am so glad I branched out and took a chance with this book! Fans of Amish novels will surely be pleased with this one.
Overall, I am giving A Simple Hope by Rosalind Lauer 3 out of 5 stars. I can’t WAIT to go back and read her first novel!
There is something extra special about this genre. I love the simple lives of the Amish, their dedication to their faith and the way they can keep themselves seperate yet part of the world around them. While many people might think that Amish and Romance don’t mix that well as genre – I beg to differ! I adore the purity of love that is bought out in these stories.
Previously I had only read novels in this genre by Beverley Lewis, so was excited to find another author who writes in this distinctly niche market.
While, honestly, I did find I was eternally comparing the two authors, I was very happy, in the end, with Lauer’s novel. This is not the first one in the series, but it reads quite easily as a stand alone book. There is absolutely no bog down of backstory relating to the first novel at all, nor is there any confusion as to what happened.
However, I did find parts of this novel lacking. There were times when there just felt like there were time frame issues. Sometimes it seemed Shandell (the main character who is stranded in Halfway after escaping her thieving non-boyfriend, Gary) is staying only a short time in the town. Towards the end of the novel, though, you are left wondering just how long she will be stuck there, or if you are just misreading.
Some of the conversations – especially at the start of the novel – appear to be quite sterile and formal. Now I know we are talking about the Amish here and their manner of speaking is certainly different to mainstream culture, but, even taking that into account, I found myself loosing interest as soon as they opened their mouths to speak. Persevere though, because the characters do loosen up in the middle and there are only a few stilted conversations after that.
As for Rachel, one of the main Amish characters, I just found I didn’t connect with her at all. She appeared quite flat as a character since she was completely perfect and forgiving in every way. While this is the Amish way, surely there should be some sort of internal struggle at times?
James, on the other hand was by far my favourite character! He struggled constantly with his lot in life and, as a result, the author manages to take his story and make it deliciously rich.
There are times at the end when it just feels like the author is laying everything out on the table without letting the reader fully explore these ideas and come to their own conclusions. As a result, sometimes the characters have epiphanies without the reader realising there was a lead up to it beforehand.
Even with this telling over showing, the author wound up the threads of this novel beautifully in the last few chapters. For all the faults I found with this novel, James and the ending wrapped it up tight for me. I am so glad I branched out and took a chance with this book! Fans of Amish novels will surely be pleased with this one.
Overall, I am giving A Simple Hope by Rosalind Lauer 3 out of 5 stars. I can’t WAIT to go back and read her first novel!
April 8, 2014
I was given this book free to read from Goodreads First Reads & I was delighted with the story line. Simple in faith & long in hope. After being in an accident the young man is in a wheel chair & doesn't know if he will ever walk again. Delightful story about a young Amish couple struggling to recover from a serious injury. The story line moved smoothly & I look forward to the next in the series. If you like Amish stories this one will delight you.
May 23, 2025
I have enjoyed reading this series. This book in the series had the same great characters, and an interesting story line. The ending unfortunately was incomplete and fell flat for me, which ruined the book a bit for me, and why I didn't rate it higher. I would have like to read the third book in this series, but I am saddened that it is unavailable.
March 26, 2023
It was a book I just picked up to see if I would be able to read any content.. I was glad that I did. I actually enjoyed reading about how to worlds collided. Great read. I think that I will read another from this collection of books.
August 22, 2017
Great storyline!! I thoroughly enjoyed this book immensely!! Looking forward to reading more of her books!!
September 2, 2017
Good story about an Amish man trying to become "whole" again.
March 31, 2018
I don't care to review this book.
May 21, 2019
Good read!
March 2, 2021
I'm loving this visit to Halfway.
It's amazing how one incident so horrific to many turned out so many wonderful things. Can't wait to read #3!
It's amazing how one incident so horrific to many turned out so many wonderful things. Can't wait to read #3!
August 21, 2023
This story will delight readers with a message of faith and hope that can change circumstances when the individual have determination, grit and put in a lot of dedication to gain their goal.
August 21, 2024
very good book
June 23, 2023
Wow who would think Amish would have a warm hearts to protect a runaway teenager and protect her,even lying to there families.But catching the creep that kidnapped and did robberies too.Then the girl who they help would return a favor.
March 21, 2014
I didn’t think I was ever going to find a copy of this one.
The local library hasn’t bought a copy yet and I was itching to read it.
Fortunately, Random House is supportive of Book Bloggers/Reviewers…
Rosalind Lauer has a very special talent. It takes a very strong talent to be able to find more and more stories to tell about one particular community – especially without the feeling that the same material is being recycled.
Rosalind Lauer has managed to write 5 books, 1 eBook and another book to come about the community in Halfway. And not one of those stories have been even remotely the same.
However, there have been some marvelous crossovers. Rosalind has invited us into a true community.
And we get to know a little bit more of it with every book. I know I’m looking forward to A Simple Charity - book 3 in this current series, and I hope there will be many more to come after it!
Rosalind dealt with one theme in her first series – Faith. And it seems the theme for this series is Healing. In A Simple Faith, we see that healing is not just about the body. That theme continues in this book - A Simple Hope, beautifully. James was only a part of the story in A Simple Faith but A Simple Hope is clearly his story – His and Rachel’s.
We continue to see our favorite characters from other books and we meet new ones as well but this story is definitely about James and his family and Rachel and the talent God blessed her with.
It’s truly amazing that Rosalind can keep writing about such serious issues without falling into a soap opera-feel. But there is never any feeling of being embroiled in the kind of drama you would find in one of those. What we see here is real-life drama, plain and simple – with a wonderful twist of being found in the plain and simple Amish community.
It’s difficult to believe that Rosalind Lauer is not Amish herself.
She certainly writes with an accuracy that makes you feel as if she is, or as if she grew up Amish. It’s an incredible thing. You would never know these weren’t written by someone who is very much embedded in that faith.
And yet, they’re also written with such flair. It doesn’t take more than a few paragraphs to be completely draw in to the story.
I look forward to reading many more of Rosalind Lauer’s books. I’m already itching to get my hands on A Simple Charity – which is scheduled to be released in October of this year.
Disclaimer: I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.
The local library hasn’t bought a copy yet and I was itching to read it.
Fortunately, Random House is supportive of Book Bloggers/Reviewers…
Rosalind Lauer has a very special talent. It takes a very strong talent to be able to find more and more stories to tell about one particular community – especially without the feeling that the same material is being recycled.
Rosalind Lauer has managed to write 5 books, 1 eBook and another book to come about the community in Halfway. And not one of those stories have been even remotely the same.
However, there have been some marvelous crossovers. Rosalind has invited us into a true community.
And we get to know a little bit more of it with every book. I know I’m looking forward to A Simple Charity - book 3 in this current series, and I hope there will be many more to come after it!
Rosalind dealt with one theme in her first series – Faith. And it seems the theme for this series is Healing. In A Simple Faith, we see that healing is not just about the body. That theme continues in this book - A Simple Hope, beautifully. James was only a part of the story in A Simple Faith but A Simple Hope is clearly his story – His and Rachel’s.
We continue to see our favorite characters from other books and we meet new ones as well but this story is definitely about James and his family and Rachel and the talent God blessed her with.
It’s truly amazing that Rosalind can keep writing about such serious issues without falling into a soap opera-feel. But there is never any feeling of being embroiled in the kind of drama you would find in one of those. What we see here is real-life drama, plain and simple – with a wonderful twist of being found in the plain and simple Amish community.
It’s difficult to believe that Rosalind Lauer is not Amish herself.
She certainly writes with an accuracy that makes you feel as if she is, or as if she grew up Amish. It’s an incredible thing. You would never know these weren’t written by someone who is very much embedded in that faith.
And yet, they’re also written with such flair. It doesn’t take more than a few paragraphs to be completely draw in to the story.
I look forward to reading many more of Rosalind Lauer’s books. I’m already itching to get my hands on A Simple Charity – which is scheduled to be released in October of this year.
Disclaimer: I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2014
After visiting a few Amish communities some years ago, I fell in love with their spirit, sense of kindness, and of devotion. I have loved reading about them ever since. This story is a true example of the morals and values that their community really upholds. This is the first book I have read by Rosalind Lauer, but is actually the second book in this series. The story revolves around James and Rachel, an amish couple that have suffered a terrible vehicle accident. James was severely injured and has been paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair ever since. This put a damper on his pride and his ability to help his family. It also hindered his relationship with Rachel, whom he was about to propose to. This book focuses around their struggle and how they learn to grow and trust one another.
Rachel and James stole my heart from the very beginning of this book. Rachel prays for James daily and always has his best interests at heart. She is completely heartbroken from the start and her unselfish manner is what initially drew me to her. She is truly in love with him and does not care what might come with James’s health and condition; she just knows that she wants to be with him. James is a bit of an iceberg from the start, mainly because his pride has been shaken. He is having to depend on others for help with basic needs, and it takes Rachel some time to break his iced over heart.
If you are at all interested in the Amish lifestyle, this is a great book to introduce you to the idea. Rachel’s family, as well as James’ family, is quite large and when they are all together I can picture and hear all the noise and laughter that is taking place. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance, stories about the bonds of family, and anyone who would like to branch out and try something new!
***A copy of this book was provided to me by the publishers at Ballantine Books in exchange for my honest review***
Rachel and James stole my heart from the very beginning of this book. Rachel prays for James daily and always has his best interests at heart. She is completely heartbroken from the start and her unselfish manner is what initially drew me to her. She is truly in love with him and does not care what might come with James’s health and condition; she just knows that she wants to be with him. James is a bit of an iceberg from the start, mainly because his pride has been shaken. He is having to depend on others for help with basic needs, and it takes Rachel some time to break his iced over heart.
If you are at all interested in the Amish lifestyle, this is a great book to introduce you to the idea. Rachel’s family, as well as James’ family, is quite large and when they are all together I can picture and hear all the noise and laughter that is taking place. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance, stories about the bonds of family, and anyone who would like to branch out and try something new!
***A copy of this book was provided to me by the publishers at Ballantine Books in exchange for my honest review***
August 26, 2014
A Simple Hope is a very sweet story of love and compassion. Rachel King is in love with James Lapp. They have been courting and planned to marry, this was until the tragedy happened. When James is in a car accident, he is seriously injured and his legs are paralyzed. He is confined to his wheelchair, and is determined to walk again. In this pursuit, he pushes away everyone he cares about, especially Rachel. He feels that he can not be a whole man for her when he is broken. James doesn't realize that Rachel loves him, the person he is inside. When James stumbles upon a girl hiding on his property. He knows that his family would be upset if they found an English girl taking refuge on their property, but he also remembers he should help those in need, so he lets the girl stay until she finds a way home. Rachel ends up finding out and the both of them help this girl, Shandell, try to find her way home. Working together, James and Rachel begin to remember why they originally had fallen in love.
I really enjoyed this sweet story and the characters in it. Rachel is a very strong-willed girl who refuses to give up on James, even when he pushes her away. James does a lot of growing through this book. He goes from feeling self-pity and depressed to feeling hope and love. Shandell also goes through a transformation in this book. She goes from being a girl who doesn't care much about failing school and running away with her friend, to taking on chores and helping out those who are helping her. She realizes that she was in the wrong and really wants to go home. I enjoyed reading this and would be interested in reading more of the Lancaster Crossroads series.
I received a copy of this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I really enjoyed this sweet story and the characters in it. Rachel is a very strong-willed girl who refuses to give up on James, even when he pushes her away. James does a lot of growing through this book. He goes from feeling self-pity and depressed to feeling hope and love. Shandell also goes through a transformation in this book. She goes from being a girl who doesn't care much about failing school and running away with her friend, to taking on chores and helping out those who are helping her. She realizes that she was in the wrong and really wants to go home. I enjoyed reading this and would be interested in reading more of the Lancaster Crossroads series.
I received a copy of this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
August 12, 2016
Interesting blend of Amish life and modern medicine
GOOD POINTS: This book has a unique plot that incorporates modern medicine into the storyline. The surprise ending is very satisfying. It was refreshing to see an Amish woman stand up in her own defense, as Rachel does here when James tries to end their engagement. I also found it interesting to see James’ struggle between the rules of the Amish lifestyle and what Jesus might do in a similar situation. The introduction of Shandell into the story is a huge boon to the story-line: I loved her character and the way she slowly learned from her mistakes.
NEGATIVES: I found it difficult to remember all the names in this book (lots of siblings) and this was made more difficult by referring to the main character’s parents by their first names rather than “James’ father” or “Rachel’s mother.” Perhaps a chart at the front of the book would help. The story drags about a third of the way through (before Shandell arrives) but picks up thereafter. Some of the details and conversations seemed extraneous to me.
OTHER COMMENTS: I was frustrated throughout this book by James’ unilateral decision that he could not marry unless he could walk. I suspect that such a view is true-to-life and I do not fault the author in any way for this aspect of the story, but it annoyed me nonetheless. This particular issue is not resolved – nor the issue of where the couple will live (her choice of venue or his).
Disclosure: I was randomly selected from among numerous GoodReads readers to receive an advance copy of this book; I have read it and this is my honest evaluation. I have no connection with this author or publisher and have received nothing from anyone in consideration for publishing this review.
GOOD POINTS: This book has a unique plot that incorporates modern medicine into the storyline. The surprise ending is very satisfying. It was refreshing to see an Amish woman stand up in her own defense, as Rachel does here when James tries to end their engagement. I also found it interesting to see James’ struggle between the rules of the Amish lifestyle and what Jesus might do in a similar situation. The introduction of Shandell into the story is a huge boon to the story-line: I loved her character and the way she slowly learned from her mistakes.
NEGATIVES: I found it difficult to remember all the names in this book (lots of siblings) and this was made more difficult by referring to the main character’s parents by their first names rather than “James’ father” or “Rachel’s mother.” Perhaps a chart at the front of the book would help. The story drags about a third of the way through (before Shandell arrives) but picks up thereafter. Some of the details and conversations seemed extraneous to me.
OTHER COMMENTS: I was frustrated throughout this book by James’ unilateral decision that he could not marry unless he could walk. I suspect that such a view is true-to-life and I do not fault the author in any way for this aspect of the story, but it annoyed me nonetheless. This particular issue is not resolved – nor the issue of where the couple will live (her choice of venue or his).
Disclosure: I was randomly selected from among numerous GoodReads readers to receive an advance copy of this book; I have read it and this is my honest evaluation. I have no connection with this author or publisher and have received nothing from anyone in consideration for publishing this review.
December 29, 2013
This is the first book that I have read by Rosalind Lauer. It is also the second book in a series called Lancaster Crossroads as well. At the time of this review, I have not yet read the first book in this series.
A Simple Hope introduces us to James Lapp and Rachel King, who are a couple that is planning their upcoming wedding and looking toward a future of running the family orchard. James is hurt in an accident and finds himself confined to a wheelchair. Everything changes at this point. He does not want to put Rachel through the burden of caring for an invalid, so makes the decision to break off their engagement. Rachel is hurt that James has shut her out of his life, but she is still determined to stand by him and become his wife someday regardless. James also decides to seek treatment outside of his Amish community which provides another hurdle that he must deal with in his struggle to overcome his injury.
While all this turmoil is happening the couple discover a runaway English girl that has been hiding in the orchard. Will this girl be the catalyst that brings the couple back together again?
I enjoyed reading this inspirational tale of of healing and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series too. I would recommend it to all fans of Amish fiction and those who enjoy reading other Christian fiction as well.
I received this e-book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I would like to thank the publisher for the opportunity to review this book.
A Simple Hope introduces us to James Lapp and Rachel King, who are a couple that is planning their upcoming wedding and looking toward a future of running the family orchard. James is hurt in an accident and finds himself confined to a wheelchair. Everything changes at this point. He does not want to put Rachel through the burden of caring for an invalid, so makes the decision to break off their engagement. Rachel is hurt that James has shut her out of his life, but she is still determined to stand by him and become his wife someday regardless. James also decides to seek treatment outside of his Amish community which provides another hurdle that he must deal with in his struggle to overcome his injury.
While all this turmoil is happening the couple discover a runaway English girl that has been hiding in the orchard. Will this girl be the catalyst that brings the couple back together again?
I enjoyed reading this inspirational tale of of healing and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series too. I would recommend it to all fans of Amish fiction and those who enjoy reading other Christian fiction as well.
I received this e-book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I would like to thank the publisher for the opportunity to review this book.
June 5, 2014
“A Simple Hope" by Rosalind Lauer, is a novel in the “Lancaster Crossroads” series. I was very interested in this book because the story told of overcoming physical obstacles and going on with your life.
Rachel King has loved James Lapp for a very long time. Everyone just knew they would marry. And then, a tragic accident happened that left James unable to walk and in a wheelchair. James was always an outdoor man, taking care of his family’s orchards and doing all the work associated with having a good harvest. James’ father thought that James should accept God’s will that he be confined to a wheelchair and not seek outside help from the Enlischer doctors.
Rachel stands by James, even though he doesn’t want to marry unless he can provide for her and a family.
James and Rachel find a young girl in need of someplace to stay and hide out from her dishonest boyfriend and they do their best to help her. They keep it a secret which infuriates James’ father because he does not trust and heartily dislikes anything that is not Amish. Together James and Rachel find what is important in life and strive to seek that goal for themselves.
I truly enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to anyone who likes to read about the Amish. I was sent a free print copy of this book in return for my honest review. You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-bq.
Rachel King has loved James Lapp for a very long time. Everyone just knew they would marry. And then, a tragic accident happened that left James unable to walk and in a wheelchair. James was always an outdoor man, taking care of his family’s orchards and doing all the work associated with having a good harvest. James’ father thought that James should accept God’s will that he be confined to a wheelchair and not seek outside help from the Enlischer doctors.
Rachel stands by James, even though he doesn’t want to marry unless he can provide for her and a family.
James and Rachel find a young girl in need of someplace to stay and hide out from her dishonest boyfriend and they do their best to help her. They keep it a secret which infuriates James’ father because he does not trust and heartily dislikes anything that is not Amish. Together James and Rachel find what is important in life and strive to seek that goal for themselves.
I truly enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to anyone who likes to read about the Amish. I was sent a free print copy of this book in return for my honest review. You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-bq.
September 5, 2014
Lauer has a knack for creating characters I care about. I'd already met James and Rachel in A Simple Faith and I can honestly say I've been wondering about them and their unique love story for a while now. Love it when characters stay with you long after the read is over.
James's journey is especially moving...and frustrating. Losing the use of his legs threatens his entire identity -- at least in his head. And I'll admit, his father's attitude doesn't help any. The push/pull between father and son is agonizing as both fight to adapt when confronted with this new reality. Honestly, I wanted to clobber James's father upside the head through most of the book. :-) Talk about complicated relationships! And while I understood James, he had me gnashing my teeth at times as well. Stubborn male pride -- even if he is Amish!
Steadfast, sweet Rachel hangs on through it all. Her dedication and love is admirable, even if it takes her down the wrong path a time or two. Lauer does a wonderful job of showing the contrast between the way a man and a woman cope with this kind of tragedy. Rachel does a lot of growing and stretching through the course of the book. The mature Rachel who emerges as the result of all she learns is simply stunning.
A Simple Hope beautifully illustrates the strength of hope and its ability to carry us through even the darkest of times.
James's journey is especially moving...and frustrating. Losing the use of his legs threatens his entire identity -- at least in his head. And I'll admit, his father's attitude doesn't help any. The push/pull between father and son is agonizing as both fight to adapt when confronted with this new reality. Honestly, I wanted to clobber James's father upside the head through most of the book. :-) Talk about complicated relationships! And while I understood James, he had me gnashing my teeth at times as well. Stubborn male pride -- even if he is Amish!
Steadfast, sweet Rachel hangs on through it all. Her dedication and love is admirable, even if it takes her down the wrong path a time or two. Lauer does a wonderful job of showing the contrast between the way a man and a woman cope with this kind of tragedy. Rachel does a lot of growing and stretching through the course of the book. The mature Rachel who emerges as the result of all she learns is simply stunning.
A Simple Hope beautifully illustrates the strength of hope and its ability to carry us through even the darkest of times.
November 29, 2014
Can Hope Overcome Darkness?
Things look pretty bleak for James Lapp. He is confined to a wheelchair after an automobile accident. He feels that he is useless as a man. All he wanted in life was to marry Rachel King and tend to his family’s orchard. Sadly he can’t do either one.
Rachel King has her heart set on being James Lapp’s wife. James has pushed her away and refuses to talk about marriage since he is now only half a man. What is Rachel to do? Should she give up on James?
Perhaps an Englisher running away from a bad situation might change everyone’s circumstance, even her own.
I really enjoyed, A Simple Faith. This is the first book of this series. When I won a copy of, A Simple Charity, I knew I had to buy and read, A Simple Hope (the second book of this series) first, so I could get the whole story straight.
All the characters in this story were very real to me. There are some very sweet endearing ones and some very bad not so endearing ones! To take the bad ones away would make for a very boring read.
I loved that trusting God was a theme in this book. I enjoy good clean Christian fiction books. If you do too, this series is for you.
Things look pretty bleak for James Lapp. He is confined to a wheelchair after an automobile accident. He feels that he is useless as a man. All he wanted in life was to marry Rachel King and tend to his family’s orchard. Sadly he can’t do either one.
Rachel King has her heart set on being James Lapp’s wife. James has pushed her away and refuses to talk about marriage since he is now only half a man. What is Rachel to do? Should she give up on James?
Perhaps an Englisher running away from a bad situation might change everyone’s circumstance, even her own.
I really enjoyed, A Simple Faith. This is the first book of this series. When I won a copy of, A Simple Charity, I knew I had to buy and read, A Simple Hope (the second book of this series) first, so I could get the whole story straight.
All the characters in this story were very real to me. There are some very sweet endearing ones and some very bad not so endearing ones! To take the bad ones away would make for a very boring read.
I loved that trusting God was a theme in this book. I enjoy good clean Christian fiction books. If you do too, this series is for you.
December 22, 2013
Thank you Random House and Netgalley for my free ARC of this book. The storyline for this book for me was so compelling. A young Amish couple hoping to become engaged and wedded finds that their plans for this are suddenly changed unexpectedly. James, Rachel, and Shandell warmed my heart. I found myself highlighting many passages that I found uplifting and inspiring.
I most loved that this author was able to give realistic emotion of shivers and tingles during the romantic scenes in the book. This I have not found to happen in most Amish fiction.
I am sad that my library does not have any of her series. I will have to change that. I am going to read all of them. I am anxious for A Simple Chartity that will be coming out. I am guessing that Rachel an James will get the wedding they have dreamed of and I can't wait to see how it will unfold. I also don't think we have seen the last of "Honeychild" Shandell.
This was also the a book that I received that so far has not been able to be reviewed. That was exciting!! This is going on my All Time Favorite Shelf.
I most loved that this author was able to give realistic emotion of shivers and tingles during the romantic scenes in the book. This I have not found to happen in most Amish fiction.
I am sad that my library does not have any of her series. I will have to change that. I am going to read all of them. I am anxious for A Simple Chartity that will be coming out. I am guessing that Rachel an James will get the wedding they have dreamed of and I can't wait to see how it will unfold. I also don't think we have seen the last of "Honeychild" Shandell.
This was also the a book that I received that so far has not been able to be reviewed. That was exciting!! This is going on my All Time Favorite Shelf.
June 2, 2015
I received A Simple Hope by Rosalind Lauer for free from Goodreads First Reads to review.
I've always been interested in Amish culture and love reading books in an Amish setting. I hadn't realized this was the 2nd novel in the series but I was able to get a feel for the story quickly.
This book was a powerful romance with an equally powerful story about faith. James is wheelchair bound and discovers the road to recovery is long and he might not be able to provide for his future wife, Rachel.
Reading about James's struggle and being familiar with wheelchair bound disabilities in my own family made this character really hit home for me and I found him very endearing. There was a huge character growth and struggle for James in this book.
I didn't particularly like Rachel and could never really figure out why. I just didn't care for her character or see her as a match for James.
This book wasn't by any means fast moving but it did hold my interest despite not having read the first book. I look forward to reading more by Lauer.
I've always been interested in Amish culture and love reading books in an Amish setting. I hadn't realized this was the 2nd novel in the series but I was able to get a feel for the story quickly.
This book was a powerful romance with an equally powerful story about faith. James is wheelchair bound and discovers the road to recovery is long and he might not be able to provide for his future wife, Rachel.
Reading about James's struggle and being familiar with wheelchair bound disabilities in my own family made this character really hit home for me and I found him very endearing. There was a huge character growth and struggle for James in this book.
I didn't particularly like Rachel and could never really figure out why. I just didn't care for her character or see her as a match for James.
This book wasn't by any means fast moving but it did hold my interest despite not having read the first book. I look forward to reading more by Lauer.
October 13, 2014
Rachel King is so grateful that she and James were among the survivors of a van accident. But James is bitter that he didn't walk away, and perhaps never would walk again. How can he care for his families orchards or for a wife. So he decides to set Rachel free. Rachel is not willing to release James from his promise to marry he, in fact she is sure they can live in town and she will support them with her paintings, and never have to milk a cow again, an added bonus. Now James dad is refusing to allow him to receive the treatment he needs, because it would involve spending more time with the English. Add in an Englisher runaway hiding out in James orchard and you have a wonderful good read.
A Simple Hope is book 2 in Rosalind Lauer's Lancaster Crossover novels. It is really nice to also have a chance to visit with old friends from her Seasons of Lancaster trilogy. I find Lauer's books to be entertaining and thoroughly engrossing. I am eagerly awaiting A Simple Charity due out October 28.
A Simple Hope is book 2 in Rosalind Lauer's Lancaster Crossover novels. It is really nice to also have a chance to visit with old friends from her Seasons of Lancaster trilogy. I find Lauer's books to be entertaining and thoroughly engrossing. I am eagerly awaiting A Simple Charity due out October 28.
April 14, 2014
I received this book as a win on Goodreads giveaway. I enjoy Amish books and looked forward to reading it. It was a fast and easy read. I did not realize at the time that this was the second book.
This book is of faith and how if we hold to it it will help us. Also this was a bite of a romance
I find Rosalind Lauer a author that know how to draw you into the book and gives you a look at the life of the Amish people. I just loved her character they are out of everyday life life around us.
Her main character shows us if we just have faith and follow it things can work out faith has a way of helping to heal us. I could not help but cheer our main character on. Her faith and hope was so strong, We just have to keep our faith as she did and it will work out. Maybe not the way we expect it to, but it does.
If you love Amish books this is the book for you. I know that I want to read more of Rosalind Lauer's books
This book is of faith and how if we hold to it it will help us. Also this was a bite of a romance
I find Rosalind Lauer a author that know how to draw you into the book and gives you a look at the life of the Amish people. I just loved her character they are out of everyday life life around us.
Her main character shows us if we just have faith and follow it things can work out faith has a way of helping to heal us. I could not help but cheer our main character on. Her faith and hope was so strong, We just have to keep our faith as she did and it will work out. Maybe not the way we expect it to, but it does.
If you love Amish books this is the book for you. I know that I want to read more of Rosalind Lauer's books
February 7, 2014
Pure & Honest
More than just a sweet love story, A Simple Hope, deals with family responsibility, friendships and the possibility of hope even when the odds are against you. This is the Lancaster Crossroads series Book Two. While you won’t want to miss Book One, this does read as a stand-alone book. A Simple Hope is well written and very complex. There are some unexpected twists and turns that keep the pages turning! Enjoy! NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine provided an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
More than just a sweet love story, A Simple Hope, deals with family responsibility, friendships and the possibility of hope even when the odds are against you. This is the Lancaster Crossroads series Book Two. While you won’t want to miss Book One, this does read as a stand-alone book. A Simple Hope is well written and very complex. There are some unexpected twists and turns that keep the pages turning! Enjoy! NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine provided an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2014
A Simple Hope by Rosalind Lauer
Goodreads Author
James and Rachel are a young Amish couple with plans and hopes to marry.
James is involved in an auto accident that required extensive medical rehab.
They both hold onto hope of his full recovery. This story follows them thru the daily trials of living life, while hanging onto that hope. The story shows the kindness, and goodness of the heart of the Amish, as reflected in both James and Rachel. A wonderful love story, very heart warming.
I highly recommend this book.
Goodreads Author
James and Rachel are a young Amish couple with plans and hopes to marry.
James is involved in an auto accident that required extensive medical rehab.
They both hold onto hope of his full recovery. This story follows them thru the daily trials of living life, while hanging onto that hope. The story shows the kindness, and goodness of the heart of the Amish, as reflected in both James and Rachel. A wonderful love story, very heart warming.
I highly recommend this book.
October 3, 2014
James and Rachel had planned to marry, but an accident left him unable to walk. James tried to tell Rachel that they couldn't marry, but she didn't want to give up on him. He was determined to learn to walk again, but family was against him getting help with the doctors that wasn't Amish. It took a battle and lots of hard work, but he went against the family on this and it pays off for him.
Enjoyed the book very much. Lets us know that love and determination plays a good part in how much we can do.
I do need to go back and read the first book in this group (A Simple Faith).
Enjoyed the book very much. Lets us know that love and determination plays a good part in how much we can do.
I do need to go back and read the first book in this group (A Simple Faith).
December 13, 2014
This is the second book in the Lancaster Crossroads series. It is a light, inspiring Christian fiction read. James Lapp is a young Amish man who was in a van accident in the first book and is now confined to a wheelchair. Rachel King is the young Amish woman that he had planned to marry before the accident, but now he doesn't feel it is fair to saddle her with a man who can't walk. They meet a young English girl who is running away and seek to help her. In the process, they end up being helped too.
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