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The Whinburg Township Amish #4
Herb of Grace
“Herb of Grace is filled with spiritual insights and multilayered storylines. At times readers will be chuckling and other times, misty eyed as the book unfolds.” —Amish Reader
While a young Dokterfraa learns to heal the body, the Great Physician heals the heart …
Sarah Yoder, an Amish widow in Pennsylvania’s Whinburg Township, is doing her best to provide a home where her family and members of her Old Order Amish church can find fellowship and friendship. But it’s getting more and more difficult to pay the bills—until the local Dokterfraa, or herbal healer, makes a startling suggestion: Could she begin training as a healer? Now Sarah stands where two ways meet. Caring for others could take her away from home. At the same time, she must be willing for the place where God wants her.
But when she does choose, her family seems to splinter. Her stepson Simon wants to move out west to find work. Her youngest, Caleb, is spending too much time over at the tumbledown home of Henry Byler, who left the church long ago. Henry inherited the family farm and has returned—under protest—never suspecting that God has been waiting there for him all this time.
As Sarah compiles her cures, she waits for God to do his healing work. In a man who rues a harsh decision. In a lonely prodigal who has lost everything. And maybe even in a herbalist-in-training who firmly believes she will never love again …
This is the second edition. First published by Hachette FaithWords in 2014.
While a young Dokterfraa learns to heal the body, the Great Physician heals the heart …
Sarah Yoder, an Amish widow in Pennsylvania’s Whinburg Township, is doing her best to provide a home where her family and members of her Old Order Amish church can find fellowship and friendship. But it’s getting more and more difficult to pay the bills—until the local Dokterfraa, or herbal healer, makes a startling suggestion: Could she begin training as a healer? Now Sarah stands where two ways meet. Caring for others could take her away from home. At the same time, she must be willing for the place where God wants her.
But when she does choose, her family seems to splinter. Her stepson Simon wants to move out west to find work. Her youngest, Caleb, is spending too much time over at the tumbledown home of Henry Byler, who left the church long ago. Henry inherited the family farm and has returned—under protest—never suspecting that God has been waiting there for him all this time.
As Sarah compiles her cures, she waits for God to do his healing work. In a man who rues a harsh decision. In a lonely prodigal who has lost everything. And maybe even in a herbalist-in-training who firmly believes she will never love again …
This is the second edition. First published by Hachette FaithWords in 2014.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
449 people are currently reading
906 people want to read
About the author
Adina Senft
65 books149 followersUSA Today bestselling author Adina Senft is the author of 42 novels published by Harlequin, Warner, Hachette, and Moonshell Books, Inc., her own independent press. She writes Amish women’s fiction; as Shelley Adina, she writes steampunk; and as Charlotte Henry, she writes classic Regency romance. She is currently at work on a PhD in Creative Writing at Lancaster University in the UK. She appeared in the 2016 documentary film Love Between the Covers, is a popular speaker and convention panelist, and has been a guest on many podcasts, including Worldshapers and Realm of Books. When she’s not writing, Adina is usually quilting, sewing historical costumes, or enjoying the garden with her flock of rescued chickens.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
September 3, 2014
Senft's latest novel provides a wonderfully entertaining read while imparting wisdom that will feed the soul. As with her prior books, she has achieved a wonderful combination of interesting characterization with life drama that kept me turning the pages from start to finish. From family conflicts to romance to moments that result in heart-ache, this book has it all! Amish widow Sarah Yoder is one of those characters who quickly becomes someone you feel is as real as can be, and I felt like cheering her on as she steps out of her comfort zone to discover if God has something new in store for her. While reading this story, I found myself contemplating God's will and how we discover his purpose for our lives. I love how Adina has clearly shown that often we don't have full certainty of what God has called us to do, but that he gently guides us (and sometimes pushes us) where he wants us to go. And then, like Sarah, we can only step out in faith, believing like Sarah when she knew there was "something God could do with these hands of mine if I just had the courage to let him". May we all have that courage!
I strongly recommend "Herb of Grace", for those readers who typically enjoy Amish fiction, but also for those who might normally choose a different genre. This isn't just good Amish fiction - it's good fiction, period. I eagerly anticipate the next addition to the series! 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher, Faithwords, for the purposes of this unbiased review
I strongly recommend "Herb of Grace", for those readers who typically enjoy Amish fiction, but also for those who might normally choose a different genre. This isn't just good Amish fiction - it's good fiction, period. I eagerly anticipate the next addition to the series! 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher, Faithwords, for the purposes of this unbiased review
July 3, 2018
Herb of Grace by Adina Senft is the first book I’ve read by it will not be the last one. Sarah Yoder is struggling to make ends meet when family and friends are suggesting she should be a Dokterfraa (healer). She’s unsure of this but life continues. Sarah plants her garden in a different pattern than rows her son become friend with Henry Byler, you had left the Amish community years before. As Sarah’s struggles and faith wavers there are twist and turns involving her eldest son, Simon, along with other members of her community. Will Sarah find the answer and mend hearts of individuals when they turn away her suggestions of herbal teas? This book is filled with Amish wisdom, herbs and their benefits with plenty of action, forgiveness, renewal to God’s faith and love. I’m looking forward to reading Keys of Heaven, book two in A Healing Grace series.
May 23, 2017
This the first book I have read of Adina Senft and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Widow Sarah is trying to raise two teenage sons, tend to her garden so they will have food to eat and then her friend Ruth wants her to learn to become a herbal healer. Sarah is concern it will take her away from her family too much but situations make her think God might be sending her in that direction. On top of all this she has a new English neighbor that her younger son spends a lot of time with. Too much Sarah thinks. This book is a very smooth reading which puts you inside the book which I love. You become involved in all the different stories and characters. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
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January 22, 2023I loved this story!
Sarah Yoder is busy raising her sons, growing and selling herbs, running her house...and now, training as a herbalist. When her attempt to help her neighbors ends poorly, Sarah wonders if their problem is rooted soul-deep.
Bring Kleenex for the happy ending!
Sarah Yoder is busy raising her sons, growing and selling herbs, running her house...and now, training as a herbalist. When her attempt to help her neighbors ends poorly, Sarah wonders if their problem is rooted soul-deep.
Bring Kleenex for the happy ending!
August 14, 2015
I really liked this book a bunch. It's written with subtlety, and Adina made me care about all of the characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series - Keys of Heaven. I have written a review of Herb of Grace on my blog. booksage.blogspot.com
February 1, 2015
4.5 stars.
May 26, 2017
It's been a while since I've read an Adina Senft novel, and I'd forgotten how 'gentle' her writing style is. I really enjoyed getting to know Sarah and her sons and appreciated that they were portrayed as real people with real issues in figuring out how to best follow God.
I also enjoyed Henry's character, but wish we had gotten more glimpses as to what had happened in his past, especially with his estrangement from God, and with Alison. Perhaps this is something we'll see more of as the series continues.
I was surprised to get to see part of the story told from the neighbour, Priscilla's point of view. I liked her spunk, and definitely identified with her crush on one of the boys in the story: At 16, I was a little boy-crazy, too!
I'm definitely looking forward to finding out what happens next!
I also enjoyed Henry's character, but wish we had gotten more glimpses as to what had happened in his past, especially with his estrangement from God, and with Alison. Perhaps this is something we'll see more of as the series continues.
I was surprised to get to see part of the story told from the neighbour, Priscilla's point of view. I liked her spunk, and definitely identified with her crush on one of the boys in the story: At 16, I was a little boy-crazy, too!
I'm definitely looking forward to finding out what happens next!
October 7, 2023
Sarah is a widow with two sons; Simon, 17 and Caleb, 14. A new neighbor moves in next door; Henry Byler, cousin to the district Bylers who never joined the church. Sarah is struggling financially but is help by Simon as he gives her half his salary from his buggy apprentice ship. But when Simon wants to go to Colorado, Sarah becomes very uoset. And Caleb forms a friendship with Henry that pulls her in. Several stories are continued from previous books in the series. My only complaint is that there is no ending to the book; this is not a stand alone story. I read the first book of the series so long ago that I didn't remember that about these books. So if you want a stand alone story, this is not for you.
January 27, 2021
An inspiring read where Sarah Yoder is faced with a decision whether to become a healer in her Amish community. She doubts her ability to help people and needs the reassurance that it is the will of God that she pursues this path. Henry Byler returns to Willow Creek reluctantly and is faced with challenges in this small Amish town of his birth. The story provides a lot of information of the use of herbs in healing and Sarah enjoys the herbs that remind her of her mother. It is a well written story with lots of human interactions and deep emotions.. I enjoyed it very much.
November 7, 2018
First book I have read by this author and I really enjoyed. Sarah Yoder is struggling to make ends meet while raising two sons on her own as a widow. Seems like a simple story, yet she struggles to make sure she is following God's will in every step of the way as she raises her sons, pays bills, and helps her community. The author has a gift with words in her descriptions of every day life, gardening, and lessons she is passing along in her novel. Very enjoyable yet easy read.
February 23, 2021
This is my first book written by Adina Senft. It was good, but rather predictable and the ending leaves you hanging, no real ending unless you purchase the next book.
The main character is Sarah Yoder, who of coarse is Amish and a widow with two sons to raise. She's learning to treat people in her community with herbs, which I found boring. A single man moved in next door in the house his aunt left him, he left the Amish community to become 'English.'
The main character is Sarah Yoder, who of coarse is Amish and a widow with two sons to raise. She's learning to treat people in her community with herbs, which I found boring. A single man moved in next door in the house his aunt left him, he left the Amish community to become 'English.'
February 28, 2022
A Disappointment
I love reading books about Amish life and ways. This book should have been very interesting, be cause it involved treating ills naturally with herbs. However, there was not enough about the natural cures. The book was very slow starting, and ended abruptly. Whether or not a book is part of a series, the ending should at least not leave everything open ended.
I love reading books about Amish life and ways. This book should have been very interesting, be cause it involved treating ills naturally with herbs. However, there was not enough about the natural cures. The book was very slow starting, and ended abruptly. Whether or not a book is part of a series, the ending should at least not leave everything open ended.
February 4, 2020
I picked up this book at our hospital thrift store. I enjoyed it, but it isn't exactly a stand alone book. Hopefully I can get my hands on the rest in the series or else I will be forever constructing possible scenarios in my head for what happens next.
September 12, 2021
Another Winner
I could hardly put this book down. For some reason my husband thinks he has to eat. I just don’t understand! When I am in. Great book that just keeps leading me in different directions I don’t want to put it down. Storyline was top notch. Read it!
I could hardly put this book down. For some reason my husband thinks he has to eat. I just don’t understand! When I am in. Great book that just keeps leading me in different directions I don’t want to put it down. Storyline was top notch. Read it!
February 19, 2023
Amish widow Sarah Yoder is raising her 2 teenage sons and providing a home where family members of her Old Order Amish reside.
Ruth Lehman the local Dokterfaa, believes Sarah should use her gift of growing plants to become a herbal healer.
Ruth Lehman the local Dokterfaa, believes Sarah should use her gift of growing plants to become a herbal healer.
April 7, 2019
This is the start of a great new series! I do like that each book brings you right back to the continuing story of the characters
September 12, 2020
Great story, wonderfully written.
February 6, 2021
I enjoyed the book and characters very much. However, I didn't like that it was a series that left me hanging at the end. I prefer series that are stand alone books.
February 15, 2021
I love Amish books. I like this one a lot. I also love herbalism.....maybe that’s why I liked this story so well.
August 29, 2021
Sweet read
Such a good, laid back escape book. I love the clean romance story line. It makes me want to read the next in the series!
Such a good, laid back escape book. I love the clean romance story line. It makes me want to read the next in the series!
September 5, 2021
Loved this story!!!
Loved this story I didn’t want it to end. I would have given it a ten star rating but you only had 5. :(. Lol
Loved this story I didn’t want it to end. I would have given it a ten star rating but you only had 5. :(. Lol
March 2, 2022
Great series
Love this book. Can't Wait to start on the next one in this series. Its a really great read. Thanks
Love this book. Can't Wait to start on the next one in this series. Its a really great read. Thanks
May 15, 2022
lighthearted interesting story
February 14, 2023
I liked this story the part about Herbalism was interesting . I liked Sarah Yoder and her family unity.
Henry Byler enters the picture and the struggle is between Faith and the world he is in.
Henry Byler enters the picture and the struggle is between Faith and the world he is in.
February 25, 2023
My first time reading this author, but I do hope to read more of her soon. What a beautiful story and what amazing characters. My only complaint, was it ended too soon.
October 29, 2023
The perfect blend of romance & faith. This is my 4th Senft book, & I will continue to consume every minute of life among the Whinburg Township Amish gmee!
November 16, 2023
Mooi boek, maar iets minder dan de vorige reeks tot nog toe.
February 2, 2024
Utterly fantastic. Just a heartwarming tale of faith family and growth. An unusual Amish book but so very good.
February 24, 2024
Love every single Amish book written by Adina Senft. Her writing is gentle, wise, intriguing and just beautifully written.
July 11, 2021
I am not Amish, so why did I choose to read Herb of Grace? For various reasons. I've always admired the craftsmanship of Amish-made items, especially my treasured pair of scissors purchased in Lancaster County thirty years ago. I oil the pivot point from time to time, but I'm still waiting for them to need sharpening. I'm in agreement with many aspects of the Amish lifestyle, especially when it comes to cooking, gardening, living simply, crafting, and herbal medicine.
Most importantly though, I have read this author's non-Amish books and am a fan of her writing style, which is laden with positivity and creativity. I trusted Adina Senft to tell me a good story, and perhaps give me more insight into the lives of the Amish, especially Sarah Yoder, a "Dokterfraa", that is, an herbal healer. After reading the synopsis, I couldn't resist learning more about her. I was not disappointed.
Adina Senft does not gloss over the everyday details of life in Whinburg Township. While Sarah is the main protagonist of this story, no character is glossed over, either. Her sons, Simon and Caleb, both struggle with trying to help their mother with the finances, while experiencing the fun and woes of what felt to me like typical, realistic teenager lives. Her neighbor Henry Byler is an "Englisch" man who has returned to the community, but has no plans to return to the Amish ways he was brought up in. A large supporting cast includes misbehaving teenagers, Sarah's herbal mentor Ruth, an older couple with mysterious medical complaints, the owner of a local inn, and a good handful of relatives.
The Amish lifestyle includes an abiding faith in God, which is a part of every aspect of daily life. For those who enjoy this aspect of a story, there's plenty of spiritual questioning and comfort. For those not of that mind, the character's expressions of faith are included gently in a story-pertinent manner.
While Herb of Grace can be enjoyed on its own, readers need to know that not every loose end is tied up by the final page. This is book four of a nine book (plus a Christmas story) continuous series.
A glossary of all the Amish words and phrases used throughout the book is included in the back. This is worth mentioning, as you might want to look up a phrase now and then as you read.
Most importantly though, I have read this author's non-Amish books and am a fan of her writing style, which is laden with positivity and creativity. I trusted Adina Senft to tell me a good story, and perhaps give me more insight into the lives of the Amish, especially Sarah Yoder, a "Dokterfraa", that is, an herbal healer. After reading the synopsis, I couldn't resist learning more about her. I was not disappointed.
Adina Senft does not gloss over the everyday details of life in Whinburg Township. While Sarah is the main protagonist of this story, no character is glossed over, either. Her sons, Simon and Caleb, both struggle with trying to help their mother with the finances, while experiencing the fun and woes of what felt to me like typical, realistic teenager lives. Her neighbor Henry Byler is an "Englisch" man who has returned to the community, but has no plans to return to the Amish ways he was brought up in. A large supporting cast includes misbehaving teenagers, Sarah's herbal mentor Ruth, an older couple with mysterious medical complaints, the owner of a local inn, and a good handful of relatives.
The Amish lifestyle includes an abiding faith in God, which is a part of every aspect of daily life. For those who enjoy this aspect of a story, there's plenty of spiritual questioning and comfort. For those not of that mind, the character's expressions of faith are included gently in a story-pertinent manner.
While Herb of Grace can be enjoyed on its own, readers need to know that not every loose end is tied up by the final page. This is book four of a nine book (plus a Christmas story) continuous series.
A glossary of all the Amish words and phrases used throughout the book is included in the back. This is worth mentioning, as you might want to look up a phrase now and then as you read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews