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Touch of Grace #1
Annie's Truth
After learning the truth about who she really is, can this prodigal daughter be accepted back into the safety and security of home?
Annie Beiler seems to have it all—a loving family in a tight-knit Amish community and the affections of an attractive and respected young man. But when she learns that she was adopted after being found as an abandoned newborn, she sets out on a journey to find out who she is.
Her father is strongly against her decision to leave, as it could mean Meidung, or excommunication from the community and even her family. But Annie knows she must find “the path that has her heart.”
As Annie’s search brings her into the fast-paced world of modern life, she is confronted with all of the temptations she was warned of. Can she make her way back to the order and security of her family? Or will she remain an outsider—torn between her two worlds?
Annie Beiler seems to have it all—a loving family in a tight-knit Amish community and the affections of an attractive and respected young man. But when she learns that she was adopted after being found as an abandoned newborn, she sets out on a journey to find out who she is.
Her father is strongly against her decision to leave, as it could mean Meidung, or excommunication from the community and even her family. But Annie knows she must find “the path that has her heart.”
As Annie’s search brings her into the fast-paced world of modern life, she is confronted with all of the temptations she was warned of. Can she make her way back to the order and security of her family? Or will she remain an outsider—torn between her two worlds?
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2012
33 people are currently reading
659 people want to read
About the author
Beth Shriver
19 books202 followersBeth started writing after working as a social worker. She received a Bachelors Degree in Social Work from the University of Nebraska.She writes in a variety of genres in both fiction and non-fiction.
Bethshriverwriter.com
bethshriverwriter.blogspot.com/
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bethshriverwriter.blogspot.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 26, 2013
I read the series backwards....lol.....I received a copy of Grace Given previously and read it and reviewed it. I loved both books. I rather enjoyed reading it this way as it answered many questions that I formed as I read book 2. I felt really badly for Annie though. It seemed that her family was very hard on her for wanting to find her birth mother after she discovered that she was found in a field by her Amish faither as a newborn. I would think that it would be natural for Annie to have questions about her birth and to want to find her own answers. I suppose it is the Amish way and that would be one of the things I have trouble over in the Amish faith. Her boyfriend, John, also seemed rather harsh with her as well. I don't want to spoil the book for readers by telling too much, so you will need to read both books and discover these treasures for yourself!
April 29, 2016
An Amish girl who was unaware she was adopted finds out she was. It was a shock to Annie to find out the truth about her birth mother and conception. Some things are better left alone and not found out about.
June 19, 2012
I am a huge fan of Amish fiction so I always get excited when I find a new Amish fiction writer to read. When the author is able to give a fresh voice to the often same old same old Amish stories it's even better and that's just what I found in the pages of "Annie's Truth." There were so many things that I found refreshing about this story. First of all the book takes place in Virginia, a totally new setting for Amish fiction, or at least for the Amish fiction I have read. I also found the characters very realistic and easy to understand. Annie Beiler is a young Amish girl who finds out that she wasn't actually born Amish. The reactions and feelings she has were totally believable. Because she wants to find out who she really is, she risks being shunned, but needing answers propels her forward, even though the path she takes leads her away from John Yoder the man everyone believes she will marry. What will the cost be for seeking out her birth mother? Will she be shunned by her community, and will John be waiting for her to return, or does someone else capture his attention?
A book that pulled me in from the prologue, and kept me turning the pages until the very end. What a fantastic beginning for what seems to be a promising new series. I can't wait to read the next book in the series titled "Grace Given" due out in 2013.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review, and I can honestly say fans of Amish fiction are going to love this book!
A book that pulled me in from the prologue, and kept me turning the pages until the very end. What a fantastic beginning for what seems to be a promising new series. I can't wait to read the next book in the series titled "Grace Given" due out in 2013.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review, and I can honestly say fans of Amish fiction are going to love this book!
March 13, 2012
Annie Beiler has always followed the rules, until now. Now she has discovered that she is a not a blood born child of her Daed and Mamm, Amos and Sarah Beiler. Now she is not sure she belongs. Do the Amish in her community accept her just because Amos and Sarah raised her, or do they accept her because of who she is and how she has lived her life? All Annie knows is that she has to find herself. However leaving to search for her birth mother and her story could mean the bann on Annie. Can she do this to herself? How can she not? Even if it means life never being like it was before, she knows she has to go forward.
This story was a great story of how a heart that is seeking God's will, and listening for His voice will be able to hear Him. Annie was upset with what she learned about her birith story, but she also learned who she was. Now can she show her family and John the young man who she has always dreamed of marrying, that she had to go, but now she is back and she is not leaving again. That she loves them, no matter what her past revealed to her. I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author. 304 pages 4 stars.
This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.
This story was a great story of how a heart that is seeking God's will, and listening for His voice will be able to hear Him. Annie was upset with what she learned about her birith story, but she also learned who she was. Now can she show her family and John the young man who she has always dreamed of marrying, that she had to go, but now she is back and she is not leaving again. That she loves them, no matter what her past revealed to her. I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author. 304 pages 4 stars.
This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.
July 26, 2012
I just finished reading Annie's Truth, and could not put it down...it was done in less than a day. Now I'm wanting more!
As the story begins Annie Beiler is about to find out that she was adopted. Annie and her sister Hanna got their Mother's permission to go the attic and go through their hope chests. In doing so, Annie opens her bible and finds that her birth date is not filled in. When she goes and finds her Mom and Dad to find out the circumstance of her birth...she is thrown into a tizzy and yearns to learn more of why?
With her Mother's help she leaves and goes to another city to find out as much as she can. She stays with a former Amish family who seem to want to help her, and she does learn a lot! She finally decides to return to her home and family.
You will wonder what has happened since she left and if she is going to be shunned? She was in a relationship with John Yoder before she left, and while away she has found how much she has missed him. You will find yourself rooting for her...no matter what. We meet tough Deacon Zeke...and a Sweetheart Bishop Omar.
You will find yourself immersed in this Amish Community very fast, and never want to leave. Enjoy!
I received this book from the Publisher Charisma Media, and was not required to give a positive review.
As the story begins Annie Beiler is about to find out that she was adopted. Annie and her sister Hanna got their Mother's permission to go the attic and go through their hope chests. In doing so, Annie opens her bible and finds that her birth date is not filled in. When she goes and finds her Mom and Dad to find out the circumstance of her birth...she is thrown into a tizzy and yearns to learn more of why?
With her Mother's help she leaves and goes to another city to find out as much as she can. She stays with a former Amish family who seem to want to help her, and she does learn a lot! She finally decides to return to her home and family.
You will wonder what has happened since she left and if she is going to be shunned? She was in a relationship with John Yoder before she left, and while away she has found how much she has missed him. You will find yourself rooting for her...no matter what. We meet tough Deacon Zeke...and a Sweetheart Bishop Omar.
You will find yourself immersed in this Amish Community very fast, and never want to leave. Enjoy!
I received this book from the Publisher Charisma Media, and was not required to give a positive review.
April 13, 2013
I was excited about this book being set in the Shenandoah Valley here in Virginia. I couldn't wait to get into it. But it just didn't keep me drawn in. I liked Annie and her search for who she is, but I got distracted by the flow between chapters. The time line didn't sync in my head. One chapter seemed like a couple days long and then the next seemed like weeks. I didn't get David and was blindsided with the publishing for him. I wish Amos had been expanded more -- I would have liked to know more about why he reacted like he did to things. I wasn't crazy about him in the beginning but later he wasn't the father we read about in so many other stories.
It may not seem like it, but I did like the book and do plan on reading Grace Given.
It may not seem like it, but I did like the book and do plan on reading Grace Given.
September 27, 2019
A hope chest for the girls, when they get married. The delight of seeing what had been put in them, for when they got married and had children. For one the information of her birth was missing. In questioning, was told she was special, a chosen one. Still for a young girl, seeking to find her place, and way this was over whelming. Why wasn’t she told, and who would give her up. Stepping into the English world, brought a lot for her, would she find the answer. In this she found out about her self and what the true values were in life and love. Coming home would she be welcome, or shunned. Would love be there for her. Took time and healing for them to let her back into the fold of family and community.
August 12, 2025
This was my foray into Amish fiction and I really enjoyed it. Annie Beiler is an 18-year-old who seems to have life sorted out until she makes a startling discovery. At the risk losing her family, relationship, and her place in the community, she sets out on a mission of discovery.
Beth Shriver excels in this genre. The reactions of her characters were genuine and true to their personalities. The aspects of Amish community were fascinating and well-researched. I was especially impressed by the description of Annie's reaction to the world outside her community. She experiences trepidation through new experiences like wearing English clothes, riding in a car, and using a computer.
Readers searching for heartfelt adventure with a satisfying conclusion will no doubt enjoy Annie's Truth.
Beth Shriver excels in this genre. The reactions of her characters were genuine and true to their personalities. The aspects of Amish community were fascinating and well-researched. I was especially impressed by the description of Annie's reaction to the world outside her community. She experiences trepidation through new experiences like wearing English clothes, riding in a car, and using a computer.
Readers searching for heartfelt adventure with a satisfying conclusion will no doubt enjoy Annie's Truth.
August 30, 2016
The premise of this book interested me because the only other Amish book I've read that dealt with the topic of adoption was Beverly Lewis's The Shunning, and I imagined this book would be rather difficult. I read a sample initially, and while it didn't make me desperate to keep reading, it was intriguing enough to convince me to purchase this book when it was on sale on Kindle. Unfortunately, the rest of the book didn't quite live up to the initial chapters.
I think my biggest issue with this book was that the plot structure and the characters' motivations seemed to be all over the place. To make matters worse, some characters disappeared and others were introduced without their conflicts being resolved, and there was no indication that their stories would be concluded in the next book in the series. For example, Rudy seemed to be a major character for half the story, but he had no further contact with Annie after she returned to her Amish community. Alma, a midwife, was introduced when Annie returned home and while I really enjoyed her character and the encouragement she provided Annie with, there had been no prior mention of Annie assisting the midwife.
My biggest issue was simply that the conflict between Annie, John and Hanna was drawn out in an excruciating manner and then seemed to be resolved all too quickly when Annie and John finally sat down and talked about their problems. There was nothing physical keeping them from talking to each other, especially once Annie actually returned to their community, and in my opinion, it isn't a real conflict if all the characters need to do to resolve it is talk to each other. My other issue with the conflict is that I didn't completely understand Hanna's motivations for chasing after John and deliberately trying to hurt her sister. There were some vague comments about how Hanna was jealous of the respect Annie received in the community, but her actions just seemed cruel and malicious and unfounded.
One other niggling problem is that there seemed to be some contradictions in the way the Amish community functioned--at one time, Annie talked about sitting beside her father in church, and then in a later book it was mentioned that the men and women sat separately. Another confusing part of the book was when a storm hits the community and Annie's family takes refuge in the root cellar. When they come out of the cellar, Annie notices that the laundry has been strewn across the trees--but if it was night when the storm hit, why would laundry be outside?
I'm sure there are people that will enjoy this book, particularly as it reminded me a little of Wanda E. Brunstetter in the way that the plot was pushed along by dramatic events--a storm, a car accident, etc. Personally, I prefer books where the plot is driven by character development and inner struggles.
One last niggle--I felt rather uncomfortable with how the situation with Annie's mother was dealt with. But I was glad with the conclusion to the plot between Annie and her mother, and that she was able to find balance.
What did I like about this book? I liked the differences it showed between the Amish and Mennonites, and the insight into a more traditional, Old Order community. I did get annoyed at how judgemental Zeke, one of the ministers was, but I appreciated the emphasis on how not all of the community agreed with his judgements. John eventually grew on me and became a more appealing character, and I liked how he stuck up for what he believed in. I liked the exploration of Annie needing to find balance in her life. There were some quotes that I highlighted on this topic. I did find Annie's time in the English/Mennonite world interesting, but wasn't entirely sure if it would be that easy to find Annie's adoptive mother if she abandoned her in a field? But the details about the adoption process were interesting.
I'm really struggling with how to rate this book. It took me a long time to read this book, but there were parts of it that were interesting. Ultimately, I'd say that there is a good story in here, but the plot structure needs tightening up and the characters need to have their motivations strengthened in order for it to feel more believable. 2.5*
I think my biggest issue with this book was that the plot structure and the characters' motivations seemed to be all over the place. To make matters worse, some characters disappeared and others were introduced without their conflicts being resolved, and there was no indication that their stories would be concluded in the next book in the series. For example, Rudy seemed to be a major character for half the story, but he had no further contact with Annie after she returned to her Amish community. Alma, a midwife, was introduced when Annie returned home and while I really enjoyed her character and the encouragement she provided Annie with, there had been no prior mention of Annie assisting the midwife.
My biggest issue was simply that the conflict between Annie, John and Hanna was drawn out in an excruciating manner and then seemed to be resolved all too quickly when Annie and John finally sat down and talked about their problems. There was nothing physical keeping them from talking to each other, especially once Annie actually returned to their community, and in my opinion, it isn't a real conflict if all the characters need to do to resolve it is talk to each other. My other issue with the conflict is that I didn't completely understand Hanna's motivations for chasing after John and deliberately trying to hurt her sister. There were some vague comments about how Hanna was jealous of the respect Annie received in the community, but her actions just seemed cruel and malicious and unfounded.
One other niggling problem is that there seemed to be some contradictions in the way the Amish community functioned--at one time, Annie talked about sitting beside her father in church, and then in a later book it was mentioned that the men and women sat separately. Another confusing part of the book was when a storm hits the community and Annie's family takes refuge in the root cellar. When they come out of the cellar, Annie notices that the laundry has been strewn across the trees--but if it was night when the storm hit, why would laundry be outside?
I'm sure there are people that will enjoy this book, particularly as it reminded me a little of Wanda E. Brunstetter in the way that the plot was pushed along by dramatic events--a storm, a car accident, etc. Personally, I prefer books where the plot is driven by character development and inner struggles.
One last niggle--I felt rather uncomfortable with how the situation with Annie's mother was dealt with. But I was glad with the conclusion to the plot between Annie and her mother, and that she was able to find balance.
What did I like about this book? I liked the differences it showed between the Amish and Mennonites, and the insight into a more traditional, Old Order community. I did get annoyed at how judgemental Zeke, one of the ministers was, but I appreciated the emphasis on how not all of the community agreed with his judgements. John eventually grew on me and became a more appealing character, and I liked how he stuck up for what he believed in. I liked the exploration of Annie needing to find balance in her life. There were some quotes that I highlighted on this topic. I did find Annie's time in the English/Mennonite world interesting, but wasn't entirely sure if it would be that easy to find Annie's adoptive mother if she abandoned her in a field? But the details about the adoption process were interesting.
I'm really struggling with how to rate this book. It took me a long time to read this book, but there were parts of it that were interesting. Ultimately, I'd say that there is a good story in here, but the plot structure needs tightening up and the characters need to have their motivations strengthened in order for it to feel more believable. 2.5*
January 1, 2017
Annie Grimed starts looking in a hope chest to find her birth date is missing she learns she was left in a field but, found by her dad. This is a love story about God's forgiveness and being adopted. This is my first book by Beth Shriver . I love Annie's true charcter of love and adventure.
July 8, 2017
A good story, with intriguing things brought up.
February 15, 2018
This was a sweet, enjoyable Amish romance novel. The writing style wasn't the greatest, but the characters were well developed. I enjoyed this beginning novel to the series, Touch of Grace.
December 31, 2018
Enjoyed reading
May 21, 2012
As Annie and her sister Hannah get permission from their mother to go through their hope chests containing items for their future weddings, Annie finds her childhood Bible wrapped up in hers. When she opens the front cover to compare her child-like handwriting, she notices that among her family's tree containing birth, wedding and death dates, her birth day is missing. Only her birth month and year have been noted.
When she inquires to this missing bit of information, she learns that she was left in a field one night and was found by her father. No one has ever known how Annie had come to be found in that field that night but her best friend John Yoder, believes God always knew where Annie would be best raised. Yet Annie has her doubts. When her father Amos, forbids it, Annie presses her mother to help her. Providing her with some time, money and a place to stay, Annie's mother Sarah reminds her that she has always had a home with them. She hopes Annie will chose to come home soon because in her mind nothing has ever changed about the way she loves Annie.
Now that she has made a decision to try and find her birth parents, Annie is staying with a family who has left the old Amish community. Getting help from Rudy, Annie keeps trying to find the missing piece of her puzzle to help her find out why she was left behind 18 years ago. Only the longer Annie takes, it may result in her being shunned by her own community and leaving behind the opportunity to find happiness and marriage with John Yoder. Only her sister, Hannah is more than willing to help John forget all about Annie. Will she find out the truth before it's too late to come home?
In the first novel in the Touch of Grace Series by Beth Shriver, Annie's Truth takes the reader into a different type of Amish novel. This one dealing with the subject of adoption. Is Annie truly Amish or do the feelings she has inside, speak of a different lifestyle than she has ever known before? I love Beth's Amish novel and it shows just how vastly different the Amish and English lifestyles are, especially for Annie's character who has never even ventured out on a Rumspringa, or a period of seeing what life is like outside the Amish community before becoming baptized into the church. I can relate to Annie's frustration with her father's unwillingness to help her and when he refuses to even say goodbye to her when she is leaving, I can feel the pain in her heart at being torn in two.
I received this novel compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and have to say again, I really enjoyed this one. It's a different take on your Amish love story and tells the story of what it feels like to find a sense of belonging when you don't know who you are or where you come from and the reader is taken on that search in Annie's Truth. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and look forward to the rest of the books in this series and even more characters to come to adore and love like family and friends.
When she inquires to this missing bit of information, she learns that she was left in a field one night and was found by her father. No one has ever known how Annie had come to be found in that field that night but her best friend John Yoder, believes God always knew where Annie would be best raised. Yet Annie has her doubts. When her father Amos, forbids it, Annie presses her mother to help her. Providing her with some time, money and a place to stay, Annie's mother Sarah reminds her that she has always had a home with them. She hopes Annie will chose to come home soon because in her mind nothing has ever changed about the way she loves Annie.
Now that she has made a decision to try and find her birth parents, Annie is staying with a family who has left the old Amish community. Getting help from Rudy, Annie keeps trying to find the missing piece of her puzzle to help her find out why she was left behind 18 years ago. Only the longer Annie takes, it may result in her being shunned by her own community and leaving behind the opportunity to find happiness and marriage with John Yoder. Only her sister, Hannah is more than willing to help John forget all about Annie. Will she find out the truth before it's too late to come home?
In the first novel in the Touch of Grace Series by Beth Shriver, Annie's Truth takes the reader into a different type of Amish novel. This one dealing with the subject of adoption. Is Annie truly Amish or do the feelings she has inside, speak of a different lifestyle than she has ever known before? I love Beth's Amish novel and it shows just how vastly different the Amish and English lifestyles are, especially for Annie's character who has never even ventured out on a Rumspringa, or a period of seeing what life is like outside the Amish community before becoming baptized into the church. I can relate to Annie's frustration with her father's unwillingness to help her and when he refuses to even say goodbye to her when she is leaving, I can feel the pain in her heart at being torn in two.
I received this novel compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and have to say again, I really enjoyed this one. It's a different take on your Amish love story and tells the story of what it feels like to find a sense of belonging when you don't know who you are or where you come from and the reader is taken on that search in Annie's Truth. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and look forward to the rest of the books in this series and even more characters to come to adore and love like family and friends.
June 19, 2012
About the Author: Beth Shriver received a degree in social work and psychology from the University of Nebraska. She worked as a caseworker for Boulder County Department of Social Services before starting a family. Beth and her husband of twenty years and her two children live in Texas after moving from their first home in Colorado. She freelances for the local papers in her area and writes columns, devotionals for magazines, and novels in a variety of genres in both fiction and nonfiction. Visit the author's website.
Annie Bieler sets out on a journey of the spirit when she discovers she was adopted after being found as an abandoned newborn. Her father is strongly against her decision to go as it could mean Meidung, or excommunication from the community and even her family. But Annie knows she must find "the path that has her heart." Her search also takes her away from John, the young man who is courting her. --Short Book Description
***Special thanks to Althea Thompson | Publicity Coordinator, Charisma House | Charisma Media for sending me a review copy.***
This was an in-depth search of the heart to seek the unrevealed Touch of Grace. Annie's Truth is the first book in this trilogy of touches of grace. God's grace overshadows any pain or suffering if we will but let Him.
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us." - Romans 8:19
Hidden truth. Does it hamper or help? Is it protection or fear? Perfect love casts out fear. God's love. Annie's decision to step out and search her unknown does affect all of her family and choices they make to receive her. Will it open up hidden hearts?
This is a journey of a family. Life continues while Annie expects things to stay the same. She is surprised by those who back her and those who don't.
Who makes us an outsider? Do we, or those we look to? Annie's travels take her to unsuspecting places and happenings she must wait for. By being herself, she triumphs.
Annie Bieler sets out on a journey of the spirit when she discovers she was adopted after being found as an abandoned newborn. Her father is strongly against her decision to go as it could mean Meidung, or excommunication from the community and even her family. But Annie knows she must find "the path that has her heart." Her search also takes her away from John, the young man who is courting her. --Short Book Description
***Special thanks to Althea Thompson | Publicity Coordinator, Charisma House | Charisma Media for sending me a review copy.***
This was an in-depth search of the heart to seek the unrevealed Touch of Grace. Annie's Truth is the first book in this trilogy of touches of grace. God's grace overshadows any pain or suffering if we will but let Him.
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us." - Romans 8:19
Hidden truth. Does it hamper or help? Is it protection or fear? Perfect love casts out fear. God's love. Annie's decision to step out and search her unknown does affect all of her family and choices they make to receive her. Will it open up hidden hearts?
This is a journey of a family. Life continues while Annie expects things to stay the same. She is surprised by those who back her and those who don't.
Who makes us an outsider? Do we, or those we look to? Annie's travels take her to unsuspecting places and happenings she must wait for. By being herself, she triumphs.
September 5, 2012
Annie Beiler is the daughter that most Amish girls strive to model after and mother's trusted with their children. She is the oldest daughter in her family and her parents know she is a dedicated, respectful and dependable daughter. It has also been taken for granted within the community that she will marry the young man next door whom she has been best friends with since childhood.
All of this fell into jeopardy when she finds evidence that she had not only been adopted by her Amish parents but that she had been abandoned as a newborn in a corn field at night and left to the bitter elements of nature and would have died if her adopted father had not heard her weak cry and rescued her from death.
She feels disconnected from her present life and is adamant she search for her birth mother and find out the circumstances of her being abandoned. Her parents and the Reverend of the community do not and will not approve for her to leave her community. They believe God expects her to accept the life God has blessed her with.
This is a heartbreaking story! Keep the tissue box handy.
The author did such a great job writing about such a sensitive subject. Just when you think you know what Julie should do the author has such a better scenario for each and every predicament. You've heard of Father Know Best. Well this was Author Know Best. That what makes me the review and her the author.
Julie's adopted parents should have held onto this verse. Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
I highly recommend this book.
I rate this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure
I received a free copy of this book from Charisma for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.
All of this fell into jeopardy when she finds evidence that she had not only been adopted by her Amish parents but that she had been abandoned as a newborn in a corn field at night and left to the bitter elements of nature and would have died if her adopted father had not heard her weak cry and rescued her from death.
She feels disconnected from her present life and is adamant she search for her birth mother and find out the circumstances of her being abandoned. Her parents and the Reverend of the community do not and will not approve for her to leave her community. They believe God expects her to accept the life God has blessed her with.
This is a heartbreaking story! Keep the tissue box handy.
The author did such a great job writing about such a sensitive subject. Just when you think you know what Julie should do the author has such a better scenario for each and every predicament. You've heard of Father Know Best. Well this was Author Know Best. That what makes me the review and her the author.
Julie's adopted parents should have held onto this verse. Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
I highly recommend this book.
I rate this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure
I received a free copy of this book from Charisma for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.
July 10, 2012
Annie and Hanna Beiler are looking through their hope chests and Annie discovers the actual day of her birth is missing from the Bible her parents gave her. Annie questions her parents and learns she was adopted. Shortly after, against the advice of her parents and the elders, Annie sets out to search for her birth mother. Annie's mother helps her by giving her money and arranging for her to stay with the Glicks, former friends who had been shunned from Annie's very own community. She leaves behind the man she loves and is expected to marry promising she will return one day. College student Rudy Glick assists Annie with her search and starts to have feelings for her. When Annie's search seems to end without results he talks her into staying longer. She is enjoying the things he is showing her and the places he takes her.
What Annie learns the circumstances of her birth she is struck with feelings of uncleanness and unworthiness. She cannot go home and marry John knowing she is unworthy. To make matters worse, when she arrives home she finds her sister and John have been seeing her each other.
What bothers me about the book is when Annie returns home she is expected to do penance for going against the elders. While the Amish believe in forgiveness without questioning the reasons why it struck me as odd that the elders and her own family would hesitate to forgive Annie and judge her by wanting to pronounce punishment.
A delightful read, I finished this book in one day and give it 4 out of 5 stars.
I received a copy of this book free from Charisma Media in exchange for an honest review.
What Annie learns the circumstances of her birth she is struck with feelings of uncleanness and unworthiness. She cannot go home and marry John knowing she is unworthy. To make matters worse, when she arrives home she finds her sister and John have been seeing her each other.
What bothers me about the book is when Annie returns home she is expected to do penance for going against the elders. While the Amish believe in forgiveness without questioning the reasons why it struck me as odd that the elders and her own family would hesitate to forgive Annie and judge her by wanting to pronounce punishment.
A delightful read, I finished this book in one day and give it 4 out of 5 stars.
I received a copy of this book free from Charisma Media in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2012
This is the first book in the Touch of Grace by Beth Shriver. I was excited to read this book since it is Amish fiction and a mystery!
Annie Beiler is a blessed young lady who seems to have.it.all! A loving family surrounds her with faith, laughter and friends. Until she and her sister receive permission to go through her mother's hope chest where Annie discovers her childhood Bible. After unwrapping it she opens it up and notices that only her mother and birth date are penned in. After questioning her parents Annie discovers that she is, in fact, adopted. This discovery, well, kind of turns her world upside down!
Katie wants to leave and seek her "real" family. Her Amish daad is dead.set.against this idea...afraid that Annie will be disappointed AND excommunicated from the only world she's ever known.
Annie's Truth is aptly titled for it is only a truth that Annie must seek and the choices she must make for herself!
This is not your "usual" Amish read. The subject of adoption in the Amish community is the core of this read...the mystery of finding out where one truly belongs and how the life of the family truly filtrates into a child's everyday, growing up years.
If you enjoy a good, clean mystery that is about the true love and friendship then don't miss the wonderful read!
*This book was provided by Charisma Media*
Annie Beiler is a blessed young lady who seems to have.it.all! A loving family surrounds her with faith, laughter and friends. Until she and her sister receive permission to go through her mother's hope chest where Annie discovers her childhood Bible. After unwrapping it she opens it up and notices that only her mother and birth date are penned in. After questioning her parents Annie discovers that she is, in fact, adopted. This discovery, well, kind of turns her world upside down!
Katie wants to leave and seek her "real" family. Her Amish daad is dead.set.against this idea...afraid that Annie will be disappointed AND excommunicated from the only world she's ever known.
Annie's Truth is aptly titled for it is only a truth that Annie must seek and the choices she must make for herself!
This is not your "usual" Amish read. The subject of adoption in the Amish community is the core of this read...the mystery of finding out where one truly belongs and how the life of the family truly filtrates into a child's everyday, growing up years.
If you enjoy a good, clean mystery that is about the true love and friendship then don't miss the wonderful read!
*This book was provided by Charisma Media*
August 16, 2012
Annie's Truth is full of drama. The questions she asks upon finding out that she's adopted feel normal to me, although I can't truly know, and it makes sense to wonder about them, at least; however, her Amish elders feel differently and do not allow it. This causes big problems for Annie, and so much of the drama was difficult for me to relate to. I did find the entire issue quite interesting, and it was so well written that I flew through these issues, wanting to read and understand more.
Because the church elders do not allow questions of this type, this is a great book for those of us who want to know more about Amish ways. Most Englischers have a more self-centered world view than do the Amish, who seek to suppress all thoughts of self in the interest of better serving their community, and this book makes this belief quite evident.
With smooth-flowing chapters and dramatic scenes throughout, this is both an informative and fascinating read. If you enjoy reading Amish fiction, you won't want to miss Annie's Truth.
I received a free copy of Annie's Truth from Charisma House in exchange for an honest review.
Because the church elders do not allow questions of this type, this is a great book for those of us who want to know more about Amish ways. Most Englischers have a more self-centered world view than do the Amish, who seek to suppress all thoughts of self in the interest of better serving their community, and this book makes this belief quite evident.
With smooth-flowing chapters and dramatic scenes throughout, this is both an informative and fascinating read. If you enjoy reading Amish fiction, you won't want to miss Annie's Truth.
I received a free copy of Annie's Truth from Charisma House in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2015
I like this book because it focuses on some of the conflicting philosophies between Amish and English cultures. It is hard to see Annie going through the agony of her quest, as she is caught between the two worlds. I felt like I wanted to climb in the story and give her a hug. On the other hand, I admire Annie for her strength of character and deep faith in God.
I still am baffled by the legalism of the Amish faith, but am relieved to see that, at least in this story, there is a bit of latitude in certain situations.
John is a very strong hero, and I think most readers will take to him right away. His kindness and anticipation of the needs of others are endearing traits. Great secondary characters add immense richness to this novel. I especially like the wise, little midwife, Alma. She is a good and strong friend to Annie, as is Rudy, Annie's Mennonite friend, who helps Annie in her search. A couple of characters I don't like very much are Essie and Hanna. I'm looking forward to future books in the series to see if they are featured.
The Spiritual theme of forgiveness is woven boldly through this story. I recommend Annie's Truth to those who enjoy Amish fiction.
I still am baffled by the legalism of the Amish faith, but am relieved to see that, at least in this story, there is a bit of latitude in certain situations.
John is a very strong hero, and I think most readers will take to him right away. His kindness and anticipation of the needs of others are endearing traits. Great secondary characters add immense richness to this novel. I especially like the wise, little midwife, Alma. She is a good and strong friend to Annie, as is Rudy, Annie's Mennonite friend, who helps Annie in her search. A couple of characters I don't like very much are Essie and Hanna. I'm looking forward to future books in the series to see if they are featured.
The Spiritual theme of forgiveness is woven boldly through this story. I recommend Annie's Truth to those who enjoy Amish fiction.
July 2, 2012
Better than most "Amish" books!
I've read a number of books set in an Amish community and this was probably the best one I've ever read. It does an execellent job of presenting both the good and the bad of the Amish lifestyle, in a modern day setting.
The plot is interesting: an Amish girl learns at age 18 that she was abandoned and then adopted as a baby, and she goes to the English city nearby to attempt to locate her birth mother. (Interestingly, she never considers that she might have been abandoned by an Amish mother!) This journey meets with mixed responses from her own family and the Amish community: some approve, but most don't. And, what she finds in the English town nearby is not at all what she expected -- forcing her to re-think her views of the outside world.
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.
I've read a number of books set in an Amish community and this was probably the best one I've ever read. It does an execellent job of presenting both the good and the bad of the Amish lifestyle, in a modern day setting.
The plot is interesting: an Amish girl learns at age 18 that she was abandoned and then adopted as a baby, and she goes to the English city nearby to attempt to locate her birth mother. (Interestingly, she never considers that she might have been abandoned by an Amish mother!) This journey meets with mixed responses from her own family and the Amish community: some approve, but most don't. And, what she finds in the English town nearby is not at all what she expected -- forcing her to re-think her views of the outside world.
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 31, 2015
Annie was raised for the first eighteen years of her life in an Amish community as the oldest daughter in her family. She was comfortable in her faith. Her lifelong friend and next door neighbor, John Yoder were developing feelings and moving toward courtship when she found no date of birth in her personal Bible. She confronted her parents and was told she was an abandoned baby her father had found in the North field and then they adopted her.
Annie felt she had to find out about her birth mother so she left the Amish community against the wishes of her parents and the church elders on a quest to find her birth mother. This set the background for the moving story of Annie's quest to find Annie's Truth in this moving and emotional story of a young girl questioning her identity and finding her past had some surprises for her to discover. Annie's Truth is one of the best stories I have read about how a young woman questions her faith and finds the strength to follow her heart to the root of her faith and live it with comfort.
Annie felt she had to find out about her birth mother so she left the Amish community against the wishes of her parents and the church elders on a quest to find her birth mother. This set the background for the moving story of Annie's quest to find Annie's Truth in this moving and emotional story of a young girl questioning her identity and finding her past had some surprises for her to discover. Annie's Truth is one of the best stories I have read about how a young woman questions her faith and finds the strength to follow her heart to the root of her faith and live it with comfort.
October 21, 2013
This book by Beth Shriver was fun to read. It had a story not typical of the Amish fiction genre. The characters were all easy to like and real. I enjoyed the romance between Annie and John. However I feel the writing was a bit jumpy. At times the story didn't flow smoothly from one chapter/scene to the next. I read this on my kindle and went back to make sure I hadn't tapped too quickly and jumped pages. This was not the case though. There was also one point in the story where one character was referred to as Gabriel and Gilbert. This confused me for a second and I found myself reading the section again. Except for these two issues I found the book to be a quick, entertaining read.
March 20, 2013
This book started out so good, but by about 40% of the book, I was lost as to where the author was going with the story. For the first half of the book, Annie visits a family. I really thought that Rudy would have a bigger part in Annie's life. I did not like the ending at all. It seemed rushed and then before we knew it they were married. I still liked the story it entertained me and I still got to learn some things about the Amish, which I like in Amish Fiction. I already have book two and will probably read it, but I wonder how this is a series. Is it about the same community or what? I love to try new authors of Amish Fiction, and I am willing to give this author another try.
March 10, 2013
Although the story line was intriguing, I thought there were far too many characters to keep track of, especially since the author introduced some characters as if we were expected to already know who they were. The book started out promising, and then got bogged down by too many details during the middle. It picked up speed again towards the end, but when I finished the story, I was left with far too many questions unanswered. It seemed as if the author thought we would instinctively know what had happened to make things right between the 2 main characters, but I didn't feel that anything had really changed.
All in all, I was disappointed. I wanted to like this book, but I really didn't.
All in all, I was disappointed. I wanted to like this book, but I really didn't.
January 30, 2014
I couldn't put it down!, January 30, 2014
Teresa
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Annie's Truth (Touch of Grace) (Kindle Edition)
I have read other books on Amish life, and thought I knew a lot. But I didn't realize there was Old Amish and Newer sects with slightly different beliefs and rules, so this book was not only entertaining, but informative. Through much of the book, my heart didn't want me to stop reading when other things came up, and made me put my reading on hold. Ms. Shriver wrote such wonderful characters that I was so concerned about what would happen to them, and the growth that they made. I would highly recommend this book to my friends.
Teresa
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Annie's Truth (Touch of Grace) (Kindle Edition)
I have read other books on Amish life, and thought I knew a lot. But I didn't realize there was Old Amish and Newer sects with slightly different beliefs and rules, so this book was not only entertaining, but informative. Through much of the book, my heart didn't want me to stop reading when other things came up, and made me put my reading on hold. Ms. Shriver wrote such wonderful characters that I was so concerned about what would happen to them, and the growth that they made. I would highly recommend this book to my friends.
October 24, 2013
A wonderful story about an adopted Amish girl and her search for where she really belongs and her search for her true self. Will it affect the Amish family that found her and took her in? If she finds her birth mother will her birth mother want to meet her? How will the Amish community deal with this? Annie is already a baptized member of the church. She is disobeying her father if she leaves to go seek her mother. What will happen if she decides to return? Many questions. Many things happen in this story. I enjoyed it immensely. Surprises. Family. Community. Amish. Love. Forgiveness.
August 23, 2012
I liked this book more than I thought I would. Annie's Truth stood out to me in a sea of Amish fiction because it didn't fit the mold. It was unique and unexpected, with Annie finding out she was adopted and searching for her birth mother. I enjoyed the relationships and characters, but my favorite part was the character growth and truths that Annie learned along her journey. There are beautiful messages of forgiveness, finding yourself, and belonging.
October 11, 2013
I read this on a Kindle
I got this as a free book when it was on a offer, I am so glad i did this was a good read it not your normal Amish
Book in that it seems to be a different way compared to other Amish Communities i have read about
Annie finds out she was abandon as a new born & she wants to find who she is & it her journey looking for her birth mother also it her relationship with family & her possible Beau
This is a very good read & would recommend you read it
I got this as a free book when it was on a offer, I am so glad i did this was a good read it not your normal Amish
Book in that it seems to be a different way compared to other Amish Communities i have read about
Annie finds out she was abandon as a new born & she wants to find who she is & it her journey looking for her birth mother also it her relationship with family & her possible Beau
This is a very good read & would recommend you read it
July 14, 2015
A sentimental look at the Amish
While I certainly liked the story, I think it is easy to romanticize the Amish and not remember they are living, breathing people. We see a little into their culture, with a strong reliance on God shining forth. While they handle living perhaps a bit better by keeping their ways in line with God's ways, it is important to realize they are still human. All in all, a good read.
While I certainly liked the story, I think it is easy to romanticize the Amish and not remember they are living, breathing people. We see a little into their culture, with a strong reliance on God shining forth. While they handle living perhaps a bit better by keeping their ways in line with God's ways, it is important to realize they are still human. All in all, a good read.
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