Katie's Forever Promise

Emma Raber's Daughter #3

by Jerry S. Eicher

In book 3 of the Emma Raber’s Daughter series, Amish fiction author Jerry Eicher brings the faith-filled journey of Katie Raber to its happy conclusion. Katie Raber is trying to put her life back together after Ben Stoll's devastating betrayal of her love. When she is baptized into the church, she receives a surprising offer that will keep her close to her Amish community—much to her mother’s delight. But soon Ben is back in her life again—and at the same time she finds interest from another young man, though his bumbling efforts at winning her heart show him to be a far less desirable suitor than the more polished Ben Stoll. Readers who have followed the saga of Katie and her attempts to escape the stigma of being just “Emma Raber’s daughter” will be charmed by her new look at life as a young woman with important decisions to make. Book 3 in the Emma Raber’s Daughter series

Genres: Amish, Romance, Christian Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Amish Fiction

354 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2013

About the author

Jerry Eicher’s bestselling Amish fiction (more than 210,000 in combined sales) includes The Adams County Trilogy, the Hannah’s Heart books, and the Little Valley Series. After a traditional Amish childhood, Jerry taught for two terms in Amish and Mennonite schools in Ohio and Illinois. Since then he’s been involved in church renewal, preaching, and teaching Bible studies. Jerry lives with his wife, Tina Eicher, and their four children in Virginia.

Reviews

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is Forgiveness Possible?

I am a huge fan of Author Jerry Eicher and I have read nearly all of his Amish fiction books.
Katie’s Forever Promise is a book that you just can’t wait to get back to if you have to put it down.

I love that this story is filled with real life obstacles and trials. My goodness, I have lived some of them myself. I think this is why this story hit so close to home for me.

Katie and Ben have their share of problems throughout this book. The author shows the reader that with God all things are possible if it is God’s will. That being said, will the community forgive Ben of his past sins? Has Ben really turned his life around? Will Katie forgive Ben after the shame he has put her through or perhaps she has moved on and is interested in another young man in her community.

Then there is Mable. This is a character that I had a love/hate relationship with. Pick up a copy of this book and you will see why I made this statement!

The author gives us an insight into the Amish community that usually doesn’t come out in other Amish fiction books. I think we have a tendency to think that Amish are very different from us. That’s not true. They have issues just like we do. When you read this book you will see what I mean especially when it comes to Norman Kuntz.

I was silly to think that I could get through one of Jerry Eicher’s books without crying. Well...that didn’t happen. What can I say, I am a cryer. I was really sobbing at the end of this story.

I am looking forward to reading this author’s new series that will be coming out in January of 2014. The Beiler Sisters, Book 1: Holding a Tender Heart.

I wish to thank Harvest House Publishers and author, Jerry Eicher, for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review. The opinions expressed in this review are mine alone.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

KATIE'S FOREVER PROMISE is the third book in Mr. Eicher's series, and this is my favorite of all of Mr. Eicher's books I've read to date. I couldn't help but fall in love with Katie and her mamm Emma and all the struggles Katie goes through is so realistic.

Oh, and Ben. My heart broke in book two when he was arrested while Katie was in Switzerland (and what a dream trip that was!) and I was so sad he was out of the series. I was beyond happy when Ben makes an appearance in this book even though Katie had joined the Amish church and moved on.

Fans of Amish fiction will want to read this series in order, starting with Katie Opens Her Heart, Katie's Journey to Love, and Katie's Forever Promise. Mr. Eicher writes about the Amish with knowledge that is readily apparent, even though fans need to remember that not all Amish districts are the same and there are differences.

Don't miss KATIE'S FOREVER PROMISE or either of the first two books in this series. I got a copy of this book free and all opinions are my own.

[Sandra Ambriz · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the three books were excellent!

I really enjoyed the journey of Katie Raber's life. It was written so well that it would be difficult not to follow along. The love joy and tribulations were enduring. I couldn't wait to continue on to the next book

[Jereme Bear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben

Great reading and even better plot. The characters came to life as though they were real people. Thank you for all your great writings.

[Roy Griffitts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

You must read all three of the books in this series. I honestly wish the story line would have continued on. I read all three books in less than 2 weeks.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good book very good series

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katie Raber was suffering from a broken heart. After years of being known as "Emma Raber's odd daughter", Katie had finally won the attention of the man she secretly admired. Things were going so well with Ben. Each week they went to the nearby Mennonite youth meetings together and a deep love for each other had come fast to their young hearts. But then Ben was arrested for selling drugs and sent to prison. Katie was angry at Ben's betrayal and her heart was broken. Now Ben is out of prison and, after an attack on Ben's life, Katie goes to the hospital to help him fight for his life. When the old feelings come flooding back can Katie fight them or will she give into what her heart wants? After Ben was arrested Katie worked hard to repair her reputation in the community. Is it worth risking to be with the man she loves? Will she follow her heart or let the warnings of the people around her keep her from her heart's greatest desire?

Ben Stoll had been questioning the Amish faith for years so it was easy for him to get drawn into something so sinister as drug dealing. But when Ben started seeing Katie Raber he knew he wanted no more part of such dealings but, by then, it was too late. He was arrested and sent to jail to serve out his sentence. Now he was free and back home with his family. But would he ever be welcomed back into arms of the community. Most importantly, could he win back Katie's heart? When he is shot and then asked to leave his beloved Amish community all seems lost but Ben holds out hope that the damage he has caused can be repaired. Being sent away by the Elders is devastating but Ben also knows it's for the best until he can prove he is a changed man. With their faith in God and their love for each other strong, Ben and Katie fight for a life together while it seems the world is trying to keep them apart.

Katie's Forever Promise is book three in the Emma Raber's Daughter series. I found it can be read as a stand alone but I think I would have gotten the most out of it had I read it in sequence. I did love that Jerry Eicher brought in elements I'm not used to reading in Amish fiction. Drugs, abuse, jail and the court system. The characters were lovable with the exception of Katie's step sister Mabel. I so wanted to shake her but, in the end, I learned to love her and even felt sympathy for her. I loved the way Ben and Katie continued to love each other and hold out hope through all the hardships and road blocks they faced. I would like to go back and read the previous books in this series to see the events leading up to book 3. If you like Amish fiction I think you will enjoy this book.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review. The opinions stated are mine alone and mine alone and I received no monetary compensation.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jerry Eicher has quickly made his way to my favorite authors list this year.

I was so excited to read this series but also a little sad to say goodbye to these characters.

I often have trouble relating to or enjoying books written by male authors as I feel they do not usually adequately appeal to my emotions but I feel that Eicher captures each character and breathes life into them on the pages.

I can’t wait to read more by this author. I will be picking up past and future titles!

Katie is trying to move on with her life following the news of Ben’s arrest. Part of trying to move on is venturing back out into the dating world—much to the disdain of her sister who has a crush on the same boy that has asked Katie out.

From the get go I was a bit concerned about Katie’s relationship with Norman. I was worried about Katie still having feelings for Ben and also about Norman’s controlling ways. I suppose I can say that I’m not a bit surprised how that situation ended but I still felt badly for how it ended.

I don’t want to ruin too much of the storyline for those of you that haven’t yet read the book but I appreciated that characters in this book had some serious flaws. So many authors try to make everyone peachy keen and perfect and it can become hard to relate. These characters were real. They had faults and problems just like everyone does and only through the guidance from the Lord were they able to overcome them.

I feel like this particular author provides a lot of insight, motivation and inspiration for a person to continue growing their relationship with the Lord. Katie and her family all offer sweet assurances about the importance of a relationship with Christ and places importance on His will above all others.

If you’re looking for a new Amish series to read and you’ve not yet read them. I would strongly suggest this series. It’s a delightful read that will make you keep reading until you’ve finished all three books.
View all my reviews|Excerpt

I received this book free from the Author and Harvest House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own

[Lisa Crenshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third and final installment of Katie's story. I believe that it ended well, tying up everything nicely. The story begins more than a year after the second book ended. Katie has cut ties with Ben and the Mennonite youth gatherings as she has joined the church and become a member of the Amish community. She has made a good reputation for herself and even impressed the community with her good behavior. Katie starts this story as the new school teacher for the community. The previous teacher has married and the school board votes unanimously for Katie to take over. She is indeed honored and thrilled at such acceptance.

It shortly comes to light though that one of the school board members has an added interest in Katie joining his family through marriage to his shy older son. About the time Norman's interest in Katie comes to light, her old flame, Ben is released from jail where he served time for distributing drugs. He caused great shame to the community and also to Katie. She has sworn to cut ties with him but receives a message that he wishes to speak with her. While she plans to ignore this and move on with Norman, a horrific incident occurs, leading her brother to encourage her to let Ben seek forgiveness in case he should not live. Katie agrees and this visit leaves her in turmoil. Her feelings for Ben are no longer dormant, but resurface with a vengeance.

Katie must decide what course she will take during this trying time. Quickly, the community jumps on the judgment bandwagon and Katie's life becomes very difficult. She continues to face adversity with Mabel, then soon Norman and his father. As the trials progress, Katie clings to God and what she believes He wills for her life. She does not cave to peer pressure when she feels convicted on a matter. I must say Katie possesses the ability to show compassion and mercy even when it's certainly not merited. I believe Katie is a much stronger person of character and faith than she realizes. Perhaps this is what keeps her humble. I enjoyed this story so much, and am a little sad that we stop her journey here. I would definitely read on of her story ever continued.

This is a great trilogy.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

In book 3 of the Emma Raber's Daughter series, Amish fiction author Jerry Eicher brings the faith-filled journey of Katie Raber to its happy conclusion.

Katie Raber is trying to put her life back together after Ben Stoll's devastating betrayal of her love. When she is baptized into the church, she receives a surprising offer that will keep her close to her Amish community--much to her mother's delight.

But soon Ben is back in her life again--and at the same time she finds interest from another young man, though his bumbling efforts at winning her heart show him to be a far less desirable suitor than the more polished Ben Stoll.

Readers who have followed the saga of Katie and her attempts to escape the stigma of being just "Emma Raber's daughter" will be charmed by her new look at life as a young woman with important decisions to make.

My Review:

Faith is a big part of this novel. I really enjoy that, and I appreciate an author that isn't afraid to do that. In Christian Fiction it's expected, but Eicher made it clear that it was the heartbeat of Katie's life. While the pace of the story was a little slower than the previous two in the series, but it made a very nice wrap up to the story as a whole.

There were a lot of elements in this story that aren't part of your typical Amish fiction. Jail, abuse, drugs, are the tip of the iceberg of subject matter, and I have to say I was very pleased with this addition to the usual fare. Eicher provides a lot of insight and inspiration for anyone who is a believer, and tucks a road map into his story that is a compass of direction on how true Christians act.

Despite being Amish, Katie is a shining literary character that is a good example for all of us. She looks to the Lord for answers for life's biggest questions, and despite her fallacies as a human being, Eicher writes Katie as a person we can all look up to no matter what our present situations.

This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.

[Paula-O · Rating 4 out of 5]

Series of Emma Raber's Daughter- book #3 "Katie's Forever Promise" by Jerry Eicher


~I think Jerry is quitely racking up quite a number of well written books that the public is finding delightfully "Good reads". His childhood of growing up amish and teaching in amish and mennonite schools has made a solid background for this man ~

I have enjoyed reading the stories of Emma and her daughter in this series. Katie now has a job as a teacher and is settled into life more securely since the time when she lost contact with Ben Stoll, a young man whom she felt very intense feelings for and just knew they would be together one day. Ben got mixed up with some "Friends" who were going to help him have fun and make money...he soon found out that their ways were evil and he wanted out, esp after meeting Katie. Ben could tell that Katie was a strong Believer and being around her helped him to become a better person.
While Katie was on a trip out of the country with mennonite friends she got news that Ben was in jail and this devastated her.

Book #3 tells of Ben coming home and trying to make up for all his past mistakes...some don't want to let him do that and he is in danger. The family calls Katie to be a friend to Ben after he is shot and they are very concerned, though she has put Ben into her past.
Katie Raber is a young woman facing decisions that may change her life forever no matter what she decides...what would you do in a situation like this...come read the conclusion and see if Ben and Katie have a future...
I received this book to read and review from Harvest House Publishers,thank you so much for the opportunity to get to know this author a little better.

[Sandra Stiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this final book we find Katie with two boys after her. The first is Ben. He is trying to win her back and seeks her forgiveness. The other is a man named Norman. This is a problem since Mabel likes Norman as well. The author showed a side of the Amish that most Amish fiction doesn’t deal with. We see once again that the Amish face a lot of the same temptations and issues the rest of us face. We who are not Amish have built this façade for the Amish. I think we have built it based on the fact that they set themselves apart from the rest of the world, so that must mean they don’t have the same problems. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
I felt sorry for Ben. It didn’t matter that he had changed. There were so many in the community that refused to forgive him or believe he had changed. This irritated me. When I was a child some of my relatives had an issue with something my dad had done. It didn’t involve any of them yet they chose to judge him. Since I was living with my relatives at the time and my parents and sisters were coming for a visit, I was told they didn’t know if they could forgive him for what he had done. My response to them was, since they weren’t involved in the situation it wasn’t their place to forgive him, that was God’s job. I wanted to shout this to Ben’s community. We often forget that God is the one who is in control of ultimate forgiveness. I liked the way he relied on God to get him through his situation. Will Katie and Ben get together? What about Mabel and Norman? You didn’t really think I was going to tell you everything did you? You really must read this entire series.
I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

[Kathleen E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Saturday, October 26, 2013
Katie's Forever Promise by Jerry S. Eicher, ©2013

***Special thanks to Ginger Chen for sending me a review copy.***

I enjoyed the first two books in the trilogy and have looked forward to this third book. Katie has had to make adjustments all along and choices that will ultimately decide her future path. Will she have the determination to look to the Lord before her own will?

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
--II Corinthians 12:9

From being alone with her mother, and then becoming part of a blended family, Katie has grown in perspective and hope. As she stays close, her prayers are answered. Reconciliation comes to her family and growth is spurted for the community.

This novel was slower-paced than the previous two, retelling snippets of them. It had merit on its own without so much of the back story. The characters seek restoration and healing when they discover their part in the happenings. Faith is predominant and paramount for problems encountered.

Consider and hear me, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.
--Psalm 13:3-4

My favorite parts were when Katie went to her parents for counsel and prayer. They stood behind her and guided her.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie Raber's life is looking promising, she is the new teacher, Ben is out of her life, and Norman Kuntz is taking her home from the singings on Sunday's. She even feels like things are getting better with Mabel, her new sister, but she shouldn't plan on too bright of a future.

Ben gets shot on his first day home from jail and they don't think he'll live so at the request of his parents she visits him while he's unconscious and his mother is there the whole time. The community finds out about it and some are out to make trouble for her. She's finding out that Norman has a dark side and between him and Mabel things get worse and she soon loses her teaching job, in the middle of the year, they don't even wait for the school year to be over before firing her.

Jerry did a great job on this book, there are a lot of things going on and, again, I found I was putting myself in Katie's position and wondering what I would do. I don't think I could have kept my mouth shut as well as she did. Katie pushes on and moves forward with her life with as positive an attitude as she can have in her situation. Amish book lovers will really enjoy this series.

Thank you to Harvest House for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

[Rhonda Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY Review: I have been reading this series of Jerry Eicher's with great interest. Katie Raber starts out in book 1 as shy, reserved, and with low self-esteem. She is known as "Emma Raber's daughter", the plain one. She took a great chance at falling in love with Ben Stoll, as he was extroverted and very popular in the community. Ben made a grave error, however, and pays dearly for that error. He is valiantly serving his time of consequences and seeking to protect his family and Katie and her family from the backlash. But trouble seems destined to find both Ben and Katie.
Can their love hold strong ? Will it survive such testing? Can they forgive and be forgiven?
Add to the ordeal, a sister, Mabel, who seems bent on hurting Katie and her mamm, and then her fiance, Norman. Whew! Trouble is definitely brewing!!! I love seeing the strength grown in Katie as she begins teaching and finds her voice. She is not afraid to follow her convictions nor her heart. 5 Star rating for this book, all the way.
I received a free copy of this book from Harvest House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know when your into a book series, it is a great thing to have them all available at once. I am so happy I did have this series all here, I don't think my patience level could have handled having to wait. I truly have enjoyed this series so much. I love Katie and her personality. Throughout this series I have not enjoyed the character of Mabel, but this story pushed it for me concerning her. Her tactics make it easy to dislike her, but you have to feel bad for her after she realizes what her marriage is becoming. Another great story. Katie's new job as a school teacher was a surprise, and an enjoyable one. Ben coming back into her life was another surprise, and really just made the story over the top! I love this book the best, I liked all three but this was my favorite. 5 stars from this reviewer.
This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.

[JoJo Sutis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have discovered a new love….Amish Fiction Author Jerry S. Eicher. (Well, not Jerry….but his books!)
And Katie’s story is one of the best!
I can totally relate to this shy, less than confident young woman desiring to find her own way.
I think she has come a long way in the series and it has been a delight to read her journey.
Her love, Ben is now in trouble and Katie is not about to give the relationship another chance….or will she???
Jerry’s characters are some of my fave in fiction.
Some you love and cheer for: KATIE
Others are a little harder to figure out: MABEL
But all are memorable and forever in your heart!
I love Amish Fiction that thinks out of the box and that exactly what Jerry does!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this one. I feel that Jerry Eicher has become so much more experienced as an author. The first few books I read by him were a little dry and strange, but the books I've read by him these past few years were much better. This novel was well-written and entertaining. I enjoyed the changes in the characters as well and have really enjoyed this series. This last book deserved five stars.

[Debbie West · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series of books were really good. Katie went through so much in her life. She never doubted that she wanted to be Amish but still experienced life making her even more strange to the community. But her love never died for the boy she truly loved despite being pushed towards others.
love will find its way if you put it in the hands of Da Hah.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a little hard for me to finish. There was a lot of manipulation and secrecy in this book and it made me want to shout. I also disliked several of the characters in this series and it made it hard for me to continue on. I like straight forward no-nonsense witty charming characters full of depth and this book just lacked that for me.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic 3rd book in Jerry's series. Katie is troubled by Ben's arrest but she is still in love with him. Will she be able to keep the love in her heart and fend off the troubles that are happening in her life. Must read this book to find out.

[Carla Jilek · Rating 5 out of 5]

KATIE 's Forever Promise

I loved the book- I couldn't put the book down. At times your heart just ached for KATIE, hoping things would improve. She stayed faithful to her beliefs and God worked it out.

[Mary Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katie Raber is trying to put her life back together after Ben Stoll's devastating betrayal of her love. When she is baptized into the church, she receives a surprising offer that will keep her close to her Amish community.

[Linda]

fabulous

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Amish book. Liked MOST of the people in the book. Shows the power of forgiveness and changing someone's life's path.

[Sue Klasing]

Great book

[Susan Moxley]

A true test of love and faith.

[Roberta L Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love triumphs

I loved this book. It was such a good way to end the series. But it still left me wanting another book! Nice, clean,historical book.