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The Courtship of Nellie Fisher #3
The Longing
Although she still prays for Caleb, Nellie Mae Fisher has broken up with her beau. Now, her heart's greatest longing is for more knowledge of the Lord.
Caleb yearns for freedom, as his plans to leave Honeybrook have been thwarted. He must stay on as caretaker for his father, who was crippled in a wintertime accident. He also longs for Nellie Mae, still hoping that she will return to the Old Order...and to him.
Christian Yoder, a young Mennonite man, longs to get to know Nellie Mae better...and to share with her the secrets of her sister Suzy's final days.
Rhoda, Nellie's older sister, longs for more of what the world has to offer--from fancy clothes, to her own car, to a new English boyfriend.
Meanwhile, father Rueben Fisher longs for unity--among his family and all the brethren.
Whose longing will be satisfied, and whose will not?
Caleb yearns for freedom, as his plans to leave Honeybrook have been thwarted. He must stay on as caretaker for his father, who was crippled in a wintertime accident. He also longs for Nellie Mae, still hoping that she will return to the Old Order...and to him.
Christian Yoder, a young Mennonite man, longs to get to know Nellie Mae better...and to share with her the secrets of her sister Suzy's final days.
Rhoda, Nellie's older sister, longs for more of what the world has to offer--from fancy clothes, to her own car, to a new English boyfriend.
Meanwhile, father Rueben Fisher longs for unity--among his family and all the brethren.
Whose longing will be satisfied, and whose will not?
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2008
128 people are currently reading
1879 people want to read
About the author
Beverly Lewis
259 books3,015 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country and both a schoolteacher and an accomplished musician, has been an award-winning author for over a dozen years. Her acclaimed novel, The Preacher's Daughter, was a 2006 Quill Book Award finalist in the romance category. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today and The New York Times. She and her husband, David, live in Colorado."
Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country and both a schoolteacher and an accomplished musician, has been an award-winning author for over a dozen years. Her acclaimed novel, The Preacher's Daughter, was a 2006 Quill Book Award finalist in the romance category. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today and The New York Times. She and her husband, David, live in Colorado."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
August 17, 2018
A touching and fitting ending to this Amish trilogy.
December 1, 2020
The beautiful story of love, forgiveness and renewal of faith during hard times. Amish fiction fans will enjoy the authentic details of the community.
December 5, 2009
Again this book was a little slow, it picked up near the last third of the book. I enjoyed all the stories except Rhoda's. I really didn't have much patience for her for some reason, and I rolled my eyes every time I got to her part. I thought the character's were really well developed and I was very happy with how the conflict of the story worked out. It was so nice to finally see David Yoder soften.
That being said, the reason I gave it 3 stars and not 4 was all because of the end. I loved how it all ended, BUT I read all 349 pages and 99% of those pages I was craving interaction between Nellie and Caleb, when it FINALLY happened it was very short. They only said a few words to each other and she ended the chapter. In fact it ended with Caleb saying "Have I got a lot to tell you..." But thats what I wanted to read!! I read that whole book, no the whole series, to get to the part where they would tell each other how much they missed each other and how much the still loved each other. I wanted to read the part where Caleb told her he wanted to write to her so many times, and I wanted to read where Nellie told him that she thought about him constantly and continually prayed for his salvation. I couldn't wait for that dialog, and I felt jibbed! So because of that I dropped it a star. Other than that I really enjoyed it.
That being said, the reason I gave it 3 stars and not 4 was all because of the end. I loved how it all ended, BUT I read all 349 pages and 99% of those pages I was craving interaction between Nellie and Caleb, when it FINALLY happened it was very short. They only said a few words to each other and she ended the chapter. In fact it ended with Caleb saying "Have I got a lot to tell you..." But thats what I wanted to read!! I read that whole book, no the whole series, to get to the part where they would tell each other how much they missed each other and how much the still loved each other. I wanted to read the part where Caleb told her he wanted to write to her so many times, and I wanted to read where Nellie told him that she thought about him constantly and continually prayed for his salvation. I couldn't wait for that dialog, and I felt jibbed! So because of that I dropped it a star. Other than that I really enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2009
I continue to have a strange fascination with books about the Amish, although I don't know why. This book, however, really annoyed me in the end. All anyone cared about was converting their friends/family/neighbors to their chosen religion. I imagine I really should have expected that, given I was reading Christian/Inspirational fiction, so the fault should really lie with me, and not with the book. But still. I was rolling along with the idea of most people (with a few obvious exceptions) just being tolerant of each other and trying to get along, although they had different beliefs. I was really just into it for the interpersonal drama anyway (such as it was). But in this 3rd part, it was really heavy-handed with all the religious conversions, and the resolution really bugged me. I thought the guy Nellie chose was kind of a jerk, and I didn't like the way it went down with Rhoda and her Amish/non-Amish waffling. Oh well-- again, my fault for expecting something I shouldn't have. The Abram's Daughter series was much more fun-- such scandal!
January 3, 2021
This book was great! I absolutely love how this book series shows the incredible power of God!
June 20, 2020
I picked up this book because the title seemed a little provocative but it was dry as hell. I didn't read the first two in a series but I imagine it's just as dry and Plain.
Obviously, I am not the target audience. I, a 21 year old nonreligious, feminist woman, am not the target audience.
Obviously, I am not the target audience. I, a 21 year old nonreligious, feminist woman, am not the target audience.
June 27, 2014
I think this series could have had one extra book added to it, because the ending jumped and piled everything together quickly in the epilogue. What I loved about this series, and this book in general as well; The beauty of the gospel changing and transforming lives is so evident and wonderfully expressed!
Nellie Mae is enjoying her life with her love for how Jesus' blood saved her and helped her after heartbreak in the second book. Even though Caleb and she have two different beliefs (He in the Old Order of the Amish and she in the New Order of the Amish), she knows and is confident that she made the right choice. Now Caleb's Mennonite cousin keeps showing up at her pie shop, but it is hard to move past the love shared for Caleb. Can she love another so soon?
I actually was a bit disappointed in this book, at least the second half of it. It was good though. I just think some of the situations seem pushed a bit or unnatural other than a few miraculous things that did happen in this story. I can't explain which pieces specifically truly without spoiling things, so it is possible others who have read this may understand what I mean. I mainly mean with the build up with Christian though.
Nellie Mae is enjoying her life with her love for how Jesus' blood saved her and helped her after heartbreak in the second book. Even though Caleb and she have two different beliefs (He in the Old Order of the Amish and she in the New Order of the Amish), she knows and is confident that she made the right choice. Now Caleb's Mennonite cousin keeps showing up at her pie shop, but it is hard to move past the love shared for Caleb. Can she love another so soon?
I actually was a bit disappointed in this book, at least the second half of it. It was good though. I just think some of the situations seem pushed a bit or unnatural other than a few miraculous things that did happen in this story. I can't explain which pieces specifically truly without spoiling things, so it is possible others who have read this may understand what I mean. I mainly mean with the build up with Christian though.
September 2, 2022
#3 in the Courtship of Nellie Fisher Amish romance
This was a very satisfying ending to an interesting trilogy. Nellie Mae has grown up in the strict Amish community in the 1960's when there was a split among the group, as more people started to leave the Old Order (old-fashioned ideas) to lean towards more modern ways (wanting to use tractors and cars), with others embracing the Scripture as a part of daily life (rather than simply reading by rote the Old Testament in German, some not even understanding it). Between these three very different groups, families became divided, and friends broke up. In our book, Nellie moved on to the New Order with her parents, while her beau, Caleb, stayed with the Old Order, along with his very strict father and family. Also, Nellie's sister Rhoda moved on to "fancy ways," leaving her home, getting a job, buying a car and TV, and dating "Englishers." We also follow Rosanna and Elias's story as they struggle to have a child through many miscarriages, then face other related challenges. I was surprised to find that so many people hold so tightly to their faith, building their lives completely around their beliefs. I also couldn't help but notice how judgmental many of them were, even those who were "enlightened." They'd pray for God's will, but they'd also add comments about their neighbors about "putting some sense into them" or "doing what was right." I wondered what made their beliefs "right" and the others wrong. How were they any different from the people who banned those who had moved to the New Order? In any case, I enjoyed the relationships and reading about some of the Amish customs. And I became involved in the lives of these families. The ending was mostly a HEA and very satisfying, closing out this series with all the loose ends tied up.
This was a very satisfying ending to an interesting trilogy. Nellie Mae has grown up in the strict Amish community in the 1960's when there was a split among the group, as more people started to leave the Old Order (old-fashioned ideas) to lean towards more modern ways (wanting to use tractors and cars), with others embracing the Scripture as a part of daily life (rather than simply reading by rote the Old Testament in German, some not even understanding it). Between these three very different groups, families became divided, and friends broke up. In our book, Nellie moved on to the New Order with her parents, while her beau, Caleb, stayed with the Old Order, along with his very strict father and family. Also, Nellie's sister Rhoda moved on to "fancy ways," leaving her home, getting a job, buying a car and TV, and dating "Englishers." We also follow Rosanna and Elias's story as they struggle to have a child through many miscarriages, then face other related challenges. I was surprised to find that so many people hold so tightly to their faith, building their lives completely around their beliefs. I also couldn't help but notice how judgmental many of them were, even those who were "enlightened." They'd pray for God's will, but they'd also add comments about their neighbors about "putting some sense into them" or "doing what was right." I wondered what made their beliefs "right" and the others wrong. How were they any different from the people who banned those who had moved to the New Order? In any case, I enjoyed the relationships and reading about some of the Amish customs. And I became involved in the lives of these families. The ending was mostly a HEA and very satisfying, closing out this series with all the loose ends tied up.
August 10, 2020
The Courtship of Nellie Fisher is an unusual Amish series and I greatly enjoyed it overall. There's a complexity to the stories; there are multiple storylines and the characters are well drawn and relatable. My main disappointment was with the hero himself, Caleb. He seemed weak, stubborn, and more desirous of his future land inheritance than of his love for Nellie. Caleb and Nellie are actually separated during the second and third books. The story of Rosanna, who endures one miscarriage after another, is far more engaging.
The strength of this series is the spiritual awakening taking place in Amish communities. It's so spiritually refreshing personally to watch as one character after another embraces the forgiving grace of Jesus. I was particularly moved by the events surrounding communion Sunday - the personal preparation questions members were given and opportunities for reconciliation that took place.
This is a wonderfully unique series in Amish fiction and I enjoyed it very much.
The strength of this series is the spiritual awakening taking place in Amish communities. It's so spiritually refreshing personally to watch as one character after another embraces the forgiving grace of Jesus. I was particularly moved by the events surrounding communion Sunday - the personal preparation questions members were given and opportunities for reconciliation that took place.
This is a wonderfully unique series in Amish fiction and I enjoyed it very much.
December 14, 2018
I loved this book!! Great story!! Loved this series!! Love this author's books!!
November 17, 2021
Ms. Lewis always delivers with her characters. So heart warming with a deep sense of family values. Loved it!
February 17, 2022
I loved this series of 3 books and the last one is definitely the best. Some of my favorite by this author.
July 28, 2024
A great end to a beautiful Amish trilogy.
December 30, 2024
Anti-climactic.
My expectations going into this were for Rosanna to end up pregnant as some sort of miracle blessing, and for Nellie to hook up with Suzie's ex or his brother Chris, because that's the type of shit Beverly Lewis loves writing. It's beat for beat the same as the Shunning series, the way Kate 'falls' for Justin, even though their relationship is so sterile of ANY chemistry or passion whatsoever that it's kind of amazing. Same here with Nellie and Chris, there is absolutely no chemistry, straight up nothing that it's almost an insult to suggest to the reader they actually care about each other. Chris is a placeholder meant to generate jealousy within Caleb, who then politely disappears once the narrative no longer needs him and Caleb and Nellie are ready to reconcile.
Caleb and Nellie spend most of the book missing each other; Caleb is still banished from his family for the terrible sin of seeing Nellie with her hair down, even though they've since broken up like his father wanted. Good news though! His dad gets kicked in the head by a mule a the start of the book (fully deserved) and spends the story paralyzed and wasting away. (The hilarious part is it's suggested that God made the mule kick him to get 'his message' through David's thick skull and make him convert.) This gives David Yoder a sort of crisis of conscience, because his evangelical cousin comes over to preach to him on his death-bed, you know, like a vulture would when they smell blood, and manages to convert him! Wow! So easy to convert the most conservative and stubborn Old-Order believer in the whole series! That was easy!
The worst part of this book was Chris and his crush on Nellie Mae, because if you think this through for longer than even a second, you realize how bonkers and messed-up this is. Chris and his brother are the ones who got Nellie's sister drowned, and Chris seems to have the empathy of a black hole on that point. Zack has normal human emotions and feels guilty and grieves over Suzie's death, but Chris? He just doesn't give a shit, and pursues Nellie anyway. At a certain point in the book, he also realizes that Nellie is his cousin Caleb's ex-fiance and he continues to pursue her despite that. At one point when Chris starts getting a crush on Nellie, he is aware that this is inappropriate, but thinks to himself, "What am I supposed to do? Wash her from my mind?" ... Uh, yeah, dude. Kind of like how you told your brother Zack who was actually dating Suzie and watched her drown to wipe her from his mind. It should be much easier for you to forget about Nellie, you guys never dated and you killed her sister. Fuck you, dude. There's also a sideplot where he initiates a date with a girl he knows he doesn't like, has no intentions to date, and is only using to get a date to a school dance, and then is disgruntled when she's 'boring' during the date and not like Nellie Mae; like, dude, you initiated all of this! You didn't have to bring her, you did this! You're leading her on, knew you didn't like her, and are now mad she doesn't act like the girl you do have a crush on! Literally just uses this girl for his own purposes and discards her. What an asshole. I hate him.
Chris hangs around the Amish community pretending to do nice things for them, but his true motivations are to try and convert them, and some of the characters are fully aware of this; apparently, the evangelical churches see the Amish as easy marks for conversion and prey on them often (How does Beverly know about this? Is this why she writes about Amish characters converting, because she failed to convert the ones she knows in real life?). The only reason Chris is being nice to his cousin Caleb is to try to convert him; this is not a selfless act on his part. It is a self-serving act. It's narcissism and megalomania. (We see the Amish characters who have converted to born-again evangelism behave in the same way too. After David is kicked by the mule, the Fisher family tries to show kindness to the Yoders, but only because they're still trying to evangelize to them and convert them. Same with Chris. Their kindness is not kindness, it's manipulative and goal-oriented.) In my opinion, Chris is the most evil motherfucker in these books. He's incapable of empathy, a sociopath who isn't guilty about causing a girl's death, he's a manipulative liar whose only goal is evangelizing so he can win brownie points with his god, and he's a predator who tries to convert supplicants from what he sees as naïve and ignorant stock amongst the Amish -- he's a predator, and the narrative doesn't acknowledge this. I hate him.
Of course, he ultimately succeeds in his goal of converting Caleb, right after his dad succeeds in converting Caleb's dad (the most stubborn old-order character in the book who it was made clear would NEVER convert under normal circumstances, and only did because he was manipulated on his death bed)-- because apparently all Caleb needed was to hear the same thing Nellie told him about the new religion, but from a man's mouth. Incredibly insulting that he'll accept the same information from a man he barely knows and isn't close to and who only approached his family after his dad got kicked by a mule for the purpose of converting them, but not from Nellie, the love of his life.
Anyway, Chris keeps pursuing Nellie in the weirdest and most awkward courtship I've ever read, it was so out of nowhere that the reader is now supposed to believe these two are attracted to each other, it was so contrived and so lacking in any sort of chemistry that it was just off-putting. The tie-off to their romance was fucking weird too, there's no confrontation or break-up, because Beverly Lewis hates writing break-ups and just has the unnecessary insert relationship man disappear, same as Justin did in the Shunning series when the heroine goes back to the man she actually loves. She shows up expecting to go on a date with Chris, and sees his car parked on a back-road, right next to Caleb's buggie... but Chris isn't in the car. Where is he? In the bushes? What the hell was that!? Caleb can't drive, Chris had to bring the car there, but he's not in the car; so is he just watching from the bushes while Nellie hops in the buggie with Caleb? What the hell!
As for the side-plots, equally unfulfilling and offensive. The only one I somewhat enjoyed was Rosanna's wholesome story of finally getting the baby she's been longing for. Women who had heard about Rosanna's sad tale of having her adopted babies taken back offer up their babies to her. Rosanna also discovers she's pregnant! The story ends with her delivering a healthy son (because the boy has to be the one that's part of their bloodline, of course *eyeroll*), and an adopted daughter of the same age, kind of mirroring the 'twins' she had taken away in book 2. Whatever, wholesome ending rounded off nicely.
Rhoda's plot? Oh my god. Beverly Lewis is ideologically motivated to make every 'worldly' Englisher an 'atheist', or rather, her caricature of an atheist person. In her books, atheists are one-dimensional evil assholes that serve as motivation for women to return to their conservative religious societies. Except, Rhoda is the asshole here, not Ken! Rhoda and Ken have nothing in common, but she's latched onto him because he's the first man to show her attention. It's repeatedly suggested that Rhoda is fat and that this is the reason no one wants to date her, but Ken is different. We're shown how evil he is by having him drink wine with every meal (how shocking!) and for not being interested in church (i.e., Rhoda's high-control religion), and not wanting to have kids (not even 'a few!'). I think that even most guys who want kids wouldn't be okay with the amount of kids that the Amish typically have. The average birth rate per adult is 7 kids, meaning some have way more than that. That's way more than the average person outside the religion wants. Rhoda is shocked that this man doesn't want any kids, not even a few!!!.... A 'few' means more than three, which again, is above the average for american families. Anyway, Rhoda vicimizes herself, because the man who has been treating her well is an athiest, and this sends her running back to her conservative home-life. Rhoda is the asshole in this situation who thought she could 'change' Ken and convince him to have kids, knowing that he didn't want that. Incompatibility surrounding the kids question means you need to break up and move on, not cajole or plead for kids.
BUT THEN KEN GOES: "I just don't understand women." Bro, shut up! Are you surprised? You deliberately asked Rhoda out on a date knowing that she just escaped a high-control religion, and you're surprised that she still clings to some of her patriarchal conservative religious views? This is not a 'woman' thing, this is YOU, deliberately dating someone you thought was moldable and naive, and then being shocked when she isn't what you expected. Honestly, both of them sucked.
Anyway, since any man who isn't Amish doesn't want kids apparently, Rhoda comes back to the Amish; also, her dad is letting her keep the car, even though this is the reason she was kicked out of the home in the first place. So what the fuck was the point.
The ending to Nellie and Caleb's romance was unsatisfying too. We have three books of build-up for this brief moment where Nellie hops in Caleb's buggie, and then an epilogue where we're told, not shown, that Nellie is now married and pregnant.
Deeply unsatisfying. Where is the romantic catharsis? Where is the 'I was so wrong to ever let you go, I missed you so much, I loved you the whole time, Nellie!' Boo!
My expectations going into this were for Rosanna to end up pregnant as some sort of miracle blessing, and for Nellie to hook up with Suzie's ex or his brother Chris, because that's the type of shit Beverly Lewis loves writing. It's beat for beat the same as the Shunning series, the way Kate 'falls' for Justin, even though their relationship is so sterile of ANY chemistry or passion whatsoever that it's kind of amazing. Same here with Nellie and Chris, there is absolutely no chemistry, straight up nothing that it's almost an insult to suggest to the reader they actually care about each other. Chris is a placeholder meant to generate jealousy within Caleb, who then politely disappears once the narrative no longer needs him and Caleb and Nellie are ready to reconcile.
Caleb and Nellie spend most of the book missing each other; Caleb is still banished from his family for the terrible sin of seeing Nellie with her hair down, even though they've since broken up like his father wanted. Good news though! His dad gets kicked in the head by a mule a the start of the book (fully deserved) and spends the story paralyzed and wasting away. (The hilarious part is it's suggested that God made the mule kick him to get 'his message' through David's thick skull and make him convert.) This gives David Yoder a sort of crisis of conscience, because his evangelical cousin comes over to preach to him on his death-bed, you know, like a vulture would when they smell blood, and manages to convert him! Wow! So easy to convert the most conservative and stubborn Old-Order believer in the whole series! That was easy!
The worst part of this book was Chris and his crush on Nellie Mae, because if you think this through for longer than even a second, you realize how bonkers and messed-up this is. Chris and his brother are the ones who got Nellie's sister drowned, and Chris seems to have the empathy of a black hole on that point. Zack has normal human emotions and feels guilty and grieves over Suzie's death, but Chris? He just doesn't give a shit, and pursues Nellie anyway. At a certain point in the book, he also realizes that Nellie is his cousin Caleb's ex-fiance and he continues to pursue her despite that. At one point when Chris starts getting a crush on Nellie, he is aware that this is inappropriate, but thinks to himself, "What am I supposed to do? Wash her from my mind?" ... Uh, yeah, dude. Kind of like how you told your brother Zack who was actually dating Suzie and watched her drown to wipe her from his mind. It should be much easier for you to forget about Nellie, you guys never dated and you killed her sister. Fuck you, dude. There's also a sideplot where he initiates a date with a girl he knows he doesn't like, has no intentions to date, and is only using to get a date to a school dance, and then is disgruntled when she's 'boring' during the date and not like Nellie Mae; like, dude, you initiated all of this! You didn't have to bring her, you did this! You're leading her on, knew you didn't like her, and are now mad she doesn't act like the girl you do have a crush on! Literally just uses this girl for his own purposes and discards her. What an asshole. I hate him.
Chris hangs around the Amish community pretending to do nice things for them, but his true motivations are to try and convert them, and some of the characters are fully aware of this; apparently, the evangelical churches see the Amish as easy marks for conversion and prey on them often (How does Beverly know about this? Is this why she writes about Amish characters converting, because she failed to convert the ones she knows in real life?). The only reason Chris is being nice to his cousin Caleb is to try to convert him; this is not a selfless act on his part. It is a self-serving act. It's narcissism and megalomania. (We see the Amish characters who have converted to born-again evangelism behave in the same way too. After David is kicked by the mule, the Fisher family tries to show kindness to the Yoders, but only because they're still trying to evangelize to them and convert them. Same with Chris. Their kindness is not kindness, it's manipulative and goal-oriented.) In my opinion, Chris is the most evil motherfucker in these books. He's incapable of empathy, a sociopath who isn't guilty about causing a girl's death, he's a manipulative liar whose only goal is evangelizing so he can win brownie points with his god, and he's a predator who tries to convert supplicants from what he sees as naïve and ignorant stock amongst the Amish -- he's a predator, and the narrative doesn't acknowledge this. I hate him.
Of course, he ultimately succeeds in his goal of converting Caleb, right after his dad succeeds in converting Caleb's dad (the most stubborn old-order character in the book who it was made clear would NEVER convert under normal circumstances, and only did because he was manipulated on his death bed)-- because apparently all Caleb needed was to hear the same thing Nellie told him about the new religion, but from a man's mouth. Incredibly insulting that he'll accept the same information from a man he barely knows and isn't close to and who only approached his family after his dad got kicked by a mule for the purpose of converting them, but not from Nellie, the love of his life.
Anyway, Chris keeps pursuing Nellie in the weirdest and most awkward courtship I've ever read, it was so out of nowhere that the reader is now supposed to believe these two are attracted to each other, it was so contrived and so lacking in any sort of chemistry that it was just off-putting. The tie-off to their romance was fucking weird too, there's no confrontation or break-up, because Beverly Lewis hates writing break-ups and just has the unnecessary insert relationship man disappear, same as Justin did in the Shunning series when the heroine goes back to the man she actually loves. She shows up expecting to go on a date with Chris, and sees his car parked on a back-road, right next to Caleb's buggie... but Chris isn't in the car. Where is he? In the bushes? What the hell was that!? Caleb can't drive, Chris had to bring the car there, but he's not in the car; so is he just watching from the bushes while Nellie hops in the buggie with Caleb? What the hell!
As for the side-plots, equally unfulfilling and offensive. The only one I somewhat enjoyed was Rosanna's wholesome story of finally getting the baby she's been longing for. Women who had heard about Rosanna's sad tale of having her adopted babies taken back offer up their babies to her. Rosanna also discovers she's pregnant! The story ends with her delivering a healthy son (because the boy has to be the one that's part of their bloodline, of course *eyeroll*), and an adopted daughter of the same age, kind of mirroring the 'twins' she had taken away in book 2. Whatever, wholesome ending rounded off nicely.
Rhoda's plot? Oh my god. Beverly Lewis is ideologically motivated to make every 'worldly' Englisher an 'atheist', or rather, her caricature of an atheist person. In her books, atheists are one-dimensional evil assholes that serve as motivation for women to return to their conservative religious societies. Except, Rhoda is the asshole here, not Ken! Rhoda and Ken have nothing in common, but she's latched onto him because he's the first man to show her attention. It's repeatedly suggested that Rhoda is fat and that this is the reason no one wants to date her, but Ken is different. We're shown how evil he is by having him drink wine with every meal (how shocking!) and for not being interested in church (i.e., Rhoda's high-control religion), and not wanting to have kids (not even 'a few!'). I think that even most guys who want kids wouldn't be okay with the amount of kids that the Amish typically have. The average birth rate per adult is 7 kids, meaning some have way more than that. That's way more than the average person outside the religion wants. Rhoda is shocked that this man doesn't want any kids, not even a few!!!.... A 'few' means more than three, which again, is above the average for american families. Anyway, Rhoda vicimizes herself, because the man who has been treating her well is an athiest, and this sends her running back to her conservative home-life. Rhoda is the asshole in this situation who thought she could 'change' Ken and convince him to have kids, knowing that he didn't want that. Incompatibility surrounding the kids question means you need to break up and move on, not cajole or plead for kids.
BUT THEN KEN GOES: "I just don't understand women." Bro, shut up! Are you surprised? You deliberately asked Rhoda out on a date knowing that she just escaped a high-control religion, and you're surprised that she still clings to some of her patriarchal conservative religious views? This is not a 'woman' thing, this is YOU, deliberately dating someone you thought was moldable and naive, and then being shocked when she isn't what you expected. Honestly, both of them sucked.
Anyway, since any man who isn't Amish doesn't want kids apparently, Rhoda comes back to the Amish; also, her dad is letting her keep the car, even though this is the reason she was kicked out of the home in the first place. So what the fuck was the point.
The ending to Nellie and Caleb's romance was unsatisfying too. We have three books of build-up for this brief moment where Nellie hops in Caleb's buggie, and then an epilogue where we're told, not shown, that Nellie is now married and pregnant.
Deeply unsatisfying. Where is the romantic catharsis? Where is the 'I was so wrong to ever let you go, I missed you so much, I loved you the whole time, Nellie!' Boo!
May 9, 2020
Plot: This is the best and last book in the Courtship of Nellie Mae Fisher series! I just love Beverly Lewis and this book just cements this for me!
What I loved: all the characters and their story especially Nellie and Rosanna
What I disliked: allusions to Rhoda’s sexual assault as well as her improper behavior with boyfriends. Caleb never forgiving his dad.
Warning: none
Reading level: teens and adults
Reading interest: totally absorbing if you like Amish romance fiction
Read: 5/2-8/20
What I loved: all the characters and their story especially Nellie and Rosanna
What I disliked: allusions to Rhoda’s sexual assault as well as her improper behavior with boyfriends. Caleb never forgiving his dad.
Warning: none
Reading level: teens and adults
Reading interest: totally absorbing if you like Amish romance fiction
Read: 5/2-8/20
January 30, 2013
This being the final book in the series I knew it would start early in closing some stories, giving the reader closure, as Lewis does with all her books. I will say this is the first time I didn't like the entire way the book ended.
For Rosanna and her husband Elias, they get blessed in an unexpected way, or I should say, twice blessed. Again, as in my review for the second book, I will say Rosanna's story really overshadowed that of Nellie Mae Fisher and Caleb Yoder. There are times in the book, where the reader will be let down to read about Nellie and Caleb, but rejoice in reading about Rosanna, its sad but true and I as a Beverly Lewis fan, hate saying that, but Rosanna's story really drowns out Nellie's in major ways.
There is closure for Nellie and I will say right off, without spoiling anything for the next reader, I didn't agree with who she ended up with. I think there was material there for a possible 4th book, if Lewis had chosen that path, it would have been nice to see how it could have unfolded.
As with other Lewis books, the reader will not be disappointed at all and left wanting more closure. You will always remember her characters, always hold them close and think about them from time to time.
I have read almost every one of her book series and will continue to do so.
For Rosanna and her husband Elias, they get blessed in an unexpected way, or I should say, twice blessed. Again, as in my review for the second book, I will say Rosanna's story really overshadowed that of Nellie Mae Fisher and Caleb Yoder. There are times in the book, where the reader will be let down to read about Nellie and Caleb, but rejoice in reading about Rosanna, its sad but true and I as a Beverly Lewis fan, hate saying that, but Rosanna's story really drowns out Nellie's in major ways.
There is closure for Nellie and I will say right off, without spoiling anything for the next reader, I didn't agree with who she ended up with. I think there was material there for a possible 4th book, if Lewis had chosen that path, it would have been nice to see how it could have unfolded.
As with other Lewis books, the reader will not be disappointed at all and left wanting more closure. You will always remember her characters, always hold them close and think about them from time to time.
I have read almost every one of her book series and will continue to do so.
May 23, 2011
This was my first Beverly Lewis book, and I have to say that I really enjoyed it! I just loved learning about the Amish and their customs. I did get confused, though, in the beginning when the differences between the Old and New Order were vague. I'm still not sure just how much/what kind of "fancy" stuff the New Order was allowed. But then again, this is the 3rd book in the series, so maybe I would have found that out had I read the previous two! Anyway, I also found it super refreshing to read a book that so glorified the Lord and Christianity. You don't find too much of that nowadays!
December 22, 2009
This was a not necessary third nook in this series. To me it was the worst of the Beverly Lewis books I have read and I am a huge fan. But everyone is alloowed one!!
August 6, 2018
What a great way to end the trilogy! I absolutely adored this book. I just liked everything about it and the way each individual plotline wrapped up. Beverly Lewis is truly a talented author.
February 7, 2019
This book, the last one in this series, was a very interesting read in that I realized the events of the Amish church splitting up actually took place. The church was split with the Old Order, New Order, and Beachy Amish. The story of Nellie Mae and the events in her life during this time were a great representation of the time period, though fictitious, and gave you a clear idea of what was taking place in the late 1960’s in the Amish communities.
This book started with a serious accident happening in the community. David Yoder, father of Caleb, got kicked in the head by a mule. Miraculously, he survived his hospital stay, but came home paralyzed, and in need of rehabilitation and care by his family. He is still stubborn with not wanting he or his family associating with anyone from the New Order. He tells Caleb he can come home to help out with farm chores. David had asked Caleb a while back to leave the house when his relationship with Nellie Mae, whose family was going to the New Order Church, was too serious. David does not even want visits from his friend Reuben Fisher and Elias King, members of the New Order.
Rhoda Fisher is getting more familiar with living the fancy life. She works at a restaurant, drives a car, and is still dating Ken. Fortunately, when Ken makes it known that he is not interested in having children, Rhoda does not want to continue dating. She sees a new Englisher for a short time after Ken, but eventually asks her father’s forgiveness and moves back home. She still keeps her car, though, and will use it to travel back to school in the future.
Chris Yoder, brother of Zack who dated Suzy Fisher before she died, finds out in the paper about David Yoder’s accident. Chris’ father and David are first cousins. Chris and Caleb used to spend a lot of time together when they were kids. Chris decides to go over the Yoder’s to see if they need any help. He meets up with Caleb. Caleb, reluctantly because who knows what his father would think, agrees to have Chris help him with milking the cows.
Chris happens to run into Nellie Mae at a later time when she is eating with her sister Nan at the restaurant Rhoda is working at. He starts to stop by Nellie’s Simple Sweets on a regular basis too. He is falling for Nellie. Nellie agrees to an ice cream date and even going to a tabernacle church service with Chris. But in the end, she truly loves Caleb.
Rosanna and Elias are struggling with the loss of having to give back the baby twins to her cousin, the biological mother. Word has spread among the Amish community so three women are willing to give up their babies that they’re carrying to Rosanna. Rosanna and Elias agree to accept a baby from one of the mothers. But Rosanna miraculously is able to carry her baby without miscarrying. So she winds up with Jonathan, from the Amish mother, and her own daughter, truly a miracle.
Unfortunately, David Yoder passes away, his last words to his son, Caleb. He tells Caleb that Preacher Manny was right. David, after speaking with his cousin John Yoder, realizes that he was wrong and believes Jesus is their Savior. He should have never turned the New Order Amish people away. He even has Caleb bring Reuben Fisher over to see him so he could forgive him. David gives Caleb the farm and tells him he should have never interfered with him and Nellie Mae, either.
So all is resolved and the families in the community are content. Caleb and Nellie Mae marry, as well as her sister Nan and Ezekiel Mast, Preacher Manny’s nephew...on the same day. Elizabeth Yoder, Caleb’s mother, is heading toward the New Order. Even the Bishop, hearing the preachings at David’s funeral, is reading more of the Bible. Chris Yoder is doing well in college, studying what he knows best, Religion and will probably become a Preacher. Rebekah Yoder, Caleb’s sister, also is married. A new generation of children will soon be growing up, and this one will know they are loved, as well as saved, by Jesus.
This book started with a serious accident happening in the community. David Yoder, father of Caleb, got kicked in the head by a mule. Miraculously, he survived his hospital stay, but came home paralyzed, and in need of rehabilitation and care by his family. He is still stubborn with not wanting he or his family associating with anyone from the New Order. He tells Caleb he can come home to help out with farm chores. David had asked Caleb a while back to leave the house when his relationship with Nellie Mae, whose family was going to the New Order Church, was too serious. David does not even want visits from his friend Reuben Fisher and Elias King, members of the New Order.
Rhoda Fisher is getting more familiar with living the fancy life. She works at a restaurant, drives a car, and is still dating Ken. Fortunately, when Ken makes it known that he is not interested in having children, Rhoda does not want to continue dating. She sees a new Englisher for a short time after Ken, but eventually asks her father’s forgiveness and moves back home. She still keeps her car, though, and will use it to travel back to school in the future.
Chris Yoder, brother of Zack who dated Suzy Fisher before she died, finds out in the paper about David Yoder’s accident. Chris’ father and David are first cousins. Chris and Caleb used to spend a lot of time together when they were kids. Chris decides to go over the Yoder’s to see if they need any help. He meets up with Caleb. Caleb, reluctantly because who knows what his father would think, agrees to have Chris help him with milking the cows.
Chris happens to run into Nellie Mae at a later time when she is eating with her sister Nan at the restaurant Rhoda is working at. He starts to stop by Nellie’s Simple Sweets on a regular basis too. He is falling for Nellie. Nellie agrees to an ice cream date and even going to a tabernacle church service with Chris. But in the end, she truly loves Caleb.
Rosanna and Elias are struggling with the loss of having to give back the baby twins to her cousin, the biological mother. Word has spread among the Amish community so three women are willing to give up their babies that they’re carrying to Rosanna. Rosanna and Elias agree to accept a baby from one of the mothers. But Rosanna miraculously is able to carry her baby without miscarrying. So she winds up with Jonathan, from the Amish mother, and her own daughter, truly a miracle.
Unfortunately, David Yoder passes away, his last words to his son, Caleb. He tells Caleb that Preacher Manny was right. David, after speaking with his cousin John Yoder, realizes that he was wrong and believes Jesus is their Savior. He should have never turned the New Order Amish people away. He even has Caleb bring Reuben Fisher over to see him so he could forgive him. David gives Caleb the farm and tells him he should have never interfered with him and Nellie Mae, either.
So all is resolved and the families in the community are content. Caleb and Nellie Mae marry, as well as her sister Nan and Ezekiel Mast, Preacher Manny’s nephew...on the same day. Elizabeth Yoder, Caleb’s mother, is heading toward the New Order. Even the Bishop, hearing the preachings at David’s funeral, is reading more of the Bible. Chris Yoder is doing well in college, studying what he knows best, Religion and will probably become a Preacher. Rebekah Yoder, Caleb’s sister, also is married. A new generation of children will soon be growing up, and this one will know they are loved, as well as saved, by Jesus.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2020
3.5 stars (rating shown may vary depending on whether site allows half star ratings).
I would say this was my favorite of the three books in the trilogy. I did not realize until I read the author's note at the end that she was attempting to fictionally document the church split that occurred in the 1960s. I do agree with another reviewer that the epilogue seemed to have to wrap up many plot lines. I do think that characters that appeared in this series were in a previous series (Rosanna and Elias King were mentioned by another reviewer for one of the previous books in the series as the reason she read that book was wanting to know what happened with Rosanna and Elias.) It is possible that characters from this series will be featured in a different set of books as well with the epilogue expanded on in that series.
SPOILERS MAY FOLLOW--READ ON AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION:
Another reviewer complained that all people seemed to care about was converting others or bringing them into the New Order. I can understand that--when your eyes are first opened and you first start learning things, you do desire to tell others about it and you want them to share in it with you.
I did suspect all along that Caleb and Nellie Mae would end up together. It's kind of the way these books go. Lewis did a respectable job of trying to introduce a "love triangle" of sorts by bringing Christian Yoder into the picture. (I suspect Rhoda and Christian may get together in another series--but who knows.)
I would say this was my favorite of the three books in the trilogy. I did not realize until I read the author's note at the end that she was attempting to fictionally document the church split that occurred in the 1960s. I do agree with another reviewer that the epilogue seemed to have to wrap up many plot lines. I do think that characters that appeared in this series were in a previous series (Rosanna and Elias King were mentioned by another reviewer for one of the previous books in the series as the reason she read that book was wanting to know what happened with Rosanna and Elias.) It is possible that characters from this series will be featured in a different set of books as well with the epilogue expanded on in that series.
SPOILERS MAY FOLLOW--READ ON AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION:
Another reviewer complained that all people seemed to care about was converting others or bringing them into the New Order. I can understand that--when your eyes are first opened and you first start learning things, you do desire to tell others about it and you want them to share in it with you.
I did suspect all along that Caleb and Nellie Mae would end up together. It's kind of the way these books go. Lewis did a respectable job of trying to introduce a "love triangle" of sorts by bringing Christian Yoder into the picture. (I suspect Rhoda and Christian may get together in another series--but who knows.)
March 18, 2022
The final book in the trilogy which was consumed in about a day. There were things I loved and hated about this book!
I loved that it completely transported me into another world. It was a complete and innocent escape from reality. I loved the love triangle developing with Nellie and two cousins. :-0 I also enjoyed Rhonda's developing storyline. Such good drama!!!
I continued to really dislike the arrogant protestant theme that such-and-such character needs to be "saved" because they had different protestant christian beliefs. It also continued to be confusing that characters would refer to others as "Englishers". This term was not clearly defined and often used for people who were arguable Amish/Mennonite.
The end of the book was consumed with stubborn characters being magically saved. If felt forced and not true to life. It was disappointing to read after the realistic buildup to that point. I had to skim the last 1/8 of the book to find out what happened to the characters - the majority of words were directed at the importance of being saved. :-/
It was never explained why the Yoders disliked the Fishers so much. I assumed some past history would eventually be revealed (maybe Mamma's early failed romance was with David?) but it never was.
I loved that it completely transported me into another world. It was a complete and innocent escape from reality. I loved the love triangle developing with Nellie and two cousins. :-0 I also enjoyed Rhonda's developing storyline. Such good drama!!!
I continued to really dislike the arrogant protestant theme that such-and-such character needs to be "saved" because they had different protestant christian beliefs. It also continued to be confusing that characters would refer to others as "Englishers". This term was not clearly defined and often used for people who were arguable Amish/Mennonite.
The end of the book was consumed with stubborn characters being magically saved. If felt forced and not true to life. It was disappointing to read after the realistic buildup to that point. I had to skim the last 1/8 of the book to find out what happened to the characters - the majority of words were directed at the importance of being saved. :-/
It was never explained why the Yoders disliked the Fishers so much. I assumed some past history would eventually be revealed (maybe Mamma's early failed romance was with David?) but it never was.
October 7, 2022
Beyond the obligatory Gospel message (which is valid, but carried out rather clumsily) not sure what the moral of this series was supposed to be except:
1. It is definitely okay to date someone solely because they physically resemble and/or are related to your ex. (It might even be a providential means to preserve yourself until your ex is spiritually compatible for you!)
2. Only bad role models eat for comfort and gain weight from it.
3. Preferential treatment of sons over daughters is 100% okay.
4. Giving away your children is 100% okay, but shame on you should you ever regret your decision or have parental urges (that is, unless you're one of the main characters.) (Though this is a cultural norm to give away children to families without, but that's a whole other can of worms.)
5. You don't need character development, all you need is a salvation experience and you are a perfect person, ready for a lifetime of marriage and child-rearing (regardless of the fact that the first time your dad said he loved you you were annoyed and chalked it up to brain damage.)
Two stars for the utter hilarity of some of the metaphors and at least the heroine had a personality.
1. It is definitely okay to date someone solely because they physically resemble and/or are related to your ex. (It might even be a providential means to preserve yourself until your ex is spiritually compatible for you!)
2. Only bad role models eat for comfort and gain weight from it.
3. Preferential treatment of sons over daughters is 100% okay.
4. Giving away your children is 100% okay, but shame on you should you ever regret your decision or have parental urges (that is, unless you're one of the main characters.) (Though this is a cultural norm to give away children to families without, but that's a whole other can of worms.)
5. You don't need character development, all you need is a salvation experience and you are a perfect person, ready for a lifetime of marriage and child-rearing (regardless of the fact that the first time your dad said he loved you you were annoyed and chalked it up to brain damage.)
Two stars for the utter hilarity of some of the metaphors and at least the heroine had a personality.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2018
Book three in this series. Nellie and Caleb are till apart because of the differences of their families in the religion. Caleb is still living at his grandparents home until news reaching him of his fathers accident. Caleb's father is badly injured when his horse kicks him in the head. Caleb moves back home to help but his father after spending time in hospital comes home crippled and is very mean to his son, never praising him for helping just knocking down his son every chance he gets. Meanwhile Nellie decides to join the new church along with the rest of her family with the exception Rhoda who has moved on away from the community. Caleb's father knows that he is dying and is visited by his cousin who makes him realize that he needs to ask forgiveness and mend his ways. Being summoned by his dying fathers bedside Caleb is told that his father is sorry for his actions and wants his son to forgive him and wills his farm to him. Also he said he is sorry he broke up the courtship of Nellie and Caleb and finally the two of them are able to marry.
November 13, 2023
This was a wonderful conclusion to this trilogy. Nellie Mae still has strong feelings for her beau, Caleb Yoder. She breaks up with him because she wants to follow the faith her late sister, Suzy, found.
I had so much fun reading this. I found it interesting that Nellie Mae felt such a pull towards Caleb's cousin , Chris. I also liked how much time Caleb spent with Chris.
I was so happy that Caleb's father was able to accept Christ right before his passing. Although, I was a little frustrated with Caleb's unwillingness to accept Christ as his Savior.
Overall, I had a great time reading this trilogy! I would highly recommend this to Christian and fans of Amish Fiction!!
I had so much fun reading this. I found it interesting that Nellie Mae felt such a pull towards Caleb's cousin , Chris. I also liked how much time Caleb spent with Chris.
I was so happy that Caleb's father was able to accept Christ right before his passing. Although, I was a little frustrated with Caleb's unwillingness to accept Christ as his Savior.
Overall, I had a great time reading this trilogy! I would highly recommend this to Christian and fans of Amish Fiction!!
March 4, 2025
In this third volume in the Courtship of Nellie Fisher series, Nellie is trying to get on with her life after breaking up with Caleb Yoder. The Old Order community now has a New Order church. to which many of the members are going, scandalizing the Old Order members. Nellie is now attending the New Order church, while Caleb’s family are Old Order. Nellie’s sister Rhoda has her own place and has cut her hair, going fancy. Nellie keeps busy with her bakery and has started going to singings again, even having dates with an Englisher, but her heart still lies with Caleb Yoder, whose father has had a bad farm accident. Will there ever be a chance for them to resume courtship.
March 25, 2018
Book 3, the final book of The Courtship of Nellie Fisher.
Nellie & Caleb have broken up. She joins the New Order church
with her family.
Surprisingly, Caleb's father has also come to believe as those of
the New Order church and encourages his family to do likewise.
After a time, Caleb does.
Nellie has begun to see Caleb's cousin but he is not Amish so she knows
they won't have a future.
Her sister is working two jobs and is now very "English". She also has
a boyfriend but he doesn't like children & she wants marriage & a family.
Nellie & Caleb have broken up. She joins the New Order church
with her family.
Surprisingly, Caleb's father has also come to believe as those of
the New Order church and encourages his family to do likewise.
After a time, Caleb does.
Nellie has begun to see Caleb's cousin but he is not Amish so she knows
they won't have a future.
Her sister is working two jobs and is now very "English". She also has
a boyfriend but he doesn't like children & she wants marriage & a family.
October 14, 2019
Like all of this author's books I found that it was hard to put down once started. It was interesting reading how accepting of the "new order" has caused a split in the Amish group, Nellie Mae Fisher is at odd with the person she cares for and can't seem to connect because of the difference in their beliefs. I found this book one that keep me reading into the wee house and the end was smoothly done by this author in getting this group to look at something new in their belief of being saved.
November 2, 2023
What an amazing trilogy of God's love and human love!
I just finished reading The Courtship of Nellie Fisher trilogy of how God brought an amazing move of His Spirit in the wake of a terrible tragedy. The assurance of salvation is the most wonderful gift of God available to all who accept His grace and call on His Name. I highly recommend this series, made even more delightful with Beverly Lewis's vivid descriptions of the Amish and their old ways. Your mouth will water as you read about Nellie's Sweets Shop.
I just finished reading The Courtship of Nellie Fisher trilogy of how God brought an amazing move of His Spirit in the wake of a terrible tragedy. The assurance of salvation is the most wonderful gift of God available to all who accept His grace and call on His Name. I highly recommend this series, made even more delightful with Beverly Lewis's vivid descriptions of the Amish and their old ways. Your mouth will water as you read about Nellie's Sweets Shop.
July 14, 2017
End of series felt rushed
I consider Beverly lewis' books in general a bit wordy. Yet I do like her books and this series.
Throughout the series subplots dragged out a bit and most of them came to conclude in a short 2 page epilouge.
I felt like the author got tired of it and just summed it up leaving a let down conclusion. Or maybe ran out of time to complete or even changed her mind about writing a fourth so an epilogue was put in.
I consider Beverly lewis' books in general a bit wordy. Yet I do like her books and this series.
Throughout the series subplots dragged out a bit and most of them came to conclude in a short 2 page epilouge.
I felt like the author got tired of it and just summed it up leaving a let down conclusion. Or maybe ran out of time to complete or even changed her mind about writing a fourth so an epilogue was put in.
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