By Evening's Light

Amish Memories #3

by Leslie Gould

Treva Zimmerman finds herself at a crossroads in life after a heartbreaking failed relationship. Returning to Lancaster County to visit her Amish grandparents and elderly aunt, Treva plans to leave her Plain heritage behind for a fresh start in Alaska. Torn between the expectations of her community and her own desires, she seeks to follow her own path--but all that changes when her aunt Rosene suffers a heart attack.

As her aunt recounts her own past--a poignant journey through Cold War Germany and a fervent desire to escape her Plain life to search for a lost love--Treva is determined to discover the whereabouts of Rosene's former sweetheart. Amid the turmoil, their former farmhand Gabe Johnson returns unexpectedly, throwing Treva's plans into further disarray.

While working hard to save the farm and explore her own destiny, Treva confronts her deep-rooted ties to her heritage and must decide if she will embrace her family's legacy or break free from the pressures of her past to forge a life of her own.

Genres: Romance, Amish Fiction, Historical Fiction, Amish, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Inspirational

416 pages, Paperback

First published August 20, 2024

About the author

Leslie Gould is the #1 bestselling and Christy Award-winning author of fifty novels. She received her MFA in 2009 and has taught writing on the university level. Leslie enjoys traveling, hiking, and history. She and her husband, Peter, are the parents of four adult children and two grandbabies. Visit her at http://www.lesliegould.com/.

Reviews

[Dana Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic finale of the Amish Memories Series. We get the full story of sweet Aunt Rosene and her time in Germany during WW2. We see how the anabaptists during that time in Germany felt about the Nazis and the Russians. This book filled my history loving soul with new information from that era and I enjoyed the dual timelines in both eras. The characters are heartwarming and the romance at the end was a fun surprise.
* I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

[Jeanette Durkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Once again, Leslie Gould delivers a story that touches the heart. I was excited to read the last book in the Amish Memories series. The journeys from the past impact the future in profound ways. New friends are made, and old friends are reunited. There's also an amazingly sweet romance in the works.

These characters are beloved by me. I mourn with them in sad times and rejoice with them in good times. Rosene is beyond amazing! She has known much sorrow in her life, but she has also impacted many peoples' lives. She's full of spunk and love! Treva faces some hard decisions. She's a hard worker and always goes the extra mile.

The parts of the book that intrigued me the most were when Rosene traveled back to Germany. It was a place that impacted her life profoundly. Her choice saved lives. I recommend reading the author's note as it goes deeper into the issue.

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I'm in the mood for Amish fiction without the fluff I know I can count on Leslie Gould. She writes stories with substance and this book was no different. It was everything I expected and I absolutely devoured it!

This is the third book in the Amish Memories series and was so easy to read. It combines two of my favorite genres~Amish fiction and historical fiction. Gould is a master at both! This story had characters I cared about and an interesting storyline. Told in dual timelines both stories had me quickly turning the pages. I have to say Gould has perfect timing when it comes to switching timelines keeping my interest piqued.

This book was well-researched, well-written, and one of the best I have read this year. This book is perfection!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.

[Mary Hake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This amazing tale intertwines family history from the past, particularly around World War II, with the present day. Both time periods deal with troubled young women seeking their way in life. The parallels found in each add depth to this poignant story and braid the lives of the characters together. The drama-filled novel is definitely character-based and makes readers care what happens to each person. They seem so alive and real. I wish this wasn't the end of this endearing series. But the underlying plot pulls the tale along and contains plenty of twists and surprises. I heartily recommend it. It would make a wonderful book club choice too. I received a copy from the author/ publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Anne Rightler · Rating 4 out of 5]

By Evening's Light is the final book in the Amish Memories series by Leslie Gould and the finish is as good as the start. Having read the first two books I was eager to read this one and was not disappointed. The story is a compelling dual-time tale set during present-day Lancaster County and World War II. The characters are realistic and relatable as they deal with past events and look toward the future. Readers who enjoy stories about the Amish and historical fiction will not want to miss reading this one. I read a complimentary copy of the book through NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.

[January · Rating 4 out of 5]

By Evening's Light by Leslie Gould
Amish Memories #3
415-page Kindle Ebook

Genre: Christian Fiction > Amish Fiction; Historical Fiction

Featuring: Author's Bibliography, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania; Mennonite, Old Order Amish, Former Anish, Dual Timelines, Sisters, Orphans, Missionary, Haiti, Old Soul, March 2019, June 1948, Grandparents, Recap of Previous Book, Continued Story from Previous Book, Secrets, Oregon, Family Drama, German, Frankfurt, Berlin, Refugees, West Germany, East Germany, USSR, Racism, Sterile, Post World World II, Familial Relationships, PTSD, Dual POVs, the Cold War, Red Cross, Volunteering, Serving Others, Politics, Nationalism, Dual Timelines, Mirrored Storylines, Self-Actualization, Author’s Note - Historical Facts, Discussion Questions, Coming Soon - Untitled New Amish Romance Series Blurb Featuring Amish Circle Letters Summer 2005, Advertisements With Covers and Blurbs For - A Brighter Dawn ~ Amish Memories #1, This Passing Hour ~ Amish Memories #2, Piecing It All Together ~ Plain Patterns #1;
Author's Links, Back Cover including Blurb, and Series Book Covers

Rating as a movie: PG-13 for adult situations and content

Songs for the soundtrack: "The Evening Light" by Daniel S. Warner, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" by Thomas Chisholm

Books and Authors mentioned: The Bible, The Call of the Wild by Jack London, Spying on Science: Western Intelligence in Divided Germany 1945-1961 by Paul Maddrell, The Secret History of the CIA by Joseph J. Trento, The Origins of Totalitarianism by Hannah Arendt, Destination Elsewhere: Displaced Persons and Their Quest to Leave Postwar Europe by Ruth Balint, The German ​Christian Movement in the Third Reich by Doris L. Bergen, The City Becomes a Symbol: The U.S. Army in the Occupation of Berlin, 1945-1948 by Donald Carter, Britain and the International Committee of the Red Cross, 1939-1945 by James Crossland, The Sisterhood: The Secret History of Women in the CIA by Lisa Mundy, Humanitarians at War: The Red Cross in the Shadow of the Holocaust by Gerald Steinacher, Double Crossed: The Missionaries Who Spied for the United States During the Second World War by Matthew Avery Sutton, ¹The Secret History of the CIA by Joseph J. Trento, The Cold War: A World History by Odd Arne Westad

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½🐄🕰🇺🇸🇩🇪🪖

My thoughts: 🔖Page 86 of 415 [Chapter] 8 Rosene - It's okay. There are a lot of micro storylines.

This story wasn't as good to me as the previous books, it seemed a bit all over the place before it came together and by then it was too late for me to connect, most of my connection to the characters came from the previous book. The reveals were very interesting though.
¹ I guessed the correct book even though she renamed it in the story. I decided to keep my list and hers as is so it's listed twice.

Recommend to others: Yes. This is a very good series, especially if you're into WWII but not familiar with the more obscure stories of that era.

Amish Memories
1. A Brighter Dawn (2023)
2. This Passing Hour (2023)
3. By Evening's Light (2024)

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

By Evening’s Light by Leslie Gould is probably my favourite in the Amish Memories series. I will miss these characters.

Once again, Rosene tells her story about what happened to her in Germany and her long-lost love. This time she tells the story mainly to Treva and, of course, it helps Treva as she prepares to leave the Plain life and move to Alaska.

Rosene’s story was captivating as always, and I enjoyed hearing it all play out. But I was shocked at some things her sister Martha was involved in and how Martha was so willing to put Rosene in danger. When Rosene stopped to rest from telling her story, I (like Treva) inwardly groaned because I wanted to hear more! But, like Treva, I had to wait patiently until Rosene was ready to talk again.

While Treva waits, she is also trying to figure out things in her life about where she wants to work and live. But, while she is figuring things out, she is incredibly busy. Good grief! I was exhausted just reading about all the things this girl did. She was a dynamo, that’s for sure, and her talents showed themselves as she came closer to realizing where she should spend the rest of her life.

I will miss these characters and this entire story. If you haven’t read the first two books, you really must! While it could be read as a standalone, I don’t recommend it. I have read them all, and I was still wondering who certain people were. It would be helpful to have a list of all the characters and who they are at the front of the book.

If you like Amish fiction and dual-time WWII stories, you will love By Evening’s Light. I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley for my honest review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Bethany House Publishers for letting me review this from an e-galley. #ByEveningsLight #NetGalley #AmishMemories

This book is so much more than the typical Amish Romance I was expecting. The characters are both Amish and Mennonite, and their life is perhaps more typical or relatable than some of the other books in the genre, but that is not what sets this book apart.

It is the story of two women. Treva, who has returned from a missionary trip to Haiti that she undertook in part because she was smitten by a young man who was from Haiti. Their romance didn't work out, and she has stopped home at her grandfather's farm. Her plan is to take up a job in a resort in Alaska. Her family's life is complicated, however, and her sisters also have far reaching and far ranging plans.

Her great great aunt, Rosene, chooses to tell her the story of her own past, in part because it also includes recovery from heartbreak. Rosene escaped from Germany as World War II was beginning, and her life was extremely complicated, and is fascinatingly told.

The book is told in alternating chapters, and both stories are page turningly compelling.

Like Treva, we have to hear Rosene's story as she chooses to tell it, with cliffhangers and long pauses. The historical fiction is captivating and heartrendingly realistic. It includes Germans who were collaborators, and the complicity of the Mennonite church in the Nazi regime, in a nuanced and realistic way that is unusual in the fiction about World War II.

I can't recommend this highly enough...and you'll want to know about all the romances in the story as well.

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this dual time story with a primarily Amish setting. Treva was a young Mennonite woman living in the home of her Amish grandparents and her great aunt Rosene. She loves hearing Rosene share about her life during the post World War II era as she was struggling with a growing love for a young man who was unsettled about his future. While Rosene made a trip back to Germany to visit her ailing father and other family members who had remained there, Zeke left for Illinois where he had found a job. Upon returning to Lancaster and discovering that Zeke was gone, Rosene was torn about what to do next. She was unable to get Zeke out of her mind. Treva was born and reared in Oregon, moving to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, with her two sisters after the death of their parents. She had developed feelings for a young man who worked at an orphanage in Haiti. After spending some time in Haiti working at the orphanage with him, she realized she was longing for home. Upon learning that he had no desire to leave Haiti, Treva ended the relationship and returned to Lancaster. She listens closely to Rosene’s story which has some similarities to her own. The reader may be inclined to wonder if her story will turn out much like that of Rosene. Leslie Gould has a real knack for telling dual time stories, keeping the interest level high in both stories. Although the beliefs of the Amish and Mennonites are somewhat different than my own, I appreciated the deep faith of many of the characters. A most unusual facet of the book was the blending of Amish and Mennonites in the same family and even the home. What a wonderful example of living together in harmony. I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

[Kathleen Ryder · Rating 4 out of 5]

BLURB:
Treva Zimmerman finds herself at a crossroads in life after a heartbreaking failed relationship. Returning to Lancaster County to visit her Amish grandparents and elderly aunt, Treva plans to leave her Plain heritage behind for a fresh start in Alaska. Torn between the expectations of her community and her own desires, she seeks to follow her own path--but all that changes when her aunt Rosene suffers a heart attack.

As her aunt recounts her own past--a poignant journey through Cold War Germany and a fervent desire to escape her Plain life to search for a lost love--Treva is determined to discover the whereabouts of Rosene's former sweetheart. Amid the turmoil, their former farmhand Gabe Johnson returns unexpectedly, throwing Treva's plans into further disarray.

While working hard to save the farm and explore her own destiny, Treva confronts her deep-rooted ties to her heritage and must decide if she will embrace her family's legacy or break free from the pressures of her past to forge a life of her own.

MY REVIEW:
While this is the 3rd book in this series, you don’t have to have read the others for this to make sense.

This is Treva's and Rosene's story and I think it is the most heartbreaking one of all. Forgiveness is the theme of this story, a very tall order indeed.

Great pacing, well rounded characters, and underlying themes I like. An all-round good read.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in return for my honest review.

[Connie Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book in the Amish Memories series and after reading this third and final book, I am convinced that I MUST go back to read the second! By Evening's Light is a captivating dual-time book that's set in both present-day Lancaster County and in Germany during 1948 & 1949. Treva Zimmerman's decision to leave the Plain lifestyle sends her back to visit her family in Lancaster County but hearing the memories of her great-aunt's time in Germany may alter her plans once again! Who would have guessed that an Amish girl could have done so much and loved so deeply?

I love how author Leslie Gould connects the two timelines by sharing Rosene's account of her time in post-WWII Germany. Gould flawlessly weaves historical details into a remarkable tale that's filled with adventure, danger, and romance. She reveals in her author's notes that both Red Cross workers and mission workers were known to have been involved in espionage activities. This is why I love historical fiction so much: I always learn something I didn't know!

This engaging story of faith, resilience, and second chances affirms how the past impacts the future. I highly recommend By Evening's Light to all who enjoy historical Christian romance.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

[Terri Gillespie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Leslie Gould, I will miss the characters of the Amish Memories series. BY EVENING’S LIGHT, the third and final book of the series beautifully weaves the threads of the stories of the three Zimmerman sisters with great aunt Rosene and her memories of Germany and her long-lost love. Think old Aunt Rosene’s Amish life was boring—no way!

THE STORY: Heartbroken after a failed relationship, the youngest of the Zimmerman sisters, Treva returns to Lancaster County to visit her Amish relatives before leaving her Plain past behind her for good. While caring for the spry and wise elderly Aunt Rosene, Treva finds inspiration in her aunt’s story of an adventurous trip to Cold War Germany. As always, Aunt Rosene has relevant insights into today’s challenges. But will they help Treva with her decisions?

Great storytelling—an art long missed in our lives. Stories within stories are my favorite. BY EVENING’S LIGHT provided gems of faith and life lessons. This is my favorite of the three books. If the series had to end here, well, it was satisfying.

Highly recommended to readers of Christian dual-timeline stories of faith, adventure, love, and romance. Interest in Amish and Mennonite stories and lifestyle.

I received an ARC from the publisher for my honest review.

[Gail Hollingsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This split time novel covered modern day Lancaster, PA and Germany during the tail end of WWII.
Rosene is in her nineties in modern day Lancaster along with her twenty year old great great niece Treva. Treva lives on a dairy farm with her great grandparents and Rosene. She is conflicted about moving or staying on the family farm. Rosene tells of her growing up years little by little to Treva with her hardships with her family and her first love. Treva is still at the age where she is trying to find her way in the world and as she learns more about her aunt’s story things come together for her.
This was an interesting fiction story with some true history regarding WWII. I was unaware that regular folks that helped with the Red Cross were secretly used as spies and informants. Some of the story had dangerous situations that kept my heart racing. And the Cold War that started right at the end of WWII between the USSR and the US regarding nuclear weapons reminded me of events in the very early 1960s. Many interesting family members and friends to get to know and an overall great read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through the publisher but was not required to write a review.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

By Evening’s Light by Leslie Gould is an engaging dual timeline story. I thought the story was well written with developed characters. This story focuses on Treva and Rosene. Treva is restless after returning from her mission trip to Haiti after breaking up with her boyfriend and Rosene learns some upsetting news. Rosene begins telling Treva about the man she loved and lost hoping it will help her niece. The story goes back and forth between the present day and just after World War II. It was interesting getting a glimpse at Germany after World War II. Some people went out of their way to help others and their country. Rosene’s story was appealing. We got to catch up with the characters from the previous books as well. I did find the pacing to be leisurely. By Evening’s Light is the third Amish Memories novel. I recommend reading the series in order as it will allow you to get to know the characters and their backstories. I enjoyed the ending, though, I am sorry to see the series come to an end. By Evening’s Light is a touching tale about forgiveness, family, friendship, adventure, faith, and second chances.

[Anne Egbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Amish Memories series. As with all of Leslie Gould's books, she has done a stellar job researching and bringing stories to life. The story takes place in two different timelines. Young Treva Zimmerman, in 2019 has been away on a mission trip and is suffering from the end of what she hoped was a stable relationship. Unfortunately the relationship ended and Treva is broken hearted. She has decided to change her life, move to Alaska and reinvent herself. She plans to move away from her Lancaster County home to take a job as an event planner in Alaska. She even plans to leave her Plain heritage. She returns to her home in Lancaster County to visit her family and her aunt Rosene. Then her elderly aunt has a heart attack and Treva feels she needs to stay. This leads to Rosene telling Treva her story of living in Berlin in 1948, dealing with the east and west Germans, facing danger, including being operated on by Nazi doctors, the death of her twin sister and danger trying to escape.
As with all of Leslie Gould's books, there is danger, family, faith, and love.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The attitude of love is the essence of true belonging."

By Evening’s Light is a lovely conclusion to Amish Memories where readers have a dual story line with Rosene’s story of her struggles during WWII and the contemporary story of her great nieces. Gould’s research of the past is penned with accuracy and gives us a realistic picture of the struggles, gains, grief and finding safety despite those destroying lives and property during the war. The agencies assisting refugees who made it to America settling in Lancaster County dating back to the previous centuries.

The past and present characters drew strength from their family, community, commitment to aid less fortunate and faith to endure all they went through. Ivy, Brenna and Treva discovering where they belonged after being uprooted from their home in Oregon and living with Amish grandparents they meet after their parents were killed. This book brings joys and peace to the young ones as well as the elderly with many twists and turns that Gould orchestrated beautifully into the tale.

I borrowed this book from our inter-loan library service, thus a review was not required.

[Jeanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brighter days are sweetly dawning, Oh, the glory looms in sight! For the cloudy day is waning, and the evening shall be light. Oh, what golden glory streaming! Purer light is coming fast; Now in Christ we've found a freedom, which eternally shall last.

By Evening's Light seems to come full circle with Treva Zimmerman. The series continues with the lives of the Zimmerman girls after the sudden death of their parents. The sisters have moved to their grandparent's home in Lancaster, PA and each have gone their own way. Each learning from their aunt Rosene in her youth. She is now in her 90's. Treva does not seem to know where home is. And she is struggling. She does come to find out that the attitude of love is the essence of true belonging. Her grandparents are giving her the space to do just that.

I loved her story and how intertwined with her Aunt's story. They both suffered from lost love and new beginnings, and God is not done with you yet.

A special thank you to Bethany House and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 3rd book in this series is the most heartbreaking one of all. This is Treva's and Rosene's story. One that will keep you enthralled until their story is over. Trust me, y'all will be left thinking about them for a long time to come most especially Rosene! I feel like I've gotten to know her better after reading this dear book. I absolutely 💯 loved it. I claim this my favorite of this series!
There were a few characters that I didn't like most especially Garit. What a jerk!
I didn't care much for Lena Rosene's sister either. I didn't know what to think about what she done to Rosene. That was just pure evil and selfish.
Forgiveness is the theme for this story. And that's a mighty tall order from above too. And hard to do as well.
This book will make you cry in places, hold your breath in others. You'll also rejoice as well.
5 stars for a job well done and for well rounded out characters!
I highly recommend!
My thanks to Netgalley and Bethany House for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own!

[C Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

By Evenings Light by Leslie Gould is a very unique book. I have never read an Amish-mennonite duel-time story before. You can tell that Leslie Gould spent many hours researching and writing this very interesting tale.

The story is primarily Treva’s story after she returns to her home in Lancaster after returning from a mission trip to Haiti. She returns with a somewhat broken heart. While she is trying to figure out what is next in her life, her great aunt begins to tell of her own heartbreaking tale that transports us back to WWII Germany.

The characters are well developed, and the story line is fantastic.

This book will hold your attention from beginning to end. The movement of the story is flawless.

It is truly A story of love found, love lost, and love found again. It shares the true meaning of forgiveness.

Thank you Bethany House Publishers for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and I highly recommend buying a copy of this 5-star book today. today.

[Victoria (TheMennomilistReads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book concludes the story of the Mennonite sisters and the stories told to them by their Amish great-aunt Rosene. This time, Rosene tells her own love story from the past about her beau Zeke and what happened between them, especially considering her history from the first book of how the Nazis had treated her back in Germany before living in Lancaster.

There is a lot of talk about loving your neighbor through helping refugees out. It was really sweet to read.

Treva is the lead character in this book. She is back from Haiti and is planning on going to Alaska, but at the same time, she loves the farm of her grandparents very dearly. She feels unsure about where to go in her life. Listening to her Great-aunt's story could very well help her out.

All the stories come together at the end of this book and is tied up in a sweet bow of a happily ever after. It is a nice way to close it all, considering how tragically the story began.

I liked it. Not my favorite of the books (which the first one was incredible), but it is nice. I had fun.

[Elizabeth Eckmeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finishing this book, all I can say is, wow! This is the second in this series that I have read of Leslie Gould. I was so excited to read this story because the last one was so engaging and good and this one was more phenomenal than the last book.

Treva Zimmerman comes home from Haiti after a failed relationship. She is devastated and doesn’t know what to do with her life. She is offered a position in Alaska and is trying to figure out what she will do with her life.

Rosene begins to tell her the story of when she was younger. This story is packed with so much adventure. The characters from the beginning of the series come back stronger than before. We glimpse post-World War II in Germany and the people who gave their lives to help others.

There is also romance and second chances. This book is engaging from beginning to end. I was sad when it ended!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

[Pamela Pavkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

By Evenings Light is an amazing story written by Leslie Gould in her Amish Memories series. This is the third book and it brings everything from all three books together. The characters are well thought out and really add to this story. This story revolves around Rosene's history and gets very emotional in spots. I love the story within a story theme. There is a lot of drama, history, and inspiration in this story. The only negative that I found in this book was trying to find a good place to put it down. I really enjoyed this story and series.

Congratulations Leslie Gould on another well written and informative story for your readers enjoyment.

I received an advanced complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and the author but was not asked to post a favorable review. I have rated this with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

By Evening's Light is the third and final book in the Amish Memories series. I enjoyed all three books in the series and fully recommend you read this series in order to get the full backstory with all the characters.
This is told as a dual timeline story. Though taking place in an Amish community and incorporating the Amish culture into the book it is not strictly an Amish story. A character comes back from a missionary trip to Haiti not having expected things to work out the way they had.
We are transported back in time with a storytelling Aunt who tells of her struggles and joys during WWII in Germany.
I enjoyed how well the series was researched by the author, making for a fascinating and entertaining series. The characters are well developed and perfectly imperfect with their own struggles and joys. I enjoyed reading their faith journeys.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although it deals with some difficult subjects, I really enjoyed this book, and stayed up way too late to finish it. Be sure to read first the first two books in the series – A Brighter Dawn and This Passing Hour. A lot of what’s going on in this third book won’t make a whole lot of sense without reading the whole series in order.

The main characters are wonderful, and there are a few villains to keep things hopping. I like the emphasis on reaching out to new immigrants in practical ways.

I’m sorry the series has ended. I’d like to read more about these characters and how they continue to grow in their relationships with each other and with God.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own." #ByEveningsLight #NetGalley

[Danielle Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

By Evening's Light from Leslie Gould is a delightful treasure! Inside, I am introduced the main character, Treva, and her family. The book gives us a lot of her family's past from World War II. The historical bits were great. Treva is a young Amish woman who no longer wants what her family wants for her. She wants to be independent on her own running things. She left for Haiti working to help those in need. It drastically challenged and changed her. Treva also met a French man that she liked but not meant to be. Haiti was dangerous so she came back home exhausted. Her family worries about her. Then, she mentions about leaving for a job in remote Alaska. However, God has plans for this young woman back at home. I loved how Leslie Gould brought history, family, and faith together to make a wonderful story.

I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.

[Julie Surface · Rating 5 out of 5]

By Evening’s Light (Book Three of the Amish Memories Series) by Leslie Gould

I honestly didn’t want this book to end. It was that good. I have read almost every novel this author has written and enjoy them all. But this story, in some ways reminiscent of Fiddler on the Roof, is filled with likeable characters and adventure and romance. There’s nothing especially predictable about the roads the Zimmerman girls will take, but all three of them find meaning and fulfillment as they trust God to lead them along. (As an added bonus, enjoy the story of Zeke and Rosene!) Gould always finds fresh ways to make her Amish/Mennonite timeslip stories current and relevant. In the interest of full disclosure, I was provided a free copy by the publisher, but my opinions are totally my own.

[Sunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really hit home for me as Rosene tells her WWII story. My family has stories of German life during this time as well. It was very heart wrenching. This is Treva's story as she listens to her great aunt Rosene as she tries to find her direction in life. This dual time story was very captivating to me and I am sure it will be to other readers as well. Treva is quite an amazing person. Amish and Mennonite characters brought a great story together. Be sure to read the dates at the beginning of the chapter to help you realize the time period the writing is about. Because of my own personal background, I was deeply impressed with this book. I received an ARC copy of this book. So glad I was able to read it! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 3 in the Amish Memories series. I was so happy to visit with Treva Zimmerman and her sisters again. Their great-aunt, Rosene Simons, though in her nineties, recalls the family history and Treva is always interested in hearing what Rosene shares.

Gould takes you into the lives of all three sisters...into danger, uncertainness, faith, loss and love they have for each other. This is a well written story that grabs you from page one and you hate to have it end. She reminds us through the characters in the story that God's timing is not our timing and the blessings that come from waiting for His time frame.

[Tracie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leslie Gould invites readers into Treva and Rosene’s stories with a fast-paced beginning. The story moves right along, even with all the characters. It’s helpful if readers have read the first two books in the series, but not necessary. There’s just enough backstory included to allow By Evening’s Light to be read as a stand-alone novel. Readers will delight in Rosene’s role as storyteller. Leslie Gould is the primary storyteller here, and the historical and contemporary family stories are equally strong. Recommended reading for all who love a good story. I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Kailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have truly loved this whole series! I enjoyed the split timeline and the way the past story was told. It all tied together really well. This was my favorite book in the series, too. I really enjoyed reading how the storylines from the previous books all tied together in the end of this one. I highly recommend this book and series. It is pretty different than most Amish books out there.


I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.