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Lancaster Amish Home for Jacob #1
A Home For Jacob: Mean Streets
Will orphaned teen Jacob Marshall overcome his troubled past and find love and acceptance in Lancaster County?
When orphaned Philadelphia teen Jacob Marshall gets in trouble with the police, he has two options - go to juvenile detention or work on a farm outside of the city. But when he chooses the latter, Jacob gets more than he bargained for as he struggles to find his place in an Old Order Amish community in Lancaster County and with Thomas Mast, the straight laced Amish family man who is charged with keeping Jacob in line. Caught between the light and dark, will Jacob be able to face his demons and put his past behind him, or will his pain prove stronger than the faith of the Amish community he's grown to love?
156 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 30, 2013
594 people are currently reading
476 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Stoltzfus
106 books36 followersRachel was born and raised in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Being part of the Mennonite community, she started writing Amish romance fiction as a way of looking at the Amish community. She wanted to present a fair and honest representation of a love that is both romantic and sweet. Her books about Jacob Marshall, "A Home for Jacob series," is the most popular of her books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 5, 2020
Turn the other cheek....
That's a concept unheard of by a street-wise kid from Philly. When Jacob gets caught creating havoc AGAIN, his weary caseworker pulls in a favor and is able to offer him a choice: go to juvie hall or settle in with an Amish family in a community near Lancaster. Jacob figured he could skip.out on the Amish more quickly and cleanly, but something about Thomas Mast caused Jacob to find respect for him. Perhaps it was the way he was matter of factly accepting of Jacob. Or perhaps it was Mrs. Mast's cooking. Lkely it was tne even-handed approach they both took with Jacob and the time that was spent with him, explaining the Amish way of life and outlook. Regardless, the13-year-old Jacob was beginning to believe he could believe in people again, until he was accused of a terrible crime against community members. And the worst of it was the way the Mast family turned their backs on him and called his caseworker to come and get young Jacob from their home without even giving him a chance to exhonorate himself. How could he find the guilty party when his hosts wouldn't even speak to him?
I got this book in a giveaway. I lived near Lancaster for more than 20 years, and I loved the peaceful attitude of these people. This book, which is the beginning of a series, was a great read! I am eager to dig into the next in the ongoing story of Jacob and his adopted family. Thanks, Ms Stoltzfus, for a wonderful read!
That's a concept unheard of by a street-wise kid from Philly. When Jacob gets caught creating havoc AGAIN, his weary caseworker pulls in a favor and is able to offer him a choice: go to juvie hall or settle in with an Amish family in a community near Lancaster. Jacob figured he could skip.out on the Amish more quickly and cleanly, but something about Thomas Mast caused Jacob to find respect for him. Perhaps it was the way he was matter of factly accepting of Jacob. Or perhaps it was Mrs. Mast's cooking. Lkely it was tne even-handed approach they both took with Jacob and the time that was spent with him, explaining the Amish way of life and outlook. Regardless, the13-year-old Jacob was beginning to believe he could believe in people again, until he was accused of a terrible crime against community members. And the worst of it was the way the Mast family turned their backs on him and called his caseworker to come and get young Jacob from their home without even giving him a chance to exhonorate himself. How could he find the guilty party when his hosts wouldn't even speak to him?
I got this book in a giveaway. I lived near Lancaster for more than 20 years, and I loved the peaceful attitude of these people. This book, which is the beginning of a series, was a great read! I am eager to dig into the next in the ongoing story of Jacob and his adopted family. Thanks, Ms Stoltzfus, for a wonderful read!
January 19, 2015
Jacob is becoming a new soul...
I've had this ebook for some time but had not read it. When I did, I realized I had misjudged the book by reading only a few pages. It's very touching. Can't wait to read the others in this series.
I've had this ebook for some time but had not read it. When I did, I realized I had misjudged the book by reading only a few pages. It's very touching. Can't wait to read the others in this series.
January 17, 2016
I truly wish people would thoroughly research before they write about...well, anything.
This is a brief read about thirteen-year-old Jacob. He has been in the state's custody for quite some time. It seems no one wants to give him a break or second chance, that is until be busted by police yet again. Frustrated and at her wits end, his social worker Carol is able to develop a plan allowing Jacob to stay with an Amish family. It is there that Jacob begins to learn about God, Faith, family, and love.
One thing I did not and do not like about this book is how the author describes residential facilities. She makes them appear as though they are terrible, complete Hades on earth. I can tell you that that analysis is incorrect (at least in most cases). I have my M.Ed in Mental Health. I completed a Master's level practicum on a psychiatric unit of a hospital, I have also worked in two group homes (residential facilities). In each of these environments, the residents or patients were treated with dignity, taken care of, and fed nutritious meals. Their needs were met. I feel like the author is beating down parts of the system and that isn't tight. Mental Health and working with people of various ages is rewarding - a challenge, but rewarding. If you've never done this type of work, then don't make assumptions.
This is a brief read about thirteen-year-old Jacob. He has been in the state's custody for quite some time. It seems no one wants to give him a break or second chance, that is until be busted by police yet again. Frustrated and at her wits end, his social worker Carol is able to develop a plan allowing Jacob to stay with an Amish family. It is there that Jacob begins to learn about God, Faith, family, and love.
One thing I did not and do not like about this book is how the author describes residential facilities. She makes them appear as though they are terrible, complete Hades on earth. I can tell you that that analysis is incorrect (at least in most cases). I have my M.Ed in Mental Health. I completed a Master's level practicum on a psychiatric unit of a hospital, I have also worked in two group homes (residential facilities). In each of these environments, the residents or patients were treated with dignity, taken care of, and fed nutritious meals. Their needs were met. I feel like the author is beating down parts of the system and that isn't tight. Mental Health and working with people of various ages is rewarding - a challenge, but rewarding. If you've never done this type of work, then don't make assumptions.
November 9, 2018
Eigentlich fand ich die Geschichte - trotzdem sie sehr vorhersehbar und seicht war- ganz schön. Jacob ist ein liebenswerter Protagonist, der zwar aufgrund äußerer Umstände und besonders dem Verhalten der Erwachsenen durch die sozialen Maschen geschlüpft ist, aber trotzdem nur ein Kind ist und von Liebe und Familie träumt. Nicht tolerieren kann ich allerdings, dass die Autorin physische Gewalt gegenüber Kindern als zulässiges Erziehungsmittel beschreibt ("to make a naughty kid nice") und das auch noch in einer Situation, in der Jacob zu Unrecht bestraft wired. Dafür gibt es ganz klar einen Punkt Abzug!
February 8, 2021
Love this book about a little boy who lives in an orphanage and gets into trouble a lot. He thanksgiving wants him and nobody cares. When the headmaster pulls a favor from her Amish friend to take him in. He thinks he was dropped in the middle of the old ages, no electric, no game systems, and framework to do in the wee hours of the morning even before the sun comes up. He fingers as soon as he gets a chance he will just run away. Could he get use to this life clean beds, good food and plenty of it... but no cars, no electric.
April 10, 2022
Unexpectedly great
I'm not sure how I ended up with this book. I must have thought it was about something else. Then I started reading. It drew me in pretty quickly. Watching Jacob find his place among the Amish was interesting. Watching him go from resenting being sent to live among the Amish to wanting it more than anything in his life, was great. A heartwarming story of a boy abandoned at birth, so difficult to deal with that he could never get into a foster home, to finding home and community. Highly recommended.
I'm not sure how I ended up with this book. I must have thought it was about something else. Then I started reading. It drew me in pretty quickly. Watching Jacob find his place among the Amish was interesting. Watching him go from resenting being sent to live among the Amish to wanting it more than anything in his life, was great. A heartwarming story of a boy abandoned at birth, so difficult to deal with that he could never get into a foster home, to finding home and community. Highly recommended.
March 31, 2019
Great story
I thought this was a great book. I intend on reading the rest of the installments. The only complaint I have is the editing, but it wasn't so bad that you couldn't follow the story. As an independent writer, I can overlook Rachel Stoltzfus' editing issues. I would just ask her to have a couple friends, family members, or a fan of her writing read it before publishing, until she gets an editor.
I thought this was a great book. I intend on reading the rest of the installments. The only complaint I have is the editing, but it wasn't so bad that you couldn't follow the story. As an independent writer, I can overlook Rachel Stoltzfus' editing issues. I would just ask her to have a couple friends, family members, or a fan of her writing read it before publishing, until she gets an editor.
January 7, 2018
Great story
I got this book as a "freebie" for my new tablet. I've loved the Amish stories but was Wonderfully surprised by this author. I love they she details the characters and makes you feel you know them. And the storyline is quite relevant to today's time. I so look toward to reading the rest of the series!
I got this book as a "freebie" for my new tablet. I've loved the Amish stories but was Wonderfully surprised by this author. I love they she details the characters and makes you feel you know them. And the storyline is quite relevant to today's time. I so look toward to reading the rest of the series!
April 18, 2018
I love Genealogy!
I love doing genealogy. I found out that my great-great grandfather lived in Landcaster, PA. He disowned his sons for fighting in the Civil War. He considered that fighting brothers. Thomas lost a great amount of his right arm.
Thomas is buried in Antioch cemetery.
I love doing genealogy. I found out that my great-great grandfather lived in Landcaster, PA. He disowned his sons for fighting in the Civil War. He considered that fighting brothers. Thomas lost a great amount of his right arm.
Thomas is buried in Antioch cemetery.
January 25, 2019
A Lancaster Amish Home For Jacob
I really enjoyed this book. It is well written, and it is one that you don't want to put down. I look forward to reading the next one to see what happens next to Jacob. I love to read Rachel Stoltzfus's books, because you know it will be a clean read.
I really enjoyed this book. It is well written, and it is one that you don't want to put down. I look forward to reading the next one to see what happens next to Jacob. I love to read Rachel Stoltzfus's books, because you know it will be a clean read.
November 4, 2020
This was a very good book. From the beginning to the last page.
I enjoyed reading it! Very well written and easy to read. All praise to the writer!
If you are interested in the Amish, their way of living then this is the book for you.
Also for all Christians. And above all for the youth, because the book carries life lessons.
I definitely recommend it from the heart!!!
I enjoyed reading it! Very well written and easy to read. All praise to the writer!
If you are interested in the Amish, their way of living then this is the book for you.
Also for all Christians. And above all for the youth, because the book carries life lessons.
I definitely recommend it from the heart!!!
January 14, 2026
Jacob is a boy growing up in the inner city of Philadelphia. He is always in trouble. He lives in a group home, but due to his getting in trouble, he cannot live there anymore. His social worker calls in a favor and Jacob goes to an Old Order Amish family where it is difficult for both the boy and the family. A great read, I am continuing to read the other books in the series.
April 1, 2018
Amish goodness.
I like this story, because you quickly are invested in Jacobs life. I would give it 5 stars if the characters were a little more comp!ex and the story more deep. It was some what predictable. I will continue the series and see where it leads.
I like this story, because you quickly are invested in Jacobs life. I would give it 5 stars if the characters were a little more comp!ex and the story more deep. It was some what predictable. I will continue the series and see where it leads.
February 8, 2021
Truth, Faith & Confidence
Story of a boy, who has seen the dark side of life and lived it. Jacob is given a chance for a better life. How does he handle it? Can he adapt? What happens when good & evil meet head on? You will feel Jacob's self doubts, incrimination and wonder.
Story of a boy, who has seen the dark side of life and lived it. Jacob is given a chance for a better life. How does he handle it? Can he adapt? What happens when good & evil meet head on? You will feel Jacob's self doubts, incrimination and wonder.
July 8, 2022
Amish home for the city lost child of the system.
Great story.
They sent the young boy as a last resort to the countryside with an Amish family. He was sure he would fail again but he discovers when someone steadily gives him the support and belief, he can succeed.
Great story.
They sent the young boy as a last resort to the countryside with an Amish family. He was sure he would fail again but he discovers when someone steadily gives him the support and belief, he can succeed.
June 15, 2024
Wonderful story
Storyline was great. Loved it was basically about a boy living in a city group home, but being abused by the police because he was destructive. There was no forgiveness or understanding until he was taken in by an Amish family that was strict but fair.
Storyline was great. Loved it was basically about a boy living in a city group home, but being abused by the police because he was destructive. There was no forgiveness or understanding until he was taken in by an Amish family that was strict but fair.
January 2, 2025
Looking for Jacob's Home
Jacob was a lost boy who tried to survive in the city. When he finally was at the end of his care worker's patience, Jacob was sent to live with an Amish BBCfamily
Jacob was a lost boy who tried to survive in the city. When he finally was at the end of his care worker's patience, Jacob was sent to live with an Amish BBCfamily
January 18, 2025
Upheaval
The life of a foster child is sad to say the least, but sometimes not forever. A thought provoking story of a small action with a tremendous outcome. I hope you will take time to travel the road.
The life of a foster child is sad to say the least, but sometimes not forever. A thought provoking story of a small action with a tremendous outcome. I hope you will take time to travel the road.
May 10, 2018
I enjoyed this book ... The story line is different than most Amish romance novels. The only thing that bothered me was the grammatical errors, but maybe that's just me. I recommend it.
December 9, 2019
Rachel Stolzfus is second only to Beverly Lewis in well researched, insightful views into the Amish community.
January 7, 2020
Fast read
Well written, kind of a different storyline for an Amish book and I really enjoyed it. Being a foster parent it was kind of fun to see this story unfold.
Well written, kind of a different storyline for an Amish book and I really enjoyed it. Being a foster parent it was kind of fun to see this story unfold.
August 3, 2020
Great read
April 24, 2022
Hallmark
This is quite good. One can feel the vulnerability of Jacob and his endurance in every step he makes and moved forward in his life.
This is quite good. One can feel the vulnerability of Jacob and his endurance in every step he makes and moved forward in his life.
July 29, 2022
Too Short
The story was too short. My bad. Didn't check it out before I started reading it. I was very interested in the story, but it just stopped.
The story was too short. My bad. Didn't check it out before I started reading it. I was very interested in the story, but it just stopped.
June 30, 2023
Initial Review: That was... so underwhelming.
Full Review to Come
Full Review to Come
June 20, 2024
Amish foster family
Such a nice, quick read of an Amish family fostering an English boy. He has to prove himself even though he can be a handful.
Such a nice, quick read of an Amish family fostering an English boy. He has to prove himself even though he can be a handful.
January 2, 2025
Very nice, uplifting story about a young man getting a second chance.
February 26, 2017
Very good book
It took the a little bit to get into but as it went on I got more interested because I could see the scenes played out in my mind. I recommend that people have a good time frame for this book because your not going to want to put it down until the very last word. I'm interested in knowing more about the characters and how the story unfolds. Five star recommendation
It took the a little bit to get into but as it went on I got more interested because I could see the scenes played out in my mind. I recommend that people have a good time frame for this book because your not going to want to put it down until the very last word. I'm interested in knowing more about the characters and how the story unfolds. Five star recommendation
May 24, 2016
Don't expect to be impressed
Overall, this was a fairly decent read. The author has developed the main characters enough so that the reader can hear each "voice" individually, and the plot is thin but a good attempt at originality. It's not a brilliant novel, but if you enjoy Amish fiction and are looking for a quick, easy read this may suit you. I don't think I will continue with the series, personally, but I won't assume that goes for everyone. (Those who are seeking wholesome fiction be warned, though: there is some PG13 language that fits with the characters but may be a turnoff for some.)
I will say, however, that the author would benefit from a thesaurus: she used the word "million" about...a million times. Really soured my experience of the book. Debated giving 2 stars for that transgression but the steadily-moving plot earned it another star (it may be bland but at least it doesn't drag).
Final thought: this particular book is so-so, but I believe with time (and a good editor) this author will be one to try again.
Overall, this was a fairly decent read. The author has developed the main characters enough so that the reader can hear each "voice" individually, and the plot is thin but a good attempt at originality. It's not a brilliant novel, but if you enjoy Amish fiction and are looking for a quick, easy read this may suit you. I don't think I will continue with the series, personally, but I won't assume that goes for everyone. (Those who are seeking wholesome fiction be warned, though: there is some PG13 language that fits with the characters but may be a turnoff for some.)
I will say, however, that the author would benefit from a thesaurus: she used the word "million" about...a million times. Really soured my experience of the book. Debated giving 2 stars for that transgression but the steadily-moving plot earned it another star (it may be bland but at least it doesn't drag).
Final thought: this particular book is so-so, but I believe with time (and a good editor) this author will be one to try again.
October 25, 2015
An OK start to the A Home For Jacob Series
This was a quick read, just over 100 pages. I thought it was a good start to the series. However I was a bit bothered by the poor grammar and missing words. The flow was a little choppy and confusing at points.
The main character, Jacob, was described well and drew me in as a reader. I would have liked to see more focus on him rather than dragging other characters in that didn't add much to the story.
What was good is that there were some important Christian principles discussed, like turning the other cheek and forgiveness. I liked how the author supported these principles with scripture.
Overall this was good for a quick read, but the author should spend a little more time on editing.
This was a quick read, just over 100 pages. I thought it was a good start to the series. However I was a bit bothered by the poor grammar and missing words. The flow was a little choppy and confusing at points.
The main character, Jacob, was described well and drew me in as a reader. I would have liked to see more focus on him rather than dragging other characters in that didn't add much to the story.
What was good is that there were some important Christian principles discussed, like turning the other cheek and forgiveness. I liked how the author supported these principles with scripture.
Overall this was good for a quick read, but the author should spend a little more time on editing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews