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Redemption: A Post-Civil War Amish Romance About Identity, Forgiveness, and Love
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray takes us to the year 1866 with the story of a second chance at love—and the power of forgiveness
Amish widow Sarah Ropp lives a quiet, solitary life since losing her husband in the Civil War. That is, until the night she discovers a man in her barn claiming to be Daniel—not killed, only injured. Though horribly burned on his face, he resembles Daniel, and Sarah accepts him hesitantly. After all, who else could he be?
Jonathan Scott has nothing to live for but the memories of a fellow soldier. Daniel Ropp had talked endlessly about his wife, Amish faith—and the money he'd buried near his barn. John only intends to take the money, but when his heart begins to open to this kind woman, suddenly living a lie isn't so easy.
Though relieved by his safe return, Sarah begins to have doubts about this "new" Daniel. He's more patient, gentler—nothing like her hard husband. But as her heart reopens to him, she must know the truth. If her doubts are confirmed, will Sarah be able to forgive the deceit and find a second chance at happiness?
Amish widow Sarah Ropp lives a quiet, solitary life since losing her husband in the Civil War. That is, until the night she discovers a man in her barn claiming to be Daniel—not killed, only injured. Though horribly burned on his face, he resembles Daniel, and Sarah accepts him hesitantly. After all, who else could he be?
Jonathan Scott has nothing to live for but the memories of a fellow soldier. Daniel Ropp had talked endlessly about his wife, Amish faith—and the money he'd buried near his barn. John only intends to take the money, but when his heart begins to open to this kind woman, suddenly living a lie isn't so easy.
Though relieved by his safe return, Sarah begins to have doubts about this "new" Daniel. He's more patient, gentler—nothing like her hard husband. But as her heart reopens to him, she must know the truth. If her doubts are confirmed, will Sarah be able to forgive the deceit and find a second chance at happiness?
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2014
16 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
About the author
Shelley Shepard Gray
126 books2,322 followersLibrarian Note: AKA Shelley Gray (Western Romance).
Shelley Shepard Gray has published over seventy novels. She currently writes Amish romances for Harper Collins, Kensington, and Simon & Schuster and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing.
Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.
Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations.
Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She currently lives in Colorado Springs and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two young adults, and always has a dachshund by her side. She is an active member of her church, on Facebook and on Twitter. She also has a website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com.
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Shelley Shepard Gray has published over seventy novels. She currently writes Amish romances for Harper Collins, Kensington, and Simon & Schuster and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing.
Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.
Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations.
Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She currently lives in Colorado Springs and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two young adults, and always has a dachshund by her side. She is an active member of her church, on Facebook and on Twitter. She also has a website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 16, 2014
This book is the combination of two of my favorite genres – Amish fiction and historical fiction – and Shelley has a real winner here. The story takes place in 1866 and we find Sarah Ropp, a Civil War widow, trying her best to survive alone on her farm. Her husband, Daniel, who was abusive to her, has been killed in the war. When she hears a noise in the barn and goes to investigate, she finds a severely scarred and burned soldier claiming to be her Daniel. But there is something different about Daniel, he is no longer the tyrant he was before he left for war and Sarah is strangely attracted to this new Daniel. As they get to know each other, Sarah comes to realize that this man is not Daniel but an imposter named Jonathan Scott and confronts him. He confesses all, that he was friends with Daniel but didn't like the man from the way he spoke of his wife. Before Daniel is killed in the war, he confides to John that he has hidden money on his property in a jar near the barn. John's plan is to find Sarah, pretend he is Daniel, find the money and leave. But as he comes to know Sarah and finds out how much she was abused by Daniel, mentally and physically, he begins to fall in love with her. They eventually find the money jar but John cannot bear the thought of taking it and leaving Sarah.
They eventually devise a scheme where she will dress English and they will go to a town far away and get married, which they do and live as Daniel and Sarah. The plan seems to work as everyone in the community has accepted John as Daniel, that is, until Lloyd Mast comes home from the war and recognizes Daniel as being Jonathan Scott. A confrontation takes place and John defends Sarah's honor and Sarah defends his honor. Eventually they are accepted by the community, and while Sarah is no longer Amish, she finds a happy life with her new husband. This is a truly heart-warming story of love, forgiveness and moving on. Great book, Shelley!
They eventually devise a scheme where she will dress English and they will go to a town far away and get married, which they do and live as Daniel and Sarah. The plan seems to work as everyone in the community has accepted John as Daniel, that is, until Lloyd Mast comes home from the war and recognizes Daniel as being Jonathan Scott. A confrontation takes place and John defends Sarah's honor and Sarah defends his honor. Eventually they are accepted by the community, and while Sarah is no longer Amish, she finds a happy life with her new husband. This is a truly heart-warming story of love, forgiveness and moving on. Great book, Shelley!
February 17, 2014
Sarah Ropp's husband Daniel has died fighting in the Civil War. Sarah is almost relieved that her husband won't be returning to her as he wasn't the kindest of husbands. That all changes one night when she finds a man in her barn claiming to be Daniel. He resembles Daniel but he is scarred from injuries making it impossible for Sarah to know for sure.
Jonathan Scott fought alongside Daniel Ropp in the war. He knows details of Daniel's life, and pretending to be Daniel, goes to Holmes County, Ohio to find money hidden on Daniel and Sarah's property. He never expects Sarah to discover him and when she does everything changes for them both.
This book is different from any other book about the Amish I have read. It combines Amish fiction and historical fiction in a storyline that keeps the reader involved and wanting to know how the story will end. It was very easy to like and sympathize with Sarah and Jonathan. Their stories are written in a way that leaves the reader wanting nothing short of happiness for them.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes Amish fiction or historical fiction. The book has enough Amish qualities for those who love Amish fiction. It is not overly Amish for those looking for an historical fiction read.
Jonathan Scott fought alongside Daniel Ropp in the war. He knows details of Daniel's life, and pretending to be Daniel, goes to Holmes County, Ohio to find money hidden on Daniel and Sarah's property. He never expects Sarah to discover him and when she does everything changes for them both.
This book is different from any other book about the Amish I have read. It combines Amish fiction and historical fiction in a storyline that keeps the reader involved and wanting to know how the story will end. It was very easy to like and sympathize with Sarah and Jonathan. Their stories are written in a way that leaves the reader wanting nothing short of happiness for them.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes Amish fiction or historical fiction. The book has enough Amish qualities for those who love Amish fiction. It is not overly Amish for those looking for an historical fiction read.
September 22, 2014
Redemption is a very unique story that flowed smoothly for me. I read this book quickly, as I do many of Shelley Shepard Gray’s books.
The first thing that caught my attention about Redemption is that it is an Amish book that is set right after the end of the Civil War. I felt invested right away in these characters. I immediately felt sorry for Sarah. She is a war widow. On top of that, she was an abused wife. A very scarred man who claims to be her late husband, Daniel, appears. Sarah really struggles with this. It is hard for her to reconcile this man who is so changed on the outside and the inside, to the cruel husband of her past.
Jonathan Scott is a hero that at first I did not think that I should like. I felt he was taking advantage of Sarah. Although he was kind to her, I questioned the lies he was telling. After a while, I could not help but like him and hope that things would work out for the both of them.
This was an enjoyable story that I believe fans of Amish fiction will enjoy.
You can read this review on my blog at:
http://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.co...
The first thing that caught my attention about Redemption is that it is an Amish book that is set right after the end of the Civil War. I felt invested right away in these characters. I immediately felt sorry for Sarah. She is a war widow. On top of that, she was an abused wife. A very scarred man who claims to be her late husband, Daniel, appears. Sarah really struggles with this. It is hard for her to reconcile this man who is so changed on the outside and the inside, to the cruel husband of her past.
Jonathan Scott is a hero that at first I did not think that I should like. I felt he was taking advantage of Sarah. Although he was kind to her, I questioned the lies he was telling. After a while, I could not help but like him and hope that things would work out for the both of them.
This was an enjoyable story that I believe fans of Amish fiction will enjoy.
You can read this review on my blog at:
http://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.co...
August 9, 2016
Since losing her husband in the Civil War, Sarah has lived pretty much alone on the farm that she shared with her now deceased husband. Life for Sarah has been a struggle since she married Daniel. First she was in an abusive, loveless marriage and now she does her best to manage her home as a widow.
Jonathon Scott is in need of money and a new start now that the Civil War is over. Once a handsome man, Jonathon is now a scarred man, both inside and out. As a fellow soldier with Daniel Popp, Jonathon hears stories of a life he only can imagine with a beautiful wife, a home of his own, and a secret only he knows with Daniel. After Daniel's death, Jonathon starts his journey to find what Daniel has hidden all of this time. A secret he has kept from even his wife, Sarah.
Jonathon meets Sarah in her barn. He tells her that he is in fact Daniel and that he is still alive. Sarah believes him at first, but Jonathon's true character shines through and from there the story merges into beautiful story of forgiveness, acceptance and redemption.
So much of this story can still be placed in practical terms even if your story doesn't match Jonathon and Sarah's. We all desire to have forgiveness and to be able to let go of a troubled past. We all still need to know that we can be loved and to love even if we are not as beautiful as we would like. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and regardless of how a person looks we all still have traits and attributes that can be beautiful, if people take the time to see them.
Jonathon Scott is in need of money and a new start now that the Civil War is over. Once a handsome man, Jonathon is now a scarred man, both inside and out. As a fellow soldier with Daniel Popp, Jonathon hears stories of a life he only can imagine with a beautiful wife, a home of his own, and a secret only he knows with Daniel. After Daniel's death, Jonathon starts his journey to find what Daniel has hidden all of this time. A secret he has kept from even his wife, Sarah.
Jonathon meets Sarah in her barn. He tells her that he is in fact Daniel and that he is still alive. Sarah believes him at first, but Jonathon's true character shines through and from there the story merges into beautiful story of forgiveness, acceptance and redemption.
So much of this story can still be placed in practical terms even if your story doesn't match Jonathon and Sarah's. We all desire to have forgiveness and to be able to let go of a troubled past. We all still need to know that we can be loved and to love even if we are not as beautiful as we would like. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and regardless of how a person looks we all still have traits and attributes that can be beautiful, if people take the time to see them.
October 4, 2014
Redemption: changing or lifting someone from a lowly or deteriorated state to a better condition. Sarah Ropp a young Amish woman facing the struggles faced by many women during the Civil War years. Although Amish; her husband had gone to join the battle and was listed among the dead. Jonathan Scott, a lieutenant who knew Sarah’s husband. Accustomed to fending for himself, trying to find his way in life after the war: an Englischer. Their paths cross as a result of curiosity, survival and deception. Can two people, each suffering within, break down their own walls? Readers of Shelley Shepard Gray's newest novel Redemption, will not only witness the act of redemption; they will surely be drawn to ponder the times their own lives have been redeemed.
March 3, 2014
Redemption, By Shelley Shepard
This is the story of Sarah Ropp. She is left to fend for herself when
her husband Daniel goes off to fight in the war. Believing that her
husband died in the war when his name is seen on a list of casualities.
Sarah is taken by surprise when a man shows up in her barn. He sort of resembels
her Daniel. The war has taking a toll on him. Sarah comes to accept the fact
that her husband is back. She starts to have doubts about him. He has changed
so much personality wise. She no longer fears him like before the war.
Can this man be Sarah’s husband? Has he changed so much?
A must read book.
5 stars!!
This is the story of Sarah Ropp. She is left to fend for herself when
her husband Daniel goes off to fight in the war. Believing that her
husband died in the war when his name is seen on a list of casualities.
Sarah is taken by surprise when a man shows up in her barn. He sort of resembels
her Daniel. The war has taking a toll on him. Sarah comes to accept the fact
that her husband is back. She starts to have doubts about him. He has changed
so much personality wise. She no longer fears him like before the war.
Can this man be Sarah’s husband? Has he changed so much?
A must read book.
5 stars!!
February 16, 2014
The perfect blend of both Amish and Historical romance. Redemption is a hauntingly sweet story set in Holmes County, Ohio during the Civil War.
Widow Sarah Ropp is horrified when the heavily scarred man lurking in her barn introduces himself as her husband. Had the reports of his death been a mistake? Even as she struggles to accept his return, the truth whispers to her heart and soul. Only the Lord's guidance will help her navigate the rough days ahead.
Shelley Shepard Gray has written a story filled with warmth, community and the belief that the Lord will work things out perfectly in the end. A must read.
Widow Sarah Ropp is horrified when the heavily scarred man lurking in her barn introduces himself as her husband. Had the reports of his death been a mistake? Even as she struggles to accept his return, the truth whispers to her heart and soul. Only the Lord's guidance will help her navigate the rough days ahead.
Shelley Shepard Gray has written a story filled with warmth, community and the belief that the Lord will work things out perfectly in the end. A must read.
August 9, 2016
"Redemption" tells the story of Sarah, an Amish woman who has lived in hardship for the past three years, believing her husband has perished in the war. For some reason her Amish community has distanced themselves from her, and her life is a pale shadow of what she had dreamed of as a child.
Suddenly the world shifts under her again as her husband returns....not dead? Different somehow in small ways....and changed somehow, leaving Sarah to wonder if she can trust what she sees, what she feels.
This is a charming, thoughtful story of hopelessness turned to hope, ruined lives changed, indeed redeemed! I highly recommend it!
Suddenly the world shifts under her again as her husband returns....not dead? Different somehow in small ways....and changed somehow, leaving Sarah to wonder if she can trust what she sees, what she feels.
This is a charming, thoughtful story of hopelessness turned to hope, ruined lives changed, indeed redeemed! I highly recommend it!
February 16, 2014
Redemption from Shelly Shepard Gray is a Home Run Hit. I was very moved with this book. It is an Amish story from the Cival War era. One of the things that struck me was the reminder of a Bible verse my mother used to quote to me all the time, “Be sure your sin will find you out.” Yet, the book also made clear that forgiveness and restoration is also possible. There are more lessons in this book, but if I mentioned them I would spoil it for those who have not yet read the book. I would highly recommend this book. I was given this book in exchange for giving an honest review.
February 24, 2014
Shelley Shepard Gray combines Amish fiction with historical fiction in Redemption. The combination of both makes a great storyline. You have a touch of history, a touch of romance, a touch of bullying, a touch of deceit, and a touch of faith/hope/love in her story. And there is a valuable lesson learned by all involved. You definitely cannot judge a book by its cover so to say with the storyline. A definite must read if you enjoy Amish fiction or even historical fiction. One of those stories you don't want to put down once you start reading.
May 28, 2016
Not sure if it is fair for me to rate this book, but I only picked it up and read a couple of pages. Decided I could not get past the idea of an Amish man going to fight in the Civil War (I looked that up, and while it apparently did happen on occasion, it was not the norm for Amish men). So I just don't want to read this book.
March 13, 2014
What a wonderful book. It is different.
Author's note: I took that small bit of truth and let my imagination take over.
Well in this book she sure did. She said too decided to shake things up a bit
She sure did.
Author's note: I took that small bit of truth and let my imagination take over.
Well in this book she sure did. She said too decided to shake things up a bit
She sure did.
November 16, 2014
Sweet story, but yes, a bit far-fetched. Even so, I just can't resist the themes of hope, love, and acceptance.
October 16, 2018
I thought it was adorable. I started reading it on a long bus trip, then once I got to my destination I forgot about it. I saw it today and finally finished. Woman whose husband was not a good husband gets another chance at love when an imposter comes back in his place.
March 23, 2019
It was a good story but this is not my kind of book. I’m not sure I’d read another one of her novels
July 2, 2021
This book was very interesting and held my attention. I really enjoyed it.
June 17, 2023
Amish romance. 2nd chance at love.
August 23, 2018
I absolutely loved this book. In fact, it's one of the best books I've read so far this year. The author described Sarah with such heartfelt emotion. And John, too. I cried and teared up many times, and I didn't want it to end.
July 24, 2015
REDEMPTION
Despite being Amish, Daniel Ropp had gone to fight in the Civil War. Daniel and Sarah’s marriage was one of great unhappiness for her and, because of that, she had been glad to see him go. Because of his decision, Sarah was practically shunned by their community. Now she is a widow left to care for the farm on her own.
THREE YEARS LATER……Someone was in Sarah’s barn! She stood at her back door watching the light that shone through the slats of the barn’s siding. Being out on the farm with no one to take care of her left her fearful in situations like this. Thunderstorms made her fearful! She was alone and helpless.
Sarah picked up a cast-iron frying pan and walked toward the barn, praying as she went. When she opened the door a man stepped out of the shadows…….DANIEL???? Could it really be? His name was among those that had perished in the war. Had he really survived and was now back home?
Sarah had her doubts. As time went on and she watched him closely she saw that this man was not the cruel and hard man she had known her husband to be. He was tender, thoughtful and kind. They even joked and laughed with each other. Had the war changed him? That much?
Zeke (Ezekiel) Graber had loved Sarah for a long time and was finally going to ask her if he could court her. Imagine his dismay and surprise to find Daniel back. At church services and gatherings, Daniel didn’t seem to remember people as he should. He used the trauma of the war as an excuse but Zeke and others were suspicious of him.
Daniel had served under Lieutenant Jonathan Scott (John). Being the arrogant man that he was, Daniel spent time bragging about the abusive way he treated his wife and money he had hidden on their farm. Daniel and John looked enough alike that, when Daniel was killed and John burned so badly he had to leave the army, he made a life changing decision. He had never had anything or anyone really and decided to go to find Daniel’s money and make a life for himself. Then she found him in the barn!!!!
You’ll definitely want to pick up a copy of this book to find out for yourself what happens when Sarah realizes the man staying at her farm is not Daniel. What happens when the community learns the truth? How does everyone find out?
This is another wonderfully written book by best-selling author Shelley Shepard Gray and YOU WILL LOVE IT!!!
Despite being Amish, Daniel Ropp had gone to fight in the Civil War. Daniel and Sarah’s marriage was one of great unhappiness for her and, because of that, she had been glad to see him go. Because of his decision, Sarah was practically shunned by their community. Now she is a widow left to care for the farm on her own.
THREE YEARS LATER……Someone was in Sarah’s barn! She stood at her back door watching the light that shone through the slats of the barn’s siding. Being out on the farm with no one to take care of her left her fearful in situations like this. Thunderstorms made her fearful! She was alone and helpless.
Sarah picked up a cast-iron frying pan and walked toward the barn, praying as she went. When she opened the door a man stepped out of the shadows…….DANIEL???? Could it really be? His name was among those that had perished in the war. Had he really survived and was now back home?
Sarah had her doubts. As time went on and she watched him closely she saw that this man was not the cruel and hard man she had known her husband to be. He was tender, thoughtful and kind. They even joked and laughed with each other. Had the war changed him? That much?
Zeke (Ezekiel) Graber had loved Sarah for a long time and was finally going to ask her if he could court her. Imagine his dismay and surprise to find Daniel back. At church services and gatherings, Daniel didn’t seem to remember people as he should. He used the trauma of the war as an excuse but Zeke and others were suspicious of him.
Daniel had served under Lieutenant Jonathan Scott (John). Being the arrogant man that he was, Daniel spent time bragging about the abusive way he treated his wife and money he had hidden on their farm. Daniel and John looked enough alike that, when Daniel was killed and John burned so badly he had to leave the army, he made a life changing decision. He had never had anything or anyone really and decided to go to find Daniel’s money and make a life for himself. Then she found him in the barn!!!!
You’ll definitely want to pick up a copy of this book to find out for yourself what happens when Sarah realizes the man staying at her farm is not Daniel. What happens when the community learns the truth? How does everyone find out?
This is another wonderfully written book by best-selling author Shelley Shepard Gray and YOU WILL LOVE IT!!!
July 8, 2014
Shelley Shepard Gray does it again. What a wonderful story with some really great twists.
This was a great book and I didn't want it to end. It made my heart ache for both Sarah and Jonathon. I was hoping that they both would find peace in a world that held nothing but pain for them. All was going good until the truth finally came out.
Sarah's life has never been easy and it got worse when she married Daniel Popp. When Daniel went to war Sarah was on her own to tend to the farm and her daily needs. Although Amish, she was left to her own devices because they didn't look kindly on the war and those who went. Even though they decided to send seven men. For three years Sarah thought her husband dead.
Jonathon Scott was left with only pain and scars after the war. He never really belonged anywhere and the one place he did, was gone when the owners died in the war. He heard many secrets from Daniel during the war and when he died Jonathon saw a way to rise above his troubles.
Sarah was surprised when she saw someone around her barn and was shocked when she saw Daniel but it couldln't be, he died in the war.
Everyone deserves a second chance even Sarah and Jonathon.
This was a great book and I didn't want it to end. It made my heart ache for both Sarah and Jonathon. I was hoping that they both would find peace in a world that held nothing but pain for them. All was going good until the truth finally came out.
Sarah's life has never been easy and it got worse when she married Daniel Popp. When Daniel went to war Sarah was on her own to tend to the farm and her daily needs. Although Amish, she was left to her own devices because they didn't look kindly on the war and those who went. Even though they decided to send seven men. For three years Sarah thought her husband dead.
Jonathon Scott was left with only pain and scars after the war. He never really belonged anywhere and the one place he did, was gone when the owners died in the war. He heard many secrets from Daniel during the war and when he died Jonathon saw a way to rise above his troubles.
Sarah was surprised when she saw someone around her barn and was shocked when she saw Daniel but it couldln't be, he died in the war.
Everyone deserves a second chance even Sarah and Jonathon.
November 24, 2014
I have been reading Shelley's books since the winter of 2010. I picked up Redemption knowing it was a historical and not knowing if I would like it, but I loved it! I could easily picture every scene Shelley described. The war scenes that John describes to Sarah over time are depicted enough so you can visualize them easily, but not enough to make them frightening at all. Sarah, the main character was very mistreated by her community. Her husband was at war and almost everyone at home basically ignored her, which seemed so unfair John, another main character, treated her better than her community did when they first met. I loved how all of the characters interacted. My favorite characters were John and Sarah. I absolutely loved watching Sarah's fear of John melt away, as they go from strangers, to acquaintances, to friends, to boyfriend and girlfriend to more than that by the end of the book. Five stars Shelley!
August 25, 2016
I read this on the Kindle
While I thought this a very good book it reminded me of the film Sommersby with Jodie Foster
This is the story set just after the American Civil War where a Jonathan Scott pretends to be Daniel Roper while i can understand the fact he supposed to have changed the part that didn't gel with me was he couldn't speak much Pennsylvania Dutch that part more than any let this book down
The story it was nicely told & you could see how Sara had struggled with her life & how Jonathan coming in to her life was for the good
There was a few characters who didn't really live up to what you expect from the Amish & how they treated Sara in the storyline the rest of the community didn't have much to do with her as Daniel had gone to fight in the war but nothing was said about the others who went & how their families was treated
All that said i did enjoy the book so i have given it a 3* as it was nicely told
While I thought this a very good book it reminded me of the film Sommersby with Jodie Foster
This is the story set just after the American Civil War where a Jonathan Scott pretends to be Daniel Roper while i can understand the fact he supposed to have changed the part that didn't gel with me was he couldn't speak much Pennsylvania Dutch that part more than any let this book down
The story it was nicely told & you could see how Sara had struggled with her life & how Jonathan coming in to her life was for the good
There was a few characters who didn't really live up to what you expect from the Amish & how they treated Sara in the storyline the rest of the community didn't have much to do with her as Daniel had gone to fight in the war but nothing was said about the others who went & how their families was treated
All that said i did enjoy the book so i have given it a 3* as it was nicely told
April 16, 2014
Sarah and Daniel Ropp are an Amish couple. Interestingly, as the Amish dislike violence and war, Daniel joins the Union army. Their marriage is not a happy one, so Sarah is relieved and unfortunately shunned by her community while he is away. He is thought to be dead but Sarah hears a noise in the barn one night and goes to investigate. A badly burned man says that he is her husband Daniel. Can it be? Sarah has many doubts especially about his personality changes. Can she finally find happiness? She sure deserves it. There is also some unrequited love thrown in with Zeke Graber, which adds to the mix. I'm a member of Shelley's group "The Buggy Bunch." I received a free ebook but purchased my own paperback copy.
November 3, 2015
Saccharine sweet and adorable. I don't know why I have such a fascination with the Amish when I avoid all other Christian fiction like the plague, but I think I like their simplicity. Of course, I feel like much of the Amish fiction out there tends to over-emphasize how good and wholesome and wonderful these people are, and under-emphasize the fact that they are still just people. Still, I think they're very interesting, and this sweet love story set right after the Civil War will give your heart a warm fuzzy, if you can handle all the schmaltz. :)
I received a free copy of this ARC through Edelweiss.
I received a free copy of this ARC through Edelweiss.
March 31, 2014
I truly enjoy Shelley's writing. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed Redemption. Typically, I'm not a huge fan of historical fiction but the characters captured my heart.
The story opens up with a widow, Sarah, whose Amish husband was killed in the Civil War, and Sarah who suffered under his abuse, is living out her life. When a surprise from the past, her husband Daniel returns from the dead, but he's been disfigured and she can't reconcile the man she was married to with the man who has returned to her.
The story opens up with a widow, Sarah, whose Amish husband was killed in the Civil War, and Sarah who suffered under his abuse, is living out her life. When a surprise from the past, her husband Daniel returns from the dead, but he's been disfigured and she can't reconcile the man she was married to with the man who has returned to her.
August 24, 2014
This author is generally hit or miss for me. I find myself returning to read her books time and time again. I am not sure why sometimes. However, in this case, I am glad that I did. Watching the hero and heroine develop in this novel was a pleasure. I hated to see the story end. I still do not believe that what the author represents in her novels in any way represents what might truly happen to an Amish person. The Amish background is almost wallpaper in it's authenticity.
The novel is a good, really quick read.
The novel is a good, really quick read.
September 1, 2014
Another great book by Shelley Shepard Gray. A story that is inspirational. A story of trying to fit in somewhere and having a place to call home. A story where lies come to the truth. And a marriage that changes the way a bride should be treated and not mistreated. About a community that finally comes to accept Sarah.
March 28, 2015
I enjoy Shelley Shepard Gray's Amish books and this one had a really interesting concept. An abused wife thinks her husband Daniel died in the Civil War, then he reappears--but is it really Daniel? This man is badly burned, so she cannot be sure, but his actions are gentle and kind, not angry and mean like the husband she feared. I found myself rooting for the characters.
June 9, 2015
Oh my goodness, what an amazing story. My heart hurt for Sarah and all she had been through. The idea of her husband returning and how she felt were very well written. Wait, isn't this her husband??? The theme of confession and redemption is a owerful one and will make us all think! Loved this story and highly recommend it!
February 9, 2023
Wonderful Love Story
This story is about a badly scarred man, scarred during the Civil War. He returns to another soldier’s home and wife to find hidden money. The other soldier is boastful and has been cruel to his wife. Things change. Well written and I was taken into the lives of these people.
This story is about a badly scarred man, scarred during the Civil War. He returns to another soldier’s home and wife to find hidden money. The other soldier is boastful and has been cruel to his wife. Things change. Well written and I was taken into the lives of these people.
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