Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Amish Wonders #2

A Woodland Miracle

Rate this book
For a disadvantaged young woman and a displaced young man, a lasting love is going to take more than chance—it’s going to take a miracle.


Muscle weakness has left Grace Wagler with a broken body—and her childhood best friend has left her with a broken heart. She can hold her own in the timber camp (and do everything else the other women in Badger Creek can do), but in an Amish district where women outnumber men three to one, marriage is an unlikely prospect for a girl with bad legs.


Ben Eicher just arrived in Michigan from Pinecraft, Florida. When his most recent shenanigans proved too much for his daed’s patience, Ben was sent to the Upper Peninsula to work in the lumber camp—and he’s neither proud of his behavior nor thrilled about his new home.


But when Ben meets Grace, the struggling young woman quickly piques his curiosity. Of course, the last thing Grace wants is another friendship with a man who pities her. Tired of physical pain and romantic dead ends, Grace is ready to leave Badger Creek for the muscle specialist in Ohio, even if it contradicts her father’s wishes . . . and Ben’s.


Meanwhile, two dangerous men have found their way into the district. It isn’t long before their unsavory plans ensnare Grace and Ben in a chase that will not only endanger their lives . . . but test their love.

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 6, 2015

46 people are currently reading
402 people want to read

About the author

Ruth Reid

25 books373 followers
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Ruth Reid is a CBA and ECPA best-selling author of the Heaven on Earth series. She's a full-time pharmacist who resides in Florida with her husband and three children.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
205 (45%)
4 stars
131 (29%)
3 stars
88 (19%)
2 stars
17 (3%)
1 star
10 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 39 books653 followers
January 19, 2015
Title: A WOODLAND MIRACLE
Author: Ruth Reid
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
January 2015
ISBN: 978-1401688301
Genre: Amish romance

For a disadvantaged young woman and a displaced young man, a lasting love is going to take more than chance—it’s going to take a miracle.

Muscle weakness has left Grace Wagler with a broken body—and her childhood best friend has left her with a broken heart. She can hold her own in the timber camp (and do everything else the other women in Badger Creek can do), but in an Amish district where women outnumber men three to one, marriage is an unlikely prospect for a girl with bad legs.

Ben Eicher just arrived in Michigan from Pinecraft, Florida. When his most recent shenanigans proved too much for his daed’s patience, Ben was sent to the Upper Peninsula to work in the lumber camp—and he’s neither proud of his behavior nor thrilled about his new home.

But when Ben meets Grace, the struggling young woman quickly piques his curiosity. Of course, the last thing Grace wants is another friendship with a man who pities her. Tired of physical pain and romantic dead ends, Grace is ready to leave Badger Creek for the muscle specialist in Ohio, even if it contradicts her father’s wishes . . . and Ben’s.

Meanwhile, two dangerous men have found their way into the district. It isn’t long before their unsavory plans ensnare Grace and Ben in a chase that will not only endanger their lives . . . but test their love.

A WOODLAND MIRACLE is the second book in the Amish Wonders series (the first is A Miracle of Hope), but it easily stands alone.

Ben is a free-spirit and very determined to get his way. He wants to do the right thing. He is loving and compassionate, but sometimes he goes about it in the wrong way. Grace is judgmental and unforgiving; unwilling to give Ben a chance. She wants to go to Ohio to get over her “lover” who plans to marry another girl—and also to find out if her muscle weakness is caused by the same disease her mother died from.

I enjoyed reading A WOODLAND MIRACLE and getting to know Ben and Grace. There were some unexpected twists, and Ms. Reid’s signature miracles make an appearance. If you like Amish fiction, you’ll want to read A WOODLAND MIRACLE.

Available in ebook, paperback and audio. 352 pages.
467 reviews50 followers
January 6, 2015
A Woodland Miracle, By: Ruth Reid
This story grabbed my attention from the very start. I was on the edge of my seat almost the whole book through. There is just the right amount of compassion, spunk, love, and suspense all the way through. Never a dull moment! Very well written!! So looking forward to any other books in the series. Get your copy today!

Bravo, job well done! 5 star
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,901 reviews208 followers
February 1, 2015
It was fun to return to the small Amish community of Badger Creek. This is an interesting setting, because things are done a little differently here. It is a very small community. Roads aren’t well cared for, residents are tucked away back in the woods, and it is bitterly cold in the winter. A Woodland Miracle is book two in The Amish Wonders Series, but there is no doubt in my mind that you can read this as a stand alone novel. Nothing in book two is dependent on book one’s story.

I really liked these two characters, who seem to be opposites when we first meet them. Grace Wagler is reserved, hard-working, and dealing with a physical malady that worries her every day. She is in a lot of pain, but pushes through it to do the everyday chores that others can handle with ease. She is also nursing a wounded heart. Grace is such a special character. She has burdens both physical and emotional and is simply trying to understand why God has allowed these things into her life.

Ben Eicher, on the other hand, has just been wandering through life. He has made quite a few bad choices. When his father ships him from his community in Pinecraft, Florida to the Badger Creek District in Michigan, Ben is in for some culture shock. I enjoyed watching Ben’s growth from the beginning of the novel to the end. It took a bit of time, but Ben did take a look at his life and began to see where changes needed to be made. I found him to be an honorable young man, who simply needed to find God’s path for his life.

The attraction between these two characters was very convincing, as was their individual reactions to this attraction. There is some mystery and adventure in the book, as well. Overall, this was a story that kept my interest and that I enjoyed.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through BookLook Bloggers, in exchange for an honest review.

You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Profile Image for Hallie (Hallie Reads).
1,513 reviews153 followers
July 26, 2016
This review is also posted on Book by Book.

Ruth Reid provided me with yet another unique perspective on Amish culture - in locations, jobs, etc. - within the communities she represents in A Woodland Miracle. The differences between the Florida and Michigan communities enhance the differences between Grace Wadler and Ben Eicher when they initially meet and add to the witty banter that passes between these two. I loved watching their developing relationship, seeing how they interacted and changed. Both Grace and Ben have their own particular challenges to deal with, and as they do, they begin to see and accept God’s work in their lives. It’s a great read - and Reid really kept me on the edge of my seat until the end, waiting to see how the relationship between Grace and Ben would play out. I look forward to reading more from Ruth Reid in the future, and I think fans of Amish fiction will enjoy this newest novel from her.

Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of A Woodland Miracle and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)
45 reviews3 followers
April 19, 2015
A Woodland Miracle

Ruth Reid

Thomas Nelson - FICTION

Grace is suffering with a disability and fears she might have the same illness that took her mother´s life. She lives in a remote Amish community and is way too serious for her age. Ben´s life in Florida has been full of fun and mischief; when his exploits land him in local prison, his father sends him to his oncle to work in a timber camp. The two young people´s first meeting went wrong and Grace definitely doesn´t appreciate Ben´s staying in the community. Ben, however, despite his joy of life is not as shallow as he seems and starts to see and appreciate Grace´s hidden qualities. One long night of life-threatening danger makes them both reevaluate their lives, their future and the relationship that is forming between them.

I must admit that while it was an ententaining reading, all the many subplots - Grace´s illness and her worries of having muscular dystrophy like her mother, the two mysterious and dangerous men, the treasure, the night hunt, the mystery of burnt cottage, the almost supernatural animal providing guidance etc. were a bit too much for me. I like my stories a bit simpler. That said, Ruth Reid is a wonderful storyteller, her characters are interesting, her dialogues witty and the book will certainly appeal to those readers who prefere a liberal dose of mystery and suspense in their romance novels.

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Abbie.
291 reviews37 followers
April 1, 2015
What I liked: Both Ben and Grace are dealing with things in their life that people can relate to on some level. Ben fights the battle of following the rules and dealing with the consequences when he gets caught. Grace is dealing with some serious health issues which leaves her fearing she will never have a normal life. Grace wants nothing to do with Ben at first and Ben can’t help but find himself drawn to her. Both characters had to learn to have faith in God and each other. I also thought the ending was unique and had a more realistic feel.

What I didn't like: I liked the overall plot but this story was somewhat slow at times. There was some good suspense and action in this book yet it lacked the excitement you would expect. I also thought the chemistry between Ben and Grace was not that great.

I enjoyed this book but it just did not keep me as enticed as the first book of the series. Not a bad read overall. This book can easily be read as a stand alone.

http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2015/0...
Profile Image for Christy.
687 reviews
April 11, 2015
This was just an average read for me. The story was a little slow at times and almost boring. The story also needed more character and community involvement and this book was romance driven from the beginning with Ben and Grace; my least favorite type of book. I just needed something else to read about besides these two characters and their feelings. It got sluggish and tiresome for my reading enjoyment. The book almost had a non-Amish feel to me. If I judged books based off the cover I would have never even picked this one up. This is the worst Amish Fiction cover I have ever seen. I have however enjoyed previous Ruth Reid books so I will not let this disappointing read keep me from trying another one of her books. This one was just a little too outside of the Amish box for me.
Profile Image for Shannah Mauney.
313 reviews41 followers
May 3, 2016
I can't even describe how fantastic this book was! Ruth Reid has a knack for pulling you in to a story and not letting you go until the very end. The plot was engaging, thrilling, and so good! The characters were well-written and developed. The message of the story, as stated on the back cover, is learning that God's love is sufficient. God doesn't always choose the strongest, most handsome person to use for His glory because He can see what's on the inside, not outward appearances that man sees. How comforting! Overall, I loved this story and I certainly look forward to more from this amazing author. View my full review: http://faithlovebooks.blogspot.com/20...
Profile Image for Lena.
1,358 reviews
January 13, 2016
It was different than I thought it would be, and I thought that the first book was better.
Profile Image for Jalynn Patterson.
2,218 reviews40 followers
January 19, 2015
About the Book:

For a disadvantaged young woman and a displaced young man, a lasting love is going to take more than chance—it’s going to take a miracle.

Muscle weakness has left Grace Wagler with a broken body—and her childhood best friend has left her with a broken heart. She can hold her own in the timber camp (and do everything else the other women in Badger Creek can do),but in an Amish district where women outnumber men three to one, marriage is an unlikely prospect for a girl with bad legs.

Ben Eicher just arrived in Michigan from Pinecraft, Florida. When his most recent shenanigans proved too much for his daeds patience, Ben was sent to the Upper Peninsula to work in the lumber camp—and he’s neither proud of his behavior nor thrilled about his new home.

But when Ben meets Grace, the struggling young woman quickly piques his curiosity.Of course, the last thing Grace wants is another friendship with a man who pities her. Tired of physical pain and romantic dead ends, Grace is ready to leave Badger Creek for the muscle specialist in Ohio, even if it contradicts her father’s wishes . . . and Ben’s.

Meanwhile, two dangerous men have found their way into the district. It isn’t long before their unsavory plans ensnare Grace and Benin a chase that will not only endanger their lives . . . but test their love.



About the Author:

Ruth Reid is a CBA and ECPA best-selling author of the Heaven on Earth series. She's a full-time pharmacist who resides in Florida with her husband and three children.



My Review:

Grace Wagler, suffers from muscle weakness, which in turn poses a lot of problems for her. She does her best to take care of those all around her. While nursing her broken heart, there are some newcomers to their community. And while this gets her sister beyond excited, Grace feels differently. These two boys do not need to be brought into their community and Grace wants to see to it, that their stay is short.

Ben and Toby were forced to leave their home in Florida and were sent to Michigan. Upon meeting Grace Wagler, he finds her interesting and would like to get to know her further. Her quiet attitude and sarcastic tone, leaves him wondering what really is going on behind her pretty eyes.

When her aunt once again offers to bring Grace to Ohio for treatment, Grace starts to reconsider it, not only for relieving her physical pain but also for her heart pain, as well. When Ben suddenly hears of Grace's plans to leave, he will do whatever it takes to stop her.



**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Book Look.
136 reviews
April 5, 2015
A Woodland Miracle by Ruth Reid is the second book in The Amish Wonders Series. I loved the first story A Miracle of Hope so when I saw this book I knew I had to read it! Needless to say, I was not disappointed. :-)

Ben Eicher and his friend, Toby, are forced to leave Pinecraft, Florida and go to Badger Creek, Michigan where Toby's uncle lives. Weighted down with grief and his many sins, Toby just wants to be back at home, but he knows his father won't welcome him.

Grace Wagler is afraid she has muscular dystrophy like her mother who died a few years ago, but her father doesn't want her to go to the doctors in Ohio to find out. Grace needs to know the truth. It's better than the fear that engulfs her at the thought of dying young and in pain like her mother. Her aunt stays with them 6 months out of the year, and Grace is hoping to go home with her to Ohio for a few months to see some specialists and find out the truth about her health.

Grace has no time for fun or so she thinks until Ben Eicher comes to town. Ben is full of life and fun compared to Grace's dogged determination and serious outlook on life. Grace really does long for a home and family of her own, but would anyone ever look past her disabilities to see all she can offer?

I enjoyed this story especially since there was a disability involved. The author did a good job of portraying the fears and pain involved in having any sort of health problem. Some parts of the story seemed far fetched and unrealistic, but for the most part it was pretty good. The two main characters were written well, but I found myself irritated with a lot of the secondary characters. Trusting in God was weaved into the story seamlessly, and how the main characters felt and acted was done very well. Overall, I would recommend this story to anyone who likes a good story. :-)

I was given this book for free from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Tina Watson.
313 reviews
January 1, 2015
Ruth Reid had me on the edge of my seat while reading her book "A Woodland Miracle". The mystery that was not picked up on in the book by the characters nor the author, for the book is more romance than mystery.

Ruth Reid also had me chuckling in parts, sad in parts, and worried in parts with what she had the two main characters go through in the book. Of course, that is what an author is to do with their books.

Two Amish young men, Ben and Toby, get in trouble in their state of Florida and are sent to a settlement in Michigan. One of the young men has road blocks during his stay in Michigan.

Grace has lived in her Michigan district since she's been born. Grace has had to face the hard reality that she was different and over protected by her father.

Two dangerous men have found their way into the district. The little mystery is answered but the adventure is just beginning.

Over all, I loved A Woodland Miracle by Ruth Reid. I loved being apart of the book with the characters. I have read Ruth's books before and loved them and I do plan to read more of Ruth's books in the future.



I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. No money was exchanged. This is my honest review in my own words.
Profile Image for Wendy.
525 reviews23 followers
June 3, 2016
BACK OF THE BOOK BLURB
Muscle weakness has left Grace Wagler with a broken body--and her childhood best friend has left her with a broken heart. She can hold her own in the timber camp (and do everything else the other women in Badger Creek can do), but in an Amish district where women outnumber men three to one, marriage is an unlikely prospect for a girl with bad legs.

Ben Eicher just arrived in Michigan from Pinecraft, Florida. When his most recent shenanigans proved too much for his daed's patience, Ben was sent to the Upper Peninsula to work in the lumber camp--and he's neither proud of his behavior nor thrilled about his new home.

But when Ben meets Grace, the struggling young woman quickly piques his curiosity. Of course, the last thing Grace wants is another friendship with a man who pities her. Tired of physical pain and romantic dead ends, Grace is ready to leave Badger Creek for the muscle specialist in Ohio, even if it contradicts her father's wishes . . .and Ben's.

Meanwhile, two dangerous men have found their way into the district. It isn't long before their unsavory plans ensnare Grace and Ben in a chase that will not only endanger their lives . . .but test their love.


MY REVIEW
It has been so long since I read the first book in this series, I had to go back and read my own review! This one is just as good as I said that one was. Ruth does a great job of telling a story and this one deals with physical problems as well as emotional. I don't think anyone that has had to deal with a disability of some kind, yourself , a family member or close friend. This was an enjoyable book and I am looking forward to the third book in the series, "A Dream of Miracles".
Profile Image for Maureen Timerman.
3,243 reviews491 followers
December 12, 2014
An Amish story that starts with two young gentlemen in a Florida settlement getting in trouble and being sent to cold Michigan, a rather unusual punishment, but awakening.
We have boy arriving, girl at station picking up her Aunt, girl making rash judgment of disliking boy, thinking he is a fence jumper. Loved the rather hard time she gives him, and he seems to be confirming her suspicions without even trying to.
The story goes on like this with boy interested in girl, and girl having a medical problem, and insecure, and liking boy, but not sure. When all of a sudden, there is a major change in the peace and security of the Amish community. We are now in a life or death struggle, and with all of the hurts and violence, we wonder if or who will survive.
Ben Eichner is a rebel in some ways, and has displeased his father many times, being in legal trouble was the straw that broke the dam, and that is how Ben and Toby have appeared in the frozen north. What a new environment they are in, one day no coat to bundles of clothing, and warm ocean, to frozen creek water.
You will love some of the decisions, and wonder about others, but soon realize that God is in charge here. Such a display of faith, and following of our Father’s wishes, and compassion for our fellow man, whether they are Amish or English.
I really enjoyed this story, and hope there is more to come, I did love that the epilogue filled in a lot of unanswered questions, but I do want more.

I received this book from Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.
Profile Image for Charmaine.
458 reviews
April 5, 2023
When I started this book I had hoped for a nice little Amish story. I was actually pretty bored with it when, suddenly, the plot took a major turn. Good heavens! From that turning point on, there was way more cruelty and violence than I usually will tolerate in a novel - and it went on and on and on! As a matter of fact, I ended up skipping ahead because I couldn't take any more of it. The plot eventually resolved back to a "nice" little Amish story - but there was very little that I enjoyed about this book. (One exception: it was interesting to learn that there is an Amish community in Florida).

The writing style is very basic, the characters were annoying, and the plot had a bizarre (and unbelievable) twist right in the middle of the book. I did manage to listen to the last couple of chapters and epilogue and found the story to have the totally predictable ending that I expected

The narrator of this audio version was mediocre, at best.

Clean Readers: there is no bad language in this book. However, because of the above-mentioned cruelty and violence, I would have to rate it PG.
Profile Image for Laura Bowman.
310 reviews9 followers
January 4, 2015
The latest Amish novel I just finished was by a new author for me, who writes an intriguing and captivating story. A WOODLAND MIRACLE by Ruth Reid is one I didn't put down until I had finished it.
Grace Wagler, is a young maedel, in an Amish district in Michigan. When Ben Eicher and Toby Graber, two Floridian Amish, get into trouble they are sent to the Michigan district to work the timber mill with Toby's uncle.
The differing district odnung's is just one of the hurdles confronted by the trio. Grace has a noticeable physical handicap that has caused her to put up walls, Ben and Toby's reason for being in Michigan, the men all being gone to the lumber camp and an escaped mental patient also add to the plot.
Ruth draws you in and holds you with her narrative and brings you to a satisfactory, if not totally desirable conclusion.
I recommend A Woodland Miracle and I will definitely add Ruth Reid to my list of author's to read again.
I received this book free for an honest review from Harper Collins Christian Publishing via Thomas Nelson.
Profile Image for Kristin.
460 reviews59 followers
February 15, 2015
Ruth Reid continues to earn her spot on my favorite authors list with her ability to tell Amish Fiction in a unique and charming way. No one else writes Amish fiction exactly like Ruth Reid. What sets her apart from other authors is the inclusion of a supernatural element to her Amish fiction. All of her stories have either angels or miracles that I’ve just not seen employed in other Amish tales.

This book was particularly gripping. From the first page I was connected with Ben and Grace. I really identified a lot with Grace. I deal with a lot of physical pain and like Grace, sometimes I lose my faith and I struggle. I really needed this book. It reminded me that His grace is sufficient for me.



The Amish Wonders series is edgy and keeps me in suspense. It is for more of a mature audience but it still maintains a Christian standard. If you’re looking for something new in the genre and you haven’t picked up anything by this author, you should.

View all my reviews
Profile Image for Rachel Miller.
Author 6 books44 followers
December 29, 2014
I LOVE reading books by Ruth Reid! She is such a wonderful author! Her stories are so wonderfully filled with love, faith, forgiveness and God's grace!

A Woodland Miracle is no different! From the first paragraph, you'll be hooked! The last story by Ruth Reid, I didn't want to put down and with this one, I was unable to put it down!

WOW!

READ IT!
Profile Image for Pamela.
17 reviews2 followers
January 7, 2015
l loved this story! I have never read any book with Amish characters and so I was pleasantly introduced to a lovely way of life. But that doesn't mean they're always safe. I fell in love with the people and my heart hurt or soared right along with Ben and Grace and each of these beautiful people! I had a hard time putting this book down and my heart was in my throat until the very end!
Profile Image for Jennifer Thompson-Thalasinos.
345 reviews6 followers
February 15, 2015
A good book about an Amish woman who might have muscular dystrophy and the young man who falls for her after he is forced into moving to Michigan by his father. Full of twists and turns this book has no easy outcomes and isn't overly predictable.
Profile Image for Dawn.
596 reviews6 followers
February 28, 2015
Ruth's story show us not to judge people at first glance. Grace misjudges Ben at their first meeting. Things change when he comes to her rescue and she realizes she is falling in love with Ben. A delightful story with a miracle involving a fox. I love Ruth's books!
Profile Image for LaShunda.
628 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2016
I was pleasantly surprised by the many twists turns I was dragged through during the reading of this book. An unlikely love story, an uneasy friendship, adventure, danger... Even my husband was captivated in the reading. It was well worth the read.
56 reviews
January 3, 2017
Not as good as the first in the series. A little far-fetched "miracle" even for an Amish book. Also, who in their right mind would jump into a river in Michigan's Upper Peninsula in MARCH?!? I would guess most rivers are frozen over at that time of year.
Profile Image for Bookish Enchantment (Katherine Quirke).
1,070 reviews28 followers
June 26, 2015
Loved it then got bored with it then loved it again. What a book of mixed emotions after reading the 1st in the series from this author. Now I what to know what happens...
134 reviews
September 14, 2015
Good read. I will be reading something else by this author.
Profile Image for ANNETTE.
1,138 reviews6 followers
April 6, 2016
I thought this book had a lot of twist and turns. I would recomend this book . Keep up the good writing Ruth Reid
Profile Image for Rachel.
1,149 reviews15 followers
September 24, 2016
This started a bit slow for me, but then the pace picked up and I really enjoyed the story. I loved the fairy like existence of the fox, the man that Ben became, and the fear that Grace overcame!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Di Schlenk.
646 reviews4 followers
September 3, 2017
Tender story of Grace born with n impairment to her legs. A broken engagement leads to despair but hope arrives with a young man banished from his family.
Profile Image for Jackie.
67 reviews
January 16, 2024
Aside from the lackluster, predictable plot, the worst thing about this book was the violence in the middle of it. There are almost 100 pages of behavior that was just disgusting, and it dragged on for no reason (other than the fact that this author probably had a word count to reach). The kicking, slapping, punching, brandishing of weapons, knocking over a pregnant woman, etc was shocking to me. I understand bad things happen and wanting a book to have "action" in it but almost 100 pages worth? Of the same repetitious "action"? What was the point of Jack dragging Grace around by her hair, assaulting her, and making crude comments for SO LONG - only for him to just be killed off so the story could go on ???

I could say more but just know - I could not overlook the drawn out violence in this story and would not recommend anyone read this. I do not know how anyone gave this 5 stars. Find another book.
Profile Image for Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner.
1,542 reviews91 followers
September 11, 2020
Grace is so focused on her muscle weakness that she misses a lot of what is going on around her. She tends to focus on the negative, instead of the positives. There is enough mystery and intrigue to keep you reading, but I did find this book a little slower than the first. Grace's attitude and assumptions were the only thing that I did not like about this book. It was well-written and it was easy to relate to the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.