Cora Pooler

by Dottie Rexford

If you are interested in stories about women who find themselves torn between two worlds you will enjoy this this story of an Amish woman who returns to her home after twenty years and must navigate life upon her return, and her memories of her life in the English world.

Genres: Amish

284 pages, Paperback

First published April 9, 2014

Reviews

[Julia Simpson-Urrutia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cora Pooler is a very well-crafted mystery with gorgeous descriptive evocations. It dives into the Amish way of life, which is a distinctive part of the American culture. The mystery pulls the reader along and is resolved. There are romantic interests and faith issues. The way the author handles the juxtaposition of Amish and modern-world Christian beliefs is shown rather than told. Rexford grants dignity to the individual’s right to believe in God in his or her own way, and that is the ultimate message. Cora Pooler supports the idea that a human being may take a new faith and still respect the one he or she left; additionally, the story demonstrates that for many people, various (or all) faiths support the same truths.

[Novel Destination · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dottie Rexford writes very well. Her story flows at a reasonable pace and the reader soon discovers that they feel a part of the events she describes. This is NOT your typical, sweet Amish or Mennonite love story. This novel has much more depth, mystery, and details that make you laugh or weep for the characters. The discussion of faith-based beliefs, shunning, community-wide events and daily life seems accurate and well researched. I appreciated the moral dilemmas being covered so thoroughly but I was most pleased that the ending was not just a sugar-coated platitude for a return to "simpler ways." I hope that the author will try her hand at writing another Amish or Mennonite novel.

[Nancy Abbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of love.

This book certainly gave me time to think of the Amish ways. Nothing is entirely black or white! Read for yourself.