A Seed of Hope (Hearts of Harmony Hill Prequel): An Amish Romance

Hearts of Harmony Hill #0.5

by Sylvia Price, Tandy O (editor)

In the tranquil Amish community of Harmony Hill, nestled in the rolling hills of Lancaster County, Sarah Stoltzfus and Ezekiel King begin their life together, bound by love and faith. Set a generation before the events of the main series, A Seed of Hope follows the heartwarming journey of Sarah and Ezekiel as they face the challenges of farming life, raising a family, and reconciling their individual dreams with the commitments they’ve made to each other and their community. As they navigate economic hardships and conflicting visions for their future, Sarah and Ezekiel’s faith and devotion are tested.

Will Sarah and Ezekiel’s love be strong enough to overcome the trials ahead and plant the seeds of hope for future generations?

A Seed of Hope is a tender story of enduring love, faith, and the beginnings of a family legacy. In this prequel to the Hearts of Harmony Hill series, readers will be reminded how even the smallest seeds of hope can grow into something lasting.

Genres: Romance, Amish

107 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 2025

About the author

Now an Amazon bestselling author, Sylvia Price is an author of Amish and contemporary romance and women’s fiction. She especially loves writing uplifting stories about second chances!

Sylvia was inspired to write about the Amish as a result of the enduring legacy of Mennonite missionaries in her life. While living with them for three weeks, they got her a library card and encouraged her to start reading to cope with the loss of television and radio, giving Sylvia a new-found appreciation for books.

Although raised in the cosmopolitan city of Montréal, Sylvia spent her adolescent and young adult years in Nova Scotia, and the beautiful countryside landscapes and ocean views serve as the backdrop to her contemporary novels.

After meeting and falling in love with an American while living abroad, Sylvia now resides in the US. She spends her days writing, hoping to inspire the next generation to read more stories. When she’s not writing, Sylvia stays busy making sure her three young children are alive and well-fed.

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Reviews

[Vickie Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love

A husband and wife need to work together, to make their struggling farm profitable to be able to survive for their family.

[Kimberly Heck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet book full of biblical principles. It showed how a marriage should work with two people loving one another and respecting what they say. The family dynamic was amazing. It was so pure and real. A true love story between a husband and a wife of many years and between the father, mother, and son and granddaughter. Truly inspirational. This was a great book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Megann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading Sylvia's Amish stories as she shows how working together as a family to improve things helps the whole family. While as a wife, you have ideas that you think you should push through, it is much better to make a suggestion and wait for the information to be absorbed by the head of the household rather than trying to run things yourself.
I once heard a saying that the man is the head of the house but the woman is the neck and she holds up the head and makes sure it turns in the right direction. I feel that so many more marriages and people would be happier if they had someone to lean on and someone who listened to their ideas, weighed the consequences and worked out the prose and cons so that the best thing could be done for the family.
The Bible says that Eve was taken from Adams rib to be by his side and help him in his everyday life. Not the head to tower over him, nor his feet to be walked on by him but to share his life and work with him to make it better. But, again we must remember that being at his side means he is the one to listen and choose what will be done for us both as well as our children. He is to answer to GOD as to how he treats his wife and children and should show them the same love and respect he shows our father in heaven.
This book was a great story to emphasize this thinking and it is why I love reading all of Sylvia Price's books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy reading Amish fiction books very much and this is a great one by Sylvia Price. A Seed of Hope, the prequel to Sylvia’s new series Hearts of Harmony Hill, tells of a family concerned about the future of their farm for themselves and their future generations. After many discussions with his wife Sarah, son Jared and their Bishop, Ezekiel King must, by prayer and a lot of soul searching, decide whether to make some compromises in the way their family farms their land, in order for their farm to continue to thrive and endure for generations to come, while keeping with their Amish faith and traditions. It was inspiring to see how Ezekiel wanted to include son Jared, as the next generation, in the decision making process and Jared left the decision to his parents and prayed for a compromise to be worked out, according to God’s will, between them that would not cause an irreparable rift in their relationship. After the trial period, for the new farming methods Ezekiel and Sarah decided on, the evidence that God had blessed the endeavor was plainly seen and the family relationship was strengthened causing Ezekiel and Sarah to be closer to God and each other than ever before. A Seed of Hope is a fantastic prequel, to a new series that I am looking forward to reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katherine Hayward Pérez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harmony Hill is the setting for Sylvia Price's prequel to a new series. I thought Sarah and Ezekiel's life and struggles felt very real and sympathetically approached.

It's especially interesting to me that the book is set a generation before the main series. I think that's a great way to introduce characters and backstory. I'm really looking forward to the rest of the series and enjoyed this prequel very much.

As with all of Sylvia's books, I've reviewed so far, I was glad to find in an official glossary of Amish words at the beginning of the book. I've reviewed so many of her books that I'm recognizing, and often remembering, the words now, but it's also useful to have as a reminder and to refer back to if needed.

Thanks to Sylvia Price

Five stars

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntary leaving a review

[Debbie Earls · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a prequel for a new series by Sylvia Price. Ezekiel and Sarah King have farmed their multigenerational land for many years. Their son Jared helps Ezekiel with the farming. He and his wife and young daughter live on the farm with his parents. However, farming is becoming more difficult and they are at risk of losing their farm. Sarah encourages Ezekiel to try new techniques in the hope that the farm will be more profitable. With the blessing of their bishop, Ezekiel and Jared start the new techniques on a trail basis. Their first harvest is successful. They are encouraged to continue to try new techniques. This sounds like it will be a good series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started with a great deal of promise, with the storyline initially moving forward at a steady pace. However, once the plot was shared, the story reached a stalemate until the final chapters.
Sarah is justifiably concerned that their farm will not support them, or their son, Jared and his family, for much longer if they don’t modernise their methods to some degree. The author does not elaborate on the actual suggestions Sarah makes.
Her husband, Ezekiel, is equally determined that he will continue farming in the traditional Amish manner. Their impasse becomes the theme for most of the book, with thoughts and conversations becoming quite repetitive.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book due to the cooperation of the couple to work together instead of fighting each other. Sarah has ideas that could possibly save the family farm. Ezekiel is reluctant because he's doing it the way his family has always worked the land. The story tells about the struggles both people have but both want to save the farm for future generations. The story seems very real and made me wonder how many Amish couples have dealt with their own struggles. Another good Amish book by Ms. Price.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

At only seventy nine pages, A SEED OF HOPE by Sylvia Price, was a quick read. It’s the prequel to the Hearts of Harmony Hill series and I look forward to reading more.

Ezekiel and Sarah are facing some struggles since their family farm is no longer as profitable as it once was. They’re not in agreement how to move forward while keeping their beliefs and traditions. There are some prayers and introspection along with many discussions. Their love and relationship pulls them through but also grows stronger. There is some closure with the epilogue that depicts some of their future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alison Hoeksema · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short prequel of the Hearts of Harmony Hill series does a good job of introducing the founding couple, Ezekiel and Sarah. The way the Amish family faces the difficulties of following their faith but still farming at a profit is inspiring. Without the foundation of love the couple have, resentment over the way they each dealt with their difficulties could easily have built up. Instead, they work out a path they are both happy with, which is a good example to their family and their community. A sweet read.
I received an ARC from the author, but my opinion is given voluntarily.

[MileHighSunshine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet and inspiring story! It’s such a great reminder of how to approach differences.

Ezekiel and Sarah are struggling with their farm. But how can they change age old farming practices and not turn away from their beliefs?

This family will melt into your heart. Sit back and watch how they work hard to come to a decision, through prayer, discernment and not bitterness.

You walk away with one of the beautiful sunsets described in the book wrapped around you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ezekiel and Sarah had been married for 25 yrs. but still had strife in their marriage occasionally. With the farm failing to provide financially and the fear that they would lose it, Sarah brought up some changes she wished to implement. However, Ezekiel felt it was wrong to change. Would their marriage survive the troubled waters or would they pull further apart. I highly recommend this book to all sweet, clean romance readers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maryann Skaritka · Rating 4 out of 5]

This quick read Amish story is a prequel to The Hearts of Harmony Hill series.
Ezekiel and Sarah King see their farm is not producing enough crops to make it financially viable.
Sarah suggests to her husband that he should try new farming methods and crop rotation.
Ezekiel is of the mindset to honor tradition, worried about what members of the community might think and wanting to leave the farm as a heritage to his son and grand daughter. Sarah suggests he speak to the bishop.
After considering Sarah’s suggestions for a trial period of changes they see that some change is for the best while still being true to their faith.
I admired Sarah’s patience with her husband. Some of the author’s words and phrases were different. Mary, their daughter in law didn’t seem to get too much recognition as their son Jared’s wife and mother to Fannie.

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sylvia Price makes her readers feel as if they are part Ezekiel & Sarah's family as tension over changes on the farm put a strain on their love and commitment of 25 years. A Seed if Hope is a refreshing tale of old love as opposed to the young love of most romance novels. This story encourages married women that true love outlasts the challenges of marriage.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to show us how it really should work in a marriage but seldom does. It is a well written short story that keeps the reader engaged with the characters and the storyline. The story introduces us to the series The Hearts of Harmony Hill. Itells of the way this one couple faces a difficulty on their farm and their decision they need to make.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[RICHARD LEWIS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving The Farm

This was a very well written story about an Amish couple who had differing thoughts on how best to change their farming methods in order to save their farm. Through strength, faith and love they overcome their individual differences and compromise to achieve their objectives. It was a sweet tale with well developed characters and was a pleasure to read. I would definitely recommend r!

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming story of an Amish family who work through their struggles with dignity and respect for their way of life . It is emotionally charged with differences on how to proceed forward without compromising their individual beliefs and the relationship between the husband and wife. It flows through feelings and thoughts of how it affects both . Love and the Amish way of past reconcile both. It is a short story but very thought provoking. I enjoyed it very much.

[Evelyn Foreman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is aptly named as hope is felt throughout. Struggles? Yes. Challenges? Yes. Faith being tested? Yes. But as Ezekiel and Sarah stood together trusting in Gott as well as each other, hope truly was the antidote to discouragement and fear. Heartwarming and inspirational! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the prequel for an interconnected Series. Short story that weighs the options set before one family on how things are to be done. How things have always been done, religious beliefs, and progress. What's the right answer?.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love these characters. I like Sarah. I hated Ezekiel. He downplays his wife's good advice. He devalues her opinion in my view and values tradition over providing for family. Other than that Sylvia's writing is nice. She writes kids well.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Eileen Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

In these times of chaos, climate change and what often seems like never ending tension even hanging on to simple things can be fraught with worry and new challenges.
Sylvia Price’s novella is a good way to introduce her new series in a way that points to the blessings of holding on to love while being kind, patient and conciliatory because family is everything. Pick up a copy of this excellent prequel.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Lavoie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book, we learn about the struggles in this couple and the their way of life, the love, their worries, their wonderful families. Fall in love with them. I highly recommended this beautiful prequel, can’t wait to read more of this new series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This prequel to the author’s new series is great. She shared lots of information creating a desire to read the upcoming books. Sylvia has a fantastic way of sharing faith without ‘preaching’ it. She shows how to live it, to apply it to daily life situations. I received an ARC and am delighted to say I do encourage people to pick this up and read it. I highly recommend it.

[Jim Scholz · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Amish farmer and his wife are struggling on their farm. Their son and daughter-in-law are living with them as they cannot afford to live on their own. The farmer is having conflicting emotions about changing his farming methods, as his grandparents and parents used the methods he was using. This causes conflict between his wife and himself. A good read.

[Virginia L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Facing the challenges together.

When the struggle and hardship of farming began to cause stress between Sara and Ezekiel something had to change or they would lose their farm. Sara has ideas but Ezekiel feels like change would not be true to their Amish heritage. A story of faith and commitment.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. A short novella but very enjoyable. Worried about not being able to support the farm, the characters in the book had to make some tough decisions. A delightful book. Love and faith can guide us

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this prequel to the Hearts of Harmony Hill series we find Sarah and Ezekiel worrying about how to make their farm more profitable while not sacrificing their beliefs or traditions.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Malgorzata · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short prequel to the "Hearts of Harmony Hill" series. After reading it I want to read the next book. Characters are authentic with their own struggles and challenges.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Change is hard. We often would rather do things the way we have always done them. However, when we love someone whose ideas are different, it is best to work together than to let tension have control. This story is a great demonstration of how a couple works out such things. Very well done!

[chyrell keeling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review

This books was so captivating and full of Hope, Love, and Families love for each other. I loved how they were able to overcome differences with holding true to their values and beliefs.