In the second book of bestselling author Jerry S. Eicher's new Land of Promise series, Miriam Yoder is looking forward to her wedding day with Wayne Yutzy. But when beautiful Esther Swartz arrives to care for her ailing grandmother, Miriam is wary of Wayne's past relationship with Esther.
When storms rip through the small Amish community in Oklahoma, Miriam's daett arrives to help in the rebuilding efforts. Under pressure from Miriam's daett the relationship with Wayne is upended, leaving Miriam to wonder if she must now build her new life as a single Amish woman. Book two in the Land of Promise series
Jerry Eicher’s bestselling Amish fiction (more than 210,000 in combined sales) includes The Adams County Trilogy, the Hannah’s Heart books, and the Little Valley Series. After a traditional Amish childhood, Jerry taught for two terms in Amish and Mennonite schools in Ohio and Illinois. Since then he’s been involved in church renewal, preaching, and teaching Bible studies. Jerry lives with his wife, Tina Eicher, and their four children in Virginia.
A Blessing for Miriam is another great book by Jerry S. Eicher. This book is filled with a lot of personal sorrow from which Miriam, Shirley and Ivan all must recover from. In addition to the string of poor luck that these characters endured, there were moments where I downright disliked a few of the characters. I don't mean this in a bad way, flaws in a book character brings life to a genre that is often written to be very idealistic and naive. Just because a person is Amish doesn't mean they're a really great person and I love that Jerry Eicher has made it a point of writing very real characters with very real character flaws.
This book covers a range of real life issues ranging from petty jealousy, temptation, backbiting and even lack of empathy and understanding. For a lot of modern readers, there may be times which you feel frustrated at Miriam's lack of ability to make decisions for herself and relies heavily on the guidance of her parents and community rather than her own heart. I felt at times the underlying theme was that Miriam didn't trust God enough to guide her either and therefore she relied perhaps too heavily on her relations to make decisions for her.
I did find a few mistakes in the book which were not caught by the editor. One such was slight mix-up of characters that caused me to reread a paragraph several times before I realized exactly what had happened. The name Wayne was used on page 189 when it should have said Ivan as the conversation was between Ivan and Laura.
The above excerpt and the highlighted parts confused me a little bit but it didn't ruin the story in any way. I simply feel the need to point it out in case publishers decide to reprint in the future!
Overall this book is a solid 4 stars. It seemed to drag for me at times but is a very necessary stepping stone between book one and three.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Jerry S. Eicher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. All opinions are my own.
Another fantastic book by Author Jerry S. Eicher. I enjoyed this book more than Book One. I was so involved in this book that I became emotional at certain times. I was totally captivated by A Blessing for Miriam. The storyline had some twists and turns, but it made the book more realistic. The details and the minute descriptions of the characters were excellent. I highly recommend reading A Blessing for Miriam by Author Jerry S. Eicher. It's Book Two in the Land of Promise series, so you may want to read Book One first. I am so looking forward to Book Three in this series.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.
[I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley. I thank them for their generousity. In exchange, I was simply asked to write an honest review, and post it. 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]
I requested this NetGalley after reading about the book on the blog:"Two Girls and a Book". This is the second NetGalley request after reading reviews on this blog.
Miriam is the eldest daughter in a close family. Finances being tight, she accepted a position as a caregiver, and upon the death of her client, she received the greater part of his estate. The farm was one thing, but the monetary windfall was so great she kept it to herself. Then she and her sister went to a group of Oklahoma Amish to assist their aunt. Miriam remained as Shirley returned home to continue her rumspringa prior to joining the church as an adult. Choices she makes lead to disasters, but also to triumphs.
Miriam has taken the role as a teacher in the school in OK and become attached to a young Amish farmer as they begin planning their future together. She has shared her secret with Wayne, and he is understanding of her choices knowing that she will do the right thing.
Of course, circumstances beyond anyone's control intervene and devestate the community. Miriam finds a way to help them, and herself, when the worst possible situation happens. And, with that, as in most amish genre novels, she becomes an amish adult and has the respect to move forward in her faith.
I guess when you see an amish genre book you should expect the "same old same old". I am very happy to report that is not the case with this book. Amish genre are more often than not penned by women, and can get pretty syrupy. This book, and a number of others, are penned by Jerry Eischer, born and raised Amish. (I am assuming Mr. Eischer is no longer Amish from the blurb at the back of the book.) Also, men have a tendancy to approach a "romance" differently, and with that, this author's work is something I will be looking forward to in the future.
{Note to publisher: please check names in manuscript. You have often called Uncle William Wayne, but not that I can see Wayne William. And there are a few places where Katie and Miriam are also transposed around the time of the rebuilding. These may have been mistakes overlooked by your editors}
Miriam and Wayne are happy. They're planning on getting married in the fall and Miriam discovered she loves teaching. The inheritance is still in her account, and her guilt over not telling her parents still lurks, but she's confident that Wayne isn't in love with her money. Then when she has to go home for a couple weeks after a family emergency, she hears one of Wayne's old flames has tried to win him over again. Suddenly all the trust she has built in him has crumbled, and she begins to wonder if she will ever be able to trust another man again. But when another tragedy strikes, she wonders if she will even want to. This story could be stand alone but it is the second in the series. There was a couple of continuity errors that might not have been noticed but I read them so close together the first story was fresh in my mind.
This was a story of blessings and tragedies. Miriam has been jilted when she inherits a farm and a large sum of money. She flees to OK where she eventually finds true love. However tragedy comes in threes, and the main characters are left to grieve. This is also a story of second chance and learning to lean on God.
So.much.melodrama. Two highly improbably events happening to 2 main characters, and then a 3rd is thrown in. It was starting to seem like a soap opera. And still hard to get the heroine's motivation often. I put this down 3/4 of the way through, because I no longer cared enough to finish it, and I passed on the next book unread.
Jerry S. Eicher continues the story of Miriam, sister shirley, and old boyfriend Ivan as things change in all of their lives. tragedy appears to change all of their lives. looking forward to a better outcome in the last book of the series. Book # 3 is Miriam and a stranger and I look forward to finding a finish to this trio who are torn in the middle of their lives.
I have read book 1 + 2 and I find Miriam's adventure in faith, love and family very heartwarming. I know Miriam will become even stronger in her position as schoolteacher and she will be a wife again.
A Blessing for Miriam by Jerry Eicher is the second book in the Land of Promise series. Miriam is still living in Oklahoma, and she is teaching at the Amish school. Miriam is promised to Wayne Yutzy. Miriam is looking forward to planning the wedding with her mother (Miriam wants to get married in her home district in Possum Valley in Ohio). The only fly in the ointment is Esther Swartz, Laura’s older sister (Laura came between Miriam and Ivan Mast when they were courting). She came to Oklahoma last month to take care of Mabel, her grandmother. Esther seems nice and friendly, but Miriam cannot forget what Laura did to her. She is afraid Esther will try something with Wayne (Wayne and Esther have a past and Esther still has feelings for Wayne).
Shirley, Miriam’s younger sister, went back to Possum Valley. She did not feel like she belonged in Oklahoma. The community in Oklahoma values inner beauty rather than outer beauty (Shirley is used to people liking her because of her looks). Shirley has once again taken up with Jonas Beachy. Jonas is not Amish (though he is a Christian), comes from a wealthy family, and drives a fast car. One night they are driving too fast when a deer jumps in front of the car. Shirley is injured and the family asks Miriam to come home and assist.
Laura and Ivan Mast are now married and expecting their first child. Laura via correspondence is encouraging Esther to pursue Wayne. Ivan wants Laura to stop, but none of his conversations go well (Laura has a way of twisting his words). Ivan does not want Miriam to get hurt again.
When Miriam returns to Oklahoma, they are having many spring storms. One storm produces a tornado that causes a lot of damage to the area including the greenhouse owned by Miriam’s uncle. Miriam believes her money will be put to good use helping the community. Miriam just has to tell her parents about the money. Miriam has been afraid to tell her father because he believes money is evil and causes sin. Miriam is not going to have an easy time of it after the tornado. Will Wayne be tempted by Esther Swartz? Will Miriam get to use her money for good? How badly was Shirley injured in the accident? To find out what happens, please read A Blessing for Miriam.
I give A Blessing for Miriam 4 out of 5 stars. I did not enjoy this book as much as the first one in the series. I have tried to write a review of the book without giving away any spoilers. There is a lot of action in the book and you will definitely want to have a hankie on hand. I think part of my dislike is how woman are treated in the Amish community (or at least how it is portrayed in this book). I do not understand Miriam (an adult) letting her father control her inheritance, where she lives, and who she marries (I can understand seeking advice and guidance). I do, though, look forward to reading the next book in the series to see what happens to all the characters especially Miriam.
I received a complimentary copy of A Blessing of Miriam from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
I have continued on with Miriam Yoder’s story and I am so glad I did. The Amish make intentional decisions to do away with distractions while working out their faith and Miriam’s story represents that faith struggle. Miriam is now living in Oklahoma and engaged to be married to Wayne. She has made a new life being a teacher and living with her aunt and uncle in Oklahoma. Because of her past in the first book, her heart is still insecure about her relationship with Wayne. When a dire need calls her back home, what will she find when she comes back to Oklahoma? Another beautiful Amish woman has her sights on Wayne. As Wayne & Miriam work out their misunderstandings, will faith and grace be enough?
I was encouraged how Miriam’s story is a reflection of faith and grace in action. It is never an easy road to follow as our emotions and insecurities keep our hearts focused on ourselves instead of the courage it takes to trust God and His goodness.
The 2nd book also continues with Miriam’s sister Shirley and the struggle she has with the “world”. She is now faced that she no longer has her greater asset to offer and now must decide which road she will continue on. Shirley struggles with bitterness or contentment as she learns to go on during her difficult crisis.
Miriam is still carrying the secret from her parents. With her father’s fear of how money changes a man’s heart, will her father come to understand that money is not the root of evil but what is in a man’s heart that men do evil things when money becomes the center.
Many lessons to learn as you engage in the Yoder’s story.
A Special Thank You to Harvest House Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
I received this ebook from Harvest House Publishers and NetGalley.com for my honest review.
Can a sequel be better than the second book? My answer is YES! Get ready for an emotional roller coaster of up's and down's. I did not want to put this book down and there was times I would say NO!!! I found myself tearing up and others time I could feel a smile on my face. Very rarely does a book make me feel this way. I had to reminding myself the whole time I was reading that this book was written by a man. Jerry S. Eicher writing style is so right one like he truly can relate to the women in his books and his readers.
This is my 2nd book by Jerry S. Eicher and it won't be my last. Before reading Miriam's Secret (Land of Promise #1) I only had one favorite Amish writer (Wanda E. Brunstetter) but now I have two favorite Amish writers (Jerry S. Eicher). When I find an author I truly love I won't even have to read the back of the book I just look at the cover and see the name and I will know it will be good!
I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. BTW-For anyone that hasn't read the first book but you have this book I think Jerry did an awesome job catching the reader up to date (I think he did that just in case we may have forgotten in between books because we read so much lol.) I feel like you can just start with this book if you want and not be lost.
This was the first book by Jerry S. Eicher I have read. This book was quite different from other Amish fiction I have read. Different in a good way though. In a genre that could be considered limited as to storylines, this book had unique and interesting qualities.
First, the characters in this book weren't like the Amish I normally read about. They were not perfect and, in fact, had several flaws. One of the female characters was overly concerned about her looks. Two of the other characters were almost scheming in the way they were trying to get the attention of a man. I found these qualities to be more "Englisch" instead of Amish. The characters in this book also showed their affection to the opposite sex more than in other books. All of these things are not bad though as they made the characters seem real and the book interesting to read.
The storyline of this book was believable. Even though this was the second book in the series and I haven't read the first I didn't feel lost. There is enough of the backstory to get the reader up-to-date. The book is well written and easy to read.
If you are looking for an Amish fiction book that is different than most I think you will enjoy this one.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.
I have been a huge fan of Jerry Eicher's Amish fiction for years and this book lives up to my expectations of great literature. This book did seem to have more sad events and happenings in it though and I will admit to feeling very sad for Miriam. Jerry Eicher is known for creating "real Amish characters" with all their human flaws in his books. There is plenty of gossip and boyfriend-stealing in this book among the characters and manipulation of others' feelings. The book addresses the Amish people's feelings about money and material possessions as well as honesty in relationships. I did read the first book in the series but I don't think it would be difficult to follow this book if readers have not read book one. It feels like getting together with family for those who have read the first book as the characters are featured here and even more character traits are revealed to readers. I rated this book 5 stars and recommend it to readers of Amish and Christian fiction. I received a kindle version of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Fine writing and realistic emotional detail will draw readers in and hold their interest as the intensity of Miriam and Shirley’s struggles to overcome obstacles to maturity and romantic fulfillment reach compelling heights. This very serious story focuses on the dangers of secrets and vanity, leaving readers hoping for a happy ending for both women as the series continues.
Miriam’s happiness at her engagement to Wayne is almost enough to quiet the concerns she has over being wanted for her inheritance alone. Meanwhile, her sister Shirley acknowledges that part of her affection for Jonas is based on his family’s wealth. Devastating accidents in Oklahoma and Possum Valley change the course of both their lives, forcing each to face their greatest fears. (HARVEST HOUSE, Jun., 352 pp., $13.99) - See more at: http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-rev...
Lots of difficult decisions, personal tragedies, struggles and doubt, you name it. This book made me realize that life is not all "peaches and cream", not even for the Amish, who are usually quite strong in their beliefs. I was happy Shirley found true love, even though Miriam didn't. But Miriam was a strong woman in spite of the circumstances she had to face. I definitely would like to be more like her. I enjoyed this book, but it left me feeling a little down-hearted. I know Miriam will be ok, but still feel saddened that she had to go through so much heartache.
What a great story line in this book, A Blessing for Miriam. If you are looking for a book that is hard to put down, look no further, this book is it.
Will Miriam Yoder finally find the love she is seeking? Everything seems to be going her way.
Heartache, loss, betrayal, love, acceptance, is what you will find in this story. Can God heal the brokenhearted? Will God bring two broken hearts together?
Don't miss out on this book. I highly recommend it.
I am looking forward to reading book three in this series, Miriam and the Stranger.
Book 2 by Jerry S. Eicher continues the story of Miriam and her sister Shirley. Miriam has agreed to be Wayne's wife. She is eagerly making plans for a fall wedding. Near sorrow and sorrow find its way into both Miriam's and Shirley's life including Ivan. Will they all accepted what happens and move on. Delightful story of forgiveness, moving on and relying on our Faith in God.
A Blessing for Miriam is the second installment of the Land of Promise series. I thought it was pretty good. I look forward to more of the series. 4 stars