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Middlefield Amish #1
A Faith of Her Own
"Fuller understands what readers look for in her novels, and she more than meets all expectations." --RT Book Reviews of Faithful to Laura
Can Anna Mae heed God's call on her life, even if it means leaving behind everything she knows . . . and everyone she loves?
Ever since Anna Mae's childhood friend Jeremiah left their Amish community, she's questioned her own place in the Amish world. The Amish life feels as if it's closing in on her, and with her mother trying to set her up with potential suitors, Anna Mae feels trapped in a life she's not sure she wants anymore. But she's never told anyone that she longs for a tiny taste of freedom--freedom that could be very costly.
When Jeremiah suddenly reappears in Middlefield to help his mentor, Yankee veterinarian Dr. Miller, new questions surface for Anna Mae, along with feelings she'd never fully acknowledged before.
As Anna Mae and Jeremiah rekindle their friendship, old feelings take on new meaning. Yet the question still lingers: What is God's plan for her life? Should she stay, keeping loyal to her Amish family, or does God have a bigger plan--one that provides more freedom than she could imagine? The answers do not come easily, and the answer to God's call may lie in different directions . . . for both of them.
Can Anna Mae heed God's call on her life, even if it means leaving behind everything she knows . . . and everyone she loves?
Ever since Anna Mae's childhood friend Jeremiah left their Amish community, she's questioned her own place in the Amish world. The Amish life feels as if it's closing in on her, and with her mother trying to set her up with potential suitors, Anna Mae feels trapped in a life she's not sure she wants anymore. But she's never told anyone that she longs for a tiny taste of freedom--freedom that could be very costly.
When Jeremiah suddenly reappears in Middlefield to help his mentor, Yankee veterinarian Dr. Miller, new questions surface for Anna Mae, along with feelings she'd never fully acknowledged before.
As Anna Mae and Jeremiah rekindle their friendship, old feelings take on new meaning. Yet the question still lingers: What is God's plan for her life? Should she stay, keeping loyal to her Amish family, or does God have a bigger plan--one that provides more freedom than she could imagine? The answers do not come easily, and the answer to God's call may lie in different directions . . . for both of them.
320 pages, Paperback
First published March 17, 2015
67 people are currently reading
713 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Fuller
119 books1,112 followersBest-selling author of Amish fiction. Also a wife, mother, crafter, coffee addict, football fan, and chocolate aficionado.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
March 17, 2015
Excitement reigned in my home last week, when a courier truck pulled into the driveway!! The dog barked, I squealed !! I had been waiting for a book by a favorite author and knew it was on its way. It had finally arrived. The wait was over, and the reading could begin!! Kathleen Fuller has been a favorite author for some time and I was thrilled to be able to review her newest book from her Middlefield collection. As Amish Fiction is a genre that I love, this book compelled me to read and read and read! Once I started, I was hooked! I could not put this book down. As the day wore on, the world passed me by. I was in the small Amish community with Anna Mae!
Anna Mae, the main character in the book, has a life changing decision to make! It is one that will affect her future forever, one that is confusing, difficult and extremely emotional. "Can Anna Mae heed God's call on her life, even if it means leaving behind everything she knows... and everyone she loves?" Jeremiah, Anna Mae's childhood friend, had left their Amish community some time ago. This event left her questioning her own role in the Amish world. This rather strict Amish lifestyle has caused her to feel as if it is closing in on her. To complicate matters, Anna Mae's mother is attempting to set her up with potential suitors. This young lady feels trapped within a life that she is not sure she wants to remain. She has kept her desires for freedom a secret! This freedom could be very costly!!
Out of the blue, Jeremiah reappears in Middlefield to help his former mentor, a Yankee vet, Dr. Miller, causing more confusion for Anna Mae. Added to this, are some feelings that she had never before acknowledged.
Jeremiah and Anna Mae rekindle their friendship, however a new complication arises. There are more intense feelings than ever before! Now, this has caused her more confusion!! What is God's plan for her life?? Should she stay and remain with her Amish family or does God have something bigger planned for her life?? A life with more freedom than Anna Mae had ever imagined!! What a dilemma for a young Amish girl who had always been protected and lived a rather secluded life!
Kathleen does a fantastic job of capturing the reader's attention on the very first page of the book. You quickly become part of the story. The characters are so believable and realistic, that their every feeling, challenge, and heartache , as well as joy, is felt within you. Anna Mae's pull to the English world is so very real. Her desire to experience more than her sheltered life is evident as the plot progresses. Kathleen writes with a complete and accurate understanding of the Amish culture. Her complex characters change as they grow in their relationship and make their decisions. The importance of family and forgiveness is developed throughout the book. Faith is so important to making those decisions we all encounter as we grow up.
The plot develops quickly, with just enough unexpected twists and turns to capture and keep one's attention until that very last page. The complications between Anna Mae, Jeremiah, their families and the community kept me thinking and guessing as I continued to read. Would Anna Mae listen to the quiet voice of God to help her make life changing decisions? Would she allow God's plan to be carried out in her life?
This is a book that will make you think! The Amish young people have decisions to make that are very different from most of us, however, they encounter problems just as you and I do. Should we follow our faith or our tradition???
This is a fantastic read!! A five star book.
This book was supplied by the author and publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Anna Mae, the main character in the book, has a life changing decision to make! It is one that will affect her future forever, one that is confusing, difficult and extremely emotional. "Can Anna Mae heed God's call on her life, even if it means leaving behind everything she knows... and everyone she loves?" Jeremiah, Anna Mae's childhood friend, had left their Amish community some time ago. This event left her questioning her own role in the Amish world. This rather strict Amish lifestyle has caused her to feel as if it is closing in on her. To complicate matters, Anna Mae's mother is attempting to set her up with potential suitors. This young lady feels trapped within a life that she is not sure she wants to remain. She has kept her desires for freedom a secret! This freedom could be very costly!!
Out of the blue, Jeremiah reappears in Middlefield to help his former mentor, a Yankee vet, Dr. Miller, causing more confusion for Anna Mae. Added to this, are some feelings that she had never before acknowledged.
Jeremiah and Anna Mae rekindle their friendship, however a new complication arises. There are more intense feelings than ever before! Now, this has caused her more confusion!! What is God's plan for her life?? Should she stay and remain with her Amish family or does God have something bigger planned for her life?? A life with more freedom than Anna Mae had ever imagined!! What a dilemma for a young Amish girl who had always been protected and lived a rather secluded life!
Kathleen does a fantastic job of capturing the reader's attention on the very first page of the book. You quickly become part of the story. The characters are so believable and realistic, that their every feeling, challenge, and heartache , as well as joy, is felt within you. Anna Mae's pull to the English world is so very real. Her desire to experience more than her sheltered life is evident as the plot progresses. Kathleen writes with a complete and accurate understanding of the Amish culture. Her complex characters change as they grow in their relationship and make their decisions. The importance of family and forgiveness is developed throughout the book. Faith is so important to making those decisions we all encounter as we grow up.
The plot develops quickly, with just enough unexpected twists and turns to capture and keep one's attention until that very last page. The complications between Anna Mae, Jeremiah, their families and the community kept me thinking and guessing as I continued to read. Would Anna Mae listen to the quiet voice of God to help her make life changing decisions? Would she allow God's plan to be carried out in her life?
This is a book that will make you think! The Amish young people have decisions to make that are very different from most of us, however, they encounter problems just as you and I do. Should we follow our faith or our tradition???
This is a fantastic read!! A five star book.
This book was supplied by the author and publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
March 14, 2015
I love the fact that Kathleen Fuller has written another novel set in Middlefield, where she has set many of her other books. A Faith of Her Own actually contains characters who are from her Secrets of Middlefield series that was written for middle school aged readers. I have not read the books that feature Anna Mae, Jeremiah, Bekah, or Caleb, however my teenage daughter has and is now excited to read about these characters as adults. A Faith of Her Own stands alone just fine and is not dependent on the other books.
This was such an good story. The pages just flew by for me as I read. These characters are complex and there are not simple solutions to their situations. The two main characters, Anna Mae and Jeremiah, have both struggled with what path God wants them to take. I really admired the strength of both of these characters and their ability to follow what God was leading them individually to do.
Bekah and Caleb were also fun characters. What a complex relationship they had. Seeing them grow throughout the book and watching them both finally recognize the strengths of the other person was an enjoyable story line. I also really loved seeing what was going on in Johnny and Katie’s life. Johnny and Katie are characters from a previous book, but that does not impact the reader’s ability to follow along with their story. It is fresh for this book.
I enjoyed A Faith of Her Own from start to finish and definitely recommend it to fans of Amish fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, through BookLook Bloggers, in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog and enter to win a copy (through 3/19/15) at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
This was such an good story. The pages just flew by for me as I read. These characters are complex and there are not simple solutions to their situations. The two main characters, Anna Mae and Jeremiah, have both struggled with what path God wants them to take. I really admired the strength of both of these characters and their ability to follow what God was leading them individually to do.
Bekah and Caleb were also fun characters. What a complex relationship they had. Seeing them grow throughout the book and watching them both finally recognize the strengths of the other person was an enjoyable story line. I also really loved seeing what was going on in Johnny and Katie’s life. Johnny and Katie are characters from a previous book, but that does not impact the reader’s ability to follow along with their story. It is fresh for this book.
I enjoyed A Faith of Her Own from start to finish and definitely recommend it to fans of Amish fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, through BookLook Bloggers, in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog and enter to win a copy (through 3/19/15) at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
March 10, 2015
Have you ever asked this question after graduating high school or maybe college "What am I to do now?" or "Where do I want to be in 5, 10 years from now?" or "Is this the right path for me?" I can go on and on with the questions, but I think you get the idea. In A Faith of Her Own the characters are asking these same questions to themselves while also healing wounds from their past to move on with future plans.
Anna Mae Shetler has been deciding for nine years if her Amish community is where she wants to be? Or does she wants to pursue something outside of the Amish community?
Jeremiah Mullet has been gone for nine years from Middlefield's Amish community pursuing a career as a vet. His best friend needs his help. Within a few months, Dr. Miller has a question for Jeremiah. Can Jeremiah heal his past, a wound that he buried deep in his soul, in order to move on with his future?
Rebekah Yoder has a passion to ride horses and can her one day decision get her in a hep of trouble. She knows what she wants but will the young man accept her for herself and her faults, too?
Caleb Mullet is partners in his brother's horse business working hard to make it successful. Will the truth come out about a purchase Caleb made?
Can the pact of "'...we'll always be the best of friends, no matter what. ...Not even work and art will come between us. ...Not even dreams will come between us. ...We promise to always be best friends.'" hold up after nine years after it was made and a lot has happened since it was made?
Kathleen Fuller has done it again. She has written another book, that had me on the edge of my seat and not wanting to put it down, even though life said I had to.
I loved revisiting Middlefield's Amish community. Revisiting children main characters from Mysteries of Middlefield series by Kathleen Fuller that are now adults in this book.
IF YOU ARE A NEW READER TO THIS BOOK, A Faith of Her Own, YOU WON'T BE LOST, FOR Kathleen Fuller MAKES SURE YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED IN THEIR YOUNGER YEARS AND CURRENTLY in A Faith of Her Own FOLLOW TOGETHER.
YES, I look forward to reading more books by Kathleen Fuller.
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.
Anna Mae Shetler has been deciding for nine years if her Amish community is where she wants to be? Or does she wants to pursue something outside of the Amish community?
Jeremiah Mullet has been gone for nine years from Middlefield's Amish community pursuing a career as a vet. His best friend needs his help. Within a few months, Dr. Miller has a question for Jeremiah. Can Jeremiah heal his past, a wound that he buried deep in his soul, in order to move on with his future?
Rebekah Yoder has a passion to ride horses and can her one day decision get her in a hep of trouble. She knows what she wants but will the young man accept her for herself and her faults, too?
Caleb Mullet is partners in his brother's horse business working hard to make it successful. Will the truth come out about a purchase Caleb made?
Can the pact of "'...we'll always be the best of friends, no matter what. ...Not even work and art will come between us. ...Not even dreams will come between us. ...We promise to always be best friends.'" hold up after nine years after it was made and a lot has happened since it was made?
Kathleen Fuller has done it again. She has written another book, that had me on the edge of my seat and not wanting to put it down, even though life said I had to.
I loved revisiting Middlefield's Amish community. Revisiting children main characters from Mysteries of Middlefield series by Kathleen Fuller that are now adults in this book.
IF YOU ARE A NEW READER TO THIS BOOK, A Faith of Her Own, YOU WON'T BE LOST, FOR Kathleen Fuller MAKES SURE YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED IN THEIR YOUNGER YEARS AND CURRENTLY in A Faith of Her Own FOLLOW TOGETHER.
YES, I look forward to reading more books by Kathleen Fuller.
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.
June 7, 2015
What I liked: Anna Mae is being pressured by her mom to settle down and get married. As much as she loves her family and community she feels unhappy. When her childhood friend Jeremiah returns to work with the local veterinarian the friendship is rekindled and she really starts to question what she wants to do with her life. I enjoyed that this story dealt with how leaving the Amish community can affect a family and how it can work. Jeremiah had to face his father who he hurt deeply when he left the community years ago. I really liked Anna Mae and Jeremiah. I also like how this book took time to develop and didn’t feel rushed.
What I didn’t like: The only part of this book I didn’t love was the ending. Don’t get me wrong the ending wasn’t bad, but the epilogue was a letdown. The ending left me wanting to know just a little more so it was kind of disappointing on that front.
Overall this was a good book and I really enjoyed it. This book dealt with leaving the community. A lot of books on this subject, the characters are shunned or they don’t have a good relationship with family after. I like how this book had hurt and disappointment but in the end there was also forgiveness and acceptance.
http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2015/0...
What I didn’t like: The only part of this book I didn’t love was the ending. Don’t get me wrong the ending wasn’t bad, but the epilogue was a letdown. The ending left me wanting to know just a little more so it was kind of disappointing on that front.
Overall this was a good book and I really enjoyed it. This book dealt with leaving the community. A lot of books on this subject, the characters are shunned or they don’t have a good relationship with family after. I like how this book had hurt and disappointment but in the end there was also forgiveness and acceptance.
http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2015/0...
February 11, 2017
Sweet story about understanding their own heart/s...while being Amish. Or not?
Anna Mae has not been herself since Jeremiah left their Amish community to follow his dream of being veterinarian. He left behind his father, brother with special needs (and gifts) and her, the best friend - and has never looked back. But she is not herself also because she doesn´t know her path in the future.
But now Jeremiah is back. And her thoughts are in turmoil - as is her heart.
Bekah and Caleb has been fighting each other like cats and dogs since ever. Bekar is dreamer, free thinker and feeler, Caleb is responsible, hard worker and a bit stick-in-the-mud. Will they ever realize they belong to each other?
Two sweet, unassuming love stories from the Amish environment offer simple and unchallenging read (but not superficial).
I especially like Bekah, since she is very un-typical Amish heroine (even a bit unbelievable in having such a freedom of her choices), but she is lovable in all of her emotions and clumsiness.
And I love Amos, such a pure heart!
I hope there will be some story in the tow for the older couple-to-be (at least in my imagination), David and Judith.
Sweet read - I recommend it for your leisure time, accompanied with a mug of hot chocolate!
Anna Mae has not been herself since Jeremiah left their Amish community to follow his dream of being veterinarian. He left behind his father, brother with special needs (and gifts) and her, the best friend - and has never looked back. But she is not herself also because she doesn´t know her path in the future.
But now Jeremiah is back. And her thoughts are in turmoil - as is her heart.
Bekah and Caleb has been fighting each other like cats and dogs since ever. Bekar is dreamer, free thinker and feeler, Caleb is responsible, hard worker and a bit stick-in-the-mud. Will they ever realize they belong to each other?
Two sweet, unassuming love stories from the Amish environment offer simple and unchallenging read (but not superficial).
I especially like Bekah, since she is very un-typical Amish heroine (even a bit unbelievable in having such a freedom of her choices), but she is lovable in all of her emotions and clumsiness.
And I love Amos, such a pure heart!
I hope there will be some story in the tow for the older couple-to-be (at least in my imagination), David and Judith.
Sweet read - I recommend it for your leisure time, accompanied with a mug of hot chocolate!
March 11, 2015
This review is also posted on Book by Book.
Kathleen Fuller’s A Faith of Her Own tells a wonderful story of faith, forgiveness and community. Anna Mae and Jeremiah, along with a great cast of interesting, supporting characters, face daunting decisions of the future, while reconciling the painful hurts of the past. Each characters must rely on faith to move forward, however difficult that may be, and I found their journeys to be engaging and encouraging. An overall sweet story, A Faith of Her Own is a quick, enjoyable read and for fans of Amish fiction, I would recommend it. I definitely enjoyed it and now look forward to reading more from Kathleen Fuller.
Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of A Faith of Her Own 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.”)
Kathleen Fuller’s A Faith of Her Own tells a wonderful story of faith, forgiveness and community. Anna Mae and Jeremiah, along with a great cast of interesting, supporting characters, face daunting decisions of the future, while reconciling the painful hurts of the past. Each characters must rely on faith to move forward, however difficult that may be, and I found their journeys to be engaging and encouraging. An overall sweet story, A Faith of Her Own is a quick, enjoyable read and for fans of Amish fiction, I would recommend it. I definitely enjoyed it and now look forward to reading more from Kathleen Fuller.
Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of A Faith of Her Own 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.”)
March 8, 2015
You won’t want this book to end!! You’ll get caught up in the lives of three Amish teenagers…Anna Mae Shelter and her friends Amos and Jeremiah Mullet. They've made a pact to be friends forever but then life happens. What will happen to their friendship now?
Jeremiah longs to be a veterinarian. His family already suffered heartache when his mother left them for the English world when Jeremiah and Amos were young. Will Jeremiah cause more pain now by doing the same thing?
This book is filled with every human emotion.…you’ll love Amos who is “slow” and sees life in his own special way. You’ll celebrate with Johnny Mullet (Jeremiah & Amos’ cousin) and his wife Katie…married for years… because they’re finally going to have a baby! You ‘ll laugh at, and be irritated by, Johnny’s brother Caleb and Katie’s sister Bekah as they seem to get on each other’s nerves constantly.
You’ll definitely want to read this book to find out what happens between Anna Mae, Amos, and Jeremiah. What did happen to their friendship? Did life get in the way?
Thank you Kathleen for a wonderful read!!
Jeremiah longs to be a veterinarian. His family already suffered heartache when his mother left them for the English world when Jeremiah and Amos were young. Will Jeremiah cause more pain now by doing the same thing?
This book is filled with every human emotion.…you’ll love Amos who is “slow” and sees life in his own special way. You’ll celebrate with Johnny Mullet (Jeremiah & Amos’ cousin) and his wife Katie…married for years… because they’re finally going to have a baby! You ‘ll laugh at, and be irritated by, Johnny’s brother Caleb and Katie’s sister Bekah as they seem to get on each other’s nerves constantly.
You’ll definitely want to read this book to find out what happens between Anna Mae, Amos, and Jeremiah. What did happen to their friendship? Did life get in the way?
Thank you Kathleen for a wonderful read!!
March 27, 2015
Fabulous
I gave this book a five star for being a great story with interesting characters. The struggles are real and heart felt and emotions run high at times. God is faithful and love is never really easy.....
I gave this book a five star for being a great story with interesting characters. The struggles are real and heart felt and emotions run high at times. God is faithful and love is never really easy.....
Read
April 6, 2015I went through a phase of reading Amish romance by Beverley Lewis about ten years ago, but gave up after realising that they seemed to be rehashing variations of the same plot over and over (and the one which had a different plot ended up having the same “twist” as the last of Michael Phillips’s Stonewycke books, which meant I found it too predictable).
Since then I’ve read a few mysteries set in Amish country by authors such as Mindy Starns Clark and Vanetta Chapman, and I enjoyed those more because the focus of the plot was the mystery rather than romance. I’ve also read some other novels by authors who mostly write Amish fiction, such as Anna Schmidt, Beth Wiseman and Beth Vogt, and have found the quality variable. At their best, they are as good as any authors writing in the Christian market. At their worst, they have stupid cliché characters, predictable plots and uninspired writing.
I picked out A Faith of Her Own to review because I thought it was time I gave Amish fiction another chance, and because the plot sounded interesting. It appeared to have more of an emphasis on the faith elements than some Amish fiction I've read (this has been one thing which has always bugged me about Amish fiction: the notion that if an Amish teen chooses not to be baptised into the Amish church, he or she has rejected both God and family when actually all they’ve done is acknowledge there are other ways to serve God than through the Amish church).
Even Anna Mae made this point when considering whether she was going to join the church:
It’s not like I take my faith lightly. I’m not turning my back on God.”
The blurb says:
Ever since Anna Mae’s childhood friend Jeremiah left their Amish community, she’s questioned her own place in the Amish world. The Amish life feels as if it’s closing in on her, and with her mother trying to set her up with potential suitors, Anna Mae feels trapped in a life she’s not sure she wants any more. But she’s never told anyone that she longs for a tiny taste of freedom—freedom that could be very costly.
When Jeremiah suddenly reappears in Middlefield to help his mentor, Yankee veterinarian Dr. Miller, new questions surface for Anna Mae,along with feelings she’d never fully acknowledged before.
As Anna Mae and Jeremiah rekindle their friendship, old feelings take on new meaning. Yet the question still lingers: What is God’s plan for her life? Should she stay, keeping loyal to her Amish family, or does God have a bigger plan—one that provides more freedom than she could imagine? The answers do not come easily, and the answer to God’s call may lie indifferent directions . . . for both of them.
Based on this I was expecting the main focus of the plot to be on Anna Mae and Jeremiah. It was and it wasn’t: there were also significant subplots about Jeremiah’s relationships with his father and brother, and his cousins and their horse farm. This was rather confusing at the beginning as the reader is introduced to a variety of characters with no understanding of how they are related to Anna Mae, to Jeremiah, or to the plot. Perhaps this would have been clearer if I’d read the earlier books in the series.
Anyway, once I worked out who was who, I enjoyed the book. The writing was solid but not outstanding (a bit too much backstory and telling at the beginning, and a lot of introspection throughout the story which slowed the pace). Despite this, I would have liked to have had more introspection from Anna Mae, as even at the end I didn’t feel I knew her as a character, or could understand why she’d made the decisions she had. In fact, I felt I knew Becka, Caleb and Amos better than either Anna Mae or Jeremiah.
My other problem was with the constant use of Deitsch (German). I don’t mind the occasional foreign word, especially when it’s a proper noun (Daed, for Dad) or a word that doesn’t have a straightforward English equivalent (like kapp, for the Amish headcovering).
But I found the constant use of simple Deitsch words like yes, no, and me to be intrusive because each time I got to one I had to stop reading to mentally translate the word, then reread the sentence to get the context right. It pulled me out of the story, and it didn’t feel natural (the people I know who speak two languages speak one or the other at any given time. They speak English to me, and English or their native language when talking amongst themselves. They don’t interject words from one language into another, and if they do use a word from their native language, it’s because they are asking for the English equivalent).
Overall I found A Faith of Her Own okay. I would have enjoyed it more if it had been more consistent with the blurb, either by focussing on Anna Mae and Jeremiah, or if the blurb had made clear that it was really the story of two related couples.
Will I read more Amish fiction from Kathleen Fuller? I don’t know. I liked the way A Faith of Her Own acknowledged that people have different Christian callings, and I especially liked the sensitive way the characters related to Amos (who has developmental difficulties), but overall? Better than most Amish fiction I've read, but ultimately forgettable. Quite simply, that isn't good enough.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
Since then I’ve read a few mysteries set in Amish country by authors such as Mindy Starns Clark and Vanetta Chapman, and I enjoyed those more because the focus of the plot was the mystery rather than romance. I’ve also read some other novels by authors who mostly write Amish fiction, such as Anna Schmidt, Beth Wiseman and Beth Vogt, and have found the quality variable. At their best, they are as good as any authors writing in the Christian market. At their worst, they have stupid cliché characters, predictable plots and uninspired writing.
I picked out A Faith of Her Own to review because I thought it was time I gave Amish fiction another chance, and because the plot sounded interesting. It appeared to have more of an emphasis on the faith elements than some Amish fiction I've read (this has been one thing which has always bugged me about Amish fiction: the notion that if an Amish teen chooses not to be baptised into the Amish church, he or she has rejected both God and family when actually all they’ve done is acknowledge there are other ways to serve God than through the Amish church).
Even Anna Mae made this point when considering whether she was going to join the church:
It’s not like I take my faith lightly. I’m not turning my back on God.”
The blurb says:
Ever since Anna Mae’s childhood friend Jeremiah left their Amish community, she’s questioned her own place in the Amish world. The Amish life feels as if it’s closing in on her, and with her mother trying to set her up with potential suitors, Anna Mae feels trapped in a life she’s not sure she wants any more. But she’s never told anyone that she longs for a tiny taste of freedom—freedom that could be very costly.
When Jeremiah suddenly reappears in Middlefield to help his mentor, Yankee veterinarian Dr. Miller, new questions surface for Anna Mae,along with feelings she’d never fully acknowledged before.
As Anna Mae and Jeremiah rekindle their friendship, old feelings take on new meaning. Yet the question still lingers: What is God’s plan for her life? Should she stay, keeping loyal to her Amish family, or does God have a bigger plan—one that provides more freedom than she could imagine? The answers do not come easily, and the answer to God’s call may lie indifferent directions . . . for both of them.
Based on this I was expecting the main focus of the plot to be on Anna Mae and Jeremiah. It was and it wasn’t: there were also significant subplots about Jeremiah’s relationships with his father and brother, and his cousins and their horse farm. This was rather confusing at the beginning as the reader is introduced to a variety of characters with no understanding of how they are related to Anna Mae, to Jeremiah, or to the plot. Perhaps this would have been clearer if I’d read the earlier books in the series.
Anyway, once I worked out who was who, I enjoyed the book. The writing was solid but not outstanding (a bit too much backstory and telling at the beginning, and a lot of introspection throughout the story which slowed the pace). Despite this, I would have liked to have had more introspection from Anna Mae, as even at the end I didn’t feel I knew her as a character, or could understand why she’d made the decisions she had. In fact, I felt I knew Becka, Caleb and Amos better than either Anna Mae or Jeremiah.
My other problem was with the constant use of Deitsch (German). I don’t mind the occasional foreign word, especially when it’s a proper noun (Daed, for Dad) or a word that doesn’t have a straightforward English equivalent (like kapp, for the Amish headcovering).
But I found the constant use of simple Deitsch words like yes, no, and me to be intrusive because each time I got to one I had to stop reading to mentally translate the word, then reread the sentence to get the context right. It pulled me out of the story, and it didn’t feel natural (the people I know who speak two languages speak one or the other at any given time. They speak English to me, and English or their native language when talking amongst themselves. They don’t interject words from one language into another, and if they do use a word from their native language, it’s because they are asking for the English equivalent).
Overall I found A Faith of Her Own okay. I would have enjoyed it more if it had been more consistent with the blurb, either by focussing on Anna Mae and Jeremiah, or if the blurb had made clear that it was really the story of two related couples.
Will I read more Amish fiction from Kathleen Fuller? I don’t know. I liked the way A Faith of Her Own acknowledged that people have different Christian callings, and I especially liked the sensitive way the characters related to Amos (who has developmental difficulties), but overall? Better than most Amish fiction I've read, but ultimately forgettable. Quite simply, that isn't good enough.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
March 13, 2016
4 1/2 stars!
Anna Mae, Amos, and Jeremiah were childhood friends, growing up in their Amish community of Middlefield, Ohio. They promised each other that they’d always be the best of friends, that nothing – not even their dreams – would come between them. But then, Jeremiah left (their town and their church) without saying goodbye, and he didn’t come back. That is, until now… nine years later, because his mentor Dr. Miller needs Jeremiah’s help with his local veterinarian practice. With his return, the questions that have been festering in Anna Mae’s spirit begin to rise anew – what is God’s plan for her life? Should she finally commit to the Amish church… or to Jeremiah? Or does God have something else in mind… a path she may be asked to walk alone?
Kathleen Fuller has stitched a tender story that sweetly blends together the lives of several people in Middlefield. Laced with humor and romance, A Faith of Her Own reads easily – the well-crafted words pull you in and the lifelike characters keep you engaged. I found myself many times wanting to plop down next to Bekah & chat or let Amos give me a tour of his barn wall gallery. It’s not your typical Amish book, and I liked that about it. It had the basic typical elements but there were enough unique qualities to the writing theme and style that made this book stand out to me among others of its genre.
It’s also not just Anna Mae’s story. At its heart, A Faith of Her Own contains a myriad of characters trying to be the individuals God created them to be. Sweet, tender-hearted Amos, who may be developmentally challenged but loves with his whole being and creates his art for his Maker whether or not anyone else ever sees it. Jeremiah, who left behind everything and everyone he knew to follow the path God had planned for him. Bekah, who will never be a good housewife but knows “I gotta be me.” And yes, Anna Mae, who isn’t really sure what she wants but knows any decision she makes will deeply wound someone she loves.
A fun light-hearted novel with a deep message – Be who God created you to be & have confidence in that ‘be’-ing. This was my first novel by Kathleen Fuller – but it definitely won’t be my last!!
(Thomas Nelson Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookLookBloggers in exchange for my honest review.)
Read more of my review at my blog: https://readingismysuperpower.wordpre...
Anna Mae, Amos, and Jeremiah were childhood friends, growing up in their Amish community of Middlefield, Ohio. They promised each other that they’d always be the best of friends, that nothing – not even their dreams – would come between them. But then, Jeremiah left (their town and their church) without saying goodbye, and he didn’t come back. That is, until now… nine years later, because his mentor Dr. Miller needs Jeremiah’s help with his local veterinarian practice. With his return, the questions that have been festering in Anna Mae’s spirit begin to rise anew – what is God’s plan for her life? Should she finally commit to the Amish church… or to Jeremiah? Or does God have something else in mind… a path she may be asked to walk alone?
Kathleen Fuller has stitched a tender story that sweetly blends together the lives of several people in Middlefield. Laced with humor and romance, A Faith of Her Own reads easily – the well-crafted words pull you in and the lifelike characters keep you engaged. I found myself many times wanting to plop down next to Bekah & chat or let Amos give me a tour of his barn wall gallery. It’s not your typical Amish book, and I liked that about it. It had the basic typical elements but there were enough unique qualities to the writing theme and style that made this book stand out to me among others of its genre.
It’s also not just Anna Mae’s story. At its heart, A Faith of Her Own contains a myriad of characters trying to be the individuals God created them to be. Sweet, tender-hearted Amos, who may be developmentally challenged but loves with his whole being and creates his art for his Maker whether or not anyone else ever sees it. Jeremiah, who left behind everything and everyone he knew to follow the path God had planned for him. Bekah, who will never be a good housewife but knows “I gotta be me.” And yes, Anna Mae, who isn’t really sure what she wants but knows any decision she makes will deeply wound someone she loves.
A fun light-hearted novel with a deep message – Be who God created you to be & have confidence in that ‘be’-ing. This was my first novel by Kathleen Fuller – but it definitely won’t be my last!!
(Thomas Nelson Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookLookBloggers in exchange for my honest review.)
Read more of my review at my blog: https://readingismysuperpower.wordpre...
March 28, 2015
Saturday, March 28, 2015
A Faith of Her Own by Kathleen Fuller, © 2015
A Middlefield Amish Novel
Thomas Nelson Publisher
Includes Reading Group Guide
This is my first Middlefield visit. WoW. So enjoyed meeting these families and the trials and hardships that came their way covered by caring and faith ~ in each other and in God.
In A Faith of Her Own, Anna Mae discovers it is God she is following beyond a creed taken up. How important this is for each of us; to make Him our own. I am looking forward to the next Middlefield story and hope it continues glimpses of these families.
I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.
--Isaiah 45:3
So important to find the calling and giftings God has treasured each of us with in His own time. In each of their searchings, God revealed Truth. Longings that are filled with trust and dependence shine forth in their day-to-day lives. These are the characters in A Faith of Her Own, those who have read previous Middlefield stories will recognize: Anna Mae Shetler and her parents; David Mullet and sons Jeremiah and Amos; Bekah Yoder; Johnny and Katherine (Katie) Mullet; Caleb Mullet; Doc and Amy Miller; and Judith Hostetler, new next-door neighbor to David and Amos Mullet.
I liked how each family's struggles are revealed and the growth through the difficulties they face from the past is redeemed in their lives. Communication becomes vital after being separate and held back from each other. Choosing to be open and vulnerable brings healing in their relationships as honesty stems forth. Especially, when David Mullet breaks his silence about his feelings and he is able to move forward. So much we hold back causes others to be held captive too. A beautiful story of grace and forgiveness. Very well-written with strong characters available to be touched with love and gratitude.
~*~
Kathleen Fuller is the author of several bestselling novels, including A Man of His Word and Treasuring Emma, as well as a middle-grade Amish series, The Mysteries of Middlefield. Visit the author: Website Twitter Facebook
***Thank you to BookLook Bloggers for sending me a review copy of A Faith of Her Own, lovingly Kathleen Fuller's A Middlefield Amish Novel. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
A Faith of Her Own by Kathleen Fuller, © 2015
A Middlefield Amish Novel
Thomas Nelson Publisher
Includes Reading Group Guide
This is my first Middlefield visit. WoW. So enjoyed meeting these families and the trials and hardships that came their way covered by caring and faith ~ in each other and in God.
In A Faith of Her Own, Anna Mae discovers it is God she is following beyond a creed taken up. How important this is for each of us; to make Him our own. I am looking forward to the next Middlefield story and hope it continues glimpses of these families.
I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.
--Isaiah 45:3
So important to find the calling and giftings God has treasured each of us with in His own time. In each of their searchings, God revealed Truth. Longings that are filled with trust and dependence shine forth in their day-to-day lives. These are the characters in A Faith of Her Own, those who have read previous Middlefield stories will recognize: Anna Mae Shetler and her parents; David Mullet and sons Jeremiah and Amos; Bekah Yoder; Johnny and Katherine (Katie) Mullet; Caleb Mullet; Doc and Amy Miller; and Judith Hostetler, new next-door neighbor to David and Amos Mullet.
I liked how each family's struggles are revealed and the growth through the difficulties they face from the past is redeemed in their lives. Communication becomes vital after being separate and held back from each other. Choosing to be open and vulnerable brings healing in their relationships as honesty stems forth. Especially, when David Mullet breaks his silence about his feelings and he is able to move forward. So much we hold back causes others to be held captive too. A beautiful story of grace and forgiveness. Very well-written with strong characters available to be touched with love and gratitude.
~*~
Kathleen Fuller is the author of several bestselling novels, including A Man of His Word and Treasuring Emma, as well as a middle-grade Amish series, The Mysteries of Middlefield. Visit the author: Website Twitter Facebook
***Thank you to BookLook Bloggers for sending me a review copy of A Faith of Her Own, lovingly Kathleen Fuller's A Middlefield Amish Novel. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
May 7, 2015
Title: A FAITH OF HER OWN
Author: Kathleen Fuller
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
March 2015
ISBN: 978-0529102782
Genre: Amish romance
Series: A Middlefield Amish novel
Can Anna Mae heed God’s call on her life, even if it means leaving behind everything she knows . . . and everyone she loves?
Ever since Anna Mae’s childhood friend Jeremiah left their Amish community, she’s questioned her own place in the Amish world. The Amish life feels as if it’s closing in on her, and with her mother trying to set her up with potential suitors, Anna Mae feels trapped in a life she’s not sure she wants anymore.
But she’s never told anyone that she longs for a tiny taste of freedom—freedom that could be very costly.
When Jeremiah suddenly reappears in Middlefield to help his mentor, Yankee veterinarian Dr. Miller, new questions surface for Anna Mae, along with feelings she’d never fully acknowledged before.
As Anna Mae and Jeremiah rekindle their friendship, old feelings take on new meaning. Yet the question still lingers: What is God’s plan for her life?
Should she stay, remaining loyal to her Amish family, or does God have a bigger plan—one that provides more freedom than she could imagine?
The answers do not come easily, and God’s plan may lead in different directions . . . for both of Anna Mae and Jeremiah.
I enjoyed reading A FAITH OF HER OWN and getting to know Anna Mae and Jeremiah. There is also two other stories included in this book, Judith and David and Bekah and Caleb, but the main one was Anna Mae and Jeremiah. I kind of hope this book will be continued to find out more about these characters, maybe revisit them in future books in this collection by Ms. Fuller.
All of the characters in this book had choices, decisions, and issues to work through. I especially loved Amos, one of the special children who lives a normal life as a farmer but yet is so very innocent and simple. I just wanted to hug on him.
If you love Amish romance, then you’ll want to read A FAITH OF HER OWN. The three romances included are all ser gut. And while I did want to shake some sense into Caleb and Bekah, they were realistic. The story was slow moving, easily put down, but also easily picked up and continued without losing the flow.
4.5 stars. Available in ebook and paperback. 320 pages.
This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Author: Kathleen Fuller
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
March 2015
ISBN: 978-0529102782
Genre: Amish romance
Series: A Middlefield Amish novel
Can Anna Mae heed God’s call on her life, even if it means leaving behind everything she knows . . . and everyone she loves?
Ever since Anna Mae’s childhood friend Jeremiah left their Amish community, she’s questioned her own place in the Amish world. The Amish life feels as if it’s closing in on her, and with her mother trying to set her up with potential suitors, Anna Mae feels trapped in a life she’s not sure she wants anymore.
But she’s never told anyone that she longs for a tiny taste of freedom—freedom that could be very costly.
When Jeremiah suddenly reappears in Middlefield to help his mentor, Yankee veterinarian Dr. Miller, new questions surface for Anna Mae, along with feelings she’d never fully acknowledged before.
As Anna Mae and Jeremiah rekindle their friendship, old feelings take on new meaning. Yet the question still lingers: What is God’s plan for her life?
Should she stay, remaining loyal to her Amish family, or does God have a bigger plan—one that provides more freedom than she could imagine?
The answers do not come easily, and God’s plan may lead in different directions . . . for both of Anna Mae and Jeremiah.
I enjoyed reading A FAITH OF HER OWN and getting to know Anna Mae and Jeremiah. There is also two other stories included in this book, Judith and David and Bekah and Caleb, but the main one was Anna Mae and Jeremiah. I kind of hope this book will be continued to find out more about these characters, maybe revisit them in future books in this collection by Ms. Fuller.
All of the characters in this book had choices, decisions, and issues to work through. I especially loved Amos, one of the special children who lives a normal life as a farmer but yet is so very innocent and simple. I just wanted to hug on him.
If you love Amish romance, then you’ll want to read A FAITH OF HER OWN. The three romances included are all ser gut. And while I did want to shake some sense into Caleb and Bekah, they were realistic. The story was slow moving, easily put down, but also easily picked up and continued without losing the flow.
4.5 stars. Available in ebook and paperback. 320 pages.
This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2015
BACK OF THE BOOK BLURB
Ever since Anna Mae's childhood friend Jeremiah left their Amish community, she's questioned her own place in the Amish world. The Amish life feels as if it's closing in on her, and with her mother trying to set her up with potential suitors, Anna Mae feels trapped in a life she's not sure she wants anymore. But she's never told anyone that she longs for a tiny taste of freedom--freedom that could be very costly.
When Jeremiah suddenly reappears in Middlefield to help his mentor, Yankee veterinarian Dr. Miller, new questions surface for Anna Mae, along with feelings she'd never full acknowledged before.
As Anna Mae and Jeremiah rekindle their friendship, old feelings take on new meaning. Yet the question still lingers: What is God's plan for her life? Should she stay, remaining loyal to her Amish family, or does God have a bigger plan--one that provides more freedom than she could imagine? The answers do not come easily, and God's plan may lead in different directions . . . for both of Anna Mae and Jeremiah.
MY REVIEW
I have read several books by Kathleen and this has been one of the best I think. I like the plot and how she tugs at your heart with the characters feelings. Once the tugging started and I managed to hold the tears back I finished the book feeling very good about how the individuals dealt with their true feelings and the way the book ended. Anna Mae and Jeremiah are very strong characters who will do anything to accomplish what they want in their life, even if it takes years and separation from family and each other.
I would highly recommend this book and if you have not read any of Kathleen's other books or stories in one of the 'collection' type books then you have a lot of catching up to do on some good reading.
Ever since Anna Mae's childhood friend Jeremiah left their Amish community, she's questioned her own place in the Amish world. The Amish life feels as if it's closing in on her, and with her mother trying to set her up with potential suitors, Anna Mae feels trapped in a life she's not sure she wants anymore. But she's never told anyone that she longs for a tiny taste of freedom--freedom that could be very costly.
When Jeremiah suddenly reappears in Middlefield to help his mentor, Yankee veterinarian Dr. Miller, new questions surface for Anna Mae, along with feelings she'd never full acknowledged before.
As Anna Mae and Jeremiah rekindle their friendship, old feelings take on new meaning. Yet the question still lingers: What is God's plan for her life? Should she stay, remaining loyal to her Amish family, or does God have a bigger plan--one that provides more freedom than she could imagine? The answers do not come easily, and God's plan may lead in different directions . . . for both of Anna Mae and Jeremiah.
MY REVIEW
I have read several books by Kathleen and this has been one of the best I think. I like the plot and how she tugs at your heart with the characters feelings. Once the tugging started and I managed to hold the tears back I finished the book feeling very good about how the individuals dealt with their true feelings and the way the book ended. Anna Mae and Jeremiah are very strong characters who will do anything to accomplish what they want in their life, even if it takes years and separation from family and each other.
I would highly recommend this book and if you have not read any of Kathleen's other books or stories in one of the 'collection' type books then you have a lot of catching up to do on some good reading.
March 20, 2015
We are back in Middlefield and in the lives of teenage friends who are now adults. There are at least three romances going on here, and one of them is having a love hate one.
Bekah and Caleb were friends as growing up, but the usual stunts and pranks of teenagers. When the book opens they appear to really dislike one another, Caleb busy on his horse farm, and Bekah helping her sister, she is married to Caleb’s brother.
Then we have Judith, a widow, and David an Amish man whose wife left him, and seems to always be in a bad mood. He is the father of Jeremiah, a former Amish and now a new Veterinary. Before he left he had been in a relationship with Anna Mae, but left her with out so much as a goodbye.
You are in for an in-depth look at the lives of these people, their ups and downs and a few really good laughs. Some very serious situations arise and the call to help goes out, will this bring everyone closer, or drive the final nail?
Will Bekah and Caleb see what is right before their eyes, or continue their hurtful journey against one another? Will Jeremiah stay in Middlefield, and become an item with Anna Mae, or at least become friends again? Also will David finally forgive his wife, and maybe welcome a new relationship with Judith?
Another great read from Kathleen Fuller and a return to Middlefield where her series the Secrets of Middlefield series was set, and a visit with some of our old friends.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.
Bekah and Caleb were friends as growing up, but the usual stunts and pranks of teenagers. When the book opens they appear to really dislike one another, Caleb busy on his horse farm, and Bekah helping her sister, she is married to Caleb’s brother.
Then we have Judith, a widow, and David an Amish man whose wife left him, and seems to always be in a bad mood. He is the father of Jeremiah, a former Amish and now a new Veterinary. Before he left he had been in a relationship with Anna Mae, but left her with out so much as a goodbye.
You are in for an in-depth look at the lives of these people, their ups and downs and a few really good laughs. Some very serious situations arise and the call to help goes out, will this bring everyone closer, or drive the final nail?
Will Bekah and Caleb see what is right before their eyes, or continue their hurtful journey against one another? Will Jeremiah stay in Middlefield, and become an item with Anna Mae, or at least become friends again? Also will David finally forgive his wife, and maybe welcome a new relationship with Judith?
Another great read from Kathleen Fuller and a return to Middlefield where her series the Secrets of Middlefield series was set, and a visit with some of our old friends.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.
March 17, 2015
Amish fiction is one of my favorite genres, and I've read hundreds of Amish stories. There are several authors I have come to trust, and I can be pretty sure I'm going to enjoy whatever books they write. Some of the stories, though, stand out above and beyond the others.
Kathleen Fuller's A Faith of Her Own is one of those standouts. Kathleen tells Anna Mae's and Jeremiah's story in a way that is gentle and touching. The questions and struggles are very realistic and very deep. There are issues of deep hurts that require healing and forgiveness. Difficult decisions with long-reaching consequences have to be made. And this is definitely a story that keeps you guessing about the resolution all the way to the very last pages.
But running through every one of those challenges is an overarching theme of a personal, guiding faith in God, a kind of faith that requires patience and understanding rather than rash judgments and quick decisions. Anna Mae, Jeremiah, and the other characters in this story draw you into their lives and provide opportunities for you to share in their joys and their heartaches as they each find their own answers.
Fans of great Amish fiction should definitely enjoy visiting Middlefield in A Faith of Her Own. Thanks to Kathleen for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Kathleen Fuller's A Faith of Her Own is one of those standouts. Kathleen tells Anna Mae's and Jeremiah's story in a way that is gentle and touching. The questions and struggles are very realistic and very deep. There are issues of deep hurts that require healing and forgiveness. Difficult decisions with long-reaching consequences have to be made. And this is definitely a story that keeps you guessing about the resolution all the way to the very last pages.
But running through every one of those challenges is an overarching theme of a personal, guiding faith in God, a kind of faith that requires patience and understanding rather than rash judgments and quick decisions. Anna Mae, Jeremiah, and the other characters in this story draw you into their lives and provide opportunities for you to share in their joys and their heartaches as they each find their own answers.
Fans of great Amish fiction should definitely enjoy visiting Middlefield in A Faith of Her Own. Thanks to Kathleen for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 20, 2015
Sometimes joining the Amish church is not for every Amish person, as Anna Mae and Jeremiah are finding out.
Jeremiah leaves the Amish community to pursue his dream of being a Veterinarian. During the time he is gone Anna Mae finds herself questioning her place as Amish. She feels trapped in accepting the life her parents want for her and longs for freedom to choose her own path.
After being gone from Middlefield, Jeremiah returns home to help his Yankee mentor, Dr. Miller and hopefully to mend the breach between his father and him and Anna Mae. Can Anna and Jeremiah rekindle their friendship? Will their relationship become more than friends? Will she choose the Amish way of life or her own path?
This is a touching story about two people who desperately want to follow God’s will. Their struggle to do what is right will pull at your heart-strings. Although this book is about the Amish anyone will be able to relate to Anna Mae and Jeremiah’s story. This is a beautifully written book about love, acceptance, choices, consequences, faith and forgiveness.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this eBook by the publisher, Thomas Nelson, through NetGalley blogger program for review. I was not required to write a favorable review nor was I compensated for my review. The opinions in this review are my own.
Jeremiah leaves the Amish community to pursue his dream of being a Veterinarian. During the time he is gone Anna Mae finds herself questioning her place as Amish. She feels trapped in accepting the life her parents want for her and longs for freedom to choose her own path.
After being gone from Middlefield, Jeremiah returns home to help his Yankee mentor, Dr. Miller and hopefully to mend the breach between his father and him and Anna Mae. Can Anna and Jeremiah rekindle their friendship? Will their relationship become more than friends? Will she choose the Amish way of life or her own path?
This is a touching story about two people who desperately want to follow God’s will. Their struggle to do what is right will pull at your heart-strings. Although this book is about the Amish anyone will be able to relate to Anna Mae and Jeremiah’s story. This is a beautifully written book about love, acceptance, choices, consequences, faith and forgiveness.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this eBook by the publisher, Thomas Nelson, through NetGalley blogger program for review. I was not required to write a favorable review nor was I compensated for my review. The opinions in this review are my own.
January 17, 2016
A Faith of Her Own revisits characters from Ms Fuller’s previous series, The Mysteries of Middlefield. I enjoyed entering back into the lives of these characters that were children in the series, but have since moved into adulthood. This book, however, reads just fine as a stand-alone novel. Living close to the Middlefield Amish community, I especially enjoyed the setting.
This book is an ultimate accolade of its compelling themes; faith, forgiveness, and family. Follow a couple of young adults on their journey to find their way in this life while living out their own faith, discovering a way to reconcile family differences, and finding forgiveness for past hurts. You will find the story line to be engaging, and you will find characters with complex circumstances that require them to look for answers—answers that they can only find deep within themselves. Although romance was an appealing thread within the story, it is not the main theme, and certainly does not overshadow the important theme of finding God’s plan for your life.
This was a very enjoyable read that quickly grabbed my attention and held it throughout.
I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not asked to give a positive review, therefore all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book is an ultimate accolade of its compelling themes; faith, forgiveness, and family. Follow a couple of young adults on their journey to find their way in this life while living out their own faith, discovering a way to reconcile family differences, and finding forgiveness for past hurts. You will find the story line to be engaging, and you will find characters with complex circumstances that require them to look for answers—answers that they can only find deep within themselves. Although romance was an appealing thread within the story, it is not the main theme, and certainly does not overshadow the important theme of finding God’s plan for your life.
This was a very enjoyable read that quickly grabbed my attention and held it throughout.
I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not asked to give a positive review, therefore all thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 17, 2015
A great look at several romantic relationships in various stages. Johnny and Katie are an Amish married couple who have been trying for several years to have a child; Bekah and Caleb have known each other for years, and treat one another as pests in their lives; Anna Mae is still in love with Jeremiah, who left the church and his family to pursue his education and a career as a veterinarian; Judith, a widow, has feelings for David, the father of Jeremiah and of Amos, a special needs young man, but David has an unresolved relationship with his wife, Marie, who deserted the family years ago.
This is the first full-length novel I've read by Fuller, although I have read several things by her in Amish anthologies. I enjoy her writing, and the insight she provides into the Amish culture here in Ohio.
I was drawn into the story from the first page, and couldn't put it down till I got to the last one. I read it cover to cover in one sitting, which is very unusual for me these days. Looking forward to reading more about Middlefield in the future.
**I received a copy of this book from BookLookBloggers in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
This is the first full-length novel I've read by Fuller, although I have read several things by her in Amish anthologies. I enjoy her writing, and the insight she provides into the Amish culture here in Ohio.
I was drawn into the story from the first page, and couldn't put it down till I got to the last one. I read it cover to cover in one sitting, which is very unusual for me these days. Looking forward to reading more about Middlefield in the future.
**I received a copy of this book from BookLookBloggers in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
March 20, 2015
Oh my word… Kathleen Fuller is AMAZING!
Up to now, the only books of hers that I have read and reviewed have been short novellas inside collaborations/ novella collections and they simply did not prepare me for the awesomeness of her writing!
WOW!
And I mean WOW!
I refuse to spoil this book for you but I will tell you that A Faith of Her Own is most unlike any other story of it’s kind that I have read.
Most authors who write about a young person potentially leaving the Amish community write from the perspective that it would simply be the end of the world… or from the perspective that they really have no other options.
Kathleen Fuller doesn’t do that. She comes at the situation from so many angles, it has a ring of truth to it that is almost shocking.
This is a book that ANYONE who enjoys Amish fiction should DEFINITELY read!
And I really really hope the “A Middlefield Amish Novel” means there will be sequels to come! There are SO many characters I am dying to know more about… not just the two main ones – and that may not be different from other books of it’s kind but it is really exciting!
Review © JCMorrows 2015
Up to now, the only books of hers that I have read and reviewed have been short novellas inside collaborations/ novella collections and they simply did not prepare me for the awesomeness of her writing!
WOW!
And I mean WOW!
I refuse to spoil this book for you but I will tell you that A Faith of Her Own is most unlike any other story of it’s kind that I have read.
Most authors who write about a young person potentially leaving the Amish community write from the perspective that it would simply be the end of the world… or from the perspective that they really have no other options.
Kathleen Fuller doesn’t do that. She comes at the situation from so many angles, it has a ring of truth to it that is almost shocking.
This is a book that ANYONE who enjoys Amish fiction should DEFINITELY read!
And I really really hope the “A Middlefield Amish Novel” means there will be sequels to come! There are SO many characters I am dying to know more about… not just the two main ones – and that may not be different from other books of it’s kind but it is really exciting!
Review © JCMorrows 2015
June 20, 2015
I really enjoyed this novel with two interesting story lines! It was interesting to see Jeremiah come back and how that affected Anna Mae and his family. He had a lot of fences to mend with them and it was sometimes frustrating as he tried to deal with his dad especially. Most of the characters were very likeable, especially Amos, Jeremiah's mentally challenged brother. I thought the plot line about Anna Mae and Jeremiah's cousins was funny, where two that seem to get on each other's nerves perhaps secretly like each other. It was amusing to watch a non-traditional Amish woman, and a straight-laced Amish man butt heads. There were cute romantic moments in both of the relationships. It was interesting to see Anna Mae struggle with what she should do about her future. I also liked learning more about veterinary medicine and how Jeremiah was trying to help a bunch of horses that were getting sick. Faith was important in the story as Anna Mae tries to discover God's will and different characters struggle with forgiveness. I would recommend this if you like Amish fiction.
I received this book free from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book free from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2015
Welcome to my review for the book A Faith of her own By Kathleen Fuller. I really enjoyed this book it was complicated in its story and a lot was going on that will keep you interested.
This is the story of Anna Mae she is an Amish woman who is not sure that she wanted to join the church. Her dream is to be a nurse but this goes against her family's wishes and she is very torn about what to do.
When Jeremiah returns to the community to help at the vets clinic,Anna is thrown into more turmoil because Jeremiah has left the Amish community to follow his dreams.
Can the rekindle the romance they had before Jeremiah left to become a vet and will his choices affect Anna's decision to go or stay.
Along with all this you also have the romance between to other Amish people at the community that seem at first to really dislike each other until they finally find that they have much in common and find love.
This is fantastic christian fiction and I really enjoyed reading it.
I received a free copy from booklook blogger to make this review thanks for looking
March 28, 2015
Author Kathleen Fuller At Her Best!
Looking for a good Amish fiction read that isn’t a routine story? If you are, this book is for you. It is a story about two young people finding their own way. Decisions have to be made, some have already been made.
Healing and unconditional love needs to take place. Hurts that began at a young age and followed into adulthood. Forgiveness isn’t easy.
Pick up a copy of, A Faith of Her Own and follow the story of Anna Mae Shetler and Jeremiah Mullet, two of the main characters in this book. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. I just know you will fall in love with the character of Amos Mullet. A simple young man but so full of life and knowledge beyond his years.
I have been a fan of author Kathleen Fuller for a long time. I’ve enjoyed everyone of her books that I have read. This book is by far my favorite.
This book was give to me by the author and publisher to read and review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.
Looking for a good Amish fiction read that isn’t a routine story? If you are, this book is for you. It is a story about two young people finding their own way. Decisions have to be made, some have already been made.
Healing and unconditional love needs to take place. Hurts that began at a young age and followed into adulthood. Forgiveness isn’t easy.
Pick up a copy of, A Faith of Her Own and follow the story of Anna Mae Shetler and Jeremiah Mullet, two of the main characters in this book. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. I just know you will fall in love with the character of Amos Mullet. A simple young man but so full of life and knowledge beyond his years.
I have been a fan of author Kathleen Fuller for a long time. I’ve enjoyed everyone of her books that I have read. This book is by far my favorite.
This book was give to me by the author and publisher to read and review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.
April 9, 2015
I enjoyed reading A Faith of Her Own. It was a very charming and heartfelt novel. The Amish community was realistic and I got a glimpse into their world. I really connected with Bekah and Anna Mae in this book. I could empathize with them and how they were feeling when it came to finally facing the music and making their decisions. Even though some of the decisions made were hard it all worked out in the end. They each got their happy ending! On the other end of the spectrum Jeremiah and his father had to make some decisions as well. I am glad that they were able to work it all out. This book was all about finding it in your heart to forgive others, letting go of anger and finding peace within yourself. I highly recommend this book.
March 24, 2015
A Faith of Her Own (A Middlefield Amish Novel), By: Kathleen Fuller
This is such an amazing book! I read it in less than a day, it was so well written! I was captured hook, line, sinker and drawn right into the story. Such wonderful characters that never left a dull moment. Amos captured my heart, he was such a wonderful inspiration for this story. There is such innocence, laughter, tears, heartache, anger, stubbornness with these amazing character brought to life in the telling of this story. This is the best book that Kathleen has written so far! I am so looking forward to reading any other stories in this series.
This is a must read book! Be sure to get your copy today! Remember it also makes a great gift!
This is such an amazing book! I read it in less than a day, it was so well written! I was captured hook, line, sinker and drawn right into the story. Such wonderful characters that never left a dull moment. Amos captured my heart, he was such a wonderful inspiration for this story. There is such innocence, laughter, tears, heartache, anger, stubbornness with these amazing character brought to life in the telling of this story. This is the best book that Kathleen has written so far! I am so looking forward to reading any other stories in this series.
This is a must read book! Be sure to get your copy today! Remember it also makes a great gift!
May 13, 2015
A Faith of Her Own by Kathleen Fuller was one of the best Amish novels I have read in a while. I loved the sweet story that Kathleen masterly crafted. Jeremiah and Anna Mae were characters that really seemed to come to life for me. I have to admit that until about a year ago Amish stories were not my cup of tea but lately I have been finding several authors who have really got me hooked and Kathleen is now one of them. A Faith of Her Own is a beautifully written story about faith and God's plan. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
5 out of 5. An delightful Afternoon Snack.
I received a copy of this book from BookLook in exchange for my honest review.
http://afternoonsnackcbr.blogspot.com...
August 27, 2015
Fantastic read. I really enjoyed this book. Anna Mae has a childhood friend Jeremiah Mullett. He left the Amish faith and for 9 years was pursuing a degree to become a vet. He comes back to his hometown to fill in for a local vet (Dr Miller) who broke his leg....the man who got him interested in becoming a vet.
Anna Mae and Jeremiah get to know each other. A restlessness inside of Anna Mae wants to know what is truly God's path for her.
This book is very thought provoking and one you can't put down. The characters seem real as are the decisions they have to search out and seek.
Anna Mae and Jeremiah get to know each other. A restlessness inside of Anna Mae wants to know what is truly God's path for her.
This book is very thought provoking and one you can't put down. The characters seem real as are the decisions they have to search out and seek.
December 28, 2015
Fantastic Read
I really enjoyed reading this book it's one of the best Amish books I have read I think this one tops them all..It was a joy th read and how God works in mysterious ways.and how Annie Maes and Jeremiah love for each other progressed. And all the characters in this book I could not put this book down I will look forward to reading more Amish books from this author.
I really enjoyed reading this book it's one of the best Amish books I have read I think this one tops them all..It was a joy th read and how God works in mysterious ways.and how Annie Maes and Jeremiah love for each other progressed. And all the characters in this book I could not put this book down I will look forward to reading more Amish books from this author.
July 15, 2018
Awesome read for trying to figure out what to do and what God wants you to do.
This is my favorite book I have read from Kathleen so far. I have read most of her books from all her Amish series. After reading Hide and Secret, I wondered if Kathleen would write about what happened with Anna Mae, Jeremiah and Amos. I was intrigued when I read the first chapter and couldn’t stop reading.
This is my favorite book I have read from Kathleen so far. I have read most of her books from all her Amish series. After reading Hide and Secret, I wondered if Kathleen would write about what happened with Anna Mae, Jeremiah and Amos. I was intrigued when I read the first chapter and couldn’t stop reading.
March 14, 2015
This was a wonderful story. I fell in love with the characters right away and could not wait to see what decisions they would make. They were so real, so alive...it was hard to remember when I put down the book that they were not standing right beside me. I cannot wait to get this book into the hands of my grandmother. She loves a good book and a good cry and she will get both!
August 1, 2015
Another remarkable book written by Kathleen Fuller. It is truly a book about FAITH, friendships, family relationships and love. There is a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy!!! But, what shines through Kathleen's book is FAITH~~belief in the Lord and following his plan. Each character is woven together by God's perfect plan. This is an uplifting book that I highly recommend.
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