Balm of Gilead

The Whinburg Township Amish #6

by Adina Senft

The third installment in the Healing Grace series finds young Amish widow Sarah Yoder facing her greatest challenge--herself. Sarah hasn't seen Henry Byler since he became engaged to an Englisch woman, which is best for her peace of mind. She's busy with her family: welcoming her son back from the ranch in Colorado, finding a husband for her sister-in-law, and making the teas and tinctures that heal the members of her church. Then Henry seeks her out, desperate for a balm for his hands before his success as a potter is jeopardized, and Sarah has to call on every ounce of strength to deny the cry of her heart. Yet there is someone who just might have a special cure in mind--a healing balm with the power to change everything. But with Henry's wedding only days away, is it already too late?

Genres: Amish, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Contemporary

320 pages, Paperback

First published July 21, 2015

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Adina Senft is the author of 42 novels published by Harlequin, Warner, Hachette, and Moonshell Books, Inc., her own independent press. She writes Amish women’s fiction; as Shelley Adina, she writes steampunk; and as Charlotte Henry, she writes classic Regency romance. She is currently at work on a PhD in Creative Writing at Lancaster University in the UK. She appeared in the 2016 documentary film Love Between the Covers, is a popular speaker and convention panelist, and has been a guest on many podcasts, including Worldshapers and Realm of Books. When she’s not writing, Adina is usually quilting, sewing historical costumes, or enjoying the garden with her flock of rescued chickens.

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the previous 2 books of the series, I had a bit of a suspicion how this one would ultimately play out, but I have to say there were definitely some surprises thrown in. I really liked the themes of 'speaking a word in season' and sacrifice. Without giving too much away, I will say that I think it was a good and fitting end to the series, and perhaps my favourite of the entire trilogy.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adina Senft left the most moving action in this last novel. It has been interesting to see how the characters moral values change throughout the novels; as they learn the important issues in life; and how God has a plan for all of us.

[Brenda Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this series. I am half sad to say goodbye to its characters, a true hallmark of an interesting novel.

[KRIS BROWN · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how she weaves a few stories together and bringing in a tv show about amish . And how no matter what their views couldn't be brought

[Olatomi Afilaka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This concluded the series nicely

[Pamela Slay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah and Henry

This was a very good love story. I'm really glad they found each other and Henry found himself again. Awesome

[Brenda Ficeli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome ending of the 3 book series

[REBECCA VONSTETTEN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. .

This whole series is enjoyable. I'm devouring these books like a kid in a candy store. I can't wait to start the next one.

[Cara Noyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wrapped up Sarah’s story nicely.
The TV show played a big role in Henry’s conflict in this tale.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished the third book in the Healing Grace series. It is the Balm of Gilead by Adina Senft. Sarah Yoder is a widow with two sons. Caleb is almost fifteen and has finished his schooling. Simon has spent the summer working on a dude ranch in Colorado. Sarah has been studying to be a Dokterfraa (herbal healer). Sarah cares for her neighbor, Henry Byler. Henry grew up Amish but left the community when he was eighteen. He returned to live in the house he inherited from an aunt and set up his pottery studio in the barn. Henry was lucky enough for his work to be noticed by D. W. Frith Company (or so he thinks).

Henry has proposed to Ginny Hochstetler. Ginny is former Mennonite and is the owner of Rose Arbor Inn (local bed and breakfast). Henry believes if he marries Ginny, he will be forever cutting his ties to the Amish church. Sarah (known for speaking the truth) believes Henry is just running away from God. While Henry is working on items for D.W. Frith’s Thanksgiving order, he is approached by a reality show. They want to feature him on a TNC (like our TLC) show Shunning Amish. They will pay Henry $50,000 for one show (and Ginny could really use the money). Henry, though, does not feel that he should do the show. He does not want to say anything bad about his family or friends. D.W. Frith insists that Henry has to do the show or they will terminate his contract. What a dilemma for Henry? Do the show and help his career and finance? Will Henry listen to his head or his heart?

Joe and Simon return from Colorado where they were working on a dude ranch. Both boys are happy to be home. Joe is thinking about becoming an herbalist like Sarah. Priscilla Mast (Joe’s girl) is happy he is home, but now Simon is taking notice of how grown up Priscilla is looking (now that Priscilla has given up on Simon). There is bound to be friction between the three.

Sarah is trying to ignore her feelings for Henry but it is hard when she sees him so often (especially when he needs healing help for his hands). Henry had hoped that by being engaged to Ginny, he would stop having feelings for Sarah. Only Henry can resolve this situation (he has to make a choice). Amanda Yoder is still single (she is only twenty-one), but Jesse Riehl catches her eye at a young event. Jesse is enjoying his rumspringa by owning and driving a car (even got a license). His parents, though, were not very happy and Jesse is not welcome at home. Is Jesse the right type of person for Amanda or will he be a bad influence?

I enjoyed reading the Balm of Gilead. In order to understand everything that is going on in the book, you really need to have read the first two books in the series. Adina Senft has a nice writing style. She engages the reader right from the first page and holds your attention to the last word. I give Balm of Gilead 5 out of 5 stars. The ending is just wonderful (and romantic).

I received a complimentary copy of Balm of Gilead from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own.

http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

Balm of Gilead is the highly anticipated third installment in Adina Senft's incredible Healing Grace series featuring Amish widow and herbalist in training Sarah Yoder. This latest addition concludes many of the story arcs from the previous novels but the story mainly focuses on Sarah's Englisch neighbor Henry Byler and his upcoming wedding to B&B owner Ginny Hoschsteler.

In the three months since Henry proposed to Ginny, Sarah has kept her distance from her neighbor. She has concentrated her attention on continuing her training as an herbalist and she has become quite adept at treating the members of her community. Sarah is also eagerly awaiting her oldest son Simon's homecoming since his job on a Colorado dude ranch is coming to an end. She has mended the relationships she inadvertently harmed and Sarah keeps the lessons she learned about overstepping her boundaries fresh in her mind when Henry unexpectedly asks for her advice about a PR request.

Henry and Ginny are eagerly planning their wedding when a worsening health issue sends Henry to Sarah for treatment. Once the lines of communication reopen between them, he finds it easy to continue to seek advice from her. A publicity request from a reality show would expose his pottery to a wider customer base, but Henry is very uneasy that this appearance would harm his relationships with his family and his Amish neighbors. He greatly values Sarah opinion but he is further conflicted when Ginny makes an unexpected revelation about her B&B. The proposed script leads Henry to a surprising conclusion when he reflects back on his long ago decision to leave the Amish community.

Sarah is much more comfortable in her role as a healer and although she is still very forthright when expressing her opinions, she is careful to think before she speaks. She is also quite vigilant in her effort to ensure that her advice will not override or interfere with God's will in matters that are dear to her heart. Sarah, too, must reflect on what she hopes to accomplish when discussing life altering decisions with Henry and she unselfishly sets aside her own wishes and desires as she counsels him during a very difficult situation.

Balm of Gilead is a truly captivating and heartwarming journey of faith and love that is sure to be a hit with fans of the Healing Grace series. The novel is beautifully written and the storylines are realistic. The characters continue to grow and evolve as they struggle to overcome challenges that test their long held beliefs and ultimately strengthen their relationship with God. The fate of the characters is uncertain for much of the story and Adina Senft brings the story to an emotional conclusion that is heartfelt and emotionally satisfying.

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful world of plants and herbs God has so graciously given to us and how little we truly know how they can be used to cure and help a lot of what ails us today. Sarah Yoder has found this wisdom to help create ointments, salves and teas to help those in her community that need it and can benefit from it. If only she could find something to help keep her from the pain of the love she feels for Henry who has announced his marriage to a English woman, Ginny who runs the Inn. Since Henry never formally joined the Amish church, he is free to make whatever choices he believes is best for him even if it goes against everything he was raised to believe.

Now Sarah must find a way to keep her heart protected when Henry comes to her for help after having his hand affected by all the clay he works with as a potter. Beyond the normal dryness, they are beginning to bleed and nothing he has tried is helping. If Sarah can't help him, the career he had hoped to build by selling his pottery will come crashing down around him. Sarah is just beginning to sense a bit of healing as her own son has returned from a long trip to help on a ranch in Colorado. She is hoping he might now settle down and join the Amish faith, but this will be a season in Sarah's life in which she must learn that some choices are out of her hands and everyone must deal with the choices they make in life. It doesn't have any bearing on how well she has raised her son, but that a life is given to each of us to live as we see fit. Until that time, she can only pray and continue to search for ways to heal what is broken inside them all.

I received Balm of Gilead by Adina Senft compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Groups for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. This is the third book in the Healing Grace Series, and one I have enjoyed because of my own love for herbal and natural remedies. I believe there is true power in their ability to heal what ails us and love that Sarah gets the opportunity not only to practice them but also to continue to learn more about what cures are available even as they encounter such things as latex allergies, something an Amish person wouldn't likely deal with on a daily basis. There is even a great discussion guide included at the conclusion of this novel. I give this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? She carried the bowl of fragrant liquid into the kitchen and carefully poured lukewarm water into it to dilute it. When it was ready, she set it in front of Henry. "Soak your hands in this for fifteen minutes while we talk."
Sarah and Henry seem destined to live separate lives as he has left the Amish and is now known as "Englisch Henry" to the community. Yet it is proving impossible for them to avoid each other as his farm and shop are directly beside her Amish home and now his hands are so painfully chapped and cracked that he is finding it difficult to work on his pottery without excruciating pain. He seeks Sarah out to see if she has a cure for his hands as she is learning to be a dokterfraa (female healer) and researchs to discover that the balm of Gilead is needed to make a healing salve for Henry. She seeks out her mentor to see if she has some of the ingredients for the salve as it is the wrong season for a key ingredient she requires. Henry is engaged to the Englisch owner of a local inn and Sarah strains to guard her heart against further heartache where Henry is concerned. How will she manage to do that when life seems to continue to throw them into each other's path?
I have loved this series since reading book one. This series is full of grace, forgiveness, and love. This third in the series is a beautiful testament to the healing grace that God brings to the lives of His children. I can hardly wait now for the next book in the series to see which characters will be featured. I love that we see all the characters from the previous books and get to see what is going in on their lives as well. This book touches on the Amish reality shows that are currently so popular on television as well as Amish leaving the faith.
I rate this novel 5 stars and highly recommend it to Amish fiction readers as well as those who enjoy Christian fiction.
I received a kindle version of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah's practice as a Dokterfraa (female healer) keeps her occupied growing and harvesting herbs planted in a beautiful quilt design. She is still learning about various herbal treatments and remedies, and is kept busy helping her friends and neighbors with their health needs.

Sarah's neighbor, Henry, is a non-Amish potter. Sarah is forbidden to spend time with him, but her attraction to the handsome man is hard to ignore. When Henry's hands suffer from his craft, with cracking skin and sores on his hands he seeks a healing balm through Sarah's medicinal herbs.

I loved both Sarah and Henry throughout this poignant story of challenges and unexpected intrusions in Henry's life. Sarah is portrayed as a gentle and compassionate person, a balm to the soul like her herbal balms are to the body. Adina Senft has obviously researched her topics well. Her knowledge of the Amish community is commendable, and the information regarding herbal medicines reveals much research. Minor characters are realistic and support the roles of the main characters, and the story unfolds with grace and feeling.

I thoroughly enjoyed Balm of Gilead, and highly recommend it! This Amish fiction contains both depth and sensitivity. Don't miss the other books in this series. I have read Herb of Grace, but have not had the pleasure of reading Keys of Heaven yet. I will be adding that book to my collection. These books are meant to be read as a series, but I had no trouble following along without having read the second book in the series.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

[Christian Fiction Addiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Balm of Gilead” is a beautifully written novel that gently draws readers back into the lives of Sarah Yoder and the Amish community that surrounds her. The story continues to follow Sarah in her discovery of who God has made her to be and what her place is in the world, and it does so in a way that isn’t afraid to explore both the blessings and the challenges of being Amish. Senft’s characters are richly drawn and are so endearing I guarantee you won’t be able to get enough of them! I think what I most love about this novel, and indeed the entire series, is that the author depicts Sarah as someone with all the same sort of struggles readers can relate to in their own lives, even though Sarah’s Amish setting may be foreign to most of us. Sarah struggles with insecurities and with heartache, with knowing when to speak up and when to allow God to move. And we can all learn from her humble attitude, which always seeks forgiveness when she’s committed a wrong.

I not only enjoyed Sarah’s story, but also the many different subplots woven into the book. But really it’s the drama Sarah finds herself in, whether dealing with her children or her forbidden relationship with her Englisch neighbour Henry, that especially kept me turning the pages from start to finish. As I came to the final chapter, I found myself smiling at how things had been resolved, but also feeling a bit saddened that this is likely the last story we will be treated to from the Healing Grace series.

With wonderful characters and a well-crafted plot, “Balm of Gilead” is another solid addition to Senft’s collection. I award this story a high recommendation and 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher, Faithwords, for the purposes of this unbiased review.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 4 out of 5]

[ 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]

"Love has to be whole. When it’s divided, half isn’t enough to live on.”

Sarah Yoder, young Amish widow with almost adult stepchildren has taken up being Dokterfraa, the herbalist female healer in her small community. She has a gift, and the orderliness of her compiling room has given her peace.

Henry Byler, Sarah's neighbor, a potter by trade, raised in the faith but never baptized, is beginning to make a name with his art. A big national company has taken him on and his future looks bright. He's engaged to Ginny Hochstetler, a divorced former New Order Mennonite who owns the Rose Arbor Inn.

Weaving contemporary life of both Amish and Englisch communities, the author has skillfully pieced together another lovely Amish tale of love lost, bargins, abandonment and faith to add to a well known and loved tale if a small community of faithful people struggling to live simple according to what they see as the hand of God in everything. Not "preachy" like some other in this genre, Adina Senft presents believable characters in a contemporary story with understanding and grace. A "wonderfully gut" read.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

As this third book opens the boys are on the road returning home from the Colorado ranch where they have spent the summer. Caleb is still limping but well on the way to recovery, thanks in part to Joe and his mom Sarah. Henry is engaged to Ginny, and still working on this pottery, but he is about to be tested on how much he is willing to do to sell his art.
The title refers to the Balm of Gilead, which is a healing balm, and is used in more than one way to help heal these people. I enjoyed reading about these characters, and they have become so real to me, I feel like part of their family.
This book is Sarah’s story and her use of God’s gifts of healing, and her using them for the good of others, including herself. I personally have read all three books, and they are equally good, and recommend you pick them up also you won’t be disappointed.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher FaithWords, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah is widowed with two nearly grown boys; she's an herbalist healer.
Henry left his Amish parents & siblings before joining the church; he won't be shunned.
They're neighbors & friends. He's become engaged to an Englischer. Sarah doesn't think this is a good match for him. She thinks he'll want to return to his family & faith at some future time.
Henry's an artist with pottery. He's being sought by a reality TV show. The money they pay will solve his fiancee's financial shortfall in her business & give them a good start in marriage. He asks Sarah's opinion. She doesn't pull any punches that she thinks it's a bad idea.
What does Sarah do that makes her one son challenge her about her motives? How does Sarah's healing business affect Henry? What does Henry do when he finds the TV crew on his property with a contract? How does a rebellious Amish young man affect both of them & their friend Amanda? Will Sarah's shy son find romance?
This is #3 in a series, Healing Grace novels

[kerrycat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah and Henry stand front and center as the side stories of Pris’ romance, Joe and Simon’s return from Colorado, and shy Amanda’s dangerous escapade with rebellious Jesse keep Whinburg Township on its toes. Readers will be pleased and relieved when this intense romance is resolved and Henry accepts that his heart’s desire was beside him all along.

Sarah continues to struggle with her feelings for Henry, and she prays that he will soon acknowledge that he is truly Amish in his heart. Meanwhile, Henry tries to focus his attention on his pottery and his engagement to Ginny. But the temptation to solve Ginny’s financial problems by participating in a reality show makes him see their relationship in a new light. (FAITHWORDS, Jul., 320 pp., $15.00)
Reviewed by:
Kerry Sutherland
- See more at: http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-rev...

[Barbara Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Balm of Gilead quickly captured my attention and I found myself becoming involved in this story. The author really kept my interest because I never knew what would happen next. All the details of the plants and herbs, the way Author Adina Senft describes how each is used for healing is excellent. Bringing together the medicinal purposes of the plants and herbs for our body and listening to the Lord and believing Him is so powerful in this book. Balm of Gilead is a great Amish book by Author Adina Senft and the Third Book in the Healing Grace Series. I really love this book and truly enjoyed reading it. I recommend this book to family, friends and everyone.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the 3rd and final book in Adina Senft's Healing Grace series. It wrapped things up satisfactorily in my opinion. The second book was my favorite, probably because it was less focused on the romance aspect, and I thought some of the story-lines in that book were more interesting. All in all it was an enjoyable series, in spite of some of the characters acting tiresomely dense sometimes.

There were some aspects of the series that I really liked; the herbal healing and gardening, the fact that each book followed a particular season (1st spring, 2nd summer, 3rd fall), and the realistic portrayal of the behavior of the chickens. You can tell the author has raised chickens before.

I'm glad I took a chance on these when I just happened to come across them on a discount book site.

[Margaret Tidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Balm of Gilead by Adina Senft was a good Amish fiction book to read. This is the 3rd book in the series and I didn’t read the first two and I was able to figure out what was going on for the most part. That being said you can read this one first but if it were me I would start from the start because there were parts of the story that I wished I knew the back story but I was still able to read this book and not get too lost. I really enjoyed this book it was a little slow during certain parts but not so slow that I wanted to put the book down and not come back to it. If you love Amish fiction than I would for sure recommend this book to you.

FTC:I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Virginia Winfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this third installment in The Healing Grace series. I would recommend reading the first two books to know all the recurring characters but you can figure it out. I loved all the characters. These mainly follow Sarah Yoder and her trials but there are many other characters that you get to know and love. I received an ebook copy of this from netgalley for a fair and honest opinion.

[Rosemarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a conclusion to this wonderful trilogy by Adina Senft. I must say, there were several times in this book that my heart was moved to the point that I felt like God was talking to me. Senft has a way with telling a story in such a way as to speak to the heart of the reader.

These three books were a great read, and I'm glad I took a chance on Senft's books. I believe I will now read her other series. :)

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read this book twice now, and the story (as Sarah would agree) is sweeter the second time around. I love the stress on being “all in” - whether that’s a vocation or romance or commitment to God. I love the HEA that follows complete sacrifice. And I will never look at a radish the same way again! If that doesn’t tempt you to read this wonderful series, you’re verhuddelt.

[Caitlin Downey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming conclusion

I thought this was a lovely way to conclude this part of the story. I really hope Ms. Senft continues on with some of these characters. I would love to know how life turns out for Priscilla and Joe, Simon, Amanda, etc.

[Merry Farmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed getting to know the characters in this story. I think it would have been helpful to read the other books in the series first, as I was a little lost until about a quarter of the way in, but once I was oriented, I found the book to be delightful.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took me a while to get into this book. Don't get me wrong it is a great book and story line. For me I like books that draw me in from the beginning. The characters Sarah, Henry, and other characters learn many things about themselves and where they belong.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah is still using her herbs for healing. Her son returns home. Henry is still doing his pottery and looking forward to marrying Ginny.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Balm of Gilead is the third installment of the Healing Grace series. I really liked this book but not as much as the first two of the series. I do look forward to more by this author.
Four stars