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Land of Promise #3
Miriam and the Stranger
Miriam Yoder is living a happy life as the beloved school teacher in the small Clarita, Oklahoma Amish community having accepted the fact that she will likely never marry. But when a local freelance reporter enters her world, Miriam is astonished to find herself attracted to the handsome Englisha man.
The very next week, widower Mose Stoll arrives from her home community of Possum Valley, Ohio, in search of a second frau. Mose has spoken with Miriam's father and is ready to meet Miriam in person. If he finds no serious flaw in Miriam, Mose plans to marry her and take her home to Possum Valley.
When Miriam follows her heart instead of her head, she finds herself facing excommunication. Suddenly her happy life has been turned upside down with no possible solution...unless God intervenes.
Jerry Eicher's many fans (more than 600,000 books sold) will delight in this concluding volume in his Land of Promise series. Book three in the Land of Promise series
The very next week, widower Mose Stoll arrives from her home community of Possum Valley, Ohio, in search of a second frau. Mose has spoken with Miriam's father and is ready to meet Miriam in person. If he finds no serious flaw in Miriam, Mose plans to marry her and take her home to Possum Valley.
When Miriam follows her heart instead of her head, she finds herself facing excommunication. Suddenly her happy life has been turned upside down with no possible solution...unless God intervenes.
Jerry Eicher's many fans (more than 600,000 books sold) will delight in this concluding volume in his Land of Promise series. Book three in the Land of Promise series
352 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2015
27 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Jerry S. Eicher
70 books201 followersJerry Eicher’s bestselling Amish fiction (more than 210,000 in combined sales) includes The Adams County Trilogy, the Hannah’s Heart books, and the Little Valley Series. After a traditional Amish childhood, Jerry taught for two terms in Amish and Mennonite schools in Ohio and Illinois. Since then he’s been involved in church renewal, preaching, and teaching Bible studies. Jerry lives with his wife, Tina Eicher, and their four children in Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 19, 2017
Suggested Age: 13+:Nothing inappropriate but likely enjoyed more by an older audience.
I really enjoyed the conclusion to the Land of Promise series by Jerry S. Eicher. I experienced moments of pure outrage on behalf of Miriam in regards to Mose and I think that's a really good thing...I like an author that evokes emotion from his readers.
I felt like the characters showed a lot of growth in this book. While I still saw a lot of dependency from Miriam I was very pleased to see her family and community take a stand on her behalf. Her family seemed to finally stop caring whether or not Miriam was the wife of a bishop and more about whether or not she was happy. This made me extremely happy as I felt briefly that no one in this story truly understood and supported Miriam's hopes and dreams. I was so glad to be proven wrong.These characters are sometimes a bit simple and yet they possess a lot of emotional depth that I could relate to. I totally appreciate characters who feel confused and sometimes even a little bit lost. It gives them a human element that I connect with.
Overall, I really enjoyed the series. I do wish this last book would have maybe given a glimpse into how Ivan and Shirley were both faring in their lives. Also, what happened to Shirley's old flame? Did he ever get closure for his part in Shirley's accident? I would love to see these characters revisited perhaps in another series so I can learn more about them and their community.
Like book two, I did find a minor mistake and though it didn't harm the story in any way, I feel compelled to mention it. In book two, Wayne and his sister pass away and it is recorded in the following passage:
Then in book three I happened to notice there was a mix-up in the character's name.
It is a minor mistake that I probably wouldn't have even noticed had I not read the books back to back. It didn't ruin the story in any way but I felt the need to mention it.
I would give this concluding book to the Land of Promise series a solid 5 stars and the series a 4.5 star rating. The entire series was a really quick read and despite a few errors not caught by the editor, I felt it was very well written.
I connected with the characters and if given the opportunity to read more about their lives or their community, I would.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Jerry S. Eicher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. All opinions are my own.
This review was originally posted on A Simply Enchanted Life
April 13, 2017
Miriam and the Stranger, by Jerry S. Eicher, is the third book in the Amish genre Land of Promise series. I didn't realize when I read the book it was part of a series and occasionally would come across things that seemed like there was some backstory, but all in all, it is easily read as a stand-alone. With several failed relationships over the last few years, Miriam, at 24 years old, feels like her chance at marriage and having a family has passed her by. Then along comes Mose, a widower from her hometown. He's heard of her virtues and has come to check her out to see if she would be a suitable wife. And then comes Tyler, the Englisha journalist who comes to the community to pursue a story. One forbidden and one who seemed to have landed right in her lap--but which one will be the one who brings all the pieces of her soul together. The author tells a good story with a lot of tension in the romance factor of the story, keeping the reader in suspense as to how things are all going to turn out. The characters are realistic and evocative as the story takes the reader into the heart of their lives, their pain, and their faith. He presents a tale that tells of the trustworthy relationships of a small community, the healing power of friendship and the faithfulness of a God who cares about our lives.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a review and the opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a review and the opinions are my own.
November 5, 2015
This novel is the third in the Land of Promise series following Miriam Yoder’s story, and this review (and novel) will contain spoilers for the previous two novels if they have not been read.
I’m hard put to describe how I felt about this novel. I think ambivalent is the best I can do, because I keep see-sawing depending on which aspect of the novel I’m considering.
In a nutshell, Miriam Yoder has not exactly been lucky in love. She lost one man to another woman (twice!), another to a tornado, and at twenty-four is beginning to resign herself to becoming an old maid. Enter two men: Mose Stoll, a deacon who has arrive in Oklahoma for the purpose of inspecting Miriam as a prospective wife; and Tyler Johnson, an Englisha journalist sent to write a story about how the Amish community has recovered in the two years since the devastating tornado.
Miriam is honoured to be considered by Mose Stoll as a prospective wife, particularly when she learns that he may be shortly appointed Bishop in his own district of Wayne County. But despite being hailed a paragon of virtue – and a suitably humble and obedient wife for a Bishop – she suffers greatly under the guilt of her attraction to the Englisha journalist Tyler Johnson. She is very aware that any relationship between Tyler and herself would be forbidden and is determined that through prayer and self-discipline this attraction will fade and she will develop at least a wifely affection, if not love, for Mose Stoll. Tyler Johnson does not make this easy, however, making no secret of either his disapproval of Mose Stoll as a husband for Miriam or his own attraction to Miriam.
I think one of the reasons I am ambivalent about this story is because I did not particularly like either Mose or Tyler. It was obvious that we were not supposed to like Mose. He was not terribly romantic to begin with, but as the novel progressed he became ever more harsh and austere. We are supposed to believe that no-one else noticed his treatment of Miriam, but I find it difficult to believe that someone who is so rigid and unfeeling towards his prospective wife would not show similar characteristics in his dealings with others.
Miriam is affected by Tyler Johnson from the moment she first meets him at her aunt and uncle’s home. Apparently he ‘exudes a charm that makes her weak all the way down to her toes.’ Although this was by no means a sensual novel, nor were we burdened by frequent descriptions of the characters’ physical attributes, it still seemed to me that Miriam’s attraction to Tyler was largely based on the way he affected her physically (and often in spite of his attitude and actions). I can understand there being an initial physical attraction, but I did not really see anything in his character to support Miriam’s ongoing attraction. Tyler does change towards the end of the novel, but the majority of this takes place off the page, which means we are simply expected to believe that the transformation has taken place. I’m not saying it couldn’t have happened, I’m just saying it didn’t become real for me because I didn’t see it happen.
**SPOILER**
I was also disappointed that Tyler’s maturation and decision to join the Amish community was wholly about marrying Miriam. He admits that if it wasn’t for Miriam he wouldn’t be joining the community. He even promises that if he can’t ‘do this right’ (be Amish) then he will leave the community and not ‘lure her into his world’. Nowhere is there any mention of Tyler recognising his need for a Saviour. The closest we get to this is him admitting that he was tired of the way he was living, and apologising to Miriam for his ‘flippant attitude’ and the things he said about Mose. I think we are supposed to believe there is a genuine change in heart involved, but we aren’t even told about it, let alone shown.
**END SPOILER**
I did think Miriam was admirable in her desire to honour both her father and her prospective husband, which redeemed the novel somewhat, but I thought her submission was carried through to a point where it actually began to appear in a negative light, and that is saying something coming from me! I believe that when the Bible says a wife should submit to her husband that is exactly what it means, but when the husband does not also love his wife as Christ loved the church the beauty of the wife’s submission is obscured. Notwithstanding that Miriam and Mose were only engaged, I felt that the circumstances in this novel obscured the beauty of Miriam’s submissiveness. I also believe that Miriam was wise in taking steps to honour her father’s wishes by considering Mose’s suit, but I felt that there was surely some room for her to approach her father respectfully as her concerns grew. Of course, that could have altered the whole course of the novel – although I then found myself wondering what a Biblical response would have looked like for Miriam should her father have still promoted the marriage in spite of her reluctance.
In the end there was also a flavour of ‘deus ex machina’ about the neatness of the resolution, which came about without any initiative being taken on Miriam’s part. I was left with the feeling that Miriam would continue to simply be carried along in the wake of the actions and decisions of those around her. She had not really grown as a person, despite being the main character and finally getting her happy-ever-after.
I will freely admit I’ve read many worse novels, but this one really just left me feeling flat. If Amazon allowed half-star ratings I would probably give this a two and a half, but I’m generous, so I’ll round up.
I’m hard put to describe how I felt about this novel. I think ambivalent is the best I can do, because I keep see-sawing depending on which aspect of the novel I’m considering.
In a nutshell, Miriam Yoder has not exactly been lucky in love. She lost one man to another woman (twice!), another to a tornado, and at twenty-four is beginning to resign herself to becoming an old maid. Enter two men: Mose Stoll, a deacon who has arrive in Oklahoma for the purpose of inspecting Miriam as a prospective wife; and Tyler Johnson, an Englisha journalist sent to write a story about how the Amish community has recovered in the two years since the devastating tornado.
Miriam is honoured to be considered by Mose Stoll as a prospective wife, particularly when she learns that he may be shortly appointed Bishop in his own district of Wayne County. But despite being hailed a paragon of virtue – and a suitably humble and obedient wife for a Bishop – she suffers greatly under the guilt of her attraction to the Englisha journalist Tyler Johnson. She is very aware that any relationship between Tyler and herself would be forbidden and is determined that through prayer and self-discipline this attraction will fade and she will develop at least a wifely affection, if not love, for Mose Stoll. Tyler Johnson does not make this easy, however, making no secret of either his disapproval of Mose Stoll as a husband for Miriam or his own attraction to Miriam.
I think one of the reasons I am ambivalent about this story is because I did not particularly like either Mose or Tyler. It was obvious that we were not supposed to like Mose. He was not terribly romantic to begin with, but as the novel progressed he became ever more harsh and austere. We are supposed to believe that no-one else noticed his treatment of Miriam, but I find it difficult to believe that someone who is so rigid and unfeeling towards his prospective wife would not show similar characteristics in his dealings with others.
Miriam is affected by Tyler Johnson from the moment she first meets him at her aunt and uncle’s home. Apparently he ‘exudes a charm that makes her weak all the way down to her toes.’ Although this was by no means a sensual novel, nor were we burdened by frequent descriptions of the characters’ physical attributes, it still seemed to me that Miriam’s attraction to Tyler was largely based on the way he affected her physically (and often in spite of his attitude and actions). I can understand there being an initial physical attraction, but I did not really see anything in his character to support Miriam’s ongoing attraction. Tyler does change towards the end of the novel, but the majority of this takes place off the page, which means we are simply expected to believe that the transformation has taken place. I’m not saying it couldn’t have happened, I’m just saying it didn’t become real for me because I didn’t see it happen.
**SPOILER**
I was also disappointed that Tyler’s maturation and decision to join the Amish community was wholly about marrying Miriam. He admits that if it wasn’t for Miriam he wouldn’t be joining the community. He even promises that if he can’t ‘do this right’ (be Amish) then he will leave the community and not ‘lure her into his world’. Nowhere is there any mention of Tyler recognising his need for a Saviour. The closest we get to this is him admitting that he was tired of the way he was living, and apologising to Miriam for his ‘flippant attitude’ and the things he said about Mose. I think we are supposed to believe there is a genuine change in heart involved, but we aren’t even told about it, let alone shown.
**END SPOILER**
I did think Miriam was admirable in her desire to honour both her father and her prospective husband, which redeemed the novel somewhat, but I thought her submission was carried through to a point where it actually began to appear in a negative light, and that is saying something coming from me! I believe that when the Bible says a wife should submit to her husband that is exactly what it means, but when the husband does not also love his wife as Christ loved the church the beauty of the wife’s submission is obscured. Notwithstanding that Miriam and Mose were only engaged, I felt that the circumstances in this novel obscured the beauty of Miriam’s submissiveness. I also believe that Miriam was wise in taking steps to honour her father’s wishes by considering Mose’s suit, but I felt that there was surely some room for her to approach her father respectfully as her concerns grew. Of course, that could have altered the whole course of the novel – although I then found myself wondering what a Biblical response would have looked like for Miriam should her father have still promoted the marriage in spite of her reluctance.
In the end there was also a flavour of ‘deus ex machina’ about the neatness of the resolution, which came about without any initiative being taken on Miriam’s part. I was left with the feeling that Miriam would continue to simply be carried along in the wake of the actions and decisions of those around her. She had not really grown as a person, despite being the main character and finally getting her happy-ever-after.
I will freely admit I’ve read many worse novels, but this one really just left me feeling flat. If Amazon allowed half-star ratings I would probably give this a two and a half, but I’m generous, so I’ll round up.
October 26, 2021
Loved it !
October 2, 2015
I rated it a five star rating because I thought it was a delightful book.
I think the reason I rated it a five star was because I think most people will rate it a 3.
Miriam is a delightful person in the story and also the main one. Jerry shows her as making mistakes as we are all capable of doing.
One if the sayings was "A pride goeth before a fall".
One of the things I also noticed is that Amish ppl are human being too! They have gossip mongers among them too! This I believe was Miriam's downfall with Bishop Mose.
I didn't like Mose. I thought Mose was mean b to Miriam in several different ways. It makes me wonder how his first wife lived with him like that.
Mose only thought of himself. All he talked about his farm and needing a frau. He didn't ask Miriam to marry him either. He just set it for a fall wedding assuming she wants to marry him.
Then we meet Tyler Johnson who definitely interrupted things for Miriam while she was "engaged" to Mose.
Tyler was a reporter who was there to supposedly to write about the Amish and their way of life.
Whilst Tyler was there a strange thing happens to him. God began speaking to his heart.
Tyler met Miriam and fell head over heals in love with her.
I'm so very glad that Miriam had Aunt Fannie and Uncle William for support and love. (They are the supporting characters along with Decon Phillips and his wife Katie. Then we have Decon Mullet and his daughter Betsy )
When a stranger sticks her nose into Miriam's business it ruined everything for Miriam.
After Miriam's so called punishment, she was never the same again. It was during this that that Decon Phillips intervened after Uncle William went to speak with him.about Miriam's depression.
I won't say nothing more about this wonderful book except to say a copy was provided by NetGalley for an honest review
I think the reason I rated it a five star was because I think most people will rate it a 3.
Miriam is a delightful person in the story and also the main one. Jerry shows her as making mistakes as we are all capable of doing.
One if the sayings was "A pride goeth before a fall".
One of the things I also noticed is that Amish ppl are human being too! They have gossip mongers among them too! This I believe was Miriam's downfall with Bishop Mose.
I didn't like Mose. I thought Mose was mean b to Miriam in several different ways. It makes me wonder how his first wife lived with him like that.
Mose only thought of himself. All he talked about his farm and needing a frau. He didn't ask Miriam to marry him either. He just set it for a fall wedding assuming she wants to marry him.
Then we meet Tyler Johnson who definitely interrupted things for Miriam while she was "engaged" to Mose.
Tyler was a reporter who was there to supposedly to write about the Amish and their way of life.
Whilst Tyler was there a strange thing happens to him. God began speaking to his heart.
Tyler met Miriam and fell head over heals in love with her.
I'm so very glad that Miriam had Aunt Fannie and Uncle William for support and love. (They are the supporting characters along with Decon Phillips and his wife Katie. Then we have Decon Mullet and his daughter Betsy )
When a stranger sticks her nose into Miriam's business it ruined everything for Miriam.
After Miriam's so called punishment, she was never the same again. It was during this that that Decon Phillips intervened after Uncle William went to speak with him.about Miriam's depression.
I won't say nothing more about this wonderful book except to say a copy was provided by NetGalley for an honest review
December 25, 2015
Jerry has not disappointed me with any of his books and this one did not. This book was the continued story of Miriam. Miriam sister Shirley has finally settled down and is getting married. Miriam receives an unexpected guest and is shocked at what he is there for. Meanwhile an English newspaper writer is doing a follow up story on the Amish after the tornado. While there he discovers corruption in the 2 million funds that was to divided between Amish and English. Through this all Miriam finds herself in a shunning and torn between two men. I loved this book
September 26, 2025
After Miriam suffered heart break when Ivan chose someone else and the Wayne died in the tornados, she thinks she will probably die an old maid. After all, at the age of 24 she has no prospects in town, and doesn't see one coming anytime soon. Then one day she receives a cryptic letter from her mamm telling her that something exciting is about to happen but she doesn't want to spoil the surprise. Around the same time, she meets a young englischa man that is in town to write a series of articles on the recovery their community made after the tornadoes. He's so handsome, but she knows he can never be anything more to her than the reporter, it wouldn't be proper. When a visiting minister shows up at their next service, shes confused by the looks he keeps sending her way until she discovers he's a widower looking for a new frau and and he has come here specifically to meet her. He has heard such good things about her from miriams brother in law, parents, and bishop and minister from back home he had to come see for himself if she was as perfect as everyone led him to believe. When it seems like things are finally working out Miriam and that every trial she has gone through will all be worth it, she knows she should be overjoyed. Instead, all she can think of is a certain stranger to her Amish community that seems to be more and more at home every day.
This was a good ending to the story even if it was a little far fetched. I dont want to put any real spoilers in but I have a hard time believing everything would have worked out like this in the real world. Overall it was a sweet series
This was a good ending to the story even if it was a little far fetched. I dont want to put any real spoilers in but I have a hard time believing everything would have worked out like this in the real world. Overall it was a sweet series
June 25, 2017
Great series . so many trials and temptations
May 18, 2018
Loved it
5 stars all the way. Keeps you interested throughout the entire story. A must read for anyone who has interest in the Amish ways of life.
5 stars all the way. Keeps you interested throughout the entire story. A must read for anyone who has interest in the Amish ways of life.
May 7, 2019
Thank heavens Miriam got rid of that abusive creep. Bethany will probably only think marrying Mose is 'an honour' until the first time he 'corrects her' after she's under his thumb.
December 23, 2021
Miriam finds herself in a situation she doesn't know how to handle. my first series of author, Jerry S. Eicher and it won't be my last. this author keeps your interest piqued
December 3, 2023
An absolutely wonderful book. I adore Miriam and this trilogy of her life. One of the best books I have read this year.
December 12, 2024
very good book very good series
Read
October 28, 2025Reading this so I can annotate it with my friends… just for laughs
October 4, 2015
Miriam and the Stranger by Jerry Eicher is the third book in the Land of Promise series. Miriam Yoder is twenty-four years old and living in Clarita, Oklahoma. Clarita is a very small Amish community in Oklahoma. Miriam has been teaching for the last three years while living with her Uncle William and Aunt Frannie. Miriam receives a letter from her mother stating a surprise will be coming her way. Miriam has no idea what the surprise could be, but she has an idea.
Tyler Johnson is freelance journalist who took an assignment to write on how the local Amish community has recovered from the tornadoes a few years ago. One of the farms Tyler visits is the Beiler’s. William welcomes him to the greenhouse and invites him to dinner. Miriam is instantly taken with him (gets tongue tied and flustered) and Tyler with her. Miriam, knows though, that it cannot be.
Miriam surprise is Minister Mose Stoll from Possum Valley, Ohio. He is a widower looking for a new wife. Miriam’s future brother-in-law mentioned her to Mose. Mose then asked several people about Miriam including her father, the deacon, and the bishop. Mose has come to Clarita to see Miriam in person (to interview her). After talking with Miriam (and just about everyone else in the small community), Mose decides she is the right person for him and asks to correspond with her (to get to know her better). Miriam is not really not given a choice in the matter and agrees. She knows that marrying Mose is what her family wants for her. Her heart, though, does not agree especially as she encounters Tyler more and more in the community. Does Miriam follow her heart or her head? What will be the right choice for her?
I was a little disappointed in this last book in the Land of Promise series. Can you imagine having no choice in who you marry? I felt that Miriam should have spoken up (but then there would not have been a story). I have just told you a little of what goes on in the book. There is also Tyler’s investigation. His research uncovers some startling information. It was nice to revisit Clarita and the characters we have come to know in the series. It is a nicely written book with a good flow. Miriam and the Stranger has a lovely and enjoyable ending. I give Miriam and the Stranger 3.75 out of 5 stars (I liked it, but did not love it).
I received a complimentary copy of Miriam and the Stranger from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest review.
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...
Tyler Johnson is freelance journalist who took an assignment to write on how the local Amish community has recovered from the tornadoes a few years ago. One of the farms Tyler visits is the Beiler’s. William welcomes him to the greenhouse and invites him to dinner. Miriam is instantly taken with him (gets tongue tied and flustered) and Tyler with her. Miriam, knows though, that it cannot be.
Miriam surprise is Minister Mose Stoll from Possum Valley, Ohio. He is a widower looking for a new wife. Miriam’s future brother-in-law mentioned her to Mose. Mose then asked several people about Miriam including her father, the deacon, and the bishop. Mose has come to Clarita to see Miriam in person (to interview her). After talking with Miriam (and just about everyone else in the small community), Mose decides she is the right person for him and asks to correspond with her (to get to know her better). Miriam is not really not given a choice in the matter and agrees. She knows that marrying Mose is what her family wants for her. Her heart, though, does not agree especially as she encounters Tyler more and more in the community. Does Miriam follow her heart or her head? What will be the right choice for her?
I was a little disappointed in this last book in the Land of Promise series. Can you imagine having no choice in who you marry? I felt that Miriam should have spoken up (but then there would not have been a story). I have just told you a little of what goes on in the book. There is also Tyler’s investigation. His research uncovers some startling information. It was nice to revisit Clarita and the characters we have come to know in the series. It is a nicely written book with a good flow. Miriam and the Stranger has a lovely and enjoyable ending. I give Miriam and the Stranger 3.75 out of 5 stars (I liked it, but did not love it).
I received a complimentary copy of Miriam and the Stranger from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest review.
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...
December 28, 2015
Her Amish life was an asset for her, not a liability. Why did the English always see being Amish as a sort of prison, when the Amish were some of the freest people he’d ever met.
I have truly enjoyed this series “The Land of Promise” of Miriam Yoder. Her relationships with her parents, her sisters and her community depict the tension of relationships when life becomes hard. Miriam’s good fortune with her inheritance ended with her loss of her beloved in books one and two. Miriam has found home with her aunt and uncle in Oklahoma. Being the community’ school teacher has given her purpose and the community’s love. Because of that, she has caught the attention of an upcoming Bishop Mose Stoll looking for a new wife. Wanting to please God and her family, Miriam ignores the warning of her heart and continues what may be a loveless courtship with Mose. More tension comes in Miriam’s life when an English reporter Tyler Johnson does a people interest story on the Amish and the rebuilding of Clarita, Oklahoma after the tornado destroyed farms and life. Tyler is drawn to Miriam and her giving heart and Miriam finds herself drawn to him as well. Miriam knows that she has no future with Tyler and the English world but will she have a future with Mose. Two different men from two different worlds; Mose who gives her soul no rest or Tyler who brings the pieces of her soul together.
Miriam’s struggle of pleasing God at the expense of her well-being is what the world may not understand, however, it is never meant to be done alone. I loved how the community came together for the sake of her well being and the strength and peace that it brings.
A Special Thank You to Harvest House Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
I have truly enjoyed this series “The Land of Promise” of Miriam Yoder. Her relationships with her parents, her sisters and her community depict the tension of relationships when life becomes hard. Miriam’s good fortune with her inheritance ended with her loss of her beloved in books one and two. Miriam has found home with her aunt and uncle in Oklahoma. Being the community’ school teacher has given her purpose and the community’s love. Because of that, she has caught the attention of an upcoming Bishop Mose Stoll looking for a new wife. Wanting to please God and her family, Miriam ignores the warning of her heart and continues what may be a loveless courtship with Mose. More tension comes in Miriam’s life when an English reporter Tyler Johnson does a people interest story on the Amish and the rebuilding of Clarita, Oklahoma after the tornado destroyed farms and life. Tyler is drawn to Miriam and her giving heart and Miriam finds herself drawn to him as well. Miriam knows that she has no future with Tyler and the English world but will she have a future with Mose. Two different men from two different worlds; Mose who gives her soul no rest or Tyler who brings the pieces of her soul together.
Miriam’s struggle of pleasing God at the expense of her well-being is what the world may not understand, however, it is never meant to be done alone. I loved how the community came together for the sake of her well being and the strength and peace that it brings.
A Special Thank You to Harvest House Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
March 27, 2016
Miriam and the Stranger was the final book in Jerry Eicher's series, Land of Promise. I'm feeling a little sad because this was a really good series.
When Miriam lost her chance for love and a family because of a tornado she decides to go back to teaching and move on with her life. When Miriam returns home from school one day she discovers an English man has been invited to dinner. Aunt Fannie tells her he is a reporter doing a story on the Amish after the tornado! Miriam is sure this won't turn out well.
When Mose Stoll shows up unexpected asking questions about Miriam she is confused as to what he wants. When is request is made known Miriam is unsure how to deal with him. When a letter from home arrives everything starts to become clear.
There are actually two men that Miriam is considering for marriage but she knows one is absolutely forbidden. Does this change how Miriam feels? Will Miriam discover things about Mose that stops her from saying vows with him? Who will Miriam chose?
When the reporter starts digging into the funds donated to the tornado relief fund what does he find that will cause trouble for the Amish community? Will it be revealed that Miriam is the person who donated 2 million dollars? What will the reporter do with this new information?
As these two romantic plots starts to unravel will Miriam be left without a suitor? Can Miriam pick up the pieces to her life again or is it just to much for her to deal with. Will she be placed in the bann? If you like Amish fiction this is the book you should read.
I did not receive a complimentary copy of this book! I render my honest review because of a well written series. I have also rated this book with 5 stars!
When Miriam lost her chance for love and a family because of a tornado she decides to go back to teaching and move on with her life. When Miriam returns home from school one day she discovers an English man has been invited to dinner. Aunt Fannie tells her he is a reporter doing a story on the Amish after the tornado! Miriam is sure this won't turn out well.
When Mose Stoll shows up unexpected asking questions about Miriam she is confused as to what he wants. When is request is made known Miriam is unsure how to deal with him. When a letter from home arrives everything starts to become clear.
There are actually two men that Miriam is considering for marriage but she knows one is absolutely forbidden. Does this change how Miriam feels? Will Miriam discover things about Mose that stops her from saying vows with him? Who will Miriam chose?
When the reporter starts digging into the funds donated to the tornado relief fund what does he find that will cause trouble for the Amish community? Will it be revealed that Miriam is the person who donated 2 million dollars? What will the reporter do with this new information?
As these two romantic plots starts to unravel will Miriam be left without a suitor? Can Miriam pick up the pieces to her life again or is it just to much for her to deal with. Will she be placed in the bann? If you like Amish fiction this is the book you should read.
I did not receive a complimentary copy of this book! I render my honest review because of a well written series. I have also rated this book with 5 stars!
October 30, 2015
In a way this book was a lot unlike a lot of other amish romances I have read before. I haven't ever read one where an English man has been involved romantically. This is probably the reason I gave it 4 stars.
I read a review where someone didn't like Mose from the beginning. To me, he seemed like the average amish man on the hunt for an amish wife. He didn't come on too strong, wasn't shady, wasn't exactly mean, and he had done a lot of research on Miriam before he actually approached her with the idea of marriage. She was, after all, highly recommended and praised by everyone who knew her. Mose just wasn't the affectionate or romantic type of man that a woman who is being pursued for marriage would hope to experience. Now, when Mose finds out about Miriam's indiscretions with Tyler and how he chose to deal with it, that's when my opinion of him changed. He was a bit harsh.
Tyler, the Englishman, was the affectionate one. His and Miriam's relationship was sweet and playful. Miriam had no doubt that she was wanted for more than a maid with him. He even, for lack of better words, crossed over for her! Now that's love!!!
I wish Miriam and Tyler had run into Mose and his quickly-wed wife after the wedding. I wish Mose could have seen what true love looked like and how the relationship between a husband and wife was supposed to be like. And I wish Mose would have apologized to Miriam for how badly he treated her in the end and how ashamed he made her feel. Seeing an ex happy is usually the best revenge!!
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I read a review where someone didn't like Mose from the beginning. To me, he seemed like the average amish man on the hunt for an amish wife. He didn't come on too strong, wasn't shady, wasn't exactly mean, and he had done a lot of research on Miriam before he actually approached her with the idea of marriage. She was, after all, highly recommended and praised by everyone who knew her. Mose just wasn't the affectionate or romantic type of man that a woman who is being pursued for marriage would hope to experience. Now, when Mose finds out about Miriam's indiscretions with Tyler and how he chose to deal with it, that's when my opinion of him changed. He was a bit harsh.
Tyler, the Englishman, was the affectionate one. His and Miriam's relationship was sweet and playful. Miriam had no doubt that she was wanted for more than a maid with him. He even, for lack of better words, crossed over for her! Now that's love!!!
I wish Miriam and Tyler had run into Mose and his quickly-wed wife after the wedding. I wish Mose could have seen what true love looked like and how the relationship between a husband and wife was supposed to be like. And I wish Mose would have apologized to Miriam for how badly he treated her in the end and how ashamed he made her feel. Seeing an ex happy is usually the best revenge!!
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 1, 2015
Even though I had not read the previous books in this series, I found this wasn't necessary to enjoy Miriam and the Stranger. I enjoyed the authors attention to detail. The story did not move too fast, which meant I had plenty of time to get to know all the important characters. I appreciated the author referencing things that must have happened in earlier books because it made the story easy to follow.
The story followed a young Amish woman named Miriam. In meeting and Englischer named Tyler she found herself extremely flustered. Then Mose comes to town, a minister from her old community who is looking for a wife. Looking for Miriam to be exact. He seems cold and rigid, and while he is in town visiting he seems to be examining Miriam to see if she will pass his test.
I enjoyed seeing Miriam react to Mose in what she thought was proper, however questioning a little bit on the inside. It shows that she was just as human as the next woman. Tyler ends up staying in the community longer than anticipated and finds himself taken with Miriam. He seeks her out and Miriam finds herself in quite a pickle.
Will an exposed secret keep Mose and Miriam apart? Will Tyler finally break Miriam into looking outside the Amish community? You will have to find out for yourself!
The story followed a young Amish woman named Miriam. In meeting and Englischer named Tyler she found herself extremely flustered. Then Mose comes to town, a minister from her old community who is looking for a wife. Looking for Miriam to be exact. He seems cold and rigid, and while he is in town visiting he seems to be examining Miriam to see if she will pass his test.
I enjoyed seeing Miriam react to Mose in what she thought was proper, however questioning a little bit on the inside. It shows that she was just as human as the next woman. Tyler ends up staying in the community longer than anticipated and finds himself taken with Miriam. He seeks her out and Miriam finds herself in quite a pickle.
Will an exposed secret keep Mose and Miriam apart? Will Tyler finally break Miriam into looking outside the Amish community? You will have to find out for yourself!
December 3, 2015
Jerry Eicher wrote another spectacular book in the Land of Promise series called Miriam and the Stranger. Miriam has waited so long for her special man that when two total opposites show up, she has to be careful. When one man comes along with all the right qualifications and everyone thinks he's the one, she has to wait on the Lord to make sure if that's the right decision. Sometimes the right decision from God is not the popular decision with the people. Jerry Eicher is a superb writer and does an excellent job in bringing out the minute details we wouldn't think about. I love and enjoy reading his books and Miriam and the Stranger is Book Three in the Land of Promise series. I highly recommend reading this book but I would advise to read Books One and Two to have a clearer understanding. I'm looking forward to what Jerry's writing will bring to us next.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. This review is one hundred percent my own opinion.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. This review is one hundred percent my own opinion.
April 10, 2016
Miriam and The Stranger brings us back to Oklahoma to catch up with Miriam again. The last book, A Blessing for Miriam, had me turning the pages wondering what would happen next in Miriam's life and this one was no different.
This book deals with many aspects of daily living. It reminded me we are all human and trails can happen in both the Englisch and the Amish. God is always there to help.
The love that Miriam's Aunt and Uncle had for her shone brightly through in the pages. Their concern for their niece was always utmost in their minds. They encouraged her to do well and helped her realize when she needed help. To have someone care and love you so much is just priceless.
The descriptions, the schoolhouse, the buggy rides through the country, the barns, and the wonderful smells of Amish cooking played out vividly in my mind. I laughed, got angry, and cried for Miriam throughout this book.
I loved it and you will too. A wonderful, wonderful read.
I received this book for free in exchange fir my honest rearview
This book deals with many aspects of daily living. It reminded me we are all human and trails can happen in both the Englisch and the Amish. God is always there to help.
The love that Miriam's Aunt and Uncle had for her shone brightly through in the pages. Their concern for their niece was always utmost in their minds. They encouraged her to do well and helped her realize when she needed help. To have someone care and love you so much is just priceless.
The descriptions, the schoolhouse, the buggy rides through the country, the barns, and the wonderful smells of Amish cooking played out vividly in my mind. I laughed, got angry, and cried for Miriam throughout this book.
I loved it and you will too. A wonderful, wonderful read.
I received this book for free in exchange fir my honest rearview
September 9, 2016
I could probably be a little generous and give it 3 1/2 stars.
This is my first Amish story in a long time, I used to love these stories, and was quite excited when I got a copy from NetGalley. The excitement was fleeting and now a distant memory.
This is book 3 in the Land of Promise series, we get to know Miriam Yoder, a young Amish woman, who has been through a lot. She soon finds herself betrothed to a widower Mose Stoll, who arrives from her home community. There is also an English man who makes Miriam’s heart beat faster.
I didn’t know that this was book 3 when I requested it, but Eicher does catch you up on what happened in the previous ones… eventually.
I found that it dragged a lot, but I was determined to finish it. There were some parts where I wasn’t really sure if this could happen in the Amish community, but this isn’t facts, so you can change some aspects of it. The end felt rushed and all happened in about what felt like 10 pages. But at least everything was all wrapped up.
This is my first Amish story in a long time, I used to love these stories, and was quite excited when I got a copy from NetGalley. The excitement was fleeting and now a distant memory.
This is book 3 in the Land of Promise series, we get to know Miriam Yoder, a young Amish woman, who has been through a lot. She soon finds herself betrothed to a widower Mose Stoll, who arrives from her home community. There is also an English man who makes Miriam’s heart beat faster.
I didn’t know that this was book 3 when I requested it, but Eicher does catch you up on what happened in the previous ones… eventually.
I found that it dragged a lot, but I was determined to finish it. There were some parts where I wasn’t really sure if this could happen in the Amish community, but this isn’t facts, so you can change some aspects of it. The end felt rushed and all happened in about what felt like 10 pages. But at least everything was all wrapped up.
April 21, 2016
I absolutely loved this story! Miriam is a woman who I wish I could be more like. She loved God first above all else and was even willing to marry an "ogre". lol (You'll get this statement if you read the book.) I was never happier when Miriam's so-called engagement, if you could call it that, came to a parting of the ways. Mose sounded like a man no one would be happy with. I was depressed just thinking about sweet, lovable Miriam and the likes of Mose. Bishop or not, he definitely did not impress me! I liked Tyler from the start and was ecstatic when he was allowed to see Miriam again now that she wasn't engaged. He was willing to step up and profess his love and you just knew he would love Miriam forever and ever. The ending of the book was such a relief! Now I can sleep tonight knowing that true love still exists. If you like Amish stories, like I do, you should definitely read this book. It ranks five stars from me!
December 18, 2015
From my personal experiences with the Amish peoples, I found parts of this story very unlikely.
While I appreciated the parts about "doing the right thing" and trusting your parents' opinions about issues that are major in your life, I found the likelihood of a reporter wanting to become Amish less than convincing. I've not personally heard of a Bishop or Minister accepting an Englisher into the faith when the first motive was the potential of a love relationship.
On the other hand, I found the arrogance, pride and desire to control of the suitor Bishop to be be a possibility. He was just a man, selected to a position, who was showing his human nature.
One sister followed her parents' suggestions to a depressive state while the other found a successful relationship.
Twists and turns abound. A nice story.
While I appreciated the parts about "doing the right thing" and trusting your parents' opinions about issues that are major in your life, I found the likelihood of a reporter wanting to become Amish less than convincing. I've not personally heard of a Bishop or Minister accepting an Englisher into the faith when the first motive was the potential of a love relationship.
On the other hand, I found the arrogance, pride and desire to control of the suitor Bishop to be be a possibility. He was just a man, selected to a position, who was showing his human nature.
One sister followed her parents' suggestions to a depressive state while the other found a successful relationship.
Twists and turns abound. A nice story.
October 16, 2015
Love wins!
Miriam was a very patient, humble, and spiritual woman. She trusted that God
would help through all of her trials. I learned that some Amish are not humble and kindergarten as others. But in all Jerry Richer is a very excellent author. Keeping you on edge about what is to take place in the story. Wonderful read, I enjoyed it tremendously.
Miriam was a very patient, humble, and spiritual woman. She trusted that God
would help through all of her trials. I learned that some Amish are not humble and kindergarten as others. But in all Jerry Richer is a very excellent author. Keeping you on edge about what is to take place in the story. Wonderful read, I enjoyed it tremendously.
September 26, 2016
He renamed a main character from book one and two in book three. She was a big part of a major plot point in book two. How didn't anyone in editing pick this up? Wayne's sisters name was Joy and in book three she was renamed Lois?
November 3, 2015
Miriam and the Stranger is the third installment of the Land of Promise series. I thought it was a good addition to the series and I enjoyed it.
3 1/2 stars.
3 1/2 stars.
August 30, 2016
i couldn't get into it like the first two. I'm glad Miriam found her ever after in an English man, who loves her enough to convert to Amish.
Read
October 18, 2017An interesting read set in a different location from most books about the Amish. The story had someone joining the Amish out of love for a woman and not for the love of God. This was completely left out. The spiritual side of the Amish was eliminated and the family aspects were highlighted. Many live for the good and leave God out. This book was like that. good read, just disappointing.
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