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Little Amish Girl
They took her childhood, but they couldn't take her voice.
At ten years old, Ivy Schrock’s world is shattered when her father’s abuse leaves her hospitalized and torn from her Amish home. Thrust into the foster care system, she is forced to navigate a string of families where survival is never guaranteed. Each placement erodes her trust, yet she slowly learns the strength of independence and the fragile power of friendship.
As Ivy grows, the scars of her past refuse to fade. As a new passion offers a way forward, old shadows resurface, threatening to pull her back under. Heartbreak and betrayal sharpen the questions she cannot Where does she belong, and how much of her past can she leave behind?
Through resilience and courage, Ivy is determined to forge a life of her own, opening her heart to love, friendship, and a future she never thought possible.
Little Amish Girl is a poignant coming-of-age novel perfect for book clubs and women’s fiction readers who love tear-jerkers that end on a hopeful note. Chronicling one girl’s inner battle for survival and resilience, this touching story explores generational trauma, found family, and the fragile power of personal freedom. Fans of emotional literary fiction, heart-wrenching family sagas, and inspirational stories about overcoming tragedy will find themselves captivated by Ivy’s unforgettable journey. Can she leave the past behind, or is it only a steppingstone toward a future she never dared to imagine?
At ten years old, Ivy Schrock’s world is shattered when her father’s abuse leaves her hospitalized and torn from her Amish home. Thrust into the foster care system, she is forced to navigate a string of families where survival is never guaranteed. Each placement erodes her trust, yet she slowly learns the strength of independence and the fragile power of friendship.
As Ivy grows, the scars of her past refuse to fade. As a new passion offers a way forward, old shadows resurface, threatening to pull her back under. Heartbreak and betrayal sharpen the questions she cannot Where does she belong, and how much of her past can she leave behind?
Through resilience and courage, Ivy is determined to forge a life of her own, opening her heart to love, friendship, and a future she never thought possible.
Little Amish Girl is a poignant coming-of-age novel perfect for book clubs and women’s fiction readers who love tear-jerkers that end on a hopeful note. Chronicling one girl’s inner battle for survival and resilience, this touching story explores generational trauma, found family, and the fragile power of personal freedom. Fans of emotional literary fiction, heart-wrenching family sagas, and inspirational stories about overcoming tragedy will find themselves captivated by Ivy’s unforgettable journey. Can she leave the past behind, or is it only a steppingstone toward a future she never dared to imagine?
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2025
25 people are currently reading
3413 people want to read
About the author
Viola Estrella
22 books85 followersViola is a 2010 RWA® RITA® finalist. Her Urban Fantasy, ANGEL VINDICATED, was nominated for Best First Book. In 2015, her paranormal romance novel, HAUNTING YOU, won the Specialized Category in the NTRWA Carolyn Readers Choice Awards and was a CRW Award of Excellence finalist. In 2010 she was honored by her local RWA chapter, Colorado Romance Writers, with the Writer of the Year award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
November 20, 2025
I’d like to say that a story about a young Amish girl being severely beaten by her ultra-religious father was shocking, but, unfortunately, it’s not. Just because someone is extremely religious doesn’t mean they are a good person. Some of the most despicable behavior and hatred I have witnessed have been by people who “claim” to be “Christians”. True Christians don’t nearly beat their children to death and hospitalized for some inconsequential infraction of some religious dogma. While this is a story of fiction, it was inspired by Viola Estralla’s mother’s life, who grew up in an Amish community. It’s no secret of the extent of horrendous abuse (physical, sexual, mental, emotional) that goes on in religious sects/cults.
The book summary is pretty vague and just basically introduces the primary storylines, one being of a 10yr old Ivy, who was nearly beaten to death and was hospitalized for weeks because some random English kid gave her a cookie. Don’t even get me started on how Ivy’s mother and siblings just stood around and watched the beating and did absolutely nothing to help Ivy or stop the attack, except for one, her sister, Ruth. Fortunately, Ivy’s father is arrested for what he did to Ivy. At Ivy’s second foster home, Ivy runs into Graham, the random English kid who gave her the cookie that resulted in Ivy getting beat.
Most of the story flips back and forth between the present day and the past of what happened to Ivy after she leaves the hospital and spends the rest of her childhood going from one foster home to another. Ivy eventually tracks down her sister Ruth. Unfortunately, Ruth ended up in a foster home too after she reported her father’s attack on Ivy to the police. Apparently, the Amish community “shunned” Ruth for getting her father arrested, and, of course, nothing happened to the father, and he was released and went back home to continue beating his wife and kids until the day he died.
The character development of Ivy along with Graham and Ruth, was well done. The pacing was steady, and the storyline and writing was captivating. I had a hard time putting the book down and was always looking for time to pick it back up, even for just a few minutes or so. This story was heart-wrenching and the final chapters a sad tear-jerker. However, it’s an important story though and one that needs to be told over and over and over again. I’ve said this before and it bears saying it again, “it takes a lot more than DNA to make someone family, and the family we create can be even more important and precious than the family we were born with.” I speak from experience. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.7 that I will be rounding up to a 5star review. I want to thank NetGalley and Bewitching Books for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #BewitchingBooks #LittleAmishGirl
The book summary is pretty vague and just basically introduces the primary storylines, one being of a 10yr old Ivy, who was nearly beaten to death and was hospitalized for weeks because some random English kid gave her a cookie. Don’t even get me started on how Ivy’s mother and siblings just stood around and watched the beating and did absolutely nothing to help Ivy or stop the attack, except for one, her sister, Ruth. Fortunately, Ivy’s father is arrested for what he did to Ivy. At Ivy’s second foster home, Ivy runs into Graham, the random English kid who gave her the cookie that resulted in Ivy getting beat.
Most of the story flips back and forth between the present day and the past of what happened to Ivy after she leaves the hospital and spends the rest of her childhood going from one foster home to another. Ivy eventually tracks down her sister Ruth. Unfortunately, Ruth ended up in a foster home too after she reported her father’s attack on Ivy to the police. Apparently, the Amish community “shunned” Ruth for getting her father arrested, and, of course, nothing happened to the father, and he was released and went back home to continue beating his wife and kids until the day he died.
The character development of Ivy along with Graham and Ruth, was well done. The pacing was steady, and the storyline and writing was captivating. I had a hard time putting the book down and was always looking for time to pick it back up, even for just a few minutes or so. This story was heart-wrenching and the final chapters a sad tear-jerker. However, it’s an important story though and one that needs to be told over and over and over again. I’ve said this before and it bears saying it again, “it takes a lot more than DNA to make someone family, and the family we create can be even more important and precious than the family we were born with.” I speak from experience. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.7 that I will be rounding up to a 5star review. I want to thank NetGalley and Bewitching Books for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #BewitchingBooks #LittleAmishGirl
November 20, 2025
This is a Coming of age Amish Fiction. I read this book by listening to the audiobook for this book, and I loved the audiobook. This book is very hard hitting, and it touches on some hard to read topics. This book touched my heart and made me feel so much which I loved. I really loved Ivy's character. This book is told in two different timelines (then (Ivy as a child) and Now (Ivy as an adult)). I think with the hard hitting topics this covers that it was well written, and I really loved the ending. I just want to give Ivy a big hug. This was a very good read. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
October 30, 2025
This book, a 5 star read for me was riveting from the moment I picked up the book until the moment I put it down finished. I would like to say a big thank you for my ARC of this book. I am a reader of Amish fiction and have been for years and I have learned a lot about their traditions, customs and lifestyle. I had heard and read about physical and sexual abuse in Amish Communities and knew that it was hidden away by the Bishops and religious leaders. This story was eye opening and exposed what I knew was going on. The book was touching and so beautifully written and researched. I could feel the pain and suffering through the descriptions in the book. So many of the circumstances of the book were incredibly sad and heartbreaking and if abuse is a trigger for you this might not be the book for you. Viola truly wrote from the heart and I could feel her soul in the book too. I wish to give away no spoilers but to say this was a very different view of the Amish than most of the fiction books out there and I would recommend it to those who are lovers of the genre. Thank you Viola for sharing through fiction some of the story of your family and I look forward to reading other books written by you.
October 13, 2025
This one is definitely going to linger in my mind for a long while.
Before this book, I’ve never heard or known anything about the Amish community.
Ivy’s story was one of a life of struggles, pain, resilience, but victory at the end. No one deserves to live this kind of life, no not one! It was brutal! My goodness!
There’s something beautiful about how the author, Viola wrote this prose. It’s so well-crafted, with the ability to command and demand the emotion it desires.
The plot strings you along for a ride and you find yourself moving without hesitation.
On the other end, I was sooooo happy Ivy LIVED. She was so brave, resilient and strongggg. I was so happy she got to live the life she desired.
I didn’t want this book to end, so I took my time, but alas, an end was inevitable.
One thing this book made me realise is how much I need to leave this country and travel!! Ughhh! Traveling would heal me right nowwwww.
Many thanks to the author, Viola Estrella, and to NetGalley for the privilege to read this before its pub date. It’s a fantastic read and I recommend everyone gets a copy!
Before this book, I’ve never heard or known anything about the Amish community.
Ivy’s story was one of a life of struggles, pain, resilience, but victory at the end. No one deserves to live this kind of life, no not one! It was brutal! My goodness!
There’s something beautiful about how the author, Viola wrote this prose. It’s so well-crafted, with the ability to command and demand the emotion it desires.
The plot strings you along for a ride and you find yourself moving without hesitation.
On the other end, I was sooooo happy Ivy LIVED. She was so brave, resilient and strongggg. I was so happy she got to live the life she desired.
I didn’t want this book to end, so I took my time, but alas, an end was inevitable.
One thing this book made me realise is how much I need to leave this country and travel!! Ughhh! Traveling would heal me right nowwwww.
Many thanks to the author, Viola Estrella, and to NetGalley for the privilege to read this before its pub date. It’s a fantastic read and I recommend everyone gets a copy!
October 2, 2025
I knew from the moment I finished the first sentence, this would be a five star read.
*Thank you so much to the author, Viola Estrella, and NetGalley for letting me read this gem prior to it's publication in exchange for my honest review.*
Little Amish Girl by Viola Estrella follows Ivy's journey finding herself in and outside the Amish community, and what life looks like when she's living for her. The prose is beautiful, with such descriptive language and an almost poetic approach, readers feel the emotions this book draws out deeply. Ivy's character is so easy to resonate with, and the dilemmas she faces make you want the best for her. I'm so grateful to have been able to read this book, the preface expressed how personal this story is to the author, and you can really feel it throughout the story. I don't think I'll ever shut up about how good of a read this was.
*Thank you so much to the author, Viola Estrella, and NetGalley for letting me read this gem prior to it's publication in exchange for my honest review.*
Little Amish Girl by Viola Estrella follows Ivy's journey finding herself in and outside the Amish community, and what life looks like when she's living for her. The prose is beautiful, with such descriptive language and an almost poetic approach, readers feel the emotions this book draws out deeply. Ivy's character is so easy to resonate with, and the dilemmas she faces make you want the best for her. I'm so grateful to have been able to read this book, the preface expressed how personal this story is to the author, and you can really feel it throughout the story. I don't think I'll ever shut up about how good of a read this was.
November 22, 2025
The brief summary of the book outlines the story of a 10-year-old Amish girl who experiences abuse at the hands of her family and community. The book is so much more than that.
The story touches on a variety of topics: the foster care system, Amish community and its persistence of hiding abuse, substance use, the bond between siblings, and finding yourself throughout time.
Pivoting between adult and adolescent, Ivy tells her history and process of figuring out who she is and where she fits into the world.
I genuinely enjoyed reading this novel and had trouble putting it down because I wanted to know what happened to Ivy.
The writing is well done. My only critique is that the time jumps closer to the end of book are sometimes difficult to follow.
Thank you to Victory Editing and NetGalley for providing me the ARC to read and review.
The story touches on a variety of topics: the foster care system, Amish community and its persistence of hiding abuse, substance use, the bond between siblings, and finding yourself throughout time.
Pivoting between adult and adolescent, Ivy tells her history and process of figuring out who she is and where she fits into the world.
I genuinely enjoyed reading this novel and had trouble putting it down because I wanted to know what happened to Ivy.
The writing is well done. My only critique is that the time jumps closer to the end of book are sometimes difficult to follow.
Thank you to Victory Editing and NetGalley for providing me the ARC to read and review.
December 16, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
Sadly, while this book sounded very interesting, I didn't really enjoy it. It started very strong, with the prologue leaving a deep impression and making me even more excited for this novel, but then it just kept dragging on, even though it wasn't even that long. The writing style wasn't bad, but it also wasn't anything special, making it difficult for me to get into the story emotionally, and the same can be said for the narration. The narrator had a pleasant voice, but I think the story itself just didn't do much for me, so I struggled with focusing on it - which is a feat, as I listened to most of it while at the hospital with literally nothing else to do.
I think this book just didn't work for me personally, but I would still recommend people to check it out and decide for themselves if maybe this leaves more of an impression on them, as there's nothing wrong with the book itself.
Sadly, while this book sounded very interesting, I didn't really enjoy it. It started very strong, with the prologue leaving a deep impression and making me even more excited for this novel, but then it just kept dragging on, even though it wasn't even that long. The writing style wasn't bad, but it also wasn't anything special, making it difficult for me to get into the story emotionally, and the same can be said for the narration. The narrator had a pleasant voice, but I think the story itself just didn't do much for me, so I struggled with focusing on it - which is a feat, as I listened to most of it while at the hospital with literally nothing else to do.
I think this book just didn't work for me personally, but I would still recommend people to check it out and decide for themselves if maybe this leaves more of an impression on them, as there's nothing wrong with the book itself.
October 26, 2025
This is a powerful and heartbreaking novel about a young Amish girl, Ivy, who goes into care after she is hospitalised as a result of being beaten by her father. We follow Ivy as she learns to adjust to a world outside her community and the limitations of the "care" system, which repeatedly let her down
This is a fictional story that draws upon the experiences of the author's mum of life in a strict Amish family and explores what could have happened if she had left at a younger age. The description of Amish culture, including food and dress, was really interesting. There are also some very difficult subjects explored, including sexual and physical abuse and drug and alcohol addiction.
This is a fictional story that draws upon the experiences of the author's mum of life in a strict Amish family and explores what could have happened if she had left at a younger age. The description of Amish culture, including food and dress, was really interesting. There are also some very difficult subjects explored, including sexual and physical abuse and drug and alcohol addiction.
December 1, 2025
Audio version of this book 📕- A Good listen that had you from the first chapter. Telling the struggles of ten year old Amish girl Ivy and the struggles she goes through in her life after getting removed from her Amish home after being abused by her father and moved into the big wide world. A real emotional eye opener
Thank you to NetGalley and Bewitching books for the digital version of this book in exchange for an honest review
Thank you to NetGalley and Bewitching books for the digital version of this book in exchange for an honest review
September 21, 2025
This was a wonderfully woven story about a strong resilient girl that overcomes all the odds. It was quite the journey and there were a lot of bumps along the way v the way. It was very poignant and full of emotion. I would recommend this to others but it isn’t for the faint of heart.
September 9, 2025
Little Amish Girl by Viola Estrella is a captivating, well-written, moving story about surviving after living in a house with an abusive parent. The journey of a little Amish girl in the world of foster care outside the Amish world and the path to healing. It's a very well-put-together story and real life-like as a foster mom I can really relate to. The fear, hurt, shame, misunderstanding, hopelessness, and not belonging, always having to adapt to the uncertain world of a foster child is very well described and very recognizable. I 'm really touched by the story.
December 27, 2025
Ivy Schrock’s childhood is tarnished by her rigid Amish upbringing and her father’s abuse, which left her hospitalized and fighting for her life. The heartbreaking, yet inspiring, story follows the young girl as she is forced into foster care after being shunned by her family and the Amish community.
Despite her tumultuous past, Ivy is a survivor who runs her own bakery and enjoys her quiet life in her small apartment surrounded by her favorite books. Still, people and memories from her past haunt Ivy, reopening old wounds. She cannot find peace or offer her heart to another until she finds closure. Burning questions invade her thoughts: Did her family miss her? Why hadn’t they come searching for Ivy? Ivy embarks on a journey to uncover the truth and make sense of her past.
Little Amish Girl by Viola Estrella spins a powerful narrative on a young woman’s hunger for freedom. Themes of religion, abuse, and resilience are woven throughout the pages, and the writing will prompt deep reflection within each reader. Winding in and out of the past and present, we get snapshots of Ivy’s young life; the isolation and abuse she endured, as well as the harrowing experiences in the foster system.
The things to love about this book are endless. Still, one of the most compelling aspects of Ivy’s story is Estrella’s ability to highlight the challenges of escaping an abusive situation, particularly where religion is used as a sort of moral compass. Leaving these dire circumstances is only a fraction of the battle that victims (especially children) of abuse must navigate. Despite being beaten within an inch of her young life, we see Ivy desperate to return to her family; it was so heartbreakingly evident that she’d been brainwashed into believing this was her fault. Moreover, the act of assimilating while in foster care came with its own challenges, and the author has done an excellent job of illustrating the reluctance to embrace this new world after growing accustomed to isolation and abuse.
If you seek emotionally driven books in which the main character undergoes a profound transformation, Viola Estrella’s Little Amish Girl resonates deeply. Ivy’s story will simultaneously shatter your heart and put it back together with her adversity, bravery, and resilience. Moreover, the relationships between characters, both old and new, are deeply intriguing and multilayered. This is one of those novels that will remain with you long after the last page.
Despite her tumultuous past, Ivy is a survivor who runs her own bakery and enjoys her quiet life in her small apartment surrounded by her favorite books. Still, people and memories from her past haunt Ivy, reopening old wounds. She cannot find peace or offer her heart to another until she finds closure. Burning questions invade her thoughts: Did her family miss her? Why hadn’t they come searching for Ivy? Ivy embarks on a journey to uncover the truth and make sense of her past.
Little Amish Girl by Viola Estrella spins a powerful narrative on a young woman’s hunger for freedom. Themes of religion, abuse, and resilience are woven throughout the pages, and the writing will prompt deep reflection within each reader. Winding in and out of the past and present, we get snapshots of Ivy’s young life; the isolation and abuse she endured, as well as the harrowing experiences in the foster system.
The things to love about this book are endless. Still, one of the most compelling aspects of Ivy’s story is Estrella’s ability to highlight the challenges of escaping an abusive situation, particularly where religion is used as a sort of moral compass. Leaving these dire circumstances is only a fraction of the battle that victims (especially children) of abuse must navigate. Despite being beaten within an inch of her young life, we see Ivy desperate to return to her family; it was so heartbreakingly evident that she’d been brainwashed into believing this was her fault. Moreover, the act of assimilating while in foster care came with its own challenges, and the author has done an excellent job of illustrating the reluctance to embrace this new world after growing accustomed to isolation and abuse.
If you seek emotionally driven books in which the main character undergoes a profound transformation, Viola Estrella’s Little Amish Girl resonates deeply. Ivy’s story will simultaneously shatter your heart and put it back together with her adversity, bravery, and resilience. Moreover, the relationships between characters, both old and new, are deeply intriguing and multilayered. This is one of those novels that will remain with you long after the last page.
January 1, 2026
A wonderful journey with a girl named Ivy as she navigates life in the foster system after being removed from her Amish home. It’s quite a difference, as she’s thrust into the modern world, full of automated comforts and technology that the Amish culture avoids. The Amish lifestyle is sometimes romanticized by people who think it would be nice to unplug. But, the lifestyle and religion come with other issues including a rigidity of rules and physical punishment.
I thought the author captured the foster lifestyle fairly well. Of course, there are some plot points that would run into legal roadblocks in the real world but I appreciated the sentiment of found family. A big reality of the foster system in this book is how often Ivy is juggled around from home to home. It’s always harder for the older children to find a permanent place to land. But, Ivy is a strong character despite all the hardships and trauma she endures throughout the book.
My knowledge of the Amish is minimal outside of the lack of technology and focus on more traditional manual labor and living. I was especially unaware of the religious aspects tied to the Amish and the issues of abuse that many young people experience in the community. Ivy’s experience with abuse landed her in foster care in the first place. And one of her sisters gets put into the system too. Sadly, they’re not reunited until years later when they’re adults. One of my favorite aspects of this book is how the author shows trauma affects everyone in different ways. Ivy’s journey is quite different from her sister’s journey. One more positive. One more tragic.
The book goes back and forth between present-day Ivy and past Ivy starting with the incident that puts her into foster care. I liked slowly learning how Ivy ends up with a bakery in her future. Especially as we learn her journey through foster care wasn’t an easy one. It’s beautiful to see her open up and become the strong woman she is in the present. Yet, there is trauma and guilt that follow her throughout.
I highly recommend this book to others. It’s a great work of fiction and I felt it did a great job of highlighting America’s foster system and the issues within it. The Amish aspect was interesting to learn about too. There is heartache and traumatic experiences throughout but there is also love and joy. Ivy is a great character and I enjoyed reading about her and her life as the Little Amish Girl.
I thought the author captured the foster lifestyle fairly well. Of course, there are some plot points that would run into legal roadblocks in the real world but I appreciated the sentiment of found family. A big reality of the foster system in this book is how often Ivy is juggled around from home to home. It’s always harder for the older children to find a permanent place to land. But, Ivy is a strong character despite all the hardships and trauma she endures throughout the book.
My knowledge of the Amish is minimal outside of the lack of technology and focus on more traditional manual labor and living. I was especially unaware of the religious aspects tied to the Amish and the issues of abuse that many young people experience in the community. Ivy’s experience with abuse landed her in foster care in the first place. And one of her sisters gets put into the system too. Sadly, they’re not reunited until years later when they’re adults. One of my favorite aspects of this book is how the author shows trauma affects everyone in different ways. Ivy’s journey is quite different from her sister’s journey. One more positive. One more tragic.
The book goes back and forth between present-day Ivy and past Ivy starting with the incident that puts her into foster care. I liked slowly learning how Ivy ends up with a bakery in her future. Especially as we learn her journey through foster care wasn’t an easy one. It’s beautiful to see her open up and become the strong woman she is in the present. Yet, there is trauma and guilt that follow her throughout.
I highly recommend this book to others. It’s a great work of fiction and I felt it did a great job of highlighting America’s foster system and the issues within it. The Amish aspect was interesting to learn about too. There is heartache and traumatic experiences throughout but there is also love and joy. Ivy is a great character and I enjoyed reading about her and her life as the Little Amish Girl.
November 23, 2025
As always, I am a little behind current trends. Books featuring the Amish community have become very popular recently, I hear many readers asking for recommendations in this genre. After hearing good reviews from friends, I decided to dive in.
Little Amish Girl is a character led story, centring on Ivy Schrock. We meet Ivy aged 21, and see flashbacks to her life starting when she was just ten. She has the misfortune to live in a very strict farming household, where her father rules the household with an iron fist. Unsurprisingly, Ivy is taken into care, after a particularly extreme incident of “punishment”.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated sensitively by Naomi Rose-Mock. Her voice portrays Ivy’s journey from the heavily accented Pennsylvania Dutch, to a more easily identifiable American accent. This change of voice is the perfect metaphor for Ivy’s life.
I thoroughly enjoyed my first read from Viola Estrella. I found myself gripped by the story. I was relieved to find that the details of what led to Ivy’s need for fostering, wasn’t dwelled on, it was more alluded to. I had hoped that after her hard start in life, that Ivy would find an easier path. Despite everything that our central character has had to bear, her inner strength, resilience and determination to see good in people, shines through.
This book is not an easy read, in knowing that this work of fiction, reflects reality for some. I found it both heartbreaking and heartwarming. The hard hitting issues are faced sensitively, but not shied away from. I think it is so important for issues like these, which may bring some victims to feel shame, to be brought into the light. To remove any stigma from those hurt, to place the blame and shame firmly on those responsible.
Little Amish Girl is a character led story, centring on Ivy Schrock. We meet Ivy aged 21, and see flashbacks to her life starting when she was just ten. She has the misfortune to live in a very strict farming household, where her father rules the household with an iron fist. Unsurprisingly, Ivy is taken into care, after a particularly extreme incident of “punishment”.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated sensitively by Naomi Rose-Mock. Her voice portrays Ivy’s journey from the heavily accented Pennsylvania Dutch, to a more easily identifiable American accent. This change of voice is the perfect metaphor for Ivy’s life.
I thoroughly enjoyed my first read from Viola Estrella. I found myself gripped by the story. I was relieved to find that the details of what led to Ivy’s need for fostering, wasn’t dwelled on, it was more alluded to. I had hoped that after her hard start in life, that Ivy would find an easier path. Despite everything that our central character has had to bear, her inner strength, resilience and determination to see good in people, shines through.
This book is not an easy read, in knowing that this work of fiction, reflects reality for some. I found it both heartbreaking and heartwarming. The hard hitting issues are faced sensitively, but not shied away from. I think it is so important for issues like these, which may bring some victims to feel shame, to be brought into the light. To remove any stigma from those hurt, to place the blame and shame firmly on those responsible.
November 17, 2025
She takes her power back.
“Little Amish Girl” by Viola Estrella is an emotional journey that I could not put down once I started. I did not want to be interrupted until I finished! This novel tells the story of ten-year-old Ivy, who was taken from her abusive Amish family and put into the foster care system, which leaves Ivy feeling lost. English is a second language for her, she’s not entirely familiar with indoor plumbing, and she is only comfortable dressing in an old-fashioned style, which makes her bait for bullies. Sadly, Ivy feels everything is her fault because she’s been a bad daughter. As Ivy grows, she moves from foster home to foster home, each with its own problems. Despite the trauma, she slowly begins to emerge from the constraints of her rigid upbringing and realizes she has hopes and dreams. As a young adult, she struggles to help her biological sister and her troubled foster brother. Old habits of perfectionism and overwork from her childhood continue to plague her. She wants to reconnect with family who are still in the Amish community, but will they accept her? She questions who she is, really. What does she – Ivy – not other people – want? In writing this novel, the author drew from the experience of her mother, who grew up in the Amish community but left as an adult, only to suffer heartbreak when her family shunned her. Ultimately, this is an inspirational novel. Any reader who is working on breaking from old patterns set by others - whether by family, religion, ex’s - will find many uplifting takeaways from Ivy’s journey. “Little Amish Girl” would make an excellent book club selection.
“Little Amish Girl” by Viola Estrella is an emotional journey that I could not put down once I started. I did not want to be interrupted until I finished! This novel tells the story of ten-year-old Ivy, who was taken from her abusive Amish family and put into the foster care system, which leaves Ivy feeling lost. English is a second language for her, she’s not entirely familiar with indoor plumbing, and she is only comfortable dressing in an old-fashioned style, which makes her bait for bullies. Sadly, Ivy feels everything is her fault because she’s been a bad daughter. As Ivy grows, she moves from foster home to foster home, each with its own problems. Despite the trauma, she slowly begins to emerge from the constraints of her rigid upbringing and realizes she has hopes and dreams. As a young adult, she struggles to help her biological sister and her troubled foster brother. Old habits of perfectionism and overwork from her childhood continue to plague her. She wants to reconnect with family who are still in the Amish community, but will they accept her? She questions who she is, really. What does she – Ivy – not other people – want? In writing this novel, the author drew from the experience of her mother, who grew up in the Amish community but left as an adult, only to suffer heartbreak when her family shunned her. Ultimately, this is an inspirational novel. Any reader who is working on breaking from old patterns set by others - whether by family, religion, ex’s - will find many uplifting takeaways from Ivy’s journey. “Little Amish Girl” would make an excellent book club selection.
December 19, 2025
This is a great listen/read about some difficult and truly horrific subject matter, but is written about with grace and intelligence. Triggers for physical abuse, child abuse, SA and suicide. Be mindful, but again, written in context to what is happening and not gratuitious. Ivy was born in the Amish community, but this could have been in any insular community that eschews the outside world and thus has no potential oversight by…anyone with eyes, ears and a heart. Ivy’s world is forever changed when she and her sister are removed from their abusive home. While she is recovering in the hospital, she discovers that her family is not coming back for her. She then begins her journey through the foster care system, learning to navigate it, the world itself, how very different it is from her upbringing and trying to find her way. She's strong, smart and wants more for herself. As she slowly finds herself, she creates a life, makes friends, tries to reconnect with and help her sister, her family and ultimately has to let all of them go and move on. Her inner strength is what kept her going and kept me reading. This is a compelling beautifully narrated book that exemplifies many things, but in my opinion and experience, that zealotry of most anything to the exclusion of any and everything else that doesn't allow for free thought, free will and educating oneself outside of a specific doctrine is not a healthy way to live. Clearly this is a work of fiction, but I applaud the author for their research that made it seem in many ways, real and honest.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 28, 2025
This review was written for Reedsy Discovery
A young girl removed from strict Amish society faces turmoil in foster care, and, in adulthood, struggles to rehabilitate those she loves
Young Ivy's life is forever changed after a chance encounter with a young thief leads to shocking consequences, resulting in her hospitalization and subsequent placement in the foster care system. At just ten years old, she has only known life under her Amish father's strict and volatile rule, so she struggles to adjust to "English" life. Despite her best efforts to be a good foster daughter and earn her place in a safe and stable home, she is moved from placement to placement. Years later, she finds herself trying to rehabilitate those she cares about—lost souls who also suffered in the throes of foster care but have continued to struggle in adulthood.
Told in alternating timelines—Ivy's youth in foster care and her early adulthood—Little Amish Girl by Viola Estrella is both a challenging and inspiring read. By placing glimpses of the present day between chapters depicting the pain of Ivy's youth, the book affords the reader breaks from the turmoil with feelings of hope for a happy outcome. Despite some triggering scenes and a bleak portrayal of life in foster care, the book maintains momentum toward a happy outcome for Ivy. Ivy's coming of age is fraught with turmoil and uncertainty, and her character development is rightfully complex.
Readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories, literary fiction, and tales of exiting stringent religious lifestyles will find a satisfying read in Little Amish Girl. Those who are sensitive to scenes depicting child abuse, domestic abuse, and misogyny may want to avoid this book; however, it is my opinion that the author handled these topics well, with breaks in the timeline to afford the reader adequate periods of relief. Though the book tackles difficult topics, it is not inappropriate for a younger audience; in fact, young adults—especially foster care youth—will likely identify with Ivy and her siblings (both blood and found family). Overall, I greatly enjoyed the story and was highly invested in Ivy's experiences.
A young girl removed from strict Amish society faces turmoil in foster care, and, in adulthood, struggles to rehabilitate those she loves
Young Ivy's life is forever changed after a chance encounter with a young thief leads to shocking consequences, resulting in her hospitalization and subsequent placement in the foster care system. At just ten years old, she has only known life under her Amish father's strict and volatile rule, so she struggles to adjust to "English" life. Despite her best efforts to be a good foster daughter and earn her place in a safe and stable home, she is moved from placement to placement. Years later, she finds herself trying to rehabilitate those she cares about—lost souls who also suffered in the throes of foster care but have continued to struggle in adulthood.
Told in alternating timelines—Ivy's youth in foster care and her early adulthood—Little Amish Girl by Viola Estrella is both a challenging and inspiring read. By placing glimpses of the present day between chapters depicting the pain of Ivy's youth, the book affords the reader breaks from the turmoil with feelings of hope for a happy outcome. Despite some triggering scenes and a bleak portrayal of life in foster care, the book maintains momentum toward a happy outcome for Ivy. Ivy's coming of age is fraught with turmoil and uncertainty, and her character development is rightfully complex.
Readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories, literary fiction, and tales of exiting stringent religious lifestyles will find a satisfying read in Little Amish Girl. Those who are sensitive to scenes depicting child abuse, domestic abuse, and misogyny may want to avoid this book; however, it is my opinion that the author handled these topics well, with breaks in the timeline to afford the reader adequate periods of relief. Though the book tackles difficult topics, it is not inappropriate for a younger audience; in fact, young adults—especially foster care youth—will likely identify with Ivy and her siblings (both blood and found family). Overall, I greatly enjoyed the story and was highly invested in Ivy's experiences.
November 10, 2025
Viola Estrella writes about life in the Amish Community with understanding and conviction. Through the eyes of Ivy, a little damaged girl who is taken from her Amish family for her own protection, to spend the rest of her childhood in a series of foster homes, we learn about what it is like to grow up as part of an Amish family, and the problems encountered when going out into the wider community. Ivy’s story is told in a succession of ‘Then’ and ‘Now’ chapters, and we quickly become deeply involved with her plight. There is much to admire in her character, and she evokes great sympathy. Such an emotional story in which the male head of the family is often seen as controlling and violent , could so easily have been turned into a diatribe against masculinity. But the author skilfully, shows how everyone of us has strengths and weaknesses,. This is exemplified by the two other men in Ivy’s life; her foster brother Drex, and fellow student Beck,. They are both very caring, and clearly illustrate that not all men are domineering and violent . That said, this important story leaves us in no doubt that the author is not comfortable with the nature of the Amish community, and the subservient position of women within it.
November 28, 2025
Thank you to Goodreads and the author Viola Estrella for my Advanced Readers Edition on Kindle of Little Amish Girl. A poignant and raw coming-of-age story that dives headlong into the gritty, less discussed, hardships of growing up in Amish communities and the sense of abandonment once you are no longer welcome home. Estrella draws from her own mother’s experiences growing up Amish and she provides an authentic and unflinching look at the difficult life. The story follows Ivy through her journey of being ripped from an abusive Amish home and navigating the foster care system. I felt the sincerity in the writing when it describes Ivy’s struggle to leave the only home she has never know for the English world that was as foreign to her as another continent would be. I embraced the strong themes of identity, found family, and the search of acceptance. I also really enjoyed the dual timelines that intercepted Ivy’s childhood challenges and her adult experiences. Overall I give Little Amish Girl 4 stars, a great addition to literary fiction with some historical fiction vibes. This book will resonate with fans of Kristen Hannah and Jodi Picoult. A lovely story full of hardship, hope, and endurance.
November 17, 2025
4.75⭐️
I had the audiobook read by Naomi Rose-Mock who really brings Ivy to life.
I haven’t read much about the Amish community and wasn’t aware of the problem of abuse, although with the values of the past and strict discipline I shouldn’t have been surprised.
This is Ivy’s story after being hospitalised aged ten she is removed from her family and enters the foster system and a very different culture.
Amy is so easy to connect with, such a likeable character, she had so much to endure, it really tugged on my emotions. Yes there’s sadness, but it’s not all gloom and doom, Ivy demonstrates so much resilience, courage and hope. The other character who had a huge impact on Ivy’s life is Emily, thank goodness for her presence in Ivy’s life.
It’s a very moving story, I was so invested in Ivy’s life, a great read. I highly recommend this if you’re in the mood for something a little different. I just love a book that elicits a deep emotional connection for me to the characters.
I had the audiobook read by Naomi Rose-Mock who really brings Ivy to life.
I haven’t read much about the Amish community and wasn’t aware of the problem of abuse, although with the values of the past and strict discipline I shouldn’t have been surprised.
This is Ivy’s story after being hospitalised aged ten she is removed from her family and enters the foster system and a very different culture.
Amy is so easy to connect with, such a likeable character, she had so much to endure, it really tugged on my emotions. Yes there’s sadness, but it’s not all gloom and doom, Ivy demonstrates so much resilience, courage and hope. The other character who had a huge impact on Ivy’s life is Emily, thank goodness for her presence in Ivy’s life.
It’s a very moving story, I was so invested in Ivy’s life, a great read. I highly recommend this if you’re in the mood for something a little different. I just love a book that elicits a deep emotional connection for me to the characters.
November 22, 2025
Ivy is ten years old when she is taken away from her abusive armish family and spends the rest of her childhood in the foster system. She’s forced to cling to whatever support she can find, adapting to new environments with a resilience that seems fragile at first but proves astonishingly strong. Ivy bends, but she doesn’t break. She grows toward any hint of light, even when darkness surrounds her.
The story has a dual timeline and we alternate between her childhood and her adult life running a bakery and how she tries to help others while retaining a stable sense of self.
I liked how Ivy learns from those around her, both the good parts and bad parts, and decides she has a choice in how her life will turn out which drives the story forward. It doesn’t shy away from some very difficult topics but the writing stops you from being crushed under the weight of it, mirroring Ivy’s perspective of living.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bewitching books for the arc
The story has a dual timeline and we alternate between her childhood and her adult life running a bakery and how she tries to help others while retaining a stable sense of self.
I liked how Ivy learns from those around her, both the good parts and bad parts, and decides she has a choice in how her life will turn out which drives the story forward. It doesn’t shy away from some very difficult topics but the writing stops you from being crushed under the weight of it, mirroring Ivy’s perspective of living.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bewitching books for the arc
November 25, 2025
5 stars
The narrator Naomi Rose-Mock was perfect for this audiobook it made the book come to life as her voice was what was needed for this sad story about Ivy ,her sensitivity was very much needed for a book like this .The dual timeline ran smoothly into each other from Ivy in adult life back to when she was 10 years old living in an extremely strict and religious home with a very restrictive way of life .Ivy was a child who dealt wellwith her foster parents sending her back into the system again and again untill the beautiful kind soul ,Emily her care worker fostered her and gave her the security and love she deserved..The author Viola Estrella is new to me but because she wrote such a wonderful yet very sensitive book with topics that need to be spoken about I will now seek out more for her books.Thank you #NetGalley and #BewitchingBooks for allowing me the opportunity to listen and review this book #Goodreads and #Amazon reviewer.
The narrator Naomi Rose-Mock was perfect for this audiobook it made the book come to life as her voice was what was needed for this sad story about Ivy ,her sensitivity was very much needed for a book like this .The dual timeline ran smoothly into each other from Ivy in adult life back to when she was 10 years old living in an extremely strict and religious home with a very restrictive way of life .Ivy was a child who dealt wellwith her foster parents sending her back into the system again and again untill the beautiful kind soul ,Emily her care worker fostered her and gave her the security and love she deserved..The author Viola Estrella is new to me but because she wrote such a wonderful yet very sensitive book with topics that need to be spoken about I will now seek out more for her books.Thank you #NetGalley and #BewitchingBooks for allowing me the opportunity to listen and review this book #Goodreads and #Amazon reviewer.
November 29, 2025
Little Amish Girl is a character led story, centring on Ivy Schrock. We meet Ivy aged 21, and see flashbacks to her life starting when she was just ten. She has the misfortune to live in a very strict farming household, where her father rules the household with an iron fist. Unsurprisingly, Ivy is taken into care, after a particularly extreme incident of “punishment”. The fear, hurt, shame, misunderstanding, hopelessness, and not belonging, always having to adapt to the uncertain world of is very well described and very recognizable. I found the dual timeline between present day and her past to be well done. I think the harsh reality of both worlds worked nicely in contrast. I liked the characters and thought it was a different type of Amish story than what I normally would find. The author Viola Estrella is new to me but found her presenting an interesting story with emotion and feeling. Many thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity.
November 30, 2025
🎧 from Netgalley. Thoughts and opinions are my own. Want to rate a 3.5 but rounding up here to 4. I normally don't like doing half stars but this one was tough for me to honestly rate.
I wanted to seriously enjoy this more than what I did considering I love Amish stories and what I mostly read for most of my early and late teens.
I had trouble keeping up with the various events of what was happening between the characters so much that I wasn't sure what was happening and where I was at within the story. Maybe if I had an ebook or physical copy instead I could have kept up but who knows.
I did like the narrator and part of how they tried to be accurate mental health wise. There were parts that grabbed me and other parts where I kind of zoned out because I was a bit lost. The characters I was able to keep up with most was Ivy and Emily.
Not a terrible story overall. Hopefully someone else will be able to enjoy it more than I did.
I wanted to seriously enjoy this more than what I did considering I love Amish stories and what I mostly read for most of my early and late teens.
I had trouble keeping up with the various events of what was happening between the characters so much that I wasn't sure what was happening and where I was at within the story. Maybe if I had an ebook or physical copy instead I could have kept up but who knows.
I did like the narrator and part of how they tried to be accurate mental health wise. There were parts that grabbed me and other parts where I kind of zoned out because I was a bit lost. The characters I was able to keep up with most was Ivy and Emily.
Not a terrible story overall. Hopefully someone else will be able to enjoy it more than I did.
October 7, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book has amazing prose, kudos to the writer for that one.
However feel like at some point it felt like reading a list of things that happened to an amish girl. It would have been a better read if there had been more inclusion of the 'horrors' of an amish lifestyle because the abuse faced by the protagonist would still have been faced in another household that wasn't necessarily amish. For the characters, some of them felt underdeveloped and their impact on Ivy was negligible. While I'm not saying that I wanted to see every character's POV, a little more backstories for each would have worked just fine coz as I said earlier it felt like the characters were just going through a list of things and ambushing each other with them.
The book has amazing prose, kudos to the writer for that one.
However feel like at some point it felt like reading a list of things that happened to an amish girl. It would have been a better read if there had been more inclusion of the 'horrors' of an amish lifestyle because the abuse faced by the protagonist would still have been faced in another household that wasn't necessarily amish. For the characters, some of them felt underdeveloped and their impact on Ivy was negligible. While I'm not saying that I wanted to see every character's POV, a little more backstories for each would have worked just fine coz as I said earlier it felt like the characters were just going through a list of things and ambushing each other with them.
October 30, 2025
This story is about learning to let go of the past in order to reach for the future. I was gripped from the very first page and couldn’t put it down! It’s heartbreaking to read about the trauma Ivy endured at the hands of her Dat and the failures of her foster care system that follow, yet the author handles those subjects with honesty and compassion.
I especially loved the alternating timelines—the past and present weaved together until they finally merged, which made the story even more powerful. It’s a moving and emotional story that reminds us that healing isn’t linear and hope will find us if we let it in.
Perfect for readers who love emotional redemption arcs and stories about resilience and healing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I especially loved the alternating timelines—the past and present weaved together until they finally merged, which made the story even more powerful. It’s a moving and emotional story that reminds us that healing isn’t linear and hope will find us if we let it in.
Perfect for readers who love emotional redemption arcs and stories about resilience and healing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 19, 2025
🎧Audiobook review🎧
This came highly recommended by a bookish friend so I dove straight in, I didn’t read the blurb.
Ivy Shrock is removed from her Amish family and put into foster care, after being hospitalised by her father’s violence. She’s ten years old, alone and all she knows are the Amish lifestyle and beliefs that she was raised with.
It’s fairly moving, frequently bleak, but there is hope and resilience. It’s good, I went into it with high expectations. It’s possible that I’ve read and listened to too much survivor / misery-lit recently.
The audiobook narration by Naomi Rose-Mock is excellent, with a variety of distinct voices. I especially like the subtle changes as Ivy moves away from the ‘Pennsylvania Dutch’ accent she’s grown up with.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bewitching Books
This came highly recommended by a bookish friend so I dove straight in, I didn’t read the blurb.
Ivy Shrock is removed from her Amish family and put into foster care, after being hospitalised by her father’s violence. She’s ten years old, alone and all she knows are the Amish lifestyle and beliefs that she was raised with.
It’s fairly moving, frequently bleak, but there is hope and resilience. It’s good, I went into it with high expectations. It’s possible that I’ve read and listened to too much survivor / misery-lit recently.
The audiobook narration by Naomi Rose-Mock is excellent, with a variety of distinct voices. I especially like the subtle changes as Ivy moves away from the ‘Pennsylvania Dutch’ accent she’s grown up with.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bewitching Books
November 19, 2025
An horrific story of a young Amish girl who has dealt with the unthinkable and unimaginable. At the age of 10, Ivy is sent to live in the foster care system after the abuse of her father. You know it's a bad situation when the Amish go to the "English" police for help and subsequently was raised outside the church and community, in a world that is totally foreign to her. As someone who grew up Pennsylvania Dutch (Mennonite but left the church at 19), this breaks my heart to read and hear this via the audiobook format. The narrator does an incredible job and really captures what it is going on.
I'm really glad I had to chance to check this story out and I highly recommend it!
I would love to thank the author, narrator, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I'm really glad I had to chance to check this story out and I highly recommend it!
I would love to thank the author, narrator, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2025
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bewitching Books for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review. I loved the narration by Naomi Rose-Mock, and it definitely made the listening experience more enjoyable.
Ivy, a child in an Amish family, is brutally beaten by her father and ends up in foster care. As she struggles with adjusting to not only "english" life but also life as a foster kid, we see her grown and traverse the foster care system and eventually her life outside as an adult.
I really enjoyed the story. I found the dual timeline between present day and her past to be well done. I think the harsh reality of both worlds worked nicely in contrast. I liked the characters and thought it was a different type of Amish story than what I normally would find. Highly recommend.
Ivy, a child in an Amish family, is brutally beaten by her father and ends up in foster care. As she struggles with adjusting to not only "english" life but also life as a foster kid, we see her grown and traverse the foster care system and eventually her life outside as an adult.
I really enjoyed the story. I found the dual timeline between present day and her past to be well done. I think the harsh reality of both worlds worked nicely in contrast. I liked the characters and thought it was a different type of Amish story than what I normally would find. Highly recommend.
November 26, 2025
This audiobook explores a wide range of themes, including the foster care system, the Amish community’s tendency to hide abuse, substance use, the strength of sibling bonds, and the long and often painful process of discovering one’s identity.
Told through Ivy’s alternating adolescent and adult perspectives, the narration follows her as she looks back on her past and tries to understand who she is and where she belongs. I found myself fully absorbed in her journey and often reluctant to pause the audiobook because I wanted to know what would happen to her next.
The writing and narration are both well executed, though the time jumps toward the end can occasionally be challenging to follow.
I am voluntarily leaving this review after receiving the audiobook. Thank you #NetGalley #LittleAmishGirl.
Told through Ivy’s alternating adolescent and adult perspectives, the narration follows her as she looks back on her past and tries to understand who she is and where she belongs. I found myself fully absorbed in her journey and often reluctant to pause the audiobook because I wanted to know what would happen to her next.
The writing and narration are both well executed, though the time jumps toward the end can occasionally be challenging to follow.
I am voluntarily leaving this review after receiving the audiobook. Thank you #NetGalley #LittleAmishGirl.
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