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Anathema
When Hannah refuses to forgive a terrible sin she becomes anathema--shunned. But the real question is, can she forgive herself?
Visitors come to Parke County, Indiana to enjoy the lush farms, to buy the Amish quilts, and to experience the peaceful ways of the Amish families who live there. But when a double murder rocks this quiet community, the Amish residents resolve to forgive even this unfathomable offense.
Hannah, however, finds forgiveness out of reach--both for the murderer and for herself. She harbors a secret shame: while the crime was committed in her own home, she was out meeting with her forbidden love, her English beau, Reece.
The elders of the community insist that Hannah must forgive her family's killer or be shunned. When Hannah refuses, she runs away with Reece, leaving behind the only life she's ever known.
Years later, Hannah must journey back to the place she no longer calls home. Can she find the forgiveness and belonging she so desperately desires?
Visitors come to Parke County, Indiana to enjoy the lush farms, to buy the Amish quilts, and to experience the peaceful ways of the Amish families who live there. But when a double murder rocks this quiet community, the Amish residents resolve to forgive even this unfathomable offense.
Hannah, however, finds forgiveness out of reach--both for the murderer and for herself. She harbors a secret shame: while the crime was committed in her own home, she was out meeting with her forbidden love, her English beau, Reece.
The elders of the community insist that Hannah must forgive her family's killer or be shunned. When Hannah refuses, she runs away with Reece, leaving behind the only life she's ever known.
Years later, Hannah must journey back to the place she no longer calls home. Can she find the forgiveness and belonging she so desperately desires?
327 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2008
442 people are currently reading
2343 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Coble
148 books6,383 followersUSAToday bestselling author Colleen Coble lives with her husband, Dave, in Arizona. She is the author of dozens of novels including the Rock Harbor Series, the Aloha Reef Series, the Mercy Falls Series, the Hope Beach Series, the Lonestar Series and two Women of Faith fiction selections, Alaska Twilight and Midnight Sea. She has more than 6 million books in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 257 reviews
May 20, 2019
This was another great suspense from Colleen Coble. I had this on my TBR for a very long time and glad I finally got to reading this. Colleen provided a very interesting story, with some very twisted characters who could all have done the murder, Hannah who struggled with her choices, her longing for her Amish roots and where she fits in now. Matt with his own conflicting struggles provided a realistic hero.
I enjoyed the facts about the Amish faith which easily flowed with the mystery thread. It as interesting to learn about what they believe. What was interesting is that even though they extend forgiveness and assistance easily to others and specifically outsiders, they do not extend this same grace to people from their own community which they have shunned. (But just as quickly accept the person when they person confessed).
The murder mystery were interesting and some twists I definitely did not see coming.
For me the theme of forgiveness, as well as relationship with God vs religion, stood out strongly.
I enjoyed the facts about the Amish faith which easily flowed with the mystery thread. It as interesting to learn about what they believe. What was interesting is that even though they extend forgiveness and assistance easily to others and specifically outsiders, they do not extend this same grace to people from their own community which they have shunned. (But just as quickly accept the person when they person confessed).
The murder mystery were interesting and some twists I definitely did not see coming.
For me the theme of forgiveness, as well as relationship with God vs religion, stood out strongly.
May 20, 2022
This was just so incredibly slow and the twists that finally appeared didn't make much sense to me. The character of Reece especially was just forced for lack of a better word. I completely understand the plot intended and the reality of how the abusive marriage thing works, it's just that this author has simply failed to really bring these people to life. There are times when the plot drags on through too many useless twists of the characters' every move or every train of thought. I really had to force myself to finish it.
January 23, 2016
The twists and turns in ANATHEMA by Colleen Coble will keep you guessing in this suspense novel set in the quaint lifestyle of the Amish.
Hannah Schwartz has been raised in the Amish community of Parke County, Indiana. And though she knows the ways of the Amish, she has done the unpardonable– fallen in love with an Englisch. While on a rendezvous with Reece, her parents are murdered in their home. Devastated and confused, Hannah leaves her childhood behind in Parke County and runs away with Reece. But soon, her fairytale love because anything but that. Reece is controlling, manipulative, and abusive. He keeps Hannah under his thumb with threats–both physical and verbal. He refuses her one wish of a child, not wanting to share her with anyone. When Hannah breaks the news to Reece that she is pregnant, he feels Hannah has betrayed him. When tragedy ensues and Hannah can take no more, she runs away from the very man she had run to so many years ago. Starting a new life for herself as an author of a book on Amish quilts, Hannah feels she has put her misfortunes behind her and desires nothing more than a peaceful, low-key existence. But this is not to be so in the life of Hannah Schwartz. She returns to her Amish hometown only to be shunned. And when murder strikes yet again, Hannah can’t help but feel there is something more to the killings and is terrified that Reece might be more than just an abuser.
ANATHEMA was quite a surprise. Not your typical Amish book (of which I am not a fan), Coble weaves the ways of the Amish community into a truly suspenseful story. At times, ANATHEMA was difficult to read because of its long list of characters. I found myself re-reading portions to make sure I had the relationships between characters correct before I could go further. With three generations to keep straight, it challenged the reader to keep their head in the game. Though I was suspect of who the killer was, I never put together the depth of the person’s crimes.
Suspense – definitely, romance – it’s there, too, take away – forgiveness, no matter how hard must be extended for us to be forgiven our own trespasses.
Hannah Schwartz has been raised in the Amish community of Parke County, Indiana. And though she knows the ways of the Amish, she has done the unpardonable– fallen in love with an Englisch. While on a rendezvous with Reece, her parents are murdered in their home. Devastated and confused, Hannah leaves her childhood behind in Parke County and runs away with Reece. But soon, her fairytale love because anything but that. Reece is controlling, manipulative, and abusive. He keeps Hannah under his thumb with threats–both physical and verbal. He refuses her one wish of a child, not wanting to share her with anyone. When Hannah breaks the news to Reece that she is pregnant, he feels Hannah has betrayed him. When tragedy ensues and Hannah can take no more, she runs away from the very man she had run to so many years ago. Starting a new life for herself as an author of a book on Amish quilts, Hannah feels she has put her misfortunes behind her and desires nothing more than a peaceful, low-key existence. But this is not to be so in the life of Hannah Schwartz. She returns to her Amish hometown only to be shunned. And when murder strikes yet again, Hannah can’t help but feel there is something more to the killings and is terrified that Reece might be more than just an abuser.
ANATHEMA was quite a surprise. Not your typical Amish book (of which I am not a fan), Coble weaves the ways of the Amish community into a truly suspenseful story. At times, ANATHEMA was difficult to read because of its long list of characters. I found myself re-reading portions to make sure I had the relationships between characters correct before I could go further. With three generations to keep straight, it challenged the reader to keep their head in the game. Though I was suspect of who the killer was, I never put together the depth of the person’s crimes.
Suspense – definitely, romance – it’s there, too, take away – forgiveness, no matter how hard must be extended for us to be forgiven our own trespasses.
November 12, 2016
Such an enthralling story! I love how Coble gets into the grit of real relationships while hurling evil at her characters along the way! Emotions run high on both the Amish and Englisch sides as tragedy and danger create chaos in the usually peaceful town.
Hannah is a conflicted heroine -- living in the world while trying to hold onto the core of her Amish roots. But she's a survivor. Scrappy. Determined. Intent on discovering the truth. And that isn't easy -- especially when you don't know who to trust. Tense and sinister...with a wee bit spine-chilling. As well as unexpected romance with a whole lot of complications. I couldn't put this book down. Perfect for the romantic suspense connoisseur.
Hannah is a conflicted heroine -- living in the world while trying to hold onto the core of her Amish roots. But she's a survivor. Scrappy. Determined. Intent on discovering the truth. And that isn't easy -- especially when you don't know who to trust. Tense and sinister...with a wee bit spine-chilling. As well as unexpected romance with a whole lot of complications. I couldn't put this book down. Perfect for the romantic suspense connoisseur.
March 5, 2019
2-2.5 stars. I finished it but it was tough. When I read the back of the book I thought “wow this is going to be so good”...and it really COULD have been a great book if it wasn’t all over the place. The ideas were good but there was just way too much that was really unrealistic. Too many people connected in different ways that made it confusing at times and often boring. Unfortunately I would not recommend this one.
August 4, 2018
This was okay. It didn’t really hold my attention but it wasn’t terrible. Just average.
May 20, 2021
Where Shadows Meet is a story about away, you can survive after trauma. After the murder of her parents, Hannah married her forbidden love, Reece. However, Hannah soon realises that Reece was not the person she thought he was. Hannah got the strength to run away from Reece after he caused their baby to die after pushing her down the stairs. However, Reece found her and told her about the daughter he gave away. Hannah started to think if Reese is lying or telling the truth. The readers of Where Shadows Meet will continue to follow Hannah to find out what happens.
Wow, Where Shadows Meet is another fantastic book by Colleen Coble. I enjoy the way Colleen Coble incorporates the religious elements of her plots so that it does not offend the readers. In a way, they enhance the book's plot. I love Colleen Coble's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine with each other throughout this book. Where Shadows Meet is well written and researched by Colleen Coble. I like Colleen Coble description of the settings of Where Shadows Meet, which allowed me to imagine being part of the plot of this book.
The Where Shadows Meet readers will learn about the culture of the Amish people in The United States of America and their beautiful Quilts. Also, the readers of "Where Shadows Meet" will understand the consequences of domestic abuse.
I recommend this book.
Wow, Where Shadows Meet is another fantastic book by Colleen Coble. I enjoy the way Colleen Coble incorporates the religious elements of her plots so that it does not offend the readers. In a way, they enhance the book's plot. I love Colleen Coble's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine with each other throughout this book. Where Shadows Meet is well written and researched by Colleen Coble. I like Colleen Coble description of the settings of Where Shadows Meet, which allowed me to imagine being part of the plot of this book.
The Where Shadows Meet readers will learn about the culture of the Amish people in The United States of America and their beautiful Quilts. Also, the readers of "Where Shadows Meet" will understand the consequences of domestic abuse.
I recommend this book.
July 4, 2017
I thought I had it all figured out. Boy, was I wrong.
October 15, 2014
I loved this book. Colleen Coble is an excellent writer and this book doesn't disappoint! You can see my full review here.
August 25, 2024
Great story, kept me intrigued. I did think that some things were quite rushed and not explained as well. This was my first book by this author and I will definitely try some others.
October 31, 2024
I listened to this one.i enjoyed it.
May 6, 2025
Colleen Coble is one of my go-to-authors! I was immediately drawn into the drama. Twists and turns kept me turning the pages. These characters will linger long after turning the final page.
Recommend to readers who enjoy romantic suspense.
I borrowed a copy from the library. I have expressed my honest view.
Recommend to readers who enjoy romantic suspense.
I borrowed a copy from the library. I have expressed my honest view.
July 9, 2015
This is definitely not your typical Amish Story. I didn't think I would make it though the first chapter. The decisions that Hannah Schwartz had made when she was younger, made things turn from bad to worse for her. Hannah soon discovers that it's better to look before you leap into a big decision like marriage. Things are definitely not what they seemed to be at first.
She is thrown into a world so unlike her own, it's disturbing at best. She thought she knew what she was doing. She had entered a nightmare she never dreamed possible. God would understand her wanting out. She had tried her best to get out for many years. She was trapped and just can't live like this anymore. She gets a chance to escape this nightmare and she takes it.
After Hannah escapes she discovers that life could be so freeing, so full of hope. With a successful book completed and another one in the works, Hannah seems to have it all. But in order to complete her book, she has to go home - that's where this second book is leading her. "Home" -- a word that brought to mind dread of her past but yet a desire to belong again, all at the same time. She knew that she could never go home and be accepted; too much has happened in her life. She left after she was baptized into the faith, so she knew what she was doing when she walked away from the church and the Amish way of life.
She is home in the Amish community for such a short time and a murder occurs. She goes to the police and says "We are Amish. We abhor violence. If you look through your files, I doubt you'll find a single case of one of us breaking the law. No one is our community kills.." This can't be happening again she thinks after saying this to the officer. She thought the worst was behind her, and now she is back and trouble is starting again!!
The theme of forgiveness runs through this book for Hannah and the other people in her village. Hannah and the others soon discover, in a huge way, that forgiveness truly sets you free. When you forgive someone, you are not bound to that person anymore; the pain is drained from your heart, mind and emotions, and you can truly begin to live life free of the pain that bound you.
This story was full of mystery, suspense, murder and betrayal. On the flip side it was full of love, intrigue, forgiveness and redemption. This book has it all! Not what I expected in an Amish story. I was delighted!!
I LOVED how Colleen wrapped this story up in quilts. I LOVE quilts. Each chapter starts with a quote from Hannah Schwartz's book called "The Amish Faith Through Their Quilts". By the end of this book, I really wanted to look in Hannah's 'fictional' book she wrote. I wanted to see this book that was filled with the amazing quilts mentioned at the top of each chapter. Hannah is also in search of a special quilt that will lead to her family's killer. I haven't read a story like this ever. I know the quilts and a love that Hannah discovers, helped me to keep reading through the abusive husband parts.
This book will also inspire you to make some of the quilts and perhaps do a Google search on Amish quilts. The characters in this story will stay with you for quite some time after finishing the story. So treat yourself to a very different and amazing story by Colleen Coble. You won't be disappointed!
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
She is thrown into a world so unlike her own, it's disturbing at best. She thought she knew what she was doing. She had entered a nightmare she never dreamed possible. God would understand her wanting out. She had tried her best to get out for many years. She was trapped and just can't live like this anymore. She gets a chance to escape this nightmare and she takes it.
After Hannah escapes she discovers that life could be so freeing, so full of hope. With a successful book completed and another one in the works, Hannah seems to have it all. But in order to complete her book, she has to go home - that's where this second book is leading her. "Home" -- a word that brought to mind dread of her past but yet a desire to belong again, all at the same time. She knew that she could never go home and be accepted; too much has happened in her life. She left after she was baptized into the faith, so she knew what she was doing when she walked away from the church and the Amish way of life.
She is home in the Amish community for such a short time and a murder occurs. She goes to the police and says "We are Amish. We abhor violence. If you look through your files, I doubt you'll find a single case of one of us breaking the law. No one is our community kills.." This can't be happening again she thinks after saying this to the officer. She thought the worst was behind her, and now she is back and trouble is starting again!!
The theme of forgiveness runs through this book for Hannah and the other people in her village. Hannah and the others soon discover, in a huge way, that forgiveness truly sets you free. When you forgive someone, you are not bound to that person anymore; the pain is drained from your heart, mind and emotions, and you can truly begin to live life free of the pain that bound you.
This story was full of mystery, suspense, murder and betrayal. On the flip side it was full of love, intrigue, forgiveness and redemption. This book has it all! Not what I expected in an Amish story. I was delighted!!
I LOVED how Colleen wrapped this story up in quilts. I LOVE quilts. Each chapter starts with a quote from Hannah Schwartz's book called "The Amish Faith Through Their Quilts". By the end of this book, I really wanted to look in Hannah's 'fictional' book she wrote. I wanted to see this book that was filled with the amazing quilts mentioned at the top of each chapter. Hannah is also in search of a special quilt that will lead to her family's killer. I haven't read a story like this ever. I know the quilts and a love that Hannah discovers, helped me to keep reading through the abusive husband parts.
This book will also inspire you to make some of the quilts and perhaps do a Google search on Amish quilts. The characters in this story will stay with you for quite some time after finishing the story. So treat yourself to a very different and amazing story by Colleen Coble. You won't be disappointed!
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
August 22, 2023
It is no secret I don't like Amish books. Since it was from Colleen Coble I thought I would give it a try. I did like the story line of her 1st husband but then it went totally to Amish information. Since I live in a Amish Community I know most of the info she gave. She talked a lot of quilts. My Grandmother made quilts. I grew up watching her doing it. At first it did bring back memories but soon I just got bored. The middle of the book focused on quilts and life as a Amish. I thought of DNF it but I decided to finish the book. The mystery was good as always in a Colleen Coble novel. I had it figured out one way and then it went into a different direction. That was good. I am giving the book 3 stars for the mystery. Now if you are interested in Amish and their life I highly recommend this book. It is very factual. She gets most of the Amish life right. Like I said I live it already so I don't need to read a book on it. So if you like mysteries and Amish books give this one a try.
July 31, 2025
Was it clean Christian fiction? Yes. Was it interesting? Yes.
The quilts were interesting, the quotes from her mother or Hannah’s book at the beginning of each chapter were lovely and helped tell the story. Amish family culture was weaved throughout very well. It was Reece. He was just written in such a way that he went from zero to 1,000 character change and it wasn’t plausible. The writing was vague, not comprehensive and outdated for Reece and other sketchy characters. Towards the end at the plot reveal and the action scenes, it was just just blabbered and a bit crazy and not possible in too many ways more than I can type.
Also, Ajax the dog layed down in the floor towards the end and the cats began to knead his body. FOUR CATS did this? And on what given day has this ever been a normal occurrence? I’ll wait…
This is what I’m talking about, folks.
The quilts were interesting, the quotes from her mother or Hannah’s book at the beginning of each chapter were lovely and helped tell the story. Amish family culture was weaved throughout very well. It was Reece. He was just written in such a way that he went from zero to 1,000 character change and it wasn’t plausible. The writing was vague, not comprehensive and outdated for Reece and other sketchy characters. Towards the end at the plot reveal and the action scenes, it was just just blabbered and a bit crazy and not possible in too many ways more than I can type.
Also, Ajax the dog layed down in the floor towards the end and the cats began to knead his body. FOUR CATS did this? And on what given day has this ever been a normal occurrence? I’ll wait…
This is what I’m talking about, folks.
August 22, 2024
Colleen Coble is one of my top 3 fave authors. Her books snag you quickly and get you hooked. I never see the ending taking the turn that they do, gets me every time and this time is no different. Thought I had this figured out and the last 5 chapters turned completely a different way. I highly recommend this read!
January 9, 2020
Excellent!!
June 6, 2025
This has been one of my FAVORITES from this author!! I was hoping there would be an epilogue to find out what their life looked like after the book but other than that so good!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2023
More like a 2.5 rating. There were many loop holes and too many people that were being deceitful that I kept getting them mixed up.
I’m glad this was a stand-alone as I’m not sure that I would’ve continued with the next one
I’m glad this was a stand-alone as I’m not sure that I would’ve continued with the next one
September 29, 2023
#BookReviewFriday
#2023readingchallenge
#5murdermystery
Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
# 5 Murder-Mystery
Book: Where Shadows Meet
Author: Colleen Coble
Narrator: Devon O'Day
I'm going to give this one a solid four. I vacillated on the rating but decided on a four because I was still thinking about it after I put it down.
I read a Colleen Coble earlier this year and I loved it, I couldn't wait to pick up another book by her. Admittedly this is one of her lesser known books, but I was intrigued by the storyline.
Though she's not known for her Amish writing, I'd been wanting to read a book that featured the Amish and the mystery sounded intriguing.
As for the mystery aspect, Mrs. Coble has definitely managed to intrigue me, I definitely want to read all of her books, but the couple in the book was just so unappealing to me.
Hannah was a nice Amish girl who'd been through so much. I really enjoyed seeing how her Amish faith shaped her, I'm intrigued by what I learned and would like to learn more. However, some of the things she did and choices she made were just too hard for me to accept. In particular she made a choice that was essentially "a bargain with God" and in the context, it just didn't make any sense.
Matt had severe character flaws. He's supposed to be the hero but I didn't like him at all. She tries to give you background on why he made these terrible decisions, but it wasn't good enough. On top of that he never even shows a lick of remorse for his actions.
I wish I had read this book, but the library only had the audio. I'm not a fan of the narrator, and she seems to read a lot of Collen's books so I'll definitely have to read the others.
Overall I enjoyed the story, the mystery was good and I learned new information about the Amish.
I recommend this author, the book and narrator, I recommend at your own risk.
https://m.facebook.com/groups/scriptl...
#2023readingchallenge
#5murdermystery
Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
# 5 Murder-Mystery
Book: Where Shadows Meet
Author: Colleen Coble
Narrator: Devon O'Day
I'm going to give this one a solid four. I vacillated on the rating but decided on a four because I was still thinking about it after I put it down.
I read a Colleen Coble earlier this year and I loved it, I couldn't wait to pick up another book by her. Admittedly this is one of her lesser known books, but I was intrigued by the storyline.
Though she's not known for her Amish writing, I'd been wanting to read a book that featured the Amish and the mystery sounded intriguing.
As for the mystery aspect, Mrs. Coble has definitely managed to intrigue me, I definitely want to read all of her books, but the couple in the book was just so unappealing to me.
Hannah was a nice Amish girl who'd been through so much. I really enjoyed seeing how her Amish faith shaped her, I'm intrigued by what I learned and would like to learn more. However, some of the things she did and choices she made were just too hard for me to accept. In particular she made a choice that was essentially "a bargain with God" and in the context, it just didn't make any sense.
Matt had severe character flaws. He's supposed to be the hero but I didn't like him at all. She tries to give you background on why he made these terrible decisions, but it wasn't good enough. On top of that he never even shows a lick of remorse for his actions.
I wish I had read this book, but the library only had the audio. I'm not a fan of the narrator, and she seems to read a lot of Collen's books so I'll definitely have to read the others.
Overall I enjoyed the story, the mystery was good and I learned new information about the Amish.
I recommend this author, the book and narrator, I recommend at your own risk.
https://m.facebook.com/groups/scriptl...
October 24, 2023
Anathema is so hard to put down, as many of Colleen Coble's stories are. Hannah is engaged to marry a young Amish man, but she is in love with an Englischer, a deputy named Reece. After going to meet Reece after her chores, she returns home to find both parents dead with one of her mother's homemade quilts thrown over their bodies and her mother's quilts, worth $20,000 missing. Despite the bishop's warning, Hannah refuses to forgive the murderers and leaves her Amish community to marry Reece.
Marriage is not at all what Hannah expected. Reece requires her total submission and becomes physically abusive. Worse, he does not want children. He wants to be everything to Hannah. The final straw occurs when Reece shoves her down the stairs to kill the baby. He tells Hannah that the baby died. Hannah flees from the hospital and from his life.
Five years later, Hannah receives a letter from Reece through her aunt with a picture of a little girl who looks just like she did, sitting on one of her mother's missing quilts. Desperate to find this little girl and her parents' murderer, she returns home. And the murders of other family members start.
Coble is an excellent suspense writer. It's hard not to spend the day reading her fiction, and this seems to be one of her most suspenseful.
Marriage is not at all what Hannah expected. Reece requires her total submission and becomes physically abusive. Worse, he does not want children. He wants to be everything to Hannah. The final straw occurs when Reece shoves her down the stairs to kill the baby. He tells Hannah that the baby died. Hannah flees from the hospital and from his life.
Five years later, Hannah receives a letter from Reece through her aunt with a picture of a little girl who looks just like she did, sitting on one of her mother's missing quilts. Desperate to find this little girl and her parents' murderer, she returns home. And the murders of other family members start.
Coble is an excellent suspense writer. It's hard not to spend the day reading her fiction, and this seems to be one of her most suspenseful.
February 4, 2024
I was half way through the book and a little disappointed at Colleen Cobles writing since my expectations were high after reading Fragile Design, once I got after maybe page 130?? (The book is a total of about 315 pages) the story got intense and did not lose intensity through the end of the book.
There was some confusing parts in the book and inconsistencies I wish were a little more obvious like skipping from present time to 4 years later etc, and then the main character is a single child but then another part mentions a story of how she used to play with her siblings?? So I don’t know if I got bored and missed some details or what happened but that left me a little confused, but nonetheless, I guess that information did not matter too much
Would I recommend this book?
I think so, I would warn that the beginning is a little slow and really weird, not like anything I’ve read before, but I did learn a lot about the Amish and only wish they didn’t have to shun people, that made me sad to think about because it’s a real thing.
I rated it a 4/5 because I probably won’t be reading any more Amish stories and half the book was kind of just getting through it. I originally had it as a 3/5 but changed it because I felt bad, and it was actually a really good book.
Will I be reading Colleen Coble again?
HECK YES. Such a wonderful storyteller!
June 28, 2008
Ohh this is a great book. Hannah has alot to struggle with the loss of her parents, then abuse, and feelings of doubt and anger as well as bitterness. When she leaves her abusive husband after 5yrs and an event that almost destroyed her, she makes herself a life. Then after 5yrs of wondering when her husband would find her, she receives a letter one that makes her wonder if her daughter died, as her husband said. She returns to the Amish community she left, only be shunned, and to find another murder has occurred. One that is eerily similar to her parents. What evil lurks within this peaceful community? And why are they targeting Hannah's family? Is it her husband or is something even more dangerous going on? Is Hannah's little girl alive or is her husband using it as a way to make her return to him?
Anathema, will pull at your heart strings and leave you smiling. I am eager to visit these people again and do hope Ms. Coble will write a follow up story. The setting is enchanting and message of faith is woven within the story with expert care. The characters are realistic and engaging. The story itself will make it hard for you to put the book down. This is a great story that everyone should read!
Anathema, will pull at your heart strings and leave you smiling. I am eager to visit these people again and do hope Ms. Coble will write a follow up story. The setting is enchanting and message of faith is woven within the story with expert care. The characters are realistic and engaging. The story itself will make it hard for you to put the book down. This is a great story that everyone should read!
July 8, 2011
Really like it so for. I tried another book of hers and did not. But so far so good with this one. Daughter read it and thought I would like it.
It was very good. I have read a few Amish Christian fiction that were pretty good and a few i did not like and usually stay away from Amish book, but this was exceptionally better than most. Maybe because it included a great mystery within the romantic part. Recommend greatly.
It was very good. I have read a few Amish Christian fiction that were pretty good and a few i did not like and usually stay away from Amish book, but this was exceptionally better than most. Maybe because it included a great mystery within the romantic part. Recommend greatly.
May 26, 2011
First book I read by this author. Saw her in the Christian bookstore mailer I get. I write down titles that sound good and then head to the library. The book started out good and capturing my attention, but then really bogged down in the middle - too much detail and not enough story line movement.
February 15, 2014
Wow, lots of twists and and turns. At one point I had to just stop and think about each character and think things through.
November 3, 2015
Excellent book, a true page turner with a little about the Amish life, but mostly the mystery of a little girl and how God's makes everything right again. I recommend it
February 3, 2021
How do I review this? I would classify this as a sociological suspense/thriller.
Amish girl walks in to find her parents have been brutally murdered with a peace sign on the wall and the words Anathema splayed across. Hannah in her trauma runs away with a police officer shes been secretly meeting and enters a life of domestic abuse. 10 years later, Hannah is separated, heartbroken over the loss of a child and is hiding from her sociopathic husband, who shows up and claims to have her child. Then more murders happen. What is going on?
Ok, first of all, the coolest thing about this book was that it takes place in my area, includes my town, and has more background on our local Amish. However, I cant stand when authors write about possessive husbands that are all about their wife's looks. Possisive narcissists are one thing but to fantasize about touching hair and smelling it, its old--- the guy is a creep without going into all that. My personal opinion, but that being said, I know I dont have killer looks and maybe cant imagine. Secondly, because Hannah doesnt believe in divorce, it's hard to see a separated woman worry more about her attraction to another man, then the fact that she is still a married woman and cannot have a relationship with a other man. There were some positives in this book, but it seemed as though the English people were all broken, cheated on, and messed up, and outside of Hannah the Amish are all good. The ones that arent are more because they came into the Amish faith... it just was a thing that bugged me. And the ending, wrapped up so quickly and neatly.
If you like Amish, if you enjoy socio-thrillers, this may be right up your alley.
Amish girl walks in to find her parents have been brutally murdered with a peace sign on the wall and the words Anathema splayed across. Hannah in her trauma runs away with a police officer shes been secretly meeting and enters a life of domestic abuse. 10 years later, Hannah is separated, heartbroken over the loss of a child and is hiding from her sociopathic husband, who shows up and claims to have her child. Then more murders happen. What is going on?
Ok, first of all, the coolest thing about this book was that it takes place in my area, includes my town, and has more background on our local Amish. However, I cant stand when authors write about possessive husbands that are all about their wife's looks. Possisive narcissists are one thing but to fantasize about touching hair and smelling it, its old--- the guy is a creep without going into all that. My personal opinion, but that being said, I know I dont have killer looks and maybe cant imagine. Secondly, because Hannah doesnt believe in divorce, it's hard to see a separated woman worry more about her attraction to another man, then the fact that she is still a married woman and cannot have a relationship with a other man. There were some positives in this book, but it seemed as though the English people were all broken, cheated on, and messed up, and outside of Hannah the Amish are all good. The ones that arent are more because they came into the Amish faith... it just was a thing that bugged me. And the ending, wrapped up so quickly and neatly.
If you like Amish, if you enjoy socio-thrillers, this may be right up your alley.
January 1, 2020
This story takes us through the Amish culture, their beliefs and their way of living. This caught my attention throughout the book. The author builds the characters, circumstances in a very convincing way.
Hanah is a strong character though she takes a wrong decision in her life by choosing the abusive partner Reece. Reece is a complex character to understand and I couldn't get the reason for his abusive behavior even by the end of the book. It would have been great reading more about Reece.
I liked the way the story goes through different turns and keeps it unpredictable for the reader. The climax is great. I loved the narration which is casual. The pace of the book is good. The author gave different quotes about Amish culture before each chapter and those are really wonderful to read.
I recommend this book for its genuine storyline, characterization, and emotions. But, I didn't feel it as a romantic Suspense. It is suspense for sure, but only a little bit of romance.
My Rating : 4/5
Hanah is a strong character though she takes a wrong decision in her life by choosing the abusive partner Reece. Reece is a complex character to understand and I couldn't get the reason for his abusive behavior even by the end of the book. It would have been great reading more about Reece.
I liked the way the story goes through different turns and keeps it unpredictable for the reader. The climax is great. I loved the narration which is casual. The pace of the book is good. The author gave different quotes about Amish culture before each chapter and those are really wonderful to read.
I recommend this book for its genuine storyline, characterization, and emotions. But, I didn't feel it as a romantic Suspense. It is suspense for sure, but only a little bit of romance.
My Rating : 4/5
October 22, 2025
I just finished Where the Shadows Meet by Colleen Coble, and honestly, I didn’t want it to end. This story pulled me right. The book is about a girl who is Amish and meets a boy named Reece, who is not part of the Amish community. Hannah's parents were murdered, and Hannah should have been home, but she was with Reece. Hannah ends up marrying Reece, and she leaves the Amish community, but then Reece becomes very controlling and violent toward Hannah. Then Hannah becomes pregnant, and Reece doesn't approve that she is pregnant. Reece doesn't want the baby, so he pushed Hannah down the stairs. Then Hannah woke up in the hospital, and Reece told her she had lost the baby, and Hannah ran away from Reece. I enjoyed the murder mystery. There were a lot of unsuspected things that happened. I also enjoyed reading about the Amish culture. Overall, it was an excellent book, and I would recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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