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Hester’s Hunt for Home #1
Hester on the Run
The setting is the beginning of an Amish settlement in colonial America in the forests of eastern Pennsylvania. There, a young Amish couple, Hans and Kate Zug, are in their ninth year of marriage, still waiting to have a child. Then, one April morning, Kate finds a Native infant, wrapped in deerskin and placed next to the spring where she went to fill her water bucket.
Kate and Hans cherish Hester, despite the pointed question of Hans’s mother—“What makes you think you can raise her Amish, with her Indian blood?”
Struck by his daughter’s unusual beauty, Hans insists on choosing the fabric for her handmade dresses. And when his and Kate’s first son is born a year later, Hans despairs of his homely face and nearly bald head. In fact, Hans continues to give his fullest attention and affection to Hester, even as eight more children are born to him and Kate.
Hester glows as she grows, an unmistakable beauty both inside and out, and charms her adopted Amish community. But then, an elderly Lenape woman hands Hester a package of medicinal herbs to rout an infection that is threatening Kate’s life. A trust passes between the wizened and the youthful Native women. In that moment, Hester recognizes that she belongs to two worlds, both intent on possessing her. When Amish Indian Hester realizes that she must leave her tension-filled home for her sake and her father’s, she takes only two possessions: the leather-bound book of remedies left for her by the old Lenape woman and her memories of the Amish ways.
Kate and Hans cherish Hester, despite the pointed question of Hans’s mother—“What makes you think you can raise her Amish, with her Indian blood?”
Struck by his daughter’s unusual beauty, Hans insists on choosing the fabric for her handmade dresses. And when his and Kate’s first son is born a year later, Hans despairs of his homely face and nearly bald head. In fact, Hans continues to give his fullest attention and affection to Hester, even as eight more children are born to him and Kate.
Hester glows as she grows, an unmistakable beauty both inside and out, and charms her adopted Amish community. But then, an elderly Lenape woman hands Hester a package of medicinal herbs to rout an infection that is threatening Kate’s life. A trust passes between the wizened and the youthful Native women. In that moment, Hester recognizes that she belongs to two worlds, both intent on possessing her. When Amish Indian Hester realizes that she must leave her tension-filled home for her sake and her father’s, she takes only two possessions: the leather-bound book of remedies left for her by the old Lenape woman and her memories of the Amish ways.
336 pages, Paperback
Published November 3, 2015
69 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Linda Byler
85 books226 followersLinda Byler grew up Amish and is an active member of the Amish church today. Growing up, Linda Byler loved to read and write. In fact, she still does. She is well known within the Amish community as a columnist for a weekly Amish newspaper. Linda and her husband, their children and grandchildren live in central Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 26, 2016
If you loved Elsie Singmaster's HIGH WIND RISING, or even if you couldn't get into it, you might really like this! It has the same elements: a Native child raised by very religious white immigrants at the edge of the wilderness in 18th-century Pennsylvania. Only the Native child in RISING was a male who was half-white; his mother had disappeared with a Native man and was returned to his German-immigrant grandmother when he was 6 or 7 years old.
HESTER is about an Amish couple, still childless after 9 years of otherwise-happy married life, until the wife, Kate Zug, finds a female Native infant. She and her husband Hans are thrilled and eagerly welcome her into their lives. Then, of all things, the next year Kate gives birth to a healthy child...the first in a long line! She is more and more thankful for Hester's capable help with her many siblings, who love her as their sister and wouldn't have anyone correct them on it. Not even their grandmother, Hans' mother Rebecca, who certainly voices her unacceptance of "that Indian girl" as her eldest granddaughter. (I don't remember any mention of Hans having siblings, in Pennsylvania or back in Switzerland.) But Kate loves Hester dearly; her only worry is slight jealousy that Hans wouldn't mind dressing her in bright colors that he didn't approve of Kate making into dresses for herself or even curtains for the windows; later, she's concerned when Hans seems to prefer Hester to their sons.
Watch for a character Hester encounters whose eyes seem to change from green at their first meeting to blue--and the blue is constantly mentioned. There are also a few instances of "telling, not showing" conversations. Otherwise, fine presentation of a wonderful story!
I would also recommend giving Elsie Singmaster's HIGH WIND RISING a try if you can find it.
Thanks for reading.
HESTER is about an Amish couple, still childless after 9 years of otherwise-happy married life, until the wife, Kate Zug, finds a female Native infant. She and her husband Hans are thrilled and eagerly welcome her into their lives. Then, of all things, the next year Kate gives birth to a healthy child...the first in a long line! She is more and more thankful for Hester's capable help with her many siblings, who love her as their sister and wouldn't have anyone correct them on it. Not even their grandmother, Hans' mother Rebecca, who certainly voices her unacceptance of "that Indian girl" as her eldest granddaughter. (I don't remember any mention of Hans having siblings, in Pennsylvania or back in Switzerland.) But Kate loves Hester dearly; her only worry is slight jealousy that Hans wouldn't mind dressing her in bright colors that he didn't approve of Kate making into dresses for herself or even curtains for the windows; later, she's concerned when Hans seems to prefer Hester to their sons.
Watch for a character Hester encounters whose eyes seem to change from green at their first meeting to blue--and the blue is constantly mentioned. There are also a few instances of "telling, not showing" conversations. Otherwise, fine presentation of a wonderful story!
I would also recommend giving Elsie Singmaster's HIGH WIND RISING a try if you can find it.
Thanks for reading.
September 3, 2022
Okay, confession time: Some years ago, I was working at my local library--where I am still currently employed--on the evening before Thanksgiving, and randomly decided to check out a bunch of books, one of which was this one. I put them in a tote bag, and thought everything was fine...until my mom found the copy of this book in our driveway the next day, soaking wet. We thought we could fix it, but, I turned it back into the library...and I had to pay for it. While I knew it was coming eventually--when I was getting library experience as a volunteer, I heard an employee say that it happens to everyone who works at a 'berry--it was still upsetting, especially since I never got the chance to read it.
Fast forward to a few days ago, when my mom decided to go to a nearby thrift store to look for a new purse. As usual, I browsed the CD, book, and DVD sections; the latter two were buy one, get one free. Imagine my surprise when they had the entire trilogy, including the one that my local branch did not have. So, I quickly bought it, and read the first one as soon as I could.
What did I think? I rather enjoyed it. Even though I'm not the target audience, I could understand Hester's struggles as the odd one out; I've felt that way many times, especially as a kid. Now, I can't wait to read the sequels.
Fast forward to a few days ago, when my mom decided to go to a nearby thrift store to look for a new purse. As usual, I browsed the CD, book, and DVD sections; the latter two were buy one, get one free. Imagine my surprise when they had the entire trilogy, including the one that my local branch did not have. So, I quickly bought it, and read the first one as soon as I could.
What did I think? I rather enjoyed it. Even though I'm not the target audience, I could understand Hester's struggles as the odd one out; I've felt that way many times, especially as a kid. Now, I can't wait to read the sequels.
November 23, 2016
For the most part, I have enjoyed Linda Byler's books. I like them because, as a practicing Amish writer, reading her Amish fiction gives a different perspective and insight into the Amish culture than, say an Evangelical Christian writing Amish fiction. I will say however, that this book was a little... weird.
I mean, there's stuff that's well done. I've always appreciated the fact that Byler makes her characters deeply flawed, and things happen in the books that you don't expect. Is the writing the best? No. But the books tend to be interesting.
This one however, gave my suspension of disbelief a little trouble.
The title Hester on the Run is a bit of a misnomer as the running doesn't really take place until the end of the book. I feel like it should be called Hester's Growing Up Years or some such because the story follows Hester from the time she is found until she is about 18.
Byler must have done something right though because normally, a two star review means I wouldn't continue the series, yet I've already gotten the next book from the library because I'm curious about what happens to Hester.
I mean, there's stuff that's well done. I've always appreciated the fact that Byler makes her characters deeply flawed, and things happen in the books that you don't expect. Is the writing the best? No. But the books tend to be interesting.
This one however, gave my suspension of disbelief a little trouble.
The title Hester on the Run is a bit of a misnomer as the running doesn't really take place until the end of the book. I feel like it should be called Hester's Growing Up Years or some such because the story follows Hester from the time she is found until she is about 18.
Byler must have done something right though because normally, a two star review means I wouldn't continue the series, yet I've already gotten the next book from the library because I'm curious about what happens to Hester.
July 10, 2016
This book was great. I enjoyed it immensely. I can't wait to read the next in the series.
December 21, 2016
Linda Byler is Amish. She had an eighth grade education in a one room Amish schoolhouse where a usually unwed young woman, also with just an eighth grade education, teaches children English as a second language. Amish households speak a dialect of German in the home and children aren't exposed to much English until they start school. Despite these apparent handicaps, Byler has managed to become a successful author of Amish themed romance stories.
She has a three other successful three-book novel series under her belt, 'Lizzie Searches for Love,' 'Sadie's Montana,' and 'Lancaster Burning'. Now she has ventured into the historical romance genre with the 'Hester's Hunt for Home' series.
Note well: This is the first book in the series and it is not a stand-alone book. At the end the reader is left hanging, with all the plot elements unresolved. Be prepared for that. Be prepared to either read all three books in the series, or not bother with any of them.
Hester is Lenape Indian. As an infant she was left by a spring near the home of childless Amish couple Hans and Kate Zug. She is found by Kate and raised Amish. Although they had been unable to have any children before Hester came along, Kate found herself pregnant soon after Hester's appearance, and she proceeds to have child after child for the next ten years or so.
Hester grows up Amish and has no contact with the native peoples who dwell in the mountains on the fringes of the Berks County settlement until she is in her early teens. Her mother is suffering a serious infection and Hester is sent for the doctor but is diverted to a Lenape medicine woman instead. The old woman gives Hester an herbal 'prescription' that cures Kate.
Hester never forgets that encounter, and when the old medicine woman dies, she leaves Hester a book of herbal cures, which many of the Amish believe to be witchcraft. Therein lies one source of Hester's growing internal conflict. As she matures she is increasingly torn between her Indian roots and her Amish upbringing. Byler also injects a good deal of internal conflict that is rooted purely in Hester's Amish culture, specifically the extreme expectations put on women to be submissive and obedient, and the German-rooted reticence, reluctance on the part of both sexes to express emotion or reveal true inner feelings. An extreme and telling example of this is the fact that young Amish couples universally try to keep their courtship a complete secret until they announce their betrothal.
Add to this a series of conflicts that become apparent within Hester's evolving family relationships, including the bigotry of some members of her community, and we find Hester's emotional state reaching a breaking point at the end of the first book.
In my review of the second book, I'll focus on some of the real historical backdrop that the author taps into to tell her story.
In one significant way she deviates from fact. The Lenape Indians in 'Hester on the Run' are portrayed as peacefully coexisting with their European neighbors. There is a scene at a trading post in which whites and Indians are interacting amicably and on equal footing with one another. Although there is clear sense of entitlement and superiority among a few European characters, there is significant acceptance as well. One young Irishman states, regarding the Lenape: "They're good people, most of them. Same as the Amish." (Page 148).
The reality is that there were a number of bloody Indian raids during the years that the book is set. 200 whites and uncounted natives were killed. These raids played a large role in the ultimate abandonment of the Berks County Amish settlement. More on this in my review of Book Two.
Hester on the Run is fast paced and full of unexpected shocks. For that alone it's a pleasure to read. Add to that Byler's attention to and obvious love of the simple details of the natural world and of the goodness inherent in so many of the characters on the page, and the story becomes not only exciting, but heart warming, even with its unresolved ending.
She has a three other successful three-book novel series under her belt, 'Lizzie Searches for Love,' 'Sadie's Montana,' and 'Lancaster Burning'. Now she has ventured into the historical romance genre with the 'Hester's Hunt for Home' series.
Note well: This is the first book in the series and it is not a stand-alone book. At the end the reader is left hanging, with all the plot elements unresolved. Be prepared for that. Be prepared to either read all three books in the series, or not bother with any of them.
Hester is Lenape Indian. As an infant she was left by a spring near the home of childless Amish couple Hans and Kate Zug. She is found by Kate and raised Amish. Although they had been unable to have any children before Hester came along, Kate found herself pregnant soon after Hester's appearance, and she proceeds to have child after child for the next ten years or so.
Hester grows up Amish and has no contact with the native peoples who dwell in the mountains on the fringes of the Berks County settlement until she is in her early teens. Her mother is suffering a serious infection and Hester is sent for the doctor but is diverted to a Lenape medicine woman instead. The old woman gives Hester an herbal 'prescription' that cures Kate.
Hester never forgets that encounter, and when the old medicine woman dies, she leaves Hester a book of herbal cures, which many of the Amish believe to be witchcraft. Therein lies one source of Hester's growing internal conflict. As she matures she is increasingly torn between her Indian roots and her Amish upbringing. Byler also injects a good deal of internal conflict that is rooted purely in Hester's Amish culture, specifically the extreme expectations put on women to be submissive and obedient, and the German-rooted reticence, reluctance on the part of both sexes to express emotion or reveal true inner feelings. An extreme and telling example of this is the fact that young Amish couples universally try to keep their courtship a complete secret until they announce their betrothal.
Add to this a series of conflicts that become apparent within Hester's evolving family relationships, including the bigotry of some members of her community, and we find Hester's emotional state reaching a breaking point at the end of the first book.
In my review of the second book, I'll focus on some of the real historical backdrop that the author taps into to tell her story.
In one significant way she deviates from fact. The Lenape Indians in 'Hester on the Run' are portrayed as peacefully coexisting with their European neighbors. There is a scene at a trading post in which whites and Indians are interacting amicably and on equal footing with one another. Although there is clear sense of entitlement and superiority among a few European characters, there is significant acceptance as well. One young Irishman states, regarding the Lenape: "They're good people, most of them. Same as the Amish." (Page 148).
The reality is that there were a number of bloody Indian raids during the years that the book is set. 200 whites and uncounted natives were killed. These raids played a large role in the ultimate abandonment of the Berks County Amish settlement. More on this in my review of Book Two.
Hester on the Run is fast paced and full of unexpected shocks. For that alone it's a pleasure to read. Add to that Byler's attention to and obvious love of the simple details of the natural world and of the goodness inherent in so many of the characters on the page, and the story becomes not only exciting, but heart warming, even with its unresolved ending.
January 12, 2016
“Hester on the Run” by Linda Byler was an Amish novel with a different twist. This book was set in Pennsylvania in the 1700’s, earlier than most Amish stories that I’ve previously read. The story about a Lanape baby foundling taken in by a childless Amish couple, Kate and Hans Zug, and raised as their own was refreshing in that it was a different plot than the usual. I enjoyed the novel because it portrayed the western frontier in the 1700’s as a harsh environment, but tamed by hardy settlers. Hester Zug, the Lanape girl is loved and cherished by her Amish mother and father. Even when Kate is blessed with more children, Hester is Hans’ favorite child. Her Indian heritage is evident in her graceful and knowing ways, her ability to commune with nature, and her stoic countenance. I think readers will enjoy this departure from the normal Amish novel. Since this is the first book of the series Hester’s Hunt for Home, there will be subsequent novels to enjoy.
I received a print copy of this book from NightOwlReviews.com in return for my honest review. You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-iF. Other reviews can be found at http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com.
I received a print copy of this book from NightOwlReviews.com in return for my honest review. You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-iF. Other reviews can be found at http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com.
April 23, 2016
Well it was a different sort of Amish novel, I'll give it that. I would have gone with 3.5, but alas no half stars.
It did feel like it dragged on in a lot of places, I found myself skipping a page or so because there was just nothing really going on. I was slightly confused as to how Kate could be childless for nearly 10 years, and then seemingly have no problem popping a baby out every year after that. I was initially so annoyed with the way Hans was babying and clearly favouring Hester over the others, and wanted to throttle Kate sometimes for just accepting it.
But then it got into Hella creepy territory really fast when Kate died and Hester was growing up, and I sort of forgave Hester for acting like such a BRAT earlier. Hans and his creepy Woody Allen in love with my daughter vibes were super gross, so I was glad Hester finally got herself away.
Though from what I understand, later on in the series there's a possibility that Hester gets together with her eldest "brother" Noah, who was born when she was less than a year old. so it'll be...interesting I suppose to see where this all goes.
It did feel like it dragged on in a lot of places, I found myself skipping a page or so because there was just nothing really going on. I was slightly confused as to how Kate could be childless for nearly 10 years, and then seemingly have no problem popping a baby out every year after that. I was initially so annoyed with the way Hans was babying and clearly favouring Hester over the others, and wanted to throttle Kate sometimes for just accepting it.
But then it got into Hella creepy territory really fast when Kate died and Hester was growing up, and I sort of forgave Hester for acting like such a BRAT earlier. Hans and his creepy Woody Allen in love with my daughter vibes were super gross, so I was glad Hester finally got herself away.
Though from what I understand, later on in the series there's a possibility that Hester gets together with her eldest "brother" Noah, who was born when she was less than a year old. so it'll be...interesting I suppose to see where this all goes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2018
This book really kept me guessing! I really enjoyed it. I really liked the characters and their arc through the story. It was also a bit sad. I can’t wait to read book 2.
September 30, 2016
A different Amish story
Set in the 1700s in Indian baby is adopted by an Amish couple who had had no children . The mother is filled with the light and so is the father . As the story progresses you will spend far more time wondering why Hanz is so enamored with his Indian daughter . I'm giving nothing away in the story as this is made clear within the first few pages. This story does not truly end as you will really want to know what happens with the Indian girl. However, you will find there is an end to this part of the story. A very satisfactory end.
I found myself procrastinating things I shouldn't because I wanted to get back to the book. I had to know what was happening next. This book is filled with interesting even delightful characters.
Ms Byler is a gifted writer and when I read her books I do not have to wonder if the Amish are being portrayed correctly. For Ms Byler is Amish
Set in the 1700s in Indian baby is adopted by an Amish couple who had had no children . The mother is filled with the light and so is the father . As the story progresses you will spend far more time wondering why Hanz is so enamored with his Indian daughter . I'm giving nothing away in the story as this is made clear within the first few pages. This story does not truly end as you will really want to know what happens with the Indian girl. However, you will find there is an end to this part of the story. A very satisfactory end.
I found myself procrastinating things I shouldn't because I wanted to get back to the book. I had to know what was happening next. This book is filled with interesting even delightful characters.
Ms Byler is a gifted writer and when I read her books I do not have to wonder if the Amish are being portrayed correctly. For Ms Byler is Amish
December 31, 2015
This is the first is an Amish series. It is set in 1745 about an Amish couple, Hans and Kate, they have wanted children for over 9 years and when they find a Native American baby they are sure it was sent from God for them to raise. Hans is a harsh man allowing no color or pretty things in the house except for the baby they name Hester. Hans dotes on Hester and ignores the 9 children they have after adopting her. The life is full of hard brutal work and yet Kate becomes a large women that they make fun of. She later dies and Hans takes a new wife who is cruel to Hester. He finds that is his attracted to Hester and she leaves home to find her way.
April 9, 2016
Such a different take on the typical Amish storylines that you sometimes find. Hester was found as a baby and taken into an Amish family and you could clearly see that she was not Amish. I was not surprised that she was taken in, but surprised at how she was treated first much better than others and then the tables were turned. It took me a bit to get into this book and not sure if I will continue with the series.
February 21, 2018
Hester On the Run is the first story in the Trilogy Hester's Hunt For Home. Just finished the trilogy and enjoyed it very much. I haven't read too many books about the Amish, but find their lifestyle fascinating. I was shocked when Linda told me that all her books are written in long hand. That is a fete in itself. Thank you for a wonderful read.
January 10, 2016
This was one of the best Amish books I have read.I hope Linda Byler is writing book 2 as I have to know how Hester is and what she is doing.This story seems so real I couldn't put it down and read it in on day!
February 28, 2016
Definitely a woman's book. Good historical observations of Amish way of life in 1700's. Easy reading and a good, but not exceptional story. A few loose ends, but perhaps they will be taken on in a future one in this series.
March 24, 2016
This was such an interesting book. Interesting to learn about the Indian cultures and the European influence the Amish brought here in the 1700s. Heeter is very interesting. I did find the father disturbing. The teacher and the midwife were my favorite!
June 18, 2016
Book one of more... how does a native girl fit in with the Amish who adopted her. As a child she has no trouble, but as she grows finds more challenges with living with her adoptive family and those around her. Book ends with unknown... leading one to need to read next book.
October 1, 2016
Differences and Changes
A couple is barren after trying for nine years. Then they're blessed in an unconventional way.
After that, babies were born quite regularly.
People died to complicate the lives in the family and the Amish Community.
A couple is barren after trying for nine years. Then they're blessed in an unconventional way.
After that, babies were born quite regularly.
People died to complicate the lives in the family and the Amish Community.
March 27, 2016
Interesting story, can't wait to read the second book in the series
July 15, 2017
This was so slow I just didn't have the time to try and finish it. I made it about halfway.
we all know when it's a book you're into, you'll make the time, even when you're busy.
we all know when it's a book you're into, you'll make the time, even when you're busy.
April 30, 2018
Colonial Native American girl is left in the woods and adored by Amish settlers. The omniscient narration is a little bumpy at times but I found the story interesting and realistic/believable.
August 12, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book! It's very different from Linda Byler's norm but it was interesting and intriguing. There are many moments of sadness and a few moments of happiness. True to form, Linda addresses issues that aren't popular to discuss like lust and adultery.
Hester is extraordinary. She has the patience of a saint. Beloved by her Amish parents who found her, her life seems perfect. But, her mother's death turns her life completely upside down. She does lean into her faith and tries to obey God as much as she can.
I can't wait to read the next books in this series. I'm eager to see what Hester's future is.
Hester is extraordinary. She has the patience of a saint. Beloved by her Amish parents who found her, her life seems perfect. But, her mother's death turns her life completely upside down. She does lean into her faith and tries to obey God as much as she can.
I can't wait to read the next books in this series. I'm eager to see what Hester's future is.
January 29, 2023
This woman is an Amish author. The story she tells is not just a message to the Amish about their ways. It speaks to every woman’s heart. This is the first of a trilogy. My daughter, Ashley, gave me book 2 in the dozen books she selected just for me at a library book sale last fall. I bought the other two so I wouldn’t start reading in the middle of the story and be left hanging at the end.
Gooood read!
Gooood read!
July 1, 2020
A bit disappointed in this story. I've read quite a few Amish books but this one is nothing like those. Some of the situations seem strange. The title seams wrong too. I won't say any more about that not to spoil it. As I bought the three kindle books in 1, I will continue to read. Hopefully book 2 will be better.
January 19, 2020
A Native America baby abandoned is found by a childless Amish couple who raise her as their own. An unreasoning hatred even among the Amish of colonial Pennsylvania that will drive a young woman into the wilderness alone and into an uncertain future.
January 22, 2019
HOOPLA E- BOOK
June 19, 2019
I like Linda Byler's writing, but felt this was a very slow book.
January 24, 2023
A unique plot with solid writing and an array of characters that stand out from the typical stereotypes.
January 21, 2024
Set in the early days of the Amish. Interesting twist on the Amish story!
September 19, 2024
It was kind of strange
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews