A Heart Once Broken

St. Lawrence County Amish #1

by Jerry S. Eicher

From Book 1:

Bestselling Amish fiction author Jerry Eicher returns with the first of three stand-alone books in The St. Lawrence County Amish series.

Cousins Lydia and Sandra Troyer and their friend, Rosemary Beiler have always been close. The two cousins, however, both have eyes for handsome Ezra Wagler, leaving Rosemary to watch from the sidelines. But when the cousins' fathers face financial ruin, Lydia and Sandra make a deal as to who should have Ezra's affections...at which point Rosemary decides to make a play for Ezra herself.

With more than 20 novels in print and sales of 600,000+ books to his credit, Jerry's loyal fans eagerly await this compelling new series.

Book One
The St. Lawrence County Amish

Genres: Amish, Romance, Christian Fiction, Amish Fiction

464 pages, Hardcover

Published May 4, 2016

About the author

Jerry Eicher’s bestselling Amish fiction (more than 210,000 in combined sales) includes The Adams County Trilogy, the Hannah’s Heart books, and the Little Valley Series. After a traditional Amish childhood, Jerry taught for two terms in Amish and Mennonite schools in Ohio and Illinois. Since then he’s been involved in church renewal, preaching, and teaching Bible studies. Jerry lives with his wife, Tina Eicher, and their four children in Virginia.

Reviews

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Heart Once Broken is book on in the St. Lawrence County Amish series written by Jerry S. Eicher. This was one of the most heartbreaking Amish stories I have ever read. I initially  thought that the heart that was broken belonged to a character in the story but I really think it was my heart that was shattered.

I fell in love with the characters in this story though I first I felt that the competition between the girls was petty and immature. I suppose as young women we have all had those petty moments though and I really watched each of the girls blossom.

As always I feel like some people could perhaps be offended by how much say that a parent or a bishop has in these book when it comes to matters of love and friendship. I think it works for this genre though and it is  probably a little more accurate for how things are for young people living in Amish communities.

I really look forward to the rest of this series.  With how invested I was in the character's lives and how deeply I felt their grief...I cannot wait to see what is in store for me as the series continues.

If you're a fan of Amish fiction, this is one book you will not want to miss!This review was originally posted on A Simply Enchanted Life

[Leah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this book was boring. It took too long for the plot to get going, but at least there was a happy ending for two of the main characters. I didn't like the way the story played out; I was hoping for things to happen differently. Overall, the characters were all right. I didn't like or dislike most of them. I did like that the story took place in upstate New York.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unless you are Amish or Mennonite, you will probably not really like or understand much of this book. It is too steeped in the traditions of the Amish - the ideas of baptism and joining the community, the bann, rumspringa, the hard divisions between the lives of the Amish and the Englisch, the tight oversight of the lives of the community members by the elders and bishops, and the expectation of complete obedience to the teachings of the church. There are three weddings in which readers catch a glimpse of Amish marriage ceremonies, one is an arranged marriage and another is suggested and expected by the church leadership. We "Englisch" can hardly imagine an arranged marriage in modern times, nor the idea that women should be told whom to marry, even without love as part of the equation. We would probably not brook interference by church leaders with our choices, even if we knew we were doing something questionable or wrong.
In this story, a pair of cousins - Lydia and Sandra - are competing for the attention of a young fellow they both admire. A third young woman, Rosemary, seems to be the one he is looking at and wanting to spend time with. Through a series of unforeseen events, these three young women end up facing futures very different from what they imagined.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

A HEART ONCE BROKEN by Jerry Eicher. Book 1 "St Lawrence Counry"
Lydia and Sandra began competition while still in school, and the biggest one now is who will get to wed Ezra. A death happens-financial problems, and one ask the other to step aside, will this work or push him to the other.
Then .Rosemary thought she would try her hand at getting Ezra attention.
The plot was cute, but it made me think of two young girls, not young women thinking of marriage.
As always his books are enjoyable as this one was.

[Bonnie Jarrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful story about an Amish family

This was the best story I have enjoyed regarding Amish family and community. The author did a marvelous job of describing all the emotions and I was there all the way. I felt like I was actually walking with the family and facing their struggles and joys. I have read a lot of books and I have been so consumed and could not put the book down. This author should continue writing absolutely a trait not too many have. Thank you so much.

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a hard time getting into this book. I'd read another book by Eicher and really enjoyed it, and this one sounded interesting. I didn't really connect with the characters, and there were quite a few plot elements that were heavy emotionally. I appreciated the book by the end, but am not planning to read the others in the series at this time.

[Nancy Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another stellar read from Eicher!

Amazing character development, interwoven plots, clean romance, joy, humor, and sadness; this book is another example of Jerry Eicher’s awesome talent.

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 (because I did finish it). I thought it was slow and boring.

[Tammy Bernadt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. To the beginning to the end. It was different and I liked that. Tuff community they live in. The rules I could not handle.

[Olivia P · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*

[Sunshine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book to fulfill a challenge from Brighter Winter. Got swept up in the stories of Rosemary, Lydia, and Sondra. Highly recommend.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book and this writer. First time I read one of Jerry S. Eicher's books. Very well written.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good bood

[Donna Bagby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amish girl cousins, who since grade school have been competing with each other (even now for the same man). Rosemary, their friend, also has her eyes on the same guy. But because she isn’t so obvious, her chances are better than the cousins. Rosemary is diagnosed with a life-threatening disease with only a short time to live. In that space of time, Rosemary lets her light shine thereby affecting (blessing) others with her positive outlook. This was a good story of life’s lesson: No matter how dim the circumstances seem, God’s love will shine through.

[Emily Loggans · Rating 4 out of 5]

*This book review was originally published by Publishers Weekly, written by me. I have changed up the wording for this review.

Book Review: A Heart Once Broken
Author: Jerry S. Eicher
Genre: Amish Romance
Publisher: Harvest House
Publication Date: March 1, 2016



The long-standing, yet good-natured competition for handsome Ezra Wagler’s attention between cousins Sandra and Lydia is brought to a screeching halt when both their family’s financial and spiritual troubles become more serious than anyone ever thought possible in their Amish community in St. Lawrence County, New York. When Clyde Byler moves to the community, Sandra instantly resents him and his father for their interference in her family, and begs Lydia for a full chance at capturing Ezra’s affection. When Rosemary Beiler, the cousins close friend, decides to give her heart a chance with Ezra, Sandra can do nothing but wait and see which direction Ezra’s head will turn. Lydia, with no man left to pursue, is struck by the sudden appearance of her English boyfriend from her Rumspringa, due to her younger sisters’ foolish experimenting with the world. Life is further turned upside down when the Bishop and Deacon are pushed to the limit and threaten the Bann on the Troyers, and an unexpected and difficult trial knocks on Rosemary’s door.

The web of predicaments that steadily accumulates near the middle makes up for this novel’s somewhat slower beginning. Although it can be said that there is too much plot, and some characters could use a bit more of the spotlight, the ends of these three young women’s romances are unexpected and perfect. Jerry Eicher (Miriam’s Secret) brings another sweet tale of love and heartbreak to the Amish culture.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Heart Once Broken by Jerry S. Eicher is the first book in The St. Lawrence County Amish series. Lydia Troyer has always competed with her cousin, Sandra Troyer with their friend, Rosemary Beiler standing on the sidelines watching. Their latest competition is over Ezra Wagler. They both would like him to ask them home in his buggy (a courting practice after singings). But then tragedy strikes both families. Their father’s invested money in a Ponzi scheme and they lost everything. This event starts things spiraling out of control. Lydia’s parents are ignoring the antics of the two younger daughters, Emma and Rhoda. They are afraid they will lose the girls (they will leave the Amish community). Sandra’s family suffers a loss and she uses this to convince Lydia to let her have Ezra. But Rosemary is tired of watching from the sidelines. She decides to go after Ezra herself. Join us in St. Lawrence County and finds out what happens.

A Heart Once Broken is a sweet, Christian romance novel but it also includes life lessons. I liked the characters and the beautiful setting. A Heart Once Broken is well-written (as usual) and easy to read. The novel can be read in just a few hours (about two without interruptions). I love that there is no foul language or sex scenes in the book (so refreshing). I give A Heart Once Broken 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I will definitely be reading the rest of the book in The St. Lawrence County Amish series.

I received a complimentary copy of A Heart Once Broken from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review of the novel.

[Pamela Pavkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading A Heart Once Broken by Jerry Eicher, I knew this would be an all day read. This is the first book in his new series The St. Lawrence County Amish. With such a wonderful start to the series I will be anxiously waiting for book two.

A Heart Once Broken has two cousins,Lydia and Sandra Troyer, who have always been in competition with each other! Although the competition has always been on the friendly side, this time they are trying to catch Ezra Wagler's attention. Everything is going fine until family difficulties surface. Sandra approaches Lydia to ask her to back off so she can win Ezra heart but when they weren't looking their friend Rosemary makes a play for Ezra. Who will capture Ezra's heart.

When tragedy strikes one of the three girls will they continue to pursue Ezra or show compassion and move on? How will Ezra deal with the tragedy? Can all three find love in three different men? Which one of the girls will be threatened with the bann for past a. relationship?

There were many under lying going on as well as the chase of Ezra. How will other Amish members deal with their difficulties? If you love reading the Amish genre this is a wonderful start to a new series.

I did not receive a complimentary copy of this book! I submit my honest review for the love of the story. I have also rated this book with 5 stars. Great start Jerry Eicher!

[Cherese Akhavein · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was an ok book I feel it was more of an entertainment level book. I guess I'm more use to reading Amish fiction that has bible verses and if that is what your looking for you won't find it with this book. I started learning so much as I read Amish fiction from those bible verses and I have to say I was dissappointed with this book to not have any. Also I found some things a bit hard to believe like an Amish being involved in a ponzi scheme which is so non Amish.
With all that said you will find what happened when cousins struggle with the love of a single man at the same time there good friend also decided she loves Ezra, but who will Ezra choose? I don't know that I would read this again or I would recommend this book.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I loved this book! There was both sorrow and joy and lots of relationships changing, but everything turned out perfect in the end.I was saddened by Rosemary's passing, but her strong faith got her through the most difficult thing she would have to face. This book portrayed how trusting in God is the answer for facing those many questions we may have as we journey through life. I enjoyed it a lot and would recommend it highly to anyone who wants to renew their hope in God's faithfulness.

[Cheryl Baranski]

A Heart Once Broken is book one in The St. Lawrence County Amish series by Jerry Eicher. This was a very moving book. So many things happened in it that grabbed my attention. This is a story that is filled with love, heartache, pain, faith and moving forward with one's life. I so loved the characters and what was happening with them in this wonderful story. This is a story that will grab hold of you and not let go until the very end. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series. Be sure to get your copy of A Heart Once Broken today. 5 stars!

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silly, competitive cousins vie for same man. Friend quietly goes for him.
Fathers (brothers) make bad financial investment choices.
Death of one leads to unexpected, too soon option for remarriage. Should she?
Insecurity of self leads to bad decisions about discipline of children.
Church leadership inserts itself (apparently not uncommon in Amish communities).
Will the friend "get the guy"?
Will the family accept the church leadership intervention?
Will the girl accept the son's advances?
Will the other girl "go Englisch"?

[ANNETTE · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is first book in the St Lawrence County series. Cousins competed with each other for handsome Ezra . Rosemary comes along and wins his heart, Then Rosemary has liver cancer and everything changes fast. This book is about forgiveness, love

[Susan Moxley · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome story to read

[Diamond Jones-Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

July 2016

A Heart Once Broken is the first book in The St. Lawrence County Amish Series. This book will bring smiles, laughter, tears and love all at once.