Abiding Mercy

Amish Mercies #1

by Ruth Reid

Faith faces an impossible situation: Should she do the right thing and bring heartache to nearly everyone she knows or deny her true self and always wonder . . . what if?

Sixteen-year-old Faith has worked full-time in her parents’ restaurant since she finished eighth grade. She loves her Amish community—and the romantic attentions of her longtime friend, Gideon.

When her sister seems to be getting too friendly with Englischers, and her parents are in a buggy accident, Faith wants to escape into her dream of joining the church and getting married.

But then a local newspaper runs a story about a child named Adriana who was kidnapped fifteen years earlier, and everything Faith has held true comes into question.

Suddenly the community Faith has known her whole life seems unreal. Can she even trust her own family? And how will she ever find home again if she no longer belongs in the world she knows best?

Genres: Amish, Amish Fiction, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Christian, Romance

352 pages, Paperback

Published July 4, 2017

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Ruth Reid is a CBA and ECPA best-selling author of the Heaven on Earth series. She's a full-time pharmacist who resides in Florida with her husband and three children.

Reviews

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been reading the Amish genre right from the start and I have to say this is unlike any I have read before. The Amish genre has really evolved from simplistic plots to complex and keeping you on the edge of your seat plots, especially in this case. There is a dual story line here. Roslyn and Brandon Colepepper are an Englisher parents of eighteen month old Adriana . Adriana had been abducted when her mother took her grocery shopping but Angels were definitely with this child keeping her safe. Present day Faith works with her sister Olivia in their parents busy restaurant. Adriana's parents, especially her mother never gave up hope of finding her and kept the search alive these past fifteen years since her abduction.There have been many attempts of people claiming to be Adriana since the parents have offered a large monetary reward but none have panned out. Faith becomes friendly with the young Amish man, Gideon who delivers fruit to her parents restaurant. A romance starts between them. Then the rug is pulled out from under Faith. Who is she really and where does she belong? Does she even know her parents and her community any more? If you enjoy Amish romance with suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat and is a clean story I know you will enjoy this. I sure did! This is the first book in An Amish Mercies series and I am looking forward to reading more in this series by Ruth Reid.
Pub Date 04 Jul 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson--FICTION for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Kelly Tyree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abiding Mercy was such a great book. It was so well written that you just get completely drawn into the plot.

Faith is a sixteen year old teenager who enjoys her Amish lifestyle. She works in her parent's restaurant and is taking classes to get baptized. She does not have a good relationship with his sister, Olivia. Olivia has one foot in the English world and one in the Amish world. Faith does have a great relationship with her best friend, Gideon. Gideon was supposed to marry Olivia but that did not happen because Olivia has no plans to be baptized. Gideon soon realizes Faith is the girl for him. As their relationship begins to blossom, Faith's parents are injured in a buggy accident. That increases the responsibility Faith has. Gideon also steps in to help around the farm.

Gideon notices a story in the local paper about a child that was kidnapped fifteen years ago. Her family is a wealthy family that is still searching for her and holding on to hope that she may still be alive. Gideon sees the age enhanced photo looks a lot like Faith. Soon, Faith's entire world is turned upside down and she has to figure out where she belongs. God sends an angel to help her along the way.

Abiding Mercy is a great story that lets us know that God is with us regardless of what we face. Faith was able to hold on to those promises in the darkest hour of her young life. Fantastic book that will capture you from page one. I loved the ending.

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did. I was extremely invested in both the story and the characters. I didn't want to put it down.

Abiding Mercy is a story about Faith. She was kidnapped as a toddler and ended up being raised Amish by parents who loved and cared for her. Her birth parents never stopped searching for her though and when she was 16, they finally found her and she was forcibly removed from her family by the FBI and returned to her birth parents who live a very fancy and worldly life as Englischers. Amidst all of this, Faith and Gideon, who were maneuvering their relationship from being friends to having a future together, are suddenly ripped apart because Faith has been returned to her family. Suddenly there are new questions, like, can Faith even be Amish anymore and what will trying to appease her birth family do to Faith's heart?

There was a lot of religion and scripture in this book and a recurring character who although he takes different yet similar images, appears to be a messenger from god or a guardian angel of some form. That being said, the author pulled it off perfectly in that it never seemed to be preachy or obnoxious. I am not religious at all so I hate would books come of as being preachy or judgemental. It all flowed really well with keeping in the spirit of the character and the story being told.

This story is told in present day and also 15 years in the past when Faith/Adriana was kidnapped. The author did a good job with going back and forth. It gave a full picture for the story. It also allowed for the details to be slowly revealed as the book progressed.

The narration wasn't my favorite. The narration was choppy and stilted at times and the Pennsylvania Dutch was over enunciated and didn't flow well. The chapters set in the past without any accent were read much better and more smoothly.

This is the first book that I have read by this author. I will gladly read another book by this author. I recommend Abiding Mercy and will likely listen to it again.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by Ruth Reid.
A different type of Amish story in my opinion.
There's mystery, love and lessons learned in this book.
Folks I'm going to start off by saying that are Angels in this world. We may not see them but we do know by Faith they're around us. His protects us daily. That being said,
I can go on with my review.
My thoughts and feelings were somewhat mixed emotions because I can relate with Faith in most of the events that happens throughout this story.
I can holiday that I admired her quality and her upbringing. She's a very determined young lady no matter what life throws at her.
I also liked some of the bible verses that the author uses. "Be of strong and have good courage" and a few others.
I think I would have to go with this Amish family through their heartbreak because what happened to them wasn't their fault. It was thrust upon them. God was with them.
Gideon is the most patient person and caring too!!! (Sometimes I'd love for my husband to be just like him)!!!
I think poor Gideon got the raw end of the deal.
All in all, I thought it was a fantastic story. It kept me turning the pages. I had to read some of this in between orders at work lol! It was so good!!!!
I think Abiding Mercy is a story of God's grace given because he loves us.
I strongly recommend this book for people who love reading Amish stories and who love Ruth Reid
A copy of this book was provided by Netgalley with in no way required to review this book

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

ABIDING MERCY is the first book in Ms. Reid's newest series with Thomas Nelson. I love the way she incorporates angels into some of her books and the red-headed mysterious man who randomly appears, disappears is a nice touch.

I did not like Faith's sister, Olivia, at all. She was spoiled, selfish, and hateful and I don't see what Gideon ever saw in her.

Gideon was a very sweet young Amish man. He was quick to step in and help Faith when her parents were in an accident and even willingly did "women's work" something many Amish men won't do. Faith was very sweet too, and when her world is disrupted struggles to find her footing while still obeying everything her parents said -- I don't think she would've been so quick to accept Englisch clothes, especially jeans the first time she tried them on in real life.

There is absolutely no sexual tension in the story (for readers who like a super clean, sweet romance) and there is good faith message that is not at all preachy. The story is also a bit slow, making it ideal to read on a busy day as you can put it down and pick it up easily without say, burning dinner.

Fans of Amish fiction will likely love ABIDING MERCY. I'm glad this story finally made it into print as it was a long time coming. Congratulations, Ruth Reid!

I received a copy of this book free and all opinions are my own.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Come and immerse yourself in the life of Faith, aka Adrianna, a sixteen year old Amish girl, and you won’t want to let her go. As the book opens a horrible thing happens and an eighteen-month-old infant is snatched, but as you read God was looking out for her, and when all is said and done, you will wonder if it was his way of bringing others into the fold.
We are with Faith as she goes about her everyday life as a responsible Amish woman, and she is one busy girl. She is confident and knows who she is and what she wants, and seems to have a joy about her.
Suddenly her world collapse and she is no longer Faith but Adrianna, and where there should be joy there is now sorrow. I felt myself torn in so many directions, and as a mother, where did I want her to be. If life is unfair, this has to be one of those horrible moments when you want to be in two places at once, and be happy there.
The author did an amazing job with this fictional story, and yet it seemed so real, and when you find out why she was kept, makes more sense to me. I loved this book, and although it ends, you can imagine the future.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abiding Mercy is about 16-year-old Amish girl, Faith. She loves her community and her family, working at her family's restaurant. She is looking forward to being baptized into the church and one day getting married. But with a buggy accident involving her parents, a sister who was curious about the English, and a newspaper article that changes her world, how much heartache can she take?

Oh my goodness! Abiding Mercy is a fabulous piece of Amish Fiction. I found the story to be unique and quite refreshing to read a little bit of a different Amish story. I felt connection to Faith from the beginning. She endures so much heartache in such a short time. I cannot wait to read the second installment in the Amish Mercies series.

Highly highly recommend.
 
5 plus stars.

I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

[Sharon Huether · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this Free book from Goodreads First -Reads. Thank you for picking my name.
Fifteen years ago a child was kidnapped from her mother grocery cart.
Roslyn Colepepper had search and had not given up hope that her daughter Adriana was still alive.

The kidnappers took Adriana to an Amish home as they were driving by. They persuaded the couple to
keep the child till she got back. She never came back for her child. The child became Faith and lived with the Amish family for Fifteen years. Her sister Olivia called the number on a billboard, when a computer enhanced picture of Adriana was on it.

Faith was all that her name implied. She trusted in God to see her through all the upheaval of having both birth parents and parents that raised her. She followed her beliefs and remained the young woman God wanted her to be
This book was hard to put down. Every page getting closer to a conclusion .

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters in Abiding Mercy have been skillfully developed and draw you into the story right away. You will find yourself pulled emotionally by both the Amish and the English world as events unfold in Faith’s life. I actually found myself battling with how I wanted the story to resolve, and the ending is written perfectly!

A plot filled with twists and turns, Author Ruth Reid leaves you wondering what in the world will happen next. Through it all is the reminder that God is always with us, guiding and encouraging us on the path of life. This is definitely not a “traditional” Amish story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a positive review.

[Susan Faloon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a different Amish story and it is very good. I will write a more involved review as it gets closer to publication time. If you love mystery and a good mish book put this on your to-read list!

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abiding Mercy by Ruth Reid is An Amish Mercies Novel. Fifteen years prior in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Roslyn Colepepper is loading groceries into her car. She is attacked and her car is stolen with her eighteen-month-old daughter, Adrianna inside. The FBI are immediately called in. They soon find the abductors car and watch as it goes over a bridge and into the river. They do not find any survivors. Fast forward fifteen years to Posen, Michigan. Faith Pinkham is sixteen years old and works at her families’ restaurant, The Amish Table with her sister, mother and cousin. Olivia, Faith’s sister, seems to resent Faith and treats her terribly. One day they receive a call that their parents, Mordecai and Irma, were in an accident. It will take them weeks to recover. In the meantime, they must ensure that the farm chores are done and the restaurant continues to earn money. Olivia prefers to spend her time with her Englischer friends, and Faith is afraid that Olivia will soon jump the fence. Luckily, Faith has the help of Gideon Fohrer. As they spend time together, they grow closer. On the fifteenth anniversary of Adrianna’s kidnapping, The Detroit News runs an article with a picture of what Adrianna would look like now. Faith’s parents return home and life is getting back on track. Then one day Faith’s life changes irrevocably. Faith now questions who she is and where she belongs. What does the future hold for her? Faith is embarking on a journey. To see what happens to Faith, you will need to read Abiding Mercy.

Abiding Mercy is a well-crafted story. The book has well-developed characters in an engaging story. I was drawn into the story and read late into the night. We get to see both sides of the situation in Abiding Mercy as the novel tells us Faith’s story and the Colepepper’s (mostly Roslyn). Ms. Reid did a superb job at weaving the past and present together into one appealing story. My rating for Abiding Mercy is 4.25 out of 5 stars. I did, though, find it a wee bit predictable. Partway into the book, I knew how the story would play out. That did not stop me, though, from devouring the book. There are a couple of unexpected twists. I appreciated that the romantic element was light. I liked the message that God is always with us. He is there to help and guide us (if we want His help). I did feel that the ending was a little rushed. At the end of the book, I am left wondering about the red-haired man. He is a present in different forms throughout the whole book. Who is he? I will be curious to see if he is present in the other books in the series. I would like to know more about Olivia (she needs a book of her own). Abiding Mercy is not your traditional (expected) Amish novel (which I welcomed). I will be eagerly anticipating the next edition in An Amish Mercies series.

[Diana Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel will keep you glued to the pages. Abiding Mercy is excellent. A heart touching story of a young girls life. Growing up Amish and working the the restaurant for her family Faith loves her Amish life. She can't wait to be baptized their is a certain fellow she has her eye on.
Her parents are ion a major accident and leaves her to run the restaurant. Her sister isn't much help. She is to busy wanting to escape to the English world. A reporter visits the restaurant and just amazed with the food. He ants to write a article on it. Faith gives him permission but no pictures of her. The article hits the paper and they get so much business from it. But in the same paper is a article about a girl that was kidnapped 15 years ago and believe to still be alive. Faith's life is about to take a turn can she live this change in her life. What about her home her family and most of all what about Gideon? Great story loved the characters. Well written. I left this one with tears. A must read.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

BACK OF THE BOOK BLURB
Sixteen-year-old Faith has worked full-time in her parents' restaurant since she finished eighth grade. She loves her Amish community and the romantic attentions of er longtime friend, Gideon

When her sister seems to be getting too friendly with Englischers, and her parents are in a buggy accident, Faith wants to escape into her dream of joining the church and getting married.

But then a local newspaper runs a story about a child named Adriana who was kidnapped fifteen years earlier, and everything Faith has held true comes into questions.

Suddenly the community Faith has known her whole life seems unreal. Can she even trust her own family? And how will she ever find home again if she no longer belongs in the world she knows best?


MY REVIEW
I read the first 'short' chapter and when I saw that the second chapter was 15 years later, I thought, "Oh no, I hate these books that jump back and forth like this". Well, it didn't take long for me to get pulled into this story, even with the back and forth! I have enjoyed many of Ruth's books and I enjoyed this one as well. What a tale to tell and Ruth did it well. Grab a copy and while waiting for more in the series maybe read some of her other books to bide the time, great author.

I was given a copy of this book by BookLook Bloggers for an honest review and that is what I've done, given my honest opinion of this book.

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I sit back and reflect on the novel I just read, it is easy for me to see both sides of the story. In Abiding Mercy by Ruth Reid, the reader is taken into two very different story lines. One Amish and the other English. It is the reason why I had a difficult time placing this novel into either genre and included it in both. The novel centers around two people, Adrianna Colepepper and Faith Pinkham. They are the same person without knowing it.

Fifteen years ago, Adrianna was the subject of every parents worst nightmare. She was kidnapped by her nanny at the time, and left in the care of Amish parents at the age of 2. When the nanny dropped Adrianna off at the Pinkham's, they knew the Amish would take good care of her and wouldn't notify the police about a baby just being dropped off unexpectedly. For Irma Pinkham, she figured the mother was simply a woman who was having a difficult time with raising a baby and would be back once she had time to figure things out. Yet she never did. Irma never dreamed that this child was kidnapped from her English parents and set about raising her Amish all these years.

For Faith Pinkham, she never imagined in her wildest dreams of ever leaving her Amish faith, and even made a decision to never engage in rumspringa, a time of leaving the Amish faith and taking time to explore the English world. She decided early on, she wanted to be baptized without having any second thoughts about her life. She spent her life helping her mother run The Amish Table, a restaurant that served up Amish food in Posen, Michigan. She even began to fall in love with her best friend, Gideon Rohrer, whom at one time was going to marry her sister Olivia. But when Olivia made it apparent she was going to "jump the fence," leave the Amish faith, Gideon knew that they would never marry and instead began day by day falling in love with Faith. Just when it seems like everything is perfect, the police arrive to arrest the Pinkham's and return Adrianna to her English parents, wealthy property owners of Colepepper Hotels. But is going home as easy as anyone thought?

I received Abiding Mercy by Ruth Reid compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Net Galley. This is such a heart-warming story to see both sides of the situation. For grieving parents who never gave up their search for their daughter only to reunite with her and realize how hard the transition would be. It's not as easy as simply coming home and thinking everything will go back to the way it was. For Faith, her entire life has been about being Amish, from her faith, to her way of living, dressing and even talking. Now all her parents want is to make up for 15 years of lost time, but it won't be as easy as they thought. There are some discussion questions at the end of this novel that would make it an excellent book club selection and for me, this one garners a solid 5 out of 5 stars. I literally inhaled it and couldn't stop until I finished it. This is the first novel in the Amish Mercies series!

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I loved the story line - the twists and turns and everything about it. Ms. Reid has crafted real characters. They are well written, and are tangible. This is the first book in the series - and I can't wait to read more.
Faith is my favorite character. he helps her parents out at home and also works in the family restaurant. She is a likable character.
I laughed and cried - through out this book. I loved the reminders that God is ALWAYS with us no matter what the issue is. No matter how big and how small. I could NOT put this down.
I hope that you will go and get a copy of this book - and enjoy it as much as I did.

I received a copy of the book through the author or publisher - all opinions are my own.

[Pamela Pavkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abiding Mercy is the first novel in An Amish Mercies series written by Ruth Reid. This book takes place in Posen, Michigan and flashes back to Bloomfield Hills, Michigan to set the stage for the plot of this amazing mystery. The characters are so likeable that Faith and Gideon will seem like old friends to you.

This story centers around two very different Amish sisters, Faith and Olivia Pinkham. Gideon who has broken his relationship off with Olivia because she has decided to continue in her rumspringa and not take her baptism classes. While making deliveries to Olivia's family's restaurant Gideon starts to develope feelings for Faith. Will Gideon be able to convince Faith that his feelings are sincere or will Faith continue to think he is just trying to work things out with Olivia?

As this wonderful starts to unfold we discover that an 18 month old little girl was abducted from a grocery store parking lot. What does this young girl have to do with the Pinkham family? Who is the stranger with red hair who keeps appearing to everyone reciting Bible verses? Could this stranger be an angel?

I highly recommend that you read Abiding Mercy to discover all the answers to these questions. There are several sub plots taking place through out this story that it will keep you turning pages to see what takes place next. I found myself experiencing so many different emotions while reading this book. At one point I had to wipe tears from my eyes. I really felt the emotions of the characters that the author placed in her story. This book more than meant my expectations and when I came to the last page I didn't want the book to end.

I received an Advance Readers Copy of this book from the author. I was not expected to post a favorable review however with an amazing story like this one it was needed. I have also rated this book with five stars and would have rated it higher if possible. All opinions and statements expressed are strictly my own personal view.

Congratulations to Ruth Reid for another wonderfully written story that touches her readers heart. I will be anticipating her next book for release!

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abiding Mercy is the first book in the Amish Mercies series by Ruth Reid. One thing I can say that I love about Ruth Reid’s books is that they have elements that are unique to the Amish genre. She includes angels, sometimes demons and miracles. Which is different and I’ve not seen this from any other authors and I read a lot of Amish fiction. So, if I’m saying unique—just trust me.

I’ve had the pleasure of reading every book from Ruth, starting with her debut novel, The Promise of an Angel in 2011. I enjoy her works and I knew I wanted to read this book.

This book again has subtle angel undertones and I really enjoyed that. But, I felt that this story was a bit predictable. I figured out the plot from the beginning and that kind of disappointed me. I think we were supposed to know the plot but I’d have loved for a last-minute plot twist where I could have said, “I didn’t see that coming!”

I also felt that certain elements were rushed to tie this story up. The birth parent’s feelings, Gideon’s love for Faith—it was all rushed. I felt like the ending was fairly anticlimactic and I would have liked to have seen more emotional depth from Faith in particular.

Despite a few misgivings, the story is solid. It’s a book I could pick back up and read again. I look forward to the rest of the series. This is also a book that I would be proud to have on my bookshelf. The Amish Mercies series is off a great start!

This book was originally posted on A Simply Enchanted Life

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by BookLook Bloggers, Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. All opinions are my own.

[Just Commonly · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them."

A story that that tells much more than a story in Ruth Reid's newest release, Abiding Mercy, the first book in the Amish Mercies series. Abiding Mercy is superb in the writing as well as blending two cultures, Amish and Englisch through an "English baby raised Amish" scenario.

Faith is hardworking and generous, but her world is thrown in a spin when it was revealed that she was the kidnapped victim from the Englisch world when she was a young child. She thought her only problem is falling for the man only have eyes for her pretty sister, the same sister that seems to hate her, but there's much more than she thought. The author did a terrific job in crafting a fictional story that feels so real that it's relatable to readers on many fronts, even if we're not Amish. The emotional turmoil, guilt and uncertainty that arise allows readers to embrace the complexity of the situation and ultimately see the message of mercy and grace. In all, Abiding Mercy will be a highlight in your reading repertoire.


This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.

[Virginia Winfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great story. I laughed and cried. It would be very hard to find out that the people who raised you your whole life weren't your real parents. Your sister isn't your blood sister. These would be so unusual to find out. Ruth Reid handles these problems so well. I did not want to put this book down. I look forward to more in the Amish mercies series. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abiding Mercy is a touching, heartfelt, heart wrenching, suspenseful, romantic and mysterious story. This is a story of a kidnapped child 15 years ago. The birth parents are Englischers but she ended up with Amish parents - wild eh? - Faith grew up feeling, "where do I belong?", and she wonders if she even knows her parents, community, friends etc anymore - she is feeling lost - until Gideon walks into her Diner - and her life - he works for Englischers - he falls for her and helps her with her and how she is feeling - He sees something that will change Faiths life unbelievably - or will it? I can tell you this - there is so many twists and turns and the way that this author gets you to feel for these characters - especially Faith - you just want to help her so badly - is she that child? That out of this world helps that could be help I should say - is so unreal - wow - mindblowing- you have to read this book to find out what it is - and what the result is - and what happens with Gideon and Faith. GOD's hands are divinely ruling the steps of these characters - that is how well this is written. Well done...I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.

[Sara Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I chose this story because who can turn down a good secret? The description hooked me into wanting to read how an Amish family ended up with a little girl that was kidnapped. The last suspenseful story that I read along these lines was CLAIMING NOAH (not an Amish story though), and ABIDING MERCY kept me on the edge of my seat as well.

Throughout the story, there are a bunch of twists and bends that kept the plot interesting. I enjoyed the switching back and forth between Faith's biological mom's perspective and that of Faith herself. Occasionally, I wasn't quite sure whether something was happening in the past when Faith was first kidnapped or was happening in the present day when the story shifted to Faith's biological mom's perspective. However, that didn't hinder plot comprehension that much.

The characters are skillfully created--you feel emotionally for both Faith and her adopted parents as well as her biological parents. You aren't really sure if you're rooting for Faith to be found by her biological parents or for to remain happily unaware with her Amish parents who love her so. All and all, this is a wonderful story that I would recommend to all Amish fiction fans.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cultures clash in this intriguing Amish novel. It's been awhile since I've read a book by Ruth Reid but Abiding Mercy reminds me of why I need to read more by this author. A taut, tense plot that keeps a reader glued to the page. Memorable characters that reflect all the complications of real life. A mysterious stranger who is so much more than he seems. And some heart-wrenching plot twists that turn everything upside down.

Loved Faith and the way she lives up to her name during the most trying of times. She's not perfect by any means, but she clings to the hope in God's promises and in her own sweet way makes the world a brighter place for those around her. If anything, she is too eager to please at times. The exact opposite of her self-centered sister, Olivia. That difficult sibling relationship catapults the entire family into an unimaginable journey that tests them all.

A riveting sweet romance that is just a little bit different from the other Amish stories out there. Definitely a treat of a read. Perfect for fans of Amish fiction but also a great introduction to the genre for those who aren't quite sure if Amish is their thing. Awesomesauce all around!

[Cecily Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic - so much suspense leading to the revelations hinted at in the description, with so much emotion and tension between Faith and her sister, the man who has courted one and now loves the other, and ultimately, Faith's determination to do what is right, both in the eyes of God and what is in her heart.

[Jeanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

You placed His words upon your heart long ago and committed them to memory. You are not without His promises. He is with you always. His Spirit will lead you with instruction. Lift your hope higher in the One who has called you by name. For it is written: "Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will Hear." So you see, God's mercy is abiding. His love is everlasting.

We are not always aware of the mercies of God in our lives even in the most difficult of circumstances. Two families - different but the same. Roslyn and Brandon Colepepper have a busy lifestyle. Brandon is CEO of a successful hotel chain and Roslyn is busy with the social life. They have a 18 month old Adriana who is full of life and when she is abducted from Roslyn at the grocery store, the Colepepper's life as they know it suddenly changes.

Sixteen year old Faith works with her sister Olivia in their parent's Amish Restaurant. Faith loves working; making new Amish dishes for others to enjoy and helping her parents. She is looking forward to her baptism. Her sister Olivia has other plans and seems to be pulling away from the Amish lifestyle. Her long time beau Gideon sees the changes in Olivia and knows that he cannot have a future with Olivia and the friendship with Faith deepens into something more.

This Amish story brings the English and the Amish together in the most peculiar way. With mystery as how did Faith end up with an Amish family and the English parents determination to find their lost daughter of 15 years. When the two families come together, what changes will happen and what mercies will come forth from the love of two families and their belief in a sovereign God. A great Amish story!

A Special Thank You to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Yvette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weaving together elements of mystery, faith, and a budding relationship, this is a book that I didn't want to put down until all had been revealed.

The storyline is split between the past and the present as well as between Faith's life working on her Amish family's farm and in her mother's restaurant, and the struggles of the kidnapped Adriana's parents.  The tension is created not by the question of whether Faith is the kidnapped Adriana, but by how and when this will be revealed.

I adored Faith as a main character.  Hardworking and dedicated to her family and her faith, at nearly 17 she has foregone Rumspringa to prepare to be baptized. What kept me reading until late at night was the need to find out how learning she was not born Amish and the possibility of returning to her wealthy Englischer birth family would affect her and her friend turned something more, Gideon.

Highly recommended for those who enjoy Amish fiction with unexpected storylines or lost children being found.  Oh, and keep an eye out for red-headed strangers.  They might be crazy, or they just might be angels in disguise.

I voluntarily received a finished copy for review from Thomas Nelson and Zondervan's Fiction Guild.  All opinions expressed are my own.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a hard read. Not because of the storyline or its content. It was the author’s integrity that made the difference and the sense that she allowed the characters to move where they would and didn’t alter the outcome to give the reader the happy ending we’d expect. Yes, it was difficult to swallow on some levels but realistic in others. This is the probable result of an experience of this sort outside of the confines of a page. In deference to her artistry and honesty I feel the five stars are deserved. It’s a wonderful book that tugs the heartstrings.

[Cookie Marcum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I've read alot of books about the Amish and usually have the story line figured out after reading a couple of chapters. Not this book! There were twists and turns throughout the book and I found that I just couldn't put it down. The ending left me wanting more so I eagerly await the sequel! Ruth Reid is a gifted and annointed writer. I have read several of her other books and have yet to be disappointed.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review on my blog: https://amandainpa.wordpress.com/2017...

[Bethany Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, it was different and really allowed you to see a different world from a different perspective.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my best talk show persona voice... YOU should read this book! THEY should read this book! EVERYBODY should read this booooook!!!! Ok, now that I have that out of my system I have to say that everyone really should read this book. Why? Because. It. Is. SENSATIONAL!!!!!

From the opening scene of this book I was riveted to the story. I felt like I was right there with Roslyn pushing that cart with the messed up wheel and rushing around the grocery store. I have to be honest and say I didn't care for Roslyn as she was a bit on the uppity side but Ruth Reid created a character that, even though I didn't like, I could sympathize with as events unfolded. The tension and the uncertainty felt real.

Faith Pinkham is leading a pretty normal Amish life. She helps her parents out at home and also works in the family restaurant. Faith is very responsible for someone who is sixteen yet she has a fun side that we see when she is spending time with her friend, Gideon. I loved the chemistry between these two. There is some tension between them as Gideon was Faith's sister Olivia's boyfriend but things have changed and it's easy to see that Faith and Gideon have an attraction to each other that is innocent, sweet, and awkward at times. These two are impossible not to fall in love with. Ruth Reid is a master at teasing the reader with the possibility that these two are going to kiss and it doesn't happen. But when it finally does....oh how I had butterflies in my stomach! It was the perfect scene for these two and thank you to Ruth for writing it like she did.

The story itself was wonderful and the pace of the book was just right. Going back and forth between the Colepepper's searching for their daughter and Faith dealing with her parents being in an accident and Olivia not helping out kept the story moving and there was never a dull moment. Even though it may be a bit predictable as to the outcome of the story there are plot twists and turns along the way and isn't that what life is? Full of twists and turns to keep things interesting and never boring? I loved all of the descriptions that Ruth put in the story because they made me feel as if I was part of the story and not just reading it. Ruth Reid's writing is absolutely amazing!

I rated this book as a 5-star read because that's as many stars as I could give it. So since I can't give it more than 5 stars I will give it 6 hearts because that's how much I loved this story! I can easily see myself reading this book again and again just so I can spend more time with these characters I have come to know and love. I'm curious as to what story is waiting to be told in the next story of the series and can't wait to read it.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and was not obligated to write a review. All opinions are mine.