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Amish Secrets #3
Home All Along
Charlotte has made a home for herself in Amish Country with Daniel. But unforeseen events rock their fragile world and may move them even further away from the life they long for.
Charlotte, an Englisher, is living in Amish Country, and she has formed strong and lasting bonds with the people in her new community. She has even fallen in love with an Amish man. But just when she is considering a permanent conversion to the Amish way of life, her world crashes around her. An unexpected death and a mysterious visitor unsettle Charlotte, and she begins to question her faith and her choices.
Daniel loves Charlotte and wants to share his life with her, even it if means leaving the only world he’s ever known. But as he walks alongside of her through her struggles, his own world is turned upside down when a loved one receives a grim medical diagnosis and a prodigal relative returns home. Will Charlotte and Daniel’s relationship succumb to the many pressures around them, or will their faith and the strong community around them allow them to weather the storms of their own lives in order to build a life together?
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2017
161 people are currently reading
1079 people want to read
About the author
Beth Wiseman
136 books1,424 followers"I wish I had the time to review books and chat with you here, but my writing deadlines just don't allow it. Please like my Fans of Beth Wiseman Page on Facebook where I try to post any news and interact with readers."
Beth is the best-selling and award winning author of the Daughters of the Promise series - Plain Perfect, Plain Pursuit, Plain Promise, Plain Paradise, and Plain Proposal. She is contracted with HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Her other series--the Land of Canaan Novels--begins with Seek Me With All Your Heart, then The Wonder of Your Love and now, His Love Endures Forever. Seek Me With All Your Heart is the first Amish fiction book selected as a Women of Faith novel in 2011. Beth has also written three contemporary Christian fiction novels, Need You Now published in 2012 and The House That Love Built in 2013. In The Promise, (2014) Beth jumps way outside the box. This story takes readers far away from Amish Country and small Texas towns to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. Inspired by a true story, Beth believes this is the book she’s been working toward for a long time. 2015 brings Beth back to the Pennsylvania Amish with her new series, Amish Secrets. She is currently working on book #2 following much success with book #1, Her Brother's Keeper.
You can also follow Beth on Twitter: @BethWiseman
Beth is the best-selling and award winning author of the Daughters of the Promise series - Plain Perfect, Plain Pursuit, Plain Promise, Plain Paradise, and Plain Proposal. She is contracted with HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Her other series--the Land of Canaan Novels--begins with Seek Me With All Your Heart, then The Wonder of Your Love and now, His Love Endures Forever. Seek Me With All Your Heart is the first Amish fiction book selected as a Women of Faith novel in 2011. Beth has also written three contemporary Christian fiction novels, Need You Now published in 2012 and The House That Love Built in 2013. In The Promise, (2014) Beth jumps way outside the box. This story takes readers far away from Amish Country and small Texas towns to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. Inspired by a true story, Beth believes this is the book she’s been working toward for a long time. 2015 brings Beth back to the Pennsylvania Amish with her new series, Amish Secrets. She is currently working on book #2 following much success with book #1, Her Brother's Keeper.
You can also follow Beth on Twitter: @BethWiseman
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
June 24, 2020
A touching conclusion to this trilogy of Amish novels. If you've followed the series up to this point, you should definitely read this last volume. Like the previous books, this is a bit different for a story about the Plain people, but it's still great stuff.
October 2, 2017
This third book is the conclusion to the Amish Secrets series, and what an outstanding finish! The author did a skillful job of making it readable as a stand alone, offering some insight from the first two books without dumping a summary on the reader. I feel like even though one book leads into the next, they could definitely be read out of order. I loved seeing how much Charlotte had grown since the first book, and the role she played in the life of her sister and niece. She still struggled with her past and the fears that prevented her from moving forward with Daniel, and the gentle wisdom of her Amish surrogate mother sweetly guided her towards discovering God's will for her path. The health problems that plague the two families brought the theme of grief to the forefront, and there are many thought-provoking conversations and internal dialogues that brought depth to the story. Annie became one of my favorites as she matured and stepped up as a leader in her family. And of course, Aunt Faye was quite the show-stealer with her pickled oysters and indomitable spirit. I highly recommend this series to fans of Amish fiction and women's fiction!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
November 25, 2017
I'll have to admit I always look forward to reading a new Beth Wiseman Amish book. She covers the Amish faith so completely that when I read her books I feel as if I am right there living among the Amish in their town. This is a simple reminder that the Amish don't have an ideal life like so many of us imagine,making quilts and living the good calm life in the country. Their life is like ours filled with uncertainty and helplessness at times but with faith God will bring us through. Some of the subjects are a little darker in this book, there is violence and child neglect. This, the third book in the Amish Secrets series continues to follow Charlotte as she strives to find answers in the death of her troubled brother, Ethan. She had come to live among the Amish and pretended to be Amish to get answers. The pretense is over an she now strives to become Amish and had adapted to the Amish lifestyle.Her friend Daniel is with her through thick and thin and hopes to marry her but she has so many problems to work through. Daniel's family has their own problems that desperately need taken care of. Can they each work together to help and support each other's family in their trying times? God will help these families help themselves. Very enjoyable read!
Pub Date 26 Sep 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson--FICTION for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
Pub Date 26 Sep 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson--FICTION for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 5, 2018
This is the third and final book of this series, and yes they can be read alone, but if you start here it is so compelling you will want to read the others.
This one will linger with you, and the author does a wonderful job of wrapping up all that has happened. Surprises abound, and keep the tissues handy, this is life and sometimes it is cruel, and again heart-warming, and this read has it all.
There are many twist and surprising turns to get to the end, and we catch up with all of those that we have come to know, many are now friends. Decisions must be made, but will the right ones be forged? Don’t miss this one!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.
This one will linger with you, and the author does a wonderful job of wrapping up all that has happened. Surprises abound, and keep the tissues handy, this is life and sometimes it is cruel, and again heart-warming, and this read has it all.
There are many twist and surprising turns to get to the end, and we catch up with all of those that we have come to know, many are now friends. Decisions must be made, but will the right ones be forged? Don’t miss this one!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.
October 31, 2017
A story of heartache and hope, Ms. Wiseman brings us another inspiring Amish novel. I have been a big fan of this author's tender writing style for a long time. Her words of encouragement are written through out the pages of each novel, and this one was no exception. She brought her readers another home run with this one.
As with her previous novels in this series, Ms. Wiseman creates a story filled with twists and turns, and mixes it up with the simple living and finely chiseled characters, in Charlotte and Daniel. Learning to let go, move on and accept what God has in store for them, is never an easy feat, but Ms. Wiseman accomplishes that and so much more.
This book is beyond captivating. It will leave you reflecting on the will of your own life, and I love that she did that for me! It's a book that I won't soon forget, that's for sure! This is most definitely a 5 star novel, and I highly recommend it to all. You'll fall in love with these beautiful characters and their Amish living and want more when you reach the end. Well done, Ms. Wiseman, well done!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
As with her previous novels in this series, Ms. Wiseman creates a story filled with twists and turns, and mixes it up with the simple living and finely chiseled characters, in Charlotte and Daniel. Learning to let go, move on and accept what God has in store for them, is never an easy feat, but Ms. Wiseman accomplishes that and so much more.
This book is beyond captivating. It will leave you reflecting on the will of your own life, and I love that she did that for me! It's a book that I won't soon forget, that's for sure! This is most definitely a 5 star novel, and I highly recommend it to all. You'll fall in love with these beautiful characters and their Amish living and want more when you reach the end. Well done, Ms. Wiseman, well done!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
October 12, 2017
Home All Along was a solid ending to this series. The entire series, as well as this book, dealt with some serious and real world issues, such as suicide, grief, lack of belief, feelings of failure, health issues, and more. I appreciated that the author did not sugar coat the issues, yet still managed to provide some humor to the story in the form of Aunt Faye and all of her oddities.
I was already familiar with Charlotte and Daniel, as well as Annie and Jacob, from the previous books. I really enjoyed watching their growth (as well as their struggles) throughout this novel. Many situations in this story were not easily solved and required much prayer, patience, and tears to work through. I enjoyed this novel and appreciated the paths that the various characters had to travel.
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.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
I was already familiar with Charlotte and Daniel, as well as Annie and Jacob, from the previous books. I really enjoyed watching their growth (as well as their struggles) throughout this novel. Many situations in this story were not easily solved and required much prayer, patience, and tears to work through. I enjoyed this novel and appreciated the paths that the various characters had to travel.
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.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
April 25, 2020
Great finish to a wonderful series!
May 10, 2018
This book is disturbingly bad; I'm legitimately shocked that it's from a well-established publisher (Harper Collins). The entire series is woven with thin threads as it is, but this final installment is by far the worst and for the life of me I can't understand why there are so many (or any) five-star reviews. It is a truly disappointing read that I only finished to see just how many errors would be included (so, so many). I would be very unhappy if I had paid money for this. (Three cheers for public libraries!)
The sheer number of inconsistencies is staggering. A huge, glaring, appalling mistake comes right at the beginning when the long-lost sister arrives with a completely different name than she had when her existence was revealed in book 2. Weirdly, the sister's original name crops up in the form of a faceless co-worker who is only mentioned when she conveniently provides some necessary items for the sister. Unrealistic time frames occur over and over. Conversations end and then unrealistic amounts of time go by with no resolution, but only mentions of half-baked attempts at connections.
A particularly contrived plot device is the magical presence of jewelry making materials... enough for someone (who has never made any jewelry before in her life, mind you) to sit down and immediately make beautiful items that she's able to sell to all the local shops for hundreds and hundreds of dollars. (Reader beware: you won't be able to recreate this trick.) In addition, a baby (who incidentally only needs pillows propped around her in a regular bed to sleep safe and sound) is strolling around the living room while the coffee table is covered with all these convenient jewelry-making materials, but never tumps over a bead container, never swallows a single bead, and never gets in her mother's way while she's working. Has the author ever encountered a baby, I don't know ... ever?
Much of the book included contrived events, repetitive dialogue and events, uncharacteristic behaviors, and events that dragged out for no real purpose, while major plot points were simply glossed over in the epilogue. Too many issues were conveniently resolved. Far too many characters literally sit around and do nothing for hours and even days on end. As a whole, it felt like the author put little thought into any of it and I wondered multiple times if she had passed off the writing duties to an immature and inexperienced intern, who only had a vague outline of the previous books and the general plot of this one, and no editor bothered with it beyond hitting the spelling/grammar check button. It was clearly not worth anyone's time to put any real work in it.
Fluffy books have their place and no one should be ashamed to enjoy them; I enjoy fluffy lit. This is not fluffy lit. It is atrocious lit. Fluffy-lit readers deserve much, much better than this. Everyone involved in the publishing of this book should rethink ... everything.
The sheer number of inconsistencies is staggering. A huge, glaring, appalling mistake comes right at the beginning when the long-lost sister arrives with a completely different name than she had when her existence was revealed in book 2. Weirdly, the sister's original name crops up in the form of a faceless co-worker who is only mentioned when she conveniently provides some necessary items for the sister. Unrealistic time frames occur over and over. Conversations end and then unrealistic amounts of time go by with no resolution, but only mentions of half-baked attempts at connections.
A particularly contrived plot device is the magical presence of jewelry making materials... enough for someone (who has never made any jewelry before in her life, mind you) to sit down and immediately make beautiful items that she's able to sell to all the local shops for hundreds and hundreds of dollars. (Reader beware: you won't be able to recreate this trick.) In addition, a baby (who incidentally only needs pillows propped around her in a regular bed to sleep safe and sound) is strolling around the living room while the coffee table is covered with all these convenient jewelry-making materials, but never tumps over a bead container, never swallows a single bead, and never gets in her mother's way while she's working. Has the author ever encountered a baby, I don't know ... ever?
Much of the book included contrived events, repetitive dialogue and events, uncharacteristic behaviors, and events that dragged out for no real purpose, while major plot points were simply glossed over in the epilogue. Too many issues were conveniently resolved. Far too many characters literally sit around and do nothing for hours and even days on end. As a whole, it felt like the author put little thought into any of it and I wondered multiple times if she had passed off the writing duties to an immature and inexperienced intern, who only had a vague outline of the previous books and the general plot of this one, and no editor bothered with it beyond hitting the spelling/grammar check button. It was clearly not worth anyone's time to put any real work in it.
Fluffy books have their place and no one should be ashamed to enjoy them; I enjoy fluffy lit. This is not fluffy lit. It is atrocious lit. Fluffy-lit readers deserve much, much better than this. Everyone involved in the publishing of this book should rethink ... everything.
September 25, 2017
BACK OF THE BOOK BLURB
Home. It's the thing Charlotte has always wanted most.
Will she finally find it among the Amish of Lancaster County?
Charlotte has spent much of her life trying to figure out where she belongs. After enduring an abusive childhood, she sets out on a journey her brother once took, landing her in an Amish community. Despite her outsider attitudes and her reluctance to accept the Amish way of life, the community embraces her. A quiet, handsome man named Daniel reveals his feelings for Charlotte, but she struggles to commit to him. Despite her desire for home and family, painful memories and fear threaten to destroy the peace Charlotte desperately seeks.
Just when Charlotte finally believes she is ready to bid farewell to her former life, a long lost relative resurfaces and throws Charlotte's life into chaos. When an illness erupts in Daniel's family and a shunned aunt and a prodigal son return, circumstances leave Daniel and Charlotte second-guessing the future they'd hoped to share.
Charlotte wants to believe that despite her heartbreak, god is leading her towards her true destiny. But how can she trust her choices amid so much personal calamity?
Home All Along is a soul-searching novel about a woman leaving the life she has known in search of love, faith, and a place to finally call home.
MY REVIEW
Once you pick this book up to read, you will NOT want to put it down. Beth really puts you right in the middle of this story with so much grief, love, and faith, you will think you are right there in the middle and wonder which character you are and how you would handle it all. I will very highly recommend this as a must read, not only this book but the first two in the series also, "Her Brothers Keeper" and "Love Bears All Things". Also you will enjoy it so much more if you read them in order. WOW!!!!!
I was provided a copy of this book by BookLook Bloggers in return for an honest review. The above review are my true feelings.
Home. It's the thing Charlotte has always wanted most.
Will she finally find it among the Amish of Lancaster County?
Charlotte has spent much of her life trying to figure out where she belongs. After enduring an abusive childhood, she sets out on a journey her brother once took, landing her in an Amish community. Despite her outsider attitudes and her reluctance to accept the Amish way of life, the community embraces her. A quiet, handsome man named Daniel reveals his feelings for Charlotte, but she struggles to commit to him. Despite her desire for home and family, painful memories and fear threaten to destroy the peace Charlotte desperately seeks.
Just when Charlotte finally believes she is ready to bid farewell to her former life, a long lost relative resurfaces and throws Charlotte's life into chaos. When an illness erupts in Daniel's family and a shunned aunt and a prodigal son return, circumstances leave Daniel and Charlotte second-guessing the future they'd hoped to share.
Charlotte wants to believe that despite her heartbreak, god is leading her towards her true destiny. But how can she trust her choices amid so much personal calamity?
Home All Along is a soul-searching novel about a woman leaving the life she has known in search of love, faith, and a place to finally call home.
MY REVIEW
Once you pick this book up to read, you will NOT want to put it down. Beth really puts you right in the middle of this story with so much grief, love, and faith, you will think you are right there in the middle and wonder which character you are and how you would handle it all. I will very highly recommend this as a must read, not only this book but the first two in the series also, "Her Brothers Keeper" and "Love Bears All Things". Also you will enjoy it so much more if you read them in order. WOW!!!!!
I was provided a copy of this book by BookLook Bloggers in return for an honest review. The above review are my true feelings.
October 20, 2017
Home All Along by Beth Wiseman is sweet. The characters and their circumstances show what life brings and takes away. Struggles are hard to handle. A little faith, patience, and love can lead them where they should be. The entire story was believable. A young woman lost her brother. Somehow finding her way back home. Home being an Amish community. Outside influences threaten her hold on staying there. But what will be will be. I'm an active reader of Beth Wiseman's books. Each one is heartfelt. This one, is not different. I was able to easily connect with the characters. I felt their doubts, fears, and hopes. Any story that can pull me deeply into its plot, is one worth reading. That's exactly what Home All Along did for me. Overall, I recommend it to readers worldwide.
October 15, 2017
Home All Along is book three in the Amish Secrets series by Beth Wiseman. Beth has written another wonderful story that will capture your heart. I love it when an author can make me feel as though I was part of the story. This story is full of faith, love, heartache, and pain. I didn’t want this story to end. I loved Charlotte’s and Daniel’s story. Be sure to order your copy of Home All Along today. I received a complimentary copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion. 4.5 stars!
April 14, 2019
Enjoyed the ending of this series. I struggle with how easily Jacobs return was as he was involved with some very bad men. I understand he was not the main character here but he was involved in all three books. Over all I great listen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2021
Such a wonderful end to a trilogy. All if the characters throughout the book end up where you would want them to be. I would recommend the books to anyone who loves to read about the Amish.
August 8, 2017
I almost never read Amish fiction anymore. I used to read all the Beverly Lewis and Cindy Woodsmall books I could find, but grew bored with the genre. Earlier this year, I was given the chance to read the second book in this series. Since I like reading series in order, I got the first book from my library and devoured both books in a couple days. So I was ready to finish the series and find out what happened to Charlotte, Daniel, Jacob, Annie, Amos, Lena, and etc. This book resolved all the major storylines. And tackled some hard topics, like a DNR. I liked how the hard topics were dealt with and not glossed over. I enjoyed this series and am so glad I am able to finish the series and find out what happens.
< I> Thanks to Netgalley and Publishers for a copy of the book.
< I> Thanks to Netgalley and Publishers for a copy of the book.
July 15, 2017
Home All Along is book three from Beth Wiseman's Amish Secrets series. I have read the first two books of the series, Her Brother's Keeper and Love Bears All Things, and this one is my favorite. I felt a connection to Charlotte throughout because of what she had endured and I could relate with her and I understand her. It definitely got me emotional at times. Beth Wiseman perfectly knew how to write those things. I, also, loved Daniel's love, patience, sweetness and faith. An all-around story of faith, forgiveness, redemption and finding yourself.
Highly recommended.
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.
Highly recommended.
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.
December 9, 2017
1.5 * Extremely disappointed. Poorly written, super repetitive, did you fire your editor or what?
October 21, 2018
Home All Along by Beth Wiseman
(An Amish Secrets Novel)
Charlotte has become a member of our district without being a member at all. She’s not even Amish, yet she seems to be living the lifestyle.”
Charlotte has made a home for herself in Amish Country with Daniel. But unforeseen events rock their fragile world and may move them even further away from the life they long for.
Charlotte, an Englisher, is living in Amish Country, and she has formed strong and lasting bonds with the people in her new community. She has even fallen in love with an Amish man. But just when she is considering a permanent conversion to the Amish way of life, her world crashes around her. An unexpected death and a mysterious visitor unsettle Charlotte, and she begins to question her faith and her choices.
Daniel loves Charlotte and wants to share his life with her, even it if means leaving the only world he’s ever known. But as he walks alongside of her through her struggles, his own world is turned upside down when a loved one receives a grim medical diagnosis and a prodigal relative returns home. Will Charlotte and Daniel’s relationship succumb to the many pressures around them, or will their faith and the strong community around them allow them to weather the storms of their own lives in order to build a life together?
This is Daniel Byler and Charlotte Dolinsky's story.
her sister Andrea and baby Bella.
Charlotte Lena the Amish woman who she considers her second mother.
Hannah was her best friend.
Annie and Jacob and others.
Daniel reached for Charlotte hand and squeezed, a particularly endearing gesture since the Plain People weren’t big on public displays of affection. Charlotte loved him for embracing her shaky hand at that moment, but she also loved Daniel Byler for the many ways he’d calmed her soul since she moved to Paradise, in the heart of Lancaster County.
A few moments after the pastor said the final prayer, Hannah Miller and her new husband, Isaac, walked up to Charlotte and Daniel. Hannah’s face was moist, her cheeks flushed. Charlotte eased her hand from Daniel’s to hug her. Hannah didn’t really know Janell, so Charlotte was surprised by the outpouring of emotion, something else uncommon to her Amish friends.
Hannah held on to Charlotte like her life depended on it. She finallly backed away as her bottom lip trembled. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
Daniel walked with Bishop Miller until they were away from the crowd and out of earshot. The bishop sighed as he ran a hand the length of his dark beard, slowing his stride as he turned to face Daniel. “Today is not the right time, but I feel we must talk, Daniel. Can you come visit with me within the week?”
Daniel swallowed hard. Bishop Miller had only been bishop for a year, and so far he’d been fair.
But Daniel feared that an ultimatum was heading his way. “Ya. Okay.” He squinted from the sun’s glare, not wanting to prolong the conversation. He searched the area until he saw Charlotte talking with his mother and sister. “Can we just talk now?”Bishop Miller nodded. “Ya. Then we can follow up at another time if you’d like.”
I highly recommend reading.
Home All Along by Beth Wiseman is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books Beth Wiseman.
Amish Secrets
1. Her Brother's Keeper
2. Love Bears All Things
3. Home All Along
The Amish Secrets Collection
Amish Year
2. A Love for Irma Rose
3. Patchwork Perfect
An Amish Year
An Amish Spring
An Amish Heirloom
(Amish Heirloom)
The Cedar Chest
(Amish Heirloom)
An Amish Table
An Amish Hope
An Amish Quilt
The Gift of Sisters
(Amish Celebrations
A Christmas Miracle
(Amish Celebrations)
A New Beginning
(Amish Celebrations
An Amish Homecoming
(Amish Homecoming)
When Love Returns
(Amish Homecoming)
The Amish Secrets Collection
(Amish Secrets)
The Gift of Sisters
(Amish Celebrations)
A Christmas Miracle
(Amish Celebrations)
(An Amish Secrets Novel)
Charlotte has become a member of our district without being a member at all. She’s not even Amish, yet she seems to be living the lifestyle.”
Charlotte has made a home for herself in Amish Country with Daniel. But unforeseen events rock their fragile world and may move them even further away from the life they long for.
Charlotte, an Englisher, is living in Amish Country, and she has formed strong and lasting bonds with the people in her new community. She has even fallen in love with an Amish man. But just when she is considering a permanent conversion to the Amish way of life, her world crashes around her. An unexpected death and a mysterious visitor unsettle Charlotte, and she begins to question her faith and her choices.
Daniel loves Charlotte and wants to share his life with her, even it if means leaving the only world he’s ever known. But as he walks alongside of her through her struggles, his own world is turned upside down when a loved one receives a grim medical diagnosis and a prodigal relative returns home. Will Charlotte and Daniel’s relationship succumb to the many pressures around them, or will their faith and the strong community around them allow them to weather the storms of their own lives in order to build a life together?
This is Daniel Byler and Charlotte Dolinsky's story.
her sister Andrea and baby Bella.
Charlotte Lena the Amish woman who she considers her second mother.
Hannah was her best friend.
Annie and Jacob and others.
Daniel reached for Charlotte hand and squeezed, a particularly endearing gesture since the Plain People weren’t big on public displays of affection. Charlotte loved him for embracing her shaky hand at that moment, but she also loved Daniel Byler for the many ways he’d calmed her soul since she moved to Paradise, in the heart of Lancaster County.
A few moments after the pastor said the final prayer, Hannah Miller and her new husband, Isaac, walked up to Charlotte and Daniel. Hannah’s face was moist, her cheeks flushed. Charlotte eased her hand from Daniel’s to hug her. Hannah didn’t really know Janell, so Charlotte was surprised by the outpouring of emotion, something else uncommon to her Amish friends.
Hannah held on to Charlotte like her life depended on it. She finallly backed away as her bottom lip trembled. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
Daniel walked with Bishop Miller until they were away from the crowd and out of earshot. The bishop sighed as he ran a hand the length of his dark beard, slowing his stride as he turned to face Daniel. “Today is not the right time, but I feel we must talk, Daniel. Can you come visit with me within the week?”
Daniel swallowed hard. Bishop Miller had only been bishop for a year, and so far he’d been fair.
But Daniel feared that an ultimatum was heading his way. “Ya. Okay.” He squinted from the sun’s glare, not wanting to prolong the conversation. He searched the area until he saw Charlotte talking with his mother and sister. “Can we just talk now?”Bishop Miller nodded. “Ya. Then we can follow up at another time if you’d like.”
I highly recommend reading.
Home All Along by Beth Wiseman is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books Beth Wiseman.
Amish Secrets
1. Her Brother's Keeper
2. Love Bears All Things
3. Home All Along
The Amish Secrets Collection
Amish Year
2. A Love for Irma Rose
3. Patchwork Perfect
An Amish Year
An Amish Spring
An Amish Heirloom
(Amish Heirloom)
The Cedar Chest
(Amish Heirloom)
An Amish Table
An Amish Hope
An Amish Quilt
The Gift of Sisters
(Amish Celebrations
A Christmas Miracle
(Amish Celebrations)
A New Beginning
(Amish Celebrations
An Amish Homecoming
(Amish Homecoming)
When Love Returns
(Amish Homecoming)
The Amish Secrets Collection
(Amish Secrets)
The Gift of Sisters
(Amish Celebrations)
A Christmas Miracle
(Amish Celebrations)
November 7, 2017
Some people struggle their whole lives to find a place to call home, when in all actuality it was right in front of them the whole time. In Beth Wiseman's newest novel, Home All Along, the third in the Amish Secrets series, Charlotte Dolinsky is faced with more challenges then most. Being orphaned along with her brother Ethan, she has watched the family deteriorate around her. First her father died, then her brother, and while she struggled to maintain any sense of a relationship with her birth mother Janelle, she watched her slowly die while languishing away in a mental institution lost in her mind in a rage of madness. It would make one wonder, why she shed any tears at all at her mother's funeral. But perhaps deep inside she was mourning for a family most had and she didn't.
Even though her Amish family made her feel at home, they weren't her biological family. Daniel Byler is struggling himself with the feelings he has for Charlotte, an English woman who makes herself at home among the Amish, but still keeping a foot in the English world. He knows what implications will happen if he chooses to walk away from all he has known to follow his heart, but he is hoping that Charlotte might just want to walk away from the English world and join him. After all, it seems as if she is home already.
They didn't see all the changes coming for both of them. The new Bishop has warned Daniel that Charlotte must make a decision soon as many in the fold are beginning to question if the Bishop intends to allow them to continue as they have been, clearly having affections for one another but not equally yoked. Charlotte is introduced to a sister, Andrea, she never knew she had, when she turns up at her mother's funeral, only to remind her that she just needed to know who she was for medical issues. This makes Charlotte question what God has in mind with all this news on the same day she buries her mother. Can she find the right faith to hold onto her life and weather the storms that seem to be pressing on her at this time? Only time will tell.
I received Home All Along by Beth Wiseman compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishing and NetGalley. Oh how I have thoroughly enjoyed this entire series. It makes one realize that the Amish are just like the English in so many ways and have the same struggles we all do. The only difference is their ability to try and accept the things that happen as God's will, but it still doesn't mean it makes it easy for them to handle it well. So many other relationships are addressed as well in this novel with characters readers have met in the other novels. I especially LOVE the ideas that butterflies are rumored to be messages from heaven! I easily give this novel a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.
Even though her Amish family made her feel at home, they weren't her biological family. Daniel Byler is struggling himself with the feelings he has for Charlotte, an English woman who makes herself at home among the Amish, but still keeping a foot in the English world. He knows what implications will happen if he chooses to walk away from all he has known to follow his heart, but he is hoping that Charlotte might just want to walk away from the English world and join him. After all, it seems as if she is home already.
They didn't see all the changes coming for both of them. The new Bishop has warned Daniel that Charlotte must make a decision soon as many in the fold are beginning to question if the Bishop intends to allow them to continue as they have been, clearly having affections for one another but not equally yoked. Charlotte is introduced to a sister, Andrea, she never knew she had, when she turns up at her mother's funeral, only to remind her that she just needed to know who she was for medical issues. This makes Charlotte question what God has in mind with all this news on the same day she buries her mother. Can she find the right faith to hold onto her life and weather the storms that seem to be pressing on her at this time? Only time will tell.
I received Home All Along by Beth Wiseman compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishing and NetGalley. Oh how I have thoroughly enjoyed this entire series. It makes one realize that the Amish are just like the English in so many ways and have the same struggles we all do. The only difference is their ability to try and accept the things that happen as God's will, but it still doesn't mean it makes it easy for them to handle it well. So many other relationships are addressed as well in this novel with characters readers have met in the other novels. I especially LOVE the ideas that butterflies are rumored to be messages from heaven! I easily give this novel a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.
September 26, 2017
Awesome. Amazing. Perfect. These are all words that describe this wonderfully written book by Beth Wiseman. A book that has quickly become my all-time favorite of hers. Be prepared to take an emotional rollercoaster ride of a journey along with Charlotte in the finale of the Amish Secrets series.
I loved the way this book started off with Charlotte and Andrea meeting up at their mother's funeral. There seemed to be an air of suspense around Andrea who appeared to have experienced the perfect life while Charlotte and their brother Ethan struggled. Something doesn't seem quite right and it doesn't take the reader long to figure out that Andrea may have some secrets of her own. Beth Wiseman did a wonderful job of creating the sisters' relationship which was cautious and strained at times yet I could almost feel the bond between the two.
While I'm not really a big fan of romantic relationships between an Amish person and non-Amish person I am a fan of Daniel and Charlotte. These two have a unique relationship and it seemed very believable and organic. It was interesting to read of their struggles with Daniel's family issues and Charlotte's issues with giving herself fully to Daniel and the Amish church. It was easy for me as a reader to feel what the characters were going through and have empathy for them in their situations.
While there is a lot going on in this book and a lot of it is of a serious, heartbreaking nature there is some comedic relief in the form of Aunt Faye. I loved that Beth put this quirky character in the book in a way that lightened the sadness at times. In times of great sadness and heartache, it is nice to have moments of laughter and Aunt Faye provided those in a way that fits with the story and was genuine.
I enjoy Beth Wiseman's writing style and it is fabulous in this book. The pace of the book was perfect and I really enjoyed seeing the characters grow throughout the book. Everything about this story seemed realistic to me and even though the subject matter was sad and a bit heavy at times the story was one I really enjoyed reading. I thought she did a great job of capturing the characters emotions.
This book is a must-read and definitely one for the keeper shelf. I would recommend reading the first two books before delving into this one. Don't worry, those books are just as good as this one so it won't take you long to read them and in doing so you will have a better understanding of the characters and their stories. Bravo to Beth Wiseman on a book that is perfect in every way.
I received a free copy of this book and wasn't required to write a review. All opinions are mine.
I loved the way this book started off with Charlotte and Andrea meeting up at their mother's funeral. There seemed to be an air of suspense around Andrea who appeared to have experienced the perfect life while Charlotte and their brother Ethan struggled. Something doesn't seem quite right and it doesn't take the reader long to figure out that Andrea may have some secrets of her own. Beth Wiseman did a wonderful job of creating the sisters' relationship which was cautious and strained at times yet I could almost feel the bond between the two.
While I'm not really a big fan of romantic relationships between an Amish person and non-Amish person I am a fan of Daniel and Charlotte. These two have a unique relationship and it seemed very believable and organic. It was interesting to read of their struggles with Daniel's family issues and Charlotte's issues with giving herself fully to Daniel and the Amish church. It was easy for me as a reader to feel what the characters were going through and have empathy for them in their situations.
While there is a lot going on in this book and a lot of it is of a serious, heartbreaking nature there is some comedic relief in the form of Aunt Faye. I loved that Beth put this quirky character in the book in a way that lightened the sadness at times. In times of great sadness and heartache, it is nice to have moments of laughter and Aunt Faye provided those in a way that fits with the story and was genuine.
I enjoy Beth Wiseman's writing style and it is fabulous in this book. The pace of the book was perfect and I really enjoyed seeing the characters grow throughout the book. Everything about this story seemed realistic to me and even though the subject matter was sad and a bit heavy at times the story was one I really enjoyed reading. I thought she did a great job of capturing the characters emotions.
This book is a must-read and definitely one for the keeper shelf. I would recommend reading the first two books before delving into this one. Don't worry, those books are just as good as this one so it won't take you long to read them and in doing so you will have a better understanding of the characters and their stories. Bravo to Beth Wiseman on a book that is perfect in every way.
I received a free copy of this book and wasn't required to write a review. All opinions are mine.
August 5, 2017
Home All Along is the third and final book in Beth Wiseman’s Amish Secret Series. One could read this book as a standalone but it would not be as good, so I recommend starting with the first book in the series where we are introduced to Charlotte so that the reader is fully invested in Charlotte and Daniel’s lives. As I have read all three books, I loved this one and thought it was the perfect close to Charlotte’s story.
Book three starts with Charlotte at her biological mother’s funeral. A mysterious person shows up at the end. It is her long-lost sister Andrea. Andrea had her own set of scars from her childhood even though she was removed from their abusive home as a baby. Andrea and her young daughter end up moving in with Charlotte.
More turmoil is introduced into this book as we learn Lena’s, Charlotte’s surrogate Amish mother, cancer has returned. Lena has a peace about her though and despite the bad news the physicians give her, she looks to God for the final answer and for peace for her family in the outcome.
Charlotte is not the only one dealing with a sick mother. Daniel’s own mother is pregnant and as time gets close, things do not go as smoothly as everyone had hoped. Daniel, his father, and sister are struggling with what the family and community might believe and what modern medicine is doing.
I love how Wiseman takes a much-hated character as Edna and turns her into the only person who can reach Andrea and answer the questions that she had been longing to understand about God and Heaven. It was nice to see the antagonist come forward as a heroine in her own right and even thought Edna will never be my favorite character in this series, it was nice to see her in this role.
The book starts out with Charlotte and Daniel trying to decide how to address their future and ends up with three families dealing with love, illness, death, and understanding God’s will in their own lives and the lives of their loved ones.
Wiseman did a fantastic job bringing all these characters to life in her series. My heart broke and rejoiced right alongside Charlotte, Daniel, Lena, and everyone else in the community. Great job Beth! If I could give 100 stars for this series, it wouldn’t be enough!
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the author and publisher in return for my honest opinion of the book.
Book three starts with Charlotte at her biological mother’s funeral. A mysterious person shows up at the end. It is her long-lost sister Andrea. Andrea had her own set of scars from her childhood even though she was removed from their abusive home as a baby. Andrea and her young daughter end up moving in with Charlotte.
More turmoil is introduced into this book as we learn Lena’s, Charlotte’s surrogate Amish mother, cancer has returned. Lena has a peace about her though and despite the bad news the physicians give her, she looks to God for the final answer and for peace for her family in the outcome.
Charlotte is not the only one dealing with a sick mother. Daniel’s own mother is pregnant and as time gets close, things do not go as smoothly as everyone had hoped. Daniel, his father, and sister are struggling with what the family and community might believe and what modern medicine is doing.
I love how Wiseman takes a much-hated character as Edna and turns her into the only person who can reach Andrea and answer the questions that she had been longing to understand about God and Heaven. It was nice to see the antagonist come forward as a heroine in her own right and even thought Edna will never be my favorite character in this series, it was nice to see her in this role.
The book starts out with Charlotte and Daniel trying to decide how to address their future and ends up with three families dealing with love, illness, death, and understanding God’s will in their own lives and the lives of their loved ones.
Wiseman did a fantastic job bringing all these characters to life in her series. My heart broke and rejoiced right alongside Charlotte, Daniel, Lena, and everyone else in the community. Great job Beth! If I could give 100 stars for this series, it wouldn’t be enough!
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the author and publisher in return for my honest opinion of the book.
September 1, 2017
As Beth just happens to be one of my all time favourite authors, it was no surprise , upon reading an ARC copy of this novel, that it was one of her BEST books ever!! The Amish genre is one which I always enjoy , however Beth's unique talent in putting the reader right in the middle of the action drew me into the story immediately! This is not a story typical of other Amish fiction.There is no Englischer living among the Amish, there is no simple romance between members of the community! This is a soul searching tale of a woman leaving her life that she has known in search of love, faith and place where she finally feels comfortable and at home. As usual, Beth writes in a style, only she can create, that compels you to read the book in one sitting!! I almost did that!!! Although this book is the third in a series, "Amish Secrets", it can easily be read as a stand alone and thoroughly enjoyed.
The main characters, Daniel and Charlotte , are described in such a vivid, realistic fashion that you immediately feel their struggles to overcome pain, loss and sadness, as a special relationship is developing. The many struggles that these two young people overcome pulls at your emotions and make you dig deep into your own life. How does each of us deal with overcoming pain, loss and sadness?? Would we cope as Charlotte and Daniel do?? Daniel endeared himself to me with his patience and faith, helping Charlotte in her times of doubt. These dear ones definitely don't give up when the going gets tough!
The plot moves at a steady pace with enough unexpected twists and turns to keep the reader totally engrossed from start to finish. The sensitive topic of DNR is addressed in a sympathetic , kind manner. The challenges faced by a family when faced with a deadly disease are so realistic that my heart was deeply touched. The difficult decisions that they faced, became mine.My heart ached as I felt their pain. What would I do in their position??
The underlying message of this novel comes through loud and clear! It is truly a story of faith , forgiveness , redemption and understanding God's will in one's life. Being accepting of God's plan, which differs from your own is not an easy decision. Long after reading this book, I was left thinking my need to have just a bit of the acceptance and resilience with which the characters battled a disease that we have all known and faced in some aspect.
Definitely a five star book!! Don't miss it!!
The release date is September 26th!!
This book was received as a gift. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own.
The main characters, Daniel and Charlotte , are described in such a vivid, realistic fashion that you immediately feel their struggles to overcome pain, loss and sadness, as a special relationship is developing. The many struggles that these two young people overcome pulls at your emotions and make you dig deep into your own life. How does each of us deal with overcoming pain, loss and sadness?? Would we cope as Charlotte and Daniel do?? Daniel endeared himself to me with his patience and faith, helping Charlotte in her times of doubt. These dear ones definitely don't give up when the going gets tough!
The plot moves at a steady pace with enough unexpected twists and turns to keep the reader totally engrossed from start to finish. The sensitive topic of DNR is addressed in a sympathetic , kind manner. The challenges faced by a family when faced with a deadly disease are so realistic that my heart was deeply touched. The difficult decisions that they faced, became mine.My heart ached as I felt their pain. What would I do in their position??
The underlying message of this novel comes through loud and clear! It is truly a story of faith , forgiveness , redemption and understanding God's will in one's life. Being accepting of God's plan, which differs from your own is not an easy decision. Long after reading this book, I was left thinking my need to have just a bit of the acceptance and resilience with which the characters battled a disease that we have all known and faced in some aspect.
Definitely a five star book!! Don't miss it!!
The release date is September 26th!!
This book was received as a gift. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own.
July 22, 2017
Home All Along ,Book 3 in the Amish Secret Series by Beth Wiseman is not your typical novel about an Englisher living among the Amish. Charlotte has made a home for herself in her late brother Ethan's house. It is quite a change from her first visit, posing as an Amish woman searching for answers about Ethan's death.
Life has had far too many ups and downs for such a young woman.
As a child she and Ethan lived in foster homes with time off to be returned home now and then when their parents were released from rehab or jail. And now, she just wants to live quietly, join the church and marry Daniel. The past, however, has a way of stirring things up. For Charlotte, the past included a sister she hadn't thought of for a very long time. As a baby, Charlotte's sister Andrea was also placed in foster care but never saw her family again. Until, that is, when she tracked Charlotte down at their mother's funeral. It didn't take long for her to get herself moved in with Charlotte, along with her baby. For Charlotte, having her family near was a blessing and she was determined to make them a home together.
In the beginning, it seems the book is about Charlotte and Daniel's love for each other. It is more than that, however, as three families grapple with love, death, illness and how difficult it is to understand God's will under the modern marvels of medicine. The questions Beth Wiseman raises in this novel are complex. I liked how the decisions were made. Sometimes we need someone to nearly hit us with a two by four to wake us up about putting others needs before our desires.
Daniel family struggles with major family decisions. He loves Charlotte but is pulling away from her. Charlotte's beloved friend and motherly mentor Lena faces yet another bout of breast cancer. Andrea is slowly learning from Charlotte's love that life can be different. So many trials are faced in this book yet through it all. Is there enough faith and love for Charlotte and her Daniel to marry? This book is for readers who are looking for characters who are resilient and not willing to give up when life gets hard. Once again, Beth Wiseman has delivered!
Life has had far too many ups and downs for such a young woman.
As a child she and Ethan lived in foster homes with time off to be returned home now and then when their parents were released from rehab or jail. And now, she just wants to live quietly, join the church and marry Daniel. The past, however, has a way of stirring things up. For Charlotte, the past included a sister she hadn't thought of for a very long time. As a baby, Charlotte's sister Andrea was also placed in foster care but never saw her family again. Until, that is, when she tracked Charlotte down at their mother's funeral. It didn't take long for her to get herself moved in with Charlotte, along with her baby. For Charlotte, having her family near was a blessing and she was determined to make them a home together.
In the beginning, it seems the book is about Charlotte and Daniel's love for each other. It is more than that, however, as three families grapple with love, death, illness and how difficult it is to understand God's will under the modern marvels of medicine. The questions Beth Wiseman raises in this novel are complex. I liked how the decisions were made. Sometimes we need someone to nearly hit us with a two by four to wake us up about putting others needs before our desires.
Daniel family struggles with major family decisions. He loves Charlotte but is pulling away from her. Charlotte's beloved friend and motherly mentor Lena faces yet another bout of breast cancer. Andrea is slowly learning from Charlotte's love that life can be different. So many trials are faced in this book yet through it all. Is there enough faith and love for Charlotte and her Daniel to marry? This book is for readers who are looking for characters who are resilient and not willing to give up when life gets hard. Once again, Beth Wiseman has delivered!
December 12, 2017
"Do you think God sends unexpected people into our lives to help us see things more clearly?"
Home All Along is the third and final installment of the Amish Secrets series, and it is jam packed with such depth, one won't want it to end. And end it did, and with a good dose of closure for fans of the series and for the characters. Though this is part of a series, the author did a wonderful job in providing bits and pieces of the past that allows this to read as a standalone.
"Peace comes when our soul is calm. Restlessness divides us from God, from the peace only He can provide."
There is a strong message of faith and salvation, and makes for quite a story for new believers as well. The author did not sugarcoat anything, but bring to the forfront of sin and evil, but there's also the blessing of characters that encourage, inspire and yes, even guide us unexpectedly, just like in real life. And for those that don't like novels that are overly preachy, I can assure you, Home All Along is not. There's so much going on, including romance, friendship and family. There are quite a few heartbreaking moments, and moments of frustration that really comes to light in a way that brings readers a certain understanding and wisdom. I particularly love the explanation of heaven in the analogy of cake and icing.
In all, Home All Along is about finding your place, your home. It's also about going through life's many trials with tears, sweat, and even laughter, but also the love of family, friends and God. A wonderful conclusion to a series.
"Things are awful . . . only if you allow it to be."
This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC 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.
Please note, all quotes are taken from ARC (essentially an uncorrected proof). Please do not share quote or if do, please make note that it is taken from an ARC.
Home All Along is the third and final installment of the Amish Secrets series, and it is jam packed with such depth, one won't want it to end. And end it did, and with a good dose of closure for fans of the series and for the characters. Though this is part of a series, the author did a wonderful job in providing bits and pieces of the past that allows this to read as a standalone.
"Peace comes when our soul is calm. Restlessness divides us from God, from the peace only He can provide."
There is a strong message of faith and salvation, and makes for quite a story for new believers as well. The author did not sugarcoat anything, but bring to the forfront of sin and evil, but there's also the blessing of characters that encourage, inspire and yes, even guide us unexpectedly, just like in real life. And for those that don't like novels that are overly preachy, I can assure you, Home All Along is not. There's so much going on, including romance, friendship and family. There are quite a few heartbreaking moments, and moments of frustration that really comes to light in a way that brings readers a certain understanding and wisdom. I particularly love the explanation of heaven in the analogy of cake and icing.
In all, Home All Along is about finding your place, your home. It's also about going through life's many trials with tears, sweat, and even laughter, but also the love of family, friends and God. A wonderful conclusion to a series.
"Things are awful . . . only if you allow it to be."
This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC 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.
Please note, all quotes are taken from ARC (essentially an uncorrected proof). Please do not share quote or if do, please make note that it is taken from an ARC.
September 26, 2017
What a beautiful story of faith, restoration and hope. The characters are wonderful and I felt a connection to them right away. Charlotte is a great character and I admire her strength and love for others. She is trying to fit in with the Amish and has even found a boyfriend. She has had a very hard life and the scene with her burying her mom was very emotional. Her childhood was very difficult . I loved how the author had scriptures throughout the story that was relatable to the issues characters were going through. It was heartwarming to read how close she becomes to Lena who is having a very devastating health issue.
Andrea is a complex person. She has come to reconnect with her sister Charlotte and leads her to believe that her upbringing was wonderful. I loved how Charlotte welcomed her and her niece into her home. There is definitely some friction between the sisters. Will Andrea open up and tell Charlotte the truth about her childhood? Can they become close and learn to be a family? Andrea became my favorite character because I loved how she was so hungry for acceptance and wanting a relationship with her sister. . Through all her struggles I found her to be a little girl lost. Will she allow God to heal her wounds and accept his unconditional love?
Daniel is a man who loves Charlotte but is having a bit of pressure put on him by the Bishop. He has his hands full with helping his family and dealing with a family illness. I thought the author showed how strong Daniel was and how much faith he had. That is one thing I loved about this book ; faith was so important to the people of this story. Some characters will experience loss, pain and hardship but as they do, the author surrounds them with a loving community and God's love. Charlotte and Andrea both have things in their past that have kept them from moving forward? Can they find peace and let go of the past?
"We are not products of a past environment. We are who we choose to be."
I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.
Andrea is a complex person. She has come to reconnect with her sister Charlotte and leads her to believe that her upbringing was wonderful. I loved how Charlotte welcomed her and her niece into her home. There is definitely some friction between the sisters. Will Andrea open up and tell Charlotte the truth about her childhood? Can they become close and learn to be a family? Andrea became my favorite character because I loved how she was so hungry for acceptance and wanting a relationship with her sister. . Through all her struggles I found her to be a little girl lost. Will she allow God to heal her wounds and accept his unconditional love?
Daniel is a man who loves Charlotte but is having a bit of pressure put on him by the Bishop. He has his hands full with helping his family and dealing with a family illness. I thought the author showed how strong Daniel was and how much faith he had. That is one thing I loved about this book ; faith was so important to the people of this story. Some characters will experience loss, pain and hardship but as they do, the author surrounds them with a loving community and God's love. Charlotte and Andrea both have things in their past that have kept them from moving forward? Can they find peace and let go of the past?
"We are not products of a past environment. We are who we choose to be."
I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.
October 13, 2017
I have been waiting for this book ever since I finished reading book two. I have to say, this book effected me more emotionally then the other two. There was just so much going on, and it’s a good thing the box of tissues was nearby! I can only imagine how Ms. Wiseman must have felt writing this book, and pouring her heart and soul into these characters. The turmoil, the sadness, fear, frustration, and so many other emotions filled the pages of this book. As much as there was a lot of negative things going on, there was also a lot of good. Beth Wiseman has mastered the art of keeping the readers uplifted during difficult times. There may be tears, but it is because you have become a part oft his fiction family, and when they are suffering, you are suffering!
This book also provides a lot of transformation for characters. Some you see up close and personal, and some you sort of just see a small portion of. I have to say, Andrea was my favorite character. I’m not sure if it’s because I like to root for the underdog or not, I just found myself connecting to her. I do wish her circumstances had been different, but I like everything that she did in the book. I think if Beth were to start a new series, it would be neat to check back in on Andrea and see how she is doing with her new life.
There’s the old saying that all good things must come to an end, and most of the time I can agree with that. But I am going to be so sad that I won’t be visiting Hannah again, or having the image of pickled oysters in my mind! By the way, if you are hungry any time soon, just give this book a try – you may find that after all the pickled oyster discussion you won’t be hungry after all! But if you’re an Amish fiction fan, or have enjoyed any other of Beth’s books, you will love this one. Just make sure you’ve read the other two books in the series firsr so that you know who is who!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book also provides a lot of transformation for characters. Some you see up close and personal, and some you sort of just see a small portion of. I have to say, Andrea was my favorite character. I’m not sure if it’s because I like to root for the underdog or not, I just found myself connecting to her. I do wish her circumstances had been different, but I like everything that she did in the book. I think if Beth were to start a new series, it would be neat to check back in on Andrea and see how she is doing with her new life.
There’s the old saying that all good things must come to an end, and most of the time I can agree with that. But I am going to be so sad that I won’t be visiting Hannah again, or having the image of pickled oysters in my mind! By the way, if you are hungry any time soon, just give this book a try – you may find that after all the pickled oyster discussion you won’t be hungry after all! But if you’re an Amish fiction fan, or have enjoyed any other of Beth’s books, you will love this one. Just make sure you’ve read the other two books in the series firsr so that you know who is who!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 6, 2017
When Charlotte's long lost sister Andrea shows up at their mother's funeral she is shocked. Andrea is in some trouble of her own, and decides to crash with Charlotte. Charlotte doesn't have much to spare, but she tries to make her sister, and her niece, Bella feel welcome.
Meanwhile Charlotte struggles with the decision about her and Daniel's relationship looming in their future, as they cannot continue as they are forever. Lena's family deals with her cancer diagnosis, and Daniel's family is shaken to their core when complications with his mother's pregnancy force them to make choices they never thought they'd ever have to face.
The third in a series, Home All Along is a great conclusion to this heart felt tale of family, love, and forgiveness. I would definitely recommend reading the other books in the series before reading this one, as it would definitely be a bit tricky at first if you didn't know what was going on.
I really like how Annie matures over the course of this book, and really puts her past behind her, and being strong for her family.
Charlotte and Daniel have to make some tough decisions about where their relationship is going, and they are forced to think about what they are willing to sacrifice for their love.
Andrea was a surprising character, and her daughter Bella is adorable. Andrea is quick thinking, smart, and skeptical. I like her spunk, and despite her dishonesty at first, she did win me over by the end.
Overall, a really great conclusion to the story arch, heartbreaking at times, I loved the way that Charlotte's friends are there for her and each other. Fantastic read!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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."
Meanwhile Charlotte struggles with the decision about her and Daniel's relationship looming in their future, as they cannot continue as they are forever. Lena's family deals with her cancer diagnosis, and Daniel's family is shaken to their core when complications with his mother's pregnancy force them to make choices they never thought they'd ever have to face.
The third in a series, Home All Along is a great conclusion to this heart felt tale of family, love, and forgiveness. I would definitely recommend reading the other books in the series before reading this one, as it would definitely be a bit tricky at first if you didn't know what was going on.
I really like how Annie matures over the course of this book, and really puts her past behind her, and being strong for her family.
Charlotte and Daniel have to make some tough decisions about where their relationship is going, and they are forced to think about what they are willing to sacrifice for their love.
Andrea was a surprising character, and her daughter Bella is adorable. Andrea is quick thinking, smart, and skeptical. I like her spunk, and despite her dishonesty at first, she did win me over by the end.
Overall, a really great conclusion to the story arch, heartbreaking at times, I loved the way that Charlotte's friends are there for her and each other. Fantastic read!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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."
October 23, 2017
About the Book:
Charlotte has made a home for herself in Amish Country with Daniel. But unforeseen events rock their fragile world and may move them even further away from the life they long for.
Charlotte, an Englisher, is living in Amish Country, and she has formed strong and lasting bonds with the people in her new community. She has even fallen in love with an Amish man. But just when she is considering a permanent conversion to the Amish way of life, her world crashes around her. An unexpected death and a mysterious visitor unsettle Charlotte, and she begins to question her faith and her choices.
Daniel loves Charlotte and wants to share his life with her, even it if means leaving the only world he’s ever known. But as he walks alongside of her through her struggles, his own world is turned upside down when a loved one receives a grim medical diagnosis and a prodigal relative returns home. Will Charlotte and Daniel’s relationship succumb to the many pressures around them, or will their faith and the strong community around them allow them to weather the storms of their own lives in order to build a life together?
My Review:
Beth Wiseman is nothing short of amazing. She can take a plain Jane type of story and making something of it. Its truly sad that there are things in Charlotte's life that prevent her from moving forward sometimes. I know this is true with many of us. So afraid to love again because of the pain that inflicts can be nothing short of paralyzing.
Daniel has many struggles himself and trying to bear her burdens, as well seems to be harder than he first expected. Will he and Charlotte learn to put their trust in God and learn on each other through these perilous times or will they go their separate ways?
This is book 3 in the Amish Secrets series. A must read!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.
Charlotte has made a home for herself in Amish Country with Daniel. But unforeseen events rock their fragile world and may move them even further away from the life they long for.
Charlotte, an Englisher, is living in Amish Country, and she has formed strong and lasting bonds with the people in her new community. She has even fallen in love with an Amish man. But just when she is considering a permanent conversion to the Amish way of life, her world crashes around her. An unexpected death and a mysterious visitor unsettle Charlotte, and she begins to question her faith and her choices.
Daniel loves Charlotte and wants to share his life with her, even it if means leaving the only world he’s ever known. But as he walks alongside of her through her struggles, his own world is turned upside down when a loved one receives a grim medical diagnosis and a prodigal relative returns home. Will Charlotte and Daniel’s relationship succumb to the many pressures around them, or will their faith and the strong community around them allow them to weather the storms of their own lives in order to build a life together?
My Review:
Beth Wiseman is nothing short of amazing. She can take a plain Jane type of story and making something of it. Its truly sad that there are things in Charlotte's life that prevent her from moving forward sometimes. I know this is true with many of us. So afraid to love again because of the pain that inflicts can be nothing short of paralyzing.
Daniel has many struggles himself and trying to bear her burdens, as well seems to be harder than he first expected. Will he and Charlotte learn to put their trust in God and learn on each other through these perilous times or will they go their separate ways?
This is book 3 in the Amish Secrets series. A must read!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.
October 25, 2017
Home All Along is the third and final book in the Amish Secrets Series written by Beth Wiseman. This book could be read as a standalone, but is better to read the first two books where we are introduced to the various wonderful characters as the story continues to the third one which is Charlotte and Daniel’s story.
This third book began with Charlotte having attended her biological mother’s funeral. A woman that Charlotte does not know showed up at the end of the service, who turns out to be her sister, Andrea. Charlotte has not seen Andrea in years because she had been taken from their abusive home as a baby. Before long, Andrea moved in with Charlotte, together with her baby. Charlotte was determined to turn the house she had inherited from their brother, Eden into a home for the three of them.
Charlotte struggled with her past, her fears, and the choices she would have to make. On her journey, Charlotte found herself living in Paradise, an Amish community located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Charlotte had endured so much: her father was killed in a barroom brawl, her mother was hooked on meth and had mental problems, her brother took his own life, and she had an abusive childhood.
Charlotte and Daniel develop a special relationship, but sadly, Charlotte couldn't commit herself to him or the Amish church for fear of failing. As they discussed their future, Charlotte and Daniel had so many challenges and very difficult decisions to face. My heart was touched as they faced their struggles and sadness, and I really felt their pain.
All the characters in this story are so well developed and the plot was very realistic. Beth Wiseman shows us that life is not easy and we must with God’s help move forward. As usual Beth’s books are great!! I thought Home All Along was the best Beth Wiseman book I have read to date.
This third book began with Charlotte having attended her biological mother’s funeral. A woman that Charlotte does not know showed up at the end of the service, who turns out to be her sister, Andrea. Charlotte has not seen Andrea in years because she had been taken from their abusive home as a baby. Before long, Andrea moved in with Charlotte, together with her baby. Charlotte was determined to turn the house she had inherited from their brother, Eden into a home for the three of them.
Charlotte struggled with her past, her fears, and the choices she would have to make. On her journey, Charlotte found herself living in Paradise, an Amish community located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Charlotte had endured so much: her father was killed in a barroom brawl, her mother was hooked on meth and had mental problems, her brother took his own life, and she had an abusive childhood.
Charlotte and Daniel develop a special relationship, but sadly, Charlotte couldn't commit herself to him or the Amish church for fear of failing. As they discussed their future, Charlotte and Daniel had so many challenges and very difficult decisions to face. My heart was touched as they faced their struggles and sadness, and I really felt their pain.
All the characters in this story are so well developed and the plot was very realistic. Beth Wiseman shows us that life is not easy and we must with God’s help move forward. As usual Beth’s books are great!! I thought Home All Along was the best Beth Wiseman book I have read to date.
December 22, 2017
I'm still on the journey. But my steps are larger and more confident as I navigate my path. The light is easier to see when you step away from the darkness.
Charlotte, an Englisher loves her Amish community and her Amish man Daniel. This is my first read of this series so there was some history I missed but was caught up very quickly. I will definitely be reading the other two. However, that said, I felt a real connect to Charlotte who has come from a dysfunctional family. A mother who was on drugs and Charlotte and her siblings in foster care. Charlotte has found stability and love where she had only chaos and insecurity before.
She has made amends with her past and her mother and is moving forward to a future. A future she is not sure of because of fear of commitment to Daniel and the Amish community. It is when her long lost sister comes into her life that she begins to unravel some of her insecurities. Her sister Andrea does not believe in heaven or hell but she does believe in a higher power. She has her own secrets but as she and her sister draw closer, Andrea draws closer to what true love is.
There is many issues going on within the Amish community that we also share in our English world. Cancer, suffering and the issues of abandonment. Daniel deals with anger and Andrea deals with her own insecurities but it is with faith that they come together in community that we all hunger for. I loved all the characters as they show our weakness and what true faith can overcome. A home all along.
A Special Thank You to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Charlotte, an Englisher loves her Amish community and her Amish man Daniel. This is my first read of this series so there was some history I missed but was caught up very quickly. I will definitely be reading the other two. However, that said, I felt a real connect to Charlotte who has come from a dysfunctional family. A mother who was on drugs and Charlotte and her siblings in foster care. Charlotte has found stability and love where she had only chaos and insecurity before.
She has made amends with her past and her mother and is moving forward to a future. A future she is not sure of because of fear of commitment to Daniel and the Amish community. It is when her long lost sister comes into her life that she begins to unravel some of her insecurities. Her sister Andrea does not believe in heaven or hell but she does believe in a higher power. She has her own secrets but as she and her sister draw closer, Andrea draws closer to what true love is.
There is many issues going on within the Amish community that we also share in our English world. Cancer, suffering and the issues of abandonment. Daniel deals with anger and Andrea deals with her own insecurities but it is with faith that they come together in community that we all hunger for. I loved all the characters as they show our weakness and what true faith can overcome. A home all along.
A Special Thank You to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
June 15, 2017
My inclinations for selecting this book was based primarily on the cover art. It caught my attention, and despite my hesitation to read books on Amish (other than a few authors), I decided to give this book a try.
Home All Along is about Charlotte who is living in and amongst the Amish. She inherited the house that her brother once lived in, and even though she still dresses English and drives a red pickup truck, she's never bothered will installing electricity. Plus, she goes the the community Amish church and has fallen in love with Daniel, an Amish man.
The story starts off with Charlotte at her mom's funeral, and as the reader, you are assaulted by so many different sides. There is the family that she was befriended by, and they are dealing with the resurgence of cancer. Then Daniel is approached by the bishop asking what Charlotte's intentions are. In the meantime, Charlotte is burying her mom, who she didn't have a relationship with. AND, at the same time I'm discovering that Charlotte is left alone in the world, except for a sister that she never knew. The sister, who grew up in foster homes before adoption.
Shew! And all that happened within the first chapters!
That said, I really couldn't get into the book. I was introduced to Charlotte to get to know her and feel her troubles. Instead, there was a basket of characters and words and I was tossed in it and had to figure out what was going on. I gave up. I didn't finish the book. There was no interest in what happened.
If you are a Beth Wiseman fan, you may enjoy this book. But for me, I didn't.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Home All Along is about Charlotte who is living in and amongst the Amish. She inherited the house that her brother once lived in, and even though she still dresses English and drives a red pickup truck, she's never bothered will installing electricity. Plus, she goes the the community Amish church and has fallen in love with Daniel, an Amish man.
The story starts off with Charlotte at her mom's funeral, and as the reader, you are assaulted by so many different sides. There is the family that she was befriended by, and they are dealing with the resurgence of cancer. Then Daniel is approached by the bishop asking what Charlotte's intentions are. In the meantime, Charlotte is burying her mom, who she didn't have a relationship with. AND, at the same time I'm discovering that Charlotte is left alone in the world, except for a sister that she never knew. The sister, who grew up in foster homes before adoption.
Shew! And all that happened within the first chapters!
That said, I really couldn't get into the book. I was introduced to Charlotte to get to know her and feel her troubles. Instead, there was a basket of characters and words and I was tossed in it and had to figure out what was going on. I gave up. I didn't finish the book. There was no interest in what happened.
If you are a Beth Wiseman fan, you may enjoy this book. But for me, I didn't.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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