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Peace Valley #1
Amish Truth Be Told
Shame. Deception. Truth.Inside the Amish community of Peace Valley lurks a shameful double standard. When two women, Lizzie Lapp and Annie Miller, are told by their husbands to abandon their dreams of work outside the home, will they have the strength to protect themselves and their families? Can the light of God's truth transform their community, and their husbands' hearts? Or are some secrets too painful to reveal?
Find out in Truth Be Told, Book 1 of the Peace Valley Amish series. Truth Be Told is a Christian Amish romance that spans three generations.
If you love sweet Amish stories about the transformative power of community and God's love, start reading Truth Be Told now!
Find out in Truth Be Told, Book 1 of the Peace Valley Amish series. Truth Be Told is a Christian Amish romance that spans three generations.
If you love sweet Amish stories about the transformative power of community and God's love, start reading Truth Be Told now!
151 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2017
1415 people are currently reading
452 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Stoltzfus
106 books36 followersRachel was born and raised in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Being part of the Mennonite community, she started writing Amish romance fiction as a way of looking at the Amish community. She wanted to present a fair and honest representation of a love that is both romantic and sweet. Her books about Jacob Marshall, "A Home for Jacob series," is the most popular of her books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
February 19, 2017
This is one of the best Amish books I have read. The story delves into the place that men and women have in Amish society. I received this advance review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review
November 11, 2017
I love how this book force on domestic violence in a Amish home. I also love how it worked in the end.
June 6, 2017
A different Amish View
I was expecting an Amish story where I was familiar with their customs. The story was good, but at times I wasn't sure the story was based on the Amish lifestyle. I grew up in an area that had a strong Amish community. They don't have electricity. When I read about refrigerators and indoor plumbing I was really confused. When they talked about an infant needing a nebulizer I was really confused. I had also never heard of any of the Amish attending a vocational school to further their education. It wasn't till farther in the book that it was mentioned the Elders had made changes to their Ordnung. I am glad I read this book.
I was expecting an Amish story where I was familiar with their customs. The story was good, but at times I wasn't sure the story was based on the Amish lifestyle. I grew up in an area that had a strong Amish community. They don't have electricity. When I read about refrigerators and indoor plumbing I was really confused. When they talked about an infant needing a nebulizer I was really confused. I had also never heard of any of the Amish attending a vocational school to further their education. It wasn't till farther in the book that it was mentioned the Elders had made changes to their Ordnung. I am glad I read this book.
October 6, 2017
Very disappointed
While I've read many Amish books and several different author's, I felt like this book was written for a 10 year old. The entire book felt like the author was writing a children's book addressing physical abuse in an Amish marriage and community. While I'm sure this probably happens, I had a hard time with the whole story.
I have read other books by Rachel Stoltzfus and did not have this issue. It will be a while before I read another book by her.
While I've read many Amish books and several different author's, I felt like this book was written for a 10 year old. The entire book felt like the author was writing a children's book addressing physical abuse in an Amish marriage and community. While I'm sure this probably happens, I had a hard time with the whole story.
I have read other books by Rachel Stoltzfus and did not have this issue. It will be a while before I read another book by her.
January 28, 2018
Domestic Violence Is Everywhere.
This book deals with sexism and domestic violence in the Amish community of Peace Valley. While I am sure that these issues exist in all places where men and women live together, this book really didn't seem very believable to me. From reading books about the Amish from Beverly Lewis and other authors, I was under the impression that several things discussed in this book wouldn't be true to Amish beliefs. In one place, there was a discussion where the wife told the abusive husband that she would call the police if he continued to intimidate and threaten her. In another scene, an adult character was discussing with a group of girls who they were dating, which, according to other books, just doesn't happen, because courting is done in secret. And I don't know if a young girl would be asked to write a paper about the differences between Amish and English, and that paper having to do with sexism.
Although this book does deal with a serious issue, and I applaud the author for that, I just can't give it more than three stars because the circumstances weren't believable.
This book deals with sexism and domestic violence in the Amish community of Peace Valley. While I am sure that these issues exist in all places where men and women live together, this book really didn't seem very believable to me. From reading books about the Amish from Beverly Lewis and other authors, I was under the impression that several things discussed in this book wouldn't be true to Amish beliefs. In one place, there was a discussion where the wife told the abusive husband that she would call the police if he continued to intimidate and threaten her. In another scene, an adult character was discussing with a group of girls who they were dating, which, according to other books, just doesn't happen, because courting is done in secret. And I don't know if a young girl would be asked to write a paper about the differences between Amish and English, and that paper having to do with sexism.
Although this book does deal with a serious issue, and I applaud the author for that, I just can't give it more than three stars because the circumstances weren't believable.
November 10, 2018
Amish Truth Be Told is the first book written by Rachel Stoltzfus in her Amish Peace Valley series. This is an amazing story that deals with women not being treated as equals in their marriages. The story moves along at a fast pace and keeps the readers attention throughout.
The characters are very likeable and realistic which helps to tell the story. I really enjoy the character of Naomi because she is trying to move the mens thinking into the modern age. She is strong, intelligent, and very family oriented. She is also trying to keep her mothers quilt business alive and open. Her struggles really show her passion for the right to work.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached by anyone to post a favorable review. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to Rachel Stoltzfus for writing such an up lifting story that deals with a hard topic for Amish men. I look forward to the next book in this series.
The characters are very likeable and realistic which helps to tell the story. I really enjoy the character of Naomi because she is trying to move the mens thinking into the modern age. She is strong, intelligent, and very family oriented. She is also trying to keep her mothers quilt business alive and open. Her struggles really show her passion for the right to work.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached by anyone to post a favorable review. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to Rachel Stoltzfus for writing such an up lifting story that deals with a hard topic for Amish men. I look forward to the next book in this series.
February 21, 2022
Mind Messaging
I definitely got the idea that this author is on a mission in this book to influence perceptions and push an agenda. She uses terms and ideas that are new to the Amish community:
Terms used that this author is pushing into this culture:
Vocational training
Domestic violence
Sexism
Resistance
Women's rights
victims implied
Borrowing from English banks
I get the idea that she is trying to convince the reader that this is a huge problem in the Amish community, thus creating a group of victims. Violence is wrong against anyone (except in war and where God requires evil be stamped out), not just women. She is pulling a switch much like enemies of America are trying to convince people that America is a racist country and always has been. There are prejudiced individuals, but this doesn't make a whole group of people victims.
This book is mind messaging - look up Yale study.
I definitely got the idea that this author is on a mission in this book to influence perceptions and push an agenda. She uses terms and ideas that are new to the Amish community:
Terms used that this author is pushing into this culture:
Vocational training
Domestic violence
Sexism
Resistance
Women's rights
victims implied
Borrowing from English banks
I get the idea that she is trying to convince the reader that this is a huge problem in the Amish community, thus creating a group of victims. Violence is wrong against anyone (except in war and where God requires evil be stamped out), not just women. She is pulling a switch much like enemies of America are trying to convince people that America is a racist country and always has been. There are prejudiced individuals, but this doesn't make a whole group of people victims.
This book is mind messaging - look up Yale study.
March 16, 2023
After reading several books by this author, I started to wonder if she has an ax to grind with the Amish. They can't be as bad as she portrays them, especially after hearing the story of how they forgave the man that killed several of their children in the school shooting. It seems to me like she is picking controversial topics out of the present and using the Amish setting to express her views. It doesn't feel very authentic at all to me, but at least it's not as bad as the Amish Cinderella, one of the books she wrote "to glorify Christ." Being a Christian myself, I cannot see any way shape or form that that book glorifies Christ or the Bible., But it certainly demands the Amish.
January 9, 2026
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in how marital relationships should work. This book addresses the issues of spousal abuse, reconciliation, compromise, forgiveness, and love. There is also a strong bond in this book between a mother and a daughter. This takes place in an Amish community but speaks to people outside of that community. I would also recommend this for use in High School Sunday School classes, as it gives the perspectives they need to understand and look for in the people they wish to have a relationship with; and also when those relationships turn sour how to address those issues.
February 22, 2018
Love & friends helping each other
I understand abusive relationships, as my 16 yr old daughter & I spent 3 months in a women's shelter for protection from a very abusive husband. I divorced him never took him back. That happened 21 years ago. I become more outspoken for abused women in my small town. I pray with them, they would come into the grocery store, where I worked at the time. God makes your partner in marriage as a helpmate, not your punching bag. Thank you for writing this book. It was very good.
I understand abusive relationships, as my 16 yr old daughter & I spent 3 months in a women's shelter for protection from a very abusive husband. I divorced him never took him back. That happened 21 years ago. I become more outspoken for abused women in my small town. I pray with them, they would come into the grocery store, where I worked at the time. God makes your partner in marriage as a helpmate, not your punching bag. Thank you for writing this book. It was very good.
August 16, 2017
Excellent book on domestic violence
The author did a wonderful job in dealing with domestic violence in all beliefs and demonstrating how the Amish people found a way to deal with this situation. A good Christian story about how the Amish community were closely connected with each other and worked very hard to help others. The author has written many books and I am enjoying reading them and I am sure you would not be disappointed.
The author did a wonderful job in dealing with domestic violence in all beliefs and demonstrating how the Amish people found a way to deal with this situation. A good Christian story about how the Amish community were closely connected with each other and worked very hard to help others. The author has written many books and I am enjoying reading them and I am sure you would not be disappointed.
July 31, 2017
This book opened up an awareness to abuse and a progressive movement amongst the women of the Amish. I found it sad and yet refreshing that they were somewhat progressive to a degree. The men were archaic. It is hard to imagine that in the 21 century. I am sure it looks like the land where time stood still but probably produces some of the best food around.
August 10, 2017
I'm I thinking just found my new favorite author! I have always loved Amish stories because they fill my heart with love no matter what. I am a 71 yr old woman who learned to love reading by struggling with names & addresses on my mother's mail at the age of three! It is the most favorite thing in my life and Rachel just met that need!
November 20, 2018
Interesting theme for an Amish book
Dealing with sexism is a heavy topic, especially in an Amish book. The author does a good job exploring this topic. She does need to develop her characters a bit more and the book has a sudden and unfinished ending. This is a typical self published book that is lacking development.
Dealing with sexism is a heavy topic, especially in an Amish book. The author does a good job exploring this topic. She does need to develop her characters a bit more and the book has a sudden and unfinished ending. This is a typical self published book that is lacking development.
February 7, 2020
Great Topic to Discuss & Teach & Learn
This story handled a very sensitive subject that is relevant in all communities.
The fact that the younger women take this to heart and become the leaders in spreading the word is so important.
A good read. I look forward to the next book about Peace Valley.
Thank You
This story handled a very sensitive subject that is relevant in all communities.
The fact that the younger women take this to heart and become the leaders in spreading the word is so important.
A good read. I look forward to the next book about Peace Valley.
Thank You
May 15, 2020
Faith in the truth
Believing in the truth is sometimes very hard and change can require even outside intervention as well as continued faith with prayer. I like the gentle way a very hard truth is explored. Abuse is always wrong and needs addressed and eradicated. I was blessed by reading this realistic outcome.
Believing in the truth is sometimes very hard and change can require even outside intervention as well as continued faith with prayer. I like the gentle way a very hard truth is explored. Abuse is always wrong and needs addressed and eradicated. I was blessed by reading this realistic outcome.
August 23, 2020
Well written
I liked that the story was believable. From the cjsra The characters seemed very real the way Rachel described them.
It seemed that the story abruptly ended but on second thought, everything wrapped up nice and tidy. Education should help, teaching the children will make a difference.
I liked that the story was believable. From the cjsra The characters seemed very real the way Rachel described them.
It seemed that the story abruptly ended but on second thought, everything wrapped up nice and tidy. Education should help, teaching the children will make a difference.
November 19, 2021
Not surprising
I chose thus book because thus is one of my favourite genres. Although it sad, I must say I am not surprised. I imagine domestic violence and dating violence occur in relationships all around the world. There is no regard to religious beliefs, ethnicity, race, tribe, etc., it is a serious issue and it occurs more often than we may realise.
I chose thus book because thus is one of my favourite genres. Although it sad, I must say I am not surprised. I imagine domestic violence and dating violence occur in relationships all around the world. There is no regard to religious beliefs, ethnicity, race, tribe, etc., it is a serious issue and it occurs more often than we may realise.
March 22, 2017
This book attempts to look at the downside of what can happen when strict adherence to the "man is the head of the household; women should be submissive" Bible verses happens. It explores abuse within the Amish community. Worthy topics. Unfortunately, the characters were not interesting enough to draw me into the work.
July 14, 2017
Inside the Amish community of Peace Valley lurks a shameful double standard. When two women, Lizzie Lapp and Annie Miller, are told by their husbands to abandon their dreams of work outside the home, will they have the strength to protect themselves and their families?
January 22, 2018
Good
This was a very interesting book.It makes you stop and think about how women are treated. Especially I the workplace.There is still a lot of abuse,mental & physical and book makes you think about it.
This was a very interesting book.It makes you stop and think about how women are treated. Especially I the workplace.There is still a lot of abuse,mental & physical and book makes you think about it.
August 25, 2018
Amish changes through the years
This book dwells on how Amish values can modernize. This addresses the roles of women and men of the Amish faith. It is a fiction book. Interesting approach.
This book dwells on how Amish values can modernize. This addresses the roles of women and men of the Amish faith. It is a fiction book. Interesting approach.
September 21, 2018
Serious topics can happen no matter who you are
Wow you think of the Amish as a quiet, peaceful mind of people. The details of the two families featured here was fascinating in how it came out, how it was dealt with, and the out come.
Wow you think of the Amish as a quiet, peaceful mind of people. The details of the two families featured here was fascinating in how it came out, how it was dealt with, and the out come.
August 18, 2019
Repetative
The entire story was about a chapter in length and just kept repeating its self. Abrupt ending with no meat. Disappointing as there is a hint of a good story but fails to expound on its characters.
The entire story was about a chapter in length and just kept repeating its self. Abrupt ending with no meat. Disappointing as there is a hint of a good story but fails to expound on its characters.
January 2, 2021
Story of triumph
I also read books about the Amish and view them as "perfect", but forgetting we are all sinners. This was a great reminder that we all struggle and can all use help.
I also read books about the Amish and view them as "perfect", but forgetting we are all sinners. This was a great reminder that we all struggle and can all use help.
May 26, 2017
Honest truthfully love between families
This is a great story of sexual male dominance in the Amish family households only to be challenged by their female counterparts.
This is a great story of sexual male dominance in the Amish family households only to be challenged by their female counterparts.
July 1, 2017
Great
Wonderful story - good topic- how the men are treating woman - different type of Amish book I've read b4 it was a page turner
Wonderful story - good topic- how the men are treating woman - different type of Amish book I've read b4 it was a page turner
July 25, 2017
The Quilt Shop.
This book was very well written with a lot of suspense. It was very intense. The story dealt with domestic violence.
This book was very well written with a lot of suspense. It was very intense. The story dealt with domestic violence.
August 15, 2017
Good depiction, good story
The book was well written, having a single theme. Seemed at times to be a bit too direct in it's approach.
The book was well written, having a single theme. Seemed at times to be a bit too direct in it's approach.
October 28, 2017
Great subject
Very enlightening read, it sheds light on an issue that is universal, even in a society that is thought of as gentle.
Very enlightening read, it sheds light on an issue that is universal, even in a society that is thought of as gentle.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews