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Portrait of a Sister
Changes within her family force an artistic Amish girl to reconsider her path in life in this coming-of-age tale by the author of Her New Story . Katie Beiler has always imagined her life being just like Mamm’s. It’s why she chose baptism and why she’ll soon marry Abram Zook. But ever since her twin sister Hannah left for an English life, the only thing that truly makes Katie smile is her sketchpad. In it, she indulges her talent for drawing faces—a sin that, if discovered, could get her shunned by her family, her friends, and even Abram. Yet Katie sees her secret pastime as the only way to quiet a growing restlessness she’d just as soon ignore. That is until their Mamm’s untimely death brings Hannah back home to Pennsylvania, with a new outlook on life, a man she adores, and, soon, an invitation for Katie to visit her in New York City. Suddenly, Katie is experiencing a freedom she’s never had, in a world she never imagined. She’s also spending time in the company of a fellow dreamer, someone who sees her as strong and brave and makes her laugh. But it’s when Hannah shows Katie’s drawings to a gallery owner that she truly finds herself at a crossroads between the only life she’s ever known and the powerful lure of an unfamiliar future. “A charming, well-told story of love and devotion between sisters.” —New York Times –bestselling author Rachel Hauck “Kudos to Bradford for a complex and compelling story about faith, family, and love.” —Sally Kilpatrick, author of Bless Her Heart
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2018
58 people are currently reading
1220 people want to read
About the author
Laura Bradford
58 books886 followersAka Elizabeth Lynn Casey.
While spending a rainy afternoon at a friend's house nearly forty years ago, Laura Bradford fell in love with writing over a stack of blank paper, a box of crayons, and a freshly sharpened number two pencil.
Those early attempts at the craft had her writing and illustrating stories for young children. Wise beyond her years, Laura saved her first writing attempt in a hand decorated shoe box (complete with sparkly stickers) and moved on to her next idea. Her second book—O’Casey’s Wish—was so utterly brilliant, she sent it off to a well-known New York publishing house at the tender age of ten, confident she was on the verge of becoming the next Don Freeman (Corduroy) or Shel Silverstein (Giving Tree).
Months later, she received her first form letter rejection.
While she wasn’t of the mindset to save that first crushing blow for posterity, Laura did save the original copy of this particular literary masterpiece in the event the letter was a mistake.
Desperate to prove her flexibility as a writer, Laura soon found herself dabbling in jokes (for her Girl Scout troop’s newsletter), stories of angst (a somewhat autobiographical look at her teenage years), movie reviews (for the Xavier University Newswire), and countless news and feature articles (for newspapers in CT, SC, TN, and MO).
It wasn’t until Laura was home raising children of her own though, that she was finally able to dust off that rainy day dream and bring it back to its original form—writing fiction. Today, she is a bestselling mystery author with Berkley Prime Crime (Penguin Publishing), and an award winning romance author with Harlequin American. She lives in New York with her family.
Oh, and if you meet Laura at a book event in the future, ask her about O’Casey’s Wish. It tends to travel with her everywhere she goes.
While spending a rainy afternoon at a friend's house nearly forty years ago, Laura Bradford fell in love with writing over a stack of blank paper, a box of crayons, and a freshly sharpened number two pencil.
Those early attempts at the craft had her writing and illustrating stories for young children. Wise beyond her years, Laura saved her first writing attempt in a hand decorated shoe box (complete with sparkly stickers) and moved on to her next idea. Her second book—O’Casey’s Wish—was so utterly brilliant, she sent it off to a well-known New York publishing house at the tender age of ten, confident she was on the verge of becoming the next Don Freeman (Corduroy) or Shel Silverstein (Giving Tree).
Months later, she received her first form letter rejection.
While she wasn’t of the mindset to save that first crushing blow for posterity, Laura did save the original copy of this particular literary masterpiece in the event the letter was a mistake.
Desperate to prove her flexibility as a writer, Laura soon found herself dabbling in jokes (for her Girl Scout troop’s newsletter), stories of angst (a somewhat autobiographical look at her teenage years), movie reviews (for the Xavier University Newswire), and countless news and feature articles (for newspapers in CT, SC, TN, and MO).
It wasn’t until Laura was home raising children of her own though, that she was finally able to dust off that rainy day dream and bring it back to its original form—writing fiction. Today, she is a bestselling mystery author with Berkley Prime Crime (Penguin Publishing), and an award winning romance author with Harlequin American. She lives in New York with her family.
Oh, and if you meet Laura at a book event in the future, ask her about O’Casey’s Wish. It tends to travel with her everywhere she goes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
January 6, 2019
A complex beautifully told story about family and faith!
This was a remarkable tale about a sisters bond and the faith that may come between them... I really know nothing about the Amish people other than they don’t have any of the modern conveniences and have a strict faith... so my fast paced city girl mind was thinking, that this would be a very easy decision.... oh how wrong I was! At about halfway in this book I began to feel how real and raw Katie struggle was... to give up the only life you know and love would be difficult....
Katie and Hannah are twins they both grew up in an Amish community in Pennsylvania.... after their Rumspringa Katie returns home and Hannah moves to NYC.... two sisters torn apart by faith and distance... but when their mother passes and Hannah returns home they are reunited.... Katie is a talented artist, something that is forbidden by her community, but Hannah sees how talented she is and share some of her artwork with someone in NY.... Katie soon finds herself on a bus to the big apple, but is it to stay? Or will she return home?
Oh what an emotional journey we took with Katie in this book... A decision I thought would be simple turned out to be extremely complex... and Hannah seem to think it was an easy decision as well, her sister had talent and the potential to earn loads of money, why would she not move to the big city? Not to mention she would “escape“ the restrictive Amish life.... but what Hannah and I fail to see is that Katie’s hopes and dreams had always seen her life a certain way, and she didn’t necessarily want to give all that up... now Katie is torn between two worlds, two loves, and two homes, what will she choose?
A heartbreaking and heartwarming story that really gave me some food for thought, absolutely recommend!
*** many thanks to Kensington for my copy of this book ***
This was a remarkable tale about a sisters bond and the faith that may come between them... I really know nothing about the Amish people other than they don’t have any of the modern conveniences and have a strict faith... so my fast paced city girl mind was thinking, that this would be a very easy decision.... oh how wrong I was! At about halfway in this book I began to feel how real and raw Katie struggle was... to give up the only life you know and love would be difficult....
Katie and Hannah are twins they both grew up in an Amish community in Pennsylvania.... after their Rumspringa Katie returns home and Hannah moves to NYC.... two sisters torn apart by faith and distance... but when their mother passes and Hannah returns home they are reunited.... Katie is a talented artist, something that is forbidden by her community, but Hannah sees how talented she is and share some of her artwork with someone in NY.... Katie soon finds herself on a bus to the big apple, but is it to stay? Or will she return home?
Oh what an emotional journey we took with Katie in this book... A decision I thought would be simple turned out to be extremely complex... and Hannah seem to think it was an easy decision as well, her sister had talent and the potential to earn loads of money, why would she not move to the big city? Not to mention she would “escape“ the restrictive Amish life.... but what Hannah and I fail to see is that Katie’s hopes and dreams had always seen her life a certain way, and she didn’t necessarily want to give all that up... now Katie is torn between two worlds, two loves, and two homes, what will she choose?
A heartbreaking and heartwarming story that really gave me some food for thought, absolutely recommend!
*** many thanks to Kensington for my copy of this book ***
July 6, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
As a fan of this author’s cozy mysteries, I was very excited to learn she was branching out from the cozies to tell this story. Well, let me just say she hit it out of the park!
Twins Katie and Hannah Beiler may look alike but now grown up their lives have taken very different directions. After their Rumspringa, Katie was baptized and prepared for her Amish life to continue. Hannah left her Amish life and moved to New York for an English way of life. Katie had a hard time after her sister left but she found solace in a sketch pad she purchased while away. She has a lot of talent, but drawing people’s faces is a sin that could have her shunned. When her mother dies, Hannah comes home. Hannah is so happy with her English life. She has a job, an apartment and a boyfriend. She wants Katie to join her in New York at least for a visit. When their father approves the trip for Katie, she is very unsure about his decision. She boards the bus and realizes what happens next could change her life forever.
I was immediately drawn in by Katie’s story. With Hannah gone Katie has many responsibilities for her family. With her mother ill and then dying, those responsibilities grow exponentially. Her marriage to Abram Zook is on hold until her next younger sister can care for the family. Hannah is off living her life and Katie has dreams too. Reading this story was like riding an emotional roller coaster. The weight of Katie’s decisions was very heavy and her sister seemed to not realize the difference between the decision she made and the one that Katie was making.
Ms. Bradford is an outstanding storyteller. She does her research and that brings the reality of this story to life. The struggle Katie was facing was detailed and reverberated off the pages. I loved reading both about Katie’s home life and her New York experience. I have never been to New York City and I am not Amish but I think my reactions would be similar to Katie’s. That city can be quite intimidating. I have always found the Amish way of life very interesting. We have a community not too far from us here in Wisconsin. I also enjoyed her descriptions of Katie’s drawings. The words sketched the pictures in my mind perfectly.
This author has written strong, poignant, Portrait of A Sister. I absolutely loved this story. Katie’s story will stick with me for a long time.
Fans of Laura Bradford’s Amish mysteries and Amish Fiction fans will enjoy this story. She has made a wonderful debut into Women’s Fiction too!
This book exceeds a 5-star rating! It will definitely be on my Best Reads of 2018 list and receives my Paradise Rating!
As a fan of this author’s cozy mysteries, I was very excited to learn she was branching out from the cozies to tell this story. Well, let me just say she hit it out of the park!
Twins Katie and Hannah Beiler may look alike but now grown up their lives have taken very different directions. After their Rumspringa, Katie was baptized and prepared for her Amish life to continue. Hannah left her Amish life and moved to New York for an English way of life. Katie had a hard time after her sister left but she found solace in a sketch pad she purchased while away. She has a lot of talent, but drawing people’s faces is a sin that could have her shunned. When her mother dies, Hannah comes home. Hannah is so happy with her English life. She has a job, an apartment and a boyfriend. She wants Katie to join her in New York at least for a visit. When their father approves the trip for Katie, she is very unsure about his decision. She boards the bus and realizes what happens next could change her life forever.
I was immediately drawn in by Katie’s story. With Hannah gone Katie has many responsibilities for her family. With her mother ill and then dying, those responsibilities grow exponentially. Her marriage to Abram Zook is on hold until her next younger sister can care for the family. Hannah is off living her life and Katie has dreams too. Reading this story was like riding an emotional roller coaster. The weight of Katie’s decisions was very heavy and her sister seemed to not realize the difference between the decision she made and the one that Katie was making.
Ms. Bradford is an outstanding storyteller. She does her research and that brings the reality of this story to life. The struggle Katie was facing was detailed and reverberated off the pages. I loved reading both about Katie’s home life and her New York experience. I have never been to New York City and I am not Amish but I think my reactions would be similar to Katie’s. That city can be quite intimidating. I have always found the Amish way of life very interesting. We have a community not too far from us here in Wisconsin. I also enjoyed her descriptions of Katie’s drawings. The words sketched the pictures in my mind perfectly.
This author has written strong, poignant, Portrait of A Sister. I absolutely loved this story. Katie’s story will stick with me for a long time.
Fans of Laura Bradford’s Amish mysteries and Amish Fiction fans will enjoy this story. She has made a wonderful debut into Women’s Fiction too!
This book exceeds a 5-star rating! It will definitely be on my Best Reads of 2018 list and receives my Paradise Rating!
February 15, 2019
This is my first time to read anything by this author but it definitely will not be my last time! Laura Bradford made this story seem so real to this reader! Not at all like fiction but as though it was actually happening before my very eyes. From the sad beginning of the book, where Katie Beiler says goodbye to her dying Mamm , to Katie when she arrives in New York City. Portrait of A Sister was one of those books that when this reader finished it all I could do was sit back and say “ Wow” !
I enjoyed Katie’s first reaction to New York City. She was so in awe of everything she seen that rather than take a cab she opted to walk thirty blocks to her twin sister Hannah’s apartment. The pizza in New York City was the best she had tasted in her life! And those buildings were so very tall that she could barely see the tops of them even when she looked up.
Hannah, her twin had left the Amish before baptism while Katie chose to get baptized into the Amish faith. But she has been hiding her talent to draw people and make them come alive in her sketches. This is considered a sin in the Amish church. Katie has tried to stop but is unable to give up her drawings. Hannah wants Katie in New York with her and tries everything in her power to convince her twin to stay. Will Katie be able to give up her sketching in order to avoid being shunned or will she jump the fence as Hannah did, in order to have a career in her art?
Readers of Amish Fiction would love this book. It's women's Christian Fiction at its best and I highly recommend it to you! There will be another book released on May 28th by this author. A Daughter’s Truth. If you have read Portrait of A Daughter you will want to read this next one too.
I was given a copy of Portrait of A Daughter from the author. I’m happy to review it and all I have said here are my own thoughts and opinions of the book.
I enjoyed Katie’s first reaction to New York City. She was so in awe of everything she seen that rather than take a cab she opted to walk thirty blocks to her twin sister Hannah’s apartment. The pizza in New York City was the best she had tasted in her life! And those buildings were so very tall that she could barely see the tops of them even when she looked up.
Hannah, her twin had left the Amish before baptism while Katie chose to get baptized into the Amish faith. But she has been hiding her talent to draw people and make them come alive in her sketches. This is considered a sin in the Amish church. Katie has tried to stop but is unable to give up her drawings. Hannah wants Katie in New York with her and tries everything in her power to convince her twin to stay. Will Katie be able to give up her sketching in order to avoid being shunned or will she jump the fence as Hannah did, in order to have a career in her art?
Readers of Amish Fiction would love this book. It's women's Christian Fiction at its best and I highly recommend it to you! There will be another book released on May 28th by this author. A Daughter’s Truth. If you have read Portrait of A Daughter you will want to read this next one too.
I was given a copy of Portrait of A Daughter from the author. I’m happy to review it and all I have said here are my own thoughts and opinions of the book.
July 19, 2018
Portrait of a Sister
Laura Bradford
I have never read a book by Laura Bradford before but after reading PORTRAIT OF A SISTER I will read every book she has written. I instantly felt like I was sitting at the Beiler kitchen table helping Katie try and figure out what direction her life was heading to. Her sister Hannah, jumped the fence and left her Amish life behind. She is Katie's twin and Katie misses her terribly. Hannah has come back from New York City for her Mamm's funeral and Katie feels like she doesn't know Hannah at all anymore.
While Katie is trying to come to grips with her sister leaving and her Mamm dying she is also trying to convince her younger siblings that she won't leave them too. She goes to visit Hannah in New York and suddenly Katie's life is completely mixed up. She experiences things and feelings she has never had before and is torn on what to do. Hold on people, it's going to be a crazy ride!
PORTRAIT OF A SISTER is filled with struggling with the choices we have to make and once you start reading, it is impossible to put down. Keep the tissues close by because this will be one heck of an emotional journey. Will Katie ever find her place in the world and be happy once again? Laura Bradford did a wonderful job of teaching the reader what Katie was going through, being torn between her Amish way of life and the freedom of the Englisch world.
Laura Bradford normally writes cozy mysteries, but let me tell you, she really knows how to write about family drama, heartbreak, and forgiveness. I can not wait to read more by this wonderful and heart tugging author. PORTRAIT OF A SISTER finds Katie and her beau, Abram, waiting to make their wedding plans until Katie's younger sister is old enough to take over the family duties.
The only thing that brings Katie peace is when she draws in her sketch book which is kept hidden under her mattress. Sketching faces is forbidden in her Amish community and could get Katie shunned if anyone found out, but Katie can't seem to help herself. When Hannah was home she took a few of her drawings and showed them to a gallery owner in New York. Katie has talent and can make a lot of money selling her drawings. Totally not what the Amish strive for in their simple lives. PORTRAIT OF A SISTER is filled with likable and relatable characters that will find their way into the reader's heart.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Laura Bradford
I have never read a book by Laura Bradford before but after reading PORTRAIT OF A SISTER I will read every book she has written. I instantly felt like I was sitting at the Beiler kitchen table helping Katie try and figure out what direction her life was heading to. Her sister Hannah, jumped the fence and left her Amish life behind. She is Katie's twin and Katie misses her terribly. Hannah has come back from New York City for her Mamm's funeral and Katie feels like she doesn't know Hannah at all anymore.
While Katie is trying to come to grips with her sister leaving and her Mamm dying she is also trying to convince her younger siblings that she won't leave them too. She goes to visit Hannah in New York and suddenly Katie's life is completely mixed up. She experiences things and feelings she has never had before and is torn on what to do. Hold on people, it's going to be a crazy ride!
PORTRAIT OF A SISTER is filled with struggling with the choices we have to make and once you start reading, it is impossible to put down. Keep the tissues close by because this will be one heck of an emotional journey. Will Katie ever find her place in the world and be happy once again? Laura Bradford did a wonderful job of teaching the reader what Katie was going through, being torn between her Amish way of life and the freedom of the Englisch world.
Laura Bradford normally writes cozy mysteries, but let me tell you, she really knows how to write about family drama, heartbreak, and forgiveness. I can not wait to read more by this wonderful and heart tugging author. PORTRAIT OF A SISTER finds Katie and her beau, Abram, waiting to make their wedding plans until Katie's younger sister is old enough to take over the family duties.
The only thing that brings Katie peace is when she draws in her sketch book which is kept hidden under her mattress. Sketching faces is forbidden in her Amish community and could get Katie shunned if anyone found out, but Katie can't seem to help herself. When Hannah was home she took a few of her drawings and showed them to a gallery owner in New York. Katie has talent and can make a lot of money selling her drawings. Totally not what the Amish strive for in their simple lives. PORTRAIT OF A SISTER is filled with likable and relatable characters that will find their way into the reader's heart.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 11, 2018
For the last five years, it’s very rare for me to read outside of the cozy mystery genre. It’s my favorite, and always my go to. However, when one of my favorite authors, Laura Bradford, stepped out of the cozy mystery footprint to write a novel, I had to read it. I am immensely happy that I did.
PORTRAIT OF A SISTER is a story about choices. Old ones, new ones, life altering ones. Choices both right and wrong. No one is weighed down heavier with choices than Katie Beiler, who remained Amish when her twin sister, Hannah, left to join the world of the English.
My emotions really ran the gambit with this story. I could feel Katie’s turmoil over her love of sketching the faces of the people she loves, though it goes against her Amish beliefs. Her feelings of being less than her sister. And, I shared in her anger with her sister, Hannah, for reasons I will leave you to discover in the book.
Author Bradford handled Katie’s struggles with a skilled certainty. For the author to not be Amish, her grasp of what these people go through in their daily lives, and what they as a collective whole believe, serves as a tribute to her vast research into their lives, and the passion she feels for the people.
PORTRAIT OF A SISTER is a must read for any fan of Amish fiction, and every fan of Laura Bradford’s accomplished writing.
PORTRAIT OF A SISTER is a story about choices. Old ones, new ones, life altering ones. Choices both right and wrong. No one is weighed down heavier with choices than Katie Beiler, who remained Amish when her twin sister, Hannah, left to join the world of the English.
My emotions really ran the gambit with this story. I could feel Katie’s turmoil over her love of sketching the faces of the people she loves, though it goes against her Amish beliefs. Her feelings of being less than her sister. And, I shared in her anger with her sister, Hannah, for reasons I will leave you to discover in the book.
Author Bradford handled Katie’s struggles with a skilled certainty. For the author to not be Amish, her grasp of what these people go through in their daily lives, and what they as a collective whole believe, serves as a tribute to her vast research into their lives, and the passion she feels for the people.
PORTRAIT OF A SISTER is a must read for any fan of Amish fiction, and every fan of Laura Bradford’s accomplished writing.
August 15, 2019
I felt such a connection to this story. Laura Bradford is a wonderful storyteller that I felt like I was part of the story. I had a feeling the story would end one way but when it turned I was pleasantly surprise.
December 5, 2021
This is a book about a set of twins-one is continuing to be Amish and the other has left the Amish community for New York City. Katie who is Amish loves to draw and her sister Hannah wants her to move to New York City so she can draw without the fear of being shunned. The story is sad when their mother dies and also when their little sister gets sick. Katie learns many things in the course of the book and I was very proud of her decision at the end as to who she would marry and where she would live.
July 23, 2018
I cannot begin to say how good this book is. It draws you in immediately and takes you into a depth of feelings that I wasn't expecting Katie's Mamm passes and is left to step in and take her place with taking care of the house and children. We find that Katie has a twin who left the Amish ways before baptism and moved to New York. The emotions that are in Katie pull at you, anger that her mother has passed, a slight jealousy of her sister for doing what she wants, also anger at her sister for leaving her to face her hurt family, fear because she's an excellent artist who draws faces which is not permitted with the Amish.
Katie gets the chance to visit her sister in New York, when you meet Hannah you realize quickly that she made the right decision, with Katie we are left wondering until the end. This book takes you on the trail of the emotions and is a wonderful read.
Katie gets the chance to visit her sister in New York, when you meet Hannah you realize quickly that she made the right decision, with Katie we are left wondering until the end. This book takes you on the trail of the emotions and is a wonderful read.
June 27, 2018
I am a huge fan of Laura Bradford’s writing.
Portrait of a Sister was a fresh, insightful and beautiful story of family, Amish culture, and human emotions.
Katie has an amazing gift of drawing and showing emotion in her art. Unfortunately she does draws faces and that is against the Amish way. Hannah, lives in NY and wants Katie to come and see what she’s missing. Katie is torn between what she loves to do and the way of life she chose.
Portrait of a Sister was a fresh, insightful and beautiful story of family, Amish culture, and human emotions.
Katie has an amazing gift of drawing and showing emotion in her art. Unfortunately she does draws faces and that is against the Amish way. Hannah, lives in NY and wants Katie to come and see what she’s missing. Katie is torn between what she loves to do and the way of life she chose.
August 5, 2018
http://openbooksociety.com/article/po...
Portrait of a Sister
By Laura Bradford
ISBN: 9781496716460
Author website: www(.)laurabradford(.)com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
Katie Beiler was always the follower to her twin sister Hannah’s lead. That is until Hannah left their Amish upbringing for an English life–leaving Katie to find her own footing in a world that no longer looks as it once did . . .
Katie has always imagined her life being just like Mamm’s. It’s why she chose baptism and why she’ll soon marry Abram Zook. But ever since Hannah left, the only thing that truly makes Katie smile is the sketchpad in which she indulges her talent for drawing faces–a sin that, if discovered, could get her shunned by her family, her friends, and even Abram. Yet Katie sees her secret pastime as the only way to quiet a growing restlessness she’d just as soon ignore. That is until their Mamm’s untimely death brings Hannah back home to Pennsylvania, with a new outlook on life, a man she adores, and, soon, an invitation for Katie to visit her in New York City.
Suddenly, Katie is experiencing a freedom she’s never had, in a world she never imagined. She’s also spending time in the company of a fellow dreamer, someone who sees her as strong and brave and makes her laugh. But it’s when Hannah shows Katie’s drawings to a gallery owner that she truly finds herself at a crossroads between the only life she’s ever known and the powerful lure of an unfamiliar future.
“A charming, well-told story of love and devotion between sisters.”
–New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hauck
“Kudos to Bradford for a complex and compelling story about faith, family, and love.”
–Sally Kilpatrick, author of Bless Her Heart
Review:
Laura Bradford is one of my favorite cozy mystery authors. Her books are always amazing. I rarely read outside of the cozy genre, but there was no way I was going to pass up her Portrait of a Sister. Boy am I glad I read this heartfelt book. Her ability to tell a story, to get the reader to feel the emotions, to describe things in a way that you can easily visualize everything, all of her talents are displayed and magnified in this book that is out of her comfort zone. Well if this is her in not comfortable territory, then I want more!! I wish I could give more than 5 stars, more than 10 stars. You get the point I think, lol. Laura Bradford is one of the very best at bringing the Amish life to all of us Englishers out there. Just brilliant!
This book starts at a time that is just devasting for most. Amish Katie Beiler’s mother is dying. Katie will now be the lady of the family, everything her mother did will fall on her shoulders. She has a twin sister, Hannah, but she did not get baptized and moved to New York to live her life as English. The reader gets to meet Hannah when she comes home for her mother’s funeral bringing her boyfriend along. This author’s ability to bring characters to life is more evident in Portrait of a Sister than any of her other books. That, by the way is saying a lot since she is one of the best at this. Showing the reader the in depth differences between these twin sisters (and similarities too, although very subtle) and how they deal with the life they are given and choose makes these characters pop off the page and become so real.
Katie is an artist, a wonderful artist, however her artwork goes against everything her religion teaches. She draws the faces of her subjects. When Hannah is home for their mother’s funeral she finds Katie’s hidden sketch pad. As anyone who would have seen these sketches would attest, Hannah is amazed at her quiet sister’s talent. So much so that she does somethings that are on the one hand a betrayal and on the other a gift to her sister. It all depends on your perspective. Along Katie’s journey to visit her sister in NY, her wide eyed awe of the city, its contents and people, her return home and the events that occur as a consequence of her visit, the reader is able to truly feel the emotions that Katie is struggling with.
Although I have not been through the things Katie has, nor am I Amish, I felt a kinship with her. I rooted for her and rode her emotional roller coaster with her as well. Author Laura Bradford is able to take the reader on this extraordinary journey, bring us through the emotions, going from pure sadness, pure joy and awe, through fear and anxiety and then to contentment. What a talent, what a joy.
If you are a fan of Laura Bradford’s cozy mysteries, you will love this. If you are a fan of well written Amish fiction, you will love Portrait of a Sister. If you enjoy great women’s fiction, this is the book for you. In other words, if you want a wonderful read, read this book.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Portrait of a Sister
By Laura Bradford
ISBN: 9781496716460
Author website: www(.)laurabradford(.)com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
Katie Beiler was always the follower to her twin sister Hannah’s lead. That is until Hannah left their Amish upbringing for an English life–leaving Katie to find her own footing in a world that no longer looks as it once did . . .
Katie has always imagined her life being just like Mamm’s. It’s why she chose baptism and why she’ll soon marry Abram Zook. But ever since Hannah left, the only thing that truly makes Katie smile is the sketchpad in which she indulges her talent for drawing faces–a sin that, if discovered, could get her shunned by her family, her friends, and even Abram. Yet Katie sees her secret pastime as the only way to quiet a growing restlessness she’d just as soon ignore. That is until their Mamm’s untimely death brings Hannah back home to Pennsylvania, with a new outlook on life, a man she adores, and, soon, an invitation for Katie to visit her in New York City.
Suddenly, Katie is experiencing a freedom she’s never had, in a world she never imagined. She’s also spending time in the company of a fellow dreamer, someone who sees her as strong and brave and makes her laugh. But it’s when Hannah shows Katie’s drawings to a gallery owner that she truly finds herself at a crossroads between the only life she’s ever known and the powerful lure of an unfamiliar future.
“A charming, well-told story of love and devotion between sisters.”
–New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hauck
“Kudos to Bradford for a complex and compelling story about faith, family, and love.”
–Sally Kilpatrick, author of Bless Her Heart
Review:
Laura Bradford is one of my favorite cozy mystery authors. Her books are always amazing. I rarely read outside of the cozy genre, but there was no way I was going to pass up her Portrait of a Sister. Boy am I glad I read this heartfelt book. Her ability to tell a story, to get the reader to feel the emotions, to describe things in a way that you can easily visualize everything, all of her talents are displayed and magnified in this book that is out of her comfort zone. Well if this is her in not comfortable territory, then I want more!! I wish I could give more than 5 stars, more than 10 stars. You get the point I think, lol. Laura Bradford is one of the very best at bringing the Amish life to all of us Englishers out there. Just brilliant!
This book starts at a time that is just devasting for most. Amish Katie Beiler’s mother is dying. Katie will now be the lady of the family, everything her mother did will fall on her shoulders. She has a twin sister, Hannah, but she did not get baptized and moved to New York to live her life as English. The reader gets to meet Hannah when she comes home for her mother’s funeral bringing her boyfriend along. This author’s ability to bring characters to life is more evident in Portrait of a Sister than any of her other books. That, by the way is saying a lot since she is one of the best at this. Showing the reader the in depth differences between these twin sisters (and similarities too, although very subtle) and how they deal with the life they are given and choose makes these characters pop off the page and become so real.
Katie is an artist, a wonderful artist, however her artwork goes against everything her religion teaches. She draws the faces of her subjects. When Hannah is home for their mother’s funeral she finds Katie’s hidden sketch pad. As anyone who would have seen these sketches would attest, Hannah is amazed at her quiet sister’s talent. So much so that she does somethings that are on the one hand a betrayal and on the other a gift to her sister. It all depends on your perspective. Along Katie’s journey to visit her sister in NY, her wide eyed awe of the city, its contents and people, her return home and the events that occur as a consequence of her visit, the reader is able to truly feel the emotions that Katie is struggling with.
Although I have not been through the things Katie has, nor am I Amish, I felt a kinship with her. I rooted for her and rode her emotional roller coaster with her as well. Author Laura Bradford is able to take the reader on this extraordinary journey, bring us through the emotions, going from pure sadness, pure joy and awe, through fear and anxiety and then to contentment. What a talent, what a joy.
If you are a fan of Laura Bradford’s cozy mysteries, you will love this. If you are a fan of well written Amish fiction, you will love Portrait of a Sister. If you enjoy great women’s fiction, this is the book for you. In other words, if you want a wonderful read, read this book.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
July 11, 2018
Portrait Of a Sister
Laura Bradford
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Katie Beiler was always the follower to her twin sister Hannah’s lead. That is until Hannah left their Amish upbringing for an English life—leaving Katie to find her own footing in a world that no longer looks as it once did . . .
Katie has always imagined her life being just like Mamm’s. It’s why she chose baptism and why she’ll soon marry Abram Zook. But ever since Hannah left, the only thing that truly makes Katie smile is the sketchpad in which she indulges her talent for drawing faces—a sin that, if discovered, could get her shunned by her family, her friends, and even Abram. Yet Katie sees her secret pastime as the only way to quiet a growing restlessness she’d just as soon ignore. That is until their Mamm’s untimely death brings Hannah back home to Pennsylvania, with a new outlook on life, a man she adores, and, soon, an invitation for Katie to visit her in New York City.
Suddenly, Katie is experiencing a freedom she’s never had, in a world she never imagined. She’s also spending time in the company of a fellow dreamer, someone who sees her as strong and brave and makes her laugh. But it’s when Hannah shows Katie’s drawings to a gallery owner that she truly finds herself at a crossroads between the only life she’s ever known and the powerful lure of an unfamiliar future. (Goodreads)
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Review:
When I read this book, I went through a vast variety of emotions. I had tears (right from the start), I laughed, I got mad, I felt happy… It has been a while since I read a book that had me feeling so many emotions, and I think it takes a very special author to accomplish this.
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Although Katie and Hannah are twins, they could not be more different. Katie has chosen the Amish life, Hannah has left and moved to New York to start a new life. After their mamm dies, Katie is at a loss. She does not feel prepared to take over caring for everyone. But she promised her mamm she would, so that is what she plans to do. When Hannah comes home for the funeral, Katie realizes how different their lives are. She has always felt like she lived in the shadow of her twin and never felt she was as strong as Hannah. The one thing that she has that was all hers is her drawings. When she is drawing, she feels alive and confident. But her drawings are a sin and something that could get her shunned. Katie has some decisions to make about what she is going to do with her life.
This book is about choices that have to be made in life. Some choices are right, some are wrong, but they all need to be made in the course of one’s life. Some are easy to make, some are very tough, some have very little effect and some are life changing. The best we can hope for is that the right choices are made.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written women’s contemporary. The author is very talented in writing about the Amish way of life, and she has written a book that is heartwarming and heartbreaking. Pick up this book, you will not be sorry.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
Laura Bradford
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Katie Beiler was always the follower to her twin sister Hannah’s lead. That is until Hannah left their Amish upbringing for an English life—leaving Katie to find her own footing in a world that no longer looks as it once did . . .
Katie has always imagined her life being just like Mamm’s. It’s why she chose baptism and why she’ll soon marry Abram Zook. But ever since Hannah left, the only thing that truly makes Katie smile is the sketchpad in which she indulges her talent for drawing faces—a sin that, if discovered, could get her shunned by her family, her friends, and even Abram. Yet Katie sees her secret pastime as the only way to quiet a growing restlessness she’d just as soon ignore. That is until their Mamm’s untimely death brings Hannah back home to Pennsylvania, with a new outlook on life, a man she adores, and, soon, an invitation for Katie to visit her in New York City.
Suddenly, Katie is experiencing a freedom she’s never had, in a world she never imagined. She’s also spending time in the company of a fellow dreamer, someone who sees her as strong and brave and makes her laugh. But it’s when Hannah shows Katie’s drawings to a gallery owner that she truly finds herself at a crossroads between the only life she’s ever known and the powerful lure of an unfamiliar future. (Goodreads)
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Review:
When I read this book, I went through a vast variety of emotions. I had tears (right from the start), I laughed, I got mad, I felt happy… It has been a while since I read a book that had me feeling so many emotions, and I think it takes a very special author to accomplish this.
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Although Katie and Hannah are twins, they could not be more different. Katie has chosen the Amish life, Hannah has left and moved to New York to start a new life. After their mamm dies, Katie is at a loss. She does not feel prepared to take over caring for everyone. But she promised her mamm she would, so that is what she plans to do. When Hannah comes home for the funeral, Katie realizes how different their lives are. She has always felt like she lived in the shadow of her twin and never felt she was as strong as Hannah. The one thing that she has that was all hers is her drawings. When she is drawing, she feels alive and confident. But her drawings are a sin and something that could get her shunned. Katie has some decisions to make about what she is going to do with her life.
This book is about choices that have to be made in life. Some choices are right, some are wrong, but they all need to be made in the course of one’s life. Some are easy to make, some are very tough, some have very little effect and some are life changing. The best we can hope for is that the right choices are made.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written women’s contemporary. The author is very talented in writing about the Amish way of life, and she has written a book that is heartwarming and heartbreaking. Pick up this book, you will not be sorry.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
April 27, 2020
Portrait Of a Sister
Laura Bradford
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Katie Beiler was always the follower to her twin sister Hannah’s lead. That is until Hannah left their Amish upbringing for an English life—leaving Katie to find her own footing in a world that no longer looks as it once did . . .
Katie has always imagined her life being just like Mamm’s. It’s why she chose baptism and why she’ll soon marry Abram Zook. But ever since Hannah left, the only thing that truly makes Katie smile is the sketchpad in which she indulges her talent for drawing faces—a sin that, if discovered, could get her shunned by her family, her friends, and even Abram. Yet Katie sees her secret pastime as the only way to quiet a growing restlessness she’d just as soon ignore. That is until their Mamm’s untimely death brings Hannah back home to Pennsylvania, with a new outlook on life, a man she adores, and, soon, an invitation for Katie to visit her in New York City.
Suddenly, Katie is experiencing a freedom she’s never had, in a world she never imagined. She’s also spending time in the company of a fellow dreamer, someone who sees her as strong and brave and makes her laugh. But it’s when Hannah shows Katie’s drawings to a gallery owner that she truly finds herself at a crossroads between the only life she’s ever known and the powerful lure of an unfamiliar future. (Goodreads)
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Review:
When I read this book, I went through a vast variety of emotions. I had tears (right from the start), I laughed, I got mad, I felt happy…
It has been a while since I read a book that had me feeling so many emotions, and I think it takes a very special author to accomplish this.
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Although Katie and Hannah are twins, they could not be more different. Katie has chosen the Amish life, Hannah has left and moved to New York to start a new life. After their mamm dies, Katie is at a loss. She does not feel prepared to take over caring for everyone. But she promised her mamm she would, so that is what she plans to do. When Hannah comes home for the funeral, Katie realizes how different their lives are. She has always felt like she lived in the shadow of her twin and never felt she was as strong as Hannah. The one thing that she has that was all hers is her drawings. When she is drawing, she feels alive and confident. But her drawings are a sin and something that could get her shunned. Katie has some decisions to make about what she is going to do with her life.
This book is about choices that have to be made in life. Some choices are right, some are wrong, but they all need to be made in the course of one’s life. Some are easy to make, some are very tough, some have very little effect and some are life changing. The best we can hope for is that the right choices are made.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written women’s contemporary. The author is very talented in writing about the Amish way of life, and she has written a book that is heartwarming and heartbreaking. Pick up this book, you will not be sorry.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
Laura Bradford
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Katie Beiler was always the follower to her twin sister Hannah’s lead. That is until Hannah left their Amish upbringing for an English life—leaving Katie to find her own footing in a world that no longer looks as it once did . . .
Katie has always imagined her life being just like Mamm’s. It’s why she chose baptism and why she’ll soon marry Abram Zook. But ever since Hannah left, the only thing that truly makes Katie smile is the sketchpad in which she indulges her talent for drawing faces—a sin that, if discovered, could get her shunned by her family, her friends, and even Abram. Yet Katie sees her secret pastime as the only way to quiet a growing restlessness she’d just as soon ignore. That is until their Mamm’s untimely death brings Hannah back home to Pennsylvania, with a new outlook on life, a man she adores, and, soon, an invitation for Katie to visit her in New York City.
Suddenly, Katie is experiencing a freedom she’s never had, in a world she never imagined. She’s also spending time in the company of a fellow dreamer, someone who sees her as strong and brave and makes her laugh. But it’s when Hannah shows Katie’s drawings to a gallery owner that she truly finds herself at a crossroads between the only life she’s ever known and the powerful lure of an unfamiliar future. (Goodreads)
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Review:
When I read this book, I went through a vast variety of emotions. I had tears (right from the start), I laughed, I got mad, I felt happy…
It has been a while since I read a book that had me feeling so many emotions, and I think it takes a very special author to accomplish this.
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Although Katie and Hannah are twins, they could not be more different. Katie has chosen the Amish life, Hannah has left and moved to New York to start a new life. After their mamm dies, Katie is at a loss. She does not feel prepared to take over caring for everyone. But she promised her mamm she would, so that is what she plans to do. When Hannah comes home for the funeral, Katie realizes how different their lives are. She has always felt like she lived in the shadow of her twin and never felt she was as strong as Hannah. The one thing that she has that was all hers is her drawings. When she is drawing, she feels alive and confident. But her drawings are a sin and something that could get her shunned. Katie has some decisions to make about what she is going to do with her life.
This book is about choices that have to be made in life. Some choices are right, some are wrong, but they all need to be made in the course of one’s life. Some are easy to make, some are very tough, some have very little effect and some are life changing. The best we can hope for is that the right choices are made.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written women’s contemporary. The author is very talented in writing about the Amish way of life, and she has written a book that is heartwarming and heartbreaking. Pick up this book, you will not be sorry.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
July 25, 2018
“Bravery comes in all shape and sizes, Katie.”
There are some authors who can write in multiple genres and make it seem effortless. Laura Bradford is one such writer. I love her cozy mysteries, although I haven’t read her Amish cozy series yet, so Portrait of a Sister was a two genre hop for me (Amish & women’s fiction) from what I’m used to reading from Bradford. She more than succeeds in this new genre, too. Portrait of a Sister is emotional, it’s sweet, it’s romantic, and it’s GOOD. Best of all, it’s a clean read with faith elements from a general market publisher. More of this, please!!
Katie Beiler is a complex character, despite her simple Amish/Plain roots. Her heart feels pulled in different directions, even as she continues to grieve the loss of her mother and her new responsibility to take care of her father and siblings. She’s at a pivotal point in her life when we meet her – wrestling with her dreams and God’s will and where (if at all) the two meet. She’s also struggling with how she sees herself, and what bravery looks like on I loved this dynamic to the story as well. Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is move outside of our comfort zones, and sometimes the bravest thing we can do is stay put and be ourselves. And y’all – I honestly didn’t know where Bradford would take Katie in the end – or where I wanted her to end up. The author does a suberb job of crafting that tension – in the character and in the reader – so we are fully invested in Katie & her story.
The supporting characters were nearly as delightful as Katie, though she was my favorite. From the Pennsylvania cast to the New York players, all the characters were smartly drawn and layered. In fact, I would love to see another story (at least) set in New York with Hannah as the focus! Even though I was frustrated with Hannah for a large part of the book, Bradford wrote her with enough dimension that I want to see where her own story goes from here.
Bottom Line: I love how the title of Portrait of a Sister applies in so many different ways to the book’s plot and its characters. The story and its gentle message really spoke to my heart, and Katie especially felt like a friend. My emotions ran the gamut much like Katie’s did, and I didn’t want to stop reading once I started. Laura Bradford created great tension without it becoming too heavy and also wove in a sweet message of faith without the story feeling preachy. A perfect read for fans of Amy Clipston, Shelley Shepard Gray, and Kathleen Fuller!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
There are some authors who can write in multiple genres and make it seem effortless. Laura Bradford is one such writer. I love her cozy mysteries, although I haven’t read her Amish cozy series yet, so Portrait of a Sister was a two genre hop for me (Amish & women’s fiction) from what I’m used to reading from Bradford. She more than succeeds in this new genre, too. Portrait of a Sister is emotional, it’s sweet, it’s romantic, and it’s GOOD. Best of all, it’s a clean read with faith elements from a general market publisher. More of this, please!!
Katie Beiler is a complex character, despite her simple Amish/Plain roots. Her heart feels pulled in different directions, even as she continues to grieve the loss of her mother and her new responsibility to take care of her father and siblings. She’s at a pivotal point in her life when we meet her – wrestling with her dreams and God’s will and where (if at all) the two meet. She’s also struggling with how she sees herself, and what bravery looks like on I loved this dynamic to the story as well. Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is move outside of our comfort zones, and sometimes the bravest thing we can do is stay put and be ourselves. And y’all – I honestly didn’t know where Bradford would take Katie in the end – or where I wanted her to end up. The author does a suberb job of crafting that tension – in the character and in the reader – so we are fully invested in Katie & her story.
The supporting characters were nearly as delightful as Katie, though she was my favorite. From the Pennsylvania cast to the New York players, all the characters were smartly drawn and layered. In fact, I would love to see another story (at least) set in New York with Hannah as the focus! Even though I was frustrated with Hannah for a large part of the book, Bradford wrote her with enough dimension that I want to see where her own story goes from here.
Bottom Line: I love how the title of Portrait of a Sister applies in so many different ways to the book’s plot and its characters. The story and its gentle message really spoke to my heart, and Katie especially felt like a friend. My emotions ran the gamut much like Katie’s did, and I didn’t want to stop reading once I started. Laura Bradford created great tension without it becoming too heavy and also wove in a sweet message of faith without the story feeling preachy. A perfect read for fans of Amy Clipston, Shelley Shepard Gray, and Kathleen Fuller!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
February 26, 2018
I was lucky enough to receive an Advanced Reader's Copy of this wonderful novel, Laura's first venture away from mystery and romance and into women's fiction. It will be published on June 26 and my advice to you is to reserve your copy now!
I am not a reader of the many Amish romances on the market right now, so I cannot authoritatively compare this novel to that very popular genre. I can, however tell you not to confuse Portrait of a Sister, which is most definitely women's fiction, with that genre. This is the story of two sisters raised in the Amish culture, one who left before baptism for a new life in New York City and the other who chose baptism and the Amish way of life. Katie Beiler, not as brave and outgoing as her twin sister Hannah, chose family and tradition after her rumspringa and, when her mother passes away, assumes responsibility for taking care of the family. Her happiness is marred by a secret that, when discovered by her sister Hannah, becomes a terrible dilemma for Katie. Amish who leave before baptism are able to enjoy a relationship with their family, while those who leave after baptism are shunned and can no longer associate with beloved family members. Is Katie's secret standing in the way of her happiness and fulfillment in life? Did she make the wrong decision when she chose baptism?
Ms. Bradford, who has meticulously researched the Amish culture for several of her mysteries, has taken her love of the culture to a new level in this novel. The reader feels as if they are immersed in the Amish way of life, dealing, along with Katie, with the psychological and emotional consequences and rewards of the choice to remain "plain" or to embrace the larger more exciting world of the "English." Using twin sisters, raised together but having chosen different paths, is brilliant and not at all cliche, as it might have been in the hands of another writer. I can honestly say that this novel, aside from being very entertaining, has given me new insights into the Amish mind and heart. I would highly recommend it!
I am not a reader of the many Amish romances on the market right now, so I cannot authoritatively compare this novel to that very popular genre. I can, however tell you not to confuse Portrait of a Sister, which is most definitely women's fiction, with that genre. This is the story of two sisters raised in the Amish culture, one who left before baptism for a new life in New York City and the other who chose baptism and the Amish way of life. Katie Beiler, not as brave and outgoing as her twin sister Hannah, chose family and tradition after her rumspringa and, when her mother passes away, assumes responsibility for taking care of the family. Her happiness is marred by a secret that, when discovered by her sister Hannah, becomes a terrible dilemma for Katie. Amish who leave before baptism are able to enjoy a relationship with their family, while those who leave after baptism are shunned and can no longer associate with beloved family members. Is Katie's secret standing in the way of her happiness and fulfillment in life? Did she make the wrong decision when she chose baptism?
Ms. Bradford, who has meticulously researched the Amish culture for several of her mysteries, has taken her love of the culture to a new level in this novel. The reader feels as if they are immersed in the Amish way of life, dealing, along with Katie, with the psychological and emotional consequences and rewards of the choice to remain "plain" or to embrace the larger more exciting world of the "English." Using twin sisters, raised together but having chosen different paths, is brilliant and not at all cliche, as it might have been in the hands of another writer. I can honestly say that this novel, aside from being very entertaining, has given me new insights into the Amish mind and heart. I would highly recommend it!
June 27, 2018
Portrait of a Sister is an emotional story of how an Amish girl is torn between two worlds, her Amish world and the English world. Katie and Hannah Beiler are twins, the oldest children in their family. Now, young adults, Hannah left the Amish before being baptized and is living in New York City pursuing her dreams. She is able to visit and send letters to her family. Katie stayed home where she helps with her younger siblings and household chores. Her responsibilities become more demanding when their mother gets ill and is dying. Upon her death, Hannah returned home for the funeral and before she left, she encouraged Katie to go to New York with her. The problem is that Katie has been baptized and if she leaves, she will not be able to communicate with her family again. Katie has always been the quiet, thinking before leaping sister while Hannah is the leap before thinking one. Katie has some resentment built up towards Hannah for leaving. Katie has one secret- her drawing . She draws her family from memory at night by moonlight or candlelight. This is prohibited by the Amish faith and she could be banned for doing it but it is so important to her. Katie does visit Hannah and comes away with more confusion about her situation and what she should do. She enjoyed time spent with Eric, a friend of Hannah's while in the city. He was a good listener and was patient with her being overwhelmed by the busyness of the city. But, she feels a lot of responsibility for her family plus she is betrothed to Abram. Katie has a lot of decisions to make and much to come to grips with but while it is a stressful journey, it is rewarding to watch her grow.
Thanks to Kensington Publishing for the ARC through NetGalley. The thoughts and opinions stated are mine only. I also won a print copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
Thanks to Kensington Publishing for the ARC through NetGalley. The thoughts and opinions stated are mine only. I also won a print copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
Read
January 9, 2018Okay, y'all, this is my unofficial review, so I'm going to be a little rambly.
I've read a few books set in Amish country. Usually those books have an unintentional--or perhaps very much intentional--bias either for or against the Amish way of life. I thought that Bradford did a really good job of showing a young woman who is torn. I don't want to say much more than that because it might spoil the story.
Similarly, there's a love triangle of sorts. Usually, I'm not a fan of love triangles. I quickly pick my preferred character and get impatient if the heroine doesn't do the same. Again, Bradford does a stellar job with this.
Katie loves to draw her memories, and those memories involve people. The catch? Being Amish means drawing no faces because that would constitute a graven image. Her sister, who decided to live the English life, takes Katie's drawings and shows them off. Now, Katie is wrestling with her faith, her personality versus that of her twin sister Hannah, AND the death of her mother which means her responsibilities to her family have increased. Did I mention she also torn between her Amish fiance and her sister's New York friend?
This one is definitely safe for those folks in your life who want to avoid the cussing, drinking, sexytimes, violence, etc, but that doesn't mean the story falls short in any way. Following Katie's journey made for a page turner, and even I found myself ambivalent at times about whether she should follow her sister to NYC or stay home with the Amish. If you love sister sagas, this one is especially for you.
I've read a few books set in Amish country. Usually those books have an unintentional--or perhaps very much intentional--bias either for or against the Amish way of life. I thought that Bradford did a really good job of showing a young woman who is torn. I don't want to say much more than that because it might spoil the story.
Similarly, there's a love triangle of sorts. Usually, I'm not a fan of love triangles. I quickly pick my preferred character and get impatient if the heroine doesn't do the same. Again, Bradford does a stellar job with this.
Katie loves to draw her memories, and those memories involve people. The catch? Being Amish means drawing no faces because that would constitute a graven image. Her sister, who decided to live the English life, takes Katie's drawings and shows them off. Now, Katie is wrestling with her faith, her personality versus that of her twin sister Hannah, AND the death of her mother which means her responsibilities to her family have increased. Did I mention she also torn between her Amish fiance and her sister's New York friend?
This one is definitely safe for those folks in your life who want to avoid the cussing, drinking, sexytimes, violence, etc, but that doesn't mean the story falls short in any way. Following Katie's journey made for a page turner, and even I found myself ambivalent at times about whether she should follow her sister to NYC or stay home with the Amish. If you love sister sagas, this one is especially for you.
July 10, 2018
Since I am an avid fan of mysteries you won't see women's fiction on my bookshelf often...unless the book is written by the delightful Laura Bradford!
It is apparent that this author had a passion for the subject matter and as a result the characters came to life. The setting was described authentically and, as you read, you will find yourself seeing Amish life through the eyes off the main character. Though she is Amish, her persona is far from "plain". She has hopes and dreams just like her sister who had previously given up her family's way of life.
As the story progresses, the reader will think they know how things will unfold. However, the author's talented storytelling will take you on a journey you might not expect. Although this is not a mystery, there are some suspenseful moments where you will be turning the pages quickly to find out what happens. Will Katie become who she wants to be or who God wants her to be? Or maybe both are one in the same. With the help of her family and an unexpected friend, we find out what happens when you follow your heart and dreams even if they don't lead down the you expected path.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book via NetGalley.
It is apparent that this author had a passion for the subject matter and as a result the characters came to life. The setting was described authentically and, as you read, you will find yourself seeing Amish life through the eyes off the main character. Though she is Amish, her persona is far from "plain". She has hopes and dreams just like her sister who had previously given up her family's way of life.
As the story progresses, the reader will think they know how things will unfold. However, the author's talented storytelling will take you on a journey you might not expect. Although this is not a mystery, there are some suspenseful moments where you will be turning the pages quickly to find out what happens. Will Katie become who she wants to be or who God wants her to be? Or maybe both are one in the same. With the help of her family and an unexpected friend, we find out what happens when you follow your heart and dreams even if they don't lead down the you expected path.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book via NetGalley.
October 5, 2020
Another outstanding book by Laura Bradford. She never ceases to amaze me at how in-depth she takes us with her characters. Hannah and Katie are twins on the outside, but inside are two very, very different people. At times I got rather annoyed with Hannah always trying to change Katie into who she thought Katie wanted to be. She was too pushy. And while I know she was wanting Katie's wonderful gift of drawing to be on display for everyone to see, she didn't take a breath long enough to really SEE what Katie wanted. She meant well. I think she wanted to turn Katie into another Hannah. Which just wasn't going to work. I could really feel Katie's struggle! She was so torn between her promises to her mom and family and and thought of what COULD BE in New York. I LOVED her interactions with Eric. He was one of my favorite characters in the book. And I love the peace and happiness that radiates from her when she ultimately makes the right decision for Katie :) .
July 3, 2018
Portrait of a Sister by Laura Bradford is set in Blue Ball, Pennsylvania in the heart of Lancaster County. Katie Beiler feels a deep loss when her mother passes away. Katie is now responsible for caring for her father, siblings and the related chores until (in the future) her sister, Margaret takes over when Katie marries her beau, Abram Zook. At night, though, when everyone else is asleep, Katie brings out her sketchpad. Katie enjoys drawing people, but she must keep her art a secret since it goes against their beliefs (Exodus 20:4). If it was discovered, it could get her shunned. Her twin sister, Hannah returns for their mamm’s funeral. While Katie was baptized into the Amish faith, Hannah left their community and lives in New York. After Hannah returns to New York, she sends a letter to Katie asking her to visit. When she left, Hannah “borrowed” two of Katie’s sketches and showed them to an art gallery owner. He would like to see more of Katie’s work. Katie finds herself in New York and spends her days exploring the city with Hannah’s friend, Eric. Katie’s artwork is a hit with the gallery owner and she is given the opportunity of a lifetime. Katie finds herself at a juncture where she needs to choose between the life she expected to lead or one filled with artistic freedom.
Portrait of a Sister is a book about choices and the internal struggle we go through in trying to decide. It is particularly difficult when it involves a twin. Katie misses her twin, but she made a commitment to the Amish faith when she joined the church. It is hard to decide especially when one option involves artistic freedom along with a new, unexplored world with her twin sister. Katie needs to figure out which path God wishes her to take. Portrait of a Sister is nicely written and it is wholesome. There is no foul language or intimate situations. However, I found the pace to be slower than I would prefer and there was repetition of information. It was hard to like Katie. She seemed to be on a pity party. Katie compared herself to Hannah and found herself lacking (has issues with self-confidence). Hannah, on the other hand, is determined to enjoy life to the fullest. She wants the items and lifestyle she saw in magazines. There are good life lessons contained in Portrait of a Sister. We need to have faith, pray and God will provide answers in his own timing. I could understand and feel Katie’s struggle with regard to her art. My rating for Portrait of a Sister is 3 out of 5 stars. Portrait of a Sister is a sweet story of faith, family and finding your place in the world.
Portrait of a Sister is a book about choices and the internal struggle we go through in trying to decide. It is particularly difficult when it involves a twin. Katie misses her twin, but she made a commitment to the Amish faith when she joined the church. It is hard to decide especially when one option involves artistic freedom along with a new, unexplored world with her twin sister. Katie needs to figure out which path God wishes her to take. Portrait of a Sister is nicely written and it is wholesome. There is no foul language or intimate situations. However, I found the pace to be slower than I would prefer and there was repetition of information. It was hard to like Katie. She seemed to be on a pity party. Katie compared herself to Hannah and found herself lacking (has issues with self-confidence). Hannah, on the other hand, is determined to enjoy life to the fullest. She wants the items and lifestyle she saw in magazines. There are good life lessons contained in Portrait of a Sister. We need to have faith, pray and God will provide answers in his own timing. I could understand and feel Katie’s struggle with regard to her art. My rating for Portrait of a Sister is 3 out of 5 stars. Portrait of a Sister is a sweet story of faith, family and finding your place in the world.
July 24, 2018
Portrait of a Sister is a heartwarming story written by Laura Bradford. I can only hope there will be another book to follow. I enjoyed this storyline so much. The author draws you in from the first page and keeps you turning pages until the end. This story plays out so smoothly that you really feel like you are right there. I love the cover of this book because the quilt plays a big part of the story.
I couldn't choose anyone but Katie as my favorite character because she takes suck a long hard journey to discover who she is, where she belongs, and what makes her happy. Her journey was painful for me so I know the author was telling the story remarkably. I also loved little Sadie, she is a little girl with an old soul. She could see the pain Katie was struggling with and try to help in her own way. I learned so much about twins and what they experience throughout their lives. It isn't all fun and games. Katie has such a strong will to do the right thing and is willing to put her own happiness aside to do it.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached by anyone to convince me to post a favorable review. I have rated this book with five stars because it has meant my expectations of such an amazing story that I can highly recommend it to other readers who enjoy the Amish genre.
Congratulations to Laura Bradford for writing this fantastic story. It really had me feeling so many emotions.
I couldn't choose anyone but Katie as my favorite character because she takes suck a long hard journey to discover who she is, where she belongs, and what makes her happy. Her journey was painful for me so I know the author was telling the story remarkably. I also loved little Sadie, she is a little girl with an old soul. She could see the pain Katie was struggling with and try to help in her own way. I learned so much about twins and what they experience throughout their lives. It isn't all fun and games. Katie has such a strong will to do the right thing and is willing to put her own happiness aside to do it.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached by anyone to convince me to post a favorable review. I have rated this book with five stars because it has meant my expectations of such an amazing story that I can highly recommend it to other readers who enjoy the Amish genre.
Congratulations to Laura Bradford for writing this fantastic story. It really had me feeling so many emotions.
June 27, 2018
Wow. I just started reading this book yesterday evening and I had to finish it. This book is the story of Katie Beiler and her struggle to figure out who she is and what she wants in her life. Katie is Amish, but her twin sister Hannah left the Amish for the English world. Katie has struggled with this loss of her sister even though she is able to maintain contact with Hannah because she left before being baptized. The story begins with the death of their Mamm and Katie having to take care of the rest of the children and the family as the oldest. Throughout the book, Katie is struggling to discover just exactly who she is and what makes her happy. A trip to New York to visit her sister has Katie struggling with who she is and what she wants to do with her life. I found myself also struggling with this decision and going back and forth between hoping that Katie would stay with the Amish world and her boyfriend Abram and then with the next line I was hoping she would pick Eric and the English world.
I know that this book was not intended to be a young adult novel, but I will be recommending it to students that are struggling to develop who they are. What comes through the most is that no matter what your decision, you need to choose what makes you happy.
I know that this book was not intended to be a young adult novel, but I will be recommending it to students that are struggling to develop who they are. What comes through the most is that no matter what your decision, you need to choose what makes you happy.
September 8, 2018
what a great read. i am new to this author, love the cover. i am thinking this was a Goodreads giveaway read ...the book is painted kind of not in bold ink though? i normally read kindle reads ...so holding a real book is so different for me ... i have to read in real light. and the reading glasses are always a must ...getting older u know. lol!! makes me want a quilt ...awesome cover. must read. look forward to reading more from Laura soon enough. well written, enjoyable characters, quit read. ( ;
August 9, 2018
So interesting to see how two Amish twins can be influenced by different things in life--life is all about choices. Loved this comment: "I made my choice. And it was a choice that came with ups and downs along the way. Do I have regrets? Certainly. But all of it--the good, the bad and everything in between--led me to where I am now--a place of contentment and wisdom."
November 17, 2018
A very quick read--I couldn't put it down, and neither could my Mom! Great story, well written, and also very informative on Amish culture as it clashes with today's modern world.
June 1, 2018
Laura Bradford is one of my favorite cozy mystery authors, especially her Amish Mystery series. So when she stepped outside of the genre to write a women's fiction story about an Amish woman and her sister, who had left the faith, there was no second thought about picking up this book to read it. It was an enjoyable story about choices and their consequences. Katie Beiler has made the choice to be baptized in the Amish Faith while her sister, Hannah, chose to leave the church before baptismal. Katie's choice has consequences - if she leaves the faith she will be shunned by her family. But Katie is searching for something to quell a restlessness that she feels inside and feed her talent for drawing. When Katie visits Hannah in New York she is confronted with these choices and must make a decision that may change her life. This is also a story about sisters and the relationship between them, especially twins.
As with everything she writes, this book is well research and accurately depicts Amish life. Ms. Bradford is an excellent writer and storyteller which shines through in everything she writes. Her characters are well crafted and the plot is engaging. This was a wonderful women's fiction debut story from Ms. Bradford
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
As with everything she writes, this book is well research and accurately depicts Amish life. Ms. Bradford is an excellent writer and storyteller which shines through in everything she writes. Her characters are well crafted and the plot is engaging. This was a wonderful women's fiction debut story from Ms. Bradford
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
April 28, 2020
This is the story of Amish sisters and the choices they made and are making in their young lives. The sisters are twins and Katie has remained Amish while Hannah has left and now lives in New York City. After their mother dies, Katie is beset with doubt about everything in her life so she goes to visit Hannah in New York . While there Katie sees more of life and some of her dreams come true but is it really what she wants. The book does a good job of showing the Amish way of life. The book was a quick easy read.
June 26, 2018
Laura Bradford's Portrait of a Sister was just an okay read for me and I would give it three stars.
August 22, 2018
PORTRAIT OF A SISTER by Laura Bradford is the story of Katie Beiler, a young Amish girl, and the choices is has to make in order to find her true happiness. She has a twin sister, Hannah, and although they may look alike, except for a scar Hannah got as a child, that is where the resemblance ends.
Hannah chose not to be baptized and became English going to live in New York City. Katie decided to remain Amish and was baptized into the church. Katie has always been a nurturer from a very early age. After the illness and eventual death of her Mamm, Katie steps in to take over the household chose and rearing of her younger siblings. After her sister Mary is able to oversee the children, she is planning to marry Abram Zook.
It was during Katie’s rumspringa that she found her love of drawing and the desire to recreate happy moments of her life onto paper. Knowing all along that to do so was against their belief. Even after she was baptized, she continued to sneak around during the darkness of night to fulfill this urge to draw and kept her drawings hidden from eyes that would lead to her being shunned and her family disgraced. However, if she followed the dream of her artwork, unlike Hannah who left before she was baptized, Katie after being baptized would lose everything dear to her – her family, other than Hannah, and never being able to communicate with them again.
Katie visits her sister in NYC and finds out about the English way of life, finds a true friend in a young man named Eric, and finds out that people not only admire her artwork but are willing to large sums of money to own a piece of it. She has to figure out what it right for her – to remain Amish or to turn English like Hannah did. Is drawing her key to true happiness or is her faith and family all she really needs?
PORTRAIT OF A SISTER is the story of family, love, forgiveness, faith and being true to oneself. It is a well written story that will have you turning the pages to see how it turns out and falling in love with all the characters, flaws and all, along the way. It’s learning that happiness is wrapped in many different packages and not the same for all. It’s also learning that sometimes true happiness is right in front of you but it takes distance and searching to find it.
Absolutely LOVED this book and I’m hoping it’s just the first of many more in this storyline! The author did an excellent job in telling the story. I definitely recommend it to anyone that loves a heartfelt story that will tug at your heart, loves Amish stories or just loves a great story period.
Hannah chose not to be baptized and became English going to live in New York City. Katie decided to remain Amish and was baptized into the church. Katie has always been a nurturer from a very early age. After the illness and eventual death of her Mamm, Katie steps in to take over the household chose and rearing of her younger siblings. After her sister Mary is able to oversee the children, she is planning to marry Abram Zook.
It was during Katie’s rumspringa that she found her love of drawing and the desire to recreate happy moments of her life onto paper. Knowing all along that to do so was against their belief. Even after she was baptized, she continued to sneak around during the darkness of night to fulfill this urge to draw and kept her drawings hidden from eyes that would lead to her being shunned and her family disgraced. However, if she followed the dream of her artwork, unlike Hannah who left before she was baptized, Katie after being baptized would lose everything dear to her – her family, other than Hannah, and never being able to communicate with them again.
Katie visits her sister in NYC and finds out about the English way of life, finds a true friend in a young man named Eric, and finds out that people not only admire her artwork but are willing to large sums of money to own a piece of it. She has to figure out what it right for her – to remain Amish or to turn English like Hannah did. Is drawing her key to true happiness or is her faith and family all she really needs?
PORTRAIT OF A SISTER is the story of family, love, forgiveness, faith and being true to oneself. It is a well written story that will have you turning the pages to see how it turns out and falling in love with all the characters, flaws and all, along the way. It’s learning that happiness is wrapped in many different packages and not the same for all. It’s also learning that sometimes true happiness is right in front of you but it takes distance and searching to find it.
Absolutely LOVED this book and I’m hoping it’s just the first of many more in this storyline! The author did an excellent job in telling the story. I definitely recommend it to anyone that loves a heartfelt story that will tug at your heart, loves Amish stories or just loves a great story period.
July 7, 2018
I am such a fan of Laura Bradford's cozy mysteries, both her Amish and not. There was no way I was not going to read Portrait of a Sister. I love her writing style and her storytelling. This book is everything I thought it would be and more. I was drawn in to Katie Beiler's story. Her twin sister Hannah is living in New York, not Amish as her family. Katie has been baptized and is living her life as she is expected to, but also caring for her dying mother. After her mother passes, Katie is now the lady of the house and as such must care for everyone. Katie's one passion besides her family is her artwork. I am amazed at how well this author was able to describe the sketches Katie had done so that I could see them myself. She is extremely talented at painting pictures with her words, much like Katie was able to sketch memories with her pencils. I was able to feel and understand Katie's pain at not being able to share her artwork, she drew their faces. I felt her pain at being the lady of the house as her twin sister was off living the life she wanted. I could almost experience her awe when she first sees New York city. All of this is due to author Laura Bradford's amazing ability to truly bring her stories to life. Not only were the twin sisters well written and their characters thoroughly sussed out, but others in the book were as well. I love Miss Lottie and she says something towards the end that resonated so much with me. She says of her choices in life " I made my choice. And it was a choice that came with ups and downs along the way.......... But all of it - the good, the bad, and everything in between - led me to where I am now - a place of contentment and wisdom." This is just the tip of the iceberg for me that made this book so personal even when it is so different from my own life. I think that is another special ability this author has. She is able to write books that can resonate with the reader, even when we are not Amish or when we are not involved in any cozy mystery murder (hopefully none of us are the later). This is what makes me go outside of my comfortable reading genre and grab Portrait of a Sister as soon as it came out, hold on with both hands and read until I was done. I wish I could give this more than 5 stars, but even a 100 would not be enough.
May 31, 2018
Laura Bradford’s new book, Portrait of a Sister, is a really great read. I actually stayed up until almost one in the morning to finish it when I started it. I truly enjoyed the story and meeting the characters. In fact, I would love to hear more about the family!
The story follows Katie, who feels like she has always been known as “Hannah’s twin” rather than just Katie. She loves to draw and has real talent for recording her memories of her family. However, being Amish, she isn’t allowed to draw faces because they are considered a graven image. Therefore, she hides her drawing from her family. Even her twin Hannah doesn’t know about it. A year before the story picks up, Hannah has left her Amish upbringing for life in the big city, New York. Katie feels like she has been left to pick up the pieces left behind. When her mom becomes ill and passes away, Katie struggles to help her family and take care of everyone. When Hannah returns and discovers her secret drawings, Katie is distraught to discover that Hannah actually took some back to New York with her. She doesn’t want anyone to know about her secret and is furious with Hannah. However, when Katie goes to visit Hannah in New York and discovers that her drawings have actually been put on display in an art gallery, Katie’s anger morphs into confusion and hurt. People keep saying she has talent but she can’t leave her Amish life. How can she decide what is best for her. Add in Eric, a friend she meets in New York who is kind and seems to understand her, and the confusion only deepens. Katie is supposed to marry Abram, a kind Amish man who loves her and is patiently waiting for her to work through her grief. What will Katie do? Will she remain faithful to her Amish roots or will the lure of her drawings and a future she never imagined bring her to a new life?
I think Bradford did a good job of developing Katie’s character as she came to understand herself and what was most important to her. I really enjoyed this story and would love to read more about Katie’s family. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are expressly my own.
The story follows Katie, who feels like she has always been known as “Hannah’s twin” rather than just Katie. She loves to draw and has real talent for recording her memories of her family. However, being Amish, she isn’t allowed to draw faces because they are considered a graven image. Therefore, she hides her drawing from her family. Even her twin Hannah doesn’t know about it. A year before the story picks up, Hannah has left her Amish upbringing for life in the big city, New York. Katie feels like she has been left to pick up the pieces left behind. When her mom becomes ill and passes away, Katie struggles to help her family and take care of everyone. When Hannah returns and discovers her secret drawings, Katie is distraught to discover that Hannah actually took some back to New York with her. She doesn’t want anyone to know about her secret and is furious with Hannah. However, when Katie goes to visit Hannah in New York and discovers that her drawings have actually been put on display in an art gallery, Katie’s anger morphs into confusion and hurt. People keep saying she has talent but she can’t leave her Amish life. How can she decide what is best for her. Add in Eric, a friend she meets in New York who is kind and seems to understand her, and the confusion only deepens. Katie is supposed to marry Abram, a kind Amish man who loves her and is patiently waiting for her to work through her grief. What will Katie do? Will she remain faithful to her Amish roots or will the lure of her drawings and a future she never imagined bring her to a new life?
I think Bradford did a good job of developing Katie’s character as she came to understand herself and what was most important to her. I really enjoyed this story and would love to read more about Katie’s family. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are expressly my own.
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