Priscilla's Escape

The Bishop's Daughters #3

by Diane Craver, Arran McNicol (Editor)

When faith and freedom collide, mistakes made in the past may decide the future. Twenty-year-old Priscilla King is unsure about joining the Amish Church and wants to use her rumspringa freedom to paint beach landscapes. She's been offered a two-month-long nanny position in Siesta Key, Florida by an author on a tight writing deadline. The opportunities presented are more than a little tempting for Priscilla, even if it means disappointing her parents and leaving her new boyfriend. Stephen Hertzler grew up in an Amish family, but, like Priscilla, he's undecided about joining the church. He loves Priscilla and wants to marry her, though he knows she's not ready to decide about anything other than her summer plans. His biggest worry is that she'll meet someone else in Florida and forget him. Priscilla's father Amos, bishop of the church, has a secret. As a child, he'd also loved painting pictures. But, because of his Amish district, painting was frowned upon and he was forced to do it in hiding. His father found out about his art and, in fury, he burned the paintings. When he was older, Amos moved to Fields Corner, where he would have been allowed to paint. Traumatized, he'd instead buried his passion for art in order to focus on being a good bishop for the community. When Priscilla's parents sabotage her part-time job at a local fabric store to dissuade her from following a "worldly lifestyle" in taking the nanny position in Florida, Priscilla is distraught. She knows she would regret not taking this chance. Leaving a note, she sneaks out in disobedience of her parents' wishes. Free to paint, dreams she's never fully envisioned before seem within reach…but at what price?

Genres: Amish, Amish Fiction

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 23, 2018

About the author

As the youngest in the family growing up on a farm outside of Findlay, Ohio, Diane often acted out characters from her own stories in the backyard. In high school, she was the student sitting in class with a novel hidden in front of her propped-up textbook. Her passion for reading novels had to be put on hold during her college years at Ohio State University, with working part-time on campus and being a full-time student. Before embarking on her writing career, she was a school teacher and play director.

Several non-fiction articles of Diane's have been published in Woman’s World Weekly, The Catholic Telegraph, Virtue, Down Syndrome Today, WritersWeekly.com, and several other publications. Her book, A CHRISTMAS GIFT, received 5 stars from the Midwest Book Review. Recently, Diane asked for her rights back for this heartwarming story and reissued it under the title, A GIFT FOREVER, with a new cover. She writes Amish fiction, contemporary romance, inspirational mainstream, chick-lit mystery, and non-fiction books. Her novels have received great reviews from readers and reviewers.

After watching the original movie, Cheaper by the Dozen, young Diane decided then and there that she someday wanted a large family. By the time she married Tom, the love of her life, she realized that maybe six children was a better number than twelve. She enjoys her life in southwestern Ohio with her husband, six children, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, and several grandchildren. Life is never boring with two daughters, Sara and Amanda, born with Down syndrome, living at home. Diane’s husband of thirty-nine years is very supportive of her writing career, as well as her awesome children.

Reviews

[Shirley Chapel]

Priscilla’s Escape is a book about sweet Amish romance. I felt that it is one of the best books by this Author that I have read. I thought it was very realistic and romantic. I loved all the characters and especially the two main ones. This story is about young Amish people who must decide whether they will join the Amish church or make a life for themselves outside of the Amish faith. The story is very well written and I was completely drawn in from the first chapter. It was entertaining, inspirational and easy to read. I’m looking forward to reading the other books in this series.
Priscilla King is a gifted Amish Artist and a daughter of an Amish bishop. She is courting Stephen Hertzler a young man who lives near her. Both Priscilla and Stephen are on their Rumspringa. When Priscilla’s father tells her to stop painting for the summer months and refuses to allow her to take a job as a nanny in Florida for the summer, she is tempted to disobey him and go there against his wishes. Both she and Stephen haven’t attended her father’s baptism classes because they aren’t sure if they want to make that commitment. Will Priscilla leave her family and boyfriend and take the job in Florida or will she stay home and obey her parents?
I highly recommend Priscilla’s Escape to readers of Amish Romance Fiction, Women’s Fiction and to those who have read the other books in this series. I recommend that these books be read in the order that they were written because characters are carried over to this book from previous books in The Bishops Daughters Series.
I won a copy of this book in a Facebook Group giveaway. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are entirely my own.

[Maureen Timerman]

While this is the third book in the series, and the first that I have read, I didn’t feel at all lost. There was a lot of information offered that brought me up to date, and I felt soon at home in this read.
The author gives us a young couple whom are both unsure whether to take a knee and join the Amish church.
We find them both doing things that their parents would disapprove of, and we soon wonder whether one or the other will end up joining the church, especially after tasting the English world.
Come and enjoy this book and see that all cultures parents and children clash at times, and then there are secrets that we get to see unfold.
Now I’m ready to go and read the first two books in this series.

I received this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to give a positive review.

[Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective)]

Priscilla King is not your average Amish girl, and I think that is what I enjoyed most from this story. Anyone who has read Amish fiction, or know about Amish communities knows how strict the rules can be. Here is a girl who loves to paint, and truly believe it is a God given talent, which I totally agree with. So what we see in this story is the difficulty one faces when trying to do what the Lord wants us to do, even when our family is against it. At the same time you have a story about trusting the Lord with your future. Stephen was so worried about losing Priscilla once she went to Florida, that he at times forgot to take a moment and see what the Lord had for Him. And isn't this something we've all done a time or two in our lives? I found both characters to be easy to relate to.

What I didn't expect to see was a Jewish character. That was a nice twist for me, and I enjoyed seeing Priscilla's interactions with this character. This character to had to follow his/her heart, and follow the Lord's leading rather then what was expected from his/her family. Craver does a wonderful job of weaving similar themes throughout all the characters in the book, and leaves you contemplating how you would handle the situations. Priscilla's Escape has romance, mystery, family, faith, and art. It is a book that even non Amish-fiction fans will enjoy. Although it is book three in a series, I do not feel it is necessary to read the first two in order to read this installment. I would, however, recommend reading them, as Craver is a wonderful author that I will be reading for a long time!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Donna C]

Priscilla’s Escape is the third novel in the Bishop’s Daughters Series however it can be read as a standalone novel if you have not been able to read the first two in the series. Priscilla is a young Amish girl who has not yet joined the Amish church. When her family discourages her from painting she decides to use her rumspringa to paint the ocean against her family’s wishes. Not only does she leave behind her family she leaves Stephen, her boyfriend who is afraid she will meet someone new in Siesta Key.

The Author, Diane Craver has done a fantastic job of sprinkling the book with Amish phrases and insight and sharing a Christian message without it being forced. If you enjoy novels about Amish families this will be a wonderful book for you. You will be drawn to Priscilla , Stephen and the other intriguing characters from the first page to the last.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way shaped my opinion and all opinions are my own.

[Debbie]

"Priscilla’s Escape" is Book 3 in "The Bishop’s Daughters" Series and I have read all three and I believe that the book could be enjoyed without reading the other two but I recommend reading all three to get the full story.

"Priscilla’s Escape" is a story about Priscilla following her dreams. It is also a book about forgiveness and Priscilla and Stephen's questioning whether they want to embrace the Amish faith.
I really felt Priscilla's emotions while reading because the scenes were well written.

I think the thing I liked most about this book was the fact that characters in this novel, even characters in authority, didn't think they were better than others and admitted they were wrong and asked for forgiveness. This book shows that sometimes secrets not shared causes heartaches and has people believing lies that aren't true about themselves.

I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.

[Janice Sisemore]

Priscilla’s Escape

I enjoyed Priscilla character, she loved to paint and wanted to paint the beach while being a nanny for a little while in Florida. She lives in Ohio with her parents and being Amish they don’t want her to go. She has a mind of her own so she just may do it anyway.

I did see this was book 3 in a series but can be read as a stand alone but I hope to read the first two books some day. I will have to check to see what the other two are about and put on my to read list. I really enjoyed Diane Craver writing. This is my first book by her and definitely won’t be my last. It was a fun book and very inspiring.

I received an complementary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.

[Virginia Winfield]

This is a very good Amish romance. It is very interesting to read books about the Amish living in Florida. Each group of Amish have there own rules but the ones in Florida seem a bit more relaxed. I really enjoyed Priscilla and Stephen. Every one in this story learns some kind of lesson. I hope there will be more in this series. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[Bree]

This was a nice read and overall a pleasant time for me. I really have come to like the King family and seeing them evolve into strong people of their faith and a stronger unit of family. I think this story was my favorite, Priscilla really shines as the main character in this story.

Full Review: https://bibliophile.reviews/book-revi...

[Annette Rene]

Lovely book

While the book is about Priscilla and her decisions, I really enjoyed the twist in the story about the Bishop. We as English tend to forget that Bishops are human also.

[Kristina Anderson]

Priscilla’s Escape by Diane Carver is the third story in The Bishop’s Daughters. Priscilla King is nineteen years old and has yet to join the Amish church. She loves to paint and has an opportunity to spend the summer in Florida which allow her to paint the ocean. Madison Wittenberg has offered Priscilla a job as nanny to her daughter while they spend the summer in Siesta Key. Priscilla wants to go, but her father is against the idea. He feels she is spending too much time painting and wishes her to quit for the summer. Amos King has a secret from his past that he has not shared with his family. When it comes out, it will surprise the family and explain his behavior. When Priscilla’s parents sabotage her job at the fabric store, she searches for a way to get to Florida. Stephen Hertzler is also unsure about being baptized and has purchased a car to enjoy during his rumspringa. He would prefer that Priscilla not go to Florida and worries that she will meet someone else while she is away. When Priscilla’s best friend, Hannah is needed in Pinecraft to help relatives with their bed and breakfast, Priscilla’s plan comes together. She sneaks out early one morning leaving a note behind for her family. Priscilla does not want to upset her parents, but she cannot pass up the opportunity to paint the ocean. What does the summer hold for Priscilla?

Priscilla’s Escape is nicely written with steady pacing and smooth transitions. I recommend reading the books in The Bishop’s Daughters series in order. I have not read the previous books and I felt I was missing important information. Characters and situations from the other books are mentioned in Priscilla’s Escape. We get to follow Priscilla and Stephen on a journey in Priscilla’s Escape. They both have important decisions to make about their futures. Once they are baptized, they are bound by the rules of their faith. It was nice to see them grow as individuals and in their faith. I enjoyed the descriptions of Pinecraft and Siesta key along with Priscilla’s artwork. Some of the Christian themes include pride, faith and the importance of prayer. There is scripture included that suits the various situations in the book. I like how Priscilla states her art is how she strives “to honor God” and how she feels close to Him while painting. I laughed when it was mentioned that in Florida caffeinated beverages are called soda and in Ohio they are called pop. People frequently corrected me when we first moved to Florida from Columbus, Ohio. Priscilla’s Escape has a heartwarming ending that wraps up the various storylines. There is a recipe for German pizza included. Priscilla’s Escape is perfect for younger audiences (the teens in your life). Priscilla’s Escape is a sweet, uplifting Amish romance.

[Karla]

Diane Craver has quickly earned a position on my list of favorite authors with her series entitled "The Bishop's Daughters". I have thoroughly enjoyed each one. I have to say that I believe that this third book,
"Priscilla's Escape" is the best yet!! When I read a series, I always am somewhat apprehensive about whether the next book will meet my expectations. This book was certainly no disappointment!! I loved following the King family and felt that once again I was meeting up with old friends. This book deals with issues that are extremely difficult for the Amish community. When the young people decide to go off, against parents' wishes, it is often heartbreaking and disastrous , however, in this case, it becomes an issue of healing past hurts and opening hearts to one another.
The characters are so vividly and accurately described that the reader cannot help but become totally involved in their lives. It was a rocky path of life with many hills and valleys as Priscilla followed her heart. Both she and Stephen had to make decisions that would determine their future. I felt every hurt, challenge and fear as this young couple grew in their relationship . Family and faith are so important, as they learned.
The plot moves steadily with just enough twists and turns to keep the reader fully engrossed from the first to last page of the book. Many events were surprising as the tale unfolded. This is very different from the norm in the Amish fiction genre. Dealing with frowned upon talents, disobeying a parent, living in an Englisch household, all gave this story depth and feeling. The strong sense of faith and use of scripture throughout reminded one of the power of God and His forgiveness.
I would highly recommend this book to those who love Amish fiction. It is truly a heartwarming sweet romance!
This book was a gift. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own.

[Tiffany Hall]

Feeling uncertain about whether to join the Amish church or not, Priscilla King chooses to go to Florida with an English author to be a nanny to her daughter for two months. While there, she hope to paint the ocean, which is something she has always dreamed of doing. Her excitement about this trip is dampened when her father, the bishop in her church district, tells her no. He not only tells her she can't go, he ends the job she already has working at a fabric store, and tells her he doesn't want her to paint for two months so she can focus on joining the church and finding a spouse. Feeling like she is being misunderstood and not treated fairly, she goes to Florida against her parent's wishes leaving behind her family and her new boyfriend Stephen, who is also uncertain about joining the Amish church.
Just as all decisions have consequences whether good or bad, Priscilla must accept the consequences of her actions. Will her disobedience be worth it?

As a huge fan of Amish fiction, the third book in the Bishop's Daughter's series, Priscilla's escape was a very enjoyable read. It can be read as a stand-a-lone book, as I have done, and it did not affect my ability to read and enjoy this book. I definitely do plan to go back and read the first two in this series after enjoying this book so much.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and the author, but was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion of this book.

[Cherese Akhavein]

Priscilla’s Escape by Diane Craver is Book three in the Bishop’s Daughters Series. And by far my favorite in the series. I really appreciated the fact that Diane Carver wrote this book through the time of her character Priscilla at an older age during her running around time ( rumspringa) also that Priscilla used her time to truly search her heart and soul as to what was right for her life. She did not use her running around time for typical teenage rebellion like so many young kids do, for this I was so Impressed with this book.
Knowing you have to go against your parents wishes for the better of your own does not make it any easier and at the same time Feeling in your heart you will never match up no matter what you do, so does it matter in the end? Will Priscilla find her path? Can she come to terms with questions that nag at her? And the biggest question is if God has given her the ability to draw and paint why is that ability being questioned now?
It’s wonderful she has the support of Stephen but like Priscilla he also has questions on his path but his biggest is will Priscilla come back to him or will she decide she wants another kind of life altogether.
This is an exceptional book. I can’t say enough about it! Don’t miss your chance to read this series, Particularly this book!

[Vicky Sluiter]

Book three of the Bishop’s Daughters series, I thoroughly enjoyed it, even though I have not read the other two books. I had no trouble following what was happening so don’t let that stop you from reading this one.

Well-formed characters gave this story a sense of reality. There were tough choices to be decided on, and pressure to do certain things came at Priscilla from both the English and Amish world. We see that secrets are never hidden forever but eventually God brings them to light. Author Diane Craver also shows us that people are just people, no matter if they’re English or Amish. Parents and children clash at times. It’s just life. However trust in God and love of family will guide us to the best choices.

This book was a quick read, but I thoroughly enjoyed the interaction of the different cultures. If you enjoy Amish fiction and are looking for something different I recommend Priscilla’s Escape.

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

[Patti Pierce]

Our family lived for four years in a community that included many Amish families. We began buying our produce from several Amish markets, one thing that always stood out to me was the respect the children had for their parents. So when Priscilla King goes against her parents’ wishes to take a job in Florida, I was surprised. While the concept of the running around time or rumspringa is familiar to me, the idea of an Amish young man or woman going against their parents’ wishes is unusual. However, I understand Priscilla’s reasons for doing so.

Amos King, Priscilla’s father, is the Bishop and has a secret. I love how his wife gently tries to get him to share the secret with his family. For me, this book is as much about the extended family as it is about Priscilla, Mitch, and Stephen.

This is the third book in The Bishop’s Daughters series and even though I have not read the first two books, I feel like this book is able to stand alone. So I recommend you check out this book for yourself.

Let me know what you think.

[Karen Hadley]

A bit of a different outlook on the Amish way of life. I liked how the author elaborated on

Priscilla's rumspringa and the different ways of English life she is exposed to. Through it all, her Amish upbringing keeps her solid in doing what is right. She struggles with whether to be baptized into the Amish faith as does her boyfriend. This story was great in that it shows how Priscilla struggles with doing what God wants her do and not just what her family wants. It reminded me that regardless of what faith you are, Amish or non-Amish. We all struggle with decisions where we seek God's way and finding the answer isn't always quick or easy. I also was glad to see Priscilla and her father bond over what a talent they both share is finally brought out in the open. A sweet story anyone will love to read.



Blessings,

Karen

Rating: 5*

I received the book as a gift and all opinions are my own.

[Connie Hill]

This is book 3 in the Bishop's daughter series. If you have not read the other two in the series, you will not have a problem following along. I have read other books by this author and she always creates such wonderful stories. I grew up in Ohio. I loved going down to Amish Country (Millersburg). I know that they are a tight knit community. The one thing I really enjoyed about this book is how Priscilla was really battling with weather to join the Amish Church or not. So much so that she takes off in the middle of the night to Florida for a nannying job. Ms. Carver has created likeable characters, an intriguing storyline and is different then other Amish books.
I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program, all thoughts are my own.

[Dana]

This is an intriguing story of a young girl who dreams to be more than she is. She's not sure the Amish lifestyle is for her, and though she deeply values the things her family stands for, she longs to simply paint and be herself. Her parent's try to push her into the life they wish for her but instead end up pushing her to disobey and choose her own way, risking everything in the process. Will she find her way? Is Florida the best option for her life? The sounds of the ocean call to her soul and lead her to a different path than she ever thought possible but is it the right one in the end of things?

This is a great book and one you are sure to not want to miss!

[Carol Keen]

To be Amish, or not? That's a huge question and a major decision for Priscilla. I did love that she paints. Without giving too much away, Priscilla has to decide does she go against her family, does she join the church or not? What about Stephen? Does he stay, or does he go with her, and does he join their church or not?

So many major life-altering decisions included in this story. This book focuses are real life, and on faith leading people in the right directions. As a series, this book stands alone okay, but I do feel like I missed a few things from not reading the prior books.

My copy came from Celebrate Lit. My review is my own, left of my own choosing.

[Deanna Stevens]

Priscilla wanted to paint and when an opportunity came up to go work as a Nanny and get to paint the ocean.. she took it! As an Amish young lady it was hard for her to do but it proved to be a good lesson as well as very rewarding. Another Amish story I enjoyed reading. I was gifted a copy, no review was required. My review is voluntary...

[Pamela Pavkov]

Priscilla's Escape is the third book written by Diane Craver in her The Bishop's Daughters series. In this book we experience Priscilla's story and it is an intriguing one. The storyline teaches us that everything may not be what it seems. Priscilla believes with all her heart that she is invisible to her family especially her daed. But there is a secret being kept from her that can change her way of thinking.

My favorite characters are Priscilla and Stephen because they are so much alike. They both are intelligent, gifted, and loving. They also believe strongly in their Amish faith but aren't quite ready to take the kneeling vows. Priscilla sets out on an adventure against her parents wishes but because of her strong love for painting she hits the road to Florida. Stephen stands along side of Priscilla and encourages her to seek out her dreams to paint different landscapes using the ocean views. Stephen also proves to Priscilla how much he loves her by phoning her every night and talking about their dreams gor the future.

I was not given a complimentary copy of this amazing book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable review at anytime. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that i can highly recommend to all those who love the Amish genre. All opinions stated are strickly my own.

CONGRATULATIONS to Diane Craver for writing such an amazing story for her readers to enjoy and I look forward to reading more amazing books by this author in the future.

[Lindalee Precourt]

Bishops Daughters

This was an enjoyable book to read. I loved the characters in this story. Priscilla was an artist and her dad was the Bishop of the community they lived in,he carried a secret from his children for a very long time. ,and Priscilla was the last to be told from her father the secret.

[Gwen Hight]

Priscilla's Escape

This is the third book in this series and Priscilla leaves home to take a nanny job She paints and meets a Jewish boy and realizes she lies her Amish boyfriend and is going to join the church They find happiness

[Dolly Lynn]

A surprising Amish romance

I enjoyed reading about the different life styles in Amish communities. Stephen's and Priscilla's budding romance was interesting. Priscilla's gift and love for painting caused her to disobey her father, the bishop.
A story entertaining for all.

[Bookworm]

A pleasantly engaging story of unconditional family love and acceptance!

[carol]

Sweet faith-filled story!

[J. W.]

Too much fluff

It is an okay story but I wish I had never started reading it. The was too predictable from almost the very start.

[Dee]

OWN ON KINDLE

[Marilyn]

I had been abiding time to read Priscilla’s Escape book three in Craver’s latest series, The Bishop’s Daughters. I was not disappointed in reading Priscilla’s story and her adventure outside of her Amish community. It was nice to return to Fields Corner, OH and catch up with previous characters and young Priscilla King. She was a talented young lady with her mind set on experiencing an opportunity to paint ocean scenes while being a nanny, but her Bishop father was not on board with her decision. However, Priscilla made her own choice and went to FL for the summer. The happenings and scenery in Ohio and Florida throughout this touching story of Priscilla discovering what path to follow in life kept me immersed in the story. The hidden secrets in the Bishop King’s family came to light after Priscilla made her choice to disobey her Bishop dad. Stephen Hertzler’s surprise visit to Priscilla in Florida along with other action, suspense, God’s word, faith and romance kept the pages turning. Will Priscilla be forced to forsake her God given talent of painting or will she be allowed to use this gift to benefit the Amish Community fund? Readers of Amish fiction will enjoy this latest installment by Diane Craver with a message of forgiveness, hope and love by letting God guide your life.
I received a complimentary copy of Priscilla’s Escape from the author. I was not required to write a positive review but have shared my sincere opinion.