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Amish New World #1
Where the Heart Takes You
In this sweeping new historical series by Virginia Wise, a young woman finds a new life in America’s first Amish settlement—and discovers that love requires a special sort of courage . . .
Pennsylvania, 1737. Greta Scholtz braved a perilous journey—and the loss of her beloved father—to find religious freedom in America. With two orphan children she's taken under her wing, she's trying hard to survive this rugged new world. So she won't let settlement elders pressure her into marrying reserved widower Jacob Miller. She and Jacob simply can’t agree on anything—even if the unexpected feeling between them is proving an irresistible force . . .
After losing his wife and baby, grief-stricken Jacob keeps everyone at arm’s length. Duty is the only reason he began helping the headstrong Greta make a life for herself and her charges. Yet he’s grown to admire her, especially her strength in the face of obstacles—including him and his wounded ways. But wrenching misunderstandings and a jealous rival could separate them forever. To find harmony—and perhaps even a future together—Greta and Jacob must take a leap of faith and risk opening their hearts.
Pennsylvania, 1737. Greta Scholtz braved a perilous journey—and the loss of her beloved father—to find religious freedom in America. With two orphan children she's taken under her wing, she's trying hard to survive this rugged new world. So she won't let settlement elders pressure her into marrying reserved widower Jacob Miller. She and Jacob simply can’t agree on anything—even if the unexpected feeling between them is proving an irresistible force . . .
After losing his wife and baby, grief-stricken Jacob keeps everyone at arm’s length. Duty is the only reason he began helping the headstrong Greta make a life for herself and her charges. Yet he’s grown to admire her, especially her strength in the face of obstacles—including him and his wounded ways. But wrenching misunderstandings and a jealous rival could separate them forever. To find harmony—and perhaps even a future together—Greta and Jacob must take a leap of faith and risk opening their hearts.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 18, 2018
33 people are currently reading
1023 people want to read
About the author
Virginia Wise
47 books67 followersVirginia Wise is a New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of inspirational romance. A romantic at heart, she loves a happily ever after. You might find her wandering Lancaster County's Amish country where she enjoys meeting new people who inspire her heartwarming stories. When she's not writing, Virginia enjoys painting, spending time with family and friends, and taking long walks in the woods. Visit her online at VirginiaWiseBooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
April 7, 2022
I listened to this book. I wasn't too sure of the narrator at first, but she grew on me and then I enjoyed the story much more.
This is the story of the first Amish settlement in the new America. Greta lost her father on the way over and was living with a widow. Jacob Mueller was a widower who was not exactly happy with Greta as her cow kept going into his garden. But as time went on she grew in his heart.
I didn't like Greta at the beginning, she seemed kind of immature. But as the story went on, she grew on me. In all I enjoyed it and will look forward to reading Book 2.
This is the story of the first Amish settlement in the new America. Greta lost her father on the way over and was living with a widow. Jacob Mueller was a widower who was not exactly happy with Greta as her cow kept going into his garden. But as time went on she grew in his heart.
I didn't like Greta at the beginning, she seemed kind of immature. But as the story went on, she grew on me. In all I enjoyed it and will look forward to reading Book 2.
November 29, 2018
Where the Heart Takes You is the beginning of a new historical romance series by noted author, Virginia Wise. The main characters, Greta Scholtz and Jacob Miller, are members of a small Amish group newly settled in the New World. They traveled from Germany to Pennsylvania in the early 1700’s to escape religious persecution. Jacob and his wife arrive in America with the first group of Amish settlers. Unfortunately, his wife dies tragically, and he retreats from society. Greta, who traveled with the second group, arrives with a set of fraternal twins whose parents died during the sea voyage, but without her father, who also didn’t survive the crossing. Despite their personal demons and the loss each has suffered, a romance develops between the two, but their bond is tested by their community and by an unexpected rival for Jacob’s love.
Virginia Wise masterfully describes the scenery. She takes you directly to untamed America. The background scenery almost becomes another character and is intricately woven into the story. Greta, in particular, finds herself at odds with the surroundings, often in a completely hilarious way. This is one of my favorite aspects of the book.
The characterization is superb. I appreciate that the characters are well-developed and evoke emotional responses. Oblivious characters tend to drive me crazy, so I sometimes found myself talking out loud in outrage. Jacob’s tendency to be blunt and hurtful in his rejection of Greta’s affection was a negative aspect for me, but an inspirational them radiates throughout the novel: inner beauty is preferable to outer beauty.
Where the Heart Takes You is beautifully written. Even though this is a chaste Christian novel, it’s not short on romance. The author strikes the right balance between religion and romance, and adds just the right amount of adventure. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend this novel to anyone who is a fan of chaste and/or historical romance. If you are opposed to religious themes, this is not the book for you.
My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
Virginia Wise masterfully describes the scenery. She takes you directly to untamed America. The background scenery almost becomes another character and is intricately woven into the story. Greta, in particular, finds herself at odds with the surroundings, often in a completely hilarious way. This is one of my favorite aspects of the book.
The characterization is superb. I appreciate that the characters are well-developed and evoke emotional responses. Oblivious characters tend to drive me crazy, so I sometimes found myself talking out loud in outrage. Jacob’s tendency to be blunt and hurtful in his rejection of Greta’s affection was a negative aspect for me, but an inspirational them radiates throughout the novel: inner beauty is preferable to outer beauty.
Where the Heart Takes You is beautifully written. Even though this is a chaste Christian novel, it’s not short on romance. The author strikes the right balance between religion and romance, and adds just the right amount of adventure. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend this novel to anyone who is a fan of chaste and/or historical romance. If you are opposed to religious themes, this is not the book for you.
My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
January 28, 2019
Debut author Virginia Wise has written a story about the Amish taking place in America's first Amish settlement in 1737 in Pennsylvania. Greta Scholtz lost her father on the perilous voyage over on the Charming Nancy she is now living in this rural Pennsylvania area with an older widow woman. The other Amish aim to see Greta married with a man to take care of her since winter will be settling in soon. Widower Jacob Miller recently lost his wife and baby. He does his duty helping out at the neighboring farm Greta lives at doing manual labor chores not suitable for women but he tells himself that is all he is doing. He tells himself he is not interested in pure of heart Greta with a singing voice like an angel. One thing Greta and Jacob can agree on is they can't agree on anything. Between Greta's cow constantly eating Jacob's kitchen garden and Greta ending up in the mud and being pretty clumsy the story had parts that were unrealistic but it made for a good laugh out loud chuckle. Will Jacob admit it's time to let love bloom anew with Greta or will his heart be swayed by beautiful but wordly Amish newcomer Catrina? Looking forward to more books in this series.
Pub Date 18 Dec 2018
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Kensington Books through NetGalley. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.
Pub Date 18 Dec 2018
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Kensington Books through NetGalley. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 25, 2018
The author has set this book in the 1730’s Pennsylvania and a founding settlement Amish Community, and we experience it first hand through the eyes of a recent [Charming Nancy] survivor, Greta Scholtz. Life is very basic, and all are trying to survive and have put their faith in God.
We also meet Jacob Miller, a grieving widower, who is not interested in another woman.
I loved this book, and the words flew of the pages, and when it ended I felt a loss. Never thought about how they cooked bread, a communal oven, wow! What we take for granted!
There are a few chuckles here, especially playing the pig pen, and then there are several scary times, but in all I have a good visit here, and hope for more!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington Books, and was not required to give a positive review.
We also meet Jacob Miller, a grieving widower, who is not interested in another woman.
I loved this book, and the words flew of the pages, and when it ended I felt a loss. Never thought about how they cooked bread, a communal oven, wow! What we take for granted!
There are a few chuckles here, especially playing the pig pen, and then there are several scary times, but in all I have a good visit here, and hope for more!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington Books, and was not required to give a positive review.
May 11, 2021
I usually like Amish fiction better than this seemed like a light weight historical romance. While they said Amish it really wasn’t the main part of the story but the story of two people who both thought the other one wasn’t interested into them.
June 21, 2021
Greta lost her father aboard the Charming Nancy on her way to the new world. Now she must find her place in her 18th-century frontier Amish community. Her neighbor Jacob always seems to be there when something goes awry--like when she fell into a mud puddle or sprained her ankle. Jacob lost his wife and infant son and blames himself for bringing them to the frontier where no midwife was present to potentially save them. Both deny feelings for one another. Both are being pressured by the Amish leaders to marry for the good of the community. As Greta finds a mission in teaching the children, a new family moves in--grandparents who converted late in life and their non-Amish granddaughter Catrina who seeks to find purpose to her life beyond what she found in her parents Philadelphia store. When Jacob begins to heal, will he choose the outwardly beautiful Catrina or the inwardly beautiful Greta?
November 29, 2018
This is the best inspirational romance I’ve ever read. You get to know the characters and feel like you are really in their frontier settlement. I felt inspired by all that Greta overcame. I kept thinking about this book after I finished it and I can’t wait for the second one to come out. Virginia Wise is my favorite new author.
September 22, 2018
I met Virginia Wise at a conference and after she talked about her new book, I asked if I might be able to read an advanced copy. She graciously gave me one to read! Although I’ve never read an Amish Romance, and really didn’t think I’d like it, I was intrigued to see what this genre of books was all about. Wise’s niche is historical fiction in the Amish romance genre. Now, historical fiction is something I’ve always loved and so it made me curious enough to want to read it from a historical perspective.
As a Christian woman in my 40’s (also a professional working woman), Wise’s writing about historical Amish settlers struggling to make a life in the new world actually resonated with my value set and spoke to my very soul. I had a hard time putting it down. It sounds crazy to even write here, but, I fell in love with her writing style - her descriptions of the harsh, unsettled land, her rugged characters, sophisticated storyline and much anticipated ending!
Her rich story was well developed and compelling. Through her writing, Wise espoused wholesome values and virtues throughout the love story building between her main characters, Greta Scholtz and Jacob Miller. Hard work, plain-living and selflessness clashed at times with pride, vanity, and jealousy; lessons we are all still experiencing today in our harsh, modern world. Her work inspired me to continue to aspire to apply these strong virtues of Greta Scholtz back to my life as a wife, mother to four, and in the secular workplace.
Wise also wove in valuable Biblical lessons such as understanding God’s will in our lives, receiving rich rewards for obedience, and having contentment with what the Lord has blessed us with. She showed her readers what people historically endured to have the religious freedom that we so freely enjoy today. It was such a joy to read and I can’t wait to read the next one in the series.
If you love Amish Romance, I know you'll love this book. And, if you're like me and really don't think it's for you - give it a try! I think you'll be really surprised. I sure was. Wise is an amazing writer.
Toni DeLancey, Ph.D.
As a Christian woman in my 40’s (also a professional working woman), Wise’s writing about historical Amish settlers struggling to make a life in the new world actually resonated with my value set and spoke to my very soul. I had a hard time putting it down. It sounds crazy to even write here, but, I fell in love with her writing style - her descriptions of the harsh, unsettled land, her rugged characters, sophisticated storyline and much anticipated ending!
Her rich story was well developed and compelling. Through her writing, Wise espoused wholesome values and virtues throughout the love story building between her main characters, Greta Scholtz and Jacob Miller. Hard work, plain-living and selflessness clashed at times with pride, vanity, and jealousy; lessons we are all still experiencing today in our harsh, modern world. Her work inspired me to continue to aspire to apply these strong virtues of Greta Scholtz back to my life as a wife, mother to four, and in the secular workplace.
Wise also wove in valuable Biblical lessons such as understanding God’s will in our lives, receiving rich rewards for obedience, and having contentment with what the Lord has blessed us with. She showed her readers what people historically endured to have the religious freedom that we so freely enjoy today. It was such a joy to read and I can’t wait to read the next one in the series.
If you love Amish Romance, I know you'll love this book. And, if you're like me and really don't think it's for you - give it a try! I think you'll be really surprised. I sure was. Wise is an amazing writer.
Toni DeLancey, Ph.D.
November 10, 2018
Where the Heart Takes You by Virginia Wise
First, I was happy to learn of Virginia Wise’s book, Where the Heart Takes You, at a writers’ conference I attended late summer. I enjoyed her novel very much, recommend it and look forward to also reading the next in the Amish New World series.
When I read a novel and I sense the characters and the story-line throughout my day, I know I have a good one. Such is the case with Where the Heart Takes You.
I loved that author Virginia Wise introduced us to the main characters in a way that we came to know them well enough to almost anticipate their next actions and reactions, similar to when we know what a friend or family member will do or not—sometimes before they know that truth themselves. I liked that not only did I feel as if I knew the main characters, but the SECONDARY characters, too, remained true to the personalities originally portrayed.
Where the Heart Takes You is not predictable, but I was hopeful that the love story would bear out with the ending that I wanted. I must admit I was tempted several times to read ahead. I didn’t. The ending and the scenes that led to the close were worth the wait. I can only tell you, I was not disappointed.
Where the Heart Takes You is not only a story of romance, but also gives us a peek into the family-type commitment seen among neighbors, which was shown to be unusually strong and bears out stories of Amish culture I have heard and read of before—a refreshing experience.
I love Christian-based novels as I find the good ones are nice to pass along to friends whether they are in the faith or not. Since people just love a good-read, faith-based novels—can in a subtle way—share the message of Jesus Christ’s love and entertain at the same time.
Deborah Tompkins Johnson
Author of How Did They Do That? – Career Highlights, Triumphs, and Challenges
First, I was happy to learn of Virginia Wise’s book, Where the Heart Takes You, at a writers’ conference I attended late summer. I enjoyed her novel very much, recommend it and look forward to also reading the next in the Amish New World series.
When I read a novel and I sense the characters and the story-line throughout my day, I know I have a good one. Such is the case with Where the Heart Takes You.
I loved that author Virginia Wise introduced us to the main characters in a way that we came to know them well enough to almost anticipate their next actions and reactions, similar to when we know what a friend or family member will do or not—sometimes before they know that truth themselves. I liked that not only did I feel as if I knew the main characters, but the SECONDARY characters, too, remained true to the personalities originally portrayed.
Where the Heart Takes You is not predictable, but I was hopeful that the love story would bear out with the ending that I wanted. I must admit I was tempted several times to read ahead. I didn’t. The ending and the scenes that led to the close were worth the wait. I can only tell you, I was not disappointed.
Where the Heart Takes You is not only a story of romance, but also gives us a peek into the family-type commitment seen among neighbors, which was shown to be unusually strong and bears out stories of Amish culture I have heard and read of before—a refreshing experience.
I love Christian-based novels as I find the good ones are nice to pass along to friends whether they are in the faith or not. Since people just love a good-read, faith-based novels—can in a subtle way—share the message of Jesus Christ’s love and entertain at the same time.
Deborah Tompkins Johnson
Author of How Did They Do That? – Career Highlights, Triumphs, and Challenges
May 21, 2019
I loved this about the early Amish.
I laughed until I cried in some places.
It's really a shame that there are some ppl who can't see what is right in front of them. I wanted to shake some certain characters in the book.
Greta and Jacob are the most ornriest and headstrong characters that I've ever met.
I don't think that anyone should be forced to do something they don't want to do but sometimes it may be necessary.
I loved the cow Rosie the best. I applaud her. She's one stubborn cow and it's her way or no way lol!!
All in all, it's a great story but I just couldn't really connect with the story.
I still strongly recommend reading this book
I laughed until I cried in some places.
It's really a shame that there are some ppl who can't see what is right in front of them. I wanted to shake some certain characters in the book.
Greta and Jacob are the most ornriest and headstrong characters that I've ever met.
I don't think that anyone should be forced to do something they don't want to do but sometimes it may be necessary.
I loved the cow Rosie the best. I applaud her. She's one stubborn cow and it's her way or no way lol!!
All in all, it's a great story but I just couldn't really connect with the story.
I still strongly recommend reading this book
November 29, 2018
It was very well written. I enjoyed the characters and the setting very much.
November 10, 2018
If you like romance novels with cozy settings and characters you miss once you're finished reading, this book is for you!!!
I was kind of worried I wouldn't connect to the historical setting but instead I didn't want to leave this early American settler village. Virginia Wise made me feel as if I could smell the wood burning and see the cozy farms and vegetable & herb gardens.
Virginia Wise is definitely a funny author and writes her characters in such a way you think you know them. Sometimes they were frustrating but the story unfolded in such a way that the frustration actually made the ending better.
Without a doubt, this is my favorite Amish romance!
I was kind of worried I wouldn't connect to the historical setting but instead I didn't want to leave this early American settler village. Virginia Wise made me feel as if I could smell the wood burning and see the cozy farms and vegetable & herb gardens.
Virginia Wise is definitely a funny author and writes her characters in such a way you think you know them. Sometimes they were frustrating but the story unfolded in such a way that the frustration actually made the ending better.
Without a doubt, this is my favorite Amish romance!
January 2, 2019
UGH... this story should be renamed to drama filled new world.
And that's not something usually said about Amish books LOL
The premise of the book was really good. It was interesting to read how the "community" was started and how everyone was escaping their homes to come there. However, about half way through with the introduction of a new family and someone competing for Jacob's attention, you lost me. That's when the book took a turn and became drama filled. It was like being in high school all over again. He was looking at her, spending time with her, she was prettier.... blah blah blah.
Lose the drama
** ARC received from Netgalley **
And that's not something usually said about Amish books LOL
The premise of the book was really good. It was interesting to read how the "community" was started and how everyone was escaping their homes to come there. However, about half way through with the introduction of a new family and someone competing for Jacob's attention, you lost me. That's when the book took a turn and became drama filled. It was like being in high school all over again. He was looking at her, spending time with her, she was prettier.... blah blah blah.
Lose the drama
** ARC received from Netgalley **
October 6, 2018
What a fun read! I'm a full-time mom to two busy toddlers and the first day they were both in pre-school this fall, I headed for a coffee shop with my brand new book from Virginia Wise. Three days later, I was actually a little sad to say good bye to the characters I'd gotten to know and love. It was a great escape read with a history thrown in, reminding me how much I love historical fiction.
In a busy season of life where I haven't found time to read a book from cover to cover in exactly 4.5 years, I suddenly MADE time to finish it.
Michelle
In a busy season of life where I haven't found time to read a book from cover to cover in exactly 4.5 years, I suddenly MADE time to finish it.
Michelle
March 5, 2019
This is a delightful, humorous Amish romance set in Pennsylvania Backcountry in 1737. I love the Huckleberry Hill books by Author Jennifer Beckstrand, and this author's wit and well-developed characters run along the same vein.
The main female character in this book, Greta Scholtz, is a twenty-four year old single woman whose father passed away on the ship sailing from Germany to the 'New World'. Grieving and on her own in a strange land, Greta is assigned by the settlement's bishops to live with a middle-aged widow, Ruth. The two have an admirable and easy-going relationship, but the bishops are pressuring Greta to marry.
Greta resists because she wants to marry for love, not to marry just to make the church leadership happy. There is a young widower named Jacob Miller who stirs Greta's interest, but he is sure to let her know he holds no affection for or interest in pursuing her for a relationship.
The entire story is filled with twists, turns, misunderstandings, funny episodes, kindness, faith, and love. One of my favorite lines in the book is spoken by Ruth to Greta when she is counseling her about how to handle Jacob and falling in love. Page 180: "Ach. Young people today make everything so complicated." I mean, this is 1737 in an Old Order Amish community! How complicated could it be compared to living in this day and age?
If you appreciate some humor in your romance novels, you will enjoy this one!
Highly-recommended to fans of Amish fiction/romance, inspirational fiction/romance, and historical fiction/romance.
NOTE: The book is completely clean in language and content. :0}
I borrowed a paperback copy of this book from the New Book shelves in our local public library.
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The main female character in this book, Greta Scholtz, is a twenty-four year old single woman whose father passed away on the ship sailing from Germany to the 'New World'. Grieving and on her own in a strange land, Greta is assigned by the settlement's bishops to live with a middle-aged widow, Ruth. The two have an admirable and easy-going relationship, but the bishops are pressuring Greta to marry.
Greta resists because she wants to marry for love, not to marry just to make the church leadership happy. There is a young widower named Jacob Miller who stirs Greta's interest, but he is sure to let her know he holds no affection for or interest in pursuing her for a relationship.
The entire story is filled with twists, turns, misunderstandings, funny episodes, kindness, faith, and love. One of my favorite lines in the book is spoken by Ruth to Greta when she is counseling her about how to handle Jacob and falling in love. Page 180: "Ach. Young people today make everything so complicated." I mean, this is 1737 in an Old Order Amish community! How complicated could it be compared to living in this day and age?
If you appreciate some humor in your romance novels, you will enjoy this one!
Highly-recommended to fans of Amish fiction/romance, inspirational fiction/romance, and historical fiction/romance.
NOTE: The book is completely clean in language and content. :0}
I borrowed a paperback copy of this book from the New Book shelves in our local public library.
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December 25, 2018
4 stars
I really enjoyed this book. I have read many Amish books but I haven't read any historical Amish fiction. It was a surprise to like this book as much as I did. The characters are believable and likeable. The writing is superior. I will most certainly read the next book in this lovely new series.
I highly recommend this book to any who likes historical fiction or Amish fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley an the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. I have read many Amish books but I haven't read any historical Amish fiction. It was a surprise to like this book as much as I did. The characters are believable and likeable. The writing is superior. I will most certainly read the next book in this lovely new series.
I highly recommend this book to any who likes historical fiction or Amish fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley an the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
December 25, 2018
Such a good book. I have read a lot of Amish fiction but I have never read historical Amish fiction. I loved it! The characters are well written and so likable. The storyline is completely believable. I highly recommend this new series to any who likes Amish fiction or Historical fiction. I cannot wait to read the next one in the series
I give this 4 solid stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I give this 4 solid stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2019
I won this book in a giveaway. This was a sweet story. I liked the setting, and the historical aspects of the Anabaptists setting up a settlement in the woods of Pennsylvania. I also liked how hardworking Greta was, always willing to step up and do whatever was needed.
Geta and Jacob did frustrate me at times-- I kept thinking, you are 24 and 35-- just talk to each other. Then I tried to convince myself that the time period and religion were the reason they didn't (still not entirely convinced of this-- I think they were just stubborn).
Anyway, it was sweet. There was a good introduction to enough characters to set up for more books in this series.
Gotta say, I think I liked Rose the Cow the best.
Geta and Jacob did frustrate me at times-- I kept thinking, you are 24 and 35-- just talk to each other. Then I tried to convince myself that the time period and religion were the reason they didn't (still not entirely convinced of this-- I think they were just stubborn).
Anyway, it was sweet. There was a good introduction to enough characters to set up for more books in this series.
Gotta say, I think I liked Rose the Cow the best.
January 15, 2019
Where the Heart Takes You is a good beginning to Virginia Wise's Amish New World series. I look forward to book two. I give this one three and a half stars.
December 21, 2019
My Musings
Very enjoyable Amish romance. I'm so glad I found this book and series. This has a lot of thing aspects that I enjoy most in Amish fiction. Happy ☺reading 📚!
Very enjoyable Amish romance. I'm so glad I found this book and series. This has a lot of thing aspects that I enjoy most in Amish fiction. Happy ☺reading 📚!
Want to read
November 30, 2018I received this book through GR First Reads in exchange for an honest review.
[review to come]
[review to come]
December 1, 2018
Wonderful Christian based story. Loved the romance between the two main characters. Highly recommended if you enjoy learning about historical Amish life.
Read
November 29, 2018It was very well written. I enjoyed the characters and the setting very much. I really felt transported to an older era.
December 26, 2019
I loved this book!! Great story!! Can't wait to read the next book in the series!!
December 25, 2018
I couldn't finish this book. It was very predictable, and I had a very hard time getting into the story. I don't like leaving negative reviews, but I just couldn't get through this one.
December 15, 2018
"Where the Heart Takes You" is, I believe, the debut novel by Virginia Wise, a new voice on the market. Or at least new to me. This is the first book of a series, set in historical Pennsylvania in the wilderness, soon after their ship lands in the New World.
There are some point of view issues and head-hopping and the story is told more than shown which keeps this reader from connecting to the characters. And from reading I did notice a few references to children's movies, which might just be chance. After all, there is nothing new under the sun - to quote the Bible. Nevertheless the cow in the garden, heroine in the mud, and hero saving the day is just as romantic this go around.
It is an engaging read and readers will hurt alongside Jacob and applaud Greta for her caring (if somewhat clueless) personality and want these two to find happiness despite them being forced together by well-meaning preachers who want to see all young women without families married off before winter comes so they'll have a man to take care of them. I was kind of curious about the widows, if they would have the same concern shown. I had to keep reading to find out.
I also had to find out how Greta and Jacob - two independent and strong characters - would find their way to love. They definitely clashed, personality-wise!
Overall, "Where the Heart Takes You" is a charming debut that will resonate with readers who love historical or Amish fiction. Memorable story lines and engaging characters will capture the attention, delivering a reading experience that will live on in the heart and mind. ~~
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
There are some point of view issues and head-hopping and the story is told more than shown which keeps this reader from connecting to the characters. And from reading I did notice a few references to children's movies, which might just be chance. After all, there is nothing new under the sun - to quote the Bible. Nevertheless the cow in the garden, heroine in the mud, and hero saving the day is just as romantic this go around.
It is an engaging read and readers will hurt alongside Jacob and applaud Greta for her caring (if somewhat clueless) personality and want these two to find happiness despite them being forced together by well-meaning preachers who want to see all young women without families married off before winter comes so they'll have a man to take care of them. I was kind of curious about the widows, if they would have the same concern shown. I had to keep reading to find out.
I also had to find out how Greta and Jacob - two independent and strong characters - would find their way to love. They definitely clashed, personality-wise!
Overall, "Where the Heart Takes You" is a charming debut that will resonate with readers who love historical or Amish fiction. Memorable story lines and engaging characters will capture the attention, delivering a reading experience that will live on in the heart and mind. ~~
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
January 15, 2019
I enjoy books on the early settling of America. This one was about the earliest Amish settlers that came for religious freedom. The second group of Amish came in 1737 to a beginning settlement in Pennsylvania. The hardships were not stressed as much as in other books I’ve read but still they were hit upon. That is what fascinates me and makes me want to learn more. It’s hard to realize they came with practically nothing and had to rely on the land as well as each other. Strong, hardworking people were the ones that survived.
A strong faith point was emphasized in that beauty on the outside of a person is not nearly as important as the inside beauty, the heart and character. This comes from scripture as well. I Samuel 16: “for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
Jacob was a strong character as was Greta. Jacob came from Germany in the first group of settlers and in the process lost his wife and newborn son. He could not let his heart be hurt again so he maintained a stand-off position around potential single women. Greta was in the second group that came over and lost her father shortly after. She was alone and was placed to live with an older widow that had lost her husband. Jacob lived “next door” and they began a friendship. Misunderstandings lead to heartache especially when a young very attractive woman joins the group along with her grandparents.
I enjoyed getting to know these characters and the everyday things they had to do in order to survive the new found wilderness.
I won a copy of this novel from Goodreads but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.
A strong faith point was emphasized in that beauty on the outside of a person is not nearly as important as the inside beauty, the heart and character. This comes from scripture as well. I Samuel 16: “for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
Jacob was a strong character as was Greta. Jacob came from Germany in the first group of settlers and in the process lost his wife and newborn son. He could not let his heart be hurt again so he maintained a stand-off position around potential single women. Greta was in the second group that came over and lost her father shortly after. She was alone and was placed to live with an older widow that had lost her husband. Jacob lived “next door” and they began a friendship. Misunderstandings lead to heartache especially when a young very attractive woman joins the group along with her grandparents.
I enjoyed getting to know these characters and the everyday things they had to do in order to survive the new found wilderness.
I won a copy of this novel from Goodreads but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.
January 15, 2019
I enjoy books on the early settling of America. This one was about the earliest Amish settlers that came for religious freedom. The second group of Amish came in 1737 to a beginning settlement in Pennsylvania. The hardships were not stressed as much as in other books I’ve read but still they were hit upon. That is what fascinates me and makes me want to learn more. It’s hard to realize they came with practically nothing and had to rely on the land as well as each other. Strong, hardworking people were the ones that survived.
A strong faith point was emphasized in that beauty on the outside of a person is not nearly as important as the inside beauty, the heart and character. This comes from scripture as well. I Samuel 16: “for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
Jacob was a strong character as was Greta. Jacob came from Germany in the first group of settlers and in the process lost his wife and newborn son. He could not let his heart be hurt again so he maintained a stand-off position around potential single women. Greta was in the second group that came over and lost her father shortly after. She was alone and was placed to live with an older widow that had lost her husband. Jacob lived “next door” and they began a friendship. Misunderstandings lead to heartache especially when a young very attractive woman joins the group along with her grandparents.
I enjoyed getting to know these characters and the everyday things they had to do in order to survive the new found wilderness.
I won a copy of this novel from Goodreads but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.
A strong faith point was emphasized in that beauty on the outside of a person is not nearly as important as the inside beauty, the heart and character. This comes from scripture as well. I Samuel 16: “for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
Jacob was a strong character as was Greta. Jacob came from Germany in the first group of settlers and in the process lost his wife and newborn son. He could not let his heart be hurt again so he maintained a stand-off position around potential single women. Greta was in the second group that came over and lost her father shortly after. She was alone and was placed to live with an older widow that had lost her husband. Jacob lived “next door” and they began a friendship. Misunderstandings lead to heartache especially when a young very attractive woman joins the group along with her grandparents.
I enjoyed getting to know these characters and the everyday things they had to do in order to survive the new found wilderness.
I won a copy of this novel from Goodreads but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.
December 29, 2018
This book was quite enjoyable to read and the author did a wonderful job describing all of the hardships the first Amish settlers in the New World had to face in 1737. These hardy souls lost plenty of relatives on the ship during the journey from Germany but in their practical and plain way, the Amish people always overcome adversity. My only frustration was that it took forever for Greta and Jacob to overcome their prideful ways and admit that they had fallen in love with each other! I read a complimentary copy of this book provided by Kensington Books through NetGalley and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.
January 10, 2019
I personally loved the book. The main character is flawed in someways but it’s easy to love her and route for her. It is a story of a young woman who makes to the Americas but looses her father on the trip which was in the pursuit of religious freedom. The rest of the story you need to read in this wonderful 1st novel by Virginia Wise. I highly recommend it for those who like books about the Amish or a nice, clean romantic novel about the jealousy that starts when two woman want the attention of the same man. I will be passing this book I won on Goodreads to my sister and then my sister in law. A very good read!
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