A Man of His Word

Hearts of Middlefield #1

by Kathleen Fuller

mass market paperback

Genres: Amish, Christian Fiction, Romance, Amish Fiction, Christian, Christian Romance, Contemporary

296 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 1, 2009

About the author

Best-selling author of Amish fiction. Also a wife, mother, crafter, coffee addict, football fan, and chocolate aficionado.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a random find. I was walking in Walmart waiting for my car to be done when I decided to browse the books. I decided to buy it cause it sounded interesting. I wasn't disappointed! I really like this book. I hadn't heard of Kathleen Fuller and decided to give her a try. She brings the Amish community to life and shows the ups and downs that each individual struggles with in a respectful way. I love books about Amish people, but hadn't tried one in a while because the last couple that I read just didn't do it justice and was disappointed. I'm glad I gave this one a chance. The story pulls you in from the very beginning and keeps you enthralled the whole time. I must confess I read it in three hours late last night...non-stop! I couldn't sleep and i don't think I could've if I wanted too because it was so good. Despite the fact that her husband left her while she was with Child, she wasn't bitter. But, she did have to learn the lesson that she did have value and she was good enough for any man. Especially Gabriel. Both learned lessons the hard way. Even Levi, the man she married had to learn a lesson the hard way. I'm glad she gave some sort of redemption to Levi in the end even if Levi's road in life didn't go the way you thought it would go. Redemption was the theme for the whole book..at least it seemed that way to me. All things work together for good to those who love the Lord. Even in tragedy, good can come out of it and Moriah and Gabriel's story is a picture of that. It always amazes me how the amish are so forgiving. At times it makes me wish i could be more like them, but they have their struggels with it too just like we do and I'm glad an author finally pointed it out! I can't wait for the next one to come out.

[Jean St.Amand · Rating 2 out of 5]

No divorce in the Amish community, even if your husband abandons you and the faith? No problem, kill him off. These books are beginning to be like Danielle Steele books....the stories are all the same, just the names are different. I've had enough.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. Kathleen Fuller truly knows how to write Amish romance. While I thoroughly enjoyed the twin brothers loving one woman trope, I found myself frustrated by Moriah's stiffness. I understand her resistance, as she wants to handle things in the proper and respectful manner, but it still made her character a bit hard to connect with at times. There’s an additional character side story that was more my speed and definitely heightened my interest in the overall book.

[Desiree · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this book about 2 years ago. I was in a dark place in my life at the time and was captivated by the title and description of the book that I just happened to spot on a swirling book rack at a random grocery store out of town.

I recently decided to read it again. One description on the back captivated me, that I don't remember from the first time. "She is unaware that her brief marriage -- once idealized as the happiest time of her life -- may have been merely a shadow of the kind of love God has created for her. A love that can mend the soul, renew her heart, and give her a future filled with hope."



I started reading the Amish romance series books for a change and really liked them.

[⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was rather surprised by this book! It dealt with a lot of issues, but the one that stood out for me was that the main heroine's husband left her and the Amish because he was having an affair. I found it interesting how the Amish would react to such a thing. The characters were easy to connect to, and you grow to care about them and the community quickly. The one thing I didn't care for was that the husband's repentance seemed too convenient to the story, as if it was only used to get the hero and heroine together and because of the injures the husband had sustained. I started this early in the morning and I could not put it down, finishing it in about 5 hours! I will definitely continue with the series!

[Sandra Stiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful love story. This was the story set in a simple Amish town. Moriah Byler had grown up with twins Gabriel and Levi Miller. Competetive all of their life, it is Levi that has won Moriah's heart. Unfortunately one month after their wedding, Moriah is pregnant with their first child and Levi is working outside of their small Amish Town. He has found another woman and decides to leave his wife and his Amish ways. In steps Gabriel to try to fix the situation. He tries to bring his brother back for Moriah's sake, because he himself has loved her since they were children. This is also a story of redemption and forgiveness. Like the prodigal son, Levi has decided to return to his wife and his church when he is involved in an accident.

He dies leaving Moriah a widow. There is also a second love story developing along the way. Rachel and Tobias have also grown up together. There story parallels that of Gabriel, Levi and Moriah. Rachel is seeing Christian and yet Tobias, (Moriah's brother) discovers he loves Rachel. Moriah must decide to remain alone the rest of her life or trust God and allow another man to enter her life. What will it take to make Tobias step up to the plate and make Rachel see the men in their lives for what they really are and want from her?

I don't usually read romance but this was absolutely AWESOME. I will need to find more by this author. I could actually sit and read it all day. I finished this book in a little over two hours because it was so good. This would be a great book for a reading club. it includes great discussion questions in the study guide at the end.

[Kristy Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book. I fell in love with the characters and really felt what they felt. There were two story lines going on, and I loved them both. Usually when I'm reading a book like this I always feel disappointed when the book switches to one of the stories, but I didn't feel that way at all, I looked forward to reading about Moriah, and Levi and Gabe. But was also just as engrossed in Tobias and Rachel's story. In fact I thought their story was really cute!

The one problem I had with this book had nothing to do with the writing. It was the cover. haha I felt like the models on the cover were tiny bit too old for the characters they are portraying. Obviously I don't rate the book by the cover but it sort of bugged me, and I had to stop looking at the cover because I just didn't picture them looking that way. I really enjoyed the book but for some reason I couldn't rate it a full 4 stars, because it is not one of my all time favorites at this point. I save the 5 star ratings for the books that really impact me and that I absolutely love and know I will read again. While I liked this book, I just don't think it rates up there with Pride and Prejudice or Twilight. Who knows though, I have realized that after mulling over the books for a while after I have read them I usually want to change my star rating. So in a couple of weeks after the book has sunk in for a while it may turn out to be one of my favorites.

[Lena Morrison · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I read this book for the first time, I really liked it.

The romance was sweet, the characters were believable, and the writing pulled me in. I think I cried a little bit.

But now, I don't really like Amish books anymore. This has nothing to do with the Amish people-it's just the storyline. The ideas are usually not very good and have no real plots. Honestly, it's the usual romance storyline that gets on my nerves. I wish that for once they would fall in love willingly instead of against their wills. It makes love seem like an accident.

Anyways, if you like Amish books, you will probably like this one. But I think it's just okay.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moriah grew up with the twin brothers Levi and Gabe. A love and wedding with Levi, she soon found he didn’t want. He wanted freedom after his mother had died. Even with the baby he would not come back. He had already found someone he says he truly loves.
With a calm strength she embraces her coming child. With Gabe along to help her. With the birth of a baby girl, realizing she doesn’t want to do it by herself. Choices and how they handled it.

[Annette Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a while since I've read a book I just couldn't seem to put down, but A Man of His word (Hearts of Middlefield, #1) by Kathleen Fuller is definitely one book I had a hard time putting down! One of the things I appreciate about Fuller's writing is how she handles the varying emotions of her characters. In a lot of amish fiction, you see the men, especially, portrayed as being somewhat stern, stoic, closed-up, but one of the things I really appreciated about the men in this story was that, at least with some of them, they openly showed some emotion, even going so far as to occasionally shed tears. Reading books by this author is so refreshing, because the Amish aren't portrayed as always being stern, cold, and strict, and while I know that some of their rules are quite strict, the focus in this book is more on human relationships and emotions. I also loved the running theme of hope throughout the story. What I took from this book is that even if the one you love leaves you, God never will, and when it seems as though all hope is lost, God always has a plan. I loved Moriah and Gabriel's story, and it was also fun watching Rachel and Tobias as they dealt with their changing feelings for one another. I thought it was neat how Kathleen wove their love story into the novel, along with that of Moriah and Gabriel. I love romances with differing themes and lessons to be learned, and this book definitely had both! I highly recommend this book to anyone who may be dealing with great loss--the loss of a loved one, loss of hope in a certain situation, or even to one who may be struggling spiritually, as the theme of God's love runs continually through this novel. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Man of His Word
A Hearts of Middlefield Novel
Kathleen Fuller
2009
Thomas Nelson
Fiction/Christian/Amish

Reviewed by Cindy Loven

Kathleen Fuller has brought a beautiful story of love, set in Amish country in Middlefield Ohio. Centered around the Byler Family, specifically Moriah Byler, this book brings us a story of love, heartbreak and triumph over difficult circumstances.

Moriah Byler is getting married as the book opens, and we share in her wedding day, along with her excitement and love for her new husband Levi. However soon it seems things are not going “happy ever after” for Moriah and Levi. She had a wonderful planned meal for their four month anniversary, prepared it and waited for Levi to come home, only to be awakened by her brother in law Gabe, with a note from Levi. He was leaving the Amish faith. He was leaving her, and the baby, even though she hadn't had a chance to tell him about the baby yet. Moriah's world came crashing down, with a single heartbreaking note.

Rejoining her family, Moriah tries hard to not become bitter. She knows that she must pray for Levi.
A horrible accident brings Levi back to her, only to snatch him away in death. A young widow now, with a baby on the way. It is more than Moriah can stand, she shuts out her friends, family and God. Follow along to see if Moriah, can come to terms with her new life? Will she block God out forever? Will Gabe be a part of her life?

This wonderfully written story will keep your attention, you will not want to put it down. Included at the end of the book is a reading group guide. 288 pages $14.99 US

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in Middlefield, OH, "A Man of His Word" transports the reader to Amish life. There is also a smattering of Amish words throughout the story (with definitions) to really get a taste of the life. Life here is simple and the people are hard-working. There is some interaction with the outside world, but the beliefs of the people in this community are strong. Here is a world where your word is your bond, where leaving the church and your family means banishment (but forgiveness is also available), and where love blossoms in the purest of forms. Families are strong and the examples set for love and marriage palpable.

I was totally drawn into the story from the beginning. Throughout the book there was tension and love between characters creating some funny and poignant moments. Come meet Levi, Gabriel, Tobias, Christian, Aaron, Rachel, and Moriah. These teenagers grew up together, yet, do they really know each other? Their parents watch and pray that their children make the right matches and that their faith remains strong. Aaron slips, but returns to find forgiveness from his family and his commmunity. But, will he forgive himself? I appreciated that all of the characters did turn to God in prayer and in His Word even when things seemed darkest. While there were tough moments, they found Him to be a steady rock. I recommend this book highly to all readers. It will make you laugh and cry, but most importantly, will show that God is ready, willing, and able to help us.

[Mummy Cat Claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book follows several characters all of who are members of an Amish community. There is Moriah who marries Levi. Levi decides to leave the Amish and change his life by moving in with "an outlander" and living his life away from the Amish and his family.
After Levi has an accident he dies and leaves Moriah pregnant and alone.
The novel starts out good. All was flowing well. However, when Levi leaves is when the book starts to slow down, become whiny and redundant. From chapter 6-12 or page 88-186, the book does nothing but talk about how Levi left. The author does add a little about the characters feelings but not enough to justify why 100 pages if it. While in real life I can understand how long people would be affected by such a life change, however in a novel it starts to feel, for me as the reader, that I'm reading a circular story and this is boring.
The book really starts to take off and become interesting on page 186 or chapter 12. However, the book is only 288 pages long. The book ends shortly after Moriah has her child.
I would have liked to have read more about after Moriah had her baby. Moreover, I think this book would have been better had it not talked about Levi's leaving as much as it did.
Overall I did not like this book. It took me longer than normal to read the book because it was not very interesting.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing I love about Kathleen Fuller's novels is that the characters are so much fun! And while my emotions were all over the place for Moriah's story, it was really her brother Tobias and his romance that I found myself rooting for the most. Tobias and the girl that stole his heart are so fun a match that I grinned the majority of the time they were on the page together.

And Moriah - what a roller coaster she was taken on for this book! She is definitely a woman of more patience and peace than I am because I would have lashed out with my words more than once. Moriah maintained a supernatural calm in the midst of her storm, though, with only a couple of exceptions.

I truly enjoyed this story, this town, these characters. While it dealt with some heavy & heartbreaking issues, the humor and flirting provided by Tobias & friends provided the needed comic relief and kept it from becoming mired in the doldrums :)

[Ashley Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Amish romance books are some of my favorite kind of books to read. The author of such books have to research a world that is very different from the modern world most of us live in. The characters in this book were well written and deep. I felt so bad for Moira throughout most of this book. Her husband seemed to be a man torn between the simple life of the Amish community and the thrills that come with playing with the objects that are forbidden from that simple life. I did like all the other characters' story lines. Each story line had a purpose. I did not feel the story lack any developments or was slow. I loved the use of the Amish language, which made the voices of the characters' more authentic. I look forward to reading more books by this author!

[Cheryl Baranski · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Man of His Word, By: Kathleen Miller


This is the story of Moriah Miller’s. She is married and pregnant. One day her husband Levi just ups and leaves her.

Moriah is devastated. She keeps holding out hope that Levi will return to the Amish and their life together.

This is someone that is sympathetic to Moriah and her situation. Someone that also feeling of love for her. It is

Gabriel Miller the twin brother of Levi. Can Mariah learn to love again after having her heart broken by Levi?

This is a must read book!

5 stars.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you a fan of Amish stories? If so, don’t miss A Man of His Word. Are you someone who’s never read an Amish story but wondered why they were so popular? Then don’t miss A Man of His Word. With its captivating details of an Old Amish community, you’ll soon see why this is such a popular genre. Are romances your cup of tea? Then don’t miss A Man of His Word. Kathleen Fuller gives you not one but two love stories in this delightful tale. Don’t miss it.

[Katelyn Mac · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s not that great of a read but you also want to find out what happens. Honestly I feel that the writing was a little “not Amish” in a sentence it would say “ye” but then say a sophisticated word. Odd story line as well, there were moments when I had trouble remembering that we had just jumped to two other characters in a chapter. The flow of the story wasn’t that great, the story line didn’t make much sense, the romance just seemed forced. Overall would I read this again, No.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet book. I really loved the character of Gabriel, the hero in the book. He was so tender, gentle and sincere. Also, Moriah was a very likable heroine. The side story with Rachel and Tobias was also really good. Enjoyable read!

[Becky Pinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As soon as I opened this book, I knew I had read it before! I looked on my book list from this year and last and cannot find it, but I KNOW I've read it. Hate it when that happens :)

[Gerald Curtis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This could have been a very interesting story, but I found it disappointedly simplistic, repetitious and predictable

[Dystopian Mayhem · Rating 2 out of 5]

It started well but then got very slow. I waited for something to happen between the couples but nothing happened until just before the end of the book. The narrator wasn't fit for this book.

[Hayat · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars!
Themes: family, community, redemption and second chances.

This is the second Amish romance I've ever read, I just stumbled across it on Amazon and thought the plot sounded interesting. An Amish girl caught in a double love triangle without her knowledge and it was believable to some extent. I loved the drama, the sense of community and their resilience during emotionally difficult times and how all the characters grew and learned from their mistakes. Even the secondary characters were great and had me reeled from the beginning.

What I didn't enjoy:
The heroine was unbelievably naïve, her ability to bury her head in the sand when it came to her husband and his character was ridiculous especially since they grew up in the same community and everyone is so close. I especially didn't like her tendency to lash out at Gabriel, the one person who didn't deserve it.

[♥️Annete♥️loves❤️books♥️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet and sensitive read full of love and virtue, no raw sex scenes to ruin the beautiful story. Though it's nothing special, it was written in a lovely way. Congrats to mrs Fuller for her achievement!

[Siobhan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet book. I found this audiobook free on YouTube! Here's the link: https://youtu.be/cp7qk9lx8gg

[Gaylina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book. I can’t wait to read the others in the series. I actually highlighted some of the quotes in this book because they were so inspirational!

[Patricia Marvin Hilfiker · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book, couldn't put it down

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

BORROWED HOOPLA AUDIO

[Niharika Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love to read about different cultures and traditions, and luckily I came across this book when I's looking for a good light read. May I say I just LOOOVVVEE this book. mostly because of two reason. one, it was my first Amish fiction which was obviously an addition to my knowledge bank. And second every situation, every feeling felt so real so genuine. and I'm pretty sure I'll be reading it soon again.

A book that would make you believe that may whatever happens God have bigger and better plans for you. This is a story about Moriah Millar, Levi and Gabriel and also Tobias, Moriah's brother and her secret love Rachel. A journey of their ups and downs, and how their faith in God let them survive through their hardships. a must read.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 99th review for this year. Approaching a milestone or something. I have to say it doesn’t get any easier despite the number you many put there. Sometimes reviews almost literally write themselves. Not often and when they do I cherish the moment. Most of them, it’s HARD. How do I get the point across of how amazing something is or how much I liked it without giving the good stuff away. Rarely however, it’s more like how do I put a positive spin on a book that just didn’t do it for me. I don’t mean rosy, happy, positive but more a realizing that what doesn’t work for me will always find it’s intended audience. Thankfully this book falls in category 2 up there. I LOVED it but for the love of tomatoes the review is a struggle. This book is more then just the synopsis. Moriah, while a large part of the story is just one of many characters that have a story woven into this book. And hopefully the next book in the series will pick up with this same cast and carry them forward.

I feel the need to tell you a little about why I chose this book. I’ve been blessed beyond measure to be able to review her latest releases this year. There’s something special about getting to put out a review for an author you admire on release day. (Unless you don’t know your numbers and write it down for the wrong day…) With nothing coming out this month I still wanted to showcase one of her books. I mean, blessed remember? So decided to go way back. Back toward the beginning of her career and settled on the Hearts of Middlefield series. I think the thing that surprised me the most was just how much Kathleen’s writing has grown over the years. Her understanding of her genre, her development as an author, and honestly I don’t know that she can possibly write something I won’t love. However, I’m not open to testing that statement either!

I loved the dual story line of Moriah and her brother interchanging with a similar theme. I’ve read so many books of late that told the story of someone choosing to become Amish which made the story of someone choosing to leave refreshing. That sounds bad doesn’t it? I promise it’s not. I’m shocked that I wasn’t turned off by not one, but two, love triangles. Yes, that’s totally a thing times two in this book. It’s handled well and while it was a major player (ties two) in the story it didn’t dominate the feel of the book. I think the biggest thing that I took from this story (and probably completely different than the average reader) is the importance of knowing yourself. The importance of knowing that the choices you are making, especially when they involve the life and future of another, are the right choices for you. You can’t change everyone’s life and then change your mind. I know there’s a lot of ramble and a lot of Fizzy sprinkled in but this book is completely worth going back in time and catching an amazing author near the beginning. And I can’t wait to bring you the next book in the series as well~

Originally published at https://fizzypopcollection.com/a-man-....