The Blue Gate

by L.L. Fox

For Senta, an Amish girl living in rural Tennessee, family always comes first. Whether it’s helping Father milk the cows or helping Mother with her afternoon chores, Senta always proves dutiful. With hopes of her hard work resulting in a family of her own, Senta grows more and more excited for the day that she will be allowed to court a young man from the Amish Community. But those hopes are destroyed when tragedy strikes and Senta must take over the family farm to support her family, indefinitely. Years pass, and Senta’s plans of a future fade. She also contends with the unclear motives of the Amish bishop, whose interest in Senta and her farm has quickly surpassed the theological. But the journey towards happiness is rarely direct or simple, Senta discovers after her life’s course intersects with an intriguing voyager and she must choose between tradition and love.

299 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2018

Reviews

[Sunnie Grant · Rating 2 out of 5]

I made several notes as I was reading, one of which mentions that I was losing interest in this book. Out of respect for the author, I nonetheless finished. There were just too many inconsistencies with regards to what I have learned about the Amish over the years. It got worse as I slogged along. Needless to say, this was not my cup of tea! I gave it 2 stars as an act of kindness.

[L.L. Fox]

I've just discovered Goodreads. Imagine my surprise to see The Blue Gate. My review is going to be biased since I wrote it, but I've been pleasantly surprised by all the emails and reviews from readers who liked it. Thank you to everyone who's read my first novel!

[Carly Simes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I did not finish this book. I read 70% and had to stop. Let me first say, I love the premise of the book. So much could have been written to expound on both the characters and plot. The book moved at a nice pace in the beginning, but it fell off about halfway. I feel as if the author rushed through the story, and I had no idea why the foregone conclusion would would happen so early. The conversations between the characters were something that a junior high student would write. I don't mean to be harsh, but I feel this book can be redeemed if it was cleaned up.

[Candie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the overall story in this book. I did find most of the Amish parts to be unbelievable. For example, I thought that the Miller's gave in fairly to quickly when Senta brought the computer into the house and how the computer was moved so easily to the Lapp's house later on without having to have the IT guy come set up all of the internet and network needed to do the accounting for Mr. Campbell and the Stolls. I loved all of the details about traveling on the boat and the surroundings on the river.

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Blue Gate was an engaging and enjoyable read, filled with compelling characters and a story that kept me hooked from start to finish. The writing was immersive, and I loved the way it made me feel completely transported into its world!

[Brenda Merson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story of love

One never knows when they will meet the love of their life. This story brought together an Amish girl & a sea-fairing man who treated her like a princess. Happy ending!

[Rhea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love happens suddenly

Life circumstances can sometimes crush hopes and dreams. Senta moves forward finding ways to keep growing and God surprises her in unusual ways. I enjoyed the plot and the characters in this tender story.

[Kaye Wingo · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic book

[Lisa shultis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful! What a beautiful, wholesome, enjoyable story. I absolutely adored this book. I whole heartedly recommend it!

[Nettie Ayala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

I am always a sucker for a good story. This book fit the bill perfectly. I would have never read this story if I hadn't won it on a goodreads giveaway.

[Meredith · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like it, but I honestly didn't make it past the first third of the book. It was so deadly dull, and not terribly well written. Don't waste your time.