Steadfast Mercy

Amish Mercies #3

by Ruth Reid

She’d told herself she’d never go back home. But that was before the accident—before life changed forever. After the tragic death of her parents, Jonica Muller must return to the Amish community she left in shame five years ago. Tasked with settling her father’s estate, she plans to keep her visit as brief as possible so she can return to Cedar Ridge and start a life with Ephraim, a widower who has offered her and her five-year-old son the stability of a family. But Jonica’s childhood home in Posen, Michigan, won’t let her go so quickly. Her father’s sister, Aenti Edna, is showing signs of a slipping mind. To Jonica’s alarm, Edna’s begun entertaining a mysterious redheaded Englischer who has unclear intentions toward the aging woman and the Mullers’ property. Caleb is a young farmer working Edna’s land, trying to hide his own secret shame from his family and his girlfriend, Darleen. But when Jonica asks him to come to Edna’s aid, she unwittingly sets events in motion that change everyone’s ability to live in the shadows of their lives. Steadfast Mercy is a tender love story at the intersection of heartbreak, forgiveness, and grace.

Genres: Amish, Fiction, Amish Fiction, Christian

352 pages, Paperback

Published July 7, 2020

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Ruth Reid is a CBA and ECPA best-selling author of the Heaven on Earth series. She's a full-time pharmacist who resides in Florida with her husband and three children.

Reviews

[Amy Clipston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth Reid’s Steadfast Mercy gives us hope that angels walk among us. This a beautiful story of faith, hope, and second chances that will warm readers’ hearts and leave them wanting more.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steadfast Mercy by Ruth Reid is the 3rd An Amish Mercies Novel. It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series. I thought Steadfast Mercy was well-written with a developed storyline and steady pacing. I liked the characters in the story especially Aenti Edna and Mr. Jordan. The author took the time to flesh out the main characters and gives them room to grow. Caleb and Jonica each have secrets and are grieving the loss of loved ones. These two also have guilt and regrets. They need help overcoming their issues so they can move forward. Jonica also worries that she is not a good mother to her son, Stephen. I like that Jonica and Caleb are realistic characters with struggles. I enjoyed the character of Mr. Joran. His presence added something special to the story. I appreciated that we get to catch up with Faith from Abiding Mercy. The point-of-view alternates between Jonica and Caleb which allows readers to see situations from both of their perspectives. It always amazes me how different men and women can be, yet we are so similar. Faith, forgiveness, healing, and mercy are the themes present in Steadfast Mercy. The Christian elements are beautifully woven into the story. My favorite line from Steadfast Mercy is, “For Your mercy is steadfast and Your love endures forever.” I also liked, “All things are possible for those who believe.” I was delighted that that there was an epilogue that nicely wrapped up the book. Steadfast Mercy is a touching Amish novel.

[Cecily Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful addition to this faith-affirming series. Compelling characters with real concerns, emotions, and needs make this story so very real, and Reid has a way with words that makes it difficult to put any of her books down. I make it a point not to miss any of her books, and I am never disappointed!

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

God is rich in mercy. His forgiveness redeems and sets us free from our past.

Jonica has come back to Posen, Michigan. Running from her past, her parents found refuge for her in a small community where she could raise her son. Away from the gossip and judgment. The death of her parents forced her back to Posen to take care of the sale of the family home where her aunt lives. It is also the home of Stephen's father Peter Schulmann. Upon her arrival, she discovers Peter's brother Caleb farming the family land. You know where this is heading but there are still surprises and anticipation.

Caleb has his own guilt. The death of his brother that he blames himself for. Caleb admires Jonica's faith in raising her son Stephen. He doesn't ask Jonica questions about Stephen's father but also knows judgment of others mostly his fathers.

Their story reflects how we put up barriers on our pain and it takes a crisis to tear them down. With the help of a young boy and his child like faith in Angels, Caleb and Jonica become drawn to each other because of mercy. It is mercy that reflects a love that is steadfast and true. Highly recommend.

A special thank you to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a charming story! Author Ruth Reid pens a tale that is different than most, due to a mysterious red head, but I won’t give anything away. You’ll need to read the book yourself. And you’ll want to.

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the characters, who were very life-like. I’d love to visit Posen and have coffee with Aenti Edna. And who can resist a cute five year old?

If you enjoy a story with lovable characters, a great story line, and some twists along the way, then I highly recommend Steadfast Mercy.

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

[ANNETTE · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved it ! Such a good story line.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series, but you won't be lost to read just this one, but the others are so good!
A young Amish woman, having just lost her parents, returns to her previous home after being gone five years, but she is not staying. She is at her Aunts, and her darling aunt is having memory problems and there seems to be a man hanging around that causes our Jonica to question his motives.
Enter an Amish man who is recalling from the unexpected death of his brother, whom he blames himself for, Caleb seems to be a blessing in all their lives.
Jonica has a young, delightful son, whom you will grow to love, and he is the catalyst to some of the questions you will be having.
I wished I could go on in the lives of these individuals, what a great read, and visit!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Melody Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who ever knows how our lives will turn out, we have to just have faith.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful read! It had everything in this book that will keep you rooted in your seat and will keep you thinking about it long after the book is completed. I do know one thing is that I will be buying a print copy when this comes out. I'd like to add it to my keeper shelves. I believe in angels do you? I believe they're all around us and I actually experienced that myself. I've never experienced it again though. I seen a golden light that appeared out of nowhere and I had to pull off the road. In the middle stood an angel. He had come to tell me that my momma had passed away and that she was safe in God's arms. How I miss her to this day but I feel her presence at times. I loved this story because it offers hope, trust and forgiveness. A light at the same be of a tunnel so to speak. I like to think that in a way this made my faith that much stronger. Oh there were times when I do fall off the wagon wheel so to speak but then again, don't we all? We continue to be a work in progress always and I consider that an offer of Hope. All the characters in this book were wonderful and I felt like they were my family. Especially little Stephan. He took my heart and ran away with it! I learned something new as I read this book. A blood disease called von Willebran disease. I had never heard of it before. It's inherited from a family member. I learned quite a lot from this book. I will need to look up the rest later. I think Reid has done an exceptional job with this book It's my favorite by her. My thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for a copy of this book. I highly recommend it. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.

[kerrycat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reid's stories tend to lean towards more serious issues (and often multiple ones) than a lot of other Amish authors I read, adding more intensity to the characters' faith challenges. We don't often see single mothers in Amish fiction, and Reid's portrayal of Jonica's fears and struggles really reflect the way they are treated (not well) by their communities (this is just from my reading experience - maybe this isn't the same through all Amish communities). I was glad to see that Jonica's parents hadn't turned her out or forced her to marry, instead doing what they thought was best to support her (this all took place years before the story). So - although she tends to be nervous and insecure in her parenting role, they've given her a basis to value herself and her happiness, which leads to her openness to love when it truly comes along. Caleb, with his own family problems and guilt over issues with his deceased brother, brings his own insecurity into the relationship - but the patient work of an angel (literally) and the realization that the love that has grown between them is worth preserving is at the heart of Jonica and Caleb's story. Well done.

[Excel Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steadfast Mercy by Ruth Reid is an interesting Amish novel.

Jonica and Caleb are two characters you need to meet in this book. I admired them both. You need to watch out for Mr. Jordan. I am happy he was put into the plot among other characters. His words will stay in your heart after reading this book.

All those food mentioned in this novel made me hungry. I really want to live in an Amish community so I can eat freshly baked bread with a glass of milk.

Themes of faith and prayer were explored here. I love how bible verses and prayers were sprinkled in this novel without them being too preachy.

Other themes were navigated thoroughly. You really need to read this novel.

The story played like a movie in my head. You will feel all kinds of emotions while reading this book.
“All things are possible for those who believe” was quoted by Mr Jordan to Caleb. That is my favourite bible verse. I had to smile and read it over and over.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonica Muller has to go to Posen, Michigan, to settle her father's estate, because both her parents died in a tragic accident. When she gets to Posen, her aenti Edna is rather scattered in her memory and kind of wants to sell the farm and move in with her older sister who "needs help." Edna asked Caleb, who is working Edna's farm, to pick up Jonica and her five-year-old son. The only problem was that Caleb was the brother of her son's father. She truly wanted nothing to do with Caleb, until he started helping Jonica with Stephen's health issues.

This is a deeper plot than I usually read in Amish fiction. Ruth Reid's talent in bringing a compelling and engaging story is above the norm. I truly enjoyed this book so much that I had a really hard time putting it down.

This is a five-star book, with two thumbs up, and favorable medical results.

Thomas Nelson and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Samantha Josephine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolute delightful book to read. This had a great hook right from the beginning that propelled me to keep reading until 5AM each night.

This story follows the story of Jonica and Caleb as both grapple with if they deserve forgiveness for an event in their past. I really enjoyed reading snippets of information, including actions of the redheaded Englischer and medical information, as the book progressed as I was able to make predictions about the events that unfolded. The Bible verses throughout matched the context well.

I wish there were a series following the characters in this book. Based on this book, I look forward to reading other books that Reid has written.

If you're looking for a heartwarming book grounded on great values, then you should definitely read this book.

Thank you to Ruth Reid, Harper Collins, and NetGalley for the advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet Amish love story set in Michigan captured my interest from the beginning and kept it through the satisfying end! It is decidedly one of the best Amish stories I have ever read. The narrative follows the lives of single-mom Jonica Muller and farmer Caleb Schulmann both of whom are dealing with their own personal losses, guilt, and regret. The characters are well-developed and engaging. The story flows at a steady pace, and the faith element is beautifully woven into the narrative inspiring hope and forgiveness. Steadfast Mercy is the third book in the Amish Mercies series, but works well as a stand-alone read. This is my first read from Ruth Reid. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading the first two books of the series. I highly recommend this book especially for lovers of Amish fiction.

I received a copy of this book in e-book form from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[C Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

STEADFAST MERCY, BY Ruth Reid is the story of Jonica Muller's return to childhood Amish Community of Posen, Michigan after the death of her father and mother, to settle her father's estate.

Jonica had left the community years ago as an out of wedlock mother and now she only wanted to handle her affairs with her father's sister, Aenti Edna quickly and return home. Edna's memory is slipping and Jonica is worried about a mysterious Englischer who has befriended Aenti Edna.

While there, she is re-accounted with Caleb, the brother of her son's father. Will Caleb turn out to be just like Peter, Stephen's father, who had deserted them?

This is a story of unending grace, heartbreak, forgiveness, and love. An excellent 3rd book in Ruth's series, An Amish Mercies Novel. It deserves a 5* rating.

I was given a complimentary copy by Harper Collins through NetGalley and was not required to give a positive review.

[Ann Readyoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

#SteadfastMercy#NetGalley
The Story opens with Monica Miller returning to her childhood Amish community in Posen,Michigan. Her father and mother have died so she is there to settle the estate. She had left as a young teenager who found herself expecting a child, and she is returning with her five year old son Stephen. While there she finds her Aentii Edna who is having memory issues and she will be taken advantage of. She gets
reacquainted with Caleb who Is the brother of Stephens father. Will they become friends when Caleb steps up too help Stephen ? Will Monica be willing to let Caleb into her and Stephens life of will she hold Peters desertion against his brother Caleb ? This book has heartbreak and forgiveness. Will it also turn into love. Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to read and review this book.

[Pamela Pavkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steadfast Mercy is a remarkable story written by Ruth Reid in her An Amish Mercies series. I enjoyed this story on so many levels. The characters are realistic and likeable. I enjoyed the mystery of the redhaired character who pops in and out of the story. Of course if you have read the previous books in this series it is clear who he is. This author has always done an excellent job reminding readers that Angels definitely walk among us. This story is filled with family, love, loss, faith, and forgiveness.

I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.

Congratulations to Ruth Reid on continuing her series with another fantastic story for her readers enjoyment.

[Ebosereme Nwamu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Letting go of the past can be hard especially when you have to step back to a place you never want to return to. So it was for Jonica. Losing her parents was hard but harder was returning to her former district and coming in contact with Calab.
Her fierce love for her son and family was so heart touching and sweet. It was sad to see how she protected herself from people but I like people like Caleb who broke through those barriers even though unintentionally.

This story goes from the present to the past and back again in a beautiful redemptive and love filled way.

I recieved a copy of this book from Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonica's story brought tears to my eyes several times as I read. I loved the strong emotions and Jonica's steadfast gentleness even after all she has been through. I found the addition of Mr. Jordan quite interesting. My opinion of him changed dramatically as I read. His character made me stop several times and just think about what is actually possible. I would love to see more of these characters in a sequel, and I think this would make a great Hallmark movie!

I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

[Cheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

#SteadfastMercy #NetGalley

This is the third book in a series, but can be read as a stand alone novel.
Jonica heads back to the Amish community where she grew up, she doesn't come alone, she has her young son Steven with her. Her pregnancy, with Steven drove her away five years ago as a young teenager. Jonica is back to help her aunt sell her home. Caleb, a close neighbor is helping her aunt and wants to also help Jonica. A novel about friendship, trust, medical issues and forgiveness.

[Joleen Devens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book that I have read written by Ruth Reid. What can I say......just wow! I loved the story. At 1st I was optimistic and I thought it was a little bit slow, but it really sucked me into the story and I could not stop reading it. Little did I know it was the 3rd book in the series until I was done with it. I started it on Monday evening, and finished it the next day. I would recommend it to all Amish fiction readers.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably one of the best Amish novels I’ve read! (And I have read quite a few!) In fact, this one was so good that I read it in a day!! The love story sticks to the main characters and doesn’t try and confuse you with “filler”. It’s straight to the point and very sweet. I can’t wait to read more books by Ruth Reid! This one was excellent!

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steadfast Mercy is the third book in the Amish Mercies series but certainly can be read as a stand alone novel.
What a sweet, heartfelt story about forgiveness, trusting others and beautiful friendships. The characters are very like able, well developed and down to earth.
Do you believe in angels? After reading this aspiring novel, you may just believe angels are around us.

[Cecilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story about forgiveness, trusting others and beautiful friendships. The characters are well developed and down to earth.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book for my honest opinion.

[Dana Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steadfast Mercy is a really good read! Fast - paced and kept me interested the whole way. I do love this type of book on Amish and really enjoyed this story. This is my first book by Ruth Reid and I was not disappointed.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruth Reid's third installment from her Amish Mercies series, Steadfast Mercy, was a great read. It gets four stars from me.

[Carol Werner Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars for Ruth Reid's new book, "Steadfast Mercy" published 7/7/2020.

This is a tender love story after heartbreak, forgiveness, and grace.

I definitely recommend this book.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jonica and Caleb, leading separate lives are both involved in life changing directions. who is the stranger that keeps showing up in their lives?

[Lavender · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though this third book in the series also had some medical drama, involving lots of blood (not my cup of tea), I really enjoyed the characters and the story.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jonica's life has not been easy and she encounters more heartbreak when she returns to Posen, where she grew up.