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When Hearts Break
When Hearts Break is a powerful and beautiful work from the hand of Jerry Eicher. With this book, he moves Amish fiction from delightful romances into the realm of realism and classic storytelling. Jerry gives us full-blooded characters in their struggles and complexities, the things they overcome by the grace of God and the things that bring them to their knees in humility and defeat. By doing this, he makes his entire novel shine. Five stars. Highly recommended. —Murray Pura , The Face of Heaven, Ashton Park, The White Birds of Morning, Gettysburg When Hearts Break by Jerry Eicher gripped me from the first paragraph. Two women, the man they both loved, jealousy, heartbreak, a young woman’s shame, a grown woman’s forgiveness. A dark and haunting tale that stepped into sunlight and made me cry. This is a story I will not forget. —Lucinda J Kinsinger , author, Anything But My Life as a Mennonite
388 pages, Paperback
Published July 21, 2020
78 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Jerry S. Eicher
70 books201 followersJerry Eicher’s bestselling Amish fiction (more than 210,000 in combined sales) includes The Adams County Trilogy, the Hannah’s Heart books, and the Little Valley Series. After a traditional Amish childhood, Jerry taught for two terms in Amish and Mennonite schools in Ohio and Illinois. Since then he’s been involved in church renewal, preaching, and teaching Bible studies. Jerry lives with his wife, Tina Eicher, and their four children in Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 28, 2020
Tangled Web
Oh my goodness. I had not had the pleasure of reading Jerry Eicher's Amish fiction, however it will not be my last! I could not put this story down. This is a story of deceitful love, a story of true love, a story of finding love and a story of Faith! If you are looking for a different, not the normal Amish Fiction Romance, this is it. What a wonderful story.
Oh my goodness. I had not had the pleasure of reading Jerry Eicher's Amish fiction, however it will not be my last! I could not put this story down. This is a story of deceitful love, a story of true love, a story of finding love and a story of Faith! If you are looking for a different, not the normal Amish Fiction Romance, this is it. What a wonderful story.
September 10, 2020
Wow! I don’t know what to say about this book. I think this is the best book I’ve ever read by Jerry Eicher. It’s an Amish fiction story of two sisters, Barbara and Lilly and Walter, the man they love, but the man only loves one of them, Lily. He marries Barbara whom he doesn’t love, has children with her and spends the rest of his life with her while still loving Lily who has left the community years ago to escape the abuse of her father. The book goes back and forth between the two sisters through the years, telling their story of growing up, abuse, love, secrets and pain. It was very touching and heartbreaking to read, I couldn’t put it down. I have always liked Jerry Eicher’s book, but this is the best one yet. This book is definitely more than 5 stars. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading Amish fiction.
October 23, 2020
Difficult read
For most of the book I had to force myself to continue reading. It wasn't until the last quarter that I was involved. My difficulty was with the characters. Some were very nasty and made for uncomfortable reading. This was an unpleasant experience for me because it brought no joy and peace that reading about the Amish usually brings me. I do understand they are like any other people and therefore have good and bad. The author wrote well in his character's development and my 4star rating reflects that. Enjoyment in the story line really only rates a 2 for me.
For most of the book I had to force myself to continue reading. It wasn't until the last quarter that I was involved. My difficulty was with the characters. Some were very nasty and made for uncomfortable reading. This was an unpleasant experience for me because it brought no joy and peace that reading about the Amish usually brings me. I do understand they are like any other people and therefore have good and bad. The author wrote well in his character's development and my 4star rating reflects that. Enjoyment in the story line really only rates a 2 for me.
April 17, 2021
So if you are fan of such Amish fiction authors as Beverly L, Wanda B, and Susan F - this probably is not the book for you. Best get that out in the open right out of the gate on this review. I am a fan of the classic Amish fiction by such authors - ya know - the kind of stories that are always positive and upbeat that you know are gonna end good. Yea this book is just the opposite of all that. I absolutely hated it from beginning to end.
But...
I gotta say - this is a very well written book - and in all honesty I couldn't put it down - which is why I gave it three stars instead of the two or one I wanted to give it.
Every main character with the exception of one (Robert) was unlikable. But this book was like a train wreck that you just can't stop looking at for whatever reason. It was compelling enough for me to see it through to the end. The end was as depressing as the beginning - I'll leave it at that. I didn't walk away from it feeling good about life (which is what I want from an Amish fiction book).
Also - I don't want to give away any spoilers (and I won't) but I must comment about the picture of "love" painted in this book. I'm not quite sure the author understands what true love is - because certainly the characters in this book didn't. Physical attraction, sex, and desire are part of it - I get it. But when these things drive your actions, feelings, and thoughts, over a lifetime - it's unhealthy - and well - depressing - as this book clearly reveals. Maybe that was the point - who knows...
Okay - I am not above reading these types of tragedies - I loved the book "Pachinko" by Min Lee which is sort of along the lines of this book - following the dreadful lifespan of a family and romance beset with tragedy. The difference to me - I actually liked the main characters in "Pachinko." Barbra, Lily, and Walter were just downright hateful, evil people whom I couldn't quite get on board with - even at the end when they started showing some signs of maturity and growth.
But...
I gotta say - this is a very well written book - and in all honesty I couldn't put it down - which is why I gave it three stars instead of the two or one I wanted to give it.
Every main character with the exception of one (Robert) was unlikable. But this book was like a train wreck that you just can't stop looking at for whatever reason. It was compelling enough for me to see it through to the end. The end was as depressing as the beginning - I'll leave it at that. I didn't walk away from it feeling good about life (which is what I want from an Amish fiction book).
Also - I don't want to give away any spoilers (and I won't) but I must comment about the picture of "love" painted in this book. I'm not quite sure the author understands what true love is - because certainly the characters in this book didn't. Physical attraction, sex, and desire are part of it - I get it. But when these things drive your actions, feelings, and thoughts, over a lifetime - it's unhealthy - and well - depressing - as this book clearly reveals. Maybe that was the point - who knows...
Okay - I am not above reading these types of tragedies - I loved the book "Pachinko" by Min Lee which is sort of along the lines of this book - following the dreadful lifespan of a family and romance beset with tragedy. The difference to me - I actually liked the main characters in "Pachinko." Barbra, Lily, and Walter were just downright hateful, evil people whom I couldn't quite get on board with - even at the end when they started showing some signs of maturity and growth.
January 26, 2022
I wanted to love this book, and almost did
Worth reading. However I found it covered too many years. The middle of the book where the most story happened was really interesting, but the last part got a little draggy.
Jerry Eicher does well at telling a story with no judgment but I am left wondering if all the messages I’m getting from the story are true.
I was disappointed by the way the characters dealt with their own humanity instead of taking it to the cross.
Deep themes. A lot of potential but my heart was not really touched or moved.
The book deals with a lot of heavy topics such as sexual abuse, betrayal, adultery, suicide, war and death. The author tells these facts in a very straightforward manner. Good in itself, but it left the characters rather flat as we do not often learn how they feel interacting with these themes.
I also did not like the impression I got that these are all part of the past, and do not happen among the Amish today.
Worth reading. However I found it covered too many years. The middle of the book where the most story happened was really interesting, but the last part got a little draggy.
Jerry Eicher does well at telling a story with no judgment but I am left wondering if all the messages I’m getting from the story are true.
I was disappointed by the way the characters dealt with their own humanity instead of taking it to the cross.
Deep themes. A lot of potential but my heart was not really touched or moved.
The book deals with a lot of heavy topics such as sexual abuse, betrayal, adultery, suicide, war and death. The author tells these facts in a very straightforward manner. Good in itself, but it left the characters rather flat as we do not often learn how they feel interacting with these themes.
I also did not like the impression I got that these are all part of the past, and do not happen among the Amish today.
August 11, 2020
Best yet!
If you love Amish reading this is the book to read. Mr. Eicher really steps out there and tackles some real life situations in this story of a family caught in their circumstances and believes. What a great reminder that we all suffer outside world problems, mental illness and other situations. Yet love prevails. This could be the most powerful Amish book I have ever read.
If you love Amish reading this is the book to read. Mr. Eicher really steps out there and tackles some real life situations in this story of a family caught in their circumstances and believes. What a great reminder that we all suffer outside world problems, mental illness and other situations. Yet love prevails. This could be the most powerful Amish book I have ever read.
September 22, 2020
I don't have the words.
A powerful story or rather stories that make a pattern of several lives. This is Not a
"happy" book as it deals with topics that are sad. Dark. Mean. Even evil. It is a book of triumph over all those things and how they were achieved. This book will grip you. Whether you want it to or not.
A powerful story or rather stories that make a pattern of several lives. This is Not a
"happy" book as it deals with topics that are sad. Dark. Mean. Even evil. It is a book of triumph over all those things and how they were achieved. This book will grip you. Whether you want it to or not.
January 20, 2021
Sad sad story
I hated this book. This is the first time I have read this author. I disliked going from one sister to the other. I hated Barbara, she was evil, she acts like she is so good. How could a mother treat her child like that. She was determined to marry Walter. Then she acts she hurt when Walter doesn't love her. She got what this deserves.
I hated this book. This is the first time I have read this author. I disliked going from one sister to the other. I hated Barbara, she was evil, she acts like she is so good. How could a mother treat her child like that. She was determined to marry Walter. Then she acts she hurt when Walter doesn't love her. She got what this deserves.
April 3, 2021
I ALWAYS ENJOY BOOKS BY JERRY EICHER. THIS WAS ANOTHER, HOWEVER, IT WAS MUCH DIFFERENT FROM THE NORM OF AMISH BOOKS. IT WAS ON THE DARK SIDE, AND I CAN'T SAY I PREFERRED ONE CHARACTER OVER ANOTHER. I LIKED AND DISLIKED THEM ALL AT TIMES, EXCEPT THE CHILDREN. i URGE OTHERS TO READ IT, AND WOULD LIKE TO HEAR THEIR OPINIONS.
September 3, 2020
Broken Hearts
Two sisters love one man. One had his heart. One he married and wished for his love. I felt that something was missing in this book. Maybe it is because it kept switching between the two sisters. Just not one of the she's better that I've.books
Two sisters love one man. One had his heart. One he married and wished for his love. I felt that something was missing in this book. Maybe it is because it kept switching between the two sisters. Just not one of the she's better that I've.books
September 26, 2020
Wonderful
This is one of the best Amish books I have ever read it kept me interested from beginning to end and made me cry at the end I wished you had more books like this free through Kindle unlimited so I could read them you are an amazing writer
This is one of the best Amish books I have ever read it kept me interested from beginning to end and made me cry at the end I wished you had more books like this free through Kindle unlimited so I could read them you are an amazing writer
November 22, 2020
This is one of his best! I started reading this morning and could not put it down until the end. I became so wrapped up in the character and life of each sister..... you will not be disappointed in this book!
December 21, 2020
True love last a lifetime
What a sad story of abuse. How sad the dad got away with and it should have tormented the mom.because she should have stopped it. I was so glad that he finally loved Barbara
What a sad story of abuse. How sad the dad got away with and it should have tormented the mom.because she should have stopped it. I was so glad that he finally loved Barbara
January 1, 2021
A tough read, but I’m glad I finished this one. Eicher isn’t afraid to share the tough parts of life in this Amish community. Definitely not a cozy read, but you’ll finish a better person. Also, enjoy Eicher’s keen understanding of Amish life and appreciation of its beauty.
September 4, 2020
Wonderful story
What a beautiful, touching love story. There was so much depth of feelings. Well written, with lives beautifully woven together.
What a beautiful, touching love story. There was so much depth of feelings. Well written, with lives beautifully woven together.
March 15, 2021
Great book
Thank you for a beautiful story.But so sad,this thing called LOVE. I also loved someone that I did not marry.
Thank you for a beautiful story.But so sad,this thing called LOVE. I also loved someone that I did not marry.
July 19, 2021
This story was quite an emotional journey and very difficult to read at times. I didn’t want to pick it up, yet when I did, it was very difficult to put down hence the late nights.
We visit the world of 2 Amish sisters beginning in 1903. They are in love with the same man. This conflict which has been visited and revisited in literature is only the beginning of relationships fraught with everything from the self serving, to child abuse, emotional abuse, illness and hopelessness. There is such darkness that when the words turn to beauty and redemption the reader is much relieved.
It is a brilliant novel, destined to become classic literature if there is justice among readers and critics. In the beginning, the teacher in me wanted to scold Jerry Eicher for vagueness. Why is this not explained? Why is this character aloof in their language when there should be more meat. In the end though as you travel this literary journey, you are satisfied, not cheated in the least. Take the ride friends. It is well worth it.
We visit the world of 2 Amish sisters beginning in 1903. They are in love with the same man. This conflict which has been visited and revisited in literature is only the beginning of relationships fraught with everything from the self serving, to child abuse, emotional abuse, illness and hopelessness. There is such darkness that when the words turn to beauty and redemption the reader is much relieved.
It is a brilliant novel, destined to become classic literature if there is justice among readers and critics. In the beginning, the teacher in me wanted to scold Jerry Eicher for vagueness. Why is this not explained? Why is this character aloof in their language when there should be more meat. In the end though as you travel this literary journey, you are satisfied, not cheated in the least. Take the ride friends. It is well worth it.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews