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The Long Road Home #1
Banished
The first book in The Long Road Home trilogy, a unique and gripping Amish romance set in the South at the turn of the century.
It was the early 1900s when Obadiah (Oba) and Merriweather's (May's) parents died tragically, leaving them orphans at ten and eleven years old. When none of their nearby relations volunteer to take them in, they are set on a train to Arkansas to go live on their Amish aunt and uncle's cotton farm. Once there, it didn't take long to discover they would be treated cruelly, no matter what they did. May, always anxious to be a godly young lady, took on more and more responsibility, trying desperately to keep the peace and convince her older brother not to run away. But when they became teenagers and Oba received one especially cruel beating, he disappeared, leaving May to shoulder even more responsibility while navigating the dangerous and lonely world she'd been placed in.
When she encounters Clinton, a young black man, on the road one day, she sees a kindness in his eyes that she's been thirsting for. He is immediately drawn to her, too, but quickly reminds her that he is black and she is white. In that time and place, there is no chance of starting a friendship. But still, they find themselves meeting discretely, spending more time together than is proper, finding joy and solace in each other's company.
When things go from bad to unbearable at the farm, May realizes she must escape from her aunt and uncle. If only she knew where Oba had gone! Can she turn to Clinton for help? Where is God when she needs Him most?
It was the early 1900s when Obadiah (Oba) and Merriweather's (May's) parents died tragically, leaving them orphans at ten and eleven years old. When none of their nearby relations volunteer to take them in, they are set on a train to Arkansas to go live on their Amish aunt and uncle's cotton farm. Once there, it didn't take long to discover they would be treated cruelly, no matter what they did. May, always anxious to be a godly young lady, took on more and more responsibility, trying desperately to keep the peace and convince her older brother not to run away. But when they became teenagers and Oba received one especially cruel beating, he disappeared, leaving May to shoulder even more responsibility while navigating the dangerous and lonely world she'd been placed in.
When she encounters Clinton, a young black man, on the road one day, she sees a kindness in his eyes that she's been thirsting for. He is immediately drawn to her, too, but quickly reminds her that he is black and she is white. In that time and place, there is no chance of starting a friendship. But still, they find themselves meeting discretely, spending more time together than is proper, finding joy and solace in each other's company.
When things go from bad to unbearable at the farm, May realizes she must escape from her aunt and uncle. If only she knew where Oba had gone! Can she turn to Clinton for help? Where is God when she needs Him most?
312 pages, Paperback
Published May 4, 2021
80 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Linda Byler
87 books227 followersLinda Byler grew up Amish and is an active member of the Amish church today. Growing up, Linda Byler loved to read and write. In fact, she still does. She is well known within the Amish community as a columnist for a weekly Amish newspaper. Linda and her husband, their children and grandchildren live in central Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 14, 2021
Blytheville, Arkansas Early 1900s
Banished is the beginning of The Long Road Home Series and an introduction to a new to me author.
The setting is beautifully described. I could feel the oppressive heat and humidity and visualize the disrepair and lack of care at the homestead. It's a bleak life for Oba and May. After the tragic death of their beloved parents in Ohio, the young children are sent to live with their aunt and uncle on a farm in Arkansas (I visualize east Arkansas). Rather than providing a loving environment, Oba and May are seen as servants and treated poorly.
The novel spans a number of years and I loved that the author showed in Oba and May two different reactions to their nearly hopeless environment. Some of May's actions were difficult to understand or believe, but I was still caught up in her story. There are many horrible characters, but also a few helpful ones.
The ending certainly leaves readers in suspense about what will happen next for Oba and May in their early adult years.
The title itself didn't quite line up with the novel as I didn't see Oba and May as banished. I would have loved for some year markers to have been included. The only mention of a year was 1929 for the death of one of the characters. The presence of automobiles and other technical advancements give readers a sense of the time period, but having it more descriptive would have been a good addition.
Overall, an engaging read and I plan to continue the series to find out what happens to Oba and May. My gratitude to publisher Good Books for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Banished is the beginning of The Long Road Home Series and an introduction to a new to me author.
The setting is beautifully described. I could feel the oppressive heat and humidity and visualize the disrepair and lack of care at the homestead. It's a bleak life for Oba and May. After the tragic death of their beloved parents in Ohio, the young children are sent to live with their aunt and uncle on a farm in Arkansas (I visualize east Arkansas). Rather than providing a loving environment, Oba and May are seen as servants and treated poorly.
The novel spans a number of years and I loved that the author showed in Oba and May two different reactions to their nearly hopeless environment. Some of May's actions were difficult to understand or believe, but I was still caught up in her story. There are many horrible characters, but also a few helpful ones.
The ending certainly leaves readers in suspense about what will happen next for Oba and May in their early adult years.
The title itself didn't quite line up with the novel as I didn't see Oba and May as banished. I would have loved for some year markers to have been included. The only mention of a year was 1929 for the death of one of the characters. The presence of automobiles and other technical advancements give readers a sense of the time period, but having it more descriptive would have been a good addition.
Overall, an engaging read and I plan to continue the series to find out what happens to Oba and May. My gratitude to publisher Good Books for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
March 25, 2021
In life, as long as we are mortals on the face of the earth, we will encounter prejudice, unfairness, evil, cowardly people. We need to remember God wants us to have courage, to face every obstacle with His strength, then we will be able to conquer.
Obadiah (Oba) and Merriweather's (May) parents suddenly died in a tragic drowning in their state of Ohio while at a young and impressible age. No family or their community would take them in and they were sent to relatives in Arkansas. Their story not only was tragic but turned into survival as their uncle Melvin was cruel to his kin. The hidden secrets of the Amish with abuse and how it is missed is a different change than what I usually read. Being set in the early 1900 and in the south it also dealt with race and the attraction that May had with a young man that treated her with kindness.
Both Oba and May dealt differently with the cruelty of their uncle. Oba became angry and May's mindset was to serve her uncle's children. She was afraid for them and sought the Lord differently than Oba. Their faith took different roads however, God was working his way thru circumstances. Reading their story as a 3rd party, you analyze their faith according to their circumstances. The author does a very good job in not judging those circumstances but you realize the complexity of faith and what one must do. Looking forward to the upcoming series.
A special thank you to Skyhorse Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Obadiah (Oba) and Merriweather's (May) parents suddenly died in a tragic drowning in their state of Ohio while at a young and impressible age. No family or their community would take them in and they were sent to relatives in Arkansas. Their story not only was tragic but turned into survival as their uncle Melvin was cruel to his kin. The hidden secrets of the Amish with abuse and how it is missed is a different change than what I usually read. Being set in the early 1900 and in the south it also dealt with race and the attraction that May had with a young man that treated her with kindness.
Both Oba and May dealt differently with the cruelty of their uncle. Oba became angry and May's mindset was to serve her uncle's children. She was afraid for them and sought the Lord differently than Oba. Their faith took different roads however, God was working his way thru circumstances. Reading their story as a 3rd party, you analyze their faith according to their circumstances. The author does a very good job in not judging those circumstances but you realize the complexity of faith and what one must do. Looking forward to the upcoming series.
A special thank you to Skyhorse Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
April 14, 2022
The author of this book is Amish. I felt like this Amish book was much different from the others that I had read. It showed a very dark side to the Amish community which I was not familiar with before.Oba and May’s parents died when they were very young and the community sent them to live with relatives in Arkansas. Melvin, their uncle, was a horrible person. He ran a cotton farm and expected everyone to work from sun up to sundown. If the children disobeyed him they were punished. This book is set in the 60s when Black people were no longer slaves but were treated very unfairly. Since I grew up in the south I could relate to this book. This is book one of a series and I definitely would like to read the books that complete the series. All of the ends were not tied up in this book and you were left hanging to wonder what happened.
March 16, 2021
I love Amish fiction and this book was no exception. I have read previous books by Linda and have always enjoyed them. This first book in the trilogy follows May and Oba's story after their parents die and leave them orphans. They are sent to live in Arkansas on their aunt and uncle's cotton farm. Their new family is cruel and abusive. Oba leaves after a beating and May is left alone. She meets Clinton and finds a friend that could help her escape.
This book was good, but I struggled at the beginning with the aunt and uncle. At times, the story was heart-wrenching and it was hard for me to read. The aunt and uncle were just frustrating to me - I wanted them to suffer for the way they treated Oba and May. As usual, Linda's descriptions puts you right in the scene and you experience the story along with the characters. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
This book was good, but I struggled at the beginning with the aunt and uncle. At times, the story was heart-wrenching and it was hard for me to read. The aunt and uncle were just frustrating to me - I wanted them to suffer for the way they treated Oba and May. As usual, Linda's descriptions puts you right in the scene and you experience the story along with the characters. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
September 15, 2021
I just about didn't read this book, as much as I have enjoyed other books by Linda Byler, it starts out letting you know as you read that this is not a typical Amish story. I do realize there are bad things that go on in Amish families/communities, just like there are in the Englisch community, but you don't read, or hear, about it that much. I did finish the book with sadness in my heart but hope for the future. Unfortunately the next book does not come out until March of 2022, and I see no date for the third book, after all it does say this is the first book in the series trilogy. Yes, my daughter already has the second book on pre-order for me and her mother-in-law, we share books, lol.
May 1, 2021
Banished by Linda Byler is the first novel in The Long Road Home series. Oba and May Miller are eleven and ten when their kind, loving parents die in a tragic accident. They are sent to Arkansas to live when none of their Ohio relatives will take them in. The home of Gertie and Melvin Amstutz is starkly different from how the siblings grew up. Life is bleak, harsh, and hot on the cotton farm. May and Oba are unprepared for the long workdays and the cruelty of their guardians. I thought Banished was well-written with developed, realistic characters. The point-of-view switches between Oba and Mary. While Mary is a sweet girl with strong faith and helpful nature, her brother is angry at God for taking their parents. Oba’s attitude worsens after suffering at the hands of his uncle. Linda Byler is a descriptive writer who brings the scenery to life with her word imagery. The story takes place over a number of years as Oba and May grow from children to teenagers. I could understand Oba’s anger and his desire to escape from his harsh uncle. May is the opposite of her brother. I liked her faith in God, but I did not understand some of the choices she made. Banished is a difficult novel to read because of the violence and the attitudes. I will never understand why someone is treated differently because of the color of their skin. As May said, “God created us equal, no matter the color of our skin.” This book shows us life during the Depression in Arkansas on an Amish farm. I wish the author had specified the time period at the beginning of the book. I am guessing the tale begins in the late 1920s. Banished is a shocking tale that is nothing like any Amish book that I have ever read. We are left wondering what will happen next with Oba and May. We must wait for the next installment in The Long Road Home series to find out. Banished is a heart wrenching tale with hot heat, blossoming cotton bolls, an angry aunt, an unkind uncle, demanding duties, and cruel cousins.
March 27, 2022
“Banished,” the first instalment in “The Long Road Home” trilogy, is set in the early twentieth century. Life for orphans, Obadiah “Oba” and Merriweather “May” Miller, is anything but easy. After losing their parents, they are sent to Arkansas to live with distant relations, Uncle Melvin and Aunt Gertrude “Gertie” Amstutz, on their cotton farm. From the moment Oba and May arrive, they realize just how cruel Melvin and Gertie really are. They are expected to work constantly. Oba works outside with the other men and boys. May cleans the house, cooks, and looks after the garden while Gertie does nothing all day. When faced with all this abuse, Oba starts to rebel and eventually runs away, leaving May to the mercy of her oppressors. Not long after that, May meets a young African American man named Clinton and a connection forms between them. He shows her a kindness she has not seen in a long time. They form a friendship despite the horrid racism that is so prevalent in the south. With time, May’s situation only worsens and she seeks to escape the Amstutz’s farm just like Oba did. She seeks Clinton’s help to find a way out.
“Banished” was written by Linda Byler who is a practicing member of the Amish Church. This was my first time reading a book by Ms. Byler and I was very happy that I did. “Banished” is a quintessential story about the struggles of good people in the face of inhumanity. If anything, the tone of this story reminded me of a Charles Dickens novel, gritty and sometimes even dark. The characterization was very impressive. I particularly adored May, Clinton, and Oba who came across as such strong and admirable characters. As much as these characters were great, I found the Amstutz family to be abominable. The pace of the story was steady and the plot was fairly solid. Overall, I really liked this book and would definitely read Ms. Byler’s other writings in the future.
I graciously received this complimentary copy of "Banished" by Skyhorse Publishing and Netgalley. All ideas and thoughts expressed herein are my own.
“Banished” was written by Linda Byler who is a practicing member of the Amish Church. This was my first time reading a book by Ms. Byler and I was very happy that I did. “Banished” is a quintessential story about the struggles of good people in the face of inhumanity. If anything, the tone of this story reminded me of a Charles Dickens novel, gritty and sometimes even dark. The characterization was very impressive. I particularly adored May, Clinton, and Oba who came across as such strong and admirable characters. As much as these characters were great, I found the Amstutz family to be abominable. The pace of the story was steady and the plot was fairly solid. Overall, I really liked this book and would definitely read Ms. Byler’s other writings in the future.
I graciously received this complimentary copy of "Banished" by Skyhorse Publishing and Netgalley. All ideas and thoughts expressed herein are my own.
December 22, 2023
This Amish Romance Novel is about Obadiah and Meriweather (Oba and May) Miller who are sent from Ohio to Arkansas to live with an uncle Melvin, after both parents drown in a flood. It turns out that the trauma of losing both parents is compounded by the abusive treatment Melvin inflicts on these two young people. Eventually Oba cannot take it any more and jumps on a freight train to California. May strikes up a superficial romantic relationship with a young man who is part Black and part Hispanic, a relationship that escapes notice for some time partly because it's so forbidden and unthinkable that a white Amish girl would be with a black man. But eventually they also leave toward the northeast. Since this title is book one of a three book series called The Long Road Home, not everything is resolved in this one.
If you've never read an Amish Romance Novel, this would be a good place to start. Linda Byler, the author, is perhaps the only writer of Amish Romance Novels who is actually Amish herself, and she writes with the assurance and strength of one who knows what she writing about. She doesn't paint the Amish with a rosy brush either. Some of the Amish in this book are very abusive, and most are racist toward the black people in their Arkansas neighborhood. A few are kind and compassionate, but this story demonstrates how harmful a religious subculture ruled by a male hierarchy can be, and not just because they are Amish, but because all male hierarchies have the same or similar characteristics, beliefs and/or policies that demean and oppress women and girls. And of course, in religious organizations, it begins with excluding women from positions of leadership.
This is a well told story and I'm eager to read the next two volumes in this series.
If you've never read an Amish Romance Novel, this would be a good place to start. Linda Byler, the author, is perhaps the only writer of Amish Romance Novels who is actually Amish herself, and she writes with the assurance and strength of one who knows what she writing about. She doesn't paint the Amish with a rosy brush either. Some of the Amish in this book are very abusive, and most are racist toward the black people in their Arkansas neighborhood. A few are kind and compassionate, but this story demonstrates how harmful a religious subculture ruled by a male hierarchy can be, and not just because they are Amish, but because all male hierarchies have the same or similar characteristics, beliefs and/or policies that demean and oppress women and girls. And of course, in religious organizations, it begins with excluding women from positions of leadership.
This is a well told story and I'm eager to read the next two volumes in this series.
May 9, 2021
This book kept me captivated from start to finish. When Oba and May’s parents are killed in an accident, they have to go live with their aunt and uncle and the living conditions are not what they are used to. They came from a loving, clean home and were placed in with a family whose house was filthy and they were mean to each. They were basically treated as slaves and while Oba struggled with his faith and eventually ran away, May used her faith to her advantage for strength until one day, even her faith was tested and
she could not stand the living conditions anymore.
I love how the author incorporated real life situations during a time period when people did not like to acknowledge the physical beating of a child or the falling in love of a mixed racial couple- both of which caused faith to be tested to the full limit.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher for my review and honest opinion.
she could not stand the living conditions anymore.
I love how the author incorporated real life situations during a time period when people did not like to acknowledge the physical beating of a child or the falling in love of a mixed racial couple- both of which caused faith to be tested to the full limit.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher for my review and honest opinion.
April 2, 2024
Banished is not your usual Amish fiction read as it the author has included a darker side of the Amish with their greed, physical and sexual abuse and prejudice.
Oba and May were sent to Arkansas to live with relatives after their parents died. They experienced anything but love and compassion that created multiple traumas for them even though they worked hard for their aunt and uncle. How will Oba and May escape the cruelty and abuse they experienced? Will there life ever be the same?
I’m glad a friend loaned me the complete trilogy so I can keep reading to see what is happening to Oba and May.
Oba and May were sent to Arkansas to live with relatives after their parents died. They experienced anything but love and compassion that created multiple traumas for them even though they worked hard for their aunt and uncle. How will Oba and May escape the cruelty and abuse they experienced? Will there life ever be the same?
I’m glad a friend loaned me the complete trilogy so I can keep reading to see what is happening to Oba and May.
May 4, 2021
This first book in the trilogy follows May and Oba's story after their parents die and leave them orphans. They are sent to live in Arkansas on their aunt and uncle's cotton farm. Their new family is cruel and abusive. Oba leaves after a beating and May is left alone. She meets Clinton and finds a friend that could help her escape. I struggled at the beginning with the aunt and uncle. At times, it was hard for me to read.
I received a copy from netgalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I received a copy from netgalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
January 17, 2023
I think this is the first book I've read by this author. Exceptional job balancing hard topics with scenic beauty. Byler has a gift for descriptive writing. I felt like I was in the hot, muggy Arkansas weather along with the characters. And while hypocrisy and judgement happened on almost every page, the author drew careful brush strokes to clarify not everyone thinks or acts that way. The blurb was a bit misleading, but it was an extremely well-written story. I'm counting on books 2 & 3 to help even out the unrelenting sadness of book 1.
September 9, 2024
Linda Byler is actually Old Order Amish, so her writing rings much truer than some Amish fiction I've read. This book is the first of a trilogy, and it reads differently than a lot of Amish fiction does. It deals with some serious subjects and doesn't portray the Amish community as some idealistic society but as a society like any other, full of individuals that sometimes don't make the best decisions. Byler is an intelligent and gifted writer. While this book could be considered Christian fiction, that doesn't appear to be the main purpose.
September 21, 2022
This book is well written, good details, and I have enjoyed other reads by this skilled author. However, most of the Amish books I have read are in some way uplifting and a major reason for my choice. This subject matter is of course tragic and no happy ending; I would not recommend it for anyone who is struggling with illness or grief and do not plan to continue the series.
December 6, 2022
The first one
The first one was a love of a family who enjoyed life and the children were loved in the way they should be. The life of both parents lost to them and ones that nobody would take in so they were sent to relatives who were not loving or kind. The second was hopelessness, one held on to God, the other anger.
The first one was a love of a family who enjoyed life and the children were loved in the way they should be. The life of both parents lost to them and ones that nobody would take in so they were sent to relatives who were not loving or kind. The second was hopelessness, one held on to God, the other anger.
May 24, 2021
Interesting
Strong characters and storyline. Many struggles, disappointments, sad in many ways. The ending is a disappointment. It leaves you wondering if the two main characters, brother and sister, ever find each other.
Strong characters and storyline. Many struggles, disappointments, sad in many ways. The ending is a disappointment. It leaves you wondering if the two main characters, brother and sister, ever find each other.
May 30, 2021
This book happens at time period when life was harsh and cruel and men and women didn't have the freedom as they do now. It was hard read when reading the cruelty these characters went through. Faith had to be strong! Reading this show how blessed we are today.
April 14, 2022
This is Byler's first book in The Long Road Home trilogy, "Banished." The story will take you on a real roller coaster ride, tackling hard subjects such as racism and abuse. I found it to be a very engaging and hard-to-put down book. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next one.
September 6, 2022
I didn't like this book, it was too gritty, too depressing. The cover is misleading. There is not a lot of happiness in the story. There is molestation, child abuse, racism, hatred, and more, though.
I don't recommend this book.
I don't recommend this book.
September 4, 2023
Depressing read. Deep at times.
The writer has a good imagination to come up with the depressing way the two main characters lived and the end of the story. Not a joyful book to read.
The writer has a good imagination to come up with the depressing way the two main characters lived and the end of the story. Not a joyful book to read.
March 11, 2024
This was a really good book, starts in the early 1900's It's a different amish book than I've read. It's sad and so touching. I'm glad I read after all three books were out. It's such a great series. I've always enjoyed books by this author.
Read
January 3, 2022I enjoyed the book but was very unhappy with the ending left hanging. I realize the author likes to tie you into the next book, but this was a big let down.
April 15, 2023
I enjoyed this unusual Amish romance. The ending would be unacceptable if I didn't know there's a book #2!
August 1, 2023
This was a bit of a different Amish fiction story. It was fully about the abuse that happens in such a close knit religious community. Definitely ended on a bit of a cliff hanger.
September 8, 2023
Beautiful story
This was an amazing read. I can't find words to adequately describe the emotions. I look forward to the next in the series.
This was an amazing read. I can't find words to adequately describe the emotions. I look forward to the next in the series.
September 21, 2023
Disappointed
I enjoyed the book and found it hard to put down. However, I was disappointed that things were never resolved.
I enjoyed the book and found it hard to put down. However, I was disappointed that things were never resolved.
April 25, 2024
Somethings don't really happen
In real life the children would have gone to a Close family member no matter what. This was written so to have a story line
In real life the children would have gone to a Close family member no matter what. This was written so to have a story line
December 30, 2024
This would have been a five star for me. I devoured it in less than 24 hours - however the ending.
I have so many unanswered questions!!!!!
I have so many unanswered questions!!!!!
February 26, 2025
great book if finished
Very disappointed with the ending. Oba never found his sister…it didn’t finish just ended ….no sequel to this book ?
Very disappointed with the ending. Oba never found his sister…it didn’t finish just ended ….no sequel to this book ?
December 10, 2025
good read, gonna get the second and third one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews