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The Heart Knows the Way Home
As children, Janna Carpenter and Luke Martin lived on opposite sides of Division Highway, and that wasn’t the only division in their lives. While he grew up in the gmay—Lancaster County’s Old Order Mennonite community—she was the daughter of a single mother who left her in the care of Luke’s grandmother. For six years Janna found love with the Martins, until her mother abruptly moved them away.
Now, almost fourteen years later, Janna returns to the area with her daughter. Her hope for a new beginning is lost when they find their home uninhabitable after a storm, then an out-of-gas car leaves them stranded. When two women stop to help, they turn out to be Luke’s aunts, and the Martin family again takes her in.
Janna and Luke, a widower struggling to balance business and family responsibilities, reacquaint as Janna assists his grandmother and cares for his son. Her self-protective independence and his conservative principles put them at odds, but the difficulties they face draw them closer.
When long-lost friendship rekindles into unexpected love, will either be willing to make changes so they can be together?
A portion of the proceeds from each sale will be donated to Clinic for Special Children in Strasburg, Pennsylvania.
Now, almost fourteen years later, Janna returns to the area with her daughter. Her hope for a new beginning is lost when they find their home uninhabitable after a storm, then an out-of-gas car leaves them stranded. When two women stop to help, they turn out to be Luke’s aunts, and the Martin family again takes her in.
Janna and Luke, a widower struggling to balance business and family responsibilities, reacquaint as Janna assists his grandmother and cares for his son. Her self-protective independence and his conservative principles put them at odds, but the difficulties they face draw them closer.
When long-lost friendship rekindles into unexpected love, will either be willing to make changes so they can be together?
A portion of the proceeds from each sale will be donated to Clinic for Special Children in Strasburg, Pennsylvania.
- GenresAmishAmish Fiction
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2021
89 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Christy Distler
16 books23 followersFor as long as she can remember, Christy Distler has dreamed her most vivid dreams with her eyes wide open. Names became people—people who didn’t exist in this time and place but couldn’t have been more real in her heart and mind. So she did the only rational thing: gave them a voice by writing fiction.
Christy’s novels, whether historical or contemporary, delve into betrayal and reconciliation, faith and grace, and always involve the intertwining of cultures. When not writing, she works as an editor for publishing houses and independent authors.
Obsession with words aside, she's also a wife and the mom of kids and dogs. She considers dark chocolate a food group (level on the pyramid all depends on the day). She loves to laugh. And she's thankful. When not reading, writing, editing, or involved with family and church activities, she can be found trolling yard sales and thrift stores. She lives in the same Pennsylvania town where she grew up.
Christy’s novels, whether historical or contemporary, delve into betrayal and reconciliation, faith and grace, and always involve the intertwining of cultures. When not writing, she works as an editor for publishing houses and independent authors.
Obsession with words aside, she's also a wife and the mom of kids and dogs. She considers dark chocolate a food group (level on the pyramid all depends on the day). She loves to laugh. And she's thankful. When not reading, writing, editing, or involved with family and church activities, she can be found trolling yard sales and thrift stores. She lives in the same Pennsylvania town where she grew up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 21, 2021
quote from Malinda to Janna
"Grace is for those who deserve it not? As sinners, we don't deserve God's grace but He gives it. And if we don't forgive others, he won't forgive us. That's not a chance I wasn't to take".
Jesus is the truth, the way and the life. My favorite Love love thisone also.
I really loved this awe inspiring story of love, forgiveness, redemption and many other things related to family and friends.
Janna is my favorite character but I can also understand her being a little reluctant and nervousness around other people. But I really love her take charge attitude when it's needed especially for little Joah.
He is a kid that will steal your heart in no time along with little Kayla.
This novel will make you want to cry along the way as well as rejoice and sometimes they make you so mad that I wanted to scream at them!
I didn't want this sweet book to end. I wanted it to keep going.
"Grace is for those who deserve it not? As sinners, we don't deserve God's grace but He gives it. And if we don't forgive others, he won't forgive us. That's not a chance I wasn't to take".
Jesus is the truth, the way and the life. My favorite Love love thisone also.
I really loved this awe inspiring story of love, forgiveness, redemption and many other things related to family and friends.
Janna is my favorite character but I can also understand her being a little reluctant and nervousness around other people. But I really love her take charge attitude when it's needed especially for little Joah.
He is a kid that will steal your heart in no time along with little Kayla.
This novel will make you want to cry along the way as well as rejoice and sometimes they make you so mad that I wanted to scream at them!
I didn't want this sweet book to end. I wanted it to keep going.
April 15, 2021
The Heart Knows the Way Home by Christy Distler is a sweet Plain story. I thought it was well-written with developed characters. Janna Carpenter and Luke Martin are both strong characters. I liked seeing them work through their issues and grow as individuals. Kayla and Joah were sweeties. I like how their friendship mirrored that of Janna and Luke as children. I enjoyed the setting of the Martin farm. It sounded beautiful and peaceful. It was interesting learning about the differences between Amish and Mennonite. I was not aware of the different levels of Mennonite (Old Order, Progressive, Wenger are the ones mentioned in the book). There is much discussion regarding head coverings for women. I like the scripture that was quoted and how it is the woman’s personal choice after much thought and prayer. I like how the romance developed between Janna and Luke. It was not something that was rushed into. There are obstacles that must be overcome before they can think about a romantic relationship. It was interesting to learn about the diseases that affect the Amish and Mennonite people. The author incorporated the Clinic for Special Children (CSC) into the book. This is a wonderful nonprofit medical facility in Strasburg, Pennsylvania. I enjoyed reading this charming story. I hope Christy Distler continues to write Plain fiction. My favorite phrase from The Heart Knows the Way Home is, “The wings do the flying, but the heart knows the way home.” The Heart Knows the Way Home is a special Plain tale about friends, family, and faith.
April 28, 2021
Jana and Luke may have grown up on the opposite side of the road but they became friends. For six years, a little girl found love and a place in the world. When forced to leave, Jana struggled to find a place. Now 14 years later, she returns with her daughter. As a single mother, Jana is looking for some independence as well as a slower pace. When a freak accident and an out of gas car strands her, she is surprised when Luke's family comes to her rescue. As they get reacquainted, their lifestyle differences put them at odds. However, as with everyone, changes are coming. Will they be able to find a common ground? Will their unfettered feelings tear them apart or bring them together? I love how this story shows that even though we may not all live as the other, common paths and changing ways may still bring us together. This was a new to me author and I look forward to reading more books by her. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.
April 13, 2021
Jenna grew up with a dysfunctional mother and consequently spent a lot of time with the Old Order family over the road, until her mother moved them away and they lost contact. Now she's back in the area with a child - and a damaged house, and a broken-down car. When her old friend rescues her from the side of the road and offers her a place to stay, she can't really refuse - and maybe doesn't even want to. But while being back with the family she almost grew up in feels like coming home in some ways, the differences between them are more marked than ever - and more problematic. Can she, and does she even want to, bridge the gap between them and find her way home?
This is the second book I've read by the author, and this time contemporary rather than historical, but the same skill in drawing characters and evoking emotions is evident. Jenna has quite a journey to find the way home, and not always an easy one, but one I enjoyed taking with her. I particularly appreciated the approach to Bible study, including accepting the need to change and following through with it, if that's the conclusion one reaches (not that I always agreed with the conclusions - but that's a different matter). All in all, it's a well-written, enjoyable, thought-provoking and inspiring story. I hope to read more by the author in future!
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
This is the second book I've read by the author, and this time contemporary rather than historical, but the same skill in drawing characters and evoking emotions is evident. Jenna has quite a journey to find the way home, and not always an easy one, but one I enjoyed taking with her. I particularly appreciated the approach to Bible study, including accepting the need to change and following through with it, if that's the conclusion one reaches (not that I always agreed with the conclusions - but that's a different matter). All in all, it's a well-written, enjoyable, thought-provoking and inspiring story. I hope to read more by the author in future!
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
March 24, 2021
1 star
The Heart Knows the Way Home
By Christy Distler
I truly wish I good give this book negative stars. I saw the way it was going yet I finished it and I am SORRY I did.
This story could have been so good and had so much potential. However, it seemed Janna was just expected to conform.
Luke even started to realize all the rules added nothing to his Christian life yet the end is just Janna deciding all the “rules” were necessary for her life.
You can be a good Christian and not follow all these rules or dress in this manner. Just because Mennonites and some others believe head coverings are necessary, does not make it so. This book is extreme.
I read and enjoy many types of Christian fiction including Mennonite and Amish which usually explain their reasoning for their various rules but this book is different. Distler wrote in such a way that unless a woman headcovers they are wrong. I am so annoyed and angered by this book.
A new Christian woman may read it and believe this is necessary to be "a good Christian" when it so is not. I truly hope no woman stumbles in her faith after reading this book.
I so cannot recommend this book and I am even upset that I read it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.
The Heart Knows the Way Home
By Christy Distler
I truly wish I good give this book negative stars. I saw the way it was going yet I finished it and I am SORRY I did.
This story could have been so good and had so much potential. However, it seemed Janna was just expected to conform.
Luke even started to realize all the rules added nothing to his Christian life yet the end is just Janna deciding all the “rules” were necessary for her life.
You can be a good Christian and not follow all these rules or dress in this manner. Just because Mennonites and some others believe head coverings are necessary, does not make it so. This book is extreme.
I read and enjoy many types of Christian fiction including Mennonite and Amish which usually explain their reasoning for their various rules but this book is different. Distler wrote in such a way that unless a woman headcovers they are wrong. I am so annoyed and angered by this book.
A new Christian woman may read it and believe this is necessary to be "a good Christian" when it so is not. I truly hope no woman stumbles in her faith after reading this book.
I so cannot recommend this book and I am even upset that I read it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.
March 29, 2021
THE HEART KNOWS THE WAY HOME by Christy Distler
Janna and Luke grew up together, they loved each other, as only children can do, unconditionally, even though Janna was an Englischer and Luke was an Old Order Mennonite. Janna's mother was an alcoholic and drug addict. She didn't take care of Janna and left her at Luke's grandparent's house, until one day, they simply disappeared.
Years later, Janna and her young daughter Kayla have a run of hard luck and get taken in by Luke's family once again. Luke and his young son Joah readily accept the rekindled friendship of Janna and a new friend in Kayla.
Luke hires Janna to help him with his grandmother and to take Joah to his medical appointments. All the while his friends are telling him to stay away from her because she's probably a bad influence. But, Luke can't turn away because of the love they once shared.
Many thanks to #netgalley and #avodah for the complimentary copy of #theheartknowsthewayhome I was under no obligation to post a review.
Janna and Luke grew up together, they loved each other, as only children can do, unconditionally, even though Janna was an Englischer and Luke was an Old Order Mennonite. Janna's mother was an alcoholic and drug addict. She didn't take care of Janna and left her at Luke's grandparent's house, until one day, they simply disappeared.
Years later, Janna and her young daughter Kayla have a run of hard luck and get taken in by Luke's family once again. Luke and his young son Joah readily accept the rekindled friendship of Janna and a new friend in Kayla.
Luke hires Janna to help him with his grandmother and to take Joah to his medical appointments. All the while his friends are telling him to stay away from her because she's probably a bad influence. But, Luke can't turn away because of the love they once shared.
Many thanks to #netgalley and #avodah for the complimentary copy of #theheartknowsthewayhome I was under no obligation to post a review.
April 6, 2021
This is my first book by author Christy Distler, and I found it very interesting how she intertwined the lives of Old Order Amish and Mennonite. While they may not agree on many things, they did show their love and respect for each other. Distler spends some time on head coverings, and while I don’t agree they’re necessary I can respect the decision. One reviewer felt that head coverings were pushed as necessary to a Christian woman, but I disagree with that completely. It was written in such a way that it was the character’s personal choice after much prayer.
Both Janna and Luke were strong characters with challenges to work through, as we all do. We see them grow and become honest with each other, of course leading to a sweet romance. Throw in two of the cutest kids ever and you have a great story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
April 28, 2021
Jana and Luke may have grown up on the opposite side of the road but they became friends. For six years, a little girl found love and a place in the world. When forced to leave, Jana struggled to find a place. Now 14 years later, she returns with her daughter. As a single mother, Jana is looking for some independence as well as a slower pace. When a freak accident and an out of gas car strands her, she is surprised when Luke's family comes to her rescue. As they get reacquainted, their lifestyle differences put them at odds. However, as with everyone, changes are coming. Will they be able to find a common ground? Will their unfettered feelings tear them apart or bring them together? I love how this story shows that even though we may not all live as the other, common paths and changing ways may still bring us together. This was a new to me author and I look forward to reading more books by her. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.
February 7, 2021
The Heart Knows The Way Home by Christy Distler is the first Mennonite romance book I have read by her and I certainly hope it won't be the last. The book shares the history that the two main characters, Luke and Janna have together. Circumstances made them part ways in their younger years but they never forgot about each other. Luke and Janna grew up and had their individual lives but fate drew them together again. It was quite interesting to see how they worked through their own religious beliefs and come to a mutual understanding and finding their own places in their faith. I am hoping that Christy Distler will be writing a sequel to this story because I want to see what happens in Luke and Janna's life as they grow as a couple and that life has in store for Joah and Kayla. I HIGHLY recommend this book. It was hard for me to put it down once I started reading it!
February 2, 2021
I loved this book! When I read Amish books,they’re normally authored by Wanda Brunstetter or Beverly Lewis. This story actually focuses on a Mennonite family. Janna grew up in Lancaster county until her mother abruptly moved them away. She wasn’t much for “mothering” so Janna spent a lot of time with her Mennonite neighbors. Years later Janna decides to return to Lancaster county to live. Through a set of circumstances Janna is reunited with the Martin family who she had spent so much time with as a child, in particular Luke. They each have a child and no spouse now. You will need to read the book to find out what happens.
March 30, 2021
Janna Carpenter and her daughter, Kayla, are moving back to Lancaster County. Janna has found memories from her childhood there. The Martin family had taken her under their wing and filled the gaps left by her alcoholic mother. She wonders if things will be good for her there again, or if her bridges were burnt when her mother moved them away without warning.
This is a very sweet and heartwarming story surrounding a Mennonite community. The characters are believable and most are very likable. The story is a romance, but focus a lot on the two divisions of the Mennonite religion. I found it very interesting.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good clean romance.
This is a very sweet and heartwarming story surrounding a Mennonite community. The characters are believable and most are very likable. The story is a romance, but focus a lot on the two divisions of the Mennonite religion. I found it very interesting.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good clean romance.
April 19, 2021
A sweet, gentle read about two people who have met again after 14 years apart. Each of them has had hardships and difficulties along the way both ending up as single parents to children with health issues. And their journey together forward is not going to be strewn with rose petals either.
The reader gets further insights into the Mennonite community and the various struggles members face whether religious or the troubles of society and the world we live in today.
For a few hours you can forget your world and travel to a place where the home is truly the heart of the family.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me the chance to read this book.
The reader gets further insights into the Mennonite community and the various struggles members face whether religious or the troubles of society and the world we live in today.
For a few hours you can forget your world and travel to a place where the home is truly the heart of the family.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me the chance to read this book.
September 19, 2021
A mix of Mennonite, Amish and English
I loved the beginning of this book. Was immediately pulled into the story. The characters felt like real people. I would enjoy having a Selena or Kendra. Even Luke who is Old Order in many ways but drives a pickup, uses a cell phone often. one moment he's likeable and the next he is righteously judgmental.
A Christ-based novel about learning to forgive. Others. And ourselves. About hope rather than living a less joyful life.
The story is pleasingly careful in its treatment of the differences between the different faiths. Be sure to read all of the "appendices" afterward.
I highly recommend.
I loved the beginning of this book. Was immediately pulled into the story. The characters felt like real people. I would enjoy having a Selena or Kendra. Even Luke who is Old Order in many ways but drives a pickup, uses a cell phone often. one moment he's likeable and the next he is righteously judgmental.
A Christ-based novel about learning to forgive. Others. And ourselves. About hope rather than living a less joyful life.
The story is pleasingly careful in its treatment of the differences between the different faiths. Be sure to read all of the "appendices" afterward.
I highly recommend.
January 4, 2022
Wonderful and Inspiring
This was such a wonderful and inspiring story! I was hooked from the very beginning and could not put it down until I finished reading the entire book. I felt a deep connection to the characters to the point that I could feel every emotion, struggle, and everything that they were feeling as if I were in the story myself. This is a story of faith, friendship, redemption, forgiveness, and love, but it's also about drawing nearer to God, and seeking and following His will instead of following what others think. It's an absolutely amazing story, and I highly recommend it.
This was such a wonderful and inspiring story! I was hooked from the very beginning and could not put it down until I finished reading the entire book. I felt a deep connection to the characters to the point that I could feel every emotion, struggle, and everything that they were feeling as if I were in the story myself. This is a story of faith, friendship, redemption, forgiveness, and love, but it's also about drawing nearer to God, and seeking and following His will instead of following what others think. It's an absolutely amazing story, and I highly recommend it.
January 21, 2024
The heart knows the way home by Christie Distler
Janna and Luke grew up on opposite sides of the road. Janna the child of an alcoholic/drug addicted mother who spent a lot of her time with Luke’s grandmother when her own mother disappeared, as she was often doing as she didn’t really care for Janna as a mother should. Suddenly 6years later Janna's mother takes them away. As an adult with a child of her own and fallen she returns to the only place she found happiness. Can she find it again?
A nice simple story of someone fallen on hard times who made mistakes can they right their wrongs and get a second chance to be happy.! Nice simple book and meaningful read. 3.5/5
Janna and Luke grew up on opposite sides of the road. Janna the child of an alcoholic/drug addicted mother who spent a lot of her time with Luke’s grandmother when her own mother disappeared, as she was often doing as she didn’t really care for Janna as a mother should. Suddenly 6years later Janna's mother takes them away. As an adult with a child of her own and fallen she returns to the only place she found happiness. Can she find it again?
A nice simple story of someone fallen on hard times who made mistakes can they right their wrongs and get a second chance to be happy.! Nice simple book and meaningful read. 3.5/5
April 8, 2021
This book is amazing. I love how the author donates to the Clinic for Special Children with each copy. This story is a sweet look at family and friendly bonds and how they are unbreakable through time. I enjoyed reading this story, knowing Christy Distler’s background growing up Mennonite. I love how the story provides the differences between Amish and Mennonite, without being awkward. I hope Christy Distler follows some of the other story lines that were introduced into this story, and writes more books like this.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC to facilitate my unbiased review.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC to facilitate my unbiased review.
April 14, 2021
What a sweet and clean story! I enjoyed reading this story of Janna and Luke, two people that have been friends since childhood, that reconnect after fourteen years. They have a lot of differences at first, and a few disagreements, but they have a strong friendship, and an even stronger attraction to each other. Their children have a bond as well, becoming best friends in only a few weeks. Lovely story I enjoyed reading very much!
January 26, 2023
Great book
This book was such a great story of two hearts finding their way back home to each other. I really wish there was another one telling of all the adjustments in their different beliefs that Janna had to make and others that lead up to their beginning life together as a family. Just a really great book that kept my interest from the first page to last. I would highly recommend this book.
This book was such a great story of two hearts finding their way back home to each other. I really wish there was another one telling of all the adjustments in their different beliefs that Janna had to make and others that lead up to their beginning life together as a family. Just a really great book that kept my interest from the first page to last. I would highly recommend this book.
February 14, 2021
This was a new to me author and I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The characters grabbed my interest from the first page and I had a hard time putting the book down. I have read a lot of books with an Amish story line, but very few that mentions Mennonites. Having a Mennonite prospective made the book refreshing and I can’t wait to read more books by Christy Distler.
January 27, 2021
This book was so good! It is well written and hooks you on the first page. Janna and Luke's story has just the right amount of drama and romance to keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. I feel in love with Kayla and Joah, kids add so much to a story. I highly recommend this book.
April 4, 2021
Loved it
The characters in this book came to life for me. The descriptions were such that I could see them in my mind. She is a great author and I loved this story and all it taught me about Mennonites and allergies. I thank you for a great read.
The characters in this book came to life for me. The descriptions were such that I could see them in my mind. She is a great author and I loved this story and all it taught me about Mennonites and allergies. I thank you for a great read.
February 16, 2022
Captivating
I loved this story. I had a hard time putting it down. There are so many ups and downs you don't know which way the characters will choose. I love the ending. I would love to read more about Janna and Luke to know more about their love story
I loved this story. I had a hard time putting it down. There are so many ups and downs you don't know which way the characters will choose. I love the ending. I would love to read more about Janna and Luke to know more about their love story
October 16, 2022
The Heart knows the Way Home
What a story of God's grace and restoration. Learning and growing through heartbreak and loss to become who God intended you to be,however, that only comes through submitting to His will.
What a story of God's grace and restoration. Learning and growing through heartbreak and loss to become who God intended you to be,however, that only comes through submitting to His will.
October 26, 2022
Loved it!
There's nothing like reading a good story with morals and the trials of life that involves God. I'm a Christian, but not a Mennonite, but reading about families that seek to honor God in all their decisions is uplifting. Thanks for a book well written!
There's nothing like reading a good story with morals and the trials of life that involves God. I'm a Christian, but not a Mennonite, but reading about families that seek to honor God in all their decisions is uplifting. Thanks for a book well written!
April 11, 2021
This is such a sweet story and I was rooting for Luke and Janna from the beginning. It's also about friendship between adults and children and what makes them so valuable
May 4, 2021
I honestly had issues reading this story. It was hard for me to get into and I found it lacking.
I recieved a copy from netgalley. All opinions are my own.
I recieved a copy from netgalley. All opinions are my own.
September 10, 2021
Friendship forever
A really good book.A lasting friendship that stayed through the years.Just trust in God to make everything work out in our lives.
A really good book.A lasting friendship that stayed through the years.Just trust in God to make everything work out in our lives.
September 13, 2021
Truly inspiring
Great read for anyone looking for casual love story. Great to see the difference between the Mennonite and English worlds yet they come together beautifully.
Great read for anyone looking for casual love story. Great to see the difference between the Mennonite and English worlds yet they come together beautifully.
January 24, 2022
good read
A book with warmth, love and Christian based beliefs. It’s so nice to read a book with out the cursing
A book with warmth, love and Christian based beliefs. It’s so nice to read a book with out the cursing
February 18, 2022
A great story
A story of new beginnings and family. Love this book. I'm not a huge reader and I finished this one in a couple days.
A story of new beginnings and family. Love this book. I'm not a huge reader and I finished this one in a couple days.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews