A Widow's Hope

Miller Family #1

by Mary Ellis

A bright new voice shares a tender love story set in the rolling green fields of Ohio Amish country.

After the death of her husband, Hannah Brown is determined to make a new life with her sister's family. But when she sells her farm in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and moves with her sheep to Ohio, the wool unexpectedly starts to fly. Her deacon brother-in-law finds just about everything about Hannah vexing. When his widower brother shows interest in the young and beautiful widow, the deacon turns to prayer for guidance.

Hannah thought she could never love again, until she meets the strong, gentle farmer. Unfortunately, Seth Miller's only interest is in Hannah's sheep. He is content in his bachelor state and slow to recognize his daughter's need for a new mother. Yet God offers Seth the perfect solution to their problems if he could only open his heart again...and love.

Genres: Amish, Christian Fiction, Amish Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Christian, Christian Romance

300 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Mary Ellis is a former schoolteacher turned USA Today bestselling author who’s written twenty-six novels including Amish fiction, historical romance, and suspense. Her first mystery, Midnight on the Mississippi, was a finalist for the RT Magazine’s Reviewer’s Choice Award and a finalist for the Daphne du Maurier Award. Her latest book is One for the Road from the Bourbon Tour Mysteries from Severn House. One Hundred Proof Murder releases August 31, 2021. Her latest Amish novella is Missing at Amazon Kindle. She enjoys gardening and bicycling and lives in Ohio with her husband and dog. www.maryellis.net or www.facebook.com/Mary.Ellis.Author

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I live in Indiana near a bunch of Amish families. I am a country girl and attend many auctions and other activities with them. I have always been fascinated with their lifestyle and finally decided to pick up a book like this. I really enjoyed it!

[Molly Jebber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!

[Tina Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first time for me reading one of Mary Ellis's books.

I just love this book. Hannah and the Miller family were funny at times. Then close to the end Mrs. Lee (an English neighbor) was sneaky.

The detail information/description help make the book worthwhile reading and wanting to read it to know what happens next with Hannah.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was just okay. The characters didn't feel like real people to me, but cardboard cutouts.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can so relate to Hannah. I love the way things worked out for her. She trusted in God and He helped her. Very well done!

[Michelle Robinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

At the beginning of this book I was in love with it and with the characters.

I found them refreshing and different, to some extint. I really admired Hannah and found her business as a sheep herder to be interesting.

I like Seth as well and his little daughter, was interesting to me.

I felt sorry for Hannah, initially and felt she was being misunderstood and mistreated.

After a while though, her refusal to have real conversations with anyone, especially Seth became frustrating for me. She never wanted to deal with any issue head on and instead avoided the issue and often avoided the person, literally. At one point by hiding until Seth left her home! This behavior was so juvenile that there was no way that I could admire her as a mature fully formed woman.
She avoided Seth so much that we did not really get to see the relationship develop between them. They were only together for very brief periods of time and then some MISUNDERSTANDING or lack of communication would keep them apart. This happened for the majority of the book and became ridiculously frustrating after a while. When Seth realized he loved Hannah I honestly did not know why, as he had not been in her company enough to really have time to really know her.

The misunderstandings and willful moments of lack of communication dominated so much of this book that I began to wonder if they had been added, at least in part, to lengthen the story. One chapter toward the end of this book serves no purpose to the storyline at all and only seems to be thrown in to introduce the main charachters and conflict of the next novel.

I liked Seth and his daughter, I liked Hannah's older sister except that she was a little nosey. However, Hannah behavior seemed too juvenile and self defeating for me to really enjoy her overmuch.

As I have already stated for me, this book began well and limped to a poor ending.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: A WIDOW’S HOPE
Author: Mary Ellis
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
March 2009
ISBN: 978-0736927321
Genre: Inspirational/Amish Romance

Hannah Brown has sold her farm to her brother, Thomas, after the death of her husband. She wants to stay on the farm, but can’t rely on her elderly parents to care for her, and so she offers to help out her sister, Julia, who is suffering from arthritis. But Julia’s husband, Simon, doesn’t like Hannah, doesn’t like her sheep, and finds Hannah extremely vexing.

Seth Miller is needing to find another cash crop for his farm so he can care for his mute daughter, Phoebe, more adequately. He thinks sheep, like Hannah raises, might be his answer. But when he approaches Simon with the idea of letting Hannah’s sheep live on his property so that he might better learn about them, he’s stunned when Simon vehemently refuses.

But Hannah is independent and willful, and Seth is equally so. Plus Simon doesn’t want his brother to have anything to do with this vexing widow. Is it possible for Hannah and Seth to move past their difficulties and find a lasting love?

A WIDOW’S HOPE is the first book in The Miller Family Series. I had read the other books in this series but had missed this one, so I got this book so I could read the beginning book. Hannah is very well developed, as are the other characters. Simon and Seth both seem to be main point of view characters as well. I couldn’t understand why Simon disliked Hannah so very much, but Hannah didn’t exactly jump when he said jump.

If you are looking for a good Amish series to read and had missed this one (as I did) then be sure to pick it up. It is a good start to an excellent series by a talented author. $13.99. 300 pages.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hannah Brown is feeling alone living in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania after the death of her beloved husband, Adam two years ago. With no husband and no children, Hannah decides to sell their Amish farm and move to Ohio to live with her sister, Julia and her family.

Julia is wracked with pain with an unyet formally diagnosed illness so Hannah feels she'll be able to help her sister with the running of her household and helping to care for Julia and Simon's children.

Simon, on the other hand, isn't all that happy that Hannah is bringing her sheep to his farm and finds everything about Hannah worrisome. However, Simon being the county's "Deacon" must force himself to be polite and treat Hannah according to their Ordung but this proves a difficult task for Simon especially when his own brother, Seth who is also widowed and has a daughter Phoebe, shows a deep interest in Hannah. With her beautiful piercing green eyes and her beauty, she is hard to ignore.

Hannah and Simon butt heads constantly because they don't realize just how much alike they really are. And Seth and Hannah have their own set of problems to deal with because Hannah is extremely willfull and Seth is independent almost to the point of no return.

Are these two Amish families going to be able to live in peace and harmoney? Can they sort things out before it's too late for everyone involved? And, can two widower's find love again?

Wonderfully written story with great characters! I enjoyed this story very much.

[Lisa Crenshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Except for one item, this was a really great read. Throughout the book Hannah is comforted by Scripture to the point she shares it with others. Though this is wonderful in the eyes of The Lord the Amish have certain Books of the Bible that are not permitted by the bishop. In all the Amish fiction I've read this is the first time I have heard of this. Even if it is true or just a story line, I was very disappointed that the author never added the message of true salvation after a discussion between Amish elders and Hannah. They clearly indicated that the way to Heaven is through good works with God decided on the day of death whether one is good enough to come into Heaven. I wish the author had corrected that assumption somehow. The only way to Heaven is through the Truth of Jesus Christ and His death and resurrection. Without His blood no one would be "good" enough to go to Heaven. For all sin and fall short if the glory of God. It's is by faith we are saved, not works, lest any man should boast. I'm looking forward to the next books, but I do hope the author includes Jesus. :)

On the flip side, each character clearly has flaws which humanize them and succeeds in making them relatable. But the author also manages to make them enjoyable and lovable. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and taking a peak in their lives.

[DJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS:

What a wonderful story!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this great story — not what I expected — much more sassy! That’s the way I would describe Hannah Brown. Is she stubborn, willful, independent – or just trying to make her way the best she can…

Hannah moves from Pennsylvania to Ohio, to help her sister, but ends up alienating her brother-in-law — and his brother. After a visit from the elders of the church, things don’t look too good for her.

Wow! I feel like I already know Hannah and Seth, Julia and Simon, all the children, and the others in the community. Mary Ellis is an excellent storyteller; her characters are so vivid, I can’t wait to meet them… wait a minute, they’re not really real… hmm.

All right, so I get a bit carried away — but you probably will, too. I sat beside Seth and Hannah at the auction, I tasted and smelled the onions and grilled peppers on their sandwiches, and my mouth watered at the thought of tasting the chunks of dark chocolate in the ice cream!

So is everything going to work out? I’m not telling… you’ll have to read A Widow’s Hope to find out… but there are lots of surprises along the way.

In the meantime, I’ve just picked up Never Far From Home off the bookshelf – and it’s time to lose myself in Holmes County, Ohio…

[Dundee Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Widow’s Hope is the first of three books in The Miller Family Series. In this book Hannah, a young childless Amish widow sells her farm in Pennsylvania and moves with her flock of sheep to live in Ohio with her sister Julia and her family. The transition is less than smooth however as her brother-in-law Simon a church Deacon finds Hannah improperly outspoken and is not happy about the sheep.

Simon’s brother Seth livers nearby with his daughter Phoebe who hasn’t spoken since her mothers death years ago. Simon thinks that raising sheep like Hannah might be what he is looking for to add income in addition to his farming. However Hannah’s sheep aren’t the only thing that peaks his interest and the feeling is mutual.

Hannah’s and Seth are both extremely independent, outspoken and stubborn which causes them to argue constantly. Seth also dislikes her constant interference in the raising of Phoebe.

I enjoyed reading this very much. Even though I don’t agree with a woman’s role in the Amish community, I loved reading about the values and faith that they live everyday in their lives.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Last year, my Amish fiction book club read 'An Amish Family Reunion', which is, in essence, the 4th book of the Miller family's story. There were a lot of characters in that book which had been introduced in the previous series (which begins with 'A Widow's Hope'), and I wanted to learn more about that family.
I really enjoyed reading Hannah and Seth's storyline. I liked how spunky Hannah was, while also trying to follow God's will, and the Ordnung of her new district in Ohio. I liked Seth's sense of humour, too. I did get frustrated with both of them from time to time, which I suppose just means that these characters are well-rounded. *grin*
The only real issue I had with the book lay in the timeframe. There were points in the book where it seemed as if the author had thrown the calendar out the window. (One instance was that 2 days after what was supposedly a Friday evening activity, Seth was out working in his fields, which would DEFINITELY be inappropriate in the Amish community.) Perhaps Mary Ellis is a fan of David Tennant's 'Doctor' who said that time doesn't march in a straight line, but is rather a big ball of 'wibbly wobbly, timey wimey' stuff . . .

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Mary Ellis is sort of new to me, even though she is not new to the Christian fiction world. I stumbled upon her after looking for books on Overdrive from my local library. The first book I read by her is A Widow's Hope.

Character Hannah Brown and I share much more than just our first names; we also share the need to assert our opinions and do what we feel is right. Hannah Brown lost her husband, and is moving to be with her sister, Julia, who is suffering from arthritis. Julia's husband, headstrong deacon Simon, doesn't care for Hannah and her outspokenness.

Simon's brother, Seth, lost his wife a while back. His daughter, Phoebe, hasn't uttered a word since.

Hannah comes into their lives with a heard of sheep. Yes, sheep! Simon detests these sheep. But for Hannah, they are all that she has left of her husband.

Without giving away the ending, this book does end in your typical happily ever after sort of way. Its a typical Amish Christian fiction book, but the way Mrs. Ellis writes, it pulls you in. I was able to identify with the characters easily. And with this being a series, this book definitely made me want to continue through.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah Brown and her sheep caused quite a stir at her new home. Widowed young, Hannah moved from Ohio to Lancaster to live with her sister Julia and her family. A deacon in his district, Simon seemed to always find fault with his sister-in-law. She was too independent. She read the whole bible and quoted scripture not approved by the Bishop. She did men’s work. The list went on and on. He didn’t like the sheep either.

To make matters worse, Julia decided that Hannah and Simon’s widowed brother Seth would make a good match. Seth was raising his little girl and needed a wife. Little Phoebe hadn’t spoken a word in the three years since her mother died.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the on again, off again friendship between Hannah and Seth, how Simon came to appreciate the sheep, and Simon and Hannah mending their relationship.

Was Julia successful at her matchmaking? Did Phoebe ever talk again? Read this well written story by Mary Ellis. You’ll enjoy it as much as I did!

[Janna · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was ok until so many goofs and then I finished only because I started it. Usually one can catch one or two and it is like 'oh, guess they goofed'. But this one was way off too many times. In Ohio when you plant winter wheat and sheep trample it in the spring after it has come up, you can't replant with your neighbors leftover wheat seed 'cause it ain't gonna make a crop at that time of the year'. You don't till the ground after first cutting hay to plant another hay crop, you let it grow again and get a second and third cutting. You don't cut the hay in the spring after lots of rain and have it dry in one day and bale the next unless the conditions are perfect and that is not Ohio weather. There were some other things questionable, I just think some true research needs to be done if you are not knowledgeable about a subject. You can't just guess what-happens-when in farming by looking at the fields. This wasn't as bad, though, as the stupid Hallmark movie where a Jersey Cow had a Holstein calf.... that was idiotic.

[Fv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good book.

Three problems I found was, (1) Hannah was to cranky.

She snapped at others for asking a mere question,and the questions were innocent ones. Like how are you today?

(2) And the sheep were big part for the first half of the book, then they were an after thought.

(3) And the little girl who had issues, were fine for the first half, then those were haphazard.

Otherwise the plot was different. The sheep were a great part as long as they were a part of her life.

The information about them added to the story. Because of that and, well the first half of the book, I can give this four stars.

I say read the book, but be prepared for some crankiness, jumping and forgetfulness toward the latter half of the book.

[Sandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story and I've just finished the second book a few minutes ago, so now will start on the last in this trilogy by a very inspiring author, Mary Ellis. I can't wait for her next book.

If you enjoy Amish fiction that helps you learn more about the Amish way of life, and their faith, these are books you need to read. Ms. Ellis has first hand knowledge through her Amish friends and writes what she knows or learns through her extensive research. I really like her characters, especially Hannah Brown, and her niece, Emma and family. I'd recommend this series to anyone that enjoys an uplifting book.

[Dorrice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! And when something in the plot caused me to need to ask a question I wrote to the author, Mary Ellis, and she kindly answered. I appreciated that.
The main character in this novel, Hannah, was a good Amish woman but one who had the unfortunate characteristic to have a mind of her own. In that society it is not always a good thing. She managed to rub people the wrong way without even intending to. Her sister convinced her that pride was one of her faults and she accepted that with good results. Altogether a very good read. Thank you, Mary Ellis.

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skillful writing from this new author of Inspirational Amish Fiction

If you are a fan of this genre or just checking it out for the first time,I don't believe anyone will be disappointed in 'A Widow's Hope' from Mary Ellis. A very engaging story and well developed characters will make this book one that is hard to put down. I'm thrilled to see that the next book continues with characters from this one,Hanna,Seth and Emma.

I highly recommend 'A Widow's Hope',and wish much continued success to this author Mary Ellis.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely romance set in Amish country.

I am a bit silly, I don't appreciate too much religion in "everyday" people stories but I have no problem with the level of religion in "Amish" stories. I enjoy looking into the world of people who really live their faith.

A widow moves in with her sister's family and has some problems learning their ways. She meets the brother-in-law (a widow) and they fall in love.

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hannah Brown, an Amish widow, moves to Ohio, to help her sister, who has crippling arthitis. She takes her flock of sheep that she and her husband bought. She ruffles her brother in law's feathers the wrong way, but intrigues his widowed brother. Story is predictable, but has some unexpected twists.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING!!! I really enjoyed this book and I am going to get the next 2 in the series tomorrow from the library! I had never read a book by Mary Ellis before and I truly enjoyed her book. I am very much looking forward to other books in this series and by Mary Ellis!

The book has lots of twists and turns and had a very good message about stubbornness and forgiveness. LOVE IT!!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amish romance. Pretty formulaic. I could tell who Hannah was going to marry before the end of the first chapter. Still, it had some twists and turns. As a mature woman, Hannah was immature. I mean, really -- hiding in the bathroom?? There were times when I wanted to tell her to grow up already!

[Griz Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful start to an Amish series...Mary Ellis is a fantastic author! Smooth-reading, easy-flowing storyline with well-rounded characters.

Hannah & her sheep are wonderful! Simon & his gruffness are endearing, and the ending was perfect! Hannah & Seth & Phoebe were an excellent family.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

1st book to the series...captivating...offers a different viewpoint on Amish living...very informative of the Amish way of life...was a great page turner...didn't want to put it down...will definitley read more of her books...

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every now and then I like a good feel book free from crime, etc. I loved this book it is light hearted and just flowed very well, this is the first book in a three series, I am currently on the second book and so far it has not let me down either.

[Polly · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet book. I enjoyed the Amish everyday life. Seeing how the Amish men and women interacted in their community. The love story wasn't only the love between a man and woman, but, the love of all
the community. A great read.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Amish books. I usually have no tolerance for a culture that doesn't treat women equal but I can over look that here as life is so simple and family oriented. The Anish don't know it but the women hold more power over Amish men as its is the women that continue the ways of the Plain.

[Laurene]

Even though I thought I knew the ending Mary Ellis left me wondering many times so I had to continue reading and it was the very last chapter before I knew I was on the right track. Lots of twists & turns in this novel.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was in need of a 'palate cleanser' (so to speak) after spending too much times with Charlaine Harris' vampires, werewolves and other supernatural beings!

This book fit the bill nicely. :P