The Weaving of Life

New Directions #1

by Linda Byler

The first in a new series about an independent Amish woman and her struggles in career and romance.

Susan Lapp is a hardworking Amish woman in her early twenties. She enjoys the financial independence that working two jobs—as a housecleaner and at the local deli in Lancaster—affords her. And based on her sisters' tumultuous experiences with their husbands, she has no interest in dating or marriage. She's perfectly content with her life as it is, thank you very much.

When Susan's best friend Beth begins to date Susan's brother Mark, the couple is determined to play matchmaker for Susan. Susan begrudgingly agrees to humor them and soon finds herself caught between an undeniable attraction for one of Mark's coworkers and her unflinching commitment to staying single. Soon, her complicated feelings take her in directions she once couldn't have imagined. She experiences hardship like she never has before—homesickness, miserable weather in a place that feels so foreign, and an incredibly challenging job. And despite her attempts to escape romantic entanglements, she finds herself longing for the stability and familiarity of a committed relationship back home. Still, she wrestles with fear and uncertainty. How is she to know God's will for her life?

 

Genres: Amish Fiction, Amish, Christian Fiction

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 25, 2023

About the author

Linda 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.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Skyhorse Publishing for an advanced copy. I am auto-approved for Skyhorse Publishing.

Here I come... once again on Outlier Island. Unlike other reviewers, I had never read a Linda Byler Amish tale. However, the fact that the author is a member of the Amish community appealed to me. The writing of the novel is quite good and the characterization is fully developed. The Weaving of Life is a new series that focuses on the youngest daughter of a family, Susan Lapp. Susan doesn't have the desire to marry like her older sisters. She has witnessed the many problems of their marriages and wishes to steer clear of those troubles. No one in her family can convince her otherwise. Yet, a little romance does come her way but Susan has to make a few life choices.

Sounds like a great plot, right? Well in some ways it truly was a good story. Except that Susan got on my nerves. She was so opinionated and no matter the other people who tried to put her in her place, Susan wouldn't let go of her ideas. It made her insufferable. Because it was an ARC, I read the book all the way through but I confess that it felt like a real chore.


This one was just not for me.

Expected Publication 25/04/23
Goodreads Review 21/03/23

[Shirley Chapel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m always drawn to any books written by Linda Byler. I find it very intriguing that this Author is actually Amish and writes about the people of her faith. I’ve heard she actually writes her books by hand. The Weaving of Life is the first book of her new series, New Directions. I felt drawn into the story and loved the book. It was original, realistic, entertaining and inspirational. I thought the characters were interesting and engaging. The ending seemed to come before I was ready for the book to finish. Rather abruptly I thought which leads me to believe the story is to be continued in book two.

This book focuses on Susan Lapp and her Amish family. She is in her early twenties and a very hard worker. Susan has three older sisters who are all married. After watching what her sisters go through in their marriages Susan has determined that she will never marry. Her sister Kate and her husband Dan have a very unhappy marriage and this has caused Susan to have a bad opinion about men and marriage. A young Amish man has asked to court her but Susan decides to except a teaching position in Wyoming . It isn’t long before she is homesick missing her family , community and the young man she left behind in Lancaster County. Eleven months seems like an eternity to be away from her home and all that she’s familiar with. What has she gotten herself into in this strange new place so far from her home and all the things that are so familiar to her ?

I highly recommend this book to readers of Amish Fiction, Christian Fiction and fans of Linda Byler. This book is scheduled to be released on 4/25/23.

I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are my own.

#TheWeavingofLife#NetGalley

[Corinna · Rating 5 out of 5]

DISCLAIMER: my 5 stars is simply out of my PERSONAL entertainment. The love story was extremely jarring and uncute.

Susan I was rooting for you. You were an independent woman in a sea full Mommy Wives. You gotta let those hormones settle more before going for the first f boy looked your way. Now you are subject to a life of jackhammering and weaponized incompetence.

When Susan wore her Amish dress OVER her ski pants I said this is WILD. The chokehold purity has on these women is very disturbing.

And THEN a love triangle is introduced in the last like third of the book? I thought this was a novel but the ending was so damn abrupt?? Maybe it’s because she writes this down on pen and paper she don’t plan it out….

Words I would use to describe Levi(love interest):
- manipulative
- Arrogant
- Selective hearing
- Crazy
- Condescending
- Dangerous

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Normally, I love this author's books.
I really had mixed feelings with this particular story.
Still,for reasons unknown, the characters still drew me into their story. I guess you could call it a love/not like book if that makes sense!
I'm guessing it was because of Susan.
Her fears and judgment were ridiculous. However; the weird thing was that I understood her perfectly.
Especially having homesickness. I've been here in. Florida almost 3 years, and I'm still get melancholy and homesick sometimes.
Maybe in that way Susan and I do connect but as far as everything else about goes well, maybe some of it but then again aren't we all like that at times?
Sometimes, it all depends on the individuals and how and if God is working in their lives.
Dan is a perfect example of not allowing God to work in his life. I didn't like him at all. My heart went out to his wife Kate.
I do want to say there were parts of this book I did like, however. Like the 4 friends getting together.
The food, oh my goodness, did I ever drool! I had to stop reading and get something to eat! I didn't even want to put the book down to go and do that!
I guess it boils down to the unruly children is what I didn't really like, but eventually, they did grow on me. I
I did love "visualizing " the horses! Oh my! Just beautiful! They took my breath away!
God has a plan for each one of us, and He definitely did for these characters.
I love it when an author shows us perfect examples through their writings.
Well, I just finished it, and their definitely is a cliff hangar. Ugh!
I'm gonna guess that there will be a sequel coming up soon.
I still recommend this book. It is a different type of Amish but in a good way. I believe that you'll like it. I did after a while. I'm glad I finished it.
Looking forward to the next one.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Missy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of Susan, a 23-year-old Amish woman, who has not married yet. She does not have the best of role models from her sisters on marriage, and so Susan has decided it isn't worth it. Until she meets Levi, who gives her the space she needs to learn whether marriage is for her or not. After working at the local deli and cleaning houses, Susan gets an offer to teach - in Wyoming.

Susan takes the job, knowing she has feelings started for Levi. Levi told her he would wait for her, to make up her mind on whether marriage is for her or not. But the area she is going to, the school she will be teaching is not what she was expecting.

But one family, in the beginning makes her wonder just how they function, becomes the very reason she did not want to teach. But in the end teaches her exactly what she wants.

I enjoyed this story, to an extent. I like the premise of the story, but what I didn't like was the endless moaning and groaning of how bad marriage was, how her brothers-in-law were losers, and how terrible it must be. I am hoping the rest of the series is not so down and Susan changes her attitude to enjoy life, and quit looking at the downfalls of men, marriage, and a happy life.

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley and Skyhorse Publishing.

[Lynda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have read 16 books by Linda Byler with the lowest rating ever given of three (3) stars. But this book was not an enjoyable read. While I could understand why Susan didn't want to marry, that hammer was used way too many times. But the true problem for me was the many un-Amish things. Not until the very end do you learn the setting is 2021.

Susan is a Lancaster-raised Amish girl. According to my research, the three "affiliations" of Amish in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania are ALL Old Order. From an Amish woman buying a print fabric to make a dress for herself to a man driving a surrey in a bad snowstorm with deep snow on the ground -- and he has a huge horse pulling the surrey so he can get through the snow. A surrey is a lightweight two-seater with open sides.

Honestly, this did not read like a Linda Byler Amish novel. Had this not been a NetGalley book review, I would never have finished it. By the way, the book just ends. This reader did not feel there was any kind of closure to the plot (marriage to Levi ... or will it be Isaac), will Isaac's children ever behave in school, etc. Will her sister Kate ever leave her husband who is not a person you will like.

So, no, I cannot recommend "The Weaving of Life"., which is the first book in a new series. I received a complimentary DRC (digital review copy) from the publisher, Skyhorse Publishing, via NetGalley. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are my own. ~ Rating: 1 star.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is really no book that Linda Byler writes that you can't love. This is the first book in her New Directions series. Susan Lapp, the youngest in her family and the most independant to a fault. After seeing the troubles her older sisters endure in their marriages, she decides it isn't for her. Susan is persuaded to blind date, which places the seed in her mind that just maybe not all men are bad. After being offered a teaching position in Wyoming, her strong desire for independance accepts it. It is only 11 months which will give her time to decide on her future. Wyoming and the teaching position isn't all what it's cracked up to be. She is having to spending her own money to supply the school with practically everything needed to teach in this newer settlement. One of Susan's students lost her mother and the father struggles to raise her. Often left alone, Susan agrees to move into this beautiful home that is a disaster, to be help with her supervision and care. Feeling frustrated, homesick and second guessing her decision accepting the position, it's too soon to tell what her life's journey will be. I found the books ending cliff hanging and unsure. Of course there is going to be a book two.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opinion expressed in this reveiw is strictly my own.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ran across this book at my local library, and I'm so glad I got it and read it. It's not a normal Amish book that would grab my attention for some reason, however it did.
The story is about a young lady named Susan. She hasn't gotten married yet, and considers herself an old maid. She has seen her 3 other sisters' marriages, and feels like she doesn't think marriage would be 'right' for her. Her sisters tell her, basically, that she's too uptight or snooty, to get a man's attention. More or less, that she's a goody two shoes, and no man is good enough for her, even though she's a very pretty young lady. However, she tells her family that all of their reasons are totally wrong and way off. She has seen what her sisters have gone through with their own marriages & with their children, and feels that lifestyle isn't for her, even though that is 'expected' of Amish women.
This wonderfully, written story takes you on a journey of Susan's life and reasonings of why being single seems the right choice for her, and for her family, aling with her best friend, Beth to honor her wishes. It really is a heartwarming, loving story which I am certain so many people could fully understand where she is coming from, Amish or English.
I loved this story and enjoyed it immensely.

[C Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Weaving of Life by Linda Byler is the first in a new series, New Directions. Can’t wait for the next one.

This is Susan Lapp’s story of an Amish woman in her early twenties. She is very unsure as to the direction her life should take considering all the heartbreak her sister has experienced in her marriage.

In order to discover the true direction for her life, she takes a job as schoolteacher in Wyoming. This is a total different world for Susan, and she quickly fines that she is quiet home sick.

The author writes from her own perspective being an Amish woman herself.
Her characters are well developed and storyline is quite different from the usual Amish novel. She is also able to show us differences in the Amish communities and even among the people them.

Although the ending left me hanging, I am sure questions will be answered in book 2 of the series.

Thank you Skyhorse Publishing, For allowing me to read this interesting 4-star book through NetGalley. Opinions are my own, and I was not required to give a positive review. Publication day is April 25, 2023.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Weaving of Life by Linda Byler is the debut of the New Directions series. I like the author’s writing style. It makes the story easy to read. I thought the characters were developed. The storyline is different from other Amish novels that I have read. Susan Lapp is in her twenties and has two jobs. She has no desire to marry. Susan has seen how her sister Kate’s husband Dan treats his wife and kids. Susan prefers her independence. I found Susan to be a hard character to like. She is extremely opinionated and stubborn. She refuses to listen to other opinions or thoughts (such as in any marriage there is good and bad). It made Susan insufferable. The pacing in the first half of the book is a little slow. It does pick up in the second half when Susan relocates to Wyoming. The author addresses some difficult topics in this story (mental abuse, alcolhism, mental illness). Susan is judgmental about her sister, Kate’s situation, and her brother-in-law’s behavior. I wish Susan had been sympathetic and helpful instead of judgmental. I was very surprised that Amish singles and couples were allowed to go off on trips without a chaperone. I liked seeing them head off for a snowboarding weekend and their RV adventure. It seemed like an unAmish thing to do. Since the author is Amish, she would know what is appropriate or inappropriate for Amish singles. The Weaving of Life ended abruptly and left me wondering what would happen next. I will have to wait for the next book in the New Direction series to find out.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! what a range of emotions! This is the story of a young Amish woman, Susan Lapp, a story told from her POV, and I had to agree with her in a lot of instances. We get her view of her sister's marriages, and how abusive some of the men were to their wives.

Susan, watched all of this and decided this was not for her! She leaves Lancaster and adventures west to Wyoming, and she is going to be a teacher.

With her tender heart in her hand she leaves home and travels west, can she leave all of the problems behind? What about the Amish man at home who is maybe making change her mind, will she return home? Now she is giving her heart to not only her students but to some motherless children.

This read ends in a cliff hanger, and my mind was trying to finish it, I'm waiting for the next book in this series, I need answers!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Skyhorse, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Susan Faloon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by author Linda Byler. To be honest, I struggled getting used to the main character Susan Lapp. In my review notes I wrote, "kind of a pain in the neck." She has her mind made up about several things, especially how terrible marriage is and is quite vociferous about her facts. The young woman works two jobs, has a bank account and intends never to marry. She doesn't even want to date. Her two sisters and their marriages are the main reason why Susan does not trust any men because they "trap" women. Wives are like servants to husbands is her solid opinion.
I received the advanced reader's copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley and this is my unsolicited review. Susan makes a big change in her life and once she is really an independent woman, away from her family there is a subtle change taking place in her character and I see what the author is doing. It interests me. This is a series, and I am intrigued about what will happen as I see the potential that two men will pull at her heart as life matures her. I learned that the author is an Amish woman and I enjoyed the insight into the lifestyle in a new way from most writers of Amish fiction. Thank you to Skyhorse Publishing and NetGalley.

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Weaving of Life is well written and enjoyed by many. Yet I know not every book is for every reader. While I have thoroughly enjoyed other books by Linda Byler, this one wasn’t for me. But please do give it a try. You may love it!

Susan Lapp really annoyed me, to be honest. I just couldn’t love her. She is strong and independent…to a fault. I felt she judged her sisters and their marriages. When you read it you’ll understand why she was determined not to become like them but she was quite judgmental.

Byler, as always, gives us great descriptions of people and places, which is what helped me stick with this book. And it’s not a typical Amish story, so that curiosity helped as well. As I said, you may very well enjoy this story so do try it.

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

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Skyhorse Publishing for a copy of the book.

Overall, it wasn’t a terrible bonnet snatcher to read. I found Susan irritating at times, and I thought it was strange that one man could make her change her mind about marriage. I felt the book ended at a weird spot as well, but I suppose I’ll have to read the other two in the series when they come out.

I really appreciated the description of the scenery of Pennsylvania. As a PA native who grew up visiting Lancaster often, I grew extremely homesick for the places the author wrote about. Even her description of the market in Harrisburg made me long for home.

I enjoyed the book and found the story captivating. Thanks again for the review copy!

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book for the most part. Susan had strong views on marriage, based on her sister's marriages. She meets someone but finds it difficult to commit due to her preconceived ideas about marriage. There are some twists and turns in this book that I didn't see coming.
I only gave 3 stars as the book ended rather abruptly, I thought. I know it is the first in a series, so I don't know if the next book starts where this one ends maybe. I still would have liked a better ending tbh.

I received a free copy from netgalley. All the opinions are my own.

[Dianne Bright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars, and I’m very surprised by how this book pulled me in. To be honest, I’m not the Amish book-reading type. But the pacing was just right, the character development was great, and the setting seemed very authentic. It opened my eyes to a different way of living (which I felt critical of at first) and made my heart yearn for simpler times. And horses! I must say, Susan is someone I might like to sit down for coffee with now, and the love triangle creates a longing to know what’s next in the most PG way imaginable—that I genuinely enjoyed. Well done, Linda! :)

[Michelle Rhoden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Susan has no interest in dating or marriage, but falls victim of a match making plot. When she decides to go along with the ruse, she soon realizes that maybe she truly is missing something by not being in a true relationship. This is the first book in the New Direction series which means there are more books to be released.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All opinions and words are my own.

[Paulette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had interesting content. Happy with her independence, don't blame Susan for wanting to make sure about her future role as a possible married woman. Her family seems to be going in totally different directions as her sisters have become submissive to their husbands. The ending was left hanging, disappointed. What will Susan decide? I understand Linda Byler wanting the reader to continue with the series.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy.

Get ready for a cliffhanger ending because you will spend hours getting into a thick, juicy plot with really thought out characters just to be left in great wonderment. Susan might be a bit for some readers to handle but I think she really stands firm. There is a good flow to the chapters and this is definitely leading towards a book 2.

[Deb Raker · Rating 2 out of 5]

I sincerely hope there is a sequel! This story dragged along for me. I stayed with it hoping it would end well. I was extremely disappointed. Sarah was difficult to like or understand. She seems self absorbed and condescending. Her decisions are wishy washy. Please, please tell me things improve!

[Barb · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an arc copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. I got halfway through and could not finish. The main character was so annoying and complained about everything. And it was constantly repeated how she would never get married. I felt like some of the things that they did would not be approved being Amish.

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Byler's first book in the New Directions series, and it's an Amish novel. I really enjoyed this book with it's interesting characters. I got really frustrated with Susan Lapp's mother and her two sisters, Rose and Liz, in regards to their sister Kate's difficult marriage. If you're an Amish fiction fan, I'd highly recommend this book!

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The weaving of new life

Great book! I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Hopefully it continues where this one ends. Will Susan stay in Wyoming or move back to Landcaster Pennsylvania.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having been raised in the West, the descriptions of Wyoming in this book made me terribly lonesome for home. Well done, Linda, for that, but you really did leave me wondering how Susan's life will progress. That drives me a little crazy....

[Connie Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is a fun book! Susan Lapp is so spunky!! I loved this character. No spoilers. Just READ READ READ! The story is fun, romantic, surprising, adventurous, enlightening. Susan is a character you want more. Linda Byler leaves you yearning for the next book. Enjoy

[Jeanette Durkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! The main character Susan is a woman who knows her own mind! She's hardworking, depending and a loyal sister and friend. Her mind is definitely set against marriage. She feels like it's a trapping.
The book also touches on sensitive subjects like alcoholism and depression.
The imagery in the book really brings the settings to life! I enjoyed "seeing" Wyoming! The ending is a total cliffhanger and I can't wait to find out what happens! A definite must read!
I was provided an ARC copy from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Gloria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author. It's a good story but like some other reviews said Susan is to rigid in her thinking, to hard on people. I am not a fan of cliffhangers.

[Erika Boncz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book but the ending was a cliff hanger

[Thea Marlowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed, but book ended suddenly with Susan still in romantic limbo. Will need to read next two books to have closure 🤨

[Judy Ruud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice Amish Story

I loved this story. It is an Amish story. I would like to read more stories written by this author I did not like how it ended very much.