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Abram's Daughters #3
The Sacrifice
In 'Abram's Daughters', book 3, the sequel to 'The Betrayal', tragedy befalls Leah, forcing her to choose between her happiness and her family.
352 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2004
271 people are currently reading
2676 people want to read
About the author
Beverly Lewis
258 books3,015 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country and both a schoolteacher and an accomplished musician, has been an award-winning author for over a dozen years. Her acclaimed novel, The Preacher's Daughter, was a 2006 Quill Book Award finalist in the romance category. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today and The New York Times. She and her husband, David, live in Colorado."
Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country and both a schoolteacher and an accomplished musician, has been an award-winning author for over a dozen years. Her acclaimed novel, The Preacher's Daughter, was a 2006 Quill Book Award finalist in the romance category. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today and The New York Times. She and her husband, David, live in Colorado."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews
March 22, 2008
This Amish family has totally pulled me in - strange to admit being that I am not really religious (certainly not Amish), and not fond of the romance genre. Look up this book and it's categorized as both belonging to both Christianity and romance. And yet.....I really love this series. This author has the gift to pull you into a world that you know nothing about and get you thoroughly invested in characters you would have thought you have nothing in common with. As I write I guess the commonality is our shared humanity, and that is really what I feel that I have taken from this book. Once you start this series you might really get into it...be ready.
January 28, 2021
A great story filled with family drama, faith and forgiveness. Can't wait to read the next book in the series!
September 19, 2018
Another great Amish novel from Beverly Lewis. Can't wait to see where the story goes from here!
April 11, 2010
This is my least favorite so far. I'd noticed that since book one, many people have categorized this series as "religious fiction" or "Christian fiction," though I hadn't understood why. In the first two books, if there was religious talk, it seemed natural to the story, because we were reading from an Amish perspective, and simply looking in on their thoughts and ideas.
But this book seemed to feel the need to make a POINT about how JESUS CHRIST can give you SALVATION and PEACE. Mary Ruth's struggle between the more mainstream protestant beliefs she encounters and Amish beliefs would have been interesting if I'd had any freaking clue how Amish beliefs differed. Also, what on earth are hex doctors? Why am I in the third book in this series and I still don't know stuff that they seem to be talking about all the time??
There are multiple twists and turns in this book, almost incestuous, some bordering on entirely inappropriate. And Lewis seems to love throwing in red herrings, but it's easy to see beyond them and what the true outcome will be.
Leah is also a bit flat in this book. I suppose Lewis is trying to make a point about Leah being a good, sacrificial, Christian woman, but she comes off flat because of it. Leah has one outpouring of regret and bitterness near the end that doesn't at all seem proportioned enough to the amount of stuff she's gone through. I'm not saying we need our heroine bitching and moaning throughout the entire book, but one GOOD, BIG (much bigger than what we get) scene of "This is unfair, I'm jealous, I'm sad, I'm lonely, my life was taken away from me, and despite all I say, I'm not satisfied and happy, I AM jealous of Sadie, I AM jealous of Hannah, I am I am I am" would have really helped things. As it was, we seem to be told or hinted at about Leah's feelings, rather than shown. Also, after the discovery in the last book, shouldn't there have been SOME change in the relationship between Leah and Lizzie? They go on as if everything's the same. Other characters mention it, but Leah an Lizzie hardly ever seem to think about it.
Time jumps are strange here, and big events are mentioned in passing sentences in a way I don't recall in previous books. Large amounts of time are covered, and we don't seem to be given time to get used to the older versions of our characters before BOOM we've jumped AGAIN and have to readjust AGAIN.
Overall, we are told rather than shown WAY too much in this book, compared to the first two, which is a disappointment. It didn't make me want to stop the series altogether -- I'm determined to push through until the last book. But dang this book was a disappointment compared to the first two.
But this book seemed to feel the need to make a POINT about how JESUS CHRIST can give you SALVATION and PEACE. Mary Ruth's struggle between the more mainstream protestant beliefs she encounters and Amish beliefs would have been interesting if I'd had any freaking clue how Amish beliefs differed. Also, what on earth are hex doctors? Why am I in the third book in this series and I still don't know stuff that they seem to be talking about all the time??
There are multiple twists and turns in this book, almost incestuous, some bordering on entirely inappropriate. And Lewis seems to love throwing in red herrings, but it's easy to see beyond them and what the true outcome will be.
Leah is also a bit flat in this book. I suppose Lewis is trying to make a point about Leah being a good, sacrificial, Christian woman, but she comes off flat because of it. Leah has one outpouring of regret and bitterness near the end that doesn't at all seem proportioned enough to the amount of stuff she's gone through. I'm not saying we need our heroine bitching and moaning throughout the entire book, but one GOOD, BIG (much bigger than what we get) scene of "This is unfair, I'm jealous, I'm sad, I'm lonely, my life was taken away from me, and despite all I say, I'm not satisfied and happy, I AM jealous of Sadie, I AM jealous of Hannah, I am I am I am" would have really helped things. As it was, we seem to be told or hinted at about Leah's feelings, rather than shown. Also, after the discovery in the last book, shouldn't there have been SOME change in the relationship between Leah and Lizzie? They go on as if everything's the same. Other characters mention it, but Leah an Lizzie hardly ever seem to think about it.
Time jumps are strange here, and big events are mentioned in passing sentences in a way I don't recall in previous books. Large amounts of time are covered, and we don't seem to be given time to get used to the older versions of our characters before BOOM we've jumped AGAIN and have to readjust AGAIN.
Overall, we are told rather than shown WAY too much in this book, compared to the first two, which is a disappointment. It didn't make me want to stop the series altogether -- I'm determined to push through until the last book. But dang this book was a disappointment compared to the first two.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2018
Another none too happy book in the series. Maybe book three will be happier.
October 20, 2017
This series is good, but if people would just communicate, this could be great. Miscommunication as a plot device is one of my least favorite things in fiction, hence the three stars instead of four.
This is a heartbreaking book, but it does end on a somewhat hopeful note. I'm also not sure about how I feel about the almost underground conversion scenes here; it feels more like an author's preference insert than it does as though it was a natural progression of the story.
Recommended 14+ for romance, so much heartbreak, non-graphic birth scene, miscommunication as a plot device, and the overall theme of the book.
This is a heartbreaking book, but it does end on a somewhat hopeful note. I'm also not sure about how I feel about the almost underground conversion scenes here; it feels more like an author's preference insert than it does as though it was a natural progression of the story.
Recommended 14+ for romance, so much heartbreak, non-graphic birth scene, miscommunication as a plot device, and the overall theme of the book.
June 27, 2018
This book takes place from 1949-1956. So much has happened in this Amish family!
The first big secret/mystery we know now is that Sadie’s baby only lived a few hours after his birth. So we can assume the Nolt family’s adopted son is not Sadie’s child. Dr. Schwartz continues to pray by the grave of the baby Leah found on land the Dr. owns. Leah even witnessed this as she was walking with Lydiann. It’s mentioned Leah found the handkerchief Sadie put over her dead baby’s head on the walkway up to Dr. Schwartz’s house. The Dr. doesn’t give Leah a straight answer as to how it got there. Another mystery.
Mary Ruth and Elias Stoltzfus are courting. Hannah and Ezra Stoltzfus are also courting. They ride around together but a bit of foreshadowing occurs...Elias loves to ride fast in his pony cart and possibly due to his recklessness he is killed in an accident. A car driven by Dr. Schwartz’s son, Robert, hits the pony cart. Mary Ruth is devastated of course. She was not baptized in the Amish church so she is still free to go on to high school and become a teacher. Abram is opposed to this, and especially opposed to Mary Ruth going to a Mennonite church service. But Mary Ruth likes how the preacher, as well as Robert Schwartz (so very sorry and publicly apologizes for the accident) talk about Jesus and how we are saved to go to heaven. The Amish scriptures don’t talk about salvation. Mary Ruth and her father get into an argument about this so Mary Ruth leaves home, moving in with the English Nolt family.
It’s assumed that Sadie is married to Jonas and has a family. Only rumors are heard since the bishop won’t allow contact from the shunned Sadie and Jonas. The Mast family doesn’t want any contact from the Ebersol’s, not even accepting a peace offering of pies. Later, the Mast twins talk with Lydiann and Abe, but the Mast’s mother puts a stop to that by not sending her children to school when there is a picnic they could socialize.
Slowly but surely, Leah decides to go courting with Gid. And slowly but surely, she finds herself falling in love with him. Not so much in love as she was with Jonas, but enough to agree to marry.
Ida is with child again, and unfortunately, the day she gives birth to her only son Abe, she dies. On her death bed, she tells Leah to raise Lydiann and Abe as her own. To be fair to Gid, they must go their separate ways. Abram wants to raise his children and Leah wouldn’t be able to move away if married to Gid. But the good news is that eventually Gid and Hannah got together, marry, and have two girls, Ida Mae and Katie Ann with another on the way. Ezra Stoltzfus left the Amish church and got shunned. He wasn’t the same after his brother Elias’ death.
Mary Ruth and Robert Schwartz get together! Robert gets a job offer to be a preacher at the Mennonite Church.
Derek Schwartz comes to visit over Christmas. But when he finds out the baby Sadie gave birth to had died, he becomes angry, leaves, and isn’t heard from.
Eventually Abram will forgive Mary Ruth. She never moves back home, but visits often.
Sadie writes a letter to the bishop asking to come back home. She’s been living in Indiana. She is a widow. We assume Jonas was killed in a silo accident. She agrees to repent in front of the People (after all these years). Leah is distraught and emotions from the past come back. Abram even confesses to her that it was his fault her and Jonas didn’t get married. When Sadie arrives, she tells Leah all the babies she birthed were stillborn. Leah tells her all the changes and passings that happened at home. When Sadie and Leah eventually have a private conversation about the past, it’s brought up that Jonas and Sadie were sure Leah and Gid were married. Also, Sadie never married Jonas! They had courted, but were only good friends. Sadie married another boy she was introduced to. He was the one killed. Sadie has no idea where Jonas is, only assuming he does carpentry maybe in Ohio. When Sadie and Leah realize the rumors were untrue, Leah realizes she can truly forgive Sadie. It’s a new beginning for them. But with all the repenting and forgiving, why didn’t Sadie mention the letter Leah sent to Jonas that she threw away?
Gid is now Preacher Peachy, taking the place of Preacher Yoder who died.
Even though Leah accepts the way her life turned out, two possible marriages a thing of the past, one can hope Leah and Jonas will be reunited someday?? One thing is true; Leah has been a good mother to Lydiann and Abe. Lydiann is growing into a girl like Leah. Abe seems to be a handful with his own opinions.
The first big secret/mystery we know now is that Sadie’s baby only lived a few hours after his birth. So we can assume the Nolt family’s adopted son is not Sadie’s child. Dr. Schwartz continues to pray by the grave of the baby Leah found on land the Dr. owns. Leah even witnessed this as she was walking with Lydiann. It’s mentioned Leah found the handkerchief Sadie put over her dead baby’s head on the walkway up to Dr. Schwartz’s house. The Dr. doesn’t give Leah a straight answer as to how it got there. Another mystery.
Mary Ruth and Elias Stoltzfus are courting. Hannah and Ezra Stoltzfus are also courting. They ride around together but a bit of foreshadowing occurs...Elias loves to ride fast in his pony cart and possibly due to his recklessness he is killed in an accident. A car driven by Dr. Schwartz’s son, Robert, hits the pony cart. Mary Ruth is devastated of course. She was not baptized in the Amish church so she is still free to go on to high school and become a teacher. Abram is opposed to this, and especially opposed to Mary Ruth going to a Mennonite church service. But Mary Ruth likes how the preacher, as well as Robert Schwartz (so very sorry and publicly apologizes for the accident) talk about Jesus and how we are saved to go to heaven. The Amish scriptures don’t talk about salvation. Mary Ruth and her father get into an argument about this so Mary Ruth leaves home, moving in with the English Nolt family.
It’s assumed that Sadie is married to Jonas and has a family. Only rumors are heard since the bishop won’t allow contact from the shunned Sadie and Jonas. The Mast family doesn’t want any contact from the Ebersol’s, not even accepting a peace offering of pies. Later, the Mast twins talk with Lydiann and Abe, but the Mast’s mother puts a stop to that by not sending her children to school when there is a picnic they could socialize.
Slowly but surely, Leah decides to go courting with Gid. And slowly but surely, she finds herself falling in love with him. Not so much in love as she was with Jonas, but enough to agree to marry.
Ida is with child again, and unfortunately, the day she gives birth to her only son Abe, she dies. On her death bed, she tells Leah to raise Lydiann and Abe as her own. To be fair to Gid, they must go their separate ways. Abram wants to raise his children and Leah wouldn’t be able to move away if married to Gid. But the good news is that eventually Gid and Hannah got together, marry, and have two girls, Ida Mae and Katie Ann with another on the way. Ezra Stoltzfus left the Amish church and got shunned. He wasn’t the same after his brother Elias’ death.
Mary Ruth and Robert Schwartz get together! Robert gets a job offer to be a preacher at the Mennonite Church.
Derek Schwartz comes to visit over Christmas. But when he finds out the baby Sadie gave birth to had died, he becomes angry, leaves, and isn’t heard from.
Eventually Abram will forgive Mary Ruth. She never moves back home, but visits often.
Sadie writes a letter to the bishop asking to come back home. She’s been living in Indiana. She is a widow. We assume Jonas was killed in a silo accident. She agrees to repent in front of the People (after all these years). Leah is distraught and emotions from the past come back. Abram even confesses to her that it was his fault her and Jonas didn’t get married. When Sadie arrives, she tells Leah all the babies she birthed were stillborn. Leah tells her all the changes and passings that happened at home. When Sadie and Leah eventually have a private conversation about the past, it’s brought up that Jonas and Sadie were sure Leah and Gid were married. Also, Sadie never married Jonas! They had courted, but were only good friends. Sadie married another boy she was introduced to. He was the one killed. Sadie has no idea where Jonas is, only assuming he does carpentry maybe in Ohio. When Sadie and Leah realize the rumors were untrue, Leah realizes she can truly forgive Sadie. It’s a new beginning for them. But with all the repenting and forgiving, why didn’t Sadie mention the letter Leah sent to Jonas that she threw away?
Gid is now Preacher Peachy, taking the place of Preacher Yoder who died.
Even though Leah accepts the way her life turned out, two possible marriages a thing of the past, one can hope Leah and Jonas will be reunited someday?? One thing is true; Leah has been a good mother to Lydiann and Abe. Lydiann is growing into a girl like Leah. Abe seems to be a handful with his own opinions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2010
I'm fairly eating these books up! Can't get enough of this series. I've come to accept that some sort of tragedy is going to befall the Ebersol family in each book and that Leah is going to suffer many trials, but that doesn't make these books any less engaging or compelling. Lewis's writing gets better with each installment and she makes it possible for us to truly get inside the heads of her characters and understand their feelings and emotions. It was great to finally see more focus on Hannah and Mary Ruth and their decisions as to their futures. As a result of Mary Ruth's quest for higher education, Lewis delves into the intricacies of the Amish way of life and their theology. She discusses Amish culture and beliefs in The Parting but this book dealt with it in a far more accessible way. I also appreciated the development of the father's character and his relationships with his family. All in all, a great new addition to this series and I'm looking forward to getting hold of the fourth book in the series. I do hope that Leah is able to find happiness in the next couple of books! 10/10
November 15, 2013
I read this on the Kindle
I am really enjoying this series, this being a 3rd in a 5 book series
I am really liking Leah & you feel sorry for her as she always putting everyone else before herself
I can't say too much as it will give the story away for this book, i am guessing about Carl Nolt in the story i think i know who his parents are so will be interested to know if i am right he adopted so that why i am guessing
Where Abram was one you didn't like it turning around now i do have to also remember this is set from the late 40s onwards & not today & i always said that we can say this or that but that is with what we know today would we feel the same if we had the upbringing in earlier times
So in short things are moving along to what you hope will be a happy ending by the 5th book this is certainly a good series & can recommend it
I am really enjoying this series, this being a 3rd in a 5 book series
I am really liking Leah & you feel sorry for her as she always putting everyone else before herself
I can't say too much as it will give the story away for this book, i am guessing about Carl Nolt in the story i think i know who his parents are so will be interested to know if i am right he adopted so that why i am guessing
Where Abram was one you didn't like it turning around now i do have to also remember this is set from the late 40s onwards & not today & i always said that we can say this or that but that is with what we know today would we feel the same if we had the upbringing in earlier times
So in short things are moving along to what you hope will be a happy ending by the 5th book this is certainly a good series & can recommend it
November 28, 2009
I was a bit surprised by how things went in this book. I know the author is trying to show how strong the Leah character is but I felt let down by the change of events in her life. I wanted to see more of her struggle in overcoming her feelings for her sister; it fell a bit flat for me.
July 20, 2019
Someone described these books as an Amish soap opera and they're absolutely right. Of all the things that drive me batty, it's when bad communication or no communication cause such heartache and suffering. TALK TO EACH OTHER!!!!!
July 17, 2018
I loved this book!! great story!! sad that the mom died during child birth!!
Read
January 28, 2020I absolutely love this series. Ms. Lewis surely knows how to right "wonderful-gut" Amish books!! This one kept me on my toes the entire time.
February 25, 2024
I really loved this book! The family bonds are really strong between these characters.
I loved the relationship Leah and her youngest siblings developed after Ida died. It made my heart happy every time Abe or Lydiann called her "Mamma Leah."
I can't wait to start the next book!
I loved the relationship Leah and her youngest siblings developed after Ida died. It made my heart happy every time Abe or Lydiann called her "Mamma Leah."
I can't wait to start the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2017
Book 3 of "Abram's Daughters."
I didn't think this was as interesting as the first two books
but it was good in parts, depending on the story being featured.
Sadie left, never to return and was shunned. Her family could
not even speak her name. Mary Ruth left to live with the Mennonite
neighbors who were considered "Englishers." They helped her to
follow her dream of being a teacher which her father, Abram, was
not in favor of. She hadn't been baptized so therefore was not
shunned but not really welcome to visit at home by her father.
Then, while delivering a breech baby, Mother Ida, died. She gave
birth to their only son, Abe. Leah & Gib broke off their relationship
because she had made a death bed promise to care for her little
sister & newborn brother. Leah remained at home to do that, giving
up any chance to become married.
Other interesting developments make me curious as to where book
four will go.
I didn't think this was as interesting as the first two books
but it was good in parts, depending on the story being featured.
Sadie left, never to return and was shunned. Her family could
not even speak her name. Mary Ruth left to live with the Mennonite
neighbors who were considered "Englishers." They helped her to
follow her dream of being a teacher which her father, Abram, was
not in favor of. She hadn't been baptized so therefore was not
shunned but not really welcome to visit at home by her father.
Then, while delivering a breech baby, Mother Ida, died. She gave
birth to their only son, Abe. Leah & Gib broke off their relationship
because she had made a death bed promise to care for her little
sister & newborn brother. Leah remained at home to do that, giving
up any chance to become married.
Other interesting developments make me curious as to where book
four will go.
December 14, 2015
I am still enjoying Ms. Lewis's Abram's Daughters series, but it's starting to feel as if it's starting to drag a bit. I also groan every time the character of Mary Ruth turns up because unfortunately, she seems to be nothing more than a mere tool to dispense the author's religious rhetoric anymore. Once is okay, twice even, but on and on and on of repeating the same dogma is getting a bit worn and awful redundant. It's staring to feel like the author is harping more on her own religious rhetoric than on the actual story....
On a brighter side, I no longer have an inkling to think Sadie needs a good, swift kick, rather I feel Fannie Mast could benefit from a good swift kick to the fanny. I will continue on to "The Prodigal" even though the story is staring to drag. I am still interested enough to continue.
On a brighter side, I no longer have an inkling to think Sadie needs a good, swift kick, rather I feel Fannie Mast could benefit from a good swift kick to the fanny. I will continue on to "The Prodigal" even though the story is staring to drag. I am still interested enough to continue.
September 8, 2017
Beverly Lewis is an excellent author in the genre of the Amish people. She describes their lifestyle so clearly that you feel you are within a heartbeat of the action. The characters are developed so fully, that they are entirely believable. You meet them and almost become instant friends.
Things happen the way they are suppose to and this book this book walks you through twists and turns that elicited deep emotions, as most of Beverly's Amish tales do. The character development and the plot are mesmermizing. These are definitely remarkable reads.
My preference for clean and wholesome are met wholeheartedly with this tale.
Things happen the way they are suppose to and this book this book walks you through twists and turns that elicited deep emotions, as most of Beverly's Amish tales do. The character development and the plot are mesmermizing. These are definitely remarkable reads.
My preference for clean and wholesome are met wholeheartedly with this tale.
May 11, 2014
WIIA: This is the Third book to the Abram's Daughters series. One character struggles with what to do with her life, while the twins deal with growing up. That is all I can give without giving away!
Pros: Same author soo I like it I guess. the series really draws you in as well!! And the ending was great :)
Cons: Melancholy. And my heartbroke for Leah once again, sooo I was kinda like...okay??
Iffy: Adult\teen romance as before.
Sorry I just can't really remember this one well! Ugh! I will try to put on more later :)
Pros: Same author soo I like it I guess. the series really draws you in as well!! And the ending was great :)
Cons: Melancholy. And my heartbroke for Leah once again, sooo I was kinda like...okay??
Iffy: Adult\teen romance as before.
Sorry I just can't really remember this one well! Ugh! I will try to put on more later :)
January 31, 2025
HB
The power in the dying was too strong to oppose, yet she labored against it.
p. 200
Anyone who had lived as long as either she or Abram knew full well the pain of disappointment.
p. 213
Friendships are the core of our lives, ain’t so?
p. 261
We’re mirrors to the past, in a way. We look into each each other’s faces and remember what we know. . .
p. 262
A measure of a person’s character is what’s done in run -of-the-mill daily life, when no one is watching.
p. 290
An unforgiving spirit eventually destroys the soul, and I have better things to do.
p. 345
The power in the dying was too strong to oppose, yet she labored against it.
p. 200
Anyone who had lived as long as either she or Abram knew full well the pain of disappointment.
p. 213
Friendships are the core of our lives, ain’t so?
p. 261
We’re mirrors to the past, in a way. We look into each each other’s faces and remember what we know. . .
p. 262
A measure of a person’s character is what’s done in run -of-the-mill daily life, when no one is watching.
p. 290
An unforgiving spirit eventually destroys the soul, and I have better things to do.
p. 345
September 27, 2018
It took me 1/2 hour to finish this one. I skipped,glanced at most of the the books as the plot was the weirdest thing. I found it so strange that it jumped to 7 yrs in the future and there were so many thing that the author just decided to throw in. I couldn't ralrta to any of the characters. They're horrible. Do not read!
November 1, 2022
The story is good, but the ending was terrible. No happy ending for this couple!
Also, they don’t want to use a “hex doctor.“ But, they will take the kids for vaccines? Most Amish even today don’t vaccinate. This is the bias of the author and I really didn’t enjoy that. But maybe the next book?
Worst of all, only one character truly had repentance.
I was just disappointed
Also, they don’t want to use a “hex doctor.“ But, they will take the kids for vaccines? Most Amish even today don’t vaccinate. This is the bias of the author and I really didn’t enjoy that. But maybe the next book?
Worst of all, only one character truly had repentance.
I was just disappointed
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2017
This is only the second book I have read by Beverly Lewis. If it had been the first, I wouldn't have read more. I thought it had too much sadness in it. I read for enjoyment not to be sad. I can understand some sadness but the book disappointed me.
July 9, 2013
very good. surprising ending! I really enjoyed it.
December 3, 2016
Did not care for the way the story took a turn. A ok ending.
September 19, 2021
Oooff. This Amish drama has all the twists and misunderstandings.
Anyone else feel annoyed with Sadie??
Anyone else feel annoyed with Sadie??
July 19, 2023
I cannot read this Amish language . It hurts my eyes and head.
The book appeared to be headed nowhere in the life of a young woman looking for her future husband.
I got to 19% done and bailed.
The book appeared to be headed nowhere in the life of a young woman looking for her future husband.
I got to 19% done and bailed.
March 15, 2020
somehow I read the Prodigal first ---and because of took me longer to get into it
This Summary/Review was copied from other sources and is used only as a reminder of what the book was about for my personal interest. Any Personal Notations are for my recollection only.
**
This is from another reviewer and is perfect!
This Summary/Review was copied from other sources and is used only as a reminder of what the book was about for my personal interest. Any Personal Notations are for my recollection only.
**
This is from another reviewer and is perfect!
January 15, 2019
Misunderstandings and half truths are the order of the day in this installment of the series. Characters are faced with tough decisions and tragic events, making this a darker book in comparison to the two previous ones. There's also twists and turns taking you by surprise until almost the very end.
I enjoyed reading this book a lot. They way characters processed betrayal, loss and the meaning of family ties had me reflecting on my own life and history. I've read other people were being put off by the religious themes and ideas shown through the characters, saying that it seemed Christian propaganda. I did not feel that way, although I did find myself disagreeing with certain points of view.
When I started reading this book I was under the impression it was the last one of the saga... well, seems like I was wrong! Two more books to go.
Since I have close to no experience reading this type of fiction, usually being inclined to the horror and fantasy genres, this has been something of a learning experience for me. Who would have thought one could be so interested in common people's lives! I guess them characters being Amish is mainly what made it work for me.
I enjoyed reading this book a lot. They way characters processed betrayal, loss and the meaning of family ties had me reflecting on my own life and history. I've read other people were being put off by the religious themes and ideas shown through the characters, saying that it seemed Christian propaganda. I did not feel that way, although I did find myself disagreeing with certain points of view.
When I started reading this book I was under the impression it was the last one of the saga... well, seems like I was wrong! Two more books to go.
Since I have close to no experience reading this type of fiction, usually being inclined to the horror and fantasy genres, this has been something of a learning experience for me. Who would have thought one could be so interested in common people's lives! I guess them characters being Amish is mainly what made it work for me.
August 23, 2019
This book is third in the series of "Abram's Daughters". Not having read the first two books, I was downright confused as to who-was-who. But this is the gist: Leah, the second daughter of the Ebersol family of Gobbler's Knob Amish community is engaged to be married. Jonas, the beau, and her sister Sadie leave the state approximately the same time. Leah is devastated when she thinks they are married. Smithy Gil asks to court her, so she feels better. In the meantime, the twins, Hannah and Ruth Ann, are dating Ezra and Elias. Included in this family is another young sister, a toddler, Aunt Lizzie, Poppa and Momma. This novel is about the goings-on of this family and their neighbors in the Amish community. In reading this book, I learned some new things about the Amish.
"A measure of a person's character is what's done in run-of-the-mill daily life, when no one is watching."
"The decision to walk with Jesus is not so much a mental one as it is a yielding of the heart."
"An unforgiving spirit eventually destroys the soul."
I really liked these quotes. The characters could have been fleshed out more, and the plot more exciting.
"A measure of a person's character is what's done in run-of-the-mill daily life, when no one is watching."
"The decision to walk with Jesus is not so much a mental one as it is a yielding of the heart."
"An unforgiving spirit eventually destroys the soul."
I really liked these quotes. The characters could have been fleshed out more, and the plot more exciting.
January 7, 2025
I was torn between giving it a 4 and a 5-star rating but when it got to part 2 towards the end, there was too big a gap in the story and not much happened. I thought the mystery was over and the characters just got on with their normal Amish life. But then I was surprised and delighted with the turn of events towards the end.
I really loved this book. I loved the writing, the characters and just how the stories wove together to create a fulfilling collaberation of family and community.
I love that the author isn't afraid to tackle tough subjects and doesn't just leave the reader with easy answers and quick fixes. There is depth and complexity to each character and just when you think you don't particularly care for some of them, you get more depth of soul and you're able to see the other side.
As soon as I finished this book I picked up #4, "The Prodigal".
When all is said and done, as an older Christian woman who is not a fan of Christian fiction as a whole, what a wonderful surprise to find such engaging and well-written stories from an author who has been known in the Christian fiction world for quite some time. What a treat to have just discovered her!
I really loved this book. I loved the writing, the characters and just how the stories wove together to create a fulfilling collaberation of family and community.
I love that the author isn't afraid to tackle tough subjects and doesn't just leave the reader with easy answers and quick fixes. There is depth and complexity to each character and just when you think you don't particularly care for some of them, you get more depth of soul and you're able to see the other side.
As soon as I finished this book I picked up #4, "The Prodigal".
When all is said and done, as an older Christian woman who is not a fan of Christian fiction as a whole, what a wonderful surprise to find such engaging and well-written stories from an author who has been known in the Christian fiction world for quite some time. What a treat to have just discovered her!
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