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Amish Country Crossroads #1
The Postcard
Rachel Yoder, a New Order Amish woman, lost her husband and son in a tragic accident two years ago. Now, returning to her aging parents with her young daughter, she has resigned herself to the life of a widow. With a subdued but cheerful heart she helps her family run a bed-and-breakfast in a quaint Lancaster county town.
Philip Bradley, a world-weary journalist from New York City on assignment in Lancaster to write an article on the Amish community, is a lodger at the Yoder's B&B. A chance discovery by Philip of a postcard written in illegible Pennsylvania Dutch in the dresser of his room sets off a series of events that leads him into the heart of the Amish life and to the bedside of a mysterious woman known as "The Storyteller." With the postcard as a link to a haunted past, the woman gradually weaves a riveting tale as old as herself about a community shuttered in secrecy, shattered by betrayal.
Fascinated by the story, Philip's and Rachel's lives become inevitably intertwined despite the attempts of the community to protect her from the outsider. Torn by devotion to the people she loves and the awakening feelings in her heart, Rachel searches her past to restore old wounds in order than new love might grow.
Philip Bradley, a world-weary journalist from New York City on assignment in Lancaster to write an article on the Amish community, is a lodger at the Yoder's B&B. A chance discovery by Philip of a postcard written in illegible Pennsylvania Dutch in the dresser of his room sets off a series of events that leads him into the heart of the Amish life and to the bedside of a mysterious woman known as "The Storyteller." With the postcard as a link to a haunted past, the woman gradually weaves a riveting tale as old as herself about a community shuttered in secrecy, shattered by betrayal.
Fascinated by the story, Philip's and Rachel's lives become inevitably intertwined despite the attempts of the community to protect her from the outsider. Torn by devotion to the people she loves and the awakening feelings in her heart, Rachel searches her past to restore old wounds in order than new love might grow.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
229 people are currently reading
2788 people want to read
About the author
Beverly Lewis
259 books3,014 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 327 reviews
April 14, 2021
review coming soon
#AmishinApril
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February 4, 2011
I have finished my 11th book in 2011. :)
Today I finished
The Postcard by Beverly Lewis
The Postcard is the first book in Beverly Lewis's Amish Country Crossroads series.
The Postcard is the story of a young journalist, Philip Bradley, who has come to Amish country to write a piece on Amish life. He stays at a quaint Amish Bed and Breakfast where he meets Rachel Yoder, a young Amish widow who several years lost her husband and her eldest child in a horrific accident at a dangerous crossroad in the area.
To make a bad situation more dire, shortly after the accident Rachel lost her ability to see, and no doctor or specialist has been able to determine the cause of her lost sight. Ever since, Rachel has been living with her mother and father and helping to run the B&B while mourning for the loss of her husband and her son, and wishing that she could have her sight restored in order to watch her young daughter, Annie, who barely survived the accident, grow up.
While staying at the B&B, Philip Bradley notices a beautiful piece of Amish furniture, a gorgeous rolltop desk, which is in the room he is staying in. While it is a great place for him to write his piece on the Amish, he finds that a drawer is stuck shut, and slowly wedges it open, finding that the cause of the stuck drawer is an old postcard, written in Pennsylvania Dutch from an Amish man, Gabe Esh, to a "fancy Englischer", his sweetheart, Adele Herr.
Immediately, Philip is captivated with determining why the postcard was written, if it was ever delivered, and what the story behind the odd pairing was since an Amish man and a non-Amish women traditionally were not able to be together.
As he investigates he finds that Gabe Esh was subjected the the shunning by the community because of his desire to preach, read the full Bible, and his refusal to accept the powers of the local "powwow" doctors, who he believes are doing the work of the devil, not the world of the Lord. He also finds that Gabe Esh was Rachel's great-uncle who she is curious to know more about. However, her mother, Mrs. Zook, is desperate to keep the secrets of Gabe Esh's past hidden and the secret of the postcard buried in the past...
Will Rachel and Philip be able to discover the truth behind the postcard and what happened to Gabe & Adele, or is the community much more determined to keep the secrets buried?
Read The Postcard to find out!
I have always been a fan of an Amish fiction book that includes a bit of mystery to it. This, of course, is no exception.
Lewis did a great job intriguing me, making me wonder about the past of the postcard. I have to admit, I did not see the ending coming, it was not, for me, too predictable. This may not be true for everyone, but I thought it had a nice twist at the end.
Granted, the book kind of left off with some open questions which I look forward to having answered in the next book, The Crossroad.
I thought it was an excellent story and I cannot wait to read the next installment!
I definitely think Lewis is one of my more favorite Amish fiction authors! :)
5 out of 5 stars!
Today I finished
The Postcard by Beverly Lewis
The Postcard is the first book in Beverly Lewis's Amish Country Crossroads series.
The Postcard is the story of a young journalist, Philip Bradley, who has come to Amish country to write a piece on Amish life. He stays at a quaint Amish Bed and Breakfast where he meets Rachel Yoder, a young Amish widow who several years lost her husband and her eldest child in a horrific accident at a dangerous crossroad in the area.
To make a bad situation more dire, shortly after the accident Rachel lost her ability to see, and no doctor or specialist has been able to determine the cause of her lost sight. Ever since, Rachel has been living with her mother and father and helping to run the B&B while mourning for the loss of her husband and her son, and wishing that she could have her sight restored in order to watch her young daughter, Annie, who barely survived the accident, grow up.
While staying at the B&B, Philip Bradley notices a beautiful piece of Amish furniture, a gorgeous rolltop desk, which is in the room he is staying in. While it is a great place for him to write his piece on the Amish, he finds that a drawer is stuck shut, and slowly wedges it open, finding that the cause of the stuck drawer is an old postcard, written in Pennsylvania Dutch from an Amish man, Gabe Esh, to a "fancy Englischer", his sweetheart, Adele Herr.
Immediately, Philip is captivated with determining why the postcard was written, if it was ever delivered, and what the story behind the odd pairing was since an Amish man and a non-Amish women traditionally were not able to be together.
As he investigates he finds that Gabe Esh was subjected the the shunning by the community because of his desire to preach, read the full Bible, and his refusal to accept the powers of the local "powwow" doctors, who he believes are doing the work of the devil, not the world of the Lord. He also finds that Gabe Esh was Rachel's great-uncle who she is curious to know more about. However, her mother, Mrs. Zook, is desperate to keep the secrets of Gabe Esh's past hidden and the secret of the postcard buried in the past...
Will Rachel and Philip be able to discover the truth behind the postcard and what happened to Gabe & Adele, or is the community much more determined to keep the secrets buried?
Read The Postcard to find out!
I have always been a fan of an Amish fiction book that includes a bit of mystery to it. This, of course, is no exception.
Lewis did a great job intriguing me, making me wonder about the past of the postcard. I have to admit, I did not see the ending coming, it was not, for me, too predictable. This may not be true for everyone, but I thought it had a nice twist at the end.
Granted, the book kind of left off with some open questions which I look forward to having answered in the next book, The Crossroad.
I thought it was an excellent story and I cannot wait to read the next installment!
I definitely think Lewis is one of my more favorite Amish fiction authors! :)
5 out of 5 stars!
September 28, 2015
The Postcard is an intriguing, but easy read. I love the mystery in the story, and the captivating way in which it is finally revealed. A great plot with interesting twists and subplots add depth to the overall story.
I have read only a few Amish books, so can’t really compare it to others, but I was fascinated by the Amish life and ways, especially the difference in beliefs and practices between the Old Order Amish and some of the Mennonites. I particularly appreciate the way the Amish are portrayed as real people with faults, as well as virtues.
My favorite character is Philip Bradley, a warm and caring man. He is far more astute and introspective than I expected him to be. I’m was happy with his spiritual growth over the course of the novel. I didn’t really warm up to Rachael, the main female character, until near the end of the book, when she allows her own personality and character to surface, regardless of her mother’s overbearing and meddling ways.
I found this book to be a very satisfying read, though I will soon be reading the sequel, The Crossroad, to find out the rest of the story. I recommend this book to those who enjoy an easy read with a heavy dose of mystery and a fair amount of spiritual investigation and growth in the characters.
I have read only a few Amish books, so can’t really compare it to others, but I was fascinated by the Amish life and ways, especially the difference in beliefs and practices between the Old Order Amish and some of the Mennonites. I particularly appreciate the way the Amish are portrayed as real people with faults, as well as virtues.
My favorite character is Philip Bradley, a warm and caring man. He is far more astute and introspective than I expected him to be. I’m was happy with his spiritual growth over the course of the novel. I didn’t really warm up to Rachael, the main female character, until near the end of the book, when she allows her own personality and character to surface, regardless of her mother’s overbearing and meddling ways.
I found this book to be a very satisfying read, though I will soon be reading the sequel, The Crossroad, to find out the rest of the story. I recommend this book to those who enjoy an easy read with a heavy dose of mystery and a fair amount of spiritual investigation and growth in the characters.
February 5, 2011
I really hate to rate my most favorite aurthor in the world so low. I have read so many of her later books and enjoy them fully. This book was not written like so many of her others. It's missing the rich connection between charectors. The tale was a moving story about a young women who lost her family in tragic accident but there is more behind that one event. Her whole order of Amish people has changed with history of her great Uncle Gab Esh who defied a local witch doctor or spiritual healer by not taking on the gift and deaming it not of God. This one unheard of in his time so two orders formed the Old order and the Beechy Amish. A love story is revealed a women learns to stand on her own and speak her own mind. It was a hard read and I didn't really enjoy it. I just finished it to get to the end.
September 26, 2020
Amish brush with the past, enjoyed it. First in a series.
March 23, 2019
This short novella is really two stories, one past and one present, and perhaps that is why neither is explored or developed to any depth. Rachel experiences a great tragedy in her life. She meets a journalist who finds an old postcard in the desk at her parents bed and breakfast. In researching the sender and the intended recipient of the postcard, these two people connect with each other and a much older one. The story has an interesting plot, but there is hardly any development of the characters and tale drifts toward the conclusion without any real ending.
October 17, 2013
Meh. It was ok. The story was a bit boring and slow. I felt like the characters weren't really "real". The only part that grabbed me was at the start - the accident scene. I felt my heart hurting for the character - that is why I stuck at reading this book. The author is capable of great writing... unfortunately I didn't experience much of it through the rest of the story. Hoping that the second book in the series is better.
September 8, 2012
The first book I read of Mrs. Lewis and I was hooked forever more.
January 4, 2025
2.5 stars. A love story around the time when the Old Order and Beechy Amish separated. Quick, easy audiobook. I'd listen to book 2
September 26, 2015
For those who enjoy reading books about the Amish people,The Postcard (Amish Country Crossroads #1) by Beverly Lewis does not disappoint.
Amazing how a simple postcard from forty years earlier can transform lives. Rachel and her small daughter are living with Rachel's parents after a tragic accident results in the death of her husband and son. Rachel has been unable to see since the accident. She is coping, and trying to figure out whether to give into alternative spiritual healing or wait on the Lord.
Along comes a journalist, Philip Bradley, who spends a few days at Rachel's family's bed and breakfast. While there, he discovers a postcard in the desk in his room. He begins to look into the origin of that postcard; and that is how the story unfolds. Some folks are threatened by this discovery, and do not want the story known, especially to Rachel. But she learns of it, and it is life changing.
I am looking forward to reading the subsequent books in the Amish Country Crossroads Series.
Amazing how a simple postcard from forty years earlier can transform lives. Rachel and her small daughter are living with Rachel's parents after a tragic accident results in the death of her husband and son. Rachel has been unable to see since the accident. She is coping, and trying to figure out whether to give into alternative spiritual healing or wait on the Lord.
Along comes a journalist, Philip Bradley, who spends a few days at Rachel's family's bed and breakfast. While there, he discovers a postcard in the desk in his room. He begins to look into the origin of that postcard; and that is how the story unfolds. Some folks are threatened by this discovery, and do not want the story known, especially to Rachel. But she learns of it, and it is life changing.
I am looking forward to reading the subsequent books in the Amish Country Crossroads Series.
September 1, 2014
This book was easy to read and easily put down. I think I read half of it and put it down for about a week or two. The beginning is ruined because the blurb on the back says she lost her husband and son in an
accident so when the accident happens there is no emotional impact or
connection.
Part of the book is about the main characters adjustment to her blindness and her life after the accident. The other part of it
is about Amish powwow doctors. It is a gift of healing passed down
to others with the gift. Obviously there is a division in the Amish
community about whether this is a gift from God or a gift from Satan.
It is obvious that this book considers it a gift from Satan. I don't
know enough about this to render an opinion and the writing doesn't
make me care one way or the other. The truth is the author didn't
make me care about any of the characters. It wasn't totally worthless, as I did finish it.
accident so when the accident happens there is no emotional impact or
connection.
Part of the book is about the main characters adjustment to her blindness and her life after the accident. The other part of it
is about Amish powwow doctors. It is a gift of healing passed down
to others with the gift. Obviously there is a division in the Amish
community about whether this is a gift from God or a gift from Satan.
It is obvious that this book considers it a gift from Satan. I don't
know enough about this to render an opinion and the writing doesn't
make me care one way or the other. The truth is the author didn't
make me care about any of the characters. It wasn't totally worthless, as I did finish it.
December 29, 2012
I like books by Beverly Lewis because they are a pleasant read. Lewis often writes books set in Amish country. I used to live close to several Amish settlements, so I had a little window into Amish life. I also enjoy her usage of Pennsylvania Dutch, which I like to pretend I understand, because it's derived from German, which I do understand. Lewis addresses modern topics in her stories, such as cancer, "Englischers" discovering the bounties that Amish life has to offer children born out of wedlock, etc. Her characters are interesting, although I have to say after a while, they tend to blend together after a while. The characters are either firm in their faith, or wavering. If they waver, they predictably become Mennonites. They find love and satisfaction in their lives, and the people are always pretty in their own way. It gets kinda old. But, again, it's a pleasant read.
March 13, 2016
Read many years ago, and this is a reread. I liked the story about Hex doctors/Sympathy Healers/Amish Powwowing and how it divided the Amish communities, because some saw it as witchcraft and others as a gift from God!
Also like the mystery concerning the postcard.
However, there is far, far too much sermonizing and god-talk!
Also, as usual with Lewis' books, her grudge against the Amish for her grandmother's shunning shows, and there are some really despicable Amish characters, to hate! Why I stopped reading her books.
Also like the mystery concerning the postcard.
However, there is far, far too much sermonizing and god-talk!
Also, as usual with Lewis' books, her grudge against the Amish for her grandmother's shunning shows, and there are some really despicable Amish characters, to hate! Why I stopped reading her books.
August 11, 2011
This is my first intro to Amish Lit, a fiction topic I am very interested in (having lived in PA for quite some time and been to Lancaster Co. on a number of occassions). I am sorry to say that is book is horrible. The storyline is so predictable and nonrealistic. I also listened to an audio version and the narrator's accents were SOOO bad.
I am disappointed as I heard Beverly Lewis' books were excellent reads and this was just okay. Kind of a waste of time, really.
I am disappointed as I heard Beverly Lewis' books were excellent reads and this was just okay. Kind of a waste of time, really.
July 11, 2011
So, I am a Beverly Lewis fan. But this little series didn't appeal to me quite as much as the others. I don't know if it was the black magic angle, or the fact that the romance really didn't go much of anywhere until the last quarter of the second book. It was alright, but not my favorite by any means.
August 6, 2011
Book 1 . Good. Phillip Bradley is a reporter doing a piece on Amish family traditions...Rachel Yoder is suffering in grief of the the lost husband and family. The Post Card is both the one thing they both have in common and may be the key to changing them both. Good insights on Christian roots taking hold in Amish circles and shows how Christ's love for us is so foreign to them.
October 1, 2015
This is my second attempt with this book. I hope to finish it this time but I don't know. I'm not a big fan of how the author wrote it in third person point of view. Also, I'm having a heard time it actually capturing my full attention. Story is good but the way it's written is making it hard to read
February 5, 2016
I just couldn't get into this book. I don't know if it was because if jumped around a lot. Or I took a long time reading it, I'm not sure. The characters were nice and I love the Amish setting, but I just couldn't get into it. Maybe I missed something (as lots of other goodreaders loved it) but it was just "eh" to me.
April 21, 2014
This was a well written story by Beverly Lewis. I was really wrapped up in the story with the tragedies that happened to Rachel and her family. Looking forward to the second book The Crossroads I recommend this series as a good read.
April 9, 2015
Amish Story With Twists
This Amish love story involves a fatal accident unfolding a mother and young daughter.
A NYC writer appears in this Amish B and B, and
he has a multitude of questions. He found some surprising answers.
This Amish love story involves a fatal accident unfolding a mother and young daughter.
A NYC writer appears in this Amish B and B, and
he has a multitude of questions. He found some surprising answers.
July 31, 2015
Amazing author
Beverly Lewis is truly a gifted writer. I met her in person at a book signing and she is a delightful person. I have read many of her books. I have learned so much about the Amish culture from her books. I do recommend her books.
Beverly Lewis is truly a gifted writer. I met her in person at a book signing and she is a delightful person. I have read many of her books. I have learned so much about the Amish culture from her books. I do recommend her books.
October 4, 2012
I did not enjoy this book. It was confusing to follow.
June 29, 2024
borrowed this book from a friend at work this morning. this was a very good book. I have book # 2 to this book.
November 13, 2012
Only in Peace Corps, man. Only in Peace Corps.
March 19, 2024
Rachel lost her husband, a son, an unborn child and her eyesight in an accident between their Amish wagon and a car. For two years, Rachel pined for her husband and son while trying to look after her daughter, who survived the accident. She meets a man from New York, Philip Bradley who is staying at the family's B&B. He finds a postcard in the desk in his room that opens up family and community secrets. If Philip pushes through with his determination to solve the mystery of the postcsrd, how will that affect Rachel's family and the entire community? Will it bring up information of the past that was being kept hidden?
May 20, 2023
Were it not for part 3 of this book, I would have only given it three stars. However, part 3 was wonderful! I didn’t want to stop reading!!
I have loved the previous Amish-related books I have read, but this one really drags in the beginning. I don’t feel like this is a book that will stay with me…
I have loved the previous Amish-related books I have read, but this one really drags in the beginning. I don’t feel like this is a book that will stay with me…
June 15, 2024
I loved this book! I give it a 5++ stars! I enjoyed the mystery, and the clean story of faith, substance instead of fluff and budding love. Beverly Lewis did not disappoint once again. She is such a good writer and one of my favorite authors. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel The Crossroad next.
January 20, 2021
Sweet, though not the best writing ever. Still, it’s nice to have a light, uplifting read every now and then.
January 15, 2019
I loved this book!! Great story!! Love this author's books!!
April 13, 2022
I enjoyed this book and the different stories with their twists and turns. It was a bit redundant at times, but all in all, an enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 327 reviews