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Amish Country Crossroads #1-3
Amish Country Crossroads
The lives and love of Philip Bradley and Rachel Yoder captivate readers again in this 3-in-1 edition of the popular series featuring The Postcard, The Crossroad, and Sanctuary.
704 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1999
10 people are currently reading
768 people want to read
About the author
Beverly Lewis
258 books3,039 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 - 23 of 24 reviews
February 14, 2026
To start, for clarification (because I was confused at first), the first two books in this collection are in a series, but the last one, (Sanctuary,) is a stand-alone.
The Postcard and The Crossroad: These two books were so sweet! The story had me crying both sympathetic and happy tears! I absolutely loved the beginning of book 1 and the end of book 2. It was just so sweet how Lewis introduced this story and then tied everything together. I loved it so much that I wish there was a book 3! After the ending I wanted more of the characters. I wish I could have continued to see them grow instead of just the epilogue (even though that was a nice touch).
I do want to note, though, that there were some concerns as far as spiritual content (see that section below for further details). One of the many storylines in these 2 books surrounded “powwow doctors” or “faith healers.” Using types of hexes, these “doctors” claim to heal people of various things under the title of the Lord. In these stories, most of the Amish community supports these practices. I was, however, very pleased to read how some characters spoke out against this and allowed the gospel to be shared. That was truly a highlight of this book! Still, I would advise readers (and parents) to carefully read my “Spiritual Content” section below, using discernment for how you would like to proceed. (Clarification: Lewis does not advocate for these practices in any way. In fact, she created strong characters who oppose these wicked workings, combating them with the gospel of Christ.)
Sanctuary: Wow! I am so amazed! This book is fully engulfing from the beginning! I sat down to read and just kept reading! I love how Lewis uses the genre of suspense but in a way that is pleasing and honoring to the Lord! This book might be one of my new favorites of Lewis’s. The storyline is not overly predictable and there is INCREDIBLE character development! My only complaint (similar to the last) is that I just wanted more! I wish there was a book 2 that I could go grab. I want to see what God continued to do.
Notable Quotes:
“Fear is such an open door, ‘cause when we fear we’re believin’ the devil, whereas faith is believin’ in what God says.” (The Postcard)
“Those who endeavored to live in Christ could expect the unexpected. No accidents for a Christian. Even the smallest irritations turned out to reveal God’s marvelous intentions.” (Sanctuary)
“Our bodies need nourishment to survive, which proves the existence of food and water. We need oxygen to breathe, which proves the existence of air. We need light and warmth, which proves the sun exists. We desire to procreate, which proves the existence of sex. We get lonely simply because friendship and community exists. But even with all these physical and emotional needs satisfied, we still feel unfulfilled. Why? Because we have a deeper spiritual need—a need for God. And that, my friend, proves the existence of a Creator.” (Sanctuary)
Things to be aware of in “Book Title”
(Note that the following points encompass all 3 books in this collection.)
Language:
- A mention of “crass remarks” (no elaboration)
- 2 “stupid”
- 2 forms of “dumb” or “dumbest” (one of which is quoted as a song lyric)
- “The voice spewed profanity.”
- “He whispered a curse.”
Violence:
Note: the majority of the content under this category is from
- Multiple characters die via car accidents.
- A woman has a miscarriage
- A character wishes to die.
- A character is stung by a wasp, resulting in an allergic reaction.
- A character flees for his/her life.
- A character is prepared to administer mace if in danger.
- A character handles a gun and drugs that have the ability to manipulate and even kill an individual.
- A couple of characters are suspected to have been murdered; others come very close
- A character throws a vase into a window, shattering both
Romantic Content:
- Speaking of a bed, a character refuses to “recall the love exchanged here.”
- Married couples exchange kisses on the lips
Spiritual Content:
As mentioned in my personal review above, there is quite a bit of spiritual content to be discussed. While there may be some questionable or concerning content, know the outcome is honoring to the Lord. I take one star away because I can see how in some instances these first 2 books could give someone the wrong impression considering the fact that the resolution or pushback is not immediately felt and therefore there is a period where this seems to be accepted. (-1 star) (Sanctuary)
- Powwow doctors” (also called “faith healers”) are mentioned. They use charms and herbal potions. “Such healers were believed to have been imparted gifts by the Holy Spirit and the holy angels.”
- Witchcraft is discussed.
- Diviners are mentioned.
- Hypnotics and psychotherapy is discussed.
- Hexes and bad omens are discussed.
- A character experiences a type of convulsions.
- A few characters claim to have had visions/dreams (one of which he/she hears from “an angel of the Lord”).
- A character claims to have “called up the spirits of darkness … enchantments.”
- “I sold out to the devil.”
- One mention of, “the gods do smile on me.”
Additional Notes:
- A character is described as “plump”
- A man admits that in a marriage, the leadership ought to be shared equally between the man and the woman.
- A character contemplates that life almost seems “pointless.”
Read my full review here: https://kbook-reviews.blogspot.com/20...
The Postcard and The Crossroad: These two books were so sweet! The story had me crying both sympathetic and happy tears! I absolutely loved the beginning of book 1 and the end of book 2. It was just so sweet how Lewis introduced this story and then tied everything together. I loved it so much that I wish there was a book 3! After the ending I wanted more of the characters. I wish I could have continued to see them grow instead of just the epilogue (even though that was a nice touch).
I do want to note, though, that there were some concerns as far as spiritual content (see that section below for further details). One of the many storylines in these 2 books surrounded “powwow doctors” or “faith healers.” Using types of hexes, these “doctors” claim to heal people of various things under the title of the Lord. In these stories, most of the Amish community supports these practices. I was, however, very pleased to read how some characters spoke out against this and allowed the gospel to be shared. That was truly a highlight of this book! Still, I would advise readers (and parents) to carefully read my “Spiritual Content” section below, using discernment for how you would like to proceed. (Clarification: Lewis does not advocate for these practices in any way. In fact, she created strong characters who oppose these wicked workings, combating them with the gospel of Christ.)
Sanctuary: Wow! I am so amazed! This book is fully engulfing from the beginning! I sat down to read and just kept reading! I love how Lewis uses the genre of suspense but in a way that is pleasing and honoring to the Lord! This book might be one of my new favorites of Lewis’s. The storyline is not overly predictable and there is INCREDIBLE character development! My only complaint (similar to the last) is that I just wanted more! I wish there was a book 2 that I could go grab. I want to see what God continued to do.
Notable Quotes:
“Fear is such an open door, ‘cause when we fear we’re believin’ the devil, whereas faith is believin’ in what God says.” (The Postcard)
“Those who endeavored to live in Christ could expect the unexpected. No accidents for a Christian. Even the smallest irritations turned out to reveal God’s marvelous intentions.” (Sanctuary)
“Our bodies need nourishment to survive, which proves the existence of food and water. We need oxygen to breathe, which proves the existence of air. We need light and warmth, which proves the sun exists. We desire to procreate, which proves the existence of sex. We get lonely simply because friendship and community exists. But even with all these physical and emotional needs satisfied, we still feel unfulfilled. Why? Because we have a deeper spiritual need—a need for God. And that, my friend, proves the existence of a Creator.” (Sanctuary)
Things to be aware of in “Book Title”
(Note that the following points encompass all 3 books in this collection.)
Language:
- A mention of “crass remarks” (no elaboration)
- 2 “stupid”
- 2 forms of “dumb” or “dumbest” (one of which is quoted as a song lyric)
- “The voice spewed profanity.”
- “He whispered a curse.”
Violence:
Note: the majority of the content under this category is from
- Multiple characters die via car accidents.
- A woman has a miscarriage
- A character wishes to die.
- A character is stung by a wasp, resulting in an allergic reaction.
- A character flees for his/her life.
- A character is prepared to administer mace if in danger.
- A character handles a gun and drugs that have the ability to manipulate and even kill an individual.
- A couple of characters are suspected to have been murdered; others come very close
- A character throws a vase into a window, shattering both
Romantic Content:
- Speaking of a bed, a character refuses to “recall the love exchanged here.”
- Married couples exchange kisses on the lips
Spiritual Content:
As mentioned in my personal review above, there is quite a bit of spiritual content to be discussed. While there may be some questionable or concerning content, know the outcome is honoring to the Lord. I take one star away because I can see how in some instances these first 2 books could give someone the wrong impression considering the fact that the resolution or pushback is not immediately felt and therefore there is a period where this seems to be accepted. (-1 star) (Sanctuary)
- Powwow doctors” (also called “faith healers”) are mentioned. They use charms and herbal potions. “Such healers were believed to have been imparted gifts by the Holy Spirit and the holy angels.”
- Witchcraft is discussed.
- Diviners are mentioned.
- Hypnotics and psychotherapy is discussed.
- Hexes and bad omens are discussed.
- A character experiences a type of convulsions.
- A few characters claim to have had visions/dreams (one of which he/she hears from “an angel of the Lord”).
- A character claims to have “called up the spirits of darkness … enchantments.”
- “I sold out to the devil.”
- One mention of, “the gods do smile on me.”
Additional Notes:
- A character is described as “plump”
- A man admits that in a marriage, the leadership ought to be shared equally between the man and the woman.
- A character contemplates that life almost seems “pointless.”
Read my full review here: https://kbook-reviews.blogspot.com/20...
March 24, 2018
I loved the first two in the series and was thrown when the third book included didn't follow the series. The third book was really different from the first two which made it hard for me to enjoy as much as I did the The Postcard and The Crossroad.
September 24, 2019
Well written and, from what I can discern, true and on point. I even spoke with an Amish man regarding some thoughts I had in the book. The author did a good job representing the culture.
September 26, 2020
Love that it is all three
February 24, 2021
Love Beverly Lewis.
October 7, 2022
The 3rd book in the series, “Sanctuary” was the very best, presenting the unexpected and my attention throughout. Truly one of the best Amish books I’ve read in awhile.
October 24, 2008
This book is three novels about Amish (well, not necessarily Amish, but "Plain" people) and "fancy" (not Plain) people. I finished the first two books, and enjoyed them. The story was about a plain lady that lost her husband and son (and unborn baby) when her family's wagon was hit by a car (she had gotten out). The mystery in those books was a bit predictable, but good. I was confused because so many of the names were the same as the last series I read (Annie's People), but it wasn't about the same people. Also, art didn't seem to be a problem for this group of Plain people, and that was a major issue in the other series.
I'm on the third book and am not sure why it's included with the first two. It doesn't have any of the same people or anything like that (I figured it'd be the third in the series). It's good though--and more focused on the Fancy part instead of the Plain stuff. There is a big mystery about the Fancy lady running away. Actually, I'm getting a little impatient to find out why she had to flee. The little details about flowers and yards are easy to skip over when I'm just looking for "important" info.
I'm on the third book and am not sure why it's included with the first two. It doesn't have any of the same people or anything like that (I figured it'd be the third in the series). It's good though--and more focused on the Fancy part instead of the Plain stuff. There is a big mystery about the Fancy lady running away. Actually, I'm getting a little impatient to find out why she had to flee. The little details about flowers and yards are easy to skip over when I'm just looking for "important" info.
February 8, 2015
I actually have not finished this book yet, but I felt like I had enough information to write a review. This is a collection of three different books, two of which are sequels. I've enjoyed the stories so far. The first two are a mini-series of 2 books. The reason I'm giving this three stars is because I felt the third story was very jolting and out of place. Thee first 2 are very much in an Amish country setting but the third is modern. A lot of the third book, the protagonist is staying with a Plain woman, but that is about all that's Amish about it. And the Plain woman is not even Amish, she is a Mennonite. The first two have much more focus on Amish traditions then the third. I'm pretty sure the author has written many a book about Amish people, so why did the publishers decide to put these three together? It is a strange combination, especially with the first two sequels. If the change does not bother you as much as it bothered me, the stories are fun and interesting.
Finished the book after it has been sitting on bookshelf for a really long time. I honestly didn't really like the third book, if you couldn't tell from what I said above. But the first two were cute!
Finished the book after it has been sitting on bookshelf for a really long time. I honestly didn't really like the third book, if you couldn't tell from what I said above. But the first two were cute!
October 24, 2010
This volume is made up of 3 books - The Postcard, The Crossroad, and Sanctuary. The first two books follow the same character and storyline. The third, while the most compelling of the three, had the weakest tie-in to the series.
The Postcard and The Crossroad follows the story of Amish woman Rachel Yoder and outsider Phillip Bradley. Phillip is a visitor to her parents' B&B when he finds a mysterious postcard, unravels an age-old family mystery, and tracks it down to its source. Meanwhile the widow Rachel deals with loss and physical impairment while learning to love again, aided in part by the distraction of Phillip's discovery. I have to say, Beverly Lewis threw in almost every twist and plot device she could find, but somehow she made it work.
Sanctuary finds Melissa fleeing her peaceful life in Connecticut to take refuge in Lancaster County, befriended by a Mennonite woman with powerful faith. It's a story of faith and salvation first and foremost, overlayed on a crime drama. Sanctuary is a real page turner and an interesting look at evangelism.
The Postcard and The Crossroad follows the story of Amish woman Rachel Yoder and outsider Phillip Bradley. Phillip is a visitor to her parents' B&B when he finds a mysterious postcard, unravels an age-old family mystery, and tracks it down to its source. Meanwhile the widow Rachel deals with loss and physical impairment while learning to love again, aided in part by the distraction of Phillip's discovery. I have to say, Beverly Lewis threw in almost every twist and plot device she could find, but somehow she made it work.
Sanctuary finds Melissa fleeing her peaceful life in Connecticut to take refuge in Lancaster County, befriended by a Mennonite woman with powerful faith. It's a story of faith and salvation first and foremost, overlayed on a crime drama. Sanctuary is a real page turner and an interesting look at evangelism.
June 29, 2016
The first two stories are about a young amish lady who loses her husband and son and how she goes into a depression of sorts and loses her eyesight as well. She meets a reporter and they have an instant attraction but neither one of them realizes it. The story progresses well, the writing is believable, and the emotions are understandable.
The third story in this book is by a different author. I found myself skipping paragraphs due to the detail the author went into. A good story but not one of my favorites. In all honesty though, to be fair to the author, it could be because I was tired of holding this huge book and wanted to be done with it.
The third story in this book is by a different author. I found myself skipping paragraphs due to the detail the author went into. A good story but not one of my favorites. In all honesty though, to be fair to the author, it could be because I was tired of holding this huge book and wanted to be done with it.
August 22, 2013
I picked up these volumes at the library the other day, because I needed a book in a hurry and remembered some reviews about Beverly Lewis being a "clean reads" author. I am also intrigued by the Amish lifestyle, so it seemed a safe pick. The books were definitely clean, which I appreciated, and I gained some light education on Amish culture, but I am sorry to say that the writing felt simplistically sappy and the storyline contrived and though I was curious enough to invest another couple hours into the second volume to follow the plot, I couldn't bring myself to invest in the third.
January 30, 2011
Not the sort of thing I would usually read but my grandma loaned a whole pile to me...so there will be more. (I have some issues with the need to read books that have been given/loaned/recommended to me.) This was just a bit more saccharine than I prefer. I did enjoy the glance into Amish and Mennonite life.
January 13, 2008
AWESOME BOOK, COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN. WANTED TO KEEP READING UNTIL THE END. WOULD HIGHLY RECCOMEND TO ANYONE THAT FINDS THE AMISH LIFE AS INTERESTING AS I DO. I GOT TO MEAT BEVERLY LEWIS A FEW MONTHS AGO SHE WAS SO NICE AND SUCH A TALENTED WRITER.
July 5, 2010
I liked this collection okay. I enjoyed Beverly Lewis' stories much better than the one that she wrote with her husband. Not her best stuff, but not horrible either. I think I might have liked these a bit better if I had not read Abram's Daughters first. That is by far her best series!
January 30, 2008
Well i am currently reading this book. Mom got it for me for Christmas...so far a really like it since I am from Lancaster county - You gotta love Amish Country in Pennsylvania!
May 25, 2010
This was another "okay" book. It's better than "The Heritage of Lancaster County" series, but still not up there with the other series.
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June 26, 2012Great Book!
February 3, 2013
great book
April 18, 2013
Will read again!!
July 7, 2013
I don't know how I happened to have this book. I don't know where it came from. I 'spect I know where it's going.
April 1, 2014
how do you open books to read? just must not be smart enough. lets me mark them to read read but cant open any help
Read
July 28, 2011LOVE this collection Lewis is amazing
April 15, 2017
Don't think when you buy this book that all three books are tied together, their not. The first two are about a long lost love and the evils in witchery. A page turner! The last book was about a little girl and a father with many secrets...the father dies and the little girl grows up and finds herself afraid of every turn, eventually finding herself living among the Amish/Mennonites. Very different, but loves it ! Not sure why it was a part of this tio 😶
Displaying 1 - 23 of 24 reviews