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Brides of Amish Country #1
Katie's Redemption
After two years away, Katie Lantz returns to her Amish community nine months pregnant—and unmarried. With nowhere else to turn, she nervously knocks on her family's door, fearing she'll be shunned. Yet the handsome stranger who now owns the farm welcomes her in—just in time for Katie to give birth.
Carpenter Elam Sutter and his kindly mother care for Katie and her newborn in a loving way she never dreamed was possible. But in the face of a heart-wrenching choice, Katie learns just what family, faith and acceptance truly mean.
Carpenter Elam Sutter and his kindly mother care for Katie and her newborn in a loving way she never dreamed was possible. But in the face of a heart-wrenching choice, Katie learns just what family, faith and acceptance truly mean.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
185 people are currently reading
1682 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Davids
142 books405 followersI was born and raised in Northcentral Kansas. I'm a farmer's daughter, but I now make my home in the city of Wichita. I'm an RN. Neonatal nursing has been the main focus of my career. What can I say? I love babies. I was invited to the highschool graduation of a baby I took care of. Talk about making me feel old!
In June of 2011 I became a widow after my husband of 36 years and 11 months died from multiple brain tumors. It was a very sad time, but thanks to the three f's, my faith, my family and my friends, life is moving forward. I have four brothers, one daughter and two grandchildren who all work at making me feel loved.
I'm the author of more than 30 books and I'm currently writing a series called The Brides of Amish Country for Love Inspired.
In June of 2011 I became a widow after my husband of 36 years and 11 months died from multiple brain tumors. It was a very sad time, but thanks to the three f's, my faith, my family and my friends, life is moving forward. I have four brothers, one daughter and two grandchildren who all work at making me feel loved.
I'm the author of more than 30 books and I'm currently writing a series called The Brides of Amish Country for Love Inspired.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
December 9, 2015
I recommend this book!
This is an excellent story with very believable and enjoyable characters. I quickly became so involved in their lives that I had trouble putting down the book. It had some good teaching on forgiveness, honesty, and true Christian love and charity, too.
This is an excellent story with very believable and enjoyable characters. I quickly became so involved in their lives that I had trouble putting down the book. It had some good teaching on forgiveness, honesty, and true Christian love and charity, too.
May 28, 2010
I was really impressed with the writing. Loved the story.
July 8, 2016
A good Amish read!
August 26, 2018
3.5 Stars! =D
This wasn't a bad Amish story. There was a lot of stuff I really liked in it. The message about forgiveness. I mean that message was really tough for some of the things Katie went through. There was also a message about re-trusting people after you had someone hurt you.
The stuff about weaving baskets was cool. I want to try it now.=)
And also Elam.... He had so much heart, and he loved kids so much, and he was just great. I love guys like this. <3
The Writing:
The writing was okay. It was written in deep POV and the descriptions were okay. However, it did seem to head hop between Katie and Elam and jump scenes. It wasn't too bad that I think if there was scene breaks added there would be no confusion. It was just a little annoying.
Most of the book is very serious, though there was more humor towards the end it seemed. Basically it is a love story of how two people learn how to forgive others for past wrongs and learn to trust people again.
Mostly, the book just wasn't for me. It was good, but not really meant for my taste.
Content In Book:
1. A woman giving birth. Not too descriptive.
2. A woman getting pregnant out of wedlock.
3. Abuse.
Who Would I Recommend This Book To:
Those who like Amish stories. Romance lovers. Those who like stories about forgiveness and learning how to trust others again.
Will I Read the Next Book In the Series:
I don't know.... Maybe.... Though I did really like certain elements in this book, I am not sure if I'm committed enough to continue.
This wasn't a bad Amish story. There was a lot of stuff I really liked in it. The message about forgiveness. I mean that message was really tough for some of the things Katie went through. There was also a message about re-trusting people after you had someone hurt you.
The stuff about weaving baskets was cool. I want to try it now.=)
And also Elam.... He had so much heart, and he loved kids so much, and he was just great. I love guys like this. <3
The Writing:
The writing was okay. It was written in deep POV and the descriptions were okay. However, it did seem to head hop between Katie and Elam and jump scenes. It wasn't too bad that I think if there was scene breaks added there would be no confusion. It was just a little annoying.
Most of the book is very serious, though there was more humor towards the end it seemed. Basically it is a love story of how two people learn how to forgive others for past wrongs and learn to trust people again.
Mostly, the book just wasn't for me. It was good, but not really meant for my taste.
Content In Book:
1. A woman giving birth. Not too descriptive.
2. A woman getting pregnant out of wedlock.
3. Abuse.
Who Would I Recommend This Book To:
Those who like Amish stories. Romance lovers. Those who like stories about forgiveness and learning how to trust others again.
Will I Read the Next Book In the Series:
I don't know.... Maybe.... Though I did really like certain elements in this book, I am not sure if I'm committed enough to continue.
May 30, 2025
3.5 stars
An easy, sweet little story.
An easy, sweet little story.
December 2, 2022
This was Patricia Davids' first Amish book, and I have to say that for a first shot, she really did her research, thought through her plotline, and wrote it very, very well.
Katie's home life among the Amish was abusive, so she rebelled and left the People for the Englisch world... where she was used up and spit out. She has no good experiences to draw from, at all. And she's out of everything: money, resources, and time - she's very pregnant and needs help. So she's forced to go 'home'.
Except 'home' was going to make her beg on her knees for forgiveness. And 'home' wouldn't open her letters asking for her apologies to be accepted. And then 'home' moved to Kansas on her... so when she went 'home'... she ended up in someone else's house, having her baby.
And there she learned what 'home' *REALLY* was.
In a nutshell.
I had a problem with the fact that Elam Sutter is basically the same character as Levi Beachy in 'A Hope Springs Christmas'. I also noticed that Caleb Mast and John 'Doe' felt like the same characters, too. Writing heroes needs a little work, for Davids. S'okay - there's always room for improvement. Her females are varied... and Nettie is amazing in this one. I want to grow up to be just like her. ;)
There were some weird things. For example, Nettie says she's having Elam build her a proper porch that she can sit on, have a rocker on, come spring. But then three days later, Elam has all of the men bringing the church benches to the house 'stack them on the porch'. Would that be the not-big-enough-for-a rocker porch? And later, Katie's rocking in a chair on the porch, so... what the heck?!
Another thing, she gets a job at the inn that comes with a room, but Elam comes to pick her up and bring her home to his house, after her first day. Why didn't she move in, again?
I mostly liked this, though. I'm just... trying to figure out which books I need to keep, and which ones I can give away with the stinkers, because I'm not keeping twenty books over THREE series (Yes, I saw that the 'Amish Twins' book is a part of this, too!) if'n I don't like some of 'em. It's vexing, but once I get thru all of them that I have, I can make a decision...
Katie's home life among the Amish was abusive, so she rebelled and left the People for the Englisch world... where she was used up and spit out. She has no good experiences to draw from, at all. And she's out of everything: money, resources, and time - she's very pregnant and needs help. So she's forced to go 'home'.
Except 'home' was going to make her beg on her knees for forgiveness. And 'home' wouldn't open her letters asking for her apologies to be accepted. And then 'home' moved to Kansas on her... so when she went 'home'... she ended up in someone else's house, having her baby.
And there she learned what 'home' *REALLY* was.
In a nutshell.
I had a problem with the fact that Elam Sutter is basically the same character as Levi Beachy in 'A Hope Springs Christmas'. I also noticed that Caleb Mast and John 'Doe' felt like the same characters, too. Writing heroes needs a little work, for Davids. S'okay - there's always room for improvement. Her females are varied... and Nettie is amazing in this one. I want to grow up to be just like her. ;)
There were some weird things. For example, Nettie says she's having Elam build her a proper porch that she can sit on, have a rocker on, come spring. But then three days later, Elam has all of the men bringing the church benches to the house 'stack them on the porch'. Would that be the not-big-enough-for-a rocker porch? And later, Katie's rocking in a chair on the porch, so... what the heck?!
Another thing, she gets a job at the inn that comes with a room, but Elam comes to pick her up and bring her home to his house, after her first day. Why didn't she move in, again?
I mostly liked this, though. I'm just... trying to figure out which books I need to keep, and which ones I can give away with the stinkers, because I'm not keeping twenty books over THREE series (Yes, I saw that the 'Amish Twins' book is a part of this, too!) if'n I don't like some of 'em. It's vexing, but once I get thru all of them that I have, I can make a decision...
February 26, 2018
"Katie's Redemption (Brides of Amish Country, #1)" by Patricia Davids was a cute novel that is short and sweet. I believe that you can describe most novels that are written under the title of 'Love Inspired.' I would like to read more novels by Ms. Davids in the near future so that I can get a strong feel for her writings.
Katie Lantz is a young woman who drifted from the Amish faith for she thought that a greater life was waiting for her outside of her controlling community. Pregnant and returning home, Katie realizes that the life she had been looking for was just a fairy tale without the happy ending. Unfortunately, when the van driver pulls up to what used to be her old home, she had the rude awakening that her family was no longer residing there.
Elam Sutter and his mother lived together in an older home and worked the land as many of the good Amish do. Mr. Sutter could not have been more surprised than to wake up one morning to find a pregnant woman, that was not his wife, on his door step in need of a place to stay. With no money, nothing for the child, and no where to go- Katie was forced to impose herself on their hospitality until her child was born.
Can God take the past of these two different individuals, and bring them together in a new and loving way? Can God make a family where there seems to be no hope for one? Softening hearts and changing minds is something that our Heavenly Father is excellent in, and this story does a beautiful job and portraying those characteristics.
Katie Lantz is a young woman who drifted from the Amish faith for she thought that a greater life was waiting for her outside of her controlling community. Pregnant and returning home, Katie realizes that the life she had been looking for was just a fairy tale without the happy ending. Unfortunately, when the van driver pulls up to what used to be her old home, she had the rude awakening that her family was no longer residing there.
Elam Sutter and his mother lived together in an older home and worked the land as many of the good Amish do. Mr. Sutter could not have been more surprised than to wake up one morning to find a pregnant woman, that was not his wife, on his door step in need of a place to stay. With no money, nothing for the child, and no where to go- Katie was forced to impose herself on their hospitality until her child was born.
Can God take the past of these two different individuals, and bring them together in a new and loving way? Can God make a family where there seems to be no hope for one? Softening hearts and changing minds is something that our Heavenly Father is excellent in, and this story does a beautiful job and portraying those characteristics.
November 19, 2011
this is a wonderful amish story by Patricia Davids "Katie's Redemption". Katie really had a hard life from the time she was born, she was in a fire that killed most of her family at a very young age and an older brother raised her, He was a very strict man and she did not know much love even though she grew up in an amish comunity where Love always abounds. She was ennamored by a young english man she met when he visited in the comunity when she was a teenager and she left with him thinking this was Love. He abandoned her when she became pregnant and she made her way back to the amish comunity hoping her brother would forgive her and she could have the baby. Upon arriving in a bad stormy night she found someone living in the old homestead and brother gone to another state.
A young man and his Mom lived together and when they saw the state Katie was in they let her stay with them for awhile and it was here that Katie finally found Love.....
A young man and his Mom lived together and when they saw the state Katie was in they let her stay with them for awhile and it was here that Katie finally found Love.....
January 8, 2024
Katie's Redemption is a typical Amish-themed, Christian romance. It is very well-written with no glaring editorial issues. There are, however, a few "Amish" issues. Perhaps it is a difference between the Amish that the author is familiar with and the Amish that I am familiar with.
Despite that issue, I would definitely recommend this book. I really liked the character development of this book. Not only did the author develop the characters well as the story progressed, but she very adequately portrayed the characters' internal development, their desire for and path towards growth.
As others have said, the story is "sweet", but it manages to avoid the syrupy, sickly-sweet tone that sometime plagues christian romances. Overall, it was very well done!
Despite that issue, I would definitely recommend this book. I really liked the character development of this book. Not only did the author develop the characters well as the story progressed, but she very adequately portrayed the characters' internal development, their desire for and path towards growth.
As others have said, the story is "sweet", but it manages to avoid the syrupy, sickly-sweet tone that sometime plagues christian romances. Overall, it was very well done!
September 28, 2015
I enjoyed this read. Love Inspired stories always deliver a sweet read. This was my first book by Patricia Davids and I enjoyed reading about Katie Lantz.
Katie has returned to her Amish home pregnant and unwed, only to fine that her brother no longer lives there. Right away the premise grabbed me. Ms. Davids kept my interest as I waited to find if Katie would return to her roots or to the world at large. This is a great story about finding yourself and wanting to belong.
Katie has returned to her Amish home pregnant and unwed, only to fine that her brother no longer lives there. Right away the premise grabbed me. Ms. Davids kept my interest as I waited to find if Katie would return to her roots or to the world at large. This is a great story about finding yourself and wanting to belong.
June 14, 2018
I love this series. I have read 4 in 4 days. So inspirational. Lots of interesting info on the lifestyle of the Amish. I read them out of order because I don’t have the entire series but they are great stand alone books. The kindness and forgiveness the Amish family that took Katie in was amazing. Even though she was an ex-Amish woman. I felt so good after reading this book. In this day and age with all that is goi g on, we need this kin of love. No gossip, just love!
September 22, 2025
Katie & Elam’s Redemption
This was a wonderful story and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. For a first time writing, this story touched my heart and soul. I think many readers struggle with the same things that both Katie and Elam have. Pride, loss, feeling like they don’t belong, aimlessness of life and self worth. How can there be a life without love, without acceptance, without God’s grace and love? In some ways, the Amish and Mennonite way of life is what so many want but so many won’t accept. Matt is a great example and Malachi’s rejection of his sister because she was adopted at birth and never accepted by him since he was the oldest. The loss of his biological family was too much for him to accept his adopted sister and he blamed her for all his woes. Maybe there is another story here to be written and showing how a professing Amish man should deal properly with his burdens. Maybe the why he is fatherless is because he has not dealt with his own sin before God. Katie, Malachi, Elam and Matt are all together and far apart is seeking God’s forgiveness.
This was a wonderful story and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. For a first time writing, this story touched my heart and soul. I think many readers struggle with the same things that both Katie and Elam have. Pride, loss, feeling like they don’t belong, aimlessness of life and self worth. How can there be a life without love, without acceptance, without God’s grace and love? In some ways, the Amish and Mennonite way of life is what so many want but so many won’t accept. Matt is a great example and Malachi’s rejection of his sister because she was adopted at birth and never accepted by him since he was the oldest. The loss of his biological family was too much for him to accept his adopted sister and he blamed her for all his woes. Maybe there is another story here to be written and showing how a professing Amish man should deal properly with his burdens. Maybe the why he is fatherless is because he has not dealt with his own sin before God. Katie, Malachi, Elam and Matt are all together and far apart is seeking God’s forgiveness.
November 12, 2023
I read this first book in series because I like the author.
When Katie is abandoned by her boyfriend when she is pregnant she has to go back home. Little did she know her brother had sold the family farm and she had no place to go.
Now going through my reading history I have only read one of her other books but I gave it a 5 star.
The author says in her notes this is her first Amish book.
I certainly loved the last one I read, so maybe she has improved over the years. I didn’t hate this book, just was a little stiff and stilted in a few spots. Library book
When Katie is abandoned by her boyfriend when she is pregnant she has to go back home. Little did she know her brother had sold the family farm and she had no place to go.
Now going through my reading history I have only read one of her other books but I gave it a 5 star.
The author says in her notes this is her first Amish book.
I certainly loved the last one I read, so maybe she has improved over the years. I didn’t hate this book, just was a little stiff and stilted in a few spots. Library book
June 21, 2022
Oh, this is a GREAT book! Well written, evenly paced, with engaging, fleshed-out characters. No easy answers, but hard-won growth and decisions all around. I really respected Elam’s stand protecting Katie, both from the bishop’s concerns and also from Elam’s own desires. I never had any doubts about the happy ending I would like to write for Katie and her daughter, but I’m glad Patricia Davids agreed!
November 29, 2021
This was a great start to the series. Definitely I'm going to be reading the next one. Katie left the Amish years ago before she was ever baptized. Then she came back and found that somebody else owned her brother's farm and her brother moved to kansas. There's many twists and turns such as Katie having a baby and more. It was a wonderful and quick
January 28, 2022
Interesting review of the lives of an Amish woman who had left the group to go to the city. What happens to her when she arrives home pregnant and finds that her family has moved. The generosity of the family who now lives in her former home and the inner struggle the man of the house faces if he is going to let her and the baby she delivers live there is enlightening.
June 8, 2022
This is such a lovely story. Davids does a wonderful job with writing characters that seem real and fleshed out and the way they express their faith feels natural instead of forced into the story. I only wish she had gone a bit stronger in showing Katie's draw back to the Amish and her faith so that aspect didn't feel so rushed at the end.
March 19, 2018
New and refreshing
Totally different than other books of this type. Loved the characters. You feel as if you are sitting in the kitchen with them, holding the baby visiting Excellent book.
Totally different than other books of this type. Loved the characters. You feel as if you are sitting in the kitchen with them, holding the baby visiting Excellent book.
June 13, 2019
5 stars
Love how men are real men at a young age. At 25, Elam had land, a business, and firm grip on his Faith.
I was drawn in from page one and felt like I was right there. Every emotion was touched in this book. I highly recommend reading this book.
Love how men are real men at a young age. At 25, Elam had land, a business, and firm grip on his Faith.
I was drawn in from page one and felt like I was right there. Every emotion was touched in this book. I highly recommend reading this book.
February 6, 2020
Awesome
I lived this story. I enjoyed watching Katie slowly accepting the Amish life and accepting the fact that she belong there with the community and with Elam and his mother as one family.
I lived this story. I enjoyed watching Katie slowly accepting the Amish life and accepting the fact that she belong there with the community and with Elam and his mother as one family.
December 17, 2023
Amish forgiveness
The story is about a young Amid girl that leaves the faith, many trials to overcome and except what God has in store for her. Read it in one day,very well written, just wanted more.
The story is about a young Amid girl that leaves the faith, many trials to overcome and except what God has in store for her. Read it in one day,very well written, just wanted more.
May 16, 2024
A bonus book with another story by a familiar author, this bonus was not my favorite. I usually do not read Amish life books as I do not understand that life. I was hoping this would end differently but it did not.
June 14, 2024
Redemption in the sweetest way
I really enjoyed the way this book was written with the comparisons of the 2 worlds. It could really reflect the differences of the world and Christianity as well. God is so loving and patient with us Just as Elam is with Katie.
I really enjoyed the way this book was written with the comparisons of the 2 worlds. It could really reflect the differences of the world and Christianity as well. God is so loving and patient with us Just as Elam is with Katie.
April 21, 2019
Loved this one and this author is awesome! This is the 2nd book I've read of hers. Read in one day.
July 20, 2017
Cute story about redemption and finding love even when you don't fully love yourself because of your past mistakes. I wish there was a bit more resolution with Katie and her brother.
December 17, 2017
Satisfying story
The characters came alive for me but even more depth would have made them more believable. Nonetheless, I enjoyed every page.
The characters came alive for me but even more depth would have made them more believable. Nonetheless, I enjoyed every page.
February 8, 2018
It was really great this was my reading with this author. I have all of her books I really enjoy the seriers.
April 1, 2018
It's a little bit good to know more about the Amish people's lifestyle
June 27, 2018
Katie’s Redemption is the first Amish novel that I have read. I checked it out as part of a reading challenge. I was hesitant to read something that does not align with my beliefs, but I kept an open mind.
Overall, Katie’s Redemption is a decent book and a soft romance. A lot of the romantic plot is in emotion, rather than action. There is a hesitancy to the romance that I enjoyed. This was also partially due to the religious beliefs of the characters. The characters were traditional, but it suited the story.The Amish aspect did not bother me too much. Yes, there was a lot of talk that reflected their beliefs, but the story outshone it.
Overall, Katie’s Redemption is a decent book and a soft romance. A lot of the romantic plot is in emotion, rather than action. There is a hesitancy to the romance that I enjoyed. This was also partially due to the religious beliefs of the characters. The characters were traditional, but it suited the story.The Amish aspect did not bother me too much. Yes, there was a lot of talk that reflected their beliefs, but the story outshone it.
February 27, 2019
Very Inspiring Book
This book was very interesting and anyone who likes reading about the Amish will enjoy it. It's not a long read but is an enjoyable one.
This book was very interesting and anyone who likes reading about the Amish will enjoy it. It's not a long read but is an enjoyable one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews