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Wayne County #1
Abigail's New Hope
As an Amish midwife, Abigail Graber loves bringing babies into the world. But when a difficult delivery takes a devastating turn, Abigail is faced with some hard choices. Despite her best efforts, the young mother dies―but the baby is saved. When a heartless judge confines Abigail to the county jail for her mistakes, her sister Catherine comes to care for her children while Daniel works his fields. Catherine meets Daniel’s reclusive cousin, Isaiah, who’s deaf and thought to be simple minded by his community. She endeavors to teach him to communicate and discovers he possesses unexpected gifts and talents. While Abigail searches for forgiveness, Catherine changes lives and, in return, finds love, something long elusive in her life. And Isaiah discovers God, who cares nothing about our handicaps or limitations in His sustaining love. An inspirational tale of overcoming grief, maintaining faith, and finding hope in an ever-changing world. About This Fans of superb Amish fiction will welcome the rich and moving stories of The Wayne County series by the bestselling author of A Widow’s Hope , Never Far from Home , and The Way to a Man’s Heart .
286 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2011
81 people are currently reading
1747 people want to read
About the author
Mary Ellis
36 books271 followersMary Ellis is a former schoolteacher turned USA Today bestselling author who’s written twenty-six novels including Amish fiction, historical romance, and suspense. Her first mystery, Midnight on the Mississippi, was a finalist for the RT Magazine’s Reviewer’s Choice Award and a finalist for the Daphne du Maurier Award. Her latest book is One for the Road from the Bourbon Tour Mysteries from Severn House. One Hundred Proof Murder releases August 31, 2021. Her latest Amish novella is Missing at Amazon Kindle. She enjoys gardening and bicycling and lives in Ohio with her husband and dog. www.maryellis.net or www.facebook.com/Mary.Ellis.Author
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
October 23, 2017
An entertaining and enjoyable start to this Amish fiction series. Can't wait to read the sequels!
November 23, 2014
Abigail's New Hope book #1 in series "Wayne County" by Mary Ellis
Abigail Graber loves her job as midwife to her community and works with Dr Weller. There is no greater pleasure then holding a newborn and helping the mother trough this rough time. Abigail has a supportive husband and two little children.
Most amish stories are sweet reads and you just fly through the pages enjoying all the love and kindness these people have for one another.
BUT...this story has turmoil that will make your eyes tear up and your heart swell with emotions as you go through a dark time for Abigail. This sweet caring woman lands in jail....unheard of you say. me too.
This will take Daniel and the girls on a journey they never expected to be on. Abigail's sister, Catherine comes to help out at the home thinking a few days and Abigail will be home again...it is all a misunderstanding. It has to be.
The days and weeks go by and Catherine meets Isaiah who lives in cabin behind the house and helps Daniel with the farm work. Isaiah is deaf and is a loner but Catherine loves people and she knows she can help this young man as she had worked with a family that had deaf twins and she had learned sign language. Working with Isaiah brings her heart to a place where she never thought she would be as they find feelings for one another. Can this be the beginning of a new relationship and Love that Catherine has given up ever having?
There is a story within a story as we find out about Nathan and his wife who had moved to the community recently -she being pregnant and had secrets that she did not want known. She chose to have a baby for her husband and wanted Abigail to deliver as she had not chose a dr after moving. Many things go wrong and Nathan loses his wife, but a son is born and survives because of Abigail's help.
Mary Ellis tells a good story and makes us aware of the dangers of home births. Thank you for finding these characters and writing a story that is of love-healing- forgiveness and faith...
Abigail Graber loves her job as midwife to her community and works with Dr Weller. There is no greater pleasure then holding a newborn and helping the mother trough this rough time. Abigail has a supportive husband and two little children.
Most amish stories are sweet reads and you just fly through the pages enjoying all the love and kindness these people have for one another.
BUT...this story has turmoil that will make your eyes tear up and your heart swell with emotions as you go through a dark time for Abigail. This sweet caring woman lands in jail....unheard of you say. me too.
This will take Daniel and the girls on a journey they never expected to be on. Abigail's sister, Catherine comes to help out at the home thinking a few days and Abigail will be home again...it is all a misunderstanding. It has to be.
The days and weeks go by and Catherine meets Isaiah who lives in cabin behind the house and helps Daniel with the farm work. Isaiah is deaf and is a loner but Catherine loves people and she knows she can help this young man as she had worked with a family that had deaf twins and she had learned sign language. Working with Isaiah brings her heart to a place where she never thought she would be as they find feelings for one another. Can this be the beginning of a new relationship and Love that Catherine has given up ever having?
There is a story within a story as we find out about Nathan and his wife who had moved to the community recently -she being pregnant and had secrets that she did not want known. She chose to have a baby for her husband and wanted Abigail to deliver as she had not chose a dr after moving. Many things go wrong and Nathan loses his wife, but a son is born and survives because of Abigail's help.
Mary Ellis tells a good story and makes us aware of the dangers of home births. Thank you for finding these characters and writing a story that is of love-healing- forgiveness and faith...
April 22, 2011
Once upon a time, not too long ago, I did not like reading fiction. But, there was a Christian novel that just sounded too go to pass up, so I read it, and loved it. That got me looking at other Christian novels, and before long, I was hooked. There was one genre that I tried to get into, but I just didn’t like - Amish fiction. But, I kept hearing about all these wonderful Amish stories, so I forced myself to read them. Most, I didn’t like, but some I did. The ones I did like kept me reading more of them. I have gotten to the point where I am becoming more and more fond of Amish fiction. I don’t like all of it, but there is more I like these day than I don’t like. I am very thankful that I didn’t give up on Amish books because I would have missed out on a lot of great books. I certainly would have missed out on Abigail’s New Hope, and that would have been quite sad indeed.
Abigail’s New Hope started in a way that I loved, and I knew this would be a book I was going to enjoy. The peace and beauty of an Amish farm is one of the things that draws readers to this particular genre and Mary gave a beautiful description of Abigail’s and Daniel’s farm as the sun began to set. I could feel the tranquility in the words and I could hear the sounds as if I was standing right there. When a book stirs my senses like that on the first couple of pages, I know I am going to have a wonderful reading experience.
From the strong start to the satisfying ending, Abigail’s New Hope did not disappoint me at all. Every aspect of this book was perfect in my eyes. I loved the characters, the story, the setting, and above all, the writing. Mary Ellis is an author who I have never read before, but I will never hesitate to pick up one her books in the future. I am so glad that I have been letting go of my aversion to Amish fiction because I would not have wanted to miss this book. I highly recommend this wonderful story that is going on my favorites list.
Abigail’s New Hope started in a way that I loved, and I knew this would be a book I was going to enjoy. The peace and beauty of an Amish farm is one of the things that draws readers to this particular genre and Mary gave a beautiful description of Abigail’s and Daniel’s farm as the sun began to set. I could feel the tranquility in the words and I could hear the sounds as if I was standing right there. When a book stirs my senses like that on the first couple of pages, I know I am going to have a wonderful reading experience.
From the strong start to the satisfying ending, Abigail’s New Hope did not disappoint me at all. Every aspect of this book was perfect in my eyes. I loved the characters, the story, the setting, and above all, the writing. Mary Ellis is an author who I have never read before, but I will never hesitate to pick up one her books in the future. I am so glad that I have been letting go of my aversion to Amish fiction because I would not have wanted to miss this book. I highly recommend this wonderful story that is going on my favorites list.
March 19, 2011
Synopsis..Amish midwife Abigail Graber loves bringing babies into the world. But when a difficult delivery takes a devastating turn, Abigail is faced with some of the hardest choices she has ever had to make. Despite all her efforts, the young mother dies-but the baby is saved.
When a heartless judge confines Abigail to the county jail, her younger sister, Catherine, comes to care for the home while Daniel works his fields. Catherine meets Daniel's reclusive cousin, Isaiah, who's deaf and thought to be simple-minded by his community. She teaches him how to communicates with his fellow man, and in so doing, discovers he possesses unexpected gifts and talents. Catherine makes a difference in all their lives and in return, finds love, while Isaiah discovers God, who cares not for our handicaps or limitations.
This book was very enjoyable and a very quick read! It showed that we all have to live with our decisions. I thought that Abigail did the right thing, but in the eyes of the law she was wrong! Just like a sin is a sin!
I loved the way Catherine is able to communicate with Issiah. What a fun time she and the children have together, including Issiah!
My heart went out to Nathan who loses his young wife, and now has little Abraham to take care of.
You can see God's hand in helping his people! Abagail's presence in the Jail also has an effect on those around her. I also loved those who nagged at Nathan to return to his Lord, and deal with his grief.
I would recommend this book to all who enjoy a good story and life in the Amish community.
I purchased this book and the opinions expressed are my own.
When a heartless judge confines Abigail to the county jail, her younger sister, Catherine, comes to care for the home while Daniel works his fields. Catherine meets Daniel's reclusive cousin, Isaiah, who's deaf and thought to be simple-minded by his community. She teaches him how to communicates with his fellow man, and in so doing, discovers he possesses unexpected gifts and talents. Catherine makes a difference in all their lives and in return, finds love, while Isaiah discovers God, who cares not for our handicaps or limitations.
This book was very enjoyable and a very quick read! It showed that we all have to live with our decisions. I thought that Abigail did the right thing, but in the eyes of the law she was wrong! Just like a sin is a sin!
I loved the way Catherine is able to communicate with Issiah. What a fun time she and the children have together, including Issiah!
My heart went out to Nathan who loses his young wife, and now has little Abraham to take care of.
You can see God's hand in helping his people! Abagail's presence in the Jail also has an effect on those around her. I also loved those who nagged at Nathan to return to his Lord, and deal with his grief.
I would recommend this book to all who enjoy a good story and life in the Amish community.
I purchased this book and the opinions expressed are my own.
April 19, 2011
Very different type of story line for Amish lit. It is good overall but the pacing was odd for me. The story line and the timeline for it jumped around too much for my liking which is why I gave it 3 stars instead of 4.
June 7, 2011
Abby and Daniel Graber are a happy Amish family. They have two beautiful children: six-year-old Laura and four-year-old Jake. Abby is a midwife but isn’t allowed to totally birth babies on her own and can only assist Dr. Weller.
One evening Abby receives a phone call from a man named Nathan Fisher. He and his wife, Ruth, had recently rented the old Levi Yoder place after Mr. Yoder passed away. Nathan requested that Abby come to see his wife as she was in active labour and about to birth their baby. Knowing she isn’t allowed to do this on her own, Abby advised Nathan to contact the doctor’s office but Nathan was insistent telling Abby his wife was: “...crying out in a lot of pain.” Nathan indicated things had progressed too far to try and track the doctor down. Abby then suggested he call 911 for an ambulance or she could make the call for him. Nathan explains that his wife, Ruth, won’t go to a hospital. Annoyed, Nathan tells Abby: “If you don’t want to help us, then don’t come...” Finally Abby relents and heads for the Fisher farm in her buggy.
During Abby’s four-mile drive, she tried calling Dr. Weller but was told by his answering service that he was stuck in a multi-car pile-up on the interstate, and would be tied up in emergency at the hospital all night. The answering service suggested Abby call the paramedics.
Nathan Fisher met Abby outside the house, told her he’d take care of her horses and could she please go inside immediately as his wife was: “...hurting real bad.”
Once inside the house Abby put her bag on the table and called 911. She told the dispatcher she had a woman in labour and needed an ambulance right away and provided the address. After scrubbing her hands, Abby found Ruth inside the bedroom in advanced stages of labour. Sweat ran down the woman’s face, the room was hot and airless, and filled with a coppery smell of blood. Abby noticed Ruth’s complexion was the colour of skim milk, her hair was damp and clung to her head like saran wrap. Abby pulled off the blankets and: “...her words and breath froze in her throat. There was a lot of blood – too much!” It was actually pooling on the soaking wet sheet. Abby told Ruth that she was NOT allowed to birth babies on her own. When Nathan returned from outside, Abby told him to call 911 again and tell them we need that ambulance “right now!” Abby instructed Nathan to ensure he told them his wife was hemorrhaging.
As Abby was examining Ruth, Ruth grabbed her arm and said: “Save my baby. Don’t worry about me.” Her words were barely audible. Abby knew that if the placenta tore away from the uterine wall in just the right place at just the right time, Ruth could lose enough blood within 15 minutes. Abby knew this was what was happening. Wasting no time, Abby told Ruth to start pushing because this baby needed to come out now! Miraculously, the baby slid out and began breathing on his own as soon as Abby cleaned the mucus from his nose and mouth. Abby showed Ruth her newborn baby son and saw a slight flicker of a smile cross her face. Then Ruth lapsed into unconsciousness, her breathing grew thin and raspy while her blood continued to pool. Abby wrapped the baby in a blanket, handed him to Nathan and told him to go and wait for the ambulance. Once gone, without hesitation Abby pulled a “prefilled syringe” from her bag and injected Ruth with a powerful drug to stop the hemorrhaging...a drug she wasn’t supposed to have.” By the time the ambulance arrived 10 minutes later, Ruth had no discernable pulse or even a wisp of breath. The ambulance had arrived and took over but despite their best efforts, Ruth had passed on. Abby tired and exhausted went home to bed.
The following day Abby and Daniel were returning home when they saw a Sheriff’s car with flashing lights parked in front of their house. Abby jumped out of the buggy and ran to the Sheriff to inquire about her children. The children were fine, it was Abby the Sheriff had come for. She was being arrested for administering the medication to Ruth the day before. Sitting in a jail cell charged with felonies and other charges, Abby ponders her future and that of her family.
One evening Abby receives a phone call from a man named Nathan Fisher. He and his wife, Ruth, had recently rented the old Levi Yoder place after Mr. Yoder passed away. Nathan requested that Abby come to see his wife as she was in active labour and about to birth their baby. Knowing she isn’t allowed to do this on her own, Abby advised Nathan to contact the doctor’s office but Nathan was insistent telling Abby his wife was: “...crying out in a lot of pain.” Nathan indicated things had progressed too far to try and track the doctor down. Abby then suggested he call 911 for an ambulance or she could make the call for him. Nathan explains that his wife, Ruth, won’t go to a hospital. Annoyed, Nathan tells Abby: “If you don’t want to help us, then don’t come...” Finally Abby relents and heads for the Fisher farm in her buggy.
During Abby’s four-mile drive, she tried calling Dr. Weller but was told by his answering service that he was stuck in a multi-car pile-up on the interstate, and would be tied up in emergency at the hospital all night. The answering service suggested Abby call the paramedics.
Nathan Fisher met Abby outside the house, told her he’d take care of her horses and could she please go inside immediately as his wife was: “...hurting real bad.”
Once inside the house Abby put her bag on the table and called 911. She told the dispatcher she had a woman in labour and needed an ambulance right away and provided the address. After scrubbing her hands, Abby found Ruth inside the bedroom in advanced stages of labour. Sweat ran down the woman’s face, the room was hot and airless, and filled with a coppery smell of blood. Abby noticed Ruth’s complexion was the colour of skim milk, her hair was damp and clung to her head like saran wrap. Abby pulled off the blankets and: “...her words and breath froze in her throat. There was a lot of blood – too much!” It was actually pooling on the soaking wet sheet. Abby told Ruth that she was NOT allowed to birth babies on her own. When Nathan returned from outside, Abby told him to call 911 again and tell them we need that ambulance “right now!” Abby instructed Nathan to ensure he told them his wife was hemorrhaging.
As Abby was examining Ruth, Ruth grabbed her arm and said: “Save my baby. Don’t worry about me.” Her words were barely audible. Abby knew that if the placenta tore away from the uterine wall in just the right place at just the right time, Ruth could lose enough blood within 15 minutes. Abby knew this was what was happening. Wasting no time, Abby told Ruth to start pushing because this baby needed to come out now! Miraculously, the baby slid out and began breathing on his own as soon as Abby cleaned the mucus from his nose and mouth. Abby showed Ruth her newborn baby son and saw a slight flicker of a smile cross her face. Then Ruth lapsed into unconsciousness, her breathing grew thin and raspy while her blood continued to pool. Abby wrapped the baby in a blanket, handed him to Nathan and told him to go and wait for the ambulance. Once gone, without hesitation Abby pulled a “prefilled syringe” from her bag and injected Ruth with a powerful drug to stop the hemorrhaging...a drug she wasn’t supposed to have.” By the time the ambulance arrived 10 minutes later, Ruth had no discernable pulse or even a wisp of breath. The ambulance had arrived and took over but despite their best efforts, Ruth had passed on. Abby tired and exhausted went home to bed.
The following day Abby and Daniel were returning home when they saw a Sheriff’s car with flashing lights parked in front of their house. Abby jumped out of the buggy and ran to the Sheriff to inquire about her children. The children were fine, it was Abby the Sheriff had come for. She was being arrested for administering the medication to Ruth the day before. Sitting in a jail cell charged with felonies and other charges, Abby ponders her future and that of her family.
May 9, 2011
Title: ABIGAIL’S NEW HOPE
Author: Mary Ellis
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
April 2011
ISBN: 978-0-7369-3009-3
Genre: Inspirational/women’s fiction/Amish
Reviewed by: Laura Hilton
Abigail Grabber is an unlicensed midwife. She loves assisting in births, but due to educational laws in her Amish community she is unable to become licensed. She works with a doctor who is willing to make house-calls, sitting with the mother while she’s in labor, and staying after the birth to help out. But then the unthinkable happens. A call from an Amish family where the mother has never seen the doctor…she’s in labor. Abby calls the doctor but finds out he’s tied up with an accident, so she calls for an ambulance. But when she arrives, the labor has progressed so far, she has no choice but to deliver the baby.
When the mother starts hemorrhaging, Abby gives the husband her cell phone and orders him to recall the ambulance and tell them they are needed STAT, and then she administers a drug to the woman to stop the bleeding and hopefully, save her life. But it doesn’t work. The woman dies.
Abby is saddened by the death, but it is even worse when Abby is arrested for illegally practicing medicine, using illegal drugs, and other charges. And when she learns that her Amish community won’t post bail, she is left with some hard choices. Will God help her—and her family—get through this trail?
ABIGAIL’S NEW HOPE is the first book in Mary Ellis’ Wayne County series, and it’s completely engaging. The book did start a little bit slow, but it quickly picked up and held my interest through the end of the book.
Abby, her husband Daniel, and Abby’s sister, Catherine, all have difficult choices to make, decisions, and things to follow through on, and they all learn painful lessons during the process. This will be a book that will stay with you after closing the last page. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book. 4.5 stars. $13.99. 288 pages.
Author: Mary Ellis
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
April 2011
ISBN: 978-0-7369-3009-3
Genre: Inspirational/women’s fiction/Amish
Reviewed by: Laura Hilton
Abigail Grabber is an unlicensed midwife. She loves assisting in births, but due to educational laws in her Amish community she is unable to become licensed. She works with a doctor who is willing to make house-calls, sitting with the mother while she’s in labor, and staying after the birth to help out. But then the unthinkable happens. A call from an Amish family where the mother has never seen the doctor…she’s in labor. Abby calls the doctor but finds out he’s tied up with an accident, so she calls for an ambulance. But when she arrives, the labor has progressed so far, she has no choice but to deliver the baby.
When the mother starts hemorrhaging, Abby gives the husband her cell phone and orders him to recall the ambulance and tell them they are needed STAT, and then she administers a drug to the woman to stop the bleeding and hopefully, save her life. But it doesn’t work. The woman dies.
Abby is saddened by the death, but it is even worse when Abby is arrested for illegally practicing medicine, using illegal drugs, and other charges. And when she learns that her Amish community won’t post bail, she is left with some hard choices. Will God help her—and her family—get through this trail?
ABIGAIL’S NEW HOPE is the first book in Mary Ellis’ Wayne County series, and it’s completely engaging. The book did start a little bit slow, but it quickly picked up and held my interest through the end of the book.
Abby, her husband Daniel, and Abby’s sister, Catherine, all have difficult choices to make, decisions, and things to follow through on, and they all learn painful lessons during the process. This will be a book that will stay with you after closing the last page. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book. 4.5 stars. $13.99. 288 pages.
March 11, 2015
Mercy! I was shocked when Abigail was arrested!
What would an Amish woman do, when she tries to convince a woman about to give birth — and obviously having troubles — to go to the hospital… and she refuses!
What would you do in the same situation?
Yes — she goes to the house and tries to do all she can to help. After all, she had no idea she’d land in jail and face charges of manslaughter! Oh boy, what a mess it turns into, when all she was doing was trying to help someone in distress.
I’d love to tease Mary Ellis… just how does she knows so much about the working of the jail and the courtroom proceedings? Ach, I know she works meticulously to research everything she needs to write an informative, thrilling story for her readers, so maybe I won’t tease her about it.
In the meantime, Catherine, Abigail’s sister, comes to help out while she’s away — and meets a man who helps her brother-in-law on the farm. She learns that he lives in a cabin nearby, but is thought to be simple-minded. Daniel warns her to leave the man alone, aside from fixing his meals and leaving them outside for him to pick up.
But as days go by, Catherine gets curious about Isaiah… and discovers that he’s deaf, but not in the least simple-minded. Matter of fact, Catherine finds her heart racing a bit faster whenever Isaiah is around. Will she find love with Isaiah?
Does it all work out? Well, you know I won’t tell you (at least not much — usually no more than what’s found on the back of the book). I hope I have convinced you to pick up a copy of this book… if you enjoy Amish fiction, I know you’ll love Abigail’s New Hope!
Now it’s time to revisit Wayne County…
April 7, 2011
An Amish woman in jail?? Unheard of, but that is exactly where Abigail Graber has found herself. What a mess, just doing what she loves to do, bringing babies into this world, as an Amish midwife, she is not licensed. Which means she is not supposed to deliver babies by herself, but an emergency call where a young Amish woman is hemorrhaging leads to Abagail being arrested and put in jail. She will be going on trial for involuntary manslaughter, for practicing medicine without a license and several other charges. How does an Amish woman find herself in this position?
Catherine, Abigail's sister has come to the Graber farm to help our her sister and brother in law by taking care of the children and the house, and cooking. What Catherine hasn't expected however is the young man who lives on the Graber farm. Isaiah, thought to be simple minded by the community, Catherine quickly discovers that he is deaf, not simple minded. She also discovers that she is very attracted to Isaiah.
This book was a delight to read, I zipped through it in a few hours, flipped back through and re-read parts of it, that I had enjoyed so much!! A story you would never expect to hear centered around an Amish family, which makes it even more enjoyable. I really enjoyed Mary Ellis' book, and cannot wait to read more of this series! 283 pages Discussion questions included. $US 13.99 4 stars.
This book was provided by Harvest House Publishers for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review
Catherine, Abigail's sister has come to the Graber farm to help our her sister and brother in law by taking care of the children and the house, and cooking. What Catherine hasn't expected however is the young man who lives on the Graber farm. Isaiah, thought to be simple minded by the community, Catherine quickly discovers that he is deaf, not simple minded. She also discovers that she is very attracted to Isaiah.
This book was a delight to read, I zipped through it in a few hours, flipped back through and re-read parts of it, that I had enjoyed so much!! A story you would never expect to hear centered around an Amish family, which makes it even more enjoyable. I really enjoyed Mary Ellis' book, and cannot wait to read more of this series! 283 pages Discussion questions included. $US 13.99 4 stars.
This book was provided by Harvest House Publishers for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review
July 13, 2015
Abigail loved helping deliver babies. Since she could only go so far in school she was an unlicensed midwife who worked with the local doctor. Unfortunately the one night the doctor is needed most, he is unable to help. Abigail goes to help a young mother deliver her baby. She tries to get the mother to go to the hospital, but she refuses. Abigail delivers the baby, but loses the mother.
When the authorities find out that Abigail was not licensed, she is arrested for practicing medicine without a license and several other things. To add to her pain, her father, a bishop won’t come to the jail to see her, she can’t make bail because the community won’t help. At this point I probably would have felt betrayed by everyone. Abigail spends her time reading her Bible and praying. At home her sister has come to stay in her house to help Abigail’s husband with the children and the household duties. While helping out she meets a young man who works on the farm. Everyone thinks Isaiah is mentally not all there. In reality he is deaf and very smart. Catherine is aware of this and attracted to him.
This is a great story. There are themes of love, forgiveness and finding God in the midst of your trials. Lessons of learning that God accepts us just the way we are where we are. Mary Ellis is great at creating such realistic stories that tug at the heartstrings yet have so many hidden messages and lessons that we all need to hear. You could never say her stories are preachy because they are definitely not. This is one Amish fiction author you really need to read.
October 11, 2011
Abigail's New Hope is book 1 in the Wayne County Series of stories of the Amish. Mary Ellis's writing surprised me in that it differs somewhat from that which I have come to expect in novels depicting the Amish. While it conveys the simple, spirit lead life style of the Amish, it also shows their innate humanity, their faults, their fears, their failings, and their solutions to situations with which they come face to face.
A well-written story line features it's lead character, Abigail, who is a mother of two and wife of an Amish farmer. Woven into the story are two other characters of note, Isaiah and Catherine. Isaiah is a deaf/mute who lives on the family farm and Catherine is the sister of Abigail who comes to aid the family during their time of trial.
Abigail is a midwife serving the Amish community who is called out to a life and death situation that ends up in the sorrowful tale of death during childbirth and it further leads to disaster. But we don't want to spoil the story for you.
Abigail's New Hope is a first read for me of the writing of Mary Ellis. I hope to be able to grab more of her fine works to enjoy.(This review and others are on my blog: http://ChatWithVera.blogspot.com.
A well-written story line features it's lead character, Abigail, who is a mother of two and wife of an Amish farmer. Woven into the story are two other characters of note, Isaiah and Catherine. Isaiah is a deaf/mute who lives on the family farm and Catherine is the sister of Abigail who comes to aid the family during their time of trial.
Abigail is a midwife serving the Amish community who is called out to a life and death situation that ends up in the sorrowful tale of death during childbirth and it further leads to disaster. But we don't want to spoil the story for you.
Abigail's New Hope is a first read for me of the writing of Mary Ellis. I hope to be able to grab more of her fine works to enjoy.(This review and others are on my blog: http://ChatWithVera.blogspot.com.
June 27, 2011
Abigail is a midwife in Wayne County. One night she gets a phone call that will change her life. She did everything she could to save Ruth Fischer but to no avail. Nathan Fischer is now left to raise little Abraham on his own without a mother for his son. But the local sherriff believed that Abby was responsible and ends up in jail for several months.
During her time in jail, Abby's sister Catherine moves in to help Daniel with the children and the household chores. Although Catherine is not Abby, after some time, the family adjusts to living with her including Daniel's cousin who lives in a cabin in the woods. Cat, as Isaiah calls her, yearns to help him since he is secluded from the Amish community because he deaf and never learned to read, write or talk. They build a unique friendship that helps both of the become stronger people in the long run.
This is the first book that I read from Mary Ellis and I really enjoyed it! She is a wonderful writer who develops her characters thoroughly. They are all easy to love! I will be reading more from her in the future including the next book in this series, A Marriage for Meghan, which is coming out later this year.
During her time in jail, Abby's sister Catherine moves in to help Daniel with the children and the household chores. Although Catherine is not Abby, after some time, the family adjusts to living with her including Daniel's cousin who lives in a cabin in the woods. Cat, as Isaiah calls her, yearns to help him since he is secluded from the Amish community because he deaf and never learned to read, write or talk. They build a unique friendship that helps both of the become stronger people in the long run.
This is the first book that I read from Mary Ellis and I really enjoyed it! She is a wonderful writer who develops her characters thoroughly. They are all easy to love! I will be reading more from her in the future including the next book in this series, A Marriage for Meghan, which is coming out later this year.
April 30, 2011
This is a good book. Its the first book I have read by Mary Ellis and I wasn't disappointed. Abigail is an Amish midwife who helps in a difficult birth which ends up with the baby dying. We learn early in this book that in Ohio Amish Midwives are not recognised by the judicial system which is where Abigails problems start. She ends up in jail and her sister Catherine comes to help out with her children. Also add to the mix a deaf cousin Isaiah who is also reclusive but Catherine feels she can help him. I enjoyed the different stories happening at the same time seeing how Abigail deals with prison life and how she is treated there, Daniel her husband struggling without her and resisting having Catherine helping out and then Catherine reaching out to Isaiah. Abigail has a few issues she is working out from protecting another person to obeying her husband and what God would want her to do. I learnt new things about the Amish in this book like the fact in Ohio and Pennsylvania the midwives are not recognised by the state. If you enjoy amish fiction I am sure this book won't disappoint you.
February 7, 2013
Abby has given her life to help other Amish women in delivering their babies and doing what means possible to save both mother and child until one day she finds herself in jail for doing everything in her power trying to save an Amish mother during childbirth, only to have her lose her live anyway. She know what she did was wrong but she also knew that what she did was the only possible thing that could have saved the mother at the time.
I can't imagine having to be in a situation like that. It's basically like having to flip a coin except for the fact that you know you should always do whawt you can to save someones life but then again would it be worth risking going to prison over and spending time away from your family. What a horrible decision to have to make in a split second.
I really get in to the story lines of the books I read if you couldn't already tell. This is the first book that I have read by Mary Ellis and I can guarantee that it will not be the last one. I definitely give this book 5 stars!!
You can see my complete review at: http://lovemy2dogs.blogspot.com/2013/...
I can't imagine having to be in a situation like that. It's basically like having to flip a coin except for the fact that you know you should always do whawt you can to save someones life but then again would it be worth risking going to prison over and spending time away from your family. What a horrible decision to have to make in a split second.
I really get in to the story lines of the books I read if you couldn't already tell. This is the first book that I have read by Mary Ellis and I can guarantee that it will not be the last one. I definitely give this book 5 stars!!
You can see my complete review at: http://lovemy2dogs.blogspot.com/2013/...
June 26, 2011
This was my first time reading a book by Mary Ellis. I'm in love with her writing as I have fallen in love with the other Amish authors. I really enjoyed reading this book. For as I know this is the first time that an author has written about jail, inside jail and what happens, how jail and the court system works.
I love the Graber children and Isaiah Graber. As most children do they make the story more entertaining, as did the two Graber children did. Isaiah helped around out the story line, but Mary Ellis did an excellent job of writing details of death person that learns to read lips and how someone trys to help them. Not the whole process but enough to make the story for the romance that sparks between male and female.
Liked how Iris got Nathan Fisher to spend time with his newborn son and the day that Nathan took time out from work to spend with his son in the yard to watch the clouds.
EXCELLENT book!! Cant wait for the second book to be released to read what happens next.
I love the Graber children and Isaiah Graber. As most children do they make the story more entertaining, as did the two Graber children did. Isaiah helped around out the story line, but Mary Ellis did an excellent job of writing details of death person that learns to read lips and how someone trys to help them. Not the whole process but enough to make the story for the romance that sparks between male and female.
Liked how Iris got Nathan Fisher to spend time with his newborn son and the day that Nathan took time out from work to spend with his son in the yard to watch the clouds.
EXCELLENT book!! Cant wait for the second book to be released to read what happens next.
June 11, 2011
This is a combination of my thoughts and Amazon's help!
Abigail Graber is an Amish midwife who loves bringing babies into the world. Abby has some very hard choices to make when a delivery goes wrong and the woman dies.
Abigail fines herself committed to the county jail for her mistakes. Her schweschder Catherine comes to care for her family. Catherine meets Daniel’s reclusive cousin, Isaiah, who’s deaf and thought to be simple minded by his community. She endeavors to teach him to communicate and discovers he possesses unexpected gifts and talents.
While Abigail searches for forgiveness, Catherine changes lives and, in return, finds love, something long elusive in her life. And Isaiah discovers God, who cares nothing about our handicaps or limitations in His sustaining love.
An inspirational tale of overcoming grief, maintaining faith, and finding hope in an ever-changing world.
I was amazed that Abigail went to jail. I didn't think English law mattered in the Amish community.
Abigail Graber is an Amish midwife who loves bringing babies into the world. Abby has some very hard choices to make when a delivery goes wrong and the woman dies.
Abigail fines herself committed to the county jail for her mistakes. Her schweschder Catherine comes to care for her family. Catherine meets Daniel’s reclusive cousin, Isaiah, who’s deaf and thought to be simple minded by his community. She endeavors to teach him to communicate and discovers he possesses unexpected gifts and talents.
While Abigail searches for forgiveness, Catherine changes lives and, in return, finds love, something long elusive in her life. And Isaiah discovers God, who cares nothing about our handicaps or limitations in His sustaining love.
An inspirational tale of overcoming grief, maintaining faith, and finding hope in an ever-changing world.
I was amazed that Abigail went to jail. I didn't think English law mattered in the Amish community.
July 8, 2012
Amish fiction is what I read when I'm sad and want to forget my troubles. These books are sweet, gentle stories about relationships and romance. They are like Mills and Boon, really, with a glimpse into another world very different to the one most of us live in.
This story, about a midwife being jailed, was a little more hard hitting and original that many I've read, which is good. Too much Amish fiction is like eating too many cakes - too much sugar and no substance. Let down by a rather unrealistic portrayal of Isaiah, a deaf man who becomes a recluse but is "saved" by the love of a hearing woman. People with disabilities are not simple, slow versions of "normal" people - they have complex issues and situations and I like to see those realities acknowledged. I'm glad to see disabled people in books, rather than hidden away, just I like them real - even in novels that I read to escape reality!
This story, about a midwife being jailed, was a little more hard hitting and original that many I've read, which is good. Too much Amish fiction is like eating too many cakes - too much sugar and no substance. Let down by a rather unrealistic portrayal of Isaiah, a deaf man who becomes a recluse but is "saved" by the love of a hearing woman. People with disabilities are not simple, slow versions of "normal" people - they have complex issues and situations and I like to see those realities acknowledged. I'm glad to see disabled people in books, rather than hidden away, just I like them real - even in novels that I read to escape reality!
December 4, 2015
Abigail’s New Hope is the first book in Mary Ellis’s new series called, The Wayne County Series.
Here you will meet Abigail Graber who is a wonderful midwife, wife, and mother. As this story begins she helps Dr. Weller as a midwife. When she is called by a man saying his wife is in labor and has never seen a doctor she willingly goes to help. When she gets there things suddenly makes a turn for the worse. Will the profession that she fills is a God given profession led her to trouble? During her time of trial will she learn what God is telling her? For more of my review go to http://rebakaspot.blogspot.com
Here you will meet Abigail Graber who is a wonderful midwife, wife, and mother. As this story begins she helps Dr. Weller as a midwife. When she is called by a man saying his wife is in labor and has never seen a doctor she willingly goes to help. When she gets there things suddenly makes a turn for the worse. Will the profession that she fills is a God given profession led her to trouble? During her time of trial will she learn what God is telling her? For more of my review go to http://rebakaspot.blogspot.com
June 10, 2011
I enjoyed this a lot more than I initially expected. It took me a while to get into the book, especially as the beginning is so tragic - but I think it was my PMS that caused me to find it so sad! I enjoyed Catherine and Isaiah's storyline a lot more than Abigail's or Nathan's, especially as Daniel's mood-swings really irritated me. But as the story developed I ended up really enjoying this book, especially towards the end. I can't wait to read about Meghan in the next book! I'm giving it 9/10 because Daniel irritated me and the story didn't completely grab me at the start.
September 3, 2012
I very much enjoyed this book about an Amish lay midwife who is arrested following the death of a mother giving birth. The mother was not her client and had not sought prenatal care, and had bled significantly before Abby was called for assistance.
While I do not share the faith of the Amish, I very much enjoy reading even fictional reports of their culture and chosen lifestyle. I also have a strong interest in midwifery as both of my children were delivered by midwives even while I was employed as an allied health professional.
While I do not share the faith of the Amish, I very much enjoy reading even fictional reports of their culture and chosen lifestyle. I also have a strong interest in midwifery as both of my children were delivered by midwives even while I was employed as an allied health professional.
March 16, 2013
I enjoyed reading Mary Ellis for the first time. This book has many storylines happening and all of which were entertaining and exciting. Catherine's budding romance with Issiah was my favorite. I had hope at the ending that Nathan would end up with someone. Love, loss. Forgiveness are imbued throuout is novel. Although the storyline shifts between characters. Ellis still keeps the reader engaged and satisfied. Ellis had a great attention to detail and humor. I can't wait to read the next book in the series and to read her other series.
July 27, 2015
I loved this book - I read it twice and will probably read it again. Mary Ellis is my favorite writer of Amish Fiction. She does great plots, great characters, and I think she must know some Amish personally, because her books aren't filled with the errors and misconceptions so prevalent in much of the Amish fiction today. You will love this book, if you like Amish romance at all! Mark Mary Ellis, and anything she writes is a winner! Also - her books are well edited, so reading is a joy, not a chore.
December 1, 2011
I give very few 5 star ratings because I save them for books that I know I'll read again. This is one of them. Not just another "sweet" Amish story, this story deals with some tough issues. What can land an Amish midwife in jail? How will her church district react? What will she find in God's Word for answers? In the background of these heavy issues lurks a touching love story. No spoilers here, but a book I highly recommend!
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May 31, 2012Very well written and difficult to put down! This book was very easy to relate to--from the harsh realities of English life and the many laws to being placed/pressured into difficult situations.
There are many surprises along the way as well. The relationship that the inquisitive Catherine enters into is an emotional roller coaster with a very touching ending.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in Amish fiction.
There are many surprises along the way as well. The relationship that the inquisitive Catherine enters into is an emotional roller coaster with a very touching ending.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in Amish fiction.
June 15, 2011
Abigail loves being a midwife, when she receives a call one night the decisions she makes changes her life. A child is born, but the mother dies as a result Abigail is thrown in jail and must await her trial. Abigail's sister comes to care for her family and meets Isaiah who is deaf and a recluse, she wants to change him and make life better for him.
May 26, 2011
Abigail helps a doctor or a midwife in her Amishh community. She gets a call one night about a new family that recently moved into the community and a baby is one the way. The Events happen: a tradegy, Abigail ends up on jail, her sister-Catherine-helps out the family (including a cousin who is getting her attention), and Nathan needs to learn how to be a father and overcome grief.
286 p.
286 p.
February 11, 2012
Great book! A totally new kind of problem for me to read about in an Amish book. Abby is arrested and has to face possible sentencing in the English world. I am struck by her honesty and struggle in doing what is right based on biblical principles, which includes God's command to follow mans' laws. Loved it and can't wait to read the next in this series!
March 18, 2012
I read this and was initially surprised that the midwife was placed in jail due to death of the mother. But the story certainly caught my interest right away. I liked how the community rallied around the characters.
June 11, 2012
This is a story of an Amish midwife who us called to a difficult dilivery where the mother dies but the baby doesn't. She is charged with certain crimes and put into jail. The story is one of tears, laughter, hope and joy. I enjoyed reading it.
March 29, 2013
There are about fifty reasons why I am not in the target demographic for this book. I'm not Christian, I don't read within this genre, etc. So it was an interesting adventure, but I don't think I'll be going back to this series.
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