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Daughters of Lancaster County #1
The Shopkeeper's Daughter
Time seems to stand still in Naomi Fisher's tranquil community, but it cannot hold back tragedy. Helping her widowed father run a store, manage a household, and raise seven children is a daunting task. There is no time to think about courtship or having her own family, though her heart yearns for the attention of Caleb Hoffmeir. But her days are plotted for her-until the afternoon her baby brother disappears from the yard. How can Naomi expect anyone to love and trust her if she can't take care of one small boy? Should she leave all that is familiar and seek a new avenue of life? The Storekeeper's Daughter is book 1 in the Daughter's of Lancaster County series. Other books in the series include The Quilter's Daughter: Book 2 and The Bishop's Daughter: Book 3.
First published January 1, 2005
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About the author
Wanda E. Brunstetter
219 books2,341 followersNew York Times bestselling and award-winning author, Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nations most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.
Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.
When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.
Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.
When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 288 reviews
July 16, 2024
This was the book I picked to read from a genre I don't normally read or maybe have never read before? After my visit to Pennsylvania Amish country, I'm glad I chose this one. After seeing all the Amish farms and visiting one on our trip, it was fun to read about and take a little deeper dive into their lives. This story had a weird twist I wasn't expecting in the middle. I'm probably not going to turn into B.P. the Amish reader, but I did enjoy the ride in the buggy for a little bit.
July 14, 2017
This book is so beautifully written. The author tells an amazing story that grabs you from the vary beginning. Only you don't want the story to end. You fall in love with these characters like they are new friends that you have made. I definitely recommend this book.
September 12, 2019
A touching story, but some plot threads were left unresolved. Hopefully, the next two installments will fix that problem.
October 23, 2017
Note: Kristin reads and reviews both Christian and secular fiction on A Simply Enchanted Life. Out of respect for my readers, I am including a content review. This content review will help you decide whether this book is suitable for you.
Content Review:
Christian or Secular: Christian.
Profanity: None
Sex&Violence: None
Trigger Warnings: None
Disclosure: A mother is hit by a car. A baby is kidnapped-non-violent. These two events are non-graphic and do not warrant a trigger warning.
You know, I was kind of taken aback by some of the negative reviews for this book. Yes, I'm one of those readers that like to see what other people thought sometimes before I write my review. Now, I'm totally not putting anyone down for their ratings or diminishing what they think. But, I'm just surprised. Because I really liked this book!
The Storekeeper's Daughter is the first book in the Daughters of Lancaster County series by Wanda E. Brunstetter. I just clicked with these characters. I thought that Naomi's dad was frustratingly a jerk-wad. This review started out fairly unconventional so I might as well just go with it and call it like I see it. But, I still couldn't look away. I wanted to know if he would stay a jerk or wake up and realize it!
Naomi was understandably heartbroken by the death of her mother and having to take on the role as a caregiver to her siblings. It was a realistic hurt. Can you imagine suddenly having to mother seven or eight children when you really just want to date and be normal? Sure, it sounds kind of selfish but it's realistic.
The story was a bit predictable. I'll give people that. But, I couldn't put the book down. Despite that predictability of knowing how the story was going, I was invested in the lives of the Fishers and the Scott family. I knew what was coming but I could not look away.
This is a series and a full conclusion to the story doesn't happen in this book. I want to read the next one and for that reason, I have to go against the grain and give a five-cup review. For me, Wanda is a wonderful storyteller. She captures the heart of the person and brings them to life for me. I understand this book won't be for everyone but it really resonated with me.
If you absolutely hate predictability then this book may not be for you. If you do enjoy watching characters go through the proverbial wringer and coming out clean with the wash—this book may be for you. These characters are simplistic but they felt like real people who I could learn from. I can't wait to pick up book number two.
This review was originally posted on A Simply Enchanted Life
Content Review:
Christian or Secular: Christian.
Profanity: None
Sex&Violence: None
Trigger Warnings: None
Disclosure: A mother is hit by a car. A baby is kidnapped-non-violent. These two events are non-graphic and do not warrant a trigger warning.
You know, I was kind of taken aback by some of the negative reviews for this book. Yes, I'm one of those readers that like to see what other people thought sometimes before I write my review. Now, I'm totally not putting anyone down for their ratings or diminishing what they think. But, I'm just surprised. Because I really liked this book!
The Storekeeper's Daughter is the first book in the Daughters of Lancaster County series by Wanda E. Brunstetter. I just clicked with these characters. I thought that Naomi's dad was frustratingly a jerk-wad. This review started out fairly unconventional so I might as well just go with it and call it like I see it. But, I still couldn't look away. I wanted to know if he would stay a jerk or wake up and realize it!
Naomi was understandably heartbroken by the death of her mother and having to take on the role as a caregiver to her siblings. It was a realistic hurt. Can you imagine suddenly having to mother seven or eight children when you really just want to date and be normal? Sure, it sounds kind of selfish but it's realistic.
The story was a bit predictable. I'll give people that. But, I couldn't put the book down. Despite that predictability of knowing how the story was going, I was invested in the lives of the Fishers and the Scott family. I knew what was coming but I could not look away.
This is a series and a full conclusion to the story doesn't happen in this book. I want to read the next one and for that reason, I have to go against the grain and give a five-cup review. For me, Wanda is a wonderful storyteller. She captures the heart of the person and brings them to life for me. I understand this book won't be for everyone but it really resonated with me.
If you absolutely hate predictability then this book may not be for you. If you do enjoy watching characters go through the proverbial wringer and coming out clean with the wash—this book may be for you. These characters are simplistic but they felt like real people who I could learn from. I can't wait to pick up book number two.
October 28, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. No, I’m not biased because it’s Wanda, who happens to be one of my favorite Amish authors. Seriously, I’m not biased, it’s just that good. Take a typical Amish family with a kid or two at an age where they start thinking about branching out and starting their own family (throw in a couple more down the age line for good measure), add the tragedy of losing Ma unexpectedly, a toss of Dad who can’t seem to express himself in such a way that doesn’t hurt his oldest child and a few other twists and turns. How’s that for a bizarre run on sentence? For good measure toss in another family, English, on the opposite side of the country and have their lives intersect in one of those twists or turns. What you come out with is this amazing start to the Daughter’s of Lancaster Country series.
Naomi is the predictable oldest child now tasked with the care of her seven younger siblings, the help at the family store, and the care of the home and garden. She’s predictably overwhelmed and frustrated (especially with the younger sisters who are at the age and close enough in age to constantly bicker). Throw in a Dad who can’t seem to get passed the fact that his love is really gone and can’t find his way to his daughter because he’s comparing her attempts to step up to his late wife. And of course refusing to allow a young man who cares deeply for Naomi, and she cares for him as well, to court because of her responsibilities to the family. When her baby brother is kidnapped it brings the resentments and hurts to the forefront and things are overheard that can’t be taken back. Choices are made from emotion and not logic. Love gets tossed out the window.
I fell in love with these characters. Even the ones I wanted to despise I felt their frustrations and pain as well. Especially Naomi’s dad and her English friend Ginny. That west coast English couple? They just made me want to smack them. She was borderline crazy and he was an inept enabler. I thought I’d figured it all out as the story unfolded. But I didn’t. It’s not a completely wrapped up happily ever after. There’s some happy. There’s some ever after. There’s even hope and mended relationships and growth from those in Lancaster county. But it’s not wrapped. It’s not over. There’s no neat little bow. I love that because life doesn’t wrap in 300 and some odd pages. I don’t mind it since this is an older series and I don’t have to wait to read the next book.
Originally published at https://fizzypopcollection.com/the-st....
Naomi is the predictable oldest child now tasked with the care of her seven younger siblings, the help at the family store, and the care of the home and garden. She’s predictably overwhelmed and frustrated (especially with the younger sisters who are at the age and close enough in age to constantly bicker). Throw in a Dad who can’t seem to get passed the fact that his love is really gone and can’t find his way to his daughter because he’s comparing her attempts to step up to his late wife. And of course refusing to allow a young man who cares deeply for Naomi, and she cares for him as well, to court because of her responsibilities to the family. When her baby brother is kidnapped it brings the resentments and hurts to the forefront and things are overheard that can’t be taken back. Choices are made from emotion and not logic. Love gets tossed out the window.
I fell in love with these characters. Even the ones I wanted to despise I felt their frustrations and pain as well. Especially Naomi’s dad and her English friend Ginny. That west coast English couple? They just made me want to smack them. She was borderline crazy and he was an inept enabler. I thought I’d figured it all out as the story unfolded. But I didn’t. It’s not a completely wrapped up happily ever after. There’s some happy. There’s some ever after. There’s even hope and mended relationships and growth from those in Lancaster county. But it’s not wrapped. It’s not over. There’s no neat little bow. I love that because life doesn’t wrap in 300 and some odd pages. I don’t mind it since this is an older series and I don’t have to wait to read the next book.
Originally published at https://fizzypopcollection.com/the-st....
May 16, 2013
I know that people enjoy this author, but every time I read one of her books, I remain unimpressed. Amish books are getting a bit redundant. This particular book was, for me, almost dull. The only excitement was that the baby got kidnapped. I felt sorry for the oldest daughter. She seemed so stifled by her family. Even her love interest seemed monotonous. I wanted her to fall in love with a man that would make her heart leap and her eyes sparkle. She didn't. I will say that the Amish community is very interesting and that this author did a good job of portraying it.
December 18, 2016
My first Amish read. Good plot and good characters. Loved the ending.
January 25, 2019
I really enjoyed this story. I loved the characters and the plot is intriguing. There’s a lot going on with this family. Naomi definitely has more in her cup than she can handle. When her father refuses to consider Caleb courting her, I really did not like him. Then when he blames Naomi when her little brother is kidnapped, I really detested him.
The tide turns in his favor once he realizes what he’s lost when Naomi runs away with her English friend Ginny. Thank God he finds Fannie. She helps him see how unfair he’s been to Naomi. When she comes home, he welcomes her and apologizes for the way he treated her, and even seeks out Caleb to tell him he can court Naomi.
I was pleased that Naomi and Caleb found their happy ending and that her father finds his with Fannie, but I was a bit befuddles when there is no resolution to the baby’s kidnapping. I certainly hope that gets resolved in the next book.
I listened to the narration and enjoyed the reader a great deal. I would have liked it if she could have given the male characters more individuality. They all sound the same. Nonetheless, the narration isn’t intrusive. Happy reading/listening!
The tide turns in his favor once he realizes what he’s lost when Naomi runs away with her English friend Ginny. Thank God he finds Fannie. She helps him see how unfair he’s been to Naomi. When she comes home, he welcomes her and apologizes for the way he treated her, and even seeks out Caleb to tell him he can court Naomi.
I was pleased that Naomi and Caleb found their happy ending and that her father finds his with Fannie, but I was a bit befuddles when there is no resolution to the baby’s kidnapping. I certainly hope that gets resolved in the next book.
I listened to the narration and enjoyed the reader a great deal. I would have liked it if she could have given the male characters more individuality. They all sound the same. Nonetheless, the narration isn’t intrusive. Happy reading/listening!
July 31, 2018
I have read a lot of Amish books, fiction and none and I mean a lot jus look at my bookshelf! But this book tries to speak the Amish message but portrays it very badly. Just look at Abraham, his life long friend and mentor tells him that he is treating his daughter badly but only when he himself finds love and us happy does he see the error of his ways. Forgiveness and redemption are a must in any Amish book but this man shows only his own pride and selfishness. Where was his community, Amish culture are all about the good for all. I am shocked other women didn’t shelter Naomi and help with the store and child rearing. I had a hard time with book.
October 6, 2009
I don't have anything to say about this one good or bad really. I just felt the whole time that once you read Amish religious fiction you have no need to read more. They all seem so similar in the message and character. I read this as a part of a reading challenge,but have no plans to read the rest of the series.
August 19, 2017
.
This author has a divine way with combining a sensible plot and believable characters, and thoughful enough to include Bible verses to reflect their faith. Each book has its own story line that captivates the audience.
Each book is able to stand on its own and concludes with an HEA. These are important attributes for me.
This author has a divine way with combining a sensible plot and believable characters, and thoughful enough to include Bible verses to reflect their faith. Each book has its own story line that captivates the audience.
Each book is able to stand on its own and concludes with an HEA. These are important attributes for me.
June 3, 2010
I just absolutely love these Amish stories. They live such simple and uncomplicated lives. Oh how I wish I could simplify mine sometimes. hahaha
July 30, 2010
This was my first book from Wanda Brunstetter and I really enjoyed it! I cannot wait to read the next one, The Quilter's Daughter, to see what happens to the families!
November 14, 2017
A fun read, with an interesting enough plot to make me consider reading more in the series. Theology wise it's very Law centered... even the Gospel is preached in a Law tone.
May 13, 2022
****Wanda E Brunstetter The Shopkeeper's Daughter (1st book in a series). A simple peek onto Amish life, but one that surprises me with what I know of the Amish in Lancaster County. I have known Bishops that use only the Old Testament in their sermons. But there are many kinds of people in this world. It would be truly wonderful to meet some like these. The heartaches to the characters just keep coming in this story but with relatively quick resolutions or acceptance by the people portrayed in this book. It's a book that progressively teaches the applications of scriptural principles. They learn much from their mistakes. When you read this book, you'll enjoy learning some common Pennsylvania Dutch words.
March 28, 2021
This was great! After Naomi leaves her baby brother out on a table in the front yard, he gets kidnapped. The one who took him is Jim Scott, a man who only wanted to make his wife happy by bringing a baby back to the hotel.
I wasn't that big a fan of Jim. It seemed like he had no respect ot thought of what his wife had to say.
Naomi and Caleb have loved each other for a while and wanted to be together, but Abraham, Naomi's father, makes this impossible for them. I was happy to see Abraham and Fannie get married. The wedding was wonderful.
Onto book 2!
I wasn't that big a fan of Jim. It seemed like he had no respect ot thought of what his wife had to say.
Naomi and Caleb have loved each other for a while and wanted to be together, but Abraham, Naomi's father, makes this impossible for them. I was happy to see Abraham and Fannie get married. The wedding was wonderful.
Onto book 2!
December 26, 2020
Obviously I, a progressive liberal atheist, am not the target demographic for this book. But I liked the first half—the plot was compelling and the writing was good. But then: the patriarchy. Sigh.
January 31, 2021
Compared to other Amish writers Wanda Brunstetter one of the best. She writes full length books rather than the so very short ones that I'm always complaining about. I like her style. Her many characters in each are distinct and different with interesting personalities.
September 5, 2018
Naomi Fisher is the oldest of eight children. She helps her mother with all the younger ones, the cleaning and the cooking. She is a great help with her youngest brother, Zack. When Zach was two months old their mother went to the end of the driveway to get the mail. Some of the mail started to blow in the road , so she went to get it. She was hit by a car and dies on the way to the way hospital. All the responsibilities of caring fro the house, the cooking and the caring of the children were put on her. Because of that she was unable to socialize with friends her age. Her father refused to let court her boy friend, Caleb because he needed her at home to care for the children. He also needed her to help at the general store they owned.
Jim and Linda Scott desperately wanted a baby. They went through three failed adoptions. After the third one, Jim was driving around then country roads by himself. He sees a sign at the end of a driveway advertising home made root beer. He decides to stop and get some. So, he asks Naomi if she had any that was cold. She told she had go inside to get it. She left baby, Zach sitting on the picnic table with his quilt.
As she was walking up the house she heard one of her sister scream. She had cut her finger picking up broken glass. It took her a few minutes to clean and bandage her sister's finger.
Jim was wondering what was taking Naomi so long to get back. She had left the baby sitting on the picnic table. He looking at this cute Amish baby. He picked the baby up and looked all around but, didn't see anyone around. The next thing he knew he had the baby in his vehicle and was driving away. He had kidnapped the baby! He wanted to make his wife and give her a baby.
Everyone blamed Naomi for the kidnapping of Zach. They could find no trace of him anywhere. Naomi hears her dad talking to God in the barn. He said that he thought that she left him on purpose. She was so hurt by what she heard that she runs off with her English friend.
What happens when Naomi gets into the world? Does she go back home? Where is Zach? Is he even still alive? What happens to her family after she leaves? Does her dad forgive her? Does Zach come back home?
To find out these answers and many more you'll have to read this great book by Wanda Brunstetter.
Jim and Linda Scott desperately wanted a baby. They went through three failed adoptions. After the third one, Jim was driving around then country roads by himself. He sees a sign at the end of a driveway advertising home made root beer. He decides to stop and get some. So, he asks Naomi if she had any that was cold. She told she had go inside to get it. She left baby, Zach sitting on the picnic table with his quilt.
As she was walking up the house she heard one of her sister scream. She had cut her finger picking up broken glass. It took her a few minutes to clean and bandage her sister's finger.
Jim was wondering what was taking Naomi so long to get back. She had left the baby sitting on the picnic table. He looking at this cute Amish baby. He picked the baby up and looked all around but, didn't see anyone around. The next thing he knew he had the baby in his vehicle and was driving away. He had kidnapped the baby! He wanted to make his wife and give her a baby.
Everyone blamed Naomi for the kidnapping of Zach. They could find no trace of him anywhere. Naomi hears her dad talking to God in the barn. He said that he thought that she left him on purpose. She was so hurt by what she heard that she runs off with her English friend.
What happens when Naomi gets into the world? Does she go back home? Where is Zach? Is he even still alive? What happens to her family after she leaves? Does her dad forgive her? Does Zach come back home?
To find out these answers and many more you'll have to read this great book by Wanda Brunstetter.
July 25, 2024
The Storekeepers Daughter is Book One in Wanda Brunstetter’s Daughters of Lancaster County Series. This was the first book I had read by her and I was thrilled to have another Amish author in the Christian book market. The cover of this book is subtle but drew me in. It shows an Amish girl in front of a general store. This paperback by Barbour Publishing is 320 pages long and hard to put down.
It is the tale of Naomi Fisher. Naomi the oldest daughter has been helping her father raise her seven siblings and run their store since her mother died. She takes care of their house and those duties, also. However, she wants that life for herself. A home and children of her own. Caleb Hoffmeier has caught her eye and she wants to catch his, but she has no time to see him. One day a family tragedy occurs. Her baby brother is kidnapped. Naomi is heartbroken and feels she is to blame.
Author a Brunstetter did a great job on this book. Her descriptive words took me to Amish Country where I made many new friends. The characters are well defined as well as well rounded. There were heroes and villains. It was an interesting story fluctuating between the modern (Englisch) and Amish worlds.
There are a few twists and turns in The Storekeeper’s Daughter, but for the most part it is easy to figure out what is going to happen. Does that make it less interesting? Absolutely not. Cover to cover I read this in one night. Yes, I stayed up late but good books pull readers in and won’t let go.
Be sure to pick up book two to continue this saga. I loved it and highly recommend it.
It is the tale of Naomi Fisher. Naomi the oldest daughter has been helping her father raise her seven siblings and run their store since her mother died. She takes care of their house and those duties, also. However, she wants that life for herself. A home and children of her own. Caleb Hoffmeier has caught her eye and she wants to catch his, but she has no time to see him. One day a family tragedy occurs. Her baby brother is kidnapped. Naomi is heartbroken and feels she is to blame.
Author a Brunstetter did a great job on this book. Her descriptive words took me to Amish Country where I made many new friends. The characters are well defined as well as well rounded. There were heroes and villains. It was an interesting story fluctuating between the modern (Englisch) and Amish worlds.
There are a few twists and turns in The Storekeeper’s Daughter, but for the most part it is easy to figure out what is going to happen. Does that make it less interesting? Absolutely not. Cover to cover I read this in one night. Yes, I stayed up late but good books pull readers in and won’t let go.
Be sure to pick up book two to continue this saga. I loved it and highly recommend it.
June 2, 2024
The Storekeeper's Daughter
I felt so sorry for Naomi Fisher during much of this book. Her mother died as a result of a tragic accident and suddenly Naomi was given the responsibility of being a mother figure to her seven siblings, including a two month old little boy. At the age when she was ready to begin her own life she was suddenly caring for a baby, trying to feed a family of eight, and doing all of the other duties associated with running a household AND she was also expected to help in her father's store! So much to handle and then, another event caused by her error in judgement caused Naomi to question her self-worth and her place in the family!
Author Wanda Brunstetter has created some memorable characters. Over-burdenened Naomi, her very strict and sometimes harsh father Abraham Fisher and the young man who had known Naomi since childhood and now wanted to court her. My compassion for Naomi was matched by my frustration with her father. Yes, I knew that he was grieving but he was extremely hard on Naomi. It was at the end of the story that I understood that his grief was matched by his dissatisfaction. He himself had never truly enjoyed being a storekeeper because he longed to work the land and suddenly I could offer him more sympathy!
"The Storekeeper's Daughter" is the first book in the Daughters of Lancaster County series. I checked it out from my public library and I look forward to reading the others in the series.
I felt so sorry for Naomi Fisher during much of this book. Her mother died as a result of a tragic accident and suddenly Naomi was given the responsibility of being a mother figure to her seven siblings, including a two month old little boy. At the age when she was ready to begin her own life she was suddenly caring for a baby, trying to feed a family of eight, and doing all of the other duties associated with running a household AND she was also expected to help in her father's store! So much to handle and then, another event caused by her error in judgement caused Naomi to question her self-worth and her place in the family!
Author Wanda Brunstetter has created some memorable characters. Over-burdenened Naomi, her very strict and sometimes harsh father Abraham Fisher and the young man who had known Naomi since childhood and now wanted to court her. My compassion for Naomi was matched by my frustration with her father. Yes, I knew that he was grieving but he was extremely hard on Naomi. It was at the end of the story that I understood that his grief was matched by his dissatisfaction. He himself had never truly enjoyed being a storekeeper because he longed to work the land and suddenly I could offer him more sympathy!
"The Storekeeper's Daughter" is the first book in the Daughters of Lancaster County series. I checked it out from my public library and I look forward to reading the others in the series.
August 20, 2018
The Storekeeper's Daughter is the first book written by Wanda Brunstetter in her Daughters of Lancaster County series. This book is so heartwarming and full of so many emotions. I have read this book twice now, it was the first Amish book I read back in 2006 and got me hooked on this genre. This book deals with loss, love, family, and faith. The storyline is absolutely remarkable and I think whatever genre you prefer you will love this one too.
The characters are very likeable and I really enjoyed Naomi. She is strong, loving, and very family oriented. When she makes a death bed promise to her dying mother she definitely tries to honor it. When I finished reading this story I felt very connected to Naomi and my heart was filled with love for her. Naomi travels a very rocky road in this story but thru her love of her faith she is able to keep going. All the characters in this story play a very important role in telling this story.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached by anyone to post a favorable review. I have rated this book with five stars because it has met my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others. I reread this book so when I go see the new musical based on this book and series I can compare the two.
Congratulations to Wanda Brunstetter for writing this fantastic story and I will be reading the next book in this series next.
The characters are very likeable and I really enjoyed Naomi. She is strong, loving, and very family oriented. When she makes a death bed promise to her dying mother she definitely tries to honor it. When I finished reading this story I felt very connected to Naomi and my heart was filled with love for her. Naomi travels a very rocky road in this story but thru her love of her faith she is able to keep going. All the characters in this story play a very important role in telling this story.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached by anyone to post a favorable review. I have rated this book with five stars because it has met my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others. I reread this book so when I go see the new musical based on this book and series I can compare the two.
Congratulations to Wanda Brunstetter for writing this fantastic story and I will be reading the next book in this series next.
June 29, 2019
8/10
I picked this book up to learn more about the Amish. This particular one was recommended to me. The author's husband is her original inspiration for this series because his family lived near Plain people. This is the first book in the series and I am eager to read the next one; it looks like they are all based on different members of the same community in Lancaster County.
The narration is a bit redundant but also interesting because you get to see multiple character's perspectives of the same situation.
The story is based on 20 year old Naomi Fisher's life after her mother dies unexpectedly. Naomi is forced to help run the family store alongside her grieving father, while taking care of her 7 siblings - one being only a year old. She is exhausted. A young Amish man named Caleb is sweet on Naomi but her father refuses to let her court because he depends on her to take her mothers place. Eventually the burden becomes too much for Naomi and something horrible happens (I may or may not have cried). The story has a good ending, nothing too surprising. I find myself wishing one of the sub plots had ended differently so I only give this an 8.
EDIT: I didn't realize this was the first book in a series. I hope for some closure when I read the other books.
I picked this book up to learn more about the Amish. This particular one was recommended to me. The author's husband is her original inspiration for this series because his family lived near Plain people. This is the first book in the series and I am eager to read the next one; it looks like they are all based on different members of the same community in Lancaster County.
The narration is a bit redundant but also interesting because you get to see multiple character's perspectives of the same situation.
The story is based on 20 year old Naomi Fisher's life after her mother dies unexpectedly. Naomi is forced to help run the family store alongside her grieving father, while taking care of her 7 siblings - one being only a year old. She is exhausted. A young Amish man named Caleb is sweet on Naomi but her father refuses to let her court because he depends on her to take her mothers place. Eventually the burden becomes too much for Naomi and something horrible happens (I may or may not have cried). The story has a good ending, nothing too surprising. I find myself wishing one of the sub plots had ended differently so I only give this an 8.
EDIT: I didn't realize this was the first book in a series. I hope for some closure when I read the other books.
November 2, 2016
Amish novels are a guilty pleasure of mine, and this just didn't hit the spot for me.
Because the story is told in small sections that jump forward without warning (ex. Wow I can't believe I have been gone for 2 months already), it's hard to connect with the characters. I felt like I was just getting enough so all the right pieces connected in the end. But the characters all took a back seat to the story.
This all felt like a book of complaints. Yes of course bad things happen and this story is about how this family gets through it, but there are not many good times and the ones that we do get only last for a second before someone is bringing up what bad thing happened and how can they be having fun at a time like this.
I just couldn't connect, but because in order for me to see how this big event is resolved and I have my guess, I have to read all three books, here goes hoping they get better as the series goes on.
Because the story is told in small sections that jump forward without warning (ex. Wow I can't believe I have been gone for 2 months already), it's hard to connect with the characters. I felt like I was just getting enough so all the right pieces connected in the end. But the characters all took a back seat to the story.
This all felt like a book of complaints. Yes of course bad things happen and this story is about how this family gets through it, but there are not many good times and the ones that we do get only last for a second before someone is bringing up what bad thing happened and how can they be having fun at a time like this.
I just couldn't connect, but because in order for me to see how this big event is resolved and I have my guess, I have to read all three books, here goes hoping they get better as the series goes on.
August 20, 2017
In my plan to read this year from different religions, cultures, historical events I am woefully repressed in and authors from different countries, I slipped this this one in on a day trip. I shouldn't have. I know how I am...I MUST COMPLETE ALL TASKS....this was laborious and repetitive. The author repeated inconsequential moments sometimes more than once. I started to feel insulted or maybe that the author did not feel 'heard' the first few times.
The story idea had potential but unfortunately, stilted dialogue, prolonged pitiful people with big 'O' chips on their shoulders made it nearly unbearable for me. The one story line that afforded any drama at all was marginalized with dippy language, comparing a kidnapping to a splinter in your finger...ummm, so not.
Any person who has experienced any sort of family trauma, will find themselves shouting at these scripture touting characters who complain and grouse ad nauseum.
The story idea had potential but unfortunately, stilted dialogue, prolonged pitiful people with big 'O' chips on their shoulders made it nearly unbearable for me. The one story line that afforded any drama at all was marginalized with dippy language, comparing a kidnapping to a splinter in your finger...ummm, so not.
Any person who has experienced any sort of family trauma, will find themselves shouting at these scripture touting characters who complain and grouse ad nauseum.
July 18, 2019
In this Amish novel two stories run concurrently. Naomi Fisher’s mother was run over by a car and killed, leaving her Amish husband Abraham and eight children, the youngest just two months old. Naomi, as the oldest girl, is expected to assume the raising of her brothers and sisters and also to help in the store that her father runs. She’s not as good at it as her mother was and her father always compares her unfavorably to her mom. When her youngest sibling is kidnapped, things go downhill for Naomi. The second story is about Jim and Linda Scott, an unchurched English couple who are trying desperately to adopt a child. When the second adoption falls through, Jim does the unthinkable to save his wife from falling into depression. Looking for the child, Abraham travels to Ohio and meets quilt shop owner Fannie Miller, a widow with a married son and a daughter at home.
November 12, 2011
Not one of my favorites. It seemed like too many bad things were happening in one book. Good message of God not giving us more than we can handle but it was hard to make it through the whole book with all the bad things happening and how angry Abraham was. I also had a hard time keeping track of who the characters were after having started the Kentucky Brothers series before reading this one. I was a little confused about who was who until about the time Abraham met Fannie. Having read those books first I also had a hard time like Fannie as much in this book. She seemed great in this book while in the other series she seems so clingy and demanding.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2019
Predictable story line, I'm assuming the next book is ment to give us closure about Zach... but at this point I'm not even I interested. Plus didnt follow Amish rules very well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2016
Booke one of three in a series. Set in an Amish community in Ohio, it follows a family facing numerous tragedies that test their strength and faith. Naomi is the oldest of 8 children and after their mother passes away, so is left with many responsibilites and tries to honor her dying mother's rquest. Her father's unacceptance of the mother's unexpected passing leaves the family in turmoil, with Naomi holding the family together the best she can. Another tragedy and the fallout leads Naomi to leave her family when it becomes too much to bear.
June 22, 2012
Pennsylvania Dutch Amish country is a relaxed simple living and wonderful place to live. The Fisher family has anything but a simple life. Yet the LORD does not give us more than we can handle one friend quotes from the bible. This book is filled with Dutch words...bible verses...and the story of triumph over tragedy. A mother dies suddenly. A baby is kidnapped from the family. the family does not keep well with the stress of these tragedy's especially the oldest daughter Naomi who get the majority of her mothers responsibilities placed on her shoulders.
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