57074

I enjoyed reading this book. It was a good story and I liked the characters. The story was great and I like seeing how it worked out.

I have been facinated with the Amish and their way of life for many years now, so I was delighted to win an advance copy of this book. I was pleasantly surprised that it was based on the author's own family history. The change of location, from the typical Pennsylvania or Ohio setting to Mexico, was very welcome and it opened my eyes to a piece of Amish history that I had never learned much about. The book drew me in from page one; Dale Cramer writes very successfully from the female point of view. The relationships that are developed, both between family members and potential future partners are true, genuine and intriguing. The only downside to having received the book as an Early Reviewer is that there will be a wait for the next book in the series! ( )

After spending time in jail for not sending his young children to public school, Caleb Bender searches for a way to raise his family without government interference. Seeing an ad for land in Mexico, he decides to move his family there, with the promise that others will follow. Though the land in Mexico is good, it is also rife with bandits and killers. He and his family endure much to ensure their survival, yet they still need the help of a young Mexican man who knows the territory and the men who roam it. Dangerous situations plague the newcomers, who refuse to fight. This novel may be about the Amish, but it reads like an adventure story. Full to the brim with action and a bit a romance, this first book in the trilogy is an exciting beginning, with a well-written plot and characters so real, you’ll have to remind yourself this is a work of fiction. ( )

I downloaded this for free so wasn't sure how good it would be but it exceeded my expectations.

Based on a true story it tells about the Bender family who are Amish and fall foul of the law requiring children to be sent to school. Initially the fathers are sent to jail but when the children are taken away something drastic needs to be done.

The answer seems to lie in Mexico, a long way from their Ohio home and the book follows them as they try to build a new life.

A very easy read which is also informative historically and makes you wonder how far literally and metaphorically would you go to follow your faith? ( )