This is one of those books that creates such a roller coast of emotions in the reader. We meet Emma Raber a widow and her daughter Katie. Emma has withdrawn since the death of her husband. The problem with this is that she is also forcing her daughter to withdraw from society. This causes Katie a lot of pain in so many ways. She misses out on activities other girls her age participate in. Her mother squashes all attention paid toward her by the boys. Katie loves her mother and has always been obedient. While working at Byler’s store she becomes friends with some of the Mennonite girls. They invite her to some of their activities and she disobeys her mother and goes with them. Not only is she hanging out with the Mennonites she has a big time crush on Ben Stoll. No one in her life thinks he is right for her.

Another story line running through this is that of Jesse Mast. He is a widower with five children. His oldest daughter Mabel has pretty much stepped into her mother’s shoes. Her dad decides he needs a wife and his kids need a mother. He asks Emma to marry him and she turns him down. Ruth Troyer is another widow and is trying to work her way into their lives. Jesse’s children don’t like Emma or Katie. They’ve heard the talk about how strange they are.

Will Katie switch to the Mennonite faith? Will Jesse find a wife and mother for his kids? Will Emma ever allow herself to love again? I suggest you read this book to find out.
I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own. ( )

Fear Of Living Is Not What God Intended!

I have read nearly all of Jerry Eicher’s Amish fiction books. I must say each book gets better and better. What made this book a great read? This story grabs you right from the beginning to the end. After reading the last page I sat here thinking, I can’t wait for book 2 in this series to come out. I want to see what happens to Katie right now! It just ended too soon.

When you live in isolation so to speak as Katie Raber and her Mamm Emma Raber did people look upon you as strange and tend to leave you alone. Emma was content in keeping Katie all to herself because of past hurts in Emma’s life. She didn’t want Katie to experience the hurts that life brought upon her. Emma went so far as to be in complete control over her daughter, not allowing Katie to decide things for herself. Was Emma right in doing so? Was Katie content living this way?

The characters in this book are very real to the reader. I experienced several emotions while reading this book. I really wanted to give a certain character a piece of my mind! I was completely caught up in this story and at times I found myself praying for these characters! I got a little anxious hoping for things to turn out my way. Isn’t it amazing how certain characters can capture your heart?

This is a perfect situation where God starts working in the hearts of his followers. When we take matters into our own hands life never turns out as God had intended it too. Will Emma open her heart to what God wants for her life and will she accept God’s leading? Will Katie follow God’s leading or will she venture out on her own?

These are questions that only reading the book will answer. I wouldn’t even think of spoiling this great read for anyone. I highly recommend this book to all Amish fiction lovers. This book is getting a 5 star rating from me.

I received this book from Harvest House Publishers and the author, Jerry Eicher in return for an honest review. The opinions expressed are mine alone. ( )