Acclaimed inspirational author W. Dale Cramer pens the tale of an Amish prodigal's struggle for faith and forgiveness. As Will returns to bury his dad, his mind flashes back 42 years to when he fled his Amish heritage, abandoning his unborn child's mother and inflicting pain only a parent can fathom. Now he understands that pain. And he thinks of all those years of silence-all those words never spoken. But as his father lies cold and still, is all hope for healing gone?
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"This book provided a thought-provoking read. Because the author moved back and forth between three different time periods, questions were constantly raised while others were answered, which kept me reading. There was a tension invoked in the reader that was finally resolved in the final pages. "
— Deb (4 out of 5 stars)
“With beautiful prose and captivating characters, Cramer has crafted an unforgettable tale.”
— Beverly Lewis, New York Times bestselling author“Cramer’s deeply flawed, utterly sympathetic characters resonate. His unique voice combines a stark yet poetic terseness with a poignant tenderness that can only emanate from the very source of grace.”
— RT Book Reviews (4½ stars, Top Pick!)“Powerfully portrays the relationships between fathers and their children, the bitterness of rejection, and the redeeming power of friendship, faith, and forgiveness.”
— Publishers Weekly“[A] beautiful and original story that neither damns nor praises the Amish but simply presents them. This is accomplished work.”
— Booklist (starred review)“Cramer’s third novel…expands on his unique talent for creating complex, fallen heroes and examining the complicated relationships between fathers and sons.”
— Library Journal" (Maybe not quite 4 stars but close) This solid story with solid characters follows Will through his life as he leaves his Amish family and responsibilities behind and tries to come to grips with the impact his roots and his family will continue to play throughout his life. A very satisfying read. "
— Courtney, 2/19/2014" This story gives a fascinating and informative look into the Amish culture as it follows prodigal Will in his rebellion to his strict father, his new life, and his return home to seek reconciliation. "
— Connie, 2/18/2014" This book provided a thought-provoking read. Because the author moved back and forth between three different time periods, questions were constantly raised while others were answered, which kept me reading. There was a tension invoked in the reader that was finally resolved in the final pages. "
— Deb, 2/16/2014" I like books about Amish people. This was an interesting story about the life of a man who left the Amish lifestyle before WW II. "
— Barbara, 2/16/2014" This was a very good book. It is not like any of the Amish books I have read. "
— Cathy, 2/12/2014" Great new author I found. His books aren't too girly either. "
— Kristy, 2/7/2014" This is a good book, and gives wonderful insight into the Amish community. It becomes a little preachy near the end. "
— K, 2/5/2014" I would not have chosen this book on my own (read it for a church book group), but I was pleasantly surprised. The writing is mediocre, but the characters and plot are engaging, and the issues are relevant and universal. This book definitely touched a chord with me, and I enjoyed it as a quick yet meaningful read. "
— Erin, 1/25/2014" This was an awesome book. The characters really came alive for me. Many memorable quotes and things to take from the story. I would read it again. "
— Jarosik18, 1/19/2014" Second book I have read by this author. Taught me alot about the Amish tradition and about forgiveness. Great book. I would highly recommend it. "
— Danielle, 10/29/2013" I loved this book so much, I might read it again. This book gave a more truthful represenation of Amish culture than some of the many other books in the same genre. If Beverly Lewis is the queen of Amish fiction, then Dale Cramer is king. "
— Janet, 10/19/2013" I really enjoy Dale Cramer's writing. This book was well written and I hated to leave the characters after finishing it. It's a story of a young Amish man who left the fold, but it's told with love and understanding--a great read. "
— Robi, 9/23/2013" Very good story about families and the impact of our early roots. Characters you can befriend! Completely enjoyable and thought provoking....necessary elements of a good read. "
— Sheila, 6/9/2013" I liked this tale. I find Amish stories intriguing. A beautiful picture of grace. "
— Lisa, 2/26/2013" A fine book--themes of forgiveness, work ethic, true closeness with God. "
— Andrea, 1/14/2013" This story resonated with me. I loved it's message of forgiveness and reconciliation. "
— John, 8/26/2012" This is a story of forgiveness with the backdrop of WWII and an Amish community. I really enjoyed this book! "
— Pam, 6/11/2012" I thought this was a good book to read about the Amish people and some of their traditions. A good book about forgiveness. "
— Bywaterfam, 6/7/2012" Awesome book. Neat insight to the Amish life and also some wonderful ideas on God and religion "
— Kim, 5/20/2012" Thoroughly engrossing week written with sympathetic characters. I will read more by this author! "
— Michelle, 1/28/2012" So interesting to see how profoundly the actions of one generation affect those members of the next. "
— Margy, 9/2/2011" Interesting father/son relationships in this book. But the storyline was a little slow. "
— Carolyn, 6/17/2011" I bought the book because it was in a setting I enjoyed and browsing through the first few chapters, I saw some wonderfully written lines. This is a book I would recommend to anyone who has an estranged family member or is looking to forgive. "
— Summer, 5/18/2011" Novel about an Amish man who leaves the community in the 1940s and his 40 year journey back to fogiveness and family ties. Has a certain authenticity as it was written by a man "
— Stephanie, 4/28/2011" A moving story of faith and forgiveness. "
— Kathy, 3/27/2011" Novel about an Amish man who leaves the community in the 1940s and his 40 year journey back to fogiveness and family ties. Has a certain authenticity as it was written by a man "
— Stephanie, 3/9/2011" So interesting to see how profoundly the actions of one generation affect those members of the next. "
— Margy, 2/23/2011" I did NOT like how this book kept going in the future, then back when he was a boy.. back and forth every chapter [or so]. It was confusing! =| "
— Lacy, 2/18/2011" I think it was the best book I ever read about the differents between fathers and sons <br/>and how they though about there problems "
— Janice, 1/17/2011" I bought the book because it was in a setting I enjoyed and browsing through the first few chapters, I saw some wonderfully written lines. This is a book I would recommend to anyone who has an estranged family member or is looking to forgive. "
— Summer, 11/29/2010" Second book I have read by this author. Taught me alot about the Amish tradition and about forgiveness. Great book. I would highly recommend it. "
— Danielle, 10/18/2010" Provides some insight into Amish customs through back flashes. An easy and interesting read. No big mysteries or action packed cliff hangers in this one. Just enjoyable and pleasant. "
— Joanne, 9/9/2010" Awesome book. Neat insight to the Amish life and also some wonderful ideas on God and religion "
— Kim, 8/9/2010" It's not a page turner, but it's a good book. I enjoyed it. "
— Elizabeth, 7/5/2010" Fathers have alot of influences in their children's lives, whether it is good influence or not. Pride should never come between family. Family, children is our number one priority! "
— Linda, 6/19/2010" This was a very good book. It is not like any of the Amish books I have read. <br/> "
— Cathy, 5/9/2010George Guidall, winner of more than eighty AudioFile Earphones Awards, has won three of the prestigious Audie Award for Excellence in Audiobook Narration. In 2014 the Audio Publishers Association presented him with the Special Achievement Award for lifetime achievement/ During his thirty-year recording career he has recorded over 1,700 audiobooks, won multiple awards, been a mentor to many narrators, and shown by example the potential of fine storytelling. His forty-year acting career includes starring roles on Broadway, an Obie Award for best performance off Broadway, and frequent television appearances.