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The Captive Heart Audiobook
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(4.01) - 287 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Christy Award winner Dale Cramer's enthralling Paradise Valley introduced Caleb Bender, an Amish man who, in the 1920s, led his family from Ohio to Mexico to form a new settlement. Its compelling sequel, The Captive Heart finds Caleb and his family struggling to adapt to their new lives in a country torn apart by revolution. But their true test is yet to come. When a bandit kidnaps his daughter and wounds his son, Caleb knows he must act before his children are put in further danger. Yet what can an Amish man do when violence is strictly forbidden?
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"The Captive Heart by Dale Cramer is the second book in The Daughters of Caleb Bender series about an Amish man in 1920 who moves his family to rural Mexico in hopes of escaping religious persecution in the United States only to encounter difficulties and loss he never could have imagined. Miriam, his second eldest daughter is still struggling with her feelings for Domingo, a Nahua who has helped the family settle in to Paradise Valley, but in order to please her family she allows Micah to court her. Rachel, the youngest daughter, has settled into a happy courtship with Jake. As more families move into the valley, courting couples anxiously await the arrival of a pastor so they can get married. But El Pantera, the bandit who caused trouble for Caleb and his family in the first novel isn't through with them, and he certainly hasn't forgotten his humiliation at Domingo's hands. Cramer ups the ante in this novel by ratcheting up the tension and action. There is a hopelessness among the Amish as they try to face the absolute evil of a man with no morals without resorting to violence. I felt my nerves stretch as El Pantera struck again and again, each time pushing them a little farther until he finally snaps in an explosion of violence that left me breathless and heartbroken. Cramer really allows the reader to feel the helplessness of the Bender family in the face of evil, clinging bravely to the prayer that Gott will hear them. One warning to readers: don't pick this novel up unless you have the next several hours free, because it is impossible to put down once you start. I can't wait to see what happens next to the Amish of Paradise Valley."
— Clockstein (5 out of 5 stars)
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“In a way that only Cramer can, the lives of these plucky, authentic characters are skillfully woven into the fabric of a richly researched historical tapestry, making for a strong series, sure to please readers of this inspirational fiction niche as well as readers who appreciate fictionalized accounts of family chronicles.”
— Booklist -
“Drawing on the true-life experiences of his grandfather, Cramer does not flinch from depicting the harsh reality of settlement life. Grittier than most Amish novels, this will attract readers who like Lauraine Snelling’s Western series.”
— Library Journal
The Captive Heart Listener Reviews
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" Another excellent edition in The Daughter's of Caleb Bender series. This book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole entire time I was reading. Keeps you needing more! The next in the series can't come soon enough! "
— Sue, 2/19/2014 -
" I don't read a lot of amish fiction, and have to admit that when I started this one, I had more stereotypes in my head than I thought. I grew up and live in an area with lots of Amish, and despite not knowing any personally, thought I had a good idea of them. As I was reading this book, I thought several times,"this is so unrealistic!" It wasn't til I finished the book and read the note from the author that I realized he probably knew what he was talking about! So, that said, I did enjoy the book; i thought the premise of Amish moving to Mexico was interesting (it is based on actual historical happenings) and enjoyed it as a quick, enjoyable read that opened my eyes to my stereotypes of those I see around me every day. I am Mennonite and agree with Mennonite views of Pacifism which is another subject broached in the book; it brought up the same debate I have with myself at times though- if I choose not to do actions of violence, someone else has to or I would not survive. Though I would not choose to be a soldier and go to war, I am thankful for those that do so and protect us as a country. And in the story, if Domingo did not take action, the settlement would most likely not have survived. No answers are offered but it always gets me thinking! I would recommend this book to those that enjoy Amish fiction or romance; there is some action in the book but most likely not enough for a die-hard action reader! Despite not reading a lot of this genre, I am interested in reading the first in the series as well as seeing what happens in the lives of these characters! I recieved a copy of this book for the publisher in exchange for an honest review. "
— Jessica, 1/29/2014 -
" I really liked the trilogy based on Caleb Benders daughters. It has a great mix of struggle, family love, love for God and faith and romance! Easy read - good for the heart! "
— Angela, 12/22/2013 -
" LOVED this book just like the first one. I can't wait for the next one to come out. "
— Shannon, 11/14/2013 -
" This was an intense book, I cannot wait to read rest of the series. "
— Karen, 10/24/2013 -
" Lots of emotion and internal struggles. Loved it! "
— Lynnae, 10/20/2012 -
" Interesting story about a group of Amish families in Mexico. Differences in culture, religion and expectations make for challenging experiences. "
— Lewestover, 10/3/2012 -
" Really enjoyed this installment in the trilogy. The intrigue and suspense were palpable, yet unpredictable. I'm falling in love with these characters more with each book! "
— Kelley, 8/22/2012
About Robin Miles
Robin Miles, named a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine, has twice won the prestigious Audie Award for Best Narration, an Audie Award for directing, and many Earphones Awards. Her film and television acting credits include The Last Days of Disco, Primary Colors, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Law & Order, New York Undercover, National Geographic’s Tales from the Wild, All My Children, and One Life to Live. She regularly gives seminars to members of SAG and AFTRA actors’ unions, and in 2005 she started Narration Arts Workshop in New York City, offering audiobook recording classes and coaching. She holds a BA degree in theater studies from Yale University, an MFA in acting from the Yale School of Drama, and a certificate from the British American Drama Academy in England.