The people themselves dare to challenge the old ways of their heritage... and each patriarch must choose a side. Nearly one hundred days have passed since the untimely death of Nellie Mae Fisher’s beloved younger sister, Suzy, and Nellie dares again to dream of a future with handsome Caleb Yoder. But with rumors about Suzy still flying among the People, there are those who would keep the young courting couple apart…including Caleb’s own father. Meanwhile, a growing number of Honeybrook’s Amish farmers are demanding tractors and other forbidden modern conveniences. When a revival adds to the tensions, passions flare. With the Old Order community pushed to the breaking point, Nellie and Caleb find their families—and themselves—in the midst of what threatens to become an impossible divide.
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"This is the first book I have read by Beverly Lewis. I will definitely be checking out the rest of this series as well as the rest of her books. The main character of this story is Nellie Fisher, a young Amish woman who has just lost her sister in a tragic drowning. Her parents are understandably heartbroken and also distraught at the idea that their child has possibly died without hope of salvation. At first I was slightly confused by the plot until I realized that not only is this book Amish fiction, it is also historical. Amish and Mennonite fiction outlines the conflicts of faith in regards to keeping the 'Old Ways' and embracing all that the Holy Bible teaches - a powerful message of forgiveness, healing and salvation. I look forward to reading the rest of the series."
— Kristin (5 out of 5 stars)
“Lewis creates the tension necessary to get the series started…Lewis has a gentle narrative style…and her fans will line up for this latest fictional slice of Amish life.”
— Publishers Weekly“Lewis creates a vividly imagined sensory world in which readers can almost smell the pumpkin cookies that Nellie bakes in her shop. And her well-drawn characters speak with authentic voices as they struggle to cope with grief and questions about their traditional relationship with God. Essential.”
— Library Journal" Easy summer read. I enjoy these books when I want to get lost in easy reading. "
— Theresa, 2/19/2014" It was an amazing book, a lovely romance I would encourage anyone to read it. "
— Anna, 2/12/2014" I really enjoyed reading about the Amish. I have always been interested in that community and it was so fun being emersed in their world for a while. I always read the reviews that other people have given books usually after I have already started reading. I only read one bad review, where she said she thought Nellie and Caleb were both so very selfish. But I found it to be opposite. They fell in love with each other, and still tried to be mindful of his parents wishes, which I thought to be commendable. Not like most teenagers, with their hormones raging. "
— Kristy, 2/11/2014" I really loved this book. I could not put it down. wonderfully well written. faith and hope. When's the next one coming out? "
— Amy, 2/8/2014" This didn't catch my interest as most books. It took a long time explaining things and got to the point towards the end of the book. Maybe the second book will be better. "
— Lacey, 2/1/2014" Beverly Lewis story with a twist. I never knew about the schism in the Amish community that occurred in the 1960's. Other than that the characters are typical of Lewis and readers will find themselves in a comfortable easy read. "
— Catherine, 1/16/2014" Loved it! I'm never disappointed with Beverly Lewis's books... I have a lot of books to finish reading to complete my goals for this year so the next 2 for this series may have to wait until the beginning of the year! "
— Andrea, 1/13/2014" My friend Janet suggested this book because I have taken an interest in Amish cultural novels. This was a good book. It is the first one in the series, so I am anxious to see how the others pan out. This is the same author as the other three that I read. "
— Haley, 1/2/2014" I have read many of Lewis's books and I have enjoyed learning about the Amish and their way of life this one was my least favorite. I think she got a little preachy and didn't just rely on the story. "
— Jo, 1/2/2014" The first one is always a little slow, but I have read all three in this serise and I love, Love, LOVE them all! SOOOOO good!! "
— Sarah, 12/15/2013" Interesting to learn more about the Amish people--I enjoyed it, I think that I will read the next one in the series. "
— Jenny, 12/13/2013" I have already started reading the next in the series. Not only is this entertaining, there's fact mixed in here about going through the Amish church split, from what I understand between the Old Order and New Order. Grace versus work. "
— Susan, 11/24/2013" I like quick reads in the summertime that don't require a whole lot of thought. I have become adicted to the Beverly Lewis novels about the Amish. My grandma and I have fun trading them back and forth. "
— RJ, 11/15/2013" i've always enjoyed reading beverly lewis, and this was no different. her descriptions of Amish life are very well done, and the stories are meaningful and realistic. i'll certainly be reading the other two in this series. "
— Maria, 10/28/2013" Is it just me, or is Caleb really, really annoying? I keep hoping that Nellie will find someone better, but generally the heroines in Lewis' books always end up with the boy they love at the beginning. If this is the case once again, I REALLY hope Caleb and his family become more likable. "
— Rachael, 10/9/2013" Amish story. Donna, remember when we took that buggy ride, and the driver was telling us about a new order of Amish -- salvation not works. This story deals with that change. I was astounded to actually be reading about it. "
— Wendy, 6/30/2013" I bought this book when I went to visit the amish community in Pennsylvania. I was fascinated by their culture. The book is very good but I think I would not had liked it that much have I not had spent a day with them in Lancaster. I look forward to read the sequels. "
— Elena, 5/22/2013" I am having a hard time getting into this book too. Maybe i am just to busy right now. "
— Janice, 3/15/2013" First of a three part series about an Amish comumity and the separation of the Old Order. "
— Janice, 2/18/2013" Another interesting look into Amish life. Kind of fun to read the German words and phrases in everyday Amish conversation. "
— Karen, 6/24/2012" I really enjoyed reading this series and couldn't put it down. Beverly Lewis books are easy reads that teach about Amish culture. However my favorite part is always the love story! "
— Sarah, 6/5/2012" This book is well written by Beverly Lewis. It had my attention thoroughly and there was enough tension to keep those pages turning. For me, though, there was entirely too many points of view. At times it got confusing as to who was who. "
— Elaine, 3/3/2012" I enjoyed this book and I will probably read the other books in this series, The Forbidden and The Longing. I enjoyed getting a glimpse into Amish life and the parting that took place Amish Old Order way of life. We had a good discussion at book club. "
— Tammy, 2/21/2012" I absolutely loved this book and series. It is one of my all time favorites!!! "
— Kristin, 2/18/2012" This was part one of a great series. I love peeking into the life on an Amish person and why they do the things they do. These books are ficitional, but give some insight to their lives. Great book! "
— Kim, 12/25/2011" Quick, easy read. Beverly Lewis is my go to author when I want an easy read that I know is not trashy. "
— Kim, 12/17/2011" I love all of Beverly Lewis's books "
— Jeanine, 11/27/2011" this is so far my favorite series of her....which is what I say about all of hers....can't wait to see how this will play out! "
— Heidi, 11/21/2011" I read all of Bevery Lewis' books. I enjoy her stories about the Amish and their way of life. As usual this was a very good book. I will read the rest in this series. "
— Mary, 10/11/2011" I really liked this book & I want to read the rest in series to see what will happen next. "
— Gail, 10/2/2011" A very happy story, but I don't think that it should have been dragged out into three books! "
— Candice, 5/19/2011" This one was a bit slow, but half way through I couldn't put it down. <br/>I'm a sucker for a happy ending. <br/> "
— Sarah, 4/14/2011" I loved these three books! The longing was great. It touched my heart, made me cry and smile! "
— Kathy, 2/1/2011" It was a lovely end to a lovely story... but I felt like there were pieces of the story that never fully wrapped up. "
— Jill, 1/23/2011" What a great book and end to the series. I really enjoyed this one. It was a quick read that took a completely different path than I was expecting so that was pretty exciting. It wasn't as predictable as the first two books and I was really happy with how the series ended. "
— Stephanie, 1/1/2011" I liked this final installment of the serious. I kind of wished the ending was a little different though. "
— Christa, 10/16/2010" This series was very good. The author came to library for book signing last month! "
— Shellie, 10/15/2010" I really love this series of Amish books. Light reading. The dialogue and the sense of a caring community gives you that wonderful feeling you get when you have just spent time with a dear friend. "
— Diana, 8/20/2010" This wraps up the 3 book series. All three were wonderful and the way the author describes things makes you feel like you are right there. "
— Kim, 8/9/2010" I read this one as a stand-alone and still enjoyed. "
— Tania, 6/28/2010" What a charming ending to the series. I enjoyed every page, and while predictable, it still warmed my heart. "
— Kristin, 5/18/2010" Great series by Beverly Lewis. I am going to miss the characters. "
— Teresa, 2/23/2010" This was a nice enjoyable series. It was a quick read that kept my attention. "
— Beth, 2/13/2010Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, is an author with more than seventeen million books in print. Her stories have been published in eleven languages and have regularly appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including the New York Times and USA Today.
Aimee Lilly is an AudioFile Earphones Award–winning narrator who has been involved in the broadcasting and radio drama field since 1989. She has read audiobooks by many bestselling authors, including Elizabeth George, Janette Oke, and Francine Rivers.