Amelia DeVries is a concert violinist who has spent her life preparing to play the classics in music halls around the world. Her fiance' is a musician as well and they have had to work at finding time for one another during the three years of their courtship. As the book opens, Amelia is enjoyi...
The Judgment really had me on the edge of my chair. Having read the Thorn already, I sort of expected some things to happen to Rose and Hen, but no!! This book really through me for a loop and I have to say I was really worried about the girls throughout this book. There were a lot of twists and ...
WIIA: All Tessie Miller wants is to marry the love of her life. But her father is highly opposed. Tessie rebels anyway and marries...but in secret. And so when her secret husband dies tensions rise and problems are created. Not just because Tessie is mourning woefully, but because Tessie has an...
3 1/2 stars"These days, my thoughts, even my convictions, seem to shift with the fickle hues of a Pennsylvania sky...a blending of what was true for me as the young preacher's daughter with what I now see and know. Is there no way to blend my opposing desires? Will I ever understand all of the ...
All right, I just finished this book, so I probably shouldn't be writing a review before I have time to absorb it. But there are some things I want to say before I forget, so I'm doing it anyway!I picked this book up because I've read Beverly Lewis' Shunning trilogy (and seen the movies), which I...
I'm a sucker for all things Amish. I don't necessarily regret reading this book, but it certainly wasn't what I expected. I marked it as just "okay" because the story itself is dull, the characters don't shine and are somewhat one-dimensional and contradictory, but the insights into Amish culture...
I really enjoyed this book. i love the closeness of the neighbors. after all we are to love our neighbors. I love how you can see a clear contrast between the amish way of living and the english way. I enjoyed each challenge that merry hanson had to face and how she put her trust in God each tim...
From newlyweds Katie and Dan living in the shadow of the shunning, to Rachel and Philip embracing parenthood even as he acclimates to Amish life as an outsider... From the courtship of Lydia Cottrell and her betrothed, Levi King, to Sarah Cain, now a wife and mother struggling to bridge her own l...
I read Ms Lewis' Abram's Daughters series a few years ago and instantly loved Ms Lewis' writing. So when my life has settled down and I picked my books back up again I checked this series from our library and listened to it on CD. The first book was a bit slow and about didn't finish it but was g...
I really did not expect the ending in this book. It worked well and was great to read. So many times we force our will upon the Lord, but it is so much better when we look for signs and cues pointing us in his direction, guiding our lives with his will. This book would make a fabulous coping mech...
Beverly Lewis Bestseller, Beautifully Repackaged In "The Revelation," Jonas Mast has given Leah Ebersol reason to hope again. Yet events threaten that might force Leah and her sister Sadie to reveal their closely guarded secret--a secret with the power to split the Mast and Ebersol families even ...
The Prodigal is book four of Lewis' Abram's Daughters series. If you haven't read any of the others in the series, I highly suggest that you stop reading this review and go start at the beginning. This series has a continuing timeline and is not meant to be read out of order. All the Ebersol ch...
Beautifully Repackaged: The Betrayal and The SacrificeIn The Betrayal, Leah Ebersol and her beloved Jonas Mast are separated by hundreds of miles when he accepts an apprenticeship in Ohio. They are confident their love is strong enough to survive, but more than time and distance are conspiring to...
The Englisher (Annie's People Series
Presents the story of a weary big-city journalist and a New Order Amish woman whose lives come together over a mysterious postcard.
Eric Hagel wants to do something special for his grandpa for Father's Day. But Eric is broke--and can't think of anything to make!Then he remembers his grandpa's passion for pickles. Pickles on eggs, pickles on cheese, pickles on everything. What about a pickle pizza?When the girls in the cul-de-...
Jason Birchall is saving all his money for a super mountain bike. He's been working hard and counting every penny. He's even storing his money in a secret place that no one can find. But Jason's mom is on a health kick, and she's making him eat vegetables...and beans. Jason comes up with a way to...
It's almost Christmas, and Eric Hagel is spying on the new neighbor. What's going on next door? Why is the house always flickering with candlelight? And what about the eerie flute music every morning at 6:00?When Mr. Tressler puts up a Christmas tree, Eric's eyes nearly pop out. The angel at the ...
Since the untimely death of Nellie Mae Fisher's beloved younger sister, Suzy, 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 fat...
Jason Birchall's been bragging all week about his science fair project--alfalfa sprouts growing in a carpet square! But on the morning of the fair, Jason's super sprouts are missing. Will Miss Hershey give him a big, fat zero? And why does Eric Hagel look so sneaky?Then, during P.E., globs of rot...
Abby Hunter plans a birthday cake her brother will never forget. Will she be able to keep it a secret from him? Or will her little sister's big mouth get in the way?As the party day nears, Abby's best friend, Stacy Henry, needs help solving a family mystery. Abby goes broke playing detective. The...
Stacy Henry thinks everyone should do something special for New Year's Day. And she has the perfect idea! All the Cul-de-sac Kids choose a Fruit of the Spirit and vow to work on it throughout the year. Everyone but Jason Birchall, that is.Stacy is determined to get Jason to join the gang in pract...
Set in rural Pennsylvania's Amish country, SummerHill Secrets follows the true-to-life struggles and heartfelt triumphs of sixteen-year-old Merry Hanson. Teen girls will come to love, laugh, and cry with the impulsive Merry as she encounters intriguing mysteries while also struggling to be the be...
Abby Hunter and her little sister, Carly, can't wait to meet their new Korean sisters. They buy "welcome home" presents to take to the airport. But the plane arrives without the Korean girls.Where are they? What could have happened? Abby and her Cul-de-sac friends on Blossom Hill Lane are in for ...
Dunkum And His Friends Are In For The Surprise Of Their Lives!Dunkum loves mysteries. And when he digs for buried treasure, he uncovers one--in a mudhole! A locked box, covered in squishy mud. The discovery turns out to be a time capsule, buried many years ago.Curious, the Cul-de-sac Kids search ...
It's "TV Turn-Off Week" all across America, and Eric Hagel decides that the Cul-de-sac Kids--their parents, too!--won't watch a speck of TV for the entire week.All the kids agree. But what about the grown-ups? Can Eric and his friends convince the adults to go along with the plan?Will it be a nev...
MY REVIEW:This is the 17th book in the Cul-De-Sac Kids series by Beverly Lewis about a group of kids who have there own little club. They are great to read to your kids or to have younger kids (8 to 9 year old's) read them alone. I appreciate how they are biblically based and teach a lesson whi...
Jason Birchall can't wait for Valentine's Day. His parents are going away for the weekend, and Grandma is coming! Jason has big plans. Will he be able to sneak some of his mother's yummy valentine chocolates? Can he trick Grandma into allowing him to change his bedtime?
It's soccer season for the Blossom Hill Blitzers. Shawn Hunter is dying to make the team. But some of the kids call him "Fiddlesticks" because he brings his violin to after-school practice. And because his legs are skinny as sticks.Secretly, Shawn works out at home--but time is running out. Can h...
Dunkum's new basketball has been signed by his hero, David Robinson. Now Dunkum spends all his time playing with the ball. He's much too busy for his Cul-de-sac friends.When the ball disappears, Dunkum finds a secret code. Someone with a weird name has stolen the basketball! And he's leaving mess...
Carly Hunter is proud to be chosen "Student of the Week." She even gets to make a special wish--just in time for St. Patrick's Day. Carly decides her classmates must wear green because she's Irish. And she wants everyone to eat only green foods, too, during lunch.But Jimmy, her adopted Korean bro...
Book 12 of The Cul-De-Sac Kids. Dee Dee Winters' crabby, cranky cat, sometimes takes big risks, like running away. When Mister Whiskers vanishes just before the school carnival, can Dee Dee and her cul-de-sac friends capture the crazy cat?
Stacy Henry wants to earn money for the Cul-de-sac Kids Club. But she can't get permission from Abby, the club president, who is out of town.The rest of the kids vote to go ahead with a yard sale. The friends make signs, and everyone brings old treasures for the big day. But one night, some of th...
“My cousin Marilyn Halverston might show up ridin’ with Bettina and me tonight after Singing, if you’re interested,” Levi said, his hands stuffed deep in his trouser pockets. Marilyn Halverston? Jed was surprised. Marilyn was an exceptionally pretty girl, sweet spirited an...
He removed his white cap and explained the reason for the extended time in some indecipherable remarks, focusing his attention mainly on Dat. Rose was nevertheless heartened when he stated that the surgery had been as successful as could be hoped for. Now they’d have to wait and see if Mamm would...
She lay in bed, pressing her fingers gently into her armpits to find the same tiny nodules—still no pain. She moved her hand along her rib cage, relieved there were no changes there, either. Her getting away might prove to be truly therapeutic. That, and being free from a deceitful toad of a fian...
I repeated his name as Mom pulled something from her pocket. “This came today.” She held up a letter. “Your father will be skiing in town next week,” she said. I didn’t tell her I knew all about Daddy’s plans from Sean. The last I’d heard, though, Daddy was coming during spring break. Mom continu...
said Heather Bock. She sat cross-legged on the floor in Jenna Song’s attic bedroom, holding the “minutes” notebook. “I know what you’re saying,” agreed Jenna, residing president of the exclusive Girls Only Club. “Christmas break was just too long this year.” Olivia Hudson—vice-president—spoke up....
“Somebody run and tell Dunkum,” Carly said. “We’re having the Piggy Party over here.” “We are?” Jason Birchall piped up. Carly looked over at her sister. “Abby’s president. She said so.” Abby stopped sweeping. “It’s all right, Jason,” she called. “Carly already asked.” Jason stuck his nose in the...
Maybe filling up his free time might help him recover more quickly from his loss of Joanna, though so far that plan hadn’t been working. And since Emma Miller, Cousin Chester’s former fiancée, was by no means interested in mingling with any new fellows, Eben was stuck with asking out much younger...
Hen asked to borrow some of her mother's stationery. "I never thought of bringing along writing paper," Hen said as the two sat in the kitchen.Mom, in her wheelchair, had been trying to darn some socks but kept stopping, obviously struggling to manage her pain today. She pointed to the corner cup...
She was wearing her favorite blue jeans and a bright T-shirt. “Hi, ya, kids,” she announced. “What are you doing here!” Carly squealed with delight. Grandma Hunter gasped. “Carly, dear, that’s not a polite thing to say to Granny Mae.” &n...
I have to tell someone my secret! he thought. He didn’t bother to check his spelling. He didn’t even read over his work. Jason was in such a big hurry. He slapped his name on the paper and pushed his homework into a folder. T...
Well, not really collided or anything, but they noticed me walking with Tina. And they were scowling! Andie and company were polite enough not to say anything rude, but if looks are the unspoken expression of the soul, I knew exactly what they were thinking. “Hey, everyone,” I said, remembering h...
There was a tree with a bunch of branches and lines on it. Stacy pointed to the paper. “Do you know what this is?” Abby saw the names on the lines. “A family tree?” Stacy nodded. “It’s for school.” “Wi...
Immediately, she set her pen aside and asked, “Everything all right?” Lucy mutely toyed with the idea of sitting for a while, but she felt too vulnerable and merely shook her head as Mamm held out her hand to gently pull her close and kiss her cheek. &nbs...
She considered Joshua Peachey and Turkey Dan, still somewhat perplexed at yesterday’s unexpected attention. “Mamma, oops! You put Sarah’s dresses next to Tobias’s britches,” Leda said, giggling. “I believe your Mamma has other things on her mind,” Maryanna’s mother said, smiling as she tried to p...
Good, she thought, I’m not the only one. Miss Hershey turned away from the chalkboard. “For students who are still working, remember to read all questions first,” she reminded them. Abby put her pencil down and read each question. The last question ...
Tilly noticed how quiet, if not contemplative, Ruthie looked over in the corner of the front room near the heater stove. Mamm, on the other hand, looked bleary-eyed and ready to call it a day while Daed read verse seventeen, “ ‘Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye...
“Put this back where you found it,” I said. “What’s wrong?” Carrie asked. “I’ll tell you later.” I hoped she wouldn’t hassle me about it in front of Zach. He looked wiped out. I could tell by the way his arm was flung off to the side. Gently untying his Nikes, I pulled them off. I was surprised b...
“Uncle Phil!” she squealed, as though she hadn’t seen him in years. She threw her arms around his neck, and he leaned down, hugging her. “How’s my sunshine?” She let go, stepping back, then twirled about to model her long floral skirt, blond hair fanning out around her shoulders. “What do you thi...
He read it, confused by the number at first. Just touching base. It’s been a while. How are you doing? I’ve been busy, but that’s good, right? Angela. Long-lost Angela Walberg. Why was she texting him after a month of silence? After ignoring his eve...
He’d labored since before dawn this morning and was eager to sit and relax . . . and eat. Looking at the wall clock, he calculated how much time remained before supper. It was clear by the looks of things that he’d have to wait awhile. Rubbing his beard, he was glad to be by himself. He reached f...
Angela had been pushing up, trying her best to get up on all fours. She will be soon, thought Marlena. She fingered through the mail and found mostly letters for Mammi—three from her older sisters in Hickory Hollow and Strasburg, and a couple of circle letters. But there w...
I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s back home soon, when things blow over.” Ben wondered what things but assumed it had a lot to do with him and with her father’s discovery of their dating. “So, Ben,” Julia began, giving him a knowing look. “What really brings you back so soon?” Irvin chuckled. “Jul...
Though her fever had suddenly broken yesterday, Mamma and Nan had covered for her at the shop, baking fewer items than normal, since customers were only trickling in anyway. Nellie soaked up the compassion offered by her next-older sister, who smiled warmly across the breakfast table as she passe...
“This is Croaker.” He pointed to the round spots behind the frog’s eyes. “These are Croaker’s ears. He can hear sounds under water.” Jason pranced around his desk. Even with his medicine, he was still hyper sometimes. Up and down the row he paced, showing off his bullfrog....
When everything Nellie Mae had cooked and baked was set in place on the cold steps, she rapped on the back door. Fourteen-year-old Emmie came to the storm door, a slight frown on her pretty face. “I’m so sorry ’bout your father’s accident,” Betsy began, realizing from the girl’s slack jaw that sh...
They were new. One red, one blue. The kids lined up their sneakers along the wall. Jason plopped down on the floor. The others did, too. “Okay,” Jason said. “Let’s get started.” Abby sat in the president’s seat—a beanbag. “Th...
The wife of the younger of the district’s two preachers and mother to six children, she’d followed the Lord in holy baptism at the youthful age of sixteen, when other girls were more interested in attending Singings and pairing up with potential beaus. Sally was not only a dutiful woman; she was ...
He put it in a cone for Ellen. “One vanilla cone coming up,” he said. “Woof, woof!” Honey barked. Ellen smiled. “You like this trick, don’t you, girl?” Honey barked again. Dunkum handed the cone to Ell...