Discription: Jacob Sauder abandons his Amish heritage when the woman he loves, Rachel Zook, agrees to marry his brother, Simon. Though he adapts to the ways of the “English” — even fathering twins — he remains an outsider. When the mother of his twins dies, Jacob knows only one way to raise his children — the Amish way. He brings them home to the community he vowed to leave forever. For his children he can do anything, even be strong when he sees Rachel, his love, married to his brother.Years ago, Simon lied to ensure a future with Rachel Zook as his wife. Now Rachel is barren, a disappointment to him. Unaware of the lie Simon told to drive Jacob away, Rachel believes Jacob abandoned her when he left the Amish community. Shocked when he returns with two-year-old twins, Rachel knows there can be nothing between them, for marriage is a life-long commitment among the Amish. But the twins need a mother and Rachel loves children. As she cares for Jacob’s children as if they were her own, her feelings for him deepen into a love that cannot be.Jacob’s Return is the story of a prodigal son, a forbidden love, and a fanatical preacher. As shocking as it is compelling, Jacob’s Return is both uplifting and unforgettable. A wonderful read, this is a universal story about love and faith in impossible circumstances.This book really brought you into Amish life, and some of the harsh realities of it. I found it very interesting and a very fast one day read. It is not for everyone and could be considered X rated. If it weren't for the explicit sex, it was a wonderful story of repentance and forgiveness.There are some harsh realities with the way Simon treats Rachel...you really come to dislike the man, and then you are able to see another side of him when he is with his nephew Aaron. He harbors deep hatred for his brother Jacob, starting as a young child. His Mother it seems unknowingly favored her twins, he has felt second best his whole life. Unfortunately he tends to be nasty and evil in some of his actions.Rachel takes on Jacobs twins, Aaron and Emma, immediately. She longs for children of her own. She does have a lot of love in her heart for most people. She adores her father-in-law Levi, and her sister Esther.I primarily read Christian books, and although there was praying and worship services, I would not recommend this for a Christian read, but a good Amish read.
reading this was frustrating! I just wanted to throttle Simon, the brother/ husband/ deacon/ abuser! from childhood he has jeolousy and guilt issues. he tricked them with lies at his mother's funeral. has made her life miserable ever since - even using his church position to embarrass and shame his wife. I thought it was sad that BOTH fathers did not act on what they saw and knew to stop the abuse. Even after Simon stops abusing her directly he takes it out on her printing press. everyone sees ... no one takes action. It seems like an impossible situation. this is a good book for a group and discussion. If I was her neighbor and friend, what could I do?
What do You think about Jacob's Return (2011)?
A beautifully written book. I truly enjoyed reading this story, especially how well the author journeys into the lives of the characters, their struggles and relationships. I've always been fascinated with the Amish lifestyle, having visited several Amish farms and markets as a child. What I enjoyed most about the story: the rich details of the community's traditions, family and relationships. They live a simple life and yet their relations with one another can be very complex, particularly when it comes to betrayal, forbidden love and forgiveness. I will certainly be reading more from Annette Blair!
—Vicki Smith
I read this on the recommendation of a friend, as I fancied reading something different. The blurb intrigued me and I've read the odd Amish romance novel before and quite enjoyed them, so I was looking forward to reading it.Well, I can honestly say this is one of the best books I've read in a long time. This is not an inspirational novel, so don't read it if you're expecting one. Whilst there is a strong Christian theme, this book deals with some tough subjects. Adultery, domestic abuse, to name the main two.The author's writing style completely draws you into the story, so much so that I only read it when the kids were in bed and even then hubby got his head bitten off for daring to talk to me. There are some surprising twists in this story and right till the end, I wasn't sure how this was all going to work out.I cried, I screamed (no - he can't do that) lol, a few times whilst reading it and I had to force myself not to skip ahead to make sure that Jacob and Rachel were going to be okay.The book takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride with beautifully drawn out characters, as you suffer with Jacob and his struggles to protect the woman he loves and has no right to claim as his own. I fell in love with a few supporting characters too. There are some sex scenes, which is unusual for an Amish novel, but they are beautifully written from the emotional view point of the H/H and make perfect sense in the story.I had a few tears in my eyes at the ending, as well as during various parts of the book and I gasped and screeched and at one point threw the book down in disgust only to pick it up again straight away, cause I had to see what happens next.Yes it was that good!
—Doris O'Connor
Jacob abandoned his Amish way of life and Rachel the girl he had loved forever. Then he found life with the English difficult. After discovering that he had fathered twins and the mother was dead he decided to return to his origins to raise the twins. He found Rachel married to his brother. Then discovered that his brother was physically and verbally abusing Rachel. The connection between the two is not approved of by the elders. Eventually jacob is shunned and is leaving the community. He discovers that Rachel and her family are moving with him to a more forgiving Amish settlement. This was quite an interesting read.
—Faye
