Title: THOUGH MOUNTAINS FALLAuthor: Dale CramerPublisher: Bethany HouseJanuary 2013ISBN: 978-0764208409Genre: Historical/AmishUnique Amish Historical from a Bestselling, Award-Winning AuthorAmish pacifism is sorely tested in the Paradise Valley settlement in the 1920s. When an army of bandits descends on them, the Amish are saved by the last-minute arrival of government troops. But they soon learn that soldiers can be as cruel as the bandits themselves. Then a bishop travels to Mexico, and Caleb's daughters are finally able to marry, though the ban still looms for Miriam even as her beloved Domingo decides he must go off to fight in the coming war. As Caleb's frail hope of peace and freedom in Mexico slips away, he is left to ponder the question: In times of trouble, on whom should we rely?Inspired by Actual Events!"I want you to promise you will always be my sister."There were tears in Miriam's eyes as their foreheads touched and Rachel whispered, "No matter what. Always."Now in its fourth year, the Amish settlement in Mexico is thriving. But as new settlers arrive, sons and daughters marry, babies are born, and crops grow thick, a storm looms on the horizon. And Caleb Bender knows--perhaps better than anyone--that the worst of storms don't come from the western skies.They come on horseback.When their very existence is threatened, the Amish turn to the Mexican government for help, only to discover that the rulers of men are fickle and security is an illusion. Tried by fire and riven by war, Caleb and Domingo come to understand that the kingdom of God is not to be found in land or buildings or gold or armies, but in the hearts of peaceful men trying to feed their families.Watching helplessly as daughters Rachel, Miriam, and Emma are drawn inexorably toward their separate destinies, Caleb is forced to confront the most important decision of his life.THOUGH MOUNTAINS FALL is the conclusion of the most heartbreaking historical Amish series I ever read. I hated what these poor Amish pioneers went through in search for freedom from government. I laughed with them with things went right. Cried with them when everything went wrong and my heart ached… as I saw a clearing in the plot of the book and knew another bad storm was just ahead. I will probably always wonder what happened to certain characters in this book—they were that real. If you like historical Amish fiction and don’t mind crying as you read, then THOUGH MOUNTAINS FALL and the first two books in the series, Paradise Valley and The Captive Heart. Highly recommended. 5 stars. 352 pages. Available in ebook, paperback, audio download, and hardcover. Dale Cramer is a favorite author of mine, and I will echo what other reviewers have said, I never read a Dale Cramer book that I didn't love. His take on amish subculture is so much more real and in depth and he is not afraid to shy away from the tough questions. For example, how do pacifists stand in judgment of those who bear arms to protect them? How do you live with yourself as a man if you stand by and let someone rape your daughter? Brutal stuff that.I recommend this series and any work by this talented and wise author. Especially would encourage you to read Levi's Will, a book that tells more of the story of a part of this family (written many years previous to these books, which are prequel to Levi's Will). This part of the story did really add understanding as to why Levi was the way he was. Fascinating.
What do You think about Though Mountains Fall (2013)?
Canno wait for more in this series! I am totally addicted to the daughters of caleb bender!
—tyshawna
THIS WAS A GREAT AMISH STORY, LOVE READ THIS AND EACH BOOK IN THE SERIES
—gillz
Good story, well-written with an interesting and unusual setting.
—jai
This is the third book in the series,and I enjoyed all of them !!
—Samantha
