| Title | : | Amish Promises (Neighbors of Lancaster County, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0764215086 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780764215087 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 361 |
| Publication | : | First published April 28, 2015 |
Timothy Lehman, a widower, is the family patriarch and demands the Beck boy work in Simon’s place. Tensions escalate, but Shani can’t help but be drawn to Eve Lehman, Timothy’s sister, who runs the household. The two begin to form a strong friendship forged on faith and family, and things seem like they’ve quieted down until Joel’s single and handsome army friend Charlie catches Eve’s eye. Suddenly, life for both families becomes more complicated than any of them could have ever imagined.
Amish Promises (Neighbors of Lancaster County, #1) Reviews
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AMISH PROMISES is a women's fiction, the first in Ms. Gould's Neighbors of Lancaster County series. Joel is suffering severely from PTSD and Shani is determined to put their lives together and not let Joel's injuries in the war tear their marriage apart. Especially since they had a baby on the way. Eve has promised her brother's wife that she'd raise her children after she died--and would never marry an Amish man. That virtually assured that Eve would never marry at all. Against all odds, Eve and Shani, Amish and English become friends. But Eve is no help with PTSD and Shani no help with an overly-controlling brother and deathbed promises, but still they talk. And trust...
i enjoyed traveling this road with Shani and Eve, getting to know them, their hopes and dreams, disappointments and horrors. I didn't exactly feel they became friends, but maybe acquaintances, like I peered into their lives through a big picture window, or maybe eavesdropped on their conversation. I wanted Shani to have her marriage survive the horrors of war and I wanted Eve to marry the man she loved... but whether or not either found their deepest desires, I wanted them to be happy.
There are mentions of prayer, of attending church. The faith message is Loving your neighbor as yourself. I have lived in real close neighborhoods where everyone is friends and willing to help out those in need, and I've lived in areas where no one cares, you can lie dying in the street and they'd drive right past. I really liked this message and the way the English and Amish teamed up to help each other through difficulties. And I liked some of the side messages, such as having to take responsibility for your actions, even if it was an accident and you were sorry. AMISH PROMISES is a good story with a good message and I recommend it. -
Amish Promises
Leslie Gould
Eve has been paying for the way she acted years ago and sees no way out. She made a promise to her sister in law on her death bed that she would take care of her children for her. Of course, a short time later she meets Charlie, who is not Amish. The two are quite taken with each other and as much as they try to fight it, there is a huge attraction on both of their parts. Everyone else can see it but Eve knows if she follows her heart, she will have broken those AMISH PROMISES she made to her best friend Abra. Eve's brother Tim is determined to keep Eve in their community and he fights her every step of the way.
Charlie is visiting next door from Tim's house where his old army buddy, Joel and his wife Shanti live. They just moved to Lancaster County with their son Zane to make a better life for themselves. At least that is what Shanti is praying for. Joel was severely injured in Iraq, is suffering from PTSD, and feels totally useless sitting around waiting for his leg to heal. Shanti isn't sure if their marriage can survive and on top of that, she is pregnant with their second son as well. Eve and Shanti become close friends until Tim tries to intervene because he is afraid that Eve will want to leave her Amish faith and become Englisch.
I am so excited to be reading this series, Neighbors of Lancaster County by Leslie Gould. I'm going to read the second book, Amish Sweethearts as soon as I finish my review. It is just that good. I was instantly swept up in all the characters lives, felt their happiness as well as their heartache, as if I was sitting right there at the table with them breaking bread. They have all become my friends and I can't wait to see what happens next for them all. Leslie Gould writes beautifully and rips away the protective layers of your heart as you are reading. She pulls at your heart strings and doesn't let them go until the very last page. AMISH PROMISES is the perfect beginning to this series and I can't wait to continue learning more about all of these wonderful and caring people. -
I had only read one other book by Leslie Gould, but a friend gave me book two of this series and I felt compelled to read the first book. If you love a book with many twist and turns and life lessons you will find it with Amish Promises. Joel and Shani share a story of love, loss, PTSD, birth, and rebuilding a relationship. Charlie, Eve, and Gideon share a story of duty, love, loss, respect, and obligation. Abra and Tim have a timeless tale of true love and devotion and a man who learns to live life even in loss. This book was so enjoyable it had me chuckling out loud and then crying. It had my heart aching for Joel and Charlie. If you like to read a book that will tug at your emotions look no further. I look forward to reading Amish Sweethearts. Leslie Gould thank you for a truly enjoyable book.
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A statement on the back cover of this book, says it all!! "Journey down a quiet lane in Lancaster County where love and heartache and friendship and healing meet". I have loved all of Leslie's previous books, but this new one is so unique, that I believe it is the BEST yet. It touches on unusual subjects that you usually do not encounter in Amish fiction and deals with them in a sensitive, respectful manner. You certainly don't expect a military family to settle in an Amish community .
"Amish Promises" is book one in a new series, entitled, "Neighbors of Lancaster County". This is a book that we all need to read! There is an underlying message throughout the book that reminds us that we are all different from one another in one way or another and need to be understanding , loving and kind to all of our neighbors, exemplifying the love that God gives us!
Joel and Shani Beck arrive at their new home in Lancaster County. Their goal in this move is to find peace and quiet. Shani is thrilled to have Joel back from Iraq, however, he is not the same person that he once was, and desperately needs time to heal, emotionally and physically. The quiet countryside appears to be just what he needs. They can't imagine that they would have any difficulties with their Amish neighbors, the Lehmans, however, things get off to to a bad start when their son is involved in an accident that injures one of the Lehman boys.
Eve Lehman has run her brother's household since the death of his wife. She has accepted her place in life, to help her brother's family thus becoming an old maid. Tim Lehman is a strong willed Amish man who appears stern and does not accept changes easily. He warns her, as well as his children to stay clear of the new neighbors. After all, Englischers just bring trouble, and try to lure you away from your faith. Despite this, Eve finds herself drawn to Shani and the two women begin to form a strong friendship based on faith and family. Life is quiet and going well, when everything appears to fall apart. Joel's single, handsome army friend, Charlie arrives on the scene!! Daily life is NO longer calm, as Eve finds herself attracted to this kind, goodlooking man. Complications arise!! Battles in between the neighbors arise. Can an Amish woman keep her faith and lifestyle while pursuing a relationship with an Englischer??
My attention was captured on the first page of the book and continued until the very last page. I found the characters to be realistic and so well described, that I easily identified with them . I felt Shani's hurts and challenges! I lived Eve's life alongside her, as she encountered confusion in her personal faith as well as difficult family problems. I must admit that two men in the story frustrated me to the point where I wanted to shout at them and shake them to wake them up. Typical men, I thought!!! No patience!! Now, that is true involvement in the story!!
The plot advances quickly with twists and turns arising at the most unexpected moments. The problems that appeared caused me to seriously think of my own life . Do I accept the differences in others in a Godly fashion? How can I improve? Although this book deals with the Amish , we all encounter the same kind of difficulties with others.
I applaud Leslie Gould's success in writing a book that is truly different from other Amish books. Addressing PTSD, a military family in turmoil, plus an Amish family experiencing their own difficult life experiences, then joining them together in a relationship takes a special talent. All I can say is WOW!!!
I highly recommend this book to all readers. To those who think that Amish Fiction is predictable, try this one! Leslie has stepped out of the mold!!
Definitely a five star book!!
This book was provided by the author and publisher, in exchange for a fair and honest review. -
Leslie Gould has more than done it again; she wrote another FANTASTIC book that is!! Joining English and Amish families together in "love thy neighbor as thy self", along with trusting others and forgiving one self.
Very in-depth feelings were written by
Leslie Gould and I could feel them as I read the pages of that made up "
Amish Promises"'s story. This is what I love about
Leslie Gould's writing, she knows how to draw a reader into her stories.
Joel Beck was injured in Iraq and feels responsible for his fellow soldier's death. His wife, Shani, is glad to have him home and to have Joel return to their normal life of raising a teenager and prepare for the one on the way. Joel is having hard time dealing with PTSD, so Shani's dad agrees they can stay at her deceased grandfather's house in Lancaster County on Juneberry Lane, which is next door to Amish Lehman family's property.
Eve Lehman is taking care of her brother Timothy's children, putting her life on hold for her nieces and nephews. When an injury happens to his son by an accident of Shani's son, both families' lives intertwine. Tim is headstrong in his Amish culture, while it get in the way? Can he show neighborly love to his neighbors?
I can't answer that question, you'll have to find out yourself by reading the book.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. And I also received a kindle copy from NetGalley. No money was exchanged from either and this is all my opinion in my own words. -
Leslie Gould introduces us to two very different families in the first book of her new series. One family is Amish and living under the strict rules of the father, Tim. The other, an "Englisch" military family, is trying to return to normal life while Joel, the husband, recovers from injuries sustained while in Iraq. The two families live on adjoining farms and try to live peacefully side by side. As life happens to the two families the question becomes Can they?
I liked the storyline of this book. It is completely believable and not the run of the mill storyline often found in Amish fiction. I found myself wondering how it would be to live next door to an Amish family and how the interactions through everyday life would be handled. The interactions between these two families seemed completely authentic.
The adult characters in the book are all complex and have very real issues. There were times I wanted to shake the two main male characters. They were at times stubborn at best. I found it easy to relate to both of the female main characters. Their friendship is conveyed in a very genuine way. I also liked how the author included how the issues of the adults affected the kids. I think this added to the authenticity of the story.
Although this book deals with some serious issues it is not heavy or depressing. It is, in fact, quite easy to read. It has a good flow and pace to it that keeps the reader's attention.
I would definitely recommend this book and can't wait to read the second book in the series. ( I would like to read more about Monika and Gideon.)
I received a free copy of this book from the author and publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. -
At first, I wasn't sure how I felt about this because it only included (mainly anyway) the 1 family of Amish, and the other family of "English" and I am used to Beverly Lewis, who includes a lot more Amish characters . But after a while, that didn't bother me anymore.
Somehow, all the relationships seemed quite realistic. Like they were based of real characters. It's like I really knew the characters. I really liked Charlie's character the most. I feel that if there WERE a lot more characters, the author wouldn't have had time to make them all so realistic, you know? Wouldn't be able to tell you their history and relationships as well.
This isn't one of those books with "Love at first sight", but I think they kinda fell in love too fast for my liking. It seems like they (Charlie and Eve) hardly know each other, and then they're in love. I just wish they would've gotten to know each other more first. They don't have that many conversations.
I'm torn between giving it 3 stars and giving it 4. I liked this book, but I don't know if I REALLY liked it! I'm going to give it a 4. But I wish I could do 3 1/2.
I enjoyed this book, and I'm now reading the second one, which SO FAR I like more! You know, Zayn and Lila don't just fall in love in a week. They've known each other for years! And I really like it when the couple knew each other a long time before they fall in love. -
Amish Promises ( Neighbors of Lancaster County- Book one )
By: Leslie Gould
Amish Promises is the first book in Neighbors of Lancaster County series. I love a good Amish book and Leslie Gould has weaved us a heartwarming and emotional story of the Amish and English living as neighbors. Ms Gould did not disappoint . The story and the characters both were easy to follow. I grew to love the characters, some more than others. Shani , a nurse, wants a fresh start for her family. Joel is back from Iraq with an injury and Shani is hoping the move to her grandfather’s old home in Lancaster County will help him and the family. Eva and her family are Amish and she is trying to help her brother raise his children ever since his wife passed away. She cannot even think about marriage for herself. The two families are thrown together and things don't look good. I felt sorry for Shani and Eva , this is very hard on both of them. Charlie , an old friend of Joel comes to try and help out . I really loved this story and can’t wait to read book two in Neighbors of Lancaster County series.
I was given a copy of this book from the author for my honest review. -
I've read Leslie Gould's work before so I knew she would do well. "Amish Promises" is an interesting book as the story revolves around two neighboring families: a military English family and one Amish family. It doesn't sound like the most promising relationship, but Eve and Shani hit it off so well. Joel and Tim are not the most agreeable of characters. Tim is a widower who shows favoritism among his children. I don't sense any positive traits about him except for the fact that he seems to be a decent provider for the family. Joel is a former soldier recovering from his physical wounds. Joel also struggles with guilt and a lot of PTSD.
Simon, Zane, and the rest of the children are all wonderful. They do enhance the story and add a sense of realism.
I hope to continue the series through the interlibrary loan program. -
Leslie Gould doesn't disappoint with this first book in the Neighbors of Lancaster County. For readers who enjoy Amish fiction and perhaps also families who are touched by military life will enjoy this book. A plot where both the Amish way of life and the military lifestyle are handled with care and honestly.
If there are 2 groups of people who take promises very seriously it is the Amish and the military...but they come from such different worlds! Gould wove these two worlds and lifestyles in a seamless way. I would highly recommend this book to Amish fiction and contemporary romance readers! -
I wish I had liked this better. The story just didn't flow as easily as I thought it should have.
A harsh and dominating man and a woman who puts up with it for most of the book is not in my opinion a good story! -
Interesting Amish fiction, but not too appealing to me.
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4.5 stars
Wow, I really enjoyed this book. I could relate to the main character Eve so much. I had so much respect for her. Also, I don't really read Amish books, but I'm going to read more Leslie Gould if they're anything like this one. -
This book was really good. I liked the fight for love. I don't know how accurate it is to the Amish culture though. I am excited to see what happens in the following books.
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Returning to Lancaster County PA and Shani Beck’s grandfather’s farm, she is in hopes her family will find the peace and healing they desperately need. It seems to be just the type of place Joel needs to recover from his wounds that he received while serving in Iraq and the PTSD that is causing problems with their marriage, because their neighbors, the Lehmans are Amish so what could possibly go wrong?....
Things definitely get off to a rocky start when Shani’s son Zane, causes an accident that lands Tim Lehman’s son, Simon in the hospital. Tim is a stern mannered man who doesn’t like the Englisch, especially around his children and his sister, Eve.
Just as things begin to settle down the Beck’s friend, Charlie is smitten with Eve and Joel accidentally sets the house on fire in the midst of an ice storm, while his baby is being born. Life has certainly become complicated for the Becks and the Lehmans. Can their lives be mended? Can the two families co-exist as neighbors and live in harmony as friends?
This book stole my heart from the beginning. It was not just about the Amish, but the melding together of two completely different life styles. It touched on dealing with the after effects of war and PSTD and the difficulty of a military wife having the total responsibility of making decisions while her husband is deployed and then learning how to share that responsibility once her husband returns home. As the story unfolds MS Gould subtly weaves God’s love into their lives. The changes in the lives of both families, although almost miraculous is very much a reality. I love this book and would highly recommend it. I spent an afternoon being unable to put it down. It was filled with laughter, tear, love and inspiration.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this eBook by the publisher, Bethany House, through NetGalley blogger program for review. I was not required to write a favorable review nor was I compensated for my review. The opinions in this review are my own. -
Amish Promises by Leslie Gould is not your cookie cutter novel about the Amish. Compelling, poignant, heartrending, this book draws the reader in right from the start. Englischer family, Joel and Shani Beck and their 12-year-old son, move down the lane from the home of the Amish family of Tim Lehman, his five children and their Aenti Eve, who cares for them. Both are wounded families, the Becks are dealing with Joel's Iraqi war injuries, physical and emotional, and the Lehman's with the death of Abra, wife, mother and best friend. Conflict and cultural contrast are prominent throughout the story and yet, the children 'click' immediately and the women fast become friends. The guys, on the other hand, have their issues--anger at what life has brought to them and grief at what has been lost. Gould does a wonderful job fleshing out her characters so that the reader truly feels like they are real people with very real struggles and heartaches. Pursued by an Amish widower, Eve, having vowed never to marry an Amish man and with the promise to care for her brother's children, sees no marriage in her future. Then the Beck's friend, Charlie, enters the scene and the romantic tension begins. Can these two families learn to live as friends or will the relationship just be distant neighbors? Will their faith in God with their diverse religious beliefs be strong enough to carry them through injuries, accidents, fire and ice storms? The author adds a touch of suspense to the story as hints about Eve's past with Abra, leaving the reader wondering what had gone on before until the unfolding of that background information is done at the right time. The blending and interaction of these two families' stories is masterfully done and the reader comes away with a sense of knowing that God is in control and a God of mending hearts and relationships.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. -
Leslie Gould has more than done it again; she wrote another FANTASTIC book that is!! Joining English and Amish families together in "love thy neighbor as thy self", along with trusting others and forgiving one self.
Very in-depth feelings were written by
Leslie Gould and I could feel them as I read the pages of that made up "
Amish Promises"'s story. This is what I love about
Leslie Gould's writing, she knows how to draw a reader into her stories.
Joel Beck was injured in Iraq and feels responsible for his fellow soldier's death. His wife, Shani, is glad to have him home and to have Joel return to their normal life of raising a teenager and prepare for the one on the way. Joel is having hard time dealing with PTSD, so Shani's dad agrees they can stay at her deceased grandfather's house in Lancaster County on Juneberry Lane, which is next door to Amish Lehman family's property.
Eve Lehman is taking care of her brother Timothy's children, putting her life on hold for her nieces and nephews. When an injury happens to his son by an accident of Shani's son, both families' lives intertwine. Tim is headstrong in his Amish culture, while it get in the way? Can he show neighborly love to his neighbors?
I can't answer that question, you'll have to find out yourself by reading the book.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. And I also received a kindle copy from NetGalley. No money was exchanged from either and this is all my opinion in my own words. -
"Amish Promises" by Leslie Gould is book one of her new series Neighbors of Lancaster County. It is about Joel and Shani Beck who are the Lehmans new neighbours. Joel and Shani are English and the Lehmans are Amish.
The Becks have one child and are expecting another very soon. Tim Lehman is a widower with five children who are cared for by his sister Eve. The children soon become fast friends and so do Shani and Eve much against the wishes of Joel and Tim who dislike each other almost immediately.
Joel was injured in Iraq and needs time to heal. His army buddy Charlie McCall comes to help the Becks every weekend. Eve and Charlie soon find an attraction to each other.
Can the friendship between the Becks and the Lehmans continue through the many obstacles in their way. Who will Eve wed? Will it be Gideon who wants to court her or will it be Charlie McCall the Englisher whom Eve has come to love?
"Amish Promises" tells a story of friendship, love, struggles and heartache. The author draws you into the lives of each character, so much so that you feel like you are living among them.
In today's world it is so easy to get caught up in the "me" and become intolerant of anything that makes others different from us. It was a great to be able to read about how the Amish and the Englishers could get along as neighbours in spite of their differences and how they can rely on each other in difficult situations. It is a great reminder for us all.
Ms. Gould weaves a tale that kept me captivated until the very end. It is a book I would pick up to read over again and give it two thumbs up as a great read.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. -
Heart-warming moments abound in Leslie Gould's latest book, "Amish Promises", which provides a truly unique look into the lives of two Amish and Englisch families that become neighbours in the truest sense of the word. I don't think I've ever quite read a story like this one, where we get a glimpse into what it may look like to have people from two very different cultures interact in such a way. Gould has woven together a number of interesting subplots into a unique whole, from Joel's PTSD resulting from his time in Iraq, to the special friendship between Shani and Eve, to the love triangle that Eve finds herself thrust into, and finally to the overbearing Tim who can't seem to relate well to his children or anyone else in his life for that matter. The result is a book filled with tension and drama, but also scenes of healing and forgiveness and hope. At 360 pages the story is fairly lengthy, and I will admit that some of the chapters seemed to plod along a little to me. But I had become so engaged in these characters lives that I soon got caught up in the next twist in the story. I greatly enjoyed the real trials that these characters struggled through, where they faced questions of faith and of love, of overcoming past hurts or learned about sticking to a marriage through thick and thin. There is much about this story that will no doubt resonate with readers.
Overall, I was sad to turn the last page on these family members, and am glad that this is only the first book in the series. I am looking forward to seeing more of these characters! I award this book a solid rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. -
Leslie Gould is a wonderful writer. Her latest novel; Amish Promises keeps you turning the pages right from the beginning! The story made me feel like I was there with the characters!
I'm so happy for Eve who finally found happiness. It took her awhile because I believe she's afraid of change (like I am). Her brother has lost his wife so she stayed to help care for them and in doing so became attached to them. I believe Tim wanted it that way bc that way she wont leave again. I really thought Tim should've grown up and taken on his responsibilities himself. Im sure at the time he did what he thought what was best for his family.
Later we meet Joel and Shani Beck. They come to Lancaster county for a time of healing and peace. Joel. is an Iraqi veteran and Shani is a nurse. They have one son named Zane. He meets Simon and later become best friends. At firstTim is reluctant because he thinks Englishers are a bad influence on the Amish.
At first I thought Joel was a pain in the butt towards his family but in the end he realizes he can't do it by himself without Gods love and his family and. friends. Also, too for patience. Joel want very patient during his healing time. He needed Jesus.
There is a saying on Footprints in the sand and it goes something like this; There were two sets of. footprints inthe sand. Jesus was walking beside Joel the entire time. Then the man looked down and seen one set of footprints. This meant that Jesus was carrying Joel in his arms. Friends, this is why I love the Lord so much! He has blessed this fictional family and me so many times!
The story does have a very happy ending. But, I don't want to give it away! You'll. have to get a copy and read it for yourself! I promise you wont be disappointed! Happy reading my friends! -
Wow! What a great story! It is such a good combination of Amish and English. I think the author did a wonderful job with this novel and I was not ready for it to come to an end.
One of the things I liked a lot about the book was the realism. It did not paint an idealized picture of life as an Amish person. But, in the same vein, it did not paint an idealized picture of the life of a veteran and his family. These truly were flawed people who were doing their best to survive day to day. I felt that the author did a good job of showing that both families dealt with issues. Life was both good and bad at times.
The author also did a fabulous job of portraying life with an injured veteran, with the added complication of PTSD. I felt like I was there, in the midst of their family, wanting Joel to get better and to realize that he needed help! It was painful to see the journey that this family had to take, but so very interesting and rewarding by the end of the book.
The journey for Eve and her family was just as touching and I applaud the author for the excellent way she brought the characters through their story, as well. I felt that the loose ends were tied up nicely and that there was a sweet and hopeful ending. However, there was still pain and judgment that certain people had to go through that added the realistic feel.
This was such a good story and I definitely recommend it to those who enjoy Amish fiction.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c... -
What a wonderful book. When Joel and Shani decide to move to her grandfather's old home to get them away from all the bad things that he has been dealing with since getting injured in Iraq. Shani is pregnant and their son Zane is 12 and never has lived in area whee there at Amish people. They have neighbors the Lehman's who are leasing the field from Shani father. Tim is the brother and his 5 children and getting help from his sister since the loss of his wife to cancer just after the baby was born. There are a lot of things going on and Zane goes over to meet the family and spooks one of the horses and the 2nd son Simon gets hit in the head by the horses hoof. Shani doesn't know that cell service doesn't work and has not hooked up a land line yet when Joel falls and re-injures his leg. Joel is also dealing with PTSD and the loss of one of his company at the same time as his injury. Eve is Tim's sister and also taking care of the kids for Tim as a promise to she made to his late wife and her best friend. But Tim is not the warmest of people and doesn't make life any easier for any of them. Then there is Charlie, the only other guy from the Humvee survived the attack he helps them all out as much as he can and still keep his job in Philly. He tries to be friends with Eve but Tim doesn't like it because he is English and is afraid that he will loose his sister to the English partilly because what happened to his wife with his twin children which he adopted and made his. I could not put this book down and stop reading. Leslie Gould is a wonderful author and I love all of the books that I have read of hers.
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One of my first questions when I read the title was whether or not Amish promises are more binding than any other promises? Are the Amish better at keeping their promises than others? I don’t have the answers so each reader will need to figure that one out if you have the same questions. This is a compelling story about an English couple and their son who move to the home of the wife’s deceased grandfather after the husband was wounded in Iraq and returns home to his family. They are seeking peace and quiet so he can heal both physically and mentally. They think an Amish community should be an ideal location for that. Their closest neighbors are an Amish widower with five children and his sister who takes care of the house and children for him. The Amish may be known for their simple life but where there are hurts, pain, suffering, injuries, and the like, finding a simple life can be difficult. Both families have their own struggles with which to deal. Even the simple life can get very complicated. I enjoyed reading about the interaction between the “two worlds” through numerous incidents, accidents, and events. The Amish children and the English boy helped keep things lively and interesting. In truth, they did a much better job of getting along than some of the adults. If you have never read any Amish fiction, this may be an excellent starting point because the author paints a picture through story of some of the practical differences between the Amish and the English. I recommend the book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
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Series Neighbors of Lancaster County, book #1,"Amish Promises" by Leslie Gould
This story is little bit amish and little bit "English", neighbors who learn to be truly "Good Neighbors". I liked reading and learning some of the differences between these two neighbors.
Joel has came back to his wife after Iraq, he is healing both physically and mentally. Many challanges ahead for him. Shani chose Lancaster County home of her grandfather to bring peace for them.
Eve Lehman is helping her brother raise his children after his wife dies, he is protective of her because she left the community when she was younger and he is afraid she will again. Tim is a brother who has not got over his wife's death and he is a man that is very strict with the family.
Joel has a good friend and fellow serviceman "Charlie" who has helped them a lot and visits often from Philly. He and Eve become friends quickly and it is hard to be "just friends" for them.
Can an amish woman once again leave and accept more then a friendship from Charlie...she loves the children and once made a promise to her close friend -their mother-she would always be there for them. She is torn.
The children accept one another instantly Zane is son of Joel and Shani. He becomes so close to the amish children and even tries learning some of their Pa Dutch words.
Many things are going on in this story and you must journey the quiet Lane in Lancaster County where Love and Heartache and Friendship and Healing will meet.
I received this book from Bethany House to read and review, thanks so much -
It was the beginning of May. The month Abra died. The month Samuel was killed. The month Joel was injured. The month of Mother’s Day and Memorial Day. The month of losses.
The Amish Promise is the prose of a promise of Eve to her sister-in-law Abra before she died of cancer. Abra has left behind an infant and her 3 other children, and a husband Tim that does not love well. When an English family moves next door, Eve begins a friendship with Shani and her family. Shani is dealing with her own promises. The promise of her marriage vows to love in sickness and in health. Her husband Joel suffered injuries and the death of a fellow soldier Samuel in the Middle East crisis while serving his country. He is not the same man and is dealing with the loss of the man he used to be.
A riveting story that is compassionate and endearing has these two families come together to answer the call of Christ to love your neighbor. How loving our neighbor in spite of our fears and insecurities with life is an act of trusting God and how community makes a difference.
The character development is well done as you cry, laugh, and at times want to shake some sense to the characters that are easy to care about as they hurt and struggle with love, hope, and faith that God is good in those struggles.
A Special Thank You to Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review. -
Joel Beck is a veteran of the Iraq war. Tim Lehman is a strict Amish man. Can you put these two together? Can they live peacefully side by side?
Shani Beck talked her husband into moving to her grandfather’s small farm in Lancaster. He had died and Shani’s father hadn’t gotten around to renting the house out yet. That would be the perfect place for her husband to heal his wounded body and mind. Joel couldn’t shake the guilt he felt over being wounded while another soldier with him had died.
Next door lived widower Tim Lehman and his children. You’ll enjoy the antics of Zane Beck and his Amish neighbor friends. They find ways to play with Zane without exactly disobeying their father.
Also living in the Lehman household, is Eve, Tim’s sister. She had made a promise to Tim’s dying wife and she also made a promise to herself. Does she keep either or both of her promises?
This book is very different from any Amish fiction I have read given that it includes a military family. I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait for book two to come out! You’ll love it too!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher in exchange for my honest review
