| Title | : | A Love Made New (Amish of Birch Creek #3) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0718033205 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780718033200 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 302 |
| Publication | : | Published September 13, 2016 |
It seems as if everyone is falling in love in Birch Creek, including Abigail Schrock. But when heartbreak descends on her already fragile world, she can’t help but feel that if she’d only been a little prettier, she could be on her way down the wedding aisle. To make matters worse, Abigail’s two sisters have found love, while all Abigail can seem to find is the chocolate she has stashed away in the pantry.
Asa Bontrager has never had trouble with the ladies in his Amish community—his good looks have always gotten him far. Which is why he’s baffled by the call he’s received from God to pursue Abigail, a woman who seems determined to turn him away.
Can Abigail find the peace and joy she so desperately desires? Will she allow herself to stop running and melt into the embrace of unforeseen comfort? If she does, she may just discover a love powerful enough to lift the heavy burden of grief weighing her down and restore her hope in a promising future.
A Love Made New (Amish of Birch Creek #3) Reviews
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A Love Made New is book three in the Amish of Birch Creek series. It is a great conclusion to a truly enjoyable set of books.
I loved the characters that the author focused on in this book. Abigail carried so much worry and pain regarding her appearance. She had a lot to deal with in the last year, but in this book, a broken heart and weight gain combined to make Abigail feel unlovable…even when one of the handsomest men in the community was interested in her! Asa was such a great character. I loved the way he tried to follow God’s lead and the way he fell in love with Abigail. His treatment of her was perfect.
Along with the main love story, there was a great side romance that wraps up a continuing attraction from earlier in the series between Irene and Sol. I really enjoyed getting to see how their storyline progressed.
The entire series is one I definitely recommend for fans of Amish fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c... -
Kathleen Fuller never fails to deliver a story with true to life characters with some major issues to overcome. Abagail and Asa’s story will keep readers enthralled to see if they can overcome their past and fully accept what Asa believe to be God’s will for his life. There are multiple twists and turns that are unexpected creating some mystery in how these loveable characters’ lives will develop and grow when they submit to God’s grace and mercy. A Love Made New could be read as a standalone, but I would encourage readers to read the entire series in order. This book has depth and is not your usual Amish fiction story. Readers of Amish genre, I highly recommend this series for some new adventures with characters that will resonate after you’ve completed the series.
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"
A Love Made New" by
Kathleen Fuller is the third book in the Amish of Birch Creek series and I highly recommend reading this series in order that the books were published.
"
A Love Made New" was not only Abigail Schrock's story-the only Schrock sister yet to marry-, but also Irene Beiler, and Naomi Beiler; all strong females in their faith and struggling with time. Batholomew Beiler, Asa Bontrager and Sol Troyer are all listening to God and what God wants them to do in their lives to move forward as better men. All of the characters patiently waiting on God's times in their lives, whether it be relationships with family members, love, and or business adventure; it all comes down to the right time and having patience to get to the point of the right moment.
Kathleen Fuller did an amazing job of detailing the struggles that each characters were going through and how these struggles can over take your life in "
A Love Made New", but these struggles are also the same struggles that we, every day real people, go through in our lives. How we handle and deal with our struggles is up to us and not everyone handles the same struggles the same and that's ok too. Only we, you and I, can determine what is best for us at the time of the struggle(s).
I look forward to reading
Kathleen Fuller's new book "
Written in Love"; it comes out at the end of March 2017.
I received a free copy from NetGalley with the only request to write an honest review about the book. No money was exchanged. This is my review written in my own words. -
Each of the books in the Amish of Birch Creek series can be read alone- the author does a good job of catching the reader up without too much info dump- but I recommend reading them in order, especially since the first book, A Reluctant Bride, is my favorite! Each book has its own main story revolving around one of the Schrock sisters, but also has another level of subplots involving other members of the community that continue throughout the series. It was satisfying to have many of those continuing plotlines wrapped up and resolved in this book. It is easy to imagine the setting and characters, although how I envisioned Abigail shifted when I read her perspective in A Love Made New. She is self-conscious about her weight and eating habits, but uses food as a coping method for her repressed grief. It was interesting to compare the happy, vibrant persona she exhibits in the earlier books with the secret self-loathing and defiance that push their way to the surface as she tries to recover from rejection and heartbreak. Asa is a hero you just feel bad for- he struggles with doing and saying the right thing, at the right time. Asa and Abigail have good chemistry and Asa's feelings are quite intense, which takes Abigail off guard. His total reliance on God is an admirable quality and serves as an example for Abigail once she is ready to listen. Recurring characters Sol, Irene, and Naomi are further developed and play important roles in the story, and Sadie, Johanna and their husbands are present but have minor roles. I wonder if there will be another book since there were only three Schrock sisters but there is one subplot that has the potential to be continued since it wasn't completely wrapped up neatly... although that is more true to life- not everything is tied up with a pretty bow.
(Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishing for a copy of the book; this is my honest review) -
This is the third book in this series and this is Abigail’s story, don’t worry if you haven’t read the other two, we are caught up to date as we go along, but once you start this one, you will want to read the other two.
Along with Abigail’s story we also have Irene, whose life in some way parallels Sol’s, the one we really disliked from the previous books, but no more, he has found his way back to God. These stories meld and yet are different, alike in that all participants are Amish, but of course different as people. With Irene I wanted her father’s problems to be resolved, and no one to get hurt, but Sol, even for his mother’s sake my desire was that his father would never return.
Will these couples end up together, the answers are here, and all they need to do is follow their faith and God, and if they are meant to be they will follow his Will,
I loved being reunited with old friends and in the charming town of Birch Creek, I wanted to move there, and you also be page turning to find the answers. Enjoy!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review. -
Another great book by Kathleen Fuller! This book hit the issue of inner beauty instead of outer beauty. And she touches on the issues of forgiveness, pain, eating disorder, and so much more.
We are all beautiful in God's sight. Through all of this God accepts us as we are. Nothing stops Him from loving us and Kathleen touches each area of this. Her books are like a Bible study wrapped in a fictional book. You learn so much in each of them!
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for the chance to read and review this book. My review is my own and doesn't reflect my opinion of this review. -
The Amish of Birch Creek is a Wonderful series and in A Love Made New Kathleen Fuller has captured the many ways that love will stand the test of time. Irene and Sol, she has loved him from afar even during his darkest time. When Sol decides to let the barriers down, he and Irene make an amazing connection. Asa and Abigail learn to overcome their insecurities and find that God will always be with you and help you through. Irene's parents have had a difficult path and withstands the test of time. Kathleen has captured my heart through the residents of Birch Creek and I can't wait to visit this Amish Community again.
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3.5 stars**
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[Note: This book was provided free of charge by BookLook/Thomas Nelson Publishers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]
I'll be the first to admit that I did not go into this novel with a great deal of familiarity with Amish romances, and this novel is certainly an Amish romance about one Abigail Shrock. There are some aspects of this novel that clearly show a great deal of attention to the Amish, from the biblical and Germanic names of its characters like Abigail or Asa or Joanna to the use of Amish language in some of the dialogue. That said, there are also some clear aspects that demonstrate a much higher degree of acculturation to the ways of the English, like frequent breaking up (the two main characters both have broken engagements in their past and the way they discuss these painful ruptures is more in lines with contemporary morality than with the elevated sort of moral standards that we expect from the Amish. These characters, in other words, may be Amish, but they're not saints. So, lacking familiarity with the subgenre of Amish romance to properly judge this particular novel, I will do so from the slightly more familiar context of romance novels in general that I have some familiarity with [1].
At the core of this novel are four single people with a lot of drama. Abigail Schlock has been dumped by her fiancé because he found himself in love with a skinnier girl. Asa has left an ex-fiancé in Indiana and is trying to follow the promptings of God and finds himself attracted to Abigail but is particularly clumsy at courtship. Irene struggles with feeling single without any chance for marriage, a feeling I know all too well. Sol has a dark history that led him to be put under the bann (similar to the disfellowshipment familiar to many readers) until he made a confession of his alcoholism and general debauchery. These four people and their families, which include a man in the witness protection program wanting to return home to his family (including his daughter Irene) but who has to live a lonely life among the English--what the Amish call those outside their community. The result is a novel that has a lot of bizarre cultural interactions, like Asa and Abigail going to the bank and then to the McDonald's, Irene's father participating in a sting to take down the last outstanding member of the gang with whom he dealt drugs, and so on. This is not a historical romance, but rather instead a romance that takes place within a fairly marginal group within contemporary society, where we see God's grace and the workings of love of several types (although especially romantic love) within imperfect but largely decent people.
I do not know enough about Amish romance, at least at this point, to know whether this book would be appealing to others who are fond of such fiction, although as the author is well-regarded as an author within this subgenre, it likely she is able to write appealing and competent fiction for those who like it. As a romance novel, this works in providing a situation that is both somewhat alien and all too familiar. Taken as a whole, the novel urges its readers to let God direct our hearts in accordance with His will, because these characters, just like some of us in real life, have a tendency to make our romantic lives complicated and to struggle with the intersection between the longings of our heart and the fairly disastrous interactions we can have with those around us in small and gossipy religious communities. Likewise, the characters, like many of the people reading this book and reading this review, struggle to show gracious forgiveness to those who have hurt them and to hold on to faith in the decency of others living lives that are often far too complicated. When even Amish fiction is devoted to the complications and layers of human life and interactions, we must reach the point where we are convinced that contemporary fiction is devoted to life's complications because the simple life is beyond our grasp no matter where we turn. No happy ending can remove that insight.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2012...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016... -
A Love Made New by Kathleen Fuller revolves around the lives of three sisters -- one sister more than the others. The lives of Sadie, Abigail, and Joanna turned upside down when their parents die in a tragic accident. However, as they say, time heals everything, their lives begin falling back on track. Soon, Sadie and Joanna get married to the love of their lives, Aden and Andrew, respectively. Abigail, on the other hand, does not seem to be doing so well. Since the sad demise of her parents, she has found food as her constant companion, which, according to her, has started showing on her body. Her belief that she has become fat gets a stamp of approval when her boyfriend breaks up with her. Her low self-esteem clouds her judgment and she refuses to see the love in the eyes of a very handsome man, Asa, who is willing to do just about anything to have her in his life. Asa does not see her as a chubby girl; in his eyes, she is the most beautiful girl -- both inside and outside. But, somehow, Abigail misunderstands his admiration as pity and misinterprets everything he says or does to think that he is mocking her eating habits and body size.
Kathleen Fuller has a very engaging manner of telling stories and introducing characters. The central character is, no doubt, Abigail; nevertheless, many other characters are introduced and their stories are equally fascinating. Both, Andrew and Aden, are dealing with the sudden abandonment of their fathers. The circumstances in which they abandoned their families are very different, but their ways of dealing with the pain is quite similar. The patience of Naomi, Andrew's mother, is moving -- to say the least. But it is nothing compared to the immense faith that Aden's mother, Rhoda, exhibits throughout the read. The reason I say this is because of the fact that Naomi's husband is still in touch with her trough letters; whereas, Rhoda's husband has been completely out of touch since his departure. Yet she waits for him and prays for his return. Aden's brother, Sol, is carrying a baggage from his past that he refuses to leave behind. Although Irene, Andrew's sister, is everything that he would want in a life partner, he does not know if he can discard the possibility that he would end up hurting her again. Like I said, there are many fascinating stories around the central plot involving Abigail and Asa.
One thing that I admire the most about Kathleen Fuller's books is how relatable and colorful her characters are. Their emotions feel real and their dialogues are really engaging. There is not one character that has no role in the plot. The author knows exactly what she wants from which character. I could predict the end of the book, but that did not stop me from enjoying the journey; like they say, "It's the journey, not the destination that matters." I found Abigail the most interesting character. Her low self-esteem kept her from really knowing herself. She focused more on what others think of her than what she thought of herself. Every time, someone saw her eating, she assumed they were judging her and thinking that she was disgusting. Isn't this how our brain sometimes function? We notice someone observing us, we immediately fill our heads with all sorts of self-doubting thoughts.
"Faith can move mountains" is another idea that resonates with the book. Troubled characters of A Love Made New found warmth in embracing faith. Whenever in doubt, they left the matter in the hands of God. It's hard to imagine this much devotion to God; however, reading about it, I felt this could be one way of dealing with the negativity of this era. The author inspired me to the point that I realized that I need to make some changes in my life.
I would recommend A Love Made New by Kathleen Fuller to the readers who like romantic books filled with many stories.
P.S. I have received a copy of this book from BookLookBloggers.com in exchange for an honest review. -
A Love Made New is Kathleen Fuller's third book in the Amish of Birch Creek Series. It can be read as a stand-alone if you like, but I believe you will like the entire series.
Abigail Schrock just knows her boyfriend, Joel Zook, is going to propose any day now. After dealing with her share of pain and loss, Abigail is ready to move forward with her life. When Joel asks her to come by after church she could hardly contain her excitement. When she arrives at his house, Joel delivers some devastating news, not only does he not love her, but he's in love with someone else.
Asa Bontrager has lost everything. It was his own fault really. God told him to move back to Birch Creek, but Asa didn't want too. He had a good job and a fiancee, what more could a guy want. Slowly but surely, one by one, God took those things away and finally managed to get Asa's attention to go back to Birch Creek. When he sees Abigail leaving Joel Zook's looking sad, he wants to help her somehow.
Abigail has low self esteem, she doesn't believe herself to be pretty, simply because she's a bit more full figured than her sisters. She believes that's why Joel left her, because in her mind she is fat. She's also sick and tired of the pity. People pitied her after her parent's death, they pity her because she's bigger than her sisters and unmarried, surely when people find out Joel left her they will pity her again. All she wants is to love and be loved in return. When Asa comes up beside her on her walk home she takes her frustration out on him. What would a guy as handsome as Asa want with her?
A Love Made New is a story of acceptance and learning to follow God wherever he leads you. It may not make sense but the journey is definitely worth it. Abigail struggles to find her place. She seems to think that outward appearance determines self worth. She has a pity party from time to time, but always manages to pull herself up before she wallows too much. I can relate to Abigail. Sometimes it's hard to be the only one who looks, thinks, talks or maybe acts differently. But that's exactly what he's called us to do, be different. If he made us all exaclty alike how boring that would be.
Asa is on the road to learning to follow God's will and trust His timing. I'm not sure if Asa thought when he came back to Birch Creek that everything would fall immediately into place but it didn't. He figures out quite quickly that Abigail is the one God meant for him, but convincing her of that could take some time. For one thing, she's just gotten out of a relationship with Joel and second she seems to have image issues. To him she is the most beautiful woman in the world, he thinks Joel is a fool for letting her go, and he's not sure why she is so sensitive about her weight.
I love how the author makes the characters real and able to relate to. Just because they're Amish doesn't mean they are perfect. I think sometimes that's a big misconception, not only about the Amish, but also about Christians. We struggle with normal day to day things just like everyone else. The difference is, we have a loving Savior that wants desperately for us to accept Him and see ourselves in his eyes.
*I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions express above are my own. -
A Love Made New by Kathleen Fuller is the third book in An Amish of Birch Creek series. Abigail Schrock has just returned home after being away for six weeks with Joanna, her injured sister. Joanna was injured in the same accident that killed their parents. Abigail is very excited to see her beau, Joel. She hurries over to his home and does not get the warm greeting she expected. Abigail fears it is because of her weight gain (she eats when unhappy or stressed). Joel has fallen for someone else while Abigail was away (helping Joanna with her rehab). Abigail is just heartbroken. Asa Bontrager runs into Abigail on her way home and tries to assist her, but she rebuffs him (repeatedly). Asa Bontrager moved to Birch Creek because he felt that God had led him to Birch Creek. He gave up everything in his old life when he relocated. God is now leading him to Abigail. Asa knows that he will have to take is slow and earn Abigail’s trust. It turns out that Abigail needs help learning to manage her accounts for her rug business. Asa happens to be very good with numbers and it the perfect person to teach her bookkeeping (Abigail does not even have a bank account). Can Abigail learn to trust again? Will she be able to forgiveness Joel and see it was the best thing that ever happened to her?
Sol Troyer has changed his ways. God has slowly changed him (from being drunk, irresponsible, rude), but Sol has to prove himself to the members of his community. Sol now makes and sells birdhouses. He has a client that would like a painted birdhouse, and Irene is recommended for the position. Irene is not sure about spending time with Sol (because of his drinking and temper). But Irene is just the person to help Sol. Sol needs to know that he has been forgiven and is deserving of love (he does not feel worthy). Join Asa, Abigail, Irene, and Sol as they work through their issues in A Love Made New.
A Love Made New is a sweet story. It was nice to revisit Birch Creek and get to know more about each of these characters. We also get updates on the people from the previous novels (Aden and Sadie as well as Joanna and Andrew). This is the third book in the series, and I recommend reading the previous books in An Amish of Birch Creek series. The author does update the readers in A Love Made New of what happened in the prior novels (A Reluctant Bride and An Unbroken Heart). I just think in order to understand the various characters and their situations, you need to read the first two books (personal opinion). I liked the messages in this book about God’s love and forgiveness. The ending is just lovely and heartwarming. I give A Love Made New 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I appreciate Ms. Fuller’s writing style. It is conversational which makes for an enjoyable and easy to read book. I look forward to reading the next book by Kathleen Fuller.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own. -
I have loved this series since the very beginning and each book just gets better and better. Kathleen Fuller has created characters readers can care about and situations that they can relate to. A Love Made New is a story that I found at times to be just heart wrenching (but in a good way because I knew I was connecting with the characters).
Abigail, the middle Shrock sister, is ready to get with her life after helping her younger sister recover from the accident that took their parents lives. Abigail believes she has found happiness with her boyfriend, Joel, but soon finds that her happily ever after isn't going to happen as she thought it would. Abigail seems to think this is because she has gained a substantial amount of weight and isn't as pretty as she used to be. Asa Bontrager, recently returned from Shipshewana, Indiana, finds no problem with Abigail's looks. In fact, he believes God has sent him back to Birch Creek to fall in love with her. Their friendship is a bit awkward at times and frustrating to them both.
The relationship these two had just really tugged at my heart. I felt so sorry for Abigail and found it easy to relate to her feelings over her weight. The moments when Asa touches her and she is so self-conscious of her weight were just so real. I felt her uneasiness right along with her. It was easy to relate to Asa too as he looked past Abigail's weight and saw who she really was inside. Asa was a very likable character and I found him to be real and genuine just like Abigail. Their relationship is full of ups and downs and is a rollercoaster ride for the reader but at the same time is so touching.
Readers also get to catch up with Sol, Sadie's troubled brother-in-law. He and Irene, Joanna's sister-in-law, have the common bond of fathers who are not present in their lives. Each is having to deal with this and Sol also has a very troubled past but Irene is more than willing to help him. It was nice to see closure for these two characters. Their relationship is just as real as that of Abigail and Asa.
While this is the third, and final, book in the series, it isn't required that readers have read the first two books. Kathleen does a wonderful job of catching readers up but not giving away all the details or making it seem too repetitive to those who have read the first two books. I found there to be just enough information to refresh my memory. Kathleen also does a fantastic job of wrapping up all the storylines of the series and giving readers closure. This is one of my favorite Amish communities and I am going to miss these characters.
If you like fiction (Amish or not) that has real-life situations and complex characters this is a must-read. Kathleen Fuller has created characters from the heart and it is easy to see this through the words on the page. I highly recommend this book and the other two in the series.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are mine. -
It is always nice to revisit old friends and that is how I felt about this book. The author makes her characters come alive and you get invested in them. They become friends and it's nice when you can sit down and catch up . I'm glad to be back in Birch Creek and find out answers about my friends.
Abigail is finally home after helping her sister recuperate after an injury. It has been hard for Abigail to be away from Joel who she adores. When she arrives to see him, she can sense that something has changed between them. My heart broke as I felt her pain when she realized that Joel didn't want to be with her anymore. Why did Joel break up with her? Was it because Abigail has gained weight ? Did he find someone else while she was away from home ? The author really gives readers a feel for the heartbreak Abigail experiences. It is always hard when you get rejected by someone. You blame yourself and start to believe that no one will ever love you again. It was hard to read about how Abigail became almost like a recluse and had a hard time trusting anyone. There are definite moments in the story where I felt tears come to my eyes. How many of us have believed lies that we were ugly, not smart enough or maybe our weight was an issue? I really admire the way the author showed that love is not about looks, but about our heart.
Asa was a great character to get to know better. God had a plan for Asa to return home so he gave up everything and obeyed God. I wonder if we would give up everything and follow God ? I'm sure there were doubts in Asa's mind but he was determined to do as God said. I loved how Abigail and Asa's paths crossed. Little did they know that they would help each other with their emotional baggage. One of the strongest messages in the story is about forgiveness. It is one of the hardest things to do when you have been hurt. The author does an exceptional job of allowing characters to explore their hurt and allow God to soften their hearts.
One of the other messages I found throughout the book was about acceptance. I'm sure we can each say we have felt at one time that people have judged us because we had sinned. We hold our head down in shame and start to feel like no one wants us. Once again the author delivers very strong characters who will journey through feeling unwanted, unloved and a strong sense of low self esteem. I loved this book so much because the story flows so easily and each character was very relatable. There are several more characters you will meet in the book that play pivotal roles in the story. I highly recommend this book to readers who love a great story about forgiveness , trust and a bit of intrugue which I found to be very well written.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Fiction Gulid. The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it. -
Losing her parents in a hit-and-run buggy accident was Abigail Schrock’s first blow. Her sister JoAnna’s serious injuries were the second blow. Having to leave her beau, Joel, for six weeks while she helped her sister through rehab was the third blow. Now she’s back in Birch Creek and ready to pick up where she and Joel left off – planning the wedding they were discussing before she left. Both of her sisters have found their “happy-ever-afters” and she’s eager to get started on hers. When she walks over to see Joel, expecting a proposal, what she gets instead is the final blow that shatters her heart. He informs her that he wants to break up with her and he has been seeing someone else in her absence.
Completely convinced that Joel discarded her because she had gained quite a bit of weight while she was away, Abigail closes off her heart to the possibility that anyone else might ever love her. In some ways she’s her own worst enemy – hiding candy, snacking whenever the mood strikes – but she doesn’t seem to care. When handsome Asa Bontrager returns to the community and tries to befriend her, Abigail builds her internal walls even higher.
Asa has returned to Birch Creek from Shipshewana because God told him to. He purchases his parent’s old homestead and begins fixing the house. Soon after he arrives he feels yet another prompting from God to pursue Abigail. Prickly as she is, the more time Asa spends with her, the harder he falls for her.
Can Asa convince Abigail that he finds her beautiful even if she doesn’t feel lovely? Will she stop seeing Asa through the hurts of her past and allow him to show that not all men are as shallow as the ones she’s experienced up to now?
I’ve enjoyed all three visits to Birch Creek courtesy of Kathleen Fuller. I especially enjoyed meeting many of the secondary characters and seeing them change for the better. With themes of forgiveness woven through all three books, there is also a strong emphasis on community and helping one another within the body of the church – all values the Amish are known for.
While this is book 3 in the Birch Creek Amish trilogy, it can be read as a stand-alone as well. I just happen to think it makes it a little better when I know the backstory of some of the secondary characters as I read. If Amish fiction/Amish romance is your thing, you will love this series by Kathleen Fuller. She has quickly become an author that I look for whenever new books come out! I definitely recommend this one.
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. -
When I began reading this book, something seemed too familiar, so I went to my bookshelves and found the previous book in this Amish of Birch Creek series. Sure enough, the prologue had been part of the second book, An Unbroken Heart. I decided to read that volume again in order to have a better understanding of Abigail and her struggles for self-acceptance and love.
The three Schrock sisters lost their parents in a recent buggy accident. Sadie has a strong marriage to quiet Aden; Joanna (finally) marries patient Andrew, and Abigail has her sights set on handsome Joel. Wait....didn't she get the memo that his first initial had to be "A"? After being dumped by Joel, she goes into an emotional tailspin, unable to hear to anyone's voice but her own negative self-talk. She spurns charming Asa, who admires the curves that she's gained and despises. Now these circumstances alone would be an interesting Amish romance, but the author builds Asa's return to Birch Creek and subsequent love for Abigail around hearing the mysterious, audible voice of God. I always have a problem when writers veer off into unusual experiences like this - I want to be able to identify with the characters, not view them as someone with an unbelievable "X" factor. Still, Asa is a very likeable character, and I admired his determination to be obedient to God. When Abigail finally gets to that same place, their romance can't help but succeed.
This book was interesting because it provided more details about the other married sisters, though not to the depth I would have liked. Many times they seemed just a bit too perfect and distant from the problems facing Abigail and others. Speaking of "others," The Witness Protection Program comes back into play in this third novel. As the mother of a cop, I didn't find it very realistic at times. But a missing father gave Irene the sympathy she needed for her love-interest, Sol, who was abused and abandoned by his "daed." They both struggled with the issue of forgiveness, and finding it became the key to their relationship blossoming into marriage.
The final chapter of this book acts as an epilogue, and seems a bit trite and over the top to me. But it does have an appropriate quote that sums up this series well: "God made beauty and love from ashes." This series was a bit saccharine for my tastes, but it is a clean, interesting read for those who enjoy Amish fiction. I received a copy of this book from the publisher through the Fiction Guild in exchange for my honest review. -
Kathleen Fuller writes Amish fiction full of empathetic characters and situations. She has almost a memoir style of writing, but she's writing about a whole town, not just one or two characters. I adore her Amish Fiction.
A Love Made New finishes out the series on the Schrock sisters. But it also brings to conclusion the history of Bartholomew and Naomi--Irene and Andrew's parents.
Abigail is the only sister not married, and while her sisters have found their loves in Birch Creek, Abigail seems to find snacks. She feels truly bad about herself and her weight and cannot believe that someone would want her in such condition. Kathleen's descriptions of Abigail's struggles are spot on. The sensitivity she has embued in Asa Bontrager is a delight to read, especially as I can relate to Abigail's struggles.
Abigail's story is not the only one being told in this novel. Irene and Sol are finding their way around between friendship, love, and forgiveness. Sol has a past (and who of us doesn't have a past?) that brings him shame, and Irene makes it her job to show Sol that forgiveness is real, forgiveness is forever, and forgiveness brings peace. When Sol bares his soul to Irene, he is sure that she is going to reject him. After he drops her off, his horse takes him back to the abandoned cabin where his father had kept money he had stolen from the community. It was also the place where Sol would go sleep off a drinking binge. Now it was a place where God wanted to talk to him.
Both Sol and Asa are learning to listen when God speaks and to bring their petitions to the God who hears. Asa had to listen to what God was telling him when he moved back to Birch Creek from Shipshewana, Indiana.
As usual, Kathleen has included at least one fantastic cook in her book. It is a five-star, two thumbs up, and a special treat kind of book. Cookies and tea or coffee would go well with this book while you are reading it.
My thanks to Thomas Nelson for allowing me to read and review this book. -
BACK OF THE BOOK BLURB
Abigail Schrock knows God can make all things new, but does that include her broken heart?
It seems as if everyone is falling in love in Birch Creek, including Abigail Schrock. But when heartbreak descends on her already fragile world, she can't help but feel that if she'd only been a little prettier, she could be on her way down the aisle. To make matters worse, Abigail's two sisters have found love, and all Abigail can seem to find is the chocolate she has stashed away in the pantry.
Asa Bontrager has never had trouble with the ladies in his Amish community--his good loks have always gotten him far. Which is why he's baffled by the call he's received from God to pursue Abigail, a woman who seems determined to turn him away.
Can Abigail find the peace and joy she so desperately desires? Will she allow herself to stop running and melt into the embrace of unforeseen comfort? If she does, she ma discover a love powerful enough to restore her hope in a promising future.
MY REVIEW
A great book with a several women with a strong faith and a lot a patience with how their lives are progressing. One has relied on her faith for over 15 years, some are just beginning their journey. Two men are learning to listen to God and the women they love. Yes, this was a wonderful book with quite a bit going on, making it hard to put down. I can highly recommend this as an enjoyable book to read and maybe even learn a little about faith as you do so.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” -
I often have occasion to receive and review books about the Amish. While I personally don't prefer these stories, my mom, Gloria, just can't seem to get enough of them so I never say no! Such is the case with today's book review. BookLook Bloggers offered A Love Made New by Kathleen Fuller and my mom said she couldn't wait so I signed up! Here's what Gloria had to say:
"This is book three in the Amish of Birch Creek series. Having read the first two I was already acquainted with several of the characters in this story and knew the back story. Reading this wonderful book you are drawn into their homes and businesses and feel you are their friend living along side of them
In this book the characters are several women with strong faith that takes us to multiple stories occurring at the same time. As I read their emotional journey I realized that they had courage, wisdom, patience, and their faith to help them along the way.
Abigail Schrock sisters are married now but when Abigail returns to Birch Creek from taking care of her sister her boyfriend Joel breaks up with her. She is twenty pounds heavier, is this his reason? Has he cheated with a thinner girl while she was gone?
Asa Bontrager moved back to Birch Creek after listening to God’s voice telling him to do so. He is rekindling friendships from his younger days but is very lonely without his family.
Can this handsome man be interested in Abigail or is it pity?
This book is a great conclusion to the Birch Creek series and has lessons teaching us faith and patience scattered throughout. I enjoyed reading the series of books very much."
I received this book in paperback from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. The opinions I have expressed are my mom's and we were not required to write a positive review. -
Abigail Schrock left Birch Creek to go to Middlefield to take care of her younger sister, Joanna, who was hurt in the accident that also took the lives of her parents. Although she had not heard from her boyfriend, Joel Zook while she was gone, she knew in her heart when he asked her to stop by his house, that he was going to ask her to marry him. Instead he told her their relationship was over. He found someone else. In her despair she couldn’t help but wonder if she had been prettier or hadn’t gained those extra pounds while taking care of her sister, if Joel would have still loved her.
Asa Bontrager, an Amish ladies-man, was shocked when he felt God tell him to give up everything in Shipshewana and return to Birch Creek to pursue Abigail. Yet Abigail was having no part of Asa Bontrager.
If you are a fan of Amish novels, this is a must-read. It is filled with peace, love, and a renewing of faith. Abigail finds herself unwilling to stop running from the past and let the future happen because she still wants Joel and not Asa, however God has other plans for both of them. You will find yourself crying with her as she faces the heartbreak and loss of those she has loved and you will experience the joy as she learns to once again let God have first place in her life. I highly recommend this book!
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this Book by the publisher, Thomas Nelson, BookLook Bloggers, blogger review program, for an honest 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.
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A Love Made New is the third book in The Amish of Birch Creek series written by Kathleen Fuller.This book is just amazing what a wonderful book to conclude the series. The characters are wonderful and appear so real with their good attributes and their flaws.
If you have read the first two books of this series you are already well acquainted with the characters and the background of each of them. The author does write this book in such a way that you can understand what has happened previously.
While reading this book you are reminded many times how good and gracious God is. We are reminded that forgiveness lifts heavy burdens from hearts and allows us to move forward in our lives and truly be happy. The three sisters. have each had a burden they needed to deal with along with the loss of their parents and the author has shown us three different ways in which they handled them.
There were several different story lines going on in this book and as they are all worked out there were many families who received what they had been praying for. This book brought smiles to my face and tears to my eyes. I highly recommend this book to all those that are interested in the Amish genre and romance.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book for review. I am submitting my honest review because I want to encourage more readers to check this book out. I have rated this book with five stars and I would have rated it higher if I could.
Congratulations to Kathleen Fuller for Not only a wonderful book but a fantastic series. I will watching for your next release in March of 2017. I am sure it will be worth waiting for. -
This is the most recent entry in The Amish of Birch Creek series, and the first Amish novel I've read. I'm happy to say that for a first novel in a sub-genre, this was a good choice.
Abigail is a truly likable heroine, full of insecurities stemming from weight gain and rejection. She's skeptical when Asa, who never noticed her before, starts to pursue her. Asa, for his part, is endearing in his strong faith and steady pursuit. Having learned his lesson on not listening, he does his best to follow the promptings of God, even when prompted to do that most difficult of tasks - to wait.
Asa and Abigail's romance is intertwined with two secondary plot lines, both of which added interest to the novel (and in one case a little much-needed, albeit brief, excitement) without detracting from the main storyline.
While it is a third in series book, there was no issue with reading it first. Although there may have been some spoilers about relationships from past books, the feeling that one often gets of having missed too much from not reading the previous books was minimal.
This was a sweet and enjoyable story. While it was never very exciting, it was an engaging read with gratifying resolutions to each storyline. Along with a scene that I found both touching and amusing, where Asa comes upon Abigail basically two-fisting candy bars, it also includes one of the most adorable first kisses I have ever read.
This review refers to a review copy received from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for a review. All opinions expressed are my own. -
A Love Made New by Kathleen Fuller is an extraordinary novel. This story is full of wisdom, patience, and love. The emotional journeys were so strong it was hard not to be sucked into them. The characters were beyond believable. Once again, I found myself drawn into Kathleen Fuller's writing. Her talent is evident on every page. The drama is clear and concise, maybe not to the characters but to the readers. I loved watching the characters grow up and to overcome their hurdles. One main character had her parents lost due to a fatal buggy accident. Then she returns home only to have her boyfriend tell her they're not an item anymore and then there's the loud whisper she overheard. Ladies were saying she was fat. All of that can diminish one's self-esteem and courage. Until fate takes the rug under her feet and brings an unexpected blessing into her life. Then smiles break out but may or may not last. The issues are strong enough to leave readers wondering what will become of the characters. I was intrigued from beginning to end. Clean, well-written, realistic and heartwarming. Readers won't be able to find another masterpiece like Kathleen Fuller's, A Love Made New. An Amish romance that will keep readers laughing, crying, and turning those pages. I have fallen in love with this fictional world and the characters it presented to me. Overall, I highly recommend this novel to readers worldwide.
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Kathleen Fuller gives us a story of grief, pain, recovery, hope, love, and learning to listen and trust God.
Two families have absent fathers. Bishop Troyer left for selfish reasons. Bartholomew Beiler left to protect his family. Both wives wait and hope their husbands will come back to them and their children. One does..which one?
Solomon Troyer, the bishop’s son, had a troubled past. His father had put him under the Bann. He came back to God and confessed his sins to the community. He still didn’t feel good enough.
Abigail Shrock had lost so much. Her parents were killed in the buggy accident that sent her younger sister Joanna to the hospital. Her older sister Sadie was married now and Joanna would be shortly. Abigail thought she would to only to have her boyfriend break up with her.
Asa Bontrager had ignored the voice of God and lost everything….his job, his home, his fiancée was sick. He finally gave in to God’s will and moved back home to Birch Creek.
Read about the lives of these people and others in this story. What would cause an Amish man to have to leave home to keep his family safe? Does Solomon ever realize that he’s good enough for God? What about Abigail? Will she find love? What of Asa? Are things better for him in Birch Creek?
This is one of those books you don’t want to put down because you can’t wait to see what happens in the lives of the characters! -
This novel brought out the fact that God loves us no matter what we've done, what we look like, or what we think of ourselves. And His forgiveness is never ending. The hard part is for us to forgive ourselves. Abigail came back to Birch Creek after an extended stay with her sister recovering from an accident. This accident killed both their parents. Lots of adjustments to be made the least of which was being dumped by Joel, the one she thought sure she'd be marrying as soon as she got back home. Grieving over her parents and helping her sister recover has Abigail realizing that she has twenty extra pounds on her body to deal with. She has very low self esteem, especially when everyone is paired up like Noah's Ark, including both her sisters.
Asa comes back to his community of Birch Creek and buys the home that once belonged to his parents that he grew up in. He starts a new job and begins fixing up his childhood home and finds himself attracted to Abigail. But no way can he convince her that she's worthy of love. Will his determination win out or will Abigail forever reject him?
Having already read An Unbroken Heart it was nice to be able to catch up on all the characters of Birch Creek and see where their lives had taken them. However, in my opinion, this book could be easily read and enjoyed without having read the other two in the series.
I received this book from the Fiction Guild and was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise.
