Download or read book Thrill of the Chaste written by Valerie Weaver-Zercher and published by JHU Press. This book was released on 2013-04-15 with total page 339 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Take a peek beneath the bonnet. Browse the inspirational fiction section of your local bookstore, and you will likely find cover after cover depicting virtuous young women cloaked in modest dresses and wearing a pensive or playful expression. They hover innocently above sun-drenched pastures or rustic country lanes, often with a horse-drawn buggy in the background—or the occasional brawny stranger. Romance novels with Amish protagonists, such as the best-selling trailblazer The Shunning by Beverly Lewis, are becoming increasingly popular with a largely evangelical female audience. Thrill of the Chaste is the first book to analyze this growing trend in romance fiction and to place it into the context of contemporary literature, religion, and popular culture. Valerie Weaver-Zercher combines research and interviews with devoted readers, publishers, and authors to produce a lively and provocative examination of the Amish romance novel. She discusses strategies that literary agents and booksellers use to drive the genre’s popularity. By asking questions about authenticity, cultural appropriation, and commodification, Thrill of the Chaste also considers Amish fiction’s effects on Amish and non-Amish audiences alike.

Download or read book Banished written by Linda Byler and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2021-05-04 with total page 359 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The first book in The Long Road Home trilogy, a unique and gripping Amish romance set in the South at the turn of the century. It was the early 1900s when Obadiah (Oba) and Merriweather's (May's) parents died tragically, leaving them orphans at ten and eleven years old. When none of their nearby relations volunteer to take them in, they are set on a train to Arkansas to go live on their Amish aunt and uncle's cotton farm. Once there, it didn't take long to discover they would be treated cruelly, no matter what they did. May, always anxious to be a godly young lady, took on more and more responsibility, trying desperately to keep the peace and convince her older brother not to run away. But when they became teenagers and Oba received one especially cruel beating, he disappeared, leaving May to shoulder even more responsibility while navigating the dangerous and lonely world she'd been placed in. When she encounters Clinton, a young black man, on the road one day, she sees a kindness in his eyes that she's been thirsting for. He is immediately drawn to her, too, but quickly reminds her that he is black and she is white. In that time and place, there is no chance of starting a friendship. But still, they find themselves meeting discretely, spending more time together than is proper, finding joy and solace in each other's company. When things go from bad to unbearable at the farm, May realizes she must escape from her aunt and uncle. If only she knew where Oba had gone! Can she turn to Clinton for help? Where is God when she needs Him most?

Download or read book A Perfect Amish Romance written by Shelley Shepard Gray and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2021-01-19 with total page 320 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The first in this “book lover’s dream” (Carla Laureano, author of Under Scottish Stars) series from the New York Times bestselling author of The Loyal One follows a bookmobile driver-turned-matchmaker as she discovers that her Amish patrons need a whole lot more than just something to read. Aaron Coblentz has a secret: he’s been studying to take the GED. But he can’t let his Amish family know, not when his older brother already left the faith just a year after getting baptized, practically crippling the family. When Aaron asks bookmobile librarian Sarah Anne Miller for some additional study guides, she does one better. She arranges for Kayla Kaufman to be his tutor. Kayla has a secret, too. Her life has been turned upside down in a matter of months—her mother’s death propelled her father into a constant state of depression, and unable to deal with his erratic behavior, her longtime boyfriend has broken things off. But despite losing those she holds most dear, she hasn’t completely given up on love. Only now she seeks to find it in the sweet romance novels she checks out from Sarah Anne’s bookmobile. As Aaron and Kayla’s study sessions start to feel less like work and more like pleasure, they soon “discover the true magic of unexpected love” (Woman’s World).

Download or read book The Healing written by Linda Byler and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2018-09-04 with total page 336 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A hopeful story of unexpected love in the midst of illness, pain, and family conflict John is the youngest of seven boys and is constantly overshadowed by his big brothers who seem to all be stronger, smarter, and better looking than he is. As a teenager, he knows he’s overweight and is sure he’ll never be popular like his brothers are. But those struggles are nothing compared to the battle he is about to fight. After weeks of feeling exhausted, depressed, and achy, he has no idea what’s wrong with him and begins to wonder if he’ll be miserable for the rest of his life. By the time he is finally diagnosed with Lyme disease, his body is failing and his spirits are nearly at rock bottom. John’s parents and brothers try to help him, but as weeks turn into months with no real sign of improvement, the illness begins to take its toll on all of them. Minor disagreements turn into angry fights and old hurts surface amidst uncertainty and exhaustion. The Amish family that was once so tightly knit is unraveling before John’s eyes. When John’s older brother Samuel begins dating Lena Zook—John’s eighth grade teacher—he tries to be happy for them, but it’s hard not to feel jealous. With all his health issues, John figures he’ll be lucky if he makes it through rumschpringe at all; he doesn’t dare hope to date anyone as lovely and smart and fun as Lena is. Determined not to continue burdening his family, John begins to discover a quiet inner strength, even as his body falters. Recovery seems far off, but he nurtures a glimmer of hope that God has not forgotten him. And is it his imagination, or is Lena starting to spend more time with him than she’s spending with Samuel? Torn between following his heart and the fear of tearing his family apart even more, John’s struggles seem to only get more complicated, even as that glimmer of hope fans into flame.

Download or read book Beacon of Light written by Linda Byler and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2022-03-15 with total page 329 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The second book in The Long Road Home series, a unique and gripping Amish romance trilogy set in the South at the turn of the century. At the end of Banished, Clinton has died and May is left to fend for herself in a city where she knows almost no one and has no way of earning a living. Not knowing where Oba had wound up and realizing she can't return to her uncle's home after all he'd put her through, she decides to journey to the Amish community where she spent her first years, before her parents' died. Perhaps the relatives who once turned her away had had a change of heart and would be willing to take her in or help her get settled on her own. After being shuffled from home to home, May finds a welcoming friend in Clara. Clara is single, having long since sworn off romantic relationships. She doesn't trust men, and it doesn't take her long to realize May had her own painful past, though for some time she doesn't know the full extent of what May suffered. Clara helps May to reintegrate into the Amish community, but May sinks deeper and deeper into depression as she tries to keep her dark past concealed. What will it take for May to finally face her past and begin to heal? Will she and her brother Oba ever see each other again? And could May ever open her heart to another man? In the midst of great darkness, May discovers a beacon of light. This unique Amish romance tackles heavy issues of abuse, racism, and the damage done when a community puts reputation over faith, but ultimately there is also hope, love, and the unflinching faithfulness of a good God.

Download or read book Love in Unlikely Places written by Linda Byler and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2020-08-18 with total page 325 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When Emma leaves the security of her Amish community for a job in North Carolina, she finds herself navigating choices, circumstances, and a relationship that she never could have imagined. Follow as she struggles to reconcile her faith and her complicated feelings in this romance by bestselling Amish writer Linda Byler. Plenty of young men had noticed Emma's smooth auburn hair and her quick intellect, but at twenty-six years of age, she was still single, much to the bewilderment of her Amish community. "She's just too picky," they said, and she supposed they were right. Most did not know that she had been in love once, and had wound up brokenhearted. When she becomes a nanny for an English (non-Amish) family along the coast of North Carolina, her world opens up in exciting—and confusing—ways. Not only is she getting used to life outside the safety of her Amish culture in Pennsylvania, but she finds herself spending time with Ben, the handsome Amish man who is working as a contractor on the house next door to where she's staying. He is charming, outgoing, strong, and so bold in his affection for her! When Emma is forced to leave North Carolina suddenly, she doesn't get a chance to say goodbye to Ben or to exchange phone numbers or addresses. She trusts that he will find her eventually, but as months go by with no word from him, she doesn't know what to make of the romance they had shared. Emma's best friend Eva invites her to go on a camping trip and she agrees, only to discover Eva has schemed to set Emma up with Matt, a cousin who had long since left the Amish community and was living a faithless, wordly life. Annoyed and longing for Ben, she is relieved when Matt assures her he has no interest in dating her. He's nice enough, but he's not Ben, and besides, Emma would never date a man who had chosen to leave his parents, their faith, and their deeply held traditions. When eventually Emma returns to North Carolina to reunite with Ben, her world is shattered in a way she couldn't have imagined, and she is left to grapple with her faith, her future, and her complicated feelings. Why did God keep stringing her along, only to leave her broken again and again?

Download or read book An Amish Love written by Kathleen Fuller and published by Thomas Nelson Inc. This book was released on 2010 with total page 401 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Collects three tales of Amish love and courtship, including a couple who must regain their trust and faith; a newcomer who falls in love with a farmer's daughter; and a young woman distrusting in love after losing her sight.

Download or read book The Harvest of Grace written by Cindy Woodsmall and published by WaterBrook. This book was released on 2011-08-09 with total page 354 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Reeling from an unexpected betrayal, can Sylvia find relief from the echoes of her past…or will they shape her future forever? Although Sylvia Fisher recognizes that most Old Order Amish women her age spend their hours managing a household and raising babies, she has just one focus—tending and nurturing the herd on her family’s dairy farm. But when a dangerous connection with an old beau forces her to move far from home, she decides to concentrate on a new start and pour her energy into reviving another family’s debt-ridden farm. After months in rehab, Aaron Blank returns home to sell his Daed’s failing farm and move his parents into an easier lifestyle. Two things stand in his way: the father who stubbornly refuses to recognize that Aaron has changed and the determined new farmhand his parents love like a daughter. Her influence on Aaron’s parents could ruin his plans to escape the burdens of farming and build a new life. Can Aaron and Sylvia find common ground? Or will their unflinching efforts toward opposite goals blur the bigger picture— a path to forgiveness, glimpses of grace, and the promise of love.

Download or read book A Forbidden Rumspringa written by Keira Andrews and published by Keira Andrews. This book was released on 2014 with total page 279 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When two young Amish men find love, will they risk losing everything? In a world where every detail of life is dictated by God and the all-powerful rules of the church, David takes on Isaac as a carpentry apprentice. Soon their attraction grows amid the sweat and sawdust, and they share sinful secrets. Can they reconcile their shocking desires with their commitment to faith, family and community?

Download or read book An Amish Christmas written by Beth Wiseman and published by Thomas Nelson. This book was released on 2011-09-12 with total page 529 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Celebrate Christmas with the Amish with these four stories of love and romance found during the Christmas season. A Choice to Forgive by Beth Wiseman After Daniel disappeared that long-ago Christmas Eve, Lydia built a life with his brother. But now she's a widow and Daniel has reappeared, asking for forgiveness. Can she go back to her normal life with her long-lost love as her neighbor? A Miracle for Miriam by Kathleen Fuller Seth is no longer the arrogant young man who shattered Miriam's confidence and broke her heart. Will he be able to show "plain" Miriam that she is truly beautiful to him? One Child by Barbara Cameron The birth of one child forever changed the world two thousand years ago. On a snowy Christmas night in Lancaster County, another child changes the world for two very different couples. Christmas Cradles by Kelly Long When Anna Stolis takes over for her aunt, the local midwife, Christmas night heats up with multiple deliveries, three strangers' quilts, and unexpected help from the handsome and brooding Asa Lapp.

Download or read book An Amish Harvest written by Beth Wiseman and published by Thomas Nelson. This book was released on 2016-08-16 with total page 430 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Faith, hope, and love remain forever in season in this collection of four richly absorbing novellas set amidst the wonder of an Amish autumn. Under the Harvest Moon, by Beth Wiseman When Naomi Dienner is suddenly widowed, she never expects to find love again . . . until she meets Brock Mulligan, an English family friend hired at harvest time. As a sinister presence begins to threaten Naomi, Brock seeks to prove himself trustworthy while struggling with growing feelings for Naomi and her children. Will God open Naomi’s heart—and give Brock his own second chance at love? Love and Buggy Rides, by Amy Clipston Janie Lantz is a cashier at Lancaster Souvenirs and Buggy Rides, where Jonathan Stoltfuz is a buggy driver. A frightening accident brings Janie and Jonathan together in a blossoming friendship, yet daunting obstacles stand between them and something deeper. Can love kindle into flames that burn away fear and regret—and lead them to a life together? Mischief in the Autumn Air, by Vannetta Chapman When items start going above market value at his auction house, Eli Wittmer is first thrilled, and then puzzled. But when the pieces are linked to an elderly couple in their district, Eli and his new bookkeeper, Martha Beiler track down a trail of clues. Will they solve the mystery before the fall festival ends—and discover an unexpected new love? A Quiet Love, by Kathleen Fuller Dinah Hochstetler, quiet and bookish, longs for marriage but hides in her shyness. Amos Mullett, a simple farmer, knows he’s different but aches for a loving wife. As Dinah and Amos navigate a budding romance, will the power of love—and the blessing of God—be enough to overcome their doubters?

Download or read book Good Amish Medicine written by Rachel Stoltzfus and published by Global Grafx Press. This book was released on 2019-12-06 with total page 257 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Apprentice Amish midwife, Kate Lapp is called to heal, but will God's path tear her from her community and love? As an apprentice midwife, Kate Lapp assists her mamm in delivering the babies in their Amish community. But when a tragic complication forces Kate to face the limits of her knowledge, she does all in her power to learn about medicine. As she throws herself into her education, her obsession causes strife in her community and her relationship with her boyfriend, Mike. Will Kate's growing desire to become a medical doctor force a rift between her and her community she cannot bridge? And when Mike deceives her, and a new English man captures her interest, will God's path prove something she never imagined? Find out in Good Amish Medicine, an Amish coming of age novel of 74,000 words. If you love Amish romance with strong women who are committed to healing their community, start reading Good Amish Medicine today!

Download or read book A Beau for Katie written by Emma Miller and published by Harlequin. This book was released on 2016-08-01 with total page 136 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Housekeeper's Surprise Match Agreeing to work for two weeks as a housekeeper to help a family in need seems like a good idea to Katie Byler. But when Katie sees the handsome, young—and single—Freeman Kemp for the first time, she wonders what she's gotten herself into. Freeman may be considered a catch, but the stubborn young man is driving strong-willed Katie to distraction. When the two of them decide to play matchmaker for Freeman's elderly uncle, though, their feud takes a different turn. The spark between them is strong, but can Katie and Freeman reach common ground to find their happily-ever-after?

Download or read book Hope Deferred written by Linda Byler and published by . This book was released on 2020 with total page 311 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: David Stoltzfus and Anna Fisher have been best friends for as long as anyone can remember, but as they approach their teen years their friendship turns into deep attraction. David, however, takes off for Australia on an adventure, leaving Anna to sort through her feelings alone.

Download or read book Beverly Lewis Amish Romance Collection written by Beverly Lewis and published by Bethany House Publishers. This book was released on 2017-10-03 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A 3-in-1 Amish romance collection that will include the books The Bridesmaid, The Secret Keeper, and The Photograph.

Download or read book All in Good Time written by Linda Byler and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2022-08-02 with total page 303 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This final book in The Long Road Home trilogy is full of unexpected twists. The redemptive ending will leave you smiling for days. As May settles into family life, she has so much to be grateful for. Yes, there are plenty of challenges as she continues to heal from the demons of her past, but her loving husband and sweet children are the greatest earthly gift she could ask for. And having Oba in their home is almost more precious than she could have imagined . . . at least, if it weren't for his ongoing anger and hardness of heart. May's children are steadily growing older, and eventually they begin to face relationship struggles of their own. Can May help them navigate the turbulent waters of young love? And will Oba's heart ever soften enough to find love, or will he always face loneliness and despair? This is the final volume in a unique Amish romance that tackles heavy issues of abuse, racism, and the damage done when a community puts reputation over faith. But ultimately there is also hope, love, and the unflinching faithfulness of a good God.

Download or read book Amish Romance at Christmastime written by Linda Byler and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2020-10-06 with total page 576 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Bestselling Amish novelist Linda Byler’s three heartwarming Christmas romances—in one affordable volume! Linda Byler is beloved for her skillful story telling and true-to-life descriptions of Amish food, faith, and culture. As an Amish woman herself, she can share details of Amish life that few can replicate. Here are three heartwarming novellas full of longing, tragedy, complicated feelings, and ultimately love. The More the Merrier: When Eli Miller passes away unexpectedly, and then a fire destroys their barn, Annie has no idea how she and her eight children will make ends meet. When she begins a friendship with a widower with six children of his own, Annie embarks on a new journey that will transform her and her large, complicated family. A Dog for Christmas: After years of loneliness and longing, Henry is finally rewarded with a hard-won love, a family to call his own, and a new best friend. Could there possibly be a better gift than that? A beautiful Christmas story of quiet triumph in the face of lifelong adversity. A Horse for Elsie: When tragedy strikes in the Amish community, Elsie is forced to let go of her teenage angst and grow up quickly. But sometimes letting go of one’s desires has a way of allowing one to accept something even better. A tale of longing, desperation, and finally hope, this is a heartwarming Christmas tale to be remembered.