The Englisch Daughter - Cindy and Erin Woodsmall

Things are different within the marriage and Jemima Graber can't fully understand what has gone wrong. Devoted mother and wife, her life for the last ten years belonged to her family.

When an accident causes her husband and daughter to be injured, the distance starts. It was a time to be thankful as they survived yet Roy isolates himself from them, their family. When did things get so bad? Jemima hardly sees him and her desire to own a food truck, sanctioned by the Bishop, is fast becoming a pipe dream.

Roy loves his family, the horse farm he owns is successful. But, that one night with an old friend has caused so much internal turmoil. He doesn't know how to face Jemima, the love of his life. Would she understand the relationship he has with Tiffany, an Englisch woman he met before joining the Old Order faith? Not only does Roy have to find the courage to speak to his wife, he also needs to explain why she won't be able to purchase the food truck. When did things go so wrong?

Abigail loves her independence, helping out at Endless Grace (a group helping men in recovery and at risk teens), working on the horse farm. She knows something isn't right between her brother and sister-in-law but, whatever it is, she's on Jemima's side. Her opinion of men is a touch jaded. And, then she meets Chris, the newly employed farmhand.

Chris Fisher is in between the Order. He's taken on boxing, frowned upon in the Amish community, but he has to compete in one more fight. It may be his downfall, but it will help his brother. When he meets Abigail, he's not inclined to tell her the whole truth. But, if he wants to have a relationship with her he'll have to come clean - will she still accept him?

When the situation with Tiffany comes to head all four have to work together to save a life - but will it save Roy and Jemima's relationship?

Together, the lives of  Jemima, Roy, Abigail and Chris converge to create both a heartwarming and heart wrenching story. Erin and Cindy Woodsmall's story is thoughtful, sincere and scattered with touches of humor. Love and strength of family is the main theme with heavy doses of being truthful and facing the consequences of ones' actions.

Being told from a different perspective, the story shines a new light on how an Amish family deals with trouble within a marriage. It's a story that you hope turns out well if only for the sake of Jemima. The Woodsmall's have created such a strong kind and compassionate protagonist that the reader can  only wish the best for her.

Another well written and thought out novel. The authors have managed to create a story filled with so much emotion and believable characters. Capturing the nuances of children, a strained relationship, a burgeoning one as well as unconditional love and deep faith, The Englisch Daughter will be a book that can't be put down once started. A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

A Christmas Haven - Cindy and Erin Woodsmall

When Arlan and Magda Keim crash in to Raysburg's town pharmacy, Ivy Zook's plans take a slight detour.

Running a party planning business is a dream that Ivy wants to see come true. But the reality is proving difficult. Shedding the Old Order ways means she can create access the internet and listen to music so that she can fulfill her clients needs. However, leaving her Amish life behind could mean losing her family. It means leaving her Mamm to tend to the small dairy farm alone, a farm that her father looked after before passing away.

Not only does Ivy need to break the news to her Mamm of her desire to live Englisch and that she will be leaving the community soon but she also needs to time her departure so it doesn't disrupt her elder sister's plans. Holly is getting married to Joshua Smucker in December. And, she's also studying for her LPN (Licensed Practice Nurse) - something her Bishop approved but an issue Holly is unsure whether her fiancé's Bishop will accept.

Arlan left their 'ultra-conservative sect' (Swartzenruber) to get much needed medical help for his sister. He certainly didn't mean to drive in the pharmacy. However, when the Zook family take them in and provided shelter, food and medicine, it gives Arlan a chance to work through how he will return home.

With Ivy looking to leave a restricted lifestyle and Arlan whishing to return to one, the two immediately clash. From living with Ivy's family he sees a freedom that he never knew could exist - one that allowed him to be himself but stay true to God. They both hide parts of their lives - Christmas ornaments for Ivy, books for Arlan - and it's this commonality that breaks the barrier and allows them to understand each other.

Christmas is a time for peace, reflection and sharing a joyous time with family and friends. For Ivy, Arlan and Holly it's a time for them to stay true to their own needs and realizing that they are able to do so within their Amish community. Christ knows the path they have to take - they need to find it.

Another great book from Cindy and her daughter Erin. As usual the characters are sound, relatable and just interesting. The romance is subtle but nonetheless satisfying when sparks finally emerge. The scripture quoted throughout gives the reader further insight of how Ivy and Arlan view life differently and being set amidst the holiday season adds a magical, warming element to the whole story.

I'm a huge fan of Woodsmall and of Amish fiction. This story (far too short for me) was simply sweet and lovely. Characters from other stories popped their heads in here and there and the atmosphere created was homely with a sprinkling of Christmas anticipation. The author(s) have a wonderful way of promoting scripture without it being overbearing and whilst I wish the story was a little longer to have a little more romance, they certainly captured the emotions well. A great read for fans of Amish and Christian fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook and Multnomah as part of their Launch Team. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.