No comments about Separate from the World: An Ohio Amish Mystery.

5 comments about It's Not About Me: Rescue From the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy.

1. A splendid book, that debunks prosperity ministry's, be happy ministry's, or any other theology puts function of the message above God. Creation is about bringing God the Glory. Church Ministry should be about bringing God the Glory. Christians should be content in God's will. The purpose is not Christian contentment but to bring God the glory. The Church is to bring God Glory; I am to bring the focus to God. Through Salvation of fallen men God is glorified. But even to that end the purpose of `church' is not to preach the word so people accept Jesus as Savior. The purpose of church is to bring God the glory.
   
   The author of this book illustrates this fact by demonstrating how man likes to believe he is the center of attention. He argues the earth is not the center of the universe or the galaxy. The earth revolves around the Sun. The moon does not have its own light but reflects the light of the Sun. Christians are to be Son reflectors. Not to show forth their own glory but the glory of Jesus Christ. Jesus brought glory to the Father so are Christians to bring glory to the Son.
   
   I used the phrase: Soli Deo Gloria as the title because it represents the phrase of the reformation that best represents this work. This book does not contain Latin phrases and is written so those not well versed in scripture can understand, but it underlying truth is still to God be the glory or to God be the Glory Only.



2. I never really got into this book. May have been me? I found it to be simplistic and slow, never really held my interest. I did finally finish the book, but to be honest, I didn't retain anything of a positive nature.



3. Somehow, I've managed to be a Christian for over a decade without ever reading a book by Max Lucado, though of course, I'm quite familiar with his name. I picked up this book because the subject matter sounded good. Unfortunately, Mr. Lucado's writing, which was full of jokes, often inappropriate, as well as his quoting of The Message Bible (which is not at all faithful to the Word of God), soon turned me away. In addition, he seemed to say the same thing a thousand times and to just be padding the book, which is still only 140 pages!
   
   Here's an example of the constant joking: "The moon is happy to do so! [to reflect the glory of the sun] You never hear the moon complaining. She makes no waves about making waves. Let the cow jump over her or astronauts step on her; she never objects. Even though sunning is accepted while mooning is the butt of bad jokes, you won't hear ol' Cheeseface grumble." p 6 I feel the sunning and mooning bit is inappropriate in any context. The example of the moon reflecting the sun's glory was fine, but all of the other joking distracts from his message. And there were numerous other examples in the 27 pages I read of this constant joking.
   
   Are you familiar with Psalm 29, which begins (in the NKJV), "Give unto the Lord, O you mighty ones, Give unto the Lord Glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." Well he quotes The Message Bible which begins the psalm, "Bravo, God, braco! Gods and all angels shout, "Encore!" In awe before the glory, in awe before God's visible power. Stand at attention! Dress your best to honor Him!" That is NOT the Word of God! And it doesn't even capture much of the meaning. How does worshipping the Lord in the beauty of holiness become about dressing our best to honor Him?????
   
   And those first 27 pages could have been condensed into 4 or 5 once you removed the joking and the constant repetitiveness. Each chapter really felt like a 1-page devotional desperately padded with fluff to make it into a whole chapter.
   
   Definitely pass on this book. Maybe other books by this author are more appropriate, but I don't expect to be reading any others to be finding out. I'm very disappointed.



4. this book is uplifting, and a nice reminder just who is in charge of our lives. it really is not about me, God is the center of all the choices I make and the reason I honor Him every day through my actions and words.



5. Here's a simple, sensible, and sound plan for re-programming your life. We've long acted as if our self-interest should shape our every decision. In this compelling missive, Max Lucado suggests, that is much like the flea in the elephant's ear taking pride and claiming credit for rattling the footbridge they just crossed. Following the clear message at the core of this book will lead to peace above all, and in all likelihood, to unimagined joy, an integrated and congruent life, and often, prosperity as well. What, or who, is at the center of your life, and why? With illustrations, personal stories, and much encouragement, Max Lucado asks those questions and supports the reader as he or she searches for answers.

3 comments about Hannah's Dream.

1. Sources say Author grew up Amish yet this book has a lot of things in it that the Amish people would never do.The book although fictional wasn't what you would expect. Have read other Amish author fiction books and his is very unlike any I have read before.I don't care to read this again as I do with my other Amish fiction writings.I will stick with Beverly Lewis, Wanda Brunstetter, Linda Byler and her "Lizzie" series books.
   If you want other Amish themed books try also Mary Christner Borntrager and Carrie Bender.



2. I must strongly disagree with the other reviewer of this book. Not only does the book draw you in to the TRUE life and lifestyle of the Amish community, but the story has depth of characters that keep your attention and your interest. Although Beverly Lewis and other writers portray the Amish lifestyle, they over simplify that lifestyle. Personally knowing many Amish families, there is so much truth to Mr. Eichers' book. Truth about the Amish that many are not familiar with. Not only does this community of people experience the same feelings and emotions as the non-Amish, but they too strugle with the same day to day issues as the non-
   Amish. Much about the Amish can ONLY be KNOWN by someone born and raised Amish. Other authors are outsiders looking in, where Mr. Eicher has lived the life. Who better to give us non-Amish readers a TRUE look at Amish life. I have read his other books and found each of them well worth the read and the re-read. He is an excellent source of information that has been hidden from the world. Can't wait for the next book.



3. I purchased this book by it's cover, very quickly at the drugstore. What a gem I found. I wasn't sure how well a male author would compete with the other great female authors who write Amish Fiction. Boy, was I very surprised. Mr. Eicher not only captured the essence of the Amish and his characters within the this wonderful storyline but also this reader's total absorbency. Hannah's Dream kept me reading page after page, late into the night. I didn't want to put it down. My only fault would be with Mr. Eicher's editor/publisher. There is an inconsistency toward the end on page 313 about the third paragraph. Kathy is married to Roy, not Steve. I think, Kathy would have spoken to Roy, Hannah's Father and not her Brother-In-Law, who was still in Montana, at the time. I don't blame Mr. Eicher for this variance. His editor/publisher dropped the ball in the proofreading. This book has put Mr. Eicher on my favorite authors list; amongst those like: Wanda Brunstetter, Kim Vogel Sawyer, and Beverly Lewis. i will be looking forward to other books written by Mr. Eicher in the future. Well done.

5 comments about A Sister's Secret (Sisters of Holmes County, Book 1).

1. This was a lovely story and I enjoyed it very much. The characters and story were interesting enough for me to keep reading. A glossary of Amish terms would have been better than explaining each phrase as it came along. The flow of the writing is a little awkward and unatural but it didn't keep me from wanting to know what happened to Grace and her family. I am looking forward to reading the next book.



2. Wanda is trying but her books are not very good. Comparing them to Beverly Lewis is the problem because Beverly is SOOOO good. Wanda's books were dry, unemotional, rushed and shallow. Many of the plots don't make sense and a lot of what is done would never happen in an Amish community or home. She needs to get inside her characters a LOT more. I also found a lot of errors in grammar and typos in the text in all the books of hers i have read. I have never seen so many errors. This tells me they are rushing her to write and rushing everything to print to make a buck and trying to capitalize off of Beverly Lewis' excellent success writing about the Amish.
   I read Wanda's books out of boredom and waiting for the next Bev Lewis to come out. It wasn't worth the $13.00 but if you can get them for free at the library and you have some time to kill AND you truly cannot find anything else to read (how about some Jane Austen?)... then go for it but don't expect much.



3. There are so many wonderful book about the Amish communities - very educational and full of great people.
   This one book, however, continued to make me very angry - there were just too many terrible things happening to one family. It was not realistic. There were many times when I had to put the book down and forget about it for a while.
   I am looking forward to the next in the series but will read some of the comments before ordering it.



4. This book was enjoyable, but not nearly as well written as other books I have read by this author. There was too much repetition.



5. This is my first Wanda Brunstetter, although, I have been reading Amish Christian Fiction for a while and enjoying it from Beverly Lewis and Cindy Woodsmall. I couldn't sleep last night, so I decided to start this book, I guess that was around ten or eleven o'clock. Well, that was a mistake, because then I could not stop or go to sleep until I was finished at after five in the morni...more This is my first Wanda Brunstetter, although, I have been reading Amish Christian Fiction for a while and enjoying it from Beverly Lewis and Cindy Woodsmall. I couldn't sleep last night, so I decided to start this book, I guess that was around ten or eleven o'clock. Well, that was a mistake, because then I could not stop or go to sleep until I was finished at after five in the morning!
   
   This is not a book to pick up and have a short quaint read of enjoyment. It states on the inside back flap that Wand a E. Brunstetter writes about the Amish life, because she likes the simple, plain life. Well, if you are using the general description of their lives, sure. But not the lives of these characters. One thing after another happens in this story to the family Hosteller, and you never expect what is next. There is a main secret, which from the first chapter, I was able to guess, but for many many chapters after that she throws things in that make you wonder. Nothing ends up being what you thought, and after tons of page turning trying to find out what happens, the book ends, with only minimal things resolved, and you're left scrambling to get the next book in the series.
   
   Luckily, I checked out both from the library at the same time...

4 comments about A Merry Heart/Looking for a Miracle/Plain and Fancy/The Hope Chest (Brides of Lancaster County 1-4).

1. I simply love Wanda E. Brunstetter. She has quite a devout following, and her fans will not be disappointed with Brides of Lancaster County.
   A Merry Heart
   Miriam is considered to be an old-maid. Her boyfriend left her before they got to the alter. Years later, she is still bitter. Amos wants to marry her. Miriam is convinced that he only wants a mother for his daughter. Miriam's mother counsels Miriam on having a "merry heart". Will this be possible for Miriam?
   Looking For a Miracle
   Rebecca's legs are paralyzed. She does not let this get her down until she becomes a teenager. She sees all the others playing around, flirting. She feels different. Daniel wants to date Rebecca, but Rebecca thinks that Daniel really is in love with her best friend. Can Rebecca let go of her bitterness in order to feel Daniel's love?
   Plain and Fancy
   I think that this is Brustetter's best book yet. Laura comes from an affluent family that borders on dysfunctional. Laura meets Eli, an Amish man. She instantly falls in love with him. They begin courting, much to the dismay of everyone else. He refuses to become modern. She refuses to become Amish. Something has got to give, but what? I can't give away the ending. This is a must-read.
   The Hope Chest
   Rachel has come to terms with the fact that she will always be single. The love of her life is in love with her sister. Her sister ends up running off into the English world. Will Rachel's love finally be returned? This is a tear jerker that shows you just how far people will go for love.



2. beverly lewis is much better. entertaining but extremely predictable and amish facts not entirely accurate



3. It was really nice to have all 4 books in one. As usual I enjoyed the series a lot. Would highly recommend this one to anyone who likes Mrs Brunstetters books.



4. This is the best series that I have read. Normally I would have said that I like Beverly Lewis better. But this series is interesting it will keep you reading until you finish it.

5 comments about Sophie's Dilemma (Daughters of Blessing #2).

1. I liked Sophie's Dilemma very much. However, I was not happy to receive a recent order of several books and among them I was sent Sophie's Dilemma AGAIN and CHARGED for it again. I don't think this was fair for as good a customer as I have been for a long time.
   
   The Charles Beers



2. This is one of the best series that I have ever read. It is a must see but beware, once you pick it up you will not want to put it down.



3. This is a great read which took me back to my childhood. A reminder of a much simpler life even though difficult at times.



4. I've enjoyed all the Amish books I've purchased. I even have my father reading them now. They are clean, and very informative.



5. Book received in less than a week. Book in excellent condition. Thank you for such good service.

5 comments about The Covenant/The Betrayal/The Sacrifice/The Prodigal/The Revelation (Abram's Daughters 1-5).

1. Great series, very fun to read. Also, educational about the Amish faith and ways of life.



2. I love this series!! Beverly Lewis has such a wonderful talent in writing about the Amish and keeping you turing the page. I couldn't wait to read the next book after finishing one. GREAT SERIES!!



3. This story line had me reading and reading just to find out what happens next. What wonderful twists and turns! THE best of the Beverly Lewis books. Nice display of everyday Amish life. Money well spent for hours of pleasure reading. The second reading is even better than the hurried fist.



4. Beverly Lewis is such a talented writer. Her books are full of twists that keep you reading one book after the other. They are full of romantic stories without the modern day smut!



5. I enjoyed reading these books. They are very well written and describe the Amish life in detail.

5 comments about When the Heart Cries (Sisters of the Quilt #1).

1. Cindy Woodsmall's novel, "When the Heart Cries" is a beautifully crafted masterpiece in my judgment. From the first page she sets up the theme and premise that we all want freedom to choose our own way of life without having others forcibly imposing their ways on us; even when it's been the family's Amish faith for hundreds of years. Hannah Lapp, the protagonist, lives with her parents and their property borders a Mennonite family who live a less restrictive lifestyle. Hannah works for the Mennonite woman, a widow, and meets her grandson Paul, a man of faith, yet he goes to college and teaches Hannah about computers, cell phones, and the knowledge in books and gives her the idea that a life of serving the community as a social worker is an honorable profession and is still following God's will. Hannah loves Paul and wants to marry him and leave her strict Old Order Amish faith, but she knows it's going to be hard getting her father to accept her decision. A move that if she left the Amish community could mean that she would be shunned by her Amish people. Paul has devised a plan to work his way into the hearts of Hannah's parents, only disaster hits before he can do that. A jealous sister, Sarah, tells lies about Hannah. Hannah, got to work for her Mennonite neighbor while Sarah was still in school. Hannah, as the oldest, got more privileges and freedom than her younger sister did which also peeved Sarah. Hannah is also prettier and Sarah is jealous of her and afraid she'll take the man Sarah wants because Hannah has kept her feelings for Paul a secret. But sometimes honesty, or lack of it in Hannah's case, can cause a problem. Hannah knew her parents would disapprove of her relationship with Paul, therefore she wasn't going to tell them until after she reached the age where she could make her own decisions, at eighteen. When the truth is hid too long though, it too, can cause misunderstandings. Woodsmall knows her craft and each page, each chapter holds some new twist to the story that the reader can never guess is coming and continuously pulls the reader, along with Hannah on her journey, into the story. As Hannah's heart cries so does the reader's as they see and feel how a young person living in a restrictive community can long for what the modern outside holds. The story was so well written and captivating that I couldn't put the book down. I loved it and I am half-way through book two.



2. I have just finished reading this book - with tears of joy streaming down my face. This book left me speechless and uplifted - knowing that God is a good God - even in times of the worst possible events.
   Have a read - you will not be disappointed.



3. This is a book of love and tragedy. Hannah is raised in the Old Order Amish community of Lancaster County. She is a lovely young woman but she has a secret. She has been in love with Paul Waddle for three years who is a conservative Minnonite.
   
   Paul would return each summer during his university break to help his grandmother and work her fields. He also returned to see Hannah. Paul was just as much in love with Hannah as she was with him.
   
   The last summer they shared Paul and Hannah talked about their love for one another. Paul has a plan to gain permission from Hannah's dad for her to marry him. He would work for her father until he could see how much he loved Hannah and that he would be good for her. Everything seemed magical for Hannah as she said good bye to Paul that faithful summer. As Hannah was walking back home a car stopped along the road, but Hannah did not think anything of it until a man came towards her who attacked and raped her.
   
   Walking home in shock and pain her mother saw Hannah with her torn and bloody clothes and started running to Hannah, screaming for Hannah's dad. The rest of this story takes many different twists. It is not long before Hannah learns she is pregnant. Her sister who had always been jealous of Hannah began to tell lies about her. Hannah's family had no choice but to turned against her because of events that had taken place.
   
   She had to leave the only home she had ever had in order for her family to be able to keep their name in good standing in their community. She had to find a place to go; in a world she has no knowledge about.
   
   This book will bring tears to you eyes and touch your heart. You will not be able to put it down. I highly recommed this book. I can't wait to buy the second of the series "Sisters Of The Quilt".
   
   Excellent subject matter and writing.



4. What a great book, Made me cry, Ive lived in the Amish community for 18 yrs, Was so Intrested in learning about the Amish, While I was at Wal Mart I picked up this book, and could put it down, While I was reading this book I discovered my Amish neighbor name was in it. After several months of reading the book, I spoke with my neighbor, while speaking with her I discovered Cindy was going to be in the neighborhood, I met Cindy in person and discovered she had another book out continuing from When the heart Cries, I went back to Wal Mart to see if the carried the next book "When the Morning Comes" sadden to see they didn't carry it so I had to order it online, cant wait to get it and read it. It was a pleasure meeting Cindy.



5. If you like to read about the Amish, this is a good novel to learn something about the Amish way of life. The book is a fast read. You'll want to read Book #2 and #3 to find out what happens next. Book #1 leave you hanging.

5 comments about Nine Things You Simply Must Do: To Succeed in Love and Life.

1. This is the best book I have read for finding success in life - hands down. Any of these "Nine Things" can bring about a great improvement in the reader's quality of life. All of them together is a great foundation for building a life of legacy.
   
   Read it, study it. It's worth the time.



2. This takes some study and time to read, but the basics rules of life in the book come from decades of counseling and therapy work by this fine doctor.
   
   My favorite and most difficult to achieve? To do the right thing, even though others may become angry or upset. So hard if you are raised to be polite and always try to please. But totally necessary to accomplish what you must in life.
   
   Good job, Dr. Cloud.



3. Cloud does a good job on how to have a successful life. First, you must find what you would like to do as a career. Second, deal with problems by fixing it or eliminating it. Third, create a well thought out plan step by step all the way to reaching successs. Also think about options and see if they will hurt you or help you in the future. Fourth, be proactive, be a person of action. Fifth, be dilligent and industrious by doing something and make progress, no matter how small the progress is. Sixth, Be sure to fix what you hate in a positive way. Seventh, do not seek justice for yourself, seek rather to give mercy and forgive. Eighth, study and grow in humility. Ninth, realize that you cannot please everyone.



4. This is a MUST read for 2007. It is very good, and very practical and really makes you think. It's is beautifully written. Hands down, amazon is by far the cheapest.



5. Anyone who is living in this world and wants more out of life should read this book. It is amazing at the simple things successful people do that seem so small and that you don't even notice that are really huge oaks in their lives and make them so successful over long periods of time and through their life. This book can help you in every area of your life and especially if you are finding life difficult, a living death, a hard road to walk... this book will give you great insight on how to live LIFE to it's fullest in practical way and get results that you didn't think were possible. I could go on and on about it, but I promise you, get it, read it, and you will never look back.

5 comments about Blessings: Sommerfeld Trilogy #3 (Truly Yours Romance Club #19).

1. Beth and her husband are married and settled down, two year old twins light up Marie's home, and now Trina has an overpowering desire to become a veterinarian. Of course, this is frowned upon in the Mennonite community to which she belongs. Even the man she loves and plans to marry is against her decision. Can she succeed without them, or does she even want to?
   
   She has to fight and claw her way each time she tries to advance her dream. Beth allows her to use her computer to begin, but when her family finds out, the dream is cut off--again.
   
   Trina's father is so dyed in the wool Mennonite, he refuses to accept change, and certainly not having his daughter go away to college.
   
   In spite of her fiance coming over to her side and the support of her mother and the religious leaders, Trina's dream is again shattered as an automobile accident seriously injures her husband to be.
   
   Will she ever find her dream, or should she be content just to count her many blessings? A beautiful ending of this series. Thank you Kim.



2. I really enjoyed all 3 books in this series. They really keep you interested.



3. BlessingsTrina wants to be a vet. She is Mennonite and does not have even a high school education. Her dreams threaten to break up her relationship with her boyfriend/future husband, her immediate family, and her fellowship (congregation). Can she convince them that becoming a vet will help the community?
   Coincidently, I read this after reading Dear to Me by Wanda E. Brunstetter. Both deal with young women who want to be vets. Brunstetter writes of the Amish. Sawyer writes of the Mennonites. Besides that point, the books are completely different, especially the endings. If you have read one, go ahead and read the other.
   I have read all of Sawyer's other books: Blessings, Bygones, and Beginnings. This is by far her best. I used to think of her as second to Brunstetter, the obvious benchmark in this niche. Sawyer has come into her own place. All of her books stand alone, but go buy them all. Sawyer is an author to watch!



4. Trina Muller loves animals, and wants to be a veterinarin, but that would mean going way to college. Her parents and her church would never approve such a move. And she knows for sure Graham Ortman, the man she loves and wants to marry would never understand. She is working with Dr. Groening, the local vet, which only fans the flames of her desire to work with animals. Graham is furious with her. Doesn't she know that a woman's highest calling is to be a wife and a mother? How can she go against the teachings of the Old Order Mennonite? A strong story of love and commitment, of two young people trying to live their faith and still follow what they believe is God's plan for their lives.



5. Trina Muller's story thread runs through the books of the Sommerfeld Trilogy.
   In Bygones: Marie Koeppler Quin and her grown daughter Beth return to the Mennonite community Marie abandoned twenty-three years ago. Trina Muller and her mother are running the café which Beth inherited from her aunt.
   In Beginnings: By her healing touch, Trina Muller saves a kitten that would have been thrown away. The kitten becomes a gift to Beth Quin.
   In Blessings: We concentrate on Trina's struggle. She can never quite please, or live up to her mother's expectations. She struggles with her job in the café, which is not fulfilling to her because she knows her gift and concern for animals comes from God. Trina is caught between the proverbial rock and a hard place. The community which she loves and needs does not think a woman with a career is normal.
   After reading the book the real take home value for me was the healing of relationships from reading Gods word, not with preconceived beliefs, but with discernment of what the Bible really says.