5 comments about A Merry Heart (Brides of Lancaster County, Book 1).

1. I really enjoyed this book. I have read other books by the author and this book ties into another book she wrote. I would not call it just a romance novel as it is more than just a romance, giving the reader an idea of how the Amish live and their thoughts and feelings about life and their traditions, like courtship, etc.



2. I was looking for the Daughters of Lancaster County for my granddaughter who lives in Lancaster County and picked this one up by mistake. It was not relevant to an 11 year old so I read it. It is easy reading and I finished it in a few hours. Rather like a simple Bronte sisters romance. I was hoping to get a better understanding of the Amish faith through this book. Most of the information I already knew but there were some interesting aspects of their lives because of the setting. Who knew the Amish eat bologna sandwiches for lunch!



3. 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.



4. I personally enjoyed this book. Miriam has experienced a great deal of heartache due to many trying events over the past few years. As a result of her trials she becomes very bitter. This book chronicles her journey from bitterness and pain to joy and healing. I was very encouraged by this book and it ministered to me personally. Although the book is set in an Amish community the book is very relevant because we all suffer and struggle to make sense of life's hardships. I highly recommend this book and highly recommend this author to anyone that is interested in the Amish or someone that is discouraged and needs encouragement.



5. Much of what is written in this book, and other books by Wanda Brunstetter just isn't realistic. The amish wouldn't just call a news reporter to hang out with, is one example. Beverly Lewis does a much better job of writing accurate examples of how the Amish live.

5 comments about The Hope Chest (Brides of Lancaster County, Book 4).

1. Great book! I also love good clean reading books since I have children in the house that loves to read also!
   
   Author of When God unfolds the rose,
   Peggy Headings



2. Good book. A little slow through parts. Predictable as all of Wanda's books are but on you have a hard time putting down.



3. Wanda Brunstetter writes very much in the same style as Beverly Lewis. Both know the Amish way of life and relay that to the reader in a refreshing style.



4. After reading the Amish series by Beverly Lewis, I was excited to find a new series on the Amish culture. Unfortunately, I was disappointed with this particular book. The story of Rachel Beachy and Silas Swartley is simplistic in its style and predictable. While the central conflict is good, the story churns slowly around its characters and seems to be a better fit for a younger reader. What is most disappointing is its ending, which centers around the death of a young family member. This turn of events is treated superficially and takes away from the emotion of how a loving family would react in such a situation.
   Perhaps other books in this series are better, and I am anxious to read another to see. I would not suggest this as an introduction to the series.



5. The entire series is very good. Depicts the Amish way of life and holds your interest.

5 comments about The Beverly Lewis Amish Heritage Cookbook.

1. I ordered this for my landlady, she said she hasn't cooked from it yet, but she loves it, we both looked through it when it arrived and we loved the little notes from Beverly Lewis, the recipes look delicious and very down to earth, my husband loves to watch the food channel but so much of it is too fancy and strange ingredients, that stinks! I will probably buy this sometime for myself. It is a lovely cookbook, and I recommend it to anyone who likes Beverly Lewis, Cooking, or collecting cookbooks, it is a must have. Go for it you'll not regret it. Have fun in your kitchen.



2. I'm really enjoying the cookbook. The recipes are simple and taste great. I made the breakfast pumpkin bread and everyone that has tried it really likes it.



3. I have this from the library and now I have to buy it--my entire family loves these meals, they are finally all pleased with my suppers! (The kids are 11, 9, 8 and 6). We have loved almost every single recipe. The only note I would add is that there is a LOT of sugar in them, which can be decreased by about 25%, and the dishes turn out even better tasting. I actually bought some Chocolate Crunch Surprise from an Amish-run store in Missouri a few years back--what a treat it was to make it today at home--it is awesome! We also love Bird's Nest, Baked Oatmeal, Perfect Pumpkin Bread, Chicken Mushroom Bake, Cabbage Patch Stew, Ginger Ale Fruit Salad, Grandma Buchwalter's Tuna Salad, and Chicken and Waffles. We didn't like the Hearty Vegetable Soup, and the waffles were too sweet (the only waffle recipe I've ever seen with lots of sugar in it). Also, the homemade mayo recipe does NOT call for Miracle Whip--it's a for real homemade mayo recipe. The recipes come from the author's grandmother's recipe box, and she lived from 1886-1954, so they're authentic, as far as historical, but from Old Order Mennonites. This cookbook has restored my love of cooking, and we're eating so well now!! And if you ever want to make your own Amish Friendship Bread--the starter recipe and all is right here!



4. Not much out of the way from a lot of other cookbooks but has some good standards and lots of nice little quotes.



5. This cookbook is great and has simple recipes and they do not take up your time. The recipes are not for large family. You can make it as it calls for or you can double it. I like this. These are great recipes. Way to go Beverly Lewis. I also like how she gives tips for some the recipes.

5 comments about Strategic Management of Health Care Organizations (5th Edition).

1. I used this text for a class in health care management. I was impressed by the readability of the text, the incredible amount of information it contained, and the great balance of theory with practical approaches. Many books about management are a bit short in the area of practical tools. This one gives you tools to work with. I used the outline of this book to do a strategic analysis of an organization with which I work. The only significant weakness of the book is the uneven quality of the case studies. These were contributed by outside authors. Some of these are terrific, others are not well written and not so helpful. Hope this gets corrected in the new edition.



2. I was fortunate enough to be a student of Linda Swaynes @ UNC Charlotte. We were the first class to use this book. Not only was Ms. Swayne excellent at what she taught but the book was a tool that explained the theories in nice detail. I continue to use the book as a resource. I am currently a hospital CEO.



3. I would highly recommend this book. It is easy to read, methodical in approach and provides a balance of relevant theory and application. A useful resource for any healthcare organization expanding its services within existin country or beyond.
   Thanks extended to the authors...I look forward to other additions!!!



4. This is an outstanding book. While naturally oriented to strategic management of health care it is also a comprehensive framework to strategic management in general. The book's layout is that of a university textbook but it is also written in an enjoyable style. I read this book as a practitioner and not a formal student and found it extremely readable and helpful. The authors present both conceptual and practical tools for strategic management.



5. Book came fast and was brand new - free 2 day shipping and the book has a lot of great information for healthcare organizations - The cases are fantastic and provide great real life situations.

5 comments about The Englisher (Annie's People Series #2).

1. Well wrote book Beverly! I enjoy reading your books! I am looking forward to getting as many books out as others have in time. Continue the good work!
   
   Author of When God unfolds the rose,
   
   Peggy Headings



2. In this sequel to the Preacher's Daughter, Annie has fallen madly in love with Ben, the english man. Of course along with her art, this poses a terrible problem as it is against the Amish rules. She sneaks out with Ben whenever she can but there is always a risk of being caught-which later happens when her Dad's carriage breaks down and Ben pulls over to help Preacher Jesse. Of course, Annie is in the car.
   
   Louisa's friend Courtney comes for a visit. But that is only because she is trying to convince Louisa that her old boyfriend Michael wants her to return to Denver and get hooked up again. This is the last thing Louisa wants to do as she has begun falling in love with Sam, an Amish man. She wants to start teaching art at a school-applies for a job, but then suddenly as it approaches Easter time, decides maybe she ought to return to Denver to her modern life. She is afraid of hurting Sam by committing to a relationship with him. Annie is heartbroken to see her go, and becomes depressed for a long while.
   
   Along with everything else is poor Esther and her abusive husband Zeke. Esther was put under the bann in her last book for taking Jesus as her savior, and so is shunned by everyone in her household when she finally returns from her stay with Julia. Zeke is better at first-but then goes back to his old ways. His brother Isaac 16 years before this time was murderesd, and Zeke caught the blame from his father his whole life. No one knew for sure where Isaac's body was, and when it was finally found, a lot of questions arise. In fact the police arrest Zeke when this finally is reported, and will keep him in jail until many questions are answered.
   
   A great sequel, and I look forward to book 3, the last of this trilogy.



3. I purchased this as a Sequel to "Annie's People" which was given to me as a gift. It prompted me to purchase the rest of the series.



4. I love "The Englisher". It's a wonderful book, just as good as "The Preachers Daughter". You really get to 'know'the characters. You see Annie's struggle with loving and wanting to please her parents, but still wanting to follow her own heart. You also see how Esther handles being persecuted for her faith, and how Louisa tries to find out where she really fits in. Also, what really happened to poor Issac? Things aren't always what they seem to be. Beverly Lewis is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. "The Englisher" is a great story and I highly recommend it!



5. The 2nd book in the 'Annie's People' series, I loved this one! I liked it a wee bit better than the first. There is more movement, more emotion, more drama going on in this quiet Amish community.
   
   Beverly Lewis weaves the different storylines in and out beautifully. The characters are so well developed that you feel like you know them personally. I was intrigued following Annie as she struggled to do what was "right", in order to please her father and the community, to denying what her heart and soul desired - namely, her art and the honorable and appealing Ben (the Englisher).
   
   I can identify with some of Annie's experiences as a young woman. Always trying to please others and short-changing yourself at the same time. The other characters were a mix bag. Some you embraced whole-heartedly, others you wanted to kick in the tushy. All-in-all an excellent read.

5 comments about The Covenant (Abram's Daughters #1).

1. The Covenant is the first book in a series of five about Amish Leah. Worth reading if you want an insight into Amish thinking and lifestyle, and religious matters.



2. This was a good book too.I think in that culture,they realy want so much to please their families.Nadia Rehmani



3. I greatly enjoyed this book. I finished it in 2 days! I wasn't pleased with how things were going for Leah there at the end so I had to find out what happened in the next book. I finished that one in 2 days as well! So far I've read books 1,2 & 3 in the series and have just recently ordered the 4th & 5th. I can't wait to find out how it all ends for Leah.
   
   A great series of books so far and I'll definately be reading other books by this author.



4. The Covenant is the very first in a series of Abram's daughters. This first book focuses on the 2 older sisters, Sadie, and Leah Ebersol. The other 2 youngest of the group are Mary Ruth, and Hannah.
   
   Sadie is a very rebellious soul, and does not obey the strict Amish rules at all, while Leah is the obedient one, always working out in the fields beside her dad, she is her Dad's right arm. Sadie on top of being rebellious, is into her rumpschringe period, referred to as that time when these Amish children are allowed to go out and explore the worldly ways within limits of course. But Sadie meets an Englisher, Derek, whose father is the town doctor there in Lancaster. This is forbidden naturally, but Sadie sneaks out to meet Derek all the time, and the two become intimately involved. Her parents have really no idea what she is up to most nights, and Leah knows something is up, but Sadie keeps it secret from her sister. Sadie turns up pregnant much to her horrow, and hides it for a very long time as she sews dresses to hide her growing figure all the months she is carrying Derek's child. Sadie knew she had to confront him with this, and sure enough when she tells him of this horrible dilemma, he walks away from it and goes off to join the service. Heartbroken, Sadie is beside herself all the time. When it comes time to have this child, her parents still have not figured it out, though she finally did tell Leah some time before, making her swear not to tell their parents or anyone else. So Leah is there to help her when the time comes, and Lizzie, their mother's sister is the one who gets help for Sadie when the child is on the way. And the doctor to come, is none other than Derek's father, who knew something was up as Sadies had gone to their home to reach Derek crying, telling him the news. Derek's father suddenly knew what happened that night when he delivered the infant, who appeared dead at birth. So when the doctor takes the baby along for a proper burial, the child is discovered to be alive, and the doctor is not sure he wants to let Sadie know, but instead, keep this a secret in order to keep Sadie from being disgraced by her family. Whether this child living ever comes to Sadie's and her whole family's and everyone's attention remains to be seen in the books to come.
   
   Leah is in love with Jona, and yet her dad wants her to be in love with and marry the Smithy's son, Gideon Peachey. But Leah cannot make up something her dad wants her to feel that she can't feel. And as time goes along, she and Jona fall more deeply in love.
   
   The time comes for Jona to go away and work in Ohio for a time of about 9 months or so, and Leah isn't sure she'll survive without him. This storyline continues throughout the upcoming book of The Betrayal.
   
   This book is fast moving and hard to put down. I thoroughly have enjoyed all of Lewis's writings.



5. I LOVE this series of books! I'm on book 3 now, but read books 1 and 2 in three days!! I can't put these books down. Such great reading and I'm looking forward to all of Ms. Lewis's books. Trust me on this: you won't be disappointed!!!!!

5 comments about The Sacrifice (Abram's Daughters #3).

1. #3 in a series of 5....... and this one keeps you coming back for more!! More twists and turns as expected from Beverly Lewis; fantastic series!



2. I LOVED this book!!! Abram's Daughters are one of my favorite series. Honestly, tears were rolling down my cheeks when Leah's adoptive Mama died. And when Sadie came home and told Leah she hadn't married Jonas, I started crying/laughing with relief. The whole book was just superb, the only problem was that I wanted read #4 right after #3 and I didn't have it yet!



3. Death-bed vow to mom:
   
   Leah will care for siblings.
   
   Good-bye courting years.



4. She is so good and portraying life as it realy is among the Amish.What A good book.Nadia REhmani



5. This book truly is entitled properly "Sacrifice," as that is exactly what it is for Leah most of all.
   
   At the beginning though, the twins Mary Ruth and Hannah are both of courting age now and are dating the Stolzfus boys, Elias with Mary Ruth, and Ezra with Hannah. Mary Ruth especially is so much in love with Elias, and when the doctor's son Robert comes to town, a tragedy occurs. On one very dark night after the singings, Robert doesn't see the horse and buggy and runs them down in his car causing a deadly accident. Elias dies at the hospital, and Mary Ruth completely goes to pieces. Robert is studying to be a minister and he is simply sick all over about this, even though pardoned by the People.
   
   It is a long time before Mary Ruth comes around, and when she gets back into living again, wants to attend high school against her Dat's wishes naturally. Mary Ruth is so hurt and everything though, she doesn't care what her Dat thinks, and goes ahead anyway to live with the Englishers she babysits for, and begin her high school career. Abram is furious over his daughter doing this, and bans her from the rest of the family. Ida the mother, has a secret fit, but must abide by her husband's wishes.
   
   Leah is becoming in love with Gideon, the smithy's son. They have plans to marry later, but all that will change when Ida is pregnant with their fifth child, hoping for a boy this time around, and another tragedy befalls the family.
   
   On Christmas Eve, Ida is having severe pains and getting ready to deliver the baby. Leah and Hannah were out during most of this time, and stopped on the way back from church services to see Mary Ruth at the Nolt's. When they finally get back, they discover their mother in dire pain, and as the birth progresses, Hannah has to seek immediate help for their mom with the midwife as she is bleeding quite profusely. Sadly, Ida is beyond help and dies right after getting to hold her son Abe only one time. The whole thing falls on dear Leah's shoulders now, as she feels responsible for her 2 year old sister Lydiann, and Abe now.
   
   
   Leah knows she cannot possibly marry Gideon at this time or maybe never, is she is now responsible for mothering two kids. She is very committed to both children and like her aunt Lizzie, will be a maidel for a very long time.
   
   Interestingly enough, Ezra, Hannah's love, has gone into the English ways, and the two have grown further apart. Gideon though has taken an interest in Hannah, and the two fall in love and will marry in this book, having their own children.
   
   Abram has serious regrets and begins to soften more in this book as time goes along. He welcomes Mary Ruth back into the fold again, and his other oldest and long lost daughter Sadie comes back into the picture again. Leah is not ready to welcome Sadie back with open arms from all the hurt and betrayals in the past. There is a lot of pain between those two, so it seems it will take awhile to truly make amends.

5 comments about The Redemption of Sarah Cain.

1. I think this is such a great book.It shows what mistakes cost you and how one copes.It once again lets you into her unique writing style,making one feel as they are there.Nadia Rehmani



2. Everything was shipped quickly and arrived in flawless shape. Just as advertised. Great amazon seller. Thanks much.



3. I have been reading Beverly lewis books now since mid Sept. I am about to read her last series. I hope she plans on writing more, because, I enjoy her writing so much.
   Thankyou Beverly for writing novels that are so interesting.



4. I saw the Michael Landon Jr. film "Saving Sarah Cain",which is supposedly based on this book first.
   I would not even consider his wonderful film to be based on this book!
   
   I am so thankful that he did not make his Sarah Cain anything at all like the detestable character,Mrs. Lewis did in this book! Plus in the film Sarah and her deceased sister had a loving relationship.
   
   I could only read a few pages of this book and I was so disgusted by the character of Mrs. Lewis' Sarah Cain,that I stopped reading.
   
   Mrs. Lewis seems to always have one or more thoroughly unlikeable,immoral characters in her stories,who are usually Amish.
   
   After reading quite a few of her books and always seeing this same pattern,I no longer consider myself a fan of her books.
   
   If she has a 'bone to pick' with the Old Order Amish/Mennonites,I think she should just come out with an expose book on them and get it over with,and stop using her stories to always portray a few of them as lying,sneaking,low-life phony Christians as she does!
   
   It is really obvious and has really gotten tiresome.
   
   The movie "Saving Sarah Cain",on the other hand is a delight,and I ordered it as soon as I watched my library's copy,but I won't even bother to finish this book.



5. Amish meets the outside world in a great story. I grew up in Lancaster County so this story really hit home for me. Have tissue handy!

5 comments about October Song.

1. This book was great but you need to read her other adult fiction books first. If you read this book first you ruin the plots to the others. I love her style and I now love the Amish. I actually went to Lancaster last summer after reading her books. It was great. I hope she continues writing. I own almost all her books.



2. I've never read a bad story yet. Beverly Lewis is a terrific writer leaving you with a feeling of peace and warmth.



3. I remember back to this book and how i realy looked forward to reading it! I wasn't dissappointed at all.Get it ,and appease your mind.Hahaha.Nadi Rehmani



4. Beverly Lewis stories are not heavy reading; however, they're enjoyable and a 'fast read'. Her characters are very likeable.
   
   This book continues 3 of my favorite series of hers. Yes, even this atheist enjoys her stories, especially because the area is so close to my own home.



5. What can I say, I LOVE Lewis's work. Love the comforting peaceful feeling of contentment when reading these books. Enough drama to keep it interesting and provide plot but not too much to make it unsettling. Continuation of the Postcard/Crossroads series.

5 comments about The Confession (The Heritage of Lancaster County 2).

1. I loved this book once again Beverly Lewis has done it.



2. Don't we all like to see what a confession there is to be made?This is such a good book,right in place with her usual superb writting!I Loved it.Nadia Rehmani



3. This book is the 2nd of the Trilogy, continuing the story started in the Shunning. Though I found both quick, easy reads, I found the first to be a bit too predictable. This one, too, is predictable (I guess MOST books are, in the end) but I had a little more fun getting there. Yes, we could be pretty sure that Katie/Katherine was going to reunite with her birth mother at some point, and 'inherit the farm' but would her stepfather welcome her? Would the servants accept her. Will she reunite with the Amish community? What about her amish family (I'm hoping some of those questions get answered in book 3). This is a good story and an easy, entertaining read.



4. This book picks up right where the other one, (The Shunning), left off. Katie Lapp has been treated very harshly with the shunning for enjoying her music and playing the guitar in secret. The shunning was also for Katie deciding right in the middle of her wedding ceremony, that she didn't want to marry the bishop, John Bieler. This book is also starting with Katie's anger directed at her parents for not telling her the story of her birth, and the woman who gave her up. In this book, Katie will leave the home she has known her whole life on her quest to find this surrogate mother she never knew.
   
   Katie's Mennonite cousin Lydia, helps her with the search, and manages to locate Laura Bennett. She later phones there and talks to Dylan Bennett, Laura's husband. He refuses to let Katie speak with Laura, but promises to give her the message, which of course he doesn't. He is a very hateful man, and cannot wait for Laura's death, as she is terminally ill from advanced MS, so he can inherit the whole estate there which is huge. He's always known how much Laura wanted to find her birth child, and in so doing, finds another girl to play the role of Laura's lost child, making Laura think this Katie is the real one. So the girl is hired by the wealthy family, and faking the whole time. Katie knows she must do something, so she calls home to get hold of the satin dress for proof of her identity.
   
   When Katie finds her way in, finally through answering their ad for more maid help, she gets hired on there. She finds this other girl acting as Katherine, and it takes quite awhile before she finally gets to identify with Laura. Once the lies are uncovered, it is almost too late, and Laura is close to death before she discovers the truth.



5. An enjoyable sequal to "The Shunning." Another fascinating glimpse into the world of the Amish and the grace of God.