5 comments about Growing Up Amish: Insider Secrets from One Woman's Inspirational Journey.

1. Being a teacher I had a difficult time reading this book. The grammatical and spelling errors were quite a distraction. It was not at all what I had hoped for. I read a lot of Amish fiction and wanted to know more of the factual information about this group.



2. This is NOT a story at all. This is just little tidbits about her feeling fat during her time as amish. There was more "lessons on how not to treat your own children this way," than really telling a story about her life. The book was way overpriced and there were Many misspellings.



3. This book was a gift for Mother's Day. It arrived in a timely manor and was in perfect shape. The price was very reasonable and since it was hard to find in book stores locally, was very convenient to be delivered to my home. I buy many books and products from Amazon and will continue to do so. With gas prices as they are, it will be that more and more gifts and personal items will be purchased this way... Thanks. ck



4. i am sorry i wasted my money. it is not worth what i paid for it. very dull and boring



5. I was so disappointed with this book. It reads like she is talking to you in person, complete with grammatical and spelling errors galore. The publisher of this book (Morgan James Publishing) ought to apologize to it's readers. Was there even an editor for this publication?
   
   The layout is worse. The "chapters" are sectioned out with maybe 2-3 pages each. There is no reason to title each area the way that they do. She repeats herself over and over on various subjects & tries to hard to describe her feelings with words she clearly doesn't know how to properly use.
   
   Personally, I want my money back.
   
   If you want a real look into the day to day Amish lifestyle, don't buy this book. Instead, buy Plain Secrets: An Outsider among the Amish by Joe Mackall. Now THAT is an excellent, well written book.

5 comments about The Shunning/The Confession/The Reckoning (The Heritage of Lancaster County 1-3).

1. Beverly is a fantastic writer and so infomative of the Amish. So easy to read and once you start you don't want to put them down.



2. I've read Beverly Lewis' Abram's Daughters series, so when I picked this book up at my local Borders I already knew I would find the writing well worth my time. I first loved the fact that I was getting all 3 of the series in one book, which meant no suspenseful waiting for a new release. With a few Lancaster County genealogical connections on my paternal grandmother's side of the family, these stories seem to give me a sense of how things must have been for some of my ancestors...even though this book is written in modern times. I love that the story's protagonist grew up plain and let us go into the barn's hayloft, on an island, and run barefoot with her. I also love the fact that Beverly Lewis can let us in on the inner struggle Katie Lapp has between wanting to be plain and more modern (or English). I think it's a struggle any Christian actually goes through (to be in this world, but not of it) if they are searching for what God would want for their lives. Even as Katherine Mayfield that struggle still continues for her. This series also has a great love story in it and is well worth the journey. As a Christian, I enjoy reading a story that includes the spiritual side of life and doesn't leave that part out. So, if you enjoy a good love story, a spiritual struggle of the heart, and just a good read, then you'll love the Heritage of Lancaster County series for your next appointed quiet time!



3. I live in an area thick with Amish. This was a fascinating glimpse into their world for me. An engaging story as a young woman struggles with right and wrong.



4. I started reading this book on a whim... believe me, this isn't my "type" of book at all! (I'm more the Anne Rice type. ;) But I found it to be an extremely interesting and enjoyable read!



5. 
   The Amish are real people, too.
   
   Beverly Lewis does an EXCELLENT job of giving us an inside look at their lives and beliefs.
   
   Warning- do not start unless you're prepared to stay up until 2:00 to finish them.!

3 comments about Death Takes a Buggy Ride: A John Lapp/Sallie Stoltzfus Mystery.

1. My book group read this book and we loved it! The story is very engaging and the characters well-developed. John and Sallie especially are very realistic and likeable. Especially toward the end, I didn't want to put the book down, and the author mixed in just enough educational material about the Amish and the PA Dutch dialect to make me feel like I learned something by reading this book. We're all anxious for the sequel!



2. Reviewed by William Phenn for Reader Views (2/08)
   
   Ron Yeakley has moved from his Pennsylvania Dutch roots neighborhood to the sunny skies of California. But he still remembers his grandparents were tenant farmers and spoke Pennsylvania Dutch. Ron grew up in Myerstown, Pennsylvania and his parents spoke the language. His main character is based on his Pennsylvania Dutch upbringing. Yeakley started the novel about four years ago when he attended the Southern California Writers Conference in San Diego and paid for an appointment with an agent. The agent's first question to him was, "Could this be a series?" Here we have the first book of that series.
   
   State Trooper John Lapp, who left the Amish faith 15 years earlier, is brought in to investigate a grizzly murder. An Amish man, Jacob Stoltzfus, is murdered and Lapp is called in because it is believed he can better relate to the Amish people.
   
   John Lapp grew up with Jacob Stoltzfus, so that made it even more personal for him since John was once in love with the victim's widow, Sallie. John remains professional for the most part but there are times that his memory flashes back to those wonderful early days. John finds himself torn between his duty as an officer and his love of Sallie and his past life.
   
   While in the course of his investigation, John learns a few secrets that his Amish friend kept hidden from his family and friends. Sallie tells John of Jacob's dream (which was contrary to the Amish way). This just opens up a world of possible suspects to Trooper Lapp. From Jacob's own brother to close friends of the deceased Amish man, John covers them all. That's when he comes across the man that is a main link to the murder.
   
   "Death Takes a Buggy Ride" was a good read and it had an interesting storyline. I liked the fact that the writer was very knowledgeable about the subject and the surroundings. Ron made the book an exciting read by not boring the reader between highlights. I gave "Death Takes a Buggy Ride" an upstanding A; it had good editing, quality cover and pages and is a mystery worth reading.
   
   Anyone wishing to read a good murder mystery should definitely give "Death Takes a Buggy Ride" a worthy look.



3. this is an excellent book, made even better by knowing the author personally, his father was a dear friend for many years, I would definitely say read it, its a look in to a world we know little about, I live in Penna Dutch Country, and I found it facinating, even tho I have Amish friends !!

5 comments about The Amish in Their Own Words: Amish Writings from 25 Years of Family Life Magazine.

1. Incredible! Brad Igou presents the best of 25 years of Family Life magazine and in doing so gives the rest of us an insight into the thinking, daily joys and trails of the Amish people. Yes, let them speak for themselves. They do it so well!



2. Beautifully gathered stories of home life and community in the Amish settlements. Enjoyed them alland the reflections they gave. Like a quilt of people put together I enjoyed this very much.



3. We drove into Lancaster Cnty. yesterday to "see the Amish." I picked this book up (for a bit more than it is offered here at Amazon) and breezed right through. It is interesting - to say the least - and quite provocative. It debunks many of the idealized stereotypes I had of the Amish and portrays them as 'normal' people who have deliberately (and sometimes not deliberately) chosen a very separate Christian walk. Very inspiring, too. Highly recommend this for anyone interested in the Amish & Mennonites as well as all born-again believers in Christ.



4. How better to learn about the ways and lifestyle of the Amish than from their own words? Very informative and interesting! I feel all books are priced too high though and for that reason I am giving only four stars!



5. You will find this book engaging on several planes. There is a Sadness and a Joy, a Quaintness and a Moderninity. And don't be too surprised if you find yourself thinking there is a little Amish hidden inside yourself.

5 comments about Plain Secrets: An Outsider among the Amish.

1. Good book, worth reading. Honest, interesting.
   
   Joe Mackall ends up proving the Amish points FOR them in the buggy arena. The English are the ones who need to explain those buggy deaths, not Samuel & his brethren. As Mac says, there are virtually no buggy on buggy deaths- yet he blames the buggy-car deaths on... THE AMISH!!! ???? Blaming the victim, the author's cultural imperialism becomes quite clear... He doesn't seem to have much introspection into the choices and sacrifices he has accepted as normal while qualifying the Amish as abnormal. He bemoans the opportunities and education afforded Amish girls as opposed to boys while the maintsream culture he partakes in has done no better and has created a popular culture porno-slut ideal of womanhood.



2. As someone who grew up Swartzentruber Amish in the same community as the "Shetler" family I consider this to be one of the best books on the Amish I've ever come across. It accurately tells the real story without being offensive. My only problem with reading it was knowing how private the Amish are I felt like I was eavesdroping! If you are looking for an accurate account of life inside the Swartzentruber Amish community this book is a must read.



3. Very enjoyable read. Mackall uses his sensitivity, humor and vulnerability to tell us a real story about real Amish people. Living next door and making friends with a Swatzentruber (very orthodox & traditional) Amish family, he is there for them in their time of need, and they welcome him in to their lives - to a certain point. Mackall smashes many of the popular, but inaccurate notions we have about the Amish and leaves us a little more informed and thoroughly entertained.



4. Plain Secrets was our choice for our book club this month. It was an informative read. Much info about the Amish of Ohio and a good conversation work.



5. Neither a scholarly treatise nor a vilification, an idealization nor an exposé, Joe Mackall's PLAIN SECRETS is a narrative that explores one man's relationship to an Amish family and, by extension, a community.
   
   Mackall, who lives in Ashland County, Ohio, befriends the Shetler family: Samuel, Mary and their nine children (names changed by the author). Over the years, living in close proximity to the Shetlers, Mackall develops as close a relationship with the family as an Englisher might be allowed. What emerges is the peace, beauty and goodness of the culture, as well as the disturbing questions he finds himself asking about legalism, the rights of women and the protection of children. His friendship with the family also helps him learn more about himself. "I have chosen...to mine the raw material of their everyday lives in search of everyday truths," writes Mackall.
   
   It's an immersion into the world of the Swartzentruber, the most traditional and strict of the Amish sects. The Swartzentruber refuse to use reflective signs on the back of their buggies, leave school after the eighth grade, bathe only once a week and carry no insurance. The women are not permitted to wear bras and are not allowed to shave their underarms or legs.
   
   However, there are plenty of surprises. This conservative sect shops at Wal-Mart and loves the Dollar Store, and may enjoy junk food such as Milky Way candy bars and potato chips. Although they don't practice "rumspringa" like many other Amish sects, the Swartzentruber Amish let their teens go on "dates," in which a teenage boy and girl spend the night together, side by side, in her bed. Mackall skillfully weaves other information throughout the narrative: the history of the Swartzentruber, the organization of the church and the ordination of ministers, and Amish perceptions of African Americans.
   
   As part of his exploration, Mackall follows the story of Samuel's nephew Jonas, who leaves the Amish to join the English community. The reader will be alternately intrigued, sympathetic and repelled at how Jonas handles his new-found "freedom." To abandon Amish life, Mackall shows through Jonas's attempt, is to encounter immediate problems. How do you get a Social Security number if your parents refuse to let you have a copy of their marriage license? How do you find a job when you've never gone to school past the eighth grade? The Amish community's culture and rules, Mackall realizes, make it difficult for a child to leave.
   
   Living in close proximity to the Shetler family offers Mackall positive insights as well --- an appreciation and attention to the weather, a realization that he doesn't need as much as he perhaps wants. Mackall, a professor of English and journalism at Ashland University, beautifully pens one particularly haunting scene, which finds him rhythmically tossing butternut squash to Samuel in his truck as they get ready to go to an auction.
   
   "Perhaps it's because the weather is fair and the season is autumn, but suddenly I experience a paroxysm of joy --- sheer, sharp unadulterated joy. I'm suspended between two worlds, an outsider in an outsider's world. I'm here with friends who consider themselves separate from the world but woven into the earth, while we all throw fruits of the earth to one another: seeds planted, sown, produce reaped and cleaned, soon to be sold, bought, and eaten. Toddlers play, teenagers laugh, a friend loses his hat, my back aches, and through it all the beauty and heartbreaking brevity of this life pierce me with their stunning certainty."
   
   Other scenes are not so prosaic. After enjoying his rides in Samuel's buggy and telling others about them "as if I were playing a small part in some quaint drama most people could only watch", he must re-evaluate his thinking after another family's buggy is hit by a car and an eight-year-old girl is killed. This leads to a written personal tirade, which ends with, "Is sticking with your sacred buggies more important than the sanctity of human life? Can't you take care of your children?" Readers will have further concerns when Samuel takes his daughter to a veterinarian for medical treatment or, like all Swartzentrubers, refuses to immunize his children. Mackall's questions as he ponders the less appealing side of Amish life are respectful, vulnerable and thought provoking.
   
   Threaded throughout Mackall's book is Samuel's belief in God's will and how it affects his world. "He talks about God's will the way he reports how much it rained the night before or that one of his cows has the milk disease. God's will is like gravity --- it is rain and dirt and sun and snow and wind and fire and every other elemental thing. It is what it is --- no matter what we do." Despite Mackall's own disagreement with Samuel's theology, he finds himself strangely comforted by it when a disabled uncle dies.
   
   It's these conflicting perceptions that provide the necessary tension that holds Mackall's narrative together. Readers will come away with new perspectives about Amish life and some disturbing questions.
   
   --- Reviewed by Cindy Crosby

5 comments about Blood of the Prodigal (Ohio Amish Mystery Series #1).

1. As someone who grew up just outside of Amish country it is nice to read about home. The characters are believable and I have little doubt that they will have staying power.

   The story takes a very unexpected twist near the end and it was almost too much of a change for it's own good (this is my only criticism).

   Gaus captures the enigma of the Amish without "selling them out." Certainly you will learn more about our technologically challenged neighbors, their culture, language and even their food and you will walk away from the book asking yourself how you would survive without email, television and cordless phones.




2. Although I enjoyed the premise of the story (Amish Bishop Eli Miller's son, Jonah, disappeared 10 years from when the story is being told and now Jonah's son, Jeremiah, has been taken... the bishop has the Amish community's support to approach Pastor Cal Troyer, who highly recommends Professor Branden - then the story of the search for Jonah and Jeremiah unfolds), I was disappointed to not hear Jonah's voice at all in the story. I got to know and like the professor and his wife, the sheriff and his deputy, and somewhat Bishop Miller himself (I thought the author did a good job of portraying how private and humble these people are - you don't get as familiar with or "close" to any of the Amish characters as you did the English) - but everything I learned about the prodigal son was from others - I wanted to hear part of the story from Jonah's point of view. This may have helped the conclusion flow more smoothly without losing any of its surprises. Also, Jeremiah's voice begins the story, but is cut off abruptly - which makes sense considering the circumstances... however, I would have enjoyed hearing his thoughts, his perspective, his feelings more throughout the story - but maybe the author chose not to let either Jonah's voice or Jeremiah's voice (beyond the story's introduction) be heard because it would make the Amish seem less private, as if they blended in more with the English, and the story seemed to want to illustrate how Amish people, though trying to trust and get along with the English, don't want to be seen as "the same" as the English - they want to be the same as other Amish in their community, but their sameness is very different from the English.



3. I could hardly put this book down! I read it entirely in two evenings and enjoyed it immensely. This author knows all the details of the Amish lifesyle and has a way of putting it into words that can really peak your interest! Get you hands on it as soon as you can...you won't be sorry!



4. I bought the book yesterday after hearing the author give a speech at the library. He entertained us royally with stories of the Amish lifestyle and I knew that I just had to buy his books. So far, I've only read one (it sure is a quick book!) and I had to force myself not to cheat and figure out the ending before the end of the book.
   
   It was worth the wait.
   
   This is a novel that I am proud to say is from Ohio. I have been in Holmes County but not to gawk at the Amish. We have Amish living near by just half an hour away. We see them all the time on our way to Indiana.
   
   This book, Gaus' debut novel, is about the father/son relationship in an abstract way. Branden, a professor at a local college, was called upon to find an Amish bishop's grandson who was kidnapped by his father. The search leads to murder and suddenly, the hunt for the missing boy becomes urgent. With detective reasoning by the young sheriff deputy, Branden and Branden's wife, the race to find the boy intensifies.
   
   This is a gripping novel and it is surprising that it hasn't been moved up the bestseller's lists. It really is a well-written novel and intense. If you are interested in learning more about the Amish, this is an excellent novel to start with. It gives you the basics of the Amish faith and why they do the things the way they do.
   
   It is a great read for summer if you're looking for something quick to read.
   
   4/21/08



5. Although I haven't had a chance to read it yet; can't wait to get started.

5 comments about Emma: A Widow Among the Amish.

1. Emma is an amazing book. The author has written an incredible book about his mother, of her strength and tragedy that occured when her husband Tobias died. I sincerely recommend this book and hope anyone who reads it will be blessed as I was.



2. Parts of this Amish novel were interesting but unless you're very much into the differences between all of the subsets of Amish churches and how they're formed you will get bored very quickly and I did.



3. The story jumps around and doesn't complete subjects leaves you hanging as to what happened here.



4. I felt like I was reading a history book. It did not hold my attention. This was one book that I did not feel obligated to finish. This coming from a person who cannot get enough of reading Amish and Mennonite fiction. This book could have been just as spell-binding as any of the fiction books if written in a better narrative style.



5. I just completed the book,"EMMA" which I finished reading in no time at all. I literally could not put the book down. I did read, "TOBIAS of the AMISH" first, which was another incredible book by the same author, who wrote about the life of his father first. I'd give each book a (5) Star rating. I have numerous books on the Amish/Mennonite people. Some are fiction, some are true life stories. "EMMA" fascinated me from beginning to end. Emma was a woman of amazing strength. She lost her husband Tobe, who died from a terrible accident at a young age & left Emma with 6 young children to raise on her own. All through her years, she carried her husband's love in her heart & that love transcended right to her children. If at any time the children needed discipline, Emma could do it with both love & respect, and in return, she got that same love & respect back from her children. Emma's faith & belief in God was rock solid & I believe it was her faith & love for her children, that got her through all the rough years she faced ahead of her on her own. She always felt God's presence in her life. I thought "EMMA" is a beautiful & poignant love story about a woman who loved her husband, both in life & in death as well. I also feel the book depicts a love story about a son who realizes what an incredible mother he had, to write this beautiful story on her life. I feel truly blessed to have read both these books & would recommend them to anyone to read & enjoy. It will captivate your heart as much as it did mine. Arlene Greve

2 comments about The Postcard/The Crossroads/Sanctuary (Amish Country Crossroads 1-3).

1. This was another one of her terrific books.She always writes in such a way that you can't wait to read the next one. Nadia Rehmani-writer of Sharper Than A Two Edged Sword-that can be found right her also on Amazon.



2. I received this book as a gift some time ago & put off reading it, thinking it was geared more toward female readers than male readers. I suppose that's true, but it doesn't matter much. I started reading The Postcard & finished within a few days. Now I have started reading The Crossroads at first to see what happens to the main characters next. This book is a good read, not even close to what I imagined it would be!

5 comments about The Preacher's Daughter (Annie's People #1).

1. The only thing I would recommend before purchasing this book is to buy the 3 volume set of Annie's People by Beverly Lewis. This is a fun, heartful way to delve into the life of an Amish girl who is torn between her culture and her drive to explore beyond the strict rules of the Amish people. I feel like I know the characters in the book, and have enjoyed reading the whole series (I am almost done with the second book). I can't wait to see what Annie will choose to do with her life. It's an easy read. I highly recommend it!



2. "The Preacher's Daughter" is the first book in a new series by Beverly Lewis. It introduces Annie Zook and her friend Louisa Stratford. Annie is one of the Plain People, she and Louisa have been pen pals for years and now Louisa comes to visit Annie. Louisa is a typical, wealthy, middle class woman. However disgruntled with her last relationship, she comes to meet Annie for the first time then stays as she finds the Plain life uncomplicated and calmer.
   
   I find the Amish lifestyle interesting and Ms Lewis' descriptions of their everyday life fascinating. I have read several of her other novels and enjoyed them. This time, however, I found the ending disappointing as she obviously was just setting up the next book in this series. I would have enjoyed it more if this novel had stood alone rather than just being an introduction to the series.



3. Annie Zook, the daughter of an Amish preacher has long maintained a forbidden secret - she loves to draw and to paint, art forms forbidden amongst her people. Louisa Stratford is the daughter of a successful Colorado lawyer, always having all the money she could possibly want, but knowing that there is something missing from her life. Pen pals since childhood, Annie and Louisa will come to rely on each other as they move forward into a future that they little expected.
   
   This is another great book by Christian author Beverly Lewis. Let me first say what it is not - it is not a book of praise of the Amish life, nor is it an expose; it's not a simple story of faith overcoming all obstacles, and it's not a story of finding God and having all problems drop away. Instead, what this is is a realistic story of Annie, struggling to live her faith, and maintain the standards of her church, even when she does not fully agree with them. And it is the story of Louisa, who sees how complicated life can be, and is often surprising in her concrete grasp of what is important.
   
   Overall, I found this to be a wonderfully interesting tale, making me care for the characters, and what happened to them. I think that this is a great story, one that is sure to please the discriminating reader. Is it the story of steadfast faith? No, not really, it's the story of real people trying to live their lives in a world more complicated than they had thought...just like the rest of us.



4. This was a great book! You really feel like you get to know Annie and her friends. I couldn't put it down! I'm currently reading "The Englisher", which is the second book in the series, and I love that one too. If you are looking for good Christian fiction, be sure to read "The Preacher's Daughter".



5. Overall, I enjoyed this book. I loved getting to know Annie and her community. I know very little about the Amish so I was interested in seeing what their lives are like through the eyes of these characters. The first 1/3 of the book was a little slow for me but after that it picked up quite nicely.
   
   The contrasts between Annie and Louisa (main characters) are as big as the Grand Canyon and, yet, as little as their pinky toe. One lives a "Plain" life, the other a "fancy" one. Despite this, both ladies have a strong determination within that transfers over to every decision they make for their lives. They are "sisters" in spirit. A sweet relationship to watch unfold.
   
   There are many different characters in this story and some of them I wouldn't have expected to find among the Amish community. Like any story, some you love and some you hate. Throughout, I found myself cheering for Annie. She has so much promise and passion and, unfortunately, at the same time, opposition.

5 comments about Lose It for Life Workbook.

1. I love this book. It has really helped me to examine my eating habits from God's prospective. I have learned to put food in its proper place, which is not always in my mouth! I have dug into God instead of in the pantry. My relationship with God has improved as I've turned to Him for help instead of to food. One key is eating only when you are physically hungry (versus spiritually hungry.) I have lost 23 pounds in 3 months without denying myself foods that I've craved, counting anything, or going hungry. This book/workbook may change your life. It has mine!



2. What can I say this workbook along with the book itself hits you right between the eyes! BAM! It's no joke. If you are looking for a shallow book then don't buy this one. The authors really do want to help you and I feel better already.



3. This book and program is the best I have used. I have tried other faith based programs...along with ever diet known to man, and this book and the program that goes with it (loseitforlife.com)...has not only changed my life, but the samll group I lead at my chruch, are also finding it life changing.
   
   It digs DEEP into the emotions around WHY we use food, the addictions, the patterns, and provides material to help you get out of the war against food...allowing you to not let the food control you , but with Gods help, YOU CONTROL THE FOOD< and all the EMOTIONS that go with eating. Food addictions are just as hard to break as any other form of medicating to avoid life...so dig in, and let God help you as he is calling you to decide, is this for me, or not...I would say, if you believe in God and want lasting relief from the struggles of weight...the answer is YES. God bless you on this wonderful journey.



4. My Bible-study group enjoyed this book and had varying success in losing weight as a result of the study. We felt it was helpful in learning to change ones lifestyle and attitude toward food. However, as a Bible study, we'd like to see more scripture in the daily sessions.



5. This book is a good book, just not what I needed. It seamed to be for people with deep issues with other things in life which has lead to over eating. To be honest, I started but did not finish the book, I was just not feeling it.