The Outcast

 

 

About The Book:  Raised in an Old Order Mennonite community, Rachel Stoltzfus is a strong-willed single woman, content living apart from mainstream society until whispers stir the moment her belly swells with new life. Refusing to repent and name the partner in her sin, Rachel feels the wrath of the religious sect as she is shunned by those she loves most. She is eventually coerced into leaving by her brother-in-law, the bishop. But secrets run deep in this cloistered community, and the bishop is hiding some of his own, threatening his conscience and his very soul. When the life of Rachel’s baby is at stake, however, choices must be made that will bring the darkness to light, forever changing the lives of those who call Copper Creek home.  To view the first chapter, follow this link to Tyndale’s website, where you can download the PDF.

About The Author:  Jolina Petersheim was born in the heart of Amish country. While her family moved to Tennessee when she was only three years old, her childhood was filled with stories of Pennsylvania Dutch ancestors hiding TVs from bishops and concealing permed hair beneath kapps. But this unique heritage did not interest her. Instead, she pouted as her mother divided her waist-length hair into plaits and then forced her to change from purple overalls into a jean skirt and sneakers in preparation to visit our Plain friends—knowing, even at the tender age of six, that this combination was a fashion faux pas. Playing Hide ‘n’ Seek or Kick the Can with her Old Order Mennonite peers, however, she soon became grateful for that skirt, which helped her transition from Southern Englischer to intimate friend.  In the autumn of 2008, she married a broad-shouldered, hazel-eyed Dutchman.  Upon moving into the haus her husband built with determination and his own two hands, she began to write a fictionalized version of a story that had once been told to her. A story regarding the power of desire and the reverberating cost if that desire is left unchecked; a story that, shockingly enough, took place in an idyllic Old Order Mennonite community.  In Nashville, she was introduced to a genial, white-haired man who was as excited to hear her Dutchy last name as she had been to hear his. This gentleman had attended the same Mennonite high school as her father (and her husband’s father) and, as a literary agent, he was interested to read the portion of the story that she had completed.  He read the first twenty-five thousand words while flying home from a book festival in Brazil and wanted to read more. Two months after the birth of their daughter, Tyndale House accepted the manuscript, as they were as excited to promote her modern retelling of The Scarlet Letter.

My Thoughts About The Book:  This book was a good bit different from most of the Amish life and romance books I have read.  The retelling of The Scarlet Letter Amish style was very interesting.  I enjoyed every minute of the book and hated to see it end. In the beginning I wasn't sure if this type of book would be for me, but the characters are wonderfully developed and I found myself lost in their world. This wonderful book is all about love and forgiveness. I would highly recommend this book to Scarlett Letter fans looking for a modern retelling, or anyone who wants a good read! 

STATEMENT OF DISCLOSURE: I received an paperback copy of this title from Tyndale Publishing and Netgalley Publishing as part of their blogger review program . I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. Thanks guys for letting me read this and participate!

Band of Sisters

About the Book:  Driven by a shameful past and a perilous future, Maureen O'Reilly and her sister flee Ireland in search of safety, liberty, and opportunity.  But after surviving the rigors of Ellis Island, Maureen leans that their benefactor has died, and his family-refusing to own his debt-casts her our.  Impoverished and in danger of deportation, Maureen connives to find employment in a prominent Manhattan department stor, only to discover the elegant facade hids a dangerous secret.  Despite her family's disapproval, Olivia Wakefield vows to honor her father's promise but can't find Maureen, the woman her brother-in-law so rudely turned away.  Unexpected help comes from a local businessman, who Olivia dares hope will become more than an ally, even as she fears the secrets he's hiding.  As women begin disappearing from the department store, Olivia rallies influential ladies in her circle to help Maureen stand against injustice and fight for the lives of their growing band of sisters.  But will they be too late?  And in the midst of a world gone mad, can either woman open her heart to divine leading or the love it might bring?

About the Author:  Cathy Gohlke is a two-time Christy Award-winning author of Promise Me This, William Henry Is A Fine Name, and I Have Seen Hime In The Watchfires.  She lives with her husband on the banks of the Laurel Run in elkton, Maryland.  Cathy has worked as a school librarian, drama director, and director of children’s and education ministries. When not traipsing the hills and dales of historic sites, she, her husband, and their dog, Reilly, make their home on the banks of the Laurel Run in Maryland.Visit her online at www.cathygohlke.com.

My Thoughts On the Book:  When Band of Sisters arrived in the mail I put it in the read later pile because I wasn't sure that I was going to like the book. When I flipped through the beginning of the book it looked like a long, drawn out book.  One that I would be glad to finish. I was so wrong.  Band of Sisters was challenging and moving.  Gohlke's characters felt like real people.  As a reader you feel attached to them.  I was glued to book from the moment I finished page one.  The historical detail she uses is amazing.  Having been to Ellis Island and feeling the ghosts of those who had passed through there many years ago this book presents the early 20th century from the viewpoint of early 20th century immigrants mixed with those of high society as they two meet face to face.  Olivia Wakefield, one of the main characters, is a part of a women's circle and from high society. This group of women, after reading the book, "In His Steps," challenge each other to ask themselves in every situation, "What would Jesus do?"  This band of sisters takes the challenge to the next level and begin working to make life easier for lone women who come into America looking for a new life.  Maureen O'Reilly is the other power female character who is from the other side of the tracks.  She is the Irish immigrant who come to America with her sister, Katie Rose, to find a better life for the two of them only to be involved in human trafficking.  The book leaves the reader frustrated in the end because there is a lack of justice for all the evil that occurs in the novel.   It is definitely not just a "happily ever after" novel. The sad thing about the ending is that it really does not end....human trafficking is still with us even today.  Maybe we should all ask ourselves, "What would Jesus do?"  Maybe I should ask myself too.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndal House Publishers as part of their Blog Tour program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
All I can say is,"Thanks!"