by Kelly Long
(Thomas Nelson, 2012)
4.5 stars~
Tale of Redemption and Forgiveness!
Kelly Long sweeps us away to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in the year 1777; to a tumultuous time in the history of our country, where the Redcoats, loyalists, patriots, and Amish pacifists coexist. It is also a time of great political unrest, and persecution towards the Amish sect, who, in spite of their peace loving dictates, find their hearts rebelling against the injustices perpetrated in the colonies.
In spite of the political uncertainty surrounding her, Lena Yoder, a beautiful young Amish woman, can barely contain her joy. She is in the throes of love with the handsome Adam Wyse, and her mother is expecting another child. Unbeknownst to Lena, however, in just a short time a promise that her dying mother exacts from her beloved Adam, turns her world upside down, and she finds herself forced to turn to another for support, Adam's brother, Isaac.
Adam Wyse carries a dark secret of guilt and shame from being physically abused, and ponders joining the Patriot's cause to try to escape his problems, the worst of which is being unable to bear seeing his beloved Lena with Isaac. Can Adam ever overcome his demons?...and why does his father seem to delight in tormenting him so? Will Adam run off to war, and keep his promise to Lena's mother concerning her?...and is it too late for forgiveness and redemption between a father and son, and a lifetime of abuse?
This was the first book I have ever read by Kelly Long, but it won't be my last! She touches on some very heavy issues in this book; PTSD, child abuse, the controversial habit of unmarried Amish young people "bundling", to name a few.
Kelly's characters are realistic and not flawless as in some of the Amish books of today, and I loved the inclusion of an older couple's romance, which lended a tender, heartwarming touch to this novel. This is truly a heartrending story of love, redemption, and forgiveness, with a very satisfying conclusion filled with twists and turns. Nicely written, Kelly Long!
Kelly's characters are realistic and not flawless as in some of the Amish books of today, and I loved the inclusion of an older couple's romance, which lended a tender, heartwarming touch to this novel. This is truly a heartrending story of love, redemption, and forgiveness, with a very satisfying conclusion filled with twists and turns. Nicely written, Kelly Long!
Diana Flowers, Is the Senior Review for Overcoming Through Time - With God's Help. She loves to read and review books and lives in South Carolina, where she enjoys life with her wonderful husband and family.
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email address for a chance to win a copy of Kelly Long's new release.
Thank you, Quillers, for having me as your guest today. :) I'm awed to be amongst so much talent!
ReplyDelete7Diana thanks for the great review! We are so glad you could share it with us!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, CARRIE! Thank you for having me!
DeleteThank you both, Carrie and Diana, or such a warm review and welcome here!
DeleteLove,
Kelly Long
You are so welcome, Kelly! I am hearing some great things about your other books as well, so I need to get hopping! So many books, so little time. :(
Deletesounds riveting! I would love to read this one. Thanks for the review and giveaway!!
ReplyDeleteladette[at]live[dot]com
LADETTE, you WILL be riveted by this one! Why do I sound like a frog all of a sudden? lol! Thank you, and good luck in the drawing!
DeleteKELLY!!! Just finished Lily's Wedding Quilt and loved it, girl!!! The "Edgy Julie Lessman," indeed!! And to think I could have been writing Amish all this time, you stinker you ... ;)
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Diana -- sounds like another Kelly Long winner!!
Hugs,
Julie
JULIE, always a pleasure, my friend! I have heard so much about Lily's Wedding Quilt, I have to find time to squeeze it in! Isn't that the one you loved so much, CARRIE?
DeleteJULIE, I would love to see you try your hand at Amish! But, you can't put as much kissing in Amish books, you do realize that, right? hehe So that should cut your books down a little (well, maybe alot!!) in length. lol!
Amish don't kiss?! Julie could fix that ;)
DeleteI haven't read Lily's Wedding Quilt but it sounds like I need to! I just love all the different ones that y'all read and the recommendations that fly around here!
Well, they do, but not quite as much as JULIE'S characters. lol! That's why we love JULIE'S books so much. HaHa I think JULIE should start a new trend in Amish books, ANNE! I'm so with you on that!
DeleteJulie...A PAssion Most Pure was perfect for me as well!!!! Maybe Ishould write some..uh...deeper historicals....
DeleteLove you,
Kelly
KELLY is starting that trend in Amish books, DIANA! Kelly is one talented writer.
DeleteNot neat & tidy like most Amish fiction? You have left me in suspense about this book :) Count me in!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteNeat and tidy, ANNE? Uh...no. Not your typical Amish to be sure! You're counted in, ANNE! :)
DeleteAnother doozie DIANA!! GOOD JOB! I haven't read an Amish story lately, this sounds like the one I need to read! There goes another book on the overflowing TBR pile. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm interested, please sign me up. And I've seen a lot of Amish covers, this is the only one I've really liked - maybe because it's period.
ReplyDeleteoh, I should follow directions rmjagears AT gmail DOT com
ReplyDeleteI just love this cover, too, MELISSA! I decided I wanted to read the book before I even knew what it was about, b/c I got a sneak peek at the cover. lol The picking of a cover is key, so I still don't understand why some authors settle for such bad ones. People tend to judge a book by it's cover, and I'm sure I have missed alot of good books by doing that, but I'm sure I'm not alone in that.
DeleteI agree with you, Dianna. The cover is our first impression of what a book represents, and if the cover isn't attractive and interesting I'm not drawn to it.
DeleteNancee
quiltcat26@sbcglobal.net
ANNE SAID: "Amish don't kiss?! Julie could fix that ;)"
ReplyDeleteROTFLOL!!! Boy, could I!! :) Reminds me of the time a few years back when my editor leaned across a coffee table at the ICRS hotel about the time Amish was just starting to go crazy and said, "Julie, can you write Amish?" I remember blinking a few times because this was the SAME editor who'd sliced and diced all the ... ahem ... truly passionate scenes in my 2nd book. I remember kind of chewing my lip on one side and leaning in with a crimp of my brows. "I don't know -- is there such a thing as 'edgy Amish'???
Well, yes, apparently there is, and it's called Kelly Long!!! ;)
Hugs,
Julie
I started to say "edgy" Amish, JULIE, but didn't want to get in trouble, so I'll let you take the blame! lol!
DeleteYou're too funny, JULIE, and we all love you so much! HMMM...definitely gotta take some time out to read more of Kelly's books now...edgy Amish, huh? ;)
I want to know if all of Kelly's Amish books are considered "edgy". Might have to make a run on the library ;)
DeleteKelly is the writer who has brought passion into Amish fiction. The Amish people, with all their kids, might refer to it as realism ;)
DeleteHmmm...ANNE...we both better make a run on the library! lol Like the "realism" remark, Carrie! :)
DeleteThis book sounds intriguing! Thank you for the review and giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI have read several Amish authors before and some are ver good, such as Beverly Lewis, and some are not so good. I have never read any by Kelly Long before, though.
Thank you again.
Sorry, I did not remember to leave my e-mail address!
Deleteks4readin@yahoo.com
Thanks!
Thank you for coming by and sharing with us, 4READIN. I love Bev Lewis as well! Please come back and leave an email so we can find you, should you be drawn. :) Without your real name or an email, we are pretty lost, unless someone here recognizes 4readin. Blessings~
DeleteThank you for coming back with your email addy, 4READIN! Gotcha entered! I think I was typing and you had already come back on...oopsie!
DeleteI enjoy historical fiction.
ReplyDeleteThis does sound like a lovely book. Nice review, Diana.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, CARLA! I hope you get a chance to read it soon.
DeleteI do not know if my comment with my e-mail above was seen, so I will add it here.
ReplyDeleteks4readin@yahoo.com
Thank you so much!
love the colonial period - great review - one if by land, two if by sea
ReplyDeleteThank you for coming by, MURRAY! Always a pleasure!
DeleteMURRAY can believe it or not, but he is our winner on CQ this week! CONGRATS!
DeleteWould love to read this book!
ReplyDeleteTeresa Sheroke
tsheroke@sbcglobal.net
And we would love for you to read it, TERESA! Lots of luck in the drawing!!
DeleteThank You for a chance to win this book! Terrilea@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by, TERRILEA! Hoping for a win for you!
DeleteYou're quite welcome, TERRILEA! Hoping for a win for you!
DeleteOh! This is one I must read! Thanks for the chance to win a copy. :) twinwillowsfarm at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteYes, PEGG, you must!! I hope you get a copy in your hands asap! :)
DeleteThis book sounds wonderful Diane! Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteBlessings....Joy
ibjoy1953[at]yahoo.com
Nice to see you, JOY! Lots of luck in the giveaway! Keep those good reviews coming, girl!
DeleteSounds like a great book! Usually I don't read much Amish, but this sounds different and I think I might like it a lot!
ReplyDeleteGreat review Diana!
Why thank you, Maid Marian! I love anything Amish, but this was totally different.
DeleteLove reading Amish stories and I love all of Kelly's books!
ReplyDeleteKaren Schulz
aregeetee5162 at yahoo dot com
KAREN, I believe you will agree that this one is different than Kelly's other Amish books, but I'm sure you will enjoy it nonetheless!
DeleteGreat review! Would love a chance to win this book. Sounds very interesting and different.
ReplyDeleteKaren Gervais
kmgervais@nycap.rr.com
KAREN, thank you! It is interesting and different and I hope you will get a chance to read it soon!
DeleteSounds like a great book, please enter me in this contest, I would love to be a winner, love reading your books, kelly.
ReplyDeleterosiej1942@yahoo.com Rose Goddard
ROSE, thank for your encouraging comments to Kelly!! Throwing your name in the hat!
DeleteWhat a joy this book seems to be to read! A little different, just interesting.
ReplyDeleteLoretta
eveningstar888(at)aol.com
LORETTA, this book takes place during a terrible time during our country's history, and the heroine and hero go through some dark times, so it is a good book, but heartrending at the same time. Thank you for your interest in Kelly's book!
DeleteI love Kelly's books. This one sounds like a good one too. I'd love to have an opportunity to win a copy of her newest book. Thank you for the offer.
ReplyDeleteNancee
quiltcat26@sbcglobal.net
NANCEE, goood luck in the giveaway. I would love to see you win a copy as well!
DeleteWoohoo! Would LOOOOVE to win this gem!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity!
Susan Ferrell
susan828(at)hotmail(dot)com
SUSAN, next time show a little enthusiasm! LOL! Love it! I hope you win this gem! You are such a doll.
ReplyDeleteHello Dianna, I have read Kelly Long before but this one sounds little different, one I think I would like to read too. if not too late add me to the list, thanks for sharing this one.
ReplyDeletePaula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
Hi, PAULA! No, you are not too late...thank you for your interest in Kelly's book!
DeleteAwesome review! I LOVE Amish fiction, and I can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeletelubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com
I'm with you, ElYSSA! Love that Amish fiction, contemporary or historical!
DeleteThis book looks great! Please enter me into the drawing!
ReplyDeletejennycohen104(at)gmail(dot)com
JENNY, welcome to CQs! I just dropped your name in my cyber-hat here.;)
DeleteDIANA You have created another "DOOZIE"! :) I tried to leave a comment yesterday but for some reason it wasn't here when I checked back, strange! I haven't read an Amish book lately, this one sounds like the one I should add to my no longer a TBR stack but a TBR PILE! LOL!!!
ReplyDeleteavonmathews(at)yahoo(dot)com
would love to read this beautiful story....thanks for the chance :)
ReplyDeletekarenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
Gotcha entered, KAREN! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteOooh!!! Please enter me in the drawing! Loved Lilly's Wedding Quilt soooo much! I never thought about it, but it is sort of like the Amish version of Julie Lessman! haha! Nice!
ReplyDeleteEmreilly303(at)gmail(dot)com
EMILY, I have heard so much about KELLY'S, Lily's Wedding Quilt. I'm sure it's alot different than Arms of Love (since AoL is a historical during the Revolutionary War), but I think I'm going to have to find time to squeeze that one in! lol
DeleteYes! You definitely have to give it a shot! I absolutely LOVED it!!!! hehe!
DeleteThanks for the giveaway! Can't wait to read this one, loved her other books! Enter me!
ReplyDeleteDreilly316(at)gmail(dot)com
DEBBIE, I hope you enjoy this one as well! You are entered!
DeleteHey Debbie,
DeleteThank for reading! This one is a bit darker but powerful all the same!
Thanks,
Kelly
Please enter my name into the drawing...thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteJreilly316(at)verizon(dot)net
JOHN, thank you for dropping by...gotcha entered and good luck!
DeleteI have read her other books and enjoyed them. Especially since Amish fiction is not my favorite genre. Please enter me as this book sounds very intriguing.
ReplyDeletesweetdarknectar at gmail dot com
AMY, this is so different than your typical Amish book, that I feel you will really enjoy it, since Amish is not your fav genre. Thank you for supporting Kelly's books!
DeleteDIANA! GREAT JOB! I haven't read an AMISH book in a while, this one sounds like I need to add it to my overflowing TBR pile!
ReplyDeleteThis is the third time I've tried to post a comment on here, that's the reason I posted under Anonymous. We'll see what happens! LOL!
avonmathews@yahoo.com
Diana AWESOME review! Haven't read an Amish book in a while, this one sounds like I need to add it to my overflowing TBR pile! :)
ReplyDeletetsmathews61@gmail.com
DIANA, I brought a goose down filled cushion for your rocker, like I promised on Overcoming Through Time! Glad to have you with us colonial folks, too! Thank you for visiting and sharing!
ReplyDeleteLOL! Have you ever seen such a spoiled woman? Is it obvious I am a southern belle? You colonial women just have it too rough. I would nevah churn my own buttah, or sit in a hard wooden rocker! My my! Thank you, Miss CARRIE, for the goose filled cushion. My, uh, derriere was getting quite numb. (I can't believe I just said that!) lol! But I'll leave it---might bring a smile to someone today!
DeleteWhy Miss DIANA I was wonderin' why you were squirming in that ole chair...now I know. Us Southern Belles do luve our comfort. :) So glad Miss Carrie got you a cushie for your little ole tushie! :)
DeleteLOL! Isn't she the most thoughtful person you ever saw in your born days, my deah TERESA? I'm much more comfortable now, thank you, CARRIE! I hope Miss Carrie isn't needing the smelling salts right about now. We failed to mention we are backwoods southern belles! There is a difference. lol!
DeleteNow Diana gurl don't be telling all our lil secrets. :)
DeleteWell Diana here goes my fouth try....let's see if it takes my comment. AWESOME review. Sure would love to read this one!
ReplyDeleteavonmathews@yahoo.com
YEA!!! It must have worked, I'm on my laptop, maybe my desktop is being moody today! :)
DeleteThank you! Isn't that wild! TERESA has tried umpteen times to get on here only to have her comment vanish into thin air. Colonial Quills hereby bequeathes you, Teresa Mathews, the Award of Persistency! Congrats!
DeleteI am honored Lady Di...thank you!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI think the whole OTT gang would be here but Marian might still be celebrating Queen's Day! We periodically have issues with Blogger and google, TERESA and DIANA.
DeleteCARRIE, hail, hail, the gang's all here. MARIAN came on yesterday and left a comment. :)
DeleteWould be so happy to win one of your books.
ReplyDeleteCheryl Baranski
Baranski1987@gmail.com
CHERYL, we are delighted to have you stop by! Good luck in the drawing!
DeleteThis sounds like a good book thanks for chance to win it.
ReplyDeleteABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
APPLE BLOSSOM, thank you for your interest in Kelly's book! Hoping for a win for you!
DeleteDon't include me in the drawing I just wanted to say my wife is the BOMB, and she always asks me to read her reviews, and they are good! I can't wait until I can review her book.
ReplyDeletePaul Flowers
Oh my goodness!! (embarrassed chuckle) What book?? Well, thank you, honey. Gosh...he's such a nut.
DeletePAUL to hear DIANA talk about you, you are the BOMB!!!! LOL!
DeletePAUL from what I hear from Diana, YOU are the bomb too! :)
DeleteGreat review, I think I read another review of this somewhere else, but this one really makes me want to read the book!
ReplyDeletePatty
pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
Why thank you, PATTY! That makes me feel like I've done my job then. Not that it's a job! I hope you get a copy of Arms of Love ASAP!
DeleteThanks so much for the review. I just started reading this book, and like you, it is my first one by Kelly Long. I will have to check out her other books. :)
ReplyDeleteKAREN, thank you so much for coming by and expressing an interest in Kelly's books!
DeleteThanks for the review, I'll put this book on the TBR list and hope I win it! I love the idea of exploring the historical roots of the Amish people. After watching a documentary on the Amish, I don't see how any contemporary Amish book could wind up so neatly. Plus I like messy novels. So I'm looking forward to an edgy one.
ReplyDeleteGail
Bookwurm70 at gmail
GAIL, I love that...messy novels! :) This one isn't all that edgy as it is just different, since it takes place during such a dark time in our country's history. Although Kelly does address some issues that other Amish books don't; child abuse for example.
DeleteLooks like such a great book!!!
ReplyDeletemarissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com
~Marissa
MARISSA-the lady with the pretty name. Great to see you over here at CQs and good luck in the drawing!
DeleteI taught American history for several years and I enjoyed the Colonial Period because it was so different a lifestyle than my students knew. Stories from that time period still interest me now.
ReplyDeleteKindly enter me into the drawing, ddjordan_sbg_0803@yahoo.com.
Blessings,
Denise
DENISE, how wonderful! I hope you are able to get a copy of Kelly's book...perhaps you will be our blessed winner, but if not be sure and order a copy from Amazon!
DeleteHi Denise...oh, you scare me as a history teacher! It was very difficult to find Amish history but a rewarding search!!!
ReplyDeletePeace to you,
Kelly
KELLY, lol! I'm just glad she was a history teacher and not an English teacher, b/c I made an awful grammatical error in the review, in my present and past tenses. Don't worry, though, I corrected it for Amazon and CBD, and Net Galley! Wish I would have caught it b4 it went on here, and hoping no one noticed. If they read this, they will all look for it now. hahaha
DeleteI would love to win and read this book.I love Kellys Books...Thanks...jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteJACKIE, we have you entered! So glad you are a fan of Kelly's books!
DeleteAll I can say is....Kelly Long is AMAZING! Her books move me and I can't concentrate on anything else while I'm reading them. I would love to win this book because it has been on my wish list for a Looooooooonnnnnnnngggg time! I can't wait to read it! Thank you for this opportunity and God bless! †
ReplyDeletemandydawn@email.com
Mandy Bentley
MANDY, that is a long time indeed! lol! I hope you get a copy in your hands ASAP! I use to love that song, Mandy, by Barry Manilow. Have you heard it? You may be too young. :) Thank you for coming by and encouraging KELLY!
ReplyDeleteMURRAY can believe it or not, but he is our winner on CQ this week! CONGRATS!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Murray! Enjoy!
ReplyDelete