Arms Of Love

Jun 12, 2013 Carrie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction, historical-fiction, personal-copy

I took the opportunity to read this book because I wanted to experience why Amish fiction is such a popular sub-genre of Christian fiction. It has honestly baffled me. I can understand people wanting life a little simpler or to become more self sufficient. With those reasons, I can recognize the draw. Beyond those reasons, I have no clue what the fascination is with these books. After reading this books, I'm still asking myself, "why?"

Set in the 18th Century America, I as drawn to the novel beca...more

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Aug 30, 2012 Ashley rated it 4 of 5 stars

The year is 1777. America is in turmoil. And Amish life is far different from today.
Pennsylvania in the late 18th century, once called William Penn's Woods, is populated with an assortment of different faiths living together for the first time in American history. Included in this tapestry is a small and struggling group called the Amsih.
Surrounding this peaceful people are unavoidable threats. Both Patriots and the British are pillaging land and goods for the sake of the war. Young Amishmen are...more

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Jul 07, 2012 Anastacia Knits rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, christian, historical-fiction, e-books, romance

In short, this book is about a young lady, Lena, & her struggles - both her struggles to listen to her beloved father, her struggles to do what is right & her struggles to listen to what she believes God is telling her to do.

The book begins with Lena's love interest, Adam, making a promise to Lena's dying mother. As with most romance books, most of the anguish of the book could have been solved if Adam just told Lena of his promise to her mother - but he doesn't. The rest of the book is...more

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Jun 25, 2012 Glenajo rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: amish, christian, historical-romance, romance

Set in colonial America, the Amish families suffer persecution from the colonists because they do not fight against the British and from the British because they are colonists. Adam is the son of an Amish family that holds some authority in their neighborhood Amish community. Adam has loved Lena for several years and they look forward to marrying, but on her deathbed, Lena's mother Mary makes Adam promise to stay away from Lena until he is no longer under a dark cloud. When Adam tells Lena that...more

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Jun 02, 2012 Rhonda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Great book, especially for those who love historical fiction and would like to know about the early roots of Amish in Pennsylvania.

For those of you with interest in the history of the Amish and of our country, this is a wonderful piece of Historical Amish fiction by Kelly Long. I did not personally realize the degree of ridicule and prejudice the early Amish immigrants to Pennsylvania experienced. They endured teasing and scoffing on a daily basis. They were pacifists and did not wish to partic...more Great book, especially for those who love historical fiction and would like to know about the early roots of Amish in Pennsylvania.

For those of you with interest in the history of the Amish and of our country, this is a wonderful piece of Historical Amish fiction by Kelly Long. I did not personally realize the degree of ridicule and prejudice the early Amish immigrants to Pennsylvania experienced. They endured teasing and scoffing on a daily basis. They were pacifists and did not wish to participate in the war but some Amish settlers did join the fight for freedom.

Who can resist a love story in the midst of a war setting? Not me! Lena is struck with tragedy when her mother dies giving birth to new sister, Faith. Complications arose before the death even took place, as Lena's mamm, Mary, predicted her death to Lena's young love interest, Adam Wyse. She also forced Adam to make a cruel promise. She made him agree to give up her daughter and forgo his plans to marry him until he could get away from his abusive father, Joseph, who is one of the church bishops. She tells him she knows of the abuse he endures at his father's hands and is afraid that the father might injure Lena or any of their future children as the custom dictates that they move to the husband's family home when a couple marries. She also expresses her fears that Adam might even have this same tendency to abuse within his own heart. So he helps Lena bury her mother, secretly finds a wet nurse, Rose, for the new sister, and then tells her he is finished with her and breaks her heart.

His brother, Isaac, who is studying with hopes to become a bishop himself, is only too willing to take Adam's place in Lena's affections. He runs to her side and professes his desire to rescue her by marriage. She is not keen on the idea and puts him off until Adam persists in rejecting her. She also has her three younger siblings to think of as her father has been imprisoned for refusing to give up the family cow to the troops. Lena feels that God wants her to marry Isaac so that Adam will be brought to a right relationship with Him. She feels it is her sacrificial duty and only a small price to pay for eternal salvation for the man she loves with all her soul.

I love historical fiction and this book is all about forgiveness and redemption. The book also examines an important issue as Joseph and Adam suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. You will want to read this terrific novel to see how God will heal the broken lives and hearts, and mend relationships. I read this one in one night as I simply could not put the kindle down until I knew how things would resolve for the characters. I am so hoping there is going to be a sequel to Arms of Love as I want to know what happens with Isaac, Adam and Lena, Rose and Samuel, and the others.

A scriptural theme through the story line involved the line: "God is for us." I also loved the use of Zephaniah 3:17: "The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing." For those interested in the Amish history and beginnings, this book is a must-read! I know that I gained new perspectives as I read.
About the Author:

Kelly Long is the author of Sarah's Garden, the first novel in the Patch of Heaven series. She was born and raised in the mountains of Northern Pennsylvania. She’s been married for nearly 25 years and has five children.
Visit Kelly's website: at http://www.kellylongbooks.com
I received a free digital copy of this book from Thomas Nelson publishing, Booksneeze.com, in exchange for my honest review.

Arms Of Love (An Amish Beginnings Novel)

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May 16, 2012 Karen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Although the Patriots and British are still at odds, Lena Yoder believes that she will marry soon, perhaps even before the year 1777 comes to a close. Lena's father Samuel is imprisoned, but she is hopeful he'll be released soon and things on their Amish farm near Lancaster, PA can return to normal.

The recipient of Lena's affections, Adam Wyse, has entertained thoughts of joining the war efforts despite his Amish upbringing. He is willing to settle down, though, and marry Lena, whom he has loved...more Although the Patriots and British are still at odds, Lena Yoder believes that she will marry soon, perhaps even before the year 1777 comes to a close. Lena's father Samuel is imprisoned, but she is hopeful he'll be released soon and things on their Amish farm near Lancaster, PA can return to normal.

The recipient of Lena's affections, Adam Wyse, has entertained thoughts of joining the war efforts despite his Amish upbringing. He is willing to settle down, though, and marry Lena, whom he has loved for as long as he can remember. Everything changes, however, when Adam makes an unusual promise to Lena's mother.

Lena struggles to regain her equilibrium as Adam withdraws from their relationship. Isaac, Adam's brother, desires to become an Amish bishop someday, and expresses interest in Lena. Hurt and confused, Lena reluctantly accepts Isaac's marriage proposal to please her father.

Meanwhile, Adam again considers enlisting while wrestling with dark memories from his past. He befriends a prisoner of war, a British soldier who is detained in Lancaster. The unlikely pair forge an interesting bond that brings comfort and light in unexpected ways.

This book illuminates an aspect of the Revolutionary War period that isn't often discussed. The Amish, as a peace seeking community, sought to stay out of the fray, desiring instead to foster harmony between men. The Patriots viewed them as cowards, unwilling to fight for freedom. Both sides were in need of able bodied men, and the competition for soldiers, Amish or not, was fierce. Even John, Lena's preteen brother, entertained thoughts of joining up. This book shares a glimpse of how hearts and convictions were sorely tested during this epic time in American history.

Kelly Long brings an interesting tale of heartbreak and loyalty to life. Her characters' situations show us that, whether from the past or present, we must seek honor and truth. This book provided a wonderful introduction to Kelly Long's skill and storytelling ability. I look forward to reading more of her books.

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May 09, 2012 Wyndy rated it 5 of 5 stars

An absolutely great read. Very different from the average Amish romance story. In this one we see some of the abusive parenting, conflicting emotions with spiritual beliefs, and the normal "I'll try it my way rather than wait for God" human emotions that we all encounter in our lives including the Amish. Just before she dies, Adam makes a promise to his intended's mother not believing that she will really die. Can he keep his promise? Is it necessary to keep a promise to someone who is dead? Thi...more

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May 06, 2012 Marianne rated it 5 of 5 stars

I just read another awesome novel by Kelly Long. As the book description says, it takes place in 1777 which was during a time of upheaval in Pennsylvania. The understanding Kelly brings to this novel is phenomenal, and I loved learning more about the early days of the Amish.
During this time, the faith of many of the characters are tested...Adam and Lena in particular, but also their families. Sadness is predominant at the beginning of the novel, but gives way to happiness at the end. It deleves...more

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Apr 29, 2012 Iola rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, amish, christian-fiction, kindle, historical-romance, netgalley

On her deathbed, Mary Yoder extracts a promise from young Adam Wyse that he will give up the love of her daughter, Lena, until he is free from his father’s harsh rule. Adam makes the promise, but reluctantly because of his love for Lena, and decides that he will go and fight in the Revolutionary War, despite the pacifist stance of his Amish faith.

Arms of Love is different to most Amish novels, in that it is set in 1777, near Lancaster in William Penn’s Wood (which we know from modern Amish nove...more On her deathbed, Mary Yoder extracts a promise from young Adam Wyse that he will give up the love of her daughter, Lena, until he is free from his father’s harsh rule. Adam makes the promise, but reluctantly because of his love for Lena, and decides that he will go and fight in the Revolutionary War, despite the pacifist stance of his Amish faith.

Arms of Love is different to most Amish novels, in that it is set in 1777, near Lancaster in William Penn’s Wood (which we know from modern Amish novels becomes Lancaster County, Pennsylvania). This historical setting provided for some external conflict, both literally and figuratively, as many Amish apparently did abandon their pacifist beliefs to fight for the Revolutionary cause in the War of Independence.

The historical setting meant that the novel focused more on the internal conflicts in the relationships between the families, and when the Amish were distinguished from their neighbours by their dress rather than their old-fashioned way of living. After all, in 1777, everyone baked their own bread and electricity hadn’t been discovered.

Most Amish novels use a combination of English and German to convey the fact that most Amish speak German at home, even today (although the Yoder family obviously didn’t speak German at home, because there was no reference to the language issue when Ruth, the English wet nurse arrived).

But I found that Arms of Love took the use of German too far, to the point that it detracted from the story. Using 'gut' for 'good' was manageable, but some of the German words used were not so common or easily translatable (e.g. Derr Herr for God or fesh washa for the ceremony of foot washing). There was a glossary at the beginning of the book but it is irritating enough to continually have to skip back and forward between the glossary and the story in a physical book. It is almost impossible on an e-reader.

The passing of time was another issue. It seems to be only a matter of days or possibly weeks between the death of Mary Yoder and her husband's remarriage. He had barely had time to mourn the loss of his wife, yet we were expected to believe that he had fallen in love with another woman.

As a result, I found Arms of Love hard to get into, and didn’t really ‘get’ the story, so didn’t enjoy it at all. I found the first half quite disjointed - several characters, especially the men, seem to suffer from having multiple personalities - cruel one minute and kind the next, with no explanation. Sometimes this technique is used to introduce hidden secrets; here I found it to be confusing and distracting rather than mysterious and exciting.

As well as the usual discussion questions at the end of the book, Arms of Love also includes a four week Bible study, with a deeper focus on some of the themes of the story. I just suspect the author focused too much on creating a story that people could learn from, and not enough on creating a story people would enjoy reading.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

This review also appears on my blog, www.christianreads.blogspot.com.
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Apr 27, 2012 Regina Spiker rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: amish, christian-fiction, historical-fiction, patriots, pennsylvania, romance

This is a work of romance with many facets - it's Christian fiction, Amish fiction, and it's also historical fiction - the Patriots and the British are at war and danger is aplenty. The Amish are belittled by the Patriots for not joining their ranks and fighting for their home and country.

The story opens in William Penn's Woods in the late 1700s, Adam Wyse, a young Amish man is in love with his beautiful neighbor, Lena Yoder. Alas, before Lena's mother dies in childbirth with her youngest child,...more This is a work of romance with many facets - it's Christian fiction, Amish fiction, and it's also historical fiction - the Patriots and the British are at war and danger is aplenty. The Amish are belittled by the Patriots for not joining their ranks and fighting for their home and country.

The story opens in William Penn's Woods in the late 1700s, Adam Wyse, a young Amish man is in love with his beautiful neighbor, Lena Yoder. Alas, before Lena's mother dies in childbirth with her youngest child, she requires a promise from Adam that he will set himself free from his harsh, ungiving father before taking Lena as his wife. Lena, feeling cast off and not knowing Adam's promise, turns to his older brother, Issac, who is studying to be a bishop and also his father's favorite son.

Adam has horrible flashbacks to an unnamed fearful time when he was young. His flashbacks compel him to leave the Amish fold and enlist - to get away from his father and make a life of his own, therefore fulfilling the promise to Lena's mother.

Not just for readers of Amish literature (I do not often read Amish fiction but it is extremely popular), I enjoyed getting to know the characters, seeing their flaws and strengths, and watching their faith be tested and grow from inner and outer turmoil. I also liked Adam's British acquaintance, a family man named Major Dale Ellis, who became a good, kind friend to Adam, despite their many differences. At the end of the book Kelly Long has not only included Reading Club questions but also a four-week bible study.

Joyce Lamb from USA TODAY writes:
Kelly Long knows a thing or two about the Amish. She grew up in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania, where the Amish roadside vegetable stands made a big impression on her as a child. She says that her new release, Arms of Love, "traces the Amish to their first roots in America" and also deals with post-traumatic stress disorder. .... what draws her to the Amish culture and how the Amish struggle with the same problems that everyone else does. (less)

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Apr 07, 2012 Kav rated it 5 of 5 stars

A complex, stunning novel that took me to unexpected places. Though set during the revolutionary war, I found the character's inner battles far more treacherous. Long did an excellent job of creating angst from both without and within while including fascinating historical facts into the mix. Historical lovers who aren't Amish fans will still enjoy Arms of Love while Amish connoisseurs will relish spotting the similarities and differences in the roots of this much-loved faith.

Life was hard. Comp...more A complex, stunning novel that took me to unexpected places. Though set during the revolutionary war, I found the character's inner battles far more treacherous. Long did an excellent job of creating angst from both without and within while including fascinating historical facts into the mix. Historical lovers who aren't Amish fans will still enjoy Arms of Love while Amish connoisseurs will relish spotting the similarities and differences in the roots of this much-loved faith.

Life was hard. Complicated. Impossible in ways it's hard to imagine. Thankfully Long has enough imagination for all of us and she takes her characters (and her readers) on a fascinating journey of self-discovery. There were places where I read voraciously and other spots where I just wanted to close the book and not go on! Thankfully the story was too compelling to let go of and I persevered through the angst.

This book is so full of surprising revelations that it's hard to review for fear of posting spoilers so I need to tread carefully. Let's just say that Adam's love is deep and irrefutable even when it's impossible. There's something so alluring about a man who is willing to sacrifice for the woman he loves. By contrast, Lena's innocent, enthusiastic, for-sure-we're-forever faith is sorely tested many times over. And yet their romance is larger than life from the very first page -- even before we see them together. Long's masterful storytelling allows for incredibly intimate scenes that have nothing to do with kissing and everything to do with a connection so much deeper. But when they do get to kissing....wow!

Let's just say that this is well worth the read. A story that will satisfy your heart and your soul and leave you with lots to think about. In fact the author has actually included a four-week Novel Bible Study at the end of the book which looks fantastic. I'm excited to get started on it since I've long been applying gospel truths I read about in fiction into the reality of my life.(less)

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May 06, 2012 TAMMY CUEVAS rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: amish-fiction, christian-fiction

ARMS OF LOVE
by
KELLY LONG

Publication Date: April 3, 2012

Company: Thomas Nelson

ISBN-101401684963
ISBN-139781401684969

Kelly Long's latest novel, "Arms of Love", is set in Revolutionary Era Pennsylvania. The Amish theology does not allow for bearing arms, whether in anger or in an act of war. Adam is torn between his love for Lena Yoder and his desire to defend his freedom. Lena's mother has exacted a promise from Adam on her deathbed that could cost him their future together. Meanwhile, Adam is ba...more ARMS OF LOVE
by
KELLY LONG

Publication Date: April 3, 2012

Company: Thomas Nelson

ISBN-101401684963
ISBN-139781401684969

Kelly Long's latest novel, "Arms of Love", is set in Revolutionary Era Pennsylvania. The Amish theology does not allow for bearing arms, whether in anger or in an act of war. Adam is torn between his love for Lena Yoder and his desire to defend his freedom. Lena's mother has exacted a promise from Adam on her deathbed that could cost him their future together. Meanwhile, Adam is battling repressed memories of an act that shaped his life and could ultimately ruin it.

Kudos to Kelly Long! I try not to let too much of my personal opinions shape my reviews, but as a serious "Amish-phile", this book is far and above the rest. Not only does the author construct a more complicated plot than is usual for Amish fiction, but the historical and geographical setting is different. Instead of being set in the ever popular state of Ohio, usually in modern times, the novel is set in Pennsylvania. And where most Amish fiction is of the "plain vs. modern way of life" variety, setting this story in the Revolutionary War era changes that. The Amish are not that different from their neighbors in their housekeeping and farming, but a perhaps more serious difference arises; that of the Amish refusal to fight in a war, when their neighbors are ready to fight for our country's independence. Even if a reader does not enjoy the usual Amish fiction found at the local Christian bookstore, if they enjoy historical fiction, religious or secular, they can appreciate this one.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers 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.”
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May 08, 2012 Andrea Guy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads, ebook, historical-romance, netgalley, readingromanceschallenge2012, romance, amish, amishfictionreadingchallenge

Kelly Long's Arms Of Love is a different kind of Amish novel. It takes place during the Revolutionary War. The Amish weren't considered backward then, they were just different, much like the Quakers. (Only the Quakers allowed a little bit more adornment on their clothing)

I have mixed feelings about this book. In some ways it is really fantastic. Kelly does a great job of giving us a glimpse of what the Amish were like when they first settled in Pennsylvania. It wasn't all a bed of roses, especia...more

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Jul 18, 2012 Kristin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction, 2012-reading-challenge, amish

Arms Of Love is the first book I have read by Kelly Long and I must say that I really enjoyed it! This book is set in the Revolutionary Pennsylvania and touches on the persecution that the Amish endured at the hands of both the Patriots and the British.

The main characters in the story are Adam Wyse, a troubled young man with a dark past and Lena Yoder, the love of his life. Adam, though he is troubled, is an honorable and caring man who is loved and admired by Lena's mother, Mary. Though she...more Arms Of Love is the first book I have read by Kelly Long and I must say that I really enjoyed it! This book is set in the Revolutionary Pennsylvania and touches on the persecution that the Amish endured at the hands of both the Patriots and the British.

The main characters in the story are Adam Wyse, a troubled young man with a dark past and Lena Yoder, the love of his life. Adam, though he is troubled, is an honorable and caring man who is loved and admired by Lena's mother, Mary. Though she cares for Adam deeply, she worries about the welfare of her daughter if she should move into the Wyse home, as is the tradition of a young Amish couple. Adam's father is very abusive of him and Lena was an unfortunate witness to a brutal beating of Adam. Mary is fearful that Lena may also be subject to abuse if Adam were to continue to live in the home and she makes Adam swear a vow to her as she is on her deathbed that he will leave Lena until he can afford to build his own home. Adam agrees as he fears for his own sanity. He is plagued by nightmares that he can't explain and is missing gaps in his early childhood.

Lena's father has been imprisoned by the Patriots for refusing to surrender their last cow that the family needed for milk and Adam is determined to help him. However, Samuel sees a darkness in Adam and he is determined to let it be known that he wants Adam to leave his daughter alone. So, reluctantly, Adam breaks things off with Lena. At the urging of her father (and to the meddling of Adam's father) Lena agrees to marry Adam's brother, Isaac.

Adam is desperate to find out the reason behind his father's hate for him and also to find a resolution to his own violent desires and tendencies as well as a reprise from the horrible nightmares that haunt him. In doing so he wishes to fulfill the promise he has made to Lena's mother and hopefully win back the heart of his one true love.

This story was filled with raw emotion and even passion which I found very refreshing for a christian romance novel. I'm in no means saying it was raunchy but it was nice to see real characters that strongly desired and longed for each other. It gave a realistic human element to the story that made it very easy to connect with the characters.

I will be looking into other novels written by this author in the future!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers 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(less)

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Apr 28, 2012 Maureen Timerman rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

A very different type of Amish Story, with a lot of Historical reference. It takes place in Lancaster PA, but not the current Amish population. The Bishop doesn't come around all that often, and the district sounds huge, but a small number of Amish. Weddings can only happen when he comes, and it could be many months in between.
There are a lot of sad happenings in this story, death in childbirth, loss of a spouse in war, and home burning down, murder, imprisonment, and horrible child abuse. Not...more

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Oct 13, 2012 Laura rated it 2 of 5 stars

Title: ARMS OF LOVE
Author: Kelly Long
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
April 2012
ISBN: 978-1401684969
Genre: historical/Amish

Adam Wyse loves Lena Yoder. He plans to marry her, and per tradition take her home to his father’s house. But when he goes to visit, her mother insists on talking with him, and claims she’s going to die with childbirth, but she will not die without his promise that he’ll release Lena until he is established and free from his father. Adam reluctantly promises, but figures that Lena’s...more Title: ARMS OF LOVE
Author: Kelly Long
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
April 2012
ISBN: 978-1401684969
Genre: historical/Amish

Adam Wyse loves Lena Yoder. He plans to marry her, and per tradition take her home to his father’s house. But when he goes to visit, her mother insists on talking with him, and claims she’s going to die with childbirth, but she will not die without his promise that he’ll release Lena until he is established and free from his father. Adam reluctantly promises, but figures that Lena’s mother is delusional and she truly won’t die, so they’d be able to resolve this issue and he’d marry Lena as planned.

But Lena’s mother dies that night, leaving Lena as sole caregiver to her younger siblings and a newborn babe, Faith. Adam sends a wet-nurse for her, but then pushes Lena away, so he can go in search of freedom and keep his promise to her mother.

The Patriots and British are both pillaging land and goods for the sake of the Revolutionary war. A simple walk in the woods can result in death. Lena is forced to turn to Adam’s brother, Isaac, for support, as Adam’s search for freedom may keep them apart permanently.

ARMS OF LOVE is the first book in Ms. Long’s Amish Beginnings series. I had this novel on my wish list for ages, hoping for a chance to review it. I’ve been a fan of Ms. Long’s contemporary Amish stories, and love the way she writes. I hoped that I’d feel the same about this book.

That wasn’t exactly the case. The story begins with the death that seems to be mandatory in most historical novels. The writing is stilted, there is more telling than showing, and some of the writing is passive. I was unable to connect with the characters the way I hoped and had to struggle to keep reading.

I know that some die-hard fans of Amish fiction just eat up anything Amish and the historical setting of the Revolutionary war might appeal to the historical crowd, so this book might appeal to some. I’d recommend reading a sample chapter before you make your decision whether you like it or not. Discussion questions and a Bible study based on the novel, ARMS OF LOVE is included at the end of the book. $15.99. 320 pages.
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May 10, 2012 Wendy rated it 4 of 5 stars

This takes place in Pennsylvania in 1777, what was once called William Penn's Woods. The area is populated with several different faiths, including a small and struggling Amish group, living together for the first time in American history. The British and Patriots are pillaging land and goods for the war, so the Amish are not safe.

Adam Wyse, fighting a personal battle and in love with Lena Yoder, is thinking about leaving the Amish faith and enlisting. He has had a harsh life, his father has bee...more This takes place in Pennsylvania in 1777, what was once called William Penn's Woods. The area is populated with several different faiths, including a small and struggling Amish group, living together for the first time in American history. The British and Patriots are pillaging land and goods for the war, so the Amish are not safe.

Adam Wyse, fighting a personal battle and in love with Lena Yoder, is thinking about leaving the Amish faith and enlisting. He has had a harsh life, his father has been beating him since he was nine years old, although his older brother Isaac never got beat. Isaac loved books and spent his time studying the Bible and making plans to become a Bishop while Adam worked with his father, Joseph.

Lena's father, Samuel, is in prison because he refused to turn over his last milk cow to the Patriots. He refused because his wife was pregnant and not doing well, he needed the milk for her. Even though Samuel doesn't like Adam, Adam would still go to the Yoder's to help them out, he would even take food and coin to the prison so Samuel would get extra food. Adam was there when Mary Yoder gave birth to Faith. Mary knew she wasn't going to live long so she asked him to promise her that he'd give up Lena's love, to give her up, until he was free from his father's rule and ready to build a new and free life for the two of them away from his father, which he did. She feared for Lena because she thought Adam would turn out like his father, a mean person.

Adam helps Lena get through the next few days, gets a wet nurse for baby Faith, sends his family over to do services for Mary and when these things are taken care of, he breaks things off with Lena, not telling her about the promise to her Mother. When Adam hears that Samuel is about to be tried, he gets Lena and takes her to town, he even trades his horse for Samuel's freedom, these things still don't bring Samuel around to liking Adam. Soon Lena and Isaac are pushed to marry, even though they are not in love. With Joseph and Samuel pushing them, they agree to marry when the Bishop comes around.

Throughout the story you know that something happened in the past, but just can't figure it out, what is it and is that what's causing Adam to think about going to war? Will Lena be able to follow through with the wedding plans to marry Isaac? Where does Adam end up?

I thought the book started out kind of slow, but as I read, I was anxious to see how things worked out for everyone. It was an interesting time period to be reading about and the additional struggle the Amish had during that period. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes historical Amish stories.

Kelly has put a reading group guide, as well as a four week Novel Bible Study on the Arms of Love in the back of the book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers 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.”(less)

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Jun 26, 2012 Jennifer Fluegge rated it 4 of 5 stars

Though I am not really a big fan of Amish novels (it just seems like if you have read one, you have read them all), somehow this book attracted me enough to buy it. Having finished it, I am happy to say that I do not feel like I wasted my money! I liked that this book was historical - set back in the Revolutionary War era. This was a great story of two young people thwarted in love by a promise the young man made to the girl's dying mother. Through all of its twists and turns, the story never fa...more

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May 02, 2012 Raya Whitehouse rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: booksneeze

This was an interesting read about the Amish life. It starts out about an Amish family (Yoder) who loses a mother in the birthing of another baby. Lena (the oldest daughter) must try and work out a way to keep her family together and safe, even if she has to marry for convenience instead of love. Her father is in jail due to the fact he would not let the British soldiers take his last cow (cause he wanted his children to have milk). The young boy (10 years old John) rebels. The littlest sister A...more

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May 27, 2013 Laurie rated it 3 of 5 stars

When I think of Amish people, I think of people who seek a simple existence. They don’t use electricity, or cars. So what set them apart from the masses in the late 18th century when there was no technology? Their beliefs. Beliefs that they were often ostracized for. Adam and Lena grew up on neighboring farms and were playmates for as long as they could remember. Everyone expected them to marry as they were both obviously smitten with each other. Lena’s mother asked Adam to promise her that he w...more

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May 10, 2012 Rachel Brand rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle, amish, romance, christian, historical, thomas-nelson, net-galley, 2012, kelly-long

GENRE: AMISH/HISTORICAL ROMANCE
PUBLISHER: THOMAS NELSON
PUBLICATION DATE: MAY 3, 2012
RATING: 4 OUT OF 5 – VERY GOOD

PROS: Contains Kelly’s trademark edgy romance; good presentation of PTSD; presence of visions and the Holy Spirit is very encouraging

CONS: Initial introduction to the characters feels rushed; a lot of sad events occur at the start of the novel; spiritual message is a bit overwrought

The American Revolutionary War was a time of a great loss, and not just for those who fought for freedo...more

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May 12, 2012 Susan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: finished

This was written in an earlier time period than what I've read before and I enjoyed the difference very much. Instead of dwelling on the differences between the Amish and the modern world, the author put a lot of work into who the Amish are as people and their beliefs, which I found very interesting. I would recommend this book to those who like to read more about the olden days of the Amish.

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Jan 08, 2013 Carole rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: inspirational, amish, historical

This was a different type of Amish read, but I enjoyed it overall. Good historical setting with the American Revolution, one of my favorite time periods, and a window into the lives of colonial Amish seeking freedom from persecution in Pennsylvania. Not flawless, but I just enjoy Kelly's writing. Full review:

http://booksmusicandlife.blogspot.com...

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Feb 01, 2013 Irene Brophy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Very interesting to read how the Amish lived in 1777 amidst the Revolutionary War. Sometimes hard for me to understand some of the terminology, but very good book for amish fiction readers.

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Jul 18, 2012 Autumn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: on-the-shelf

Amish books are some of my favorite to read. I know I have quite a few to read after this, but this was the first Amish story I've read about the Amish during the American Revolution. Lena and Adam seem to make an excellent couple even if I'm not too thrilled with all the events in the book it was a sweet love story.

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Apr 07, 2012 Sally rated it 4 of 5 stars

Read it and enjoyed it! Quite different because of the historical setting but still a great Amish read.

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Apr 05, 2013 Susan Reinhardt rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Susan by: Karen Lange

This book started off on the slow side, but I'm glad I stuck with it. Adam's character, in particular, was well developed and complex. The dynamics between him and his father raised many story questions for me. Lena's reactions to the situation were true to life. All in all, Arms of Love was a satisfying read.

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Jun 13, 2012 joy *the clean-reader extraordinaire* rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, religious-fiction, pg

perfectly average for the genre...amish christian historical fiction
set in 1777

pg

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Oct 08, 2012 Virginia Winfield rated it 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book. It seemed a little slow in some places but was still good.

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Mar 16, 2013 Barbara Ann rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: amish, netgalley

I was bothered by Mary's question to Adam, how could a mother ask such a thing when she knows how her daughter loves him? I was irritated with the intensity of Adam's father and the pompousness of Isaac. I was touched by the sweet spirit of Ruth. Once I got into the old English pattern of speech, I couldn't put this one down.

I will miss spending time with Lena and Adam and will try to imagine what will happen next with them and with Ruth and Samuel, but most of all I will miss reading about kiss...more

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title link	preview: Arms Of Love
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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11932527-arms-of-love?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1355109152l/11932527.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11932527-arms-of-love?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Arms Of Love by Kelly Long[/url]

Arms Of Love (An Amish Beginnings Novel)

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