Abby Finds Her Calling (Home at Cedar Creek, #1)

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Abby Finds Her Calling (Home at Cedar Creek #1)

4.09 of 5 stars 4.09 · rating details · 77 ratings · 41 reviews

The Lambright family's eldest daughter, Abby, runs her own sewing shop. There, she mends the town's clothes and their torn relationships. But the town maidel has sworn off any suitors of her own because of her unrequited love for James Graber, who is about to marry her younger sister, Zanna...

On the wedding day, Zanna is nowhere to be found, breaking James' heart. Zanna ha...more

Paperback, 306 pages

Published February 28th 2012 by NAL Trade

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Apr 16, 2012 Kathleen (Kat) Smith rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: amish-historical-romance-fiction, chick-literature, christian-action-adventure, christian-fiction, christian-historical-fiction, christian-inspirational-fiction, christian-teen-fiction, historical-fiction, romance-fiction, young-adult-fiction

Abby Lambright is the envy of so many within her Amish community. She has the wisdom of someone beyond her years and is responsible and very organized. Perhaps that is why her family felt she could run her own sewing shop alongside the families mercantile. Abby has a knack for putting back together what seems to fall apart in the lives the people in Cedar Creek, Missouri. She just wishes she had a knack for helping herself find a way to heal her broken heart, when the man she grew up loving, Jam...more Abby Lambright is the envy of so many within her Amish community. She has the wisdom of someone beyond her years and is responsible and very organized. Perhaps that is why her family felt she could run her own sewing shop alongside the families mercantile. Abby has a knack for putting back together what seems to fall apart in the lives the people in Cedar Creek, Missouri. She just wishes she had a knack for helping herself find a way to heal her broken heart, when the man she grew up loving, James Graber, decides to marry her sister Suzanna instead.

On the day of the wedding with preparations in full swing, family members arriving from all over including out of state in Ohio and Pennsylvania, the bride vanishes. Leaving in the middle of the night on the eve of her wedding, to avoid having to deal with explaining things to her family, Zanna cuts her wedding dress to pieces and vanishes without anyone hearing anything. Now it's up to Abby to tell James that he doesn't have a bride to marry and for once she doesn't know what to say to the man that still owns her heart.

In the novel, Abby Finds Her Calling, by Naomi King, the reader is introduced to the first book in a brand new Amish series, Home at Cedar Creek. Here we are introduced to the Lambert and Graber family's and how they are intertwined in a wedding that has failed to take place. Now turmoil ensues when Zanna returns home to face the music of not only her family, friends and James, but also the consequences of defiling the church with her actions. At only 17, Zanna has more on her mind that just her explanation of why she left but now having the deal with the talk of her community.

Abby once again takes up the role as the mender and wise counselor to her torn family. Her mother is distraught at not knowing quite what to do with Zanna, her older brother Sam who now has stepped into the role of the man of the house when there father died is beyond angry at not only the expense he had to pay but now answering to the elders of the church for Zanna's actions. James will not escape unscathed when he learns just why Zanna couldn't marry him. Will he finally see the qualities in Abby that he's been blind to before, or will Abby spend the rest of her life simply being a maidel?

I received Abby Finds Her Calling by Naomi King compliments of Pump Up Your Book Tours for my honest review. I LOVE it when a book will take you on a journey and make the characters in the book truly come alive. A different view is offered from the Amish point of view when Zanna's character goes against her moral and spiritual beliefs and makes the reader ponder just what would they do if faced with similar circumstances. A wonderful new series that I can wait to finish and get to know more of the characters that live in Cedar Creek as Naomi King continues with her upcoming books. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars!!!(less)

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Mar 31, 2012 Viviane Crystal rated it 4 of 5 stars

Welcome to a new series about the Amish community in Cedar Creek, Missouri. It's a beautiful fall day which bridegroom James Graber is relishing as he watches the carriages of Amish from surrounding and far away communities converge on Cedar Creek for James's wedding that day. Watching them arrive, James is contemplating his future wife, Zanna, whom he loves and is determined to cherish for the rest of their lives. Things seem to go completely awry a few minutes later when Zanna's sister, Abby,...more Welcome to a new series about the Amish community in Cedar Creek, Missouri. It's a beautiful fall day which bridegroom James Graber is relishing as he watches the carriages of Amish from surrounding and far away communities converge on Cedar Creek for James's wedding that day. Watching them arrive, James is contemplating his future wife, Zanna, whom he loves and is determined to cherish for the rest of their lives. Things seem to go completely awry a few minutes later when Zanna's sister, Abby, comes to tell James that Zanna is nowhere to be found. What a disaster - embarrassment galore, shame, anger, fury, confusion and so much more are felt and expressed. The Bishop who was to marry them decides they will worship and celebrate life in spite of the lack of a bride and groom.

So begins a story in which Zanna does reappear but in a condition that all blame her and James for, which was really caused by a secret other. Because of her sin, Zanna is "banned" (or shunned) for six weeks by her community, but it takes a lot longer than that for the community to heal and begin to treat her civilly.

During that time, secrets will be revealed. A lost son will return through a terrible tragedy and the unexpected will happen to both Zanna and Abby, who has mentally nurtured a hidden love of her own she's had for eons it seems. It may seem a bit stretched the way it all turns out, but that happens in a very nice way that the reader will definitely enjoy.

Naomi King has a very unique gift of presenting a simple romance with a few twists and turns. Her unique talent is making sure every possible point of view is expressed in a credible, real way that is quite edifying and electric with tension. Not many authors who write this type of fiction have such a balanced perspective. It's not a touchy, feel good book, just a very honest story about love and grace gone amiss and the honestly difficult but determined journey it takes to come truly "home."

Very nicely done, Ms. King!(less)

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Mar 25, 2012 Brenda Casto rated it 5 of 5 stars

Amish fiction is one of my favorite genres to read, but sometimes the plots start mirroring each other but once in a while I find story that has me flying thru the pages to see how things will work out, and that's just what I found with "Abby Finds Her Calling."
Abby Lambright is considered to be a spinster in her Amish community. She always turns down suitors because the boy she has been in love with since grade school is in love with someone else, actually planned on marrying someone else. She...more Amish fiction is one of my favorite genres to read, but sometimes the plots start mirroring each other but once in a while I find story that has me flying thru the pages to see how things will work out, and that's just what I found with "Abby Finds Her Calling."
Abby Lambright is considered to be a spinster in her Amish community. She always turns down suitors because the boy she has been in love with since grade school is in love with someone else, actually planned on marrying someone else. She has always kept these feelings well hidden, because the one she has feelings for,James Graber, actually planned on marrying her sister Suzanna. When he shows up for the wedding though, Zanna is gone, and the wedding is off. When Zanna comes back and shares the truth of why she can't marry James, because she is pregnant with someone else's child, someone who has left the community. Will a baby be able to bring a lost soul home again, and how will the community accept Zanna and her baby? Read this fantastic story and find out!
I really liked the way this story was presented. It's about Zanna and the choices she makes, but it is also about Abby and her faith,her willingness to work and sacrifice, her willingness to stand by her sister. I loved the character of Abby. She was someone who decided to remain unmarried rather than settle. I also found it interesting that as a single woman she owned her own house. I liked the sense of community that I felt in the town of Cedar Creek, it was easy to become immersed in the lives of the characters. The plot moved along at a brisk pace, and for me there was never a down time. While I was pleased with the ending for Zanna, I was left hoping for something more for Abby. I have my fingers crossed that her story might continue in another book. I loved my visit to Cedar Creek and will certainly be watching for the next book in the series titled "Rosemary Opens Her Heart" due out in Oct. 2012.
Overall fans of Amish fiction will love this story, but anyone who enjoys a good story about community, families and faith, will also be drawn to this story. (less)

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Mar 20, 2012 Romancing the Book rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: amish

Reviewed By~April
Review Copy Provided By~Publisher

Abby Finds Her Calling is a true gift of inspiration and beauty, lovingly crafted by a very talented author, Naomi King.

I don't often read Amish fiction, though I truly love it and love falling into the simple and non-complex lives of these people who hold both God and family/neighbors above all else. Whenever I do treat myself, it always makes me reflect upon my own life and how much value we tend to place on non-necessity things such as compu...more Reviewed By~April
Review Copy Provided By~Publisher

Abby Finds Her Calling is a true gift of inspiration and beauty, lovingly crafted by a very talented author, Naomi King.

I don't often read Amish fiction, though I truly love it and love falling into the simple and non-complex lives of these people who hold both God and family/neighbors above all else. Whenever I do treat myself, it always makes me reflect upon my own life and how much value we tend to place on non-necessity things such as computers, cell phones, hand-held gadgets, etc. This book was no different.

Though titled Abby Finds Her Calling, much of the story revolves around Abby's younger sister, Zanna, who on her wedding day runs away and hides herself for a couple of days. This sends their small community, friends and family into a panic (not to mention the intended husband, James). When Zanna returns and confesses shocking secrets, everyone's lives are sent into a tail-spin. It is kind-hearted Abby who soothes things over and brings peace to not only those directly effected by Zanna's confessions, but also to the community.

Within the story, Abby is described as "love and sunshine". I absolutely love this and couldn't think of a better description for this woman. She is the most unselfish, hard-working, admirable person I have ever met - be it in a story characterization or real life. If everyone had even a few drops of her morals and ethics, the world would be a much better place.

Naomi King's writing style is beautiful, poetic and incredibly inspirational. She often makes reference to verses within the Bible that tie in with what is taking place within the story - these verses are quoted by the characters throughout. Ms. King truly brings to life the way of the Amish - their hard working ethics, their concern and willingness to help friends and neighbors without a second doubt. The only thing that rubbed me the wrong way was the submissiveness on the part of the women. That, however, is just a personal peeve of mine and does not reflect on the author at all - just the way of life for these people. As far as characters, I loved them all. Abby is beyond amazing, James is such an intelligent and caring man, I loved the way that Zanna grew throughout the story and all of the brothers, sisters and community members were amazingly brought to life. This story was a pure delight in many ways!

I do have to mention that I was quickly engrossed within the story and was both emotionally and physically invested each and every time that I picked up this book. Abby Finds Her Calling is a very quick and enjoyable read. I do wish that the ending was a bit different for Abby, however, I hope that as the series progresses, so will things for Abby. The second book in the "Home at Cedar Creek" series is titled Rosemary Opens Her Heart due out Oct. 2012 and I cannot wait to get my hands on it to see what happens with the lovely people of Cedar Creek!

Favorite Quote: "Life is precious. We shouldn't waste it making other people feel small and worthless, nor should we cry over spilled milk and make endless excuses," she added. "We should love each other. We should do the work God's given us. It's as simple - and as complicated - as that."
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Mar 11, 2012 Literary rated it 4 of 5 stars

Once again, the draw of the Amish lifestyle has influenced my decision in participating with this book blog tour. I absolutely love the idea of a simpler way of life where the community is there for each other. I read Abby Finds Her Calling in one sitting. From the jilted groom to Harley's appearance, this book kept me captivated.

When Zanna is introduced, she is a selfish, immature girl running away from every conflict that arises. She's not mature enough to deal with difficult situations. That...more

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Mar 03, 2012 Krystal rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc

In an Amish community in the countryside of Cedar Creek, Missouri, hundreds of family and friends gather for the wedding of James and Zanna. Unfortunately today, Zanna is a run-away bride. Her older sister Abby finds her, comforts her, and learns the reasons why Zanna cannot marry James. As the story unfolds in this small close-knit community, Abby is always a voice of reason and caring for all the confused, hurt people involved. She even helps Zanna find artistic, fulfilling work for herself, s...more

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Mar 21, 2012 Ruth Hill rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have to say that this is the best Amish book I have ever read. I realize it is only the third, but this one has everything you could possibly want from a fine Christian romance. And I am quite pleased to discover that this is only the first in the series. I cannot wait to read the second!

All I know about the Amish really have come from "hearsay" and well-written fiction books like this one. I always marvel at how simple the lives of these people are. I will tell you right now that I could not...more I have to say that this is the best Amish book I have ever read. I realize it is only the third, but this one has everything you could possibly want from a fine Christian romance. And I am quite pleased to discover that this is only the first in the series. I cannot wait to read the second!

All I know about the Amish really have come from "hearsay" and well-written fiction books like this one. I always marvel at how simple the lives of these people are. I will tell you right now that I could not do it. I am intrigued by the fact that they do embrace some modern technology. I find it ironic that these people live without electricity and modern conveniences, but because of the way our world is, they do rely on an occasional telephone and hospital emergency visit.

I absolutely love Abby and Zanna. Abby is strong from the beginning, and she is the one who help Zanna in her situation. I was surprised to find and Amish book dealin with issues of infedility, unswed pregnancy, abortion, and pacemakers. But to a degree, you find all of this in the book. Watching Zanna grow from the scared teengaer to strong woman is one of the best features of the book. And to see Abby as peacemaker is really quite a blessing in the book. I do love to see strong women, and if you ever think that Amish women are weak, you might give this book a look!

The messages in the book are truly uplifting. The unwavering faith in a changeless God indeed thrills my soul. I also love the fact that the elders in the book are so strong and steafast in their faith. While I do not condone all the methods that the Amish use, I would say that non-Amish Christians could learn a lot about hendling situations and caring about community. It was good to see the Bible used as a basis for absolutely every decision made in the book.

I was pleased to see the kind of ending that Johnny and Zanna had in the book, and I am hoping that good news will come for Abby and James in the next book. If anyone deserves it, they do. I was also happy to see that God can change pepole that you never think He can. We spend our time praying for it to happen, and then we are shocked when God answers our prayer. How I needed to hear this message in my current circumstances.

I highly recommend this book. Even if you have never read an Amish fiction book or think you would have any interest in one, I recommend giving this one a try!

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated in any way, and all opinons are 100 percent mine.(less)

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Mar 15, 2012 Marcie rated it 4 of 5 stars

bby Finds Her Calling by Naomi King is delightfully heartwarming novel about the small Amish town of Cedar Creek. To call Cedar Creek a town doesn't really do it justice. The town is more like a family. The residents of Cedar Creek not only hold fast to each other but also to their values and faith. Much like a family this quiet town does not escape the drama that can be found in most families.
Abby is one of the main characters in this book. She is wise, thoughtful, giving and at times to good...more

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Jul 08, 2012 Itsjustme-wendy rated it 4 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars!

Wow! Was I impressed! I had heard of this author but this is the first book I have read by her (under either name). Using excellent writing, she draws you in with a storyline and characters that are real, funny, sweet, sad, and flawed. Three cheers for Naomi King on this one!

There are so many parts to this story that are unexpected. I just loved the storyline, it kept me interested from the very first page. This one was a little different in that it showed that the Amish are human too....more

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Mar 08, 2012 Kaye rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-challenge

It's a busy day in the Amish community of Cedar Creek, Missouri as close to four hundred family members and friends gather at the Lambright's for the wedding of Zanna Lambright and James Graber. James, a thirty year old buggy maker, is excited to marry his seventeen year old neighbor, Zanna. Unfortunately, Zanna proves not to have the same feelings.

No one can find her but they do find her wedding dress slashed to ribbons on her bedroom floor. Her older sister, Abby, and her Mamm are beside them...more
It's a busy day in the Amish community of Cedar Creek, Missouri as close to four hundred family members and friends gather at the Lambright's for the wedding of Zanna Lambright and James Graber. James, a thirty year old buggy maker, is excited to marry his seventeen year old neighbor, Zanna. Unfortunately, Zanna proves not to have the same feelings.

No one can find her but they do find her wedding dress slashed to ribbons on her bedroom floor. Her older sister, Abby, and her Mamm are beside themselves with worry but her older brother Sam, now head of the household, is extremely angry that Zanna has put them through such expense and work bringing humiliation and shame on the family. When Abby does find Zanna, it doesn't take too much to find out why Zanna acted as she did but now she has to figure out how to break the news to James and her family and where to go from there.

In an Amish community, this is not just the immediate family's problem but it is the entire church's concern. Abby takes it upon herself to look out for Zanna, make James, Sam and the rest of her family understand and do what is right, not what is expected. It takes some doing but eventually the church and the Bishop agree to the best course for Zanna even though it is not easy.

It takes a near tragedy in the community to put Zanna's concerns to the side and focus on what is really important for the whole community; their deep abiding faith in God, their love of family and the invincible power of forgiveness.

This is Naomi King's first Amish novel; I think she's written a real winner with these characters. Most of the females are strong women, Abby in particular. Being a single maidel, she runs her own sewing business along with helping her brother in the local mercantile. Abby is also tender-hearted and totally selfless. She seems to be the community peacemaker when emotions run high at times, faith can be sorely tested and tempers get out of hand. Ms. King has developed her characters so well, it's as if the reader can see into their hearts and minds. I just fell in love with the whole community and can't wait for the sequel, Rosemary Opens Her Heart, coming in October of this year. 4****
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Mar 10, 2012 Book Him Danno rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, books-sent-by-author-publisher-for

Well written and a great flow. I will be reviewing this on my blog soon and place the full review here at that time.

This is a sweet tale of a family looking forward to a wedding only to find out that the bride has other plans and commitments. This is the first in a series and I look forward to the next book. I really need to know if everyone who seems to be falling in love in this book really does. The tension may kill me…maybe not….maybe so.

Back to the review. The writing is well done and the b...more

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Mar 14, 2012 Krazybooklady rated it 4 of 5 stars

James and Zanna are planning to be married, but she runs off on her wedding day. When she is found, secrets come out that will turn their little Amish community upside down. Abby, Zanna's sister, has been friends with James most of her life, but she is also secretly in love with him. Abby must put aside her personal feelings to help support her sister, her friend, and her family.

Most of this book revolves around Zanna and her secret which has repercussions for the whole Amish community. However,...more

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Mar 21, 2012 Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, christian-fiction, received-to-review

This is a very enjoyable book. I was intrigued by the Amish culture and the relationships of the diverse individuals in a small Amish community.

Abby is a peacemaker. She is one of those golden people who just can't not help everyone around her see the positive side of situations. She is called on to help when her younger sister doesn't show up for her own wedding. Zanna is supposed to marry James, the man that Abby has always loved.

The situation is very sticky. There is a good reason why Zanna r...more

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Mar 26, 2012 Misty rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-ve-reviewed

Lovers of Amish fiction will eat this book up. I could say Abby Finds Her Calling is well-written in all aspects--from plot and character development down to sentence structure and word choice--but, while that is all true, I think I will just say it was crafted with love. What a great read for a Sunday evening!
I got lost in the seemless writing, beautiful setting, and the depth of the characters. I am not an avid reader of Amish fiction because sometimes it is more of an emotional commitment tha...more

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Mar 08, 2012 Bea rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-gr-reading-challenge, 2012-reading-romances-challenge, bea-s-book-nook, read-in-2012, reviews, romance, inspirational

Teaser:

Emma released her to hang the new dress on a peg where it wouldn't get wrinkled. She ran her fingers over the fabric...a new dress, the matching V-shaped cape, and a crisp white apron, as well. The expression on her face made James realize how perfectly Abby had pleased his sister. Emma had so little time to sew, and was so used to putting Mamm and Dat's-and his-needs before her own, he couldn't recall the last time she'd worn something new.

And wasn't that on of the things Abby Lambrig...more Teaser:

Emma released her to hang the new dress on a peg where it wouldn't get wrinkled. She ran her fingers over the fabric...a new dress, the matching V-shaped cape, and a crisp white apron, as well. The expression on her face made James realize how perfectly Abby had pleased his sister. Emma had so little time to sew, and was so used to putting Mamm and Dat's-and his-needs before her own, he couldn't recall the last time she'd worn something new.

And wasn't that on of the things Abby Lambright did best? She quietly watched, and waited for just the right time to share her love and her talents...

My Thoughts:

Recently, Amish romances have become a very popular, and best selling, sub-genre of romance. While I typically stay away from religious themed romances, I do enjoy, on occasion, a "clean" romance, minus all of the sex. Hey, even an avowed smut hound such as myself needs a break now and then. Lynn Kurland is my favorite author of clean romances. The blurb for this sounded intriguing, and I was curious about this new variety of romance, so I gave it a try.

First off, I liked how respectful King is to the Amish way of life and her acknowledgement in the story that the Amish are no more cookie cutter, or problem free, than any other segment of American society. Moreover, faith does not mean that there's a lack of doubt or that you automatically do the right thing. Living the way you have chosen, whatever path that may be, has challenges big and small and we see that clearly in this story. There's doubt, fear, anger, pettiness, gossip, etc. But, all of the characters strive, in their own way, to overcome these challenges and live by the code, or Ordnung, of their faith. Some, such as Abby, are stronger than others, but all are imperfect.

Imperfection, is in fact, integral to the story. James' fiance, Zanna, who is Abby's younger sister, has made some mistakes and on her wedding day, shocks her family and the Cedar Creek community. The repercussions of her actions resound throughout the story and effect every one. The story is told primarily from the perspective of three characters: James, Zanna, and Abby, with most of the time being spent with the latter two. I would have liked a little more time spent in James's head as I felt I knew him the least.

You might wonder if an inspirational story would be overly sweet and this one came close, but King manages to avoid that pitfall. Although billed as a romance, it also lives up to it's name: Abby does indeed find her purpose in life. In addition, there's a main romance, the ending of a romance, the start of another romance (that's book two) and an unrequited romance. Also woven in are Abby's and Zanna's relationships with each other and the rest of their immediate family, James's relationship with his family, and their relationships within the larger community of Cedar Creek. It's a lot to work in and I'd have liked more time spent on the main romance (can't really say more without spoilers) but overall, I enjoyed it. The characters are likable and real, the stories are relevant and fascinating, and I enjoyed learning more about the Amish in general and the Amish of this particular community.(You can read more about this in Naomi's guest post.)

I received a paperback for review from the publisher.(less)

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Jul 23, 2012 Diane U rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: amish

Zanna Lambright is about to get married. She is the youngest Lambright child with a wild streak that no one thought could be tamed. On her wedding day, she is no where to be found. She left her fiance, James Graber, alone with tons of questions and suspicions. Abby finds her sister the next day and helps her deal with the secrets and her punishment for them. What will become of Zanna? Will Abby be able to help Zanna find love? Will Abby find love for herself?

I thought this books was really good!...more

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Apr 05, 2012 Cheryl C. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Abby Finds Her Calling is a beautiful story of faith, family and forgiveness. King has developed a cast of interesting and engaging characters whose lives you can't help but care about. Watching to see how the community and the disgraced families deal with Zanna's disappearance keeps readers turning the pages.

It's nice to see how the characters develop. There are many who experience a transformation in one way or another. While there are main characters, King maintains that feeling of community...more

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Mar 31, 2012 Kav rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is one of the best 'community Amish' stories I've read. By that I mean that the story's focus isn't just on the hero and heroine, but on their neighbours as well. There's a bevy of hidden hurt in the Cedar Creek community and it all comes to a head when Abby's sister does the unthinkable.

Abby is a rock -- an anchor for so many who gravitate to her in their hour of need, but where can she go to find succor? How long will her strength hold out for? This is the kind of book that reminds you t...more

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Apr 02, 2012 Rachel rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction

This is only the second Amish book I have ever read, but I really like the setting for fiction literature. The romance is clean, the majority of the characters have conservative values and traditions, such as the importance of God and family, and the language is clean. I love the way that the Amish community supports one another in business endeavors, or is so willing to lend a hand when tragedy strikes. One of the characters, Zanna, actually makes a business out of rag rug making, which intrigu...more

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May 29, 2012 Megan Kelly rated it 5 of 5 stars

After reading book one, I'm eager for the next in the Amish series by Naomi King. Abby Finds Her Calling centers on the Lambright family, Old Order Amish, in Missouri. I was engrossed in the Amish ways as well as the families in the community. This is a great start to the Cedar Creek series.
Abby's sister runs off on her wedding day. Calamity follows. Abby realizes her place in the community as a maidel (spinster) is to bring hope and help others stay open to God's will. I would recommend this bo...more

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Mar 31, 2013 April Suter rated it 2 of 5 stars

Home at Cedar Creek #1
This first book is about Abby's sister, Zanna, who did not show up on her wedding day because she is pregnant with another man's child. The family rallies together and chooses the best path for their family, which is a little new for the communities' path. This leaves Zanna's ex-promised alone, the one Abby has always been in love with.
The editors of this book just goofed a bit on page 258 when they referred to Zanna's fifteen quilt orders when Zanna makes rugs not quilts.

3...more

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Mar 04, 2012 Tami rated it 4 of 5 stars

Up until a few months ago, I hadn't read any of the immensely popular genre of Amish Romances, so I decided to try a few by agreeing to review them. Abby Finds Her Calling is, by far, my favorite of the three I have read. It connected with several themes that are close to me. The problem in writing a review is how to tell you about the things that touched me, without giving away the entire story, but I'll give it a shot.

Aging parents: There is a scene between James and his father, who suffers fr...more Up until a few months ago, I hadn't read any of the immensely popular genre of Amish Romances, so I decided to try a few by agreeing to review them. Abby Finds Her Calling is, by far, my favorite of the three I have read. It connected with several themes that are close to me. The problem in writing a review is how to tell you about the things that touched me, without giving away the entire story, but I'll give it a shot.

Aging parents: There is a scene between James and his father, who suffers from the dementia so common to aging. When his father speaks out during a church service, James doesn't react with anger or embarrassment.

"The world went still. Time crystallized. James suddenly saw this moment through the bright shine of sunlight on an icicle...something told James to cherish this fine moment when his father was mentally clear - and to believe every word Dat had said. A sweetness flowed through him. For the first time in weeks, James felt peaceful and right with the way things were."

The bond between mothers and daughters, and the friendships of women: To tell you about my favorite mother/daughter moment would reveal secrets I can't tell, but Ms. King accurately depicted the way love overcomes a mother's anger or disappointment. The women of the community also overcome their differences to join together to help a friend.

"As she looked around the table, at familiar faces lined with love and laughter, Abby realized that gatherings like these were the batting and backing that held the crazy quilt of their lives together. Every one of these women had her own talents and strengths - added her own colors to the community - yet despite differences of opinion and age, they fit together all of a piece, like the multipatterned squares of this crazy uilt they would complete today."

Faith: Naturally, faith would play a part in any story based on an Amish community, but this book seemed to touch it more, or maybe it was just my personal mood. Either way, there is deep wisdom in this story that teaches lessons beyond the usual platitudes.

"But you who gossip and place blame - whether upon Zanna Lambright or each other - stand just as guilty in our own way...After all," he continued, "we're quick to consider [spoiler] a big sin while we minimize the sin of gossip and speculation. Truth is, bearing false witness is breaking one of God's commandments, same as if we engage in infidelity or lewd behavior."

There is also a scene in the book, featuring one of my favorite scriptures, "But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart." It teaches a lesson in really hearing God's word. There are many verses we know by heart because we've heard or read them so many times, but do we really know what they say?

Most of all, this is a story of incredible forgiveness and acceptance, and the way God can use open hearts to work miracles.
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Apr 17, 2012 Morwa Pal rated it 5 of 5 stars

In this beautifully written tale, several Amish families must deal with secrets revealed when a bride comes up missing on her wedding day.

Abby Lambright, the local maidel, runs her own sewing shop. For years she has sworn off marrying any man due to her love for James Garber, the town’s buggy-maker who is set to marry her younger sister, Zanna. But all of that changes when Zanna disappears on her wedding day.
Secrets around Zanna unfold and both Abby and James must face them.

I really enjoyed thi...more

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Aug 20, 2012 Carolyn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Great story!! I really enjoyed it. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series, Rosemary Opens Her Heart, which will be available in October, 2012.

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Dec 16, 2012 Sheila rated it 4 of 5 stars

Very good tale of Old Order Amish in Missouri. While the story is called after Abby it focuses on the community's actions toward Abby's sister Suzanne and her out of wedlock pregnancy. Very realistic but opens one's own eyes on how we treat people and how we see things.

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Jul 29, 2012 Sarah K rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: amish

I loved Naomi King's voice in this book... I'll definitely be reading more by her in the future! I really enjoyed the characters in this story--definitely more realistic than many other Christian fiction/Amish fiction characters.

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Nov 02, 2011 Marta Perry rated it 5 of 5 stars

A fresh new voice enters the world of Amish fiction with Naomi King's book, Abby Finds Her Calling. King's lyrical voice shines in a tender tale of how love and forgiveness heal broken hearts.

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Jan 18, 2013 Fay Risner rated it 5 of 5 stars

Loved this book. It was hard to put down because something new kept my attention gripped to the story with each turn of the page. Great book!

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Nov 19, 2012 Dorrice added it

VERY good book in every respect. This is Book 1 in a series titled "Home at Cedar Creek" and is set in Cedar Creek, MO.

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Apr 21, 2012 Jenna rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction-historical, fiction-inspirational

I liked the two main character and the book ended not quite as one would expect, which was sort of nice for a change.

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About Naomi King

Drawing upon her experiences in Jamesport, the largest Old Order Amish community west of the Mississippi, longtime Missourian Naomi King (a.k.a. Charlotte Hubbard) writes of simpler times and a faith-based lifestyle in her new Seasons of the Heart series. Like her heroine, Miriam Lantz, Charlotte considers it her personal mission to feed people—to share hearth and home. Faith and family, farming a...more

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Rosemary Opens Her Heart (Home at Cedar Creek, #2)

Amanda Weds a Good Man (One Big Happy Family #1)

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Abby Finds Her Calling (Home at Cedar Creek #1)

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