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149th out of 196 books
—
291 voters
Kate's Song (Forever After in Apple Lake #1)
by
Jennifer Beckstrand (Goodreads Author)
Kate Weaver was raised in an Amish home and has always been expected to choose baptism and strict observance of the Ordnung. But Kate is blessed with a beautiful singing voice, and when another path leads her to the academy for vocal training, she struggles to understand God's will for her life. She returns to Apple Lake, haunted by a violent encounter with a fellow studen...more
Paperback, 320 pages
Published
May 1st 2012
by Summerside Press
(first published January 1st 2012)
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* Before diving into the book itself, I feel the need to warn you that as much as this book is a romance novel at heart, it is also a little different from what I typically choose to read. In many reviews, I have seen readers call it a “Christian Romance.” That threatened to turn me away from this book immediately. Although I am a Christian, I do not consider religion to play a strong role in my life, let alone find it to be a topic I enjoy exploring for relaxing enjoyment. Thanks to Amazon.com...more
I wanted to have the real book in hand but it's easier on my arms to read from my Kindle. From the first page to the last, this book interested me and captivated my heart. Kate has a gift from God for singing but her Amish faith keeps her from being worldly and enjoying praise from others. She knows God wants her to use her gifts to help others, yet it is a sin to leave her peaceful Amish world for worldly things. The Amish think her wanting to sing for people is prideful. Kate has to learn much...more
Kate loved to perform for her brother and sister. She went to Milwaukee to school.
She performed in several plays and got leading roles. She was coming home for the summer break. She had not been baptised but was still trusting God to show her the way to go.
She was Amish. Her oldest brother always put her down. She liked Nathaniel and he liked her.
She left with Carlos because he told her Maria needed her to help watch her child while Maria worked. If she did not go, Maria would lose her job, and...more
She performed in several plays and got leading roles. She was coming home for the summer break. She had not been baptised but was still trusting God to show her the way to go.
She was Amish. Her oldest brother always put her down. She liked Nathaniel and he liked her.
She left with Carlos because he told her Maria needed her to help watch her child while Maria worked. If she did not go, Maria would lose her job, and...more
This inspirational tale by Jennifer Beckstrand had you reading and rooting for the characters as they struggled with the situations placed before them. You worried as the characters had misunderstandings and you cheered when they seemingly would reuinite. The main character is a young Amish girl who loves to sing and has gone off to practice her art, even though it is against the Amish religion to not only further her education but also sing for praise. She comes home and the pull of her Amish l...more
Oct 09, 2012
Kim Justice
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
everyone
Recommended to Kim by:
the Author
Shelves:
reviewed
My Review:
I would love to just tell you every thing about this book and every thing in this book. But will not due to not wanting to spoil it for you. Let me say it this way. This book, Kate's Song Is A Must READ!
You all know that Amish stories are some of my favorite books. Well this book has just been placed on top of all my books. Author Jennifer Beckstrand is an outstanding author. She captured my attention from the start and held it till the end. None of this book, or her writing style was...more
I would love to just tell you every thing about this book and every thing in this book. But will not due to not wanting to spoil it for you. Let me say it this way. This book, Kate's Song Is A Must READ!
You all know that Amish stories are some of my favorite books. Well this book has just been placed on top of all my books. Author Jennifer Beckstrand is an outstanding author. She captured my attention from the start and held it till the end. None of this book, or her writing style was...more
Knowing that this was Ms. Beckstrand's first Amish fiction novel, I wasn't sure what to expect. I wasn't disappointed. This was not written as your generic amish storyline. It had an added twist, a villain of sorts and the definite true romance. I loved the humor that the author has added into this story.
Kate was given the gift of song with a beautiful voice. Because of this gift, she has a huge decision to make. A decision that is thwarted by her brother Aaron and her love for Nathaniel King. W...more
Kate was given the gift of song with a beautiful voice. Because of this gift, she has a huge decision to make. A decision that is thwarted by her brother Aaron and her love for Nathaniel King. W...more
The Amish people are amazing - I try to imagine if I could live like them and give up all my wordly possessions. Drive a horse and buggy instead of a car, walk if you have to (even if it is 5 miles), dress the way the women do. But they certainly have a deep desire to let God lead them in every aspect of their lives. Loved the scripture inserts about not judging, gossipping. Not having any ill thoughts towards others. This book definitely kept my interest as Kate had to choose between the worldl...more
Just finished reading "Kate’s Song Forever After In Apple Lake" by Jennifer Beckstrand. I give it 5 stars. Kate is Amish and has a beautiful voice so she goes to an academy for vocal training. But one night her friend's abusive boyfriend goes too far and Kate pushes him into a table corner and he is knocked out. Kate flees back home to Apple Lake and start seeing a old friend Nathaniel King and has to make a choice between him and her music. But just when she makes her choice things turn and she...more
Kate Loved to sing more than anything. She had a Beautiful voice and her voice instructor wanted her to go to Academy to get a Music degree, the only thing is she is Amish and she isnt supposed to Leave the Amish Community. She goes against her upbringing and leaves for a couple years. She returns home after trouble at the Academy. She sees Nathaniel King, one of her old friends And he has grown into a very handsome man. She plans on going back to the Academy in the fall , but after a summer at...more
My mother-in-law told me about this book. The author is in her stake. She had heard a lot of good things about it and suggested I read it. I actually put it on hold at the library but when she later asked if I'd buy her a copy, I just read her copy. No worries. I still have it on hold and will share with friends. It was really good.
I have read other Amish books but they didn't appeal to me like this one did. I was practically in tears at how sweet the romance story was. I admit that I did skip s...more
I have read other Amish books but they didn't appeal to me like this one did. I was practically in tears at how sweet the romance story was. I admit that I did skip s...more
I read the Kindle version of this book. After 25%, I thought how is the author going to make this story into a full book? I wasn't disappointed. I loved the characters and the bible scriptures in this book. Kate and Nathaniel are two characters that have an unwavering devotion to their faith. I don't know a lot about Amish culture, but it did surprise me with Aaron and Ada's behavior. I loved how Kate and Nathaniel challenge Aaron and Ada's interpretation of the scriptures. Nathaniel's mother is...more
Loved this book! I was afraid that it would be SO "Christian" that it would be a turn-off to me (sorry, but I don't like religion being shoved at me), but it was so naturally a part of the story, without being preachy at all.
The characters are vibrant and believable, and their strong beliefs, and their challenges with truly living those beliefs, made a gripping story. I was so sad when it ended that it was done! I wanted (and want) more, and will gladly read anything Beckstrand writes that come...more
The characters are vibrant and believable, and their strong beliefs, and their challenges with truly living those beliefs, made a gripping story. I was so sad when it ended that it was done! I wanted (and want) more, and will gladly read anything Beckstrand writes that come...more
Kate Weaver returns to her family's farm in the middle of the night, battered and bruised and carrying a secret. She has not yet been baptized into the Amish church and has spent the past year at a music conservatory, living among the English. Music is Kate's passion, and she has a beautiful voice, but she faces a difficult choice, she must either give up her family and home and pursue her talents or come home and be baptized, and give up her dreams of a singing career.
Making the choice even har...more
Making the choice even har...more
So this was a free read on my kindle, thought I'd try it. It's about an Amish girl who is deciding if she wants to be baptized, so be an official Amish person for the rest of her life. I thought it was a sweet story. I didn't care for her not being able to stand up for herself a little bit more in regards to her friend and some family members, but I get that she was raised not to. Just a good, clean read. If you don't like religious books, this isn't for you...
Kate’s Song is an Amish romance. I confess, I’m not a romance reader, so I wasn’t aware this has become a popular subgenre. Well, I can see why. It’s clean, gentle, and heartwarming. Sort of like Amish people.
I’ve always been fascinated by the Amish. I suppose I envy them–-their peaceful existence, their devotion. In the clamor of real life, it was nice to pick up this book and go somewhere quiet.
That’s not to say the book has no tension or conflict. It’s there. But it’s more along the lines of...more
I’ve always been fascinated by the Amish. I suppose I envy them–-their peaceful existence, their devotion. In the clamor of real life, it was nice to pick up this book and go somewhere quiet.
That’s not to say the book has no tension or conflict. It’s there. But it’s more along the lines of...more
OK, for the record I'm the author's husband, and my wife has turned me into a romantic over the years. Bias aside, I really enjoyed Kate's Song. What a great story! It flows from start to finish and the characters are outstanding. The Amish setting adds rich context to the story. I found myself very emotional as I read three particular parts of the book. (I won't ruin anything with more information.) I was inspired and uplifted. Way to go Jennifer!
This is a young adult woman trying to figure out her place in the world. Should she follow her dreams and use her talents away from home and family or be baptized and follow the ways of her conservative family. It sounds boring, but I enjoyed following her journey of trying to please her family and the way they treated her because of their religious beliefs.
I had a like / dislike relationship with this book.
I loved watching Katie grow in her relationship with God, seeing her get angry and question her relationship. Most readers can understand those feelings.
There was one point I was so disappointed in where the book was going that I had to put the book down and walk away.
As with most Amish books I read there was an accident that was a major turning point and also a misunderstanding. I don't understand after spending so much time together there wa...more
I loved watching Katie grow in her relationship with God, seeing her get angry and question her relationship. Most readers can understand those feelings.
There was one point I was so disappointed in where the book was going that I had to put the book down and walk away.
As with most Amish books I read there was an accident that was a major turning point and also a misunderstanding. I don't understand after spending so much time together there wa...more
One of my sons knows the woman who wrote this--she lives in Davis County. It is well written, but it had one too many misunderstandings for my taste as it drew to the inevitable conclusion. I can't stand villains that won't die, plot holes, overly emotional heroines and too many obstacles before the happy ending.
I love Amish fiction and hadn't got to read any for a while so I really enjoyed this one a lot. Kate has a God given talent for singing which isn't really encouraged in her Amish community. This story goes through all the ups & downs of making the decision about being baptized or not, and finally knowing and achieving what God is leading her to do with her life. Loved this book!
This book was very intriguing and brought both tears of joy and sadness to my eyes. It was hard to put down. We are often faced with dilemmas in our life and as we work out way through them we learn more about ourselves and these around us. That is just what Kate had to do. Based in Wisconsin, a great Amish story is created. I look forward to reading more by Jennifer Beckstrand.
There were too many unrealistic responses by characters in this book 1. The parents lack of worry/outrage/questions at their daughters physical and emotional condition when she unexpectedly arrives home before completing her much fought for opportunity to attend school and study music among the English, 2. The uncharacteristic meanness and hatefulness/pettiness of the older brother and his wife, and 3. The young man who loves her has the patience and determination to wait for her, but not the wi...more
I enjoy reading books about the Amish people, their struggle with their belief, their desires, and being torn between the outside world. This is true with this story, Kate having a talent of sing desires to use it, yet it is not accepted by the Amish.
Valerie Butterfield Even though I know that this was total fiction, something about the Amish way of thinking still intrigues me. It was a pretty predictable book, but I still likes trying to figure out their way of thinking.
Good book. I love books involving/ surrounding the Amish. Great story of Kate struggling with her life as an Amish girl in the community and her heart's desire to sing in the world which is frowned upon.
I just found a new Amish author that I like! What a fun quick read. Kate is torn between staying in the Amish community or pursing her dream of a singing career. I plan on reading the next book in the series.
No question that Amish fiction is my very favorite genre. This book is outstanding - I couldn't put it down. Well written, beautifully characterized. I already want to read more by Jennifer Beckstrand.
Aug 17, 2012
Debby Erickson
added it
This book was amazing. I read over 200 pages today alone. I could not put it down as I could not wait to see what happened. I felt like I knew the characters in the book personally. Wonderful book.
What a great read! A lot of research for authenticity went into this book. The dialogue is charmingly Amish and the relationship between the characters amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed every word!
The tension in this book is gripping. I enjoyed this story so much. The characters seemed very real with strengths and weaknesses. I highly recommend it to any fan of Amish novels.
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fans of Amish Fic...: Free Kindle Download | 7 | 66 | Aug 17, 2012 07:35am | |
| Goodreads Librari...: New Description Needed | 3 | 28 | Apr 09, 2012 06:49am |
I grew up with a steady diet of William Shakespeare and Jane Austen. After all that literary immersion, I naturally decided to get a degree in mathematics, which came in handy when one of my six children needed help with homework. After my fourth daughter was born, I started writing. By juggling diaper changes, soccer games, music lessons, laundry, and two more children, I finished my first manusc...more
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Jun 17, 2012 05:43pm