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A Promise for Miriam (The Pebble Creek Amish #1)

by Vannetta Chapman (Goodreads Author)

4.38 of 5 stars 4.38 · rating details · 144 ratings · 46 reviews

A Promise for Miriam, the first book in a brand-new romantic series from popular author Vannetta Chapman, introduces the Amish community of Pebble Creek and some of the kind, caring people there. As they face challenges to their community from the English world, they come together to reach out to their non-Amish neighbors while still preserving their cherished Plain ways.

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Paperback, 342 pages

Published July 1st 2012 by Harvest House Publishers

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Aug 02, 2012 Majik47 rated it 5 of 5 stars

Eight year old Grace Miller does not speak. It is up to her new teacher, Miriam King to find the reason and help Grace find her voice.

Grace’s widowed father, Gabe, seems to oppose Miriam’s efforts as well as efforts of his new community to assist him in rehabilitating the derelict farm he has purchased.

When Grace is lost in a snow storm, Gabe realizes that he has to accept help, from the community and from Miriam. In doing so, he finds himself doing battle against a real estate tycoon who is try...more

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Jun 28, 2012 Rachel Brand rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle, net-galley, vannetta-chapman, amish, romance, christian, harvest-house, contemporary, favourites, 2012

GENRE: AMISH ROMANCE
PUBLISHER: HARVEST HOUSE
PUBLICATION DATE: JULY 01, 2012
RATING: 5 OUT OF 5 – NEAR PERFECT

PROS: Wisconsin setting brings something new to the genre; great characterisation; engaging sub-plot

CONS: None!

Gabriel Yoder decides to uproot himself and his daughter and move to a new community in Wisconsin, hoping that this will help them to move on from the death of Hope, his wife and Grace’s mother. The Pebble Creek community is far more conservative than they’re used to – no indoor...more GENRE: AMISH ROMANCE
PUBLISHER: HARVEST HOUSE
PUBLICATION DATE: JULY 01, 2012
RATING: 5 OUT OF 5 – NEAR PERFECT

PROS: Wisconsin setting brings something new to the genre; great characterisation; engaging sub-plot

CONS: None!

Gabriel Yoder decides to uproot himself and his daughter and move to a new community in Wisconsin, hoping that this will help them to move on from the death of Hope, his wife and Grace’s mother. The Pebble Creek community is far more conservative than they’re used to – no indoor toilets, no heated buggies and ice boxes rather than gas-powered fridges – but a new start is necessary. But Gabriel doesn’t expect Grace’s new schoolteacher to become such a large part of their lives. Grace quickly becomes attached to Miriam King, but Gabriel doesn’t appreciate the teacher meddling in their lives. Although his daughter hasn’t spoken since her mother died, Gabriel has learned to adapt to Grace’s needs and thinks that Miriam’s suggestions will be more harmful than helpful. But as Gabriel and Grace become more integrated into the Pebble Creek community and start to open up to their neighbours, he comes to appreciate Miriam’s help, especially when tragedy strikes during a snowstorm. Will their relationship become something more than one between a concerned teacher and loyal parent?

There have been times when I have a large stack of books waiting to be reviewed, all from the same genre, and I find myself wondering if I might end up getting bored or find it hard to review yet another Amish novel. I love Amish fiction, but reading one book after another about the same topic can make me feel a bit Amished-out. I really didn’t know what to expect from A Promise for Miriam. When I started this book, I needed to escape. I was buried in wedding stress and the audiobook I’d picked up from the library contained so many divorces and broken relationships that I was starting to feel a bit discouraged. Knowing that A Promise for Miriam was next on my list, I felt a bit happier, as I’ve rarely come across a depressing Amish novel. I figured that even if this book didn’t completely blow my mind, it would at least be a nice, easy read. Well, it was far more than that, and it did end up encouraging me, in more ways than one.

Firstly, the relationships between Gabriel and Grace, Miriam and her parents, Miriam and her fellow schoolteacher, not to mention Gabriel and Miriam, and those of the general community, were very heart-warming. In a world where everyone is out to help themselves, often at the expense of others, it really encouraged me to see how everyone in the community pitched in to help Gabriel and his daughter. I may have had a tear in my eye at a couple of points, but then again, I am overly emotional right now. But even if you don’t end up bawling your eyes out at this book, I’m sure you’ll be able to appreciate the beauty in the way that the Amish reach out to each other.

I was also incredibly encouraged to find that, even if there are probably around a hundred new Amish books coming on to the market this year, authors can still come up with new and original material. I did not feel Amished-out in the slightest while reading A Promise for Miriam and it was so refreshing to read about a new community and setting, as well as the fascinating topic of Grace’s loss of speech due to a traumatic event. Both the introduction of a new community and Grace’s problem were dealt with in a way that was touching and informative, without feeling overly sentimental or too much like reading a textbook.

While I loved the sweet, slowly-blossoming relationship between Gabriel and Miriam, I’d have to say that Grace was probably my favourite character in A Promise for Miriam. I’m a sucker for stories about widowers who have kids, but I’ve come across very few authors who can accurately write from a child’s perspective. Vannetta is one of the authors who manages this well, and I loved being able to see events from Grace’s point of view; it definitely brought something fresh to the story. The dynamics between Grace and her dad were brilliant as well, and it made a nice change to read about a caring, supportive Amish father for once. Even if Gabe cut himself off from the rest of the community to begin with, including Miriam, he never shut out his daughter.

As well as the insights into dealing with a child who has stopped talking, A Promise for Miriam was also educational in terms of the conflict with a businessman who wanted to start up an Amish tourist attraction in a nearby town. While I know that a lot of Amish fiction fans like to visit places like Lancaster County, Pennsylvania to see the sights and pick up some Amish-related trinkets, they might think twice about the Amish-inspired cafes and gift shops after reading A Promise for Miriam. While this sub-plot was wrapped up rather quickly, I still found it interesting to read about the dilemma over how the Amish should attempt to fight against the possibility of their community being turned into a stop on a tourist trip, as well as figuring out whether they could work with the English community to sell Amish-made goods and present an accurate depiction of their faith.

I genuinely thought that A Promise for Miriam was just going to another light read that would take my mind of the stress of planning a wedding, but I ended up falling completely in love with the characters and the community of Pebble Creek. I now recall why I thought so highly of Vannetta’s debut novel, A Simple Amish Christmas, and I’m glad that she hasn’t lost her touch. A Promise for Miriam brings something refreshing and original to Amish fiction and will hopefully remind many readers of why they fell in love this genre in the first place. I can’t wait for to read the sequel, A Home for Lydia, in February 2013.

Review title provided by Harvest House.(less)

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Jul 02, 2012 Janie R. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: amish-books-read

I loved it! What a wonderful story! The characters seemed so real to me- Grace was a really sweet girl, felt so bad for her loss, but she was strong and overcame her obstacles. Miriam was a great teacher who really cared about her students.I enjoyed reading of a day at an Amish school. I liked Gabe,he was a great father, but he like, held his feelings in, and others around him had to read his mind, esp. Miriam. I did like the way he stood up to Byron Drake!
It was very interesting to learn about...more

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May 06, 2013 Michelle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Miriam King loves her life in Pebble Creek, Wisconsin. She loves her teaching job at the local Amish school. At twenty six many wonder why she has not married. She is beautiful and adores her students. Gabriel Miller is a widow who decides to move to Pebble Creek. Gabe is determined to leave his past in Indiana and start a new life with his daughter Grace. Grace is an adorable little eight year old who has not spoken in three years. When Grace comes to Miriam’s school, Miriam is determined to he...more

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Dec 20, 2012 Vera Godley rated it 5 of 5 stars

In the summer of 2012 I received a beautiful signed copy of A Promise for Miriam by Vannetta Chapman as a courtesy from the author. I sorely regret that it has taken me so many months to sit down and read this delightful story of the Amish of Pebble Creek. What a joy I missed by not reading it early after receiving it. Well, here is what I thought.....

Ms. Chapman has woven a beautiful tale of the Amish in their gentle ways. In developing Miriam King, she shows that even though the Amish usually...more

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Aug 13, 2012 April Suter rated it 5 of 5 stars

Miriam loves teaching in her Pebble Creek Amish Wisconsin community. Gabe moves there for a new beginning with his daughter who lost her voice when she lost her mother. Tourism may move into the community so Gabe and Miriam are part of the team to discuss with the Amish and English what is the best way to go. I really enjoy reading the author's style which puts me right there at the events and ties my world to the happenings in the book.
Favorite parts of the book: page 179 "The child grows, fast...more

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Jul 12, 2012 Kathleen E. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Wednesday, July 11, 2012.
A Promise for Miriam by Vannetta Chapman, c2012

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Vannetta Chapman has published more than 100 articles in Christian family magazines. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace in Albion, Pennsylvania. Vannetta is a multi-award-winning member of Romance Writers of America. She was a teacher for 15 years and currently resides in the Texas Hill country. Her first two inspirational novels—A Simple Amish Christmas and...more

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Jul 11, 2012 Christian Fiction Addiction rated it 4 of 5 stars

The latest offering from Vanetta Chapman offers much to please lovers of Amish fiction, celebrating the best of their culture and their faith by depicting the power of family and togetherness in the face of life's difficult storms. The first in a three-part series, A Promise for Miriam offers a solid beginning, by an author who excels at creating heart-warming characters. My favorite character in the story is actually Gabe's daughter Grace, who captured my heart from the opening scenes where she...more

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Jul 11, 2012 Brenda Casto rated it 5 of 5 stars

I am an avid reader of Amish fiction, and I always get excited whenever Ms. Chapman writes a new story, because I know it's going to be a story with a positive message and wonderful characters about the culture that I love to read about "The Amish."

With "A Promise For Miriam" I found myself totally hooked on the story at the prologue. An Amish husband sitting at his wife's bedside as she passes away, and their five year old daughter crying for her Mamm. Heartbreaking to say the least, but then w...more I am an avid reader of Amish fiction, and I always get excited whenever Ms. Chapman writes a new story, because I know it's going to be a story with a positive message and wonderful characters about the culture that I love to read about "The Amish."

With "A Promise For Miriam" I found myself totally hooked on the story at the prologue. An Amish husband sitting at his wife's bedside as she passes away, and their five year old daughter crying for her Mamm. Heartbreaking to say the least, but then we are propelled ahead a few years and we see the husband Gabe Miller and his young daughter Gracie Anne still aching from the loss, but hoping for a new start they move to Pebble Creek where Gabe is determined to do things on his own. Miriam King is twenty-six considered an old maid by some standards, she is the school teacher for her district and loves her job, and isn't really all that interested in giving up her job for marriage, and has always been able to keep a professional distance between herself and the students parents.When Gabe enrolls Gracie in school he leaves out one very important piece of information about his daughter, but Miriam figures it out and wants to do all she can to help Gracie overcome her problem, but Gabe isn't to receptive about it. Thing is Miriam feels drawn to Gabe. Will Gabe and Gracie find a new beginning in Pebble Creek, and how does Miriam fit into the picture?

Vanetta Chapman created a true to life story that just happens to take place in an Amish community. While the characters in this story are Amish I could easily envision this story happening in any culture. The characters aren't perfect, instead they are struggling with real life issues, that make for a story that is so easy to understand and connect with, but also kept this reader guessing as to what would really happen in the end. Gabe was a character that was very easy to understand, and his protective nature towards his daughter was commendable. My favorite character in the story easily had to be Gracie Ann, I enjoyed getting her perspective on the things that went on around her. Discussion questions makes this book a perfect group read, and for anyone who isn't familiar with the German dialect used by the Amish the author provides a handy glossary. The author also provides a sneak peek of "A Home For Lydia" the next book in the Pebble Creek Amish Series, and all I can say is I can't wait to read it. Fans of Amish fiction will certainly enjoy this book, but anyone who enjoys a greatastic read, filled with wonderful characters, a fast moving, but far from predictable plot and positive messages woven in will certainly want to read this one. (less)

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Mar 14, 2012 Louise rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: literature-fiction

Story Description:

Amish school teacher, Miriam King loves her students. At 26, she hasn’t met anyone who can convince her to give up the Plain school at Pebble Creek. The newcomer Gabriel Yoder steps into her life, bringing his daughter, an air of mystery, and challenges Miriam has never faced before.

My Review:

Miriam King and Esther Schrocks taught together in a one room schoolhouse. The two teachers looked similar in appearance, had the same temperaments and could have passed as family. Esther...more Story Description:

Amish school teacher, Miriam King loves her students. At 26, she hasn’t met anyone who can convince her to give up the Plain school at Pebble Creek. The newcomer Gabriel Yoder steps into her life, bringing his daughter, an air of mystery, and challenges Miriam has never faced before.

My Review:

Miriam King and Esther Schrocks taught together in a one room schoolhouse. The two teachers looked similar in appearance, had the same temperaments and could have passed as family. Esther was engaged to marry Joseph. Miriam was still single and it bothered her that other people thought she should be married, but it was her own choice to remain unwed.

Miriam taught grades one to four and Esther taught grades five to eight. This particular morning a tall man neither teacher had ever seen before entered the school room holding the hand of his daughter. He had a long beard which meant he was married. The little girl’s name was Grace and she was eight-years-old, her father’s name was Gabriel Miller. They had just moved to the area and purchased old Mr. Kline’s rundown farm on Dawson Road.

Gabe chose to live a solitary life with little Grace after his wife, Hope died. He wasn’t keen on making new friends in Pebble Creek. He was a good carpenter and planned to repair the old dilapidated farm on his own and he wasn’t going to ask for help from anyone. He and his daughter had left Indiana and come to Wisconsin to escape the looks of sympathy and now he had what he wished for – a new beginning with Grace.

It didn’t take long for Miriam to realize that Grace didn’t speak. She was very concerned and stopped at Gabe’s farm after school to inquire why he didn’t tell her that Grace doesn’t speak. Gabe was quite put out and didn’t have an answer other than “she’ll speak when she’s ready.” With that Gabe told Miriam he’d mind his business and she should mind her own then wished her a good-night. Miriam decided the child had a right to speak and since she spoke before, she thought between herself, Doc Hanson, and even Gabe, Miriam was determined to set that voice free.

A sudden and severe snowstorm blew in. Everything for as far as the eye could see was blanketed in white yet the snow kept falling, heavily, and would for hours to come. Gabe had to get to the barn to tend to the animals and told Grace she was to stay inside unless she needed to use the outhouse. If she did she was told to hold onto the guide rope there and back. Grace instead decided to go outside and play with her pet mouse, Stanley. Stanley got away from Grace and by the time she found him she was lost in the forest. Later that evening when Gabe realized how long he’d been gone from the house he hurried back only to find the house empty. He called Grace’s name over and over, checking every room in the house. He quickly discerned she must be in the outhouse but didn’t find her there either. Realizing he needed help, he drove his horse to Miriam’s home and she sent out the signal that all the neighbours were needed. Soon a massive search was underway in the middle of a blizzard for little Grace.

Did they find Grace or was she another loss in Gabe’s life? How does Miriam fit into the picture with Gabe?

This was an exciting and well-written story that I would recommend to my friends.

Thank you to NetGalley for the preview. Book to be released July 2012.
(less)

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Jan 12, 2013 Judy rated it 5 of 5 stars

A Delightful Read!

I have read several books by author Vannetta Chapman and I have enjoyed them all. A Promise for Miriam did not let me down.

I fell in love with the Characters in this book. Who wouldn’t be concerned for Gabe who lost his wife to death 3 years ago. Would he ever get over losing his wife? Could he, would he, be able to move on? His eight year old daughter Grace captured my heart. She is simply adorable. Miriam, the school teacher, has never married but she is content with being...more

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Jul 05, 2012 Maureen Timerman rated it 4 of 5 stars

Amish romance at its best! Miriam King is 26 and should have married a long time ago, as most Amish woman do. She loves being a teacher, and the children love her. Aden Schmucker wants her to marry him..and so does his father!
New in Pebble Creek WI are Gabriel Miller and his daughter Grace. He is a widower of three years, and little Grace has not spoken since her Mom died.
When a near tragedy happens to Gabe, the Amish community rallies around him...bringing him out of his shell.
You will love how...more

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Oct 22, 2012 Lacey Galicia rated it 3 of 5 stars

I received my copy from a first reads giveaway. This book was extremely uplifting and inspiring. It had such a positive message which I enjoy in books. I like learning about the Amish culture, it fascinates me, which is why I wanted to read this in the first place. I would definitely recommend this to anyone and will read more books from this author in the future.

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Feb 21, 2013 Jasmine rated it 5 of 5 stars

First off let me say first that this A Promise For Miriam is now my all-time favorite Amish novel. I don't know if it was the likable and real characters, the different location (Wisconsin), the storyline that was a little different than the average Amish story, or what it was...

One thing I like about this book is that Vannetta Chapman shows us that even though the Amish dress alike they are just as individual in personalities as the Englischers. Miriam is outspoken at times and you will love ho...more

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Feb 12, 2013 Mercedes Cordero rated it 5 of 5 stars

It’s very unusual to find a romantic story with compelling main characters, heartwarming and moving back stories, well written second characters and side stories, a little suspense, a little funny side, and a beautiful message of love, grace and new beginnings. A Promise for Miriam has it all. This is the story of Miriam, a 26 year old Amish woman who by Amish standards should have married a few years ago and should be raising her own children instead of teaching other people’s children. She has...more It’s very unusual to find a romantic story with compelling main characters, heartwarming and moving back stories, well written second characters and side stories, a little suspense, a little funny side, and a beautiful message of love, grace and new beginnings. A Promise for Miriam has it all. This is the story of Miriam, a 26 year old Amish woman who by Amish standards should have married a few years ago and should be raising her own children instead of teaching other people’s children. She has had her suitors, but no one has captured her heart as much as her students have. When she meets Gabe and Grace, she is quite content with her life.

Miriam is immediately drawn to Grace, who has not spoken since her mother died, and wants to help her, knowing that the little girl is smart and very much able to speak. But Gabe is reluctant. He is a strong male lead, set in his ways, stubborn and in no way interested in anyone’s help. Miriam, however, is almost as stubborn as he is and very determined to help Grace even without her father’s consent. And so begins the relationship between Miriam and Gabe: sometimes sweet, other times strained; sometimes passionate, other times timid. Both Miriam and Gabe are very outspoken where Grace is concern, but when it comes to their feelings for each other, not so much.

Much like anyone else, Miriam and Gabe have a hard time admitting what is obvious to everyone else: they are falling for each other. The complexity and realness of these characters is fantastic. They are strong, but cute; stubborn, but endearing; outspoken, but shy. And the secondary characters are just as great. Mostly made up of Miriam’s family, these characters are written to steal your heart, bring wisdom and a sense of family, and community that is very common in Amish novels. The way Vannetta Chapman writes, however, any commonality is enhanced by how she uses words, settings and situations to make the ordinary just a little bit extraordinary.

I don’t want to miss the opportunity of mentioning how great a character Grace is. Not many writers know how to write children. Grace is neither too precocious nor too immature for her age. She is just right. The way her mind works, the way she acts, how she thinks is so touching, so pure, so very much like most children her age. A very well written little girl. Also, I have to say that, as a mother, Grace’s story moved me. It was hard to read how the loss of a mother can affect a child. I was constantly reading and praying, with tears in my eyes and my son in my mind, asking God to let us (me, my husband and my son) enjoy each other for many years to come.

This is a beautiful story of a first chance at love, a second chance at happiness, and God’s grace and His purpose for our lives, even in the middle of our sorrow.(less)

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Feb 18, 2013 Veronica rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 50-states-reading-challenge, contemporary, new-author-to-you, romance

This is a charming story about Miriam, a 26-year-old Amish schoolteacher who wonders if she'll ever marry for love. She's immediately intrigued by the new widower Gabe and his daughter Grace, especially the mystery of what has happened to them in their past. Why does Gabe keep to himself and why won't he share the circumstances surrounding his daughter's disability? When a close call finally changes Gabe's ways, will he turn to Miriam for help?

I liked the various issues this book dealt with, fro...more

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Aug 25, 2012 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars

Title: A PROMISE FOR MIRIAM
Author: Vannetta Chapman
Publisher: Harvest House
July 2012
ISBN: 978-0-7369-4613-4
Genre: Amish/romance

Amish school teacher Miriam King loves teaching. Loves her students. And at her age, twenty-six, she figures she’ll never marry or have children of her own. She accepts that. And even relishes the fact that she’ll ever have to give up the Amish school she teaches.

Gabriel Miller has moved to Pebble Creek to escape. He’s lost his wife and his will to live. Only his eight y...more

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Jul 29, 2012 Ibjoy1953 rated it 5 of 5 stars

MY THOUGHTS ON A Promise For Mariam

After losing his wife, Gabe just wants to leave his Amish community and his family and get away from it all. He buys a rundown farm in Pebble Creek, moves he and his daughter Grace and hopes to stay to himself. He doesn’t need anyone for anything. Just make Gabe happy by leaving him alone.

Miriam King loves her job as a school teacher, and even though she is way past the marrying age for Amish young ladies, she is perfectly content with her students and doesn’t...more

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Jul 18, 2012 Ronna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

Widower, Gabe Miller and his 8 year old daughter, Grace, have
just moved into an old farm in an Amish community in Wisconsin.He plans to start a new life by taking care of everything himself, without help from others.Happy and friendly Grace doesn't speak but she draws like a dream.Gabe starts her in the Amish school, where Mariam King teaches.

Twenty six year old Mariam, and her friend, Esther, teach the children.Grace fits in nicely, but why doesn't she speak?Mariam loves teaching and her schoo...more

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Jul 12, 2012 Faye rated it 4 of 5 stars

A completely enjoyable read, with wonderfully realistic and believable situations, and characters.

Wow! This was in my mind the perfect vacation read, charming, with a touch of humor, yet with a realness to it that drew me in. I absolutely loved the characters, and thought that they were well built. I especially liked how in this Amish Romance I got to see things from Gabe's daughter, Grace's prospective too! Which was different in an enjoyably refreshing way. This is the kind of book that I was...more

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Jul 13, 2012 Pam Burke rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: amish

As anyone who follows my blog knows, Amish fiction is one of my favorite genres, and I've read lots of great books by several great authors. There are many similarities in most of these books -- not a bad thing at all -- but it is also nice to find the little differences that distinguish the various series or various authors.

A Promise for Miriam by Vannetta Chapman has all the elements that make for a great Amish story. Miriam King is a young Amish school teacher in Pebble Creek, Wisconsin. Sinc...more

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Jul 18, 2012 Jo rated it 5 of 5 stars

A widower, Gabriel Miller, and his daughter Grace move in next door to Amish schoolteacher Miriam King. When she goes bearing food to welcome them she finds him as a man who wants to be left alone. He spurns all offers of help to restore his barn and house. But when he takes Grace to the two-room schoolhouse for her first day at school, Miriam learns that Grace can’t or won’t speak. After a near tragedy Gabriel is surprised that all the community comes to his house to help. Gabriel has a past he...more

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Mar 07, 2013 JuJu rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian, fiction, gayle-wilson-award-reads, romance

As a rule, I usually stay away from inspirational/christian romances, but I was pleasantly surprised by the sweetness of the story. Though I have never read an Amish romance, I thought the author did a nice job.

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Jul 16, 2012 Ginger Solomon rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow! And that still doesn't describe how wonderful A Promise for Miriam turned out to be. Vannetta did an awesome job pulling me into the lives of Miriam, Gabe, and Grace. I lived with them for a whole day--the amount of time it took me to read the book--and loved every minute of it. I especially loved the ending, so unexpected, but no spoilers here, so you'll have to read it to find out. :)

***I received this book free from the publisher/author for the purposes of review. The above is my honest...more

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Jul 30, 2012 Paula-O rated it 4 of 5 stars

Pebble Creek Amish series book #1 by Vannetta Chapman "A Promise for Miriam"

A Promise for Miriam, the first book in a brand-new romantic series from popular author Vannetta Chapman, introduces the Amish community of Pebble Creek and some of the kind, caring people there. As they face challenges to their community from the English world, they come together to reach out to their non-Amish neighbors while still preserving their cherished Plain ways.

Miriam is a schoolteacher and very proud of what s...more Pebble Creek Amish series book #1 by Vannetta Chapman "A Promise for Miriam"

A Promise for Miriam, the first book in a brand-new romantic series from popular author Vannetta Chapman, introduces the Amish community of Pebble Creek and some of the kind, caring people there. As they face challenges to their community from the English world, they come together to reach out to their non-Amish neighbors while still preserving their cherished Plain ways.

Miriam is a schoolteacher and very proud of what she does, she has stayed single and these students are like her children, now 26 and way beyond getting married stage she meets a new father who is also new to Pebble creek as he moves to the area with his daughter, Grace. Gabriel Miller is a widower and has a rough time raising his daughter alone after his wife died three yrs ago. His daughter does not speak and hasnt for three years and this is a challange for Miriam as she learns to care about each of her students.

Aden is a young man that Miriam has grown up with and he hopes to marry Miriam and even leaves the community and then returns hoping she will have missed him and decide to accept his offer of marriage. His father has a large house and many acres that makes an impressive home.

Gabe sees Miriams heart and knows he could learn to care for her as a frau, but thinks she could do better with Aden and he is always dropping hints about this young man to Miriam.

The story has much about Gabe and his daughter but also emcompasses changes to the area from an outsider wanting to refurbish an old building in town and make it into a "Amish Abbey" and captilize on the amish. There had been similar changes where Gabe had lived before and he was able to help form a committee after talking with the bishop and try to get the town to compromise on what the plans were so all would be better for it.

Miriam comes to have feelings for Gabe and we watch them dance around one another as their feelings for one another grows. Grace hopes they might get closer but she doesnt see them doing what a courting couple would.

Miriam and Gabe finally work together to help Grace "find her voice" and this brings them closer too.

You will enjoy this story as I did of a devoted teacher who really wants love of a family and finally gives her heart away to the father of one of her students....(less)

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Jan 22, 2013 TAMMY CUEVAS rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: amish-fiction, christian-fiction, first-reads, favorites

In Miriam's Amish community, for a woman to be unmarried at twenty-six years of age is almost unheard of. But she loves teaching the schoolchildren and refuses to marry for less than love. But when widowed Gabe Miller moves to Pebble Creek with his daughter, Grace, Miriam finds herself involved in their lives. While Gabe faces the possibility of letting someone into their lives, Miriam has to decide if she wants that level of involvement, or if she wants to continue her life as before.

As an avid...more

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Jul 26, 2012 Abbie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, amish-fiction, netgalley-read, blog-reviewed

4.5 Stars

Miriam is the school teacher and at the age of 26 she is not sure if she will ever marry. She has resigned herself to her teaching which she loves but when Gabriel Yoder shows up in her class room with a young mute little girl she finds herself struggling to keep the line between teacher and friend in check while she helps Grace to speak again. Gabe has moved to Pebble Creek to start over after losing his wife three years ago. He does not want help from anyone and only wants to raise hi...more

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Dec 24, 2012 Jodie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, amish-fiction, net-galley, vannetta-chapman

Gabe Yoder and his daughter Grace move to Pebble Creek in order to make a new start after the death of his wife and Grace's mother, Hope. However, things aren't transitioning as smoothly as he would have hoped. The farm he purchased in need of much more repair than he originally thought and his stubborn streak refuses to allow him to ask for help from the others in the community. The other problem arises when Miriam King, the school marm, suggests a different method to help Grace begin speaking...more Gabe Yoder and his daughter Grace move to Pebble Creek in order to make a new start after the death of his wife and Grace's mother, Hope. However, things aren't transitioning as smoothly as he would have hoped. The farm he purchased in need of much more repair than he originally thought and his stubborn streak refuses to allow him to ask for help from the others in the community. The other problem arises when Miriam King, the school marm, suggests a different method to help Grace begin speaking again. She hasn't spoken since her mother's passing. One long, cold, tragic, wintry night changes everything.

I must say, when I began this book, I thought it was going to be another pure romance and no other significant story lines involved. I was a little concerned. Then, along comes Grace. She stole the story and my heart! I just loved that Vannetta gave Grace a view point and it wasn't written entirely around the adults' views. Grace was so sweet and like any other elementary age child, except she didn't talk. When the reason for her not talking was fully explained, well, my heart just broke. Poor thing, she just didn't understand.

I really enjoyed the realness throughout the book as well. The rawness of Gabe's hurt, the determination of Miriam to help all her students in whatever way she could, and the complete sense of community throughout the story. I also really liked Miriam's parents and how they interacted with Gabe and Grace throughout the story. More importantly, the open relationship that Miriam had with her parents. I hope to be as open and honest with my children as they grow into young adults.

I was drawn into the story with Grace's unwillingness to talk. However, as the story drew on, I became more interested in the "Amish Abbey" being built, and more enamored with the choice Miriam needed to make for her future. If you enjoy a good Amish romance, then this is definitely the book for you!

I was graciously provided a free digital copy of this book from Harvest House Publishers in partnership with NetGalley to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. (less)

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Dec 27, 2012 Carolyn E rated it 5 of 5 stars

Another wonderful story from Vannetta Chapman. Chapman has now become one of my favorite authors. I am looking forward to the second book in this series, A Home for Lydia, scheduled to be released on February 1, 2013.

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Aug 17, 2012 Sherri Meinke rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book had me from the start. It was one of those books, you want to read til you finish it. The characters in it made the book. I loved Miriam's spunk and hoped Miriam & Gabe would get together. The moral of the story...it is not how much land you own or how rich you are...you are never too old and you should give life another chance evem after loss.

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About Vannetta Chapman

Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. She has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania.

Her novel, Falling to Pieces, was a 2012 ACFW Carol Award winner for...more

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A Promise for Miriam (The Pebble Creek Amish #1)

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