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22nd out of 151 books
—
127 voters
A Gift of Grace (Kauffman Amish Bakery #1)
by
Amy Clipston (Goodreads Author)
Take a trip to Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, where you'll meet the women of the Kauffman Amish Bakery in Lancaster County. As each woman's story unfolds, you will share in her heartaches, trials, joys, dreams ... and secrets. You'll discover how the simplicity of the Amish lifestyle can clash with the 'English' way of life---and the decisions and consequences that follow. Mo...more
Paperback, 336 pages
Published
April 21st 2009
by Zondervan
(first published March 20th 2009)
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This book is about two teenaged girls whose parents die in a tragic accident and are sent to live with their aunt and her husband in the Amish community in Pennsylvania. One girl adjusts much easier and better than her sister. Reading this book really opened my eyes to the way of the Amish and taught me about a whole other culture. It also taught me , as a Christian, that what I hear and believe sometimes, may not necessarily be what God is wanting me to hear and believe. An excellent book for a...more
Half of this story is a young adult novel about two teenage girls who are sent to live with an Amish aunt they've never met after their parents die in a car accident--their mother had left the community years earlier--one of whom adjusts well and the other of whom does not, while the other half is sort of a romance novel, except that it's about an Amish couple who are already married, so what happens is that the presence of the girls (especially the one who doesn't fit in) tests their relationsh...more
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I loved this book - adored it - until the end. I will read the other books in the series because I enjoyed the characters enough to want to know what happens next. But I simply can't get over what happened at the end of the book that led to my disappointment.
(view spoiler)...more
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When Rebecca Kauffman's older sister dies in an automobile accident, Rebecca takes custody of her two modern, non-Amish teenage nieces. Will she be able to reconcile the two worlds in her home or will the clash of cultures tear her world and marriage apart?
I have heard interviews by this author on the Amish Wisdom podcast and her real life is interesting as her husband had a kidney transplant that failed, so they got back on a list where she offered one of her kidneys for one that would match to...more
I have heard interviews by this author on the Amish Wisdom podcast and her real life is interesting as her husband had a kidney transplant that failed, so they got back on a list where she offered one of her kidneys for one that would match to...more
Oh My Gosh,this book was amazing. This book talks about healing, forgiveness and really listening to God. Yes this book is amish however this book is about a struggle through 2 english teenages, and the life of an amish family, and the loss of many things. I think anyone who reads this book will see that they can relate to one of the characters in this book some how some way. When you start this book I would suggest that you grab a box of tissues, it will be needed.
This book is the first book i...more
This book is the first book i...more
This was a free Kindle download and I didn't expect it to be the great American novel, but, while the story had possibilities, the writing left a lot to be desired. Two teenaged girls are orphaned and find themselves under the guardianship of a very loving Amish aunt. The story is focused on the contrasts between their previous "English" life and the Amish life they must now live. Unfortunately, the novel barely scratches the surface of the many challenges they faced.
The most serious writing fla...more
The most serious writing fla...more
Amish fiction is one of the most popular sub-genres in Christian fiction. At the bookstore, we had women looking for them daily. I am not one of those avid followers that reads them all; however, I have read a few and will probably read a few more.
I enjoyed A Gift of Grace. There was some repetitive language throughout the novel, and I felt that the final conflict was unnecessary (maybe a little too much). Over all the plot was interesting and unique. The story centered around Rebecca Kauffman,...more
Rebecca is an Amish wife who's been told she cannot have children. When her sister Grace dies, she leaves Rebecca her two teenage girls giving her the chance to finally be a mother. It sounded intriguing to me and rightfully so. The book had a lot of potential, a great plot and characters, just poor execution in my opinion. The entire first half was great, Clipston developed not only each character fully but also developed the relationships between the characters. She posed realistic conflicts b...more
This is only the second Amish book I've read - I have to admit it is not my genre of choice. But since I've been reviewing/influencing books I've tried to keep a very open mind. I've been pleasantly surprised in doing so, as I was with this book. I couldn't tell if this was the girls story or if it was Aunt Rebecca's story. I suppose it could be both. It seemed that Rebecca's husband Daniel was being very hard on the girls as well as his wife, while they all tried to adjust to the lose of their...more
Jul 11, 2010
Molly
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
everyone
Recommended to Molly by:
Amy Clipston
Shelves:
book-review
Complete with recipes, Amy Clipston's Amish novel is tender and warm, mixed with a bit of heartache and longing. Amy's work is outstanding and puts me in mind of Wanda Brunstetter's work! Absolutely loved it!
In this start of the Kauffman Amish Bakery series, we meet Rebecca, a young Amish woman who longs to be a mother. But it doesn't seem like that will happen for her, causing her inner turmoil. But then something tragic happens and she's forced into motherhood, taking care of two English teen...more
In this start of the Kauffman Amish Bakery series, we meet Rebecca, a young Amish woman who longs to be a mother. But it doesn't seem like that will happen for her, causing her inner turmoil. But then something tragic happens and she's forced into motherhood, taking care of two English teen...more
I basically read this book because I was bored on public transportation and it was free on my Kindle. Never one to pass up a good deal, I decided to give it a try. It's about two orphaned girls who go to live with their Amish aunt, whom they've never me before, after their parents die. The rest of it is a mixture of predictable plot points, some of which are pretty absurd and hard to believe. Everything is over-dramatized, and while this story could have been really interesting, it was instead j...more
A Gift of Grace
Kauffman Amish Bakery Series Book 1
Amy Clipston
2009
Zondervan
Fiction/Christian/General
Reviewed by Cindy Loven
Two neices, all of sudden Rebecca and Daniel Kauffman find themselves raising two neices, Rebecca's sister Grace, who left the Amish community when she was young and married and English man, has died in a tragic accident and left her sister as guardian over her two daughters.
Rebecca and Daniel, married fifteen years and childless, now have two teenage 'daughters' who have...more
Kauffman Amish Bakery Series Book 1
Amy Clipston
2009
Zondervan
Fiction/Christian/General
Reviewed by Cindy Loven
Two neices, all of sudden Rebecca and Daniel Kauffman find themselves raising two neices, Rebecca's sister Grace, who left the Amish community when she was young and married and English man, has died in a tragic accident and left her sister as guardian over her two daughters.
Rebecca and Daniel, married fifteen years and childless, now have two teenage 'daughters' who have...more
Rebecca Kauffmans tranquil Old Order Amish life is transformed when she suddenly has custody of her two teenage nieces after her "English" sister and brother-in-law are killed in an automobile accident. Instant motherhood, after years of unsuccessful attempts to conceive a child of her own, is both a joy and a heartache. Rebecca struggles to give the teenage girls the guidance they need as well as fulfill her duties to Daniel as an Amish wife.
Rebellious Jessica is resistant to Amish ways and con...more
Rebellious Jessica is resistant to Amish ways and con...more
This was a nice, easy read, Amish book. I actually read it in 2 days, which is very quick for me.
This is the story of an Amish couple and their 2 nieces whose parents unexpectedly passed away and are *willed* to the care of their only living relatives, the Amish couple. The nieces are 14 and 15 years old, so not only are they teenagers, which is hard enough, but they are *English* turning Amish. The story unfolds with the two girls adjusting (or not adjusting) to their new Amish lives. I really...more
This is the story of an Amish couple and their 2 nieces whose parents unexpectedly passed away and are *willed* to the care of their only living relatives, the Amish couple. The nieces are 14 and 15 years old, so not only are they teenagers, which is hard enough, but they are *English* turning Amish. The story unfolds with the two girls adjusting (or not adjusting) to their new Amish lives. I really...more
This was a free Kindle download. I confess I don't understand the current craze of Amish novels. Most of the conflicts tend to center around whether or not someone will remain in the community or choose the worldly life. This novel, the story of two orphaned girls sent to live with their Amish aunt, was more full of stereotypes than actual emotions. Older sister rebels, younger sister embraces the faith. Amish family members make ridiculous accusations and the local bishop makes veiled threats....more
I do enjoy reading stories about the Amish and their way of life. A Gift of Grace is the first in a series about the women of the Kauffman Amish Bakery. While this book didn't have as much of the life-style as I would like, it still was a good read.
Rebecca Kauffman takes in her nieces after the death of her sister and BIL. Grace, the sister, had been shunned by her father when she left the community. Rebecca is determined to form a relationship with her nieces, such as she hadn't done with Grace...more
Rebecca Kauffman takes in her nieces after the death of her sister and BIL. Grace, the sister, had been shunned by her father when she left the community. Rebecca is determined to form a relationship with her nieces, such as she hadn't done with Grace...more
I wasn't entirely sure what to expect of this book and was pleasantly surprised. Although it is written in a rather simplistic manner, it suits the book and doesn't detract from the values of the story. Although written in the third person, I really felt like I got inside the heads of Rebecca, her husband, Daniel, and her nieces, Jessica and Lindsay. I felt like I was experiencing the hurt of the girls at being uprooted from their normal life and the confusion Rebecca had over what was the best...more
I just love how the family steps up to help their nieces in a time of tragedy.
It is a very difficult time when someone looses their sister and then to take on the responsibility of their nieces and to help them deal with their loss of their mother and father.
I loved the ending and couldn't wait to get to book 2.
It is awesome when author's take the time to make these books into series, as the worst thing to do is get the the end of the book and go, okay, now what.
I can tell you that Amy Clipston...more
It is a very difficult time when someone looses their sister and then to take on the responsibility of their nieces and to help them deal with their loss of their mother and father.
I loved the ending and couldn't wait to get to book 2.
It is awesome when author's take the time to make these books into series, as the worst thing to do is get the the end of the book and go, okay, now what.
I can tell you that Amy Clipston...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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I recently read a lot of heavy books, the Jaycee Dugard memoir, another on teen suicide, etc. So I decided I needed a light, feel good book before hitting my next more serious book. I downloaded this to my Kindle a while ago when it was free. This did the trick, it was light, but I didn't really enjoy it.
I hate to be overly critical since I only have a few minor things published, but the writing in this book is not great. The terms, "bit her lower lip" and crossed her arms over her chest" were r...more
I hate to be overly critical since I only have a few minor things published, but the writing in this book is not great. The terms, "bit her lower lip" and crossed her arms over her chest" were r...more
Rebecca Kauffman is an Amish woman unable to have children of her own. When her sister Grace, (who left the Amish community years earlier) and her husband are killed in an accident, Rebecca learns that she has been appointed guardian of her two teenage nieces. But Rebecca soon learns that instant motherhood, especially to teenagers, is not easy. Lindsay is able to adjust and embrace the Amish lifestyle, but Jessica struggles, and she and Rebecca's husband Daniel do not see eye to eye on things....more
This was a newer genre for me and an exploratory read to try out the genre. I loved the family aspect. I loved the caring aspect. I loved the strength the family found through their faith. I did not feel that the English children were given the gift - knowledge of the rules by someone taking the time to go thru them one by one, instead of setting up a self centered teenager to constantly fail. I did not like the conclusion jumping that members of the community did when someone didn't immediately...more
A Gift of Grace was like a breath of fresh air with the Amish community setting. Rebecca has longed for children but never been able to conceive. Now her sister (who left the Amish community many years ago) has perished in a car accident along with her husband leaving behind two teen daughters. Rebecca is given custody of her "English" nieces and somehow the two cultures must find compromise. Rebecca's husband, Daniel, isn't sure how his nieces will ever learn to live in their culture and he may...more
May be the most annoying book I've read. I think the author went a little thesaurus crazy. No one 'walked' in this book. They sideled, sauntered, clomped, padded, shambled, tread, and schlepped. No one 'sat down', they 'sank'. I've never read anything like it. I always like stories with recipes as I love to try them out. I thought it was strange that the recipes in this book were not recipes for the foods mentioned in the story. It would have been interesting to see the shoo-fly pie recipe or th...more
Wow my friend suggested I read thsi book, and I am so glad she did. It kept my attention the entire time, as a matter of fact I read over 100 pages last night because I needed to know how it ended.
The ending left many questions in my mind, however I can understand how the kids feel, being up-rooted as they were. It has to be hard to move and start all over again. I have experienced this, but not as a child as Lyndsey and Jessica are. The other side I enjoyed was learning more about the Amish. I...more
The ending left many questions in my mind, however I can understand how the kids feel, being up-rooted as they were. It has to be hard to move and start all over again. I have experienced this, but not as a child as Lyndsey and Jessica are. The other side I enjoyed was learning more about the Amish. I...more
Good story but I didn't particularly like how it was written. I felt there was too much repetition and almost every sentence was a new paragraph, which I felt made the reading very choppy. I love books about the Amish and Beverly Lewis is one of my favorite authors, so I was really excited to stumble upon this author; however, I didn't really feel the Amish culture in this book. Luckily I already knew a lot about it from Beverly Lewis's books. I don't know if the author doesn't know as much abou...more
I picked up this book because it reminded me of another series (due to character names/similarities to that series). After reading, it still reminds me a bit, but mainly because it's the same genre. Though the Amish are portrayed slightly different here, specifically the language dialect (ex. stated the Penn. Dutch word for father is "Dat", whereas before I'd learned father was "Daad"). The recipes are kind of neat, left wanting to try several of them after reading. One slight disappointment as...more
This is the first book I've read from this author and I really enjoyed the story. If you remember book:The Redemption of Sarah Cain|918895] by Beverly Lewis, this story is like that but it is reversed. The English girls go to live with the Amish family. The two teenage girls are forced to live the rules of the Amish community even though they are not Amish after their parents die in a car accident and their mom (Grace) wants them to live with her sister, Rebecca, who is Amish. Rebecca and her hu...more
I will clarify the rating and say it is between a 2 and 3. I enjoyed reading it enough to continue it, very easy reading. The storyline and characters were flawed, though. The resolution to the crisis was unbelievable and it left the reader (me) quite unfulfilled after the reading. I don't want to give spoilers in case someone would want to read it. Let's just say that the decisions of adults are ridiculous, and sisters should be left together and not forced extra change after a loss of the magn...more
The start with several different issues are address in this first book in the series. Rebecca is first having trouble conceiving a child of her own. She get a letter or will after her older sister and brother in law are killed in as automobile accident. She is left to raise two teenage girls.
Jessica and Lindsay are force to move and live with their Aunt and Uncle in this Amish Community. Jessica has a hard time adjusting to live in this small community. Jessica is found guilty of doing just abou...more
Jessica and Lindsay are force to move and live with their Aunt and Uncle in this Amish Community. Jessica has a hard time adjusting to live in this small community. Jessica is found guilty of doing just abou...more
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