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My Dearest Naomi
Jerry Eicher’s many devoted fans will be enthralled by this endearing novel in letters based on Jerry’s letters to and from his future wife, Tina, and their discovery that, indeed, absence does make the heart grow fonder.
When Eugene Mast leaves his Amish community in Worthington, Indiana, to teach in faraway Kalona, Iowa, he also must leave the love of his life, Naomi Miller.
For the next nine months of the school term, Eugene and Naomi keep their romance alive through love letters from his heart to hers, and from hers back to his.
Eugene writes of his concern that in his absence Naomi may find the attractions of another suitor to her liking. Naomi worries that Eugene may fall prey to the “liberal” Mennonite beliefs in the community where he now lives. Both can hardly wait until the school year is up and they’re finally reunited.
A poignant and tender love story that will warm the hearts of readers everywhere.
When Eugene Mast leaves his Amish community in Worthington, Indiana, to teach in faraway Kalona, Iowa, he also must leave the love of his life, Naomi Miller.
For the next nine months of the school term, Eugene and Naomi keep their romance alive through love letters from his heart to hers, and from hers back to his.
Eugene writes of his concern that in his absence Naomi may find the attractions of another suitor to her liking. Naomi worries that Eugene may fall prey to the “liberal” Mennonite beliefs in the community where he now lives. Both can hardly wait until the school year is up and they’re finally reunited.
A poignant and tender love story that will warm the hearts of readers everywhere.
328 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2012
23 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Jerry S. Eicher
70 books201 followersJerry Eicher’s bestselling Amish fiction (more than 210,000 in combined sales) includes The Adams County Trilogy, the Hannah’s Heart books, and the Little Valley Series. After a traditional Amish childhood, Jerry taught for two terms in Amish and Mennonite schools in Ohio and Illinois. Since then he’s been involved in church renewal, preaching, and teaching Bible studies. Jerry lives with his wife, Tina Eicher, and their four children in Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 16, 2012
My Dearest Naomi – Letters of Love!
I loved this book! This is a book compiled of letters between Eugene Mast and Naomi Miller. Eugene leaves Indiana for a teaching job in a Mennonite school in Iowa . He will be gone for nine months. He plans to marry Naomi at the end of the school term.
I loved the correspondence between Eugene and Naomi. The letters were quite newsy and filled with their undying love. The two lovers actually bare their souls to each other across the miles. The aching loneliness that they feel for each other was clearly made known in almost every letter. Concerns in some of their letters were perhaps their love wouldn’t last while they were away from each other. Many letters included scripture from the Bible.
The letters at times were filled with much humor and I had several laugh out loud moments. I grew to love Luella (quite a jokester) and Lonnie, the couple that Eugene stayed with in Iowa
Eugene ’s letters were filled with his daily life of teaching his students as well as his life outside of the school day.
Naomi’s letters were filled with what was going on at home and brought Eugene up to date on everything happening back home.
I loved the poems included in their letters. I especially loved the poem Eugene wrote about his students that was included near the end of the book. I had to smile because Eugene really did care for every student and grew fond of them.
I can’t say enough about how I enjoyed this book. It was different and unique in my eyes and I loved each and every letter. A special thanks to the author Jerry Eicher and his lovely wife Tina for sharing something very personal to the readers.
I wish to thank Harvest House Publishers and Jerry Eicher for sending me this book to read and review. The opinions are mine alone.
I loved this book! This is a book compiled of letters between Eugene Mast and Naomi Miller. Eugene leaves Indiana for a teaching job in a Mennonite school in Iowa . He will be gone for nine months. He plans to marry Naomi at the end of the school term.
I loved the correspondence between Eugene and Naomi. The letters were quite newsy and filled with their undying love. The two lovers actually bare their souls to each other across the miles. The aching loneliness that they feel for each other was clearly made known in almost every letter. Concerns in some of their letters were perhaps their love wouldn’t last while they were away from each other. Many letters included scripture from the Bible.
The letters at times were filled with much humor and I had several laugh out loud moments. I grew to love Luella (quite a jokester) and Lonnie, the couple that Eugene stayed with in Iowa
Eugene ’s letters were filled with his daily life of teaching his students as well as his life outside of the school day.
Naomi’s letters were filled with what was going on at home and brought Eugene up to date on everything happening back home.
I loved the poems included in their letters. I especially loved the poem Eugene wrote about his students that was included near the end of the book. I had to smile because Eugene really did care for every student and grew fond of them.
I can’t say enough about how I enjoyed this book. It was different and unique in my eyes and I loved each and every letter. A special thanks to the author Jerry Eicher and his lovely wife Tina for sharing something very personal to the readers.
I wish to thank Harvest House Publishers and Jerry Eicher for sending me this book to read and review. The opinions are mine alone.
April 20, 2019
I enjoyed this "blind date" book more than I expected I would.
When I realized that it was a fictionalized version of letters sent between the authors in their own young courtship, I was disappointed by the "fiction" aspect. I still feel that disappointment after reading the novel. I suspect it has something to do with translation and relevance. But, it left me wondering if the story was not "Amish washed" to try to cover any unpleasant or questionable writing. Sticking with non-fiction, or explaining the choice to make it fiction, would have been much more powerful to me, and would have added necessary credibility.
The cover, the promotion, and the advertising existing in the book all point to a popular grouping of books called "bonnet novels." That disappoints me a bit too. The idealization of the Amish image, evident in this cover, and existing throughout these books, removes most ties to Amish reality for me. "Follow us on twitter for new Amish offerings" just makes me laugh and scoff a bit all at the same time.
All of that being said, I still rated it quite highly. The letters themselves maintain a sense of integrity between two young loves who are deeply committed to their Amish culture, to the understanding of faith, and to one another through a year of separation. After reading several letters, I did look forward to hearing the next updated between the pair as the year progressed. Their relationship seemed genuine to me, and I pray that the real relationship of the author and his wife followed this same pattern in their time of separation.
When I realized that it was a fictionalized version of letters sent between the authors in their own young courtship, I was disappointed by the "fiction" aspect. I still feel that disappointment after reading the novel. I suspect it has something to do with translation and relevance. But, it left me wondering if the story was not "Amish washed" to try to cover any unpleasant or questionable writing. Sticking with non-fiction, or explaining the choice to make it fiction, would have been much more powerful to me, and would have added necessary credibility.
The cover, the promotion, and the advertising existing in the book all point to a popular grouping of books called "bonnet novels." That disappoints me a bit too. The idealization of the Amish image, evident in this cover, and existing throughout these books, removes most ties to Amish reality for me. "Follow us on twitter for new Amish offerings" just makes me laugh and scoff a bit all at the same time.
All of that being said, I still rated it quite highly. The letters themselves maintain a sense of integrity between two young loves who are deeply committed to their Amish culture, to the understanding of faith, and to one another through a year of separation. After reading several letters, I did look forward to hearing the next updated between the pair as the year progressed. Their relationship seemed genuine to me, and I pray that the real relationship of the author and his wife followed this same pattern in their time of separation.
April 5, 2023
If you want a low intensity, relatively slow paced book to read, this one is delightful. Based on the letters the author and his wife wrote to each other, this love story in letters gives lots of insights into Amish life, and also great insights into what love really is. It's also interesting to read the couple complaining often of being "bored" with nothing to do in the evenings and weekends without each other around - because being Amish, there's no TV to watch, no games to play on your phone, and so on. The things they do find to do are much more satisfying to my mind - group singing times, playing games (Monopoly, volleyball), small group Bible studies, taking walks. I enjoyed the book and the characters.
March 11, 2017
I loved this book. I like to read Amish fiction and can't seem to get enough time to read!
June 20, 2017
Although I enjoyed the book it seems almost personal to be reading somebody's else's Love Letters to their spouse even if they have been fictionalize to be put in book form.
January 8, 2018
It was good, I guess. Personally, I prefer to read something with a plot and a proper story line than a set of letters.
January 22, 2019
The second half is good, but the first half is somewhat depressing...
November 9, 2024
very good book
September 13, 2019
It’s an ok book about this Amish couple writing to each other while he is away teaching school in another state. I’m trying to get through reading it. It’s one of the slowest books I have ever read. It just doesn’t keep my interest like other Amish books. That’s why I gave such a low rating. Maybe it’s just me. I usually can read a book within 2-3 days. I starred this book on August 22 & I’m not even half through. I have enjoyed Jerry Eicher books in the past.
October 2, 2012
Eugene Mast and Naomi Miller are in love an plan to marry, but first Eugene has his heart set on leaving Indiana to teach at a Mennonite school in Iowa. This means nine months of hardly seeing each other and lots of letter exchanges.
You can follow their activities in the letters and see how they each handle missing each other, getting through the days with only thoughts and memories, looking forward to getting a special letter in the mail, the disappointment when there isn't one, and looking forward to the day when this is over and you can finally capture that dream of being married and starting a family.
This book reminds you of the days when people used to find letters in the attic written by parents or grandparents. Eugene and Naomi reread their letters over and over, as our ancestors did I'm sure. Oh what this modern world is making us miss out on, sure you can print off an email or text and save it, but it just isn't the same as having something in someones own handwriting.
I had a hard time reading this book as the style wasn't to my liking. This had nothing to do with the content, which I did find to be interesting and enjoyed some of the stories. I used to try to keep diaries when I was little but couldn't do that either, maybe that's why it was a hard format for me to read, it kind of seemed like a diary to me but it was two people doing the writing.
I received a copy of this book from Harvest House Publishers for review. All they want is an honest review, the opinions stated above are my own.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the NetGalley book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
You can follow their activities in the letters and see how they each handle missing each other, getting through the days with only thoughts and memories, looking forward to getting a special letter in the mail, the disappointment when there isn't one, and looking forward to the day when this is over and you can finally capture that dream of being married and starting a family.
This book reminds you of the days when people used to find letters in the attic written by parents or grandparents. Eugene and Naomi reread their letters over and over, as our ancestors did I'm sure. Oh what this modern world is making us miss out on, sure you can print off an email or text and save it, but it just isn't the same as having something in someones own handwriting.
I had a hard time reading this book as the style wasn't to my liking. This had nothing to do with the content, which I did find to be interesting and enjoyed some of the stories. I used to try to keep diaries when I was little but couldn't do that either, maybe that's why it was a hard format for me to read, it kind of seemed like a diary to me but it was two people doing the writing.
I received a copy of this book from Harvest House Publishers for review. All they want is an honest review, the opinions stated above are my own.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the NetGalley book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
July 6, 2012
I REALLY LIKED My Dearest Naomi. Different but in a good way; meaning the way the story was told was done differently. If you love to read love stories then this book is for you!!
My Dearest Naomi is the first book in the Amish genre that I know of that was written as love letters telling the story. Love letters that are being sent back and forth between the two main characters.
Eugene Mast is an Amish school teacher in Indiana who is engaged to Naomi Miller. Eugene takes a teaching job in Iowa for nine months, teaching in a Mennonite communily, and stays with a very nice Mennonite couple. Meanwhile Naomi is home in Indiana working and writing her letters.
Will the challenges of being apart affect their future together?
Or will they show that their love has only grown stronger while apart?
Jerry and Tina Eicher did an excellent job together writing this novel. I would read more of their novels again if they decide to write together again.
**I received this book from Harvest House Publishers by request of Jerry Eicher. I am not required to give a positive review, just an honest one. This review will be posted to Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, and my personal run FB page. The opinions expressed are mine alone.**
My Dearest Naomi is the first book in the Amish genre that I know of that was written as love letters telling the story. Love letters that are being sent back and forth between the two main characters.
Eugene Mast is an Amish school teacher in Indiana who is engaged to Naomi Miller. Eugene takes a teaching job in Iowa for nine months, teaching in a Mennonite communily, and stays with a very nice Mennonite couple. Meanwhile Naomi is home in Indiana working and writing her letters.
Will the challenges of being apart affect their future together?
Or will they show that their love has only grown stronger while apart?
Jerry and Tina Eicher did an excellent job together writing this novel. I would read more of their novels again if they decide to write together again.
**I received this book from Harvest House Publishers by request of Jerry Eicher. I am not required to give a positive review, just an honest one. This review will be posted to Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, and my personal run FB page. The opinions expressed are mine alone.**
June 28, 2015
I absolutely love when stories are based on real events. When younger, Jerry and Tina were separated while he taught in a Mennonite school. They wrote to each other almost daily. This story is a set of letters that the two main characters Eugene Mast, an Amish school teacher, and Naomi Miller write to each other. They were engaged to be married. Eugene finds himself separated from the woman he loves while he teaches at a Mennonite school. The letters speak of all kind of things, such as the everyday mundane chores. It doesn’t matter what your loved one is doing. You want to know everything that went on in their day.
If you like reading letters or diaries you will enjoy this book. If you are looking for a straight up novel then this might not be for you. I am one who loves diaries and memories written in a series of letters so I really enjoyed this book. As a teacher I enjoyed reading about Eugene’s experiences teaching. The book also has some wonderful poetry throughout. We also get a look at some of the differences between the Amish and the Mennonite. I believe a final reason I enjoyed this book is the same reason I enjoy Amish Romance novels. There is none of the mushy-gushy things most “romance” novels are made of. I have never liked them. They seem fake to me. To me this simple life through letters shows true love.
If you like reading letters or diaries you will enjoy this book. If you are looking for a straight up novel then this might not be for you. I am one who loves diaries and memories written in a series of letters so I really enjoyed this book. As a teacher I enjoyed reading about Eugene’s experiences teaching. The book also has some wonderful poetry throughout. We also get a look at some of the differences between the Amish and the Mennonite. I believe a final reason I enjoyed this book is the same reason I enjoy Amish Romance novels. There is none of the mushy-gushy things most “romance” novels are made of. I have never liked them. They seem fake to me. To me this simple life through letters shows true love.
July 15, 2012
A series of sweet correspondences.
Naomi & Eugene are a couple who become separated when Eugene accepts a job teaching a Mennonite school for 2 years. They stay connected by writing many letters to each other, encouraging and sharing stories from their everyday lives. A love story told through letters.
While well written and detailed, with a special sweetness to it, I found that this book was hard for me, personally, to dive into. I liked the humor and how this tale was uniquely told through letters, but there were more than a few times when my attention waned, which might have been due to how I wasn't used to the unique style this book was written in.
To me the book felt sort of slower than I would liked, but I do believe that this book had so much to offer to the person who is much more patient than I am! And there is much to be said for the sweet romance :)
Overall, I will say that this book just wasn't for me personally, but I think others would enjoy it. I think it helps immensely to know what it is about before reading it, and maybe that would have helped me to enjoy it more. A sweet book that wasn't for me.
I received this book from the publishers in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!
Naomi & Eugene are a couple who become separated when Eugene accepts a job teaching a Mennonite school for 2 years. They stay connected by writing many letters to each other, encouraging and sharing stories from their everyday lives. A love story told through letters.
While well written and detailed, with a special sweetness to it, I found that this book was hard for me, personally, to dive into. I liked the humor and how this tale was uniquely told through letters, but there were more than a few times when my attention waned, which might have been due to how I wasn't used to the unique style this book was written in.
To me the book felt sort of slower than I would liked, but I do believe that this book had so much to offer to the person who is much more patient than I am! And there is much to be said for the sweet romance :)
Overall, I will say that this book just wasn't for me personally, but I think others would enjoy it. I think it helps immensely to know what it is about before reading it, and maybe that would have helped me to enjoy it more. A sweet book that wasn't for me.
I received this book from the publishers in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!
July 30, 2012
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
This book was very different than other books I read, but I really enjoyed it. Eugene and Naomi were separated for nine months, and during that time, they wrote to each other faithfully, keep their love going strong during their separation. The unique thing I found it that these letters were based on letters actually written by the authors, Jerry and Tina Eicher during a time in their lives when they were separated.
I think you will enjoy this beautiful love story, even though it is not written in the traditional style. It is kind of nice to have a change of reads sometimes, and I found this one warm and refreshing.
Why not go out and grab a copy to read and enjoy for yourself. It makes for a super great summer read!
A poignant and tender love story that will warm the hearts of readers everywhere.
This book was very different than other books I read, but I really enjoyed it. Eugene and Naomi were separated for nine months, and during that time, they wrote to each other faithfully, keep their love going strong during their separation. The unique thing I found it that these letters were based on letters actually written by the authors, Jerry and Tina Eicher during a time in their lives when they were separated.
I think you will enjoy this beautiful love story, even though it is not written in the traditional style. It is kind of nice to have a change of reads sometimes, and I found this one warm and refreshing.
Why not go out and grab a copy to read and enjoy for yourself. It makes for a super great summer read!
A poignant and tender love story that will warm the hearts of readers everywhere.
July 19, 2012
I was interested in reading this book, because it is based on the actual letters that the authors exchanged while they were apart. I didn’t realize however, that the entire book would be nothing but letters back and forth between Eugene and Naomi, the main characters in this book.
I expected there to be more of a “story” format and it was hard for me to get into and read, because this type of writing just isn’t something I enjoy. It was almost like reading a diary and after awhile, I found myself laboring to finish the book. I usually enjoy Amish fiction, but this one just didn’t do anything for me.
I expected there to be more of a “story” format and it was hard for me to get into and read, because this type of writing just isn’t something I enjoy. It was almost like reading a diary and after awhile, I found myself laboring to finish the book. I usually enjoy Amish fiction, but this one just didn’t do anything for me.
July 11, 2012
I have read all of Jerry Eicher's previous books and was looking forward to this one. My Dearest Naomi is different in that it is not specifically a work of fiction. It is based on his real life letters to his now wife during their 9 month separation while he taught school. It gives, in letter form, a detailed account of just what their lives were like and how they were each coping with the separation.
I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it. I am looking forward to the next book from Mr. Eicher.
I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it. I am looking forward to the next book from Mr. Eicher.
September 1, 2012
My Dearest Naomi" by Jerry & Tina Eicher. This book isn't really a story but is based on actual letters that the authors wrote to each other when Jerry was teaching at a Mennonite school. These were written before their marriage. It was really interesting to read.In the book they are Eugene and Naomi. I give this book 3 stars only because I though it will be more of a story than just letters. I really liked some of the poems in the book.
May 19, 2013
This was an interesting book about two Amish sweethearts who were separated for nine months due to a work assignment. The story is told through letters, and was an decent story, although the letters tended to be long and meandering and boring at times. The lack of any real dialogue kept the characters at arm's length from the reader, and did not allow for the creation of real depth in the characters.
May 3, 2016
This book was written different from any I have read. It is written through letters between to Amish lovers separated by miles. Based on real life happenings, Jerry and Tina did a wonderful job putting this book into print!
March 29, 2012
Didn't finish this one as I just couldn't make my self care enough to read it and find out what happened.
Did they survive the months of seperation and make it to the alter? I may never know.
Did they survive the months of seperation and make it to the alter? I may never know.
February 17, 2014
What a nice Christian romance. I loved the format of the letters going back and forth between Naomi and Eugene. Glad I read this book!
June 14, 2022
Just very slow and uninteresting for me.
November 2, 2014
This was an "ok" read for me. It took me quite awhile to read and I expected more at the end.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews