A Home in the West

The Amish of Apple Grove #3.5

by Lori Copeland

Journey back to 1858 Berlin, Ohio, in this free short story e-romance prequel from The Amish of Apple Grove series by Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith. For 19-year-old Jonas Switzer, the promise of a productive life as an Amish farmer is only as real as a dream on the western horizon. Living on the charity of the Bylers, and with no claim to a family farm, Jonas's future depends on a bold plan and an ambitious move. He also longs to catch the eye of Caroline Hersberger, the most beautiful young woman in the village, and share his dream with her. Will Matthew Kennel woo her first? Will she reject Jonas outright? Only God knows, and only He can provide Jonas with a godly wife and a home in the West.

Genres: Amish, Christian Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Christian, Short Stories

16 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2013

About the author

Lori Copeland was born on 12 June 1941. She had a relatively late start in writing, breaking into publishing in 1982 when she was already forty years old. Over the next dozen years, her romance novels achieved much success, as was evidenced by her winning the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, The Holt Medallion, and Walden Books' Best Seller award. She has been inducted into the Missouri Writers Hall of Fame.

Despite her success in more mainstream romantic fiction, in 1995, she decided to switch focus. Her subsequent books have been in the relatively new subgenre of Christian romance. She has also collaborated with authors Angela Elwell Hunt or Virginia Smith on a series of Christian romance novels.

Lori and her husband of over forty years, Lance, live in Springfield, Missouri, surrounded by the beautiful Ozarks. They have three grown sons, three daughter-in-laws, and six wonderful grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters. She and her husband are very involved in their church, and active in supporting mission work in Mali, West Africa.

Reviews

[Melissa Levine · Rating 2 out of 5]

What was the point of this story? I mean it was just a few pages...I never understand why authors even bother writing stories this short? It was an okay read but there was really nothing happening. What did the characters even look like? Jonas goes to a dance, drives his dream girl home and ends up proposing. Okay, and? Nothing.

I wasn't a fan of the fact the author used foreign terms like "narrisch" and "dawdi haus," leaving me,the reader, no real clues as to what they meant.

I wish this story would have been longer.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice to see a historical version of an Amish romance. I didn't see that a lady would be that keen on a man she didn't know all that well, but of course, the commmunity would make sure everyone knew everyone to some degree.
No recipes or other inducements to pad out this short story.
This is an unbiased review.

[Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Childhood friends Amish style

I don’t read Amish fiction because most of it annoys me. But I found this short story to be a sweet, quick read.

[Billie Turknett · Rating 1 out of 5]

You're kidding, right?

I thought I was getting a book not a half chapter. It is a big disappoint.I have never read about the Amish before and was excited about this book. So much for that thought.

[Larik · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Home In The West
What a sweet short love story. Another great creation by Lori Copeland.
This young boy Jonas with an English background has nothing in the World to build his future on but dreams and plans. But despite the lack of resources Jonas borrows his employers buggy and takes a leap of faith and makes his first step into realizing his dreams by taking Caroline on buggy ride. The surprise that waited on him around the corner could have been only from God Himself.
Do you have dreams and plans but no means to realize them? Take a first step in faith and see what God can do with you..
Lovely and encouraging story.

[Renee · Rating 1 out of 5]

I enjoy Lori Copeland's books but there just wasn't enough to this story for me to like it. I liked Jonas but at only 15 pages I didn't become attached or really care what happened to him which is a shame because as I said, I enjoy Lori's stories and feel she could have did a lot with the character.

[Marlene Thompson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too short

Too short

Story content was fine but I was waiting on the story to continue "into the west" & instead I got the final page! I was surprised the 'book' didn't contain a few more chapters. Disappointing for sure.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this quick glimpse into Jonas Switzer's past! Such a sweet and poignant story delivered in just a few pages. My only complaint...too short! ;)

[rebecca gatewood]

Good clean story.

good to read, but it was very short. Not a lot to build on. Wish there was more.
Rebecca

Rebecca

[Pam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too short. I know there are many cultural differences between the Amish and myself but this was a little too different for me. However, I might read more by this author.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a quick read; though charming I wish the authors would have turned this into a full book. There is not enough Amish Historical out there.

[Liz melia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't understand what this was meant to be, it's like half a chapter not a book, everything is condensed down tied up in a nice little bow before you realise your at the end of it

[Stacie · Rating 2 out of 5]

way too short. It is like a teaser chapter.

[Thom Swennes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is the result of the consorted efforts of two refreshingly talented writers and belongs to The Amish of Apple Grove series. The story takes place in Berlin, Ohio in April of 1858. Jonas Switzer and his mother and sister were taken in by the Byler family when his father suddenly died. The fact that his family came from outside of the Amish community played no role in the spontaneous hospitality afforded them. When Jonas realized that he would eventually have to make his own way and eventually give up the relative comfort that temporary sustained his family, he started making plans of travelling west into the new territories that were opening to settlers. In his mind the pivotal condition to assure success was the right wife. One particular girl caught his eye and claimed his heart; Caroline Hersberger. This is a literary tribute to love and innocence. The relatively closed and secretive world of the Amish gives them an extra mystery. Their modest dress and passive beliefs make them the picture of innocence. There closed world is opened and the reader realizes that the differences aren’t that great. Charming and vaguely beguiling and enticing statements like “I find my mind is peaceful when my fingers are busy.” I wouldn’t have thought that a glimpse into this mundane world could be so interesting and informative. I recommend it to readers that sometime enjoy a love story without stated or implied sexual references.

[Dorine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rated 3.5 Stars. Updated to include link at TBR MOUNTAIN RANGE, where I've posted some pictures of modern day Amish country, where this story takes place historically.

I really love this cover so it drew me right in to grab this freebie introduction.

This is a very short, sweet, historical story that takes place in Berlin, Ohio, which is why I chose to read it. Berlin, Ohio, is one of my favorite places to go to "regroup" in the rolling hills of Amish country. The story was too short for me to really get the flavor of that town historically, but it was a good introduction to the Amish way of life and a hint at what to expect from the books following in this series.

For those who love Amish stories, it's a quick read to introduce you to THE AMISH OF APPLE GROVE series.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Home In The West was a good short story. I thought it was very interesting how the book is Amish and historical - I haven't read many books like that! The story was very short, but I expected that since it is a "short story". The ending makes me interested in reading the first book in the Amish of Apple Grove series. If you enjoy Amish stories, I think you might like A Home In The West.

*I did not get this book for review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

[Richard Chenoga · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a little shorter than most short stories I read. It was well written and had a nice story and a nice ending. Reading this story cheered me up as I read through the pages and followed along with the story line.

[Deliasue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book about jonah and Caroline, a young amish couple who have a big dream of moving out west to start a life of farming as a family. Being so young they have second thoughts and if they should do it. I like Lori Copelands writing, will read other of her books too.

[Theresa Benefield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amish books

Amish books

I really enjoyed this short story. It was cute. I hope the author wrote another one to tell you what happens to the young couple. I will have to check that out.

[Stephanie Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy books about the Amish and especially books by this author. This story was very short and the characters and story line just didn't seem well-developed. The ending seemed a bit rushed because of this. I liked the story but think with more length it could have been so much better.

[Heidi Morrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very short, but sweet Amish Fiction story. I'd venture to guess that this could have been a Prologue to a longer book. Nevertheless, the couple of characters were heartwarming and show a lot of potential.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. This was a VERY short story, bu the plot was good and I would love to read ' the rest of the story' in a full-length novel.

[Jody · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good introduction to this Amish series. Jonas is tired of living on the charity of others. He has plans to make them happen and the singing seems to be just the occasion. 16 pages.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick and easy reading.

Quick and easy reading. A short story with a lovely theme. Makes me want to read the next chapter right away.

[Jenny T. · Rating 2 out of 5]

A short story set in an Amish community in Ohio during 1858 that explores a quick courtship between Jonas & Caroline. This is chaste romance that gives one a sample of Amish life on the farm.

[Vicki Krivak · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute and heatwarming Amish short story... very short. It didn't take long to read at all.

[Sharon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Was this a joke meant for the reader? I really loved the start of this book and I knew it was a short story. What I didn't know was that it was only half a chapter! I'm glad I didn't buy the book.

[Dorothy Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet

A sweet little story of Amish life and love. Chose to read it because of the name but it wasn't long enough.

[Victoria Simcox · Rating 4 out of 5]

To marry a virtuous woman and live in the West is what Jonas aspires to. But he must trust in God for his vision to become a reality. Caroline Hersberger, is the loveliest young lady in the community, and Jonas has eyes for her, but there is competition…another man. Matthew Kennel fancies her as well. Reverse the calendar to 1858, Berlin, Ohio, and find yourself in ‘The Amish of Apple Grove.’ This is an enjoyable, informative, faith-based read. A brief tale that emphases 19-year-old Jonas Switzer and his sweetheart, Caroline Herberger. A lovely tale with current themes but then with an old-style sense.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story, about a young Amish man with big plans for his life. This is a feel good story with a happy ending. I really do enjoy Amish stories, and this was no exception. A nice change of pace for my usual books, it really blows the cobwebs out of one’s brains and fills you with hope. Thank you for this enjoyable read.