The Crimson Dress: An Amish Retelling of The Scarlet Letter

by Jennifer Spredemann

I will stop at nothing to protect the man I love - even if it means sacrificing my own reputation.

My Amish community has placed on me the strictest Bann they've ever enacted. It is something they felt they must do to deter others from engaging in the same sinful behavior as me.

The leaders have one request from me - that I name my child's vatter . But I refuse to confess. I will never reveal my child's father's identity. Because of my rebellion, I am required to wear a dress of our community's verboten color, and I must live a life of isolation apart from my loved ones. Everyone is warned to avoid me, the woman in the crimson dress, lest they become tainted with sin my too.

I'm saddened they feel the need to punish me. But I am not alone. I have my boppli , after all. As far as my boppli's vatter goes, his identity must never ever be revealed.

It is a secret I will take to my grave.

An intriguing Amish take on The Scarlet Letter !

Genres: Amish

86 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

By the grace of God, USA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer Spredemann began writing professionally as J.E.B. Spredemann in 2012. The acronym J.E.B. stands for Jennifer, Emily, and Brandi. Emily and Brandi are Jennifer's two eldest daughters, and co-authored the Amish Girls Series books, along with A Christmas of Mercy. (Brandi also writes Christian Western Romance under the pen name, Brandi Gabriel.)
You will find Jennifer's Amish-themed books under both Jennifer Spredemann and J.E.B. Spredemann. Jennifer also writes (non-Amish) Christian romance under the pen name Michelynn Christy.
As of 2025, Spredemann has penned over fifty titles, the majority of which are Amish romance.
Readers describe Spredemann's stories as books they "can't put down."
Spredemann strives to tell intriguing stories that touch the hearts of her readers and bring glory to God.

Reviews

[C Allen]

Thank you Jennifer Spredemann for allowing me to read an ARC of your book, The Crimson Dress, coming out July 25, 2023.

This is a unique book because it is shared in the first person.

Ruby, our main character and storyteller, finds herself under a strict Bann because she will not reveal the name of her child’s father.
The storyline is so unusual for an Amish story but so realistic, you find yourself fully drawn into the story from the beginning. All characters are portrayed accurately and as you read, you believe the actions are really happening. The end is totally unpredictable.

The book is short, you could read it in one sitting, but so interesting you wish it would continue.

I highly recommend this 5-star read.

I was given an ARC by the author, but was not required to give a review.

[Lori]

Thank you so much Jennifer Spredemann for choosing me to be one of those able to read the ARC of this novella. I had never read The Scarlett Letter but even though I know it wasn't necessary to read this book it is one I think I have to read. This was a different direction for Jennifer as it was told in first person. I loved the power that this little book punched. So much in such a short story shows how excellent the writing was. I had figured out things before the end but it was lovely read and realize I was right. Big happy smile on my face. The characters was so wonderful that I hope this won't be the last time that we come across them. This strong story is one not to be missed by Jennifer Spredemann fans. If you have not read this author before, this would be a good one to read. I am excited to see what Jennifer has in store for us next.

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read]

The author did a wonderful job of taking different elements of the book from “The Scarlett Letter” and setting this book in an Amish community. I was amazed at how quickly I was drawn into this book. This story was told in the first person by the main character, Ruby, and it was easy to feel deep compassion for her and the wide range of emotions that she was experiencing. The ending of this story was very well-written, and the author did a masterful job of drawing all the emotions and lessons of faith together. This book is only 86 pages long, but it felt as complete as if I’d read a full-length novel. I think it’s one of the best Amish books I’ve read, and highly recommend this one.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Cherese Akhavein]

The Crimson Dress by Jennifer Spredemann
I really enjoyed this short story as it reminded me that in the grand scheme of things it only matters what God thinks, feels and most of all that he forgives us for all our sins if we only ask, & believe in him and all he has given us.
I would suggest you pick up a copy of this book, set a couple hours aside in your favorite place with your favorite tea and enjoy this wonderful read. Crimson will become a favorite color after this read.
I was gifted a copy of this book but in no way was required to leave a review, I’m blessed to be able to thou.

[Sunnie]

This was an Amish retelling of The Scarlet Letter. It was a book that will really make you think! It is a book that will show that we all have our shortcomings and none have attained perfection. We all are learning, experiencing, and growing in Christ. I honestly don't know what to say without giving away the story. And the story will definitely bring unexpected events. It is a teaching story of love, forgiveness and repentance. It is well worth reading.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Connie Lynch]

I must admit i am a big fan of Jennifer Spredemann and her knowledge of The Bible and Scripture. Ms. Spredemann has created a wonderfully written retelling of a classic. She created characters and a storyline you can relate to and still recall the original story. If you love classics and Amish Fiction I think you will be glad you selected this book to read. I was blessed with an chance to read this story prior to release and I am happy to leave a review to share my reading experience.

[Mary Deighton]

This story about Ruby and her struggle with her Amish community was truly heart-wrenching, and yet it showed how she stayed loyal to herself. I love how it shows her faith in God and kindness from others. It's one of the easiest and quickest reads I have read this year.
Jennifer Spredemann is a very humble author who celebrates her faith in God through her storytelling, and that is why I choose to read her books.

[Barb Beechy]

I really felt sorry for Ruby because of the way the gmay was treating her because of her mistake. I was happy when she finally had the truth bought to her attention on how the love of God is all she needed. This is a very touching story and I am so glad on how it ended. I was gifted an ARC but not required to leave a review. Everyone needs to read this..

[Mary Farley]

This rewritten story by Jennifer Spredemann is related to the Amish dealing with sin and the shunning. It shows how having Faith in Christ helps in the healing process. It teaches a lesson in life. An easy read and inspiring story.

[Kim Vizzini]

I really liked this book , it showed strength, faith and her belief in herself. I also liked how the dress color became a statement everyone wore as a everyday color .

[Julie Brown]

This was an interesting book to read and a very surprising ending. I was very curious how this book would be written and Jennifer Spredemann did an amazing job. Very clean and romantic. I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Kaye Wingo]

The Crimson Dress is another great book by Jennifer Spredemann. Very uplifting and inspiring story.She has written several books.