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The Men of Lancaster County #0.5
Lilies on Daybreak Pond
This short story prequel offers an exclusive bonus to The Men of Lancaster County series.
This e-short story also includes the first chapter of The Amish Groom.
It’s coming on spring, and Joel Miller is beginning to understand that his daughter is never coming home again. Three months ago, 18-year-old Sadie snuck away in the dead of night, breaking from the Amish faith to live the life of an Englischer.
The family she left behind has been dealing with the loss ever since—especially her father, who is still struggling to comprehend how God could have allowed this to happen. Now the family dog has gone missing as well, and Joel is determined to find him and bring him back home no matter what it takes. As he searches for the missing pet, he wonders how find the strength to let his daughter go and move on with his life. How can he help his family do so as well?
This e-short story also includes the first chapter of The Amish Groom.
It’s coming on spring, and Joel Miller is beginning to understand that his daughter is never coming home again. Three months ago, 18-year-old Sadie snuck away in the dead of night, breaking from the Amish faith to live the life of an Englischer.
The family she left behind has been dealing with the loss ever since—especially her father, who is still struggling to comprehend how God could have allowed this to happen. Now the family dog has gone missing as well, and Joel is determined to find him and bring him back home no matter what it takes. As he searches for the missing pet, he wonders how find the strength to let his daughter go and move on with his life. How can he help his family do so as well?
50 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2014
358 people are currently reading
476 people want to read
About the author
Mindy Starns Clark
56 books630 followersMindy Starns Clark is the bestselling author of more than 30 books, both fiction and nonfiction, and has received numerous literary honors, including two Christy Awards and RT Book Review Magazine’s 2012 Career Achievement Award. Mindy and her husband, John, have two adult children and live near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 4, 2015
I loved this book. The storyline was a bit unusual- always a plus for me, although not essential. It's usual to see/hear of a woman's pain/hurt/anguish, however we seldom see it from the other side. This portrayed those feelings and I felt them right along with Joel. It was bad enough that his oldest daughter ran away from home but then for her dog to disappear.... The characters were well developed and as far as I can recall there were no editing problems (a big plus for me). I don't recall reading this author before, however I definitely plan to in the future. I want to discover the answer to the one main question that was unanswered (purposely, I'm sure) in this prequel. Why did Sadie leave home? I also enjoyed the free glimpse into the first book of this series (The Amish Groom) which is included in this prequel. It makes you want to read the series...at least it has me wanting to! I definitely recommend it to readers. Especially those who enjoy Amish fiction.
February 22, 2016
I enjoyed this short story and want to thank the author for giving this book free and letting readers enjoy her writing style. A very descriptive read which takes readers to the life of a family on Daybreak Pond, where tragedy has struck when one of the children becomes a run away. The author shows a gift for sentiment in this story and readers will find a bonus chapter at the end introducing another book by this author.
November 11, 2015
Blurb:
It’s coming on spring, and Joel Miller is beginning to
understand that his daughter is never coming home again. Three months ago,
18-year-old Sadie snuck away in the dead of night, breaking from the Amish
faith to live the life of an Englischer. The family she left behind has
been dealing with the loss ever since—especially her father, who is still
struggling to comprehend how God could have allowed this to happen. Now the
family dog has gone missing as well, and Joel is determined to find him and
bring him back home no matter what it takes. As he searches for the missing
pet, he wonders how find the strength to let his daughter go and move on with
his life. How can he help his family do so as well?
This was a free short story, an introduction to the series, The Men of Lancaster County. It gave just enough insight and interest to make me really want to read the book.
It’s coming on spring, and Joel Miller is beginning to
understand that his daughter is never coming home again. Three months ago,
18-year-old Sadie snuck away in the dead of night, breaking from the Amish
faith to live the life of an Englischer. The family she left behind has
been dealing with the loss ever since—especially her father, who is still
struggling to comprehend how God could have allowed this to happen. Now the
family dog has gone missing as well, and Joel is determined to find him and
bring him back home no matter what it takes. As he searches for the missing
pet, he wonders how find the strength to let his daughter go and move on with
his life. How can he help his family do so as well?
This was a free short story, an introduction to the series, The Men of Lancaster County. It gave just enough insight and interest to make me really want to read the book.
April 6, 2018
Usually I'm not a fan of Amish ficiton and was surprised I really liked this contemporary short story.
My only two issues were:
- the use of the German-influenced Amish language (though with adequate translation for a change) I'm aware it's part of the culture and that way important/making sense in these books but I'm still not liking it.
- It appears to me like the story is a continuation of a previous book (which ii's not as far as I could see)
Apart from the style I loved the way spiritual values (forgiveness, trust in God) were woven into the story and made alive in every-day-situations.
My only two issues were:
- the use of the German-influenced Amish language (though with adequate translation for a change) I'm aware it's part of the culture and that way important/making sense in these books but I'm still not liking it.
- It appears to me like the story is a continuation of a previous book (which ii's not as far as I could see)
Apart from the style I loved the way spiritual values (forgiveness, trust in God) were woven into the story and made alive in every-day-situations.
December 29, 2014
This was a free short story that I picked up at Amazon. It is a prequel to the series, The Men of Lancaster County.
After reading this wonderful short story, this is a series that I definitely have to read. The author has such a beautiful descriptive voice that I felt as if I too stood there looking at the pond. You could almost feel the pain that Sadie's family felt at her disappearance.
If you are reading this series or thinking about it, this is a prequel that I would highly recommend!
After reading this wonderful short story, this is a series that I definitely have to read. The author has such a beautiful descriptive voice that I felt as if I too stood there looking at the pond. You could almost feel the pain that Sadie's family felt at her disappearance.
If you are reading this series or thinking about it, this is a prequel that I would highly recommend!
March 27, 2015
This is book had been on my to read list for a while. So I had forgotten what it was about. So, when I decided to read it today, I just thought it was some kinda period drama story. Then, as I started reading, I just thought it was about a family man on a farm.
Finally, all the clues connected and the light bulb in my head went off. Lilies on daybreak pond is an amish story. I was really surprised because all I know about the Amish is what's on Lifetime. But this story changed my view. It was very emotional and religious.
Finally, all the clues connected and the light bulb in my head went off. Lilies on daybreak pond is an amish story. I was really surprised because all I know about the Amish is what's on Lifetime. But this story changed my view. It was very emotional and religious.
October 26, 2015
This is an e-short prequel to the Amish Men Of Lancaster County series, showing how the father of our first hero's mother (in The Amish Groom) felt when his daughter left home without warning. A lost dog added insult to injury and the father is left floundering, unable to work, just trying to heal his relationship with God and come to terms with his loss. I enjoyed getting to know Joel a little better.
To those who read the prequel and are judging the series by this, don't. The series is wonderful, full length, and I totally loved all three books in the series.
Recommended.
To those who read the prequel and are judging the series by this, don't. The series is wonderful, full length, and I totally loved all three books in the series.
Recommended.
December 11, 2016
This is the story of daughter who suddenly leaves her Amish family. She is said to have left a note for the family but the author doesn't let us know what she wrote.
The girl's father can't accept the fact that she's gone and worries about her. His trust in God is the only thing that can help him in his sorrow. The lily pond she had created with so much love will always remind him of her
The girl's father can't accept the fact that she's gone and worries about her. His trust in God is the only thing that can help him in his sorrow. The lily pond she had created with so much love will always remind him of her
March 26, 2024
Not bad. Not great. Very slow. Not much plot. Could have been half the length or less and gotten every single thing across. But it was written well. Would consider reading more by Clark in the future due to the skill of the writing.
December 18, 2014
A short revelation of family and finding God's love in difficult situations. Well done.
January 7, 2015
Uplifting
I enjoyed this book. However I did hope his beloved daughter would have came back home with shadow in tow.
I enjoyed this book. However I did hope his beloved daughter would have came back home with shadow in tow.
August 25, 2015
Can't sleep
Not being able to sleep I grabbed my kindle to read. This was a nice little story and I now want to look for the rest of the books.
Not being able to sleep I grabbed my kindle to read. This was a nice little story and I now want to look for the rest of the books.
May 21, 2025
prequel for new series— men of Lancaster County
This was a good start to this series. It mostly focuses on the father of Sadie, who ran away to live in the English world. She’s not coming back, but her family misses her. Even her dog,Shadow has run away looking for her.
There are a few surprises toward the end and I read the preview of the first book in the series. I never do that because then when I read the book I think I’ve already read it.
Worth reading and I’m going to try to find the next book
The Amish groom, even the title sounds good.
I think this probably was a free download but not sure from the author or other.
This was a good start to this series. It mostly focuses on the father of Sadie, who ran away to live in the English world. She’s not coming back, but her family misses her. Even her dog,Shadow has run away looking for her.
There are a few surprises toward the end and I read the preview of the first book in the series. I never do that because then when I read the book I think I’ve already read it.
Worth reading and I’m going to try to find the next book
The Amish groom, even the title sounds good.
I think this probably was a free download but not sure from the author or other.
December 25, 2017
Grieving is also for the living.
Lilies on Daybreak Pond is a free eBook short story written by Mindy Stearns Clark as a prequel to her The Men of Lancaster County series. This short story tells us alot about the feelings of grief a family was dealing with after their daughter Sadie left the Amish for good. The characters in this story actually made you feel their loss and sadness. The descriptions of the pond actually bring the pond to life. The storyline was sad but also forgiving. The pond hard been Sadie's favorite place to reflect and then it became her father's refuge in his grieving process.
I was given a complimentary eBook copy to read. I was not approached at any time to post a favorable review. All opinions and statements expressed are strictly my own. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of an outstanding story that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to Mindy Stearns Clark for releasing such an amazing short story to build interest in her new series. I will be watching for more books to be released by this author in the future.
Lilies on Daybreak Pond is a free eBook short story written by Mindy Stearns Clark as a prequel to her The Men of Lancaster County series. This short story tells us alot about the feelings of grief a family was dealing with after their daughter Sadie left the Amish for good. The characters in this story actually made you feel their loss and sadness. The descriptions of the pond actually bring the pond to life. The storyline was sad but also forgiving. The pond hard been Sadie's favorite place to reflect and then it became her father's refuge in his grieving process.
I was given a complimentary eBook copy to read. I was not approached at any time to post a favorable review. All opinions and statements expressed are strictly my own. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of an outstanding story that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to Mindy Stearns Clark for releasing such an amazing short story to build interest in her new series. I will be watching for more books to be released by this author in the future.
January 26, 2023
Read via Kindle. 3.75 stars.
New author for me. The raw emotions of the dad were very touching. It was a short story but it was well done.
MY BOOK RATINGS:
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟The book was PHENOMENAL! It caused me to be impacted, challenged, and made me think. The book resonated with me and I didn’t want to leave the characters. It blew me out of the water so much that I told everyone and their 🦮 to read it!
🌟🌟🌟🌟I loved the book! Excellent work! I will read more of their books, without a doubt, and recommend the author to others.
🌟🌟🌟 I liked the book but I wasn’t as immersed as much as I wanted to be. I will likely try other books by this author to see if different books resonate with me more. Sometimes it’s simply personal taste, subject matter, or other circumstances.
🌟 🌟 I struggled to read the book and I didn’t enjoy one (or more) of the following: the storyline, the quality or style of writing, or the characters didn’t resonate with me. I likely wouldn’t ever read the author again.
🌟 I didn’t care for it at all but managed to skim through it, or finish, but barely. Definitely not for me.
New author for me. The raw emotions of the dad were very touching. It was a short story but it was well done.
MY BOOK RATINGS:
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟The book was PHENOMENAL! It caused me to be impacted, challenged, and made me think. The book resonated with me and I didn’t want to leave the characters. It blew me out of the water so much that I told everyone and their 🦮 to read it!
🌟🌟🌟🌟I loved the book! Excellent work! I will read more of their books, without a doubt, and recommend the author to others.
🌟🌟🌟 I liked the book but I wasn’t as immersed as much as I wanted to be. I will likely try other books by this author to see if different books resonate with me more. Sometimes it’s simply personal taste, subject matter, or other circumstances.
🌟 🌟 I struggled to read the book and I didn’t enjoy one (or more) of the following: the storyline, the quality or style of writing, or the characters didn’t resonate with me. I likely wouldn’t ever read the author again.
🌟 I didn’t care for it at all but managed to skim through it, or finish, but barely. Definitely not for me.
April 2, 2015
I liked this book -but it left me with lots of questions. Maybe this is what a good series book is supposed to do? I felt like I was in the middle of a story I knew nothing about and the answers were not easy to ascertain. In all fairness this was a free story download to my Kindle and this story just a tease for the series. If you enjoy 'clean reads' this series and author are what you are looking for -easy and fast and nice. Get your Library to buy this author.
September 7, 2017
The beginning was good bit then after about 10 min it was so so sad and ya get to the middle of the book and start thinking their is hope and. I'm trying to word this with. out giving anything away. I love this book I can read this 10 times over and not get tired of it. The end is so sweet I almost started crying. .
I love dogs and being outside. This book is so good if your into pup stories. The ending is so sweet.
I love dogs and being outside. This book is so good if your into pup stories. The ending is so sweet.
January 19, 2015
An instant attention getter! I'm glad I read this short story before starting the series which looks to be very good. Susan Meissner and Mindy Starns Clark are in my favorite authors list. The father drew me into his world and his feelings. Life goes on no matter what happens but sometimes we get stuck in our emotions. I loved how this was portrayed. Good beginning to a series!
July 29, 2015
Basically a story of a man searching for a lost dog. However, in this search he also tries to find peace because his daughter has left home with no indication of where she might be and the family is quite distraught. Not the most exciting book out there but it’s a good read if you’re looking for a change of pace and something different/ unusual.
December 30, 2015
This is a bittersweet short story that is a prequel to the Amish Men of Lancaster County series. It was not totally satisfying by itself, but that is probably the intention, so that you will read the series. God answers prayers in unusual ways in this one, and it was a beautiful example of an Amish family dealing with joy and heartache together.
November 13, 2016
This story is a prequel to the Men of Lancaster County series. If this is any indication os the series it should be fantastic. A missing dog brings back reminders of a daughter lost to this Amish family as she has run away.
November 13, 2015
It was a nice short story
December 16, 2015
I really do not like reading books out of order. It is a good thing this one was free.
It was so so.
It was so so.
January 7, 2018
I think I cried throughout this story, in a good way. I found and author to follow!
December 18, 2018
This is a nicely written book. Look out for the plethora of German words.
June 28, 2019
I enjoyed this prequel and look forward to reading more by Mindy Starns Clark.
May 12, 2020
Good
This story was way to short. It is a prequel. I liked the characters in this book. You can feel the emotions in this book.
This story was way to short. It is a prequel. I liked the characters in this book. You can feel the emotions in this book.
January 7, 2023
Nice
This story was pleasant to read and told just how each Amish family member is so important to all. Worth reading,, good lesson learned.
This story was pleasant to read and told just how each Amish family member is so important to all. Worth reading,, good lesson learned.
February 9, 2023
Nice read
Beautiful introduction to the series, Men of Lancaster County. A short story of Sadie who leaves Lancaster County and the father who won't stop searching.
Beautiful introduction to the series, Men of Lancaster County. A short story of Sadie who leaves Lancaster County and the father who won't stop searching.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews