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Neighbors of Lancaster County #2
Amish Sweethearts
Can These Two Friends from Opposite Worlds Find Love?
They've been best friends for years, but as high school ends, Zane Beck can't help but look at his Amish neighbor, Lila Lehman, with different eyes. Her controlling father sees only one future for Lila, though, and arranges for her to be courted by an upstanding young Amish man. When Zane sees the two together, his plans for the future crumble, and he impulsively enlists in the Army, following in his father's footsteps.
However, the passing of years and the distance between them isn't enough to halt their now hidden feelings for each other. If being together used to be difficult, it's now impossible, especially with the Amish opposed to war. Zane's service takes a dramatic turn when he's sent to Afghanistan. Being on the front line and the reality of taking a life has him questioning whether he can continue to serve or not. But all choices have consequences--both his and hers. With Lila preparing to marry another, will these one-time sweethearts ever find the life together that they both still long for?
They've been best friends for years, but as high school ends, Zane Beck can't help but look at his Amish neighbor, Lila Lehman, with different eyes. Her controlling father sees only one future for Lila, though, and arranges for her to be courted by an upstanding young Amish man. When Zane sees the two together, his plans for the future crumble, and he impulsively enlists in the Army, following in his father's footsteps.
However, the passing of years and the distance between them isn't enough to halt their now hidden feelings for each other. If being together used to be difficult, it's now impossible, especially with the Amish opposed to war. Zane's service takes a dramatic turn when he's sent to Afghanistan. Being on the front line and the reality of taking a life has him questioning whether he can continue to serve or not. But all choices have consequences--both his and hers. With Lila preparing to marry another, will these one-time sweethearts ever find the life together that they both still long for?
352 pages, Paperback
First published February 2, 2016
198 people are currently reading
697 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Gould
78 books600 followersLeslie Gould is the #1 bestselling and Christy Award-winning author of fifty novels. She received her MFA in 2009 and has taught writing on the university level. Leslie enjoys traveling, hiking, and history. She and her husband, Peter, are the parents of four adult children and two grandbabies. Visit her at http://www.lesliegould.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
May 18, 2016
AMISH SWEETHEARTS is the second book in Ms. Gould's Neighbor's of Lancaster County series. Fans will want to read the first book, Amish Promises, since this series does not stand alone.
I wanted to like AMISH SWEETHEARTS better than I did. I looked forward to reading Zane's and Lila's story. Zane grew up to be a wonderful young man, kind, considerate, and serving the country, like his dad and his dad's best friend, Charlie. He did end up second guessing his decision, but I'm sure that is normal for most young people in the military, especially those who are deployed for ongoing war. Lila moved on (sorta) loving Zane but being courted by Reuben, and she wouldn't talk to Zane when he was home, but then sulked when he respected her boundaries.
Zane and Lila were apart with no communication most of the book. It was a good read, Ms. Gould is a talented author, and I would call this women's fiction more than romance.
I wanted to like AMISH SWEETHEARTS better than I did. I looked forward to reading Zane's and Lila's story. Zane grew up to be a wonderful young man, kind, considerate, and serving the country, like his dad and his dad's best friend, Charlie. He did end up second guessing his decision, but I'm sure that is normal for most young people in the military, especially those who are deployed for ongoing war. Lila moved on (sorta) loving Zane but being courted by Reuben, and she wouldn't talk to Zane when he was home, but then sulked when he respected her boundaries.
Zane and Lila were apart with no communication most of the book. It was a good read, Ms. Gould is a talented author, and I would call this women's fiction more than romance.
February 8, 2016
Zane Beck and Lila Lehman have been neighbors for years, practically growing up together. They have played together along with Lila's brothers and sisters, being best friends to each other. The big problem being grown now is Lila is Amish and Zane is English. They are realizing their feelings for each other have changed but won't admit it to each other. Lila's father is pushing her to court and marry the bishop's son. She is pushing Zane away, so much so that he joins the army. Then he is deployed to Afghanistan in a war zone. Is there any way for them to ever admit that they love each other, and even if they do, almost impossible to have a relationship when their worlds are so far apart?
Leslie Gould has woven such a wonderful story together. From reading the first book in this series, Amish Promises, I grew to know the characters so well. And continued to learn more about them through this book. But you do not have to read the first novel to enjoy this one. There were moments of conflict, especially with Lila's dad, Tim, who almost always appears harsh with his kids as well as the Beck neighbors. I also think it's so sad that the girls are expected to run the Amish household like grown women because their mother is deceased. They practically don't get a childhood so it seems. And only getting an 8th grade education, the boys are expected to get a job or help with the farm work. This sometimes causes resentment or rebellion, as in the case of Simon, who in spite of being Amish, joins the army. There were some tense moments in the Afghanistan war zone while Zane was there as well. These were well researched by the author whose husband was in the service. Love and faith in what God's will for each life is emphasized and mentioned, especially when dilemmas are bringing confusion and uncertainty. Prayer, and always asking God for guidance is a good lesson for all of us. I will be looking for and anticipating another installment written about all these characters I've come to love and enjoy. I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher for my honest opinion, which I have given. I received no monetary compensation.
Leslie Gould has woven such a wonderful story together. From reading the first book in this series, Amish Promises, I grew to know the characters so well. And continued to learn more about them through this book. But you do not have to read the first novel to enjoy this one. There were moments of conflict, especially with Lila's dad, Tim, who almost always appears harsh with his kids as well as the Beck neighbors. I also think it's so sad that the girls are expected to run the Amish household like grown women because their mother is deceased. They practically don't get a childhood so it seems. And only getting an 8th grade education, the boys are expected to get a job or help with the farm work. This sometimes causes resentment or rebellion, as in the case of Simon, who in spite of being Amish, joins the army. There were some tense moments in the Afghanistan war zone while Zane was there as well. These were well researched by the author whose husband was in the service. Love and faith in what God's will for each life is emphasized and mentioned, especially when dilemmas are bringing confusion and uncertainty. Prayer, and always asking God for guidance is a good lesson for all of us. I will be looking for and anticipating another installment written about all these characters I've come to love and enjoy. I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher for my honest opinion, which I have given. I received no monetary compensation.
January 19, 2016
You need more than feelings to fuel a good marriage. You need a love that is steadfast, faithful, and strong.
If you have never read an Amish novel, I would encourage to pick up on this series of Lancaster County. As a Christian and a human being, these novels demonstrate commitment. Choosing the good thing to be committed to is a struggle but the rewards of living a life of commitment is eternal. Amish Sweethearts is a clash of three worlds. Neighbors Zane Beck and his English family and Lila Lehman and her Amish family. Lila and Zane grew up together being the best of friends. As they grew older and the attraction became more, Lila knew no good thing good come from continuing their friendship and more or less sent Zane to the Army to Afghanistan. Enter the clash of the third world. In his mission of helping the Afghanistan people, he longs for a way for him and Lila to be together. Lila has moved on with the courtship of Reuben the Bishop's son of her Amish community. Her heart however, has not moved on. Delaying marriage and thinking about Zane realizing that Zane is the one that feeds her soul. Both Lila and Zane both come to realize what true commitment is and that commitment starts with being honest with yourself.
Some of the quotes I found inspiring and endearing.
He also made her heart break in two. But he did make her feel, that was for certain.
Decisions made with the brain and decisions made with the heart. Those heart ones are hard to control sometimes. I think God expects us to protect those who are vulnerable.
He didn't deserve her, but he guessed that was what love was.
The Amish girl is telling me to go back to find my peace?
She was the biggest liar she knew. Please forgive me, she prayed. She needed the community of her church, but she needed Christ's salvation more.
I absolutely loved this book. It speaks to the heart of what we all crave in commitment. It speaks to the heart of Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God."
A Special Thank You to Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
If you have never read an Amish novel, I would encourage to pick up on this series of Lancaster County. As a Christian and a human being, these novels demonstrate commitment. Choosing the good thing to be committed to is a struggle but the rewards of living a life of commitment is eternal. Amish Sweethearts is a clash of three worlds. Neighbors Zane Beck and his English family and Lila Lehman and her Amish family. Lila and Zane grew up together being the best of friends. As they grew older and the attraction became more, Lila knew no good thing good come from continuing their friendship and more or less sent Zane to the Army to Afghanistan. Enter the clash of the third world. In his mission of helping the Afghanistan people, he longs for a way for him and Lila to be together. Lila has moved on with the courtship of Reuben the Bishop's son of her Amish community. Her heart however, has not moved on. Delaying marriage and thinking about Zane realizing that Zane is the one that feeds her soul. Both Lila and Zane both come to realize what true commitment is and that commitment starts with being honest with yourself.
Some of the quotes I found inspiring and endearing.
He also made her heart break in two. But he did make her feel, that was for certain.
Decisions made with the brain and decisions made with the heart. Those heart ones are hard to control sometimes. I think God expects us to protect those who are vulnerable.
He didn't deserve her, but he guessed that was what love was.
The Amish girl is telling me to go back to find my peace?
She was the biggest liar she knew. Please forgive me, she prayed. She needed the community of her church, but she needed Christ's salvation more.
I absolutely loved this book. It speaks to the heart of what we all crave in commitment. It speaks to the heart of Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God."
A Special Thank You to Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
February 18, 2016
In the second book in the Neighbors of Lancaster County the stories of the Lehmans and the Becks continue as their children have matured. As children Zane and Lila played together and shared their dreams. All that changed when Lila's father arranged for her to court an Amish man from her community. Zane couldn't watch Lila with Reuben, and made an impulsive decision to join the Army rather than seeing his beautiful friend courted by another.
Amish Sweethearts is a powerful story of relationships and grave disappointments. Overwhelming responsibilities play a major role in this touching story of two very different families and the beliefs that separate them. Danger has become a way of life for Zane as he is shipped to Afghanistan with no guarantees he'll return home. His faith is the only thing that keeps him going. Lila continues to court Reuben while questioning if she can truly love him. When past family secrets surface Lila must consider all options.
Leslie Gould has created an extraordinary novel developing the lives of two very different cultures through their likenesses and differences. Although beliefs and customs separate the two cultures, humans still share the same needs and desires. Two stories woven into one very dramatic narrative create a strong human element that evokes a plethora of emotions throughout the novel. I highly recommend Amish Sweethearts. In my opinion this is Leslie Gould's most impressive novel to date!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author and Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. All expressions opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
Amish Sweethearts is a powerful story of relationships and grave disappointments. Overwhelming responsibilities play a major role in this touching story of two very different families and the beliefs that separate them. Danger has become a way of life for Zane as he is shipped to Afghanistan with no guarantees he'll return home. His faith is the only thing that keeps him going. Lila continues to court Reuben while questioning if she can truly love him. When past family secrets surface Lila must consider all options.
Leslie Gould has created an extraordinary novel developing the lives of two very different cultures through their likenesses and differences. Although beliefs and customs separate the two cultures, humans still share the same needs and desires. Two stories woven into one very dramatic narrative create a strong human element that evokes a plethora of emotions throughout the novel. I highly recommend Amish Sweethearts. In my opinion this is Leslie Gould's most impressive novel to date!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author and Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. All expressions opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
January 31, 2016
I do not read very many Amish books. This was a free read from Bethany Books for review, but I did enjoy the story. It was a Book Two, but stood alone well. I do wish I had read the beginning of the friendship between Zane, a Mennonite neighbor, of Lila Lehman. Seems they played together and met frequently at a special fort during their late child years and teen years. When they got towards adulthood, they didn't know for sure how to process their relationship, being from two different church backgrounds. One thing Lila knew for sure though was that she enjoyed being around Zane, his zeal for adventure, learning, and the ability to listen. She didn't finish high school, but Zane included her in this studies and they shared many subjects. Finally her father agrees for his daughter to be courted by a young Amish boy, Reuben, whom Lila also knew from church. She believed in commitment and thought that maybe she could learn to love him and that her time with Zane was over, and just a childhood crush. But she never felt entirely comfortable with him, very joyful or fulfilled. Her thoughts would always go back to Zane. Zane was so confusedf over his feelings and her courting, that although he had been a conscientious objector, he joined the Army to get away and think. It was a good thing and a bad thing, but eventually gave Lila time to see her mistake in not being honest to Reuben or Zane. The rest of the story is sweet...read it and see!
This book was provided free by Bethany/Baker Books. All opinions are my own.
This book was provided free by Bethany/Baker Books. All opinions are my own.
March 20, 2016
They gave up on each other sometime ago. Or so they had convinced themselves. When Zane Beck returns to sleepy Lancaster County he encounters his old, Amish sweetheart, Lila Lehman. And it's obvious nether one ever quite let go of the other. But they come from two different worlds and Zane has since joined the military. Anything that may at one time had been a possibility is now out of the question. And Lila's quiet and steady beau is getting impatient for her to say "yes" to his proposals. When Zane is sent to Afghanistan he tries to keep casual communication up with Lila. When disaster strikes, the two must decide what they intend to do with their futures.
Once upon a time I had an interest in Amish stories. I flat out devoured those types of books. But I've gotten past that phase since then. When I saw an acquaintance reading something by this author, I thought, what the heck, give it ago. So here I am. While this wasn't a bad book, it wasn't a great book either. I couldn't quite get into the charters or bring myself to care about any of them. I'm sure that readers who enjoy Amish stories will love it, but for me - well, I can definitely say no more Amish stories for me.
DISCLAIMER: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” we would like to note that we received a copy of “Amish Sweethearts” provided by the publishers, Bethany House, in exchange for our honest review.
reetchampionbookreviews.wordpress.com
Once upon a time I had an interest in Amish stories. I flat out devoured those types of books. But I've gotten past that phase since then. When I saw an acquaintance reading something by this author, I thought, what the heck, give it ago. So here I am. While this wasn't a bad book, it wasn't a great book either. I couldn't quite get into the charters or bring myself to care about any of them. I'm sure that readers who enjoy Amish stories will love it, but for me - well, I can definitely say no more Amish stories for me.
DISCLAIMER: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” we would like to note that we received a copy of “Amish Sweethearts” provided by the publishers, Bethany House, in exchange for our honest review.
reetchampionbookreviews.wordpress.com
February 10, 2016
This novel underwhelmed me with its love story. I'm not a fan of the friends to lovers trope and especially not a fan when I can't understand why the characters went that route. You can see my full review at http://likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookRev...
March 27, 2016
This is book #2 in Neighbors of Lancaster County. Another great read by Leslie Gould! Can't wait to read #3.
March 10, 2018
This is another good book written by Leslie Gould. The Amish people try to live simply, yet life can be complex at times for them. The love between Lila and Zane is truly special and complex in its own way. It started off as a typical childhood friendship and only grew stronger as the years went by.
Zane joins the military--not something that the Amish approve of as this culture is generally known for being pacifists. I imagine that it would be hard to navigate the societal norms of Amish life when a person has a military background. But Zane learns a lot from his job assignment. The Aghan people are just as simple (or even more simple) than the Amish. They value family, community, and peace. He understands the importance of building relationships with the locals because they need to be valued as people.
While Zane is away on a tour of duty, Lila must decide her own future. Should she comply with her family's wishes and marry the bishop's son or should she find someone else that she truly loves? Someone who understands her as much as Zane does? She's not your ordinary Amish girl--she loves poetry and current events. She's very open-minded to learning more about the world around her--because Zane loved to share his knowledge of things with her.
The two have a beautiful friendship that makes me wish I had someone like that in my life. I don't think I would have made the same "rash" decisions that they made, but I do understand their reasons at the time. Emotions do run high and sometimes we make decisions without fully thinking things through.
A good book to read.
Zane joins the military--not something that the Amish approve of as this culture is generally known for being pacifists. I imagine that it would be hard to navigate the societal norms of Amish life when a person has a military background. But Zane learns a lot from his job assignment. The Aghan people are just as simple (or even more simple) than the Amish. They value family, community, and peace. He understands the importance of building relationships with the locals because they need to be valued as people.
While Zane is away on a tour of duty, Lila must decide her own future. Should she comply with her family's wishes and marry the bishop's son or should she find someone else that she truly loves? Someone who understands her as much as Zane does? She's not your ordinary Amish girl--she loves poetry and current events. She's very open-minded to learning more about the world around her--because Zane loved to share his knowledge of things with her.
The two have a beautiful friendship that makes me wish I had someone like that in my life. I don't think I would have made the same "rash" decisions that they made, but I do understand their reasons at the time. Emotions do run high and sometimes we make decisions without fully thinking things through.
A good book to read.
October 23, 2025
This one wrecked me in the best way. The emotional stakes are higher, the characters are older, and the whole forbidden-love angle between Zane and Lila had me listening at 1 a.m.
Spoilers ahead!
The moment I realized Zane had actually joined the military, I gasped out loud. The same kid who grew up surrounded by Amish pacifism and vowed never to repeat his father’s mistakes? Oh, the irony and heartbreak! And Lila trying to stay faithful to her Amish vows while her heart is clearly not staying put, it’s beautifully painful.
The letters between them broke me. And when he comes home on leave and [spoiler: they share that brief, intense reunion only for her to recommit to the Amish faith after his departure] I was devastated and weirdly proud of both of them.
This book isn’t just about love, it’s about identity, calling, and the cost of convictions. It’s quieter than Book 1 but hits deeper.
Spoilers ahead!
The moment I realized Zane had actually joined the military, I gasped out loud. The same kid who grew up surrounded by Amish pacifism and vowed never to repeat his father’s mistakes? Oh, the irony and heartbreak! And Lila trying to stay faithful to her Amish vows while her heart is clearly not staying put, it’s beautifully painful.
The letters between them broke me. And when he comes home on leave and [spoiler: they share that brief, intense reunion only for her to recommit to the Amish faith after his departure] I was devastated and weirdly proud of both of them.
This book isn’t just about love, it’s about identity, calling, and the cost of convictions. It’s quieter than Book 1 but hits deeper.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2017
Amish Sweethearts is the second book in the Neighbors of Lancaster County series. It focuses on the Beck and Lehman families. The Beck's are Englisch and the Lehman's are Amish. This book continues the story that began in Amish Promises. The setting is six years later and Zane and Lila are now young adults.
They both have deep feelings for each other but find the barriers between their two worlds insurmountable. In an act of defiance and an easy way to move on Zane joins the Army and Lila becomes engaged to Reuban, a fellow Amishman.
I was intrigued by the tension of beliefs versus circumstances. I thought that Leslie Gould did a marvelous job of giving insight into nonresistance. We got a good look at the complexity of beliefs and human nature. I highly recommend this series.
They both have deep feelings for each other but find the barriers between their two worlds insurmountable. In an act of defiance and an easy way to move on Zane joins the Army and Lila becomes engaged to Reuban, a fellow Amishman.
I was intrigued by the tension of beliefs versus circumstances. I thought that Leslie Gould did a marvelous job of giving insight into nonresistance. We got a good look at the complexity of beliefs and human nature. I highly recommend this series.
May 31, 2018
3.5 stars. Amish Sweethearts is the second book in the Neighbor of Lancaster County series. You do need to read this series in order as they are not stand alone novels really. The first book featured Shani and Joel and their elementary son Zane. I enjoyed the first book immensely and even though this second book was good, it felt more like a young adult book to me. That is because this second book follows the son Zane all grown up. He rushingly joins the military at 18 because he is trying to get as far away from the girl he loves, Lila, who is Amish and as a result they can’t be together. The story follows both Zane and Lila as they grow and mature. I enjoyed following Zane and watching him become a man but I didn’t relate to this book as much as I did to the first book.
October 2, 2024
2nd book of the Neighbors of Lancaster County series and an excellent read. There was a little more involvement in outside lives and Lila and Zane were focused more. They had always wanted to marry byte with Lila Amish and Zane English and have joined rte army and killed someone there was likely know way they could very be together. With more understanding and socializing between English, Amish and Mennonite they had several other options. The next book in the series ia Amish Weddings which could prove to be interesting..
November 30, 2021
Amish Sweethearts
I loved this amazing love story about Lila and Zane. Lila is Amish and Zane is an Englisher enlisted in the Army. They grew up as neighbors and were best friends before they fell in love. The characters are great and the strife with Lila's Dad and her failed relationship with an Amish man and her love for an Englisher made for an interesting story. I highly recommend this book and the who!e series for clean romance books centered around Amish life.
I loved this amazing love story about Lila and Zane. Lila is Amish and Zane is an Englisher enlisted in the Army. They grew up as neighbors and were best friends before they fell in love. The characters are great and the strife with Lila's Dad and her failed relationship with an Amish man and her love for an Englisher made for an interesting story. I highly recommend this book and the who!e series for clean romance books centered around Amish life.
June 18, 2024
Love is a strong bond! When you find that true love, it is nearly impossible to break that connection or shake that feeling. Clearly Casey was smitten with Zane, but realized in the end she would not have him. Zane was clearly in love with Lila! And she with he. Love can make us do really stupid things. Fortunately, they were both smart enough to correct their course. In the end, it all worked out. Phenomenal read, one to re-read in the future.
Read
April 26, 2020First time I have read a series of books. I like it. I like the continuation of family members. I like reading about the family members as they have grown into adults. Leslie Gould is an excellent story teller. She is easy to follow. She really knows how to get her reader into the minds of the character.
April 24, 2022
A friendship that seemed unlikely to start with but has found it’s way through their differences, time and different colours worlds. These two sweethearts come from competely different worlds though their feelings hidden that never faded it’s an amazing story of a true friendship and a beautiful love story too. I’m looking my forward to reading the next book in this series!!!
December 30, 2023
I really enjoyed this series, even though I read the books out of order. Zane and Lila together are very sweet. I did have a few problems with the story, one of them being Zane and the fact that he wanted to abandon his commitment to the military. I did respect him for making the right decision in the end though. I also respected Lila for standing by her convictions, something we all should do.
May 4, 2017
Patience
The people involved in this story certainly were patient. I would have given five stars but the story lagged on some. It was , for the most part, very interesting. I would recommend it if you love the Amish stories and life as I do.
The people involved in this story certainly were patient. I would have given five stars but the story lagged on some. It was , for the most part, very interesting. I would recommend it if you love the Amish stories and life as I do.
October 16, 2020
A Love Worth Fighting For
This is a very sweet story involving an English boy named Zane and an Amish girl named Lila, the Army, a fiance, and a love that should never be. Read it and enjoy every page.
This is a very sweet story involving an English boy named Zane and an Amish girl named Lila, the Army, a fiance, and a love that should never be. Read it and enjoy every page.
November 19, 2020
This book was even better then the first. I liked the mixture of fighting in the book. I still don't think it portrays an accurate representation of the Amish though. Other then that, the book was very good.
February 7, 2021
Touching story about an Amish girl and English boy who grow up as childhood friends. Their lives become complicated as they grow up, falling for one another but each choosing a different path. Lilah joins the Church and Zane joins the military.
November 20, 2023
Lila and Zane are best friends but since Lila is Amish they both figure out it can’t go any farther. Zane joins the military and what he sees at war makes him plan to move to Canada. Lila and Zane have a lot of big choices to make.
May 26, 2017
love it but ending doesn't say what Happened with Zane and lila
December 4, 2017
Simply amazing. Leslie will keep you on the edge of your seats wondering how things turn out for 2 of the characters. This series is a definite must read. Highly recommend
October 20, 2018
Interesting people involved in this story, who certainly were patient.
I would have given the book 5 stars because the story lagged on some. For the most part, very interesting read.
I would have given the book 5 stars because the story lagged on some. For the most part, very interesting read.
July 23, 2019
I really enjoyed this book! The characters and storyline were wonderful. I am excited to read the final book in this series.
September 11, 2019
Fabulous sequel to the first book! I highly recommend this !!
January 2, 2020
4.5 stars
September 17, 2020
Once I remembered who all the characters were and their situations, then I really loved this book. It is much more than the usual Amish love story. Looking forward to the next installment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews