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Coming Home #2

Seasons in Paradise: The Coming Home Series - Book 2

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Sam Stoltzfus left the Amish community and followed his older brother, David, into the Englisch world, walking away from a chance for love. Sam had clashed with his father, but is there more to his leaving the community than what he says?

Mary Elizabeth, the woman he was starting to love before he left, is determined to find out the reason and bring him back into the fold in time for Christmas.

320 pages, Paperback

Published August 2, 2016

4 people are currently reading
100 people want to read

About the author

Barbara Cameron

90 books224 followers
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

CBD, CBA, and ECPA bestselling author of 24 books (including new series upcoming for Abingdon Press in 2011/2012) including fiction and non-fiction books for Abingdon Press, Thomas Nelson, Harlequin, and other publishers.

I sold three films to HBO/Cinemax and am the first winner of the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award.

My two novellas won the 2nd and 3rd place in the Inspirational Readers Choice Contest from the Faith, Love, and Hope chapter of RWA. Both were finalists for the novella category of the Carol Award of the American Christian Writers Award (ACFW).

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Tina Watson.
314 reviews
August 10, 2017
"Seasons in Paradise" by Barbara Cameron is the second book in the series Coming Home. It's about the three Zook sisters and the three Stoltzfus brothers, who all live in the same church community and on the same road.

"Seasons in Paradise" picks up where "Return to Paradise" left off but we read about the middle Zook sister and middle Stoltzfus brother relationship and their story of struggle, forgiveness, and strong faith to repair their relationships and others.
Barbara Cameron even adds a surprise in "Seasons in Paradise" for us readers.

I loved this book. I love reading about how even among the characters struggles that they still hold onto their faith. Forgiving a loved one is no easy task either and Barbara shows us that throughout this series. Hope is also shown in this book and even the smallest hope can have a big impact on a person and family. I highly recommend this series as a must read and to have in your personal collection.

I received a free copy from NetGalley with the only request to write an honest review about the book. No money was exchanged. This is my review written in my own words.
Profile Image for Cherese Akhavein.
427 reviews
March 4, 2017
There is a saying, If you don't like something change it! Well when Sam left the Amish community he walked away from not only his abusive father and loving mother but Mary Elizabeth who he was starting to fall in love with. Now can Mary Elizabeth show him the way back to the community and her heart or is it to little to late for Sam.
Can one just let the past go or is it possible to have enough faith to move forward?
Barbara Cameron has a wonderful way of paving the road so you feel that you are walking right along with these characters. You will not be dissatisfied with this book.
404 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2024
very good book rally enjoyed it
Profile Image for Kristina Anderson.
4,098 reviews84 followers
August 21, 2016
Seasons in Paradise by Barbara Cameron is the second book in The Coming Home series. Mary Elizabeth Zook is twenty-three years old and living with her family in Paradise, Pennsylvania. Mary Elizabeth is in love with Sam Stoltzfus, but Sam has left the Amish because of his father’s domineering ways (all three brothers left). Sam’s father, Amos, was recently diagnosed with an illness and it has caused him to change his ways (it is still a work in progress). Sam has yet to see this change aimed in his direction (he only seems different with David who married Lavina, the oldest Zook girl). Mary Elizabeth needs to make a decision. Either move on with her life, or find a way to bring Sam back into the fold. Sam takes Mary Elizabeth aside one day and tells her that he is not coming back to the community. While Mary Elizabeth is heartbroken, she knows she needs to move on with her life. Ben Miller is new to Paradise, and he takes an interest in Mary Elizabeth. They start spending time together.

Mary Elizabeth, Kate Kraft (a local police officer) and Rose Anna (the youngest Zook sister) donate time to a local women’s shelter. They teach the women to sew and makes quilted items. Leah, owner of Stitches in Time (local quilting store), purchases the building next door to her shop. Leah is going to allow the women from the shelter to sell their work in the shop which will be called Sewn in Hope. Sam and his friend, Peter Beiler form their own construction company, and they are hired to do the remodeling work for the new shop. This brings Sam in touch with Mary Elizabeth on a regular basis. Ben does not like Mary Elizabeth around Sam and wants her to avoid it. This is a new side to Ben that Mary Elizabeth does not like (he is a little domineering). Sam does not like seeing Mary Elizabeth with another man. Can Sam make amends with his father and return to the Amish way of life (and Mary Elizabeth)? Which man is the right one for Mary Elizabeth? Join Mary Elizabeth, Sam, and friends in Paradise, Pennsylvania in Seasons in Paradise!

Seasons in Paradise is the second novel in the series, but it can be read as a stand-alone novel. The author does a very good job at summarizing what happened in the previous novel. Seasons in Paradise is well-written, easy to read, and has a good pace (flows well). It is a sweet, simple romance story that makes for good reading on a rainy afternoon (or sitting at the beach). While it is a predictable story, I still enjoyed it (I closed the book with a smile on my face). I enjoyed seeing how the women in the shelter had made progress with their lives (and seeing people donating their time to help others). The next book will deal with the third sister, Rose Anna. I give Seasons in Paradise 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I will be reading the next book in the series to see what happens with Rose Anna (see if she winds up with the last Stoltzfus brother).

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for a review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Profile Image for Shelly Itkin.
462 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2016
Ms. Cameron has written a delightful and very enjoyable story about how life can change when you least expect it.
Sam and his brothers David and John were not happy and so they moved into the English world.
When Sam's father got sick, David returned home and not only took care and helped his dad but married Lavina who was afraid she had lost him to the English. It had taken over a year of her hoping and praying and miracles do happen as he returned to help his dad and then marry Lavina whom had loved him since a child.

Unfortunately, Mary Elizabeth still missed Sam who had moved way and Rose Anna was missing John. It was funny how the three Stoltzfus brothers had found happiness and love with the three Zook daughters. The problem was Sam and John had no intention of moving home. Therefore Mary Elizabeth and Rose Anna felt they might never get a chance to experience the happiness there oldest sister, Lavina now married and pregnant had.

Lavina reminded Mary Elizabeth how it had taken David over a year to return and reminding her that God has a hand in things and he will help. Mary Elizabeth would like him back before Christmas but the way things are going it does not seem likely. When fate with the help of God changes things the results can be amazing and good things can happen to those who wait. I love the closeness and caring that the Amish have for their friends and neighbors and how happy they can be with the smallest of things. It is nice to see how family members gather around the table for home cooked meals and care and help each other. I recommend this book highly and it is perfect to share with friends as a small holiday gift.
Profile Image for Becky.
847 reviews17 followers
February 8, 2017
I think everyone believes their hometown is the most perfect place in the world. At least it's that way for me. This afternoon I finished reading Seasons in Paradise by Barbara Cameron, and her characters love their hometown. Mary Elizabeth loves the fall in her hometown, the sights and smells of autumn delight her. The only thing that is not well in her world is the fact that the one man she truly loves has left the Amish church and basically told her that there is no hope for a future together because of his father's behavior.

Ben Miller moves to town and decides to court Mary Elizabeth, and that hurts Sam Stolzfus to think that Mary Elizabeth has moved on without him.

Barbara Cameron has done an excellent job developing her characters and making them real. I was sad when Ben dropped out of sight in the book after Mary Elizabeth broke up with him. Because of Mary Elizabeth's work with the women's shelter ladies, I thought Ben might have been an abusive husband looking for his wife or something. Or that he was going to become a stalker, or do some other nefarious deeds. But, I was wrong. Once he was kicked to the curb, he basically dropped out of the book. The setting is perfect--farmland in Pennsylvania, with just a touch of town thrown in for good measure. The pacing of the novel is steady with a touch of sweetness (and a grandfather who likes extra slices of pie).

Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a slice of your favorite pie.

My thanks to Abingdon Press for allowing me to read and review this book.
Profile Image for Lori.
1,892 reviews134 followers
August 24, 2016
Oh my! I finished this book today. All in one day! That's how good it was!
God is good is he not?
Just when Mary Elizabeth lost hope in ever getting married God helps her along the way.
Mary Elizabeth is a pretty cool Amish woman. I loved how she bounces back after having her hopes up about marrying Sam.
Mary Elizabeth is a woman of many talents from cooking, sewing, whatever the case may be.
I just knew it was wrong when she was dating Ben because she was trying to show Sam up but I also knew she was using Ben as a rebound which isn't good either!
Aren't men just so hardheaded? Sam just goes to prove it by running away from home with his 2 brothers. Their father wasn't good to them but maybe it had something to do with the way he was raised? Some parents doesn't know how to show their affection especially men. From what I hear, it is more difficult for them to show their feelings which I think is a lot of malarkey. They're human too.
Sams mother mentions that it took Lavina to marry David to get him to come home. She also mentions it about Sam. It took someone to tell her that it was God's will that Sam might come home? Who knows? Only God does!
I am so so happy for Lavina! She's a wonderful inspiration as well.
Isn't there a pattern here? I think the Stolzfus's mirror the Zooks. I believe each of their children were meant for each other but sometimes it just takes a little nudge from God to help show us the way and that is why I love this story. This is why I gave 5 stars to this wonderful book
Barbara is an excellent storyteller!
Profile Image for Jeanie.
3,093 reviews1 follower
October 19, 2016
I want a life with you, Sam. It seems to me we got yet another chance at it. God didn't promise us easy, but we can make it something special.

The second book of the Paradise series. The first one Return to Paradise deals with two sets of families. The Zook family with three daughters that have grown up and have come fond of the Stoltzfus brothers. The families represent a contrast of Amish living. The Zook family is loving and supportive while the Stoltzfus family is more dysfunctional dealing with the father's anger. Because of their father, the brothers have left the Amish community to set out on their own. The 2nd book deals with Mary Elizabeth, the 2nd daughter who has her heart set on Sam Stoltzfus. With Sam indicating that they have no future, Mary must come to terms and learns something about herself and the faithfulness of God.

Seasons in Paradise is a journey of Mary coping with a broken heart and putting her eyes on others. She is endearing and firm and I have enjoyed getting to know her. Sam must struggle with forgiveness and losing the love of the woman he cares much for. He must learn patience and trust which is always difficult to learn and maneuver in life. I have enjoyed the series as it deals with family community and the ties that are never broken.

A Special Thank You to Abingdon Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Profile Image for Pamela Pavkov.
1,264 reviews22 followers
September 28, 2016
Seasons in Paradise is the second book in The Coming Home series written by Barbara Cameron. This book is centered around Mary Elizabeth Zook and her lost love, Sam Stoltzfus. Sam had left his Amish community because of the abuse his father put him and his two brothers thru.

The characters are well described and their personalities are as well. This book shows us that it is never to late to go home and make things right, however, it is not done without alot of difficulties. Sam wonders if he has waited to long because Mary Elizabeth has started seeing someone new. Will Sam be able to convince Mary Elizabeth that they still belong together?

Another underlying story is also taking place in the book which deals with the battered and abused women and childrens center. What will a great idea from Leah do to help these ladies to heal?

This is a heartwarming story of love and forgiveness and that you should never give up on your faith. I enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it to others.

I was not given a complimentary copy of this book for review. I am submitting my honest review so that more fans of the Amish Romance genre can consider reading this book. I have rated this book with five stars for a wonderful story that met my expectations.

Congratulations to Barbara Cameron on another great addition to her series and I will be watching for the release of book three.
Profile Image for Marilyn.
1,281 reviews
October 3, 2016
Seasons in Paradise, book two in the Coming Home series, was an enjoyable read with the continuation of the Zook sisters and Stoltzfus brothers. This book was centered the middle sister and brother, Mary Elizabeth and Sam. I was glad to connect with the characters from book one, Return to Paradise, to see what was happening in their lives. After all, characters in books become like family members.

Mary Elizabeth wanted Sam to return to Paradise, just like his older brother David had with him marrying her sister, Lavina. Mary Elizabeth was going to the Stoltzfus home to assist Lavina during her pregnancy and saw Sam there that renewed her vow to win him back to their Amish community. Sam was drawn to Lavina, but informed her she should date someone else since it had been a year with him leaving his family’s farm and their community.

There are some unexpected twists and turns that created tension between characters and words being spoken that were hurtful. Will Sam and Lavina be able to forgive and more forward or will Lavina give her heart to a new member in the community?

Cameron’s characters are well developed with plenty of laughs, tears, determination and faith that kept me turning each page until I finished Seasons in Paradise. This book can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading book one first. I look forward to reading book 3, Home to Paradise, to discover the story about the youngest sister, Rose Anna and brother, John.


Profile Image for Sarah.
1,115 reviews8 followers
July 24, 2016
Sam is wondering if leaving the amish community was such a great idea is he really following what God wills or is he follow his own heart after all he went through at home. He needs to figure it out and quit, he already told Mary Elizabeth he was gone for good but rumor has it she has found herself another man, thats a good thing right? Will he be able to figure it all out and have the girl of his dreams or will someone come along who's better for her? Mary Elizabeth is so frustrated with Sam he's been the love of her life for so long and when he left he took her heart with him. He is to stubborn and pig headed to see it, but will she be able to work with him when things change around her sisters house. Will she be able to get him to see she is worth coming home to or is it time to move on with the new fellow in the area?
I really really enjoyed this book almost as much as the first one. I love reading about the Amish and there simple life style thats not always that simple. I love how once again the author touched on some tough subjects. I don't think there was anything I did not like about the book. I had a really hard time putting this book down, I so wanted to know what these fun characters where up to.
I truly love that this is the perfect read for anyone and I can't wait to pick this one up for my nieces.
Profile Image for Maureen Timerman.
3,248 reviews493 followers
August 2, 2016
This is the second book in this series about the Zook sisters and the Stoltzfus brothers. In the previous book we find the reuniting of Lavinia Zook and David Stoltzfus, and they are now married and expecting a baby.
Mary Elizabeth Zook and Sam Stolzfus had been seeing each other, and expected to marry, when Sam left to go English. Family has brought Sam back, not to the church. He is in his free time helping his brother David on the farm, and because David is married to Lavinia, has contact with Mary Elizabeth. He finally tells Mary Elizabeth that she needs to move on with her life, he is not coming back.
So enter Ben, a new member of the community, and he quickly becomes smitten with Mary Elizabeth, and doesn’t want her around Sam. Now our Mary Elizabeth is a sweet, loving, caring Amish woman, but will she take kindly to being told what to do?
Will Ben end up with Mary Elizabeth, or will Sam give up his truck and English life and return to the fold of his Amish life. For Sam he seems to have a lot to give up, but will Ben be the catalyst of his return, or will Ben have the upper hand and win?
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Abingdon, and was not required to give a positive review
Profile Image for Kristen.
2,099 reviews161 followers
October 21, 2016
In Barbara Cameron's Seasons of Paradise, the second installment in the Coming Home Inspirational Romance series, this beautiful story would move you to tears and tug your heart. For Mary Elizabeth Zook, she lives and works with her Amish family in Paradise, Pennsylvania in Lancaster County. All her life, she wants to be with Sam Stoltzfus and have a life with him. Ever since he left his community to live with the English, she gave up on him and moved on to be with Ben Miller. And her older sister Lavina prepares to have her first child with her brother-in-law. As Sam dealt with such acrimony with his father, he rarely came home to the farm, except when his father was diagnosed with cancer and helped David out. As he tried to find a place in her heart, he wants to live his own life and have worked hard with his friend Peter. Later, Sam and Mary Elizabeth became friends together as they let God guide them to be back together to start a new life as a couple.
Profile Image for Lorraine.
158 reviews3 followers
August 18, 2016
This second book of the Coming Home Series finds us revisiting the Zook sisters and the Stoltzfus brothers. The three brothers had left home because of their stern father. The eldest, David, had returned to the home and community when their father was diagnosed with cancer. He married Lavina Zook and they are expecting their first child. Sam and John were still in town and John was enjoying his “English” life.

Barbara Cameron writes a wonderful story of hurt, love, forgiveness and following God’s will. Pick up a copy to see if Sam and John ever return and if father/son relationships mend. What of Mary Elizabeth and Rose Anna Zook? They were in love with Sam and John. What of those relationships?

Profile Image for Dawn.
598 reviews6 followers
Read
January 1, 2017
A must read book for Barbara Cameron readers. Book 2 follows the story of Mary Elizabeth and Sam. When Sam's older brother returns to the Amish and marries Mary Elizabeth's sister, Sam and his brother John decided they could not return to the Amish home they grew up in. Mary Elizabeth is upset over Sam's not returning and after a while decides to attend Singings. She meets Ben who seems to be jealous of Sam and forbids Mary Elizabeth from even talking to Sam. Will Mary Elizabeth make the right choice and will Sam return home. This book allows reader to experience that everything is not what it seems. Never give up hope and learn to forgive.
44 reviews5 followers
May 3, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is the second book in The Coming Home Series by Barbara Cameron. This is the first book I have read from this author and look forward to reading more. I could feel Sam's turmoil as he tries to find his place in the English world only to realize that he misses his Amish faith/community. His past relationship with his father is what is holding him back from returning. Can he truly believe that his father has changed? Can the love for Mary Elizabeth lead him back home? I was able to read this book through NetGalley.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews

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