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The Amish Wonders #1
A Miracle of Hope
Will their marriage survive their struggles, or will their hearts become as cold as the northern winter? Lindie Wyse thinks an arranged marriage is the only way to preserve a future for herself and her unborn child. Josiah Plank is certain he’ll never love again, but he needs someone to care for his deaf eight-year-old daughter, Hannah. The two take on their arrangement tentatively at first but soon realize they are each in for more than they imagined. After a short time, Lindie experiences a breakthrough with Hannah when she recognizes the child’s special gifts, but a risky pregnancy and serious health issues threaten to demolish the foundation Josiah and Lindie are building—and the love that is growing between them. “Ruth Reid pens a touching story of grace, love, and God's mercy in the midst of uncertainty. A must-read for Amish fiction fans!” —Kathleen Fuller, bestselling author of the Hearts of Middlefield series, for A Miracle of Hope “Ruth Reid is skillful in portraying the Amish way of life as well as weaving together miracles with the everyday. In this book, she writes a beautiful tale of romance, redemption, and faith.” —Beth Wiseman, bestselling author of the Daughters of the Promise series, for A Miracle of Hope
352 pages, Paperback
First published December 31, 2013
48 people are currently reading
1338 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Reid
25 books373 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Ruth Reid is a CBA and ECPA best-selling author of the Heaven on Earth series. She's a full-time pharmacist who resides in Florida with her husband and three children.
Ruth Reid is a CBA and ECPA best-selling author of the Heaven on Earth series. She's a full-time pharmacist who resides in Florida with her husband and three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
September 8, 2014
The best Amish fiction I've read yet this year!
This was such a wonderful story!! I think it has to be the best Amish fiction that I've read this year so far! :)
I was really captivated by Lindie's story from the first page! I was impressed by this book I can tell y'all right now! lol. The story does have drama and very interesting situations which made it all the more desirable to read by the moment. This is the first book by Ruth Reid that I've read and I was very intrigued by how well she wrote this story.
Josiah Plank was a very sweet hero! The romance wasn't mushy. The worst thing I can't stand in a book is very mushy romance! The romance was handled very well in this book.
The book is true to its name and it's truly miraculous! If you ever read it you'll understand why! I had never seen that written in a christian novel before. I thoroughly enjoyed most of the characters in the book. I believe that the author did a very good job with the character development and plot. I really liked the theme of a marriage of convenience throughout the story. For some reason I'm drawn to mail order brides and marriages of convenience. To me it was a pretty clean and decent book with the theme of marriage of convenience as the plot. I really commend the author keeping it that way because all I want is to read a very entrancing story and I don't need the unnecessary details!
I need to include that there were some situations in this book may be a bit mature because it does deal with her situation of her being with child before she's kinda forced into a marriage of convenience. I though it was dealt with very well in my opinion but some readers may not feel comfortable reading about it. Whatever works for you!
I commend the author of this book for holding the reins very well in the way of romance while delivering a very sweet and touching story! I thoroughly enjoyed this story!!! I also loved the book cover vibrant and different! I highly recommend this book if you're looking for an Amish read. I'm certainly looking forward to more books by Ruth Reid!
This was such a wonderful story!! I think it has to be the best Amish fiction that I've read this year so far! :)
I was really captivated by Lindie's story from the first page! I was impressed by this book I can tell y'all right now! lol. The story does have drama and very interesting situations which made it all the more desirable to read by the moment. This is the first book by Ruth Reid that I've read and I was very intrigued by how well she wrote this story.
Josiah Plank was a very sweet hero! The romance wasn't mushy. The worst thing I can't stand in a book is very mushy romance! The romance was handled very well in this book.
The book is true to its name and it's truly miraculous! If you ever read it you'll understand why! I had never seen that written in a christian novel before. I thoroughly enjoyed most of the characters in the book. I believe that the author did a very good job with the character development and plot. I really liked the theme of a marriage of convenience throughout the story. For some reason I'm drawn to mail order brides and marriages of convenience. To me it was a pretty clean and decent book with the theme of marriage of convenience as the plot. I really commend the author keeping it that way because all I want is to read a very entrancing story and I don't need the unnecessary details!
I need to include that there were some situations in this book may be a bit mature because it does deal with her situation of her being with child before she's kinda forced into a marriage of convenience. I though it was dealt with very well in my opinion but some readers may not feel comfortable reading about it. Whatever works for you!
I commend the author of this book for holding the reins very well in the way of romance while delivering a very sweet and touching story! I thoroughly enjoyed this story!!! I also loved the book cover vibrant and different! I highly recommend this book if you're looking for an Amish read. I'm certainly looking forward to more books by Ruth Reid!
September 23, 2014
A Miracle of Hope was fantastic from start to finish. I loved the two main characters, Lindie and Josiah. Lindie was just so obviously lost and overwhelmed with her situation, but she still tried to be the best wife in name only she could be to Josiah. And Lindie struggled so much with his daughter, Hannah, but she was determined to do the best by her that she could.
Josiah caught my heart from the beginning. He was dealing with so much from the past few years. The death of his wife, the death of his mother, and a daughter who seemed to have retreated into her own little world. I loved that he was very clear about what this marriage would entail, but then ended up being a very caring man towards Lindie.
The progression of events in this book was perfect. The way Josiah and Lindi dealt with each other, and the way in which their feelings slowly changed seemed very authentic. I can say the same thing about Hannah’s progression as well. There was not a magic solution to how she reacted to things. It was gradual and seemed very realistic.
If you are a fan of Amish fiction, and have not read this book, I highly recommend it. And I personally cannot wait to read the next in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.
You can read this review on my blog at:
http://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.co...
Josiah caught my heart from the beginning. He was dealing with so much from the past few years. The death of his wife, the death of his mother, and a daughter who seemed to have retreated into her own little world. I loved that he was very clear about what this marriage would entail, but then ended up being a very caring man towards Lindie.
The progression of events in this book was perfect. The way Josiah and Lindi dealt with each other, and the way in which their feelings slowly changed seemed very authentic. I can say the same thing about Hannah’s progression as well. There was not a magic solution to how she reacted to things. It was gradual and seemed very realistic.
If you are a fan of Amish fiction, and have not read this book, I highly recommend it. And I personally cannot wait to read the next in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.
You can read this review on my blog at:
http://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.co...
February 6, 2014
If you're looking for a contemporary romance with an old-fashioned feel, then these days Amish fiction is the way to go. Lately stories in the genre have evolved into more than just stories of the simple life, in peaceful little communities in Ohio and Pennsylvania to Florida and the western reaches of the United States. Not only have the settings changed, but I've found that they've become even more romantic! Authors like Shelley Shepard Gray, Kelly Long, and now Ruth Reid have really amped up it up when it comes to the love stories between the couples in their books and I for one love it! There's nothing boring about these books and I've found most to be a lot more unique and interesting than any other books in the Christian fiction genre.
The latest Plain tale, A Miracle of Hope, although not the first book by author Ruth Reid, is the first story of her's that I have read and I'm happy to say, it's a winner! I'm a sucker for marriage of convenience stories and this one hooked me from the first. Lindie was a sweet, shy character, who didn't really have a say in the matter of moving to a new state to marry a virtual stranger. It was nice to see her come out of her shell in spite of the continuing heartaches that she faces as the story comes to a peak. Josiah Plank is a gentle soul suffering through the loss of his wife as well as a secret burden that will affect his newly formed family in ways he could never imagine. Josiah and Lindie each captured my heart. It's been a while since I had a vested interest in what happens to characters so this book was a welcome change! I only hope it doesn't ruin the other two Amish stories that I'll be reading this month.
A Miracle of Hope is sweet romance at its finest. The journey to love, from strangers to partners facing life's travails, is too good to miss, especially for Amish fiction fans. I was pleasantly surprised by this book and I won't hesitate to pick up the next book in the series. It will be worth the read if it's half as good as this one!
~ My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars ~
*I receive complimentary books for review from the publisher. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*
The latest Plain tale, A Miracle of Hope, although not the first book by author Ruth Reid, is the first story of her's that I have read and I'm happy to say, it's a winner! I'm a sucker for marriage of convenience stories and this one hooked me from the first. Lindie was a sweet, shy character, who didn't really have a say in the matter of moving to a new state to marry a virtual stranger. It was nice to see her come out of her shell in spite of the continuing heartaches that she faces as the story comes to a peak. Josiah Plank is a gentle soul suffering through the loss of his wife as well as a secret burden that will affect his newly formed family in ways he could never imagine. Josiah and Lindie each captured my heart. It's been a while since I had a vested interest in what happens to characters so this book was a welcome change! I only hope it doesn't ruin the other two Amish stories that I'll be reading this month.
A Miracle of Hope is sweet romance at its finest. The journey to love, from strangers to partners facing life's travails, is too good to miss, especially for Amish fiction fans. I was pleasantly surprised by this book and I won't hesitate to pick up the next book in the series. It will be worth the read if it's half as good as this one!
~ My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars ~
*I receive complimentary books for review from the publisher. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*
January 28, 2014
Young, unwed and pregnant, Lindie was scorned in her community, and her brother arranged for her marriage of convenience to his best friend. Josiah's first wife had died suddenly, leaving him to raise his young daughter alone. Born deaf, Josiah's daughter needed someone to look after her, and Josiah needed a helpmate to run the household. Lindie's brother escorted her by bus from Ohio to the North Woods of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. After her initial meeting with Josiah he announced his feelings regarding the marriage. "I'm nett capable of falling in love again. Your bruder is mistaken if he's told you otherwise. Even in time, I won't." Isolated and far from home and family, loneliness and a sick stomach were Lindie's constant companions throughout the days. A life of despair lurked as she worked through the details of her life.
Ruth Reid is a new author to me. I must say that she has a new fan! This is a book that I couldn't put down, even when I should have been asleep. The hours flew by as I read the story of Lindie, Josiah and Hannah, a withdrawn and shy 8-year-old. The obstacles and complications that stemmed from previous events evident in their relationship made for a compelling story. The author's expression "cabin fever" when relating to Michigan winters is authentic. Those of us who are lifelong residents of the state can attest to that fact. The isolation and weather conditions described in the North Woods are factual, and when applied to Lindie's circumstances imparted her sense of desertion. The author has a gift for creating characterizations with a depth of feeling throughout their development. Hope, faith and forgiveness are deeply ingrained in this story. I highly recommend this author of Amish fiction. A Miracle of Hope was beautifully scripted!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
Ruth Reid is a new author to me. I must say that she has a new fan! This is a book that I couldn't put down, even when I should have been asleep. The hours flew by as I read the story of Lindie, Josiah and Hannah, a withdrawn and shy 8-year-old. The obstacles and complications that stemmed from previous events evident in their relationship made for a compelling story. The author's expression "cabin fever" when relating to Michigan winters is authentic. Those of us who are lifelong residents of the state can attest to that fact. The isolation and weather conditions described in the North Woods are factual, and when applied to Lindie's circumstances imparted her sense of desertion. The author has a gift for creating characterizations with a depth of feeling throughout their development. Hope, faith and forgiveness are deeply ingrained in this story. I highly recommend this author of Amish fiction. A Miracle of Hope was beautifully scripted!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
February 12, 2014
As I have written about in many past reviews, I am an Amish fiction fan. I have become much more discriminating in my tastes concerning this genre, and authors with whom I am not familiar don't generally get and easy 5-star rating. And as I began reading this book, I wasn't too taken with Ruth Reid's writing style. It was hard to follow, and I thought that the story may not be all the intriguing. But I continued to read with an open mind.
Once I realized the difficult issues both Josiah and Lindie had to face, I found my interest growing immeasurably. Rape and cancer are hot topics even in today's post-modern society, but when placed within the Amish framework, it is even more intense. Throw in a deaf/mute child and arranged marriage without love and you have a recipe for potential disaster. But all the reader needs to do is read the title to get an inkling of how the book ends. I actually shed a few tears on the last pages because I wasn't sure if the book ended as I felt it should have. I was quite relieved to read the last page!
As to the Christian message, it is strong and real. Both Josiah and Lindie learn to trust God in everything, and I believe that is why the book concluded as it did. The gospel message is not there in so many words, but the reader can find true inspiration and reliance on God encouraged and rewarded.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
Once I realized the difficult issues both Josiah and Lindie had to face, I found my interest growing immeasurably. Rape and cancer are hot topics even in today's post-modern society, but when placed within the Amish framework, it is even more intense. Throw in a deaf/mute child and arranged marriage without love and you have a recipe for potential disaster. But all the reader needs to do is read the title to get an inkling of how the book ends. I actually shed a few tears on the last pages because I wasn't sure if the book ended as I felt it should have. I was quite relieved to read the last page!
As to the Christian message, it is strong and real. Both Josiah and Lindie learn to trust God in everything, and I believe that is why the book concluded as it did. The gospel message is not there in so many words, but the reader can find true inspiration and reliance on God encouraged and rewarded.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
December 19, 2013
This book reminds me of a mail order bride story, only with an Amish twist. I can't even imagine, being a mail order wife, but having my brother arrange my future, and away from everyone. This is what happened to Lindie Wyse, she has no choice, she is expecting another man's baby.
Josiah had moved to Michigan and was working in his father-in-laws mill. His wife was killed a few years ago, and he is now alone with his eight year old daughter. He has had a hard time raising her, and working. His daughter, Hannah, is deaf, and a hand full.
I enjoyed the interaction that goes on in this very small community. Most seem to welcome Lindie with open arms, although she is, unknown to them, a wife in name only. Yes, Josiah still is in love with his deceased wife, and knows he can never love another??
There are some hard times coming for these young people. Can they over come their differences, and become a whole family?
This is a very heartwarming story, and among tragedy, there is some wonderful happenings.
I received this book through Net Galley, and was not required to give a positive review.
Josiah had moved to Michigan and was working in his father-in-laws mill. His wife was killed a few years ago, and he is now alone with his eight year old daughter. He has had a hard time raising her, and working. His daughter, Hannah, is deaf, and a hand full.
I enjoyed the interaction that goes on in this very small community. Most seem to welcome Lindie with open arms, although she is, unknown to them, a wife in name only. Yes, Josiah still is in love with his deceased wife, and knows he can never love another??
There are some hard times coming for these young people. Can they over come their differences, and become a whole family?
This is a very heartwarming story, and among tragedy, there is some wonderful happenings.
I received this book through Net Galley, and was not required to give a positive review.
December 24, 2013
A Recommended Read.
A Miracle of Hope, the first novel in Ruth Reid's The Amish Wonders series, is a delightful story of faith and unexpected love. This incredibly heartwarming romance is beautifully written with a compelling storyline but it is the extraordinary cast of characters that completely stole my heart.
Unmarried and pregnant, Lindie Wyse is out of options when she agrees to an arranged marriage with her brother's friend, Josiah Plank. Starting over in a new community with an older husband is difficult but Lindie is determined to be a good wife and mother to Josiah's daughter, Hannah. Her feelings about her pregnancy are ambivalent and she is struggling to bond with her unborn child. Lindie's new life is also complicated by her inability to communicate with Hannah and her uneasiness around her new husband.
In the beginning, Lindie is quite shy and timid. She is also very reluctant to discuss her past and the circumstances surrounding her pregnancy. She is undergoing a slight crisis of faith as she tries to understand God's plan for her and her baby. Lindie tries to be an obedient wife but she does not hesitate to voice her opinions where Hannah is concerned. She lets her instincts guide her relationship with her young stepdaughter and Hannah soon begins to flourish under Lindie's care.
Still deeply mourning the death of his wife Caroline, Josiah never thought he would remarry but he agrees to a marriage of convenience for Hannah's sake. Amid his growing concern for Lindie's health and that of her unborn baby, Josiah is shocked by the realization that he is beginning to fall in love with his young wife. Conflicted by his unexpected feelings for Lindie and his loyalty to Caroline, Josiah must figure out how to move forward with his life.
Josiah is kind, caring and compassionate. He takes a gentle approach with Lindie, but he is quite firm when it comes to matters of her health. Although he has strict ideas about how he wants Hannah raised, he does listen to Lindie and changes his stance on a few of his viewpoints. Josiah is at first reluctant to give in to his feelings for Lindie and he finds it difficult to reconcile his need for her with his desire to keep his love alive for his first wife.
Just as things are finally coming together for Josiah and Lindie, an unforeseen health issue threatens their future. The community rallies around the couple and provides them some much needed assistance as they face this difficult battle. Josiah is accepting of their fate but Lindie's faith refuses to let her give up and she rises to the challenge facing them.
A Miracle of Hope exemplifies everything I love about Amish novels: a slower paced, simpler life, community support and strong beliefs. Ruth Reid takes all of these essential ingredients, adds in some complications that take faith and love to overcome and the resulting story is heartfelt, emotional and most importantly, believable. An incredible journey of love and faith that I hated to see come to an end and leaves me eagerly anticipating the next installment of The Amish Wonders series.
A Miracle of Hope, the first novel in Ruth Reid's The Amish Wonders series, is a delightful story of faith and unexpected love. This incredibly heartwarming romance is beautifully written with a compelling storyline but it is the extraordinary cast of characters that completely stole my heart.
Unmarried and pregnant, Lindie Wyse is out of options when she agrees to an arranged marriage with her brother's friend, Josiah Plank. Starting over in a new community with an older husband is difficult but Lindie is determined to be a good wife and mother to Josiah's daughter, Hannah. Her feelings about her pregnancy are ambivalent and she is struggling to bond with her unborn child. Lindie's new life is also complicated by her inability to communicate with Hannah and her uneasiness around her new husband.
In the beginning, Lindie is quite shy and timid. She is also very reluctant to discuss her past and the circumstances surrounding her pregnancy. She is undergoing a slight crisis of faith as she tries to understand God's plan for her and her baby. Lindie tries to be an obedient wife but she does not hesitate to voice her opinions where Hannah is concerned. She lets her instincts guide her relationship with her young stepdaughter and Hannah soon begins to flourish under Lindie's care.
Still deeply mourning the death of his wife Caroline, Josiah never thought he would remarry but he agrees to a marriage of convenience for Hannah's sake. Amid his growing concern for Lindie's health and that of her unborn baby, Josiah is shocked by the realization that he is beginning to fall in love with his young wife. Conflicted by his unexpected feelings for Lindie and his loyalty to Caroline, Josiah must figure out how to move forward with his life.
Josiah is kind, caring and compassionate. He takes a gentle approach with Lindie, but he is quite firm when it comes to matters of her health. Although he has strict ideas about how he wants Hannah raised, he does listen to Lindie and changes his stance on a few of his viewpoints. Josiah is at first reluctant to give in to his feelings for Lindie and he finds it difficult to reconcile his need for her with his desire to keep his love alive for his first wife.
Just as things are finally coming together for Josiah and Lindie, an unforeseen health issue threatens their future. The community rallies around the couple and provides them some much needed assistance as they face this difficult battle. Josiah is accepting of their fate but Lindie's faith refuses to let her give up and she rises to the challenge facing them.
A Miracle of Hope exemplifies everything I love about Amish novels: a slower paced, simpler life, community support and strong beliefs. Ruth Reid takes all of these essential ingredients, adds in some complications that take faith and love to overcome and the resulting story is heartfelt, emotional and most importantly, believable. An incredible journey of love and faith that I hated to see come to an end and leaves me eagerly anticipating the next installment of The Amish Wonders series.
December 30, 2013
About the Book:
Lindie Wyse is pregnant out of wedlock and thinks an arranged marriage is the only way to preserve her future. Josiah Plank is certain he'll never love again, but he needs someone to care for his eight-year-old daughter, Hannah. The two take on their arrangement tentatively at first but soon realize they are each in for more than they imagined.
Lindie experiences a breakthrough with Hannah when she recognizes Hannah's special gifts, but a risky pregnancy and serious health issues threaten to demolish the foundation Josiah and Lindie are building. Will their growing love survive despite their struggles, or will their hearts become as cold as the northern winter?
About the Author:
Ruth Reid is a CBA and ECPA best-selling author of the Heaven on Earth series. She's a full-time pharmacist who resides in Florida with her husband and three children.
My Review:
What fear young Lindie must of felt as she met with her soon to be husband. An arranged marriage indeed, one that she was not only prepared for but was one that was sprang on her just days prior to meeting Josiah. Not only was she nervous about this whole arrangement but she was so far from her home&family, and in a new district all complete with morning sickness.
Poor Lindie doesn't really know what to think or how to feel about this man that has taken upon himself to help her out of the "fix" she is in, especially when it seems that they are getting closer and closer emotionally. She soon finds herself falling for Josiah and his daughter Hannah. Hannah is such a presence in this story even though she is deaf and not too accepting of Lindie at first.
Soon you can start to see where the three of them come together as a family. The story is action filled from the very beginning and throughout the book I just couldn't bring myself to put it down. I love the constant banter that starts to develop between the two main characters. I was very irritated by the father in law of Josiah's that was actually his former wife's father. I feel that he was holding Lindie to as standard that she wasn't able to achieve because noone can love them like Caroline did, that was a given. I think Lindie surprised them all including herself.
I am Ruth Reid newest fan, can't wait to get the chance to read another one of her books!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Litfuse Publicity.
Lindie Wyse is pregnant out of wedlock and thinks an arranged marriage is the only way to preserve her future. Josiah Plank is certain he'll never love again, but he needs someone to care for his eight-year-old daughter, Hannah. The two take on their arrangement tentatively at first but soon realize they are each in for more than they imagined.
Lindie experiences a breakthrough with Hannah when she recognizes Hannah's special gifts, but a risky pregnancy and serious health issues threaten to demolish the foundation Josiah and Lindie are building. Will their growing love survive despite their struggles, or will their hearts become as cold as the northern winter?
About the Author:
Ruth Reid is a CBA and ECPA best-selling author of the Heaven on Earth series. She's a full-time pharmacist who resides in Florida with her husband and three children.
My Review:
What fear young Lindie must of felt as she met with her soon to be husband. An arranged marriage indeed, one that she was not only prepared for but was one that was sprang on her just days prior to meeting Josiah. Not only was she nervous about this whole arrangement but she was so far from her home&family, and in a new district all complete with morning sickness.
Poor Lindie doesn't really know what to think or how to feel about this man that has taken upon himself to help her out of the "fix" she is in, especially when it seems that they are getting closer and closer emotionally. She soon finds herself falling for Josiah and his daughter Hannah. Hannah is such a presence in this story even though she is deaf and not too accepting of Lindie at first.
Soon you can start to see where the three of them come together as a family. The story is action filled from the very beginning and throughout the book I just couldn't bring myself to put it down. I love the constant banter that starts to develop between the two main characters. I was very irritated by the father in law of Josiah's that was actually his former wife's father. I feel that he was holding Lindie to as standard that she wasn't able to achieve because noone can love them like Caroline did, that was a given. I think Lindie surprised them all including herself.
I am Ruth Reid newest fan, can't wait to get the chance to read another one of her books!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Litfuse Publicity.
December 31, 2013
Josiah Plank, a widower friend of Eli Wyse, has agreed to marry Eil's sister, Lindie. He has promised to give Lindie his name but not his heart. Eli takes Lindie to Michigan where Josiah lives, when they get off the bus Josiah asks to talk to Lindie privately. He has the money for her return ticket if she doesn't want to marry him, what he doesn't know is that Lindie feels like she has no choice. Lindie will not only be Eli's wife but she will care for his eight year old deaf daughter, Hannah.
Lindie is in a tough situation since she has to learn to communicate with Hannah, live with a man she doesn't love and is pregnant. Josiah didn't want a wife but needed help with his daughter and with keeping his home up. They both thought they'd suffered enough heartache but there is more to come. Hannah runs away a lot and keeps to herself, she likes to draw and seems to special gift from God.
I absolutely loved this book and wish I knew how to express how much I enjoyed it. I read it in two days which is very good for me with a book of this length. I loved the story, the characters and the events. Ruth did a fantastic job with this story and I am really looking forward to the next book and I can't even find a title for it. This book is due to be released tomorrow, December, 31,2013, hurry up and get it you won't be disappointed.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Lindie is in a tough situation since she has to learn to communicate with Hannah, live with a man she doesn't love and is pregnant. Josiah didn't want a wife but needed help with his daughter and with keeping his home up. They both thought they'd suffered enough heartache but there is more to come. Hannah runs away a lot and keeps to herself, she likes to draw and seems to special gift from God.
I absolutely loved this book and wish I knew how to express how much I enjoyed it. I read it in two days which is very good for me with a book of this length. I loved the story, the characters and the events. Ruth did a fantastic job with this story and I am really looking forward to the next book and I can't even find a title for it. This book is due to be released tomorrow, December, 31,2013, hurry up and get it you won't be disappointed.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
February 4, 2014
An arranged marriage, an unborn child, a deaf child, and two adults who have lost hope for love. are elements in this new novel by Ruth Reid. Can Lindie and Josiah put aside their differences and fear, and work together to raise two precious children while building a home?
Lindie is not married, but she is pregnant, and that means shunning by her Amish community. She had no idea what she would do to support herself and her unborn child until her brother, Eli, had the idea of an arranged marriage. Was it what she wanted? No, but she needed a solution and maybe God was opening a door. Josiah had a young family until his wife died suddenly. That left him and his eight year old deaf daughter to find their way forward together. Josiah agreed to marry Lindie, solving both dilemmas, but doesn't believe he will ever love again. Is love in the future for these two? Can they build a home and a marriage without love? Come visit them and see what miracles hope can bring.
This is a beautifully written story about the power of hope in overcoming difficulties in life. The characters and their stories will draw you in and you will find yourself crying with them, cheering with them, and pulling for them. I recommend this book to anyone who loves stories based on overcoming obstacles. It will leave you wanting more from the characters.
Lindie is not married, but she is pregnant, and that means shunning by her Amish community. She had no idea what she would do to support herself and her unborn child until her brother, Eli, had the idea of an arranged marriage. Was it what she wanted? No, but she needed a solution and maybe God was opening a door. Josiah had a young family until his wife died suddenly. That left him and his eight year old deaf daughter to find their way forward together. Josiah agreed to marry Lindie, solving both dilemmas, but doesn't believe he will ever love again. Is love in the future for these two? Can they build a home and a marriage without love? Come visit them and see what miracles hope can bring.
This is a beautifully written story about the power of hope in overcoming difficulties in life. The characters and their stories will draw you in and you will find yourself crying with them, cheering with them, and pulling for them. I recommend this book to anyone who loves stories based on overcoming obstacles. It will leave you wanting more from the characters.
January 4, 2015
My thoughts:
This is a book where you can easily step into the story. You feel like you know the characters. With Lindie, sensing her unease, desire to start over, and more (can't tell you!). I understood Josiah's need to fill a hole in his family, without considering the whole of his heart. Speaking of hearts, mine ached for little Hannah. I felt Simon's struggle with the loss of his daughter and this new woman stepping into her life.
Lindie is lost, Josiah is broken. What happens when these two come together in an arranged marriage? Is the love growing between them enough? Or will their ever after need A Miracle of Hope.
While it could have easily fallen into traditional plot lines and become uninteresting, it didn't. I guessed a few things early on but it didn't detract from the story in anyway.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely! I sat down to read this book one night, and before I knew it I was half done. I spend the next day counting down the hours until I could get home and finish it. Which I did. It's a great book for fans of Amish fiction, stories of arranged marriages in modern times, finding hope and more.
A few favorite short passages:
"Your marriage isn't too hard for God, but it does require you taking your place of authority as head of the haus."
"… I placed mei hope in the Lord and then He made mei joy complete."
This is a book where you can easily step into the story. You feel like you know the characters. With Lindie, sensing her unease, desire to start over, and more (can't tell you!). I understood Josiah's need to fill a hole in his family, without considering the whole of his heart. Speaking of hearts, mine ached for little Hannah. I felt Simon's struggle with the loss of his daughter and this new woman stepping into her life.
Lindie is lost, Josiah is broken. What happens when these two come together in an arranged marriage? Is the love growing between them enough? Or will their ever after need A Miracle of Hope.
While it could have easily fallen into traditional plot lines and become uninteresting, it didn't. I guessed a few things early on but it didn't detract from the story in anyway.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely! I sat down to read this book one night, and before I knew it I was half done. I spend the next day counting down the hours until I could get home and finish it. Which I did. It's a great book for fans of Amish fiction, stories of arranged marriages in modern times, finding hope and more.
A few favorite short passages:
"Your marriage isn't too hard for God, but it does require you taking your place of authority as head of the haus."
"… I placed mei hope in the Lord and then He made mei joy complete."
January 30, 2014
Just like facebook asks what are you thinking, I am asking myself what my thoughts are about this book. Here goes. I think this is probably the best book that Ruth has written, I have enjoyed all her books that I have read to this point, but this book was the best of them all. Don't get me wrong the other books were good, but this one just stood out for me. I enjoyed the storyline, I thought her writing was crisp and clear, and she told the story wonderfully. A great book, with a great ending. (that I wont give any spoilers on.) I loved Lindie, and I also got exasperated by her unwillingness to open up and share what had happened to her. My heart broke for Hannah, and I wanted to take all her hurts away, just a young child with so much hurt in her life, loosing her mother, and now a new change.
Great storyline, and I loved the sitting too. I love Michigan, and the UP was a great setting for this story. Overall I give this book 5 stars. Great job Ruth Reid!!
This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review. Thank you to the Litfuse Hens for allowing me to participate in this blog tour.
Great storyline, and I loved the sitting too. I love Michigan, and the UP was a great setting for this story. Overall I give this book 5 stars. Great job Ruth Reid!!
This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review. Thank you to the Litfuse Hens for allowing me to participate in this blog tour.
October 18, 2014
I think it takes a masterpiece to receive 5 stars; I don't pass them out that often; but this truly was a remarkable book. One I will surely keep to re-read in the future.
February 12, 2014
With this commitment, penned by Josiah in a letter to Lindie, Ruth Reid begins the story of two people - strangers brought together by necessity, with a past that attempts to define their present - and shows the healing and redemptive nature of God through her prose. A Miracle of Hope is a wonderfully well-written, entertaining and unusual Amish story, with plot and characterization so strong that it should go beyond Amish fiction fans and appeal to all readers.
Review continued at http://booksmusicandlife.blogspot.com...
Review continued at http://booksmusicandlife.blogspot.com...
May 11, 2016
Sweet story.
January 17, 2018
This a great BOOK. I could not put this book down.
December 27, 2024
I don’t often enjoy reading novels about the Amish, as they are not accurately depicting their life. I lived near an Amish community, and my husband and I were their driver. Also I have stayed in their homes when traveling with them. All of this to say..I really appreciate this author’s ability to capture their way of living. I would read more of hers..another author like this is Wanda Brunstetter.
Also the Amish do read these novels, so while the English do make these novels popular…the Amish read them also! If you have any..drop them off at a farm..they also like Karen Kingsbury novels!
This was a very sweet story.
Also the Amish do read these novels, so while the English do make these novels popular…the Amish read them also! If you have any..drop them off at a farm..they also like Karen Kingsbury novels!
This was a very sweet story.
February 13, 2022
This was a beautiful story of two people with past pains finding healing and love in each other!
January 21, 2014
Having never read Ruth Reid’s other books I wasn’t sure what I was in for when I began, A Miracle of Hope, as when I read a new to me author I get a little nervous since I’m not used to them but I know I will be seeking out her other books and can’t wait for more in this series! Poor Lindie – forced into an arranged marriage in a completely different state, also means a completely district and leaving behind everything to become instant step-mom to Josiah’s deaf 8 year old daughter. Talk about a way to begin a story! Josiah and Lindie have a lot of emotional baggage that they must overcome in order to become the family that Hannah and Lindie’s child needs. There quite a few twists, one of which I figured out quite early on about Lindie’s pregnancy but some of the twists took me by surprise, some were sad and some were happy but through it all Lindie and Josiah grow together.
While this is a Christian/Amish romance it’s not a typical one as the couple is usually already in love – this one shows how two people who know nothing about each other, if they allow God to be at the center of their relationship, can become one with each other. There are moments of tenderness but nothing that made me uncomfortable to read, but since Lindie and Josiah are married if they had kissed more I wouldn’t have an issue with it. I would have liked the growth of their relationship to sort of slow down, while it was great and the plot well developed it seemed that they wrapped everything up in a neat, tidy package too quickly.
I truly enjoyed this book and as I said above I look forward to reading more of Ruth’s works as I became quickly caught up in the world of these characters and it was a quick read that I enjoyed in an afternoon. The only real drawback to this book is that I will have to wait for the next one as I’m excited to see what happens next in this family’s life and how things go with them as they move on in their life. I highly recommend this if you enjoy Christian or Amish fiction with a romance thrown in as well as a faith that grows and becomes the character’s own.
**I was given a copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.
While this is a Christian/Amish romance it’s not a typical one as the couple is usually already in love – this one shows how two people who know nothing about each other, if they allow God to be at the center of their relationship, can become one with each other. There are moments of tenderness but nothing that made me uncomfortable to read, but since Lindie and Josiah are married if they had kissed more I wouldn’t have an issue with it. I would have liked the growth of their relationship to sort of slow down, while it was great and the plot well developed it seemed that they wrapped everything up in a neat, tidy package too quickly.
I truly enjoyed this book and as I said above I look forward to reading more of Ruth’s works as I became quickly caught up in the world of these characters and it was a quick read that I enjoyed in an afternoon. The only real drawback to this book is that I will have to wait for the next one as I’m excited to see what happens next in this family’s life and how things go with them as they move on in their life. I highly recommend this if you enjoy Christian or Amish fiction with a romance thrown in as well as a faith that grows and becomes the character’s own.
**I was given a copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.
January 16, 2016
REVIEW
Can an arranged marriage work? Eli Wyse has arranged for his sister, Lindie to marry Josiah Plank who is a widower. He made a promise to give Lindie his name but not his heart. He has an eight year old daughter, Hannah, who is deaf and doesn't speak anymore. When Eli gets Lindie to Michigan to marry Josiah, he speaks to her privately asking her if she would like to go back. Lindie feels that she can't go back. The terrible secret she carries has left her tainted, or so she thinks.
Lindie has been put in a very difficult situation. She not only has to live with a man she doesn't know or love, she has to learn to sign to communicate with Hannah. On top of all, she is with boppli. Josiah isn't interested in a wife. He wants someone to take care of the house, cooking, cleaning and Hannah. Josiah and Lindie have both had suffered a lot of heartache. It hasn't ended yet though. Lindie has found a connection to Hannah. Drawing. Hannah may have a special gift from God.
The author wrote a lovely book about love, understanding, and that keeping dark secrets can eat you up. Will Lindie tell her husband what really happened in the woods the night she didn't go home? Will they accept each other as husband and wife? or will they continue to be strangers sleeping in different rooms? Ms. Reid wrote how adversity can bring people closer together. Lindie with her arranged marriage, Hannah's deafness and running away, pregnancy problems, and to top it all off, Josiah becomes ill. He has relapsed. Will he recover or will Lindie have to go on without the man she has found love with? The author keeps your attention all the way to the end. The problem is, you want more. Make sure you get the rest of the series. The books are a must. Ms. Reid took three strangers and put them together and through time, love kept them together. I would recommend this book to everyone. Even if you don't care for Amish reads, it's a very heartwarming and loving book.
Love and Faith brought them together.
I would give this book 5 BOWS.
I was given this complimentary copy from the publisher, Thomas Nelson through BookSneeze Bloggers for my honest opinion.
Can an arranged marriage work? Eli Wyse has arranged for his sister, Lindie to marry Josiah Plank who is a widower. He made a promise to give Lindie his name but not his heart. He has an eight year old daughter, Hannah, who is deaf and doesn't speak anymore. When Eli gets Lindie to Michigan to marry Josiah, he speaks to her privately asking her if she would like to go back. Lindie feels that she can't go back. The terrible secret she carries has left her tainted, or so she thinks.
Lindie has been put in a very difficult situation. She not only has to live with a man she doesn't know or love, she has to learn to sign to communicate with Hannah. On top of all, she is with boppli. Josiah isn't interested in a wife. He wants someone to take care of the house, cooking, cleaning and Hannah. Josiah and Lindie have both had suffered a lot of heartache. It hasn't ended yet though. Lindie has found a connection to Hannah. Drawing. Hannah may have a special gift from God.
The author wrote a lovely book about love, understanding, and that keeping dark secrets can eat you up. Will Lindie tell her husband what really happened in the woods the night she didn't go home? Will they accept each other as husband and wife? or will they continue to be strangers sleeping in different rooms? Ms. Reid wrote how adversity can bring people closer together. Lindie with her arranged marriage, Hannah's deafness and running away, pregnancy problems, and to top it all off, Josiah becomes ill. He has relapsed. Will he recover or will Lindie have to go on without the man she has found love with? The author keeps your attention all the way to the end. The problem is, you want more. Make sure you get the rest of the series. The books are a must. Ms. Reid took three strangers and put them together and through time, love kept them together. I would recommend this book to everyone. Even if you don't care for Amish reads, it's a very heartwarming and loving book.
Love and Faith brought them together.
I would give this book 5 BOWS.
I was given this complimentary copy from the publisher, Thomas Nelson through BookSneeze Bloggers for my honest opinion.
January 21, 2014
A Miracle of Hope is the first book in The Amish Wonders series by Ruth Reid. The two main characters were complex, realistic, and extremely likable. Even though I haven't been through what they have, the author portrayed their emotions so well I could feel their angst as they tried to keep looking to God amidst their pain.
Feeling unloved and unwanted, Lindie Wyse, agrees to her brother's proposal to marry a widower in far away Michigan. What will her betrothed think when he finds out she is three months pregnant?
The only reason Josiah Plank agreed to Eli Wyse's arrangement was for the sake of his deaf, eight year old daughter, Hannah. Determined to make Lindie understand that she will be forever trapped in a loveless marriage, Josiah makes it clear that their marriage will be in name only. When Lindie still agrees to marry him, they get married that day.
Lindie begins to feel overwhelmed with all the challenges of being newly wed. Learning sign language, dealing with a disgruntled child, morning sickness, running the house, and becoming adjusted to a new community are only some of the myriad problems she has to face. Meanwhile, Josiah has his own issues to deal with one of which is a persistent cough. As they navigate their many problems, they come to rely on each other more than they ever thought they could. How can Josiah possibly love Lindie when even her fiance couldn't?
I could not put this book down and read it in a couple of days. It was just sooo good! I was pulled in right from the get go so be prepared for a reading frenzy. haha I think Lindie was the best part of the book. She seemed so normal with how she was dealing with her pregnancy and marriage, and I loved the focus of this book on trusting in God no matter the circumstances. What a great story of how God can redeem anything!
I was given this book free from Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.
Feeling unloved and unwanted, Lindie Wyse, agrees to her brother's proposal to marry a widower in far away Michigan. What will her betrothed think when he finds out she is three months pregnant?
The only reason Josiah Plank agreed to Eli Wyse's arrangement was for the sake of his deaf, eight year old daughter, Hannah. Determined to make Lindie understand that she will be forever trapped in a loveless marriage, Josiah makes it clear that their marriage will be in name only. When Lindie still agrees to marry him, they get married that day.
Lindie begins to feel overwhelmed with all the challenges of being newly wed. Learning sign language, dealing with a disgruntled child, morning sickness, running the house, and becoming adjusted to a new community are only some of the myriad problems she has to face. Meanwhile, Josiah has his own issues to deal with one of which is a persistent cough. As they navigate their many problems, they come to rely on each other more than they ever thought they could. How can Josiah possibly love Lindie when even her fiance couldn't?
I could not put this book down and read it in a couple of days. It was just sooo good! I was pulled in right from the get go so be prepared for a reading frenzy. haha I think Lindie was the best part of the book. She seemed so normal with how she was dealing with her pregnancy and marriage, and I loved the focus of this book on trusting in God no matter the circumstances. What a great story of how God can redeem anything!
I was given this book free from Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2015
When I saw that this new-to-me author was endorsed by several writers I've enjoyed, I knew I had to grab one of her books when I saw it on ebay. It won't be the last!
My interest was piqued partly because this book takes place in Michigan, where I live, and I hadn't realized there were any Amish settlements in the Upper Peninsula. It also didn't seem to follow the usual pattern of Amish fiction (this book centers around a marriage of convenience). But as I read, I noticed parallels to another book I enjoyed where a widower struggles to raise a traumatized, mute daughter, and whose hearts are unlocked by an unexpected love ("A Promise for Miriam," by Vannetta Chapmen). I was also sometimes reminded of Laura Ingalls Wilder's "A Long Winter."
The characters in this book grabbed my interest, and I only wished they ALL had more room to develop. My other disappointment was the pacing of the book. Some scenes were quite detailed, while others seemed to grab more pages than they deserved. Some aspects of the story were skipped over too quickly or omitted altogether. I would have liked more details of everyday life in this U.P. settlement, or the ripening love between Lindie and Josiah, and the "thawing" of his daughter, Hannah, and his father-in-law, Simon. Instead, strained relationships and health problems alike seem to suddenly and miraculously heal.
What I did like was the way the book was woven around Lindie's unwanted pregnancy. I could certainly identify with her morning sickness! I liked the non-typical marriage that Lindie and Josiah forged, and the honesty that eventually helped their love for each other grow. Reid's writing is gentle and natural, interspersed with authentic Amish words and phrases that fit together like corners on a quilt.
I feel this is a good book, well-worth your time to read. I look forward to finding more of Ruth Reid's books SOON!
My interest was piqued partly because this book takes place in Michigan, where I live, and I hadn't realized there were any Amish settlements in the Upper Peninsula. It also didn't seem to follow the usual pattern of Amish fiction (this book centers around a marriage of convenience). But as I read, I noticed parallels to another book I enjoyed where a widower struggles to raise a traumatized, mute daughter, and whose hearts are unlocked by an unexpected love ("A Promise for Miriam," by Vannetta Chapmen). I was also sometimes reminded of Laura Ingalls Wilder's "A Long Winter."
The characters in this book grabbed my interest, and I only wished they ALL had more room to develop. My other disappointment was the pacing of the book. Some scenes were quite detailed, while others seemed to grab more pages than they deserved. Some aspects of the story were skipped over too quickly or omitted altogether. I would have liked more details of everyday life in this U.P. settlement, or the ripening love between Lindie and Josiah, and the "thawing" of his daughter, Hannah, and his father-in-law, Simon. Instead, strained relationships and health problems alike seem to suddenly and miraculously heal.
What I did like was the way the book was woven around Lindie's unwanted pregnancy. I could certainly identify with her morning sickness! I liked the non-typical marriage that Lindie and Josiah forged, and the honesty that eventually helped their love for each other grow. Reid's writing is gentle and natural, interspersed with authentic Amish words and phrases that fit together like corners on a quilt.
I feel this is a good book, well-worth your time to read. I look forward to finding more of Ruth Reid's books SOON!
January 29, 2014
She’s heard about forgiveness all her life, but how far does God’s mercy truly reach?
Lindie Wyse thinks an arranged marriage is the only way to preserve a future for herself and her unborn child. Josiah Plank is certain he’ll never love again, but he needs someone to care for his deaf eight-year-old daughter, Hannah. The two take on their arrangement tentatively at first but soon realize they are each in for more than they imagined. After a short time, Lindie experiences a breakthrough with Hannah when she recognizes the child’s special gifts, but a risky pregnancy and serious health issues threaten to demolish the foundation Josiah and Lindie are building—and the love that is growing between them.
Will their marriage survive their struggles, or will their hearts become as cold as the northern winter?
My Review:
We all love a mail order bride story, but an arranged marriage because of some tragic circumstance is right up there with that genre. I sympathized with Lindie throughout the whole book, because here she is, a woman with a child in her belly, no husband, and no one to love her. Her brother's friend offers to marry her, but all he needs is a housewife and mother for his eight year old deaf daughter.
Things go well after a time, but inevitably, they go terribly wrong as well. I enjoyed the roller coaster ride through their lives, and how just when they think life is finally settling down, something always popped up. It was a page turning Amish romance, which I attribute primarily to the fact that Reid makes this novel so different than everything out there in the genre. It was an excellent read, and something I recommend to lovers of Amish fiction, as well as those who are on the fence about giving the genre a second chance.
This book was provided by the publisher through Litfuse Nest for free in exchange for an honest review.
Lindie Wyse thinks an arranged marriage is the only way to preserve a future for herself and her unborn child. Josiah Plank is certain he’ll never love again, but he needs someone to care for his deaf eight-year-old daughter, Hannah. The two take on their arrangement tentatively at first but soon realize they are each in for more than they imagined. After a short time, Lindie experiences a breakthrough with Hannah when she recognizes the child’s special gifts, but a risky pregnancy and serious health issues threaten to demolish the foundation Josiah and Lindie are building—and the love that is growing between them.
Will their marriage survive their struggles, or will their hearts become as cold as the northern winter?
My Review:
We all love a mail order bride story, but an arranged marriage because of some tragic circumstance is right up there with that genre. I sympathized with Lindie throughout the whole book, because here she is, a woman with a child in her belly, no husband, and no one to love her. Her brother's friend offers to marry her, but all he needs is a housewife and mother for his eight year old deaf daughter.
Things go well after a time, but inevitably, they go terribly wrong as well. I enjoyed the roller coaster ride through their lives, and how just when they think life is finally settling down, something always popped up. It was a page turning Amish romance, which I attribute primarily to the fact that Reid makes this novel so different than everything out there in the genre. It was an excellent read, and something I recommend to lovers of Amish fiction, as well as those who are on the fence about giving the genre a second chance.
This book was provided by the publisher through Litfuse Nest for free in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2014
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way, all opinions contained in this review are my own.
I offered to read this book for a friend of mine for her blog, and I figured that even though this isn't my normal genre of reading, the premise was something that I thought I would enjoy. Thankfully, A Miracle of Hope certainly delivered on that.
Right off the bat, I was intrigued by each and every one of these characters. I wanted to know what secrets they were hiding, and if their relationship would develop into more than just a "marriage of convenience" between two people who seemingly didn't want this at all. As the story unfolded, and more details came to light about their pasts, I couldn't help but feel as though I knew them. I worried for them. I laughed with them. I even cried with them.
One of the things I most liked about this novel was the fact that it wasn't your run of the mill "two people meet, immediately fall in love despite their circumstances and live happily ever after" type of book. They each had completely different obstacles that they had to overcome, and for a long while, I wasn't sure if they would be able to indeed overcome the obstacles placed before them.
Throughout this novel the presence of God is prevalent, and their unyielding faith in Him even when things looked their darkest was refreshing, and apologetically honest.
A Miracle of Hope is a clean, page turning romance full of hope, love and second chances in the face of odds that are very unfavorable. Each of the characters brings something different to the table, which made it decidedly easy to fall in love with them.
Overall, I was unfamiliar with Ruth Reid, and her works to date, but she has definitely found a new fan in me! I cannot wait to read more by this author!
I offered to read this book for a friend of mine for her blog, and I figured that even though this isn't my normal genre of reading, the premise was something that I thought I would enjoy. Thankfully, A Miracle of Hope certainly delivered on that.
Right off the bat, I was intrigued by each and every one of these characters. I wanted to know what secrets they were hiding, and if their relationship would develop into more than just a "marriage of convenience" between two people who seemingly didn't want this at all. As the story unfolded, and more details came to light about their pasts, I couldn't help but feel as though I knew them. I worried for them. I laughed with them. I even cried with them.
One of the things I most liked about this novel was the fact that it wasn't your run of the mill "two people meet, immediately fall in love despite their circumstances and live happily ever after" type of book. They each had completely different obstacles that they had to overcome, and for a long while, I wasn't sure if they would be able to indeed overcome the obstacles placed before them.
Throughout this novel the presence of God is prevalent, and their unyielding faith in Him even when things looked their darkest was refreshing, and apologetically honest.
A Miracle of Hope is a clean, page turning romance full of hope, love and second chances in the face of odds that are very unfavorable. Each of the characters brings something different to the table, which made it decidedly easy to fall in love with them.
Overall, I was unfamiliar with Ruth Reid, and her works to date, but she has definitely found a new fan in me! I cannot wait to read more by this author!
September 25, 2014
This is a first in the Amish Wonders series and my first read of Ruth Reid's work. I did not know what to expect since I'm not an Amish fiction expert and have never read a book by this author previously. I thoroughly enjoyed this story! I love marriage-of-convenience storylines but this plotline is hard to find in contemporary books. However, the author did an excellent job setting this plotline in a contemporary Amish setting. Lindie and Josiah were realistic and admirable characters. Lindie's brother arranges a marriage for her once he learns she is pregnant (after she stays out one night). Josiah is a widower with a deaf 8 year old daughter, Hannah. He loved his first wife but he needs to re-marry so someone could care for his prone-to-wander daughter while he is working. In a letter to Lindie, Josiah writes that he will give her his name but not his heart. But how he ends up taking back those words! Their love story was believable and a joy to watch---2 strangers falling in love slowly and completely. Both Lindie and Josiah experienced great tragedy and both were exactly what each other needed. Even though the marriage and the obstacles that arose were difficult, Josiah and Lindie were committed to the marriage. Hannah was also a sweet girl with a special gift of healing and foresight. I enjoyed the writing, I felt all the emotions from the characters and felt compelled to keep reading to see what happens. There is a strong spiritual message that God works everything out for His glory. Even though Lindie thought God was doing one thing, it turned out He had an even better plan. It was a great reminder of how what man meant for evil, God could turn to good. I also love the book cover. I think it captures exactly how Lindie was described and even the deer in the background is significant. Overall, I highly recommend this book!
January 29, 2014
Title: A MIRACLE OF HOPE
Author: Ruth Reid
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
December 2013
ISBN: 978-1401688295
Genre: Amish
She’s heard about forgiveness all her life, but how far does God’s mercy truly reach?
Lindie Wyse thinks an arranged marriage is the only way to preserve a future for herself and her unborn child. Josiah Plank is certain he’ll never love again, but he needs someone to care for his deaf eight-year-old daughter, Hannah.
The two take on their arrangement tentatively at first but soon realize they are each in for more than they imagined. After a short time, Lindie experiences a breakthrough with Hannah when she recognizes the child’s special gifts, but a risky pregnancy and serious health issues threaten to demolish the foundation Josiah and Lindie are building—and the love that is growing between them.
Will their marriage survive their struggles, or will their hearts become as cold as the northern winter?
A MIRACLE OF HOPE is the first book in Ms. Reid’s newest series An Amish Wonder. Set in the upper peninsula of Michigan, an area of Michigan I had no idea any Amish lived.
I enjoyed getting to know Josiah—though I did worry about him and his health, and was glad he had a doctor on top of things. I also loved the way he cared for Lindie even though he’d “never give her his heart.” I was glad Lindie struggled through Hannah’s issues to win her heart, too.
Ms. Reid includes the supernatural in her writing. This book, so far, has a lesser amount than Ms. Reid’s first series, but it is still evident with Hannah’s gifts. If you like Amish fiction, then you will want to read A MIRACLE OF HOPE. My daughter loves this book—and all of Ms. Reid’s fiction and read it twice in less than a week. $15.99. 352 pages. 4.5 stars.
Author: Ruth Reid
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
December 2013
ISBN: 978-1401688295
Genre: Amish
She’s heard about forgiveness all her life, but how far does God’s mercy truly reach?
Lindie Wyse thinks an arranged marriage is the only way to preserve a future for herself and her unborn child. Josiah Plank is certain he’ll never love again, but he needs someone to care for his deaf eight-year-old daughter, Hannah.
The two take on their arrangement tentatively at first but soon realize they are each in for more than they imagined. After a short time, Lindie experiences a breakthrough with Hannah when she recognizes the child’s special gifts, but a risky pregnancy and serious health issues threaten to demolish the foundation Josiah and Lindie are building—and the love that is growing between them.
Will their marriage survive their struggles, or will their hearts become as cold as the northern winter?
A MIRACLE OF HOPE is the first book in Ms. Reid’s newest series An Amish Wonder. Set in the upper peninsula of Michigan, an area of Michigan I had no idea any Amish lived.
I enjoyed getting to know Josiah—though I did worry about him and his health, and was glad he had a doctor on top of things. I also loved the way he cared for Lindie even though he’d “never give her his heart.” I was glad Lindie struggled through Hannah’s issues to win her heart, too.
Ms. Reid includes the supernatural in her writing. This book, so far, has a lesser amount than Ms. Reid’s first series, but it is still evident with Hannah’s gifts. If you like Amish fiction, then you will want to read A MIRACLE OF HOPE. My daughter loves this book—and all of Ms. Reid’s fiction and read it twice in less than a week. $15.99. 352 pages. 4.5 stars.
January 27, 2014
A Beautiful Story of Grace, Hope, and Love
A Miracle of Grace by Ruth Reid is the first installment of An Amish Wonders series. This was the first book by Ruth Reid that I have read. I loved how her writing drew me into the story before I had finished the first chapter.
Lindie Wyse is a young Amish woman who was assaulted, but decided to conceal that information from her Amish community. When her brother, Eli, discovered that she was expecting he wanted to protect her. He did this by arranging a marriage between Lindie and his friend Josiah Plank, who is a widower with a daughter who is deaf. At first it was hard for Lindie to adjust to her new situation. She struggles with her new role as mother to 8 year old Hannah, which would be be hard enough; but because Hannah is deaf she also needed to learn to communicate by using sign language.
As this new family goes about their daily tasks Josiah and Lindie begin to be friends. Then over the course of time, despite the fact that Lindie and Josiah choose a marriage of convenience only, they eventually begin to realize that they have deeper feelings for each other.
I have to agree with Beth Wiseman's endorsement on the front book cover "...a beautiful tale of romance, redemption, and faith." I think that it is this best way to sum up Lindie's and Josiah's story. I hope you'll add A Miracle of Grace by Ruth Reid to your reading list, because this just might be the best Amish story you'll read this year.
**A Miracle of Hope by Ruth Reid was provided for me free by Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review.
A Miracle of Grace by Ruth Reid is the first installment of An Amish Wonders series. This was the first book by Ruth Reid that I have read. I loved how her writing drew me into the story before I had finished the first chapter.
Lindie Wyse is a young Amish woman who was assaulted, but decided to conceal that information from her Amish community. When her brother, Eli, discovered that she was expecting he wanted to protect her. He did this by arranging a marriage between Lindie and his friend Josiah Plank, who is a widower with a daughter who is deaf. At first it was hard for Lindie to adjust to her new situation. She struggles with her new role as mother to 8 year old Hannah, which would be be hard enough; but because Hannah is deaf she also needed to learn to communicate by using sign language.
As this new family goes about their daily tasks Josiah and Lindie begin to be friends. Then over the course of time, despite the fact that Lindie and Josiah choose a marriage of convenience only, they eventually begin to realize that they have deeper feelings for each other.
I have to agree with Beth Wiseman's endorsement on the front book cover "...a beautiful tale of romance, redemption, and faith." I think that it is this best way to sum up Lindie's and Josiah's story. I hope you'll add A Miracle of Grace by Ruth Reid to your reading list, because this just might be the best Amish story you'll read this year.
**A Miracle of Hope by Ruth Reid was provided for me free by Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review.
September 4, 2016
Due to circumstances beyond her control Lindie Wyse finds herself unwed and pregnant, and her boyfriend wants no part of it. Her brother decides the answer is an arranged marriage to his friend Josiah, but she will have to leave her home in Ohio and go to Michigan. Josiah Plank isn't looking for or even expecting love, but he knows his eight year old daughter Hannah needs a mother. Can an arranged marriage between this Amish couple develop into something more? Read Miracle of Hope by Ruth Reid and find out!
A quick moving plot really pulled me right into this story, but it was the depth of the characters, and the ease in which I connected with them that kept me reading to see what would ultimately happen in this story. Learning the backstories of these characters provided so many layers allowing a true glimpse at who they were and the life events that had shaped them into the people they were, but it was the trials that they continued to face that made me hope for a positive outcome for this Amish family. While I connected with Lindie, it was the story of Josiah and his young daughter Hannah that really touched my heart. The author deals with a few subjects that isn't always touched on in "Amish" fiction and for me this made the story more realistic. Fans of Amish fiction will love this one, but I recommend this story to anyone looking for a bit of inspiration where you can't help but hope for the best outcome for the characters in the story.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review.
A quick moving plot really pulled me right into this story, but it was the depth of the characters, and the ease in which I connected with them that kept me reading to see what would ultimately happen in this story. Learning the backstories of these characters provided so many layers allowing a true glimpse at who they were and the life events that had shaped them into the people they were, but it was the trials that they continued to face that made me hope for a positive outcome for this Amish family. While I connected with Lindie, it was the story of Josiah and his young daughter Hannah that really touched my heart. The author deals with a few subjects that isn't always touched on in "Amish" fiction and for me this made the story more realistic. Fans of Amish fiction will love this one, but I recommend this story to anyone looking for a bit of inspiration where you can't help but hope for the best outcome for the characters in the story.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review.
January 28, 2014
Lindie is single and pregnant. Her brother has found a friend in Northern Michigan who has agreed to marry her in name only as long as she will keep house and look after his blind daughter. Josiah can't believe he has agreed to marry Lindie what had he been thinking? As Lindie settles into his home he finds himself caring for her yet serious health issues threaten to undo everything.
This is book one in a new series by Ruth Reid. This book deals with unwed pregnancy and cancer yet still keeps a positive tone. It’s a well written book.
What I liked: Both Lindie and Josiah were good characters. I liked how they both had depth and their was more to their story then what the initial information showed. I felt bad for Lindie and what she had gone through and the fact she had to marry yet Josiah showed her compassion.
What I did not like: I was a little confused about Josiah’s daughter and her gift. It seemed to play a big part of the plot yet it seemed surrounded with mystery. Even at the end of the book I was left scratching my head a little not feeling like it was explained very well.
Overall this was a well written book and I really enjoyed it. It has a darker feel to it dealing with both Lindies pregnancy and Josiah’s illness yet both characters remain strong throughout the book. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book.
http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2014/0...
This is book one in a new series by Ruth Reid. This book deals with unwed pregnancy and cancer yet still keeps a positive tone. It’s a well written book.
What I liked: Both Lindie and Josiah were good characters. I liked how they both had depth and their was more to their story then what the initial information showed. I felt bad for Lindie and what she had gone through and the fact she had to marry yet Josiah showed her compassion.
What I did not like: I was a little confused about Josiah’s daughter and her gift. It seemed to play a big part of the plot yet it seemed surrounded with mystery. Even at the end of the book I was left scratching my head a little not feeling like it was explained very well.
Overall this was a well written book and I really enjoyed it. It has a darker feel to it dealing with both Lindies pregnancy and Josiah’s illness yet both characters remain strong throughout the book. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book.
http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2014/0...
May 6, 2016
This is a fabulous book!!! I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! Ruth is a great writer that has come up with an excellent plot and a great set up. This is the first book from her that I've read and I'm hooked! If I didn't want to read her other books before (which I did LOL!) I sure do now!!! From the beginning this book had me hooked! I didn't want to put it down. The whole concept is great. The secrets that come out are shocking and the whole journey is amazing. It is a story with Faith, hope, love, fear, pain, healing, secrets, miracles, and understanding. Lindie is a fabulous character strong and brave, I LOVE Josiah he is everything a husband and dad should be, and I love Hannah a child wise beyond her years yet so innocent and sweet! I love how they rise above hardships as their Faith grows. The messages are great, from God's faithfulness, unending love, and mercy to His's will and plan always being far better than we could have ever realized. A Must Read that has made it to My Favorite Books list!!!
Songs: "Worn" by Tenth Avenue North, "Lily Of The Valley" by The Cluster Pluckers, "God Gave Me You" by Dave Barnes
P.S. more songs may be added later.
James 4:10
~ASC
*I received this book for the purpose of reviewing it. This in no way affected my opinion and the above is what I really think about A Miracle of Hope. ~ASC
Songs: "Worn" by Tenth Avenue North, "Lily Of The Valley" by The Cluster Pluckers, "God Gave Me You" by Dave Barnes
P.S. more songs may be added later.
James 4:10
~ASC
*I received this book for the purpose of reviewing it. This in no way affected my opinion and the above is what I really think about A Miracle of Hope. ~ASC
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