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St. Lawrence County Amish #3
Always Close to Home
Are Two Miracles Too Much to Ask For?
Twins Laura and Lydia Mast keep few secrets from each other, but even Laura doesn't sense the great ache Lydia has held in her heart since Laura started dating the charming John Yoder. When will it be Lydia's turn for love?
Despite having a willing suitor in Wendell Kaufman, who once unsuccessfully pursued her sister, Lydia's attention is fixed on Milton Beiler. Milton hasn't paid Lydia the least bit of attention, and worse still, he's on rumspringa and conflicted about permanently joining the church.
Meanwhile, Laura's world is turned upside down when a tragic accident threatens her dreams of becoming John's frau. Despite the obstacles in her path, Laura remains steadfast in her faith.
Will Lydia's love for Milton win out over his love for the world, and is Laura strong enough to face an uncertain future with John? Only the Lord has the answers the Mast sisters so desperately search for.
Twins Laura and Lydia Mast keep few secrets from each other, but even Laura doesn't sense the great ache Lydia has held in her heart since Laura started dating the charming John Yoder. When will it be Lydia's turn for love?
Despite having a willing suitor in Wendell Kaufman, who once unsuccessfully pursued her sister, Lydia's attention is fixed on Milton Beiler. Milton hasn't paid Lydia the least bit of attention, and worse still, he's on rumspringa and conflicted about permanently joining the church.
Meanwhile, Laura's world is turned upside down when a tragic accident threatens her dreams of becoming John's frau. Despite the obstacles in her path, Laura remains steadfast in her faith.
Will Lydia's love for Milton win out over his love for the world, and is Laura strong enough to face an uncertain future with John? Only the Lord has the answers the Mast sisters so desperately search for.
514 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2017
20 people are currently reading
468 people want to read
About the author
Jerry S. Eicher
70 books201 followersJerry Eicher’s bestselling Amish fiction (more than 210,000 in combined sales) includes The Adams County Trilogy, the Hannah’s Heart books, and the Little Valley Series. After a traditional Amish childhood, Jerry taught for two terms in Amish and Mennonite schools in Ohio and Illinois. Since then he’s been involved in church renewal, preaching, and teaching Bible studies. Jerry lives with his wife, Tina Eicher, and their four children in Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 27, 2017
Oh Yes book three in The St. Lawrence County Amish was everything I was hoping it would be and more.
I loved the answered prayers and the miracles that they twins and their daddy got answered.
I dove into the book and never came up for air until the very end.
Eicher writes Amish so well being that he was Amish at one time. He knows what he's writing about.
I loved this ending to this series, it can be read as a stand alone but I think you will be very happy reading this whole series.
I gave this book and the whole series 5 stars two times! I HIGHLY recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
I loved the answered prayers and the miracles that they twins and their daddy got answered.
I dove into the book and never came up for air until the very end.
Eicher writes Amish so well being that he was Amish at one time. He knows what he's writing about.
I loved this ending to this series, it can be read as a stand alone but I think you will be very happy reading this whole series.
I gave this book and the whole series 5 stars two times! I HIGHLY recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
October 4, 2024
I enjoyed the story along with short chapters.
Looking forward to the next book.
Looking forward to the next book.
June 15, 2018
ALWAYS CLOSE TO HOME is the third book in Mr. Eicher's The St. Lawrence County Amish (The first two are: A Heart Once Broken and Until I Love Again). ALWAYS CLOSE TO HOME stands alone as I didn't read the first two in this series.
There are three romances in this story with three main characters. Lydia, Laura, and Nancy all struggle to gain acceptance for their loves as all three are discouraged from marrying the man of their dreams and encourage to settle with someone who is dependable. Except the dependable one turned into the meanest of characters when one of the three gave into the demands. I liked him well enough at first, but not afterwards.
I would've liked more details of the wedding that ended the book -- how did that man and woman really feel about each other -- since neither were a main character.
Mr. Eicher's story was engaging and I enjoyed getting to know all three women and hearing their stories.
If you like Amish romances I recommend Mr. Eicher's ALWAYS CLOSE TO HOME.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
There are three romances in this story with three main characters. Lydia, Laura, and Nancy all struggle to gain acceptance for their loves as all three are discouraged from marrying the man of their dreams and encourage to settle with someone who is dependable. Except the dependable one turned into the meanest of characters when one of the three gave into the demands. I liked him well enough at first, but not afterwards.
I would've liked more details of the wedding that ended the book -- how did that man and woman really feel about each other -- since neither were a main character.
Mr. Eicher's story was engaging and I enjoyed getting to know all three women and hearing their stories.
If you like Amish romances I recommend Mr. Eicher's ALWAYS CLOSE TO HOME.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
April 7, 2018
The story has three separate plots involving twin Amish sisters, Laura and Lydia, and the local middle-aged school teacher, Nancy. None of these women have ever been married. The challenge and deepest heart's desire of each of the women is to fall in love and marry the man of their respective dreams!
Tragedy strikes Laura's fiance when he is involved in an horrific construction accident. The twins' mother dies suddenly and unexpectedly, and schoolteacher Nancy becomes increasingly risky in her behavior and actions with a new set of Englisch friends.
The setting for this book, St. Lawrence County, is well-developed. The main and supporting characters are interesting and varied. There are lots of references to the traditions and beliefs of the Amish including how they dress, worship, and live their daily lives.
Read the book to find out how these women courageously manuver through life's trials and tribulations to follow their faith and reach their goals.
This is the second book I've read by this author. I recommend it to fans of Amish fiction, historical fiction, Christian fiction, and small-town fiction.
NOTE: I won this book from the publisher, Harvest House, in a Facebook giveaway back in the autumn of 2017. I have received no compensation of any kind for posting this review on this blog or any other site.
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Tragedy strikes Laura's fiance when he is involved in an horrific construction accident. The twins' mother dies suddenly and unexpectedly, and schoolteacher Nancy becomes increasingly risky in her behavior and actions with a new set of Englisch friends.
The setting for this book, St. Lawrence County, is well-developed. The main and supporting characters are interesting and varied. There are lots of references to the traditions and beliefs of the Amish including how they dress, worship, and live their daily lives.
Read the book to find out how these women courageously manuver through life's trials and tribulations to follow their faith and reach their goals.
This is the second book I've read by this author. I recommend it to fans of Amish fiction, historical fiction, Christian fiction, and small-town fiction.
NOTE: I won this book from the publisher, Harvest House, in a Facebook giveaway back in the autumn of 2017. I have received no compensation of any kind for posting this review on this blog or any other site.
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September 18, 2017
This was my first time reading a book by Jerry Eicher, and I loved it. I was initially drawn to it because it was about identical twins and I also am an identical twin. But my sister had recommended that I read some of his books as she reads a lot of books about the Amish people. I was lucky enough to win this book through Goodreads and now I have a new genre of books to read.
I loved reading this story about these sisters who are put to the test of following their faith and their hearts and fighting for what they truly believe is God's chosen path for them. It has a mixture of staying true to their Amish roots or crossing over to modern American ways. I truly looked forward to each page and didn't want the story to end. I would love to see how Lydia's story follows through.
This was a true pleasure to read, a clean, well written story about an Amish family in turmoil and how it works out for them. Leaving the reader with the desire to know more about how the story continues for members of this family.
I loved reading this story about these sisters who are put to the test of following their faith and their hearts and fighting for what they truly believe is God's chosen path for them. It has a mixture of staying true to their Amish roots or crossing over to modern American ways. I truly looked forward to each page and didn't want the story to end. I would love to see how Lydia's story follows through.
This was a true pleasure to read, a clean, well written story about an Amish family in turmoil and how it works out for them. Leaving the reader with the desire to know more about how the story continues for members of this family.
May 31, 2017
As I was reading Always Close to Home, I felt like I was actually there. It just seemed so real. Laura was super faithful to John Her believing in John's recovery was motivation for him to walk again.
they had great love for one another.
they had great love for one another.
March 23, 2020
This title in the St. Lawrence County Amish series is by far the best title, because the people are faced with with what is the best thing to do for them and for others. The characters use decide on different solutions to discover what is best.
July 5, 2019
So many obstacles
I loved this book! It had so many unexpected things to happen it kept you on your toes. Good read!
I loved this book! It had so many unexpected things to happen it kept you on your toes. Good read!
February 4, 2024
Great read!
June 6, 2024
Another very good Amish book.
December 6, 2024
very g00d b00k very good series
February 27, 2017
About the Book:
Are Two Miracles Too Much to Ask For?
Twins Laura and Lydia Mast keep few secrets from each other, but even Laura doesn't sense the great ache Lydia has held in her heart since Laura started dating the charming John Yoder. When will it be Lydia's turn for love?
Despite having a willing suitor in Wendell Kaufman, who once unsuccessfully pursued her sister, Lydia's attention is fixed on Milton Beiler. Milton hasn't paid Lydia the least bit of attention, and worse still, he's on rumspringa and conflicted about permanently joining the church.
Meanwhile, Laura's world is turned upside down when a tragic accident threatens her dreams of becoming John's frau. Despite the obstacles in her path, Laura remains steadfast in her faith.
Will Lydia's love for Milton win out over his love for the world, and is Laura strong enough to face an uncertain future with John? Only the Lord has the answers the Mast sisters so desperately search for.
My Review:
The newest story by author Jerry S. Eicher entitled Always Close to Home, is a telling one that involves sisters. Things among them are usually terrific but these girls are twins and one of them is starting to feel that love will never come her way. I loved the story. I loved the dynamic between Lydia and Milton. I think it was a nice change for the author to play the angle that the guy love interest never even noticed the girl love interest.
This story is a two in one because you will get a chance to see both girls and their love life unfold. And at times during the story it seemed that things just were not going to go their way and there wouldn't be a happy ending. I really enjoyed the dynamic between characters. I think this may be my most favorite of the author's books, so far.
This book is part of The St. Lawrence County Amish Book series. It is book 3.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.
Are Two Miracles Too Much to Ask For?
Twins Laura and Lydia Mast keep few secrets from each other, but even Laura doesn't sense the great ache Lydia has held in her heart since Laura started dating the charming John Yoder. When will it be Lydia's turn for love?
Despite having a willing suitor in Wendell Kaufman, who once unsuccessfully pursued her sister, Lydia's attention is fixed on Milton Beiler. Milton hasn't paid Lydia the least bit of attention, and worse still, he's on rumspringa and conflicted about permanently joining the church.
Meanwhile, Laura's world is turned upside down when a tragic accident threatens her dreams of becoming John's frau. Despite the obstacles in her path, Laura remains steadfast in her faith.
Will Lydia's love for Milton win out over his love for the world, and is Laura strong enough to face an uncertain future with John? Only the Lord has the answers the Mast sisters so desperately search for.
My Review:
The newest story by author Jerry S. Eicher entitled Always Close to Home, is a telling one that involves sisters. Things among them are usually terrific but these girls are twins and one of them is starting to feel that love will never come her way. I loved the story. I loved the dynamic between Lydia and Milton. I think it was a nice change for the author to play the angle that the guy love interest never even noticed the girl love interest.
This story is a two in one because you will get a chance to see both girls and their love life unfold. And at times during the story it seemed that things just were not going to go their way and there wouldn't be a happy ending. I really enjoyed the dynamic between characters. I think this may be my most favorite of the author's books, so far.
This book is part of The St. Lawrence County Amish Book series. It is book 3.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.
March 11, 2017
After reading the entire series I have to say Jerry S. Eicher is growing on me. I still miss the bible quotes that other Amish Fiction have however his writing style is growing on me.
This book you will be introduced to twins Laura and Lydia Mast while they are both so very much twins in every way, they also have diffenances that they struggle with. This is a wonderful book to show us if we keep the faith in our heart and walk the path we know God sets before us even in the hardest of times in the end everything will work out. Jerry does a wonderful job bring these characters to life and you will need a tissue at times. I would recommend this book and after completing the entire series, I would recommend the whole series.
This book you will be introduced to twins Laura and Lydia Mast while they are both so very much twins in every way, they also have diffenances that they struggle with. This is a wonderful book to show us if we keep the faith in our heart and walk the path we know God sets before us even in the hardest of times in the end everything will work out. Jerry does a wonderful job bring these characters to life and you will need a tissue at times. I would recommend this book and after completing the entire series, I would recommend the whole series.
December 19, 2016
Romantic Times Book Reviews, 4 stars (https://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-re...
Women get a lot of unfair treatment in this series, as the community seems to have little care for the feelings and wishes of its female members. However, Eicher gives readers strong yet faithful characters in Lydia and Laura, as well as Teacher Nancy, who fight to have control over their futures.
Lydia Mast feels left out when her twin Laura finds love, and wonders if accepting her uncle’s invitation to help at his roadside stand will keep her busy rather than focusing on her negative feelings. Laura’s boyfriend John suffers a life-changing injury, leading both of their parents to decide to end the relationship, but Laura refuses to accept the advances of another boy, turning to God to help the couple face a difficult future together. Teacher Nancy must decide how to handle her love for an Englisch man before the community finds out, and Nancy’s brother Milton, who considers leaving the Amish, pays court to Lydia, who finds her attraction to him upsetting because she has no interest in leaving.
Women get a lot of unfair treatment in this series, as the community seems to have little care for the feelings and wishes of its female members. However, Eicher gives readers strong yet faithful characters in Lydia and Laura, as well as Teacher Nancy, who fight to have control over their futures.
Lydia Mast feels left out when her twin Laura finds love, and wonders if accepting her uncle’s invitation to help at his roadside stand will keep her busy rather than focusing on her negative feelings. Laura’s boyfriend John suffers a life-changing injury, leading both of their parents to decide to end the relationship, but Laura refuses to accept the advances of another boy, turning to God to help the couple face a difficult future together. Teacher Nancy must decide how to handle her love for an Englisch man before the community finds out, and Nancy’s brother Milton, who considers leaving the Amish, pays court to Lydia, who finds her attraction to him upsetting because she has no interest in leaving.
February 21, 2017
Always Close to Home is the third book Jerry Eicher has written in The St. Lawrence County Amish series. The characters have been well thought out and the storyline is wonderful.
This book is centered around twin sisters Laura and Lydia Mast. Laura is sure her beau for many years is ready to ask her to be his Frau. Lydia feels a little down because the young Amish man that she has set her sights on doesn't know she exist or does he. After Laura has accepted John's marriage proposal a serious accident happens which puts their marriage on hold and possibly for a long time. Will Laura stand firm in her love for John or will she decide to move on with another suited, Wendel?
When Lydia is contacted by her uncle to come help with his produce stand will she go with the possibility of meeting someone new or does she devise a plan that will include Milton working along side of her.? What will Lydia do when Milton ask her to be his girl @nd jump the fence. Will her love for Milton win out over her love of church and community?
When Laura starts praying for miracles will her prayers be answered or does she receive strict instruction from their bishop to move forward? With her love for John at stake what will Laura do?
I did not receive a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. All statements and opinions are strictly my own. I highly recommend this book to those who love the Amish genre and believe in miracles. I have rated this book with five stars for a wonderful story and continuation of the series.
Congratulations to Jerry Eicher on another great book. I hope to read more from this author in the future.
This book is centered around twin sisters Laura and Lydia Mast. Laura is sure her beau for many years is ready to ask her to be his Frau. Lydia feels a little down because the young Amish man that she has set her sights on doesn't know she exist or does he. After Laura has accepted John's marriage proposal a serious accident happens which puts their marriage on hold and possibly for a long time. Will Laura stand firm in her love for John or will she decide to move on with another suited, Wendel?
When Lydia is contacted by her uncle to come help with his produce stand will she go with the possibility of meeting someone new or does she devise a plan that will include Milton working along side of her.? What will Lydia do when Milton ask her to be his girl @nd jump the fence. Will her love for Milton win out over her love of church and community?
When Laura starts praying for miracles will her prayers be answered or does she receive strict instruction from their bishop to move forward? With her love for John at stake what will Laura do?
I did not receive a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. All statements and opinions are strictly my own. I highly recommend this book to those who love the Amish genre and believe in miracles. I have rated this book with five stars for a wonderful story and continuation of the series.
Congratulations to Jerry Eicher on another great book. I hope to read more from this author in the future.
November 23, 2017
This was a story of Amish twins with boy trouble. Although Lydia is interested in Milton, Milton shows no interest in her (he is on his rumspringa). Laura has her man and is even planning to marry until a terrible accident happens that has John blind and in a wheelchair. Their parents have forbidden the marriage because of his condition, but Laura insists on sticking with John knowing that prayers and miracles are for those that believe. Are the twins' faith strong enough to weather their particular storm?
February 11, 2017
This was ok. I enjoyed most of it but I do think some of it dragged on too long. It's as if the author dragged grief and tragedy on too long.
However; the story was truly delightful.
I liked how Jerry shows us that faith in Laura's case proves strong and sometimes shakeable even when our deepest thoughts sometimes betray us.
I also thought that the women have been treated unfairly in some ways. I
think because of the way Nancy was treated. It's wrong to hold someone back because of religion, race or creed.
If it's what the Lord wills so be it.
I did snicker in some places if the book.
In fact, Iaughed outright. (My husband always asked what was so funny) My imagination of course as I can picture these people do these things.
I enjoyed several things as well.
My fave scene of course was towards the end of the book.
I enjoy seeing the Lord work miracles in people's lives even in the darkest of times.
I cried as well for Laura and Lydia. Even times like what they have gone through, the Lordis always there even when we can't see Him.
I do recommend this book to people who enjoy Amish fiction
Thanks to my wonderful public library I got to read this book.
Jerry is a wonderful writer and his talent and love for the Lord shows in his work.
Milton and Lydia have a long journey ahead of them. Will they have a happy ever after Jerry Eicher?
However; the story was truly delightful.
I liked how Jerry shows us that faith in Laura's case proves strong and sometimes shakeable even when our deepest thoughts sometimes betray us.
I also thought that the women have been treated unfairly in some ways. I
think because of the way Nancy was treated. It's wrong to hold someone back because of religion, race or creed.
If it's what the Lord wills so be it.
I did snicker in some places if the book.
In fact, Iaughed outright. (My husband always asked what was so funny) My imagination of course as I can picture these people do these things.
I enjoyed several things as well.
My fave scene of course was towards the end of the book.
I enjoy seeing the Lord work miracles in people's lives even in the darkest of times.
I cried as well for Laura and Lydia. Even times like what they have gone through, the Lordis always there even when we can't see Him.
I do recommend this book to people who enjoy Amish fiction
Thanks to my wonderful public library I got to read this book.
Jerry is a wonderful writer and his talent and love for the Lord shows in his work.
Milton and Lydia have a long journey ahead of them. Will they have a happy ever after Jerry Eicher?
March 23, 2017
Always Close to Home is part of Eicher's St. Lawrence County Amish series. I enjoyed reading the stories of twins Laura and Lydia Mast with all the ups and downs of life in an Amish community -- drama with suitors; uncertainty with community member Milton possibly jumping the fence; the death of a beloved family member; and the terrible accident that almost takes the life of John, Laura's fiance. A bit slow moving at times, the story of Laura and John took over most of the book. Will Laura and John be able to get married? Will Lydia be able to convince Milton that he belongs with her instead of joining the English? What about the happiness of the rest of the family? I hope that Eicher continues this series so that we can learn the conclusion to Lydia and Milton's possible romance! Thanks for the win; I liked the book and will look for the rest of this series.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews