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The Chronicles of St. Mary's #3
A Second Chance
How long will Edna have to wait for the love of her life? Will God reward her patience? From Linda Byler, bestselling author of Amish Romances, comes a new story with "multifaceted characters who deal with real-life issues”— Publishers Weekly
“Short, dark-haired and dark-eyed, soft and round and capable, Edna was crackling with a zest for life. There was no job too mountainous for her. She had no husband or children, and had never had a date in her life.”
For years, Edna Miller has found herself drawn to Emery Hoschtettler with an attraction she can explain no better than she can put a stop to it. Other suitors come and go, but none make her feel the way she feels around Emery—that incredible floating feeling, as if she was walking on air, mixed with a painful desperation to be ever nearer to him. Despite the fact that Emery seldom seems to pay her much attention, she decides it would be unfair to marry anyone else when her heart longs only for him. He hasn’t seriously dated anyone else either, so perhaps he’s just waiting for the right time to ask her . . .
By the time Edna is twenty-nine, most of her family and friends have given up hope of her ever marrying. Why she didn’t give that nice man Jonathan more of a chance was beyond them. Sure, he had a bit of a limp from the tractor accident, but he was kind as could be, not to mention wealthy. Was she so vain that she could only judge based on outward appearances? Well then, she could go ahead and be a maud for the rest of her life, cooking and cleaning for other families.
When Emery finally asks Edna out, she can hardly contain her joy. Everything is coming together—God is rewarding her patience! Her family will understand why she could never settle for anyone else.
But what if Emery isn’t the man Edna was so sure he was? Is there something he’s hiding, or is Edna simply unable to accept true love after so many years of waiting? Would God really lead her all this way, just to leave her alone again?
“Short, dark-haired and dark-eyed, soft and round and capable, Edna was crackling with a zest for life. There was no job too mountainous for her. She had no husband or children, and had never had a date in her life.”
For years, Edna Miller has found herself drawn to Emery Hoschtettler with an attraction she can explain no better than she can put a stop to it. Other suitors come and go, but none make her feel the way she feels around Emery—that incredible floating feeling, as if she was walking on air, mixed with a painful desperation to be ever nearer to him. Despite the fact that Emery seldom seems to pay her much attention, she decides it would be unfair to marry anyone else when her heart longs only for him. He hasn’t seriously dated anyone else either, so perhaps he’s just waiting for the right time to ask her . . .
By the time Edna is twenty-nine, most of her family and friends have given up hope of her ever marrying. Why she didn’t give that nice man Jonathan more of a chance was beyond them. Sure, he had a bit of a limp from the tractor accident, but he was kind as could be, not to mention wealthy. Was she so vain that she could only judge based on outward appearances? Well then, she could go ahead and be a maud for the rest of her life, cooking and cleaning for other families.
When Emery finally asks Edna out, she can hardly contain her joy. Everything is coming together—God is rewarding her patience! Her family will understand why she could never settle for anyone else.
But what if Emery isn’t the man Edna was so sure he was? Is there something he’s hiding, or is Edna simply unable to accept true love after so many years of waiting? Would God really lead her all this way, just to leave her alone again?
360 pages, Paperback
Published May 14, 2019
86 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Linda Byler
86 books227 followersLinda Byler grew up Amish and is an active member of the Amish church today. Growing up, Linda Byler loved to read and write. In fact, she still does. She is well known within the Amish community as a columnist for a weekly Amish newspaper. Linda and her husband, their children and grandchildren live in central Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 8, 2019
A Second Chance by Linda Byler holds powerful messages for all Christians. I enjoyed following Edna. She was a young woman of my own age, single, and a hard-worker. Her heart is made of gold. She loved helping other families with the arrival of a newborn. Edna handles those tasks well. Even if the parents, grandparents, and and older children gave her hell. There were times, Edna really had to pray to God to give her strength. There were moments I thought for sure she wouldn't bite her tongue and tell them all exactly what they needed to hear. But Edna proved to be a strong character. However, the whole novel, Edna's life, was dragged out too much.
It felt too slow. Yes, I saw and understand Edna's work , and her frustration of being a maed, a single 20-year-old woman, in her community. But it gave me more than what I needed. It was like the author had to add extra stuffing to a book that would have been fine without it. From the beginning to end, I felt exhausted. I kept waiting for it to sped up and the plot never did. Therefore, it only received 3.5 stars from me. Also, it didn't have that oh my gosh this was so good factor. Usually, I fall immediately in love with an Amish novel. That didn't happen this time. Reading A Second Chance felt more like a chore than an enjoyable reading material. Overall, this Amish romance novel read more like a clean women's fiction book than a romance.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
It felt too slow. Yes, I saw and understand Edna's work , and her frustration of being a maed, a single 20-year-old woman, in her community. But it gave me more than what I needed. It was like the author had to add extra stuffing to a book that would have been fine without it. From the beginning to end, I felt exhausted. I kept waiting for it to sped up and the plot never did. Therefore, it only received 3.5 stars from me. Also, it didn't have that oh my gosh this was so good factor. Usually, I fall immediately in love with an Amish novel. That didn't happen this time. Reading A Second Chance felt more like a chore than an enjoyable reading material. Overall, this Amish romance novel read more like a clean women's fiction book than a romance.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
November 18, 2019
Edna Miller is a workaholic as a maid, nanny, housekeeper or whatever her role as a twenty nine year old single Amish gal. This story was not the typical Amish fiction with detailed description of Edna’s jobs and conditions of homes she worked in. The book was slow going at first but then more unexpected events happened with Edna never really being satisfied even after a chance to be married wife. There were appeared to inaccuracies of the Amish Ordnung with Edna and her boyfriend going to Florida alone, pictures of a deceased mother in a home and Edna staying overnight in a widower’s home.
I borrowed this book from the library. A review was not required but I have expressed my opinion.
I borrowed this book from the library. A review was not required but I have expressed my opinion.
July 3, 2019
A Second Chance is an outstanding Amish Romance written by Linda Byler. This author writes with style, grace, and her love from God each showing throughout the entire story. I was drawn into this story from the first few pages and stayed engaged to the final page. I wish it could have gone on longer to witness more changes to this blended family. The characters were definitely given a lot of time to be developed perfectly for this story and they help the reader to connect to this story. The storyline has a uniqueness that I haven't read before and I had a difficult time putting it down.
The determation of the main character, Edna Miller, is outstanding. She knew what she wanted in her life but once she had it she knew how wrong she had been all her life. The emotions the author drew out of Edna was amazing. Ifelt her disappointments, her sadness, and her love of faith. Orva, a widower, saw what Edna had to offer and fell hard for her but with 3 children made it difficult for them to form and bond as a family. The miracle that finally appears begins the bonding procesd which leaves the reading knowing all would work out.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached by anyone to post a favorable review. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of a truly wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others. I have read so many books by this author and have never been disappointed. I will definetly keep reading her stories in the future.
Congratulations to Linda Byler for once again delivering a special story for her readers enjoyment.
The determation of the main character, Edna Miller, is outstanding. She knew what she wanted in her life but once she had it she knew how wrong she had been all her life. The emotions the author drew out of Edna was amazing. Ifelt her disappointments, her sadness, and her love of faith. Orva, a widower, saw what Edna had to offer and fell hard for her but with 3 children made it difficult for them to form and bond as a family. The miracle that finally appears begins the bonding procesd which leaves the reading knowing all would work out.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached by anyone to post a favorable review. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of a truly wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others. I have read so many books by this author and have never been disappointed. I will definetly keep reading her stories in the future.
Congratulations to Linda Byler for once again delivering a special story for her readers enjoyment.
May 16, 2019
A Second Chance by Linda Byler has readers journeying to Indiana. Edna Miller is twenty-nine years old and has been working as a maud since she was fifteen. She goes from home to home helping new mothers manage their households and family (a temporary housekeeper). Edna loves hard work and creating order out of chaos. Edna is alone at home with her elderly parents since her other five siblings married. Edna has never been asked on a date and she has no prospects on the horizon. She has only had eyes for Emery Hoschtettler, and, while Edna thought she kept her feelings under wraps, it was apparent to all according to her sisters. One day she receives a note from Jonathan Hershberger asking her for a date. Jonathan is a kindhearted man who happens to be wealthy, but Edna does not find him appealing. She gives him a chance, but her heart was not in it. Edna knows she should come to terms with her single status, but she longs for a husband and family of her own. Orva Schlabach just lost his wife to cancer and he has three children to raise. Edna is hired by Orva’s sister to manage the house and family. It is a different assignment for Edna, but one she feels capable of handling. Edna is surprised one day when she receives a note from Emery asking her out on a date. Edna feels that her prayers have finally been answered. Is Emery the right man for Edna? What does God have in store for Edna Miller?
A Second Chance is the story of Edna Miller and her journey towards finding fulfillment. Edna is twenty-nine, single, and a hard worker. She likes working in homes where she can cook, clean and interact with people. Edna could work in one of the local RV factories and earn more money, but it is not the type of work for her. I was shocked when she only received $100 for two weeks of hard work (one family had eight children). Edna also takes care of her elderly parents (70s) when she is between assignments. Her father has diabetes and refuses to eat the proper foods. I found Edna to be judgmental, set in her ways, yet she was friendly. She likes for a home to be clean and orderly (a little obsessed with cleanliness). I like that she is a strong female woman, but her attitude left a lot to be desired. Most of the book follows Edna through her day-to-day activities (in detail). She sorts cupboards, cooks, does laundry, sweep, mop, change beds, etc. Even the food she cooked made was described down the condiments. It was tedious trying to slog through A Second Chance. I kept hoping the pace would improve, but it never did. The story lacked spark. The joyous moments were few in this story. If you were not depressed before starting A Second Chance, you will be when you finish it. Even the ending was lackluster (I wanted a happily-ever-after ending). Edna is a Christian woman who prays to God to help her and guide her. I liked the inclusion of the Serenity Prayer and the painting Edna purchased incorporating the prayer. Little Emmylou’s speech about her mother was so sweet. There was a beautiful rock garden described in the book that I want in my backyard. A Second Chance felt more like a rough draft (especially with the number of typos and inconsistencies) than a finished novel. It has some good bones, but I thought it needed a major rewrite.
A Second Chance is the story of Edna Miller and her journey towards finding fulfillment. Edna is twenty-nine, single, and a hard worker. She likes working in homes where she can cook, clean and interact with people. Edna could work in one of the local RV factories and earn more money, but it is not the type of work for her. I was shocked when she only received $100 for two weeks of hard work (one family had eight children). Edna also takes care of her elderly parents (70s) when she is between assignments. Her father has diabetes and refuses to eat the proper foods. I found Edna to be judgmental, set in her ways, yet she was friendly. She likes for a home to be clean and orderly (a little obsessed with cleanliness). I like that she is a strong female woman, but her attitude left a lot to be desired. Most of the book follows Edna through her day-to-day activities (in detail). She sorts cupboards, cooks, does laundry, sweep, mop, change beds, etc. Even the food she cooked made was described down the condiments. It was tedious trying to slog through A Second Chance. I kept hoping the pace would improve, but it never did. The story lacked spark. The joyous moments were few in this story. If you were not depressed before starting A Second Chance, you will be when you finish it. Even the ending was lackluster (I wanted a happily-ever-after ending). Edna is a Christian woman who prays to God to help her and guide her. I liked the inclusion of the Serenity Prayer and the painting Edna purchased incorporating the prayer. Little Emmylou’s speech about her mother was so sweet. There was a beautiful rock garden described in the book that I want in my backyard. A Second Chance felt more like a rough draft (especially with the number of typos and inconsistencies) than a finished novel. It has some good bones, but I thought it needed a major rewrite.
January 1, 2020
A Second Chance is a wonderful romance about a girl that everyone thinks is never going to get marry. She is a girl that has skills for household management since she is not married in order to not be a burden on her parents she has chosen a job that utilizes her skills. She is someone that they call when there is a new baby or they have been sick in the hospital and need help cleaning and cooking and getting things back in order. She continues doing her job and taking care of her aging parents when she gets a phone call from a man who is a widower with three children.
Love creeps up on the both of them but it is not easy the community has to accept it and then there is the children they are angry that their mother is gone and there is a family secret and it is up to Edna to bring them all together.
Ms. Byler touches on several subjects being a single girl in a culture that values marriage as the end all to end all and aging parents and loosing a loved one and handles all these subjects with grace.
A very nice romance that carries you through the heartache to joy.
I loved it!
Love creeps up on the both of them but it is not easy the community has to accept it and then there is the children they are angry that their mother is gone and there is a family secret and it is up to Edna to bring them all together.
Ms. Byler touches on several subjects being a single girl in a culture that values marriage as the end all to end all and aging parents and loosing a loved one and handles all these subjects with grace.
A very nice romance that carries you through the heartache to joy.
I loved it!
September 26, 2019
I appreciated that Edna was different from most women in Christian Fiction today. I appreciated the day to day details. I'm so tired of the young beauty portrayed in most Christian Fiction and Hallmark Movies; like there are no other women's stories worth writing unless they are a certain age or size.
Having said all that by mid-way through the book I felt Edna changed and no longer had her spunk or assurance. Mid-way doubt, insecurities, drama, angst and despair took center stage. I guess with all the sadness and troubles in the world and on tv I wanted a different approach to life something that's also worth writing about.
Having said all that by mid-way through the book I felt Edna changed and no longer had her spunk or assurance. Mid-way doubt, insecurities, drama, angst and despair took center stage. I guess with all the sadness and troubles in the world and on tv I wanted a different approach to life something that's also worth writing about.
February 18, 2022
I think this is one of the most different Amish books I have ever read. It goes into great detail about the position of a MAUD. A Maud is a Amish woman that goes from house to house helping others. She could be there after the birth of a baby or with an elderly couple or whatever brings her to a home to help them doing laundry, housework, cooking and childcare, etc. The story in this book was so realistic. It was a beautiful romance but I enjoyed all the details that went on in the life of the main characters. It would make a good movie.
July 19, 2020
Not really my favorite Amish story.
There was so much emphases and so many references to body size. Seemed very out of place.
The beginning and middle of the book were so detailed and drawn out. The end came so suddenly. It didn't feel like closure to the story. It felt rushed and undetailed.
There was so much emphases and so many references to body size. Seemed very out of place.
The beginning and middle of the book were so detailed and drawn out. The end came so suddenly. It didn't feel like closure to the story. It felt rushed and undetailed.
May 24, 2023
disappointed
I usually like reading books with the Amish culture and romance. This one dragged on and on. It wasn’t until halfway through the story before a possible romantic relationship was revealed. Before that it was page after page of the story regarding an “old maid” who had never had any relationship with a man. I really had to struggle to finish the story.
I usually like reading books with the Amish culture and romance. This one dragged on and on. It wasn’t until halfway through the story before a possible romantic relationship was revealed. Before that it was page after page of the story regarding an “old maid” who had never had any relationship with a man. I really had to struggle to finish the story.
July 20, 2019
A Second Chance was a truly lovely story, unfolding in its own time and pace. All the characters became more real and better understood as the story progressed and they grew with the changes God and life sent their way. It’s not a book for a quick fix, but one to be savored and enjoyed.
January 9, 2020
I enjoyed this book with interesting characters and a realistic plot. It’s a view of a woman’s life and willingness to embrace change. Glad I found this one. I also enjoyed the narration. Happy reading/listening!
February 4, 2022
Eh. It was anticlimactic. She also didn't portray the Amish as I am used to them being portrayed, so I don't know if she is accurate or the other authors are.... like Beverly Lewis and Amy Clipston....
February 21, 2022
I loved this book and all the details in it about an Amish woman being a “maud”. It would be like our nanny, maid, caregiver, etc. I loved the main character’s heart. Beautiful story. I highly recommend.
May 29, 2022
I loved this book. It seemed so real. Happenings that happen in a lot of families was told to us in this story. I held my breath and shed a tear for Edna. You’ll need to read this one to see how it all ends.
June 9, 2022
Twenty nine year old, Edna wonders how long she must wait for the man of her dreams. She keeps busy working as a maid for various households that have a new baby. An interest from her past comes forth. A new job due to the loss of a wife. Will her dream come true?
January 12, 2025
I enjoyed this book, especially because of the subtle differences from others of this genre. The author is Amish and her worldview is incorporated into the narrative. It made a big difference. I look forward to reading other books by Linda Byler
July 1, 2019
Started off rather slow but, got interesting half way.
August 16, 2019
Loved loved loved.
January 4, 2020
I love her books! great story! cant wait to get more of her books!
August 29, 2020
Great....as always!!!!!!
Thank you so much Ms Byler for another wonderful book. I didn’t want it to end, nor could I hardly stop reading it once I started reading. So so very good.
Thank you so much Ms Byler for another wonderful book. I didn’t want it to end, nor could I hardly stop reading it once I started reading. So so very good.
September 4, 2020
Fantastic
Such a good book. Almost impossible to put it down. I will definitely be reading more books. I love that she grew up Amish and is Amish still today.
Such a good book. Almost impossible to put it down. I will definitely be reading more books. I love that she grew up Amish and is Amish still today.
March 27, 2022
A must read! Stepmother role that could be a story in either amish or english!
June 15, 2024
A Second Chance
I enjoyed the story and was glad everything worked out. It was a nice story of love and getting along with each other.
I enjoyed the story and was glad everything worked out. It was a nice story of love and getting along with each other.
February 8, 2021
The adventure continues. This book is well done, ut clearly a set-up for the next adventure.
November 12, 2020
Good book
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews