What do you think?
Rate this book
Amish Buggy Horse #1
Faith
An Amish buggy horse by the name of "Blessing" is passed from one person to another, changing their lives in the process.
For years, Nettie looked after her aged mother Elma, a demanding woman who did not want any involvement with the community.
Now that her mother has died, Nettie is alone. She is regarded with suspicion by the local townspeople, and has had no visitors from her community for some years.
Nettie's buggy horse has gone lame and has had to be retired, but Nettie cannot afford a new horse. Just as Nettie is despairing about not having any means of transport, a lost horse appears in her driveway, bringing with him far-reaching consequences.
Daniel Glick is drawn to the lonely figure of Nettie, but Nettie wants to be left alone.
However, when Jebediah Sprinkler tries to force Nettie to hand over her house, Daniel springs to the rescue.
As Nettie's struggles mount, she has to decide whether to take the law into her own hands.
And what will Daniel do when he discovers the secret that Nettie is hiding from him?
For years, Nettie looked after her aged mother Elma, a demanding woman who did not want any involvement with the community.
Now that her mother has died, Nettie is alone. She is regarded with suspicion by the local townspeople, and has had no visitors from her community for some years.
Nettie's buggy horse has gone lame and has had to be retired, but Nettie cannot afford a new horse. Just as Nettie is despairing about not having any means of transport, a lost horse appears in her driveway, bringing with him far-reaching consequences.
Daniel Glick is drawn to the lonely figure of Nettie, but Nettie wants to be left alone.
However, when Jebediah Sprinkler tries to force Nettie to hand over her house, Daniel springs to the rescue.
As Nettie's struggles mount, she has to decide whether to take the law into her own hands.
And what will Daniel do when he discovers the secret that Nettie is hiding from him?
Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2014
945 people are currently reading
475 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Hartzler
147 books178 followersUSA Today Best-selling author Ruth Hartzler spends her days writing, walking her dog, and thinking of ways to murder somebody. That's because Ruth writes cozy mysteries and adventures.
She is best known for her archaeological adventures, for which she relies upon her former career as a college professor of ancient languages and Biblical history.
She is best known for her archaeological adventures, for which she relies upon her former career as a college professor of ancient languages and Biblical history.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
October 24, 2020
This delightful tale is a short novella and as such, the reader will not be expecting a wide cast of characters or a convoluted plot. I enjoyed the example of how social isolation hampers a young person and how they need to make an effort to fit into a community. As this is an Amish tale we find a short glossary of words in their Germanic dialect at the start.
We meet a young lady whose autocratic mother kept the pair isolated in a farming community, but since her mother's death, she has started to make changes. A suspicious actor is fast on the scene, and kind neighbours as well. The good folks are tied together by a wandering buggy horse called Blessing, a suitable name for a horse owned by Amish people. Blessing has a mind of his own but he's a willing worker.
The only parts I find hard to accept are that the neighbours and good wives of the district did not make more effort to include the young woman over the years, and that she barely knew her nearest neighbours from just over the fence. Twenty acres are not so big, and they must surely have said good day at times; plus I am certain they would have been around a lot sooner asking if they could rent the fallow land, like years earlier. But it's a story.
I downloaded a Kindle copy. This is an unbiased review.
We meet a young lady whose autocratic mother kept the pair isolated in a farming community, but since her mother's death, she has started to make changes. A suspicious actor is fast on the scene, and kind neighbours as well. The good folks are tied together by a wandering buggy horse called Blessing, a suitable name for a horse owned by Amish people. Blessing has a mind of his own but he's a willing worker.
The only parts I find hard to accept are that the neighbours and good wives of the district did not make more effort to include the young woman over the years, and that she barely knew her nearest neighbours from just over the fence. Twenty acres are not so big, and they must surely have said good day at times; plus I am certain they would have been around a lot sooner asking if they could rent the fallow land, like years earlier. But it's a story.
I downloaded a Kindle copy. This is an unbiased review.
April 27, 2022
Nettie is recovering from the death of her Mum. She recieves a shock in that her Mum has left her the farm and the house but all her money goes elsewhere. Then a man from Netties past appears saying that her Mum has left him everything.
Nettie had been made a recluse from the community as she wouldn't allow her out or people to visit. Nettie finds a run away hourse and is going to her nearest neighbour to find out who the horse belongs to and meets Daniel. The two of them become friends and his family help her.
Can Nettie find a way to keep her house, the farm and the money or will the man from her past get it all?
I liked this book but found the unthoughtfulness and harshness of Nettie's Mum and the man from her past not nice.
Nettie had been made a recluse from the community as she wouldn't allow her out or people to visit. Nettie finds a run away hourse and is going to her nearest neighbour to find out who the horse belongs to and meets Daniel. The two of them become friends and his family help her.
Can Nettie find a way to keep her house, the farm and the money or will the man from her past get it all?
I liked this book but found the unthoughtfulness and harshness of Nettie's Mum and the man from her past not nice.
September 16, 2020
Cute but rather predictable story. Unfortunately the author is very repetitive in descriptions and the story reads as though written by an amateur. Not a waste but definitely not something I’d recommend to someone looking for a high quality story.
July 26, 2015
I love me my Amish fiction and Faith by Ruth Hartzler is a great example of the genre.
I was born in Pennsylvania and after a journey of *ahem* several decades, I have found myself in rural Kentucky with a large population of Amish and Mennonites in the same county.
I believe the Amish community is insular in nature, but by no means closed off. Nettie's mother was closed off, having little or no contact with either the Amish or English in her community; she also required that Nettie follow suit.
It was interesting to note that the unwanted (former & current) suitor, Jebediah Stringler, told Nettie that her mother had left the house and land to him (instead of her own daughter). Then he asked her to marry him, and went around in the community as if they were betrothed already. But he was hiding his real reason for the things he did, and I'm not going to tell you either.
Contrast with that Nettie's initial refusal to believe there was such a 'new will', as Jebediah insisted, and her struggle with herself over whether or not to destroy any such document that she might discover in the house as she cleaned. And she mentioned her struggle to the local bishop and his wife, to her lawyer, and to Daniel Glick, a neighbor for whom she has developed feelings.
I was a little worried, as in, "Oh now, what are they (Nettie and Daniel) going to do about Jebediah?" Ms. Hartzler chose a wonderful outcome or solution to that little sticky issue. I may have even struggled with myself as to whether I should just quietly smile to myself at the solution, or jump up, give a little fist pump, and shout, "WAHOO!"
Faith is the first in a series of books set in the same Amish community, with each one focusing on a different young woman, who had usually been mentioned in a previous installment. If you like Amish fiction, this book (and series) should be on your TBR lists!
(Disclosure: I received this ebook for free on Amazon, via a list of free and low-cost books mailed out each day by Bookbub. I was not required to provide a review, but, hey, it's the nice/right thing to do.;))
I was born in Pennsylvania and after a journey of *ahem* several decades, I have found myself in rural Kentucky with a large population of Amish and Mennonites in the same county.
I believe the Amish community is insular in nature, but by no means closed off. Nettie's mother was closed off, having little or no contact with either the Amish or English in her community; she also required that Nettie follow suit.
It was interesting to note that the unwanted (former & current) suitor, Jebediah Stringler, told Nettie that her mother had left the house and land to him (instead of her own daughter). Then he asked her to marry him, and went around in the community as if they were betrothed already. But he was hiding his real reason for the things he did, and I'm not going to tell you either.
Contrast with that Nettie's initial refusal to believe there was such a 'new will', as Jebediah insisted, and her struggle with herself over whether or not to destroy any such document that she might discover in the house as she cleaned. And she mentioned her struggle to the local bishop and his wife, to her lawyer, and to Daniel Glick, a neighbor for whom she has developed feelings.
I was a little worried, as in, "Oh now, what are they (Nettie and Daniel) going to do about Jebediah?" Ms. Hartzler chose a wonderful outcome or solution to that little sticky issue. I may have even struggled with myself as to whether I should just quietly smile to myself at the solution, or jump up, give a little fist pump, and shout, "WAHOO!"
Faith is the first in a series of books set in the same Amish community, with each one focusing on a different young woman, who had usually been mentioned in a previous installment. If you like Amish fiction, this book (and series) should be on your TBR lists!
(Disclosure: I received this ebook for free on Amazon, via a list of free and low-cost books mailed out each day by Bookbub. I was not required to provide a review, but, hey, it's the nice/right thing to do.;))
December 30, 2014
I never heard or knew much about the Amish when I started to read this book. I'm a plain old Baptist myself. I use to do some work in my church.
I was nervous reading a different kind of Christian book and soon realised it was a very different romance indeed. Until today I never knew the Amish used German words. I found the author didn't over use them. She had the perfect balance between romance, English and German rolled up into one neat package. I was so taken by the good quality of writing and the details that made this story sing that it has encouraged me to check out the rest of her series.
I also hope to read the other best selling series she has.
I only found two mistakes in the whole book and highly recommend this to more people.
I was nervous reading a different kind of Christian book and soon realised it was a very different romance indeed. Until today I never knew the Amish used German words. I found the author didn't over use them. She had the perfect balance between romance, English and German rolled up into one neat package. I was so taken by the good quality of writing and the details that made this story sing that it has encouraged me to check out the rest of her series.
I also hope to read the other best selling series she has.
I only found two mistakes in the whole book and highly recommend this to more people.
January 23, 2020
Nettie's mother has died leaving her the house and land but the money goes to a cat rescue society. Nettie's mother has kept both of them away from the community. Her buggy horse can no longer work and so Nettie will have to walk. A horse shows up and she tries to find his owner and does. Nettie has a visit from a man her mother wished her to marry and she had refused. He claims there is a later will leaving it all to him. How will this all work out? Her neighbor is a helpful young Amish man she is attracted to and what of him. Ruth Hartzler title this Faith which is what the bishop instructs Nettie to have.
August 23, 2017
A horse & an Amish woman
Overall a very quick read. A sheltered single Amish woman must learn how to cope on her own after her mother's death. Unwilling to marry a man her mother had chosen, she stood her ground. All at the risk of losing the only home she had ever known. Trying to figure a way to support herself & keep her farm.
Overall a very quick read. A sheltered single Amish woman must learn how to cope on her own after her mother's death. Unwilling to marry a man her mother had chosen, she stood her ground. All at the risk of losing the only home she had ever known. Trying to figure a way to support herself & keep her farm.
August 31, 2017
Amish Romance
Ruth Hartzler is a new author for my reading pleasure. I totally enjoyed her book which is the first in a series that has a horse named Blessing. Blessing has an great deal to do with these romances. Enjoy the story about Faith , I did!!!!!!
Ruth Hartzler is a new author for my reading pleasure. I totally enjoyed her book which is the first in a series that has a horse named Blessing. Blessing has an great deal to do with these romances. Enjoy the story about Faith , I did!!!!!!
April 10, 2024
I really enjoyed this sweet, faith-filled Amish romance. The horse, Blessing, was interesting and there was a good amount of suspense regarding the latest will of Nettie's mother. I also enjoyed learning about Amish traditions (such as never disputing wills), herbal remedies, and some spiritual songs sung in Amish worship (and a bit of the backstory behind them).
A couple of quotes:
Nettie sighed. After scolding an indifferent Blessing for being a naughty boy and opening two gates, she led him back to the field and made sure the gate was securely latched, and then returned to the herb garden to inspect the damage.
Most of the herbs were untouched, but Blessing had eaten all the sage and the basil. Nettie used both herbs heavily. She used sage tea for sore throats and coughs as well as stomach upsets, and used to wrap her mudder’s ankles in it when they swelled. Her mudder had also found a steam inhalation of sage helpful with her spring allergies. Nettie also used sage in cooking, in chicken casseroles, in meatloaf, and in stuffing.
As for the basil, Nettie was fond of using it too, especially in pesto, which was a favorite of hers. It was also wonderful in salads. Apart from cooking, Nettie used basil medicinally. Basil tea was excellent for soothing indigestion, and the macerated leaves were soothing for insect bites and stings.
Nettie smiled as his strong hand wrapped around hers. She loved the feeling, even if it did make her feel slightly sick to the stomach and have the same effect as the time she had accidentally touched the neighbor’s electric fence.
A couple of quotes:
Nettie sighed. After scolding an indifferent Blessing for being a naughty boy and opening two gates, she led him back to the field and made sure the gate was securely latched, and then returned to the herb garden to inspect the damage.
Most of the herbs were untouched, but Blessing had eaten all the sage and the basil. Nettie used both herbs heavily. She used sage tea for sore throats and coughs as well as stomach upsets, and used to wrap her mudder’s ankles in it when they swelled. Her mudder had also found a steam inhalation of sage helpful with her spring allergies. Nettie also used sage in cooking, in chicken casseroles, in meatloaf, and in stuffing.
As for the basil, Nettie was fond of using it too, especially in pesto, which was a favorite of hers. It was also wonderful in salads. Apart from cooking, Nettie used basil medicinally. Basil tea was excellent for soothing indigestion, and the macerated leaves were soothing for insect bites and stings.
Nettie smiled as his strong hand wrapped around hers. She loved the feeling, even if it did make her feel slightly sick to the stomach and have the same effect as the time she had accidentally touched the neighbor’s electric fence.
February 5, 2019
An Okay Read
This book had an elementary singleness to it. It was about an Amish mother who was ill and verbally abused her daughter. The daughter pulled herself together and made friends with a good Amish family. The book , in my opinion lacked depth and warmth, some unnecessary details.
This book had an elementary singleness to it. It was about an Amish mother who was ill and verbally abused her daughter. The daughter pulled herself together and made friends with a good Amish family. The book , in my opinion lacked depth and warmth, some unnecessary details.
October 7, 2020
A novella, not a novel
Very simplistic book with some elements of surprise and a happy ending guaranteed. Formulaic. Few background details, little depth - characters seem mostly 2 dimensional. A good read for those new to English, those struggling with reading skills, or those who, like me, sometimes feel very unwell and are looking for a light read as a distraction.
Very simplistic book with some elements of surprise and a happy ending guaranteed. Formulaic. Few background details, little depth - characters seem mostly 2 dimensional. A good read for those new to English, those struggling with reading skills, or those who, like me, sometimes feel very unwell and are looking for a light read as a distraction.
January 5, 2021
Good Book To End Your Day
Enjoyed this relaxing, short read to wind down from my day. For me, it was better than a cup of tea. Human emotions, the basis of this, was well laid out. The characters came to life. You could smell the flowers in bloom, hear the meandering waters. What better way to end one's day
Enjoyed this relaxing, short read to wind down from my day. For me, it was better than a cup of tea. Human emotions, the basis of this, was well laid out. The characters came to life. You could smell the flowers in bloom, hear the meandering waters. What better way to end one's day
June 1, 2021
It's a short story. Nettie is alone on the farm following the death of her mother. The mother had isolated Nettie at the farm away from all the neighbours.
There's a nice guy next door and an annoying ex-fiance. The will is complicated. I liked the horse.
A bit religious (quite a bit) but not too heavy.
There's a nice guy next door and an annoying ex-fiance. The will is complicated. I liked the horse.
A bit religious (quite a bit) but not too heavy.
April 23, 2024
This is my first time reading an Amish love story and honestly it was okay. It wasn’t fantastic either though. I had a few problems.
Pretty bland and my single year of German came in handy multiple times. If I hadn’t had that year, I would’ve had to keep switching between the glossary and the story.
Overall it was fine. Nothing super great or super bad.
Pretty bland and my single year of German came in handy multiple times. If I hadn’t had that year, I would’ve had to keep switching between the glossary and the story.
Overall it was fine. Nothing super great or super bad.
May 8, 2017
Turmoil and God's Love
A mother shows abuse and hatred to her sweet daughter, who cutely cares for her mother till death...
One man wishes to take advantage of this young lady, and another man shows love.
A mother shows abuse and hatred to her sweet daughter, who cutely cares for her mother till death...
One man wishes to take advantage of this young lady, and another man shows love.
May 14, 2017
Faith
Hartzler weaves a short but sweet tale of a budding Amish romance with a problem that threatens the future of the romance. But love prevails. I am looking forward to the sequels.
Hartzler weaves a short but sweet tale of a budding Amish romance with a problem that threatens the future of the romance. But love prevails. I am looking forward to the sequels.
December 17, 2018
A Wonderful read. Ruth does a good job. First I have read of hers in many years. A great story of faith and trust God. Proverbs 3:5-6 [5] Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. [6] In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
September 16, 2020
Bible verses show us the way.
This story can make you feel many emotions. Thankfully this writer has shared many verses that may help us to see what God asks if us. During these times many of the verses show us to trust in God for His will to be done.
This story can make you feel many emotions. Thankfully this writer has shared many verses that may help us to see what God asks if us. During these times many of the verses show us to trust in God for His will to be done.
September 24, 2020
God is in charge.
Delightful story of Faith and Daniel. Faith struggled to trust that God would provide for her. She wanted her way and wasn't open to God's way being different. Only after she decided to abide by his way was her life made calm and frustration became hope.
Delightful story of Faith and Daniel. Faith struggled to trust that God would provide for her. She wanted her way and wasn't open to God's way being different. Only after she decided to abide by his way was her life made calm and frustration became hope.
March 14, 2021
Quick read
The book reads like you are watching not really there. I like to feel part of the atmosphere if not fully involved. For me, the Amish I know are not at all like Nettle or her mother. It is an easy book but ended without finishing.
The book reads like you are watching not really there. I like to feel part of the atmosphere if not fully involved. For me, the Amish I know are not at all like Nettle or her mother. It is an easy book but ended without finishing.
February 8, 2022
Sweet romance
Short and sweet I should say. But it's full of insight into Amish ways, like herbs to use for medicinal teas and ointments. Basic to all is the faith and moral fortitude exhibited by the characters, at least most of them.
Short and sweet I should say. But it's full of insight into Amish ways, like herbs to use for medicinal teas and ointments. Basic to all is the faith and moral fortitude exhibited by the characters, at least most of them.
August 5, 2024
This is the first book in awhile that I have not only finished, but I looked forward to reading. At times, I read 5 chapters at a time, which is not usually how I read. I did feel it ended a little too soon.
April 11, 2025
I have enjoyed Amish fiction for years and this is no exception. Following the story of Nettie after her mother's death and watching her faith build up over the various trials thrown her way. Great story!!
May 14, 2017
Wishing book was longer
This book is short but I enjoyed the story so much. The heroine has had hard times but followed her beliefs . Happy ending.
This book is short but I enjoyed the story so much. The heroine has had hard times but followed her beliefs . Happy ending.
January 4, 2018
Great read
An excellent and quick read to take you in the middle of The action and away from your daily routine
An excellent and quick read to take you in the middle of The action and away from your daily routine
March 19, 2018
Excellent-anxious to read the next one.
April 18, 2018
Faith
Without faith God cannot work in our heart. We must believe in Him and completely dedicate our lives to God.
Without faith God cannot work in our heart. We must believe in Him and completely dedicate our lives to God.
September 17, 2018
An Amish buggy horse by the name of "Blessing" is passed from one person to another, changing their lives in the process.
January 21, 2019
Excellent Amish story. Love the ending, hope there will be more answers as to the ending. Great book.
April 17, 2020
Wonderful
Looking forward to reading all the other books in the series. So invigorating and keeps you locked in to thee end.
Looking forward to reading all the other books in the series. So invigorating and keeps you locked in to thee end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews