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Riverhaven Years #2
Where Grace Abides
Readers loved Rachel's Secret, the first book in BJ Hoff's wildly popular new series, The Riverhaven Years, and are eagerly awaiting the continuing story of young Amish widow, Rachel Brenneman, and Irish-American riverboat captain, Jeremiah Gant. In Where Grace Abides, the compelling second book in the series, Hoff offers her readers an even closer look at the Amish community of Riverhaven and the people who live and love and work there. Secrets, treachery, and persecution are only a few of the challenges that test Rachel's faith and her love for the forbidden "outsider," while Gant's own hopes and dreams are dealt a life-changing blow, rendering the vow he made to Rachel seemingly impossible to honor. Many of the other characters first introduced in Rachel's Secret now find their gentle, unassuming lives of faith jeopardized by a malicious outside influence. At the same time, those striving to help runaway slaves escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad face deception and the danger of discovery. All the elements readers have come to expect from author BJ Hoff (romance, drama, great characters) join together in Where Grace Abides to fill the pages with a tender, endearing love story and a bold, inspiring journey of faith.
320 pages, Paperback
First published September 21, 2009
39 people are currently reading
388 people want to read
About the author
B.J. Hoff
51 books148 followersBJ Hoff’s writing is known for her historical settings, her unforgettable characters, and her lyrical prose. She is the bestselling author of numerous historical fiction series, including the Riverhaven Years, the Mountain Song Legacy, the Song of Erin saga, the American Anthem series, An Emerald Ballad series, and her newest book Harp on the Willow.
Her five-volume Emerald Ballad series was the first major work of fiction to bring the Irish immigration experience to the CBA marketplace, and the work that first brought BJ an international reading audience.
Her readers know they can expect to meet some memorable people in her novels and also know that many of those people will be immigrants; Irish immigrants particularly but not exclusively.
BJ admits to a passion for building worlds. Whether her characters move about in small country towns or metropolitan areas, reside in Amish settlements, secluded mansions, or coal company houses, she creates communities where people can form relationships, raise families, pursue their faith, and experience the mountains and valleys of life.
She’s intent on making her historical novels relevant to the present by developing characters and settings that, while staying true to the history and culture of their times, reflect many of the spiritual trials and social problems faced by contemporary readers. Her novels are meant to be stories that build a bridge from the past to the present.
Her literary awards include the Christianity Today’s Critics Choice Book Award for fiction; a Gold Medallion Award finalist; and a number of Excellence in Media Silver Angel awards. Her books have been translated into many foreign languages, and she frequently hears from her international readers in countries such as Ireland, England, Norway, and Germany.
A former church music director and music teacher, BJ writes from her home in a small town in east central Ohio. She and her husband share a love of music, books, and time spent with their family: two daughters and three lively young grandsons.
Her five-volume Emerald Ballad series was the first major work of fiction to bring the Irish immigration experience to the CBA marketplace, and the work that first brought BJ an international reading audience.
Her readers know they can expect to meet some memorable people in her novels and also know that many of those people will be immigrants; Irish immigrants particularly but not exclusively.
BJ admits to a passion for building worlds. Whether her characters move about in small country towns or metropolitan areas, reside in Amish settlements, secluded mansions, or coal company houses, she creates communities where people can form relationships, raise families, pursue their faith, and experience the mountains and valleys of life.
She’s intent on making her historical novels relevant to the present by developing characters and settings that, while staying true to the history and culture of their times, reflect many of the spiritual trials and social problems faced by contemporary readers. Her novels are meant to be stories that build a bridge from the past to the present.
Her literary awards include the Christianity Today’s Critics Choice Book Award for fiction; a Gold Medallion Award finalist; and a number of Excellence in Media Silver Angel awards. Her books have been translated into many foreign languages, and she frequently hears from her international readers in countries such as Ireland, England, Norway, and Germany.
A former church music director and music teacher, BJ writes from her home in a small town in east central Ohio. She and her husband share a love of music, books, and time spent with their family: two daughters and three lively young grandsons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
March 4, 2015
Series "The Riverhaven Years" book#2 Where Grace Abides by B J Hoff
I have not read much from this author but really liked this story and the characters. Grace of God is something I am particularly interested in reading about in lives that become like friends in a story.
Rachel lives in an amish community and loves her family and all that live there. She feels so guilty because...
Rachel loves an outsider which is unusual in itself but another item also unusual is that he loves her and wants to become Amish. They hope to be married one day.
Jeremiah lives as outsider near the amish community and he does woodwork that he loves doing, he also works with the underground RR, a secret that not many know about. He has ask the bishop to accept him into the community but has not been accepted which leads both Jeremiah and Rachel wondering how they will ever live apart if there is not a light at the end of the tunnel.
A minister friend told him that he must have patience and wait on the Grace of God to intervene for them.
Life moves on and time passes-there are difficulties in the community when people are harrassed and some even hurt by bad people who seem to have a grudge against the amish. Fear edges into the community.
Gideon who is Rachel brother begins working with Jeremiah, He is reluctant to stay amish and wants to live away from home and try new things.
I enjoyed reading this story and will look for more of the "Riverhaven Years"
I have not read much from this author but really liked this story and the characters. Grace of God is something I am particularly interested in reading about in lives that become like friends in a story.
Rachel lives in an amish community and loves her family and all that live there. She feels so guilty because...
Rachel loves an outsider which is unusual in itself but another item also unusual is that he loves her and wants to become Amish. They hope to be married one day.
Jeremiah lives as outsider near the amish community and he does woodwork that he loves doing, he also works with the underground RR, a secret that not many know about. He has ask the bishop to accept him into the community but has not been accepted which leads both Jeremiah and Rachel wondering how they will ever live apart if there is not a light at the end of the tunnel.
A minister friend told him that he must have patience and wait on the Grace of God to intervene for them.
Life moves on and time passes-there are difficulties in the community when people are harrassed and some even hurt by bad people who seem to have a grudge against the amish. Fear edges into the community.
Gideon who is Rachel brother begins working with Jeremiah, He is reluctant to stay amish and wants to live away from home and try new things.
I enjoyed reading this story and will look for more of the "Riverhaven Years"
July 28, 2011
This book does nothing to further the main plot, which is the relationship between Jeremiah and Rachel, so it seems like this book was written just to make more money. All of the "should be" subplots in this novel, which became the main plot, just drag out the story. Another issue that I have with this novel is the almost glorified Amish culture. Their beliefs, such as you cannot defend yourself if someone attacks you or your family, are ridiculous. Other parts of their culture annoy me as well, such as the amount of power that the people allow the bishop to wield. The Amish treat the bishop as if he's God. What really upsets me, though, is Rachel's submission to these blasphemous beliefs. I want to like her because she’s the main character, but it angers me to see how she lets herself be brainwashed. If Rachel doesn’t choose to leave the Amish in the third book, I will be greatly upset because by accepting the Amish way of life, Rachel is choosing to live in a cult.
July 14, 2017
Great book. I loved the story of Rachel and Jeremiah. The thing I really thought was so good was at the beginning of each chapter B.J. Hoff has included wise words from various authors. I think this is a great way to start each chapter.
September 2, 2024
very good book
July 23, 2010
This was the first book that I have read by Hoff and I was really looking forward to a glimpse into the Amish faith and lifestyle. Even though I did not read the first book in the series, I felt like the author did a good job of filling you in as to what developed in the first installment.
As the book opens we learn that Rachel has fallen in love with Jeremiah, who is not Amish himself so he is considered an outsider. They have such a strong love for one another that Jeremiah and Rachel are both crushed when the Amish bishop will not allow him to convert to their religion so the two of them can be married and spend the rest of their lives together.
What seems to sting Jeremiah is the fact that his good friend David has been given permission by the bishop to convert, which then allows him to marry Rachel's mother. He struggles with thoughts that he should have acted differently for a more positive outcome. Because of his close friendship with David, he finds himself in the company of Rachel quite often. He knows from the look in her eyes that she is just as hurt by the bishop's decision.
There is a violent and shocking act that takes place within the novel that seems to be an act of vengeance against those that help to support the Underground Railroad. I have always found stories of the Underground Railroad fascinating so I would have liked it if this part of the storyline was developed more.
I always enjoy learning about other cultures so I did enjoy learning a little bit about the customs and traditions of the Amish people, but I really feel the author could have went a little more in-depth in this area. The pining over the forbidden love between Rachel and Jeremiah was a bit too over the top for me. I think the characters and the storyline could have been developed in a way that gave us a more vivid picture of the time period and the Amish lifestyle.
As the book opens we learn that Rachel has fallen in love with Jeremiah, who is not Amish himself so he is considered an outsider. They have such a strong love for one another that Jeremiah and Rachel are both crushed when the Amish bishop will not allow him to convert to their religion so the two of them can be married and spend the rest of their lives together.
What seems to sting Jeremiah is the fact that his good friend David has been given permission by the bishop to convert, which then allows him to marry Rachel's mother. He struggles with thoughts that he should have acted differently for a more positive outcome. Because of his close friendship with David, he finds himself in the company of Rachel quite often. He knows from the look in her eyes that she is just as hurt by the bishop's decision.
There is a violent and shocking act that takes place within the novel that seems to be an act of vengeance against those that help to support the Underground Railroad. I have always found stories of the Underground Railroad fascinating so I would have liked it if this part of the storyline was developed more.
I always enjoy learning about other cultures so I did enjoy learning a little bit about the customs and traditions of the Amish people, but I really feel the author could have went a little more in-depth in this area. The pining over the forbidden love between Rachel and Jeremiah was a bit too over the top for me. I think the characters and the storyline could have been developed in a way that gave us a more vivid picture of the time period and the Amish lifestyle.
August 30, 2011
I like the book. It was a bit slower then the first one. I also felt that it started to repeat the same aguements over and over near the end of the book. I understand that the characters are establishing themselves and questioning there beliefs, but it felt that it was a bit repetitive. Rachel and Gant are at a stand still hi tried to get permission to join the Amish but was denied. and told to stay away from Rachel. They don't have too much contact in the book. Sofie (Rachel's good friend) uses her house as a destination on the underground railroad. she is attacked one night but doesn't survive. Another hard blow for the amish community. Rachel is still pursued by the deacon of the church. She doesn't like him repeatedly tells him to leave her alone. Not a nice character. Gideon is still struggling with his purpose in life. He works for Gant and the carpentry shop. He ends up helping out on the underground rail road, taking a trip with Asa and lots of runaway slaves. helps get them there safely and return safely as well. The Doctor really likes Susan, and eventually converts to the amish faith. There is a wedding at the end.
February 6, 2013
This novel is the 2nd in B J Hoff's Riverhaven Years, continuing the story that began with "Rachel's Secret." This series is about an Amish community in the 1850's, and this particular novel illustrated the violence and hatred against the Amish in American during that time, horror that were one of the reason why they came to America. Hoff did a good job of leaving the reader hanging on the outcome of a relationship, and for an unsolved murder, so I will be tracking down the 3rd in the series, "Gideon's Hope."
March 23, 2013
This is the second in the series The Riverhaven Years. I think a reader should get all three first and read them back to back as the first two do not end with the reader satisfied or all the ends tied up. The last chapter of the first two end with a cliff hanger.
In this one, Rachel becomes aware that someone in her own community is blocking her marriage to an outsider. In the meantime the underground railroad continues and an Amish wife goes missing.
Although I like this series, I do wonder why it is not published in one large book.
Further reviewing after the third and last!
In this one, Rachel becomes aware that someone in her own community is blocking her marriage to an outsider. In the meantime the underground railroad continues and an Amish wife goes missing.
Although I like this series, I do wonder why it is not published in one large book.
Further reviewing after the third and last!
February 11, 2015
The 2nd book in the series,so much suspense-this book kept me reading late at night, did not want to put it down. I like how B.J.Hoff makes her characters so realistic, that makes one become really involved with them. Yes,at times I would find myself gasping or telling one of the characters to watch out! LOL! Also,I didn't mention before, that there is dog in the story, and I just loved him, I heard myself chuckle sometimes- at him,he was adorable! All in all,an awesome story by an awesome author!
May 22, 2018
This second book in the series picks up where the first book left off, continuing the story of Rachel and Jeremiah's growing relationship amidst increasing obstacles, danger, and uncertainty. The author is quite adept at weaving several story lines into a seamless plot. Quite the turn pager (as the first book was), this book is filled with the dangers of the Underground Railroad, the mystery of the hateful attacks on the Amish community, the friction of interpersonal relationships, and the struggle for faith. I lost quite a bit of sleep, reading "just one more chapter."
September 12, 2013
I was excited to read this book after reading the first book in this series of three. Overall it was an enjoyable, yet mostly predictable, continuation of the first book. My main gripe is the redundancy of rehashing several themes over and over. I don't know if it was done to make sure those who hadn't read the first book were caught up, but it seemed overdone to me. I am looking forward to reading the final book of the series!
August 2, 2011
This story is dragging itself out too long. I'm tired of trilogies for trilogies sake. If the story doesn't warrant a third book don't write it. All should have been resolved by this book. Reality of the situation is I don't even know why Jeremiah loves Rachel as much as he does or vise versa. They hardly even establish a relationship but all of a sudden they are in love. Eh?
March 31, 2012
The second in the series on the life of Amish widow Grace. It tells of her love story with the English Captain who she nursed back to health. It also gives great insight into the perils and dangers faced by those involved with the underground railroad. I am looking forward to reading the conclusion to this sweet love story. Hoff weaves a good tale.
May 2, 2013
Even though there were still some pieces of the story line that I wished hadn't been dealt with so abruptly from the first book of the series, I really liked how this book carried on with the characters and the plot. While the end of this novel is also fairly open, it leaves readers with more hope for good things in the next book in the series. Overall, I liked it a lot.
February 19, 2010
Book number 2 of the series. I liked the first one and I liked the continuation of the story. The story is about the life of an ammish girl and how she deals with her feeling and her religious beliefs.
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February 19, 2011Oops I checked this book out of the library twice - in 2010 and in 2011.
The book is a part of a series by B.J. Hoff and I am enjoying reading Christian Fiction. The setting for this series is the Amish Community.
The book is a part of a series by B.J. Hoff and I am enjoying reading Christian Fiction. The setting for this series is the Amish Community.
December 17, 2011
Interesting book....never knew that some Amish helped with the Undergound during the civil war years. Typical feel good ending....though....easy read....would like to read more from this author.
Thought provoking topic....forgiveness......standing for principles.
Thought provoking topic....forgiveness......standing for principles.
March 17, 2012
I'm not even sure why this book was like walking through mud for me. I thought it would payoff in the end but it didn't. There was no closure and I don't feel like wasting my time with the next one in the series.
June 16, 2012
author keeps you interested the whole time. i will be reading more of hoff's books.. had a slight different twist than amish fiction.. but kept me wanting to keep reading..( instead of cleaning house)
April 23, 2013
I enjoyed this book. I am looking forward to reading the third book in this series, River of Mercy.
May 30, 2013
The second book in the series The Riverhaven Years. In this novel BJ Hoff sets the stage for the third novel. I was frustrated when Jeremiah and Rachel couldn't be together, especially when tragedy struck Rachel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2015
I enjoyed this novel even more than the first in the series. I truly enjoy reading about Amish culture and BJ Hoff makes it even more enjoyable with her unique, lovable characters and beautiful storytelling. I'm anxious to start on the third of the series!
July 15, 2019
The second book in the Riverhaven series, 'Where Grace Abides' was enjoyable enough to encourage me to get a copy of the final book in the series. Somehow, the story is intriguing, a bit of romance, a bit of history and certainly some drama- and yet it really is 'light reading' in many respects.
October 6, 2009
Slavery, the Underground Railroad and an Amish deacon who won't let Rachel's "boyfriend" become Amish. Who is harassing and hurting the Amish?
March 27, 2010
I cannot wait to read the third book in this series. I don't want to wait till fall 2010 for it either!!!
April 13, 2010
Continuation of Rachel's Secret which should be read first. Looking forward to the final book.
May 18, 2012
Read my review here ... http://bonnie-simple-beauty.blogspot....
August 12, 2012
not very much changed after finishing this book. from book 1 in the (riverhaven series).slow
June 10, 2014
2nd in the series just as good as the first. Fast paced and a lot going on made for a fast read.
September 26, 2013
nu het laatste deel nog..wel een leuk boek om te lezen
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews