The Tempted Soul

The Whinburg Township Amish #3

by Adina Senft

Carrie Miller longs for children, but after ten years of marriage, that blessing eludes her. So she fills her days with caring for her home, making artistic gifts and fancy cakes, and caring for her flock of chickens, every one of whom has a name and who under no circumstances will go in the soup pot. Carrie also finds support in the friendship she shares with her two best friends Amelia and Emma, and relishes the weekly afternoons they share working on their quilts.

Carrie and her husband Melvin love each other, and together have survived many lean years. If not for the kindness of their church community, they would have had to miss more than one meal a day. But now, Melvin has found work that finally provides a good living. Carrie hopes that having more to eat will finally allow them to start a family. Yet month after month, they remain childless. So when Carrie overhears two English women talking in the fabric store one day about medical options available to non-Amish women in her situation, she takes it as a sign from God. Melvin and the bishop see it differently, however. Is it really God's will that she pursue this, or is her longing to be a mother tempting her to stray from her Amish beliefs?

Genres: Amish, Amish Fiction, Romance, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Inspirational, Christian

440 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Adina Senft is the author of 42 novels published by Harlequin, Warner, Hachette, and Moonshell Books, Inc., her own independent press. She writes Amish women’s fiction; as Shelley Adina, she writes steampunk; and as Charlotte Henry, she writes classic Regency romance. She is currently at work on a PhD in Creative Writing at Lancaster University in the UK. She appeared in the 2016 documentary film Love Between the Covers, is a popular speaker and convention panelist, and has been a guest on many podcasts, including Worldshapers and Realm of Books. When she’s not writing, Adina is usually quilting, sewing historical costumes, or enjoying the garden with her flock of rescued chickens.

Reviews

[ANNETTE · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way Ms..Senft writes.
This entire series is really good. A happy married couple unable to have children but, reach out to others in need. Such an encouragement all around. !

[Pathway Midland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 3 of the Amish Quilt series chronicles the story of Carrie and Melvin Miller. Although they have been happily married for eleven years, they have not been blessed with children. Carrie is so desperate to be a mother that she investigates using In Vitro Fertilization, against the convictions of her husband and the tenants of her Amish faith. She submits to the edict of the bishop in this matter, but still longs to hold a child of her own. When a local Amish teen becomes pregnant and wants to put her baby up for adoption with Englishers, Carrie hopes that she can convince her to give them the child instead. But again, Melvin is not in agreement with her plan, and she must once more learn not to yield to the temptation to take matters into her own hands. Carrie’s weekly quilting time with friends Amelia Fischer and Emma Stolzfus (from Books One and Two of the series) is a special time each Tuesday where she is encouraged and uplifted in her struggles. Through trying circumstances, the three of them learn together that yielding to God is the only way to have peace, and that God has some surprising ways to work out His perfect plan in their lives. Senft includes the final instructions on completing the Crosses and Losses Quilt that was begun in Books One and Two at the end of this book.

Reviewed by Suanne Shidler

[Jason Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Senft shows some of the daily highs and lows of the Amish culture through the eyes of one whom suffers through one of the most basic duties as an Amish female. She gives the reader insight of how even through different cultures, many suffer and experience the same things, whether family, job, or socially based.
Nice quick reading on an easy day sit-down day for a person wanting a good story to fill in the void.

[Tinae Goodell, Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I related to it perfectly with what I'm going through right now. I was amazed how much of how I feel inside would be what she is or was feeling. I am always interested in the Amish, what an interesting culture. Sometimes after reading, I want to be Amish. I do like being "englisch" like they say it, though. All the different paths we can take. Fun series to read.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Tempted Soul is the third and final book in Adina Senft's Amish Quilt series and I am sorry to see it end! I've enjoyed "getting to know" the protangonists of these books, and I especially enjoyed this final installment.
This book focuses on Carrie. She has struggled with infertility for years and although she has a very strong marriage, she has different views from her husband. As with her other books, Ms. Senft does a fine job in showing the strong community and faith of the Amish, along with the challenges faced by some.
The book wrapped up a bit too neatly for the 3 main characters, but I thoroughly enjoyed the first 99% of the book. I recommend this series.

[REBECCA VONSTETTEN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this

I enjoy this series of books. Each character has depth and distinction and the stories are enjoyable. I'm moving through these books and hate to think of reaching the end.

[Moani Revoir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this author

Adina Senft’s books are enjoyable to read. There’s drama, romance, heartbreak, and happy endings. I’m delighted to fill my days with her stories and have purchased many more of her books in the last two weeks. I don’t plan to surface any time soon.

[Katherine Bartlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful way to end the series. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and I was so happy for Carrie!

[Peggy Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh such a good book

I enjoyed reading this book about the Amish ways. Sometimes they seem so harsh and firm. But they have a deep faith in a good God. With God's help they will always find a way.

[Charlotte gerdes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

As I’m trying to clear my eyes of their tears I want to say thank you for writing such beautiful books. I see Gods love shining through the words.

[Danni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

[Pamela Slay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

Aroma Senft wrote a great series. Loved reading about these best friends and them being there for each other. Worth the read.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good book very good series

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful faith filled story.

[Ruth Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book but you knew what was going to happen. Wasn’t even it it more then 3or 4 chapters and I had it all figured out.

[Betty Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story of three friendships that last for a lifetime. The crisis each woman goes through is heartbreaking until it is not! I loved the three books in this group.

[Ingrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. Good way to complete the trilogy.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: THE TEMPTED SOUL
Author: Adina Senft
Publisher: Faith Words
March 2013
ISBN: 978-0-89296-849-7
Genre: Amish/women’s fiction

Carrie Miller longs for children, but after ten years of marriage, that blessing eludes her. So she fills her days with caring for her home, making artistic gifts and fancy cakes, and caring for her flock of chickens, every one of whom has a name and who under no circumstances will go in the soup pot. Carrie also finds support in the friendship she shares with her two best friends Amelia and Emma, and relishes the weekly afternoons they share working on their quilts.

Carrie and her husband Melvin love each other, and together have survived many lean years. If not for the kindness of their church community, they would have had to miss more than one meal a day. But now, Melvin has found work that finally provides a good living. Carrie hopes that having more to eat will finally allow them to start a family. Yet month after month, they remain childless. So when Carrie overhears two English women talking in the fabric store one day about medical options available to non-Amish women in her situation, she takes it as a sign from God. Melvin and the bishop see it differently, however. Is it really God's will that she pursue this, or is her longing to be a mother tempting her to stray from her Amish beliefs?

THE TEMPTED SOUL is book three in Ms. Senft’s An Amish Quilt Novel series. The first two books are The Wounded Heart and The Hidden Life. I didn’t read either book one or two in this series, but THE TEMPTED SOUL did stand alone.

Ms. Senft has some very descriptive phrases, making the scenes come alive. It is more of a story about one woman’s quest for children, and the adoption theme is something that will relate to all women who longed to have children but for whatever reason are unable to.

If you like Amish fiction then THE TEMPTED SOUL is one you should consider. The final instructions for The Crosses and Losses quilt is included at the end… I guess it was divided into three parts with one part in each of the first two books of the series. $14.99. 320 pages.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Tempted Soul by Adina Senft
The third in the Amish Quilt trilogy, the Tempted Soul
Carrie Miller longs for children, but after ten years of marriage, that blessing eludes her. So she fills her days with caring for her home, making artistic gifts and fancy cakes, and caring for her flock of chickens, every one of whom has a name and who under no circumstances will go in the soup pot. Carrie also finds support in the friendship she shares with her two best friends Amelia and Emma, and relishes the weekly afternoons they share working on their quilts.
Carrie and her husband Melvin love each other, and together have survived many lean years. If not for the kindness of their church community, they would have had to miss more than one meal a day. But now, Melvin has found work that finally provides a good living. Carrie hopes that having more to eat will finally allow them to start a family. Yet month after month, they remain childless. So when Carrie overhears two English women talking in the fabric store one day about medical options available to non-Amish women in her situation, she takes it as a sign from God. Melvin and the bishop see it differently, however. Is it really God's will that she pursue this, or is her longing to be a mother tempting her to stray from her Amish beliefs?
what is the names of the three woman who have a friendship that will last a lifetime?
What does Carrie Miller longs for?
Do Carrie and Melvin turn to adoption?
The Tempted Soul by Adina Senft is a wonderful well written 4 stars book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Adina Senft.
more book by Adina Senft
The Wounded Heart: An Amish Quilt Novel by Adina Senft
These books explored some difficult themes what are they?
The Hidden Life (Amish Quilt, Book 2) by Adina Senft
The Tempted Soul: An Amish Quilt Novel book 3.
Herb of Grace: A Healing Grace Novel by Adina Senft

[Christian Fiction Addiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in the "Amish Quilt" series reunites readers with the wonderful characters of Carrie, Amelia, and Emma. Although all the books explored some difficult themes, I found that the The Tempted Soul's focus on issues of infertility made for some deep moments with the characters. This installment in the series didn't contain quite the level of humor for me that the first two books in the series did, but there were plenty of moments that left me smiling as these characters grappled with the mess of humanity while in an Amish setting. The voices of the characters continue to have an authentic Amish tone to them, and I greatly enjoyed the author's portrayal of life in their community as they wrestled with their Amish beliefs. Ultimately, these characters bring to life the beauty of submission, even when you don't always agree entirely with the situation. My faith was challenged by these Amish characters who display love and forgiveness and turning the other cheek. I'm not sure that I'd be able to be Amish myself, but I continue to be surprised by how much I can enjoy a good Amish book - and this is one of them. There is much to celebrate and much to learn from the Amish community, and these characters are so real to me now that I wish they lived next door!

I strongly recommend this book as well as the first two contributions in the series, and award it 4.5 out of 5 stars. If you haven't yet had a chance to read a novel by Adina Senft, then I encourage you to seize this opportunity and give this series a try. No doubt you'll be glad you did!

Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher, Faithwords, for the purposes of this unbiased review.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful story about an Amish woman, Carrie Miller, who wants nothing more in the world than to be a mother. After being married to Melvin for 11 years, they have not been bless with a child as of yet. Carrie struggles with her desire to have children and the other worldly options she could take to better her chances. She struggles with her feelings of being alone in the world and the lack of understanding from her family and friends.

This book is a beautiful portrayal of patience and understanding that God is in control. I love that Carrie is a strong woman and doesn't have too much of a hard time sticking up for what she believes in. The author really does a fantastic job of reigning in your emotions so you feel what Carrie is going through, and how she struggles knowing that there are other options out there but how nobody seems to support them. Carrie's husband, Melvin, is a strong husband who takes care of Carrie, but he is also very stubborn and not willing to support Carrie on the ideas she has on getting pregnant, other than the "old fashioned way" which she feels has not been successful in the last 11 years. This book was hard to put down and I really enjoyed it. The author also did a fantastic job of describing the Amish way of life so I felt like I was actually there with Carrie and the rest of the Amish community.

I received a copy of this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[The Reading Panda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is by far my favorite novel concerning the Amish. I would recommend it to people who normally don't gravitate towards Amish-centered novels. What makes it special is the depth the author gave Carrie. Many women suffer from being unable to bear children naturally. This is often a source of great pain and personal upheaval. I would imagine this restlessness would be heightened if a woman lives in a community where women having many children is taken for granted.

Carrie becomes fixated and certain that God is calling her to undergo IVF. Watching her earnestly try to convince the Bishop and her husband to agree to the procedure is heartbreaking but real. The Amish are people like us. Even though they shun the outside world, they are tempted to stray, as are we. I find that so many authors neglect this fact when writing their novels resulting in women who are perfect and unphased by genuine temptation. Carrie's obsession with becoming a mother makes her authentic and real. Most female readers can empathize with her hardship. I felt a camaraderie and understanding towards her that I have never felt with previous Amish female characters. I loved seeing Carrie grow and rise to the challenge. The road to motherhood is never easy, but her tenacity drove her. The ending was sweet but not not saccharine. This was just what I needed.

If you are a fan of Amish fiction, I highly recommend this novel. Senft is one of the best authors.

[Holly (2 Kids and Tired) · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Carrie wants is to be a mother. She loves her husband and her life, but her heart aches at the thought that she might never have a child of her own. When she learns of medical interventions that could aid her quest for children, she is at first excited, but her husband and the church leaders shoot those desires down. When a young girl in their community becomes pregnant, Carrie and other women in the community attempt to help her, but Carrie's husband isn't pleased with the idea of adoption either.

As I did with the first book in this trilogy, A Wounded Heart, I really struggled with the attitudes and how Carrie's feelings were so easily disregarded by the church leaders and even her husband. My personal belief is the fact that medical intervention is available, within reason, to aid in pregnancy and childbirth is a blessing rather than a sin. I was glad to see that Melvin came around to accepting adoption because I am a huge advocate of adoption and have seen countless lives blessed because of it.

Given my limited understanding of the Amish, I respect their faith, but I can't begin to understand it. I am always curious about it and how modern-day issues are addressed within their beliefs and culture. I enjoyed this fitting conclusion to the Amish Quilt trilogy.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so sad to see this series of books end! Such a wonderful trio of ladies Adina Senft has written. If you have followed the ladies through books one and two, you know The Tempted Soul is all about Carrie Weaver. I do declare that Adina has saved the best story for last.I loved this book! Saying that it is a heartfelt story just doesn’t seem like it does the book justice. This is a beautifully written book about a woman’s deep desire to have children but not being able to conceive. Carrie’s longing to have a child actually hurt my heart and I cried right along with this desperate woman each time she got her hopes up only to see them get pushed aside like yesterday’s newspaper. Oh, how I wanted to jump into the pages of this book and start giving really big bear hugs! The Tempted Soul wraps up the stories of three remarkable women all different but connected by a friendship that will last a lifetime. Also, by the end of the book you may just want to look into buying some chickens!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this conclusion to the 'Amish Quilt' series. Similarly to the Amish, I come from a faith tradition where children are highly valued and there is a bit of social pressure on women to bear children. Like Carrie, my husband and I also struggle with fertility issues, and those 2 (the social pressure and inability to have more children) have left me in tears on multiple occasions. So, to say that I identified with Carrie's struggles and temptations with regards to creating a family is perhaps a bit of an understatement.
I also was intrigued by Joshua's part of this story. At first, I thought things would turn out quite differently for him than they did, and it was cool to see him finally start to grow up. To be honest, I'd love to see a book where he finds his 'happily ever after'.
And then, there was Lydia. Ahh, Lydia. My heart broke for her situation. I have a theory about why she reacted the way she did to her pregnancy, but it was never even hinted at, so I'll leave it at that and simply say that I hope she (and yes, I realise she's fictional!) found happiness.

[Carolyn E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delightful book from Adina Senft. Her "Amish Quilt" series is a wonderful series. It is a "must read" for fans of Amish fiction. I thought the second book in the series, The Hidden Life, was not quite as good as the other two books, The Wounded Heart and The Tempted Soul, but, overall, it is an excellent series and well worth reading. (In fact, I read the first book twice.)

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads Firstreads giveaway, so this also means I did not read the first two books before this one. But I have to say, as amazing as this book was, I will be hunting down the first two books.
Carrie and the other characters were realistic and very loveable. You could relate to Carrie at times like when she was dealing with Joshua, we've all had an annoying person around that we had to be semi-nice to or risk getting in trouble. The author has amazing character development skills.
This novel also makes you reflect on your own beliefs even if you arent Amish or even Christian, but it really does make you think.
I will say that this book does have a happy ending, and the last fourth of the book was very emotional and moving. Well done, Adina Senft.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

The character development was in general good, but there were a few times when a change of opinion/heart happened that seemed just a bit too abrupt. But, I like how this book dove into some of the deeper issues of interpersonal relationships, especially when there is disagreement. At the ending, I would have liked it extended a bit more before the epilogue to see some reactions before jumping ahead. Overall, though I did enjoy this book.

[Rosemarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by Adina Senft. I'm just sad that this is the last in the trilogy, and I've read both her trilogies. I've grown to love the characters and the Amish community she created. This book, as her others, deals with real-life issues and the struggle to find faith in God's perfect will. I would definitely read another book by this author.

[Lynnae McCoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great light reading. I really identified with the main character's struggle with infertility and the quandry of how far to go in the quest to have children. The Amish spin on infertility was unique to anything I've ever read, too.