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The Narrow Path

(The Narrow Path #1)

Gail Sattler

3.82 · Rating details · 920 ratings · 79 reviews

Miranda feels like she's been transported back to Little House On The Prairie, and Ted's head spins when Miranda reads the Bible on her cell phone. Yet Miranda Klassen and Ted Wiebe must find a way to make peace to meet their common goal to open the doors of Ted's Old Order Mennonite church and community. Will they also find love in the process?

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275 pages

Published by Abingdon Press (first published December 1st 2009)

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Apr 24, 2010 Carly rated it liked it

Miranda and Ted could not be more different. They are both Mennonites, but Miranda is from a Mennonite church in Seattle that is modern and Ted belongs to an Old Order Mennonite church in Minnesota. When Miranda is hired to lead the Christmas program for Ted’s church, their differences are obvious. Miranda wears jeans, red t-shirts, red lipstick and reads the Bible on her cell phone. Ted believes in following the traditions of his Mennonite heritage. Despite their differences they are able to wo ...more

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Feb 04, 2012 SheLove2Read rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2012

Contemporary Mennonite choir director and Old Order Mennonite Music director have a shared goal of making the Church's Christmas play both a success and an opportunity to show outsiders the glory of Christ. Their differing backgrounds make this a challenge at first but in working together they both find that their preconceived ideas about the other are wrong. This was a very entertaining read!

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Mar 27, 2018 Sarah rated it liked it · review of another edition

The Narrow Path is a Christian Romance novel in a Mennonite setting. The Christian Romance genre comprised most of the first ‘grown up’ books my parents allowed me to read as a teenager. As a result I don’t enjoy the genre very much anymore, but I do turn to it when I want something that is quick and easy to read, and doesn’t require a lot of concentration.

The story followed the typical outline I’ve come to expect from this genre.

As a Mennonite church in Piney Meadows, Minnesota prepares to cel The Narrow Path is a Christian Romance novel in a Mennonite setting. The Christian Romance genre comprised most of the first ‘grown up’ books my parents allowed me to read as a teenager. As a result I don’t enjoy the genre very much anymore, but I do turn to it when I want something that is quick and easy to read, and doesn’t require a lot of concentration.

The story followed the typical outline I’ve come to expect from this genre.

As a Mennonite church in Piney Meadows, Minnesota prepares to celebrate their 75th anniversary, they desire to “reach out in ministry to everyone within driving distance” with a special Christmas celebration. Having never done anything like this before the church searches for someone to help them. They hire Miranda, the daughter of a Mennonite pastor in Seattle, Washington, who has composed and directed several Christmas dramas for her father’s church.

Being from the same denomination, everyone assumes things will go well. However, Miranda is from a modern Mennonite church, and Piney Meadows is a traditional Mennonite farm community. Ted meets Miranda at the airport and is shocked that Miranda’s external appearance anything but Mennonite. She is quite modern, wearing jeans, high heels, no head covering, bright red lipstick, and earrings. Her bright red cell phone, iPod, and purse match her red lipstick. Ted is certain that Miranda will be sent home, but the community embraces Miranda and allows plans for the special service to proceed.

As the church’s music leader, Ted has no choice but to work with Miranda on the service plans. As they story progresses, Ted and Miranda clash over many of the musical decisions. However, as they strive to compromise, they begin to understand each other better. Can they overcome the differences between the traditional and modern mindsets?

The author’s bio states that she is part of a Mennonite community. While I am by no means an expert on Mennonite culture, some of the ways she portrayed the traditional community didn’t ring true. For example, wanting to reach out to their community. This was puzzling to me, since the community worked so hard to keep themselves separated from the ways of the world. Another thing that seemed odd was the museum - preserving the history of the community didn’t make a lot of sense, especially since most of the people were uncomfortable with Miranda taking a lot of photos. Miranda also quickly influenced the young girls of the community to become more modern, causing some grumbling amongst the older members of the community. In my opinion this happened much too quickly.

I appreciated that the book spent a decent amount of time exploring the personal spiritual lives of the main characters, and not merely focusing on their relationships with each other. The dialogue and writing were good, and it had the happy ending I was expecting. Some of the dialogue was hard to follow, but I think it was because of the Kindle formatting. Although I enjoyed reading the book, it was a bit too stereotypical of Christian Romances (despite the unique Mennonite setting) for me to read more books by this author. ...more

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Aug 12, 2013 Goddess Of Blah rated it it was amazing

This was an absolute joy to read.

Story:
The plot was interesting - i really enjoy reading about a person's endeavour to build something. In this instance the protagonist is building a play as well as trying to "fit in" within a small and close knit community. The struggles she faced, the prejudice, the new customs she learnt as well as the skills she offered or taught were written with a sensitive eloquence not common in todays chick lit.

The reader was not bogged down with too much detail. The This was an absolute joy to read.

Story:
The plot was interesting - i really enjoy reading about a person's endeavour to build something. In this instance the protagonist is building a play as well as trying to "fit in" within a small and close knit community. The struggles she faced, the prejudice, the new customs she learnt as well as the skills she offered or taught were written with a sensitive eloquence not common in todays chick lit.

The reader was not bogged down with too much detail. The story flowed, well paced and didn't drag or rush.

===============================

The characters:
Loved the characters. Interesting, well fleshed out - not one dimensional. No cliches.

Miranda -is a 24 year old, musically talented (plays piano, etc) degree educated accountant. She has dark auburn-ish hair, tall (at five foot 7) and very slim. She's a sympathetic, creative, bubbly but mature and not flighty. She likes bright colours, particularly red which contrasts wildly against the dull drab clothing of the traditional community. She wasn't an emotional basket case or a damaged heroine. She was an average girl who was Christian and belonged to a Mennonite church in the city, and thus lived a different life the Mennonite community in the countryside.

Ted is a serious, traditional Mennonite countryside man in his mid-twenties and one of the few single married men within his community. He isn't the cliched tall dark handsome type. He's good-looking-ish with dark hair, and at 5 foot 10 is average height but he wears the traditional clothes so you can imagine that he's no traffic stopping stud. But as you get to know him - he's an interesting character with enough merits, flaws and quirks to keep the story engrossing.

The supporting characters are well fleshed out but do not distract from the main story.

=======================

The Romance:
The romance was 5* - really engrossing, well paced and enjoyable.

This is the old fashion romance of getting to know someone before sparks fly. So many "love" stories are passionate but not sincere. One isn't convinced the duo are in love. However, in this story the love story is wholesome and convincing. There's the requisite amount of chemistry, forbidden glances, and sneaky kisses without overwhelming the actual relationship development. So many romances build the relationship in the bedroom with very little interaction beyond that its tedious. This book is within the realms of Christianity hence the superficial factors are not so important. The nuances of the characters are really brought out on how they deal with each other. The love between them is manifested in their small and big actions. It's beautiful.

This is my favourite type of romance - the gradual growth of feelings.

========================

Christian/ Cultural/ Background:
I've visited an Amish village when I visited the States (Pennsylvania Dutch). I think that was the Dutch Amish faction and hence they were much stricter. They didn't drive cars - I saw only horse and buggy riding fellows. And all the women (young and old) wore head coverings, the men had beards and the children dressed in a similar fashion. They did eat stir fry and pizza though.

I enjoyed reading this as it wasn't so much about Religion - but had far more into it. Mainstream audiences will enjoy this as it allows you to explore a different world. I know very little about the Amish and Mennonites. Prior to this book I had no idea that those were two diff groups.

Hence I loved this glimpse into a culturally different world. And I loved this world- eating pure wholesome foods, living in an environmentally clean way and aspiring to be peaceful and kind. It was beautiful.

I loved reading how they still used the old languages (a "Low German" language. I enjoyed reading about their cuisines, costumes and family values.

The Mennonites are an international sect, with the biggest populations living within Ethiopia and India. Hence this book was educational in the sense that it taught me about a group that was so large but I didn't realise existed.

...more

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Apr 23, 2010 Susan Hollaway rated it really liked it

Although Ted was the most traveled and somewhat contemporary-minded in his Old Order Mennonite fellowship, he was shocked when he met the woman he was to pick up at the airport. She was more modest than many around her, but definitely not what he was expecting. He couldn’t even imagine what the rest of the congregation would think when they got a look at her.

But much to his surprise and dismay, most seemed to accept her. She tries hard to honor their ways, but still be herself and strive to acc Although Ted was the most traveled and somewhat contemporary-minded in his Old Order Mennonite fellowship, he was shocked when he met the woman he was to pick up at the airport. She was more modest than many around her, but definitely not what he was expecting. He couldn’t even imagine what the rest of the congregation would think when they got a look at her.

But much to his surprise and dismay, most seemed to accept her. She tries hard to honor their ways, but still be herself and strive to accomplish her mission. Despite her mistakes and many blunders, she seems to fit in, which befuddles him – she reads her Bible on her cell phone in a community where no one even owns a dishwasher or microwave. But he couldn’t ignore his growing attraction for her when he begins to look at her heart. She finds him rigid, but kind, smart, and even very appealing in spite of his plain clothes and black hat – sometimes because of them. But can they ever agree on anything other than agreeing to disagree? Will they ever be able to succeed with her plan to help the church reach out more effectively? Too many of her ideas are not of their Mennonite ways.

Time passes quickly, even more quickly with an unexpected turn of events that forces them to work even more closely together. Just when Ted thought he knew Miranda, will she surprise him once again?

How can two believers – both Mennonite, but so different -- fit into each other’s lives? What do they do with their growing feelings? Can two people with such diverse traditions stay on the narrow path and commit to one another?

This was a delightful story that I enjoyed very much. Not only was an enchanting story presented, but intertwined are many lessons. How many times do we judge someone by outside appearances without looking at their heart? Do we assume we “know” them because of what they’re wearing or how they speak? This is a wonderful tale of how two people who came from seemingly different worlds find themselves truly more alike than they first realized. Will God’s plan be bigger than their traditions?

Congratulations, Gail, on sharing a story that not only entertains, but shows us that we should never be too quick to judge nor not make time to listen. And we should always look past the outside and at the heart. I’ll be looking forward to your next book.

...more

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May 12, 2012 Tiffany Wacaser rated it liked it

This rating system is annoying. I liked this book, but not as much as I like Death and Penguin. Yet they have the same rating. . .

A scale of 1 to 10 would be better.

Anyhow, this a Christian romance, published, by Bethany House (I could be wrong about the publisher). I got the book through one of Kindle's free offers. I downloaded it knowing that Bethany House has a pretty decent reputation with romances that are clean and without erotic elements that are so frequently found in mass-market roman This rating system is annoying. I liked this book, but not as much as I like Death and Penguin. Yet they have the same rating. . .

A scale of 1 to 10 would be better.

Anyhow, this a Christian romance, published, by Bethany House (I could be wrong about the publisher). I got the book through one of Kindle's free offers. I downloaded it knowing that Bethany House has a pretty decent reputation with romances that are clean and without erotic elements that are so frequently found in mass-market romance books.

The story is about two Mennonites: Miranda, a member of a progressive Mennonite group in Seattle, and Ted, a member of a conservative mennonite group in Minnesota. I don't really know if the cultural things about Mennonites are correct, but the author is a member of a progressive Mennonite group, so that is something in her favor.

Anyhow, Miranda is hired to work in Minnesota for a year for a conservative Mennonite group to produce a Christmas pageant that will be presented to the community and surrounding areas as a way to minister and reach out to other groups. She isn't prepared for the way the conservative Mennonites live, nor for how her host, Ted, will react to her. Miranda works as an accountant, dresses modernly (though not provocatively), and has pretty progressive views. Ted is very conservative, but is deeply committed and concerned about his community and helping it flourish. As the two work together to produce this Christmas pageant over the course of the year, they develop a friendship in spite of their differences, while each has to adjust expectations and ideas about traditions.

I won't give away the ending, but I'm sure you can guess it anyway. I thought the plot development was pretty decent. Both characters experience growth and development, though none of it stunning or out of character. I thought the tension and conflict in the book felt natural, especially considering the cultural differences. Over all, I would recommend this book to most of my friends. ...more

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Jan 28, 2010 Michelle rated it really liked it

Shelves: forreview, forpleasure, christianfiction

The ending was what really made this story shine. It started out a bit slow and it wasn't until I was about halfway through the story that I started to really care one way or the other. I felt her frustrations at times and enjoyed the way Ted comforted her when she was hurting and how he tried to be a true friend. I enjoyed that the conflict was so black and white at times, but on occasion it also felt a bit like shoving a square peg into a round hole. Sometimes you could feel that it was a bit ...more

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Sep 07, 2010 Laura rated it liked it

Title: THE NARROW PATH
Author: Gail Sattler
Publisher: Abingdon Press
May 2010
ISBN: 978-1-426-70237-2
Genre: Inspirational/contemporary romance

Miranda Klassen is a talented worship leader and song writer and she has written and directed many cantatas. When she is hired by a Mennonite church in Minnesota, she isn’t expecting or prepared for the snow when she arrives. Seattle gets little to no snow, and she only has open toed heels and a thin jacket with her.

Ted Wiebe is the music director at his Menn ...more

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Aug 01, 2012 Jay Howard rated it really liked it

A very satisfying tale that raises the questions we all need to address. What is really important in life? Should a simple lifestyle be enough for everyone, whatever their educational level, whatever their interests and abilities? How far should we restrict our own goals in favour of the needs of the people we love? Should religious edicts be permitted to define our lives beyond what is reasonable in the modern world just for the sake of tradition, or should the religion adapt to suit? And if so ...more

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Feb 14, 2010 Casey rated it really liked it

Shelves: contentment-reading-challenge-2011

Though the cover may allude to being of the Amish genre, THE NARROW PATH was no such novel. An original story about the Mennonite community and a young woman who enters from the “outside.”
Miranda has been hired by a Mennonite community to create a Christmas play, but can she adapt to this new culture for a year and can she really fall in love with a young man, rooted in his ways?
I enjoyed this book. It was fresh and original from what I normally read in the Amish genre. There was humor and a lov ...more

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Dec 07, 2011 Lauralee Bliss rated it really liked it

This is an interesting look at two worlds that seem to collide but the characters are really both a part of the same world - their Mennonite faith. It's just that one is more old order and one is more modern. The concept is interesting. I like the way the characters are portrayed, each coping with the other's strange ideas, especially as they try to coalesce around making a memorable Christmas musical. Unfortunately this is also where the story tends to drag. I know nothing of music, but at time ...more

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Jun 10, 2010 Kristy Mills rated it it was ok

Shelves: amish-mennonite, christian, 2010, fluff-n-stuff

Eh, this book seemed to be lacking something. I can't really put my finger on it. But it was kind of disappointing. One thing is I definitely prefer Amish books to the Mennonite books for some reason.

I kind of thought Ted was boring and he was so harsh and he disliked Miranda so much in the beginning that I had a hard time believing he had feelings for her by the end. His lack of humor got so tiring and his over the top proper grammar really annoyed me. I got so tired of reading, "I do not thin ...more

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May 14, 2012 Barb rated it really liked it

Miranda Klassen is a Mennonite from Seattle who travels to a small Minnesota town to work with a Mennonite congregation to create and produce a play that will celebrate both Christmas and the congregation's anniversary. She will be living in Piney Meadows, MN for almost a full year in order to do so.

Ted Wiebe has driven the three hours in winter weather to pick up Miranda from the Minneapolis airport. He is expecting a woman who dresses and acts like the women in his congregation back in Piney M ...more

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Mar 15, 2012 Loraine rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, kindle, amish-plain-people

Old order Mennonite Ted and new order Mennonite Miranda are as opposite as night and day. When they have to work together on a year long evangelism Christmas cantata sparks begin to fly. Some pull them together and others send them to prayer. Hopefully they will both learn from each other and grow in their faith and perhaps a relationship as well.

I loved the contrasting characters and how they each gained a better perspective of what was important in life from one another.

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Jan 26, 2012 Tiff rated it did not like it

Shelves: e-book, free, 2012

Blah storyline. Unlikable characters, horrible dialogue. This was a free kindle download but the editing was so awful I could barely get through it. I love both Amish and Mennonite stories but this just wasn't engaging. The one positive thing I can say is that the religion wasn't overplayed. It was the focus of the book without it becoming preachy.

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Apr 11, 2010 Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews rated it it was amazing

Shelves: books-to-review, 2010, chick-lit, christian

It's Little House on the Prairie meets Sex and the City....well sort of.

This is a fun romance set in the Mennonite faith. It is interesting to see how two people of the same religion view the world differently.

This is a really good book and I was sad to see it end.

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Jan 01, 2012 Amy rated it liked it

This was a fun, easy, breezy read with a satisfying conclusion. It's a good book to read when you are in the mood for a happy ending without any serious complications.

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Aug 14, 2017 Ellen rated it liked it · review of another edition

The Narrow Path was a solid 3 star for a sweet, if predictable, romance. Right from the start, it appeared to be a rather typical Amish fiction and I was prepared for all the stereotypes: worldly Englisher is dissatisfied with modern life and falls for an Amish person who has to worry about being shunned, etc. etc. This is not that book.

First off, I was struck by some very familiar locales. The Narrow Path is not set in Pennsylvania, but rather in northern Minnesota, or "Up North" as we refer to The Narrow Path was a solid 3 star for a sweet, if predictable, romance. Right from the start, it appeared to be a rather typical Amish fiction and I was prepared for all the stereotypes: worldly Englisher is dissatisfied with modern life and falls for an Amish person who has to worry about being shunned, etc. etc. This is not that book.

First off, I was struck by some very familiar locales. The Narrow Path is not set in Pennsylvania, but rather in northern Minnesota, or "Up North" as we refer to it here. Reading place names and being able to actually picture them on my mental map was a hoot! As it turns out, there is a decent sized Mennonite community in Minnesota, as the book encouraged me to do a little research. I learned that I had several misconceptions about Mennonite beliefs that needed some adjustment. Although I do not agree with the anabaptist doctrines to which they subscribe, I was able to see how they fit into the Christian "family tree" for lack of a better phrase.

A few times, while reading the book, I felt myself getting offended right along with Ted that this woman was coming in with all of her modern views from her contemporary church and she was making all these wholesale changes just to get people in the seats. Later I realized that the congregation INVITED her to do so. She was simply doing as they asked. That helped me relax a bit and enjoy the story more.

Another significant difference is that Miranda is also Mennonite. I did not realize going in to this book that, like many denominations, they also have congregations that vary in their strict application of traditions and such. Randi represented a Mennonite who freely used technology and didn't hold to strict dress codes. Some of the same conflict was there that pops up in every Amish fiction story, but it felt different since it was someone from within the faith rather than outside of it.

Randi is in Minnesota to organize and carry out a special Christmas program and is there nearly a year getting things ready to carry out. Sometimes, those parts describing the planning felt like they went on for MONTHS too. I got a little bored in those drawn out sections. I also don't feel those quasi-scriptural references weren't as edifying as the author perhaps hoped or intended. Skimming quickly over those parts is part of the reason I finished the book so quickly and not necessarily a good sign.

Overall, the book was just ok. Amish stories aren't my favorite, so I didn't have high expectations for this book in the first place. I'm not sure I'll read it again and it didn't cause me to search Sattler's author page for new read ideas, but I wouldn't say no to another good deal on a book from her in the future. ...more

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Aug 03, 2017 Patricia rated it it was amazing

Normally, I dislike Quaker, Amish, or Mennonite stories labeled as Christian fiction because invariably those religions are treated without respect. Normally, their beliefs are talked down and the person targeted in the story for some kind of conversion invariably has to denounce his/her Amish, Quaker, or Mennonite beliefs. This book was delightfully different. It was "real." It was respectful. What a breath of fresh air! I loved Miranda and Ted. What great characters. My only regret is that thi ...more

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Apr 08, 2020 Jackie Williams rated it it was amazing

This is a beautiful story! It took my heart and I loved every word!

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Jun 20, 2013 Christina rated it did not like it

Shelves: fiction, chic-lit, christian, romance, amish, free-kindle-read, kindle-book

I really wanted to love this novel; especially it was in the Amish genre without being actually Amish. Randi with an "i" is from Seattle from a Modern Mennonite Church. Ted is from an Old Order Mennonite Community. From there the story line gets predictable. One could easily read the first three chapters and skip to the last one and knows what went on and did not miss much; except food dishes name and how many times Randi and Ted disagree. So here is the break down, and yes this is the whole con I really wanted to love this novel; especially it was in the Amish genre without being actually Amish. Randi with an "i" is from Seattle from a Modern Mennonite Church. Ted is from an Old Order Mennonite Community. From there the story line gets predictable. One could easily read the first three chapters and skip to the last one and knows what went on and did not miss much; except food dishes name and how many times Randi and Ted disagree. So here is the break down, and yes this is the whole conversation most part throughout the book and it's references to scenarios.
1. Randi loves Red. Red Cell Phone, Red Boots, Red Tennis Shoes, Red Lipstick, Red Purse, and when she compromises and wears a skirt that is not thigh high- it has to have big Red Buttons.
2. It rains a lot in Seattle, so she is surprise at all the snow in Minneapolis (or somewhere around there).
3. Ted and Randi disagree. Yet Ted Compromises and sees good value in women to start wearing pants to keep warm in winter in his community and wives and husbands (with their families) should sit together in church during worship.
4. Randi has to keep explaining internet and web-camming to everyone and her new modern lingo she brought into the community is welcomed and appreciated.
5. Randi and Ted fall in love.
6. Food is everywhere in the book. Thus Randi decides to learn how to cook and bake; especially cinnamon rolls - hence that is Ted's favorites.
7. The Christmas Pageant is a Success! Despite, Theresa, the Virgin Mary for the play, runs off with a single man in the community because Theresa is pregnant and they are not married. (This was the juicy part of the book and I thought alas we are digging into deep stuff). Then Randi has a confession to Ted, (here I thought more juicy stuff). She was gossiped as being pregnant (let down, Randi may be immodest sporting gal with technology and savvy of the world, but her purity and virtue is still hard-core Mennonite and no sinning on her part). But it was her period was out of whack. She never could be pregnant. After that is back to the same ole rote in my points 1-6.

Each to their own, but if this was not a Free Kindle Book..I would ask for my money back! ...more

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Apr 16, 2010 Delia rated it liked it

All she did was accept an invitation. Miranda Klassen, dedicated daughter of a Seattle Mennonite minister, is a talented musician. A noted songwriter. She’s excited to have been offered the challenge of helping an Old Order Mennonite church prepare and publicize a Christmas musical that will draw new people and new life to its staid congregation.

A completely modern Mennonite, Miranda loves red, her computer, and her cell phone. What awaits her in Minnesota is like something out of Little House o All she did was accept an invitation. Miranda Klassen, dedicated daughter of a Seattle Mennonite minister, is a talented musician. A noted songwriter. She’s excited to have been offered the challenge of helping an Old Order Mennonite church prepare and publicize a Christmas musical that will draw new people and new life to its staid congregation.

A completely modern Mennonite, Miranda loves red, her computer, and her cell phone. What awaits her in Minnesota is like something out of Little House on the Prairie. The women cook and sew and dress like they stepped out of the last century. The men open doors for the ladies, wear old-fashioned but strangely appealing hats, and sit on the opposite side of the church from their wives. What on earth has she gotten herself into?

Ted Wiebe wonders the same thing. No matter how talented Miranda Klassen might be, it was a mistake to bring this modern woman to his community—and especially to his church. She wears pants. Her lips are red, along with her boots and much of her clothing—which does not include a proper prayer kapp. She’s attached to her laptop by some kind of invisible cord…and she reads her Bible on a red cell phone!

Two people from different worlds, with opposing points of view on just about everything. They have committed to getting through an important project. But after meeting one another, neither of them is thrilled about the prospect, especially since they’ll be forced to spend a lot of time together.

But God works in mysterious ways….

Gail Sattler brings a warm and endearing look at a closely knit, wonderfully loving Mennonite community. She explores the difficulty many of us have in accepting that our way may not be the only right way. Miranda’s impact on Ted’s life and the lives of his Mennonite “family”—and their influence on her—touches, amuses, and entertains. The Narrow Path is a well-written, informative, revealing look at a way of life most of us can only imagine, and an enjoyable exploration of what happens when two worlds collide. Enjoyable reading.
...more

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Feb 20, 2017 Jillian Pearl rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Enjoyable

I would have given it three stars, but there were formatting issues that took me half the book to learn to ignore.

Because it's a romance novel you expect the main characters to end up together. I wondered how the author would pull it off so that it was believable. She did.

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Feb 08, 2012 Kame rated it liked it

Shelves: christian-fiction

Miranda (Randi) a Mennonite is a composer of spiritual music and plays. She has been hired to create a performance to celebrate Ted's church's 75th anniversary and Christmas. She arrives in January during a snow storm from Seattle. Ted who is the worship music leader of his Mennonite community picks her up at the airport. She has one year to create a performance that will inspire people to join their church.

When Miranda comes off the plane it is evident that both Miranda and Ted both assumed tha ...more

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Jan 16, 2016 Jo Notary marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: amish, shelfari-amish

290pgs, Christian Romance, They are both Mennonite, but she is very progressive, and his church is very traditional. She is going to help their church organize the 75th anniversary celebration. Ted is supposed to help Miranda fit in, and Miranda is supposed to help his church reach out into the community.
290p a story about a
couple who must face their differences and learn to work together as they look
toward a lifetime of love. Miranda Klassen 19s
Mennonite church is big and modern and she loves ...more

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Sep 25, 2016 Bekah rated it really liked it

I read this book in just a couple days and it was a very enjoyable read!

What I Liked: The two main characters, Miranda and Ted, both come from Mennonite churches, one very traditional, and the other...not so much. Miranda comes all the way from Washington state to lead in preparations for Ted's church's 75th anniversary and when the latter picks the former up at the airport, he is shocked to see that she is not dressed like the Mennonite women he knows and he is determined to make sure she gets ...more

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Mar 31, 2010 Lisa rated it really liked it

Shelves: inspirational-novels

In eye-opening fashion, Canadian author and Mennonite Brethren member Gail Sattler reveals the unsubtle philosophical distance some branches of the Mennonite church have moved from each other. Adapting to cultural changes to meet the ever-changing needs of modern America, Miranda Klassen, the daughter of a pastor in a fully integrated modern society Mennonite church takes a year-long position with an old-order church to help spruce up their worship and music to spread the ministry. For whatever ...more

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Sep 27, 2013 ⚜️Trea rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: challenges-2014

This is actually my second time for reading this book, and both times I have found it to be just an okay read. My main problems with the book revolve around Miranda. She is an outsider coming into a Mennonite community that is vastly different from her own, and through it all she comes across as very disrespectful of their culture, even though she says that she respects it greatly. I understand that this is a book about keeping an open mind and to let God guide you on the path He sets before you ...more

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Nov 18, 2015 Tya rated it liked it

This was my first book with any Mennonite characters. I know nothing about that church or religion. I liked it well enough, but, I didn't really care too much for Miranda. She seemed pretty inconsiderate of the traditional life style that everyone else was accustomed. Or rather, she thought about it and decided that she didn't care if it made other people uncomfortable and they should just get over it (like wearing her jeans everywhere in a society were everyone else wore skirts and her bright p ...more

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Jan 18, 2017 Lola rated it it was ok

Miranda is from a big city Mennonite church. She is asked to go to a small town with an Old Order Mennonite church to direct a Christmas play that will also celebrate its anniversary. She is a bit of a shock to the small town--she doesn't dress in the Old style. She wears fitted skirts, jeans, tennis shoes, and her favorite color, red--red cell phone, earrings, nail polish, etc. She begins working closely with Tom, the town's oldest single man, on the play. They couldn't be more opposite & often ...more

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About Gail Sattler

Gail Sattler

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Gail Sattler is the author of numerous novels, novellas, gift books, cookbooks and devotions. She is a longstanding member of East Ridge Community Fellowship, a Mennonite Brethren church. She lives and writes in Vancouver, B.C., Canada.

Gail is a wife, mother, writer, and musician, and the order of those things will depend on what day it is. She leads a busy life, with music affiliations in a jazz ...more