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Spirit of the Amish #1
Rumspringa's Hope (Volume 1)
Torn between the affections of two men, will Emma's time away from home help her choose?
Although promised to the widowed neighbor Zeb, Emma is considering leaving her Amish community to watch over her younger brother Mark when he leaves for Philadelphia to explore the outside world during his Rumspringa.
There, she reconnects with her former beau Caleb, who protects the Amish teens, introducing them to his life evangelizing and helping the homeless. Unbeknownst to Emma, Caleb is glad for the opportunity to spend time with her and hopes to win her back.
Struck by the power of evangelism and outreach, Emma begins to feel a draw to Caleb's way of life. When she doesn’t return home when she promised, Zeb goes to the city to find her, forcing Emma to choose in which of their two worlds she really belongs.
SERIES Three young Amish women face overwhelming obstacles and must struggle to find out who they are and what they believe. Although each is dealing with her own unique situation, they all must discover how to follow their dreams and stay true to themselves, whether their journeys take them away from--or back to--their Amish communities.
Although promised to the widowed neighbor Zeb, Emma is considering leaving her Amish community to watch over her younger brother Mark when he leaves for Philadelphia to explore the outside world during his Rumspringa.
There, she reconnects with her former beau Caleb, who protects the Amish teens, introducing them to his life evangelizing and helping the homeless. Unbeknownst to Emma, Caleb is glad for the opportunity to spend time with her and hopes to win her back.
Struck by the power of evangelism and outreach, Emma begins to feel a draw to Caleb's way of life. When she doesn’t return home when she promised, Zeb goes to the city to find her, forcing Emma to choose in which of their two worlds she really belongs.
SERIES Three young Amish women face overwhelming obstacles and must struggle to find out who they are and what they believe. Although each is dealing with her own unique situation, they all must discover how to follow their dreams and stay true to themselves, whether their journeys take them away from--or back to--their Amish communities.
304 pages, Paperback
First published May 6, 2014
34 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Beth Shriver
19 books203 followersBeth started writing after working as a social worker. She received a Bachelors Degree in Social Work from the University of Nebraska.She writes in a variety of genres in both fiction and non-fiction.
Bethshriverwriter.com
bethshriverwriter.blogspot.com/
Bethshriverwriter.com
bethshriverwriter.blogspot.com/
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 20, 2015
This was a nice, sweet story. The plot was good and it had a few heartwarming moments.
A problem I had was with the characters- they seemed to change their minds a lot, and not always obviously. Sometimes you didn’t realize they changed their mind until a long time afterwards, by which time they’d changed it again. So I never really knew where characters stood on certain issues. That was the biggest issue.
Other than that it was great. The plot really picked up when Emma went to Philly and met Monique. That pretty much catalyzed everything that happened after that. I liked Emma. She always had good intentions and was so sweet and calm and self-assured, or at least she knew how to act like it. I liked Caleb, too.
I confess something about Zeb never really did sit right with me, but I mostly felt how Emma felt about him. I did like Monique, though, and I knew she would come round. She was a believable character.
A lot more happened than I thought an Amish like Emma would be able to handle, but she did a remarkable job with what she had and even if she was just able to help one person before she returned, I felt like it was something she could be satisfied with. So there was certainly a sense of closure there.
The love triangle was an interesting one. I didn’t completely trust Zeb, but I could see Emma’s reasons for wanting to be with him- mostly security. And convenience. But with Caleb, I didn’t even need to know how their relationship was before he left in order to see that they had chemistry. But it was Emma’s decisions- or lack thereof- that kept me on edge in the matter.
The story had a mostly good conclusion- still leaving some ends loose, but enough to give closure and satisfaction. It was a happy ending.
Honestly, this book vacillated between 3 and 4 stars for me, but since the one issue was kinda big, that decided it.
This review was originally posted on my blog, Awesome Book Assessment.
A problem I had was with the characters- they seemed to change their minds a lot, and not always obviously. Sometimes you didn’t realize they changed their mind until a long time afterwards, by which time they’d changed it again. So I never really knew where characters stood on certain issues. That was the biggest issue.
Other than that it was great. The plot really picked up when Emma went to Philly and met Monique. That pretty much catalyzed everything that happened after that. I liked Emma. She always had good intentions and was so sweet and calm and self-assured, or at least she knew how to act like it. I liked Caleb, too.
I confess something about Zeb never really did sit right with me, but I mostly felt how Emma felt about him. I did like Monique, though, and I knew she would come round. She was a believable character.
A lot more happened than I thought an Amish like Emma would be able to handle, but she did a remarkable job with what she had and even if she was just able to help one person before she returned, I felt like it was something she could be satisfied with. So there was certainly a sense of closure there.
The love triangle was an interesting one. I didn’t completely trust Zeb, but I could see Emma’s reasons for wanting to be with him- mostly security. And convenience. But with Caleb, I didn’t even need to know how their relationship was before he left in order to see that they had chemistry. But it was Emma’s decisions- or lack thereof- that kept me on edge in the matter.
The story had a mostly good conclusion- still leaving some ends loose, but enough to give closure and satisfaction. It was a happy ending.
Honestly, this book vacillated between 3 and 4 stars for me, but since the one issue was kinda big, that decided it.
This review was originally posted on my blog, Awesome Book Assessment.
July 2, 2014
Rumspringa’s Hope is just that, going into the English world, but not joining them, but trying to bring God’s Word and Love to them. I felt that Emma’s brother Jack was out of control, and not living his Amish faith, what to do? Emma finds out her brother is going to go on his rumspringa and going to Philadelphia, PA, and decides she will go and keep an eye on him, and maybe share some faith with people.
While the Amish religion does not per say proselytize, Emma seems to want to do what her friend Caleb has been doing. Before she leaves for the city it appears that she has established an understanding with Zeb, and her parents seem to have blessed a union between them.
Come along with this group of young Amish people, both male and female, and see what happens to them and observe their experiences in the city. There are some really big surprises, and you will wonder if life will ever be the same for any of them. Coming from rather sheltered lives to the harsh reality of every day live in tough areas, had to be a real reality check for them. Can they ever come back to their peaceful existence, or will they be caught up in the modern world forever? There is also the chance they will enter into the world of drugs and danger, and can they get out of there?
I really was engrossed in this story, and was really surprised how some things turned out, that you will never see coming. If you enjoy Amish stories, this one is a great read, and a real page-turner. Enjoy!
I received this book through Booketeria, and was not required to give a positive review.
While the Amish religion does not per say proselytize, Emma seems to want to do what her friend Caleb has been doing. Before she leaves for the city it appears that she has established an understanding with Zeb, and her parents seem to have blessed a union between them.
Come along with this group of young Amish people, both male and female, and see what happens to them and observe their experiences in the city. There are some really big surprises, and you will wonder if life will ever be the same for any of them. Coming from rather sheltered lives to the harsh reality of every day live in tough areas, had to be a real reality check for them. Can they ever come back to their peaceful existence, or will they be caught up in the modern world forever? There is also the chance they will enter into the world of drugs and danger, and can they get out of there?
I really was engrossed in this story, and was really surprised how some things turned out, that you will never see coming. If you enjoy Amish stories, this one is a great read, and a real page-turner. Enjoy!
I received this book through Booketeria, and was not required to give a positive review.
July 29, 2014
Fascinating Amish Fiction! (4.5 stars)
Beth Shriver has penned a uniquely different page-turner that depicts the restlessness and experiences of Amish teens during rumspringa; a time when they are allowed to leave the community and explore the world.
Emma's former beau, Caleb, has left his community in Pennsylvania to help protect the Amish as they arrive in the big city, and also to evangelize and help the homeless. When Caleb returns for a visit, he is hopeful for the opportunity to win Emma back, but alas, she is promised to her neighbor, Zeb. Caleb's fervor for evangelism strikes a chord in Emma and she chooses to accompany her restless, unruly brother, Mark, to the city...much to the displeasure of her fiancé, Zeb. Caleb promises to protect her, but nothing has prepared Emma for the outside world and the dangers of the big city. Has she made the right decision, and will Zeb be able to convince her to come back home? Will Mark realize the grass is not always greener on the other side?
I finished this book in two short evenings as it was impossible to put down! I have never read an Amish book where rumspringa is depicted with such depth and realism---rather than an idealized or romantic view of it. Ms. Shriver's writing style and ability to tell a unique story is impeccable. Truly a wonderfully exciting tale of God's redemption, healing, and purpose in life -- be sure to put Rumspringa's Hope on your wishlist today!
Beth Shriver has penned a uniquely different page-turner that depicts the restlessness and experiences of Amish teens during rumspringa; a time when they are allowed to leave the community and explore the world.
Emma's former beau, Caleb, has left his community in Pennsylvania to help protect the Amish as they arrive in the big city, and also to evangelize and help the homeless. When Caleb returns for a visit, he is hopeful for the opportunity to win Emma back, but alas, she is promised to her neighbor, Zeb. Caleb's fervor for evangelism strikes a chord in Emma and she chooses to accompany her restless, unruly brother, Mark, to the city...much to the displeasure of her fiancé, Zeb. Caleb promises to protect her, but nothing has prepared Emma for the outside world and the dangers of the big city. Has she made the right decision, and will Zeb be able to convince her to come back home? Will Mark realize the grass is not always greener on the other side?
I finished this book in two short evenings as it was impossible to put down! I have never read an Amish book where rumspringa is depicted with such depth and realism---rather than an idealized or romantic view of it. Ms. Shriver's writing style and ability to tell a unique story is impeccable. Truly a wonderfully exciting tale of God's redemption, healing, and purpose in life -- be sure to put Rumspringa's Hope on your wishlist today!
September 17, 2014
Beth Shriver has written a very unique book with “Rumspringa’s Hope”
Typically when you read a book about the Amish, Rumspringa is part of it but not the focus.
Even with stories where the main conflict hinges on that mysterious time in an Amish teens life, we only get a glimpse of what goes on during that oh so secret period.
And that is exactly why we “Englisch” are so fascinated by it, why we have reality TV shows that imitate it, why we read about it in almost every Amish book on the market… because it is intriguing to us and yes… because it is such a mystery.
And that is only part of the reason this book will be a hit!
Beth Shriver has focused almost entirely on what goes on during the Amish rumspringa… at least as far as her own characters go.
It is like getting a glimpse at a forbidden world and I know I will not be the only one to keep reading out of sheer curiosity!
It’s also exciting to see that this is book 1 of the new series! Readers love series!
Admit it – you know you do!
What fun is it to get attached to characters when you only to get to connect with them in one book? It’s not and that is why most authors of Amish fiction are smart to make their books into series – because they know their readers LOVE THEM!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.
Typically when you read a book about the Amish, Rumspringa is part of it but not the focus.
Even with stories where the main conflict hinges on that mysterious time in an Amish teens life, we only get a glimpse of what goes on during that oh so secret period.
And that is exactly why we “Englisch” are so fascinated by it, why we have reality TV shows that imitate it, why we read about it in almost every Amish book on the market… because it is intriguing to us and yes… because it is such a mystery.
And that is only part of the reason this book will be a hit!
Beth Shriver has focused almost entirely on what goes on during the Amish rumspringa… at least as far as her own characters go.
It is like getting a glimpse at a forbidden world and I know I will not be the only one to keep reading out of sheer curiosity!
It’s also exciting to see that this is book 1 of the new series! Readers love series!
Admit it – you know you do!
What fun is it to get attached to characters when you only to get to connect with them in one book? It’s not and that is why most authors of Amish fiction are smart to make their books into series – because they know their readers LOVE THEM!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2015
One thing I've found out about Beth Shriver's books is that the reader will either love them or hate them. I happen to be in the first category...I love them. Yes, for some readers this read may be a tad slow but one must read on for the information about what is going on.
This is the first book in the Spirit of the Amish: Three young Amish women face overwhelming obstacles and must struggle to find out who they are and what they believe. Although each is dealing with her own unique situation, they all must discover how to follow their dreams and stay true to themselves, whether their journeys take them away from--or back to--their Amish communities.
This read is more about what Amish teens do on their rumpspringa...their "running around" time. So, for me it was not "the usual" Amish read. I found it to be quite fascinating and was drawn to Emma's story.
I found the "evangelism" of this read great! It's so refreshing when christian fiction is actually christian and the reader feels the love of God through the written word.
Loved this story!
This is the first book in the Spirit of the Amish: Three young Amish women face overwhelming obstacles and must struggle to find out who they are and what they believe. Although each is dealing with her own unique situation, they all must discover how to follow their dreams and stay true to themselves, whether their journeys take them away from--or back to--their Amish communities.
This read is more about what Amish teens do on their rumpspringa...their "running around" time. So, for me it was not "the usual" Amish read. I found it to be quite fascinating and was drawn to Emma's story.
I found the "evangelism" of this read great! It's so refreshing when christian fiction is actually christian and the reader feels the love of God through the written word.
Loved this story!
August 17, 2015
Good read and enlightening
Why are the youth so curious of what else is out there? That is what this book is about. The Amish community raise their children to know their ways and shield them from the outside world so that the enemy and strongholds of satan do not make them stumble from their faith. However there are those who have to see for themselves that there really is a danger out there or to lead those to the Lord. They find plenty of excitement and adventure off the farm. They learn from one led astray from a previous rumspringa, that evil is road they do not want to go down. This is a great book. I could not stop reading it.
Why are the youth so curious of what else is out there? That is what this book is about. The Amish community raise their children to know their ways and shield them from the outside world so that the enemy and strongholds of satan do not make them stumble from their faith. However there are those who have to see for themselves that there really is a danger out there or to lead those to the Lord. They find plenty of excitement and adventure off the farm. They learn from one led astray from a previous rumspringa, that evil is road they do not want to go down. This is a great book. I could not stop reading it.
June 27, 2014
Rumspringa's Hope is truly a story of true love. Such a heartfelt book and you fall in love with Emma. She has a decision to make of what world she is to be in. Caleb's way of life in the city or with Jeb on the farm. She is promised to Jeb but wants to spread her faith with Caleb. You have to read the book to find out and you won't be disappointed. Beth Shriver is a awesome writer and will look forward to the next book in the series.
April 3, 2015
Lessons of Life
Some things are never what they seem or the grass isn't always greener on the other side. This pinning shows us that when tend to think that someone or something is always better t hat what we have. Casey goes after his brother thinking he can change him or influence him in coming home. Mark think city life has to be better than his home. Casey,Mark and Emma all learn that what they needed was in their own hometown all along.
Some things are never what they seem or the grass isn't always greener on the other side. This pinning shows us that when tend to think that someone or something is always better t hat what we have. Casey goes after his brother thinking he can change him or influence him in coming home. Mark think city life has to be better than his home. Casey,Mark and Emma all learn that what they needed was in their own hometown all along.
September 8, 2015
Another Amish book that I loved! This story was filled with love, wonder, and love again. I kept wondering who Emma would end up with....Caleb or Zeb. This book definitely kept me interested and just when I thought I had it figured out, it would take a turn in the opposite direction. Luckily, Emma chose the right man. I was glad it had a happy ending.
January 2, 2016
Suspense and. Changes
Amish teens going from home to a big city, and living in a church mission that is anything but calm.
What does Emma hope to accomplish? Who does Emma love?
Amish teens going from home to a big city, and living in a church mission that is anything but calm.
What does Emma hope to accomplish? Who does Emma love?
May 31, 2014
Good Story!!!
June 13, 2019
I liked the book, however, I don’t find myself wanting to finish the series because of two things.
First is inconsistencies in the characterizations. Zeb, for example, was depicted as shady, controlling and determined to have Emma throughout the story except for one place where it said that if she chose Caleb he would just have to let her go. A controlling person wouldn’t give up that easily. Similar things happened with other characters as well. Yes, people do things out of character sometimes, but there’s usually a catalyst involved that causes the change. In most of the instances, there was not a clear catalyst.
Also the conflicts often felt unresolved. A confrontation would start, the tension would build and then it would fall flat or the story would totally switch gears. It made many of the character interactions seem unrealistic and at times confusing.
I did wonder at times if the book was a victim of over-editing or at least poor proofreading. In more than one place the dialogue switched from one character to another but the transition was not clear (the lines ran together where there should have been a new paragraph). In other parts, it felt as if details had been omitted. It made me wonder if the editor cut parts of the story. That could also explain some of the other issues I mentioned above.
First is inconsistencies in the characterizations. Zeb, for example, was depicted as shady, controlling and determined to have Emma throughout the story except for one place where it said that if she chose Caleb he would just have to let her go. A controlling person wouldn’t give up that easily. Similar things happened with other characters as well. Yes, people do things out of character sometimes, but there’s usually a catalyst involved that causes the change. In most of the instances, there was not a clear catalyst.
Also the conflicts often felt unresolved. A confrontation would start, the tension would build and then it would fall flat or the story would totally switch gears. It made many of the character interactions seem unrealistic and at times confusing.
I did wonder at times if the book was a victim of over-editing or at least poor proofreading. In more than one place the dialogue switched from one character to another but the transition was not clear (the lines ran together where there should have been a new paragraph). In other parts, it felt as if details had been omitted. It made me wonder if the editor cut parts of the story. That could also explain some of the other issues I mentioned above.
August 18, 2019
Emma is on the cusp of marriage, and her younger brother Mark is ready for his rumspringa. Afraid that Mark will run wild, Emma puts her future on hold to with him to Philadelphia, to keep an eye on him. They are staying with others at a rundown church, and helping to feed and minister to the homeless and others in need. Heading this group is Caleb, Emma’s former beau. A truly bad man tries to disrupt and threaten everything. How Emma and Caleb cope and resolve the situation is the crux of the book. Complicating the situation is a neighbor who wishes to marry Emma, but not for love, even as her heart is turning in another direction anyway. The characters are quite interesting, but the plot has a few holes that are never addressed or resolved.
February 15, 2018
good not great. enjoyable enough to continue with the series.
March 18, 2019
The most ridiculous book ever. However, I enjoyed it.
February 8, 2020
Suspensful
I enjoyed the suspense of not knowing what was really going on with Mark and his friend ship with Adrian a
Also the outcome with Monique.
I enjoyed the suspense of not knowing what was really going on with Mark and his friend ship with Adrian a
Also the outcome with Monique.
September 22, 2020
A true story about Love that doesn't disappoint. A teens experience about Rumspringa.
October 12, 2022
Great book.
Loved the book. Nothing else to say but great book. This book was so amazing. Can't wait to read the next one.
Loved the book. Nothing else to say but great book. This book was so amazing. Can't wait to read the next one.
March 10, 2023
May or may not read another of this author's books.
The storyline was fine. But the writing was awkward at times, confusing other times. Poorly proofread if proofread at all.
The storyline was fine. But the writing was awkward at times, confusing other times. Poorly proofread if proofread at all.
July 5, 2023
Very good story to didn’t want it to end
October 29, 2017
Emma Miller is sort of engaged to Zeb Bowman, but still has feelings for her ex-beau Caleb Lapp, who left the Amish community to run a ministry in Philadelphia. When her younger brother Mark wants to go to Philly on rumspringa, she goes with him, ostensibly to keep him out of trouble, but also to evangelize. Zeb worries that she will reconnect with Caleb, and Caleb hopes for the same thing. When it comes down to it, Emma has to make a decision between them. In a secondary story line, while in the city Emma takes street-wise Monique under her wing and tries to protect her from her abusive boyfriend while introducing her to faith. The main story was predictable while the secondary story line was not. While I enjoyed the story, the jumping in and out of characters’ heads was a little much for me.
July 23, 2016
This is a first read by this author. I really enjoyed the book. The author instead of putting down the teens who try their hand at Rumspringa, she made the story into what it can become in a literal light, in a good way.
June 30, 2016
Much different than your usual Amish book. A young Amish man leaves his community to try to guide and protect the Teens that are coming to Philly to experience Rumspringa.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews