Bethany House
ISBN: 978-0764208393
Published January 1, 2012
Trade paperback, 352 pages
This is the first Amish-themed
historical fiction book that I read and I loved it. Cramer managed to
keep my interest throughout the story with real characters facing
difficult and life-changing situations. Although the book cover and
the synopsis would lead a reader to believe this is a just a romance,
it's really more of a family saga taking place in the 1920s, and
Miriam's struggle with her feelings for Domingo, a half-breed Mexican
man who isn't Amish.
Miriam's parents, Caleb and Martha
Bender moved their ten children and their families to Paradise Valley
in Mexico to pioneer a new Amish colony. But life is difficult
because of the bandits that roam the mountain range and disease that
hits the small colony. The Amish people are gentle and will not
resort to violence to protect themselves. They rely on their faith
and this theme, along with that of God's forgiveness is strong and well-suited to the story without
overwhelming the reader.
The characters are well-rounded with
strong traits and flaws that made me care about them and their
outcome. I loved Miriam's strength and her relationship with her
younger sister, Rachel. She wasn't afraid to do what was right even
if it was unconventional. Domingo was courageous, as was his sister
Kyra, and true to himself. He respected Caleb, who he worked for, and
he was a man of principle. He was kind, yet could be fierce to
protect those he loved. And the author succeeded in making him a sexy
man in an Amish novel!
The author deftly drew me right into
their conflicts, and I was transported to the dusty and dangerous
mountain range of Mexico where there was plenty of action with the
bad guys. None of it was predictable and I read this book quickly to
see how it would all turn out. There was a scene that left me in
tears. The ending was realistic and left me searching more works from
this author, which I now want to read. (This is the second book in the Daughters of Caleb Bender series.) I have to mention one last
thing that endeared me to this author's writing. He includes a
character who is mentally disabled, portrays her realistically (I've
worked with this population) and gives her a role that made me cheer.
I am Dale Cramer's newest fan. If you
like Christian historical fiction that is well-written, clean, with a
great plot and memorable characters, you should try this author. Not to be missed.
Note: This book includes some scenes of
violence with bandits who attack. It is not gratuitous or over the
top.
Reviewed by Laura
Disclosure: This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
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