I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harvest House Publishers, Jerry S. Eicher and was under no obligation to post a review. No compensation was received for sharing this review and all opinions are my own.
Series: Emma Raber's Daughter #2
Published by Harvest House Publishers on 2013
Source: Harvest House Publishers, Jerry S. Eicher
Genres: Fiction, Christian, Romance, Amish & Mennonite
Pages: 346
In book two of Amish fiction author Jerry S. Eicher's new Emma Raber's Daughter series, Katie Raber's journey of discovery continues after her mamm's marriage to Jesse Mast. Drawn back from the Mennonite world briefly by the miracle of Mamm's changed heart, Katie finds she can't totally abandon her new Mennonite friends.
Jesse's oldest daughter, Mabel, refuses to accept Katie, creating conflict at home. Ben Yoder, the most popular boy in the community, also begins to attend the Mennonite youth gatherings in his attempt to run away from personal problems.
Overjoyed at the attention Ben pays her, Katie pursues the relationship willingly. When an opportunity comes to travel with her Mennonite friends to Europe to explore the roots of the faith, Katie can't believe how much she is being blessed. Especially after a secret donor pays for the trip.
While in Europe, Katie learns the truth about Ben when he is arrested. As her world comes crashing down, she finds healing in her visit to the Alps and the land where her forefathers suffered so much. She returns home determined to mend the bad feelings with Jesse's daughter, Mabel, and to continue on the path to healing without Ben.
Book two in the Emma Raber's Daughter series.
Jerry Eicher is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine! Many times with male authors I feel like they miss the mark when they write about female characters but Eicher doesn’t fall into this trap. His characters are realistic and likeable. The situations and feelings he puts to paper come alive when you read them and make a very believable and intriguing story. I can’t brag on this series enough! I’m absolutely loving Katie Raber!
Emma has married Jesse Mast and she and Katie are starting life anew in the Mast household. However, things aren’t going smoothly with all of Jesse’s children. Mable isn’t shy about expressing her beliefs that her dad should have married another woman. Mable is also pushing the boundaries on her personal freedoms and overall she’s just a bitter young girl trying to find her new role in the Mast house.
Amidst the turmoil, Katie continues growing her relationship with the local Mennonite youth groups. At one of these meetings she happens to meet up (and form a relationship with) a young Amish man that she’s had her eyes on for quite some time. Emma doesn’t approve of the relationship—she doesn’t trust Ben Stoll. At first I thought maybe she was letting her own bitterness get in the way of Katie’s happiness but an interesting turn of events have me wondering if she was right. I’m left wondering how it will all turn out!
I cannot wait to read the next installment. I’m so curious and impatient to know how things are going to wrap up! If you’re looking for a new author or series to pick up then I strongly suggest Jerry Eicher and the Emma Raber’s Daughter series.
About Jerry S. Eicher
Jerry Eicher’s bestselling Amish fiction (more than 210,000 in combined sales) includes The Adams County Trilogy, the Hannah’s Heart books, and the Little Valley Series. After a traditional Amish childhood, Jerry taught for two terms in Amish and Mennonite schools in Ohio and Illinois. Since then he’s been involved in church renewal, preaching, and teaching Bible studies. Jerry lives with his wife, Tina Eicher, and their four children in Virginia.
We love hearing from you! Share your comments below