Published by Bethany House Publishers on 2004
Genres: Amish & Mennonite, Fiction, Religious
Pages: 347
Abram's Daughters book 3, the sequel to the bestselling The Betrayal. This powerful family saga features four Amish courting-age sisters growing up in Lancaster County Pennsylvania, beginning in the 1940s. Life in Gobbler's Knob was all Leah Ebersol ever wanted until her older sister Sadie abandoned faith and family, leaving Leah no choice but to believe the worst, that Sadieand her own beloved Jonashad betrayed her. Now, two years later, Leah still misses both Sadie and Jonas keenly. Because of her sister's shunning, she cannot contact either of them but hears through the grapevine that they are married. Loyal neighbor Gid is still biding his time, but on the verge of accepting his courting invitation, tragedy befalls the Ebersols and Leah must again choose between her own happiness and her family. Mary Ruth dreams of becoming a teacher, but it has gotten pushed to the back of her thinking when a nice young Amish boy comes courting. Twin Hannah yearns for her sister to attend baptismal classes with her, but Mary Ruth is not ready to take her nal vows. How will this family in turmoil nd peace?
The Sacrifice is book three in the Abram’s Daughters series by Beverly Lewis. It’s safe to say, I am pretty well obsessed with this series. I cannot read fast enough! In the first half of this book, two years have passed since Sadie left home. Jonas and Leah are no longer together and it is thought that he has settled down with Sadie who had betrayed her sister in the last book by stealing letters written to and from Jonas and deceiving him into thinking Leah is cheating on him. Sadie and Jonas have both been shunned by the community so the family hasn’t been able to hear from either of them personally. We learn that Ida is expecting again and word through the grapevine is that Sadie is as well. Ida longs to hear from her eldest girl and prays that she will eventually repent and come back to the fold.
finally
Leah is moving on from her sister and Jonas’ betrayal and finding peace. Feeling blessed beyond measure to finally know the truth of her real birth mother, who happens to be none other than her precious Aunt Lizzie. Things finally seem to be falling into place for Leah. She finds herself being courted by Smithy Gid who has patiently waited for her for years. He is so loving and attentive to her, and they speak of marriage until tragedy once again hits the Ebersol family. Leah must choose between the desires of her heart and doing what is right for her family.
Hannah and Mary Ruth’s storylines are further developed in this book. Both are of courting age and each has found a beau. Mary Ruth still has a defiant streak about her and her relationship with her father, and community is put to the test when she must endure her own personal tragedy. This poor family just cannot find its footing. Every single time they get ahead it seems the rug is just pulled right out from under them. However, there is hope still on the horizon as personal relationships are being forged with the Lord and hearts are being drawn to His love and salvation.
Towards the end of this book, we have a jump forward in time, years into the future. Leah is still fulfilling a vow she has taken, Hannah has found love and has married with children of her own. Mary Ruth is on better terms with her family but has decided to leave the Amish faith, having fully embraced her new found faith in Christ and has joined with a Mennonite church. She even has a new beau and is fairing well in her new life. As she had never taken the kneeling vow into the Amish church she is not under the bann and is able to visit with and fellowship with her Amish family.
Finally, we are shed more light on what all has gone on with Sadie since she left her community 7+ years ago. When she contacts her family asking if she may come home, recently widowed and ready to repent of her past indiscretions, old wounds are opened anew for Leah and the two has to come to terms with all that has happened between them.
I am absolutely loving this series. I cannot wait to pick up the next book and yet I’m feeling a little sad that there are only three books left and then I must say goodbye to Abram’s daughters!
You may find reviews for the following installments of the Abram’s Daughter Series here:
Part 1: The Covenant
Part 2: The Betrayal
About Beverly Lewis
Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country and both a schoolteacher and an accomplished musician, has been an award-winning author for over a dozen years. Her acclaimed novel, The Preacher’s Daughter, was a 2006 Quill Book Award finalist in the romance category. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today and The New York Times. She and her husband, David, live in Colorado.”
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