The Ties that Bind by Linda Byler

The Ties That Bind

Book Summary

In this heartfelt sequel to New Beginnings, Linda Byler returns to the Beiler family, whose struggles and hopes will resonate with anyone who has ever longed for belonging and healing.

Amos Beiler, once an outcast in his Amish community, has found acceptance and purpose in the “English” world, thanks to the kindness of Joseph and Lila Smith. Yet, the scars of his past and the ache of loneliness linger. Back home, the Beiler family is in turmoil: Raymond, the gentle father, tries to keep peace as Lydia’s anxieties and controlling ways threaten to tear the family apart. Lavina is caught between her own dreams and her family’s needs, while Cathy’s rebellious choices push the limits of Amish tradition.

As Amos faces a crossroads—torn between a budding romance with Anna Riehl, the enigmatic Sarah Yoder, and the daunting responsibilities of his new life—the Beilers must confront painful truths about love, forgiveness, and the cost of letting go.

Ties That Bind is a moving portrait of faith, family, and identity, exploring how the strongest bonds are forged through compassion, courage, and the willingness to seek redemption. 

My Thoughts

The Ties that Bind by Linda Byler is a heartfelt and inspiring story. I felt deeply for Amos and his sister, Lavina, and understood their desire to escape a difficult and unhealthy home life. Byler’s detail-oriented writing brings the setting and characters to life, creating a thoughtful, immersive reading experience. While the story begins at a gentle pace, the realistic characters and relatable family struggles quickly drew me in. The personal challenges explored throughout the book are ones many readers will recognize and connect with. The ending left me eager to read the next installment in the series. Since The Ties that Bind is the second book in the Seekers series, I think readers may benefit from starting with New Beginnings. Overall, The Ties that Bind is an uplifting and memorable tale about resilience, hope, and the strength it takes to seek a better life.

The Ties that Bind is available from Amazon.  The first book in the Seekers series is New Beginnings.  If you enjoy Amish novels, you should check out Linda Byler's other books. On Thursday, July 25, I will be sharing my review of D is for Daisy by Shelley Shepard Gray which will be available on July 30. It is the fifth book in the Amish ABCs series.  I am going to spray paint an outdoor bench this afternoon.  Florida does a number on outdoor furniture, and it needs refreshing every couple of years.  My mother and I have decided it paint it red to match our rocking chairs. What plans do you have for your day? Hope today treat you kindly. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

A Christmas Engagement by Linda Byler

 A Christmas Engagement

Book Summary

Liz had been in love once, had even been engaged. In fact, the wedding had been planned, the barn cleaned, and the celery was set to be harvested to make the traditional wedding soup. Just two weeks before the day she was to exchange vows with her beloved, he changed his mind, and that was that.

The humiliation was almost as bad as the heartbreak. The whole community had celebrated her engagement, had participated in the wedding planning, had started giving her advice on keeping a home and raising children. When the wedding was canceled, no one knew what to say. She had to bear the pitying looks and awkward glances for many months. She vowed never to be such a fool again, never to trust her heart to a man who could just up and leave her with hardly an explanation. She'd rather be an old maid than go through that again.

Years pass, and Liz has made peace with her life as a single woman, a "leftover blessing" as the Amish say. She can admit to herself that Matthew, the owner of the Amish restaurant at the market where she works, is handsome. And she is aware that he is single. But she reminds herself over and over that it's not worth feeling anything for the man. He's her boss and that's it. So why does she look forward to work so much every day? And why can't she make her heart beat at a normal pace when he comes near?

Linda Byler is beloved for her skillful story telling and true-to-life descriptions of Amish food, faith, and culture. As an Amish woman herself, she can share details of Amish life that few can replicate. In this charming novel, Byler shares intimate details of day-to-day life in an Amish community while spinning a sweet tale of love and hopes fulfilled at Christmastime. 

My Thoughts

A Christmas Engagement by Linda Byler has Liz planning on staying single the rest of her life after being disappointed in love.  She cannot handle going through the heartbreak again.  The restaurant where Liz works is purchased by Matthew who exasperates Liz.  At the same time, Liz finds him handsome and attractive.  When Matthew asks Liz out, will she say yes and risk her heart once again?  A Christmas Engagement contains good writing, and we get to see inside Amish life.  I like that there are comparisons between how the Amish have done things and how the current generation prefers to do them.  I did feel that the characters lacked development.  We are introduced to Liz with only a first name.  The book is of the length (240 pages) that I wanted to know more about the characters and the setting.  The books pacing fluctuated.  I found it slow going at times especially when Liz was thinking about how she was betrayed by Ray, whether she can love again, and other such thoughts.  There is also a repetition of information and predictable nature to the tale.  A Christmas Engagement is a sweet story, but it needed a more depth.  The Christmas element is not as expansive as I had hoped for a book with Christmas in the title.   I did enjoy the Christian elements in the story.  My favorite message is that we are never alone as long as we have God in our life.  If you are looking to escape from everyday life, then The Christmas Engagement fits the bill.  The Christmas Engagement is a subdued Amish novel with an energetic eatery, a hurt heart, a massive wedding, a profusion of food, and the magic of Christmas.  

A Christmas Engagement is out today and is available from Amazon*.  You can find Linda Byler's other novels here plus you can follow her to receive updates on her latest releases.  Linda Byler's next release is the 2nd novel in The Long Road Home series which is Beacon of Light that publishes on March 15, 2022..  Here are a couple of the other books published today: Dead Set by Vannetta Chapman, The Unlikely Yarn of the Dragon Lady by Sharon J. Mondragon, and An Impossible Promise by Jude Deveraux.  Thank you for reading my review today.  I will return tomorrow to discuss An Impossible Promise by Jude Deveraux.  I hope you have a kindhearted day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Banished by Linda Byler

 Banished

Book Summary

Banished by Linda Byler has Obadiah (Oba) and Merriweather (May) Miller becoming orphans after the death of their parents in Apple Creek, Ohio.  None of their local relatives are willing to take them in so the siblings are shipped to Blytheville, Arkansas to live on the cotton farm of Melvin and Gertrude Amstutz.  They discover the weather is hot and the days are long on the farm where they are expected to work.  It does not take long to learn that no matter how hard they work, they will be treated harshly.  Uncle Melvin is forbidding and quick to punish for anything he perceives is wrong.  Aunt Gertie does not want to live in Arkansas which has turned her into a bitter, unhappy woman.  May is a sweet child who is eager to please. The years pass and life continues to get worse for the siblings.  After a particularly cruel beating, Oba disappears leaving May with more work and no one to rely on.  One day May meets Clinton while collecting the mail.  She is drawn to his kindness and would love a friendship with Clinton.  Unfortunately, it is impossible with May being white and Clinton a young black man.  Uncle Melvin would whip her senseless if he discovered May with Clinton.  May, though, is eager for companionship and find herself sneaking away to meet Clinton.  When life becomes unbearable, May knows it is time to escape.  The question is how is she going to accomplish it and where will she go.  

My Thoughts

Banished by Linda Byler is the first novel in The Long Road Home series.  Oba and May Miller are eleven and ten when their kind, loving parents die in a tragic accident.  They are sent to Arkansas to live when none of their Ohio relatives will take them in.  The home of Gertie and Melvin Amstutz is starkly different from how the siblings grew up.  Life is bleak, harsh, and hot on the cotton farm.  May and Oba are unprepared for the long workdays and the cruelty of their guardians.  I thought Banished was well-written with developed, realistic characters.  The point-of-view switches between Oba and Mary.  While Mary is a sweet girl with strong faith and helpful nature, her brother is angry at God for taking their parents.  Oba’s attitude worsens after suffering at the hands of his uncle.  Linda Byler is a descriptive writer who brings the scenery to life with her word imagery.  The story takes place over a number of years as Oba and May grow from children to teenagers.  I could understand Oba’s anger and his desire to escape from his harsh uncle.  May is the opposite of her brother.  I liked her faith in God, but I did not understand some of the choices she made.  Banished is a difficult novel to read because of the violence (whippings, beatings, slaps, and sexual misconduct) and the attitudes.  I will never understand why someone is treated differently because of the color of their skin.  As May said, “God created us equal, no matter the color of our skin.”  This book shows us life during the Depression in Arkansas on an Amish farm.  I wish the author had specified the time period at the beginning of the book.  I am guessing the tale begins in the late 1920s.  Banished is a shocking tale that is nothing like any Amish book that I have ever read.  We are left wondering what will happen next with Oba and May.  We must wait for the next installment in The Long Road Home series to find out.  Banished is a heart wrenching tale with hot heat, blossoming cotton bolls, an angry aunt, an unkind uncle, demanding duties, and cruel cousins.

Banished publishes May 4 and it can be pre-ordered from Amazon*.  Linda Byler's next release is A Christmas Engagement which releases September 14.  You can find all of Linda Byler's novels here.   Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am featuring The Jam and Jelly Nook by Amy Clipston.  It is the 4th An Amish Marketplace Novel.  I hope that you have a blissful day.  Make sure to take time for joy.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Love in Unlikely Places by Linda Byler

Book Summary

Love in Unlikely Places by Linda Byler has Emma Beiler finishing up her last day of teaching school.  Emma has been the teacher at Hickory Hollow School for ten years and she is now ready for a change.  She is twenty-six and unmarried.  Some in the community say that Emma is picky.   Emma had felt love once and wants that feeling again as well as to have it reciprocated.  Emma spots a newspaper ad for an English couple who need a nanny for their two children.  It would allow Emma to spread her wings because the couple rented a house on the beach in North Carolina where they are constructing a summer home.  Emma is drawn to the ocean immediately, but she is unprepared for living in an English household with its confusing appliances plus her employer’s unique method of childrearing.  Emma is surprised to find an Amish man working as the contractor on the house next door.  Emma and Ben spend time together walking along the beach and chatting.  She finds him charming as well as bold.  Unfortunately, Emma is forced to suddenly return home and does not get to say goodbye to Ben.  Despite not exchanging phone numbers or addresses, Emma told Ben enough about herself that he could locate her.  After a few months, Emma’s best friend, Eva with her husband, Elvin arrange a camping trip.  It turns out to be a set up with Eva’s cousin, Matt.  Emma ends up enjoying her time with Matt, but she could not date a man who left the Amish faith.  Emma needs to see Ben again and learn if he cares for her the same way.  Emma wonders what God has planned for her.

My Thoughts

Love in Unlikely Places by Linda Byler is a unique Amish novel.  I thought the book was well-written with friendly main character.  Emma Beiler is ready for a change.  After spending the last ten years teaching and working her families produce fields in the summer, Emma wants to do something different.  She is twenty-six, unmarried, and has yet to become baptized.   Emma would like a chance to spready her wings.  When she finds an ad for an English couple who need a nanny, Emma calls them to apply.  She would get to spend the summer at the beach in North Carolina looking after two children age two and four.  I could relate to Emma’s feelings regarding the ocean. It is calming and so peaceful.   I enjoyed the author’s descriptive writing that perfectly captured the beach and the vast ocean including the smell (that salty tang in the air).  I felt bad for Emma who was being taken advantage of by her employers.  They pulled a bait and switch.  Hired her as a nanny and then made her a housekeeper too.  Emma is out of her comfort zone, but we see her adapting.  I had to laugh as she tried to figure out the coffee machine.  Emma also gets to see a different style of parenting.  She is unprepared for the little girl’s temper tantrums and how the parents cater to the child.  Everything happens for a reason as we see in Love in Unlikely Places and we must wait for God’s timing not our own.  Emma learns some valuable life lessons in her journey and meets an incredible woman along the way.  Emma pushed the boundaries thanks to her supportive parents (they are also worn out thanks to their ten children).  Love in Unlikely Places is unlike other Amish books which I appreciated.  It would be great if Linda Byler did a story featuring Dena Beiler, Emma’s younger sister.  Love in Unlikely Places is a captivating and atypical Amish story with temper tantrum toddler, beautiful beach, a temperamental teen, a libidinous lady, and a matchmaking comrade.  

Love in Unlikely Places comes out on August 18 and is available from Amazon*.  You can find Linda Byler's other novels here.  Thank you for reading my review today.  I have Royal by Danielle Steel on deck for tomorrow.  I hope that you have a diverting day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.

Hope Deferred by Linda Byler

Welcome!  Sunsets, Sabbatical and Scandal by Tonya Kappes comes out on March 24.  It is the tenth A Campers & Criminals Cozy Mystery.  The Sunday Potluck Club by Melissa Storm releases on March 31 along with The Darkness We Hide by Debra Webb.  Is there an upcoming book you are looking forward to reading?

Hope Deferred by Linda Byler takes us to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  David Stolzfus and Anna Fisher grew up next to each other and are best friends.  Their parents, though, have differing styles of parenting with one more lax and the other believing in a strict Christian upbringing with emphasis on obedience.  As they become teens, the attraction between them grows stronger.  David is impetuous, headstrong, short tempered and has a thirst for knowledge.  Anna is lovely, kind, cheerful and obedient.  When Anna is eighteen, her parents reluctantly allow the pair to date with a long list of rules.  Dave, as he now prefers to be called, chafes under the Fishers rigid guidelines and decides to take a trip to Australia.  Anna met Leon Beiler on a mission trip to Texas.  After Dave departs on his travels, Anna begins corresponding with Leon.  Anna is attracted to the kind man with strong Christian values.  But she cannot forget David and her feelings for him.  Which path should Anna follow?  

Hope Deferred by Linda Byler is a story about two people who love each other but they have conflicting views.  Anna Fisher and David Stolzfus could not be more different in temperament.  Anna was raised to be kind, caring, and obedient Christian woman.  She is thoughtful and cautious.  David grew up in a lax household.  He loves to read and is quick to complete his studies.  David is stubborn, impulsive and has a quick temper.  When David enters rumspringa, he is quick to purchase a cell phone where he discovers the delights of the internet.  He also obtains a fast car and wears Englisch clothing.  The one thing the pair have in common is their love for each other.  We watch them go through their upbringing and young adult years with David chafing at the rules.  I thought Hope Deferred is a unique Amish novel with good writing.  David’s journeys were interesting because be has not traveled before and everything is new to him.  He had only seen pictures of Australia in a book.  Plus, David had never been on a plane.  It was a different look at the world.  There is a repetition of certain details that I wish had been eliminated plus there are many little details that were unnecessary (would have made a novel that had more ease to it).  I appreciated that Hope Deferred did not have an expected ending.  Amish teens today must make the same choices as those of our characters.  They must decide whether to become baptized in the Amish faith or find where they belong in the Englisch world.  It cannot be easy for them with only an eighth-grade education.  Hope Deferred is unique Amish novel with Christian canons, mutual magnetism, a speedy sports car, a thrilled traveler and unexpected outcomes.

Hope Deferred is available from Amazon*.  Thank you for taking the time to read my review.  Tomorrow I am featuring Sleuth on Safari by A.R. Kennedy.  It is the first book in The Traveler Cozy Mystery series.   I hope you have a positive day.  By the way. . . How do you track a book?  You follow their footnotes!  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.

The More the Merrier by Linda Byler

Greetings!  Linda Byler grew up Amish and is an active member of the Amish church today.  Linda is a columnist for a weekly Amish newspaper.  She is the author of Lizzie Searches for Love Trilogy, The Christmas Visitor, A Dog for Christmas, The Dakota Series, and Lancaster Burning Trilogy.

The More the Merrier by Linda Byler takes us back to 1931 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  Annie Miller is raising eight children on her own after the death of her husband, Eli.  She is barely scraping by when a fire destroys the barn in which Annie almost perishes.  The Amish community rallies around to assist in the building a new barn and help while Annie is in the hospital.  Grief overwhelms Annie along with the enormity of keeping her family fed and clothed.  People expect Annie to move forward, but it is easier said than done.  Then she receives a letter from Dan Beiler who is a widower with six children who wishes to start a friendship.  Annie worries it is too soon after Eli’s death and worries about her children’s reactions along with her critical mother’s.  Annie decides to ignore the letter and think of an alternative plan.  But then another letter arrives.  What will Annie do?

The More the Merrier by Linda Byler is a sweet story.  Annie Miller is left a widow with eight children to raise during the depression.  Her eldest child has been hired out and his wages to help.  But Annie needs to find a way to provide.  Then her barn burns down and she almost dies. Annie is rescued by Dan Beiler who is a widower with six children of his own.  Dan continues to think about Annie and decides to write her a letter to see if she would be interested in a friendship.  The More the Merrier is a story about second chances, forgiveness and love.  Linda takes us back to 1931 when everyone (except the 1%) is struggling to survive.  We see Annie struggle each day to put food on the table for the kids.  Annie must learn to make the decisions now that her husband, Eli is gone.  Her life hits an all time low when the barn catches fire.  Things always seem to get worse before they get better.  Annie prays for guidance to make the right choices for herself and her children.  Dan also worries about disrupting his kids’ lives and prays to God.  They both want to follow His lead.  I liked how they both had such a strong faith.  We see that God answers our prayers in His own way and in His timing.  I thought the story was realistic with engaging characters.  I enjoyed The More the Merrier and look forward to reading more stories by Linda Byler.  The More the Merrier is a heartwarming and inspiring story.  

The More the Merrier is a good story to read during the holidays.  You can pick up your copy here* (Amazon UK).  Thank you for stopping by today and reading my review.  I know that it is a busy time of year.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on Death of a Russian Doll by Barbara Early.  It is the third A Vintage Toy Shop Mystery.  I hope that you enjoy your day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.

A Second Chance by Linda Byler

Welcome!  The Codebook Murders by Leslie Nagel is out today.  It is the fourth book in The Oakwood Mystery series.  I will feature this new cozy mystery on May 25 as part of the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour.  A Daughter's Truth by Laura Bradford comes out May 28 along with Sconed to Death by Lynn Cahoon and Murder, She Uncovered by Peg Cochran.  Hairless Harassment by Molly Fitz releases on May 30.  It is the third novel in the Pet Whisperer PI series. 

A Second Chance by Linda Byler has readers journeying to Indiana.  Edna Miller is twenty-nine years old and has been working as a maud since she was fifteen.  She goes from home to home helping new mothers manage their households and family (a temporary housekeeper).  Edna loves hard work and creating order out of chaos.  Edna is alone at home with her elderly parents since her other five siblings married.  Edna has never been asked on a date and she has no prospects on the horizon.  She has only had eyes for Emery Hoschtettler, and, while Edna thought she kept her feelings under wraps, it was apparent to all according to her sisters.  One day she receives a note from Jonathan Hershberger asking her for a date.  Jonathan is a kindhearted man who happens to be wealthy, but Edna does not find him appealing.  She gives him a chance, but her heart was not in it.  Edna knows she should come to terms with her single status, but she longs for a husband and family of her own.  Orva Schlabach just lost his wife to cancer and he has three children to raise.  Edna is hired by Orva’s sister to manage the house and family.  It is a different assignment for Edna, but one she feels capable of handling.  Edna is surprised one day when she receives a note from Emery asking her out on a date.  Edna feels that her prayers have finally been answered.  Is Emery the right man for Edna?  What does God have in store for Edna Miller?

 

A Second Chance is the story of Edna Miller and her journey towards finding fulfillment.  Edna is twenty-nine, single, and a hard worker.  She likes working in homes where she can cook, clean and interact with people.  Edna could work in one of the local RV factories and earn more money, but it is not the type of work for her.  I was shocked when she only received $100 for two weeks of hard work (one family had eight children).  Edna also takes care of her elderly parents (70s) when she is between assignments.  Her father has diabetes and refuses to eat the proper foods.  I found Edna to be judgmental, set in her ways, yet she was friendly.  She likes for a home to be clean and orderly (a little obsessed with cleanliness).  I like that she is a strong female woman, but her attitude left a lot to be desired.  Most of the book follows Edna through her day-to-day activities (in detail).  She sorts cupboards, cooks, does laundry, sweep, mop, change beds, etc.  Even the food she cooked made was described down the condiments. It was tedious trying to slog through A Second Chance.  I kept hoping the pace would improve, but it never did.  The story lacked spark.  The joyous moments were few in this story.  If you were not depressed before starting A Second Chance, you will be when you finish it.  Even the ending was lackluster (I wanted a happily-ever-after ending).   Edna is a Christian woman who prays to God to help her and guide her.  I liked the inclusion of the Serenity Prayer and the painting Edna purchased incorporating the prayer. Little Emmylou’s speech about her mother was so sweet.  There was a beautiful rock garden described in the book that I want in my backyard.  A Second Chance felt more like a rough draft (especially with the number of typos and inconsistencies) than a finished novel.  It has some good bones, but I thought it needed a major rewrite. 

While this novel by Linda Byler was not for me, I have enjoyed her other creations.  I am looking forward to reading The More the Merrier which comes out October 1.  Thank you for joining me today.  I am sharing my review of A Twist in the Tail by Leighann Dobbs tomorrow.  It is the first tale in The Oyster Cove Guesthouse series.  I hope you have a tranquil day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

The Healing by Linda Byler

Welcome!  Death Said the Gypsy Queen by Susan Boles is now available.  It is the fourth A Lily Gayle Lambert Mystery.  Pecan Pies and Dead Guys by Angie Fox will be published on September 18.  It is the seventh book in The Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries.

The Healing by Linda Byler takes readers to Jefferson County, Pennsylvania.  John Stoltzfus comes from a large family of ten children with two loving parents, Mary and Elmer Stoltzfus.  John is fourteen years old and currently attends Hickory Ridge School.  John is at that awkward stage with acne, buck teeth, chubby and he wears glasses.  Being the youngest in the family, he feels invisible and that his thoughts do not matter.  When a new teacher takes over the classroom before Christmas, John is instantly smitten with her.  Lena Zook’s smile is the bright spot in his day.  The following fall, John beings to feel ill.  Shoulder pain, headaches, chills and he is tired all the time.  After several unsuccessful trips to the doctor, John begins to withdrawal into himself.  The noise and pain become too much to bear at times and he only wishes to be alone.  Mary hovers over John trying one home remedy after another.  She becomes anxious, worried and tired as time goes on.  The brothers begin bickering and the family becomes divided as the older boys feel that John is just being lazy, and the other brothers are worried for their younger sibling.  When Samuel, the oldest brother, begins dating Lena, John has a mixture of feelings.  He also wonders if he will ever be well enough to court a young woman.  When a change of scenery fails to revive John’s spirits, he returns home.  He begins to pray for help and looks to God for guidance.  Just when things begin to look up for John, the unthinkable happens.  Follow John’s journey in The Healing.

The Healing caught my attention because I know what it is like to have an illness that people do not understand and is hard to diagnose.  We get to watch John struggle through his illness and lack of faith.  He has a large family where the brothers tease each other, and their mother loves to dote on each of them.  We get to see the toll that an illness can take on a family.  It wears you down physically and mentally.  I thought the author gave readers a realistic portrayal of someone suffering with pain, loneliness, depression and so much more.  Some of the Christian themes present are prayer, relying on God, God only gives us what we have the strength to handle (this is a hard one for me), God is in control, having faith, and remember that God loves us, and He sacrificed His only son for us.  Other themes present in the story are love, family, forgiveness, understanding, and friendship.  While The Healing has good writing, I struggled with the pace of the story.  It also seemed the same information was being presented over and over.  It would have been nice if the story epilogue.  The story seemed incomplete (I wanted closure).  My rating for The Healing is 3.5 out of 5 stars.  The Healing is a good story for the younger readers (age thirteen and up). The Healing is a lovely, heartfelt and emotional novel that will appeal to fans of Linda Byler and Amish fiction. 

Thank you for reading my review.  I am featuring Die Me A River by Denise Swanson tomorrow.  It is the second book in Welcome Back to Scumble River series and we get to find out what Skye and Wally are going to name the twins.  I hope you have a charming day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader