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.

Searching for Rose by Dana Becker

Searching for Rose by Dana Becker

Book Summary

Searching for Rose by Dana Becker has April hunting for her sister, Rose.  The two only have each other and always been close until Rose started dating, Ricky Devereux.  They had a fight about Ricky and his business dealings which caused the two siblings to not speak to each other.  If they had been talking, April would have noticed that Rose was missing sooner.  The last thing Rose told April was that she was going to the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia and mentioned the Metropolitan Bakery.  April makes friends the bakery owner, Carmen who also gives her a much needed job.  She also becomes friends with Joseph Young who works at the Amish diner next to the bakery.  Joseph helps April in her quest to find Rose.  Their questions hit a nerve because April receives a threatening message.  April has no intention of backing down and she wonders if she can trust Joseph.  April’s determination to find Rose puts a target on her back.  Will April find Rose or will the hunt cost April her life?

Reading Terminal Market

My Thoughts

Searching for Rose by Dana Becker is a unique Amish novel.  April has had a difficult life and made some poor choices.  The one person she has always been close to is her sister, Rose.  When Rose disappears without a trace, April becomes determined to find her.  She gets help from a bakery owner and an Amish man who works at the Amish diner next to the bakery.  I thought the characters lacked development.  Last names for our main characters would have been nice.  The pacing is slow in the first half of the book.  It does increase in the second half as the mystery picks up speed.  The mystery was interesting.  There are good clues to help readers figure out who is behind the crime.  There are also some disturbing details.  I would have liked a better wrap up to the mystery. It felt incomplete.  Searching for Rose is more of a romantic suspense than an Amish mystery (which is what I was expecting).  April and Joseph become close while looking for Rose.  Their relationship is a rocky one.  April has a hard time trusting people.   I did find some inconsistencies in the book that I hope were corrected before publication.  I did like seeing April trying to improve her lot in life.  It turns out that Searching for Rose will have a sequel.  I hope any unfinished issues from Searching for Rose will be resolved in the follow-up.  Searching for Rose is an Amish romantic suspense with a missing sister, an Amish Romeo, a kindhearted baker, and a shocking tale.

Metropolitan Bakery

Searching for Rose releases on August 25 and can be pre-ordered from Amazon*.  Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour for Master of Illusion by Nupur Tustin.  It is the debut of A Celine Skye Psychic Mystery series.  I do hope that you have a cheerful day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.

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.

The Amish School Teacher by Jerry Eicher

Welcome!  I hope you have had lovely and productive week.  I picked up some new books this week that will be coming out in the fall.  Meet Isabel Puddles by M.V. Byrne is the debut of A Mitten State Mystery series.  It publishes on November 24.  A Page Marked for Murder by Lauren Elliott comes out October 27.  It is the 5th A Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery.  Christmas Card Murder contains three Christmas novellas by Leslie Meier, Peggy Ehrhart, and Lee Hollis and it will be out on October 27.  Nothing Short of Wondrous by Regina Scott is out on October 20.  It is novel in the 2nd American Wonders Collection.  An Amish Cookie Club Courtship by Sarah Price releases October 20.  It is the 3rd book in The Amish Cookie Club series.  I like reading a variety of genre to keep things fresh.  What types of books do you like to read?

The Amish School Teacher by Jerry Eicher has Mary Wagler accepting a position to teach in West Union, Ohio.  She sees it as an opportunity to get away from her three well-meaning but interfering sisters.  Mary sisters are encouraging her to marry like they did after teaching for two years.  Mary has yet to meet a man in her hometown with whom she would want to wed.  Marcus Yoder is asked by Elmer Miller, the head of the school board, to pick up Mary from the bus station.  Mary is expecting the wives of the school board members to pick her up and is surprised to see Marcus. She thinks he is trying to get a leg up on the other men in the community.  Marcus has been told that it is time for him to find a wife.  He has been running the family farm since he was sixteen which leaves little time for socializing.  Unfortunately, Marcus and Mary get off on the wrong foot.  Marcus finds Mary beautiful and everything he says comes out wrong especially his comments about her shiny blue suitcase. This first meeting sets the tone for their future encounters.  It is soon apparent to Mary that the community feels she is the perfect match for Marcus and Mary’s protests fall on deaf ears.   Marcus has kept feelings of grief bottled up since his father’s death.  Mary wants to help him, but Marcus is resistant. When a crisis hits the school, Mary gets to see a different side of Marcus. She begins to wonder if maybe there is a future for them.

The Amish School Teacher by Jerry Eicher is a sweet Amish romance.  I thought this story contained good writing and the story moved along steadily.  I liked the variety of characters.  Mary who is a woman of deep faith.  She is not afraid to express her feelings about God in public or share them with others.  Mary loves being a schoolteacher.  She is a warm and friendly woman as well unless you get her dander up.  Marcus made the mistake of criticizing her new pretty blue suitcase right after meeting Mary.  Marcus has been responsible for his family and the farm since his father died when he was sixteen.  That is a lot of responsibility for a teenager.  Marcus had to step into his father’s shoes which never gave him the opportunity to grieve or have rumspringa.  Marcus had hope that Mary might be the one for him until he saw her suitcase (too flighty).  As you can see, misunderstandings and miscommunication abound in this story.  There are also some warm, tender moments.  I liked the Amish community in Adams County, Ohio.  They are there for each through the good times and the bad.  There are work parties to help provide wood for the schoolhouse, make food for weddings, and even to move the new bride to her home.  The people are friendly and welcoming.  I liked Lavina and Leon Hochstetler with whom Mary boarded.  They were a loving couple with strong faith.  I liked how God was celebrated in this story.  There are good scripture passages along with prayer.  My one complaint is that the story is unsurprising.  The relationship of Marcus and Mary moves along an expected path.  The Amish School Teacher is a charming Amish romance that is a nice break from reality. 

The Amish School Teacher can be obtained from Amazon* as well as Jerry Eicher's other Amish novels (click here).  Thank you for reading my summary and review today.  The Girls of Victory Street by Pam Howes (available on Kindle Unlimited) is scheduled for tomorrow.  It is the first novel in The Bryant Sisters series.  I hope you have a joyful day.  Take care, stay safe, 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.