Elizabeth Byler Younts has written a unique story with a
delightfully fresh perspective. There’s Amish fiction and there’s historical
fiction, but this story weaves them both together, creating something truly special.
Miriam’s fiancé is drafted during WWII, and he is sent away
to the work camp for conscientious objectors. When he decides to enlist, Miriam’s
world is turned upside down. Should she support the man she loves and risk
being ostracized by all her friends and family (who believe it's wrong to fight in any war), or
should she denounce his actions, withdraw her support, and lose the one man who
can truly make her happy?
The story follows Miriam and Henry as they come to terms with new personal convictions juxtaposed against the traditional beliefs of their Amish community.
The community plays an important role in the story, behaving as a collective unit, according to ancient traditions. The battle between tradition and conviction plays out on the page in emotional detail as characters wrestle with what seems right and what they have always known to be right.
Younts’ perspective rings especially true, beyond most other
writers of Amish fiction, because her family is Amish. Her insights are
beautiful, tragic, and poignant. The writing is bright, clear and very relatable.
I was honored to receive an advance copy of the book, which
just released last week. I hope you’ll pick up a copy soon. Promise to Return
delivers on its promise to entertain . . . and you’ll return for the next two
books in the series releasing next year from Howard Books.
Elizabeth Byler Younts is an Air Force officer’s wife and a homeschooling mom with two young daughters. She makes her home wherever her family is stationed. Elizabeth was Amish as a child and after her parents left the church she still grew up among her Amish family and continues to speak Pennsylvania Dutch.
Do you read Amish fiction? What do you love about it?
Review by Jennifer Fromke
I enjoy reading Amish fiction very much. I love the spirit and the strong conviction of the Amish. This always shines through in Amish fiction. I know I will love this book. Thank you for introducing Elizabeth Byler Younts. Many years ago there were a husband and wife that taught where I went to school with the last name of Byler. You don't hear that name everyday.
ReplyDeletemauback55at gmail dot com
So glad to connect you! I know you'll love the book, Melanie.
DeleteHow neat that you have a Byler connection! I bet they had Amish and/or Mennonite roots!
DeleteI love to read Amish fiction too. I'm inspired by their beautiful simple lifestyle and the desire to bring glory to God in everything they do. Elizabeth Byler Yount's unique perspective on Amish life will make this an excellent book. I can't wait to read it. Thank you for this great review!
ReplyDeleteAh, to live a more simplistic life. :-) One of the fun things about reading Amish fiction: you learn that there are almost as many "issues" in their community! People are people and no matter where/how we live, we somehow manage to bring several layers of complication into our relationships. It just looks different for the Amish. Hope you enjoy it, Cindy!
DeleteI hope you enjoy every minute of it!
DeleteI do enjoy reading Amish fiction and will have to add this book to my list! Thank you for sharing your terrific review!
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy Promise to Return! Thanks so much for taking the time to read this review.
DeleteWe just started a book club at our church. Sounds like this book will make readers of Amish and readers of historicals very happy. Thanks for the review, Jennifer.
ReplyDelete