The Wings of Morning by Murray Pura

Lyyndy Kurtz and Jude Whetstone had known each other from the time they were young.  When he learned to fly Lyyndy was excited and asked for a ride into the blue sky.  Others in their community of Amish folk were hesitant but watched in awe as Jude and Lyyndy flew higher and higher and then did some stunt flying.  Bishop Zook was interested in Jude's skills as a pilot, an unusual hobby for an Amish blacksmith.  Others had also noticed Jude as he gave a show to the community at picnics.  Then a group of young men from Paradise were  visited by the United States Army.  Though the Amish were exempt from serving in the war these young men were taken to a camp where they were treated as prisoners.  They were made to do physical labor in the Pennsylvania winter in inadequate clothing.  The food they were given was poor quality and not enough of it.  Verbal abuse by the soldiers was constant.  It seemed that soon some of the Amish would collapse or die.  People back in Paradise were shocked and puzzled when Jude enlisted in the Army to fly in combat and yet the rest of the group was released to return to Paradise.  It was a long time before Jude's family or Lyyndy got any word from him about what he was doing.  Then they still had many questions about why he had joined the war.  Had he lost his faith or had he just wanted so badly to fly that he decided to go to war?  The men who had been mistreated at the same time as Jude were not telling anyone what had really happened to them or Jude.  Before they got adequate answers to their questions the influenza epidemic reached the cities of Pennsylvania and even to Paradise.  Through all this Lyyndy continued to  believe that Jude must have a good reason for what he was doing.  And she also decided to do something to help during these years of World War I.
     
In this story we learn about early aviation, World War I, the influenza epidemic as well as life in an Amish community.  More than in many stories set in Amish communities we see how changes in American society can touch the people in a subculture.  And how everyone must grapple with how those changes make a difference in their lives.

You can find this book in the catalog.

~Beth H.

The Outsider by Ann H. Gabhart

When Gabrielle was young she and her mother had entered a Shaker community to live and grow in peace and harmony.  Through a gift of the Spirit, Gabrielle had a vision of a fire in the barn and because of this she was able to direct someone to the spot where one of the brothers was trapped.  The doctor who rescued Nathan treated the burns and stayed with this Shaker brother giving treatments and exercise for his legs.  According to the rules of the community, Dr. Scott was an outsider who must have permission to speak with members of the Shakers so they would not be exposed to worldly influences.  Dr. Scott met Gabrielle when she was attending Nathan after the fire.  Their opportunities for communications were limited but he made a point of seeing her later when he came to check on Nathan's progress.  It was after Gabrielle and Dr. Scott met in the woods that she was put under months of constant supervision.  During that time Dr. Scott joined the Kentucky Militia to fight redcoats and Indians in the northern territories.  His thoughts went often to the beautiful girl in the Shaker community and she thought often of him, too.  Her ever present guard did not trust Gabrielle but could not know what went on in the mind of her charge.  Would Gabrielle endure and be trusted again and would Dr. Scott survive war and continue in his efforts to bring Gabrielle away from the Shakers?

The Outsider is available in the catalog in book, large print, and book-on-CD format.

~Beth H.

Dakota Dawn by Lauraine Snelling, Book one, The Dakota Plains series

Nora Johanson traveled from Norway to North Dakota to marry the man she loved.  There were difficulties going by ship and train with many delays.  Upon arrival at her destination she had only four cents remaining and no one met her train.  As it was late at night, cold and she did not have money for a hotel room, the depot master took her to the pastor's house.  There she became friends with Ingeborge and Reverend Moen and their children.  They, too, spoke Norwegian so she was able to relay her story to them.  It seems her intended had died of the fever before Nora arrived in North Dakota.  Until she found a place for herself she could stay with the Moen family.  The situation she found for her to work and live was most unexpected and most certainly a hard path. 

Place this book on hold in the catalog. It is also available in large print.

~Beth H.

Under a Maui Moon by Robin Jones Gunn

Carissa and Richard have been married for twenty-four years and raised a terrific son in Portland, Oregon.   What a wonderful time for them to become reacquainted.  But instead they have been growing apart.   They just weren't communicating or showing love for one another.  Then Carissa lost her job working for a group of physicians.  Before she left the office, one of the doctors offered her the use of his cottage on Maui for a vacation.  He and his wife would not be there again for several months.  Carissa made flight reservations and took off without talking to Richard or her sister or mother about where she was going or why.  Maui was a lovely spot for letting go of stress and lots of confusion.  The people she met there were hospitable and caring.  What better place to breathe in God's love and guidance.  What better place to rekindle a marriage.

Place this book on hold in the catalog. It is available in large print too. 


~Beth H.

The Christkindl's Gift by Kathleen Morgan

The Christkindl's Gift by Kathleen Morgan

Erich and Rosa wanted a new father. So they decided to ask the Christkindl to bring one to their little home in Colorado. There they lived with their mother, Anna and grandfather Anton. When Anton found an injured stranger on the road he brought him home to heal. Anna did not trust him as it was strangers who had killed her husband Karl. She made it clear that he should leave as soon as possible. But maybe it was the Christkindl who brought him to Erich, Rosa, Anna and Anton. When they were snowed in there was no way for Ian to leave. These immigrants from Germany share Christmas traditions as well as a warm home with this another stranger at this blessed time of year. And each member of this home learns more about themselves and the love of the season.

You can find The Christkindl's Gift in our catalog by clicking here.
--Beth Hutcheson

As Young as We Feel: The Four Lindas #1, by Melody Carlson

As Young as We Feel by Melody Carlson

The Four Lindas, #1 

Four girls, all with the first name Linda, formed the 'Four Lindas' club when they were in elementary school. Now in their fifties they reconnect at a high school reunion. Only one of them still lives in their hometown of Clifden, the others living in L.A., Seattle and New York City. Even though each has followed a different path in life they realize that original bond is yet strong. They are strong for each other through the trials faced such as helping an aging mother, changing jobs, and relocating. I enjoyed reading about Marley, Abby, Janie and Caroline in this first book of the series and look forward to the next. 

We have this book in the Adult Dept. and you can request it in the online catalog. It is also available in large print edition.

~Beth Hutcheson

Though Waters Roar by Lynn Austin

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46:1-3

The story begins with Harriet in a jail cell in 1920. While there she has time to remember her ancestors and their lives. Lynn Austin uses flashback beginning with Hannah during the days leading up to the Civil War and her involvement with the Underground Railroad. Bebe helped Hannah care for the runaways then and when WWI took Bebe's brothers to war she did their farm chores. Later she fought the use of drink in the Christian Temperance Union when her husband Horatio was controlled by alcohol. The Great Flood of 1876 was a pivotal event in the lives of Harriet's grandmother, grandfather and mother as well as those displaced by the waters when the dam broke. Through all these events we get a picture of life in America for the rich and poor and how God was working in them. Harriet is moved by Bebe's passion to win the vote for women and always to help others as she could. Maybe this is why Harriet was in jail.

The Missing by Beverly Lewis Seasons of Grace, two

Yonnie is good with animals and is a hard worker who has decided he wants to work with Judah Byler. Much time is needed to help Willow return to health and literally get on her feet again. Yonnie has good ideas and great patience with the ailing horse. While working at the Byler farm he is giving attention to Grace, also. But she is distracted with worry about her mother who disappeared one night over a month ago. Lettie had been restless for some time and then one night Grace happened to see her leave with a suitcase. No one knows why she left or where she went. Her parents, Adah and Jakob have been whispering between them. They suspect she has gone somewhere in Ohio but are not telling why they think this. The local bishop and the church members are beginning to talk about what they will do if Lettie does not return soon.

Heather Nelson is staying with the Riehl family who are neighbors of the Bylers. She is working on her thesis in this less stressful location. And her doctor at home has given her a diagnosis of non Hodgkin's lymphoma. Because her mother suffered so during her traditional cancer treatments and died anyway, Heather has made an appointment with Dr. Marshall, a naturopath, to learn about alternative treatment. Heather's father has purchased land in the area and plans to build a home for himself and Heather. He doesn't know yet about her medical status.

In this lovely place Amish and "fancy" people are meeting and learning the ways of each other. Maybe they can help one another during this difficult period while Lettie is missing.

Dawn's Prelude Song of Alaska, one Tracie Peterson

Lydia Gray was a teenager when she married a cruel man because her father had made a business deal. She was the second wife of Floyd Gray after his first wife, Charlotte, had died mysteriously. Lydia lived in fear of Floyd and his abuse. When he died her life was some better except that his grown children treated Lydia badly. They were afraid she was going to take their money and their home. Fortunately, the lawyer appointed to help Lydia handled Floyd's will for her and her father's lawyer handled the trust left to Lydia about the same time. After the will was read as Floyd had directed, his children began scheming about how to get Lydia to break the will for their benefit, not hers. For some time Lydia had wanted to visit her aunt in Alaska and this was a good time to go. Lydia arranged for her travel without telling anyone but the lawyer and without taking much of anything with her. Her new life in Sitka, Alaska with her Aunt Zerelda was good. It was peaceful and relaxing. Until Marston Gray discovered her location and determined to take her back to Kansas City or kill her. From that point on Lydia and her new husband knew no peace or real happiness. After Lydia was shot she didn't even remember who she was or anything about her life. How could Marston be held accountable for all he had done?

Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes by Robin Jones Gunn

When Summer was told she needed a biopsy she baked cookies which helped her think. Then she made flight reservations to the Netherlands. She had never met her pen pal in person and felt this was the time for a chick adventure with Noelle. Summer's husband was supportive of the plan. For a week Summer would learn about her good friend and her husband, their culture and pieces of their history. The Ten Boom family touched lives by saving lives. Summer and Noelle visited the Ten Boom home and museum, hearing first person stories about the concentration camps. The Iconoclasts made their statement by destruction. The pen pals visited a church which had been a victim of this action. And the original paintings by Vermeer spoke to Summer about everyday things and people. During that week Summer was able to connect with Noelle in communicating their feelings and needs which each had been trying to escape. Topics they discussed included past relationships and future medical possibilities and God's Love and provisions for His children. Summer and Noelle had thought this visit had been a spontaneous plan by Summer. They learned that God knew all along what both of them needed.

The Victory Club by Robin Lee Hatcher

This story illustrates how WWII turned life upside down for many people- including those waiting here for loved ones fighting somewhere in the world, either North Africa or England, Europe or the Pacific.

Margo and Dottie, Lucy (Anderson) and Penelope worked at Gowen Field in a defense plant. They rode a bus together, worked together and ate lunch together as they formed supportive relationships. Margo's son, Greg, was fighting somewhere in the world. Dottie and Greg were engaged. What Margo did not know, yet, was that Greg fathered Dottie's child before going to war. Lucy's husband, Richard, is also fighting somewhere and Lucy is more lonely than she realizes. When the owner of the grocery market innocently approached Lucy about becoming friends, things got out of hand. Penelope sees her friends and total strangers doing their part for the war effort either fighting or rationing or collecting things like rubber. Her husband, Stewart, is home with a hurting back. He is not even working at a defense plant. Penelope wonders if his back is really hurt or if he is a coward. Pen is very frustrated with him, the children and her life. These four friends have each other for support but is that enough? Communicating with their loved ones is difficult knowing the censors will be reading very private messages. And some things may be better left unsaid in a letter anyway. Margo, Dottie and Lucy were feeling their way, doing what they could to survive and keep hope alive. Pen was more lost in her feelings and behavior. But they were all friends and so they tried to help each other as much as possible.

The Stars for a Light Cheney Duvall, M.D. #1 by Lynn and Gilbert Morris

Cheney Duvall graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Women's Medical College which was the end and the beginning of her long road to becoming a doctor. Now she would secure a position and be a good doctor. But this was in a day when women were accepted as nurses but not usually as doctors. When Asa Mercer arranged to take a large group of single women to Seattle he needed to hire a physician. He met Cheney and was delighted to hire her as a doctor for the women and as chaperon, too. The ship left New York and would sail to Havana, Panama City, San Francisco and finally Seattle. They were barely underway when many women were laid low by sea sickness. This included Dr. Duvall. Her male nurse, Shiloh, was a great help as he was not affected by the motion of the ship and sea. The voyage was a time to truly get to know each other on board since they were "captive" in a small area floating on the waves. Not only was there sickness of the body which Dr. Duvall did her best to treat, greed and jealousy were major problems. Even the Pinkertons and Panamanian guerrilla forces were involved in the journey to the newly settled west called Seattle. Cheney set out to be a good doctor for the women and then return home in six months. She learned that one never knows what will happen next.

The Mermaid in the Basement a Lady Trent Mystery by Gilbert Morris

In London, 1857, the Newton family was part of the peerage and the genteel society. Dr. Newton had raised his daughter, Serafina, to be a scientist and very serious minded. Her sister, Dora, and brother, Clive, were neither logically minded or serious. Clive was more fun loving which is why he spent time with the actors and actresses at the Old Vic theatre. He was especially attracted to the actress Kate and he was often seen and heard giving her his attentions. Therefore, it was no surprise when Clive was arrested by the Superintendent and Inspector of Scotland Yard for the murder of Kate. Clive had wanted Kate and when she treated him badly he had been heard threatening to kill her. This was an upsetting blow to the Newton family and Serafina vowed to investigate and do whatever possible to see her brother released and to find the real murderer. She soon realized that she was unfamiliar with most of London life and districts so she enlisted the help of one of the actors who was acquainted with the London of the lower classes. Though the evidence against Clive was great and it seemed a simple case, Serafina and Dylan Tremayne were not easily discouraged. Along the way Serafina and Dora learned to value another side of life which until recently was not known to them.

A Proper Pursuit by Lynn Austin

In May, 1893, Violet learned two things that changed her world. When she was nine years old her father had told her that her mother left them because she was ill and needed treatment. Now, almost twenty-one years old, she learns that her mother just abandoned them. And now her father is engaged to marry a widow with two mean children. In order to get away from her father, the Widow O'Neill and offspring, she went to Chicago to stay with her grandmother and aunts. There she would get to know those relatives better, visit the Columbian Exposition and maybe meet her future husband. Aunt Agnes decided that she would present Violet to high society. This included meeting and greeting at teas and balls. Aunt Matt introduced Violet to the fight for women's rights, marching and stuffing envelopes for the cause. Aunt Birdie was a loving and supportive friend to Violet. Her main suggestion was that Violet should marry for love. Grandmother Florence introduced Violet to the realities of life in the poor sections of Chicago as they volunteered at Jane Addam's settlement house and with the Dwight L. Moody campaign. Violet soon realized that her training by Madame Beauchamps did not prepare her for life outside of high society visiting, teas and balls. Certainly she was not prepared for the filth and stench around the settlement house. But Grandmother was unaffected by the smells, only by the needs of the people. At each level of society Violet acquired a suitor. Aunt Birdie helped her search for her mother when possible. She wanted very much to find her before returning home. And somehow she would decide what she wants in a husband.

The Secret (Seasons of Grace, book one) by Beverly Lewis

Judah Byler is an Amish sheep farmer. He and Lettie are the parents of Adam, Joe, Grace and Mandy. Lettie's parents live under the same roof but in their own side of the house. Each person knows their jobs and they do them which makes for harmonious living. But lately Lettie has been restless and has even been seen walking the roads and pastures during the night. She hasn't told anyone what is bothering her. Judah is busy day and night caring for the ewes and new lambs. Grace is of courting age and often attends the singings on Sunday evenings. One day Lettie talked to Grace about Henry. She just wanted Grace to think now what married life to such a quiet man would be. The next evening Henry proposed to Grace and she accepted. That very night Grace saw her mother leaving with a suitcase and she wouldn't stop when Grace called out to her. Where was she going and why? Later Grace found the letter Lettie had left her. Judah read it, too. The contents of that letter really did not help the family. As the community learned of Lettie's absence the rumors began to fly. How many people are hurt by the actions of one?

In a city far removed from Amish country lives Heather, a successful woman who has received devastating news from her doctor. Instead of following the prescribed treatment she has decided to take a lengthy vacation at an Amish bed and breakfast run by a neighbor of the Bylers. She hopes an alternative treatment will heal her and being in this peaceful setting is already helping her spirit.

Guilt by Association by Gilbert Morris a Danielle Ross mystery

Dani Ross was called home to run her father's detective agency in New Orleans. After she studied the finances and other case records she decided to hire another investigator. Amazingly, an ex-cop came to the agency seeking employment about that time. Though he was something of a maverick he seemed a capable investigator. This allowed the agency to win more contracts which were needed to keep afloat. Dani went to meet a client in a remote location and did not return to the office. She was no where to be found. The new employee, Ben, went in search of her and was himself kidnapped. That was when he found Dani. Both of them joined others being held prisoner in a silo which had been altered to hold people captive. Each day the mastermind, Maxwell Stone, spoke to the prisoners on camera and speaker. He wanted his captives to confess to something they had done but they didn't know what it was. As the weeks passed various people became ill and one died. Lists were made by Dani and a WWII submarine commander, Karl, trying to figure out why each of them were there and what Maxwell Stone wanted from them. It became apparent to all that there was no way out and Stone would gradually kill them all. There must be something they could do to stop him. But what could that be?

Hannah Grace The Daughters of Jacob Kane #1 by Sharlene Maclaren

Gabe accepted the job of sheriff in Sandy Shores, Michigan in 1903. On his way there he acquired a stowaway in his wagon. The boy remained a mystery because he wouldn't talk. By the time they arrived at Gabe's destination he had decided the boy would stay with him. As sheriff he would make contacts to learn of missing children hoping to reunite a family. Hannah Grace helped run her father's store and library. That is where she first met Gabe and his charge. She assumed the boy was Gabe's son and from the bruises on the child that Gabe was an abusive parent. When she learned the truth she volunteered to care for the boy during the day while Gabe was on duty. Fortunately they soon discovered a name label in his clothes so now they knew the boy's name-Jesse Gant. Another piece in the puzzle for Gabe to check on. Each day Jesse stayed with Hannah Grace and sometimes her two sisters or grandmother. As time went on Jesse was able to trust Gabe and Hannah Grace enough to relax and enjoy his surroundings. It became apparent that he had experienced or witnessed something awful and did not trust anyone easily. Hannah was almost engaged to Ralston, the doctor in town. He had definite ideas of his future and how he wanted Hannah to fit into them. Caring for a "street urchin" was not part of what was proper. But she cared deeply for Jesse and became friends with Gabe, too. What would they do when Jesse would be returned to his family?

The Longing The Courtship of Nellie Fisher book 3 by Beverly Lewis

Nellie Fisher and Caleb Yoder have ended their budding relationship. This is one result of the split in the Old Order Amish Church. Caleb is determined to stay with the traditional rules and lifestyle of his youth-life in the Old Order Amish Community. Nellie and her family have found new life in the New Order church. The church split has even divided families and couples like the breakup of Nellie and Caleb. David Yoder has always been known as being proud and stubborn. In the middle of all the confusion among the People, David had a stroke which left him paralyzed and in need of help. It is very hard for him to ask for any kind of help. When friends and family from the Old and New Order Church offered their help, love, prayers and he was resistant to all but a few. Caleb, his son, does accept help with the milking when his cousin Chris offers his services. What will happen when David learns that a Mennonite is helping in his barn? Nellie's sister, Rhoda, is still in her time of running around before joining the church. And she decides to move into town, rent an apartment with conveniences like electricity and modern appliances. She has even bought a car and is driving to and from her job as waitress. Her 'fancy' boyfriend cooks for her in his apartment and wants her to stay late. This has put a strain on Rhoda's relationship with her brother, her landlord for now. What should Nellie do in her relationships with Caleb who she still loves, her sister who needs guidance and Chris who is interested in her?

Of all the stories by Lewis which I have read about the Amish I found this to be more open about the Plain lifestyle and its problems. Each book opens up more questions about a way of life which is so different from ours. People I have met from the Plain community are as different from each other as we are and they are each special.

The Pioneers An American Family Portrait by Jack Cavanaugh

Jesse Morgan grew up on the lower east side of New York City. He and his mother had struggled to live since his father died in a fire. For years now she has been sewing piece work in her home and Jesse works at a glass factory which employs many children. When not at work he is aggravated by bullies on the streets. It was during an altercation with those bullies that Jesse met Emily Barnes. When she gave several blasts on her whistle they thought the police had arrived to grab them.
Emily has wanted to become a reporter. Her job using a typewriter and her unofficial research into unlawful practices by local companies were good experience for this. So when Jesse met her again on a steamboat she was interviewing the captain for an exciting newspaper article about him.
Actually, Jesse left N.Y. on the run from the police. So began his journey west. Whatever jobs were available, he did. He travelled by foot, raft, steamboat, covered wagon, horse and railroad. A hero of dime novels was his "guide" when he met with a challenge or decision to make. What would Truly Noble do? Jesse's aunt was the author of these stories which he had been reading and enjoying when not working or running from neighborhood thugs.
Jesse's reason for leaving home was his secret. Emily's secret was her identity. Because of her parentage, she and Jesse found themselves running from a kidnapper. The secret of all this, ironically, involved a Utopian community. These many secrets finally must come to light as Jesse grows along with the country.

The Gift by Richard Paul Evans

Nathan Hurst works security for a music store chain as a house detective only not the kind that walks around watching for shoplifters. He watches the transactions in over 300 stores and catches employees stealing from the company. In so doing he travels to other cities to complete investigations and have employees arrested. Some people are surprised when arrested. Some are shocked that they would be caught. So Nathan has saved the company lots of money and even has had some merchandise returned by the thieves. It was in the airport when returning from one of his business trips that he met Addison, Collin and Elizabeth. The weather was awful with ice, snow, wind and bone chilling temperatures shutting down air travel. The prospect was time spent sleeping on the floor in the airport until flights would resume. When Nathan met Addison and saw her son, a chemo patient with surgical mask and very pale skin, he was moved to share his hotel suite with these desperate people. This was the beginning of an amazing relationship. Collin was not even ten but was wise for someone so small. Through his years of sickness and treatments for leukemia he had acquired an understanding of listening to other people and caring about them. He also was given the gift of healing. As he put it he could make life better for people. Sadly he was unable to heal himself and each time he touched someone transferring his healing energy to them he was sicker for days. Nathan continued his job of catching bad employees and travelling around the country. When the story of Collins' gift was in the newspaper, people flocked to his home, trying for a touch of his hand. Addison called Nathan and the police. Until someone broke the law the police could only keep the crowds off Addison's property. So Nathan helped them go elsewhere until the madness subsided. But it only got worse. Addison's ex husband tried to sell Collins' gift. He had approached several wealthy people who were in need of healing. Though he had been told what each episode did to Collin, he wanted the money and chose to ignore the warning. Early in the book Nathan says this is not a Christmas story. But it tells so much about the spirit of giving on several levels that I think it is a story about love and caring. And who doesn't need a good dose of both?