Will Daniel and Anna be able to reconcile their faith struggles and their love for each other? Beloved Amish novelist Linda Byler once again writes a compelling and surprising love story, showing that even the Plain People struggle with complex feelings, questions, and relationships. David Stolzfus and Anna Fisher have been best friends as long as they can remember. Sure, it was a bit unusual in … was a bit unusual in the Amish community for a boy and a girl to be so close, but nobody questions it with David and Anna–it has just always been that way. They live on neighboring farms in Lancaster County, they walk to school together (with all their siblings) every day, and when David learns to drive a pony, Anna is the first one to ride with him. Their lives are intertwined, the way the borders of their properties are joined by the Pequea Creek.
As they approach their teen years, David and Anna’s friendship turns quickly to deep love and attraction. But David is headstrong and full of an insatiable hunger for knowledge and new experiences. When Anna’s conservative parents require that he join the church before the two can begin dating, he rebels, eventually taking off to Australia for the adventure of a lifetime, leaving Anna to sort through her feelings alone.
When Anna receives a letter from Leon Beiler, a young man she can’t deny she has feelings for, everything changes again. How can she reconcile a lifetime of love for David with this new potential romance? And what will happen when David returns home?
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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.
I learned so much about the Amish by reading this book. It was a lovely story and I fell in love with the characters. Very good book
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I read this book in parts of two days. Enjoyed the twist and turns.
I was on the fence whether I liked this book or not but after I finished and thought about it I found I really liked it. I was quite impressed with the subtle way the message was given.
Hope Deferred is different than most Amish romances in that you get the feel of for true Amish life and I credit that to the novel being written by an author who was raised Amish and still practices her Amish faith. She shows us the difficulties young Amish have when it is time to decide to stay with the faith or become English. I’ll admit I did not like Dave’s character at all as I thought he was selfish and mean to just about everyone around him. When I think back on his character though he was so conflicted and really had no one to talk with for true guidance. Anna loved Dave but her faith was strong and that carried her throughout the novel. Never once did her faith sway.
The repetition of details is my biggest complaint in that I felt it drug the novel down in several places. That is purely a personal observation.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Skyhorse Publishing (Good Books), through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.