In colonial America, a Native American orphan raised among the Amish explores her identity, torn between two cultures and unsure of where she belongs. When she’s forced to leave everything behind and forge her own path, where—and with whom—will Hester choose to make her new home?Hester on the Run, Book 1: One April morning, an Amish couple finds a Native American infant, wrapped in deerskin and … wrapped in deerskin and placed next to the spring where they gather water. Kate and Hans adopt the child and name her Hester, despite the criticism of certain community members. Hester glows as she grows, an unmistakable beauty both inside and out, but begins to realize she doesn’t quite fit in. An encounter with a Lenape medicine woman gives her a glimpse of her undiscovered heritage. When her own father becomes a threat, Hester is forced to flee from the Amish community, the only home she has ever really known.
Which Way Home?, Book 2: Twice rescued—first by matronly Native women who find her unconscious in the woods and then by a boy in downtown Lancaster where she’d been left for dead by the dreaded Paxton boys—Hester finds herself wondering if she will ever find a safe haven. When an Amish man from her past reappears, it seems like destiny, but William King is more in love with the way she looks than with her heart and mind. When a Native American man makes a proposal to Hester, she is perplexed more than ever. Where will her heart lead her?
Hester Takes Charge, Book 3: Now widowed and living in downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Hester is startled by the unexpected appearance of Noah, the firstborn son of her adoptive parents. Their father’s misplaced love for Hester and utter neglect of Noah drove each of them away from their Amish family. When Noah suggests they return to their childhood home to see their ill father, Hester can no longer ignore her buried anger and bitterness. Can they possibly forgive Hans? Can Hester trust herself—and Noah—enough to marry again?
Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Arcade, Yucca, and Good Books imprints, are proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in fiction—novels, novellas, political and medical thrillers, comedy, satire, historical fiction, romance, erotic and love stories, mystery, classic literature, folklore and mythology, literary classics including Shakespeare, Dumas, Wilde, Cather, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.
more
Reading only these stories, it would be easy to hate the Amish for their strict ways and downright meaness to each other. I felt better at the end but it certainly left me with an unpleasant attitude toward this sect.
Truly enjoyable read.
Anything Linda Byler writes is worth the read!!
Loved this book, hated to see it end!
Great book.
This is the best book I’ve read in a long time. I got SO into it that I couldn’t put it down, and even staying up to 2 a.m. to finish it. It was one of those books you didn’t want it to end, but you wanted to know how it was going to end. Will keep this and read it again for sure!
I couldn’t put it down-it took over my life. Interesting look into another culture in a different time!
One of the beat written books I’ve ever read!
I just really enjoyed this book. It made me look at my attitudes and rethink forgiveness. It was inspirational and made me se ways I need to improve.
Beautiful story of an adopted child dealing with not just a difference in two cultures, but three — in a time when being different was not easily accepted. But her faith in God keeps her going and makes her strong enough for the hard times and painful decisions.
One of the best books I have ever read. I cried tears of joy at the end. One of those books that you get so wrapped up in that you’re sorry to see it end. Fantastic.
I personally thought this was a really interesting story. The plot took several twists that I did not expect and ended much differently than I thought it would. It’s not the greatest writing in the world and it seemed like there were a couple of details that didn’t wash exactly, but that might have just been me not understanding. The author also threw in Pennsylvania Dutch terms without explaining them, which bothered me, but even with these small quibbles I still thoroughly enjoyed the tale of Hester. Very clean and wholesome, too.
Beautifully written…Rich descriptions. Plausible characters and situations.
An Amish story set in the past held my interest from the start. The twist of an abandoned Indian baby being raised by an Amish couple made for impelling reading.
For the most part it was very good. A little slow at times. But I did enjoy it.
One of the best series of books I’ve read. I didn’t want the last book to end.
great series of stories
I loved this book, it showed the best and worst of people. Hester represents so many people in this world who think they have no place. She is so lovable and tragic all at once.
Very interesting from beginning to end. Three books, and excellent book writing. Such good descriptive words, and exciting results.
The couple finds an Indian baby by the creek and raises it – the rest is a story that is quite believable, but unusual!