PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BESTSELLER • A marriage is tested in this Old Order Amish novel of longing for renewed love and a path for forgiveness from the best-selling author of Gathering the Threads. Old Order Amish wife and mother Jemima has put her marriage and family ahead of herself for years. She’s set herself aside. Raising four children, she’s followed all the rules and has been patient in looking … the rules and has been patient in looking forward to her time to chase a dream of her own.
But when she finds out that her life savings for pursuing that dream is gone—and her husband, Roy, has been hiding a child with another woman—her entire world is shattered. Will she be able to listen to God and love Roy’s child? With so much at stake, how can she and Roy fix their relationship before their lives come crashing down?
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I’m in a book fog! The Englisch Daughter by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall is so incredibly good I truly do not even know how to properly review this book. Nothing I say will ever be good enough. The plotline is so excellent that The Englisch Daughter is unputdownable. The characters are superbly crafted. Each one is unique and relatable in their own right. The conflicts absolutely make this book. The pages FLEW by because I just had to read one more chapter. And, the topics are so discussion-worthy I believe this book would make an exceptional book-club choice. The Englisch Daughter is one of the best books I’ve read this year!
Jemima is the BEST character in The Englisch Daughter. I really did like all of the characters in this book because they are unique and endearing, and I found the ways they deal with their conflicts to be realistic and relatable, but Jemima is exceptional. She 100% wormed her way into my heart and I won’t soon forget her. I’m not going to discuss any of the awful conflicts that tore apart Jemima’s life because I’m afraid I would accidentally spoil her story. Instead, I want to briefly discuss Jemima’s absolutely real reactions to all that happened to her. First, there’s the complete sense of shellshock and total disbelief that what happened to her actually happened. Then there is anger, anger that lasts a long, long time. And with the anger comes frustration, a need to explode (but can’t), the desire to find answers, a tremendous need to escape and hide, a fear that things will never be good again, and a sense of complete powerlessness. Jemima feels all of this and more. What I appreciate SO much about this story is that it understandably took Jemima a long time to forgive, and what’s even more outstanding is the authors’ discussion that taking a good amount of time to forgive — not just the person who did the hurtful thing, but God and ourselves — is completely OK. Time heals. I don’t buy quick forgiveness. When things hurt us, it only makes sense that we take quality time to process, make sense of the pain, heal, and then forgive. Jemima is a stellar character. Her reactions to her issues validated the moments in my life when I have felt BIG feelings and struggled to get to the point of forgiveness.
The Englisch Daughter by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall is a must-read story that I highly recommend. I implore you to purchase a copy of this novel today. This is one story you do NOT want to miss.
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Waterbrook Press, via NetGalley in order to review. I also received a paperback copy of this book from the publisher as well. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
A wonderful story of love, forgiveness, faith through hard times, and God’s everlasting love.
If you’ve read and enjoyed my Amish Secrets series or Abram’s Daughters by Beverly Lewis, there is very high probability you will enjoy Cindy and Erin Woodsmall’s latest novel, The Englisch Daughter. An intense story dealing with raw human emotion, this book draws you in from page one and keeps you turning pages until the satisfying conclusion. I highly recommend it to lovers of Amish fiction!
The Englisch Daughter was very different from the traditional Amish fiction I am used to reading and I liked that very much. You have a husband and wife who are not timid in showing their feelings towards one another. You have a daughter who is still single much later in life than is traditional for Amish and she follows her own heart and best of all she has her family’s support.
I enjoyed most of all the idea of an Amish rehab for addictions of all natures. I would love to read a story with this idea expanded. It shows that even those with the strongest faiths have demons within them that they fight on a daily basis. All of us do and sometimes it takes additional help to fight them.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, WaterBrook and Multnomah, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
The Englisch Daughter by Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall has Jemima Graber in a tailspin when she learns that her husband has been hiding a secret that could devastate their family. Jemima is shocked when Roy tells her that he has depleted their savings account which means the end of her food truck dream and that he has a daughter with an Englisch woman. Jemima must care for the infant while dealing with her raging emotions. Abigail Graber, Roy’s sister, is shocked by her brother’s actions, but she does not have time to dwell on it when one of the horses becomes sick. Worried that it is a deadly disease that could wipe out their entire line of horses, Abigail works with the new hired hand, Chris Fisher. Abigail has not been able to give her heart to another. She does find herself attracted to Chris who has secrets of his own. The Englisch Daughter is a complex Amish story with realistic characters and situations. This is an intense book with strong emotions. I found The Englisch Daughter to be different from other Amish novels I have read. Very unique for the genre. I was surprised that the Amish in this community used cell phones and called for Uber rides. I was not familiar with the EHV1 disease that horses can get before this novel. It could quickly kill off every horse if the owner was not vigilant and quickly took the proper precautions. I liked that Jemima and Abigail had a dream of opening their own food truck selling authentic Amish food. This is something I have not encountered in any other Amish novel that I have read. I especially enjoyed the ending of The Englisch Daughter. The Englisch Daughter is a story about assumptions, misconceptions, betrayal, dreams, faith and forgiveness. My favorite line from The Englisch Daughter is “Even a blind squirrel finds a nut every once in a while.” Fans of Cindy Woodsmall will be delighted with this book. The Englisch Daughter is a well-written, one-of-a-kind Amish novel.
*I received a free digital ARC via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
Fighting against the odds
Now this is exactly what I wanted from a religious book – an overview of the religion and culture, without preaching to me (this comment is because of having recently been burnt with that).
I haven’t actually read any Amish books before this, so I didn’t know what to expect at all. I have a vague idea of who they are, from various TV shows, but I didn’t know the difference between the different types of Amish or, indeed, the Mennonites, or even the language they spoke. This book is filled with their version of German, “Pennsylvania Dutch” (which is far more a German dialect and not even related to Dutch!). I actually wish that I had realised that there was a glossary at the back, with a direct translation of the sentences, before I started reading! Although each time, particularly with the children, that they spoke in their form of butchered German, there was an explanation as part of the story.
This is actually quite a heart-warming story. The Amish are highly religious, and opposed to all forms of violence. The women, once married, lose their independence and everything they have belongs to their husband. They are also expected to forgive any transgressions both publicly and easily. All of this, even for the highly religious women, is harder than it sounds. Especially when all the lies and deceit land on their own doorstep.
Yet love truly does conquer all. Through hardship and rebuilding the trust, if love is there, then it can overcome just about anything. The resilience that Jemima shows when she realises that her husband, Roy, has been not only distant, but uncovers that he’s been lying to her, is remarkable. Of course she is angry! Yet her love eventually brings her around once all the lies and deceit are unravelled.
There is a side story here, with Chris, who is going against his religion and culture by fighting, and Abigail, Roy’s sister, who has also gone against her culture by turning down many a potential partner as she prefers being on her own. She doesn’t want to get lost, like she’s seen so many other women do. And even with her connection with Chris, she finds yet another excuse to push him away. Of course, there is a happy ending here as well, which also isn’t hard won.
With the horse farm in the background, to provide an even more traditional setting, things are never as they seem. They fight to keep everything, when everything should be lost. And they do it all with an amazing strength where others would have failed.
All in all, a great and surprising read, that draws you in to another world.
Final rating: – Really liked
Loved this book it was sweet and very entertaining to read even though the topics in the story could possibly be triggering or not easy issues to deal with.
An unusual and awkward situation drives a wedge between an Amish couple. Not only do Roy and Jemima face financial strain while trying to build their horse business, Roy and their young daughter are still recovering from a bad vehicle accident. Now the couple must deal with more troubles. Can they add an abandoned baby to their struggling family? Plus, Chris, an Amish boxer comes to work with the horses—does he plan to stay Amish or to desert their faith? Roy’s sister, Abigail, helps with the work too in addition to teaching school. She and Chris seem to be attracted to each other, but issues from their past stand in the way of any close relationship. Trust, or the lack of it, and emotional tolls play prominent roles in this story. Can they all ever overcome the events that weigh them down? The characters in this novel seem real and their lives authentic. The book includes a bit of suspense and danger too. I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy this different Amish tale at first because of what had happened, but the story drew me in and made me care about what happened. I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
All of these stories about the Amish are wonderful!
Author Cindy Woodsmall and her daughter-in-law Erin Woodsmall have written an Amish story that is like none that I’ve read and I couldn’t put it down! Jemima Graber knows that her marriage isn’t the same after her husband’s serious accident a year ago but she hasn’t a clue just how deeply damaged it has become. Roy is a good man but this accident left him dependent on painkillers and started a chain of events that led to his involvement with another woman and quite possibly, a child born of that indiscretion. As the details come to light, the life and marriage that she believed was hers no longer exists. Can she forgive this man who has hurt her so deeply? Will Roy be shunned by his Amish community because of his unfaithfulness? Is it possible for her to accept a child who isn’t hers?
The emotions described in The Englisch Daughter are very realistic and so relatable to anyone who has ever experienced betrayal. Jemima progresses from uncertainty, to disbelief, to anger, and eventually, she feels a sense of failure. Along the way, however, she also recognizes that she is frustrated and has been for a long time! She wants to be more than just a wife and mother and she needs to feel that her opinions are valued. Jemima wants respect and isn’t that what we all crave? Her journey to forgiveness is hard and it takes time but isn’t this true to life? Isn’t that what we would expect from someone who has felt such betrayal and hurt?
There is also an interesting secondary plot that involves Roy’s sister Abigail. She has her own struggles in this story and it remains to be seen if she can learn to accept a man who enjoys the sport of fighting. Violence, after all, is unacceptable to the Amish way of life.
If you are looking for a sweet, uncomplicated Amish story, you may be disappointed with The Englisch Daughter. If you are looking for an authentic look at a family who loves and serves God, then this is a book you will want to read! It is an outstanding family drama that you won’t want to miss!
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book from Waterbrook Publishers. I wasn’t obligated to write a positive review and these are my honest thoughts.
This was an exceptionally fascinating and diverse interpretation of an Amish marriage. I do not think I have ever perused a book that secured this subject. The subject being unfaithfulness, in a marriage, and the outcome being an infant covered up until conditions destroyed that right. It was unusual to see phones and Ubers right now. This was a brisk perused, which was decent. In the event that you are searching for another glance at Amish life, this one is for you.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher Waterbrook Multnomah, in exchange for my honest review.
The Englisch daughter by Cindy Wood small and Erin Woodsmall is an interesting book.
This is the first Amish book I am reading this year and I wasn’t disappointed.
I was fascinated by the characters in this novel.
The suspense was okay and I had this edge of the seat feeling while reading this book.
I love the description used by the authors. I could imagine everything in the book.
Throughout the pages of this novel,I was visiting an Amish community without leaving my house.
This novel is so emotional. Some scenes tugged at my heart strings. I had to pause and read those paragraphs again.
Themes of love, forgiveness, second chances,understanding,marriage, family and many more were explored deeply in this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, WaterBrook through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Amish are well known for their simple lifestyle and non-violent stance. That may be so but they are also human and sinful. Roy and The Amish are well known for their simple lifestyle and non-violent stance. That may be so but they are also human and sinful. Roy and Jemima were experiencing marital issues. Roy had changed over the last year and spent lots of time away from home. Jemima was baffled by his behavior. He thought his lies about where he was going and what he was doing was protecting his wife but they were only making her more untrusting.
Abigail was Roy’s sister and she helped on his horse farm. Chris was hired to help also. Abigail and Chris were immediately drawn to each other when they first met but they both had issues and walls built up that prevented any closeness. This story had plenty of angst among the pages. Will they be able to forgive not only the ones that have done them wrong but also themselves? Giving yourself forgiveness can sometimes be the hardest to do. God is right there ready to be invited in to give wisdom and guidance. The characters were so real and I wanted to give them hugs, especially Jemima. The best quote from the book by Pierre Teihord de Chardin, “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings having a human experience”.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher but was not required to write a review.
Thanks goes to the publisher, via Net-Galley, for the chance to read and review The Englisch Daughter by Cindy Woodsmall in advance of publication. This is an Amish Fiction novel. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.
The Englisch Daughter is a riveting novel that held me in its thrall from the first page to the last. At times, it had my heart stopping as I waited for what would happen next. The writing is emotional, and the plot is spellbinding. This story will stay with me a long time and will go in my keeper file.
There are several central characters in this book. Jemima has gone through almost losing her husband and daughter in a horrific buggy accident, both of them have challenges. Her husband has been through hell from dealing with Opiate addiction, to being manipulated by a very troubled young woman, to anxiety that if his wife learns what he’s done, the emotional pain will be more than she can handle.
Abigail is Roy’s sister, and she’s been impacted by the manipulation from the woman as well. She planned to partner with Jemima in running the food cart, she’d planed on purchasing, but Roy has spent all the money. She also has relationship issues and has never dated anyone more than a few weeks. Chris is another main character, and he also has his own set of issues as well. When an attraction develops between him and Abigail, their issues threaten to keep them apart.
I could feel the heartache and pain from all these wonderful characters. This made The Englisch Daughter a fascinating reading experience. The love stories involved are emotionally charged, the character development is amazing.
If you enjoy Amish fiction with compelling characters and a soul wrenching plot, then you will love The Englisch Daughter as much as I did. I highly recommend this book. I always know I’m in for a fantastic reading experience when reading one of Ms. Woodsmall’s outstanding novels. Happy reading!
Let me just say the Woodsmall women know how to write a book! The Englisch Daughter is filled with so much drama. There was no way I could not finish the book quickly. I would promise myself as soon as I finished a chapter I would take a break. If you read the book you will understand why I read it so quickly. The assumption when reading an Amish story is it will be simple and sweet. The biggest problem is should the beautiful Amish maiden be a dutiful daughter and take care of her aging parents or marry a man she feels is her last chance. The Englisch Daughter is not that book. The story involves infidelity, drugs, outspoken women, and fighting matches. Almost everyone has a cell phone and takes ubers to get around. Throw in an attempt at selling a baby to the highest bidder and you have a deeply moving story. All these things come together to give us another winner from Cindy and Erin Woodsmall. I voluntarily received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
A different type of read. Set in an Amish community this book looks at one marriage that is on the brink of collapse due to an illegitimate child. It explores the way each spouse lives in the marriage and how they feel about their positions. Added to the story are the sub-stories: a deadly horse sickness; a sister who is determined not too marry; a man who hasn’t fully decided where he belongs.
Beautifully written, it was so interesting to see how some modern technology has come into the world of the Amish. I found the journey that especially Roy undertook in understanding how Jemima felt very insightful. The whole Barber extended family was actually way more progressive in their thinking than what I would have expected.
Although its set in Amish country, there are many lessons that can be transferred to our normal lives; marriages and relationships. Very appropriate Bible verses are used and it leaves one with a lot to think about.
Roy & Jemima’s journey to save their marriage (& save a helpless child) was a brave and inspiring one. I loved the ending – a happily ever after for everyone.
The Englisch Daughter is yet another wonderful Amish read by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall. I loved this sweet book. The characters were likeable and easily for me to relate to. There were times while reading it, I felt a variety of emotions coming out of me. This is a kind of book I like to read, something that has a few twists and turns and unpredictable.
I am giving The Englisch Daughter five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy Amish fiction.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Two bad boys among the Amish! After being in an accident, Roy Graber is taking a lot of pain killers. While his expectant wife and three children are at her mother’s, he fixes a renter’s plumbing and learns later that he got her pregnant. For ten months, he lies to his wife, Jemima, about where he is as he spends thousands of dollars on Tiffany and her baby, using Jemima’s money for a food truck.
Chris Fisher agrees to pay his brother’s gambling debt by boxing, a taboo among the non-violent Amish. He hasn’t joined the church yet, but still gets in deep trouble when he’s caught by the ministers. He goes to Mirth to work on Roy’s horse farm, where he meets Roy’s sister Abigail. There’s instant attraction, but Abigail doesn’t approve of boxing.
Roy and Jemima’s marriage is in deep trouble when she learns of baby Heidi. How can she ever trust Roy again? Then things take a surprising twist.
There’s a lot of discussion or private mulling over what causes people to put up walls or why Tiffany is such an awful mother. It tends to read like a textbook.
Baby Heidi will pull your heartstrings, so unhappy at being unloved by her mother and Jemima. Chris and Abigail’s bantering is amusing. Jemima wins your sympathy. Good story.
I really enjoyed The Englisch Daughter, the most current book written by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall.
I recently read several Amish stories, but unlike those romances, The Englisch Daughter deals with starker, more realistic and sobering aspects of Amish life.
Jemima and Roy Graber are Old Order Amish. However, the issues they and other members of their extended family face are real-world crises. Misunderstandings and lack of discretion create a set of circumstances like a house of cards that begins to fall due to an incident of infidelity, anger, feelings of revenge and helplessness. The family also becomes embroiled in external events that include child abuse, mental illness, deceit and life-threatening situations.
As I read the story, I could empathize with the characters as they faced each set of occurrences through the lenses of their childhood and adult life. How many times as fallen and failing humans do we jump to erroneous conclusions, or harbor anger and revenge? Or, lacking role models or love as we grew, how often we choose crazy, foolish ideas and plans.
I appreciate the honesty and realness the Woodsmalls imparted into The Englisch Daughter, and I always look forward to reading more books they have written.
I received the book from Waterbrook Multnomah. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.
The Englisch Daughter by Cindy and Erin Woodsmall is an excellent addition to their impressive catalog of Amish fiction.
Jemima Graber is an Amish wife and mother of four with a dream to start her own business. Her husband supports her dream which is unusual in Amish communities where women aren’t encouraged to work outside the home. Jemima is devastated to learn that her husband, Roy, has fathered a child with another woman and spent the life savings that was set aside for her business. Roy’s behavior is atrocious, but as an Old Order Amish wife Jemima is expected to instantly forgive and forget, still yielding to her husband as the head of the household. To further complicate matters, Jemima has to treat and love Heidi, her husband’s child, as if she is one of her own. Does she have it in her?
In The Englisch Daughter the Woodsmalls approach love and forgiveness from a unique but authentic perspective. The plot lends itself well to the theme. The characters are well-rounded, likable and believable. The Englisch Daughter is about forgiveness and true love. Love in it’s physical form. I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to all readers of Amish fiction.
My thanks to WaterBrook & Multnomah and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.