56544

An Amish widow looks after a critically-injured riverboat captain after his friend brings him to her door in the middle of the night. I liked the initial situation -- I enjoy the relationship dynamic and the tension of two people from different worlds getting to know each other, and because he’s staying in her house, they both discover things about each other that wouldn’t get revealed in more conventional circumstances.

But I became a bit frustrated as the story progressed. I wanted Gant to be more understanding of Rachel’s hesitancy (she’s a still-grieving widow who faces ostracisation from her community if she publicly becomes involved with him!), and certain developments meant neither path to a happy ending -- either she leaves the Amish or he converts -- struck me as really satisfactory.

I don’t care enough about what happens to go looking for the sequels -- but on the upside, deciding I don't need to keep this book (a gift from a relative) has freed up room on my bookshelf! ( )

Hoff's intertwining the Underground Railroad with the Amish was an interesting presentation of a unique period of history.

I was disappointed in the resolution to the problems. A real man wouldn't give up what he believes for love... ( )

This was my first book by this author,and I absolutely LOVED it! It is excellent in it's ability to hold the reader until the end. I did not want to put this book down! Every page brought a new twist, and I couldn't wait to get to the end to see what happens. It is the perfect blend of history, Amish, suspense, romance and God. It is filled with wonderful tension from beginning to end. It is detailed in describing the struggles that the Amish had long ago, as well as, that of the times of the Underground Railroad and all those who helped with it. The Amish of long ago already had struggles of living in America, but when you add the twist of an Amish and Englisher who both believe in the Lord, but who also development forbidden feelings for each other, it makes for one of the best Amish historical novels I have ever read. I can't wait to find out what happens in When Grace Abides, book 2 of the BJ Hoff's The Riverhaven Years. This book deserves more than 5 stars, but, alas, I can only give it 1-5 stars and therefore, my opinion of this book is that it is a highly recommened, 5 star, two thumbs up, book!

*This book was provided for review by Harvest House Publisher* ( )