Category Archives: Cindy Woodsmall

Title: The Englisch Daughter by Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall
Publisher: WaterBrook
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Women’s Fiction
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

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 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?

Review:

The Englisch Daughter by Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall  is a captivating novel of forgiveness, redemption and love.

Jemima Graber is an Old Order Amish wife and mother of four young children. Her husband Roy owns a horse farm and he spends long hours training and selling the horses. The previous year, a carriage accident left Roy and their oldest daughter Laura seriously injured. During the long days of worry and stress, Jemima’s unexpected pregnancy complications left the couple separated for a long stretch of time.  Following the birth of their son, Jemima and the children quickly settle back into life on the farm. But a distance remains between Jemima and Roy that she does not understand. When Jemima learns the shocking reason, will she ever forgive Roy for his heartrending betrayal?

Jemima and Roy’s marriage is, in many ways, a typical Amish marriage. Jemima tends to the children and household while Roy works hard and handles their finances.  There is, however, one difference that Roy accepts about his wife. Jemima has long dreamed of owning a food truck with her sister-in-law Abigail and they have saved for years to purchase a truck when one becomes available for purchase.  When the opportunity to fulfill their dream presents itself, Jemima is absolutely devastated when Roy makes a stunning confession. Reeling from the revelation, she is already hurt, angry and confused when the rest of the awful truth finally comes to light.

Jemima is so angry with Roy that is uncertain what the future holds for them.   She knows she is expected to forgive him, but his actions and its repercussions cut deep.  In the midst of this crisis, Jemima gradually realizes she harbors other resentments toward her husband. Once she fully understands the depth of Roy’s secrets and lies, can Jemima find it within her heart to forgive him?

Roy has been miserable for months but he goes to great lengths to hide the mess he finds himself in. He is angry and disappointed in himself and he knows the truth will break his wife’s heart. Roy wants nothing more than to salvage his marriage, but will he be able to do what Jemima asks of him?

In the midst of the turmoil with Roy and Jemima, Abigail is stunned by her attraction to newcomer Chris Fisher. She is independent and happy to remain unmarried but she cannot deny her interest in him.  An initial misunderstanding drives a wedge between them and just as they begin to move past it, Jemima is shocked to discover why Chris left his family home. However, once Chris decides what he wants for his future, will he convince Abigail give him another chance?

The Englisch Daughter is a thought-provoking novel that is heartfelt and engrossing. The characters are appealing and vibrantly brought to life with relatable stregnths, flaws and weaknesses. The storyline is engaging and well-developed with realistic issues that are complex and multi-layered.  Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall  bring this deeply affecting, faith based novel to a heartwarming, uplifting conclusion. Fans of Amish fiction are going to absolutely love this introspective story of healing and grace.