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Coming Home #1
Return to Paradise
Twelve months ago, David Stoltzfus left the Amish community in Paradise, Pennsylvania—and encouraged his siblings to follow—after their father became overly stern and even abusive with them. Escaping to a new life in the Englisch world was the only way to keep one another safe. But it was not without sacrifice. When David left his father’s house and community, he also left behind Lavina Zook, the woman he planned to wed.
Lavina hasn’t forgiven David for abandoning her, but when David’s father is diagnosed with cancer, she believes she might be the only one to lure him back to make peace . . . before it’s too late. Still, forgiveness isn’t easy. Even if she can get David to return, she’s not sure he will forgive his father. And she’s not sure she can forgive David, either.
Lavina hasn’t forgiven David for abandoning her, but when David’s father is diagnosed with cancer, she believes she might be the only one to lure him back to make peace . . . before it’s too late. Still, forgiveness isn’t easy. Even if she can get David to return, she’s not sure he will forgive his father. And she’s not sure she can forgive David, either.
320 pages, Paperback
First published February 16, 2016
13 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Cameron
85 books218 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
CBD, CBA, and ECPA bestselling author of 24 books (including new series upcoming for Abingdon Press in 2011/2012) including fiction and non-fiction books for Abingdon Press, Thomas Nelson, Harlequin, and other publishers.
I sold three films to HBO/Cinemax and am the first winner of the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award.
My two novellas won the 2nd and 3rd place in the Inspirational Readers Choice Contest from the Faith, Love, and Hope chapter of RWA. Both were finalists for the novella category of the Carol Award of the American Christian Writers Award (ACFW).
CBD, CBA, and ECPA bestselling author of 24 books (including new series upcoming for Abingdon Press in 2011/2012) including fiction and non-fiction books for Abingdon Press, Thomas Nelson, Harlequin, and other publishers.
I sold three films to HBO/Cinemax and am the first winner of the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award.
My two novellas won the 2nd and 3rd place in the Inspirational Readers Choice Contest from the Faith, Love, and Hope chapter of RWA. Both were finalists for the novella category of the Carol Award of the American Christian Writers Award (ACFW).
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 2, 2016
Twelve months ago, David Stoltzfus left the Amish community in Paradise, Pennsylvania—and encouraged his siblings to follow—after their father became overly stern and even abusive with them. Escaping to a new life in the Englisch world was the only way to keep one another safe. But it was not without sacrifice. When David left his father’s house and community, he also left behind Lavina Zook, the woman he planned to wed.
Lavina hasn’t forgiven David for abandoning her, but when David’s father is diagnosed with cancer, she believes she might be the only one to lure him back to make peace . . . before it’s too late. Still, forgiveness isn’t easy. Even if she can get David to return, she’s not sure he will forgive his father. And she’s not sure she can forgive David, either.
My Thoughts:
This book is the first in a new series by popular author, Barbara Cameron, entitled "The Coming Home Series". After having thoroughly enjoyed all other books by this author, my expectations were high, and I must say, this novel was just as good , if not better , than her others. I certainly was not disappointed.
Barbara's talent in development of characters was clearly evident in this story. I often judge a book as being "good", if I can identify with at least one of the main characters. Lavina, a young, unmarried Amish woman appealed to me and became part of me as the story began. She has many struggles and challenges and I must say, that I felt every one. Her emotional roller coaster became mine! David, the single man in the story, quickly gains my sympathy as he battles his own, very different problems in life. Can these two very dear people find love ? Or will all the obstacles in their way, defeat them?
The plot is extremely well developed and kept me engrossed from beginning to end. There are surprising twists and turns that pop up to shock the reader and keep one captivated. This storyline is one that is very different from the norm, problems that are not generally addressed in Amish fiction. The subject of an abusive husband is described in a sensitive manner, making us realize that the Amish are no different from you and I. They have similar problems in life! However, how they are dealt with are often very difficult. Divorce is simply not an answer when living in an Amish community. The story also addressed how this type of abuse affects the entire family, not only the spouse. Can forgiveness heal the situation?? How does a family deal with this, when the community tends to hide the problems? Abuse of this nature tends to send the children running, and this book is no exception. The sons have all left home. Will they return home when their father is ill?? Can they forgive the past?? This is all addressed in this book. Running away from a problem may appear to help but is does not solve any problem.
The theme throughout this book is one of faith, forgiveness and prayer. Easier said than done. Sin enters lives and tries to rip families and communities apart. Only God can deal with this and heal the hurts.
A fantastic read!! I am eagerly awaiting Book Two in this series!! Get writing, Barbara!!
This book was supplied by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Lavina hasn’t forgiven David for abandoning her, but when David’s father is diagnosed with cancer, she believes she might be the only one to lure him back to make peace . . . before it’s too late. Still, forgiveness isn’t easy. Even if she can get David to return, she’s not sure he will forgive his father. And she’s not sure she can forgive David, either.
My Thoughts:
This book is the first in a new series by popular author, Barbara Cameron, entitled "The Coming Home Series". After having thoroughly enjoyed all other books by this author, my expectations were high, and I must say, this novel was just as good , if not better , than her others. I certainly was not disappointed.
Barbara's talent in development of characters was clearly evident in this story. I often judge a book as being "good", if I can identify with at least one of the main characters. Lavina, a young, unmarried Amish woman appealed to me and became part of me as the story began. She has many struggles and challenges and I must say, that I felt every one. Her emotional roller coaster became mine! David, the single man in the story, quickly gains my sympathy as he battles his own, very different problems in life. Can these two very dear people find love ? Or will all the obstacles in their way, defeat them?
The plot is extremely well developed and kept me engrossed from beginning to end. There are surprising twists and turns that pop up to shock the reader and keep one captivated. This storyline is one that is very different from the norm, problems that are not generally addressed in Amish fiction. The subject of an abusive husband is described in a sensitive manner, making us realize that the Amish are no different from you and I. They have similar problems in life! However, how they are dealt with are often very difficult. Divorce is simply not an answer when living in an Amish community. The story also addressed how this type of abuse affects the entire family, not only the spouse. Can forgiveness heal the situation?? How does a family deal with this, when the community tends to hide the problems? Abuse of this nature tends to send the children running, and this book is no exception. The sons have all left home. Will they return home when their father is ill?? Can they forgive the past?? This is all addressed in this book. Running away from a problem may appear to help but is does not solve any problem.
The theme throughout this book is one of faith, forgiveness and prayer. Easier said than done. Sin enters lives and tries to rip families and communities apart. Only God can deal with this and heal the hurts.
A fantastic read!! I am eagerly awaiting Book Two in this series!! Get writing, Barbara!!
This book was supplied by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
February 25, 2016
Another Amish Novel from Barbara Cameron
Return to Paradise is Book 1 in the new Coming Home Series by Barbara Cameron. "Return" in the title tells us someone or something must have departed or gone elsewhere; this time it was all three brothers from the same family, though the narrative focuses mostly on David, who returns to his Amish community of origin after staying away for a year. For David [page 182 among many other pages and paragraphs] home is what he refers to as *his* church community; home includes smells and scents of food and sod and manure, human voices, touches, the sound of hymns, the savor and taste of simple plain traditional farmhouse food, the sight of wooden farmhouses and barns, the expanse of farmland. Return to Paradise narrates a few weeks in the lives, and helps the reader began to comprehend the inward pull – also the outward push – of a community that keeps mostly to itself, doesn't attempt or aim to assimilate with the larger society, yet whose lifestyle exemplifies Christian in its love and regard for neighbor, its deference to the Divine. This isn't a page turner in the conventional sense, but I found myself actively wondering what would happen next; almost(!) surprised at discovering again the essential human need for love, affirmation, and inclusion, pain over exclusion and misunderstanding, at the relational difficulties and stresses that are anything but unique to those of us who spend most of our time and labor in more mainstream society, in expressions of Christianity that more fully engage world and culture.
Close to the book's conclusion on page 204, Lavina (who's at first David's girlfriend, later his fiancée} reminds us "God's got a plan for us ... I figure it's a lot like this road. We can see just a little ahead but not all the way home. But maybe all we need is to see just a little ahead. I mean, we have to trust."
This is the third of Barbara Cameron's novels about an imaginary Amish (Pennsylvania Dutch, or "Deutsch") community in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania I've read; I've enjoyed learning a little about the overall lifestyle, values, and types of interactions Amish sometimes have with the outside "Englisch" folk. More than one state of the USA has a village or town named Paradise; wikipedia tells us Paradise, PA, "is a census-designated place in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States with a zip code of 17562. The population was 1,129 at the 2010 census." Cameron reminds us Amish Ordnung's rules and regs aren't one size fits all, with Amish in Lancaster county intermingling considerably more than might happen elsewhere. I'm looking forward to the next book in this new Coming Home series; the several-pages long teaser in the back of Return to Paradise provided a look into the start of main characters David's and Lavina's marriage. Even if I hadn't read Cameron's previous books, even if I weren't interested in learning more about other Christian groups, the lovely cover painting would induce me to check out the inside content.
"...maybe all we need is to see just a little ahead. I mean, we have to trust."
Return to Paradise is Book 1 in the new Coming Home Series by Barbara Cameron. "Return" in the title tells us someone or something must have departed or gone elsewhere; this time it was all three brothers from the same family, though the narrative focuses mostly on David, who returns to his Amish community of origin after staying away for a year. For David [page 182 among many other pages and paragraphs] home is what he refers to as *his* church community; home includes smells and scents of food and sod and manure, human voices, touches, the sound of hymns, the savor and taste of simple plain traditional farmhouse food, the sight of wooden farmhouses and barns, the expanse of farmland. Return to Paradise narrates a few weeks in the lives, and helps the reader began to comprehend the inward pull – also the outward push – of a community that keeps mostly to itself, doesn't attempt or aim to assimilate with the larger society, yet whose lifestyle exemplifies Christian in its love and regard for neighbor, its deference to the Divine. This isn't a page turner in the conventional sense, but I found myself actively wondering what would happen next; almost(!) surprised at discovering again the essential human need for love, affirmation, and inclusion, pain over exclusion and misunderstanding, at the relational difficulties and stresses that are anything but unique to those of us who spend most of our time and labor in more mainstream society, in expressions of Christianity that more fully engage world and culture.
Close to the book's conclusion on page 204, Lavina (who's at first David's girlfriend, later his fiancée} reminds us "God's got a plan for us ... I figure it's a lot like this road. We can see just a little ahead but not all the way home. But maybe all we need is to see just a little ahead. I mean, we have to trust."
This is the third of Barbara Cameron's novels about an imaginary Amish (Pennsylvania Dutch, or "Deutsch") community in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania I've read; I've enjoyed learning a little about the overall lifestyle, values, and types of interactions Amish sometimes have with the outside "Englisch" folk. More than one state of the USA has a village or town named Paradise; wikipedia tells us Paradise, PA, "is a census-designated place in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States with a zip code of 17562. The population was 1,129 at the 2010 census." Cameron reminds us Amish Ordnung's rules and regs aren't one size fits all, with Amish in Lancaster county intermingling considerably more than might happen elsewhere. I'm looking forward to the next book in this new Coming Home series; the several-pages long teaser in the back of Return to Paradise provided a look into the start of main characters David's and Lavina's marriage. Even if I hadn't read Cameron's previous books, even if I weren't interested in learning more about other Christian groups, the lovely cover painting would induce me to check out the inside content.
"...maybe all we need is to see just a little ahead. I mean, we have to trust."
April 4, 2016
I will both lie down in peace, and sleep for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8
Emotional abuse in families is prevalent in all families. I was pleased how it was portrayed in the Amish family of Paradise, Pennsylvania. David's father emotional abuse became unbearable that David and his brothers left everything that they had known including 3 sisters that loved them in their community. Kate and her sisters were heartbroken when the brothers left without a word. They realized the abuse however, they did not know the reality of the abuse. Only when David's father became ill, Kate approached David with the news of his father and his mother's plea to come home. Kate and her sisters begin to volunteer at a shelter for abused women with their children. It is there they begin to understand the implications of physical abuse and emotional abuse.
David's and his brothers had to start over again in the English world and the struggle that came along with it in leaving their Amish community. How difficult it is start over for the Amish that decide to leave.
This prose touched on so many things and it gave the reader a peek into what abuse can do but also how one must protect themselves from such abuse. Kate had to learn to balance in helping David with his father and not be dragged into the cycle of abuse.
A Special Thank You to Abingdon Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Emotional abuse in families is prevalent in all families. I was pleased how it was portrayed in the Amish family of Paradise, Pennsylvania. David's father emotional abuse became unbearable that David and his brothers left everything that they had known including 3 sisters that loved them in their community. Kate and her sisters were heartbroken when the brothers left without a word. They realized the abuse however, they did not know the reality of the abuse. Only when David's father became ill, Kate approached David with the news of his father and his mother's plea to come home. Kate and her sisters begin to volunteer at a shelter for abused women with their children. It is there they begin to understand the implications of physical abuse and emotional abuse.
David's and his brothers had to start over again in the English world and the struggle that came along with it in leaving their Amish community. How difficult it is start over for the Amish that decide to leave.
This prose touched on so many things and it gave the reader a peek into what abuse can do but also how one must protect themselves from such abuse. Kate had to learn to balance in helping David with his father and not be dragged into the cycle of abuse.
A Special Thank You to Abingdon Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Read
August 22, 2016A promising beginning to Barbara Cameron's new Coming Home series. Full of angst and heartache, these characters are in for struggles of epic proportion which serves to make this a truly absorbing read.
In an interesting twist, it's David who faces abuse at home. Feeling trapped by the narrow restrictions of his Amish community he can't see any way out except...well...out into the Englisch world. And there he lives in a kind of no man's land -- not quite Amish and not quite Englisch -- feeling as displaced as any refugee.
Lavina bears the burden of David's rejection. It is the ultimate betrayal and she is left to face the community alone. She's spent a year coming to grips with her new reality -- chasing away all the happy memories she and David once shared. It's been a hard journey but she hopes the end is in sight. And then David comes home and all those feelings she thought she'd buried come swirling to the surface again.
Complicated doesn't begin to describe their renewed relationship. They both must battle bitterness and blame before they can open their hearts to the freedom forgiveness brings. Cameron does an amazing job of digging deep into the psyche of both hero and heroine. I didn't just read this book -- I felt my way through it. And she's nicely set up the next two books...at least I hope I'm right about that and who the heroes and heroines will be.
In an interesting twist, it's David who faces abuse at home. Feeling trapped by the narrow restrictions of his Amish community he can't see any way out except...well...out into the Englisch world. And there he lives in a kind of no man's land -- not quite Amish and not quite Englisch -- feeling as displaced as any refugee.
Lavina bears the burden of David's rejection. It is the ultimate betrayal and she is left to face the community alone. She's spent a year coming to grips with her new reality -- chasing away all the happy memories she and David once shared. It's been a hard journey but she hopes the end is in sight. And then David comes home and all those feelings she thought she'd buried come swirling to the surface again.
Complicated doesn't begin to describe their renewed relationship. They both must battle bitterness and blame before they can open their hearts to the freedom forgiveness brings. Cameron does an amazing job of digging deep into the psyche of both hero and heroine. I didn't just read this book -- I felt my way through it. And she's nicely set up the next two books...at least I hope I'm right about that and who the heroes and heroines will be.
August 18, 2016
This is a well written story of three Amish sisters in love with three Amish brothers who all left for the English world. The eldest David and Lavina had been courting and she had been sure they would marry but then he left.
The Stoltzfus home was not a happy one. Amos Stotlzfus was a harsh man and the boys couldn’t take living home anymore. Now Amos has been diagnosed with cancer and Waneta needs her sons to come home. Lavina promised to find David for her but, of course, she couldn’t promise he’d come home. He’d been living English for a year.
Kate Kraft, an English friend of Lavina and a police officer, was looking for her because Kate knew Lavina, her sisters, and friends quilted. She was looking for help for a project she was working on. Lavina helped Kate and Kate found David for her.
David did come home to help his mother with the farm but Samuel and John refused to. Amos still made everyone miserable with his sour attitude but maam needed him so he stayed. Will David stay and join the church or tire of his father’s behavior and leave again? What of David and Lavina? Can they pick up where they left off?
I love reading stories by Barbara Cameron and was pleased to be given a copy of this book by Netgalley for an honest review.
The Stoltzfus home was not a happy one. Amos Stotlzfus was a harsh man and the boys couldn’t take living home anymore. Now Amos has been diagnosed with cancer and Waneta needs her sons to come home. Lavina promised to find David for her but, of course, she couldn’t promise he’d come home. He’d been living English for a year.
Kate Kraft, an English friend of Lavina and a police officer, was looking for her because Kate knew Lavina, her sisters, and friends quilted. She was looking for help for a project she was working on. Lavina helped Kate and Kate found David for her.
David did come home to help his mother with the farm but Samuel and John refused to. Amos still made everyone miserable with his sour attitude but maam needed him so he stayed. Will David stay and join the church or tire of his father’s behavior and leave again? What of David and Lavina? Can they pick up where they left off?
I love reading stories by Barbara Cameron and was pleased to be given a copy of this book by Netgalley for an honest review.
March 24, 2023
We live by faith not by sight. Wisdom I can appreciate.
February 17, 2016
I was excited when I won a copy of Return to Paradise in a contest Barbara Cameron had. I had read other books by this author and enjoyed reading them. I was not disappointed in reading Return to Paradise the first one in her Coming Home series.
The characters were well developed in the story. David Stoltzfus and Lavina Zook were courting but David experience of harshness, abuse and always being told he was wrong from his father, Amos Stoltzfus, led David to the English world to work. He left Paradise even without telling Lavina. You can only imagine how heartbroken Lavina felt but she kept herself busy to try to move forward without David. Lavina gave her word to David's mother she would try to contact David to come home to assist her since Amos had been diagnosed with cancer.
Lavina saw David unexpectedly and was able to communicate the message to him about his father. David was hesitant about going home but loved his mother. David going home for a visit only confirmed why he had left his parents' home along with his two younger brothers leaving in time, too. Will David be willing to sacrifice his life to assist his mother? Will Lavina play a role with David remaining to help on the family farm or will he return to his English job? Purchase a copy of Return to Paradise to find out if relationships are restored and forgiveness given.
The characters are true to life that faces heartache, faith, love, disappointment and forgiveness. There are unexpected twists and turns but I was right there with the characters throughout the story. I did not want to stop reading until I was finished. You will have an array of emotions with the various characters but you will not be disappointed reading, Return to Paradise.
I was not required to write a review by winning this book in a contest from the author. But I've written my honest review with 5 Stars for Return to Paradise. I am looking forward to reading book two, Seasons in Paradise in this new series by Barbara Cameron.
The characters were well developed in the story. David Stoltzfus and Lavina Zook were courting but David experience of harshness, abuse and always being told he was wrong from his father, Amos Stoltzfus, led David to the English world to work. He left Paradise even without telling Lavina. You can only imagine how heartbroken Lavina felt but she kept herself busy to try to move forward without David. Lavina gave her word to David's mother she would try to contact David to come home to assist her since Amos had been diagnosed with cancer.
Lavina saw David unexpectedly and was able to communicate the message to him about his father. David was hesitant about going home but loved his mother. David going home for a visit only confirmed why he had left his parents' home along with his two younger brothers leaving in time, too. Will David be willing to sacrifice his life to assist his mother? Will Lavina play a role with David remaining to help on the family farm or will he return to his English job? Purchase a copy of Return to Paradise to find out if relationships are restored and forgiveness given.
The characters are true to life that faces heartache, faith, love, disappointment and forgiveness. There are unexpected twists and turns but I was right there with the characters throughout the story. I did not want to stop reading until I was finished. You will have an array of emotions with the various characters but you will not be disappointed reading, Return to Paradise.
I was not required to write a review by winning this book in a contest from the author. But I've written my honest review with 5 Stars for Return to Paradise. I am looking forward to reading book two, Seasons in Paradise in this new series by Barbara Cameron.
May 4, 2016
Barbara Cameron in her new book, “Return To Paradise” Book One in The Coming Home series published by Abingdon Press brings us into the life of Lavina Zook.
From the back cover: Sometimes coming home is harder than it should be…
Twelve months ago, David Stoltzfus left the Amish community in Paradise, Pennsylvania—and encouraged his siblings to follow—after their father became overly stern and even abusive with them. Escaping to a new life in the Englisch world was the only way to keep one another safe. But it was not without sacrifice. When David left his father’s house and community, he also left behind Lavina Zook, the woman he planned to wed.
Lavina hasn’t forgiven David for abandoning her, but when David’s father is diagnosed with cancer, she believes she might be the only one to lure him back to make peace . . . before it’s too late. Still, forgiveness isn’t easy. Even if she can get David to return, she’s not sure he will forgive his father. And she’s not sure she can forgive David, either.
Ms. Cameron has given us a very interesting story that draws you in to it from the beginning and it does not let you go. This is all about abandonment. It is all about forgiveness. This story shows us love in action, love displayed. When Lavina says she loves David she does more than speak with her mouth, she puts it into practice. Did I mention there is also a romance? Lavina and David are really great characters that we fall in love with and feel as though they are friends that we do not want to leave when the book is finished. I am so looking forward to the next book in this series.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Abingdon Press for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: Sometimes coming home is harder than it should be…
Twelve months ago, David Stoltzfus left the Amish community in Paradise, Pennsylvania—and encouraged his siblings to follow—after their father became overly stern and even abusive with them. Escaping to a new life in the Englisch world was the only way to keep one another safe. But it was not without sacrifice. When David left his father’s house and community, he also left behind Lavina Zook, the woman he planned to wed.
Lavina hasn’t forgiven David for abandoning her, but when David’s father is diagnosed with cancer, she believes she might be the only one to lure him back to make peace . . . before it’s too late. Still, forgiveness isn’t easy. Even if she can get David to return, she’s not sure he will forgive his father. And she’s not sure she can forgive David, either.
Ms. Cameron has given us a very interesting story that draws you in to it from the beginning and it does not let you go. This is all about abandonment. It is all about forgiveness. This story shows us love in action, love displayed. When Lavina says she loves David she does more than speak with her mouth, she puts it into practice. Did I mention there is also a romance? Lavina and David are really great characters that we fall in love with and feel as though they are friends that we do not want to leave when the book is finished. I am so looking forward to the next book in this series.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Abingdon Press for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
February 16, 2016
"We live by faith not by sight."
I enjoy books about the Amish religion and lifestyle. I'd never read a book by author Barbara Cameron before but I sure enjoyed this first book in the COMING HOME series.
A year ago David Stoltzfus left the Amish community and his family farm in Lancaster County where he grew up because of his verbally and emotionally abusive father. And his two younger brothers soon followed him into the Englischer world.
He left without warning or goodbyes, leaving behind the girl he was going to marry, Lavina Zook.
It's a year later, David's father has cancer and Lavina contacts David, letting him know he should go home, if only for his mother's sake.
I thought the subject of abuse was handled very well in this tale - about David's father and also a women's shelter that Lavina volunteers at.
The story has loads of detail about the Amish lifestyle, which I love reading about.
This is a story of faith and forgiveness. What would you do if your fiance came home after a year and expected to pick things up where they left off? And how could you reconcile with a father like this?
I liked the character of Lavina and her two sisters (who of course like David's brothers - and that's the next two books in the series). Quilting and cooking are a big part of this story and, in fact, there are yummy sounding recipes at the end of the book. There's also a helpful glossary at the end of the story to help with words I couldn't figure out from the Amish community.
This was an inspirational story with real-sounding characters and I enjoyed it very much.
NOTE: I received this book from Abingdon Press through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoy books about the Amish religion and lifestyle. I'd never read a book by author Barbara Cameron before but I sure enjoyed this first book in the COMING HOME series.
A year ago David Stoltzfus left the Amish community and his family farm in Lancaster County where he grew up because of his verbally and emotionally abusive father. And his two younger brothers soon followed him into the Englischer world.
He left without warning or goodbyes, leaving behind the girl he was going to marry, Lavina Zook.
It's a year later, David's father has cancer and Lavina contacts David, letting him know he should go home, if only for his mother's sake.
I thought the subject of abuse was handled very well in this tale - about David's father and also a women's shelter that Lavina volunteers at.
The story has loads of detail about the Amish lifestyle, which I love reading about.
This is a story of faith and forgiveness. What would you do if your fiance came home after a year and expected to pick things up where they left off? And how could you reconcile with a father like this?
I liked the character of Lavina and her two sisters (who of course like David's brothers - and that's the next two books in the series). Quilting and cooking are a big part of this story and, in fact, there are yummy sounding recipes at the end of the book. There's also a helpful glossary at the end of the story to help with words I couldn't figure out from the Amish community.
This was an inspirational story with real-sounding characters and I enjoyed it very much.
NOTE: I received this book from Abingdon Press through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.
February 6, 2016
Boy and girl grow up together, live near each other, and fall in love and are to be married, and then without so much of a goodbye boy leaves. To top everything off they live in and belong in an Amish Community.
Now not only does one son leave his family, but his two other brothers do also, all at once. Can you imagine the pain and anguish especially the mother felt, and to hold face in there community. The problem becomes apparent when boy returns after meeting girl and her telling him how ill his father is.
David had just bought his first truck, and although he didn’t attend Amish services, he was living a plain life. A chance meeting with the girl, Lavina, again changes the course of his life, but will he be able to stay. He had left because of his father, he is not any easy person to get along with, but he has cancer and his mother is taking care of him alone.
Will David be able to take what his father constantly dishes out, we know he wants to for his mom, but will he be able to stay when his father makes him feel so worthless?
How can Lavina stand to see him back in there community, she trusted David and he let her down, she hadn’t seen him in over a year, will she ever be able to be in his company again?
There are side stories here and we see some of the same abuse going on in the English world, whether it is verbal or physical, some families are broken.
I for one cannot wait for the next book in this series, and find out about the other two brothers.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Abingdon and was not required to give a positive review.
Now not only does one son leave his family, but his two other brothers do also, all at once. Can you imagine the pain and anguish especially the mother felt, and to hold face in there community. The problem becomes apparent when boy returns after meeting girl and her telling him how ill his father is.
David had just bought his first truck, and although he didn’t attend Amish services, he was living a plain life. A chance meeting with the girl, Lavina, again changes the course of his life, but will he be able to stay. He had left because of his father, he is not any easy person to get along with, but he has cancer and his mother is taking care of him alone.
Will David be able to take what his father constantly dishes out, we know he wants to for his mom, but will he be able to stay when his father makes him feel so worthless?
How can Lavina stand to see him back in there community, she trusted David and he let her down, she hadn’t seen him in over a year, will she ever be able to be in his company again?
There are side stories here and we see some of the same abuse going on in the English world, whether it is verbal or physical, some families are broken.
I for one cannot wait for the next book in this series, and find out about the other two brothers.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Abingdon and was not required to give a positive review.
February 13, 2016
Its been a year since Lavina was abandon by her fiancé no questions, no good bye he just left. With wedding season upon their community its another step in the healing process and letting go of the past and look to the future. When David's mom asks for her help to find David and his brothers to come home and help with their sick father but will she be able to set her feelings aside and help others or will she hit her breaking point?
David and his brothers left about a year ago after a fall out with their dad and they left with out looking back. They left their girlfriends and their mom, now his mom has reached out and asked him to come home to be there before since his dad is sick. Will he be able to put the past aside and help him parents and win back Lavina's heart or is it all to late?
I really really enjoyed this book. The book starts off at just the right speed and just gets better with each page. The storyline is well written, the story deals with some tough topics even being amish it shows that they are not perfect as so many believe. I like how the author kept the characters feeling real and getting to the heart of every matter. I loved Lavina's parents and how the author wrote about a taboo topic while even in the midst of it all you can really find some funny parts from different people in the book. I loved the spirit of giving in the story. This book is a real page turner and I found myself staying up late just to keep reading it. You really can not go wrong with this book.
Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from the publisher, but this review consists of my honest opinions, not influenced in any way by the author or publisher
David and his brothers left about a year ago after a fall out with their dad and they left with out looking back. They left their girlfriends and their mom, now his mom has reached out and asked him to come home to be there before since his dad is sick. Will he be able to put the past aside and help him parents and win back Lavina's heart or is it all to late?
I really really enjoyed this book. The book starts off at just the right speed and just gets better with each page. The storyline is well written, the story deals with some tough topics even being amish it shows that they are not perfect as so many believe. I like how the author kept the characters feeling real and getting to the heart of every matter. I loved Lavina's parents and how the author wrote about a taboo topic while even in the midst of it all you can really find some funny parts from different people in the book. I loved the spirit of giving in the story. This book is a real page turner and I found myself staying up late just to keep reading it. You really can not go wrong with this book.
Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from the publisher, but this review consists of my honest opinions, not influenced in any way by the author or publisher
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February 17, 2016 Barbara Cameron is one of my favorite authors so I was really excited to be able to read the first book in her new Coming Home series. David Stoltzfus and his two brothers have all left their Amish home and community to live among the Englisch, but David had promised to marry his Amish love, Lavina. He left when he could no longer handle the abuse from his father, but he did not even tell Lavina goodbye or ask her to go with him. Her heart has been broken and her trust betrayed, but she feels obligated to try to find him and tell him that his father has cancer when his mother tells her she needs him to help. He returns home with his newly acquired truck, but can he and his father mend their differences? Can Lavina forgive him and give her heart to him again? What if he leaves again?
This book is wonderful. I can certainly understand the difficulty of forgiving an abusive father. His father does not make life easy for him. I also can see how Lavina would feel that she can't forgive him as well. Forgiveness is hard and it takes time for most of us to be able to forgive others of wrongs.This book addresses this in great detail and with honesty. I fell in love with the characters and now I can't wait to read the other books in the series.
A bonus is that several recipes the characters used in the book are shared with readers. I can't wait to try them!
I rated this book 5 stars and highly recommend it to readers of Christian and Amish fiction.
I received a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
This book is wonderful. I can certainly understand the difficulty of forgiving an abusive father. His father does not make life easy for him. I also can see how Lavina would feel that she can't forgive him as well. Forgiveness is hard and it takes time for most of us to be able to forgive others of wrongs.This book addresses this in great detail and with honesty. I fell in love with the characters and now I can't wait to read the other books in the series.
A bonus is that several recipes the characters used in the book are shared with readers. I can't wait to try them!
I rated this book 5 stars and highly recommend it to readers of Christian and Amish fiction.
I received a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
February 16, 2016
Return to Paradise by Barbara Cameron is the first book in The Coming Home series. David Stoltzfus left Paradise, Pennsylvania a year ago. He left without a word to fiance Lavina Zook. She knew that his home life was difficult because of his father, Amos. Amos was hard on his sons. Now Amos is sick with colon cancer and Waneta, Amos' wife, wants her sons to come home (she has three sons). Lavina finds David and tells him about the situation. David comes home to help his family. When he wants to stay will Lavina ever be able to forgive him. Will she be willing to open her heart to love (and heartbreak) again? You will have to read Return to Paradise to find out.
Return to Paradise was a lovely, heartwarming novel. I picked it up and did not want to stop reading it. Return to Paradise is easy and enjoyable to read. The writing is very good and easily engages the reader (and their attention). At the end of the book I just wanted more (I did not want it to end). We still have two more brothers (and Lavina's sister) and their stories. I look forward the next book in The Coming Home series. I give Return to Paradise 5 out of 5 stars. I had no complaints about this book (I am sure some of you are shocked)!
I received a complimentary copy of Return to Paradise from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...
Return to Paradise was a lovely, heartwarming novel. I picked it up and did not want to stop reading it. Return to Paradise is easy and enjoyable to read. The writing is very good and easily engages the reader (and their attention). At the end of the book I just wanted more (I did not want it to end). We still have two more brothers (and Lavina's sister) and their stories. I look forward the next book in The Coming Home series. I give Return to Paradise 5 out of 5 stars. I had no complaints about this book (I am sure some of you are shocked)!
I received a complimentary copy of Return to Paradise from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...
August 10, 2017
"Return to Paradise" is a wonderful Amish fictional story Barbara Cameron has written to start off her new series, Coming Home. It's taking advantage of the second chances to improve upon the relationships we have in our lives. We all can use the reminder of being the better person by asking for forgiveness and making personal changes within ourselves along the way.
This story is easy to follow along and the details is excellent, that I felt like I was right there living the experience with all of the characters in the book. The story just flowed easily off the pages, that by the time I got to the end of the book, I was craving for more. And come to find out, there will be another book added to this series in the near future; I can't wait to read that book and to find out what has happened and what will.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, in return for an honest review. This review is my own words and no money was exchanged.
This story is easy to follow along and the details is excellent, that I felt like I was right there living the experience with all of the characters in the book. The story just flowed easily off the pages, that by the time I got to the end of the book, I was craving for more. And come to find out, there will be another book added to this series in the near future; I can't wait to read that book and to find out what has happened and what will.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, in return for an honest review. This review is my own words and no money was exchanged.
June 11, 2016
Barbara Cameron's book are always a good read, will warm your heart and there is a touch of suspense thrown in several of her books. I've never been disappointed in one of Barbara Cameron's books.
David Stoltzfus left his Amish family and took his siblings with him when he left. He had to protect the children from their abusive father. Unfortunately, when he left he said goodbye to his future with Lavina Zook. Lavina contacts David when his father is diagnosed with terminal cancer. These characters care about others but have their own character flaws. Forgiveness isn't always easy, especially when you have been so hurt by others.
This book will touch your heart, make you take a closer look at yourself and your ability to forgive others. I won this book in a contest and nothing was asked of me. This is my personal opinions of this book and no one else. I've read a number of Barbara Cameron's books and have never been disappointed. I highly recommend anything written by Barbara Cameron.
David Stoltzfus left his Amish family and took his siblings with him when he left. He had to protect the children from their abusive father. Unfortunately, when he left he said goodbye to his future with Lavina Zook. Lavina contacts David when his father is diagnosed with terminal cancer. These characters care about others but have their own character flaws. Forgiveness isn't always easy, especially when you have been so hurt by others.
This book will touch your heart, make you take a closer look at yourself and your ability to forgive others. I won this book in a contest and nothing was asked of me. This is my personal opinions of this book and no one else. I've read a number of Barbara Cameron's books and have never been disappointed. I highly recommend anything written by Barbara Cameron.
February 2, 2016
I was so happy to have the chance to read a new book and series by Barbara Cameron. Her writing always strikes a chord. And, to see some favorite characters such as Leah and Kate from previous series by Cameron. It was really a pleasure to read about Lavina and her sisters and parents, and the many activities Lavina engaged in. The closeness between her and her sisters is very special and what I hope my daughters will be like. Also, her special friendship with Kate, and her venture into helping the ladies in the shelter learn about quilting as a way of improving their self esteem. Lavina appears to be a very strong young lady and very independent. I enjoyed reading how her relationship with David went through the various stages of forgiveness, acceptance and reconciliation throughout the book. And, seeing how David and his father gradually came to terms with each other.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2017
This book reminded me of so many of the struggles many people face when we or someone we know is in an abusive relationship it's a tough road to walk. We want what's best for our friends, or family and or ourself, and at the same time we need to stay true to what's our true path.
In this book Barbara Cameron creates charaters that have a heartfelt relationship but at the same time are deeply troubled by that same relationship. This is a moving look at abuse, and what love can do when you have faith to carry you through.
I highly recommend it.
In this book Barbara Cameron creates charaters that have a heartfelt relationship but at the same time are deeply troubled by that same relationship. This is a moving look at abuse, and what love can do when you have faith to carry you through.
I highly recommend it.
July 26, 2016
I received a signed copy of Barbara Cameron's "Return to Paradise" from a Facebook contest I'd entered. I have enjoyed all of Barbara's previous Amish series, and I am looking forward to continuing on to Book Two in the Coming Home Series! I love the recurring characters and enjoy keeping up with their lives in Paradise, PA. Thank you, Barbara, for writing yet another wholesome and inspiring Amish fiction novel!
October 22, 2017
Ms. Cameron's stories are well-paced, without the plodding paragraphs often found with other Amish writers. Return to Paradise is a good example of that, making it highly readable.
The story itself doesn't quite live up to her writing skill; it's quite boilerplate, with a predictable outcome and little character development. But the characters themselves are an eclectic bunch, making the tale pleasing to Plain aficionados.
The story itself doesn't quite live up to her writing skill; it's quite boilerplate, with a predictable outcome and little character development. But the characters themselves are an eclectic bunch, making the tale pleasing to Plain aficionados.
April 14, 2016
David leaves the Amish community behind, taking all his siblings away from his abusive behaviors. This proves to be a difficult undertaking and he's unhappy leaving his sweetheart behind. But, what can he do to protect his siblings.
August 14, 2022
A good book which follows up with another series from the author. It’s always nice to hear about characters if another book and see how their life has progressed. Will definitely pick up book 2 of the series.
May 2, 2018
Just love reading books about the Amish.
March 13, 2021
I really enjoyed this book!
June 13, 2021
Another very good book.
August 6, 2024
very good book
February 4, 2016
I was able to read this book free for an honest review. I'm really glad I did too. I really enjoyed this book. I love, love, love Amish Romances. Good, clean stories. I admit to crying like a baby a couple of times in this one, but such a good story. I am excited about the next book and can't wait to see how it ends. Nothing !like a story of 3 sisters who fall in love with 3 brothers, with the trials of the brothers leaving the community. Don't want to give too much away, but you won't be disappointed in this.
November 11, 2016
This book started out rather slow but, seemed to get better. Two young amish people who love each other but, are dealing with his father wsho is sick with cancer. The entire community come together to help this man and wife. The prayer chain starts and the love pours out but, he is so grumpy and bitter . After many test and hospital visit he is cancer free and realized the love around him . All other sons come home and David and Lavine soon have wedding plans.
June 5, 2017
great book have finished and make a review on it
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