An Empty Cup By Sarah Price
Waterfall Press, April 2015
Reviewed By Diana Flowers
~5 stars~*****
Is Your Cup Empty?
In An Empty Cup, Sarah Price has once again written a unique, heartrending tale of hard lessons learned, and the struggles and burdens of one Amish mother that parallels the harsh realities that many women from all walks of life face as well.
Rosanna Zook was the victim of an abusive and loveless marriage, one in which she totally lost her identity taking care of those around her and trying to keep the peace. Having very little self-esteem or feelings of self worth, Rosanna believes that in order to please God she cannot say "no" to others and wears herself out in the process. When a tragedy occurs she is given a second chance at love with her new husband, Reuben Troyer, a godly man who cherishes her and her two children. But Rosanna lacks the self-confidence and the ability to turn others down and as she gives her life to family, friends, and community there is no time left for herself. She becomes an empty shell of a person, exhausted, and unhappy. When she becomes very ill, she has to confront the ultimate question – can one empty cup fill another? Will she learn the hard way that God wants her life to be blessed by others as well?…and can she unashamedly accept that?
Having lived amongst the Amish, masterful storyteller Sarah Price doesn't present a cookie cutter, cushy view of them but a realistic one. They have problems, vices, and weaknesses just as the Englisch (term used for non-Amish people) do. I know so many well meaning family members, friends, and acquaintances that will thoroughly benefit from reading this wonderfully written, touching novel! God's grace is sufficient and we don't have to work our way into His kingdom. This book is not your typical boy meets girl romance, but it touched me deep down in my soul and will forever remain there. For I also had to overcome many self-esteem issues in my adulthood as the result of growing up under an abusive, alcoholic father. I totally "get" Rosanna and her need for self-affirmation. TOTALLY. Is your cup empty, my friend? Read this compelling story and find out! Highly recommended!
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This book may be purchased through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and your local bookstore.
GIVEAWAY: Sarah is graciously giving away a paperback copy of An Empty Cup to one blessed commenter! International entrants -- ebook only.
Such a beautiful, compelling, touching review - Diana, thank you!! I love realistic stories that portray the struggles that so many people face. Having lived in an abusive marriage and many years of low self-esteem, before renewing my relationship with God - I, too, can relate to Rosanna. Can't wait to read "An Empty Cup"!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words, BONNIE! I think a lot of us women can relate!
DeleteDiana, thank you so much for sharing your beautiful and insightful review of An Empty Cup! Self-affirmation needs, low self-esteem and abuse, and trying to give from an empty cup... Are all issues I've gone through and some I think are still a work in progress. This sounds like a wonderful and very inspiring story!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, NOELA! I think more women than not have had issues with these things. I like what you said about "a work in progress." I think sometimes it is a lifelong process learning it's ok to say "no." A very inspiring and thought provoking story by Sarah Price...
DeleteThank you Diana for the wonderful review you did on Sarah's book! I look forward to reading reviews to see if a book will interest me, and you caught my interest. Sarah is a remarkable writer. I love the fact that she knows alot of info first hand. She writes from her heart and because of this readers have come to love Sarah & her books! Looking forward to another great book by Sarah!
ReplyDeleteHi, KATHLEEN! I'm so glad you enjoyed the review. :) I love that about Sarah's writing as well. She has lived amongst the Amish and has an inside look at their lives that others don't have. Thank you for your kind words!
DeleteI'm going to add this one to my amazon wish list - looks really good!
ReplyDeleteLISA, I hope you get a copy ASAP! Maybe here... :)
DeleteWonderful review Diana on Sarah's book. I am looking forward to reading it soon.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Tina
Thank you, TINA! Although written in fiction form, I'm sure many women will be able to identify with Rosanna's issues!
DeleteWhat a lovely and compelling review! I was thinking earlier today about the subtle ways both men and women use to eventually control another's life. I've seen it far too many times. Humans are simply that, human. Location, religious preferences - none of it matters. There will always be someone who takes the absolute joy out of life if you allow them. I haven't read this one yet, but it's certainly on my wish list. Thank you for sharing. I grew up near the Amish communities in Iowa and marveled at what appeared to be an idyllic lifestyle from the outside.
ReplyDeletePEGGY, thank you and welcome to OWG! You are so kind. As long as there is a devil in this world there will always be someone to try and rob you of your joy. Always. Sometimes they do for a tiny while, but when God is in control they are not able to for long. Unless we let them. I'm going through that now with several people, and it's a constant battle to stay up. Once you get "up" there they are again. Just have to keep our eyes on Jesus. Thank you so much for sharing!
DeleteThis sounds like such a wonderful inspiration! Most people don't think of Amish as having these types of problems! I live 2 hours from Lancaster county pa and visit several times a year! Can't wait to read this! Cathy Smith Eagan
ReplyDeleteCATHY, I'm so glad you stopped by! That's something I would so love to do...you're so blessed! Lotsa luck in the drawing!
DeleteGreat review, mdh! :)
ReplyDeleteTY, my favorite Dutch chick!
DeleteWonderful review !! This sounds like a very interesting and inspiring read written by one of my favorite authors. Would be thrilled to add it to my collection. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHi, MARY ELLEN! It's a very different type of Amish book and I found myself anxious to find out how Rosanna was going to overcome this!
DeleteThank you for the review -- it sounds like a wonderful book - full of realism! Blessings, Christine
ReplyDeleteVery realistic, CHRISTINE! Women everywhere will identify with Rosanna!
DeleteI enjoyed the review today, I need this in my TBR stack :)
ReplyDeletedkstevensneAToutlook DoTCo M
DEANNA, you certainly do! Good luck in the drawing!!
DeleteThank you for the wonderful review of An Empty Cup. I would love to learn more of Rosanna's story. Thank you for the opportunity.
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
You're so welcome, MELANIE! I do hope Rosanna's story can teach us all a good lesson! :)
DeleteI just finished this book. I agree TOTALLY with your review. After spending over a decade in an alcoholic, abusive marriage and a lifetime in a family of abusive people, I can understand how Rosanna felt. Thank you for the great job you do!
ReplyDeleteLORI, thank you for your kind words and for sharing your heart. I'm sorry you had to go through all that. It takes God to heal your mind after going through any form of abuse. I pray you are doing well, and thank you for your support of Sarah's book!
DeleteI do enjoy Sarah's books, thank you for the chance to win "An Empty Cup". It sounds like a god story.
ReplyDeletewfnren at aol dot com
Her books have alot of substance and I believe God gave her this story to write. May it bless many. Thank you, WENDY!
DeleteI love Sarah's books. Great review. And thanks for a chance at winning this awesome book.
ReplyDeleteseraphinangel7(at)aol(dot)com
Thx so much, JUANITA! Just tossed your name in my cyberhat. ;)
DeletePersistency is a trait we admire here on OWG. A dear lady has tried time and time again to enter a comment without success so I am going to enter it for her. Patty said:
ReplyDeleteI loved your review and I love Amish stories.
Patty Wright~
patty.wright1958@gmail.com
PATTY, thank you and I hope your persistency pays off for you!
DeleteHello Diana. a good job on your review. It is true everyone has problems of some kind. This woman seems to have had a hard life. I would love to win Sarah's book. I only have one of hers. Thanks for the chance. Love my OWG girls.
ReplyDeleteMaxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
We love you, too, MAXIE! This woman's life sounds like my poor mom's, although my mom stuck it out until my dad died and never remarried. In my opinion ALL Amish women seem to do too much, but even with all of our modern conveniences, so do we. Good luck!
DeleteSuch a stunning cover. A wonderful review thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, MARY! I so agree about the cover. Good luck!
Deletethanks ! don't think I have read any of your books.....but this book sounds like a winner!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to OWG, WILMA! I hope you get a copy of one of Sarah's books ASAP! They're the BoMb!
DeleteThat's what I love about Sarah's books, too, KATE. She knows and loves the Amish people which gives us a realistic look into their true lives. Good luck to you, my friend!
ReplyDeleteWOW!! DIANA this sounds amazing, your review definitely made me want to read this wonderful book! :)
ReplyDeleteHey, TERESA! Thank you so much! I think every woman needs to! We are the chief cooks and bottle washers at home, church, the workplace, etc. We need Calgon to take us awayyy....
DeleteI can't tell you when I've had time for that! Just a faint memory for me! lol
DeleteYou REALLY need to read this book, T! haha
DeleteI would love to win!
ReplyDeleteHi, SUSAN, and welcome to OWG! Hoping you get your wish! lol
DeleteI think a lot people assume the Amish don't have problems like the rest of us. It's great that Sarah writes realism in their community. The sooner a person understands their identity is in Christ and not self, the more equipped we can live this new journey in faith.
ReplyDeleteThat absolutely true, ANNE. So many women think they can be validated by a person, or by what and how much they do for others. I have a sis-in-law who wears herself out doing for others (which is admirable), but what about the days God wants us just to kick back, pull away from others, and relax? It's all about obedience, too. Many people are envious of the Amish way of life but as you said, they are people and have their problems, too.
DeleteI agree Diana, so many think the Amish have this idealist life. Like us they have insecuraties,uncertanties,neglect and some have a doubting and lost relationship with God. This sounds like a wonderful book that I would enjoy I know this would be an inspiring book to read. Thank you for the interview Diana, I very much enjoyed reading your review !
ReplyDeleteDeanne
Cnnamongirl(at)aol(dot)com
You're so welcome, DEANNE, and thank you for sharing! Yes, as in any religion people think they can get into Heaven by doing a lot of works, and their relationship with Jesus is sorely lacking.
DeleteThank you for your review of An Empty Cup ~ I am hoping she has allowed God to fill her to overflowing ~ where the nourishing to others begin in the overflow that can't be contained. Blessings! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
ReplyDeleteAmen, KATHLEEN! What a lovely way to put it! Blessings and good luck to you!
DeleteThank you for the heart felt review! A story of overcoming is just what I need!
ReplyDeleteThank you, TERRI! It is what we all need, I believe. Us women go through a lot! Lotsa luck in the drawing!
DeleteDefinitely no one is perfect and even the Amish or anyone call fall short at times. This book sounds so very good. I want to consider my cup which is filled with blessings, every single day. Thanks for this wonderful book. sonja dot nishimoto at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteMeant to write "Can" fall short! Guess it's been a very long day!
DeleteGood morning, SONJA! The problem with Rosanna is that she was perfect! In every way. But her life almost fell apart...hope you get a chance to read her story!
DeleteThank you Diana for that wonder review. I can't wait to read it now. It now goes on my wish list. dsimmering68atgmaildotcom
ReplyDeleteThank you, DEB! Put this one at the top of your list! :)
DeleteI meant wonderful review
ReplyDeleteI didn't even notice it, DEB, until you mentioned it. lol Blessings~
DeleteWhat a beautiful review. This is going on my TBR pile. How have I missed this author?
ReplyDeleteThank you, CARRIE! She's great--hop on by Amazon when you get some spare time and check out all of her books! I especially love the series she is writing now, combining Jane Austen novels and the Amish! Great series!
DeleteAs I read this review, it reminded so much of my mother who was the baby of 12 children from the N. Georgia mountains. She had to always be working and help taking care of her sickly mother and helping many of the other family members. Now as an older woman I can see how this caused her to be a work-a-holic. She could never relax and just sit with the family. I can see now that her childhood created some self esteem issues and caused her to work to feel worthy. That in turn affected me as a child....I wanted my mothers attention but could not get it because she was just too busy. As she is now 70 years old, I see an unhappy woman with nothing left to give and she needs her cup filled with the love of God, but she still continues to work and not give God the time and attention she should. I pray that she does have a peaceful period in her life before it is over. This review brought so many emotions up for me.
ReplyDeleteAs did the book for me, DESTRY. I have a family member who never will sit down and visit when we have a family get-together. She is up and at it. Wasting so much time when she could be enjoying it with family. I do hope your mother will learn to stop and smell the roses. Life is so short. Thank you for sharing!
DeleteI've been wanted to read a book by this author. I know it's wonderful. Great review.
ReplyDeleteSusan in NC
susanlulu@yahoo.com
Thx, SUSAN! You just got in by the skin of your teeth - we haven't drawn yet. Lol
DeleteCONGRATS to Kathleen Greffin Popp whose name was picked by random number generator. Kathleen, I need you to pm your email or email me at dianalflowers(at)aol(dot)com.
ReplyDeleteWonderful review! I can identify with how Rosanna continuously gave of herself. She put others needs before her own. But, know the Lord want us to "receive" as well. What a wonderful review and what a wonderful character!
ReplyDelete