Noela Nancarrow reviews PROMISE TO CHERISH by Elizabeth Byler Younts

Promise to Cherish (Promise of Sunrise, Book 3)

by Elizabeth Byler Younts

Howard  Books (October 7, 2014)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

 A tale that is as hard-hitting as it is gentle; a ‘Promise to Cherish’ jolts the reader with shattering and cruel realities but then carries you along on the wings of courage and hope, love, and faith in God. It is a beautiful, raw, and honest story taking place nigh the end of WW2, capturing your heart as misunderstood characters struggle with unexpected events that significantly impacts their future.

As a conscientious objector to the war, Eli Brenneman has been sent instead to work at an appalling and understaffed hospital for the insane. He is determined to make a difference and to arrive back to his Amish community with far more integrity and maturity than when he left. It is at the hospital that Eli befriends Nurse Christine Freeman, a beautiful albeit non-Amish girl, and soon finds his affection burgeoning although the outlook is grey. Christine’s feelings are directed elsewhere but when she’s assaulted and feels abandoned and unsure, he throws caution to the wind and invites her to stay with his family as his war service finishes.

Eli becomes hopelessly ensnared between his Amish community and the Englisher girl he’s fallen in love with. How can his family see that he’s any different when they look no further than the outsider he’s brought home? Or when they listen to rumors spread by an Amish girl besotted with Eli, giving credence to his previous character as one reckless with his affections? But then how can he give his all to Christine when she insists she can’t become Amish? When Christine’s former love interest arrives to take her back home, will this man be her saving grace or a nightmare come to re-visit?

‘Promise to Cherish’ delivers realistic insights into asylums of the war era, the controversies of civil public service in lieu of fighting, and an authentic depiction of the Amish. Poignantly conveyed was the tragic and traumatic experience Christine endured, but overall this gentle love story was about hope and healing, and features in my opinion, a true hero. ‘Promise to Cherish’ promises a rewarding read!

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You may purchase this book through Amazon, CBD, BAM, and other bookstores.

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Diana Reviews Promise To Cherish By Elizabeth Byler Younts

Promise to Cherish by Elizabeth Byler Younts
Howard Books, 2104

Reviewed by Diana Flowers
~5 stars~*****

Promise to Cherish is a lovely, heartrending story of the seemingly ill-fated romance between a young couple whose lives intertwine during a raging war that threatens to tear the whole world asunder.

Christine Freeman is a nurse at Hudson River State Hospital when she meets the handsome Eli Brenneman, an Amish conscientious objector during World War II. In spite of their immense differences, Christine and Eli develop a friendship based on physical attraction and mutual respect.

Christine is flattered when an old school crush, handsome and popular Jack Delano, offers to take her riding after a New Year's Eve party. But that promising night forever changes the course of her life when a violent act occurs, leaving her with no recourse but to return with Eli to his Amish community. Both Eli and Christine are faced with tough, seemingly insurmountable challenges when their initial attraction begins to grow into love. Especially when Jack resurfaces and wants to take Christine back with him....

Elizabeth Younts has written a hauntingly beautiful love story that is not your typical Amish romance. The harsh realities of war, forbidden love, and violence perpetrated on a young woman are tough issues, but the author deals with them with finesse and dignity. Be sure to have the tissue box nearby -- you will need them! Truly a well written story of God's faithfulness, redemption, and healing, be sure to put Promise to Cherish at the top of your wishlist!

You may purchase this book through Amazon, CBD, and your local bookstore.

SORRY, but comments are CLOSED on this post. Come by next week to read NOELA's review of Elizabeth's book for a chance to win a copy. Comments will be open on that review. Prayers for Diana are appreciated!

Diana Flowers Reviews The Face of Heaven by Murray Pura

The Face of Heaven

The Face of Heaven by Murray Pura
Harvest House Publishers, 2012

Reviewed by Diana Flowers
5 stars~*****

                         Not Your Typical Amish Fiction!

In The Face of Heaven, Murray Pura has penned a powerful, literary masterpiece, set during one of the most tumultuous, heartbreaking times in our country's history--the Civil War. The whipping and hanging of an innocent man near an Amish farmhouse forever changes the course of three young Amish people's lives; Lyndel Keim, her brother Levi, and her beau, Nathaniel King. In spite of being pacifists, they remain haunted by what they have witnessed, and feel compelled to follow the call to join the Union forces.

Lyndel obtains permission to work in the midst of the battlefield, nursing the wounded before they are taken to the hospital, and finds herself serving both the fallen Union and Confederate soldiers. Nathaniel King serves in one of the most courageous regiments in the Union army, the 19th Indiana Brigade, and Lyndel finds her way to him which results in a bittersweet reunion for the two. Separated by the horrific battle of Gettysburg, Nathaniel is severely wounded, and Lyndel must call upon her faith in God; not knowing whether the love of her life is dead or alive. Will she have the strength and the courage to keep nursing the wounded?...when her beloved is lying out there somewhere; possibly dead?

Murray Pura has written a brilliant novel; destined to become a classic. This book evoked so many intense emotions in me-heartbreak, horror, elation, and most of all pride...pride in this great country of ours, and of the men and women who gave their lives to truly make it "the land of the free and the home of the brave." At times my emotions were at such a peak, I had to place the book down, only to find myself picking it right back up--truly a page turner. *WARNING* This novel relives the battles of the Civil War and may not be suitable for more genteel readers. War is not pretty, and there is a lot of carnage, violence, and the harsh realities of war in this book. Though an intense novel, the love story within its pages is timeless and beautiful, and with a strong, spiritual thread throughout this is a definite must read for history/romance lovers everywhere! Very nicely done, Mr. Pura!

I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and was not required to write a positive review.

Murray's books can be purchased through Amazon, CBD and other bookstores.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week's contest. Drawing will be late Saturday. Your choice of Murray's books, choice of format*. Void where prohibited by law. *International winners only receive the book in ebook format, not as a paperback.