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.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy! E-book for international winners!

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!

Three Reasons to Read: Promise to Cherish by Elizabeth Byler Younts

Buy this book now at CBD, B&N, or Amazon. Promise to Cherish is published by Howard Books, 2014, and is part of The Promise of Sunrise series.

Three Reasons to Read Promise to Cherish by Elizabeth Byler Younts:
1) This book made my list of Top 10 Books for 2014.
2) Runner up for Bibliotherapy of the Year because of the many strong therapeutic elements.
3) The author is adorable! (I had to just throw that in!) She's also very talented!!!

Elizabeth Byler Younts and Carrie Fancett Pagels ACFW 2013

Elizabeth Byler Younts is proving herself as a story teller extraordinaire. I loved her last novel, also an Amish story. Elizabeth's extended family is Amish so she has a unique and genuine perspective. As far as this novel goes, the reader should be sure to read the blurb about the book because the book includes a somewhat detailed sexual assault. However, one can infer this fact from the blurb, plus it is necessary to understand the heroine's motivations and the struggles she faces. The way the scene is written it is done well and integral to the plot.

Because my father worked in a state hospital near my home (and I spent a fair amount of time on those grounds), I was interested in Elizabeth's descriptions of the setting and the treatment in a New York state asylum just after WWII. Very disturbing. I would like to think that the mental institutions in Michigan were much better than this, at that time. Shocking.

Lovely story about forgiveness, mercy, and redemption. Beautiful love story. Just when you think you know what will happen there is a hairpin turn. Highly recommend!


Bibliotherapy: Date rape, PTSD, pregnancy, rejection, forgiveness, mental illness, and God's provision.

Giveaway: A copy of Promise to Cherish, which made my top 10 list of favorite books for 2014 and was runner up for bibliotherapy for the year.

Carrie's Favorite Christian Fiction Reads for 2014

At the Edge of a Dark Forest
OWG Bibliotherapy Book of the Year

Surprised by Love, by Julie Lessman

While Love Stirs

A Match of Wits by Jen Turano

The books are listed in no particular order but I do have a favorite novel for 2014 and that story is by Caryl McAdoo and the reason is because she's one of the few authors whose "voice" seems so very similar to my own and I really enjoyed the story and characters in Vow Unbroken. All of these novels, however, are STELLAR!!! Several, too, were strong contenders for bibliotherapy book of the year! Elizabeth Camden's and Elizabeth Byler Younts's, in particular! I haven't yet reviewed Elizabeth's on the OWG blog but hope to remedy that omission soon.


 
There were SO many WONDERFUL novellas and short stories out in 2014 and I reviewed quite a few. I didn't feel I could do them justice by pulling out individual stories but I may come back later and do a recap of my fave collections for 2014 because I loved a whole bunch of them, especially the Christmas ones! I have included one novella because it is my Bibliotherapy Book of the Year - Connie Almony's Beauty and the Beast story about PTSD and addiction as well as recovery and rehab for a wounded vet. Beautifully done and a DEBUT book!!!

I'll also be announcing the Angels' Heart winner for 2014. Last year that honor went to Julie Lessman, which disqualifies her for the next five years.  We have three nominees right now from the OWG bloggers and will be deciding soon.

Why no audiobook category? In 2014 I had surgery on my heel. I had a torn Achilles tendon and other issues that had to be repaired. I listened to some audiobooks but I also ended up reading a great many with my eyes instead of listening. Love my Kindle!!!  One audiobook I suggest you avoid is the one for Tamera Alexander's LOVELY novel A Beauty so Rare because the narrator is so poor she ruins the beautiful story. Wonderful book so just read it on your Kindle or ereader and set the font size to large. I have several audiobooks I haven't reviewed on the blog yet that I may add to the post for the novella collections. In general, though, I felt it wasn't a great year for audiobooks for Christian historical romance, which is what I primarily read (because that's what I also write.) But there were some very good ones and I'll get to those in a later post!

Question: What were some of YOUR faves for 2014?

Carrie's Favorites of 2013

AUDIOBOOKS of 2013

Audiobooks are my primary source of reading. I have to keep up with comparable books/authors as an inspirational historical romance author myself.  Sometimes I don't wait for the audiobook to come out but these first set of books all have an audiobook available with them. I have some very short reviews I've posted on audible.com (click here for Carrie's audible reviews.)

The Letters by Suzanne Woods Fisher

The Letters and The Lesson by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Revell/Brilliance Audio). The Lesson is the most powerful story, personally, I've listen to all year because of the drug abuse component and how it affects families.  I think it would make an amazing bibliotherapy book for those doing drug and alcohol treatment with families. I hereby award this book my Bibliotherapy Book of the Year. This book is raw. It is real. It doesn't flinch at what addiction can do to someone.

The Lesson by Suzanne Woods Fisher

My Bibliotherapy Book of the Year

My Runner Up for Bibliotherapy Book of the Year is "It Happened at the Fair" which deals with deafness. Absolutely stunning audiobook (Tantor Audio.)

It Happened at the Fair by Deeanne Gist

Jennifer Dellamere's An Heiress At Heart. Lovely audiobook. (Recorded Books)

Jennifer Dellamere's An Heiress At Heart

Tracie Peterson - My
Author of the Year 2013.

All THREE of Tracie's Minnesota audiobook  releases in Land of Shining Water (Baker) were wonderful in this series: The Quarryman's Bride, The Icecutter's Daughter and The Miner's Lady. Tracie is a master crafter of words!

Once Upon A Prince

I don't normal read contemporary fiction but this audiobook was AMAZING!!!
Once Upon A Prince

By Rachel Hauck

Zondervan, 2013

PAPERBACK/EBOOK ONLY--No Audiobook (yet!)

Promise to Return by Elizabeth Byler Younts

Elizabeth Byler Younts novel Promise to Return (Howard) has "sticking" power and I  love the story, the voice especially, and characterization in this WWII Amish story. Beautifully done by a lovely lady.
















C.J. Chase's The Reluctant Earl.  LOVED this book. I know C.J. but even if I didn't, this book should be used as an example of HOW TO write tight and make every word count in an inspirational historical romance.  Published by Love Inspired Historical. Because of the bibliotherapy elements being so strong and the quality of this book, I am naming it my Paperback/ebook-only Book of the Year.

The Reluctant Earl by C.J. Chase --Carrie's Top choice for Paperback/Ebook Book of 2013

NOTE my ADDITIONAL AUTHORS:  If you've been reading the other OWG ladies' favorites, then you've also seen some of mine.  So Cheater Cheater Pumpkin Eater--I won't include them for pictures!

BUT I have on my 2013 favorites list the same as my OWG angels' lists:
Julie Lessman's* Love At Any Cost (Revell), Julie Klassen's* The Tutor's Daughter (Bethany), MaryLu Tyndall's (no audiobook) Forsaken Dreams (Barbour), and Karen Witemeyer's* Stealing the Preacher (Bethany). ENJOYED all these releases and they are ALSO on my list as are:

Debut authors: Lori Benton's BURNING SKY (Waterbrook) and Sarah Ladd's Heiress of Winterwood (Thomas Nelson). Both of these books will likely be up for debut book of the year for Christy or other awards.) Sarah Ladd's audiobook - Do NOT listen to the audiobook version.  It is awful.  But the book is not.  It is lovely. I had the privilege of being Sarah's critique partner a couple of years back when she was writing and editing this book, before it was picked up for publication. Lori Benton's book was not available in audiobook when I read it. Lori is a member of Colonial American Christian Writers and served on Colonial Quills. An amazing book and powerful debt. Lori has been writing for over twenty years and has completed numerous manuscripts and it shows in her story, voice, and characterization. Loved this book!!!

If you haven't read all these authors' 2013 releases BUY THEM NOW!!!


GIVEAWAY:  Gently used copy of Promise to Return. New copy of The Reluctant Earl. Answer the question--How many of Carrie's favorites are on your list, too?

Marian's Favorites of 2013

Favorite Novels

Whispers from the Shadows

by Roseanna M. White

Murder, spies, secrets, war, love, grief, forgiveness, faith... There’s so much to enjoy in this story. The characters and plot were very well developed and the writing is clear and exciting. 

The Heiress of Winterwood

by Sarah E. Ladd

I immediately fell in love with Amelia and Graham. Both are strong characters with flaws—which they must overcome. The storyline is strong and believable. The characters are real and likable. There was never a good time to stop reading—I kept turning the pages and the ending was satisfactory. I’m looking forward to Sarah Ladd’s next book!

The Rose of Lancaster County

by Murray Pura

A fantastic story with great characters and…oh, the romance!! Mr. Pura knows what a woman wants in a romance story and he happily pens it down for us all to enjoy.

Under a Blackberry Moon
by Serena B. Miller

Awesome story about two characters from Serena Miller's The Measure of Katie Calloway—Skypilot and Moon Song.

An interesting story with unexpected twists and turns that kept me glued to the pages.

When the Clouds Roll By
by Myra Johnson

The writing style is excellent! After having read the first pages, I was so drawn into the story that I knew this was going to be a great read…and I wasn’t disappointed! This book has an original storyline and kept me guessing till the end. Highly recommended!

Widow of Gettysburg 
by Jocelyn Green

A well written, heart wrenching story set during the Civil War. Very well done!

Promise to Return
by Elizabeth Byler Younts

This author knows how to keep the suspense high and keep the reader guessing. I have shed several tears while reading this fantastic book, so I advise keeping the tissues handy. I’m going to keep my eye on this author and I’m surely going to read the next book in this series.

Misery Loves Company

by Rene Gutteridge

As a blogger and reviewer I was drawn like a magnet to the storyline in this book. What more fun can there be than to read about the main character being a blogger and reviewer, and who is being kidnapped by her favorite author? :-)

Ashton Park 
by Murray Pura

A wonderful first book in a trilogy about the Danforths of Lancashire. I've read the complete series and loved all the books. If you like to read books with many characters and various plots, then this series is for you.

The Well

by Stephanie Landsem

I enjoyed this book immensely! The writing is excellent; the author has a pleasant voice, the plot is very well done, the characters are so real, easy to love, and easy to identify with. From the first till the last page this book is a pure delight. 

A Heart Deceived

by Michelle Griep

This author really can write!! She has an unique way with words that drew me into the story right away. The descriptions are so rich and full, I could almost feel, hear, smell, and touch them. The emotions splattered from the pages—fear, despair, unfairness, hope, love, romance! Extremely well written, excellent research, and a brilliant plot!! 

Stealing the Preacher
by Karen Witemeyer

Not only a lovely cover, but an enjoyable story as well. This was such a treat!

Forsaken Dreams
by MaryLu Tyndall

A wonderful first book in a new series—I enjoyed this book very much. I love the author's rich descriptions and she always creates the best characters!

Favorite novellas & short stories:

Return to Shirley Plantation

by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Our very own Carrie surprised me with her wonderful debut novella. I loved reading about Angelina and Matthew—how they met at Shirley Plantation and how the first sparks of chemistry filled the air. But this is not only a love story—it is war and there are secrets and a mystery to unravel.

Bachelor Buttons
by Kathleen L. Maher

Another wonderful novella by a debut author. This is a sweet love story set during the Civil War. Bachelor Buttons is a lovely story about regular people's lives during the Civil War. Kathleen Maher has a fresh and pleasant writing-style which makes this story an enjoyable read.

All the Pretty Little Ponies

by Murray Pura

This is one of the sweetest short stories I have read in a long time. It tugged at my heartstrings and I sniffled through the whole story. It's so touching, so warm, so sweet, and awesome.

The Painted Sky

by Murray Pura

Make sure to check out this  wonderful series with great characters based on your OWG friends! :-) In this series Mr. Pura has given us an unforgettable adventure in the eight volumes of The Painted Sky!

A cup of Christmas Cheer
by various authors, including our own CARRIE!

I haven't read all the stories in this volume yet, but I enjoyed Carrie's story so much, that I can honestly say it is one of my favorite Christmas stories I've read this year!!—and I've read plenty!

Favorite devotional:

Majestic and Wild

by Murray Pura

Our friend Murray has published many books this year and I loved them all—fiction and non-fiction as well. All his books are among my favorites this year, but his devotional Majestic and Wild has blessed me the most of all the books I've read in 2013! 

Marian Baay reviews PROMISE TO RETURN by Elizabeth Byler Younts

Promise to Return

PROMISE TO RETURN

By Elizabeth Byler Younts

Howard Books, 2013

Reviewed by Marian Baay

~5 stars~*****

1943

Miriam Coblentz is a young Amish woman who wants nothing more than to be obedient to her church, get married to the love of her life, Henry Mast, and to become a mother. However, shortly before their marriage, Henry is drafted and everything becomes complicated.

At first Henry is serving as a conscientious objector at a Civilian Public Service camp, but during this time there he learns how bad the war in Europe really is and he feels God’s call to enlist. Before his training starts, he comes home on leave and tells his family and Miriam that he’s going to fight in the war. His family is hurt and doesn’t want him to stay under their roof anymore. Miriam doesn’t understand why Henry made this decision. His attitude towards God seems to be changing as well—he so easily talks about praying to God and hearing His voice.

Miriam is so confused—is she going to wait for Henry’s return? And when he comes back, will he confess to the church he was wrong? He seems to be so sure he was right to enlist and go to war.

Her childhood friend, Eli, is trying to win her hand while Henry is away. Although Miriam likes him, she doesn’t love him, but he can offer her the life she has always wanted. Is she going to wait for Henry, or does she give in to her longing to get married in the church; to become a wife and mother, like she has always dreamed?

Against her parents’ wishes, Miriam frequently writes to Henry and she anticipates his return letters, but then months go by without a word from him… Is he still alive? Then one day Henry’s mother and sister visit with news from Europe…

One of the best books I have read this year! This author knows how to keep the suspense high and keep the reader guessing. Miriam’s struggle was well done and I really felt for her. I have shed several tears while reading this fantastic book, so I advise keeping the tissues handy. I’m going to keep my eye on this author and I’m surely going to read the next book in this series.

*Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.*

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GIVEAWAYS: This week Elizabeth will give away a SIGNED copy of her new book and we at OWG are giving away ebook or paperback of either of her books—choice by winner. (Note: International readers ebook only.) 

PLEASE LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS FOR CONTACT PURPOSES

Elizabeth Byler Younts Interview by Carrie Fancett Pagels: Overcoming Post-Partum Depression With God's Help

Elizabeth Byler Younts

Elizabeth Byler Younts is the author of Promise to Return, the first book in the new Amish Historical series The Promise of Sunrise.

Elizabeth, welcome to Overcoming With God.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers. 

Thank you so much for having me. What an amazing journey it has been to get to this point with book 1 releasing. God has been so faithful in providing wisdom and strength and I pray that this series blesses many lives. 

Would you tell us about the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God's help? (transparency appreciated!)

I don’t often talk about it on a public forum such as this, but I struggled greatly with Post Partum Depression after my second child was born. When my baby was about three months old I starting noticing the overall darkness I was feeling. My personality isn’t the kind of where I ignore a problem, so I acted fast and got my midwife on board to help direct me. I took some supplements and vitamins and lots of wonderful sunlight. I also decided to talk to a therapist for several months.

That time in my life was extremely difficult but rewarding. I thought dealing with infertility was difficult, but, in a different way, this was by far more of a struggle. I guess that’s why I haven’t talked much about it publicly. I think it boiled down to finding that my strength could not get me through this, only God’s. The old phrase often used in Christian circles “God won’t give you more than you can handle”…I realized, it’s just not true. He does give us more than we can handle…He doesn’t give us more than HE can handle! Trust Him in all ways. 

(CFP: Post-Partum Depression is a fairly common condition and many women suffer with it. You did the right thing by not ignoring the symptoms. Thank you for sharing, Elizabeth.)

Promise to Return

Disability friendliness: Is Promise to Return available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio? Do your e-books have audio capability? Do you have any in large print? 

At this point I don’t believe it’s releasing in audio, but I sure hope it will in the future! What a joy that would be for so many readers and for myself. With my own busy-ness I often listen to books.

Seasons does have the text-to-speech capability. I do not see that Promise to Return is enabled, but I will check with my publisher.

I do not have large print in paperback at this time. I’m sorry! However, if you read on an e-reader you should be able to adjust the text size. 

Does this novel have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?

Promise to Return specifically deals with depending on the Lord when everything else seems to be falling apart when the man she loves is in the midst of war-torn Europe during WW2. Miriam has always stood on the laurels of her church standards and suddenly that doesn’t seem to be enough to comfort her wounded heart. She must seek the wisdom from God through His whispers in her life.

As a military wife I come in contact with so many women who deal with deployment after deployment, not to mention, just the rigors of military life. This can breed a sense of “I must be everything to everyone” or “I must do it all” in so many beautiful, unselfish women as they support their husbands. No one can do it all or be it all to everyone…we must depend on His wisdom and strength. Miriam must travel a difficult journey to learn this…I hope her journey touches many readers.

Thank you, Elizabeth, for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!

Bio:

Elizabeth Byler Younts is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She is an Air Force officer’s wife and a homeschooling mom with two young daughters. She makes her home wherever her family is stationed. Elizabeth was Amish as a child and after her parents left the church she still grew up among her Amish family and continues to speak Pennsylvania Dutch.

Social Media: Elizabeth is has a Facebook Author Page and is on Twitter and Pinterest!

Seasons by Elizabeth Byler Younts

Giveaways: This week Elizabeth will give away a SIGNED copy of her new book (love that--thanks, Elizabeth!) and we at OWG are giving away ebook or paperback of either of her books, choice by winner. (Note: International readers ebook only.) Question: Have you or a loved one suffered from post-partum depression and how did you cope?