Helpful Score: 3
This is the 2nd book in the "Abram's Daughter's" series. Every day we are faced with difficult personal choices, but how many times do we make the wrong choice simply because the right choice is too difficult? Leah, the main character, has to choose between the longing she has for her future husband (who has moved to another state) and helping her sister through a rough time. The results of her choice lead her to emotional turmoil, but relies are her faith in God to help her through (something we can all be reminded to do once in a while).
This is a great look into the Amish way of life, and although the culture is based on Christianity, this book is in no way preachy. It simply shows how one group of people faces the same challenges that everyone--regardless of background--faces throughout their own lives. :-D
This is a great look into the Amish way of life, and although the culture is based on Christianity, this book is in no way preachy. It simply shows how one group of people faces the same challenges that everyone--regardless of background--faces throughout their own lives. :-D
Helpful Score: 2
This is the first book that I have ever read from Beverly Lewis. I happen to find the book on a fluke and I am glad that I did. It is the 2sd book in a series and I plan on starting from book 1 and reading them through in order. The story was very touching and very open when it came to how the 'players' in the book where feeling and acting. She does a great job of 'painting' a picture for you on the life style and of the family in the book and why it is the way that it is. I enjoyed this book a lot.
Helpful Score: 1
A very good series about how our choices effects others. Why we need to put our faith and trust in God not our own feelings. can't wait to continue this series.
Helpful Score: 1
Very good story about Amish life in Lancaster County Pa.
Helpful Score: 1
Bestselling author Beverly Lewis continues to till the rich Lancaster County soil in her latest book, THE BETRAYAL. Set in the fictional Amish community of Gobbler's Knob circa 1947, this is the second installment in the "Abram's Daughters" series and continues the story of the Amish Ebersol sisters --- Sadie, Leah, and twins Mary Ruth and Hannah. The stories of these courting-age girls are woven together, but Leah's narrative takes center stage through the course of this installment.
As the story opens, Sadie and Leah are both dealing with the continued fallout of Sadie's irresponsible behavior during "rumschpringe," a period of time in which young Amish people are given the freedom to explore the outside world to determine whether or not they want to be baptized and commit their lives to the "Plain" way of life. Sadie's downward spiral is chronicled in THE COVENANT, and it's clear her descent is not complete, as anger and sadness eat away at her in THE BETRAYAL.
"After their private talk Sadie had gone inside and created a fuss, all because Mamma had suggested Sadie take herself upstairs and lie down. 'You look so hot in the face,' Mamma had said sweetly, offering a concerned smile, no doubt noticing Sadie's swollen eyes.
'I'm all right, really,' Sadie replied.
'Just thought a rest might do you good.'
Then Sadie burst out crying. 'I'll go out to the pasture if you say to --- coax all the cows home for milking --- do Leah's chores, but I won't be resting!'
Both Hannah and Mamma gasped, though Mamma the louder. 'Such foolish words, Sadie dear. Time you behaved like a baptized church member and bite your tongue.'
Sadie brushed her tears away, standing there silent now.
'You best go to your room,' Mamma insisted. 'Tis not becomin' of you to disobey.'
Suddenly Sadie brushed past Mamma and Leah, breaking into an all-out run. Out the back door and down the steps she went, toward the barnyard."
As Sadie seems to be pulling away from the only life that she's known, Leah decides to get baptized and marry her devoted childhood sweetheart, Jonas Mast. A rift between the sisters develops despite their love for one another, and the whole family is thrown into tumult. Secrets both large and small abound in the Ebersol household, and Leah and Jonas's union ends up in jeopardy. In the end it's unclear which betrayal THE BETRAYAL refers to --- Leah of Sadie or Sadie of Leah.
Lewis grew up in Lancaster County, and her body of work shows an obvious affection for the Amish way of life. Her stories are often set among the Plain people, and her descriptions of their everyday lives are idyllic. THE BETRAYAL is no different, and fans of Lewis are likely to embrace her newest novel despite its somewhat abrupt and unsatisfying ending. It's nothing the forthcoming third installment in the series can't fix.
Uninitiated and more critical readers of the book may chaff against an overabundance of colloquial language (redd, Dat, ach, wonderful-gut, jah), the idealized presentation of the Plain life, and thinly drawn characters. Much of the dialogue and inner thought of the characters seem highly contrived, like soliloquies of earnest actors in a drama about an Amish life they only know about through movies.
Nevertheless, it's clear that the author does truly care about her characters and this can atone for a number of literary sins. The community of Gobbler's Knob is a vividly drawn world the likes of which most readers will never be able to inhabit apart from Lewis's affectionate prose. The agriculture-based economy and simple lives of the Amish provide a welcome vision of fulfilling lives apart from our fast-paced culture.
--- Reviewed by Lisa Ann Cockrel
As the story opens, Sadie and Leah are both dealing with the continued fallout of Sadie's irresponsible behavior during "rumschpringe," a period of time in which young Amish people are given the freedom to explore the outside world to determine whether or not they want to be baptized and commit their lives to the "Plain" way of life. Sadie's downward spiral is chronicled in THE COVENANT, and it's clear her descent is not complete, as anger and sadness eat away at her in THE BETRAYAL.
"After their private talk Sadie had gone inside and created a fuss, all because Mamma had suggested Sadie take herself upstairs and lie down. 'You look so hot in the face,' Mamma had said sweetly, offering a concerned smile, no doubt noticing Sadie's swollen eyes.
'I'm all right, really,' Sadie replied.
'Just thought a rest might do you good.'
Then Sadie burst out crying. 'I'll go out to the pasture if you say to --- coax all the cows home for milking --- do Leah's chores, but I won't be resting!'
Both Hannah and Mamma gasped, though Mamma the louder. 'Such foolish words, Sadie dear. Time you behaved like a baptized church member and bite your tongue.'
Sadie brushed her tears away, standing there silent now.
'You best go to your room,' Mamma insisted. 'Tis not becomin' of you to disobey.'
Suddenly Sadie brushed past Mamma and Leah, breaking into an all-out run. Out the back door and down the steps she went, toward the barnyard."
As Sadie seems to be pulling away from the only life that she's known, Leah decides to get baptized and marry her devoted childhood sweetheart, Jonas Mast. A rift between the sisters develops despite their love for one another, and the whole family is thrown into tumult. Secrets both large and small abound in the Ebersol household, and Leah and Jonas's union ends up in jeopardy. In the end it's unclear which betrayal THE BETRAYAL refers to --- Leah of Sadie or Sadie of Leah.
Lewis grew up in Lancaster County, and her body of work shows an obvious affection for the Amish way of life. Her stories are often set among the Plain people, and her descriptions of their everyday lives are idyllic. THE BETRAYAL is no different, and fans of Lewis are likely to embrace her newest novel despite its somewhat abrupt and unsatisfying ending. It's nothing the forthcoming third installment in the series can't fix.
Uninitiated and more critical readers of the book may chaff against an overabundance of colloquial language (redd, Dat, ach, wonderful-gut, jah), the idealized presentation of the Plain life, and thinly drawn characters. Much of the dialogue and inner thought of the characters seem highly contrived, like soliloquies of earnest actors in a drama about an Amish life they only know about through movies.
Nevertheless, it's clear that the author does truly care about her characters and this can atone for a number of literary sins. The community of Gobbler's Knob is a vividly drawn world the likes of which most readers will never be able to inhabit apart from Lewis's affectionate prose. The agriculture-based economy and simple lives of the Amish provide a welcome vision of fulfilling lives apart from our fast-paced culture.
--- Reviewed by Lisa Ann Cockrel
Kathie S. (CraftyKat) - , reviewed The Betrayal (Abram's Daughters, Bk 2) on + 404 more book reviews
Excellent book. At the top of it's category. I recommend it to anyone who likes a good story. 2nd book in the series.
Great book, and I can't wait to read the next one. It is not absolutely necessary to have read the first book to understand this one, I didn't but am now curious to read the 1st one.
Spanning three generations, the compelling novels of the ABRAM'S DAUGHTERS series introduce four courting age sisters, their family and community, whose way of life and faith in God are as enduring as their signiture horse and buggy. Or so it seems. Excellent reading...
Excellent continuation of the story.
great #2 book in the Abram's Daughters series!
This is a wonderful series! I just can't WAIT to get the next from the paperbackswap member I ordered it from!
another excellent book about the amish people and most specifically about a set of sisters called Abrams daughters. This one focus' on Leah mostly and has a startling ending.
gives some nice background to the amish culture as well as being great story line
This is book 2 in a series called Abram's Daughters. It is about a Amish family. Leah is the main character. The series is about her coming of age and falling in love with a young man. Many problems get in the way. It is very descriptive of the Amish beliefs and way of life.
The second book in a series of books written about the Amish communitte and Abram's four daughters.
Abram's Daughters Series. Great reading. #1 of 5
This was another good book.
Very Good! Love the simplicity of these stories.
The characters of this book develop and grow. a look at the Amish community and the resistance to the Plain Life and the consequence of sinful acts. I liked this book. Second in series.
If you read the 1st. you must go on the the next..the story just gets better and better.A wonderful series about an Amish family and secrets that effect everyone.As you finish one you can't wait to start the next.Five books in this series and this is number 2.I will also be posting the rest.
Book 2 in the series about the Amish just after World War II.
I've always been fascinated with the Amish. This is a good christian series and I've learned to respect the Amish for their beliefs.
This series is wonderful. I have a specific vision of each of the characters and feel that I could run into them if I was visiting Amish country in PA. I cannot wait to read the next books in the series.
The Ebersols are raising their four daughters on a firm foundation of Plain traditions and carry that heritage into the future, safe and secure in their cloistered community. But Sadie, the oldest, has found little appeal in her Amish life compared to the lure of the world outside. When Sadie's traditional rumschpringe before embracing baptism goes terribly awry, sister Leah's life may also be forever altered by a secret pact.
You'll fall in love with all the characters!
Cheryl M. (PurrfectDesigns) reviewed The Betrayal (Abram's Daughters, Bk 2) on + 2 more book reviews
Good Book Enjoyed the series. Good information about the traditions and lifestyle of the Amish.
An insight into Amish life. An interesting jouney into a Amish families every day life.Found it very interesting reading.
Jacquita D. (jacquita) -
I read this series and enjoyed it very much. Passed it on to my daughter and think she will as well.
Excellent book, held my interest till the end and left me wanting to read more.
great book
Teresa S. (christianfiction4me) -
Abram's Daughters was my introduction to Beverly Lewis. She is by far my favorite author.
This series keeps you interested, and wondering what may happen next...Very easy reading...And, my 21 year old daughter even enjoyed them...thats a plus..
Denise H. (blessedabundantly) reviewed The Betrayal (Abram's Daughters, Bk 2) on + 6 more book reviews
Spanning three generations, the copelling novels of the ABRAM'S DAUGHTERS series introduce four couting-age sisters, their family and commuity, whose way of life and fiath in God are as enduring as their signature horse and buggy. Or so it seems.....
The Covenant began the saga with Sadie's resistance to the Plain life and its tragic consequences. The Betrayal continues the journey, with Leah and her beloved Jonas now separated by hundreds of miles. BUt more than time and distance are conspiring to keep them apart.....
The Covenant began the saga with Sadie's resistance to the Plain life and its tragic consequences. The Betrayal continues the journey, with Leah and her beloved Jonas now separated by hundreds of miles. BUt more than time and distance are conspiring to keep them apart.....
Awesome love story
Good story about an Amish girl and her struggles.
Awesome!!!!
This is one of the best series of books that I have ever read. I really enjoyed all 5 of them.
Great book. I love the whole series.
A great read!
Good book! I wasn't thrilled with the first book but this one renewed my hope for the series! Great read!
Book 2 of the Abram's Daughters Series. The setting is in Pennsyvannia (sp?) Dutch country in the 1940's. It is a compelling story of four sisters of courting age and how they naviagated there way through rumschpringe.
Really liking the series so far, great characters.
This book was very well done and followed the series. I felt it was good, easy reading.
This is a great sequel to the book "The Covenant." Beverly Lewis is an engaging writer who brings her characters to life. There are plenty of twists to keep the plot active. I enjoyed reading about real life decisions and hardships from an uplifting perspective. It also provides an interesting insight to the Amish community.
I Love her books
2nd in the Abram's Daughters series.
Wonderful story, it holds you from the first page to the last.
I can't wait to read the rest.
Wonderful story, it holds you from the first page to the last.
I can't wait to read the rest.
I loved this series.. this is book 2 in the Series! Great story!
An interesting look into Amish life.
great series, wonderful way to learn about the Amish ways.
Beverly Lewis is a great writter. The first book in the series set me up to read the entire series. Great book for all ages.
Great as all of Beverly Lewis books.
This is book 2 of Abram's Daughters. A good book on its own. About a family of Amish. Well written, good, deep characters.
I am enjoying this series very much, I can't put the books down!
i read the whole series of 5. i have cried and laughed at each one.Lewis is an awesome writer.
My mom enjoyed this book very much.
Great series
Absolutely LOVE this story. You defintely will want to complete the series, though :)
Great book in this series!!!!
Book 2 of Abrams Daughters. Spanning three generations, the Abrams Daughters series paints a powerful family portrait of four Amish sisters growing up in Gobblers Knob, Lancaster County. In Book One, The Covenant, when oldest sister Sadie is beguiled by a handsome, dark-haired "Englischer," it is younger sister Leah who suffers from her sisters shameful behavior. In Book Two, The Betrayal, Leah and her beloved Jonas are separated for half the year when he accepts a long-desired carpenters apprenticeship in Ohio. They are confident that by letter and heart-felt promises, their love is strong enough to survive the temporary separation. But never could they have foreseen the bitter test facing them and their families This astonishing story of the strength of family, the miracle of forgiveness, and the power of hope has all the emotion, character intimacy, and true-to-life drama, as well as the message of truth that fiction readers have come to expect from a Beverly Lewis novel.
Wonderful! (I have all the Abram's Daughters series listed.)
An excellent read. I couldn't put it down.
Good story line and insight into the Amish community. Enjoyable light read.
Leah Ebersol and her beloved, Jonas Mast, find themselves separated for six months, when Jonas agrees to take an apprenticeship in Ohio; a long way from where they grew up in Pennsylvania. Desperate to go to him, Leah instead stays home with her sister, Sadie, when Sadie gives birth to a baby boy she believes died at birth. Later, when Leah again gets the opportunity to go to Jonas, she sends Sadie instead, since Sadie is in such deep despair.
Confident in their love, Leah and Jonas happily plan their up-coming marriage by writing letters. Leah is busy trying to find suitable housing in Pennsylvania, and Jonas concentrates on fulfilling his apprenticeship. They write each other faithfully, each looking forward to the time they can be together.
But the Ebersol family is hiding some horrific secrets. Secrets, which if they should come out, would ruin lives. Rumors abound, and Leah doesn't know what to believe. When some of these rumors reach Jonas, he searches for the truth.
Will Jonas find the truth? Or will he reach out to his faithful Leah who must face the rumors and the horrible truth alone? Will Sadie repent of her sins or face a severe shunning?
THE BETRAYAL is book two in the Abram's Daughters' series. I recommend reading THE COVENANT, book one, before reading THE BETRAYAL, because the events in the books are so closely tied together. Leah, Sadie, and the other two sisters, Hannah and Mary are very well developed and pull at the reader's heartstrings. I couldn't believe anyone could have as many horrible things happen to them as Leah and Sadie and still survive. It seemed like things really should start looking up, but things kept going wrong, and you wonder if Jonas and Leah would ever find happiness.
Confident in their love, Leah and Jonas happily plan their up-coming marriage by writing letters. Leah is busy trying to find suitable housing in Pennsylvania, and Jonas concentrates on fulfilling his apprenticeship. They write each other faithfully, each looking forward to the time they can be together.
But the Ebersol family is hiding some horrific secrets. Secrets, which if they should come out, would ruin lives. Rumors abound, and Leah doesn't know what to believe. When some of these rumors reach Jonas, he searches for the truth.
Will Jonas find the truth? Or will he reach out to his faithful Leah who must face the rumors and the horrible truth alone? Will Sadie repent of her sins or face a severe shunning?
THE BETRAYAL is book two in the Abram's Daughters' series. I recommend reading THE COVENANT, book one, before reading THE BETRAYAL, because the events in the books are so closely tied together. Leah, Sadie, and the other two sisters, Hannah and Mary are very well developed and pull at the reader's heartstrings. I couldn't believe anyone could have as many horrible things happen to them as Leah and Sadie and still survive. It seemed like things really should start looking up, but things kept going wrong, and you wonder if Jonas and Leah would ever find happiness.
Good book about the Amish. This is book two of four. Fast easy read. Love story and lives of the Amish/
I have read all five in the series "Abram's Daughters and each one leaves me enthralled and anxious to read the next one. Learning about Amish life through these stories is very interesting, especially when their lives reflect the lives of non-Amish people. I am also anxious to read other works by Beverly Lewis.
very good
Good read. I have enjoyed the series. If you enjoy Amish fiction you will like this one as well as the series if Abram's Daughters.
THIS AUTHOR IS GREAT,IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THESE BOOKS, YOU NEED TO GET BUSY,YOUR MISSING OUT ON SOME WONDERFUL WRITING.
GREAT READING,I'M NOW ON THE THIRD ONE "THE SACRIFICE" YOU CAN'T PUT THESE BOOKS DOWN ONCE YOU START.
This is a good read. You have to read the 1st book of this series to know what is going on to truly enjoy.
Leah Ebersol and her beloved, Jonas Mast, find themselves separated for six months, when Jonas agrees to take an apprenticeship in Ohio; a long way from where they grew up in Pennsylvania. Desperate to go to him, Leah instead stays home with her sister, Sadie, when Sadie gives birth to a baby boy she believes died at birth. Later, when Leah again gets the opportunity to go to Jonas, she sends Sadie instead, since Sadie is in such deep despair.
Confident in their love, Leah and Jonas happily plan their up-coming marriage by writing letters. Leah is busy trying to find suitable housing in Pennsylvania, and Jonas concentrates on fulfilling his apprenticeship. They write each other faithfully, each looking forward to the time they can be together.
But the Ebersol family is hiding some horrific secrets. Secrets, which if they should come out, would ruin lives. Rumors abound, and Leah doesn't know what to believe. When some of these rumors reach Jonas, he searches for the truth.
Will Jonas find the truth? Or will he reach out to his faithful Leah who must face the rumors and the horrible truth alone? Will Sadie repent of her sins or face a severe shunning?
THE BETRAYAL is book two in the Abram's Daughters' series. I recommend reading THE COVENANT, book one, before reading THE BETRAYAL, because the events in the books are so closely tied together. Leah, Sadie, and the other two sisters, Hannah and Mary are very well developed and pull at the reader's heartstrings. I couldn't believe anyone could have as many horrible things happen to them as Leah and Sadie and still survive. It seemed like things really should start looking up, but things kept going wrong, and you wonder if Jonas and Leah would ever find happiness.
Confident in their love, Leah and Jonas happily plan their up-coming marriage by writing letters. Leah is busy trying to find suitable housing in Pennsylvania, and Jonas concentrates on fulfilling his apprenticeship. They write each other faithfully, each looking forward to the time they can be together.
But the Ebersol family is hiding some horrific secrets. Secrets, which if they should come out, would ruin lives. Rumors abound, and Leah doesn't know what to believe. When some of these rumors reach Jonas, he searches for the truth.
Will Jonas find the truth? Or will he reach out to his faithful Leah who must face the rumors and the horrible truth alone? Will Sadie repent of her sins or face a severe shunning?
THE BETRAYAL is book two in the Abram's Daughters' series. I recommend reading THE COVENANT, book one, before reading THE BETRAYAL, because the events in the books are so closely tied together. Leah, Sadie, and the other two sisters, Hannah and Mary are very well developed and pull at the reader's heartstrings. I couldn't believe anyone could have as many horrible things happen to them as Leah and Sadie and still survive. It seemed like things really should start looking up, but things kept going wrong, and you wonder if Jonas and Leah would ever find happiness.
