Abiding Mercy #1 Amish Mercies by Ruth Reid

Abiding Mercy opens 15 years ago in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan with the tragic abduction of Adriana, the eighteen-month old daughter of Roslyn and Brandon Colepepper. I like that we get a glimpse into their lives before, during and after the kidnapping of little Adriana and fifteen years later when things...don’t want to say what things and give anything away. I cannot imagine the heartache they went through and fifteen years of continual searching. My heart goes out to them. The author does a great job of developing both parallel storylines.

Fast forward to present day with Faith Pinkham and her sister Olivia who work in their parents’ busy restaurant in Posen. These sisters are so very different in their temperament, outlook and the choices they make. They are frequently at odds with each other, as sisters can be at times, which makes their characters all the more realistic. I really did not like Olivia much at all. She was too self-centered, spoiled and hateful at times, especially to her sister and rather rebellious. Could she be jealous of Faith? Faith is completely opposite, very giving and caring to those around her...putting others before herself, works hard in the restaurant…or any task she undertakes, happy in her community and actually “lives” her faith. I often forgot she is only 16-years-old, for she seems much more mature. I can’t imagine the shock she has when she learns of things that shatter her heart. My heart went out to her Amish parents and the events that follow.

I like their friend Gideon. He often helps Faith’s father around the farm and even makes time to stop by the restaurant and helps Faith, which is an admirable trait. I like his work ethic, patience, has a generous nature and caring heart. I was hoping he would open his eyes and really see Faith for the godly woman she is, of course, I think he knew that all along. He too is in for a shock as things unfold, my heart went out to him...all of them.

Abiding Mercy is a heartwarming, touching and emotional story dealing with tragedy, forgiveness, secrets and betrayal, joy and heartaches, grace and mercy, love and faith. I especially enjoyed the spiritual aspects woven within the storyline with the scripture references. One theme that continues throughout the story is about entertaining angels unaware, which is from Hebrews 13:2 KJV...”Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares”...there is one character that could fit this description very well.

~I received an e-book copy from the author/publisher via NetGalley (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~

I have enjoyed Ruth Reid's Amish genre books in the past.
I look forward to one day actually reading this book.

I received a free copy from NetGalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

My review can be seen at RT Book Reviews

This was a fantastic read. I couldn't put it down, I was so very glad that i did not have anything to do today when I read it because it would not have gotten done.

Faith finds that her life is not what she thinks. Her life has many twists and turns and I highly recommend this title. If you like Amish books or not this is a read you will enjoy.

Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for allowing me to read this title for an honest review.

I am still trying to absorb the emotional rollercoaster I have been on while reading this book. I am overwhelmed by the well crafted storyline and the characters I have come to love. The author has written a treasure filled with raw emotions that seep deep into your soul. If you haven’t read this book yet, you need to grab a copy right now. It will be a journey of secrets, tragedy, and forgiveness. Between the pages you find mercy and grace that fills the hearts of the characters.

Faith is a wonderful young woman who works hard at her family’s restaurant . I loved reading about the delicious bread and other menu items that the restaurant served. Her sister Olivia is a bit rebellious and has a little jealous streak going on. Her disobedience was heartbreaking to read and I wanted to ground her until she stopped acting like a spoiled child. When their parents are severely injured in a buggy accident Faith must step up and run the restaurant with little help from her sister. I loved the differences the sisters had in how to help their parents. It shows readers how siblings argue, become jealous and do mean things.

Gideon was a character I wasn’t sure of at first. He liked Olivia but didn’t like the way she was swaying toward the English way of life. Maybe that is why Faith captured his attention or perhaps Gideon had always liked her. I loved how he stepped up and helped Faith’s father with his chores around the farm. With all Gideon had on his shoulders, he also found time to help Faith at the restaurant as well.

What really intrigued me the most was the story of a baby that was kidnapped many years ago. The author does a great job of developing that storyline parallel to Faith. Is it possible that Faith was kidnapped long ago and raised Amish? Were her parents part of the kidnapping?

I will have to say that the story hooked me right away and I couldn’t put it down. I had to find out about the mysterious kidnapping and also about a stranger that appears throughout the book. He has Godly words to give to several people that will shake them to their core. Don’t miss this story that not only shares about family but shows you what mercy is about.

I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild. The review is my own opinion.

"Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them."

A story that that tells much more than a story in Ruth Reid's newest release, Abiding Mercy, the first book in the Amish Mercies series. Abiding Mercy is superb in the writing as well as blending two cultures, Amish and Englisch through an "English baby raised Amish" scenario.

Faith is hardworking and generous, but her world is thrown in a spin when it was revealed that she was the kidnapped victim from the Englisch world when she was a young child. She thought her only problem is falling for the man only have eyes for her pretty sister, the same sister that seems to hate her, but there's much more than she thought. The author did a terrific job in crafting a fictional story that feels so real that it's relatable to readers on many fronts, even if we're not Amish. The emotional turmoil, guilt and uncertainty that arise allows readers to embrace the complexity of the situation and ultimately see the message of mercy and grace. In all, Abiding Mercy will be a highlight in your reading repertoire.


Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.

You placed His words upon your heart long ago and committed them to memory. You are not without His promises. He is with you always. His Spirit will lead you with instruction. Lift your hope higher in the One who has called you by name. For it is written: "Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will Hear." So you see, God's mercy is abiding. His love is everlasting.

We are not always aware of the mercies of God in our lives even in the most difficult of circumstances. Two families - different but the same. Roslyn and Brandon Colepepper have a busy lifestyle. Brandon is CEO of a successful hotel chain and Roslyn is busy with the social life. They have a 18 month old Adriana who is full of life and when she is abducted from Roslyn at the grocery store, the Colepepper's life as they know it suddenly changes.

Sixteen year old Faith works with her sister Olivia in their parent's Amish Restaurant. Faith loves working; making new Amish dishes for others to enjoy and helping her parents. She is looking forward to her baptism. Her sister Olivia has other plans and seems to be pulling away from the Amish lifestyle. Her long time beau Gideon sees the changes in Olivia and knows that he cannot have a future with Olivia and the friendship with Faith deepens into something more.

This Amish story brings the English and the Amish together in the most peculiar way. With mystery as how did Faith end up with an Amish family and the English parents determination to find their lost daughter of 15 years. When the two families come together, what changes will happen and what mercies will come forth from the love of two families and their belief in a sovereign God. A great Amish story!

A Special Thank You to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

Hebrews 13:2 (NAS) Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. Ruth Reid conveys this verse with her novel, Abiding Mercy". A red-headed man continually appears to Faith and her family. They show mercy, compassion and hospitality to the stranger. Are they in fact, entertaining an angel unaware"? This story looks at the pain and sorrow of Roslyn and her husband. They lost their daughter to a kidnapper fifteen years ago and they are still looking for her. Will they find her after all these years? Readers will enjoy reading this novel to find out if Roslyn's broken heart will finally be healed.
While this story is predictable for most of the situations presented, it is a very enjoyable read. I am quite happy to recommend this book to readers who enjoy Christian fiction, Amish fictions and romance.
I am rating this novel 5 stars.
I received an ebook of this novel from netgalley and Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Sixteen-year-old Faith has worked full-time in her parents’ restaurant since she finished eighth grade. She loves her Amish community—and the romantic attentions of her longtime friend, Gideon. But when her sister seems to be getting too friendly with Englischers, and her parents are in a buggy accident, Faith wants to escape into her dream of joining the church and getting married. Then a local newspaper runs a story about a child named Adriana who was kidnapped fifteen years earlier, and everything Faith has held true comes into question. Suddenly the community Faith has known her whole life seems unreal. Can she even trust her own family? And how will she ever find home again if she no longer belongs in the world she knows best? Is Faith facing an impossible situation? Should she do the right thing and bring heartache to nearly everyone she knows or deny her true self and always wonder . . . what if?

Abiding Mercy is a touching, heartfelt, heart wrenching, suspenseful, romantic and mysterious story. This is a story of a kidnapped child 15 years ago. The birth parents are Englischers but she ended up with Amish parents - wild eh? - Faith grew up feeling, "where do I belong?", and she wonders if she even knows her parents, community, friends etc anymore - she is feeling lost - until Gideon walks into her Diner - and her life - he works for Englischers - he falls for her and helps her with her and how she is feeling - He sees something that will change Faiths life unbelievably - or will it? I can tell you this - there is so many twists and turns and the way that this author gets you to feel for these characters - especially Faith - you just want to help her so badly - is she that child? That out of this world helps that could be help I should say - is so unreal - wow - mindblowing- you have to read this book to find out what it is - and what the result is - and what happens with Gideon and Faith. GOD's hands are divinely ruling the steps of these characters - that is how well this is written. Well done...

ABIDING MERCY is the first book in Ms. Reid's newest series with Thomas Nelson. I love the way she incorporates angels into some of her books and the red-headed mysterious man who randomly appears, disappears is a nice touch.

I did not like Faith's sister, Olivia, at all. She was spoiled, selfish, and hateful and I don't see what Gideon ever saw in her.

Gideon was a very sweet young Amish man. He was quick to step in and help Faith when her parents were in an accident and even willingly did "women's work" something many Amish men won't do. Faith was very sweet too, and when her world is disrupted struggles to find her footing while still obeying everything her parents said -- I don't think she would've been so quick to accept Englisch clothes, especially jeans the first time she tried them on in real life.

There is absolutely no sexual tension in the story (for readers who like a super clean, sweet romance) and there is good faith message that is not at all preachy. The story is also a bit slow, making it ideal to read on a busy day as you can put it down and pick it up easily without say, burning dinner.

Fans of Amish fiction will likely love ABIDING MERCY. I'm glad this story finally made it into print as it was a long time coming. Congratulations, Ruth Reid!

I received a copy of this book free and all opinions are my own.

Abiding Mercy is the first book in the Amish Mercies series by Ruth Reid. One thing I can say that I love about Ruth Reid’s books is that they have elements that are unique to the Amish genre. She includes angels, sometimes demons and miracles. Which is different and I’ve not seen this from any other authors and I read a lot of Amish fiction. So, if I’m saying unique—just trust me.

I’ve had the pleasure of reading every book from Ruth, starting with her debut novel, The Promise of an Angel in 2011. I enjoy her works and I knew I wanted to read this book.

This book again has subtle angel undertones and I really enjoyed that. But, I felt that this story was a bit predictable. I figured out the plot from the beginning and that kind of disappointed me. I think we were supposed to know the plot but I’d have loved for a last-minute plot twist where I could have said, “I didn’t see that coming!”

I also felt that certain elements were rushed to tie this story up. The birth parent’s feelings, Gideon’s love for Faith—it was all rushed. I felt like the ending was fairly anticlimactic and I would have liked to have seen more emotional depth from Faith in particular.

Despite a few misgivings, the story is solid. It’s a book I could pick back up and read again. I look forward to the rest of the series. This is also a book that I would be proud to have on my bookshelf. The Amish Mercies series is off a great start!

This book was originally posted on A Simply Enchanted Life

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by BookLook Bloggers, Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. All opinions are my own.

Abiding Mercy by Ruth Reid is An Amish Mercies Novel. Fifteen years prior in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Roslyn Colepepper is loading groceries into her car. She is attacked and her car is stolen with her eighteen-month-old daughter, Adrianna inside. The FBI are immediately called in. They soon find the abductors car and watch as it goes over a bridge and into the river. They do not find any survivors. Fast forward fifteen years to Posen, Michigan. Faith Pinkham is sixteen years old and works at her families’ restaurant, The Amish Table with her sister, mother and cousin. Olivia, Faith’s sister, seems to resent Faith and treats her terribly. One day they receive a call that their parents, Mordecai and Irma, were in an accident. It will take them weeks to recover. In the meantime, they must ensure that the farm chores are done and the restaurant continues to earn money. Olivia prefers to spend her time with her Englischer friends, and Faith is afraid that Olivia will soon jump the fence. Luckily, Faith has the help of Gideon Fohrer. As they spend time together, they grow closer. On the fifteenth anniversary of Adrianna’s kidnapping, The Detroit News runs an article with a picture of what Adrianna would look like now. Faith’s parents return home and life is getting back on track. Then one day Faith’s life changes irrevocably. Faith now questions who she is and where she belongs. What does the future hold for her? Faith is embarking on a journey. To see what happens to Faith, you will need to read Abiding Mercy.

Abiding Mercy is a well-crafted story. The book has well-developed characters in an engaging story. I was drawn into the story and read late into the night. We get to see both sides of the situation in Abiding Mercy as the novel tells us Faith’s story and the Colepepper’s (mostly Roslyn). Ms. Reid did a superb job at weaving the past and present together into one appealing story. My rating for Abiding Mercy is 4.25 out of 5 stars. I did, though, find it a wee bit predictable. Partway into the book, I knew how the story would play out. That did not stop me, though, from devouring the book. There are a couple of unexpected twists. I appreciated that the romantic element was light. I liked the message that God is always with us. He is there to help and guide us (if we want His help). I did feel that the ending was a little rushed. At the end of the book, I am left wondering about the red-haired man. He is a present in different forms throughout the whole book. Who is he? I will be curious to see if he is present in the other books in the series. I would like to know more about Olivia (she needs a book of her own). Abiding Mercy is not your traditional (expected) Amish novel (which I welcomed). I will be eagerly anticipating the next edition in An Amish Mercies series.

A Serious Page-Turner!

When I saw the cover for Ruth Reid’s latest release, Abiding Mercy, I was giddy. Reid knows how to tell a story and I could not wait to see where she was taking her readers with her new Amish Mercies series.

Abiding Mercy follows the life of Faith Pinkham. Faith is a dutiful 16-year-old maedel. She wants nothing more than to be baptized and be a full member of her Amish community. She works hard at her family’s restaurant – even though she and her sister Olivia are less than bosom buddies. And she adores her friend Gideon – who is taken with Olivia. But when a newspaper runs an article about a missing child – kidnapped 15 years earlier – Faith’s world becomes less than predictable.

I was given Abiding Mercy in exchange for my honest review. It was terrific and I couldn’t flip through the pages fast enough. I was thoroughly invested in every character Reid brought to the pages. The ending was a bit rushed, but the novel is a serious page-turner. Grab your copy today!

One fantastic book. I have loved Ruth's books since first one. I this book we meet Faith (Adriana), Gideon and Olivia. Faith is one character that we all should be like. Her faith and desire to please the Lord is adherent in everything she does and says. Gideon sees the strength in her and finds he wants to get to know her more. When life takes a twist will Faith be able to stay strong. It is a book you want to keep reading to the end. I am looking forward to reading the next book. You have me hooked Ruth.

I have been reading the Amish genre right from the start and I have to say this is unlike any I have read before. The Amish genre has really evolved from simplistic plots to complex and keeping you on the edge of your seat plots, especially in this case. There is a dual story line here. Roslyn and Brandon Colepepper are an Englisher parents of eighteen month old Adriana . Adriana had been abducted when her mother took her grocery shopping but Angels were definitely with this child keeping her safe. Present day Faith works with her sister Olivia in their parents busy restaurant. Adriana's parents, especially her mother never gave up hope of finding her and kept the search alive these past fifteen years since her abduction.There have been many attempts of people claiming to be Adriana since the parents have offered a large monetary reward but none have panned out. Faith becomes friendly with the young Amish man, Gideon who delivers fruit to her parents restaurant. A romance starts between them. Then the rug is pulled out from under Faith. Who is she really and where does she belong? Does she even know her parents and her community any more? If you enjoy Amish romance with suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat and is a clean story I know you will enjoy this. I sure did! This is the first book in An Amish Mercies series and I am looking forward to reading more in this series by Ruth Reid.
Pub Date 04 Jul 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson--FICTION for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

What a journey I took with the characters in this book and I’m so glad that I did.
I adored Faith from the very beginning because she met every challenge head on. She’s very grounded especially for a 16-year-old. Family, faith and hard work are a big part of her life and she thrives in her daily routine in her parents’ restaurant and in her community.
Which is a good thing since her sister Olivia is less enthralled with the Amish life and has no problem letting Faith pick up more of the responsibilities as she grapples with a life changing decision. Thankfully they have Gideon in their lives, a faithful friend that’s willing to help in any way he can.
When Faith must leave her family, she discovers so many things she never knew, not only about herself but the ones she loves and holds dear. She soon begins to miss the idyllic life she left behind and I couldn’t imagine how it would feel finding yourself in a new town and completely out of your element.
I loved the progression of the story and that it moved at a great pace. I loved the ones that played an important role in Faiths’ life and that they learned that it’s okay to love someone enough to let them go because they’ll always be a part of you. I found the characters to be endearing, the storyline engaging and I think that anyone that reads this book will, too.
I received a copy of this book for free. I was not required to post a positive review and the views and opinions are my own.

Before we go too far into this whole 'review' thing I have to tell you a story. I jacked up my good knee a couple of weeks ago (I know 'why are you telling me this' but I promise it has a point) and it's off and on stiff and swollen and hurt-y (is so a word!). Well, the other night my tablet was dying and I had two choices, I could charge the tablet and go to sleep and finish this book the next day OR I could lay across the bed with the tablet on the charger and continue reading. Obviously I chose the second option. And finished the book about 3 am-ish and fell asleep with my leg partly off the bed. So, obviously the next morning my knee was super stiff and sore and puffy because it was hyper-extended all night. But it was worth it! This book, this book was so worth reading to almost 3 in the morning with jackered (again, so a real word) knee to pay. So worth it!

Outside of providing you a new vocabulary of Fizzy-isms however I have to tell you about this book. It wasn't quite what I expected but everything I needed from a Ruth Reid book. It drew me in from the beginning and made me fall in love. I figured out part of the twist early on but I really think I was supposed to. Faith is very devout to her faith in the Amish at a young age. She's chosen to forgo her rumspringa in order to join the church and be baptized. While most young Amish join in anticipation of marriage she just feels it's the right thing for her, no marriage proposals in sight. That'll change but well how amazing to just know at 16 where your life needs to be. No desire to explore things outside that boundary, no urge to join in the English world, no need to not focus on faith and family and future. Sometimes I still need the idea of rumpsringa at my age, not ready to face the next 'adult' challenge heading my way.

There were some twists along the way that took me by surprise. But through the twists I saw coming and the side steps I went through with these characters I fell in love with this book. The characters were so well integrated into who they were and their settings and their roles in life through this story. I have to admit I was a bit disappointed at how everything was tied up, too neatly, at the end. I can't begin to imagine what Adriana's parents went through to start, how they felt when things worked out and the absolute heart-ripping decision they chose to make at the end. I can only say that I wish that was more included, it felt too neat, too easy and I have to say it couldn't have really felt like that and been like that for them.

I was blessed to receive a complimentary copy of this book from Ruth Reid through Thomas Nelson publishing and NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

As a lover of Amish fiction, this one is a hit! Thoroughly enjoyed reading Abiding Mercy.
Faith, is a hardworking, content and kind, sixteen year old Amish girl who works daily in her family's restaurant. She loves hard work and is working towards her baptism into the church. Her older sister, Olivia, is not seeking to join the church and is contemplating 'jumping the fence,' aka, leaving the Amish community to be in the Englisch world.
Faith's world faces upheaval as her parents are in a terribly buggy accident. Also, am Englisch couple who had their eighteen month old daughter kidnapped fifteen years ago is still searching for their daughter and they become a large part of Faith's world.
Great story with mixture of faith, family, love, anguish and mystery.
I was given a free ecopy of this book to read by the publisher, Thomas Nelson and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Come and immerse yourself in the life of Faith, aka Adrianna, a sixteen year old Amish girl, and you won’t want to let her go. As the book opens a horrible thing happens and an eighteen-month-old infant is snatched, but as you read God was looking out for her, and when all is said and done, you will wonder if it was his way of bringing others into the fold.
We are with Faith as she goes about her everyday life as a responsible Amish woman, and she is one busy girl. She is confident and knows who she is and what she wants, and seems to have a joy about her.
Suddenly her world collapse and she is no longer Faith but Adrianna, and where there should be joy there is now sorrow. I felt myself torn in so many directions, and as a mother, where did I want her to be. If life is unfair, this has to be one of those horrible moments when you want to be in two places at once, and be happy there.
The author did an amazing job with this fictional story, and yet it seemed so real, and when you find out why she was kept, makes more sense to me. I loved this book, and although it ends, you can imagine the future.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.