What an emotional and moving story! I adored it!

A Season for the Heart is the heart-wrenching story of Jude Mast, a marine returned from the war after being injured, and Ellie Hershberger, who has just finished high school and facing her future.
Jude is both physically and emotionally scarred and trying to find his place in the world. He has to face many demons, and finds help and respect in the most unexpected place - his Mennonite neighbours who are opposed to fighting.
Ellie has been sheltered, and longs for more worldly things, but when she does get the opportunity to experience those worldly things they turn out to be less appealing than she thought they would be. After an attack draws Jude and Ellie together, they start to find comfort in a friendship with one another.
I loved both Ellie and Jude. They were so well rounded and real that I had to keep reminding myself that this was historical fiction and not non-fiction!

I loved the strong faith element throughout the story, and the redemption and healing the characters go through. Hochstetler hasn't shied away from some of the gritty things in life but does it delicately enough for a sensitive reader such as myself to handle.

Overall, this was a beautifully written, slow burn romance with real emotional depth. I am partial to Amish/Mennonite stories, but I think you will still enjoy this if you don't generally read them. If you enjoy faith based historical romances, this is one not to be missed. I highly recommend it.

WOW! This book was such an amazing mix of raw human realness and history wrapped up in a story that is not your typical Amish/Mennonite book. I found myself relating to both Jude and Ellie.....and honestly with those on the outside looking in and judging them. Everything about this book made me keep turning pages and not wanting the story to end. Such a powerful story of the love of God for each and every one of us.

A Season for the Heart is a bit different for Amish fiction in all the best ways. The characters are well developed and multifaceted and the story itself has good depth. Some Amish novels get slogged down in repetitious telling what everyone ate or how they were thinking and never really go anywhere. A Season for the Heart deals with real and difficult issues and conflicts such as being pacifist and military service, making faith your own, bullying, assault, and illness and comes to good resolution. The romance is light but satisfying. I enjoyed the book very much.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read for my honest review.

This story is set in 1945. The Germans have surrendered but the WW2 is still raging on other fronts. Ellis, a young Mennonite woman, is planning to go to college and train to be a teacher. Her grandparents are Amish and her family still cling to some of the old ways. The are pacifists and fighting in the war is frowned upon. Her friend, Jude, had enlisted and has returned home injured. He enlisted over his parent’s objections. His relationship with the community is strained because of his involvement in the armed forces. Out of respect for his mother, he tries to blend in but he struggles with the restrictions of the Mennonite community. Ellie, also pushes the boundaries of the rules by having close relationships with “English” friends. She secretly tires wearing makeup and shortened dresses. She also had been engaged to Ted, a young Methodist who breaks their engagement when he goes away to college. Ellie has been helping Jude’s mother on their farm and wants to help him as well. She becomes close to Jude but is torn between him and Ted, who returns and tries to resume their relationship.
This story touches on the topics of religious prejudice, abuse and PTSD
This is not the type of story I usually read. It is much edgier and graphic than what I am accustomed to. There is an account of an attempted rape that was more graphic than what you would usually find in a book about the Amish and Mennonites.
This is also not a book you can hurry through.
I liked the amount of information there was about the Amish and particularly, the Mennonites. I liked that the author draws upon their personal family history. It makes the story believable. It was interesting to see how the two communities live together but yet apart.
The author also touches on abuse in families and how PTSD affects Jude and his fellow returning soldiers.
If you are looking for the typical, sweet Amish romance, this is most likely not the story for you. However, if you like more intense and edgy stories you should give this a try. This is not a fast read so settle in and get comfortable.
I give this my personal rating of 3 out of 5 stars. I really wanted to love this book. That being said, it is a faith-based story with several scripture quotes, which was welcomed. The story line of a Mennonite girl torn between different cultures was appealing to me, as was the setting of the WW2 era. The topic of PTSD was very interesting although it wasn’t called that then.
Why would a young Mennonite man enlist in the armed forces, going against his religious upbringing?
Which man will win Ellie’s heart? Does she ever realize her dream of being a teacher?
At this point in my reviews I usually include a link to the publisher’s website but I was unable to find one. This was another reason for my 3 star rating. Other postings state that the publisher is Sheaf House Publishers. A search for the title on Amazon, Netgalley or Goodreads should give you more information.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
A word about ARC books. Advanced Reading Copies (ARCs) are a preview copy and are not a finished product. They may differ from the final published work and may include additional editing.

A Season for the Heart is a beautifully written book. I enjoyed the plot and the characters. If you enjoy historical fiction I recommend this book. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.

This fiction story had a very clear details on the issues of each protagonist. Sometimes, It was difficult to read where the story tells of the girl being attacked by the drunk man.

This book hits on the ugliness of war and the aftermath. The characters were engaging and well defined. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

A Season for the Heart by a new-to-me-author, J. M. Hochstetler is one of the best books I have read in a while. That is saying something since I have read several great books lately. Also, while I enjoy books about the Amish community, these characters are now Mennonites, I do not usually seek out their stories. However, I simply loved this book. Taking place in the last year of WWII, it shows the conflict in the states, the changing times, and the need to look to the Lord for daily guidance. Jude is a complicated man while holding on to some of his upbringing but refusing to believe in God. This stems from his childhood but the loving community he returns to after being wounded in the war begins to cause him to question what he thought he knew.

I grew to love many of the characters especially Jude and Ellie. Thinking I knew how this story would go I was surprised when several unexpected events happened. Each event fit in the story, they were realistic and continued to move the story along. In the end, I couldn’t have been happier with the ending though Jude kept his plans close to the chest even from the reader until he revealed it to Ellie and us, the readers. I did so love this splendid book of learning to accept and depend on a loving God.

When I read the description of this book, it sounded like one I would enjoy. I was disappointed when I got into it, though, to find that it was basically Amish fiction, one of my pet peeves. I read the whole book, though. I would have greatly enjoyed it if it didn’t purport to be set in a conservative Mennonite setting. I really liked watching Jude and Ellie working through their issues and finding their way to a personal relationship with God. However, I have known a lot of conservative Mennonites, and never met any who wore coverings and the men wore ties; neither have I ever heard of any who practiced immersion baptism soon after conversion (all the ones I have known have baptised by pouring after a year or so of instruction classes). So, while I enjoyed the main story arc, I won’t be watching for more books by this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

This book was very eye-opening for me on several levels. It deals with many difficult issues like ptsd, the death of loved ones, and sexual assault. There's also a lot of emphasis on faith in God. "God's commands..they were like guardrails standing firm on either side of her path to keep her safe." (combination of sentences mine). All of the characters find themselves having to decide if their faith is relevant to them.

I liked Jude from the start! He's a hero and a protector. He's suffered a lot of abuse and comes home broken in body and spirit. He finds a safe haven in his neighbors. Their love and acceptance slowly mend his heart and allow him to heal and to find his faith. Ellie grows and matures so much throughout the book. Her faith is put to the test in many ways, but she stands firm.

The events of the war with Japan are kind of in the background. It comes up intermittently as explanations for circumstances and Jude's issues. It's easy to forget how war affects people, especially those who serve.

My favorite parts are watching the love story unfold! It's so sweet. It's stolen moments and secret glances! Two hearts becoming one!

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Sheaf House via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a great book. I did get confused by the differences and similarities of the Amish and Mennonite. Other than that, I enjoyed the faith content and the character development. This was my first book from this author, and I will continue to read her books! Also, the pacing was good and not slow or fast. If you like Amish and Mennonite romance or historical fiction, give this book a try.


This ARC was given to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a sweet wartime historical fiction. While I've read many that take place in this timeframe, it was especially interesting to see how Amish and Mennonite communities were impacted, challenges, and their lifestyle. At times this book was a little slow describing scenery/actions, and the back and forth emotional walls of the two main characters could be frustrating! But, it made for a sweet ending when they finally make the decisions.

“What difference does it make whether you’re Mennonite or some other denomination as long as you’re a Christian?”

I’ll remember this book for the opportunity to learn more about the importance of our depth of conviction, for the thought-provoking questions explored, and for the frequency of highlighting passages.

The main theme of this story was control and I appreciated seeing how some of the characters wrestled with moving forward when they were constrained by things out of their control. One of the characters resented the restrictive traditions of her religion and adamantly stated that she didn’t “intend to be beholden to others.” The author uses this as a springboard to explore the beliefs of the Mennonite and Amish communities and how they rely on helping one another. For one of their own to have this attitude was dangerous, but she showed how God gently worked within and softened their hearts. I loved seeing the growth when the main characters began helping others.

I also enjoyed reminders about:
✔️Regret and the importance of trusting God
✔️“Just remember, when he takes something away, it’s to give us something better.”
✔️The struggle at being considered a good witness when we feel our faith is so weak
✔️What God can teach us about chafing against his protective care
✔️The need to see things from another’s point of view. Ella needed to see how ‘choosing Ted’ was worrisome for her parents. We can have ‘teen vision’ in any aspect of our life - even our spiritual life!

I had no idea that during the war:
❗there was a restriction put in place by the War Production Board about the length of women’s clothing. It was interesting to read about how this ‘guideline’ affected the conservative beliefs of the Amish and Mennonite communities.
❗That some were shunned in these communities for their desire to fight for their country
❗That there were speed limits imposed

I loved the visual that the author presented about guardrails - that the Church’s teachings are like guardrails standing firm on either side of our path to keep us safe. I need to pivot sometimes to have this point of view.

Reading this book has me convinced to add this author to my auto-read list.

I was gifted this copy by Books Go Social and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

This was a lovely story. There was so much about faith in Jesus and trusting in God. There were endearing, amusing moments and those that brought tears and even anger. There was authentic characters such as Judah who questioned God's love and care, and Ellie who struggled with her Mennonite upbringing with all its restrictions with which I could relate. I really liked how the author carefully crafted the emotions and thought processes of the characters. Issues such as child abuse, PTSD from war, and other trauma were touched upon. Of course there was sweet romance but I thought all the issues in this historical fiction story were well balanced.

I was truly satisfied with this story and have been savoring it for the past couple of days. I'd like to rate this heartfelt read with a 5-Star rating.

~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~

October 2024

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by Net Galley and the publisher.

This was such a great book! It was a very emotional read and I really felt for the main characters. They went through a lot in this book and it was very emotional.

Although Judah Mast was raised Mennonite and nonresistant, he joined to serve as a Marine in WWII. What will await him upon returning home severely injured? Will he be accepted into the close-knit community?

A story of coming to terms with your past, mercy, grace, redemption, and finding what your heart has always longed for.

Releases Nov. 1st. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I received this book for free from @netgalley for my honest opinion. This book is set historically in the WWII era in Indiana. You will walk alongside Jude (Judah) as he grapples with his faith (or lack of), his trauma from the war and his father and his crippling injuries from war. Alternatively you’ll also walk alongside Ellie as she struggles with chasing her dream of teaching and life outside of the Mennonite community she lives in or remaining and following her heart. There are references to war, war injuries, farm injuries, and attempted force on a woman. I gave this book 5 stars due to the historical accuracy of the time, smooth writing, storyline and overall sweetness of it all. I enjoyed myself immensely with this read and really appreciated how the author shared with us how her novel was inspired by her parents experiences in the Indiana Amish/Mennonite community.

I just finished this story. Wow!
This was a different kind of story by this author and I wasn't disappointed by any means.
A lot of drama unfolds throughout this book. Lots of past and present hurts that Jude and Ellie are dealing with.
My heart went out to both of them. I wanted to pull them in for a big hug because of they've went through.
Each has to forgive in order to move on and have peace for themselves. Can they do it?
Some twists and turns that I didn't see coming either which is what made this wonderful story a page turner.
I didn't want this story to end. These characters have touched my heart in more ways than one.
Especially Jude. He's my favorite simply because of all he's endured from family and war.
Sometimes we don't see or realize things that are happening to the ones we love until it's almost too late.
I will leave you with this thought
The grass isn't always greener on the other side. It might look it to others but really it's not.
Here's a quote;
“It’s funny that I had to go halfway around to world to
find out that this is where I belong. And where I want to be with ith you. Always."
There is some faith element in this story but not overly much.
And another one
To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven . . . A time to be born, and a time to die. A time to kill, and a time to heal. A time to love, and a time to hate. A time of war, and a time of peace.
And so, too, a season for the heart.
I want to mention that I learned something about the Mennonite church. I wish more stories were written about them.
5 stars from me. I highly recommend it.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

Set in a Mennonite community in Indiana near the end of World War II, A Season for the Heart, by J. M. Hochstetler, asks age old questions such as "Why does a God who is good allow war and suffering?" and "How do I learn to be content with what God has given me?" Ellie has just finished high school and is working to pay room and board for college so she can become a teacher. Her old boyfriend, who is not a Mennonite, wants to get back together. This causes all of the yearning Ellie had for things "plain" people don't have and don't do to return with a vengeance. Jude, a neighbor's son, was abused as a child and ran away to join the Marines. He was severely wounded on Iwo Jima and is now returning back to his widowed mother and to the home place he never wanted to see again. Jude wonders if there is even a God, and if so how could he allow war, abuse, and suffering.

With the kindnesses of neighbors, Jake's heart begins to soften. But several traumatic events to Ellie and her family cause his heart to harden. This is a sweet story of how God never gives up on people and how, through the love shown by believers, good can come from it all. I was able to read an ARC on #NetGalley.

3.5 stars.
A story about a wounded hero navigating different and conflicting worlds until he finds peace, “A Season for the Heart”, by J.M Hochstetler, is also a compelling outlook into Amish and Mennonite beliefs and lifestyles.
The conflict between religious beliefs, pacifism and patriotism, themes of domestic violence and bullying, and traditional gender roles are portrayed through the characters and pervade the historical novel.
Jude is an amazing hero, a “wounded, battle-hardened stranger” who has seen war, death, destruction, needs peace and feels an outsider in his small community.
Jude’s initial disorientation and anguish about the future and the slow recovery are conveyed in a very realistic way.
Ellie is a great heroine, too. She’s down-to-earth but kind, and has dreams and ambitions going “beyond their plain way of life”.
I really liked how lovingly the author lead us through her characters inner worlds and turmoil. I felt very much in tune with them, particularly the main characters.
The slow romance is also sweet and heartfelt.
The depiction of Amish and Mennnonite beliefs and lifestyles, the hardships of farming, the cruelty of war are also engaging.
I found the book dragged a bit in the end. Jude’s renewal of faith seemed a bit quick for me.