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Title: The Parting (The Courtship of Nellie Fisher, Book 1)
ISBN: 076420310X
Author:
Beverly Lewis
Publicate Date: 2007-10-01
Publish: 2007-10-01
List Price: $13.99
Average Customer Rating: 4.5
Format: Paperback
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Amazon Lowest New Price: $2.28
Amazon Lowest Used Price: $1.93
Amazon Merchant Price: $11.19
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| Customer Review: |
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1: Far too preachy.
I enjoy Lewis's books for the most part, mainly for the interesting characters, simple way of life, and storylines that are palpable for their emotions and challenges that the characters face. But this book really was a turkey. All I found was Lewis's overwhelming urge to convert all her readers to be born-again Christians. I am a happy Catholic, thank you, and I just want to read a good story, not be bombarded with the "right" way to live my life.
The part that upset me the most was when the father never cried when his daughter Suzy died, yet once he discovers "the good word," he is constantly weeping. And it's not because this means his daughter has been saved and is now in heaven (as other characters start to believe); it's only for himself and knowing that's he's better than everyone else because he knows "the truth." I just can't swallow that.
But, of course, I'll have to read the rest of the books in this series because they're like potato chips: once you read one, you can't stop! But if you're looking to read some of Lewis's series, I would forget this one and go for any of her other novels (esp. Abram's Daughters).
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2: A Good Read
Though not as rich and detailed as some of her previous works (particularly the Abram's Daughters series), The Parting is still a token of Beverly Lewis's sweet and meaningful stories. Nellie Mae Fisher and her family are grieving the accidental death of Nellie's younger sister, Suzy. Meanwhile, their Old Order Amish community is experiencing a radical change in its members' beliefs. And Nellie Mae is falling in love with Caleb Yoder.
The way those factors interplay in Nellie's life does make for a good story. The interest level came at intervals for me; some sections of the novel are engaging and intriguing, while others are slow and almost overly detailed. Still, The Parting is an enjoyable read, particularly as it deals with faith issues in the Amish community.
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3: A Stand Out among Many
I purchased this book some time ago but didn't start to read it until a few days ago. In an increasingly crowded market of Amish/Mennonite books, I was getting a little put off by the similar plots. But Beverly stands out in the crowd- this was a fantastic read. I can't wait for the next in the series to come out. She is able to keep the plot fresh and exciting. I highly recommend!!
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4: More Greatness from Bev Lewis
Beverly Lewis has a true gift for writing. Other authors may try to imitate and capitalize on her success of writing of the Amish, but their quality does not come close. Endearing characters that feel like longtime friends, heart wrenching plots all with a glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel, and with God's help. I cried and laughed and anticipated with these characters. Anyone would truly love these novels and all her others, too. Beverly is a woman of God and it shows in her stories. I have read the others and was so disappointed. Nothing compares to Beverly, once you have read hers you will never be able to stomach the rest. You won't be able to put these books down!
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5: A must read
For me this was an important book. I had no prior knowledge concerning the Amish position on reading the bible. I had assumed that since they have given up the earthly world to embrace the plain world, they also read the word.
I learned through the message of this book that the Amish do not read the word for themselves. The bishop's interpretation of the word is what they believe. Reuben's discovery of the word as he read the key to everlasting life is not through good works, but by embracing his belief in Jesus as the savior.
As Reuben cherishes and rejoices the word, his fears and woes dissapate. He becomes born again of the spirit. Reuben's love for his wife takes a new direction, as does his love for his children. He cries for the first time as he hears the truth for the first time; Jesus died for us, for our sins. He learns about forgiveness and the power of individual prayer.
Reuben wanted to share his love for others by sharing the word with all his family and friends. He and Manny want to start a bible study focusing on the books of the new testement. The bishop does not support their efforts. So the parting.
Reading the bible for themselves becomes the parting of the Amish community. There are those who received the grace of God through their reading, and those who continue to join the bishop's Sunday services. So the tension throughout the community begins.
I am anxiously awaiting for the second book in this series. I am awaiting to see where Ms. Lewis takes this thread. How the Amish resolve this critical threat to their old beliefs in the old world.
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