The Solace of Water

The Solace of Water
Elizabeth Byler Younts
(Harper Collins/Thomas Nelson)
ISBN: 978-0718075668
June 2018/368 pages/$15.99
In a time of grief and heartache, an unlikely friendship provides strength and solace.

After leaving her son’s grave behind in Montgomery, Alabama, Delilah Evans has little faith that moving to her husband’s hometown in Pennsylvania will bring a fresh start. Enveloped by grief and doubt, the last thing Delilah imagines is becoming friends with her reclusive Amish neighbor, Emma Mullet—yet the secrets that keep Emma isolated from her own community bond her to Delilah in delicate and unexpected ways.

Delilah’s eldest daughter, Sparrow, bears the brunt of her mother’s pain, never allowed for a moment to forget she is responsible for her brother’s death. When tensions at home become unbearable for her, she seeks peace at Emma’s house and becomes the daughter Emma has always wanted. Sparrow, however, is hiding secrets of her own—secrets that could devastate them all.

With the white, black, and Amish communities of Sinking Creek at their most divided, there seems to be little hope for reconciliation. But long-buried hurts have their way of surfacing, and Delilah and Emma find themselves facing their own self-deceptions. Together they must learn how to face the future through the healing power of forgiveness.

Eminently relevant to the beauty and struggle in America today, The Solace of Water offers a glimpse into the turbulent 1950s and reminds us that friendship rises above religion, race, and custom—and has the power to transform a broken heart.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth Byler Younts writes women's fiction for Harper Collins/Thomas Nelson. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She gained a worldwide audience through her first book Seasons: A Real Story of an Amish Girl and is a RITA nominated writer. She is also the author of The Promise of Sunrise series. She has consulted on Amish lifestyle and the Pennsylvania Dutch dialect for two award-winning television shows. Elizabeth lives in Central Pennsylvania with her husband, two daughters, and a cockapoo named Fable. Learn more at her website and visit her on Facebook and Pinterest.


MY THOUGHTS

Having read each of Elizabeth Byler Younts's previous books, I knew this would be an exceptional novel, but she has exceeded even my high expectations. Few authors mine the depth of character development that Younts does, delving inside to the grief and secrets buried deep within each of these seemingly very different women and proving that hearts are not so different after all. Carefully researched and set in a tumultuous time in our nation's history, The Solace of Water delicately depicts the internal and external struggles, fears, and opposition Delilah, Sparrow, Emma and their families face as they intersect and interact amidst the expectations, prejudices, and rules--both written and unwritten--of their communities. Younts impeccably portrays each woman's anguish, capturing thought and voice with heart-rending authenticity. Their individual and collective journeys toward friendship, grace, and forgiveness are timeless and will resonate with women in all stages and walks of life. Perfect for book clubs, neighborhood groups, and accountability partners, The Solace of Water will linger in your mind and heart long after the final page is turned. Don't miss this literary masterpiece.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Harper Collins/Thomas Nelson Publishers. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Promise to Keep Plus a Giveaway!

Promise to Keep
(Promise of Sunrise)
Elizabeth Byler Younts
(Howard Books)
ISBN: 978-1476735054
October 2015/352 pages/$14.99

World War II Marine Joe Garrison returns home from war longing to be a father to his deaf daughter, Daisy, only to find that she is attached to Esther Detweiler, the Amish woman who has raised her since his wife’s death in this touching historical romance.

Orphaned as a child, Esther Detweiler is used to caring for herself and her ailing grandmother. They made the best out of a hard life and poverty without asking for help. They even take in her shunned cousin’s deaf daughter, Daisy, when her mother dies and her father goes off to war. When Esther’s grandmother dies, Daisy is all she has.

When war veteran Joe Garrison returns, all he can think about is recovering from the horrors of war and building a relationship with his seven-year-old daughter. Daisy, however, is unwilling to leave Esther, whom she loves. Joe and Daisy get to know each other again, but Joe struggles with nightmares and fatherhood is proving to be more difficult than he imagined. Esther loves Daisy and despite her Amish ways, Joe finds himself drawn to her as a woman and not just a caregiver.

As their love blossoms, Joe decides to send Daisy away to a school for the deaf which propels their lives into turmoil and a battle for love and family.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth Byler Younts is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She 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. She lives in Central Pennsylvania with her husband and two daughters. Learn more by visiting her website and Facebook Author Page.

MY THOUGHTS

Elizabeth Byler Younts is in a class all her own when it comes to writing Amish fiction. Her family history lends an authenticity that resonates throughout her stories, and this, her third standalone novel in this series, is a beautiful historical tale set in the World War II era. A gifted wordsmith, Younts swept me back decades and immersed me in the the lives of Esther, Daisy, and Joe. The attitudes of the time toward deafness were an eye-opener for me and, quite frankly, heartbreaking. Younts weaves a mulit-dimensional tale as she delves into matters of family, tradition, faith, and love. Raw and honest, this book made me cry and smile, and I couldn't put it down until I finished it. Don't miss this book or this series, and add Younts to your list of must-read authors. Highly, highly recommended!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Elizabeth Byler Younts and Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”



Click on the titles to read my reviews of the first two novels in this series:
Promise to Return
Promise to Cherish


GIVEAWAY!!

I have an extra copy of this book that I am giving to one of you! Enter via Rafflecopter below.

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Promise to Cherish - A Must-Read!

Promise to Return
(Promise of Sunshine)
Elizabeth Byler Younts
(Howard Books)
ISBN: 978-1476735030
October 2014/352 pages/$14.99
As World War II draws to a close, nurse Christine falls in love with roguish Amish boy Eli and must choose between a new, uncertain life in the Amish faith or face the judgment of a conservative postwar American society for her past mistakes.

It’s 1945, and Christine Freeman is a nurse at Hudson River State Hospital, where she works alongside members of a Civilian Public Service unit. Eli is one of the conscies—conscientious objectors to the war—and he is doing his best to become a man of character instead of the immature heartbreaker he used to be back home in his Amish community.

Christine and Eli are friendly, but when an old acquaintance, Jack, returns home from the war, Christine’s world is violently turned upside down. Eli, heartbroken to see his friend so hurt, offers her an escape within his Amish community. Despite her misgivings, Christine is fully embraced by Eli’s community. She slowly begins to feel valued and loved as she learns the Amish way of life.

Christine finds herself falling for Eli. But soon, the abusive Jack discovers Christine in her Amish hideaway and starts causing trouble for the quiet community. Christine can’t see herself becoming Amish, and she knows that if Eli leaves the church to be with her, he will be shunned. Will she escape Jack and possibly have to give up the one thing she holds most dear, or will she follow her heart and promise to cherish the Amish man who loves her?


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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.

MY THOUGHTS

I knew when I read Elizabeth Byler Younts’s first novel, Promise to Return (reviewed here), that she is a gifted author whose books would stand out from the rest of the Amish fiction genre. This sophomore release simply confirms that assertion. Rife with history gleaned from her own family background, Promise to Cherish focuses on a lesser-known aspect of Amish culture and World War II history: the role of Amish conscientious objectors and the services they rendered to the country during this pivotal era. Younts has once again crafted a tale that engages the heart and mind with its authentic setting, believable and endearing characters, and themes of faith, family, and forgiveness. At times painfully honest in its portrayal of the attitudes and beliefs of the time period, this novel simultaneously addresses issues that transcend the decades. From the opening pages to the richly satisfying conclusion, I remained engrossed in this story, staying up until the wee hours to finish it. Don’t miss this book and this series!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Elizabeth Byler Younts and Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Coming Next Week!

Promise to Cherish by Elizabeth Byler Younts releases Tuesday, October 7! Click the image to pre-order now. My review is coming Monday!

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Promise to Return - A Fabulous Debut Novel

I am absolutely thrilled to tell you about a debut novel by a delightful new author. I was blessed to meet Elizabeth Byler Younts at ACFW in 2012 and she has become a dear friend. I was deeply honored that she asked me to endorse her novel, Promise to Return--my first official endorsement! I promised I would be completely honest but she needn't have worried! This is not your typical Amish novel; she has set the bar extremely high and written a novel that will give you much to ponder. Elizabeth is a gifted author and I can't wait to see what God has in store for her writing journey.

Promise to Return
(Promise of Sunrise)
Elizabeth Byler Younts
(Howard Books)
ISBN: 978-1476735016
October 2013/320 pages/$14.99
When World War II breaks out, Miriam Coblentz’s peaceful Amish world is turned upside down...

It’s 1943, and Miriam Coblentz and Henry Mast are nearing their wed­ding day when the unthinkable happens—Henry is drafted. However, since he is a part of the pacifist Amish tradition, Henry is sent to a conscientious objector Civilian Public Service camp. When he leaves for the work camp, his gaping absence turns Miriam’s life upside down. Little does she know it’s only the beginning... When Henry returns home, he brings news that shakes Miriam and their Amish community to the core. Henry believes God has called him to enlist in the army and fight for his country, leaving her to make an impor­tant decision: whether to choose loyalty to the peaceful life she’s always known or her love for Henry. Two worlds collide in this unforgettable debut novel, providing a fasci­nating and rare look into Amish culture during World War II. While Henry is battling enemies across the ocean, Miriam struggles between her devotion to Henry and her love of the Amish way of life. One question is at the bottom of it all: will she follow the rules of her religion or the leading of her heart?


Elizabeth Byler Younts is this week's ACFW Featured Author Interview. Read that interview here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I’m Elizabeth, a blessed child of The King. I’m a middle-born daughter, military officer’s wife, homeschooling mama, writer, closet DIYer, and, dare I say it, Downton Abbey addict. May I also mention that I love both my history and my coffee rich.

I am formerly Amish and my heritage is very dear to me and thankful to be so accepted among my still Amish family. I can still speak PA Dutch, too! You can learn more about my Amish family in my first book Seasons: A Real Story of an Amish Girl.

My three book series with Howard Books (a division of Simon & Schuster) is a dream come true. The series is titled The Promise of Sunrise. In this series you will live through World War 2 from an Amish perspective and experience their unique struggles as conscientious objectors during wartime. What happened if one of their members enlisted? What was it like to serve at the Civilian Public Service Camps for years with almost no compensation? How did Amish women and families cope when a son or father was drafted? I look forward to taking you back into the richness of these years of Amish history through fiction.

I’m happily represented by the Natasha Kern Agency. I’m more than happy about this actually; I’m over the moon about it!


MY ENDORSEMENT

“With an authenticity birthed by her own familial Amish roots, Elizabeth Byler Younts brings a fresh and gifted voice to Amish fiction in her debut novel. Stirring prose and richly developed characters resonate deeply, touching the heart. An evocative portrayal of the conflicts of heart, home, and culture that arise when an Amish young man enlists in the Army during World War II, this is a must-read. I’m already eagerly anticipating Elizabeth’s next novel!”




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received an advanced copy of this book from Howard Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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October New Releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.


Contemporary Romance:

Yuletide Twins by Renee Andrews -- Pregnant with twins, Laura Holland needs a friend and a job, but she gets--a town she adores, a job she cherishes and a guy she loves. However, it may all go away...at Christmas, unless someone--maybe even a Secret Santa--decides this is the Christmas for miracles. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired)

Merry Humbug Christmas by Sandra D. Bricker -- A Merry Humbug Christmas features two holiday romance novellas from hilarious and heartwarming author Sandra D. Bricker. -- the perfect gift to yourself or someone else at this most wonderfully stressful time of year. (Contemporary Romance from B&H Publishing)

The Christmas Quilt by Vannetta Chapman -- Annie's life is deliciously full as the Christmas season approaches. She helps her husband, Samuel, attend to the community's minor medical needs. She occasionally assists Belinda, the local midwife. And most days, she finds herself taking the buggy to her brother, Adam's home. Leah is due to deliver their first child before Christmas morning, and Annie is determined to finish a crib quilt before the boppli arrives. But God's plans are different from Annie's and she may not finish the quilt in time. And, it may hold a far greater significance that she ever imagined. (Contemporary Romance from Abingdon Press)

Healing Grace by Beth Shriver -- The Touch of Grace trilogy series is about three faithful women who, when faced with three separate hardships, are torn between the men they love and staying true to themselves. Even in a world where retribution is almost expected, the Amish demonstrate that all can be pardoned, by following their vow of no resistance which shows the deep-rooted forgiveness within them. (Contemporary Romance from Realms[Charisma Media])

The Dawn of Christmas by Cindy Woodsmall -- Sadie Yoder enjoys her freedom away from home but after four years, her Old Order Amish family insists it's time to come home and settle down. Levi, a bachelor who distrusts women after a family heartbreak, also has no desire for romance. To keep their families from meddling in their lives, Sadie and Levi devise a plan-but soon discover that the walls around their hearts are breaking down. Can they let go of their prejudices, learn to trust each other, and embrace a future together? (Contemporary Romance from Waterbrook Multnomah [Random House])

Romantic Suspense:

Severed Trust: The Men of the Texas Rangers, Book 4 by Margaret Daley -- As Sadie Thompson is pulled into doing something about the growing problem, she becomes involved with Ethan Stone—a Texas Ranger who suspects the drug ring reaches far beyond the high school. (Romantic Suspense from Abingdon Press)

Warning Signs by Katy Lee -- When a drug-smuggling ring rocks a small coastal town, the DEA sends Agent Owen Matthews to shut it down. A single father with a deaf son, Owen senses that the town's number one suspect—the high school's new principal-doesn't fit the profile. Miriam Hunter hoped to shrug off the stigma of her hearing impairment when she returned to Stepping Stones, Maine. But her recurring nightmares dredge up old memories that could prove her innocence-and uncover the truth behind a decades-old murder. Yet Owen's help may not be enough when someone decides to keep Miriam silenced-permanently. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired)

Danger in Amish Country by Marta Perry, Diane Burke, Kit Wilkinson -- Love and Danger collide in three new Amish novellas: Fall from Grace by Marta Perry, Dangerous Homecoming by Diane Burke and Return to Willow Trace by Kit Wilkinson. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired)

Thread of Suspicion by Susan Sleeman-- Can private investigator Dani Justice find the expert hacker framing Luke Baldwin for espionage before the hacker succeeds in ending her life? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired)

Historical Romance:

Perfectly Matched by Maggie Brendan -- Anna Olsen knows it's time to leave her sister's increasingly crowded house and start a life of her own. Following her sisters' examples, she becomes a mail-order bride, and after a short correspondence with clock maker and jeweler Edward Parker, she moves to Denver to become his wife. Almost immediately it's painfully apparent that Anna and Edward are very different. Anna is a free spirit who would rather be painting and enjoying the company of friends than cleaning house. Edward is a consummate perfectionist who, on their wedding day, hands Anna a list of chores that need to be done around the house daily. Can this mismatched couple see past their differences to a harmonious future? (Historical Romance from Revell [Baker])

Gunpowder Tea by Margaret Brownley -- She's a Pinkerton detective. He's working undercover for Wells Fargo. Neither has a clue about love. (Historical Romance from Thomas Nelson)

A Bride for Noah (Seattle Brides) by Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith -- Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith, beloved authors of the Amish of Apple Grove series, team up again in an exciting new series for devoted fans and new readers. It's 1851, and Evie Lawrence is penniless and heartbroken after a failed romance. When a kind elderly man announces his plan to move west and make his fortune, Evie jumps at the chance to go with him and start a new life. She says goodbye to the only home she's ever known and sets out for the Northwest. There she meets Noah Hughes, a handsome young man who has gambled everything he owns on the chance to make a fresh start. (Historical Romance from Harvest House)

A Bride for Keeps by Melissa Jagears -- Set in 1876 Kansas, a love story reminiscent of Love Comes Softly meets poignant romance in the style of Deeanne Gist. "Melissa's writing put me in mind of Janette Oke's sweet prairie romances but with a bit more edge, which I found compelling...I loved it." - Mary Connealy (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker])

The Soul of the Rose by Ruth Trippy -- Celia is searching for her own sense of hope after the tragic death of her closest friend. Moving in 1876 to work in a Massachusetts bookstore to start life afresh, she soon catches the eye of not one, but two men: the elite but unkempt Edward Lyons and the charming law student Charles Harrod. One is hiding from his past and from God. The other promotes a religious belief Celia had never before considered. (Historical Romance from Abingdon Press)

The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky -- Two worlds . . . one calling. Will Julia return to her missionary work in exotic India, or should she follow her heart and stay on as governess at the magnificent country estate of Sir William Ramsey? Fans of Downton Abbey and the Edwardian era will love the romance of The Governess of Highland Hall where the divide between upper and lower class meets the spirit of faith, hope, and trust. (Historical Romance from Waterbrook Multnomah [Random House])

Promise to Return by Elizabeth Byler Younts -- When World War II breaks out, Miriam's fiancé, Henry, is drafted and sent to a conscientious objector camp. But when Henry feels called to fight on the front lines, he goes against the Amish church to follow God's will - forcing Miriam to choose between the rules of her religion and the leading of her heart. (Historical Romance from Howard [Simon & Schuster])

Medical Suspense:

Heart Failure by Richard L. Mabry, MD -- When her fiance's dangerous secrets turn her world upside down, a beautiful doctor must choose between her own safety and the man she loves--and thought she knew. (Medical Suspense from Thomas Nelson)

General Contemporary:

On a Summer Night by Diane Dean White -- A nightmare witnessed between two young women, and one couldn't forget or forgive. Kate had never told her husband about the experience that changed their lives forever in southern Florida. Maybe it was time to tell him her story. (General Contemporary from CrossLink Publishing)

General Historical:

A Reluctant Courtship by Laurie Alice Eakes -- A woman without a prospect. A man without a homeland. Can love give them a future? (General Historical from Revell [Baker])

Gideon's Call by Peter Leavell -- Tad, a very clever slave boy, comes of age as the American Civil War intrudes on the tropical sea islands of South Carolina. But his desire to better himself is obstructed by the color of his skin, until Northern soldiers force the evacuation of white plantation owners, setting 10,000 slaves free in a single day. These circumstances seem like a dream, but the newly freed slaves have no money, no education, no leadership, and little hope for the future. This is the story of how a boy grows into a man. (Literary Historical from Worthy Publishing)

The Earl's Ward by Carolyn R. Scheidies -- Turned out of the village, Angella has nowhere to go, but when the Earl rescues her she wonders if things have taken a turn for the better...or the worse. (Historical from Heartsong Presents)

Speculative Fiction:

Dark Biology by Bonnie Doran -- A scientist, marooned on the International Space Station, races to develop a vaccine for a deadly virus her brother unleashes on Earth at their father's Christian marriage seminar. (Speculative Fiction from Harbourlight Books [Pelican])

And one more new release that inadvertently got left off the list but I have to include it because I adore Deb Raney and her books!

Silver Bells by Deborah RaneyAs Elvis croons from the radio and Christmas descends upon a small Kansas town, two people find the miracle of love. Michelle Penn has dropped out of college to work as a reporter for a tiny weekly newspaper. The boss's son, Robert Merrick III, is quickly making her forget all about her former sweetheart, Kevin, who has shipped out to Vietnam. Rob loves the newspaper business but feels trapped working for his father. He dreams of having his own newspaper, but now that he's met Michelle, she is what he wants most of all. Rob is forbidden by office policy to date Michelle, but if he were to quit his job, he'd have nothing to offer her. As snow blankets the town, it seems that the gifts Rob and Michelle most desire -- each other -- are out of reach. But then, they didn't count on a small Christmas miracle. (Contemporary Romance from Summerside Press [Guideposts])

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