Abby is a lay midwife, one who is trained through experience, delivering babies along side a certified nurse midwife or doctor who does home birth deliveries. This subject is near and dear to my heart because all five of my own children were delivered by certified nurse midwives at home. I know from personal experience how things can get complicated, like being surprised by twins... I also know what a political hot potato midwifery can be...
So, when things go wrong and a woman dies in childbirth, Abby ends up in jail for practicing midwifery without a license and for possessing and administering a drug that she gave as a last resort to try to save the mother's life.
But this book is really about some incredibly interesting characters, people to whom I bonded with surprising ease. Catherine, Abby's sister who comes to help Daniel (Abby's husband) care for their two children. Isaiah, Daniel's sexy deaf cousin who lives in a lovely renovated shack on the property... who knew?? Nathan, the grieving widower- trust me, you won't want to miss his "group therapy" session. Just to name a few...
Mary Ellis makes you forget that "Amish" is a genre, and just wraps you up in relationships and surprises, hopes and tears (good ones). I was impressed.
This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Abigail's New Hope Harvest House Publishers (April 1, 2011) by Mary Ellis
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A word from the author:I grew up close to the eastern Ohio Amish community of Geauga County, where my parents often took me to farmers’ markets and woodworking fairs. My husband and I now live within the largest population of Amish in the country–a four-county area in central Ohio. We love to take weekend getaways to purchase farm produce and other goodies, stay with Amish families in bed and breakfasts, attend country auctions and enjoy the simpler way of life.
This is my first series of novels set in the Amish community.
I would love to hear from readers of Christian novels. Please leave me a post at my blogsite.
ABOUT THE BOOK
As an Amish midwife, Abigail Graber loves bringing babies into the world. But when a difficult delivery takes a devastating turn, Abigail is faced with some hard choices. Despite her best efforts, the young mother dies—but the baby is saved.
When a heartless judge confines Abigail to the county jail for her mistakes, her sister Catherine comes to care for her children while Daniel works his fields. Catherine meets Daniel’s reclusive cousin, Isaiah, who’s deaf and thought to be simple minded by his community. She endeavors to teach him to communicate and discovers he possesses unexpected gifts and talents.
While Abigail searches for forgiveness, Catherine changes lives and, in return, finds love, something long elusive in her life. And Isaiah discovers God, who cares nothing about our handicaps or limitations in His sustaining love.
An inspirational tale of overcoming grief, maintaining faith, and finding hope in an ever-changing world.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Abigail's New Hope, go HERE.
Watch the book trailer:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
This is my first series of novels set in the Amish community.
I would love to hear from readers of Christian novels. Please leave me a post at my blogsite.
ABOUT THE BOOK
When a heartless judge confines Abigail to the county jail for her mistakes, her sister Catherine comes to care for her children while Daniel works his fields. Catherine meets Daniel’s reclusive cousin, Isaiah, who’s deaf and thought to be simple minded by his community. She endeavors to teach him to communicate and discovers he possesses unexpected gifts and talents.
While Abigail searches for forgiveness, Catherine changes lives and, in return, finds love, something long elusive in her life. And Isaiah discovers God, who cares nothing about our handicaps or limitations in His sustaining love.
An inspirational tale of overcoming grief, maintaining faith, and finding hope in an ever-changing world.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Abigail's New Hope, go HERE.
Watch the book trailer:
8 comments:
The book sounds different, but definitely interesting.
Hi Rachna! The Amish are people who shun our "modern" lifestyle, conveniences, fashion and ways of doing things in order to live a simple life dedicated to God and family. They farm and build furniture, etc.
(Coming from India, you may not have ever heard of the Amish people.) :)
I loved the characters- they were flawed but so likable and real- I FELT this story.
Cheryl, thanks so much for reviewing my book on your blog site. Goodness, you have a lovely, professional blog. (it puts my own to shame...smile..) I had tears in my eyes when you shared your story about your own home deliveries. Twins, unexpected?? What a blessed surprise! thanks for sharing your story with me. Mary Ellis
Mary, thank you so much for stopping by! I couldn't resist commenting further on you blog, which is lovely, by the way.
So, Everyone, check out Mary Ellis' blog, you'll be glad you did!
You were surprised by twins?? Wow!
Hi Terri! Yes, I decided not to have any ultra-sound. So, imagine my surprise, when, instead of delivering the placenta, I was blessed by another beautiful boy!
I love books like these. The amish are a people that I find so interesting. This book sounds wonderful. Especially since the characters sound like they were true to life.
I'm so very thankful to have you for a friend, Cheryl. :-)
Robyn! Yes, I even asked my lawyer husband about the judge's really high bail amount and he said that, depending on who was hearing the case, it could be that high... so Mary's facts were totally feasible. Love that good research.
Blessings right back to you, Robyn- you made my day!
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