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Customer Reviews for Bethany House The Guardian, Home to Hickory Hollow Series #3
Bethany House The Guardian, Home to Hickory Hollow Series #3
When schoolteacher Jodi Winfield goes for a morning run, the last thing she expects is to find a disheveled little girl all alone on the side of the Pennsylvania road, clad only in her undergarments, her chubby cheeks streaked with tears. Jodi takes the preschooler home with her, intending to find out where she belongs. But Jodi is mystified when no one seems to know of a missing child, and the girl herself is no help, since she can't speak a word of English. It's as if the child appeared out of nowhere.
Home to Hickory Hollow Series | Beverly Lewis
Average Customer Rating:
(28 Reviews) 28
Rating Snapshot (28 reviews)
5 stars
17
4 stars
11
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
28 out of 28100%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for The Guardian, Home to Hickory Hollow Series #3
Review 1 for The Guardian, Home to Hickory Hollow Series #3
Overall Rating:
A Visit To Hickory Hollow
Date:May 16, 2013
Grace
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Jodi Winfield's cousins ask her to house sit in beautiful Hickory Hollow, Lancaster County, PA, nestled in an Old Order Amish Community. Shortly after she arrives, she finds a disheveled little Amish girl, alone, on the side of the road. In her efforts to find the child's family, she is introduced and welcomed into this cloistered world.
Jodi, engaged to Trent, is planning their wedding. There is one problem. Trent desires children, but Jodi, after the recent death of her sister Karen, has no desire to become a mother. Both ponder the wisdom of marriage with such opposite views.
The Hickory Hollow school is in need of a teacher for two months. When the school board observes the adoration of the Amish children with Jodi, the board asks her to substitute for two months. Will accepting this position change her mind on the subject of motherhood?
The Guardian by Beverly Lewis is the third book in the Home To Hickory Hollow series, but stands alone in its plot. Beverly Lewis is brilliant in her weaving of the characters and sub-plots. With each chapter, I became more intrigued with the residents of Hickory Hollow. What I thought was the main plot, was only a sub-plot in the mystery of this novel. It captured me from the first chapter until the last page. The Guardian not only entertains, but also gives the reader insight into the Amish community. You will enjoy a few hours of escape to Hickory Hollow, and look forward to your next visit with the fourth book in this series, The Secret Keeper, which is due on September 3, 2013.
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Review 2 for The Guardian, Home to Hickory Hollow Series #3
Overall Rating:
Filled with Spiritual Wisdom
Date:May 15, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Jodi is a young woman struggling to piece together her life after losing her sister. While her parents and fiancé all love her deeply there is something missing in her life. Since the loss of her sister—Jodi has given up on God. She has stopped talking to Him and that causes a void in her life that she can’t seem to fill.
Coming September,2013!
Coming September,2013!
When a young Amish girl, Sarah falls out of the family buggy—it is Jodi that finds her and returns her to her mother. Sarah is drawn to Jodi and though her mother, Maryanna is worried about developing a relationship with Jodi she can’t say no to her youngest daughter.
Jodi begins to spend more time with Sarah and her family and her heart begins the slow process of mending while her faith begins to be renewed. Only time will tell if Jodi’s heart will mend enough to draw her closer to her fiancé and to her parents.
Maryanna is also dealing with her own silent grief—the loss of her husband, Benuel who was truly her best friend. She feels that she can never love another but also worries that her children are suffering without the firm guidance of a father figure in their life.
Local widower, Joshua is very interested in Maryanna. Having have lost his wife and unborn child in recent years, he is finally looking towards the future rather than living in the past. The problem is that Joshua was Benuel’s best friend and their neighbor which gives Maryanna a little inside look into what could be viewed as eccentricities.
I thought the story really wrapped up beautifully. Perhaps a bit predictable but we really wouldn’t have wanted it to end any other way. Mrs. Lewis seems to know what her readers expect of her and she delivers her stories beautifully. Filled with wisdom and encouragement in the faith her stories do not disappoint. I loved everything about this story, all the way down to the beautiful cover. Definitely a 5 star story and I cannot wait until my next trip to Hickory Hollow in “The Secret Keeper” which is due to be released in September 2013!!!
I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
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Review 3 for The Guardian, Home to Hickory Hollow Series #3
Overall Rating:
Date:May 14, 2013
Callie
Age:18-24
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
I recently requested to review "The Guardian" by Beverly Lewis. I've read several of her books, and I like Amish fiction, so I was happy to see this book come up!
This book starts with a little Amish girl, Sarah, falling out of her family's buggy one evening. She is found the next day by an "Englisher" named Jodi. As Jodi returns Sarah to her family she forms a connection with Sarah's family, and as she gets to know them some of her hurts over her sister's death start to heal.
I enjoyed this book. Beverly Lewis's books are always laid-back and relaxing to read, and her characters are likable. Her descriptions in this book, especially, make me want to visit Amish country! I would recommend this book (or any of Beverly Lewis's books) to anyone looking for some good Amish fiction!
Note: I received this book for free from Bethany House in exchange for this review. This is my honest opinion.
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Review 4 for The Guardian, Home to Hickory Hollow Series #3
Overall Rating:
Another visit to Hickory Hollow
Date:May 13, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
The best way I can think of to describe my reaction to The Guardian is a sense of peacefulness. The main characters have issues and conflicts to deal with, but the way their stories play out is through a growing sense of peace and understanding about their lives.
In contrast to what is often the case in Amish fiction, there is no Amish character trying to decide whether to leave the Plain community or no English person thinking of becoming Amish. Instead, the relationships between Jodi, Sarah, Maryanna, and others provide unexpected opportunities to learn from each other and grow through their differences and their similarities. Two women -- one Amish and one English -- have both experienced great loss and have a great deal to learn about love, priorities, and moving on in life. Although their lifestyles are quite different, they find themselves sharing their hearts in ways that help them both begin to heal. And I can't imagine reading this story without absolutely falling in love with little Sarah Esh, who comes alives on the pages through Beverly Lewis's skillful writing.
I highly recommend The Guardian to anyone who enjoys great Amish fiction and anxiously look forward to book #4, The Secret Keeper, due out in September.
This book was provided free of charge by Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.
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Review 5 for The Guardian, Home to Hickory Hollow Series #3
Overall Rating:
Love Conquers All...
Date:May 12, 2013
AMKreations
Location:NY
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
The Guardian, by Beverly Lewis, is actually the third book in her series Home to Hickory Hollow. I was sure to borrow the first two books from our local library: The Fiddler and The Bridesmaid.
Let me begin by stating that you do not need to read the preceding books before this novel to be able to enjoy it. There is an independent feel to each book. They share similar characters and a similar location, but are developed well enough to read on their own.
The Guardian, like many of Beverly Lewis's books, takes place in the heart of Amish country. The backdrop is near Lancaster, PA, in the small town of Hickory Hollow. However, one of this book's main characters is not Amish, she's an English school teacher named Jodi Winfield.
Jodi is only in Lancaster for a few weeks, looking after her cousin's home and their cat. Jodi has recently been struggling with the death of a beloved sister and her heart is torn in pieces. She finds herself angry with God and it's affecting her relationship not only with her fiance, but also with her parents.
Jodi is only in Lancaster for a few weeks, looking after her cousin's home and their cat. Jodi has recently been struggling with the death of a beloved sister and her heart is torn in pieces. She finds herself angry with God and it's affecting her relationship not only with her fiance, but also with her parents.
While jogging one morning, Jodi happens upon a little girl in her undergarments. The little girl is scared, shows signs of a recent accident, and cannot speak English. Ultimately, the little girl leads Jodi to the heart of Hickory Hollow, where she is reunited with her Amish family.
The other main character in this book is Maryanna, an Amish woman and the devoted mother of the little girl's mom. She's a widow, struggling to raise her children without the guidance of a father figure in her life. It's been three years, but she isn't sure she's ready to marry again. However, everyone around her is encouraging her in that direction, especially for the sake of her children. Will the one man who loves her most, a neighbor who's also a widower, be able to win her over?
These two women's lives become interwoven in this novel, as they quickly become friends. Jodi not only finds rest for her weary soul and comfort for her aching heart, but Maryanne recognizes her own heart's longing to be loved.
The book is far more developed than this short review. There are parts I haven't shared that I'm sure you'll find exciting.
Beverly Lewis has done an excellent job of switching up this novel. I really enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book to review for Bethany House Publishers. All thoughts in this review are my own.
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Review 6 for The Guardian, Home to Hickory Hollow Series #3
Overall Rating:
Date:May 9, 2013
Luella Harris
Location:Mission Viejo, California
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
I always hate to start one of Beverly Lewis' books because I know that it will soon be over. She is my favorite Amish writer. I have a hard time putting her books down. This book was a little different than her other books, it was not one of my favorites but it was still really good.
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Review 7 for The Guardian, Home to Hickory Hollow Series #3
Overall Rating:
Another Great Book
Date:May 8, 2013
simplysherryl
Location:Florence, KY
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
What a heart warming and touching story. I found that I just wanted to keep reading. Strength, faith and community are pulled into one wonderful book.
This is an easy, light read. One that can be completed in a weekend.
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Review 8 for The Guardian, Home to Hickory Hollow Series #3
Overall Rating:
Date:May 5, 2013
The Guardian by Beverly Lewis is the third book in the Home to Hickory Hollow series. This is one of my favorite series by Beverly Lewis so far!
Jodi Winfield is house sitting for her cousins. Her sister died only six months ago and ever since then she has been very angry at God. She has stopped praying and going to church and has decided to never have any kids. But her fiancé, Trent, suddenly has a desire for children, and Jodi doesn't know how to deal with that. How will their relationship ever survive all of the issues popping up between them?
Things begin to change when Jodi finds a little girl while out jogging. She is asleep in only her undergarments and looks to have been crying. Jodi is surprised by how she immediately takes to her and lets her take her home to clean her up. Since the little girl speaks only German, will Jodi be able to find her family?
This is a wonderful story of God's love and sovereignty amidst the Amish and the Englisch. ;-) It will delight you from beginning to end and will leave you feeling satisfied with God's perfect timing in life.
I thought the ending was a little rushed, but overall it was a very good read.
I was given this book free from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. :-)
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Review 9 for The Guardian, Home to Hickory Hollow Series #3
Overall Rating:
The Guardian by Beverly Lewis
Date:May 2, 2013
Patsdream
Location:Huntsville, AL
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Jodi is not Amish. She is house sitting for her cousin in Lancaster. While jogging she finds a child who doesn't speak English. She takes her home, feeds, baths and puts some thrift store donations clothes on her. Jodi is engaged and he is going to spend a year in the Mission Field, overseas. Jodi is doubting her faith and then discovers her teaching job has been done away with due to budget cuts. She makes friends with the little girl's family and even becomes a teacher to the Amish school at the request of the Bishop. You will see how each one of the main characters grow in their faith and love. Friendships are formed and Sarah's mother & Jodi become "sisters of the heart". Beverly always writes heart rending stories, faith, love, and makes the characters come alive.
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Review 10 for The Guardian, Home to Hickory Hollow Series #3
Overall Rating:
An interesting contrast between English and Amish
Date:April 30, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I found this book was an interesting look into the life of the Amish people. Jodi is not Amish but she finds the lost Amish child and befriends with the family and the community. It is through their example and friendship that she is able to come to terms with her sister's death and find her way back to her heavenly Father.
The contrast between her modern way of life and that of her new Amish friends was a fresh perspective that I haven't read before. I usually find reading Amish fiction to be like reading historical fiction - you quickly get used to the unusual way of speaking or doing everyday things because it fits in that period or that place. This time contrasting their lives constantly with Jodi's life made it an interesting read. The author also included interesting scenarios that I had never heard of or thought of before. An Amish jogging group? :)
I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Amish fiction. This will keep you interested and fascinated until the end.
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Review 11 for The Guardian, Home to Hickory Hollow Series #3
Overall Rating:
Love Beverly Lewis' books!
Date:April 30, 2013
Greatma
Location:Mancelona, MI
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Excellent way to learn about the Amish way of life. They make life seem so simple.
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Review 12 for The Guardian, Home to Hickory Hollow Series #3
Overall Rating:
Nice story with an ending I liked
Date:April 30, 2013
Pat C
Location:Delaware
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
I was given the opportunity by the publisher to review "The Guardian" (by Beverly Lewis). This book is Amish fiction......which I really enjoy and is the third in a series. I've read most everything written by Ms. Lewis but, oddly enough, haven't yet read the previous two books in this series, yet it didn't spoil this one for me (not being familiar with the series) and I think it stood alone nicely. The characters were very believable and the story-line was interesting. This book had a very nice blend of Amish and "Englischer" (Plain and Fancy, if you will). As expected, there is a good amount of scripture quoting and "preaching" but done in a tasteful way and in a way that really did enhance the story. It was an easy read and a quick read with an ending I liked
....a book I enjoyed reading enough that I read for several hours at a time without putting it down. I'm glad I had the chance to read it.
....a book I enjoyed reading enough that I read for several hours at a time without putting it down. I'm glad I had the chance to read it.
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Review 13 for The Guardian, Home to Hickory Hollow Series #3
Overall Rating:
Date:April 29, 2013
Nan Isom
Location:Clovis, CA
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This book is the last in the series and I wanted to find out what was happening with the characters.
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Review 14 for The Guardian, Home to Hickory Hollow Series #3
Overall Rating:
It was a great read.
Date:April 25, 2013
nana
Location:Indiana
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I liked the mingling of the Amish & the "English". It showed that we can be friends even when we have some differences of opinions.
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Review 15 for The Guardian, Home to Hickory Hollow Series #3
Overall Rating:
Absolutely wonderful. Best of the series.
Date:April 23, 2013
Maureen Gerhard
Location:Orwigsburg,PA
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
I loved the interaction of the English and the Amish. The Amish I have known have never been as stand offish as they are sometimes portrayed. They are a wonderful and caring group of people.
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Review 16 for The Guardian, Home to Hickory Hollow Series #3
Overall Rating:
Date:April 22, 2013
Nancy Canfield
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Another delightful book, The Guardian, by Beverly Lewis. Again, great character development melted within the Amish theme. Delightful reading!
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Review 17 for The Guardian, Home to Hickory Hollow Series #3
Overall Rating:
My favorite, so far......
Date:April 21, 2013
Tammy Sotela
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I have enjoyed every book I have read by Beverly Lewis, but this is by far my favorite! It is well written and has believable characters that you want to know. I have often thought about heading to Amish country for a vacation from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Jodi got to slow down and seek God's will for her life and her life was forever changed. Well done, Beverly! Standing ovation!!
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Review 18 for The Guardian, Home to Hickory Hollow Series #3
Overall Rating:
Haven't read this book yet
Date:April 18, 2013
RecipeRae
Location:Pittston, PA
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I started reading The Fiddler first since that was the first book in the series Home to Hickory Hollow. But I'm sure I will love it, I love all of Beverly Lewis' books.
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Review 19 for The Guardian, Home to Hickory Hollow Series #3
Overall Rating:
Can I go live in Hickory Hollow too?
Date:April 17, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Beverly Lewis is a fixture among Amish fiction authors and I was thrilled to have the chance to read The Guardian. Little Sarah and her siblings view the Englischer, Jodi Winfield, as a guardian angel who saved her. This is a wonderful book that blends the two worlds as Jodi is "adopted" into the Amish family and community of Hickory Hollow. I felt envious of Jodi as I would love to be able to live among the Amish in an actual Amish home and feel that same peace, quiet, and solitude.
Jodi has experienced loss and finds herself feeling angry with God and not quite sure how to pray anymore. I know that I personally have experienced some events that shook my faith and made me question "Why??? Why? Why?" Read this delightful book to find answers to Jodi's questions and you might just find a few of your own faith-questions answered in the process.
Jodi has experienced loss and finds herself feeling angry with God and not quite sure how to pray anymore. I know that I personally have experienced some events that shook my faith and made me question "Why??? Why? Why?" Read this delightful book to find answers to Jodi's questions and you might just find a few of your own faith-questions answered in the process.
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Review 20 for The Guardian, Home to Hickory Hollow Series #3
Overall Rating:
Date:April 17, 2013
Carrot
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Very enjoyable read. I was surprised how the Amish family excepted the outsider so easily.
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