This is the true story of Ora-Jay and Irene Eash, Amish farmers from northwest Montana whose lives changed in an instant when a semi-truck struck the family buggy, killing their two young daughters.
After the accident, the couple turned to their Amish community for comfort, but they remained haunted by the thought that they might not see their girls again in heaven. Would their deeds be good enough? Eventually Ora-Jay and Irene learned that grace—not works—was enough to ensure their place in eternity. But with that knowledge came the realization that they could no longer live in an Amish community that didn’t share this precious belief. Could they sever their connection to the Amish family they loved?
This is the story of their journey to the hope that is heaven, a hope stronger than the loss of children, family, and a way of life. Fans of Amish fiction will appreciate such a real-life look into the Amish community, co-written by bestselling author Tricia Goyer, and readers of all kinds will resonate with this tale of courage, resilience, and the redemption found in the grace of Jesus.
- Paperback: 208 pages
- Publisher: Zondervan (May 6, 2014)
- ISBN: 9780310336839
AUTHOR BIOS:
Ora-Jay and Irene Eash live in Northwest Montana where they have a small horse farm, offering sleigh and wagon rides. Five of their nine children are married, and they have four grandchildren. You can find out more at www.horsedrawnmontana.com.
USA Today bestselling author Tricia Goyer is the author of more than 40 books, including the novelization for Moms’ Night Out. She has written over 500 articles for national publications and blogs for high traffic sites like TheBetterMom.com and MomLifeToday.com. Tricia and her husband, John, live in Little Rock, Arkansas, where Tricia coordinates a Teen MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group. They have six children.
REVIEW:
As soon as you hear the term 'Amish', I'm sure you naturally think of plain-dressed people who drive horse and buggy, as well as generally have no electricity. If you're a city girl like me, that might be the extent of your knowledge. This book, though it is about some one's personal experience, takes you directly into an Amish community and gives you better insight as to their way of life.
I can empathize with the Eash's. I've always believed God is with us always, no matter what clothes we wear, or whether we live in an advanced society or not. I believe God is good, and in turn we are good too. Even if we often sin. Repenting, forgiving, and love is what you replace sin with. As long as you try to be a give person and live with the best intentions God will surely forgive you. The Eash's were unsure if they were living for God, or just living their known way of life. It's only human nature to ask yourself if you are doing the right thing and that really is all they did. Their answers were just different than their family and peers, that didn't mean they stopped believing. I can only imagine how hard it was to leave the Amish for a Christian life. But yet I wonder myself, isn't it the same thing. They both love and praise God, right?!
I appreciate greatly reading their story, though my heart did break for them at times. Still, this is a life story that people should hear.
3/5
This sounds like a tough story to read, starting with such a sad event! I love books which let me learn about other lifestyles, so the fact that this is about an Amish family appeals to me a lot. I'm not religious, but I think I'd enjoy learning about someone else's experience with religion anyway. It's so wonderful the way books let us learn about people who are different from ourselves :)
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