A Promise for Miriam (The Pebble Creek Amish Series)

I am an avid reader of Amish fiction, and I always get excited whenever Ms. Chapman writes a new story, because I know it's going to be a story with a positive message and wonderful characters about the culture that I love to read about "The Amish."

With "A Promise For Miriam" I found myself totally hooked on the story at the prologue. An Amish husband sitting at his wife's bedside as she passes away, and their five year old daughter crying for her Mamm. Heartbreaking to say the least, but then we are propelled ahead a few years and we see the husband Gabe Miller and his young daughter Gracie Anne still aching from the loss, but hoping for a new start they move to Pebble Creek where Gabe is determined to do things on his own. Miriam King show more is twenty-six considered an old maid by some standards, she is the school teacher for her district and loves her job, and isn't really all that interested in giving up her job for marriage, and has always been able to keep a professional distance between herself and the students parents.When Gabe enrolls Gracie in school he leaves out one very important piece of information about his daughter, but Miriam figures it out and wants to do all she can to help Gracie overcome her problem, but Gabe isn't to receptive about it. Thing is Miriam feels drawn to Gabe. Will Gabe and Gracie find a new beginning in Pebble Creek, and how does Miriam fit into the picture?

Vanetta Chapman created a true to life story that just happens to take place in an Amish community. While the characters in this story are Amish I could easily envision this story happening in any culture. The characters aren't perfect, instead they are struggling with real life issues, that make for a story that is so easy to understand and connect with, but also kept this reader guessing as to what would really happen in the end. Gabe was a character that was very easy to understand, and his protective nature towards his daughter was commendable. My favorite character in the story easily had to be Gracie Ann, I enjoyed getting her perspective on the things that went on around her. Discussion questions makes this book a perfect group read, and for anyone who isn't familiar with the German dialect used by the Amish the author provides a handy glossary. The author also provides a sneak peek of "A Home For Lydia" the next book in the Pebble Creek Amish Series, and all I can say is I can't wait to read it. Fans of Amish fiction will certainly enjoy this book, but anyone who enjoys a greatastic read, filled with wonderful characters, a fast moving, but far from predictable plot and positive messages woven in will certainly want to read this one. show less

I sit here, wiping tears out of my eyes and I am so Thankful I found these wonderful books, this amazing genre and Vannetta Chapman- an incredible author! God Bless you Vannetta! And Thank God for you!

This story reminds me again of why I love reading about the wonderfully simple lives the Amish live.

I don’t think there is any way we “Englisch” can truly understand the sacrifices and hardships and the joys and fulfillment that comes with their choices in life. But I really wish we could.

I wish more people could see the beauty in such a simple lifestyle.

Perhaps someday we can find our way back to such wonderful simplicity and enjoy the warmth of family and community that comes with it.

There’s just something about Vannetta show more Chapman’s writing that makes this such a reality for me. Her book “A Simple Amish Christmas” was the very first Amish story I read and it’s definitely what made me fall in love with the genre.

And now I feel as if I’ve been invited into the Pebble Creek community.

What an amazing story!What a beautiful community! What a wondrous outcome!

Read it! You won’t regret it! show less

Amish romance at its best! Miriam King is 26 and should have married a long time ago, as most Amish woman do. She loves being a teacher, and the children love her. Aden Schmucker wants her to marry him..and so does his father! New in Pebble Creek WI are Gabriel Miller and his daughter Grace. He is a widower of three years, and little Grace has not spoken since her Mom died. When a near tragedy happens to Gabe, the Amish community rallies around him...bringing him out of his shell.
You will love how God has his hand on these people, showing them the right way! When a new change is about to happen in their loving community, the people put aside some of fears, and stand up for themselves. This has such a surprising end, and you won't be show more able to put down this very quick read!
I received this book from First Wild Card Tours and Harvest House Publishers, and was not required to give a positive review. show less

Once again, Vannetta Chapman has written a great book! The characters are warm and believable. I really hated o see this book end!

When Gabe's wife died, their daughter, Grace, stopped speaking. Gabe thought a change of scenery would o them both good but he did not expect to encounter Miriam, the local school teacher. Miriam is determined to help Grace speak again but Gabe resents her interference.

This book was such a good read! I was the lucky winner of this excellent book and hope that you will take the time to read this also. You can find Vannetta's link here.

Vannetta has written many Amish fiction books and her latest is Murder, Simply Brewed. This is from her Amish Village Mystery series.

Published in 2012, A Promise for Miriam is about a 26 year-old Amish woman, a teacher in the Amish community school. She loves teaching and those that she teaches. This heartwarming story is about Gabriel Miller who moves to Cashton, Wisconsin from his former home in Indiana. He finds himself in a much more conservative order than what he is accustomed to, yet a warm, friendly and helpful community.

Gabe is a widower with an eight year-old show more daughter, who has not spoken since the death of her mother. He and his daughter, Grace, meet the school teacher, Miriam where Grace begins to attend school. Gabe is somewhat taken aback when Miriam tries to encourage Grace to try to speak again. He feels this might be too difficult and informs Miriam of this fact causing some friction between them.

Because of the frightening incidents that occur, Gabe softens both towards Miriam and to the new community he has come to love and depend upon.

This book shares the importance of healing, friendship, community spirit, and love towards your fellow man. As their little community becomes involved in situations, both important to the Englisch and the Amish, Gabe plays an important role in matters of a civic nature. It is good to read how, even though there are differences in the Amish and Englisch, teamwork and community efforts can work out for all involved.

A Promise for Miriam is a warm and cozy read that will leave you wanting to read the rest of the series of The Pebble Creek Amish books by Vannetta Chapman. show less

An Amish story from Vanetta Chapman, is always a good read. This book is in "The Pebble Creek Amish" series. When Miriam King an Amish school teacher first saw Gabriel Miller she knew this would be the man for her. She is now twenty-six and unmarried which is unusual for a Amish woman, but she has her students that are her children. But she wants a husband and a family of her own. Maybe this new man will look her way. Gabe had moved to the Pebble Creek community with his young daughter after a near accident he thinks maybe he has found his place at last.