A Simple Faith

Haley Donovan is a nursing student; one evening, on her way home, she comes upon a scene of a tragic accident involving a van full of Amish passengers. She draws on her training to help them until the paramedics can arrive, and the experience wins her a place in Lancaster County's tight knit Amish society.

She also becomes friends with the new psychologist in town, Dylan Monroe. With Haley's help, he works on gaining acceptance within the community and offers his counseling services for free for all those whose lives have been impacted by the accident. Haley feels an attraction between them, but senses that Dylan is holding back, scarred by the wounds of his past.

Elsie Lapp is the manager of the country store, and has always been a voice show more of cheer and goodwill to her customers, but the serenity of the world spins out of control in the aftermath of the crash. Her burden is eased by Ruben Zook, a neighbor known for his jokes and pranks, but he reveals a more tender side to Elsie; however, he does not know that Elsie is carrying a secret that will prevent her from surrendering her heart.

I really enjoyed this story, especially the character of Elsie. Elsie is a little person, and was born with a disorder called Ellis-Van Creveld Syndrome, a genetic disorder that is the most common among the Amish in Pennsylvania. It was interesting to read about how she found acceptance within her family and community, and how they did not treat her as if she were "different", but the story also explored the challenges she had to face living with EVC. Looking forward to reading the next story in this series.

I received a free copy of this book from Library Thing. show less

A Simple Faith - A Simply Beautiful Story

I love reading Amish books but had never read one by Rosalind Lauer, after reading A Simple Faith I will have to say this won't be the last time I read her books.

Have the kleenex ready, as there are both sad and happy times in a Simple Faith. And how we use the strength of God to get through these times.

A tragic car accident brings the Amish and English together in the start of this story.

I love the way Rosalind Lauer shows that faith, hope, forgiveness, and love bring people closer together.

She does a great job of telling the love story of both an Amish (Elsie/Ruben) and an English couple (Haley/Dylan). I enjoyed all of these characters, not sure if I have a favorite of the characters, they are show more all great.

I learned about Ellis-Van Creveld Syndrome (EVC) which Elsie has, and Ruben shows a very tender side and big heart when it comes to Elsie.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, rather it be good or bad. show less

When I requested this book, I didn't realize it was from a series I had enjoyed ! After I read the 3 books in the Seasons of Lancaster, I kept searching for a 4th that I expected to be called , 'A Simple Summer'...but found there was no such book! When I started reading A Simple Faith, I started recognizing characters, and realized I knew the series.....and was delighted to read more about characters I had 'bonded' with....and if you love to read, you will know what I mean by that!! I really liked the characters in this book, the mix of Amish and Englishers, the accident that brought them together, and seeing how they all worked through issues with their therapy/ support group. The little insights into the Amish culture are always show more interesting, and even though I know this is fiction, I think there is usually research done by the author to try to portray that culture realistically. Portraying the Amish as people who face stress, inner turmoil and uncertainties like everyone else makes them real. How their faith, their close community , and their unconditional forgiveness helps them cope is refreshing; something not always seen in the non-Amish world. A Simple Faith is about following Biblical principles of helping your fellow man, and the simple act of forgiveness, which helps one let go of anger and pain, and accept the situation is in God's hands, and move on to enjoy the life you were meant to live. Can't wait to read the next book, A Simple Hope, which was previewed at the end of this book! I received a free copy of this book from library thing early reviewers program. The review is my personal opinion. show less

A simple Faith takes place in an Amish community PA, called Halfway. Elsie Lapp and her Father go to the city to promote their little country store that sell plain peoples goods. On the van ride home Elsie, her father and others from their community are in a horrible car accident leaving 2 died, and others injured and all of them scarred with the horror of the accident and how quickly things can change.

Haley Donovan a nursing student is a witness to the accident and the fist one on the scen trying to help those in the van. Dr Dylan Monroe a psychologist and a new transplat to the area, trying to get away from his own demons, want to help the amish get past the feelings that the crash has stirred up in them. In this process he gets to show more look more closely at his demons, and how to work on over coming them.

I personally don't read amish novels, and took a chance with this one. I have to say I was surprised on how well written this was and how I feel in love with the people on the story. I am so glad to have had the chance to read this story and look forward to reading more from Rosalind Lauer. I can't wait to find out how Elsie and Ruben get on and all of the rest in this wonderful story. Keep up the great writing Ms. Lauer, you have opened my eyes to a different group of people I can't wait to grow and learn with. show less

I enjoyed getting to know the people in the town of Halfway, despite the fact we meet them in the aftermath of a horrible accident--one that forever changes their lives through the bond of death.

If you've noticed the books I've read, or follow my blog, then you know that I have a soft spot for stories involving the Amish. I love to learn about their customs and I learn a lot from their unwavering faith in God and His promises--much like Haley and Dylan did when they befriended Elsie, Ruben, and the other Halfway townspeople.

Dealing with the aftermath of the tragic accident, not only do Elsie and Ruben learn to love, but so do Haley and Dylan. (Cue the sappy music for the romance portion.--Awwwwwww!)

In any case, I thoroughly enjoyed show more reading this book and I am looking forward to reading "A Simple Hope" when it comes out. show less

This was my first book by Rosalind Lauer and it will definitely not be the last. I found "A Simple Faith" to be an interesting Amish story that mixed in Amish culture and Englishers in one story. Several lives are turned upside down when there is an accident and the Amish pull together along with some new Englisher friends. This is a story of faith, friendship, love, hope forgiveness and hurt. I recommend this story to others, you won't be disappointed.

I'm so glad I won this from Library Thing's Early Review Program.

When nursing student Haley Donovan witnesses a tragic car accident she doesn't realize it will change her life forever. The accident not only draws her close to the Amish victims including Elsie Lapp but psychologist Dylan Munroe. Haley soon realizes she is falling in love with Dylan but will he be able to love her back? Elsie has her own issues - because of a genetic disorder she has vowed to never fall in love or have children but she doesn't realize that she can't control her heart no matter how hard she tries.

“A Simple Faith” is an at times heartbreaking yet uplifting novel about love, both the sorrow and joy of it. Author Rosalind Lauer tells stories from two different worlds - the Amish and the English – yet they have more show more in common than they may think. The two romance storylines (Haley/Dylan and Elsie/Ruben) are very different yet also similar as both Dylan and Elsie are afraid to open their hearts to love. Both storylines are well done and I can't really pick a favorite of the two. While there is a great deal of sadness in the book (keep a box of tissues nearby) there is also a great deal of hope and faith. Lauer has created some wonderful characters that you will laugh and cry with. There is a wonderful twist at the end of the book left me with a delightful smile on my face.

Well done! show less