Sarah's Orphans (Plain and Simple Miracles)

Sarah’s Orphans by Vannetta Chapman is the third book in Plain and Simple Miracles series. Sarah Yoder is twenty-three years old when her father passes away. In a way it is a relief because life was never easy when he was around. Sarah’s father had bi-polar disorder and frequently went off his medications (when he was feeling good). Three months after his death, Sarah’s mother is still withdrawn and spends most of her time in her bedroom. Sarah is busy taking care of the house (cleaning), the laundry, and the cooking for her three brothers. Andy, the oldest boy, does the work around the farm and tries to keep the younger boys (Henry and Isaac) in line (but little boys tend to be dirty and find mischief). Sarah is trying to keep up show more with the workload when her mother leaves (feels she needs to get away). One day on her way home from town, Sarah sees a young boy run across the road. Sarah stops the buggy to investigate. She finds Mateo and Mia. They have been hiding out since their mother left them in an old trailer several days prior. They had traveled from Texas up to Cody’s Creek. Little Mia is sick and needs care. Sarah bundles the children up and takes them home. Sarah feels called to take care of these two children. What is Sarah willing to do to keep these two children with her? Can she handle the additional burden of two children?

Paul Byler came to Cody’s Creek, Oklahoma to help out his brother after his heart attack. Paul has been working in his brother’s general store. Once his brother recovers, Paul decides to stay in the area and finds the perfect farm next to the Yoder’s. It is in bad shape and needs a lot of work, but Paul feels up for the challenge. Paul ends up spending time at the Yoder’s helping them out (and they reciprocate). Paul speaks Spanish which is a big help in communicating with Mateo and Mia. Paul admires Sarah, but he knows now is not the right time for romance (for either of them). But Paul cannot help his developing feelings for Sarah. Is there a chance of future for Paul and Sarah?

Sarah’s Orphans was a lovely story. I liked the characters, the town, and the children (especially little Mateo and Mia). It is a very inspirational story. Sarah was overwhelmed with duties, but she was not going to let that stand in her way of taking in Mateo and Mia. She knew God would work out the details. Sarah’s Orphans is well-written, engaging, and had a good pace. I finished the book in just a few hours. The romance is not the dominate part of the novel. It plays out softly in the background. I give Sarah’s Orphans 4.25 out of 5 stars (I liked it). There was a little too much of Sarah thinking and worrying, but otherwise, I truly enjoyed the book. I liked Sarah and her family. They had experienced adversity, but they did not let it keep them down (we could all learn from them). Love, family, friendship, and faith help them overcome the dark times. That God has a plan for each of us is the important lesson in this book. I look forward to reading more books by Vannetta Chapman in the future.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own. show less

I knew when I cracked the spin of Sarah's Orphans I was in for a good read. I have enjoyed every book from the pen (well, computer) of Vannetta Chapman. She has recently ventured into genres other than the gentle Amish fiction for which she is probably best known. The "Plain and Simple Miracles" series is definitely about the Amish, yet we are seeing them in other settings and in situations not usually seen in stories about the Amish way of life.

We had met Sarah in a one of the earlier Plain and Simple Miracles books as the young Amish teen who was dealing with anorexia. Much of her personal emotional struggles were a result of her home with its many problems and her way of dealing with these issues.

Sarah's Orphans opens with the show more unusual situation of an Amish family near destitute because the irresponsible way the father has provided for them due to his mental illness. The mother, herself, is emotionally devoid of caring. The father dies, the mother walks out on the family of five children - two which are grown. So the tale of Sarah begins. An orphan herself, though she is grown, she struggles to hold home together for the four brothers. The older two brothers work valiantly to maintain the farm.

Into this dire situation, two very young Hispanic children are found and taken in. How this comes about is itself miraculous. How Sarah takes them in and, despite her own very needy life, begins to love and care for and provide a loving home for them.

True to Amish community ways they come together to provide assistance and support for Sarah and her family - her "orphans."

The characters in Sarah's Orphans will tug at the reader's heart strings. I just loved Sarah's brothers from the oldest to the youngest. Each had strong personalities with strengths that compliment each other. Mateo and Mia are the two little orphans that Sarah found. Mateo is full of energy, is smart, and very protective of his baby sister, Mia who is the charmer of the cast of characters.

And then we have the wonderful grandmother who unexpectedly appears on the scene and saves the day for all of them.

A sweet, blossoming romantic attraction develops between Sarah and their new Amish bachelor neighbor, Paul. He is a rock of strength and comfort to her, but unassuming on Sarah.

There are some real hard-hitting issues dealt with in this story: bipolar (the father), depression (the mother), abandonment (Sarah's mother and the mother of Mateo & Mia), and anorexia (Sarah). Yes, these serious issues or conditions exist in every segment of society.

I heartily recommend Sarah's Orphans. In fact, I encourage you to acquire the others in this series Anna's Healing and Joshua's Mission.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review of my own opinions without compensation. show less

“And why would I support her? Because I wouldn’t dare to thwart Gotte’s wille. If He wants the children in this house, we’ll gladly welcome them here. We’ll find a way to provide for two more. We’ll love both Mateo and Mia for as long as they need us,” said Andy to the Judge.

The quote sums up the story of orphans and abandonment. Although Sarah, as eldest, steps in to take care of the family during sad circumstances, she finds room in her heart to the two abandoned English Hispanic children. Andy and the rest of her siblings support the decision. Neighbor Paul is there to help along with the rest of the Amish community; he takes a personal interest in Sarah’s future.

As with other stories based in an Amish community, the show more actions and reactions of people are based upon perceptions of what behavior is expected within the framework of their faith. The unusually twist is the way mental illness; addictive behaviors and their aftermath are woven throughout the plot. show less

Sarah has not had an easy life, her father had problems and when he passes, her mother cannot deal with life, and Sarah along with her brother Andy become parents to their siblings.
Fate then places Sarah at the right place at the right time, when Mateo and Mia abandoned children cross her path. I found the children delightful, especially considering the hard life they have endured, and they have abandonment in common with Sarah.
On top of everything a new neighbor has bought the rundown farm bordering their land, and Sarah does not have a high opinion of him, boy is she wrong. Sarah’s brothers and Mateo take to Paul, and he is soon a great influence on all. He begins to have feelings for Sarah, but will she open her heart, or will she show more be able to add to her loved ones.
This story will break your heart at times, and I could feel how the little ones felt when they saw their mother, where do their allegiances lie? You will be holding your breath wondering how this story is going to end, and therefore won’t be able to put it down.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Author, and was not required to give a positive review. show less

A book unique yet universal. This is a story about a large and dysfunctional family. They have had little help from their parents, and have learned how to take care of themselves and come together to survive – yet just barely. And yet they are able to add two more small children, alone and abandoned by their own dysfunctional parents. What is universal is that we all need love, and it becomes so very important in our lives. Even when we aren’t looking for it, and can’t possibly take on anything more in our lives, there is always room for love – and we are all made more whole by it.

We think that we are independent, but once you realize that you aren’t doing a thing yourself, that God is truly the one in control (and we let show more Him) things become so much easier. He lifts our burdens and provides.

Another important lesson to learn is that one strand can be weak, but when woven together with other strands we have a much stronger thread. The same can be said with love and relationships that God leads us to.

This is a wonderful story of love – of a family and its members as well as others in the community. Oh yes, and there’s romance here as well. An enriching and beautiful book you’ll be the better for having read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Harvest House Publishers and the Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”. http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html. show less

Sarah's Orphans by Vannetta Chapman is a wonderfully inspirational story. It is the third book in the Plain and Simple Miracles Series and although there are carry over characters from the previous books each book is easily read as a stand-alone story. The author realistically tells a story of the devastating effects on the families whose loved ones are afflicted with mental illness and involved with substance abuse. Loss, abandonment, fear, sorrow, the pressure of growing up too fast, and having to become responsible at a young age. A key part of this story is that of the foster care system, its value, and its commitment. Sarah, a young Amish woman, takes on the care of her siblings and then feels called to care for two other abandoned show more children as well. A daunting task that leads to a crisis of faith as she begins to worry about all the 'what ifs' in life. Her grandmother, Mammi, reminds her 'A person can spend their whole life worrying about what might happen, or they can live the life they're given.' Sarah's Orphans is a marvelous journey of living the life one's given and learning to trust God through difficult situations. The characters are evocative and engaging and the story, told in a gentle style, is one of compassion, hope and the work of God in lives to perfect their faith, to give hope, comfort, and strength. You will not want to miss this captivating book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Harvest House in exchange for my honest opinion. show less

I could not put this book down. It has been one of my favorite books this year. Make sure to have Kleenex handy because you will need them. This makes you laugh, cry and really think. This was one of the first books in the Amish genre where it talks about having bad parents and fostering children that are not Amish. I hope there are more books in this series because it is one of my favorite series by Vannetta Chapman. I received this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion.