The Englisch Daughter: A Novel

The Englisch Daughter by Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall has Jemima Graber in a tailspin when she learns that her husband has been hiding a secret that could devastate their family. Jemima is shocked when Roy tells her that he has depleted their savings account which means the end of her food truck dream and that he has a daughter with an Englisch woman. Jemima must care for the infant while dealing with her raging emotions. Abigail Graber, Roy’s sister, is shocked by her brother’s actions, but she does not have time to dwell on it when one of the horses becomes sick. Worried that it is a deadly disease that could wipe out their entire line of horses, Abigail works with the new hired hand, Chris Fisher. Abigail has not been able to give her heart to another. She does find herself attracted to Chris who has secrets of his own. The Englisch Daughter is a complex Amish story with realistic characters and situations. This is an intense book with strong emotions. I found The Englisch Daughter to be different from other Amish novels I have read. Very unique for the genre. I was surprised that the Amish in this community used cell phones and called for Uber rides. I was not familiar with the EHV1 disease that horses can get before this novel. It could quickly kill off every horse if the owner was not vigilant and quickly took the proper precautions. I liked that Jemima and Abigail had a dream of opening their own food truck selling authentic Amish food. This is something I have not encountered in any other Amish novel that I have read. I especially enjoyed the ending of The Englisch Daughter. The Englisch Daughter is a story about assumptions, misconceptions, betrayal, dreams, faith and forgiveness. My favorite line from The Englisch Daughter is “Even a blind squirrel finds a nut every once in a while.” Fans of Cindy Woodsmall will be delighted with this book. The Englisch Daughter is a well-written, one-of-a-kind Amish novel.

4.5 stars. The Englisch Daughter by Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall is a captivating novel of forgiveness, redemption and love. Jemima Graber is an Old Order Amish wife and mother of four young children. Her husband Roy owns a horse farm and he spends long hours training and selling the horses. The previous year, a carriage accident left Roy and their oldest daughter Laura seriously injured. During the long days of worry and stress, Jemima’s unexpected pregnancy complications left the couple separated for a long stretch of time. Following the birth of their son, Jemima and the children quickly settle back into life on the farm. But a distance remains between Jemima and Roy that she does not understand. When Jemima learns the shocking reason, will she ever forgive Roy for his heartrending betrayal? Jemima and Roy’s marriage is, in many ways, a typical Amish marriage. Jemima tends to the children and household while Roy works hard and handles their finances. There is, however, one difference that Roy accepts about his wife. Jemima has long dreamed of owning a food truck with her sister-in-law Abigail and they have saved for years to purchase a truck when one becomes available for purchase. When the opportunity to fulfill their dream presents itself, Jemima is absolutely devastated when Roy makes a stunning confession. Reeling from the revelation, she is already hurt, angry and confused when the rest of the awful truth finally comes to light. Jemima is so angry with Roy that is uncertain what the future holds for them. She knows she is expected to forgive him, but his actions and its repercussions cut deep. In the midst of this crisis, Jemima gradually realizes she harbors other resentments toward her husband. Once she fully understands the depth of Roy’s secrets and lies, can Jemima find it within her heart to forgive him? Roy has been miserable for months but he goes to great lengths to hide the mess he finds himself in. He is angry and disappointed in himself and he knows the truth will break his wife’s heart. Roy wants nothing more than to salvage his marriage, but will he be able to do what Jemima asks of him? In the midst of the turmoil with Roy and Jemima, Abigail is stunned by her attraction to newcomer Chris Fisher. She is independent and happy to remain unmarried but she cannot deny her interest in him. An initial misunderstanding drives a wedge between them and just as they begin to move past it, Jemima is shocked to discover why Chris left his family home. However, once Chris decides what he wants for his future, will he convince Abigail give him another chance? The Englisch Daughter is a thought-provoking novel that is heartfelt and engrossing. The characters are appealing and vibrantly brought to life with relatable stregnths, flaws and weaknesses. The storyline is engaging and well-developed with realistic issues that are complex and multi-layered. Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall bring this deeply affecting, faith based novel to a heartwarming, uplifting conclusion. Fans of Amish fiction are going to absolutely love this introspective story of healing and grace. I received a complimentary copy for review.