Holding a Tender Heart by Jerry S Eicher - Review of the first book in The Beiler Sisters series

Debbie Watson is English but grew up living next door to Bishop Beiler and spending time at his house playing with his daughters. She has now graduated from college and landed her first job, so now her mother is in a hurry for her to move out. Debbie knows she was born English but she feels she is Amish in her heart, she loves the peaceful life they lead.

When she gets up enough nerve, she asks Bishop Beiler if she can room at their house, as a paying boarder, so she can learn more about the Amish faith and maybe become Amish. The Bishop agrees, not only does he like Debbie but he is hoping she can help with his middle daughter Lois who thinks she wants to jump the fence.

When Verna, the oldest Beiler daughter, finally takes a stand and agrees to let a boy take her home from a singing, her father isn't any too pleased. You see, she is 24 and never once been 'allowed' to accept a ride home, but she really likes Joe Weaver. When Joe gets arrested and is looking at possibly 20 years of jail time she continues to support him against her fathers wishes and nearly finds herself excommunicated. Can her dad really do that to her, yes, if she doesn't change her mind. Verna also talks Debbie into helping somewhat with Joe's case but will it do any good?

Another wonderful story by Jerry. It's like looking from the outside in with Debbie wanting to become Amish and how she views things. I don't know that I could give up all of our conveniences. He also shows how a strong faith in Da Hah can get you through the worst of trials. This book is on the shelves March 1, 2014 and I am already anxiously waiting for the next book in the series, "Seeing Your Face Again" due out June 1, 2014.

Thank you to Harvest House for providing this book for review. 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