Abby Finds Her Calling: Home at Cedar Creek, Book One [Paperback]

Naomi King (Author)

Book Description

Release date: February 28, 2012 | Series: Home at Cedar Creek (Book 1)

The Lambright family's eldest daughter, Abby, runs her own sewing shop. There, she mends the town's clothes and their torn relationships. But the town maidel has sworn off any suitors of her own because of her unrequited love for James Graber, who is about to marry her younger sister, Zanna...

On the wedding day, Zanna is nowhere to be found, breaking James' heart. Zanna has brought shame to her family, but there's more in store for them when they discover how far she has fallen. Long-buried secrets come to light, and they test the bonds of the Cedar Creek community. Abby is at the center of it all, trying to maintain everyone's happiness. But will she ever find her own?

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Naomi King is a deacon, a dedicated church musician, and choir member, and when she's not writing, she loves to travel, try new recipes, crochet, and sew. She lives in St. Paul, MN.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: NAL Trade; 1 Original edition (February 28, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451235738
• ISBN-13: 978-0451235732
• Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 0.8 x 7.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #481,459 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Origianlly Posted on Romancing the Book March 20, 2012

By Romancing the Book

Format:Paperback

Reviewed By~April
Review Copy Provided By~Publisher

Abby Finds Her Calling is a true gift of inspiration and beauty, lovingly crafted by a very talented author, Naomi King.

I don't often read Amish fiction, though I truly love it and love falling into the simple and non-complex lives of these people who hold both God and family/neighbors above all else. Whenever I do treat myself, it always makes me reflect upon my own life and how much value we tend to place on non-necessity things such as computers, cell phones, hand-held gadgets, etc. This book was no different.

Though titled Abby Finds Her Calling, much of the story revolves around Abby's younger sister, Zanna, who on her wedding day runs away and hides herself for a couple of days. This sends their small community, friends and family into a panic (not to mention the intended husband, James). When Zanna returns and confesses shocking secrets, everyone's lives are sent into a tail-spin. It is kind-hearted Abby who soothes things over and brings peace to not only those directly effected by Zanna's confessions, but also to the community.

Within the story, Abby is described as "love and sunshine". I absolutely love this and couldn't think of a better description for this woman. She is the most unselfish, hard-working, admirable person I have ever met - be it in a story characterization or real life. If everyone had even a few drops of her morals and ethics, the world would be a much better place.

Naomi King's writing style is beautiful, poetic and incredibly inspirational. She often makes reference to verses within the Bible that tie in with what is taking place within the story - these verses are quoted by the characters throughout. Ms. King truly brings to life the way of the Amish - their hard working ethics, their concern and willingness to help friends and neighbors without a second doubt. The only thing that rubbed me the wrong way was the submissiveness on the part of the women. That, however, is just a personal peeve of mine and does not reflect on the author at all - just the way of life for these people. As far as characters, I loved them all. Abby is beyond amazing, James is such an intelligent and caring man, I loved the way that Zanna grew throughout the story and all of the brothers, sisters and community members were amazingly brought to life. This story was a pure delight in many ways!

I do have to mention that I was quickly engrossed within the story and was both emotionally and physically invested each and every time that I picked up this book. Abby Finds Her Calling is a very quick and enjoyable read. I do wish that the ending was a bit different for Abby, however, I hope that as the series progresses, so will things for Abby. The second book in the "Home at Cedar Creek" series is titled Rosemary Opens Her Heart due out Oct. 2012 and I cannot wait to get my hands on it to see what happens with the lovely people of Cedar Creek!

Favorite Quote: "Life is precious. We shouldn't waste it making other people feel small and worthless, nor should we cry over spilled milk and make endless excuses," she added. "We should love each other. We should do the work God's given us. It's as simple - and as complicated - as that."

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars New Amish Author July 23, 2012

By M. Fields

Format:Paperback

Readers you all know by now, I really LOVE Amish books so when I got this new book by a new Amish author I could not be happier. Naomi King is voice to be reckoned with in the Amish book world. She told a remarkable story unlike any Amish book I have read lately. I could not put the book down. This book touched my heart from the very first chapter to the very last chapter. I can not wait for book two in the series.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read for Amish Fiction Lover and Newbees April 22, 2012

By Sandy's Reviews

Format:Paperback

In Cedar Creek, Missouri Abby Lambright has a sewing shop in her family's dry goods store. She loves and cares about the people in her community and especially her family. Unfortunately the man she loves James Graber is about to marriage someone else, her younger sister Zanna. Because Abby knows she'll never love anyone else she has decided to be a maidel.
On the wedding day Zanna runs away and a heartbroken James doesn't know why. When Abby finds her and finds out the real reason that Zanna ran away their faith will be rocked to the core along with both families and the community. Abby believes that God has a plan but can she help others come to the same conclusion, or will her family be torn apart forever.
This book is an easy and quick read. It takes you away to a community were hard work, strong faith and honest values make you yearn for the simple way of life. As a fan of Amish fiction Naomi King has joined my list of favorite authors such as Beverly Lewis, Amy Clipston and Marta Perry. I can't wait for the next book in the series Rosemary Opens Her Heart due out in Oct 2012.