Customer Reviews

The Parting (The Courtship of Nellie Fisher, Book 1)

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Nellie Fischer is an Amish girl who is still getting over the recent death of her sister. Troubled by the unknown circumstances surrounding her death, Nellie tries to focus on her relationship with Caleb Yoder and the possibility of a future with him. Meanwhile her father has found a new belief, one that goes against the very traditions of the Old Order Amish. By becoming a believer in Christ along with his family, he faces the punishment of being shunned by the community. This affects Nellie's and Caleb's relationship as their fathers are on different sides of this debate.

I was really excited when I heard that this book was coming out. First I love Beverly Lewis so of course I was thrilled that she had a new book on the way. But more important was the subject matter of the book. I have always wondered what exactly is the faith of the Amish based on? In one of my past reviews of Lewis's books, I questioned if the Amish are indeed really Christians. They seem to think that accepting Jesus is grounds for shunning. Seeing as how popular the Amish culture is lately, I want to know exactly what they believe in. So I was interested to see that this very subject would be the basis for this new series. And Lewis' came through and answered my questions with this first book. The narrative is very easy to follow, rich in detail. I could picture the characters going throughout their daily lives. I wish I could visit Nellie May's store and buy some baked goods for myself. There are some subplots that seem confusing such as Rosanna and the babies that don't seem to tie into the story at the moment. I was more interested to find out more about the circumstances surrounding Suzy's death and the way the church was going to handle the new wave of believers. I'm looking forward to continuing the rest of this series. If you're a Lewis fan you will not be disappointed.

With the death of her younger sister Suzy, Nellie Mae Fisher and her family find themselves at loose ends. Unsure of why Suzy chose to run with the wild English crowd, the loss of their dear family member has them all looking for answers in their small Amish community. Nellie Mae, closest to Suzy, has her sister's diary but is unsure whether or not she should read it to find out what was really going on, or leave it buried in the woods where it can do no more harm. Added to her uncertainty is the budding relationship Nellie has with Caleb Yoder; his family is very Old Order Amish and there are rumors about Suzy that cast doubts on Nellie's family.

Once again Beverly Lewis takes us to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and the Amish country with her newest novel, The Parting. Lewis has a warm, inviting style that brings her characters and their lifestyle to life, and in her author's note at the end, she lets us know that at least part of the storyline of this novel is based on the factual schism which took place in the Amish community in 1966, the setting for this novel. Lewis brings the Old Order to a head against the Amish members who are turning toward the theory of salvation, and she doesn't make it easy for any of them.

A few things bugged me while reading this novel, however. While I could understand the Fisher family's search for something more upon the death of their beloved child and sister, I found the conversion of some of the characters less than authentic. I also found it odd that so many of the People could seemingly choose to give up all they'd known so quickly in order to follow a new form of religion. Finally, the side story of Rosanna and the twins must be setting us up for something else in the books to follow in this series; otherwise I could see no point for the seemingly random storyline.

The Parting is definitely inspirational in tone, and well-developed in setting. Lewis can sound preachy at times, but overall this is another fine entry in her Amish books. I look forward to finding out how Nellie Mae's future will unfold.

This book, while a quick read and still full of the Amish charm I've come to love from Ms. Lewis, focuses so much more on the religion aspect of Amish life. It is clear that we are supposed to root for the salvation of these characters--almost hoping that they leave the Old Order Amish in favor of salvation in Jesus Christ. While I am a Christian, I'm not sure that this series would be as attractive to the non-Christian reader.

So, this is the first Beverly Lewis book I've read, and I am going to definitely read more! This book was recommended by a friend, who loves books by this author. The book (the first in a series of 3) is about Nellie Mae Fisher, and Amish girl from Pennsylvania. The book starts out kind of slowly (the second and third books in the series start out more interesting because you already know the background info). The books kind of has to build the characters at the beginning, build the plotlines, and also give you some info about Amish people. The book is about just what it says: the courting of Nellie Mae Fisher. It is interesting to read about the courting (what we "Englishers" call dating) rituals of the Amish (not sure if they've changed as the book was set in the 1960s). Meanwhile, while Nellie Mae is courting during her Rumschpringe ('running around' time, before being baptized into the Amish church) a divide happens among the Amish people in her community. Some start studying the bible (which I guess wasn't allowed by the Amish at this time). There were even parts of the bible that weren't to be read. This causes a great divide in the Amish community with people taking sides and shunning the people who study the bible and claim to be saved. This, in turn, causes some problems for Nellie Mae and her courting. I don't want to give too much away, but it's very interesting to read about something different. It is also interesting to see how some feelings are universal, no matter the culture. Like first love, sadness over not being able to conceive (a side plot in the book, Nellie's friend Rosanna who is unable to conceive), missing a loved one who has died, exploring religion, etc. Beverly Lewis creates characters you care about. Since getting into the first book a few days ago, I've barely been able to put the books (in the series) down. I'm currently on book 3! If you're looking for something a little different and have never read these kind of books before, start here. You will be glad you did.

Beverly Lewis has a true gift for writing. Other authors may try to imitate and capitalize on her success of writing of the Amish, but their quality does not come close. Endearing characters that feel like longtime friends, heart wrenching plots all with a glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel, and with God's help. I cried and laughed and anticipated with these characters. Anyone would truly love these novels and all her others, too. Beverly is a woman of God and it shows in her stories. I have read the others and was so disappointed. Nothing compares to Beverly, once you have read hers you will never be able to stomach the rest. You won't be able to put these books down!

For me this was an important book. I had no prior knowledge concerning the Amish position on reading the bible. I had assumed that since they have given up the earthly world to embrace the plain world, they also read the word.

I learned through the message of this book that the Amish do not read the word for themselves. The bishop's interpretation of the word is what they believe. Reuben's discovery of the word as he read the key to everlasting life is not through good works, but by embracing his belief in Jesus as the savior.

As Reuben cherishes and rejoices the word, his fears and woes dissapate. He becomes born again of the spirit. Reuben's love for his wife takes a new direction, as does his love for his children. He cries for the first time as he hears the truth for the first time; Jesus died for us, for our sins. He learns about forgiveness and the power of individual prayer.

Reuben wanted to share his love for others by sharing the word with all his family and friends. He and Manny want to start a bible study focusing on the books of the new testement. The bishop does not support their efforts. So the parting.

Reading the bible for themselves becomes the parting of the Amish community. There are those who received the grace of God through their reading, and those who continue to join the bishop's Sunday services. So the tension throughout the community begins.

I am anxiously awaiting for the second book in this series. I am awaiting to see where Ms. Lewis takes this thread. How the Amish resolve this critical threat to their old beliefs in the old world.

After the accidental drowning death of her sister Suzy during Rumschpringe, Amish teen Nellie Fisher grieved her loss. Several years pass and Nellie is emotionally healing due to the distraction of her baked goods shop.

When Caleb Yoder asks her to go steady, she feels ready to move on with her life as she recognizes that she will always mourn her sister's death, but that was part of God's master plan. She agrees expecting they would they would marry one day. However Nellie's road to marital bliss with Caleb is not smooth as her father breaks societal dogma when he reads taboo scripture and begins seeking his salvation by other means than a pious life filled with good deeds.

There are several other subplots that enhance the readers visit to the Amish, but the prime story line remains Nellie's saga. She heals from her loss through her shop and Caleb's courtship as much as her and her family's belief that Suzy's death is God's plan. Although that concept of predestined is hard to accept especially with the recent school killings and if one believes in free will, fans will appreciate Beverly Lewis's insightful look into Amish family several years after a tragedy occurs.

Harriet Klausner

Beverly Lewis never lets the reader down. Within a few pages, the reader is drawn into the times, places and events of the book. The characters become as real as if the reader were there experiencing the joys, sorrows and adventures of the characters in the book. Another outstanding addition to my large collection of Beverly Lewis books.

Beverly Lewis has written some masterpieces, but this is not one of them.

Nellie, a young Amish girl is in mourning for the death of her younger sister by drowning, and strange things are happening to the community to which her sister's "wild" life is attributed as perhaps the cause.

As Nellie starts to heal, her boyfriend Caleb is her closest friend. However, a huge rift is starting within the Amish community over Salvation and reading the Bible for yourself and as well as some farmers wanting newer machinery to make life easier. Community wants and needs are sure to separate families, friends, and even husband and wife.

I am certain that book two will explain lots of the gaps and unknowns in this book, but it was certainly not one of Beverly's finest.

The Parting gives a very good view of Amish life. It's interesting to see how God works among them as he does among other people. They are no different inside. The book is easily read and delves into the hearts of people, who could very well be real. I highly recommend it.