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Book Reviews

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    How the Light Gets In

    How the Light Gets In is infused with hope and threaded with love, a story that asks the big questions: what makes us whole, and how do we find our worth? With the provocative biblical story of Ruth as inspiration, Petersheim brings alive modern-day characters struggling with both marriage and motherhood. Sometimes we use the words forgiveness, redemption, and love without understanding their depths, but Petersheim digs deep to portray the cost and worth of these values. A novel both penetrating and surprising—don’t miss it!” ~Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author of The Bookshop at Water’s End

    “I love how Jolina Petersheim translates timeless truths into can’t-put-down fiction. This story’s heart-wrenching conflict had me glued to the page.” ~Francine Rivers, New York Times bestselling author of The Masterpiece

    “Compellingly woven by Jolina Petersheim’s capable pen, How the Light Gets In follows a trail of grief toward healing, leading to an impossible choice—what is best when every path will hurt someone? A mother’s love and a mother’s duty war with a woman’s need to feel loved and whole in a story that will stay with you long after you close the final page and leave you pondering: Which path would I take?” ~Lisa Wingate, New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours

    “Jolina Petersheim writes so vividly that you taste the morning coffee and smell the peat from the cranberry bog. More than this, you will feel the ache deep inside Ruth as she wrestles with the desire for something just out of her grasp. With surprising twists and powerful themes, this story will sink into your soul and give you hope.” ~Chris Fabry, bestselling author of Under a Cloudless Sky

    Mennonite/Amish Fiction, Christian Fiction, Clean and wholesome, Romance Christian Fiction
    Mennonite/Amish Fiction, Christian Fiction, Clean and wholesome, Romance Christian Fiction

    “Jolina Petersheim’s How the Light Gets In chronicles one woman’s experience with motherhood, a fractured marriage, piercing grief, and glimpses of new hope. The setting—a cranberry farm in a Wisconsin Mennonite community—was a new one for me, and I was pulled into its stark and rugged beauty. Petersheim’s gentle retelling of the story of Ruth will both stir and settle the hearts of her readers.” ~Lauren K. Denton, bestselling author of The Hideaway

    “An insightful and poignant modern-day retelling of the book of Ruth, How the Light Gets In will work its way into readers’ minds and stay there long after the last page. Jolina Petersheim draws the story of widowhood, finding family, and rewriting one’s own life story with great grace and gentle tenderness, once again proving herself to be a standout voice in Christian fiction.” ~Kristy Woodson Harvey, bestselling author of Slightly South of Simple

    “Jolina Petersheim’s Ruth Neufeld is a heroine I’ll never forget. For her courage and love and forgiveness. Faced with an impossible choice, Ruth’s decision makes me believe in what it means to live out our highest selves.” ~Bren McClain, award-winning author of the Okra Pick One Good Mama Bone

    “As Jolina Petersheim explored the heartache of loss, the covenant of marriage, and the hope of new beginnings, I was challenged to consider whether I could have been obedient to the Lord in the same difficult circumstances. The journey to the final page was both impactful and thought-provoking. Expertly written, unpredictable, and powerful!” ~Becky Wade, author of Falling For You

    “Petersheim delivers another intriguing story of love and healing. Add How the Light Gets In to your must-read list.” ~Rachel Hauck, New York Times bestselling author

    “A compelling story of love, loss, faith, and rediscovery—and of what truly matters when faced with life’s most difficult twists and turns.” ~Tamera Alexander, author of With This Pledge and To Whisper Her Name

    “In this creative retelling of the story of Ruth, Petersheim carried me along in her capable hands lovingly, gently, and then as if with glorious fireworks, she applied twists, turns and surprises that would have O. Henry nodding in appreciation. What an exquisite and meaningful read for anyone who’s experienced the ups, downs and unknowns of God’s will for our lives.” ~Nicole Seitz, author of The Cage Maker and coeditor of Our Prince of Scribes: Writers Remember Pat Conroy

    The Alliance

    “This apocalyptic novel may leave the reader wondering, ‘What would you do?’ [L]ike watching a movie develop[.]” ~Romantic Times, 4 stars

    “This unusual dystopian work mixes hope and faith with fear and cynicism as Leora must determine whether her pacifism is merely adherence to her community’s collective belief or a personal, faith-based conviction as well. How valid is violence in defense of loved ones? Will her community stay true to their convictions and faith? Petersheim (The Outcast) focuses less on the outcome of the destroyed society and more on the internal conflict within the characters in this astute meditation on the intersection between belief systems and the politics of aggression.” ~Publishers Weekly

    “Petersheim has written a novel of hope forged in unlikely circumstances and a romance sparked in the cold of despair. Readers of faith who have questioned their place in the world, who wonder what they might become if society’s bounds no longer held them, will be enthralled.” ~Booklist

    “Captivating. Intriguing. A story that takes us beyond what we believe. This well-written tale marks Jolina Petersheim as a poignant storyteller.” ~Rachel Hauck, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Wedding Chapel

    Mennonite/Amish Fiction, Christian Fiction, Clean and wholesome, Romance Christian Fiction
    Mennonite/Amish Fiction, Christian Fiction, Clean and wholesome, Romance Christian Fiction

    “Ah, the simple life–that’s what you might think when you pick up a book about an Old Order Mennonite community. And there is a simple beauty to the faith and hope Petersheim weaves through her apocalyptic tale. But the story itself is complex, multi-layered, and all too believable for comfort’s sake. Check your expectations at the door and dive into this parable about what really matters when the dross of the world is burned away.” ~Sarah Loudin Thomas, author of Miracle in a Dry Season

    “Finally, an apocalyptic novel ablaze with hope. Just the kind of story I champion. A must-read.” ~Sarah McCoy, New York Times and international bestselling author of The Mapmaker’s Children and The Baker’s Daughter

    The Alliance is a gripping story that shows how cultural differences drop away in the face of life-altering circumstance and only the most deeply held truths survive. I raced to the end and wanted more. Can’t wait for the conclusion of this series!” ~Francine Rivers, New York Times bestselling author of Redeeming Love and A Voice in the Wind

    “Jolina Petersheim’s The Alliance is a cut above. Lovely prose, a fascinating concept, and a great ‘what if?’ storyline makes this unique novel a sure winner.” ~J.T. Ellison, New York Times bestselling author of No One Knows

    “I’ve just discovered rising star Jolina Petersheim, and I’m hooked! The Alliance was a mesmerizing peek at what might happen if everything we thought we believed was suddenly tested. I can’t wait for the next installment!” ~Colleen Coble, author of Mermaid Moon and the Hope Beach series

    “An absorbing and thought-provoking ‘what if?’ drama that takes a compassionate look at what divides and ultimately unites us.” ~Maryanne O’Hara, award-winning author of Cascade

    The Alliance is gripping because it could be true and riveting because of the author’s fine way with words, turning paragraphs into scenes you won’t easily forget.” ~Eva Marie Everson, author of Five Brides

    “Through her authentic, sympathetic characters, Petersheim conveys hope and redemption in impossible situations. Readers will not want to leave the world portrayed in The Alliance, even as it falls apart around them.” ~Erika Robuck, author of The House of Hawthorne

    “With each stroke of her exquisite literary pen, Petersheim explores the unexpected world of who we are when the worst happens.” ~Lynne Gentry, author of The Carthage Chronicles series

    The Divide

    “Jolina Petersheim’s voice is simply addictive. With a deft hand, she encourages us all to look deeper at what we believe and why.” ~Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, author of Heart Wide Open

    “Petersheim completes the tale begun in The Alliance in this entertaining post-apocalyptic romantic adventure. After an electromagnetic pulse permanently changed modern life, Moses Hughes, an Englischer pilot who helped Leora Ebersole’s Old Order Mennonite community escape to the mountains, can only hope that her new beau, Jabil Snyder, will make Leora happy. Jabil, the bishop’s nephew and heir apparent, is a good, kind man and, despite Leora’s lingering feelings for Moses, she agrees to marry Jabil. But when Moses, who left the camp after delivering Leora to safety, returns to the Mennonite compound, life quickly becomes complicated and all are forced to face the reality of their feelings. This love triangle is set against the backdrop of a fight for survival, battling nature as well as other humans. The Agricultural Resource Commission, a quasi-government agency, is attempting to violently round up those still living and enslave them in work camps. The Alliance is necessary reading to fully appreciate the characters and plot of this sequel. Petersheim invites readers to contemplate the question of what really matters when nearly all earthly objects are lost.” ~Publishers Weekly

    “Intriguing plot, character depth, and riveting storytelling capture biblical end-time possibilities amid romance, grief, forgiveness, trust, and why-God-allows-suffering issues. Discussion questions follow. Recommend to fans of well-written Christian fiction.” ~Christian Market

    Mennonite/Amish Fiction, Christian Fiction, Clean and wholesome, Romance Christian Fiction
    Mennonite/Amish Fiction, Christian Fiction, Clean and wholesome, Romance Christian Fiction

    The Midwife

    The Midwife is an excellent read [that] will be hard to put down.” ~CBA Retailers + Resources

    “Petersheim is an amazing new author.” ~RT Reviews, 4 1/2 stars

    “Jolina’s lyrical storytelling absolutely sings–but it’s her quick-paced plot, complex characters, and insights into the Plain world that made it impossible for me to put The Midwife down.” ~Leslie Gould, bestselling author of The Amish Midwife

    “Jolina weaves a brilliant story that lets us absorb the years and grow with her characters. By the time they’re ready to consider the risk of holding out and the cost of letting go, so are we.” ~Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Belle of All Things Southern and author of Heart Wide Open

    “Masterfully told, The Midwife is a riveting story with enough twists and turns in the plot to surprise any reader — all while exploring the real ethical, moral, and emotional issues surrounding surrogacy.” ~Saloma Miller Furlong, author of Why I Left the Amish and Bonnet Strings: An Amish Woman’s Ties to Two Worlds

    “The Midwife is a stunning narrative that explores maternal attachment in all its forms.” ~Kellie Coates Gilbert, author of A Woman of Fortune and Mother of Pearl

    “A story of hope and restoration, The Midwife is a tale to be savored.” ~Carla Stewart, award-winning author of Chasing Lilacs and The Hatmaker’s Heart

    “In The Midwife, Jolina Petersheim’s thoughtful storytelling illustrates how God’s love can woo us from pain and hiding and into the abundant life He has created.” ~Denise Hildreth Jones, bestselling author of Secrets Over Sweet Tea

    Mennonite/Amish Fiction, Christian Fiction, Clean and wholesome, Romance Christian Fiction
    Mennonite/Amish Fiction, Christian Fiction, Clean and wholesome, Romance Christian Fiction

    The Outcast

    “I have to say I’ve never been a fan of the Amish fiction genre. I’m still not. But Jolina Petersheim’s The Outcast was the only Amish fiction book I’ve ever read from cover to cover.” ~Ira Wagler, New York Times bestselling author of Growing Up Amish

    “A story of hypocrisy and redemption in a secretive community that will keep the reader turning the pages.” ~Michael Morris, award-winning author of Man In The Blue Moon

    The Outcast is an insightful look at the complexities of living in community while living out one’s faith.” ~Karen Spears Zacharias, award-winning author of Mother of Rain

    “A page-turning saga, The Outcast is a must read for anyone who has ever been judged by the shallow hearts of man.” ~Julie Cantrell, New York Times Bestselling Author of Into the Free

    “Surprising and satisfying, Jolina Petersheim’s epic first novel of love and betrayal, forgiveness and redemption will resonate with people from every corner of life.” ~River Jordan, Nationally Bestselling Author of Praying for Strangers

    “Petersheim’s emotional story leaves readers intrigued by the purity or Rachel’s strong will, resilience, and loyalty.” ~Publisher’s Weekly

    Mennonite/Amish Fiction, Christian Fiction, Clean and wholesome, Romance Christian Fiction
    Mennonite/Amish Fiction, Christian Fiction, Clean and wholesome, Romance Christian Fiction

    “Petersheim sets a retelling of a classic piece of literature against the backdrop of bonnets and buggies…revealing the power of confession and God’s willingness to forgive and restore.” ~CBA Retailers + Resources

    “Quickly paced, beautifully written, flawlessly executed, I could not put this book down.” ~SheReads, The Blog Network Recommends

    “Petersheim’s fiction debut is a modern version of The Scarlet Letter. The storyline runs smoothly throughout, with twists that readers will enjoy. The author’s Plain background shines in this moving novel.” ~RT Reviews, 4 Stars

    “Jolina Petersheim’s riveting portrait of life behind this curious and oft times mysterious world captivated me from the first word and left me breathless for more.” ~Lisa Patton, Bestselling Author of Whistlin’ Dixie in a Nor’easter

    “Don’t miss this vivid, lyrical journey into a mysterious world that many view from the outside, but few understand as intimately as Jolina Petersheim.” ~Lisa Wingate, National Bestselling and Award-winning author of Blue Moon Bay and Firefly Island