Christian's Hope

by  Ervin R. Stutzman   Amish Fiction MennoMedia When Christian Hochstetler returns to the Amish after seven years in captivity, he finds that many things have shifted. His father wants him to settle back into a predictable Amish life of farming, and Christian's budding friendship with Hannah Rupp beckons him to stay as well. Yet Christian feels restless, and he is soon faced with a life-altering decision. Will Christian choose the Amish identity that his father desires for him? Or will he depart from his family and faith community, yet again? Christian's Hope tells the story of the younger brother of Joseph and the son of Jacob, whom readers have come to love in the first two books in the Return to Northkill series.

Meet the Author

Dr. Ervin R. Stutzman was born into an Amish home in Kalona, Iowa, and spent most of his childhood in Hutchinson, Kansas. He is author of Jacob's Choice, Joseph's Dilemma,Tobias of the Amish, and Emma, A Widow Among the Amish. He serves as executive director for Mennonite Church USA and has also served the Mennonite church in the roles of pastor, district overseer, mission administrator, area conference moderator, seminary dean, and moderator of the denomination. He holds master's degrees from the University of Cincinnati and Eastern Mennonite Seminary, and received his PhD from Temple University. Learn more and purchase a copy. I have not read a book from this author before, but I realize I have been missing out on great writing. The book grabbed my attention because it was  about  two groups I love to read about. The Amish because I like their simple lifestyle and their  willing to help their neighbors. I love reading about Native Americans because they are a vital part of history and I am part Native American. The author does an amazing job of giving a true historic event that is not very well known and breathes life into it with a gentle touch of his words that grace the pages.  I appreciate the research involved in the story and the accurate description of the time period. The story is mainly about two brothers who were held captive for a long  period of time  by the Shawnee Indians. I can't imagine the terror they witnessed that day when they  were taken knowing that they may never see their family again. The author really gives a great glimpse into what their lifestyle was as they lived among their captors. Many people feared the Shawnee but it seemed like the brothers Joseph and Christian  had adapted well to their new surroundings. When Christian  and Joseph return years later to their Amish home, they are changed in many  ways. Will they be accepted back into the community ? Will it be difficult to adjust to their home after being away for so long? I thought that their characters were well written and I could feel their struggle as they were torn between two cultures. After being away for so long, it must have been very difficult to leave the Shawnee and their beliefs behind. The story was riveting and I loved the struggle that each brother had as they tried to fit back into their family. I loved Christian's turmoil as he fought within himself whether he could ever fit back with the Amish. He was free to hunt and fish among the Shawnee but now was expected to help with the farm. There was definitely animosity toward Christian  and  several of the townspeople . They couldn't accept him as Amish since he dressed liked a Shawnee. Isn't it funny that even in the 1700s there was discrimination against people. They were judged because they looked different . As you read the story you will find another character that feels the sting of gossip and accusations that damage the person's reputation. I found the story to be very accurate, well written and a page turner. I recommend that readers take time to look at the Historical Note found at the end of the book. It gives details of the people this book was based on and gives you a bit of what happened as they grew older. I was given a copy of this book from Litfuse Blogger Tour . The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it. Tour Schedule: 10/21 Debra | 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! Lauri | Knits Reads and Reviews Jalynn | A Simple Life, really?! Stacey | Books,Dreams,Life Megan | Pursuing Intentional Living 10/22 vicky | deal sharing aunt 10/24 Amy | A Nest in the Rocks Dianna | Savings in Seconds Debi | 2014 and Beyond! Sherry | My Journey Back 10/26 Amanda | Inklings and Notions Karen | Karen's Korner Nicki | Confessions of a Teenage Bookworm 10/27 Brenda | WV Stitcher Lena | A Christian Writer's World Angela | A Holland Reads Kristie | Moments Maureen | Maureen's Musings 10/28 Angela | A Busy Mom of Two Deana | Texas Book-aholic Carole | The Power of Words Lisa | Seeking with all yur heart Alison | NOVA Frugal Family Kathleen | Reviews From The Heart 10/29 Krystal | Live To Read ~Krystal Donna | Donna's Bookshelf Annie | Just Commonly Amanda | The Talbert Report Ashley | Ashley's Bookshelf 10/30 Victor | Vic's Media Room Margaret | The World As I See It 11/1 Cheryl | cherylbbookblog Mark | Thoughts of a Sojourner Elisha | Rainy Day Reviews Vera | Chat With Vera Mary | The Mary Book Reader Athena | The Loose Screw 11/2 andrea | Two Points of Interest Billy | Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer Renee | Little Homeschool on the Prairie Missica | Through the Open Window Erin | For Him and My Family 11/3 Cathy | Two Girls and a Boom Mindy | A room without books is empty Wendy | Life at Rossmont 11/4 Anne | Mommy Has to Work Bethany | Perfect Beginnings Barbara | Fic Gal Lydia | Noveltea Carrie | Farming on Faith