Rose Yoder grew up Amish during The Great Depression and then she learns that she was actually born into an Englisch family. She was to marry Jonathan but when he joined the Army during world War II, she broke the engagement.
A Christmas Gift for Rose
by Tricia Goyer
Zondervan
September 2013
A Christmas Gift for Rose by Tricia Goyer is a touching and emotional story that deals with war, love, and Amish life versus life as an Englischer. Rose grew up during The Great Depression in a loving Amish family in Berlin, Ohio. She is engaged to Jonathan but she breaks the engagement when he enlists in the Army and goes overseas to serve as a medic during World War II. The Bishop and others in the community tell her that she should forget Jonathan for he has gone against everything that the Amish believe about war and fighting. When Jonathan returns to the community, he does everything that he can to change Rose's mind about marrying him by explaining that he worked as a medic and did no fighting. In an unexpected way, Rose learns that she was actually born into an Englischer family but was left with the Yoder family when her birth parents moved west hoping for a better life. Shortly after learning that she was born an Englischer, she also learns that Curtis who works at the grocery story is her brother and that she has three other brothers. After Jonathan learns of Rose's birth family, he leaves town and does not tell Rose where he is going or if he will be back. She is torn between remaining Amish or becoming an Englischer and she is also trying to decide if she should marry Jonathan.
Tricia Goyer did an excellent job in the writing of this book. It is a little book but a big story. The characters are so well developed that they come to life and I felt as if they were friends. Dialogue was gripping and kept me turning page after page and not stopping until I had finished the book. The description of all the scenes/actions taking place were vividly described so well that I was right in the middle of whatever was taking place. There were several surprises in the story and they just added to the enjoyment of the story. I really like that the author showed the faith and love of the main characters and how they looked to God for guidance and forgiveness. I especially liked the way the author ended the story and it left me wanting more. Would be nice if Tricia writes a sequel.
I highly recommend this book to everyone that loves a great Amish story with a wonderful ending.. Being based on a true story makes it an even better book.
