such a nice story with wonderful female characters and a very nice story overall. great writing and a wonderful combination of everything anyone wants in a good book.
Pick it up!

Jerry is one to never disappoint in his books. The book has amazing characters and great story line. Pick up this book and read.

Phoebe’s Gift by Jerry S. Eicher is the second installment in Peace in the Valley series. Phoebe Lapp’s grandmother has just passed away and she learns why her grandmother had purchased the three Assateague ponies. It turns out that Grandma Lapp (who was slightly eccentric) had a dream to turn her farm into a place to help troubled children. Grandma Lapp had requested neighbor, David Fisher tell Phoebe about the idea and see if she would be willing to see it through to fruition (with David’s help). Phoebe is not sure she is up to the task and feels she is unworthy (of the farm, of love, a happy life). Grandma Lapp’s prayer journal will help guide Phoebe through this difficult time. Ruth Fisher, David’s sister, has yet to commit herself to the Amish faith and is considering leaving the community. Ruth is given a great opportunity, but it would mean giving up her Englischer boyfriend. What choices will Ruth and Phoebe make?

Phoebe’s Gift is a sweet, predictable story. It is nicely written and has a decent pace (once you get past the 40% mark). However, the self-doubts and self-esteem issues overwhelmed the story (I started skimming after a while). Phoebe deciding if she is worthy of love (David feels the same way) and can she complete Grandma Lapp’s mission. The internal dialogue went on and on (you get my drift). The same details are repeated too often making for a tedious book. I did like the unique storyline of an Amish person starting a place for troubled children (great concept). My rating for Phoebe’s Gift is 3 out of 5 stars (okay, but not for me). I wish more of the book had been devoted to developing the farm for new therapy program (they just had the three ponies). I did not understand why the therapy idea was not fully fleshed out. The characters felt underdeveloped and extremely naïve. Ruth’s storyline felt like an add-in. It was not fully developed. The way the story is written reminds me of books written for young adults and since it is a clean, wholesome story a younger audience can easily enjoy it. As an adult, though, I wanted and expected more from Jerry Eicher.

Phoebe's Gift is the second book in the Peace in the Valley series by Jerry Eicher. Like the first book in this series—this one just didn't do it for me. It kills me to say it because I generally enjoy this author.

Let me say, this book has a very interesting premise. You don't often read a book involving the Amish that cares for troubled children. However, I felt that this book oversimplified the process. In addition, page after page of dialogue between the characters and their back and forth self-esteem issues really bogged me down. I mean, there was absolutely no way that Phoebe could like David and no way David could like Phoebe! Yes! They can like one another. No, they can't! Yes, they can! Nope...can't! It went back and forth for the entire book and I got lost in the lull of the endless dialogue and inner dialogue.

Last but not least, every person in this book was entirely too excitable. It seemed that an exclamation was made for every situation the characters found themselves in.

It really bothers me that I've disliked both of the books in this series so far. I usually enjoy this author's books so it's just a disappointment.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. All opinions are my own.

In Jerry Eicher’s book, “Phoebe’s Gift”, you meet Phoebe Lapp who has been taking care of her sick grandmother. Her grandmother passes away, and that is when Phoebe learns of her grandmother’s dream of her running a pony farm on her grandmother’s property to help hurting English children. You also meet David Fisher, the hired hand who has been helping on Grandmother Lapp’s farm and also is included in her dream of this operational children’s retreat. Phoebe and David work together to make Grandma Lapps’ dream a reality and learn about each other’s quirks in the process. Both have been looked at differently in their communities, and with the help of each other, they learn how to move on from that.

Jerry Eicher brings his characters to life. I felt like I was at Grandma Lapp’s farm with Phoebe, David, and the children as they experienced the horses and Amish life the first time. It didn’t feel like Mr. Eicher wrote a story – it felt real. The one thing I came away with from this book is that it’s amazing what one can do when they have faith and believe in themselves. Mr. Eicher shows us how to do just that – put faith in yourself when you think you can’t do something, be lifted up by those around you.

I really enjoyed the second book in this series. You can read this book as a standalone novel if you don’t have the first book in the series available. Characters from the first book aren’t included in his second book. It was kind of nice not trying to remember who did what from the first book, since it is all new characters.

I started reading Jerry Eicher's Peace in the Valley series thinking I'd meet some characters and then follow them through their lives. I met three different main characters, and they had some interesting stories, but they didn't show up again in any of the other novels in the series. What this means is that while these stories take place in one geographic location, the stories stand alone.


So now we come to Phoebe's Gift. She has been taking care of her grandmother and now her grandmother has passed. Through a series of unexpected events, Phoebe finds out that her grandmother wanted her pony farm to become a respite farm for at-risk children, for a week at a time. With David helping her with the farm and the children, Phoebe finds herself a bit over her head, but still at peace with the choice she made to keep the farm and follow her grandmother's dream. She has passed the county's foster parenting requirements, and once the children start coming, she loses her heart to each child who comes through her doors.

Jerry Eicher knows how to write Amish fiction and this one is great! His characters are easy to understand, and to some degree, I wish I could meet them in person. There is much I'd like to learn from them.

Five Stars, two thumbs up, and an Assateague pony to ride.

My thanks to Harvest House for allowing me to read and review this book.

I enjoy reading Jerry's books and I love looking forward to his new releases. He writes with an understanding of the Amish.
This book however; was just a little different and I had a very hard time getting into it.
I couldn't connect with the characters. I really did try tho.
I did like that Grandma Lapp had some spunk to her and I did like it that Phoebe is just coming into her own spunk. I think that being around certain ppl can get your ire up.
Sometimes, it just takes a little work and then some to make a dream come true plus money. And everyone's agreement. I like that Grandma was just a little eccentric and weird. People call me weird too. Guess what? I'm proud of it!! Isn't this what makes us all different?

As i expected this book is awesome. Read my review in Dutch on my blog.

Phoebe's Gift is book 2 in the Peace in the Valley Series by Jerry S Eicher. Phoebe Lapp is our main character in this book. The book is a bt confusing at first but once the story gets moving it was well worth the read.

Phoebe's moves to her beloved Grandmother's farm to care for when she becomes sick. After her Grandmother passes away and it is up to her to take care of things. After her Grandmother's passing she learns of her dream of running a pony farm to help English children who have been abused. She also learns that her Grandmother's neighbors David and his sister Ruth were to help her run the farm. Now Phoebe has to decide on what to do. Keep the farm idea or bury her Grandmother's dreams as well a David and Ruth's or to make a go of the farm.

On top of deciding what to do about the farm she learns that Ruth is considering jumping the fence and going to live in the English world. She also learns that David has started to have feelings for her. All of this on a woman with no self esteem.

I received this book from the Author or Publisher via Netgalley.com to read and review.

I love Amish books! They take me to a place where I almost want to be Amish myself!!!
Phoebes gift was an enjoyable escape! Easy to read and descriptive of the beautiful lifestyle!

I do enjoy reading Amish fiction and had no hesitation to download 'Phoebe's Gift' when I discovered it was available on Netgalley.

This is the second book in the Peace Valley series and cannot wait to read more. A wonderful and very touching story whereby Phoebe's late grandmother dreamt of an Amish Pony Farm. A story of choices, love and forgiveness. A must read for anyone who enjoys Amish fiction.

My thanks to Netgalley and Harvest House Publishers. This is my honest review.

Phoebe's Gift is book 2 in the Peace in the Valley series by Jerry S. Eicher,
After Phoebe Lapp's grandmother passes she moves to her farm. Her grandmother was a bit eccentric and before her passing she purchased three Assateague ponies. Her dream was to run a pony farm to help Englisher children who were struggling. Her grandmother believed Phoebe could take it over and run it for her. David Fisher helps out on the farm with the chores. His sister Ruth does not leave her running around period behind when the other teens do and wants to jump to the Englisher side. Phoebe's grandmother was trying to help keep Ruth Amish.Does Phoebe have the confidence in herself to run the pony farm? Is a romance the right thing for Phoebe and David to get involved in?
A sweet romance with key forgiveness that was a great read.
Pub Date 01 Aug 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Harvest House Publishers for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

Phoebe’s Gift by Jerry Eicher, is the second book in the Peace in the Valley series.
Phoebe Lapp moves to her grandmother’s farm after her passing to fulfill her grandmother’s dreams of opening a farm for troubled English children. David, a worker on grandmother’s farm, will continue with the chores and ponies for now. Can Phoebe without training do this, and what of her plans for marriage and a life?
An wonderful story of a shy, Amish woman venturing into an unconventional job choice. Will anyone share the dreams her grandmother and now Phoebe has?
I received an advance reader copy of this book from netgalley in return for my honest opinion of the book.

This is the second book in the series. This is the story of Phoebe Lapp. Phoebe's grandmother was quite different and had a dream. She had purchased three Assateague ponies. When her grandmother became sick she came to care fore her. When she died Phoebe learned her Grandmothers dream of a Amish pony farm to help English children with struggles. David Fisher helped out on the farm and his father was not well liked. Phoebe's Grandmother asked David to help with the pony farm before her death. David's sister Ruth wants to leave the Amish life. Phoebe's grandmother always wanted to help Ruth find her way back and stay Amish. This is a story of forgiveness and also finding love. It is well written and I could not put the book down. What will happen to Phoebe and David? Will Ruth run off or will she stay Amish?

The second installment of The Peace in the Valley series is a good story with a great motto: the more you believe in yourself the more you can accomplish.

After the passing of her beloved grandma, Phoebe must decide if she will return home to Lancaster or stay and turn the farm into her grandmother's dream of a healing farm for mistreated children. A terrible action in Phoebe's childhood has caused her to lose her self-confidence. Will her neighbor David help her to find it again? Will Phoebe help David convince his sister, Ruth, to not jump the fence to the English world?

I'm quickly becoming a fan of Jerry S. Eicher's work. He is able to the Lord's words and apply it to every day obstacles without making one feel they are reading a heavy sermon. He makes you think about your life and how you should apply the lesson to yourself.

I had one complaint with this book. The beginning was a bit confusing. I had to reread paragraphs several times to fully understand what was happening. Phoebe's waffling within herself made me feel waffled. Other than that another great book for teens and adults.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harvest House Publishers for a free copy to read and review with my honest opinion.

I absolutely loved "Phoebe's Gift"! And I am already ready to re read it, just to find any details I missed the first time! Phoebe is a young Amish woman in her 20s, who is constantly seeking self confidence and who has spent the past year nursing her ailing grandmother. When her grandmother passes away, Phoebe learns of her grandmothers' wishes for her farm- for Phoebe to open a pony farm that serves as a retreat for troubled English (Non-Amish) children. Phoebe must decide if she feels able to take on this project, which has mixed support from family members; she does have the strong support of David, who worked for her grandmother on the farm and took care of the special Assateague ponies Phoebe's grandmother raised. These ponies become the focus in helping the troubled children who visit the farm- the ponies lift their spirits and arouse their curiosity and innocence.
While caring for the various children one week at a time, Phoebe also develops strong feelings of appreciation and perhaps something deeper for David, who has long secretly cared for her. He also deals with feelings of frustration and inferiority as his father does not have a good reputation among their community. David also wrestles with his fears that his sister Ruth will leave the Amish community. He begins to see hope that she might stay when she is continually drawn to the children Phoebe helps, and when Ruth is offered the teachers' position at the schoolhouse.
I don't wish to spoil the story for fellow readers, so i wish to simply suggest that fellow readers pick up "Phoebe's Gift". It is a true page turner that will warm your heart.

Phoebe is a wonderful woman who faces many challenges. It was great to see how her faith in God directed her path even against the wishes of the family and community. It was a good reminder to remain strong in the things God has placed on my heart no mater what and to live in the way he's called me to live

Phoebe's Gift is very well written. I loved the plot and characters. I enjoy this author's writing and look forward to reading more of his work. I recommend this book to fans of Amish romance.

Phoebe's Gift. by Jerry .Eicher. The death of the grandmother, has left Phoebe with questions, to fulfill grandmother dreams with the ponies, or go back and teach. David, a worker, will continue with the chores and ponies for now. They were Assategue wild ponies from Maryland, and didn't belong in the quiet Amish community, most people thought. Teaching school people would either approve or disapprove of her. While the ponies, were accepting, and.had a loving nature, without worry or concern, how she wanted to be. The children wanted to sell house, ponies, but what did Phoebe want. If only she knew the plan, David comes, and he knew. Even to the grandmother had given him a year's wages, if Phoebe did accept. It was for the work with Child Protective Service. A working farm for troubled English children. No one does things like this in their community,there would be talk and whispers. Can Phoebe without training do this, and what of her plans for marriage. An entertaining story of a shy Amish woman venturing into doing something the Amish wouldn't dream of doing. In doing, will there be anyone who will share the dreams her grandmother and now Phoebe has. An excellent story for all to read and enjoy. Given ARC by Net Galley for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.