Hope Deferred by Linda Byler is a story about two people who love each other but they have conflicting views. Anna Fisher and David Stolzfus could not be more different in temperament. Anna was raised to be kind, caring, and obedient Christian woman. She is thoughtful and cautious. David grew up in a lax household. He loves to read and is quick to complete his studies. David is stubborn, impulsive and has a quick temper. When David enters rumspringa, he is quick to purchase a cell phone where he discovers the delights of the internet. He also obtains a fast car and wears Englisch clothing. The one thing the pair have in common is their love for each other. We watch them go through their upbringing and young adult years with David chafing at the rules. I thought Hope Deferred is a unique Amish novel with good writing. David’s journeys were interesting because be has not traveled before and everything is new to him. He had only seen pictures of Australia in a book. Plus, David had never been on a plane. It was a different look at the world. There is a repetition of certain details that I wish had been eliminated plus there are many little details that were unnecessary (would have made a novel that had more ease to it). I appreciated that Hope Deferred did not have an expected ending. Amish teens today must make the same choices as those of our characters. They must decide whether to become baptized in the Amish faith or find where they belong in the Englisch world. It cannot be easy for them with only an eighth-grade education. Hope Deferred is unique Amish novel with Christian canons, mutual magnetism, a speedy sports car, a thrilled traveler, and unexpected outcomes.

Another wonderful book by a great author. It was very well written and I had a hard time putting it down. I recommend it to others.

Hope Deferred by Linda Byler
Lancaster Co. Pa

Anna Fisher and David Stoltzfus were friends all the way through the eighth grade. Both were Amish but raised differently just as many families are. David thought he was always right and knew much because he read many books. He liked to try the limits of everyone and everything. Anna was brought up to mind her parents and the Ordnung.

Follow Anna and Dave as they grow into adulthood. Will they find forever love?

I liked this book. There are many emotions hidden within the pages of this Amish fiction. How do we handle our emotions? Would we follow down the same path as Anna and Dave? Did you listen to your parent's wishes for your life? How did that turn out for you?

I was awarded this book from NetGalley and the publisher.

I received an ARC copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. I normally enjoy Amish books but this was so slow that I just could not get into it at all and could not finish.

This author’s writing style is unusual at first but I really enjoyed it because this is not your average Amish story. David has a thirst for knowledge that is ravenous and the more he reads about the world the more he fights joining the Amish church. Unfortunately, his love for Anna is severely tested by her parents religious beliefs and he rebels against everything they stand for by running to the modern world. Anna struggles to understand Dave’s changing ways but obeying her Amish faith and pleasing her parents is the only life she knows. Anna’s pain and Dave’s moral confusion broke my heart as these childhood friends are pulled farther and farther away from each other by Anna’s parents and Dave’s depression and his resentment of God’s word. Linda Byler’s storyline challenges the reader’s religious beliefs through all of the characters in her story and she gave me a lot to think about as I examined my own beliefs and the role God plays in my life. This book is heartwarming, heartbreaking and mesmerizing; I didn’t want it to end. I read a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.

I was on the fence whether I liked this book or not but after I finished and thought about it I found I really liked it. I was quite impressed with the subtle way the message was given.

Hope Deferred is different than most Amish romances in that you get the feel of for true Amish life and I credit that to the novel being written by an author who was raised Amish and still practices her Amish faith. She shows us the difficulties young Amish have when it is time to decide to stay with the faith or become English. I'll admit I did not like Dave's character at all as I thought he was selfish and mean to just about everyone around him. When I think back on his character though he was so conflicted and really had no one to talk with for true guidance. Anna loved Dave but her faith was strong and that carried her throughout the novel. Never once did her faith sway.

The repetition of details is my biggest complaint in that I felt it drug the novel down in several places. That is purely a personal observation.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Skyhorse Publishing (Good Books), through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

"Hope Deferred" tells the story of two very different people, whose lives repeatedly intertwine. Dave and Anna loved each other from childhood, attending the same Amish school and living in the same Amish community. Dave demonstrates a rebellious streak from his early years, while Anna remains sweet and obedient. Dave's rebelliousness leads him far afield, in order to test his own abilities and mettle. Anna's obedience leads her to stay within the confines of the Amish traditions and community. The novel details the collision course of their lives, first together and then separately, until its crashing conclusion.

The plot line of the book includes many different threads, swinging from one person and location to another. The action will push readers to continue so as to discover the conclusion of the story. The book also seeks to educate readers about the differences in Amish communities and even among those within a community, as well as the challenges contemporary society presents for Amish life. Christian readers will also recognize the story of the Prodigal Son embedded within the novel.

I skimmed parts of the novel due to the repetitive, tedious, and overly descriptive sections, particularly regarding Dave's lifestyle. I could not figure out how the title related to the story, and the ending fell flat with disappointment. I felt sorry for Anna, and disliked Dave, although I liked the parent figures in the story. Some readers of Amish fiction may like this book, but should be prepared for disappointment.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Great read. Hoping for more soon. Amish fans will love it. Great read. Hoping for more soon. Amish fans will love it.

Hope Deferred was not what I expected from it´s cover - in a good way. It is more than a regular Amish romance - the author isn´t afraid to let her characters grow, sometimes grow apart, spread their wings, make huge mistakes and deal with the consequences. There aren not good guys and bad guys in this book. The characters are complex, painted in all shades of gray just as real people are, and their story feels very realistic. It is certainly a book I would return to.

Hope Deferred by Linda Byler is a sweet Amish story set in Lancaster County PA. I liked this book but feel it reads a smidge like a young adult novel. . I recommend this sweet clean Amish romance.

I recommend Hope Deferred to those who enjoy a sweet Amish romance. I received an arc from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

I would recommend this book.
Review given honestly and freely after receipt of a reader copy. This opinion is completely my own and was not influenced in any way. Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher.