Cover Image: Until Then

Until Then

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Member Reviews

I love Cindy Woodsmall as an author and when she started writing novels (especially Amish, a favorite genre of mine) with her daughter in law, wow, the books got better and better and the storylines got more and more intriguing. Loved this book, loved the characters and definitely will be telling my friends to read this book!

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I really don’t like to give bad reviews but this story was not for me. I couldn’t get into it. I read 1/3 of it faithfully, then skimmed the rest. It just took too many words to say things and I felt the story was super slow. I found it boring. The idea was interesting and the ending was actually really neat. But it just didn’t manage to keep my attention enough to make reading the entire thing worth it.

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I enjoyed reading Until Then, a fascinating time-slip Amish story set in Ohio and Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Vin accidentally leaves Lancaster County in 1985, and finds himself time travelling back to Ohio in 1822. Vin embarks on a dangerous journey in an unfamiliar historical setting to find his way home to his wife, Celeste, and two young boys. Celeste is devastated when Vin mysteriously disappears, and her Amish community is divided on how to handle her distressing family situation.

I loved meeting the cast of side characters who had their own problems to overcome in the story. I appreciated seeing the intriguing connections between the modern 1980’s and the historical events taking place in the early 1800’s that led to a satisfying story ending. I recommend Until Then to Amish fiction readers who like time-slip novels with strong redemption and reconciliation themes, and romantic elements in the story.

Many thanks to Tyndale and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.

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I wasn't sure if I would love Until Then as much as I did Yesterday's Gone but I really did! Time travel books are so fun to me and I really enjoyed watching Vin try to figure out how to get back home to his wife Celeste. The history was great and all the side characters were too. If you love Amish books but are interested in one with a twist try this one! Cindy Woodsmall's writing is so good ...I keep going back for more every time!

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 5 September 2023

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Finally, a unique Amish novel. Something as a fan of this genre I have been waiting for and the authors certainly delivered.
Vin and Celeste Lantz are my new favorite couple, their story is compelling, heart wrenching and kept me reading as fast as I possibly could. In 1985, Celeste discovers a hidden sketch pad, Vin has been warned repeatedly to stop drawing anyone with their faces showing.

When Celeste confronts him, he goes to his favorite place to think. After he falls and wakes up in 1822, Ohio, he embarks on a journey to find his way back home to Celeste and their two sons. What a journey it is as he encounters situations, he has only read about in history books, meanwhile, Celeste is wondering where he is and if he will return to their family and community.

I had a lot of admiration and respect for Celeste as she determinedly kept the woodshop open to support herself and have something to pass down to her children. My heart went out to Vin, the people he met and helped in his travels.
The two timelines were seamlessly woven together, there was never any confusion as to where each of the characters were located and the struggles they faced. Rich in history combined with the beautifully crafted story makes this novel a must read.

My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

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If you enjoy science fiction time travel books you will enjoy this book. Personally, I am not a fan of that genre. It was very strange to read it mixed in with the Amish. Had I understood that was what the book entailed, I would not have gotten this book.

The book does time travel from 1985 vs 1822. Some of the information given from the 1822 time was interesting as it dwelled on the anti-slavery aspect and how the Quakers were involved in trying to help with the Underground Railroad to help the slaves get from Ohio to Pennsylvania so they could be free.

This book did dwell on love and forgiveness. In spite of all the moving of the story from 1985 to 1822, the book did have a good ending.

I received a copy of this book from Tyndale House and NetGalley and the opinion expressed is my own.

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Time slip readers will enjoy this Amish book. It was interesting to learn about the Amish culture in reference to drawing portraits. I found it strange that Vin's family were so against Celeste when Vin disappeared. I found it hard to relate to the time slip aspect of this story.

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Until Then by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall is a unique Amish novel. I thought the story was well-written with developed characters. I enjoyed meeting Vin and Celeste Lantz. Vin is a gifted artist who has been secretly creating drawings that includes people’s faces which is forbidden by their bishop. I admit that I am baffled by some of Old Order Amish rules (one district can use a scooter but they cannot ride a bicycle, you wear a white apron in this district, but a black one in another, buggy styles vary from district to district, woman can wear bright color in one church district, but only dark in a neighboring district). I was surprised by Celeste’s reaction to Vin’s drawings. I liked seeing Celeste set out to succeed in the woodshop so she could provide a living for her children. I found it frustrating, though, that she had to get permission from the church leaders in order to do it (I take it the women’s lib movement skipped over the Amish). The dual timelines were well done. I was able to move easily from one timeline to the other. There is quite a bit going on in each timeline (keeps things interesting). I can tell the author did her research because the story is rich in history. Vin’s trip into the past will test the couple’s faith, fortitude, and their love. It was interesting to see how actions in the past can affect the future. We also see the importance of following God’s plan for your life. If you have a strong faith, you can persevere in the face of adversity. Until Then deals with forgiveness, family conflict, commitment, love, and faith. One of my favorite lines from Until Then is, “All of this help feels like charity. Everyone needs help sometimes.” I liked the conclusion which wrapped up the various storylines. Until Then is an interesting tale with hidden drawings, a time travel tumble, an escaped slave, an unforgiving family, sweet sons, and powerful prayers.

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Until Then is a very well written Amish time slip romance. Well developed plot and characters. I recommend this book. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.

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What a wonderful book! I enjoyed every minute of reading but couldn't wait to see how it ended! It was simply magical, in the purest sense of the word. It was quite unique and unexpected in the time-slip manner. Celeste and Vin live in 1985 in an Old Order Amish community. One night they have a fight, due to Vin's drawings of his loved one's portraits. Their community considers this to be a sin. He leaves to cool down, but shockingly falls into another time, 1822! He is nursed back to health, all the while praying to return to his wife and young sons. He learns to use his time as God would lead him, helping others, until he hopes the time is right for him to find his way home. Meanwhile, Celeste is treated unkindly by her community, thinking that she has something to do with her husband going missing. How the couple learns to survive is quite fascinating, but will they reunite?
I appreciate being able to read this e-book, compliments of the publishers. My thoughts about it are my own.

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This story is very different from the previous time-travel tale, Yesterday's Gone, was wonderful. The plot reminded me of the It's a Wonderful Life movie. I really liked how these authors explored the idea of what life might be like if you hadn't been born. I closed the book and felt satisfied.

Readers are introduced to Celeste and Vin Lantz, who have been married for six years, in this new book. Life is challenging yet good until Celeste learns one day that Vin has a sketchbook hidden under their bed. She flips open to see amazing and lovely drawings. Vin had sketched nature, and beautiful pictures of her children’s faces. They were already aware of how these images amounted to idolatry according to the Amish community's leader. The Old Order Amish were prohibited from sketching people's faces in 1985. Vin and Celeste decided Vin would never again sketch faces. Vin had agreed to stop. Once again, his entire life is now being scrutinized.

Vin and Celeste argue, so to defuse the situation, he goes for a walk. Vin couldn't understand how putting his feelings on paper could be harmful. Vin hikes up a mountain on foot. He didn't want to stay there permanently, but suddenly something happened. When he gets lost, it's not simply around the corner this time, he winds up in Ohio in the year 1822. He miss his wife and sons. How would he get in touch with them again?

Learning about the Amish culture and how it was OK to draw pictures of animals, plants, and other objects on paper but not faces was intriguing. This time-travel tale takes the characters on a trip that will test their faith and make them aware of their deepest desires. I preferred Yesterday's Gone to this book. I had a hard time empathizing with the characters or their time travel predicament.

If you enjoy Amish stories about forgiveness, faith, and family conflict. You should read this story.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

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This ain't your mama's Amish book. This
writing duo won me over with their Englisch Daughter novel last year. So, I was all in when I saw they have a new time travel book.

Until Then is one of the most unique and original stories that I have read in this genre. I thoroughly enjoyed it and kept turning the pages to find out how it would all play out. There is a good bit going on not only in 1985 but also when the hero goes back in time to 1822. In that time period, he worked hard to save a family from slavery. I was biting my nails!! There is a lot to love about this book. It is rich in history, but also tenderness and compassion and unconditional love. It is truly an inspiring tale.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, and this is my honest opinion

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These are go to authors, but to be honest I didn't expect this, and if I knew it was sci-fi, well I might have not read this, but I would have lost out on such a great read. I'll warn you that this is one of those that will keep you up reading late, and it is hard to put down, it is that good!

This is an Amish, Quaker, Mennonite story, and yes, we encounter all these cultures, but it is the Love of our fellowman, with a bit of time slip.

The stories are meshed so well, from 1985 back to 1822, from Old Order Amish and the Ordung, to Quakers helping escaped slaves. Though the eyes of the authors, we put faces and names on these people, and see how their faith in God is persevered in the face of adversity! We see how past meets the future, how actions of the past affect the present. We also see how Love pulls everything together!

Now I can't wait until the next book coming in January 2024!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Tyndale House, and was not required to give a positive review.

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I decided to read Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall's latest Amish novel, "Until Then," anticipating the usual Amish love story. But this was not the usual. At first, I even thought this dealt more with the afterlife. Then it became apparent it was a time-split historical novel that felt more like time travel. Vin and Celeste belong to an Old Order Amish Sect who frown upon artist work. Vin feels compelled to be himself and create his sketches of everyday life. Then one evening, as Vin takes some time to pray and do soul searching, he falls into a ravine. When he wakes up he does not know where he is. This begins Vin's journey to return to Celeste praying daily "May you use my time as you desire" and the people he meets who help him and how he helps them changing their future. For Celeste, she tries to cope with the lost of Vin and disparaging remarks made by the community.
A must read for Amish fans as this is very different from most Amish stories.

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***** I received this book as a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I will say I was skeptical when I realized this Amish story included time travel to the time of slavery. However, I was blown away at how the author merged the time periods to create this beautiful story of longing to return home to the ones you love. Needing to follow God’s plan for your life. This was an amazing story and I would highly recommend it!!!!

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This is only the second time slip novel that I have read. I did not care for the first one and almost didn’t read this one. I’m glad I changed my mind.
This one kept me up until 3 am so I could find out what happened to Josiah and Anke. Such a good book with strong characters and just the right amount of history.
Thank you Netgalley!

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I think that this is one of the best written Amish fiction of all time in my opinion. Just wow!
I so enjoy Cindy Woodsmall books!
Whenever I get one, I know I'm in for a treat!
They will keep you on the edge of your seat for sure and certain!
All I can say is poor Vin! He's on an adventure of his life and doesn't even know it!
My heart went out to his wife however.
In my opinion, that is why you shouldn't be keeping secrets from each other. You never know what might happen at the end of the day.
I lost some sleep but hey, I loved every minute of it.
Always be careful of what you wish for! You just might get it!
Another great adventure in the books!
5 stars for an awesome read and a cool cover!

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