Gladden the Heart

I received this e-book Gladden the Heart for free to read and review. This is the first book I have read by author Olivia Newport and I enjoyed it. I will gladly keep an eye out for more of her books. I loved Susanna character and strength. She is not afraid to stand up for what is right even when there isn't that many people in her corner. Patsy is a smart fierce loyal friend and daughter. Adam is the silent type but glad that he found his inner courage. I love the story line of this book and I love that anybody any age can read this book. Its clean and refreshing. A must read for any type of reader. This story will capture your inner historian or adventure seeker.

What a powerful sweet love story. Set in the Evangelizing era of the 1800's with a Methodist circuit riding preacher, his family, and an Amish congregation, a story of the struggle with the differences between preaching styles and expressions of faith. We witness the strife differences can cause between members of families, between friends, and within a church congregation. I am very glad I read this story.. and when you finish the story! Read the author's note... The note makes the story even more powerful.

I enjoyed this book very much!! I love reading the history of the Amish and how they came fo this country just like the English did for various reasons..
I think what drew me to this particular book was at a time when the revival meetings started. I have attended a few rivals myself and I love them.
I liked how they all came together to help the one in need.
I didn't like however how some ppl treated an individual just because he was "different".
I think Gladden the Heart means to accept Jesus in your heart no matter who does the preaching.
Whoever accepts Jesus will have eternal life and joy will shine through to whomever will meet up with you.
I also love the friendship between Amish and English even tho the Amish want to set themselves from the world.
Some ppl are just set in their ways no matter how much we try to help or change them.
Veronica Susanna's mother was afraid of the influence that the preaching that went on.
Im glad for Susanna's father who was sturdy and firm in his decision making and on whom to trust.
I like nosy Timothy too. If I had a brother I'd want him to be just like Timothy.
There were some things in the book that made me smile and laugh too.
I also held my breath in certain places. I didn't want anything to happen to my favorite person!
If I had an uncle I'd want to be just like Noah. I thought Noah was cool for an Amish man.
Olivia will be added to my list of favorite authors because I enjoy her stories
I wanted to add that I loved the little authors note. at the end of the book. I think it's good to know how the author gets ideas ffor their stories and knowing there. is truth mixed in with fiction. This is why I love fiction.
I received this book for free.

Olivia Newport has written some of the best Amish Fiction I've ever read. While to some degree, Amish fiction has an historical element to it. The Amish faith holds to some historic practices by foregoing modern conveniences. In Gladden the Heart, Olivia has taken the Amish life as it has been lived for the last four hundred years, and put it into the 1800s.

Susanna's favorite cousin, Noah, has had an illness overcome him after the church services. When he "came to," he began preaching repentance. He was totally unconscious of what he was doing at the time and never remembered what he'd done. The bishop believes that Noah is trying to lead the members of the church astray, and objects to Noah's preaching. As the illness takes over Noah, he stands in his home and preaches at the windows daily. People from town come to watch the spectacle of Noah's demonstration, and that gives the bishop even more ammunition for his objections.

Adam has been dating Susanna and hopes to propose to her, but he can't get over her support of her cousin.

There are conundrums, crankiness, and conflicts within the warp and woof of the novel. Those all give the story oomph and substance. This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and a sermon that gladdens your heart.

My thanks to Shiloh Run Press for allowing me to read and review this book.

This is a historical fiction book based on happenings between the Amish and the Methodist, who held tent revivals, taking place in 1847. There were such differences in their teachings that many Amish would actually leave to follow the revivalists’ teachings. One of the phenomenon’s of the time was someone being “filled with the Holy Ghost” and being able to preach while in a trance.

The book centers around Susannah and her favorite cousin, Noah, who has received this spiritual filling. They are both Amish. Susannah’s best friend, Patsy, is the daughter of a Methodist circuit riding preacher. They have always respected each other’s beliefs and maintained their friendship. When Noah begins preaching while in this trance, both Susannah and Patsy are there by his side to be sure he is safe since he isn’t aware of his surroundings when this takes place. Adam, the man Susannah loves, is very much against her always being around this influence, since it was in conflict to the Amish beliefs.

The book, which I thought would be a typical Amish romance, was very different and strange in its content. It held the element of Amish romance, but definitely centered on the emphasis of this phenomenon.

The author does explain her research on this phoenomenon further in her information at the end of the book.

This wasn’t the typical Amish romance I expected, but still enjoyed reading this and learning this piece of history of which I had no prior knowledge.

I would recommend it to those who like historical fiction. I received a complementary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

After reading the book I decided that I wanted to truly understand what "Gladden the Heart " meant . So I grabbed a dictionary online and found it to mean "make the heart happy". I know it was pretty simple for most of you to figure out, but I wanted to check a resource for myself. The story is complicated in the sense that The Amish beliefs and The Methodist beliefs are quite different . The story is set in the 1800s where The Amish did not want their people exposed to the preachings of other demoninations. . I loved the history that the author provided in the two different beliefs in the story. It was fascinating to read how some if the characters loved The Methodist preaching which made their hear gladden.

I was a bit surprised at Noah who would go into trances and start preaching. It was intriguing to read the sermons he gave and how drawn Amish people were to him. Maybe it was curiosity or maybe it was hunger for more of God's word. The bishop was not happy at all and felt he needed to step in and stop whatever Noah was doing. Was he under a spell? Did God fill him with the Holy Spirit and give him the words to preach?

I did like Susanna and Adam's developing relationship but didn't feel like Adam was supporting Susanna with her Uncle Noah at times. It's funny how some people thought Noah was ill and needed prayer. It made me realize how we are like that today. What ever beliefs we have, we sometimes judge others beliefs. The story is very emotional at times but well written with scriptures that were very powerful.

I kept thinking of the story in the Bible about how Jesus would go out and preach and people would mock him, laugh at him or throw stones at him. Noah must have felt the ones who doubted him and found their harsh words pierce his heart with rejection at times. I encourage readers to give this book a try with an open heart. I've seen some of the reviews and I know that not everyone liked the book. Is it perhaps because they judge a book because it doesn't line up to their beliefs? I applaud the author for writing a book that makes us think about what people go through while spreading the Word.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing blogging program. The review is my own opinion.

What a run of emotions this story has, and is it against the Amish faith, you will be wondering as you quickly turn the pages to get to the answers.
The author has placed the setting of this book in 1847 Pennsylvania, the early times in this country, and a time when Amish lived pretty much as everyone else, except maybe for their clothing.
I did some research and found that this “Spirit preaching” has actually happened, and this is what has happened in this book to Noah Kaufman. The story revolves around this preaching and how it is accepted by both Amish and English, and those who are close to Noah.
There is a bit of romance, a bit of skepticism, and some are even thinking of moving away, as the Church is becoming too liberal.
A book that is going to make you think, and how can this be happening, a bit unsettling for this small community.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.

In “Gladden the Heart”, Olivia Newport has taken historical events from the mid 1800’s in Pennsylvania and created a very poignant novel. Susanna and her family are Amish. Her best friend, Patsy, is the daughter of a Methodist minister. During a Methodist tent revival Susanna is drawn to the preaching as is her cousin. Noah begins to preach while under some sort of trance and never remembers what he does or says during these trances. The Amish bishop and the Methodist minister are at odds with each other over this phenomenon which sets people against each other. Fear is a potent motivator and folks are caught up in this, even to the point of moving to another state to get away. Adam loves Susanna, but is fearful of being involved with her because she cares for her cousin and stands by him. He is afraid that he will lose his vision of God and redemption. I thought that the way Ms. Newport found the solution to these dilemmas in her novel was compassionate and understanding. It was an enjoyable read.

Gladden the Heart by Olivia Newport is a poignant look at the Amish history in mid-1800s Pennsylvania. The story begins with a tent revival meeting that has piqued the interest of a few of the Amish in the area, including Susannah. As the story continues readers are introduced to the different styles of religion and the question of what is real faith. Is it the response to a fire and brimstone message or is it one that comes from the quiet, solemnity of Amish tradition? And what in the world is this trance preaching that an Amish man is exhibiting? It is certainly more mysterious than the Amish prefer their spiritual matters to be. Susannah and her intended, Adam, struggle to come to terms with the changes that are going on around them in their families and in the community. Their relationship has become tangled. Can it be untangled and are they even willing to try? The characters are evocative and realistic, each with their own strengths and flaws. I liked the strong relationship of devotion and honesty portrayed between Susannah and her Methodist friend, Patsy. The plot has twists and turns, conflicts, action, and that spark of romance that keep the reader's interest. And threaded throughout is a reminder that even though change may be difficult and can often bring division if we hold too tightly to what we have always known, we might miss out on the glory that lies ahead and lose out on the faith that will bring gladness to the heart.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.

I loved reading this book of Amish history! The characters are written so well that they became a part of life! This is the first book of this series that I have read, but not the first read by Olivia Newport. The nineteenth century revivalism endangers the customs of the Amish community in the Kishacoquillas Valley of central Pennsylvania in 1847 causing the Amish church to deal with the question of a genuine spiritual experience. It becomes personal to Susanna when her cousin, Noah, begins preaching while under trances giving long sermons that attract increasing attention even though he is not a preacher. She helps keep Noah safe during his trances. Susanna's intended, Adam, feels pressure from the bishop to speak out against the revivalism. Pushed to the opposites sides of the controversy threatening their Amish faith, Susanna and Adam must decide if love is possible for them. Then Noah goes missing at a time of day when he often preaches while asleep causing community members to recognize the humanity they share regardless of beliefs.

I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

Gladden the Heart by Olivia Newport, gives us a glimpse of the revivalism movement in America in 1847. When our story begins, Susanna Hooley is gathering roots and wildflowers to create dyes for fabric. In the clearing is a large tent for one of Reverend Braxton's revival meetings. The hot July afternoon brought a large crowd to hear her friend Patsy's father preaching a powerful message. Susanna's Amish community was not immune to the impassioned messages that poured from the good reverend's tongue. Such things were not heard in the long three hour meetings she experienced every other Sunday. Intrigued by what she heard, coupled with seeing so many Amish from her district, she steeled herself away.

Not long after this, however, her life is turned upside down by her cousin Noah. During a normal conversation on an ordinary Sunday afternoon, he fell under a spell. The normally quiet man began to preach from the book of John. His message was so powerful and strong, many gathered to hear, including the bishop. The bishop fully believes that Noah is wakeful and willful with his preaching and orders him to stop. Noah was unaware that he gave such stirring sermons straight from the bible. When he woke from his trances he was exhausted and slept for hours.

It isn't long before Susanna discovers Noah's unpredictable behavior has happened before. She is determined to help Noah's wife Phoebe keep him safe, disregarding opinions from her mother, the bishop and even Adam Yotter, her intended. The situation becomes a controversy as many in the community begin congregating at Noah's house daily to hear him preach. It is only when a near tragedy occurs that Susanna, Adam, his uncle and the bishop come together to help Noah and find common ground.

I enjoyed this book. Many people were yearning for meaningful spiritual experiences they didn't find in their usual long, dry services. A powerful message such as those delivered under the big tent seemed to offer more. While traditional clergy may have argued that nobody could gauge a true enlightened experience, I disagree. How can anyone know what another truly experiences. The human experience is amazing and sometimes the true picture cannot be told by looking at someone. The sleeping preacher phenomenon was real, something I was unaware of. In the midst of this time in America, great changes were taking place. It is ironic that even the Amish, who lived separate from others would experience such things. Enlightening.

A fascinating look at an Amish community in 1847!

The characters in this book are wonderful. They are so well developed and have such a wide variety of personalities that I was able to connect with a number of them. Some of them were just plain annoying just like people in my own community.

I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that there was a deep question that was being grappled with by most of the characters. The entire community was affected by it. Each person had to sort out their own beliefs and feelings on a personal level as well within the whole group.

I haven’t read the earlier books in this series but I will be going back to read each one of them.

I received a free copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

Susanna and her older cousin, Noah, have been pretty close since she was a girl. But he has started acting strangely of late. He, and Susanna, are Amish, a people known for their quiet, simple devotion. But in church one Sunday, Noah stands up and starts preaching repentance like the local fiery Methodist preacher. He doesn't respond when asked to stop, and eventually stops, hours later with no recollection of his preaching. The Amish community is dumbfounded, Susanna, Noah, and their friends struggle to understand and respond to the conundrum before them.

Gladden the Heart was an unusual read for me, but still a good experience. It stretched my understanding of the Christian faith because sleeping-preachers like Noah did exist historically. And if they are anything like the example in this book, they presented questions to me as they did to the Amish in this novel. For one thing, how is it that a man who does not fully believe what he is preaching stand up and preach accurately while in a trance? It makes little sense outside of the Holy Spirit's power, but it Did happen.

This question of faith takes center stage in the book. There is a little romance between Susanna and Adam, but the problem the Amish are facing begins to come between them. It is a complicated issue that affects nearly all of the relationships in the book. Characters have to make tough decisions that have lasting implications in their lives and the lives of those around them.

The historical details were interesting. The Amish have changed little between the 1800's and now, but the outside cultures that influenced them in that time period were dramatically different. The tent revivals, circuit-riding preachers, relationships between the different denominations, and others were vividly portrayed. I find myself wanting to research the time period out of curiosity.

Gladden the Heart was an interesting novel that challenged me to dig deeper into my faith. I recommend it to fans of Amish novels.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Gladden the Heart was a book that focuses on change. Change is hard to accept but this change is a good change.

The Amish community living in the Kishacoquillas Valley are being exposed to Methodist teaching. It is different from what they have learned. Susanna is one of the Amish living in this community. She has heard some of the Methodist teaching and she is curious. When her Amish cousin, Noah, falls asleep he begins to preach beautifully powerful Methodist sermons. Noah does this in front of the bishop and the community. The bishop rebukes him publicly. When Noah continues to have these spells, Susanna tries her best to help the family keep Noah safe while he preaches his sermons. He is asleep during them, but his message is beautiful and clear. The area's Methodist preacher convinces Noah to travel with him on his circuit so the he can minister to the people. Noah agrees. While Noah preaches, he begins to touch the hearts of those in the Amish community. Soon the community has to face the division this new Gospel message has caused.

Susanna's boyfriend, Adam, feels caught in the middle. He wants to be loyal to his Bishop and the commitment he made to the community, yet Susanna asks him to help her keep Noah safe while he preaches this different message. Their relationship suffers as they feel a wall being built between them. Each has to decide where they will stand.

All of it comes to a head when Noah disappears. The community comes together on the mountain to try and find Noah. While they are they, they find the answers to all of the questions that have been there.

Gladden the Heart is well written and the characters are very likable. You really see how powerful the Holy Spirit is and how it gladdens the heart when you experience it for the first time.

Believe it or not I haven’t read anything by Olivia until this book. The premise of this book really intrigued me and I wanted to see what was going on.
First of all, Olivia can write some powerful sermons. This book is full of messages of truth from the Word.
I wanted to know why was Noah experiencing these trances or falling until the Holy Ghost. Why him? Why wouldn’t God allow him to remember this?
Susanna is a sweetheart. I did get irritated with her ignoring Adam for all the stuff that was going on with Noah, but she was trying to help Phoebe.
I also liked Adam’s steadfastness. He didn’t easily give up even when things got hard.
There are many great characters and layers in this book. Many people being effected by this changed in Noah.
Overall this was a very interesting read and I liked it.

A copy of this book was given to me through the Celebrate Lit Team. All opinions are my own.

What a thought-provoking book. Immediately after finishing Gladden the Heart by Olivia Newport, I wanted to go back and read certain sections again because they gave me much to mull over in my own heart.

There are many things I really enjoyed about Gladden the Heart.

-Being a descendant of a prolific Methodist circuit rider/preacher myself, I found Charles Baxton to be completely fascinating.

-His daughter Patsy and I are kindred spirits, as I feel certain that she too wanted to purse whomp Bishop Shem as well as Susanna’s mother.

-The history and time period in which Gladden the Heart is set mirrors that of Naomi’s Hope by Jan Drexler, which I reviewed here earlier this week. It was interesting to see ‘the other side of the story’, so to speak – with insight into why at least some of the Pennsylvania Amish may have felt compelled to migrate to Indiana, etc.

-Niklaus. Amish or not, he seeks God’s heart and His Word over tradition.

Bottom Line: Gladden the Heart by Olivia Newport is intriguing in its history and may cause some modern day soul-searching, too. The romance between Adam and Susanna, in my opinion, was not so much a focus of the story as it was another way to show the effect of the spiritual matters with which they wrestled. It could have been absent from the story altogether, and I still would have enjoyed this read! In the Amish Turns of Time series, I have been most intrigued by the Amish and English interactions, especially as one causes the other to adjust their firmly-held ideals. Gladden the Heart is no exception, and I know I will be thinking about it for a long while.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

This is the part where I sit down and have no idea where to start. I really really liked this book. I can't say any one thing that stands out as just 'wow' or 'holy tomatoes batman' but it was a general wrap you up in life and tug you into something bigger than yourself but small enough to embrace one man completely. Of course, while upsetting the entire community. Noah was a average Amish man, with a pretty big secret, until one day he 'went under' just after church in full view of his community. His secret no more, but is he sick (the doctors have all said there is nothing wrong) or just being willful? To Susanna he was a favorite cousin, one whom she was willing to risk a potential husband and the relationship with her mother to help. Before it's all over, many lives are changed but I had even more questions.

Not being overly familiar with the revival movement I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. I mean, don't get me wrong I've heard of it, I know a smidge or two, but it's not something I've ever immersed myself in. And when the revival movement and the Amish faith comes to meet I'm even more in the dark. Honestly though, this book places you in the moment. The confusion, the fear, the outright feeling that there is more than meets the eye. However, it wasn't the revivalism that kept me engaged but instead the individual reactions to something no one understood. The reactions of Susanna's mother, the reactions of her best English friend Patsy, the reactions of one of the ministers Nikalus, but mostly the reaction of the bishop Shem. The line where faith meets with personal.

How do you react when something different comes into your life? How do you react when it is based in your Faith? I was drawn to the reactions of Shem. As the bishop, he takes his role seriously to guide and lead his flock. He is invested in helping them to obey the laws and follow the role that Christ has in their faith. When Noah starts preaching it shakes the entire community but when Nkialus feels like perhaps there is room for the simple separate life AND a more open embracing of the Holy Spirit, there is definitely division in the leadership. I feel like Shem takes what is happening as a personal affront to his leadership and less about opening up faith. Following Shem's reactions, I feel like he was less about
'guiding' his community and more about feeling as though he was losing control over them. I feel like this book, while about revivalism and the Amish community, is more about how we all react when things within our 'realm' are faced with new/different/change. Do we react with Nikalus, Shem, or even Adam who was so bound with fear that he couldn't take a stand either way?

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by CelebrateLit and NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

Gladden the Heart has a different feel than a lot of Amish fiction as it draws inspiration from real-life historical events and explores the “what if” aspect. I’ve always enjoyed reading about the circuit-riding preachers and evangelistic meetings of the 1800s, and Olivia Newport does a great job of bringing this era to life. While there is some romance, it takes a back seat to the historical themes and conflict within the Amish community.

Noah spoke of God’s love, of human failings, of faithfulness, of repentance, of redemption, of new life, of serving Christ with love toward one another, of unceasing prayer, of God’s gracious gift of salvation.

Newport draws inspiration from something I hadn’t heard of – the “sleeping preacher” phenomenon and the fact that the Amish were losing some of their members to these revival preachers. Susanna’s beloved cousin, Noah, becomes a polarizing figure as he starts falling into trances and preaching in an evangelistic style, resulting in conflict within family and community. The relationship between Susanna and Adam also comes into conflict over Noah.

The pace moves slowly at times, but I enjoyed this story and it gave me much to reflect upon. One of my favorite characters was Niklaus, a good and humble Amish minister who followed the convictions of his heart in preaching. I also loved the contrast between grace and judgment, assurance and fear. The title reflects this story’s theme well, for it’s the beauty of faith that gladdens the heart.

Recommended.

Gladden the Heart is about religious freedoms, religious tolerance, choosing of paths(although there is only one GOD, we all Christians and Amish alike pray to), fierce friendship. You have two people in love Susanna and Adam both follow the Amish faith until one day something happens - her cousin goes into trances and preaches the Gospel now is that for real or not? that is what Susanna has to figure out - be loyal to family or faith? She takes care of her cousin while he is in these HOLY SPIRIT trances and preaches while in these trances - Adam needs to either help Susanna, be patient and supportive ,or lose her - guess which one he does? GOD's hand is running throughout the book and that is the most important thing - Amen ya'll? Are the revivals for real? The book believes in the one and only way to Heaven and that is through the son JESUS CHRIST. Other things like electricity etc are believed to be used - differently. GOD Bless Ms. Newport who wrote such a wonderful book - thank you -The story you had to tell - I enjoyed it so very much and you got me to become so involved in the lives of ALL the characters. I enjoyed each and every single word.

Gladden The Heart is the number 5 book in the Amish Turns Of Time series.
This takes place in the rugged Kishacoquillas Valley of central Pennsylvania in 1847. This book is based on true facts the author discovered while doing research for her books.
Back in the day they were called the "sleeping preachers". Noah in this book falls unconscious at regular intervals and preaches almost on a daily basis. When he awakens he has no memory of preaching or what he has done. This worries his family members who worry he may hurt himself while in this state of mind when he goes missing during the time of day he usually preaches.This book is different from the Amish books I usually read but very powerful and interesting!
Pub Date 01 Jul 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing, Inc for a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

I liked this book. It is a bit different than other Amish books I know. But that's okay, we all need to be shaken up a bit with the unexpected as you'll find in Noah. I cheered for Susanna and her friendship with Patsy. Two totally different from the other. Adam and Susanna work on their relationship as the line is drawn at a huge difference in belief is challenged. Read the book and find out.
Blessings,
Karen Hadley
Rating: 4*
I received this book as a gift and all opinions are my own.
My goodreads account is linked to my twitter and facebook accounts

This is, to my knowledge, the first book I have read by this author. It's the first book I have read in this series. It was a tad slow, but still well worth reading. I appreciate that it covers a topic that still confuses people today, even though this was back in the 1800's. Susanna and her family are Amish, so they have quite an issue on their hands when her cousin starts sleep preaching.

Let's talk about this for a moment. This person, in this case, Noah is asleep. Just like sleepwalking, only he's sleep preaching. That's fine and dandy, if people don't think you're crazy, or you aren't Amish, or you aren't putting yourself in danger wandering about in your sleep. Preaching or not, sleepwalking has hazards.

When Noah goes missing, the Amish people and the Methodist's have to see if they can find him. There's way more going on here than just a romance. We have matters in the Christian community that people don't know how to deal with. "Sleeping Preachers" is one of those issues. Now you're going to get my thoughts about this. If even the rocks can cry out and testify, then certainly the Word can come through someone who's asleep. Would that person be in harm's way? That is an entirely different issue and one that is harder to answer.

If the preaching changes lives, and leads people to God, then I'd say it's real. Many stranger things have happened that we have documentation about. Example- I see three men in the fire, and a fourth, yet they do not burn. Do look that one up in your Bible if you're not familiar with it. I found this book to be strong, and thought provoking and I'm glad I read it. Pun intended and yet serious at the same time.

My copy came from Celebrate Lit. My thoughts and opinions are my own, and this review was left of my own free volition.

An Amish Revival?!

Yep! You read that right! Ever think you’d read a novel about circuit riders and revivals in the Amish community? Me either! But what a wonderful story Olivia Newport brings to her readers with her latest release, Gladden the Heart, fifth in her Amish Turns of Time series.

A host of characters rounds out this fascinating read: Susannah, Adam, and Noah in particular. Susannah is a sweet, young Amish woman. She loves where she lives, loves Adam, and is curious about the circuit rider preacher that lives near her. Adam loves Susannah, and is a devout Amish man. He tries hard to stick to their church’s Ordnung and anything their bishop says. Noah, Susanna’s most cherished cousin, is a minister in their 1847 Amish settlement.

When Noah suddenly starts going into a trance and preaches a VERY non-traditional Amish sermon, the entire community is in a dither: Some condemn him, others are confused. Interested in this new finding of Noah, Susannah agrees to help keep him safe during his trances….which is in direct opposition to Adam’s view. Can they find common ground? What will become of Noah? Read and find out!

I was given Gladden the Heart in exchange for my honest review. I found it intriguingly wonderful! What a great storyline. Although fifth in the series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone. To date, this is my favorite in the series. Brava, Olivia Newport!

What a wonderful story! The mix of Amish, Methodist, Tent Revival and all searching for the right way, the right place.
I especially loved that the character, Noah, who preached without knowing, was based on historical cases. Susanna and Adam, Amish and thinking of marriage, are drawn in different directions by Noah's preaching. Patsy, daughter of the Methodist Minister , feisty, opinionated and not afraid to speak her mind. Veronica, Susanna's Mother, afraid her daughter would be lost to the world outside the Amish. A lovely story about listening for, and hearing God's word.

MY REVIEW: This book is exciting and fresh! I have many, many Amish novels and the plots are usually very similar. Gladden the Heart presents a situation that I do not ever recall seeing in any of the works of Amish fiction that I've read. Noah is not a preacher, but begins preaching while in trances and his wife seeks to keep him safe during these times. The community is divided over this unusual thing and Adam is against it, while his girlfriend, Susanna, approves of Noah's preaching and helps her aunt to ensure his safety when he is in a trance. I have never personally heard of someone who receives the Holy Spirit and is gifted with this amazing ability to preach the Word.
Noah and Adam both fear that their differences will keep them from marrying, but maybe they will work things out. They could also split over their differences.
Readers will anxiously read ahead to see what happens for Noah, Adam, and Susanna. I highly recommend this book to others.
I am giving this book a 5-star rating.
I received an ebook of this selection from netgalley and Shiloh Run Press in exchange
for an honest review.

This was the most unusual Amish book I ever read. But good, Susanna is pressed into helping her aunt help care for her husband after Noah is stricken by spells of preaching. The spells come on him unexpectedly at first and then settle into a pattern. Noah has no recollection of the preaching and has to be guarded against falling or hurting himself in any way. He then sleeps for hours after one of his spells. Neighbors begin to come to his house whenever they can to see and listen to this “sleeping preacher”. Since Noah is Amish some of the things he is preaching are quite controversial for the Amish. His bishop becomes more and more concerned about his congregation going to hear Noah and seemingly being swayed by the open path that seems to be a direct way to the almighty God.
Susannah’s beau Adam is also caught in the middle between his love for Susannah and his need to stay true to his beliefs.
Read the twists and turns in this unusual look into an unknown to me piece of Amish history in a fictional form.
I was provided at advance copy of the book in e-format.from Net-Galley
I am providing an honest opinion of the book