The Captive Heart by Dale Cramer, Reviewed by Judy Burgi
In the spring of 1922, Caleb Bender brought his family to Paradise Valley to start a new Amish Colony. He moved his family because of religious persecution in Ohio. Now in their second year in Mexico they welcome more and more families from Ohio to Paradise Valley. The Colony has tripled.
Life is very hard in Paradise Valley. Bandits are still a threat and when they strike they are ruthless.
During an outbreak of Diphtheria and the loss of lives, at least one of the families of the Colony has decided to leave Paradise Valley and return to Ohio.
Caleb's family is put to the test. There will be many heart breaking incidences that will cause Caleb sleepless nights. Did he do the right thing by bringing his family to Paradise Valley? Will his family survive all that has happened?
This book was a real page turner for me. I was literally on the edge of my seat while reading this book. I couldn't stand not knowing what would happen next and picked up this book as often as possible tuning everything and everybody out. When I wasn't reading this book I was thinking about the characters in the book and worrying what would become of them. What would happen to the Bender family that I grew so fond of? This book will pull at your very heart strings and will take you through a gamut of emotions. I laughed, I cried, I worried, I fretted, I got angry...real angry, I also praised God. I thank the Author Dale Cramer for always showing God's presence throughout this book. I can't wait for book three to be published!
I wish to thank Bethany House for sending me The Captive Heart to read and review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.
Ok, Y'all! Doesn't this book sound good?!
Judy is offering her copy to one reader in the Continental US Only. To be entered in the drawing, leave an encouraging comment for Judy. Let's end this one on April 25th!
If you haven't subscribed via Email, RSS or Linky Tools, please consider doing so :)
this sounds like a wonderful story...thanks for the chance to read it :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for leaving a comment karenk. Good luck in the drawing! If you have read Paradise Valley, you will love this book. The story continues!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy
hi judy...as a matter of fact, i did read 'paradise valley'....i'm glad that this wonderful story continues...have a great day. karenk
ReplyDeleteThanks for this new review Judi! I have quite a few of Dale's books and have enjoyed all of them. I don't have Paradise Valley, so might have to buy it if I win this one.
ReplyDeletePatty
Hey, Miss Judy! I'd love to read this book, it sounds great! I always enjoy a good Amish book, if it's well-written. This one definately sounds like it. I'd love the chance to read it, and if I liked it, I could post a review on my blog (check it out!). Thanks for the chance! Hope I win!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds great. Thanks for the review. I haven't read anything by Dale Cramer and I LOVE Amish ...anything! :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings on your day!!
Sounds like a truly inspiring story. I love the Amish stories. Have not Read Paradise Valley, but just placed a hold on it at my library! Thanks for the review and the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteHi, Anne! Wonderful review as always! Please don't enter me as I have read Paradise Valley and Captive Heart and loved them! I often wondered how a man could write the woman's POV so well, and Dale Cramer said his wife helps him with that part. LOL! I mean you really can't tell that a man is the author as far as the heroines in his books go. They are just, well...women. :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent review Judy.
ReplyDeleteIt drew my attention to this author that I haven't read yet.
I will definately have to check out Dale's Cramers books.
Great review, makes me even more anxious to get ahold of this book. Thank you for a chance to win it.
ReplyDeletewfnren(at)aol(dot)com
Wonderful review. Would love a chance to win this book. Thank you for the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteVery nice book. I would love to read this. Thank you for the chance to win.
ReplyDeletegriperang at embarqmail dot com
Sounds interesting, I love the cover too!
ReplyDeletePatty, thank you for your comment. Good luck in this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy
Katelyn, thanks for stopping by and commenting! Good luck in this giveaway! I will check out your blog!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy
Ladette, thanks for stopping by. Good luck in this giveaway! I love Amish fiction too!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy
Thanks for stopping by Brenda. Good luck in this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy
Hey Diana! Thanks for popping in and leaving a comment. :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy
Cheryl, thank you for your kind words. Dale has some great reads out there!
ReplyDeleteGood luck in this giveaway!
Blessings!
Judy
Karen, thank you so much. I'm glad you liked the review. Good luck in this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy
Wendy, thank your for your nice comment. Good luck in this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy
Angela, thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. Good luck in this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy
Abigail, love your name! :) My grandgirlie is named Abigail Nicole. Thank you for stopping by and commenting. Good luck in this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy
Hey y'all! I've been busy today with my daughters so I haven't had time to compute :) Thanks for all the encouraging comments! I'm going to be looking for this book myself, after reading Judy's review!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, Anne, read Paradise Valley first b/c this one starts where the other leaves off...unless you have already read it. Both are very good! Secondly, Judy, I owe you an apology. I have a terrible habit of skimming important things...like who wrote the review! :( It was a wonderful, heartfelt review, JUDY!
ReplyDeleteMy question is, How come we wonder how a man writes a woman's POV so well, and yet do we question how a woman writes a man's POV so well?
ReplyDelete:)
Thanks for the heads up about the first book. I think I might have it on my Kindle but I'll check. That'll teach you to skim ;)
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds great. I haven't read anything by Dale yet, so would love the chance to.
ReplyDeleteDiana, no apologies needed. It doesn't matter in my opinion who gets the credit for writing the review. As long as God gets the Glory. To me, that is what is all about. Have a great day! Blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteI'll state this again.......If you have read Paradise Valley, you will love this book. The story continues!
ReplyDeleteNote to all! Paradise Valley is the first book in this series and it continues on with The Captive Heart. I strongly suggest to all people entering this contest that you read Paradise Valley first.
Melissa, thank you for stopping by and entering this giveaway. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy
Can hardly wait to read this.. Sounds like a good book.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this book!
ReplyDeleteA great review Judi...it made me very interested in reading this story.
ReplyDeleteI love Amish stories and can't wait to read The Captive Heart. I have not read any of Dale's books but looking forward to reading. Thanks for the opportunity to enter giveaway.
ReplyDeletewould love to read this
ReplyDeleteThank you for the entry in your giveway! I love Dale Cramer's books and would love a chance at winning The Captive Heart. Enjoying your blog and the review of the book, thank you and have a blessed day.
ReplyDeleteI hope that I win. The book sounds so good.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this Book, It looks so good. I love Amish Fiction.
ReplyDeleteMany Blessing
I have read another of Dale Cramer's books and know he is a wonderful author. I would be pleased to win this book! Thank you for the opportunity to make it a twice loved copy. Blessings, Janice jsmithg(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this book - looks so interesting! Have never read any of his books before!!!!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Terri, thanks for stopping by and entering this contest.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy
Darlene, thanks for entering!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy
Jackie, thanks for your kind words. Good luck in this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy
misskallie2000, thanks for entering! Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy
Pat, good luck! Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy
Ingrid, thanks for your comment and stopping by. Good luck in this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy
Sandy, thank you for your comment. Good luck in this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy
Dianna, Good luck in this giveaway. If you win, I strongly suggest you read Paradise Valley first. The Captive Heart continues the story. Thank you for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy
I would/am looking forwaed to reading this book, thanks for the chance at the contest.
ReplyDeleteI would love to read this book....please enter me.Thanks...
ReplyDeleteI read the first book,and would love to read the second one!Thanks for the great review and a chance to win.
ReplyDeleteIf I'm lucky enough to win it, I will sure read it. Cross my fingers.
ReplyDeleteWould love a chance to read a book by a male author on the Amish. Please enter me. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWould love to win -- EVERYTHING Dale Cramer writes is Golden! This series is above and beyond, imho! :)
ReplyDeleteThis was a great review. I love reading Amish books and this sounds like one great book. Thank you for the opportunity!
ReplyDeleteJackie, thank you for stopping by. Good luck in this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy
Rose, thanks for stopping by! Good luck in this giveaway.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy
Jennifer, since you have read Paradise Valley, you will love The Captive Heart. The saga continues! Good luck in this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy
Loretta, you have the same name as my sister. I call her Lori, the rest of the family calls her Loretta. Thanks for stopping by. Good luck in this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy
Linda, if you win this giveaway. Please read Paradise Valley first, the first book of this series. The Captive Heart continues from book one. Thanks for stopping by. Good luck in this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy
Susan, I know you love Amish fiction and I know you will enjoy this book. Thanks for stopping by. Good luck in this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy
Jo, I'm happy that you enjoyed the interview. Thank you for stopping by. Good luck in this giveaway! (Be sure to read Paradise Valley first if you win)
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy
I would love to win!!! Thanks for chance!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a wonderful Amish fiction book! I'd love to own a copy. Thank you for your offer through this contest!
ReplyDeleteNancee
quiltcat26@sbcglobal.net
I love reading Amish books!!! I'd love to win a book.
ReplyDeleteI'm reading Paradise Valley now. Not very far into it, but it is really interesting. I had no idea how the Amish went about gaining their educational rights.
ReplyDeleteHi Katelyn,
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming by! I'll be hopping over to check out your blog.
I wonder where I've been all this time that I haven't heard of his books :)
ReplyDeleteHey Ladette,
ReplyDeleteWelcome to Stuff & Nonsense II. I love Amish fiction as well, and am reading Paradise Valley right now.
Hey Brenda,
ReplyDeleteI checked out Paradise Valley too, after I read Judy' review! They'll be a run on the books for sure ;)
Glad you came by Wendy! Hope you've had a good weekend so far.
ReplyDeleteHi Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad Judy offered to let me post this review on here. It's introducing a new author to a lot of us!
Hey Janice,
ReplyDeleteGlad to know his books are so well liked. I'm looking forward to adding him to my list of must reads :)
I went right out and got Paradise Valley from the library! I'm not eligible to enter, so I will be getting this book from the library too :)
ReplyDeleteRhonda, thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. Good luck in this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy
Nancee, It is a great Amish fiction book. Don't forget to read Paradise Valley first if you are the winner. Thanks for stopping by. Good luck in this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy
Gail, thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. Good luck in this giveaway and if you are the winner, please be sure to get a copy of Paradise Valley and read this one first. The Captive Heart continues the story.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Judy
Wow! So many wonderful comments :) Thanks to all who have stopped by!
ReplyDeleteI'm reading Paradise Valley right now and all I can say is if you haven't read it yet, you will need to do so before reading The Captive Heart! It's definitely a continuation.
Have a great day in the Lord!