Promise to Return: A Novel (Promise of Sunrise Book 1)
It’s 1943, and Miriam Coblentz and Henry Mast are nearing their wedding day when the unthinkable happens—Henry is drafted. However, since he is a part of the pacifist Amish tradition, Henry is sent to a conscientious objector Civilian Public Service camp. When he leaves for the work camp, his gaping absence turns Miriam’s life upside down. Little does she know it’s only the beginning...
When Henry returns home, he brings news that shakes Miriam and their Amish community to the core. Henry believes God has called him to enlist in the army and fight for his country, leaving her to make an important decision: whether to choose loyalty to the peaceful life she’s always known or her love for Henry.
Two worlds collide in this unforgettable debut novel, providing a fascinating and rare look into Amish culture during World War II. While Henry is battling enemies across the ocean, Miriam struggles between her devotion to Henry and her love of the Amish way of life. One question is at the bottom of it all: will she follow the rules of her religion or the leading of her heart?
Reviews (207)
Authentic Historical Amish Story
These days, most of the books coming from major publishing houses earn their four or five star rating since the author can write well and the editing process fine tunes the story. "Promise to Return" by Elizabeth Byler Younts uncompromisingly does this. This reviewer reads and reviews many books. Among the Amish novels read, "Promise to Return," authentically relays the the strengths and weaknesses in the Amish faith. Mrs. Younts depicts scenes where adherents draw strength from the community, but also where the Ordnung restrains individual freedom, even to severely restricting the members. The practice of public individual confession before the church is one way the Amish exert control, threat of shunning is another, this book portrays the cost of both for the individual. This book is a well-crafted, authentic story. Couldn't put it down! A truly good book.
Extremely well written and edited WW2 story about how the Amish were
impacted by the draft, their beliefs and societal pressures. Elizabeth Byler Younts is a talented writer who knows what’s up in the Amish genre! That’s not surprising as she was born into that faith and remained until her parents moved on when she was a teenager. This has enabled her writing with an authenticity not found in most other offerings of this genre. “A Promise to Return” follows the story of a young couple caught between the Amish and English worlds by the war, the rules of the church and the pressures of family and friends. It seems as if they are caught in a storm of catastrophe and will never find a way back together. Younts could easily have fallen into dramatic histrionics but she did not. These pages are filled with honest emotions and heart rending conflict. The characters are engaging, the setting is accurate and the history is true. Amish fiction is usually an enjoyable but light and fluffy few hours for me. This was meaningful, educational and a “Promise to Return” for the next volume📚
I cannot wait to read the next one!
A nice book is fun, and a good book is satisfying. A great book is fun, satisfying changes you, and nourishes your soul all at the same time. This is a great book. I truly dislike the genre of Amish fiction—when I’ve tried it in the past, I’ve found it to be either saccharine sweet, portraying the Amish as perfect, or rather hateful toward them. Though I am a Christian, I don’t tend to be a big fan of most Christian fiction in general either, as it is often preachy and/or cheesy. Imagine my surprise when I picked this one up, and could not for the life of me put it down. It is certainly an exception to all of those stereotypes. The Amish are portrayed as real people with real struggles. The author also didn’t shy away from showing the pitfalls of the less than ideal theology often embraced by the Amish. This book is also definitely an exception to the Christian fiction stereotype as well. There is absolutely nothing preachy or cheesy about this novel. Not only does the storyline grip you and draw you in, but while never preachy, the book is full of simple truths in Christian faith regarding forgiveness and grace that touched me deeply. Watching Miriam’s transformation in her faith brought me to tears as she began to really understand forgiveness and grace. Elizabeth Younts not only created characters that I grew quite fond of, but she wrote in such a way about loving a man in the military that resonated strongly in the heart of this military wife. More than once, tears flowed as I read this touchingly beautiful and realistic story that intersected romance, war, faith, loneliness, pain, joy, and the reassurance of God’s faithfulness to his loved ones. As a busy homeschooling mom (and college student!), it’s not often I have the opportunity to read a novel in less than 24 hours, but with Promise to Return, I didn’t feel like I even had a choice—I just couldn’t seem to put it down. Some books stay with you long after you’ve read them. I know with certainty that with the depth of this one, it’ll be with me a very long time.
An All Around Good Story
It has been several months since I turned the last page of "Promise to Return", yet it is a story that stays in my heart. Ms. Younts' writing style has a quiet strength and elegant beauty. There is a scene where Miriam is walking home alone from a Singing "wrapped up in a blanket of darkness". Then a carriage steals up behind her and her friend offers her a ride. The sensation of the darkness and the closeness of the two characters are like they are the only two people in a vast world. That is how I felt while reading this dear story. Like I was close to the characters and even though I was on the outer circle listening and watching, I was invested in their story and their struggles. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story, history and romance. It has substance. I am looking forward to reading more stories from this author.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!
This is by far the best Amish romance I have ever read and I have read at least 100 give or take a few. The Book Description, the fact that the time frame was during WWII with with the Amish beliefs on war and that the author was born Amish told me enough where there was no way I would pass this book up. I am so glad that I didn't. Thank you Elizabeth Byler Younts for writing this book. I hope that all who love reading about the Amish or Amish romances will treat yourselves to buying and reading this book. Henry and Miriam's story is not one to pass up. This book is fantastic! I went and pre-ordered Book 2 of this series, "Promise to Cherish". I am anxiously waiting for the day it is released. I know I will love Eli's story too. I am also going to buy and read "Seasons: A Real Story of an Amish Girl", the authors Grandmother's memoir.
An Awesome Read!
I read a lot of romantic contemporary fiction, not a lot of historical. But every now and then, I get sucked into a story from a different time and place. And that’s what happened in Promise to Return by Elizabeth Byler Younts. A different time—WWII. And a different place—an Amish community. Add in a love triangle with two very different men and what’s not to like? I got so hung up on Miriam’s struggle to choose between Eli and Henry, and more importantly what her family and church wanted her to believe versus what Henry thought God was calling him to do by serving his country, that I couldn’t sleep until I finished the book to see if I would get my happy ending. Thank you, Elizabeth for bringing me into the Amish world and letting me experience another person’s life in a way that makes me feel as if I’ve lived it too.
Unlike Any Amish Fiction You've Ever Read
Most folks know that the Amish are pacifist, but do you know what they were doing during WWII, when men were being drafted? What might have it been like if an Amish man choice to go to war? If you like Christian fiction, historical fiction, a story about those left behind when the men go off to war, or are just curious about the Amish, you should check out her book. It not like any other Amish fiction I've read. The story will grab you from the very beginning. Henry who has been working in one of the camps for conscientious objectors during WWII feels lead by God to go to war. It is a calling that he doesn't fully understand but one that he feels that he must honor. However, the Amish do not allow their men to go to war as it is a violent life and breaks the commandment Thou shalt not murder. His fiance back home is left grappling with her love for him, and her love for the Amish and her life among them. She faces increasing pressure to give him up. Through out the course of the book, both characters will come to terms with the fact that God's will is not always what we would like or plain to discern. An excellent book. Elizabeth Byler Younts has a real talent for capturing the raw emotions, and you will cry repetitively - be over come with joy, and experience depression and heartbreak. It's hard to believe this is her first novel.
I Enjoyed The Characters and Story Line!
I enjoyed the storyline. It was unique in that the decision to enlist and deploy for the Amish is much more difficult and different than from anyone else. The struggles and stress that we who have deployed loved ones is tremendous. The stress and struggles for this Amish group was much worse. It shows that if we follow God's path, the end will be joyous, but the path may be the hardest you've ever walked.
Authentic Amish voice and stellar WWII novel
Authentic Amish voice from a young woman who is from an Amish background. This is Elizabeth's second novel, her first self-published to much success, with good reason--she's an amazing writer. Tightly woven novel about the consequences of a young man's decision to obey God's voice rather than go by all the Amish rules and the impact on his fiancé, also. Lots of bibliotherapy options here. There are family deaths, injuries some major, separation, isolation and yet knowing that one special love is truly meant to be. And she delivers a tender HEA that will have you begging for her next novel.
Powerful story from a gifted writer
This terrific book strikes a wonderful balance between authenticity and drama — part sweet, part gritty, part wrenching, and part inspirational. In short, it’s a book that both gripped me while reading and (in a good way) has haunted me since. Most fiction set within a subculture either openly bashes that subculture for the ways it differs from “normal” American life or portrays the subculture in an overly-idyllic way that’s patronizing and therefore equally insulting. It’s refreshing to find a book depicting a subculture — the Amish, in this case — that starkly illuminates how very odd many of their beliefs and customs are in contrast to those of the mainstream but also how utterly human the characters within that setting are. Beyond its authenticity and portrayal of the Amish, however, what’s best about the book is that the author is a gifted storyteller fully exercising her talents to tell an engaging and terrifically-paced tale. It’s very strange to read a book set in such an alien environment but yet feel like these characters are people I’ve known my entire life. Although the situations may be peculiar because of the setting, one can easily recognize the petty jealousies, smoldering rivalries, and the crushing pressure to conform faced not only by the younger characters but also by those who have lived their entire lives within this environment. Kudos, also, to the author for broaching the subject of war and using it to frame this story. Although the clash between the Amish beliefs and the realities of war are sure to cause controversy among readers, it is a testament to the writer’s courage to tackle such a powerful subject and use it as a backdrop for this equally-powerful story.
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