The Outcast

 

 

About The Book:  Raised in an Old Order Mennonite community, Rachel Stoltzfus is a strong-willed single woman, content living apart from mainstream society until whispers stir the moment her belly swells with new life. Refusing to repent and name the partner in her sin, Rachel feels the wrath of the religious sect as she is shunned by those she loves most. She is eventually coerced into leaving by her brother-in-law, the bishop. But secrets run deep in this cloistered community, and the bishop is hiding some of his own, threatening his conscience and his very soul. When the life of Rachel’s baby is at stake, however, choices must be made that will bring the darkness to light, forever changing the lives of those who call Copper Creek home.  To view the first chapter, follow this link to Tyndale’s website, where you can download the PDF.

About The Author:  Jolina Petersheim was born in the heart of Amish country. While her family moved to Tennessee when she was only three years old, her childhood was filled with stories of Pennsylvania Dutch ancestors hiding TVs from bishops and concealing permed hair beneath kapps. But this unique heritage did not interest her. Instead, she pouted as her mother divided her waist-length hair into plaits and then forced her to change from purple overalls into a jean skirt and sneakers in preparation to visit our Plain friends—knowing, even at the tender age of six, that this combination was a fashion faux pas. Playing Hide ‘n’ Seek or Kick the Can with her Old Order Mennonite peers, however, she soon became grateful for that skirt, which helped her transition from Southern Englischer to intimate friend.  In the autumn of 2008, she married a broad-shouldered, hazel-eyed Dutchman.  Upon moving into the haus her husband built with determination and his own two hands, she began to write a fictionalized version of a story that had once been told to her. A story regarding the power of desire and the reverberating cost if that desire is left unchecked; a story that, shockingly enough, took place in an idyllic Old Order Mennonite community.  In Nashville, she was introduced to a genial, white-haired man who was as excited to hear her Dutchy last name as she had been to hear his. This gentleman had attended the same Mennonite high school as her father (and her husband’s father) and, as a literary agent, he was interested to read the portion of the story that she had completed.  He read the first twenty-five thousand words while flying home from a book festival in Brazil and wanted to read more. Two months after the birth of their daughter, Tyndale House accepted the manuscript, as they were as excited to promote her modern retelling of The Scarlet Letter.

My Thoughts About The Book:  This book was a good bit different from most of the Amish life and romance books I have read.  The retelling of The Scarlet Letter Amish style was very interesting.  I enjoyed every minute of the book and hated to see it end. In the beginning I wasn't sure if this type of book would be for me, but the characters are wonderfully developed and I found myself lost in their world. This wonderful book is all about love and forgiveness. I would highly recommend this book to Scarlett Letter fans looking for a modern retelling, or anyone who wants a good read! 

STATEMENT OF DISCLOSURE: I received an paperback copy of this title from Tyndale Publishing and Netgalley Publishing as part of their blogger review program . I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. Thanks guys for letting me read this and participate!