Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Bethany House Publishers (2013), Edition: 1st Edition., 348 pages
Original publication date
2013
Description
After schoolteacher Jodi Winfield finds a little girl on the side of the road, she delves into the isolated community of the Lancaster Old Order Amish to find answers.
Language
Original language
English
Physical description
348 p.; 8.5 inches
ISBN
9780764209796
User reviews
LibraryThing member ItEntertainsMe
[Though part of a series, this book can be read as a stand-alone.]
**Original review posted on honestreviewscorner.com**
Beverly Lewis’ latest book The Guardian, I have to say, starts out slow. As the blurb says, The Guardian is about Jodi finding a 4-year-old girl while out on her morning run.
Fortunately, once Jodi finally finds little Sarah, the story picks up considerably – and hits the pace we’ve come to expect from Beverly Lewis. As we experience the story, told from several points-of-view – that of Jodi, Maryanna, and sometimes Maryanna’s neighbor Joshua – it’s so easy to get drawn in as we fall for Jodi and the wonderful people she encounters in Hickory Hollow. Of course, as many Beverly Lewis reader can tell you, once you start one of her books, it’s nearly impossible to put it down until it’s finished.
While reading this book, I was frequently reminded of the old saying “everything happens for a reason”. Sometimes, there is no explaining why children develop attachments to certain people so quickly, but it’s clear to Maryanna that there must be a reason her daughter is so drawn to Jodi, the Englischer schoolteacher. The character developments were nicely entwined within the story, making connections between why certain events brought Maryanna, Jodi, and Joshua to this point in their lives and how Jodi, Maryanna, and even little Sarah will help get them back on the right path.
With her latest addition to the Home to Hickory Hollows series, Lewis successfully traverses the balance between the Englischers and the Plain people once again, while still developing a fresh plot and unique characters. Beverly Lewis certainly knows how to create characters and storylines so powerful that they stay with you long after you’ve finished the book – and The Guardian is no exception. As adults, we often feel that we know everything. Beverly Lewis’ newest novel is, ultimately, a great story about restoring faith shaken by tragedy – learning to trust that, even under the worst circumstances, God is with you.
**Original review posted on honestreviewscorner.com**
Beverly Lewis’ latest book The Guardian, I have to say, starts out slow. As the blurb says, The Guardian is about Jodi finding a 4-year-old girl while out on her morning run.
Show More
However, it takes several drawn-out chapters of inner-dialoge – both from Jodi’s point-of-view and that of the child’s mother Maryanna – just to get to the point where Jodi finds the girl. By the end of the book, I could see where some of it was necessary, but these opening chapters could have been condensed without impacting the plot.Fortunately, once Jodi finally finds little Sarah, the story picks up considerably – and hits the pace we’ve come to expect from Beverly Lewis. As we experience the story, told from several points-of-view – that of Jodi, Maryanna, and sometimes Maryanna’s neighbor Joshua – it’s so easy to get drawn in as we fall for Jodi and the wonderful people she encounters in Hickory Hollow. Of course, as many Beverly Lewis reader can tell you, once you start one of her books, it’s nearly impossible to put it down until it’s finished.
While reading this book, I was frequently reminded of the old saying “everything happens for a reason”. Sometimes, there is no explaining why children develop attachments to certain people so quickly, but it’s clear to Maryanna that there must be a reason her daughter is so drawn to Jodi, the Englischer schoolteacher. The character developments were nicely entwined within the story, making connections between why certain events brought Maryanna, Jodi, and Joshua to this point in their lives and how Jodi, Maryanna, and even little Sarah will help get them back on the right path.
With her latest addition to the Home to Hickory Hollows series, Lewis successfully traverses the balance between the Englischers and the Plain people once again, while still developing a fresh plot and unique characters. Beverly Lewis certainly knows how to create characters and storylines so powerful that they stay with you long after you’ve finished the book – and The Guardian is no exception. As adults, we often feel that we know everything. Beverly Lewis’ newest novel is, ultimately, a great story about restoring faith shaken by tragedy – learning to trust that, even under the worst circumstances, God is with you.
Show Less
LibraryThing member alekee
When Jodi Winfield goes for her morning run,she happens upon a little girl. The Child does not have any shoes and is dressed only in her underwear. Can you imagine, the child also has a big bruise on her forehead...I would be calling the police.
In the end she cleans up the little darling, and from
You can imagine how that Mother felt seeing her child home. Maryanna, her Mom, had been driving the family buggy, and her little Sarah fell out.
Jodi is feeling the pain of loosing her only sister. When she comes to Hickory Hollow, she finds some of the peace she has been looking for. She is unable to forgive God.
Her acceptance by the Plain People, has a lot to do with how the Children tend to follow her. Almost like the pied piper! I loved her visit here, and even jogging with some Amish people. You almost hope she will find someone and become Amish??
She does have a Fiancé, but they are having some problems. Will she end up marrying someone other than Trent. Will Maryanna, a widow, find a husband and father for her children?
Although I did question some of the things that happened in the story, like men leaving the search for the child, etc. I did enjoy this book by Beverly Lewis, and will look for more by her.
I received this book through Net Galley, and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
In the end she cleans up the little darling, and from
Show More
her friend, figures out she is Amish. She puts the little one in the car...now I might be thinking people will think she kidnapped this child? Anyway, even though the little one does not speak English, she manages to get Jodi to her home.You can imagine how that Mother felt seeing her child home. Maryanna, her Mom, had been driving the family buggy, and her little Sarah fell out.
Jodi is feeling the pain of loosing her only sister. When she comes to Hickory Hollow, she finds some of the peace she has been looking for. She is unable to forgive God.
Her acceptance by the Plain People, has a lot to do with how the Children tend to follow her. Almost like the pied piper! I loved her visit here, and even jogging with some Amish people. You almost hope she will find someone and become Amish??
She does have a Fiancé, but they are having some problems. Will she end up marrying someone other than Trent. Will Maryanna, a widow, find a husband and father for her children?
Although I did question some of the things that happened in the story, like men leaving the search for the child, etc. I did enjoy this book by Beverly Lewis, and will look for more by her.
I received this book through Net Galley, and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
Show Less
LibraryThing member rhonda1111
The Guardian (Home to Hickory Hollow #3) 4 stars
This is my first book that I have read in Home to Hickory Hollow. I can see how the other books would fit in but I thought the story was good at standing on its own.
I really enjoyed reading the Guardian. Though I have to admit to shedding a few tears
A mother's worst nightmare she can't find her little girl. After searching all around their house and property they figured she must have fallen out of the buggy and the other children were a sleep and did not see. The community right away start searching for the little girl they search and pray all night long.
Jodi Winfield is house sitting for her cousin while they are on a vacation and taking care of their cat. Jodi is having a hard time getting over her sister Karen's death. She has stopped praying since it did not save her sister. She does not want to have children. Her fiance does want them and loves God. He is going to teach abroad for a year teaching english in Japan.
Jodi is preparing to run in a marathon so she goes running and in the middle of nowhere finds a little girl a sleep on the side of the road in her underwear. She has a bump on the head and some other cuts & road rash. The little girl wakes us and cries for her mama.
Jodi finds no amber alert for a lost child. She does not understand the little girl. Jodi does pick her up and take her back to her cousin's house. She gives her first aid, a bath and some food. The little girl just clings to her. As Jodi is trying to get through to the police she gets a call from her boss telling her that she is being let go. Only a month before the new school year.
Her cousin's husband she is housesitting for is a cop and suggests when he hears she speaks no english where the Bishop of the Amish lives and he might know where she belongs. Explains that they don't turn to police they stay seperate.
The Amish men search all night. Then take turns searching while others feed animals and return. So far they have found her dress and hair pins. The men are split on calling the English police or not.
When Jodi finds the Amish school house Sarah recongizes where she is and points and Jodi going slow finds Sarah's house.
Maryanna is a widow raising four children on her own. She is so grateful to have her daughter back home safe. She invites Jodi into her home for lunch. Sarah and the children call Jodi Sarah's Angel. Sarah does not want Jodi to leave. All the children are drawn to Jodi.
It is a good story and blends both the Amish and English together. How they help each other in many ways. They are the answer to others prayers. Their is a lot of grieving talked about how each is different but some the same. Maryanna over loosing her husband.and a few other widows and widowers in their Amish district. Jodi getting over her sister's death. Just by sharing can make a difference in peoples lives.
I would read Beverly's books in the future based on how much I liked the Guardian.
I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of it in return by Netgalley.
April 2013 by Bethany House Publishers 352 pages ISBN:0764209795
This is my first book that I have read in Home to Hickory Hollow. I can see how the other books would fit in but I thought the story was good at standing on its own.
I really enjoyed reading the Guardian. Though I have to admit to shedding a few tears
Show More
reading it.Their were parts in it that I laughed and smiled too. Especially the pied piper when the two women realized they were following too. Both books I have read today brought tears.A mother's worst nightmare she can't find her little girl. After searching all around their house and property they figured she must have fallen out of the buggy and the other children were a sleep and did not see. The community right away start searching for the little girl they search and pray all night long.
Jodi Winfield is house sitting for her cousin while they are on a vacation and taking care of their cat. Jodi is having a hard time getting over her sister Karen's death. She has stopped praying since it did not save her sister. She does not want to have children. Her fiance does want them and loves God. He is going to teach abroad for a year teaching english in Japan.
Jodi is preparing to run in a marathon so she goes running and in the middle of nowhere finds a little girl a sleep on the side of the road in her underwear. She has a bump on the head and some other cuts & road rash. The little girl wakes us and cries for her mama.
Jodi finds no amber alert for a lost child. She does not understand the little girl. Jodi does pick her up and take her back to her cousin's house. She gives her first aid, a bath and some food. The little girl just clings to her. As Jodi is trying to get through to the police she gets a call from her boss telling her that she is being let go. Only a month before the new school year.
Her cousin's husband she is housesitting for is a cop and suggests when he hears she speaks no english where the Bishop of the Amish lives and he might know where she belongs. Explains that they don't turn to police they stay seperate.
The Amish men search all night. Then take turns searching while others feed animals and return. So far they have found her dress and hair pins. The men are split on calling the English police or not.
When Jodi finds the Amish school house Sarah recongizes where she is and points and Jodi going slow finds Sarah's house.
Maryanna is a widow raising four children on her own. She is so grateful to have her daughter back home safe. She invites Jodi into her home for lunch. Sarah and the children call Jodi Sarah's Angel. Sarah does not want Jodi to leave. All the children are drawn to Jodi.
It is a good story and blends both the Amish and English together. How they help each other in many ways. They are the answer to others prayers. Their is a lot of grieving talked about how each is different but some the same. Maryanna over loosing her husband.and a few other widows and widowers in their Amish district. Jodi getting over her sister's death. Just by sharing can make a difference in peoples lives.
I would read Beverly's books in the future based on how much I liked the Guardian.
I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of it in return by Netgalley.
April 2013 by Bethany House Publishers 352 pages ISBN:0764209795
Show Less
LibraryThing member JanaRose1
During her morning run, Jodi finds a little girl asleep by the side of the road. Quickly, she discovers that the little girl doesn't speak English. After doctoring her wounds and giving her a bath, Jodi rides out to the Amish community, where the little girl is reunited with her mother. Jodi finds
Overall, I thought this was a well written and engaging book. It was interesting to see the blending of cultures and how the characters interacted. At times I thought the book moved a bit slowly, but overall I highly enjoyed it.
Show More
herself drawn to the small Amish community and visits them time and time again.Overall, I thought this was a well written and engaging book. It was interesting to see the blending of cultures and how the characters interacted. At times I thought the book moved a bit slowly, but overall I highly enjoyed it.
Show Less
LibraryThing member lostinavalonOR
Another excellent Beverly Lewis book! I've often wondered what my life would be like if my husband were to pass away young. Would I take another husband? Live the rest of my life single? Mourn too long? I guess I hope that my heart would eventually heal, like Maryanna's, and I'd be ready to move
Show More
into something new and full of hope. I really enjoyed this story. The only thing I can think of that was irritating was Sarah's fixation on Jodi. I understand why this was part of the story but there were parts when I felt it was a little overdone. Other than that, great book! Show Less
LibraryThing member scoutmomskf
Very good book that deals with grief and how two very different women have dealt with it. Maryanna lost her husband in an accident leaving her to raise their four children without him. She has done very well but recent events have made her think that perhaps it is time to think of remarrying. When
Jodi had come to Lancaster to house sit for her cousin and to try to deal with the grief of losing her sister to cancer. This grief had caused her to lose her faith in God and was also creating some stress with her fiance. When she finds a little girl on the side of the road she tries to find out who she belongs to - not easy when the child speaks no English. A suggestion from her cousin sends her to Hickory Hollow, where she reunites Sarah with her family. She is surprised to find herself so warmly welcomed by the Amish family and invited to visit often. She finds Maryanna's quiet faith comforting, and just being with her and her family begins to renew her own faith. I loved seeing Jodi's honest struggle with her grief and the realistic way it was portrayed. Her enjoyment of spending time with the Esh family goes a long way toward healing her grief. She was surprised to be invited to teach at the Amish school and worked very hard to make sure she didn't abuse the trust they placed in her. I loved seeing her become so close with the Amish people of Hickory Hollow and what a difference they made in her life. I loved the epilogue and how it showed what became of the friendship between Jodi and Maryanna.
Show More
her youngest daughter goes missing she begins to question herself and the way she has been living her life. Her daughter's return by a young Englischer woman gives her a chance to help someone else. I really enjoyed Maryanna's contentment with her life and her love for her children and her faith. She started out very wary of Jodi and her possible influence on her family but soon realized that Jodi was a special person and could become a good friend. She also draws the attention of two Amish widowers and must decide if she wants to take a chance on a new relationship. Maryanna was also dealing with new feelings about her late husband's best friend Joshua. He seemed interested in courting her, but she had some issues with him that were making her unreceptive. I loved seeing the way that her friendship with Jodi also had an effect on the way that she looked at Joshua. Jodi had come to Lancaster to house sit for her cousin and to try to deal with the grief of losing her sister to cancer. This grief had caused her to lose her faith in God and was also creating some stress with her fiance. When she finds a little girl on the side of the road she tries to find out who she belongs to - not easy when the child speaks no English. A suggestion from her cousin sends her to Hickory Hollow, where she reunites Sarah with her family. She is surprised to find herself so warmly welcomed by the Amish family and invited to visit often. She finds Maryanna's quiet faith comforting, and just being with her and her family begins to renew her own faith. I loved seeing Jodi's honest struggle with her grief and the realistic way it was portrayed. Her enjoyment of spending time with the Esh family goes a long way toward healing her grief. She was surprised to be invited to teach at the Amish school and worked very hard to make sure she didn't abuse the trust they placed in her. I loved seeing her become so close with the Amish people of Hickory Hollow and what a difference they made in her life. I loved the epilogue and how it showed what became of the friendship between Jodi and Maryanna.
Show Less
LibraryThing member mwortinger
Jodi Winfield is housesitting for her friends in Lancaster, Pa. One morning while she was out for a run she found a little girl, Sarah on the side of the road. She finds out the little girl is Amish and soon finds the mother, Maryann. Jodi begins to spend time with the family. At first Maryann is
Show More
concerned about little Sarah forming a relationship with Jodi but soon a bond forms between the family and Jodi. This was a good story about relationships and finding peace and healing. I enjoyed the characters of the story and always enjoy anything by Beverly Lewis. Show Less
LibraryThing member milliebeverly
I received this ARC through a Librarything.com giveaway. I enjoy Mrs. Lewis's books. This one was no exception. It tells the story of a lost Amish child and an "English woman". It is not as predictable as most of Mrs. Lewis's books, and I enjoyed reading it.
LibraryThing member msh09
Jodi Winfield is an Englischer house-sitting in Lancaster County. On a morning run she finds a small, lost Amish girl named Sarah. The book grabs you instantly and I had a difficult time putting it down for awhile. During the point in the book when Jodi is trying to figure out what to do with the
Jodi finds Sarah's family and becomes entrenched in their lives. It is endearing how the relationships build. Another hit for Beverly Lewis!
I received The Guardian by Beverly Lewis from Bethany House in order to provide a review. This review is my honest opinion of the book.
Show More
child, I found the story unbelievable. I just can't imagine that a person wouldn't dial 911 if they found a lost child. Other than that, I LOVED the book and would definitely recommend it.Jodi finds Sarah's family and becomes entrenched in their lives. It is endearing how the relationships build. Another hit for Beverly Lewis!
I received The Guardian by Beverly Lewis from Bethany House in order to provide a review. This review is my honest opinion of the book.
Show Less
LibraryThing member starbritejan
Well Beverly Lewis has done it again!! I really enjoyed this book.. Great storyline,, great characters , great plot and a happy ending!! Hopefully there will be a sequel?
LibraryThing member macnoid
You can count on any Beverly Lewis book to be a good read, and this one doesn't disappoint! The Guardian is a great story, if a little predictable. I enjoy reading books about the Amish, but I had to wonder how close to real this one was....the Amish seemed a little too accepting of an 'Englisher',
Show More
letting her teach in their school, etc. Still...it was a great story......and I enjoyed reading it. Her characters were believable, and I always hate to say goodbye to them at the end of the book! Show Less
LibraryThing member kitchenwitch04
I have been reading Beverly Lewis for some time now. I really enjoy most of her books and had been seeing The Guardian on the shelves at the local store and was contemplating buying it when it suddenly showed up in the mail. I guess that I had won a copy of it back in February, but due to an error
The story revolves around Jodi Winfield who is an Englisher. She is house-sitting for her cousin near an Amish community, and goes out for a run when she encounters a sleeping child on the side of the road. When the child wakes, she is crying and scared - Jodi takes her to her cousin's house to clean her up and tend to her bumps and bruises. She then talks to her cousin's husband, who is a local policeman who suggests that since the child speaks no English that she may be Amish. Jodi takes the child to the local community, and miraculously finds the child's mother who is an Amish widow with four children.
The woman is so thankful to have her child back that she welcomes Jodi into her home and the women become fast friends.
I enjoyed this story, although I found it a little hard to believe how the Amish community accepted the Englisher so quickly and even allowed her to teach their children. That seemed a little far-fetched for me to believe, which took away a little of the charm of the book for me.
But, having said that.....I DID enjoy the book, and thank the Early Reviewers Program for the opportunity to review it. I am sure it will be enjoyed by anyone who is a fan of Amish fiction.
Show More
had just received the book lately. I am very happy that I get a chance to review this book.The story revolves around Jodi Winfield who is an Englisher. She is house-sitting for her cousin near an Amish community, and goes out for a run when she encounters a sleeping child on the side of the road. When the child wakes, she is crying and scared - Jodi takes her to her cousin's house to clean her up and tend to her bumps and bruises. She then talks to her cousin's husband, who is a local policeman who suggests that since the child speaks no English that she may be Amish. Jodi takes the child to the local community, and miraculously finds the child's mother who is an Amish widow with four children.
The woman is so thankful to have her child back that she welcomes Jodi into her home and the women become fast friends.
I enjoyed this story, although I found it a little hard to believe how the Amish community accepted the Englisher so quickly and even allowed her to teach their children. That seemed a little far-fetched for me to believe, which took away a little of the charm of the book for me.
But, having said that.....I DID enjoy the book, and thank the Early Reviewers Program for the opportunity to review it. I am sure it will be enjoyed by anyone who is a fan of Amish fiction.
Show Less
LibraryThing member george1295
Home run!! Beverly Lewis has another winner on her hands for all those who have come to love her Amish novels. This is a page turner and, unlike other Amish novels I have read, this is one that twists and turns without an obvious ending in sight.
LibraryThing member polarmath
Jodi finds herself house sitting and without a job since her teaching position was cut. She decides to use this time to herself for contemplation about her upcoming marriage and her thoughts about family. She finds herself intertwined with the Amish community nearby and through several encounters
Show More
soon finds what she needs. Show Less
LibraryThing member rjmoren
Beautifully written story about an "Englischer" that has lost her faith in God. Jodi is a Christian but stopped praying when her sister died. She struggles with the loss and how it affects her relationship with not only her fiancé' but her parents as well. The three of them continue to trust God
Show More
as always so they are at odds with Jodi. Stumbling upon a lost child near the home she is house-sitting, answers the prayers of the lost girl's mother and their entire Amish community when Jodi returns her safe and sound to her family. But without realizing it, God uses the incident to bring Jodi back into relationship with Him. Show Less
LibraryThing member Lindz2012
This was something wonderful. I teach us about friendship and forgiving. It also about finding a missing child. It show what the Amish do for each person or children even neighbor's children. It show the difference in English world and their world. I just love the story and plot behind it. This is
Show More
the third in this series. I still need to read book number 2. I recommend this book those that love Amish or Beverley Lewis. Show Less
LibraryThing member jnut1
I would of given it 4 stars but I felt the ending was very rushed.
This was a great story of an englisher finding a missing Amish girl and the relationships the come from it. It also deals with healing.
I thought a few characters were thrown in for no reason - the text from Karen's husband? Never
This was a great story of an englisher finding a missing Amish girl and the relationships the come from it. It also deals with healing.
I thought a few characters were thrown in for no reason - the text from Karen's husband? Never
Show More
heard from him before or after this one text sentence. Show Less
LibraryThing member Lindz2012
This was something wonderful. I teach us about friendship and forgiving. It also about finding a missing child. It show what the Amish do for each person or children even neighbor's children. It show the difference in English world and their world. I just love the story and plot behind it. This is
Show More
the third in this series. I still need to read book number 2. I recommend this book those that love Amish or Beverley Lewis. Show Less
LibraryThing member bemislibrary
Sarah fell out of the Amish buggy on the ride home. Jodi finds Sarah and manages to bring her home despite Sarah’s inability to understand a word Sarah speaks. The joyful reunion turns into something more as two different cultures and belief systems collide. Sometimes the simplest actions bring
Show More
unexpected change. Show Less
LibraryThing member JenniferRobb
I don't quite understand the title--perhaps it was chosen to fit the series. Yes, it is true that Jesus is our guardian, but usually these titles also have a plot application as well. It is true that Jodi is a bit of a guardian to Sarah until she return her to her family, but it's not a huge part
In one sense, I felt like the book could have been over 150 or so pages in--I'm glad the author didn't choose to belabor Sarah being returned to the correct family (as I thought might happen). I enjoyed getting to know both Maryanna and Jodi through their friendship with each other. I'm glad both found true love. I was glad to see Jodi and Trent work through their differing desires on having or not having children and come to an agreement rather than breaking up over their different "wants" out of life. I was surprised that an Amish school agreed to hire an non-Amish teacher, even for a few months.
Show More
of the plot.In one sense, I felt like the book could have been over 150 or so pages in--I'm glad the author didn't choose to belabor Sarah being returned to the correct family (as I thought might happen). I enjoyed getting to know both Maryanna and Jodi through their friendship with each other. I'm glad both found true love. I was glad to see Jodi and Trent work through their differing desires on having or not having children and come to an agreement rather than breaking up over their different "wants" out of life. I was surprised that an Amish school agreed to hire an non-Amish teacher, even for a few months.
Show Less
LibraryThing member classyhomemaker
Another excellent Beverly Lewis book! I've often wondered what my life would be like if my husband were to pass away young. Would I take another husband? Live the rest of my life single? Mourn too long? I guess I hope that my heart would eventually heal, like Maryanna's, and I'd be ready to move
Show More
into something new and full of hope. I really enjoyed this story. The only thing I can think of that was irritating was Sarah's fixation on Jodi. I understand why this was part of the story but there were parts when I felt it was a little overdone. Other than that, great book! Show Less