Synopses & Reviews
Emma Stolzfus has never been courted or kissed, and now that she's 30, it has become her place as the unmarried daughter to look after her elderly mother. But in the dark hours when her mother is asleep, Emma writes letters and essays to Amish periodicals, short stories, and even a novel she's been working on for the last five years.
When a New York literary agent, Tyler West, takes an interest in her work, Emma secretly goes to meet him. When she returns, something about her is different-and the men of her Amish community take notice. But how can she settle for second best when her heart made its choice years ago-to a man she can never have? Only her friends, Amelia and Carrie, know the truth in her heart as they work together on their quilt ... and only they understand when an old tragedy comes to light that will either hurt or heal ... and reveal Emma's hidden life.
Review
"I absolutely loved The Hidden Life! Nothing is as enjoyable as feeling the same way the characters do throughout the story and believing that you are mixed into the same world....The Hidden Life is full of conflict, romance, and drama! Overall I felt Adina captured the Amish way of life with fine detail. Be prepared to become an even bigger fan of Adina's after you read this book and you will be eagerly anticipating the next installment The Tempted Soul just like me!"--Destination Amish
Review
"With this quaint, gentle read, Senft's promising series is off to a good start and will make a nice alternative for Jerry S. Eicher readers who want to try a new author."--Library Journal
Review
"This relatable story, which launches Senft's Amish Quilt series, shows that while waiting to see God's plan can be difficult, remembering to put Jesus first, others next and yourself last ("JOY") is necessary."--Romantic Times
Review
"Senft perfectly captures the Amish setting of the novel, causing me both to long for the simplicity and beauty of the Amish way, but also to ponder with puzzlement some of the decisions made by the Ordnung. Amelia is an endearing character, and there were a few laugh-out-loud moments for me that I wasn't even expecting. Although this is the first book I have read by the author, she has been added to my "must read" list. If you are a fan of Amish fiction, then plan on reading The Wounded Heart soon!"--Christian Fiction Addiction on The Wounded Heart
Synopsis
Emma Stolzfus has never been courted or kissed, despite a few dates during her Rumspringe years that never amounted to anything. Now 30 years old, it has become her place as the unmarried daughter to look after her elderly mother. In the dark hours when her mother is asleep, Emma writes letters and essays to Amish periodicals, short stories, and even a novel she's been working on for the last five years. When an editor at a New York publishing house, Tyler West, takes an interest in her work, Emma secretly goes to meet him. It is the first time a man has paid attention to her, and beyond that Tyler wants to publish her novel. Emma suddenly finds herself torn between her Amish faith and the lure of all the English world offers her.
About the Author
Adina Senft grew up in a plain house church and was often asked if she was Amish. (The answer was no.) She holds an MFA in writing popular fiction from Seton Hill University in Pennsylvania, where she is part of the adjunct faculty. Between books, Adina enjoys playing the piano and Celtic harp, making historical costumes, and spoiling her flock of rescued chickens.