The Preachers Son (The Infamous Amish #1) by Patricia Johns

The Preachers Son (The Infamous Amish #1) Reviews

• 
  Tina

  This is an Amish Fiction/Slow Burn Clean Romance, and this is the first book in the Infamous Amish series. In this book you are dropped in the middle of the first part of the drama, but I did not feel lost. I really enjoyed reading this book, and it is not like the Amish books out there. This book shows the young members of the Amish leaving because of what the past Preacher did. I am so glad I read this book. The characters where well developed, and the storyline/plot was great. This book is fast pace and it is full of drama that is done really well. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Zebra Books) or author (Patricia Johns) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
• 
  Lisa

  Thank’s to NetGalley for an ARC copy for a honest review. It’s a clean romance, I enjoyed the characters, a book I enjoyed reading 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  
  Happy Reading
  Lisa
  
• 
  Maureen Timerman

  
  I love how this author's mind works, as we are given an Amish man who is in jail, and the aftermath his family experiences. So many people lost money in his scams, and worse, he was a preacher.
  
  We see first hand the damage done, as we begin the story and seeing many young people leaving their community, having lost faith, but staying and digging his heels in is Isaiah, trying to hold his head up, he is the Preacher's son, and living where so many have lost so much.
  
  Now with their leaving many families are feeling the impact, and loss, and a young woman is more or less left at the altar, when her boyfriend leaves. Now Bethany has another problem, and we are there to see how she and her family deals with this news.
  
  I enjoyed this page turning read, and am looking forward to the next book in this series!
  
  I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zebra, and was not required to give a positive review.
• 
  Kristina

  The Preacher’s Son by Patricia Johns is the first book in The Infamous Amish series. I thought The Preacher’s Son was well-written with developed characters. I enjoyed the unique storyline. The story moved along at a quick pace with drama, heartache, romance, sorrow, and shame. In the beginning, I did feel like I had been dropped into the middle of an intriguing drama. The details are soon provided. I think a prologue would have helped. The Preacher’s Son is an emotional story (have a hankie handy). Isaiah is the preacher’s son who dreamed of becoming a preacher himself one day. He lost everything thanks to his charismatic father: his reputation, the family farm, a home, money, stability, the trust of the community, and one of his sisters. Lovina Yoder left Bountiful because she could not handle the shame related to her father’s crime. Bethany Glick was looking forward to her upcoming wedding to Micah when he jumped the fence. Her father lost money to Abe Yoder’s scheme which puts off his retirement and he lost an employee when Micah left. Bethany finds herself in a dilemma with no fiancé or wedding. I felt bad for Isaiah who trusted his father. He is determined to stay in Bountiful and provide for his sisters (Elizabeth is still with him and he hopes that Lovina will return). I liked the information on bookbinding. It was presented in an easy-to-understand manner and it was interesting. I devoured this engaging Amish novel in just a couple of hours. I enjoyed the ending and appreciated the epilogue that nicely wrapped it up. I am looking forward to reading The Preacher’s Daughter which gives us Elizabeth’s story. The Preacher’s Son is an appealing Amish novel with shattered trust, a missing sister, a fence jumping fiancé, a sympathetic bishop, and a sticky wicket of a situation.
• 
  Lynda

  What a wonderful book!
  
  What makes a wonderful book? A good plot and some sub-plots that fit the story. With a singular plot, the book becomes too repetitive and thus boring. Characters. Characters with substance. Lead characters you like. And at least one you don't.
  
  Good writing that doesn't feel formalized. Well edited. And wonderful insightful thoughts. This book was filled with them.
  
  Isaiah was The Preacher's Son but his father was now rightfully in prison and he was cut off from his community by the people themselves. Surely he knew what his father had been doing? But he didn't. Then there is Bethany who was supposed to get married but Micah just up and left her.
  
  They were the "good" kids. Destined to stay Amish. To be good mothers and fathers and solid Amish members of the community. And it all came apart so quickly. Can it ever be made right?
  
  Highly recommend this one. Jewels of wise words are scattered throughout.
• 
  Jill

  4 stars
  The Preacher's Son by Patricia Johns
  This book is by far the most unique Amish book I have ever read. Bethany and Isaiah face real issues and dilemmas and have to decide if the restrictions of their Amish community are really worth the issues they both face by staying within their community.
  I really enjoyed this book and the different aspect of the problems within an Amish community but also an honest portrayal of the benefits as well.
  The only issue I had with this book is the timing unless the whole book was based over just a few days, the timing does not work.
  However, the timing issue is easy enough to overlook as the characters and the story is so good. I highly recommend!
  I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
• 
  Lori

  A book that is a bit different than what I normally read but there is certain truth to this story.
  I loved the realistic view of the Amish and that the author didn't try to hide it. I love that she shows that the Amish aren't perfect in anyway.
  I enjoyed this story to the fullest.
  There were some characters that I found myself shaking my head at, others that found myself hurting for and hoping that things would turn out OK for them.
  The only thing that I didn't like was all the judging that was going on. That should only be God's job. Not ours.
  I highly recommend.
  5 stars for this wonderful clean Amish fiction book.
• 
  Excel Andy

  What a delightful book written by the author.
  
  I have read other books by the same author and this book didn’t disappoint me.
  
  The characters in the plot are relatable. The storyline is unique itself and so many themes to glean.
  
  The book cover and title made me curious.
  
  Amish Christian Fiction genre will still remain my favourite genre. I really enjoy reading about the Amish life especially the tight knitted community and their love for sumptuous meals.
  
  I highly recommend this book for lovers of second chances, forgiveness and many more.
  
  4 stars rating.
  
  I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are mine
• 
  Gaylina

  This was an interesting story. However, the Gospel was muddied all the way through. I know there are Amish that don’t belief in sharing their faith but these Amish were the worst I’ve read about. To tell your children that you lose your salvation if you leave the Amish, is theologically incorrect!. I probably won’t read another Patricia John’s book. This was published by Zebra press and many of their “Christian” books are off doctrinally. So if you love accuracy in sharing your faith when you pass on a book, this Christian book won’t give you that. I’d stay away from Zebra publishing and from this author. I was very disappointed.
• 
  Cherese Akhavein

  The Preachers Son by Patricia Johns is the first book in The Infamous Amish Series
  This book will renew your faith and remind you that even in the darkest of times, when you have lost everything and your down so low that you have to humble yourself to what’s really important in life or should I say keep reminding yourself of the person you want to be in the face of such adversity.
  You will see that the characters in this book Bethany Glick and Isaiah Yoder face many difficult times and although they live in a community that they both love and want to build a life sometimes it’s not as easy as our young self once thought. Can these two young people forge their way through or will life get in the way of a happy ending, can a community really solve their problems and pull together or do they hurt more than they help? Where do you turn when what you thought your whole life was one way and then you find out it’s totally different? Can God be the answer?
  With each turn of the page you will be wrapped around these characters storyline and pulling for them
  This is a page turner for sure and I’m sure you will enjoy it as I did I’m really looking forward to book 2
  This really does renew your faith in what the meaning of hope, honesty, and true love look like.
  Great read.
• 
  Jeanie

  A community was a safe place-the strength being in people who stuck together and took care of one another. But communities suffered together as well. What hurt one person hurt everyone.
  
  Isaiah Yoder is picking up the pieces that his father Abe had thrown away. A good name, a good community and the trust of his community. Isaiah's father was the preacher of Bountiful, Pa and since his imprisonment for fraud, many young people have left the community.
  
  Isaiah is determined to bring redemption to himself and his sisters. The first redemption he receives his a job working with his best friend's fiancé Bethany. Her father owns a book shop and has offered him a job. One of the young people that have left the community is Bethany's fiancé. Her attitude towards Isaiah is one of judgment but they soon become friends as Isaiah proves himself. The friendship takes a turn when a secret of Bethany's comes to light and Isaiah becomes not only a friend but a trusted friend.
  
  Several insightful truths of the gospel came into light with their story. Exposing sin into the light of God's grace brings healing. The pull of this is real and this brought up very well in Bethany's plight. Both Bethany and Isaiah come into terms about what working out your salvation means in tangible ways that is refreshing and needed. Highly recommend.
  
  A special thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
  
  
• 
  Pamela Pavkov

  The Preacher's Son is an emotional story written by Patricia John's. This story is filled with great characters, honesty, fraud, forgiveness and love. Faith plays a big role in this story as one character has to rely on his strong faith to rebuild his reputation within his community. After Abe Yoder took advantage of his community and defrauded them of lots of money, members of the community passed the sins onto his son, Isaiah. Trying to prove he was not involved in the scheme Isaiah travels a very hard road to prove his innocence. When Isaiah is tested and has to prove his loyalty to his best friend he fears he will loose the love of his life, Bethany Glick. Bethany is carrying a secret and the only person she has confided in is Isaiah now he definitely wants to help her but can he convince her because of his reputation. The author has done an amazing job telling her story thru her characters.
  
  I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response and all opinions are my own. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
• 
  Meghan

  This book was received as an ARC from Kensington Books - Zebra in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
  
  This book was unexpectedly amazing for a Christian Fiction novel and thrilling to the max with the backstory of The Glick Family and the actions of Abe Yoder. I was so compelled by the plotline and personalities of the characters that it made the story more interesting and more eye-catching than the Christian Fiction I am used to reading. The struggle and rules the Amish and the Englischer's have are intensely followed that I have also learned a lot of the culture and that was a reward in itself.
  
  We will consider adding this title to our Christian Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
• 
  Cecilia

  This is the first book I have read by Patricia Johns and I loved it! She took a different step in the direction of Amish inspirational stories and turned them more into the realistic people that they are, flaws and all. No romanticizing the Amish way of life in the book. I loved how both leads were facing everyday issues, Isaiah with the betrayal of faith and trust with his father's shortcomings and turning to crime, and Bethany with succumbing to sins of the flesh.
  
  It is a great story about picking up the pieces of one's life and learning to face the truth and move forward with
  
  Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Zebra Books, for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of the book! I recommend this book to all!
• 
  Excel Andy

  What a delightful book written by the author.
  
  I have read other books by the same author and this book didn’t disappoint me.
  
  The characters in the plot are relatable. The storyline is unique itself and so many themes to glean.
  
  The book cover and title made me curious.
  
  Amish Christian Fiction genre will still remain my favourite genre. I really enjoy reading about the Amish life especially the tight knitted community and their love for sumptuous meals.
  
  I highly recommend this book for lovers of second chances, forgiveness and many more.
  
  4 stars rating.
  
  I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.
• 
  Paula

  Great story! Isaiah's father has gone to prison for fraud against Amish and Englischers, This leaves Isaiah and his sisters to deal with the anger and distrust of the Amish community. Bethany is a girl who has been engaged to Micah, until Micah leaves the Amish community. Unfortunately, he leaves Bethany pregnant. He returns for a short time, willing to marry her if she will also leave the Amish, but she doesn't want to. Isaiah has always cared for Bethany, and those feeling deepen as they work together. Wonderful clean romance that I greatly enjoyed!
• 
  Karen Mcnicol

  I had so many emotions in reading this book. Patricia Johns writes books that bring you right into the story and keep you there. I felt no sympathy for the "preacher" who did wrong. I love Bethany and Isaiah and felt bad for them and there families, and I loved how her parents were there for her. That is all I am going to say because I do not want to spoil anything.
  
  I recommend this book 100%!
• 
  Beverly Cvercko

  Ms. Johns knocked this book out of the ball park!!
  I am so happy I started reading her books. She is great at writing that your feel you are right there in the book with the characters.
  I can't wait for the next in this series.
  
• 
  Lisa M

  Not quite the usual Amish Fiction. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
• 
  Kathy

  4.5 stars.
  
  The Preacher's Son by Patricia Johns is a heartfelt Amish romance.
  
  Isaiah Yoder's life is in shambles following the arrest and conviction of his father for swindling the people in their community.  Living with his uncle, Isaish feels unwelcome so he is desperate to get a job so he can take care of his sisters.  Isaiah is not trusted by the other Amish families and the future he envisioned for himself is now unattainable. But he is unwilling to give up his faith or his community, so he continues trying to show he is worthy of their support and friendship.
  
  Following her fiancé Micah Weibe's sudden departure, Bethany Glick is heartbroken and mad at herself for not seeing Micah more clearly. She continues working with her dad in his binding shop where she misses Micah's help and presence.  With everyone else hoping Micah will come to his senses and return to Bountiful, Bethany gradually realizes she would not marry him if he did come back. But after an unwelcome discovery, Bethany is faced with an untenable decision.
  
  When Bethany's father takes a risk hiring Isaiah, she is at first displeased to see him every day. She is angry that his father's actions have a direct impact on her parents' lives. But as they begin to occasionally spend time together outside of work, Bethany gradually begins to thaw towards him. Isaiah knows he will not be able to move  on until he  understands why his father stole from their friends.  With so much going on in Bethany and Isaiah's lives, will they nurture the fledgling feelings that are growing between them?
  
  The Preacher's Son is a captivating novel of grace, love and healing. Bethany and Isaiah are wonderfully drawn, vibrant characters who are grappling with realistic problems. They are both dedicated to their faith. However, after Bethany's circumstances unexpectedly change, she is forced to make a choice that she is uncomfortable with.  Patricia Johns brings this marvelous Amish romance to a heartwarming conclusion. I absolutely loved and highly recommend this first installment in The Infamous Amish series to fans of the genre.
• 
  HappyBookWorm2020

  This is book 1 in The Infamous Amish series. I had not noticed the series name, so the book was a surprise to me, as there are some serious topics addressed in this book that are not normally associated with Amish romance. The two central characters are Isaiah Yoder and Bethany Glick.
  
  Isaiah's father was a preacher whose business dealings with the wrong people led to him being convicted of fraud. His victims included members of his own congregation and others in their community. His family was disgraced and lost everything they owned, including the family farm that was their home and their livelihood. Isaiah, formerly a respected member of the community, finds himself both homeless and jobless, and his family broken up. No one will hire him until Mr. Glick (Bethany's father) offers him a job in his bookbinder shop.
  
  Bethany works in her dad's shop. A position was open because the man she intended to marry was leaving their community. His faith in their way of life had been shaken by the damage inflicted by Isaiah's father. Bethany had expected to marry him soon. She was devastated that he was leaving their Amish community, and her.
  
  One part of the book that I really enjoyed was learning about how books were made by hand. Isaiah and Bethany's path to each other was not easy, but this is a love story worth reading. I intend to read more in this series.
  
  Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Kensington Books for allowing me to read and review this book. All opinions here are mine.
• 
  Nancy

  The Preacher's Son book review
  Patricia Johns has written a great story with deep, valuable life lessons gently
  woven into the theme. An important life lesson of picking yourself up by the bootstraps
  and keeping on living, even when relationships fall apart, or your secure plans for the future
  are ripped to shreds. She shows there is STILL light and hope, you just have to step over the naysayers and
  get on with it. Persevere in the right path, the good path. The Preacher's Son had a strong theme of faith and hope
  in God, and a great message about Jesus Christ the Savior. There is family, scandal, gossip,
  arguments, church, faith, and the bible, all in this book.
  
  It seems to me that Patricia Johns has done some candid observance of people and how they work through problems,
  and took notes along the way. Good job!!
  I loved learning about book binding, too. Those portions piqued my interest in the vocation.
  The Preacher's Son was well-developed with great progression.
  The character's situations are engaging, their thoughts and conversations
  are quite realistic and important to read all the way through.
  I enjoyed the book , and look forward to reading more of her stories.
  I do recommend The Preacher's Son, by Patricia Johns. It's worth your time, and, she writes a Godly message
  in the storylines. I'm looking forward to reading another of her books, and I hope she continues writing
  Amish fiction, perhaps even some Christian historical fiction, (hint, hint!) I think she'd handle that expertly.
  Romans 10:8-13; John 3:16-21
  
• 
  Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner

  Patricia Johns weaves a masterful story about theft, lies, betrayal, and ultimately truth. There are several themes in this story: forgiveness, honesty, holding up appearances, and finding your way again in the midst of incredible difficulty and loss. Bethany and Isaiah both enter this story looking for a way out of their current situations. They are both Amish, but instead of being perfect and from perfect families, like we kind of expect of them, one is dealing with the choices they made and the other choices that another made that has affected them. In this fast-paced, easy read, I think the message you will receive is that nobody is perfect, but God can redeem us, despite ourselves. We learn a bit about the Amish culture, which to me is always fascinating, but you also encounter some unexpected scenes. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves reading about the Amish culture, anyone who loves clean romance stories, and anyone who enjoys clean reads. I would also recommend this book to anyone who needs to know that God can and will work out our difficult circumstances, we just have to be honest and trust in Him. Thank you to Zebra books and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book. All views and opinions are entirely my own.
• 
  Debra

  The Preacher's Son---Isaiah Yoder is devastated by his father's actions. His name is now tied to the unscrupulous actions of his father. Once trust is lost, a name is tarnished, it is hard to go back to when all was good!! Now, Isaiah must find a way to support himself and his sisters, while trying to make his name honorable again. Isaiah is gifted with a job at the local bookbinders shop. He enjoys it, is good at it and is grateful for the chance!! One problem....the owner's daughter, Bethany Glick works with her father and she wants no part of Isaiah being employed in the shop. BUT, Bethany has a huge secret of her own. One that threatens to be her undoing. It is a causing her anxiety and she finds the only person she trusts with her secret is Isiah. This was an excellent book by an outstanding author. I have read Patricia Johns books before and this one, part of the new series, The Infamous Amish, did not disappoint. I read this in one sitting because I could not put it down and I am sure you will be as captivated as I was, reading it!
• 
  Mimia The Reader

  This was a good story. The characters and their conflicts sounded real and overall story arc made sense and was well written. The end was no great surprise but it worked really well and came from the best decision that could be made in the situation.
  
  I’m reading these books to understand the phenomenon that is Amish fiction. I haven’t come to a conclusion yet but the setting can make for good stories based in internal conflict.
  
  I really liked that the main characters worked in a book bindery (and I really want to go see how one works in real life) and although some of the details don’t match with the Amish life described in other books I’ve read (someone prayed loudly before a meal and the little girl didn’t wear a kapp) I forgot about it most of the time.
  
  I received a copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
• 
  Nyla

  The Preacher’s Son by author Patricia Johns is a Christian Amish Romance. It is Book 1 in the author’s Infamous Amish Series. It begins deep in drama, but it is easy to follow. I was immediately hooked! The story was unique and grabbed my attention. This was definitely a page-turner.
  
  This is the tale of Isaiah Yoder. His father Abe has been imprisoned for fraud. Since then, many young people have left the community. Isaiah is trying to repair the damage done. It is also the story of his friend Bethany Gluck. She is keeping a secret and needs help.
  
  The characters are well developed and inviting. This book has many life and spiritual lessons. It is extremely well written and realistic. I highly recommend it. It gets a 5 star rating from me. I received a copy from Net Galley, but these are my honest words.
• 
  Melissa

  When Abe Yoder goes to jail for fraud, his son Isaiah and family are left to pick up the pieces. With the loss of their home and reputation, Isaiah must find a way to support his sister's. Taking the job at a book binding business puts Isaiah in close contact with a woman who resents his very existence. Bethany's fiance leaves the Amish for the English world due to Abe's actions. Her father lost a fortune as well. Will Isaiah be able to overcome the sins of his father? Will Bethany be able to forgive Isaiah for what his father did? I love how this story brings about forgiveness and love. It shows that sometimes giving grace is better than staying bitter. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.