"Balm of Gilead"
(A Healing Grace Novel #3)
by Adina Senft
Description
“Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?” —Jeremiah 8:22, KJV
The third installment in the Healing Grace series finds young Amish widow Sarah Yoder facing her greatest challenge—herself.
Sarah Yoder hasn’t seen Henry Byler since he became engaged to an Englisch woman, which is best for her peace of mind. Since Henry never joined the Amish church, any relationship but a neighborly one is impossible. So she stays busy with her family, welcoming her son back from the ranch he’s been working on in Colorado, doing a little matchmaking for her sister-in-law, and making the teas and tinctures that heal the members of her church.
Then Henry seeks her out, desperate for a balm for his sensitive hands before his success as a potter is jeopardized, and Sarah must call on every ounce of strength to deny the cry of her heart. Yet there is Someone who just might have a special cure in mind—a healing balm with the power to change everything. But with Henry’s wedding only weeks away, is it already too late?
Author’s Note
In the ancient world, a tree known as Balm of Gilead, or the Mecca balsam, provided healing balsamic oils. In the new world, a species of poplar tree possesses similar properties and is also known as Balm of Gilead. Its fragrant, sticky buds are harvested and infused with oil to make a salve for the treatment of skin conditions. In plant lore, poplars are considered to be protective trees, which may be why the Amish and Englisch alike plant them as windbreaks in fields and along roads.
There is also a belief among ancient peoples that in the whisper of the poplar tree’s leaves, you can hear the still, small voice of God.
Purchase this book at the following locations:
FaithWords
(July 21, 2015)
320 pages
$14.99
ISBN: 9781455548675
Biography
Adina Senft grew up in a plain house church, where she was often asked by outsiders if she was Amish (the answer was no), she made her own clothes, and she perfected the art of the French braid. She holds an M.F.A. in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University in Pennsylvania, where she teaches as adjunct faculty.
Writing as Shelley Bates, she was the winner of RWA’s RITA Award for Best Inspirational Novel in 2005, a finalist for that award in 2006, and, writing as Shelley Adina, was a Christy Award finalist in 2009. Three of her books have shortlisted for the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Carol Award for book of the year. Of her fiction, publisher and industry blogger W. Terry Whalin has said, “Readers will be lost in the vivid world that [she] paints with incredible detail and masterful storytelling.”
A transplanted Canadian, Adina returns there annually to have her accent calibrated. Between books, she enjoys traveling with her husband, playing the piano and Celtic harp, and spoiling her flock of rescued chickens. These days, she makes period costumes and only puts up her hair for historical events and fun.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adina-Senft/140668956029677
Enjoy a chapter from Balm of Gilead!
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My Thoughts ~
Sarah's practice as a Dokterfraa (female healer) keeps her occupied growing and harvesting herbs planted in a beautiful quilt design. She is still learning about various herbal treatments and remedies, and is kept busy helping her friends and neighbors with their health needs.
Sarah's neighbor, Henry, is a non-Amish potter. Sarah is forbidden to spend time with him, but her attraction to the handsome man is hard to ignore. When Henry's hands suffer from his craft, with cracking skin and sores on his hands he seeks a healing balm through Sarah's medicinal herbs.
I loved both Sarah and Henry throughout this poignant story of challenges and unexpected intrusions in Henry's life. Sarah is portrayed as a gentle and compassionate person, a balm to the soul like her herbal balms are to the body. Adina Senft has obviously researched her topics well. Her knowledge of the Amish community is commendable, and the information regarding herbal medicines reveals much research. Minor characters are realistic and support the roles of the main characters, and the story unfolds with grace and feeling.
I thoroughly enjoyed Balm of Gilead, and highly recommend it! This Amish fiction contains both depth and sensitivity. Don't miss the other books in this series. I have read Herb of Grace, but have not had the pleasure of reading Keys of Heaven yet. I will be adding that book to my collection. These books are meant to be read as a series, but I had no trouble following along without having read the second book in the series.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
Another fine review, Nancee! I have the first book in this series and can see I need the next two. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Anne! I somehow missed out on book #2, but had no trouble following the story. I really enjoy Adina Senft's books!
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