- Retail Price: 13.99
- Release Date: January 2010
- Page Count: 300
- Size: 5 1/2 x 8 1/2
- Binding: Trade
- ISBN: 978-0-7369-2733-8
- Case Lot Quantity: 44
Never Far from Home
Mary Ellis follows her captivating Widow’s Hope with a new story from the heart of Holmes County, Ohio. In Never Far From Home, fifteen–year–old Emma Miller finishes school, starts her own wool business, and is longing for someone to court. When the object of her affection is a handsome English sheep farmer, with a fast truck and modern methods, her deacon father, Simon, knows he has more than the farm alliance to worry about.
Emma isn’t the only one with longings in Holmes County. Her aunt Hannah wants a baby and her uncle Seth hopes he’ll reap financial rewards when he takes a risk with his harvest. But are these the dreams God has for this Amish family? With engaging interactions and thoughtful characters, Ellis weaves a story about waiting for God’s timing and discovering that the dreams planted close to home can grow a lasting harvest of hope and love.
Editorial Reviews
“Ellis has painstakingly woven authentic Amish beliefs, culture, and way of life into a well-written storyline filled with interesting plots and subplots…Recommend to adults and teens, even ones who don’t generally read Amish novels.”
—CBA Retailers + Resources
“Is there anything better than an Amish book?
“Mary Ellis grew up in and still lives in Amish country. Her first-hand knowledge of that lifestyle is evident in her writing.”
—BookReviewsRUs.com
“Never Far from Home is book two in Ms. Ellis' The Miller Family Series and it was as good as the first. This is a great Amish fiction and I enjoyed it immensely. There was a surprise turn at the end that keeps you hopping. I can't wait to read more from this author!”
—BookBargainsAndPreviews.com
“The next book in The Miller Family Series is full of joy, laughter and heartbreak. Even though at times it seems the Amish are unforgiving people, they really are caring and honest toward each other and the English. Ellis writes from the heart, and the lessons one learns from this novel are priceless.”
—RTBookReviews.com
“Mary Ellis continues her imaginative and refreshing style in the genre of Amish fiction, with book two in The Miller Family Series, Never Far From Home. As with the first book, Mary is creative with her plot whilst maintaining a realistic representation of the Amish lifestyle.”
—RelzReviewz.blogspot.com
“I would recommend this book to all who love reading about the Amish. Also for new readers who might decide to try a book to see why so many of us love books about the Amish.”
—The Midwest Book Review
“This is a great Amish romance!”
—ReadersFavorite.com
Reader Reviews
“I couldn't stop reading once I started the book. Another wonderful story from Mary Ellis. I can’t wait for the other stories in the series to release.”
—Marianne Roberts
“My wait for the second book in the series of the Miller Family is over. I couldn't wait to begin the story and couldn't put the book down until it was finished. I have always admired the Amish way of life and have had short peeks into their way of life when my family shops within the Amish community near Pulaski County, Kentucky. While reading the book, Never Far From Home, I felt like I was part of the family and wanted Emma to triumph victorious with her family and her soul mate. I am more than sixty years old, and I found myself very interested in the Amish courting customs and the idea of a 'running around time' afforded the young people before their baptisms. Mary Ellis is quite the expert on the Amish way of life. It makes one wonder, ‘Did she grow up Amish?’”
—Donna Taylor
“It is rare to find a book with the ‘it’ factor, but Never Far From Home has it! I couldn't put the book down until it was finished. Mary Ellis has a unique way of allowing the reader to connect with the characters in the story. Even those who are not familiar with the Amish way of life would thoroughly enjoy this book. Thanks so much, Mary, for sharing your insight and writing talent with us! Finishing the book left me wanting more, so I can hardly wait for the next book!”
—Margaret King
Endorsements
“I was so entranced by the Miller family that I read the book within 2 days. The story that Mary Ellis weaves of this Amish family is spellbinding. The struggles, fears, and determination of the characters are to be admired. So often we judge those that are different by our own standards. Ms. Ellis enlightens us as to how much we have in common regardless of our chosen paths. I look forward to reading the next installment.”
—Eileen Pech
“Mary is an artist, she paints pictures with words and her words have so much meaning. I truly enjoy her books and trust she will continue the Amish love story.
“I do highly recommend Never Far from Home. It’s a great love story. Keep writing Mary.”
—Blanche Robb
“We have a Bed and Breakfast in the heart of Ohio's Amish Country and have several Amish girls who help us with different aspects of our business. We now all have read the book and the remarks are very positive. On an ever increasing scale, the young Amish here are coming into contact with 'Englishers.' The story that Mary has chosen to write about is very true to what happens here on a regular basis. Mary has a really good feel for the Amish Community.”
“We highly endorse her latest book. I'm sure it will be a hit not only for the English, but also here with the Amish Community as well.”
—Carol Lee Shevlin, Inn Keeper, Simple Pleasures Bed and Breakfast
“I really enjoyed reading Never Far from Home. The story of the Amish girl and the English boy is a common storyline, however, I continue to enjoy the way Mary Ellis's characters love to be Amish and don't hurry to conform to the English lifestyle. Her writing style is so easy to read and her characters are so real and enjoyable. You just can't wait for Hannah to become pregnant. You wish it for her like she was a friend or family member. And the mistake Seth makes in planting more corn shows a human side to this character. Great read, can't wait for the story to continue.”
—Marie Lawrie
