Hester on the Run

November 1, 2015

Hester, a Native American foundling raised by Amish parents, is almost an adult. Taking care of her ailing father and nine siblings after her mother's death, she experiences a fierce yearning to know her biological mother. Outside of one encounter with a Lenape woman, Hester has only been familiar with her Amish community. When life at home becomes unbearable because of her father's new, shrewish wife, Hester is determined to find her own tribe. VERDICT Byler's ("Lancaster Burning" series) bittersweet tale of a girl struggling to find out where she belongs launches a new series set in a colonial-era Amish community in eastern Pennsylvania. A surprising plot twist at the end leaves the reader breathlessly waiting for the next installment. Fans of Lori Benton will want this one.

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2015
When childless Amish couple Catherine and Hans Zug find an abandoned Lenape baby, they keep her, name her Hester, and raise her in their faith. Hester's adoptive father dotes on her, but his obsession with her turns to unwanted attention when she becomes a young woman. Author Byler (The Christmas Visitor, 2013) is Amish, and her richly detailed descriptions of community, culture, traditions, clothing, and food not only enhance the story but also give readers an in-depth look at the Amish way of life. Byler's insider's take on the pioneering Amish who carved a place out of the Pennsylvania wilderness in the eighteenth century adds to the authenticity. Readers who enjoy Byler's young protagonist will be glad to know that this Amish coming-of-age novel inaugurates the Hester's Hunt for Home series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)