The Witnesses

February 24, 2014
Amish author Byler (Lizzie Searches for Love) delivers an insightful final novel to the Lancaster Burning series, her Amish-themed stories set in Lancaster County, Penn. Sarah Beiler has waited for Matthew Stolzfus to make her his wife, and now it might be only six months away. But Matthew sets conditions: Sarah must put her Amish life behind her, which would result in her being shunned. Meanwhile, someone is setting barn fires, terrorizing the community. Sarah attempting to rescue horses gets trapped in a burning barn, resulting in months of grueling pain and surgeries in the burn center. Sarah returns home with physical and emotional scars, yet a clearer vision of love, marriage, Matthew, and another suitor, Lee Glick. While the plot lacks somewhat in suspense, Byler makes up for with thematic interest: Amish rules of the church (Ordnung), values and customs (even recipes). During a meeting about the fires, Sarah's father, Davey Beiler, confronts community dissension regarding forgiveness versus vengeance, and the Amish way of nonresistance: "We don't resist. We don't believe in war. If someone takes your coat, give him your cloak." This richly layered representation of a peaceful, close-knit community provides an intriguing glimpse into Amish life and lore for new Byler readers, and a solid series conclusion for her fans.

April 15, 2014
In this final book in Byler's trilogy ("Fire in the Night; Davey's Daughter"), barn fires are still making the residents of Lancaster County, PA, fear for their lives and property. Davey Beiler, the district leader, counsels the members of his community to be patient and find forgiveness for the arsonist. The younger members are not swayed and want to get law enforcement involved. Beiler refuses, and as another barn catches fire, his daughter Sarah rushes to free the horses and is caught in the flames when the barn collapses. She is left horribly scarred. The scars daily remind her father of his failure to act. Sarah wonders if she will ever find someone who will love her despite her disfigured face. VERDICT Fans will not be disappointed by this final series installment. The author was raised in an Amish family and is active in the Amish church, which lends tremendous authenticity to her story. Readers new to this series might find the translations interspersed in the prose ("I'll "sark" (care) for you") to be a bit cumbersome. An inspiring tale about the power of faith and love to heal all wounds.

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