Review of An Amish Family Christmas

Review of An Amish Family Christmas

by Murray Pura

Young Micah has returned from Iraq where he felt called by God to heal wounded soldiers.  But there is one very big problem--Micah is Amish. Amish do not believe in fighting in wars and do not allow their church members to serve in the military in any capacity--even healing. Naomi's family has been killed and her surviving brother, Luke, is in a catatonic state.  Naomi and her friend and sister-in-law, Rebecca, work to restore Luke to full health and Micah returns from the war.   The church puts him under the bann when he refuses to say that he was wrong to serve in the war as a medic.  Micah and Naomi can not speak or even sleep in the same room.   They long to be together as a husband and wife are meant to be.  Can they change the Ordnung ?  Will Luke ever speak again or get up and walk?  

MY REVIEW:  This is a very compelling story. I felt the agony that Micah and Naomi were experiencing as Murray Pura's words are so descriptive and heartfelt.  I have read many Amish Christmas stories and this one is far different from all of the others.   I simply can not imagine enduring a shunning of my own spouse!   Micah has been away from his wife and family for a year and he and Naomi long to hold each other.  They are forbidden to do so.   I will be honest and say that I do not think I could obey the rules of the Amish church in this respect.  I value many of their practices and beliefs but not this one!  So, to be preparing to celebrate Christmas, it would lack joy and wonder for me with shunning being practiced.  I was eager to read this book and when I had to stop to do housework, I was anxious to get back to my kindle to see how Murray Pura resolves these incredible conflicts.  This story shows God's forgiveness and miracles, for sure and certain.  The bann is dealt with honestly and accurately.   

I received a free kindle version of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.  

ABOUT the Author:

Murray Pura was born and raised in Manitoba, just north of Minnesota and the Dakotas. He has published several novels and short story collections in Canada, and has been short-listed for a number of awards. His first books to be published in the United States are the inspirational works Rooted and Streams (both by Zondervan in 2010). His first novel to debut in the USA is A Bride’s Flight from Virginia City, Montana (Barbour), which was released January 2012.  Murray has served as a pastor and resides with his family in Canada.