A Time to Keep Silence

There are many fiction books written about Amish and Mennonites, but Emily Steiner recently published a book quite unlike  the typical "bonnet fiction."

A Time to Keep Silence is the story of Monica Mast, an older single who started a job in a new community since she had to quit teaching school. The past stalks her as she tries to find her place in a new church. She soon encounters Justin Reinford who is struggling with his own disappointments from people's expectations. 

The typical writer would have Monica and Justin marry and live happily-ever-after, but A Time to Keep Silence shows the loneliness and misunderstanding that singles can face in a tight-knit Mennonite community. This is a book that an older single may relate to, and those of us who are married can read to understand the challenges of singles. 

A Time to Keep Silence is the first book in a trilogy about Monica and Justin. Emily gave me a sneak peak at the second book in the series, and though the book make me mad in some ways, now I can't wait to read the third book. These characters are real enough that I feel invested in their lives.

Emily has also written several historical fiction books. The Lilly of Appalachia series contains three books. Under the Bridge tells of Lilly's growing up years in a Kentucky mining community and her desire for an education and travel. Under Fire continues Lilly's story as her community is caught up in the violence of the coal mining riots in the early 1900s. Under the Juniper Tree follows Lilly and her family as they flee Kentucky looking for a place of safety but find more tensions in their new home in West Virginia.

You can buy A Time to Keep Silence for $12.50. The Lilly books are $10.99 eachvor $30.00 for the whole set. Regular shipping is $3.00 for the first book and $0.50 for each additional book. If you buy six or more copies (any title) Emily is offering free shipping. Email Emily at jemstyle01@icloud.com and mention that you read about her books at Home Joys for this pricing.

Emily gave me a review copy of A Time to Keep Silence but the opinions on this review are my own.