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Until Then
Until then may I use my time as you desire . . .
In 1985, Old Order Amish couple Celeste and Vin Lantz have been married for six years. Vin is a carpenter by trade but an artist in his heart. He is especially captivated by drawing portraits, which the Amish consider idolatry. Knowing they could be shunned, Celeste is shocked to discover that Vin has secretly been sketching her and their sons. When she confronts Vin, they argue and Vin storms off . . . and seems to disappear, leaving Celeste to wonder if he chose his art over his family.
When he leaves the house that night, Vin seeks peace on his favorite mountain overlook. But he takes a fall and wakes to find himself injured and lost. Vin soon realizes just how far he has traveled―not only in distance but back in time, to 1822 Ohio, a place that provides the freedom he craved but where he is separated from his beloved wife and children. Vin is saved by the kindness of strangers and gradually learns to survive and even to use his skills to help his new friends in this unfamiliar time and place. But all the while he prays desperately for God to return him to his family, before Celeste makes a new life without him.
In 1985, Old Order Amish couple Celeste and Vin Lantz have been married for six years. Vin is a carpenter by trade but an artist in his heart. He is especially captivated by drawing portraits, which the Amish consider idolatry. Knowing they could be shunned, Celeste is shocked to discover that Vin has secretly been sketching her and their sons. When she confronts Vin, they argue and Vin storms off . . . and seems to disappear, leaving Celeste to wonder if he chose his art over his family.
When he leaves the house that night, Vin seeks peace on his favorite mountain overlook. But he takes a fall and wakes to find himself injured and lost. Vin soon realizes just how far he has traveled―not only in distance but back in time, to 1822 Ohio, a place that provides the freedom he craved but where he is separated from his beloved wife and children. Vin is saved by the kindness of strangers and gradually learns to survive and even to use his skills to help his new friends in this unfamiliar time and place. But all the while he prays desperately for God to return him to his family, before Celeste makes a new life without him.
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Published September 5, 2023
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About the author
Cindy Woodsmall
67books1,108followersCINDY WOODSMALL is an award-winning, New York Times, and CBA best-selling author of twenty-five works of fiction and one nonfiction book. Coverage of Cindy’s Amish connections and her novels has been featured on ABC Nightline and the front page of the Wall Street Journal. She lives in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
September 30, 2023
I enjoyed this Amish book which was a combination of a history lesson and time travel. Vic goes to a nearby mountain one evening to do some thinking about his feelings concerning his drawing talent. He somehow ends up over 100 years in the past. While he is there, he does a lot of good for escaped slaves and teaches people how to read and write. The book flips from his life in the past and his family’s life in the present time.
June 9, 2023
I decided to read Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall's latest Amish novel, "Until Then," anticipating the usual Amish love story. But this was not the usual. At first, I even thought this dealt more with the afterlife. Then it became apparent it was a time-split historical novel that felt more like time travel. Vin and Celeste belong to an Old Order Amish Sect who frown upon artist work. Vin feels compelled to be himself and create his sketches of everyday life. Then one evening, as Vin takes some time to pray and do soul searching, he falls into a ravine. When he wakes up he does not know where he is. This begins Vin's journey to return to Celeste praying daily "May you use my time as you desire" and the people he meets who help him and how he helps them changing their future. For Celeste, she tries to cope with the lost of Vin and disparaging remarks made by the community.
A must read for Amish fans as this is very different from most Amish stories.
A must read for Amish fans as this is very different from most Amish stories.
April 15, 2023
I received this book as a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I will say I was skeptical when I realized this Amish story included time travel to the time of slavery. However, I was blown away at how the author merged the time periods to create this beautiful story of longing to return home to the ones you love. Needing to follow God’s plan for your life. This was an amazing story and I would highly recommend it!!!!
I will say I was skeptical when I realized this Amish story included time travel to the time of slavery. However, I was blown away at how the author merged the time periods to create this beautiful story of longing to return home to the ones you love. Needing to follow God’s plan for your life. This was an amazing story and I would highly recommend it!!!!
April 20, 2024
The characters in this novel are members of an Amish Christian sect who are governed by a lot of legalism and restrictions. One thing restricted is the drawing of human faces.
Vin Lantz is a talented artist with a huge love for his family. He secretly draws them, faces and all, and when his wife discovers his secret sketchbook she is appalled and distressed. They argue and he heads for the hills where disaster awaits.
This novel is unusual because it involved time travel. Vin loves his wife, Celeste, but loses her when he is suddenly transported back in time and even lands in another state! He prays a lot and mainly just wants to be with his wife again, and to serve the Lord.
At first I thought the writing was a little stilted but it got much better as the story went on. I was easily hooked into this novel, and read it very quickly. The characters were decent, kind, and lovable people though the elders of the Amish community were sometimes angry and judgmental.
Personally, I don't understand why Amish Christian novels are so popular because of the extreme legalism of the sect. It doesn't match the kind of Christianity I'm familiar with at all. Legalism involves man-made rules which people in a sect are expected to follow, like not being allowed to draw human faces. I'd be in trouble with that because I draw them a lot.
Still, the novel was very well written and well thought out. I enjoyed the dual timeline and time travel elements and pondering the differences between the two eras of history.
Cleanliness factor: 100%.
Vin Lantz is a talented artist with a huge love for his family. He secretly draws them, faces and all, and when his wife discovers his secret sketchbook she is appalled and distressed. They argue and he heads for the hills where disaster awaits.
This novel is unusual because it involved time travel. Vin loves his wife, Celeste, but loses her when he is suddenly transported back in time and even lands in another state! He prays a lot and mainly just wants to be with his wife again, and to serve the Lord.
At first I thought the writing was a little stilted but it got much better as the story went on. I was easily hooked into this novel, and read it very quickly. The characters were decent, kind, and lovable people though the elders of the Amish community were sometimes angry and judgmental.
Personally, I don't understand why Amish Christian novels are so popular because of the extreme legalism of the sect. It doesn't match the kind of Christianity I'm familiar with at all. Legalism involves man-made rules which people in a sect are expected to follow, like not being allowed to draw human faces. I'd be in trouble with that because I draw them a lot.
Still, the novel was very well written and well thought out. I enjoyed the dual timeline and time travel elements and pondering the differences between the two eras of history.
Cleanliness factor: 100%.
April 7, 2024
Yes!!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved this dual-timeline and time travelling story, and how wonderful and unique to have it set within the Amish community.
The story begins in 1985 with a quarrel between Vin and his wife Celeste. She discovers that he has been drawing pictures of faces, namely his family, but in the Amish faith, this is considered idolatry. They fight, and he wanders off to find solitude and to clear his head. He has an accident falling down a cliff and lands back in Ohio in 1822.
And so the story begins. Vin needs to find out why he has landed 163 years before his time and Celeste has to come to terms with why her husband is missing and if he is ever coming back.
The reader is taken on a journey through both their lives and the people they both meet to get them through.
The time travel aspect of this story was just sooooooo good. It was clever and the more characters came into the story the better it got. Put it together with sound history and the abolitionist movement and I was immersed into a phenomenal tale that I didn’t want to end.
Kept me guessing right to the end.
Oooooooh just sooooooo good!!!
Highly highly recommended and great faith content. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
I loved this dual-timeline and time travelling story, and how wonderful and unique to have it set within the Amish community.
The story begins in 1985 with a quarrel between Vin and his wife Celeste. She discovers that he has been drawing pictures of faces, namely his family, but in the Amish faith, this is considered idolatry. They fight, and he wanders off to find solitude and to clear his head. He has an accident falling down a cliff and lands back in Ohio in 1822.
And so the story begins. Vin needs to find out why he has landed 163 years before his time and Celeste has to come to terms with why her husband is missing and if he is ever coming back.
The reader is taken on a journey through both their lives and the people they both meet to get them through.
The time travel aspect of this story was just sooooooo good. It was clever and the more characters came into the story the better it got. Put it together with sound history and the abolitionist movement and I was immersed into a phenomenal tale that I didn’t want to end.
Kept me guessing right to the end.
Oooooooh just sooooooo good!!!
Highly highly recommended and great faith content. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
July 7, 2024
4.5 stars
“Until then, may I use my time as You desire.�
I absolutely love novels that use magical realism elements like time travel or a sentient town or the right book showing up exactly when you need it. I especially love it when the author is skilled at framing the magical realism elements within the context of God’s sovereignty, because it’s one of my favorite aspects to the magical realism genre: The reminder that God created all the ‘rules� that the universe abides by and � should He choose to do so for a greater purpose � He can change them as He will (and then exploring those possibilities). As a character says in Until Then by Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall, “He’s the Alpha and Omega; this is nothing.� The time travel aspects to this story are masterfully plotted, and whether you happen to be reading about 1985 or 1822 you will find yourself compelled to keep turning the pages to see how it will all be resolved.
The dilemma in which Vin and Celeste find themselves is unlike any other Amish novel I’ve read, even without the time travel element. Though that certainly does complicate it further. Celeste and Vin fought over his secret sketchbook full of faces, something strictly forbidden by the legalistic Ordnung they live under, but honestly a lot of their fight is perpetuated by each one feeling betrayed by the other. When Vin goes to his favorite thinking place, he falls off the overlook and wakes up 163 years in the past � and in a different state. Back in 1985, Celeste only knows that Vin never came home and must deal with all of the emotions and ramifications of not knowing if he is dead or alive. The authors did a great job of portraying each character’s emotions in their very different intricacies and layers � all the primary characters, not just Celeste and Vin � while at the same time helping readers see the commonality in what they’re feeling � a longing for home. I thought it was all just brilliant and it gave me a visual representation of a profound truth I’d heard many times but never quite understood until now.
This world is not my home / I’m just a’passin through.
Those words are from a hymn I’ve sung and heard since childhood in the little country church my grandfather pastored. They’ve always stuck with me but I found it difficult to wrap my mind around how the concept should make me live differently. It always seemed to me that it was wrong to act as if you didn’t want to be somewhere. But in the stories of Celeste, Vin, George, Anke, Maud, Josiah, and others in this novel, I found a very profound perspective.
“We’re on this planet for a season, and I want to live as if I’m biding my time in a strange land.�
Vin models this attitude in his approach to being stuck in 1822, to be sure a very strange land from 1985 even for an Amish man. He learned to navigate the strangeness while still acknowledging it, and while he always longed for home and hoped to return, he very intentionally made the most of his time there. Specifically by making a difference in the lives of the people he encountered along the way. I gasped out loud in delight at one of the ways this comes full circle by the end, a surprise that filled my magical-realism-loving heart to the brim. And since I find it fascinating to imagine the ‘what if’s�, there was much for me to explore even in this little surprise, wondering if perhaps Heaven includes moments like that, too.
Bottom Line: Until Then is a thoughtful and creative story populated with layered and heartfelt characters, sweet romance, and profound Biblical truth. Generally in time travel novels, we only follow the traveler (in this case, Vin) but I loved that Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall allow us to spend time with Celeste and the people supporting her in the meantime, too. It gave the story even more emotional depth and made Vin’s push to get home one that readers are fully invested in as well. In case you can’t tell, I really loved this unique novel, and I’m already looking forward to their next one!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at
“Until then, may I use my time as You desire.�
I absolutely love novels that use magical realism elements like time travel or a sentient town or the right book showing up exactly when you need it. I especially love it when the author is skilled at framing the magical realism elements within the context of God’s sovereignty, because it’s one of my favorite aspects to the magical realism genre: The reminder that God created all the ‘rules� that the universe abides by and � should He choose to do so for a greater purpose � He can change them as He will (and then exploring those possibilities). As a character says in Until Then by Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall, “He’s the Alpha and Omega; this is nothing.� The time travel aspects to this story are masterfully plotted, and whether you happen to be reading about 1985 or 1822 you will find yourself compelled to keep turning the pages to see how it will all be resolved.
The dilemma in which Vin and Celeste find themselves is unlike any other Amish novel I’ve read, even without the time travel element. Though that certainly does complicate it further. Celeste and Vin fought over his secret sketchbook full of faces, something strictly forbidden by the legalistic Ordnung they live under, but honestly a lot of their fight is perpetuated by each one feeling betrayed by the other. When Vin goes to his favorite thinking place, he falls off the overlook and wakes up 163 years in the past � and in a different state. Back in 1985, Celeste only knows that Vin never came home and must deal with all of the emotions and ramifications of not knowing if he is dead or alive. The authors did a great job of portraying each character’s emotions in their very different intricacies and layers � all the primary characters, not just Celeste and Vin � while at the same time helping readers see the commonality in what they’re feeling � a longing for home. I thought it was all just brilliant and it gave me a visual representation of a profound truth I’d heard many times but never quite understood until now.
This world is not my home / I’m just a’passin through.
Those words are from a hymn I’ve sung and heard since childhood in the little country church my grandfather pastored. They’ve always stuck with me but I found it difficult to wrap my mind around how the concept should make me live differently. It always seemed to me that it was wrong to act as if you didn’t want to be somewhere. But in the stories of Celeste, Vin, George, Anke, Maud, Josiah, and others in this novel, I found a very profound perspective.
“We’re on this planet for a season, and I want to live as if I’m biding my time in a strange land.�
Vin models this attitude in his approach to being stuck in 1822, to be sure a very strange land from 1985 even for an Amish man. He learned to navigate the strangeness while still acknowledging it, and while he always longed for home and hoped to return, he very intentionally made the most of his time there. Specifically by making a difference in the lives of the people he encountered along the way. I gasped out loud in delight at one of the ways this comes full circle by the end, a surprise that filled my magical-realism-loving heart to the brim. And since I find it fascinating to imagine the ‘what if’s�, there was much for me to explore even in this little surprise, wondering if perhaps Heaven includes moments like that, too.
Bottom Line: Until Then is a thoughtful and creative story populated with layered and heartfelt characters, sweet romance, and profound Biblical truth. Generally in time travel novels, we only follow the traveler (in this case, Vin) but I loved that Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall allow us to spend time with Celeste and the people supporting her in the meantime, too. It gave the story even more emotional depth and made Vin’s push to get home one that readers are fully invested in as well. In case you can’t tell, I really loved this unique novel, and I’m already looking forward to their next one!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at
September 9, 2023
Cute story and Cindy is a great author but I’m not a huge fan of the time travel aspect. As always a good read.
February 21, 2024
Whoa!
I feel like I spent the first 25% or so of the book in a state of constant 'befuddlement' . . . like 'WHAT just happened????' and 'Wait, WHAT?' (lol)
But then, I let go of the need to understand (what a life lesson, that!), and just let the beautiful storytelling take over, and figuring out what was going on with Vin was less important than what he was choosing to do with the time in 1822 until such a time (if it ever came!) as he would be able to find out how to return to Celeste and their sons.
This is one of those books that will leave me pondering it for a while to come . . . and striving to remember to make Vin's prayer my own:
'Until then, may I use my time as You desire.'
I feel like I spent the first 25% or so of the book in a state of constant 'befuddlement' . . . like 'WHAT just happened????' and 'Wait, WHAT?' (lol)
But then, I let go of the need to understand (what a life lesson, that!), and just let the beautiful storytelling take over, and figuring out what was going on with Vin was less important than what he was choosing to do with the time in 1822 until such a time (if it ever came!) as he would be able to find out how to return to Celeste and their sons.
This is one of those books that will leave me pondering it for a while to come . . . and striving to remember to make Vin's prayer my own:
'Until then, may I use my time as You desire.'
March 22, 2024
This is an interesting and exciting book to read! I've never read an Amish time travel book. What an amazing concept! Through time travel, Vin discovers many things about himself, his faith, and his marriage. He finds himself surrendering to God more and more.
The characters are phenomenal! Vin grows so much as a person and in his faith as the story unfolds. Celeste also grows in her faith as she tackles unforseen circumstances. Each person that Vin meets in his travels impacts his life! George, Tandey, the McLaughlin family, and Anke are all special people.
I absolutely love this book! I hope more like this is written soon because I enjoyed it so much!
The characters are phenomenal! Vin grows so much as a person and in his faith as the story unfolds. Celeste also grows in her faith as she tackles unforseen circumstances. Each person that Vin meets in his travels impacts his life! George, Tandey, the McLaughlin family, and Anke are all special people.
I absolutely love this book! I hope more like this is written soon because I enjoyed it so much!
November 16, 2023
One of the best books ,I have read .
March 2, 2024
I love Cindy Woodsmall as an author and when she started writing novels (especially Amish, a favorite genre of mine) with her daughter in law, wow, the books got better and better and the storylines got more and more intriguing. Loved this book, loved the characters and definitely will be telling my friends to read this book!
August 9, 2023
This ain't your mama's Amish book. This
writing duo won me over with their Englisch Daughter novel last year. So, I was all in when I saw they have a new time travel book.
Until Then is one of the most unique and original stories that I have read in this genre. I thoroughly enjoyed it and kept turning the pages to find out how it would all play out. There is a good bit going on not only in 1985 but also when the hero goes back in time to 1822. In that time period, he worked hard to save a family from slavery. I was biting my nails!! There is a lot to love about this book. It is rich in history, but also tenderness and compassion and unconditional love. It is truly an inspiring tale.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, and this is my honest opinion
writing duo won me over with their Englisch Daughter novel last year. So, I was all in when I saw they have a new time travel book.
Until Then is one of the most unique and original stories that I have read in this genre. I thoroughly enjoyed it and kept turning the pages to find out how it would all play out. There is a good bit going on not only in 1985 but also when the hero goes back in time to 1822. In that time period, he worked hard to save a family from slavery. I was biting my nails!! There is a lot to love about this book. It is rich in history, but also tenderness and compassion and unconditional love. It is truly an inspiring tale.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, and this is my honest opinion
November 1, 2023
Cindy Woodsmall seems to have invented a new Amish lit genre, time travel among the Plain folks. In a previous book, Yesterday's Gone, she explored an It's a Wonderful LIfe plot of an Amish woman who has suffered a terrible pregnancy and wishes she had never married the love of her life because she can't give him children. I enjoyed that one and this title, too, though it is more full of religious quotes than the first. Celeste and Vin Lantz have been married six years and have two adorable sons. He earns a living as a woodworker and she fills the traditional role of homemaker and mother while also helping him in the woodshop, a perfect Amish life--except Vin has been secretly drawing portraits which is considered idolatry in their religion. While this was tolerated before he took his vows to the church, he swore to give it up. When Celeste finds his art work, they have a terrible argument, He goes off to cool down-and does not return. His wrecked carriage and a body are found much later at the foot of a cliff. His family blames Celeste for chasing him off and turns the community against her. She does not get any of the aid she should except from the bishop's family who watches her children so that she can learn to do woodworking herself to support her family as she is on the verge of losing her home. Meanwhile, Vin finds himself in 1822 where he landed after his fall accidental fall off the cliff. He in now in the forests of Ohio, wandering, lost. A pair of escaped slaves help him survive as well as some new settlers to the territory. He is able to return the favors later, one of them being getting the slaves to Pennsylvania where they can live free. All the while, he strives to return to his family in Lancaster, a much different place than he knows. Though he prays and prays, he cannot seem to return to his own time. Celeste's trials (I'd have left the Order frankly) and Vin's participation in the anti-slavery movement in a far off time make for an engaging read, and you will certainly learn some American history along the way. Enjoy.
September 6, 2023
Until Then by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall is a unique Amish novel. I thought the story was well-written with developed characters. I enjoyed meeting Vin and Celeste Lantz. Vin is a gifted artist who has been secretly creating drawings that includes people’s faces which is forbidden by their bishop. I admit that I am baffled by some of Old Order Amish rules (one district can use a scooter but they cannot ride a bicycle, you wear a white apron in this district, but a black one in another, buggy styles vary from district to district, woman can wear bright color in one church district, but only dark in a neighboring district). I was surprised by Celeste’s reaction to Vin’s drawings. I liked seeing Celeste set out to succeed in the woodshop so she could provide a living for her children. I found it frustrating, though, that she had to get permission from the church leaders in order to do it (I take it the women’s lib movement skipped over the Amish). The dual timelines were well done. I was able to move easily from one timeline to the other. There is quite a bit going on in each timeline (keeps things interesting). I can tell the author did her research because the story is rich in history. Vin’s trip into the past will test the couple’s faith, fortitude, and their love. It was interesting to see how actions in the past can affect the future. We also see the importance of following God’s plan for your life. If you have a strong faith, you can persevere in the face of adversity. Until Then deals with forgiveness, family conflict, commitment, love, and faith. One of my favorite lines from Until Then is, “All of this help feels like charity. Everyone needs help sometimes.� I liked the conclusion which wrapped up the various storylines. Until Then is an interesting tale with hidden drawings, a time travel tumble, an escaped slave, an unforgiving family, sweet sons, and powerful prayers.
August 11, 2023
A speculative Amish book? Kudos to Cindy and Erin Woodsmall for giving us a powerful story of faith, commitment, history, and living out the Word of God. UNTIL THEN isn’t the first Amish book with a time-travel element, however the Woodsmalls give us a peek into history with a true sense of purpose and a challenge to us all.
When we think of the Amish or Mennonites, we tend to view them as quaint and throwbacks to a different time, sequestered from the world. But, the Amish, Mennonites, and Quakers actually have a rich history of working toward abolishing slavery and risking their lives for the Underground Railroad.
Our main characters are a seemingly typical Old Order Amish young couple—Vin and Celeste—who work together in Vin’s woodshop and share a sweet love. However, Vin hides a secret that could jeopardize their place in the community. Vin has a passion for art in both his woodwork and sketching. However, the Old Order forbids the drawing of faces, which Vin has lovingly drawn of his wife and children.
When Celeste finds his hidden sketchbook, they quarrel—rather loudly—and say hurtful things that causes Vin to get away to cool down. He visits his favorite “thinking and praying� spot on Kissing Mountain. Through a series of unfortunate events, Vin tumbles over the cliff and lands mostly unscathed, in 1822 Ohio.
Honestly, once I got over the shock of time travel, I was mesmerized. As the saying goes, I couldn’t put the book down and finished it in one day—without skimming.
Powerful story with powerful messages of faith, love, commitment, and truly walking out faith even at the risk of losing one’s life. Highly recommended!
An ARC was provided for my honest review.
When we think of the Amish or Mennonites, we tend to view them as quaint and throwbacks to a different time, sequestered from the world. But, the Amish, Mennonites, and Quakers actually have a rich history of working toward abolishing slavery and risking their lives for the Underground Railroad.
Our main characters are a seemingly typical Old Order Amish young couple—Vin and Celeste—who work together in Vin’s woodshop and share a sweet love. However, Vin hides a secret that could jeopardize their place in the community. Vin has a passion for art in both his woodwork and sketching. However, the Old Order forbids the drawing of faces, which Vin has lovingly drawn of his wife and children.
When Celeste finds his hidden sketchbook, they quarrel—rather loudly—and say hurtful things that causes Vin to get away to cool down. He visits his favorite “thinking and praying� spot on Kissing Mountain. Through a series of unfortunate events, Vin tumbles over the cliff and lands mostly unscathed, in 1822 Ohio.
Honestly, once I got over the shock of time travel, I was mesmerized. As the saying goes, I couldn’t put the book down and finished it in one day—without skimming.
Powerful story with powerful messages of faith, love, commitment, and truly walking out faith even at the risk of losing one’s life. Highly recommended!
An ARC was provided for my honest review.
October 19, 2023
“Dear, God. I forgot all I had to be thankful for. I was so focused on what I wasn’t allowed to do, I forgot what a gift my life was.�
“William Penn founded Pennsylvania so that men and women were free to follow their inner light. He welcomed those fleeing religious persecution. All of them. Quakers, Huguenots, Mennonites, Amish, Lutheran, Baptist, Methodists. He gave people safety from unjust laws that tried to limit what they could believe and how they were to worship. Was he wrong?�
“If thou wouldst rule well, thou must rule for God. And to do that, thou must be ruled by him. ‘Those who will not be ruled by God, will be governed by tyrants.� That’s what William Penn said.�
“James and Esther aimed to earn enough money so their family had food, clothing, and shelter. But after that, they lived so that when they met God, he was pleased with them. That was their treasure. They were careful and savvy in order to do the most good they could. But they had no fear of dying, and counted it a joy to meet God.�
“I’m thanking you for pushing people to move past the gossip they’ve heard. Move past their assumptions about my guilt as a less than perfect wife, and see me, a human in need of a warm forgiving community.�
“When people feel forced to be kind and forgiving, the community becomes toxic. Being polite to someone’s face and back-biting when they leave. Grievances, whether based in real wrongs or imagined ones, have to be allowed to air out.�
“William Penn founded Pennsylvania so that men and women were free to follow their inner light. He welcomed those fleeing religious persecution. All of them. Quakers, Huguenots, Mennonites, Amish, Lutheran, Baptist, Methodists. He gave people safety from unjust laws that tried to limit what they could believe and how they were to worship. Was he wrong?�
“If thou wouldst rule well, thou must rule for God. And to do that, thou must be ruled by him. ‘Those who will not be ruled by God, will be governed by tyrants.� That’s what William Penn said.�
“James and Esther aimed to earn enough money so their family had food, clothing, and shelter. But after that, they lived so that when they met God, he was pleased with them. That was their treasure. They were careful and savvy in order to do the most good they could. But they had no fear of dying, and counted it a joy to meet God.�
“I’m thanking you for pushing people to move past the gossip they’ve heard. Move past their assumptions about my guilt as a less than perfect wife, and see me, a human in need of a warm forgiving community.�
“When people feel forced to be kind and forgiving, the community becomes toxic. Being polite to someone’s face and back-biting when they leave. Grievances, whether based in real wrongs or imagined ones, have to be allowed to air out.�
December 6, 2023
Mystery readers look for the twist in the story towards the end of the the tale. In this novel, the twist comes at the beginning. An Amish couple argue about a secret the husband has been keeping from everyone, including his wife. Vin loves to draw, and he has been sketching his wife and their sons for a long time, but he has included drawings of their faces. This is expressly forbidden by the ordnung. When Celeste discovers these drawings, she is understandably upset. Vin is upset by her reaction, since he thinks the community is too rigid in their rules. He goes off to his favorite thinking spot to mull things over. A freak occurrence sends him back in time. The story continues, with Celeste wondering whatever became of her husband, and Vin, struggling to return to his wife. It’s quite and imaginative and intriguing story, and unlike most Amish tales, since few, if any, include time travel. Well written with interesting characters, this entertaining tale also has elements of social and moral issues that the characters must face. Recommended for everyone who likes a delightfully captivating story.
June 23, 2023
These are go to authors, but to be honest I didn't expect this, and if I knew it was sci-fi, well I might have not read this, but I would have lost out on such a great read. I'll warn you that this is one of those that will keep you up reading late, and it is hard to put down, it is that good!
This is an Amish, Quaker, Mennonite story, and yes, we encounter all these cultures, but it is the Love of our fellowman, with a bit of time slip.
The stories are meshed so well, from 1985 back to 1822, from Old Order Amish and the Ordung, to Quakers helping escaped slaves. Though the eyes of the authors, we put faces and names on these people, and see how their faith in God is persevered in the face of adversity! We see how past meets the future, how actions of the past affect the present. We also see how Love pulls everything together!
Now I can't wait until the next book coming in January 2024!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Tyndale House, and was not required to give a positive review.
This is an Amish, Quaker, Mennonite story, and yes, we encounter all these cultures, but it is the Love of our fellowman, with a bit of time slip.
The stories are meshed so well, from 1985 back to 1822, from Old Order Amish and the Ordung, to Quakers helping escaped slaves. Though the eyes of the authors, we put faces and names on these people, and see how their faith in God is persevered in the face of adversity! We see how past meets the future, how actions of the past affect the present. We also see how Love pulls everything together!
Now I can't wait until the next book coming in January 2024!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Tyndale House, and was not required to give a positive review.
Read
September 6, 2023What a wonderful book! I enjoyed every minute of reading but couldn't wait to see how it ended! It was simply magical, in the purest sense of the word. It was quite unique and unexpected in the time-slip manner. Celeste and Vin live in 1985 in an Old Order Amish community. One night they have a fight, due to Vin's drawings of his loved one's portraits. Their community considers this to be a sin. He leaves to cool down, but shockingly falls into another time, 1822! He is nursed back to health, all the while praying to return to his wife and young sons. He learns to use his time as God would lead him, helping others, until he hopes the time is right for him to find his way home. Meanwhile, Celeste is treated unkindly by her community, thinking that she has something to do with her husband going missing. How the couple learns to survive is quite fascinating, but will they reunite?
I appreciate being able to read this e-book, compliments of the publishers. My thoughts about it are my own.
I appreciate being able to read this e-book, compliments of the publishers. My thoughts about it are my own.
December 15, 2023
Though the storyline is the typical Amish setting you would expect from Cindy Woodsmall, it has a twist and that twist is time travel.
Until Then is about a young couple with two young boys. Celeste has just discovered that her husband, Vin has drawn portraits of her and their sons and that isn't allowed in the Amish faith, it's considered idolatry. After they verbally and loudly discuss Vin hiding these portraits, Vin goes to clear his mind and walks to his favourite place, Kissin Mountain to clear his mind. Accidentally, Vin falls and finds himself injured and over 100 years behind, 1822 to be exact.
At first, I didn't know if I liked the direction that Until Then was going but since I don't know if time travel actually could happen (and I am not opposed to that possibility) I didn't know how it would work within an Amish background. It ended up working for me, and even though her previous book had a similar time-travel background, it had a different direction. I liked the ending and it was satisfying for me.
Until Then is about a young couple with two young boys. Celeste has just discovered that her husband, Vin has drawn portraits of her and their sons and that isn't allowed in the Amish faith, it's considered idolatry. After they verbally and loudly discuss Vin hiding these portraits, Vin goes to clear his mind and walks to his favourite place, Kissin Mountain to clear his mind. Accidentally, Vin falls and finds himself injured and over 100 years behind, 1822 to be exact.
At first, I didn't know if I liked the direction that Until Then was going but since I don't know if time travel actually could happen (and I am not opposed to that possibility) I didn't know how it would work within an Amish background. It ended up working for me, and even though her previous book had a similar time-travel background, it had a different direction. I liked the ending and it was satisfying for me.
September 9, 2023
If you enjoy science fiction time travel books you will enjoy this book. Personally, I am not a fan of that genre. It was very strange to read it mixed in with the Amish. Had I understood that was what the book entailed, I would not have gotten this book.
The book does time travel from 1985 vs 1822. Some of the information given from the 1822 time was interesting as it dwelled on the anti-slavery aspect and how the Quakers were involved in trying to help with the Underground Railroad to help the slaves get from Ohio to Pennsylvania so they could be free.
This book did dwell on love and forgiveness. In spite of all the moving of the story from 1985 to 1822, the book did have a good ending.
I received a copy of this book from Tyndale House and NetGalley and the opinion expressed is my own.
The book does time travel from 1985 vs 1822. Some of the information given from the 1822 time was interesting as it dwelled on the anti-slavery aspect and how the Quakers were involved in trying to help with the Underground Railroad to help the slaves get from Ohio to Pennsylvania so they could be free.
This book did dwell on love and forgiveness. In spite of all the moving of the story from 1985 to 1822, the book did have a good ending.
I received a copy of this book from Tyndale House and NetGalley and the opinion expressed is my own.
November 27, 2023
Celeste and Vin, young parents of 4 year old Steven and 1 year old Drew are Amish living in Lancaster County in the fictional town of Peach Bell in 1985.
An argument one evening leads to separation across both time and space.
Suspend disbelief about time traveling and you’re transported with Vin to 1822 Ohio and Pennsylvania. There Vin is on a quest to get back to his own time and family. But he has a quest to fulfill and surrendering to learn what God has to teach him in his current situation.
This is an enjoyable Amish story with half of it set in 1822 and half in 1985. The characters are strong and realistic. They grapple with practical problems such as paying rent and feeding themselves while also remaining rooted in their faith to reflect on their imperfections as humans.
An argument one evening leads to separation across both time and space.
Suspend disbelief about time traveling and you’re transported with Vin to 1822 Ohio and Pennsylvania. There Vin is on a quest to get back to his own time and family. But he has a quest to fulfill and surrendering to learn what God has to teach him in his current situation.
This is an enjoyable Amish story with half of it set in 1822 and half in 1985. The characters are strong and realistic. They grapple with practical problems such as paying rent and feeding themselves while also remaining rooted in their faith to reflect on their imperfections as humans.
April 29, 2024
First let me say if your looking for the typical Amish read this is not for you, however with that said if your looking for that all to familiar Amish book full of wonderful characters that have a way of grabbing hold of you and pulling you into their story with twists, turns and life lessons then this is exactly the book for you.
This is a time slip like no other, a history Lesson at its finest and a love story that stands the test of time. To me it was like getting to see just how important it is to follow your faith and trust that in the end you will be exactly where you’re meant to be, all while getting a snap shot at life as it was.
I have enjoyed each of the books by this author and really look forward to many more.
Happy Reading
This is a time slip like no other, a history Lesson at its finest and a love story that stands the test of time. To me it was like getting to see just how important it is to follow your faith and trust that in the end you will be exactly where you’re meant to be, all while getting a snap shot at life as it was.
I have enjoyed each of the books by this author and really look forward to many more.
Happy Reading
October 20, 2023
Loved this story. I didn't want to put it down but unfortunately, life happens and I couldn't read it non-stop. Time-slips are a favorite of mine and Until Then, with time periods of just before the Civil War and the 1980s, did not disappoint. The characters were relatable and the story suspenseful. Would Vin be able to return to his family? Wondering how things would all turn out kept the pages turning! The historical tidbits were interesting as well. I read a library copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own. Readers who enjoy time-slip and Amish stories will not want to miss reading this one.
January 28, 2024
I really don’t like to give bad reviews but this story was not for me. I couldn’t get into it. I read 1/3 of it faithfully, then skimmed the rest. It just took too many words to say things and I felt the story was super slow. I found it boring. The idea was interesting and the ending was actually really neat. But it just didn’t manage to keep my attention enough to make reading the entire thing worth it.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 21, 2023
Finally, a unique Amish novel. Something as a fan of this genre I have been waiting for and the authors certainly delivered.
Vin and Celeste Lantz are my new favorite couple, their story is compelling, heart wrenching and kept me reading as fast as I possibly could. In 1985, Celeste discovers a hidden sketch pad, Vin has been warned repeatedly to stop drawing anyone with their faces showing.
When Celeste confronts him, he goes to his favorite place to think. After he falls and wakes up in 1822, Ohio, he embarks on a journey to find his way back home to Celeste and their two sons. What a journey it is as he encounters situations, he has only read about in history books, meanwhile, Celeste is wondering where he is and if he will return to their family and community.
I had a lot of admiration and respect for Celeste as she determinedly kept the woodshop open to support herself and have something to pass down to her children. My heart went out to Vin, the people he met and helped in his travels.
The two timelines were seamlessly woven together, there was never any confusion as to where each of the characters were located and the struggles they faced. Rich in history combined with the beautifully crafted story makes this novel a must read.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
#timetravel #Netgalley
Vin and Celeste Lantz are my new favorite couple, their story is compelling, heart wrenching and kept me reading as fast as I possibly could. In 1985, Celeste discovers a hidden sketch pad, Vin has been warned repeatedly to stop drawing anyone with their faces showing.
When Celeste confronts him, he goes to his favorite place to think. After he falls and wakes up in 1822, Ohio, he embarks on a journey to find his way back home to Celeste and their two sons. What a journey it is as he encounters situations, he has only read about in history books, meanwhile, Celeste is wondering where he is and if he will return to their family and community.
I had a lot of admiration and respect for Celeste as she determinedly kept the woodshop open to support herself and have something to pass down to her children. My heart went out to Vin, the people he met and helped in his travels.
The two timelines were seamlessly woven together, there was never any confusion as to where each of the characters were located and the struggles they faced. Rich in history combined with the beautifully crafted story makes this novel a must read.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
#timetravel #Netgalley
January 17, 2024
I would have never chosen this book if I had paid closer attention to the description when I borrowed it. I was in a hurry and looked for an Amish book and checked it out. I’m so glad I did! I don’t normally go for the fantasies or books that “couldn’t actually happen.� But, this one was so interesting! It kept me going into the very end. It had a lot of history that also kept me interested. I loved it! It isn’t your typical Amish romance book, but it’s so much more! Definitely recommend!
April 29, 2024
A fun Christian-Amish time-travel novel filled with history. Sometimes predictable and repetitive, I still enjoyed hearing about Vin helping out with the early Abolition Movement and Celeste becoming more involved in supporting herself. I wish there had been more written about Maud's life as a slave, with more conflict in the story rather than just wanting to get back home. Sometimes the lessons learned seemed a little "preachy," but it was still an enjoyable, entertaining story.
June 5, 2025
I think I'd read the synopsis before I bought this book, but had forgotten about it by the time I read the book. So I expected it to be Amish fiction. I was delighted to find out it was also speculative fiction, with time hopping involved! And then there were very interesting plot twists involving said time hopping. I really enjoyed the book. The characters are great, and the time hopping really adds to the story.
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