The Captive Heart

The Captive Heart by Dale Cramer
Published by Bethany House Publishers

This book was provided to me free of charge by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review of the book.

The Captive Heart is the continuing story of the daughters of Caleb Bender.  It follows the life of Miriam, Caleb's 19 year old daughter, who has never had a beau, and is old enough to be considered "old maid" material.

As we begin the book, we find Miriam struggling with her growing attraction to the Mexican man, Domingo,  who has helped protect her family over the past year as they worked to establish an Amish community in Paradise Valley, Mexico.

Domigo has a pet name for Miriam, "Cualnezqui", which means Beautiful One.  The problem with her falling for Domingo is that although he is a man of courage, and gentle with Miriam, he is not Amish, and the Amish frown on marrying outside their religion.

Her emotions become even more complicated when more Amish families move down to expand the community, and bring along a young Amishman, Micah, who has set his sights on Miriam.

As Domingo haunts her dreams,  Miriam will have big decisions to make that will affect the rest of her life. 

Read to find out what decision Miriam makes.

Dale Cramer has become a new favorite of mine in Amish Fiction.  His books were recommended by Beverly Lewis, and I'm glad I took her advice and read his books.  Read this series and see if you agree with me.