Review of My Dearest Naomi by authors Jerry & Tina Eicher

When Eugene Mast leaves his Amish community in Worthington, Indiana, to teach in faraway Kalona, Iowa, he also must leave the love of his life, Naomi Miller. 

For the next nine months of the school term, Eugene and Naomi keep their romance alive through love letters from his heart to hers, and from hers back to his.

Eugene writes of his concern that in his absence Naomi may find the attractions of another suitor to her liking.  Naomi worries that Eugene may fall prey to the "liberal" Mennonite beliefs in the community where he now lives.  Both can hardly wait until the school year is up and they're finally reunited.

A poignant and tender love story that will warm the hearts of readers everywhere. 

My Review

This book is unlike any other that I have read. Most all of the book is in letter form between Eugene and Naomi. It is like reading a personal diary. This book is so unique that it completely captivated my attention.  I loved each and every letter. It was great to have Jerry's wife share in this book with him. The letters that Eugene wrote told of his teaching career and Naomi's letters wrote of everything going on back home. It gives you an inside, intimate look at not only two people very much in love but also the lifestyle of Amish people.  They have such a wonderful love for each other. Readers will not be disappointed, this is unlike anything that you have read before by Jerry and it will be a book that you can't put down until the very last page. I loved it. 

About the Author

Jerry Eicher's bestselling Amish fiction (more than 210,000 in combined sales) includes The Adams County Trilogy, the Hannah's Heart books, and the Little Valley Series. After a traditional Amish childhood, Jerry taught for two terms in Amish and Mennonite schools in Ohio and Illinois. Since then he's been involved in church renewal, preaching, and teaching Bible studies. Jerry lives with his wife, Tina, and their four children in Virginia. Tina Eicher was born and married in the Amish faith, surrounded by a mother and sisters who were great Amish cooks. At fellowship meals and family gatherings, Tina's dishes receive high praise and usually return empty. She and her husband, Jerry Eicher, author of several bestselling Amish fiction titles, are the parents of four children and live in Virginia.

Jerry Eicher's many devoted fans will be enthralled by this endearing novel in letters based on Jerry's letters to and from his future wife, Tina, and their discovery that, indeed, absence does make the heart grow fonder.

Harvest House Publishers sent me a copy for my honest review!