The Forgiven

When three women, all cousins, are given the task of sorting through the treasures of several generations of their Amish family, they each discover a story from the past that provides insights and inspiration for their own lives.

Central Pennsylvania, current day. Rebecca Fisher gladly accepted her husband Paul's dreams as her own, but now that he has passed away, she's struggling to raise two children and keep her home. Renting her stable to carpenter Matthew Byler offers a partial solution—even though Matthew has a troubled history, having sometimes failed to embrace Amish beliefs. As Matthew seeks to prove himself, Rebecca realizes how dependent she has become on others. Where can she find the courage to grow and change?

Lancaster County, 1941. As war threatens, Anna Esch pours her experiences into her diary. Her world seems to crumble as neighbors turn against the Amish and her love, Jacob, is sent to a camp far away for refusing to fight. She can't know, as she grows from a girl into a woman during a time of trouble and grief, that one day another Amish woman will gain strength from the words she writes and will learn that she, too, can become a keeper of the promise.

First in a new series

Praise for The Forgiven

'A born storyteller, Marta Perry skillfully weaves the past and present in a heart-stirring tale of love and forgiveness.' Susan Meissner, Author of A Fall of Marigolds

'A tender novel of second chances, endearing characters, and a can't-put-it-down story.' Suzanne Woods Fisher, author of The Revealing

'Ms. Perry's story-telling is tender, touching, and full of gentle wisdom as she explores the flaws and struggles of her Amish characters . . . This is going to be a terrific new series.' Linda Goodnight, New York Times bestselling author of The Buchanons series

'The Forgiven is a gently-drawn portrait of two lives renewed by the power of love.' Robin Lee Hatcher, bestselling author of A Promise Kept and Love Without End

'The slow, sweet realization of Rebecca and Matthew's growing love takes us on a journey of healing and victory over difficult circumstances . . . The Forgiven is a wonderful read that will bring a perfect peace to your heart while you escape into a place that brings hope to all of us.' Lenora Worth, author of Bayou Sweetheart

'Five Stars! Marta Perry's tender family saga of love and faith will touch your heart.' Emma Miller, author of Plain Murder

Praise for the Pleasant Valley and The Lost Sisters of Pleasant Valley novels:

'What a joy to read Marta Perry's novels!' Shelley Shepard Gray, author of the Sisters of the Heart series

'[Perry] never disappoints.' The Mary Reader

'A great story of friendship, second chances, and faith . . . Wonderful.' Reviews from the Heart

'Sure to appeal to fans of Beverly Lewis.' Library Journal