Book Description:
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.
For fans of Amish romance and time-slip novels comes a gripping story of faith, freedom, redemption, and the truest desires of the heart by New York Times bestselling author Cindy Woodsmall.
Narelle’s Thoughts:
I enjoyed reading Until Then, a fascinating time-slip Amish story set in Ohio and Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Vin accidentally leaves Lancaster County in 1985, and finds himself time travelling back to Ohio in 1822. Vin embarks on a dangerous journey in an unfamiliar historical setting to find his way home to his wife, Celeste, and two young boys. Celeste is devastated when Vin mysteriously disappears, and her Amish community is divided on how to handle her distressing family situation.
I loved meeting the cast of side characters who had their own problems to overcome in the story. I appreciated seeing the intriguing connections between the modern 1980’s and the historical events taking place in the early 1800’s that led to a satisfying story ending. I recommend Until Then to Amish fiction readers who like time-slip novels with strong redemption and reconciliation themes, and romantic elements in the story.
Many thanks to Tyndale and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.
