Release Date: February 2012
Print Length: 304
ISBN: 978-0-7369-4878-4
Series: 1
The Wings of Morning
eBook available at your favorite eRetailer.
Lovers of Amish fiction will quickly sign on as fans of award-winning author Murray Pura as they keep turning the pages of this exciting new historical romance set in 1917 during America’s participation in World War I.
Jude Whetstone and Lyyndaya Kurtz, whose families are converts to the Amish faith, are slowly falling in love. Jude has also fallen in love with flying that new-fangled invention, the aeroplane.
The Amish communities have rejected the telephone and have forbidden motorcar ownership but not yet electricity or aeroplanes.
Though exempt from military service on religious grounds, Jude is manipulated by unscrupulous army officers into enlisting in order to protect several Amish men. No one in the community understands Jude’s sudden enlistment and so he is shunned. Lyyndaya’s despair deepens at the reports that Jude has been shot down in France. In her grief, she turns to nursing Spanish flu victims in Philadelphia. After many months of caring for stricken soldiers, Lyyndaya is stunned when an emaciated Jude turns up in her ward.
Lyyndaya’s joy at receiving Jude back from the dead is quickly diminished when the Amish leadership insist the shunning remain in force. How then can they marry without the blessing of their families? Will happiness elude them forever?
Welcome a powerful new voice to the world of Amish fiction!
0 REVIEWS Leave a Comment »
“Murray Pura's novel of an Amish community facing an unprecedented world war is accurate and winsome. But his portrayal of the two main characters, young people of integrity and maturity, is absolutely riveting. A book to be relished by any age, from young readers to their elders.”
—Eugene H. Peterson, Professor Emeritus of Spiritual Theology Regent College, Vancouver B.C.
“Murray Pura's first foray into Amish fiction does not disappoint. As a novelist of some distinction, Pura has already established himself in other genres and his ability to tell a great story is as evident in this book as in his others. Pura weaves romance as well as spiritual depth into a challenging plot that will keep readers turning pages and leave them sweetly satisfied when all is said and done.”
—Connie Cavanaugh, author of Following God One Yes at a Time
"Murray Pura has written a fascinating story about the Amish faith and their ethical and spiritual dilemma concerning war. This historical fictional story is obviously well researched and provides a captivating story of the Amish faith, World War I, and the early years of aviation. I would encourage anyone to read this wonderful novel and fall in love with the Jude and Lyyndy story as I did!"
—Kathy Seidler, library director, Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary and College
“Most Amish fiction I have read is like the icing on cake: sweet, but little substance. The Wings of Morning is like an entire meal! The writing quality never falters, the storyline is believable and fascinating. This book also gave me a new appreciation for the sturdy and obedient faith of the Amish; it’s a depth of lifetime commitment non-Amish Christians of today could learn from. All in all, superb storytelling in a page-turner of a novel from gifted writer Murray Pura.”
—Karen L. Willoughby, managing editor, Louisiana Baptist Message
“The Wings of Morning is the first Amish fiction book I have read, and if Murray writes more, then it won’t be my last. I enjoyed all the aspects of the book and am busy recommending it to Christian and non-Christian friends alike.”
—Libby Westergaard
“The Wings of Morning is a historically accurate novel unfolding the struggle between real human beings, their ideals, and the apparent, often obnoxiously ‘loud’ demands of the fallen world around them. The book touches on romance in a tasteful, beautiful way. I strongly recommend this book. It is well written and, in my opinion, deals fairly with the human condition with its wonders, its shames, and its possibilities.”
—Bill Langston
“Murray Pura has a very clever way of writing that captivates and pulls the reader into this fascinating jewel of a book. While I do not know a great deal about the Amish, the book certainly made them interesting. Made me want to learn more, actually. The characters seemed so real, I didn't want the book to end.”
—Ivy Goodwin-Shaw
“I had been saving this book to read during a break in my studies, with the best of intentions of savouring every moment and reading through it slowly. Didn't happen! Once I started I couldn't put it down, and read the final pages in the wee hours of the morning. It is a captivating story of adventure and romance, of faith, love and community—a story that is well researched and intelligently and artfully written. It kept me interested and engaged as the narrative unfolded.”
—Dawne D.
“This is my first foray into Amish fiction—and because of Murray Pura’s storytelling magic, certainly not my last. After turning the last page, I reread chapter one for the pure pleasure of meeting the main characters again for the first time. What a delight it was picking up an action-packed, historically informative and romantic novel as family-friendly as this one. The language is often lyrical, the images fresh and clean. I would recommend this book to all who enjoy well-penned prose; the story is a read-aloud feast.”
—Robin and Elaine Phillips, adjunct college instructors, Alberta, Canada