Review:The Outcast by:Jolina Petersheim

 
About the Book:
Raised in an Old Order Mennonite community, Rachel Stoltzfus is a strong-willed single woman, content living apart from mainstream society until whispers stir the moment her belly swells with new life. Refusing to repent and name the partner in her sin, Rachel feels the wrath of the religious sect as she is shunned by those she loves most. She is eventually coerced into leaving by her brother-in-law, the bishop.
But secrets run deep in this cloistered community, and the bishop is hiding some of his own, threatening his conscience and his very soul. When the life of Rachel’s baby is at stake, however, choices must be made that will bring the darkness to light, forever changing the lives of those who call Copper Creek home.

 
About the Author:
Jolina Petersheim holds degrees in English and Communication Arts from the University of the Cumberlands. Though The Outcast is her first novel, her writing has been featured in venues as varied as radio programs, nonfiction books, and numerous online and print publications. Her blog is syndicated with The Tennessean's "On Nashville" blog roll, as well as featured on other creative writing sites. Jolina and her husband share the same unique Amish and Mennonite heritage that originated in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, but now live in the mountains of Tennessee with their young daughter. Follow Jolina and her blog at http://www.jolinapetersheim.com/.

My Review:
 Based on the classic of The Scarlet Letter but with a modern day twist this book just happens to be Jolina Petersheim's first novel. I had never heard of her until this novel crossed my path. But I would have to say that she has a great future ahead of her. Her story created before my eyes a beautiful scene that lead to the richness of the story for me. Rachel Stoltzfus found herself in a very awkward position. She wanted to remain true to her faith and all that meant, but unfortunately in her Old Order Mennonite community it is virtually impossible to be accepted as an unwed mother.

 Her twin sister Leah, offered to let her stay with her and her family to give her a place of refuge but Leah's husband was only going to let that last so long before he wanted her to leave. What is she going to do? Where is she going to go? Her own family has turned her away and not only that but she refuses to name the father of the child she will soon bear. Soon God will intervene and cause everyone to choose a side.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me at no charge for my honest review from Tyndale Publishers.