The Outcast by Jolina Petersheim

Book Description:  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.

My Thoughts:  I read the Scarlet Letter years ago and was touched by the deep conviction that Hester holds as she wears the scarlet A. So, as I began to read The Outcast a version of The Scarlet Letter but with a whole different twist . . . 

The twist is that Rachel is from the Old Order Mennonite Community. Rachel has strong convictions and tends to be quite hard headed.  She will not tell who the father of her baby is.  People are judging Rachel for her sin but, yet, as her sin is discussed their hidden sins in life begin to emerge.

One of those WOW! reads that makes one really think!

*Tyndale*

List Price:     13.99 

ISBN:

978-1-4143-7934-0 

Trim Size:

5 1/2 x 8 1/4 

Binding:

Softcover 

Release:

July 2013