Inescapable

Grest read

Great book looking forward to reading more by this author.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Interesting Genre Mix

Reading Inescapable was a bit of a new experience for me. It was so very different than anything I’ve ever read before. That might be because I try to stick to historical romances... but I won’t get into that right now. I’m trying to stretch myself—as I’m sure anyone can tell.

First of all, the book is written from start to finish from the first person perspective of twenty-three year old Lizzie Engle... which I loved—since first person is what I write as well. This alone is what got me to request the opportunity to review this book… never minding that it was a murder mystery thriller set in a strictly Mennonite town in the middle of nowhere Kansas.

Nancy Mehl did a very good job of setting up the characters, places and life-situations in the novel. I liked Lizzie a lot, even though one of her biggest problems was that she didn’t seem to like herself at all. And I adored her little girl, Charity and the handsome hero of the book, Prince Phillip.... uh, I mean Noah Housler.

I’m still not completely sold on “Amish”, “murder mysteries”, or probably EVER “thriller” genres, but I did enjoy the tension-filled interactions between the many characters in this book. This is the first in the Road to Kingdom series. The next book in this series will be published by Bethany House is called Unbreakable and will come out in February 2013.

I was given this book by Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. I give Nancy Mehl’s Inescapable 4 stars.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

I just finished reading Inescapable by Nancy Mehl. What a great

I just finished reading Inescapable by Nancy Mehl. What a great book! I loved learning more about the Mennonite way of life sandwiched around romance and suspense.

I found myself relating to Lizzie, the heroine, from the very beginning. My heart went out to her as she viewed her Heavenly Father through misguided eyes - relying on worldly relationships to guide how God loves her instead of reading the Bible and seeking wisdom there. In addition, how many of us have sinned and felt unworthy of God’s love instead of being able to accept that He loves us unconditionally?

I loved the mystery/suspense that complimented the underlying spiritual message and how she kept me guessing until the very end regarding which man Lizzie would ultimately choose. It was great how Nancy sprinkled so many twists and turns throughout the book - it kept me wanting to see what would happen. In addition to the mystery aspect, Nancy was able to bring all the characters in town to life - from the main hero and heroine to the secondary characters. I could see the myself living there and felt like I belonged.

Lastly, the author talked about people feeling judged and shameful of past mistakes and how that can really skew how they view others opinions of themselves. Nancy was able to tie that concept into the last spiritual truth so effortlessly. When a person is truly pursuing their individual God-given passion, their confidence grows “not in ourselves - it is in God, who puts us where we are supposed to be and gives us what we need to succeed.” What a beautiful message full of hope for everyone!

Nancy even gives the reader a little teaser at the end of the book, introducing her second book in this series. Unbreakable comes out in the Spring of 2013. I am ready to read more about these wonderful people, being introduced in more depth to others, and hopefully continue to find out what is going on in Lizzie’s life.

I thoroughly enjoyed the chance to become part of the town of Kingdom and can’t wait to visit again. This is a book I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a little suspense, a little romance, and a quieter, slower-paced life.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Nancy Mehl has a way with words, as do most writers, I suppose.

Nancy Mehl has a way with words, as do most writers, I suppose. The first page of Inescapable made me care for the main character, Lizzie and the subsequent pages just drew me in until I was hooked. While definitely inspirational, Mehl does not bang her readers on the head with God. It's a soft touch, here and there, to remind us that we must run to the Father whose love follows us wherever we go--the highest mountains, the lowest valleys, and everywhere in between. He always has a plan and his love is unconditional and Inescapable. :)

I look forward to Book 2, can't see what happens next.

***I received this book free for the purpose of review. The above is my honest opinion.***

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

This is the first book that I¿ve read by this author and I hones

This is the first book that I’ve read by this author and I honestly really liked it. I’m surprising myself because I’m actually starting to enjoy first-person perspective after finally forcing myself to start reading books written in that view late last year. The interesting thing about this series too is that it’s suspenseful with a mystery. Not something you typically associate with Mennonite or "plain" fiction. I finished this book and quickly picked up book number two in the series. Now I am curious to find out if a book three is in the works and when it is coming out! If anyone happens to know the dates--LET ME KNOW!

About the Story
Lizzie left her Mennonite community after she became an unwed teen mother. Life with her father was difficult and his views kept the community at an arm length from showing their support to Lizzie and her newborn daughter, Charity.

Lizzie has been fairly happy with her new life—that is until someone tries to frame her and she also has a stalker threatening her and her daughter’s life. This causes her to pack up and move back to Kingdom—all the while praying that her father won’t turn her out.

As it turns out, change has come to Kingdom and the promise of a new life exists for Lizzie until her stalker finds her and threatens her and the residents of her sleepy little hometown. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to find out who would have a reason to threaten a single mom and her daughter and I have to say—the culprit wasn’t revealed too fast so I kept reading to figure things out.

Amid the threat of violence and Lizzie’s struggle to reconnect with her family there also was a love story—more like love triangle that had me interested through the very end. I thought it was a great start to a series—a little slow at times for me but that’s still more to do with my struggles with first person perspective more than the story itself. Definitely a keeper for my bookshelf!

 This novel is well written, with vivid descriptions of the Kans

 This novel is well written, with vivid descriptions of the Kansas countryside, the buildings and culture of Kingdom as well as the characters. Reading this I soon understood that not all Old Order Mennonite men, or Elders in perticular are domineering and judgemental, atleast no more so than in any other culture, and not all of the women in this order are timid and subservant. I am a mennonite of slightly more liberal group, and at first I was reading this at constantly making comparisons. However, it was not long before I was completely immersed in the mystery and plot of the story and I forgot to take note of the differences between the Old Order Mennonites and ourselves.  
With each novel I read, I feel I am more responsible, and more is required of me, as often these stories show me myself in a clearer way. Do I blame my parents for my insecurities and my unique outlook on life or am I willing to take some of that charge on myself? As I grow older I realize that my parents had a very different childhood than I did, and some of their attitudes came from the way they were treated then. Am I willing to break the cycle? This novel causes me to take another look at my own attitudes.

Good read

I enjoyed this book. It was a quick, easy read for me.

Forgiveness and acceptance are the themes that run through this

Forgiveness and acceptance are the themes that run through this story. There is a mystery to be solved and a people and way of life to understand. Faith and belief are also an important theme in the story. I enjoyed reading this clean Christian book.

Inescapable is an exciting book

I love Amish fiction, so I was excited to get to review this book. It begins with us meeting Lizzie and her little girl. They have a good, yet tentative support system set up in the city where Lizzie has been living since she ran away from home 5 years before. When she's wrongly accused of embezzling funds at her job and also starts getting threatening notes and knows she's being stalked, she runs to the only place she knows...home.

Her home is set in an idyllic town that has been controlled with rigid and harsh religious traditions. There has been no grace in Lizzie's life, only rules.

She comes home to find that things are changing in the town of Kingdom and those who've been in charge don't want the change to happen. There are many people that welcome her and show her the unconditional love she yearns for, yet many others treat her like a scarlet woman, including her own Father.

The danger that surrounded her in the city doesn't go away and Lizzie finds that she can't continue to run from her problems. She has to trust...trust those around her and most importantly, the God who never leaves us.

I was interested to learn about this type of sect of Mennonites. I've read books about Old Order Amish, but have had a more idealized view of Mennonites. I didn't realize that there were groups even more strict than some Amish groups. This Order is in the process of becoming more loving and Godly, but change is very hard.

Lizzie seems to be a rather weak woman struggling to be strong, which makes a lot of sense with her harsh and loveless childhood. I appreciated that Lizzie is a very good Mother, going to great lengths to protect her daughter and give her a much more loving upbringing than the one she had herself. Her little girl Charity is a delightful character and made the book just that much more heartwarming. I especially loved the characters of her romantic interest Noah and the woman who really nurtures Lizzie's faith, Cora.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading the rest of the series of "The Road to Kingdom" when they come out. I do wish there would have been more focus on the traditions and beliefs of this particular sect of Mennonites, but I felt the characters were believable and well established in this first book.

Inescapable is a combination of suspense, romance and redemption. It is definitely a book I can recommend reading.

In exchange for my honest review, I received a copy of the book from Bethany House.

What a wonderful book!

I loved everything about this book, and was drawn in right from the beginning. Suspense, inspirational, just enough romance, and characters who stayed in mind after the book was finished. Can't wait for the next in this series!

Inescapable is the first novel I've read by Nancy Mehl, but I'm

Inescapable is the first novel I've read by Nancy Mehl, but I'm sure it won't be my last. Published by Bethany House Publishers, copyright 2012, it's twenty-five chapters that literally take the reader to another world. I loved the characters and Lizzie's daughter's name, Charity. I could identify with falling in love with a town and its wonderful people as well as a certain restaurant, and I loved the old restaurant and could just picture Lizzie's cozy apartment above it. In this wonderfully-woven tale, Elizabeth must make a choice between a boy she's known since childhood and the father of her daughter as well as a choice to remain in Kingdom or leave it for Seattle. She depends upon God for guidance with her decision.

Kingdom is the place Lizzie ran from at eighteen and the place she runs back to five years later when her new life falls apart. On the verge of rebuilding a life in Kingdom, one she and Charity come to love, she finds herself facing a decision to run again, this time to Seattle with Clay. Yet, she knows her heart will remain in Kingdom with Noah. She'd do anything for her daughter, even forsake her own happiness. Charity sees Noah as the prince her mommy's waited for so long, but Lizzie can't help but think God has sent Clay back into her life to give Charity the father she wants and needs. Will Lizzie run from Kingdom again to Seattle with Clay, or will she stop running for once in her life? She's run from her problems since she was eighteen years old. Will she discover some problems are inescapable no matter how long and far she runs? What will God guide her to do in the end?

Nancy Mehl has written a powerful story rich with detail into the way of life of a Mennonite town. Raised Baptist, I found it interesting to read of the beliefs and traditions, and I was able to identify with how changes in tradition can be hard to take, even when change can be for the best. From buggies to cars and trucks, from dark dresses and black head coverings to lighter ones, the author lets the reader become a part of the changes in lifestyle. I couldn't help but root for Lizzie's mother and was glad to see a change for the better in her life in the end and not just from an outhouse to an inside bathroom. An interesting read to say the least, and a great read that tells the tale of Lizzie's life as well as that of her mother's. For young women as well as grandmother's, there's heart-touching reading for all as Lizzie gradually finds her faith again.

I received this book free to review it from the publisher, Bethany House Publishers, but this is my honest opinion.

Inescapable grabs you from the beginning!

Inescapable by Nancy Mehl was my first Mennonite book. I surprisingly enjoyed it. Nancy has a way of capturing your heart from the very first few pages. Lizzie Engel ran away from her Mennonite community when she was only eighteen. The last thing she ever wanted to do was return. But five years later, Lizzie finds herself in a dangerous situation and she returns home feeling it would be better to face the scrutiny and criticism of her parents and former community than to become a victim of the person who is sending her threatening letters. When Lizzie returns home, she feels safe for a while but then the threats start back up. She doesn’t know who to trust. This young woman is faced with mending broken relationships and with learning to let go of anger and resentment from her past. It’s really the only way she can learn to love and to trust. I loved the way Nancy mixed the Mennonite world, the secular world (which Lizzie has returned from), and regular non-denominational belief in God. She was able to keep me guessing, keep me engaged, and even mystify me quite a number of times. I received this book free from Bethany House in exchange for a review. I highly recommend it!

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

I just finished reading this novel. It started out a little slow

I just finished reading this novel. It started out a little slow, but
then quickly picked up speed and was a great read that I didn't want to
put down. I have read a lot of Amish books and this was one of the first
books I have read about Mennonites. The main character Lizzie was easy
to relate to because I would not want to live with my father's anger or
controlling behavior either! The town she grew up in seemed stiff,
unpleasant, and unhappy initially. But in the end, the town is much
better and would be a nice place to raise a family. I received this book
free from Bethany House Publishers and was asked to review it. I would
recommend this book to anyone interested in the Amish/Mennonite way of
life or a person who enjoys suspense novels.

I received this book from the publisher to read for review. My t

I received this book from the publisher to read for review. My thoughts on the book are entirely my own.
I started reading Inescapable yesterday and could not put it down until I finished it late last night. I was hooked from the very first sentence and I was wondering who the man was through the whole story. There were twists and unexpected events that only added to the story in a positive way. I enjoyed the story very much and look forward to the next book in the series.

THE BOOK: Lizzie Engel, is used to running away. At eighteen,

THE BOOK:

Lizzie Engel, is used to running away. At eighteen, she left her Mennonite hometown, Kingdom, Kansas, with plans never to return.

But five years later, the new life she built is falling apart. Lizzie knows she’s being followed, and she’s certain the same mysterious stranger is behind the threatening letters she’s received. Realizing she’ll have to run again, the only escape Lizzie can manage is a return to the last place she wants to go.

Once she arrives in Kingdom, Lizzie is confident she’ll be safe until she comes up with a new plan. In reacquainting herself with the town and its people- especially her old friend, Noah Housler- she wonders is she judged her hometown and her Mennonite faith too harshly. However, just as she begins to come to terms with her roots, Lizzie is horrified to discover the danger she ran from is closer than ever.

No longer sure who to trust and fearful for her life and the lives of those around her, Lizzie finds she has only one place left to run- to the Father whose love is inescapable.

MY REVIEW:

Let me start off by saying I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!! NOAH is an absolute dream!! I also loved the conversations between Lizzie and her daughter Charity, they were so cute while being realistic. You really couldn’t help but connect with all of the characters in this book. I found myself praying for Lizzie, wanting to hug Charity, cheering for Noah, wanting to smack Clay, and also wanting to talk some sense into Anna and Matthew. Oh! I almost forgot to mention Cora, who was an absolute angel to Lizzie and Charity. The only character I did not like was Clay…from the get go I always thought he was up to something. All in all it turned out to be a fantastic book! I plan on reading more books by Nancy Mehl!!

****this book was sent to me for free from Bethany House Publishers. they asked for my honest thoughts in a review . Thanks for sending me this book!!

Inescapable - Edge Of Your Seat Read!

This is another great Mennonite mystery by Nancy Mehl. I have read and enjoyed many of her previous books. This one did not disappoint me. I was so caught up in this mystery that I blocked everything and anything out while I was reading. Just ask my poor husband! I am here to tell you that you will have a hard time putting this book down for any reason. Lizzie Engel at eighteen years of age left her home in Kingdom, Kansas hoping to never return. After five years of being gone her plans have changed. It appears she is being stalked and has received several threatening letters. Lizzie has no idea who is behind this and is frightened. She feels she has no choice but to run to Kingdom and take refuge there. Lizzie does flee to Kingdom. One of her fears is that she will not be welcome back home. She has never ever measured up to her Father’s expectations. While growing up Lizzie never felt any love from her Father. Lizzie was hurt when her Mother would not intervene when her Father was doling out his harsh punishments. Will Lizzie be welcomed back by her parents and the people of Kingdom? Will Lizzie finally be safe and no longer feel threatened? Can Lizzie trust the people of Kingdom? This book is a good Christian read. There are so many aspects of God’s promises coming through. Doesn’t God instruct us to love, trust, pray, and forgive? His Word comes through loud and clear in this book. I loved this book from beginning to end. I can’t wait for Road To Kingdom #2, Unbreakable, to be published. I wish to thank Bethany House Publishers for sending me this book to read and review. The opinions expressed in this review are mine alone.

Once I started reading the book, I couldn't put it down. Lizzie'

Once I started reading the book, I couldn't put it down. Lizzie's story is compelling and you just want to know why these things happen to her and who is leaving all the mysterious notes. She can't get away from her present circumstance and she can't run away from her past fast enough until she has to run right smack into it. I can't wait to read the second one!

All the characters are intriguing. Although the author uses the

All the characters are intriguing. Although the author uses the Mennonite church to reveal a judgmental mindset versus a grace concept, we see that even our heroine makes many judgments of her own and often withholds grace. The suspense of the man in the red hat, the notes, and the murder, coupled with all the circumstantial evidence keeps you guessing to the end.

Lizzie Engel’s father was a hard man in her eyes, harsh an

Lizzie Engel’s father was a hard man in her eyes, harsh and unloving. Upon getting pregnant out-of-wedlock, he seemed even harsher toward her. She felt judged by the whole Mennonite community. So she did what she felt was the only thing to do, leave and make a new life in Kansas City. Five years later, however, her new life there is falling apart with allegations of theft and a stalker with threatening letters.

Lizzie returns to Kingdom with her daughter, Charity, with great trepidation. Would they be accepted by her father and mother and those she was close to? When she arrives, except for her father, she finds the people friendly and kind, open to helping her get reestablished. She wonders who was more judgmental. She begins to feel safe here from her stalker, and reacquaints herself with her old friend, Noah Housler.

When the stalker finds her, she realizes she has no where else to run except to her real Father. The author wove God’s unconditional love into Lizzie’s story in such a way that it opened up her heart to be less judgmental and more forgiving. But she does wonder if she is putting the community in danger by staying in Kingdom.

I enjoyed Nancy’s full-bodied characters. All the characters’ quirks and endearments stood out for you to get to know them intimately. The harsh situations were difficult to deal with at times, but the reactions were in character. The danger was felt as the stalker returned. The suspense was charged when they found him later on. I found myself worrying about Lizzie and Charity when I broke to eat because they seemed so real.

Charity and Cora became my favorite characters. Cora was her own woman. She didn’t worry that much about what the elders thought of her restaurant and car. Charity was precocious, yet innocently bold in asking the hard questions or telling it like it is.

For a genuine read about the difficulties of life, a love that never fails, suspense that keeps you intrigued, and insight into the changes in the Mennonite life, Nancy Mehl’s book, Inescapable, is a great book to pick up and read!

This book was provided free in exchange for my honest review from Amy Lathrop and Christen Krumm of the Litfuse Bog Tour. No monetary compensation was exchanged.

Nancy Mehl in her new book “Inescapable” Book One in

Nancy Mehl in her new book “Inescapable” Book One in the Road To Kingdom series published by Bethany House Publishers takes us into the life of Lizzie Engel.

From the back cover: Lizzie Engel is used to running away. At eighteen, she left her Mennonite hometown, Kingdom, Kansas, with plans never to return.

But five years later, the new life she built is falling apart. Lizzie knows she’s being followed, and she’s certain the same mysterious stranger is behind the threatening letters she’s received. Realizing she’ll have to run again, the only escape Lizzie can manage is a return to the last place she wants to go.

Once she arrives in Kingdom, Lizzie is confident she’ll be safe until she comes up with a new plan. In reacquainting herself with the town and its people–especially her old friend, Noah Housler–she wonders if she judged her hometown and her Mennonite faith too harshly. However, just as she begins to come to terms with her roots, Lizzie is horrified to discover the danger she ran from is closer than ever.

No longer sure who to trust and fearful for her life and the lives of those around her, Lizzie finds she has only one place left to run–to the Father whose love is inescapable.

I really enjoy when the author has some fun with names. In “Inescapable” the town Lizzie has left is named Kingdom. So she has let the Kingdom and is now returning to the Kingdom. Get it? ”Inescapable” has a Prodigal Son feel to it even though in this case Lizzie is female so that would make her the Prodigal Daughter. Ms. Mehl has crafted a fine thriller in that Lizzie is in deadly danger from practically page one. I liked the way the characters interrelated with one another as Lizzie tried to settle back down in what was her home town. The town of Kingdom, Kansas and the people who live there become real and are brought to life by a gifted storyteller. On top of everything Ms. Mehl has also given us a romance. I liked ”Inescapable” and look forward to “Unbreakable”the next book in the series

Win a Handmade Mennonite Quilt from @NancyMehl! RSVP for her INESCAPABLE Facebook Party 7/26!

Celebrate with Nancy by entering her “Inescapable” Giveaway and connecting with her during the Author Chat Party on 7/26!
One winner will receive:

A Handmade Mennonite Quilt
A copy of Inescapable by Nancy Mehl

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 25th. Winner will be announced at the ”Inescapable” Author Chat Facebook Party on 7/26. Nancy will be hosting a book chat, testing your trivia skills (how much do you know about the Mennonites?) and giving away some great prizes!



So grab your copy of Inescapable and join Nancy on the evening of the July 26th for a chance to connect with Nancy and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Don’t miss a moment of the RSVP Today. Tell your friends via Facebook or Twitter and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 26th!

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”