Stones in the Road - by E B Moore (Paperback)

About the Book

"A young Amish boy ventures from Pennsylvania to California in this richly imagined historical novel from the author of An Unseemly Wife. 1867. Growing up among the Pennsylvania Amish, eleven-year-old Joshua knows that his father is a respected church deacon who has the ear of God. But he's also seen his father's weakness for drink, and borne the brunt of his violent rages. In the aftermath of a disastrous fire, Joshua fears his father enough to run away from home. Having never experienced the ways of the English, Joshua embarks on an epic journey to reach California, where he's heard it's always summer. Urged by everyone to accept her son's death, his mother, Miriam, never gives up hope of seeing Joshua again. At the same time, she is forced to take on the unfamiliar role of head of the family when her husband is unable to recover physically, emotionally, or spiritually from the fire. As mother and son each find themselves in uncharted territory, they must draw on strength and forgiveness from within--until the day Joshua comes face-to-face with his father once again..."--

Book Synopsis

A young Amish boy ventures from Pennsylvania to California in this richly imagined historical novel from the author of An Unseemly Wife.

1867. Growing up among the Pennsylvania Amish, eleven-year-old Joshua knows that his father is a respected church deacon who has the ear of God. But he's also seen his father's weakness for drink, and borne the brunt of his violent rages. In the aftermath of a disastrous fire, Joshua fears his father's reprimand enough to run away from home. Having never experienced the ways of the English, Joshua now embarks on a decade-long journey to California, where he's heard it's always summer.

His mother, Miriam, is forced to take on the unusual role of head of the family when her husband is unable to recover physically, emotionally, or spiritually from the fire. As mother and son each find themselves in uncharted territory, they must draw on strength and forgiveness from within. Urged by everyone to accept her son's death, Miriam never gives up hope of seeing Joshua again. But even as her prayers are answered so many years later, Joshua's reunion will require him to face his father once again...

READERS GUIDE INCLUDED

Review Quotes

Praise for Stones in the Road

"Complex characters, vividly rendered details, and a storyline filled with page-turning plot twists combine to create a compelling read. The reader will be riveted as both mother and son, separated by a tragic event, search for wholeness, redemption, and forgiveness as they face their own demons. The novel celebrates the enduring strength of family bonds even as it explores their darker side. A powerful and perceptive novel, Stones in the Road is a true odyssey of the heart."--Amy Belding Brown, author of Flight of the Sparrow

"What an extraordinary achievement this novel from E.B. Moore is. The journey, both literal and metaphorical, of a boy into manhood engages the reader every step of the way. I couldn't stop reading and felt I lived the experience with Joshua as he learned the limits of freedom and explored the complexities of the heart. Brava."--Jeanne Mackin, author of The Beautiful American

"Written with poetry, a pitch-perfect ear for detail and dark humor, Stones In the Road is a story about perseverance and the ties that bind a family through grief and hardship, across distance and time. You'll fall in love with young Joshua and follow him anywhere. Take this journey in Moore's lyric tale and you, too, will find your way home."--Ann Bauer, author of Forgiveness 4 You

"I love this book. What a joy to dwell in E.B. Moore's flawless prose, to benefit from her unflinching insights into Amish culture and into human nature, most of all. Part adventure, part family drama, part coming-of-age, Stones in the Road is both muscular and sensitive, and is not to be missed."--Robin Black, author of Life Drawing

"In spare and Psalm-like prose, E. B. Moore expertly transports the reader on an epic yet intimate journey through the harrowing terrain of 19th Century America. This is an absorbing and satisfying read from an assured historical novelist."--Christopher Castellani, author of All This Talk of Love

"This harrowing tale about an Amish family torn apart by alcohol and loss grabs the reader from the first sentence. A haunting, intense novel with powerful characters, this beautiful book will linger with you long after you read the last page."--Linda K. Wertheimer, author of Faith Ed: Teaching About Religion In An Age of Intolerance

Praise for An Unseemly Wife

"Top-notch historical fiction...its characters will live with me always."--Jenna Blum, New York Times bestselling author of Those Who Save Us

"E. B. Moore walks the rare tightrope of artistry...with exquisite care and detail."--Randy Susan Meyers, national bestselling author of Accidents of Marriage

"Shifts seamlessly among time periods...heart-wrenching and satisfying."--Publishers Weekly

About the Author

E. B. Moore is a poet, novelist, and retired sculptor. Her published works include the novel An Unseemly Wife and a book of poetry, New Eden: A Legacy. Her work has appeared in literary journals including The Drum and Inkwell.