Where I got the book: review copy provided by publisher. This review first appeared on the Historical Novel Society website: I also wrote a feature article on this novel for the same website.

In 1867, Ruth Holtz’s peaceful life in a Pennsylvania Amish community is destroyed when her husband hears of the free land in Idaho. Driven by the fear that his sons will not have enough land to farm, Aaron is willing to go against the rules of their Order and join up with an ‘English’ wagon train heading west. Both he and Ruth believe they can keep separate from the English as their Order’s rules dictate, but as the distance from home grows longer the small Amish family is the focus of jealousies and resentment. When tragedy strikes, Ruth questions her decision to stop being what her people see as an ‘unseemly wife’ and follow her husband in an act of blind faith.

This debut literary novel is remarkable for its lyrical tone and the sense that Moore manages to convey of Ruth and Aaron’s separateness when they eventually have to come to grips with the English community. The circles of bonding – the Amish identity, the Fold, the family, and friendship – intersect in different ways, the bonds variously tested by obdurate attitudes and the ordinary strains of family life. The poetry of Moore’s language enhances rather than diminishes a sharply drawn portrait of life within a wagon train that conveys both the sheer boredom of the long trek west and the inevitability of hardship and loss.

An Unseemly Wife is Moore’s family history, but the reader is left to imagine how Ruth’s story ends. This lack of resolution may be unsatisfactory for some, but to me it suits the theme of heading out into the unknown, on faith, that pervades the whole book. Faith, Moore seems to be saying, can be changed by circumstances but still abides deep within us. Recommended. ( )

An excellent book, that totally took me by surprise. I like to read the sweet Amish stories sometimes, as a change from my usual fare, and that's what I thought this was, albeit a new author. This book is presented as an Amish family that joins a wagon train headed west. Which is what it is, but with what depth! Religion & religious belief is a strong current throughout, with the protagonist dealing with non "Plain" companions& they with her. More than that, Moore does a superb job of taking us to the time of wagon trains, to the illness, and hardships, and excitements. She uses terminology like physic pills and collywobbles and transports one back to the 19th century. ( )

Ruth and Aaron are living the idyllic Amish life with their four children and one on the way. Their life is far removed from the English, the name they give the non-Amish. Life on their Pennsylvania homestead is a dream full of rewards of hard work and love for God. But, one day, the English make a visit to their home because Aaron is known for having the best horses around. The English explain they need solid horses to take their families West, where there is the promise of land for everyone and their children. Aaron listens to their tales of prosperity out West and decides it is time to remove his family from the protection of their Fold. He plans to join the wagon train and head to the Great West. Ruth can't seem to find the same excitement Aaron has and feels that makes her an "unseemly" wife in God's eyes. She bites her tongue, ignores the stares from her fellow Amish and sadly, follows Aaron's orders. Their family leaves the only home they have known to join the English on their trek across 2000 miles. Ruth works hard to keep their family separate from the English, but finds there are situations that require conversations and sharing of supplies. Throughout this difficult adventure, Ruth must find a way to sacrifice what she holds most dear to her heart.

In the first pages of the story, we are introduced to Ruth and her stalwart ways of following the Ordung or the rules of the Amish. She has raised her children to be wary of the English and to learn to be hard workers around their farm. As their family heads West, she has to learn how to handle her emotions and misgivings around the way of the English. We learn Ruth's strength early in their trek. In the middle of the Appalachian Mountains, Ruth gives birth to their fifth child, alone, in the wagon. Aaron, so concerned with not missing the wagon train, presses on immediately after the delivery, without concern for Ruth's healing or needs. Sadly, this is not the only pain and suffering that Ruth will have to endure in the months ahead. Ruth is the epitome of the opening poem in the book:

There is in every true woman,
a fire, dormant
in the light of prosperity,
which blazes the dark hour.
- Washington Irving

Just when I thought Ruth couldn't bare another setback, she proves that she can and will. Ruth and Aaron's sweet daughter Esther is wise beyond her four-year-old years and is truly the light in the story. Ruth will live in my heart for a long time. Her strength, perseverance, faith and fortitude during some of the greatest struggles in her life are lessons for us all. Moore leaves you hanging with the ending, but with a smile in your heart.

E.B. Moore has written her first novel at the age of 72 based on family stories of her ancestors. She has written with such eloquence, emotion, and attention to detail that I hope she has many more books left in her to write. I grew up near an Amish community and was always fascinated by their lifestyle. Now, as a wife and a mother, I am in awe of their daily routine and the amount of work that goes into their day. I am even a bit envious of their simple life at times, wishing for quiet evenings around the table and playing games with the kids. Moore's book reminds you of both of those parts of the Amish life and the harsh realities of the pioneers who traveled to find their dreams in the West. This piece of our history reminds us of our ancestors and their steadfast dreams for our futures. ( )

Giving up the only life she knew, leaving all her possessions for a new life she was ​not ​excited about, following her husband's wishes and keeping​ silent. That is what Ruth's life was like as she followed the rules of her Fold​.

We follow Ruth and her family as they get ready to leave their secure community for the unknown in Idaho and follow them on their difficult, two-thousand-mile trek. A trip that was supposed to give them a better life.

The writing in AN UNSEEMLY WIFE is beautiful, and Ms. Moore smoothly and masterfully moves from one time period to the other revealing what Ruth's life was before marrying Aaron and what it was like now. As the journey west continued, Ruth realized that her life with Aaron would never be the same. She had no family close by, and the people they met were not like her Fold at home.

AN UNSEEMLY WIFE is actually an account of the author's great grandmother. I enjoyed this book because I do like historical fiction, but definitely wouldn't want to be living in the 1800's as a woman.

AN UNSEEMLY WIFE did drag a bit, though, but it was quite educational to see the difficulties of traveling in and living in a covered wagon along with the hardships of everyday life. You will feel the family's pain as sad things happen, and all the characters definitely grow on you. The children were so innocent and good. Ruth was obedient and a very good mother. Aaron was a good husband, but not one that I would want. He was kind but too strict.

If you are interested in the early days of settling America, you will enjoy this book. 4/5

This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation in return for an honest review. ( )

I picked up a copy of this book because I enjoy reading stories of Amish life. One of my first authors who introduced me to really great Amish stories is Beverly Lewis. It has been a while since I have seen or read a good Amish story. Thus when I saw this book, I had to check it out. So glad that I did. It was amazing. I shared an close, instant and emotional connection with Ruth. Although I have to admit in the beginning I was not sure about her husband, Aaron. I thought he was just selfish and did not care about his wife and family. I was quickly put in my place and set straight. Aaron was a loving husband and father. The journey that the family took was breathtaking and scenic. It was like I was with them every step of the way. If you like Amish stories or are just looking for a good book to read then check out this book. ( )