Hidden Rainbow

by Christmas Carol Kauffman, Allan Eitzen (Illustrator)

Book is in good condition. No markings, underlining/highlighting, or creased pages. Edge of pages are yellowed with age and binding has slight crease from normal use.

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Historical Fiction, Faith, Spirituality, Inspirational

379 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1957

About the author

Christmas Carol Kauffman (December 25, 1901 - January 30, 1969) was a Mennonite author of inspirational Christian literature. Kauffman was best known for her semi-biographical novels, and her writings were largely based on the life stories of people she met through the mission work she performed with her husband, pastor Nelson E. Kauffman. She is mother of James Kauffman. -wikipedia

Reviews

[Valerie Olesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book about 30 years ago, before I married a grandson of John and Anna Olesh. My father-in-law, Steve, was the youngest son of John and Anna. So, of course I found the book very interesting. All of the children have now passed away, but I had the privilege of meeting Joe, Annie, Katie, Henry and Steve and hear many more of the stories of their lives. Inspired me to ask many questions of all older people. Every one has a story to tell.

[Kaetlyn Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful account of God's promise to bring His chosen ones to Him and not one will He forget. "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me" (John 6:37) I did not find this book slow at all, as some reviews suggest, because the author's purpose was to show the intricate working of the Holy Spirit in their hearts throughout the span of many years, ultimately leading them to saving faith in Christ. What a price this family paid, but their reward even richer. I look forward to meeting them in heaven someday.

[Cara Ginter · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome book. I've read, and re-read, so many times.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

My VERY VERY favorite books

[Jasmine Shadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story showing that standing for your faith was at one time much more of a risk than in America today. I really enjoy this author, and I hope to find more by her. These are older books, and I only acquired a few in my younger years. She is very difficult to find now, but the books that I have read by her are wonderful and faith strengthening.

[Nicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about my great grandparents and they have had such an inspiration on my life. I read this book often only wish I could have meet my great grandparents. All the Olesh childern have gone to be with The Lord now.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! along with many other of the books christmas carol kauffman wrote!
I can not understand people who don't like book's like this! this is a great one!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this true story, a Yugoslavian Catholic couple (John and Anna Olesh) yearns for more. One day a protestant preacher stops by their house and asks for food. Not knowing who he is, they let him in and feed him. In thanks, the preacher offers them a New Testament Bible. They refuse, knowing it would cause trouble and anger the preist. They have barely enough food for their family to survive on, so John goes to America to find a higher-paying job. When John is away, Anna goes to the city and encounters the protestant preacher. He asks her to come to his house so he can give her a Bible. She is curious about the Bible, and wonders if it could be the answer to her longing heart. Compelled yet frightened, Anna accepts the New Testament and hides it under her mattress at home. Anna reads it with interest but doesn't let her children see it. After John comes back and as time goes on, they wonder more and more about the New Testament. . . .

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. though this is a pretty old book, it still has appeal in the way that it expresses the outlook of the community that the word is entering, and the outlook throughout the eyes of the people beholding this new way of thinking.

[Heidi Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inherited by my grandma years ago, the copies of the books i have by this author, are among my most treasured possessions! i've read them each several times, and am now passing them on to my children.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Others have already described the story line of this true account. I want to add that I read to my children when they were 5 and 8, and they were intrigued. I have read it myself many times and lent it to many people. I wore out one copy and bought a second. It is my all-time favorite book in the category of true stories written as a novel. One thing I especially enjoyed reading was the journey of the minds and hearts this young married couple traveled when they encountered scriptures that contradicted what they had been taught. Although I grew up in modern-day America, my own family had many questions when we first read the Bible.

[Emily · Rating 1 out of 5]

Let's get on with it! This book drags on and on. It's certainly not something to read aloud to kids. I think I should finish it on my own when I can skim it, skipping the lengthing discussions about what to do with the New Testament they've been given. We've read about two thirds of the book, and are still waiting for something to really happen. Only one of my kids cares to know what (if anything) will happen next. The other two moan when I pick up the book. I don't want to read it, either.

[Lorna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is well written and captivating. It not only is an enjoyable read but really opens your eyes to the situations catholics can face when coming to truly know the Lord Jesus. Set in Yugoslavia, it tells the tale of a firmly Catholic couple and their search for the truth. It has been really useful to help me realise how deeply people are affected by their upbringing and how God can work even in the most adverse situations. It has to be one of the most edifying works of fiction I have ever read.

[Grandma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true story about a forbidden New Testament that shattered the calm of a Yugoslavian Village. This is a tender novel about the family life of John and Anna Olesh as they struggle for peace of mind and heart amid the heavy traditions in this village.
As I remember they have a copy of the New Testament that they had to keep hidden from their neighbors. Good God loving people. I like it a lot

[Sarah M. Shakour · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book when I was a child, so I really remember only one thing. At one point, the family in this book was so poverty-stricken that each person only had one small potato to eat each day. I randomly mused on this yesterday while chopping potatoes. I was using a whole 5 lb bag for one side dish in one meal.

[Vicki B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this book on the used books shelves of my local Christian Bookstore. Moving--a good reality check for me. A biography of a family in turn of the century Yugoslavia, written as a piece of fiction. The high price they paid for their commitment to Christ...how dare I take my easy life for granted!

[Diane Fournier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical story of faith that stands against the day. Enjoyed the characters and the adventure. Traveling back and forth to America from destitute living situations in Europe. Watching as the Holy Spirit worked in the hearts of this couple and eventually leads them to the same conclusion. Makes you appreciate the freedom we have to worship God now.

[Lakota · Rating 5 out of 5]

we read this as a Family. the book is so touching and encouraging how a young family seek freedom from the catholic church, and find it in Christ Jesus! even through persecution they stay strong in the Lord and God is faithful.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had read this books years ago, and remembered loving it. I picked it up the other day when I was sick. I had a hard time putting it down for some reason. Are Catholic priests really as they were portrayed? They were nasty. My least favorite characters.

[Salinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this book was really good. It was happy yet parts were sad. I liked how it was written and I was very pleased with the ending. It is always so refreshing to read a good book like this. I highly recommend this book! It was worth every cent I paid.

[Janell R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! We've read it aloud as a family a few times over the years, and I've read it probably twice myself. One of my favorites! The stand for Christ which is portrayed is certainly challenging.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful story of converted Christians in Yugoslavia. The narrative reveals the hardships faced by those who left the Catholic church. A Hungarian missionary couple led John and Anna to Jesus, equipping them with a New Testament which they hid for fear of harsh persecution.

[Partridge Public]

Kauffman, Christmas Carol PB

[CJ Curtis Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a great book started out a bit slow but I ended up being very pleased with it. After all it was a true story that really showed Gods providence and unfailing love.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this a long time ago, I do not remember the details of the story. But it was a great story about faith, I am going to be reading another book by this author that I think will be just as good.

[Eleanor Shepherd]

This is a fascinating true story about a family from eastern Europe.

[Allison Dye]

It's the only other book I've ever read at all similar to Sunshine Country and The Three Comrades.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sentimental account of the salvation and immigration of a Yugoslavian family around WWI

[Wayne Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is in the early 1900s, and John and Anna Olesh are a young married couple who live in the solidly Catholic village of Miletinac, Serbia (later Yugoslavia), in the Blue Mountain region east of the gorgeous Dinaric Alps. As their family grows, John leaves for America to seek better economic opportunity. While he is away from home, Anna fearfully accepts a “forbidden” New Testament from a traveling evangelical missionary and begins to read it. Then on one of John’s trips to America, World War I erupts in Europe. How does their encounter with the New Testament affect the Oleshes? What kind of reaction do they receive from relatives, neighbors, and friends? And with the war going on, will John ever see his family again?
It is noted that Hidden Rainbow is not an imaginary story dug out of antiquity but an actual account about real people. Some may not agree with every aspect of the book’s theological position (e.g., born in sin, saved by faith only), but it does well illustrate the importance of seeking for truth and being willing to suffer for one’s faith. While the writing style may be rather stilted, the book is well written with high morals. Anna is an extremely inspiring example who displayed her faith in God in the face of persecution while her relatives and village were all against her during the hardships of World War I.

[Alyssa Bohon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read all 379 pages in one day (home sick from church on a Sunday). At first, the writing style struck me as not that impressive, because I'd been reading more scholarly stuff lately, but pretty soon I forgot about being a snob, and was beyond invested in the gripping story that is not only true, but also deeply inspiring and convicting.

In a book world where every other story has messed up romantic relationships, the thread of an incredibly difficult yet beautiful and faithful marriage through this story warmed my heart in the best way.

I was also convicted by the courage and endurance of these people of how wimpy and whiny I allow myself to be. They are heroes of God's grace, and their (true!) happy ending after long suffering is an absolute joy. 🥹😭🌈 ✨️