Title: The Innkeeper’s Bride by Kathleen Fuller
Amish Brides of Birch Creek Series Book Three
Publisher: Zondervan
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
With two matchmakers on the loose in the Amish community of Birch Creek, the new innkeeper doesn’t stand a chance in this sweet Amish romance.
When Selah Ropp returns to Birch Creek, she is a different person than when she left. I know I haven’t done much listening in the past, Lord, she prays. But I’m listening now. Her new friend, Cevilla Schlabach, urges her to let go of regrets and allow this to be a fresh start. Cevilla herself, though, hides a secret longing behind her weathered face.
Levi Stoll and his family spent a year transforming a large English house into a small inn. Now that they are open for business, Levi is pleased to have Selah join them as an employee—as long as his grandmother doesn’t try any matchmaking schemes on the two of them. After all, Selah seems as guarded as he feels, and the last thing he wants is for anyone to remind him of his history.
With Kathleen Fuller’s trademark humor and memorable characters, The Innkeeper’s Bride reminds us that God’s grace in the present and our hope for the future is stronger than any pain of the past.
Review:
The Innkeeper’s Bride by Kathleen Fuller is a heartfelt and engaging Amish romance. Although this newest release is the third installment in the Amish Brides of Birch Creek series, it can be read as a standalone.
As much as she loves her brother and sister-in-law, Selah Ropp is ready to move on to the next phase in her life plan. But in order to accomplish her goal, she needs to find a job. Luckily, Levi Stoll and his family are looking for someone to work in their newly opened inn. Selah enjoys her new job and her employers but she is troubled by her feelings for Levi. She is cautious about revealing much about her past but Levi is patient and understanding when her issues arise. Will Selah open her heart to an unexpected chance for love?
Just as the family’s inn is about to open, Levi must take on a bigger role than anticipated when his father is injured. He grows concerned about the family’s finances but he knows that he must trust God’s plan for them. Levi is not looking for love and certainly not with an employee, but he is quite smitten with Selah. Not wanting to make her uncomfortable, Levi retreats when their relationship ventures into romantic territory. But will a little help from a pair of crafty matchmakers change his mind?
Octogenarians Cevilla Schlabach and Richard Johnson are still deciding the future of their relationship. Cevilla tries to give Richard the time and space he needs to plan his next step, but she is becoming impatient with his lack of communication with her. A decision made in haste threatens their happiness but will a little well-meaning interference from her friend Delilah Stoll help the couple work through their problems?
The Innkeeper’s Bride is a delightful romance with a wonderful undercurrent of faith. Selah’s battle with depression is realistically depicted and her fears about a relationship with Levi are understandable. Levi is an outgoing young man with an optimistic outlook on life. The Stoll family is close-knit and supportive with a strong faith that guides and sustains them as they launch their Inn.
Old and new fans are sure to love this heartwarming addition to Kathleen Fuller’s marvelous Amish Brides of Birch Creek series.
