Title: A Perfect Amish Romance by Shelley Shepard Grey
Berlin Bookmobile Series Book One
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 318 pages
Book Rating: B
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
From New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray comes a new series that follows a bookmobile driver-turned-matchmaker who learns that her Amish patrons need a whole lot more than just new books to read.
Aaron Coblentz has a secret: he’s been studying to take the GED to get promoted at work. But he can’t let his Amish family know, not when his older brother already left the faith just a year after getting baptized, practically crippling the family. When Aaron asks bookmobile librarian Sarah Anne Miller for some additional study guides, she does one better. She arranges for Kayla Kaufman to be his tutor.
Kayla has a secret, too. Her life has been turned upside down in a matter of months—her mother’s death propelled her father into a constant state of depression, and unable to deal with his erratic behavior, her longtime boyfriend has broken things off. But despite losing those she holds most dear, she hasn’t completely given up on love. Only now she seeks to find it in the sweet romance novels she secretly checks out from Sarah Anne’s bookmobile.
As Aaron and Kayla’s study sessions start to feel less like work and more like pleasure, they soon realize that happily ever afters don’t only happen in fiction; sometimes they happen when you least expect it.
From a “skilled storyteller who reminds the reader that faith can help us survive the ups and downs in life” (RT Book Reviews), A Perfect Amish Romance is a moving and deftly told story that paints a heartwarming picture of the magic of true love.
Review:
A Perfect Amish Romance by Shelley Shepard Grey is a heartfelt Amish romance.
Aaron Coblentz knows how his parents will react if he tells them he wants to get his GED. So he studies in private until he needs a tutor to get him ready to take the test. He is from a big happy family with loving parents who hold their children tightly after their oldest son goes Englisch. Aaron is a kind-hearted and compassionate young man who is a hard worker. But his lack of world experience is a handicap while studying for his upcoming GED test. Aaron is well-known by bookmobile librarian Sarah Anne Miller so he has no worries about being tutored by the young woman she recommends him to.
At one time Kayla Kaufman considered leaving her Amish faith behind. So she has already passed her GED test. She is a little wary of Aaron’s need for secrecy but she could use the money she earns from tutoring him. Kayla lives with her father whose continued depression from her mamm’s death means she has a heavy load of responsibility. She loves her father, but she is growing weary of the constant strain of worrying about keeping a roof over their heads.
Despite their slightly inauspicious first meeting, Aaron and Kayla soon become friends. Their friendship has a bit of a tenuous feel to it to begin with since Kayla has a few trust issues. After her dad leaves for his annual trip to FL, Kayla relaxes her guard and enjoys her time with Aaron. As their friendship turns romantic, will Kayla take a chance and risk her heart again?
A secondary story arc revolves around a budding romance between Aaron’s sister Tiny (Elizabeth) and their neighbor Joel Lapp. Tiny is never quite certain that Joel is interested her beyond friendship so doubts plague their relationship. When Aaron misconstrues a situation involving Joel, will his interference put an end to Tiny’s hopes of a romance?
A Perfect Amish Romance is a sweet Amish romance that also deals with true to life issues. Aaron and Kayla are delightful characters that are very easy to like. Kayla’s home situation with her dad adds depth and substance to the well-developed storyline. Aaron’s quest for more education is at odds with his Amish faith and he does not want to worry his parents. Sarah Anne is a wonderful woman who cares deeply for the people she meets through the bookmobile. With this charming first installment, Shelley Shepard Grey’s new Berlin Bookmobile series is off to a marvelous beginning.
