Category Archives: Amish

November 22, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: An Unexpected Amish Christmas by Rachel J. Good

Title: An Unexpected Amish Christmas by Rachel J. Good
Surprised by Love Series Book Three
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 368 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A crackling fire, the promise of snow, the delicious smell of fresh-baked cookies and fallen pine needles . . . when Christmas is coming, every heart lifts in song. In this moving Amish romance series by Rachel J. Good, a bountiful farmer’s market is the source of all kinds of goodies—especially love . . .
 
Recovering from a horse and buggy accident that took the lives of his family, Jacob Zook is struggling to regain both his spirit and his body. While his legs remain stubbornly opposed to moving, he exercises his hands by writing, and finds the perfect outlet for his grief in inspirational letters to the Amish newspaper. When Keturah Esch, a woman who works at the Green Valley Farmer’s Market, responds with gratitude, Jacob has no idea that his hardship is about to become a blessing . . .

Dealing with her own loss, and responsible for her three siblings, Keturah’s new correspondence with the anonymous letter writer becomes a source of joy. And when a shy young man confined to a wheelchair begins to visit the market, Keturah is happy to make his acquaintance—never knowing that Jacob is afraid to reveal himself as her pen pal. After all, what can he offer her, when he can’t even walk? Can faith bring two lonely people together in perfect union? As Christmas approaches, Jacob and Keturah get a chance to make their gifts to each other worthy of the blessing of love . . .

Review:

An Unexpected Amish Christmas by Rachel J. Good is an uplifting Amish romance about healing and love. While this newest release is the third book in the Surprised by Love series, it can be read as a standalone.  I also highly recommend the first two romances as well.

Jeremiah Zook is recovering from an accident and coming to terms with the changes in his life. He is currently unable to walk due to the injuries sustained in an accident, but he is willing to put in the hard work in hopes he will walk again. He has begun writing letters to people who have recently lost a loved one. Jeremiah relates his own experiences dealing with grief and hardship in hopes of helping them work through their own losses.

One of the recipients of his letters is Keturah Esch who recently lost both parents. She is now raising her younger sisters, Lilliane, Rose and Meleah. She is also in charge of making decisions for her siblings and their family pretzel stand at the Green Valley Farmer’s Market. Keturah is overwhelmed by these new responsibilities but she tries to remain strong for her sisters. She is surprised by the anonymous letter she receives in the mail. But Keturah soon comes to rely on the words written by a stranger to boost her spirits and calm her when her life is stressful.

Mrs. Vandenburg might not own the farmer’s market any longer but she is still involved in the local community. Through her kindly interventions, Jeremiah begins working at the Esch pretzel stand. In order to bring Mrs. Vandenburg’s charitable operation to fruition, Keturah agrees to changes in the size and layout of the stand. But some of the necessary changes in their business operation cause friction between Keturah and Lilliane.

An Unexpected Amish Christmas is heartwarming slow-burn romance between two delightful characters. Keturah is a vibrant young woman who must mourn while at the same time running a business and caring for her sisters. Lilianne, Rose and Meleah are well-drawn characters whose reactions to their new circumstances ring true. Jeremiah faces and overcomes adversity through prayer, hard work and a positive attitude. He and Keturah greatly enjoy spending time together but will his secret ruin not just their friendship but any chance of a future with her?

Rachel J. Good brings readers a heartfelt novel of faith, forgiveness and love while also providing a gentle reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. I absolutely loved and highly recommend this latest addition to the Surprised by Love series.

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Filed under Amish, An Unexpected Amish Christmas, Contemporary, Rachel J Good, Rated B+, Review, Surprised by Love Series, Zebra Books

November 20, 2021 · 12:02 am

Review: A Christmas Courtship by Shelley Shephard Gray

Title: A Christmas Courtship by Shelley Shephard Gray
Berlin Bookmobile Series Book Three
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Amish
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In this endearing Christmas tale, a bookmobile librarian knows just the novel to help an Amish bachelor woo his next-door neighbor in the latest installment of the “charming” (Carla Laureano, RITA Award–winning author of Five Days in Skye) Berlin Bookmobile series.

A solitary sort, forty-two-year-old Atle Petersheim spends his time hard at work in his wood shop. But as the days get long, he realizes just how lonely he’s become. When his longtime crush, Sadie Mast, a widow and mother of three, asks him to help her build a room in their barn for her son Cale, Atle can’t say no. Eager to pursue Sadie at last, he turns to bookmobile librarian Sarah Anne Miller for courting advice. More than happy to help, Sarah Anne decides the best way to learn about love is through books—romance novels to be precise.

Between completing holiday orders for her flourishing food business, helping Cale navigate a dramatic new relationship with his boss’s daughter, and coming to terms with the trauma her late husband had inflicted upon her and her children—not to mention Atle showing up at her door with flowers—Sadie is in over her head. Though Atle’s efforts are initially clumsy and his declarations a bit awkward, Sadie can’t help but be charmed by him. He’s patient and kind…and at times even seems to know far more about romance than he’s let on.

Another delightful romance about the “transformative powers of love, hope, and faith” (Publishers Weekly), A Christmas Courtship is the perfect holiday read.

Review:

A Christmas Courtship by Shelley Shepherd Gray is a heartwarming Amish romance. Although this newest release is the third installment in the Berlin Bookmobile series, it can be read as a standalone. But I highly recommend the previous books as well.

Forty-two-year-old Atle Petersheim is a bachelor who is interested in getting married. He finds assistance in an unlikely place when he asks bookmobile librarian Sarah Anne for advice. Atle has long been interested in Sadie Mast and he would like to court her. However, Atle finds himself tongue-tied in her presence.  Will spending more time together as he works on a Christmas present for her oldest son Cale provide them the opportunity to get to know each other better?

Sadie’s baking business is really taking off so she is finally able to afford some extras. She feels guilty for relying on Cale to help with the family finances so she wants to surprise him with a room of his own as a  Christmas gift. She has always liked Atle and she is enjoying having him around the house. The more time she is in his in company, the more she appreciates his quiet strength. But have she and her children fully come to terms with the trauma they endured while her husband was still alive?

Cale works full-time on Hope Overholt’s family farm. He is quite charmed by Hope but he is reluctant to take their relationship any further than friendship. Cale makes a decision that inadvertently results in the chance to work with Atle. Will he and Hope finally be able to officially begin courting?

A Christmas Courtship is a heartfelt romance of healing and love. Sadie and Atle are wonderfully drawn characters with relatable strengths and all too human foibles. Sadie’s children are delightfully imperfect and a great help to their mamm. The storyline is endearing and quite engaging. Shelley Shepherd Gray brings this sweet romance to an uplifting and gratifying conclusion. A wonderful addition to the Berlin Bookmobile series that old and new readers are sure to enjoy.

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Filed under A Christmas Courtship, Amish, Berlin Bookmobile Series, Contemporary, Gallery Books, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Shelley Shepard Gray

October 25, 2021 · 12:02 am

Review: A Season of Change by Beth Wiseman

Title: A Season of Change by Beth Wiseman
The Amish Inn Novels Book Three
Publisher: Zondervan
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: A

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Finding peace means letting go of the past—and embracing the change that is to come.

Sisters Esther and Lizzie have a new employee, Rose Petersheim, to help them tend to The Peony Inn. But their old matchmaking ways have stayed the same. The sisters focus their efforts on the lovely twenty-five-year-old Rose. Though Rose is witty and outspoken, her nervous chattering makes her the best match for someone calm and good at listening. Someone like Benjamin—the handsome handyman who recently moved to town.

But when Esther receives an anonymous love letter and flowers, Rose’s love life is no longer the only one capturing the sisters’ attention. As they sleuth around searching for Esther’s secret admirer, they uncover that their grumpy renter, Gus, has a secret of his own that could bring about a difficult change in all their lives. And their continued meddling in Rose’s affairs reveals she, too, is hiding something—an old wound that could threaten her future happiness.

As Rose, Lizzie, Esther, and Gus struggle to release the weight of their pasts, they discover that although people are complicated, love doesn’t need to be.

This charming third installment of the Amish Inn series from bestselling author Beth Wiseman is a picture of loss and healing in which forgiveness will prove to be the greatest act of love.

Review:

A Season of Change by Beth Wiseman is a poignant yet uplifting Amish romance. While this newest release is the third book in The Amish Inn Novels series, it can be read as a standalone. However, I highly recommend reading the first two novels as well.

Lizzie Glick and Esther Zook are widowed sisters who turned their home into a bed and breakfast. Since the summer has been unusually hot, The Peony Inn does not have many visitors. This turns out to be a good thing as Lizzie and Esther continue their matchmaking and learn their longtime boarder Gus Owens’ secret.  Esther also seems to have a secret admirer whose identity Lizzie is determined to uncover. Neither sister is looking for romance but they are curious who about who sent Esther a beautiful bouquet of flowers with a very unexpected message.

Twenty-five-year-old Rose Petersheim is a hard worker whose endless chatter sometimes wars on Lizzie and Esther’s nerves. They have counseled her to listen more and talk less but Rose finds it difficult to keep her thoughts to herself. When newcomer Benjamin King asks her out for a date, she is determined to follow their advice. But since he is very shy, their evening out is rather awkward.

Ben is frustrated with his inability to turn his sometimes tangled thoughts into words . He is tired of blind dates but he would like to marry and start a family. Ben is willing to give Rose a chance, but if their evening out does not go well, he is done with dating. Which is why he is very disappointed his dinner with Rose is so uncomfortable.

Ben remains intrigued by Rose, so he is delighted when she inadvertently reveals her true self to him after their disastrous date. Rose agrees to go out with him again and their romance begins in earnest. But the closer they become, she grows increasingly troubled by memories of her past.  As she tries to come to terms her fears, will Rose decide a future with Ben is not possible?

A Season of Change is an emotionally compelling novel with a heartfelt storyline and appealing characters. Rose is a spirited young woman who must decide whether or not to forgive the people who have hurt her. Ben is a charming man who is transformed by his relationship with Rose. Esther patiently continues her lessons of forgiveness and grace. Lizzie’s outspokenness leads to trouble when her well-intentioned interference backfires. With touching life lessons, Beth Wiseman brings this final installment in The Amish Inn Novels series to a bittersweet conclusion.

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Filed under A Season of Change, Amish, Beth Wiseman, Contemporary, Rated A, Review, Romance, The Amish Inn Novels, Zondervan

October 4, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: A Christmas Engagement by Linda Byler

Title: A Christmas Engagement by Linda Byler
Publisher: Good Books
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 240 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

Bestselling Amish novelist Linda Byler spins a sweet tale of heartache, disappointment, and ultimately hopes fulfilled at Christmastime.

Liz had been in love once, had even been engaged. In fact, the wedding had been planned, the barn cleaned, and the celery was set to be harvested to make the traditional wedding soup. Just two weeks before the day she was to exchange vows with her beloved, he changed his mind, and that was that.

The humiliation was almost as bad as the heartbreak. The whole community had celebrated her engagement, had participated in the wedding planning, had started giving her advice on keeping a home and raising children. When the wedding was canceled, no one knew what to say. She had to bear the pitying looks and awkward glances for many months. She vowed never to be such a fool again, never to trust her heart to a man who could just up and leave her with hardly an explanation. She’d rather be an old maid than go through that again.

Years pass, and Liz has made peace with her life as a single woman, a “leftover blessing” as the Amish say. She can admit to herself that Matthew, the owner of the Amish restaurant at the market where she works, is handsome. And she is aware that he is single. But she reminds herself over and over that it’s not worth feeling anything for the man. He’s her boss and that’s it. So why does she look forward to work so much every day? And why can’t she make her heart beat at a normal pace when he comes near?

Linda Byler is beloved for her skillful story telling and true-to-life descriptions of Amish food, faith, and culture. As an Amish woman herself, she can share details of Amish life that few can replicate. In this charming novel, Byler shares intimate details of day-to-day life in an Amish community while spinning a sweet tale of love and hopes fulfilled at Christmastime.

Review:

A Christmas Engagement by Linda Byler is an uplifting Amish romance of renewed faith and ultimately, healing.

Liz is less than impressed with her new boss at the restaurant where she is a cook. But she loves her job so tries to push aside her discontent with him. She and Matthew butt heads as he tries to make the restaurant a little more upscale.  So, Liz is less than thrilled when he becomes part of the single group in her district.

Liz has not recovered from the pain of being jilted not long before her wedding. Her family has hopes she will find love again and marry but she is not looking to settle down. Liz closely guards her heart now and she still feels betrayed by those who were supposed to have cared for her.

From Liz’s perspective, Matthew is too handsome and a little arrogant. She begins to soften toward him when he unexpectedly asks for her assistance with a possible problem with an employee. Which is probably why she agrees to give him a chance when he asks her on a date. But will her fears prevent her from allowing their burgeoning romance to grow into something deeper?

A Christmas Engagement is a heartwarming Amish romance with an interesting storyline. Liz is not easy to like at first because she is so prickly and unbending. Matthew is a little frustrating since he refuses to listen to anyone’s advice regarding the restaurant. The secondary characters are likable and a little eclectic. The romance between Liz and Matthew is slow-burning since Liz’s fears of getting hurt again are difficult for her to overcome.  Linda Byler brings this lovely Christmas romance to a wonderful, sigh-worthy conclusion.

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Filed under A Christmas Engagement, Amish, Contemporary, Good Books, Linda Byler, Rated B, Review

October 3, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: Matched and Married by Kathleen Fuller

Title: Matched and Married by Kathleen Fuller
An Amish Mail-Order Bride Series Book Two
Publisher: Zondervan
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Neither Margaret nor Owen has any interest in getting married. But in the small Amish town of Birch Creek, where marriage is on everyone’s mind, their plans don’t stand a chance.

Margaret Yoder can’t seem to catch a break. Even though she’s dedicated to her Amish faith, her wild rumspringa won’t stay in the past, and her mother keeps pressuring her to get married. To placate her mother and get away from former “friends”, she decides to return to Birch Creek to visit family—and pretend to find a husband.

Like Margaret, Owen Bontrager isn’t looking for a spouse, something that’s hard to avoid in Birch Creek, where an ad for brides in the local paper has brought a swarm of single women to the thriving town. When he meets Margaret in an unexpected way, they discover they have more in common than they ever expected. In some ways, they are a perfect match.

Margaret struggles to keep her goal of avoiding romance in order to focus on being a faithful member of the Amish church, and it doesn’t help that she finds Owen intriguing. Knowing they don’t have a future together; she returns home and gives in to her mother’s insistence that she get married.

Can Margaret betray her feelings for Owen and become a dutiful daughter and wife to the man of her mother’s choosing? Or will Owen find a way to free Margaret of her past by giving her the future they both are surprised to find they desire?

Review:

Matched and Married by Kathleen Fuller is a sweet Amish romance with charming characters. Although this newest release is the second book in the Amish Mail-Order Bride series, it can be read as a standalone.

Margaret Yoder continues to be tempted by the Englisch friends she made during her Rumspringa. She also continues to be at loggerheads with her mother who thinks her youngest daughter can do nothing right. Margaret is spirited and unable to conform to her mother’s rigid need to control everything. She has no desire to marry but when ordered to begin looking for a husband, Margaret returns to Birch Creek, OH to stay with her beloved Aenti Mary and Onkle Freemont and help them with their harvest. She is a hard worker but she also has plenty of free time. Margaret spends time exploring the nearby woods where she searches for flowers. She has renewed interest in herbal treatments after crossing paths with Owen Bontrager who is on a forced vacation. The two become good friends after agreeing neither is planning to marry but will love find them when they’re not looking?

After her Rumspringa, Margaret decided to fully commit to being Amish. But she discovered that leaving behind parts of Englisch life is easier said than done. She is determined to live up to her decision, but the strife between her and her mother is hurtful and troubling. Margaret is nothing like her mother or her sisters so she always feels like a failure. The opportunity to visit her Aenti Mary is just what she needs to escape from her mother’s disappointment.

Owen works on his family’s farm and he puts in long hours ensuring they are successful. He works longer than anyone and he has exacting standards for how things are to be done. Owen is very frustrated by his father’s edict to take a week off from work. When boredom sets in, he begins reading his grandfather’s books.

Owen and Margaret’s friendship is based on their mutual interests but it does not take long for their feelings for each other to deepen. However, neither of them wants to break their agreement to be friends only. What will they do when Margaret acquiesces to her mother’s unexpected demand?

Matched and Married is a heartwarming romance with a delightful cast of characters. Owen and Margaret have strong personalities and they a perfect match, but will they give in to their growing feelings for each other? In addition to their romance, another member of their community is trying to move on from her husband’s desertion but not knowing if he will ever return complicates her life. With an engaging storyline, relatable characters and realistic issues to overcome, Kathleen Fuller’s latest addition to the Amish Mail-Order Bride series is sure to be a hit with readers.

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Filed under Amish, Amish Mail-Order Bride Series, Contemporary, Kathleen Fuller, Matched and Married, Rated B, Review, Romance, Zondervan

September 13, 2021 · 12:02 am

Review: Christmas Comes to Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard

Title: Christmas Comes to Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard
The Maidels of Morning Star Series Book Three
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 338 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

For fans of Beverly Lewis and Cindy Woodsmall comes a new Amish inspirational romance set at a most joyful time of year–Christmas!—in the heartwarming community of Morning Star, Missouri, with its mouthwatering marketplace, close-knit community, and blessings for everyone—even enterprising, noodle-making, unmarried twin maidels who’ve given up on love and families of their own.

Founded by five unmarried and enterprising Amish maidels, the new Morning Star Marketplace in small-town Missouri is preparing for a joyous Christmas season. But will the holiday also bring unexpected tidings of love?
 
Twin sisters Molly and Marietta Helfing are eagerly anticipating Christmas, with Marietta fully recovered from cancer and their noodle making business thriving. But Molly clearly misses having former tenant Pete Shetler and his rambunctious dog, Riley, around. Marietta can’t ignore Molly’s feelings for Pete—or the anxiety it stirs within her. Convinced her illness has made her unmarriageable, Marietta wonders what kind of life she’ll have if her sister marries—despite Molly’s promise to never leave her behind. . .

Then a fire destroys the home of Amish neighbors and Molly and Marietta graciously make room for widower Glenn Detweiler, his dat, and his two young boys. When Pete returns to help the family rebuild, Molly relishes her reunion with the handsome carpenter, while Marietta delights in mothering Glenn’s boys—and is surprised by her poignant bond with their quiet, brooding father. Soon everyone is wondering if this season will bring the blessing of a merry double wedding to Morning Star . . .

Review:

Christmas Comes to Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard is a marvelous Amish holiday romance. Although this latest release is the third novel in The Maidels of Morning Star series, it can be read as a standalone. However, I highly recommend all of the books in this wonderful series.

Molly and Marietta Helfing are twin sisters in their mid-thirties. They share their family home and they own a very successful homemade noodle business. Since the Morning Star Marketplace opened, they are busier than ever.

In addition to the noodle business, they also rent portions of their home during the tourist season. Now their previous tenant, Pete Shetler and his rambunctious pup Riley, has moved out, Molly and Marietta find their home a little too quiet. But after a devastating housefire destroys Glenn Detweiler’s home, they gladly open their doors to him, his children and his dat.

Marietta has mostly recovered from her breast cancer treatments. She is certain no man will want to marry her so she remains committed to living with Molly. When widower Glen Detweiler temporarily moves in, she takes charge of his seven-year-old son Billy Jay and baby Levi. Marietta is completely smitten by the children and she beginning to experience tender emotions for Glenn.

Glenn’s year has been absolutely heartbreaking as he mourns the loss of his wife and mother. He is lost in his grief and he is barely coping with the added childcare duties. Luckily his dat, Ruben lives with him, but his father’s mind appears to be atarting to slip. Crushed under the weight of grief and responsibility, Glenn is devastated at the loss of family’s home. He is appreciative of the community’s help in rebuilding his home and more grateful than words can express as both his sons blossom while in Marietta’s care.  Glenn is surprised when he begins to care for Marietta but will she be receptive to a romantic relationship?

Molly misses Pete but she cannot envision a future with him since he has not been baptized and clings to his English ways. He is also a little immature and acts before he thinks. So, she taken off guard when he is selected to oversee the construction of Glenn’s new house. However, unbeknownst to Molly, Pete is taking stock of his life and begins making some interesting changes. But will his impulsivity ruin his chances for a future that might include Molly?

Christmas Comes to Morning Star is a charming Amish romance with a delightful cast of characters. Marietta and Molly are wonderful, independent women who genuinely care about others. Glenn initially feels lost and hopeless but as he regains his faith, he finally realizes what he needs to do if he wants a life with Marietta. Molly is upbeat, feisty and caring when Pete needs her most. The Amish community selflessly come together when one of their own need a loving hand. With characters realistically growing and evolving, Charlotte Hubbard brings this heartfelt Christmas story to an uplifting, happy conclusion. With one secondary story arc unresolved, old and new fans will be impatiently awaiting the next installment in The Maidels of Morning Star series.

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Filed under Amish, Charlotte Hubbard, Christmas Comes to Morning Star, Contemporary, Rated B+, Romance, The Maidels of Morning Star Series, Zebra Books