Category Archives: Amish

September 9, 2021 · 12:02 am

Review: The Amish Baby Finds a Home by Barbara Cameron

Title: The Amish Baby Finds a Home by Barbara Cameron
Hearts of Lancaster County Series Book Two
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 368 page
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In this heartwarming Amish romance, an Amish toymaker and his sweetheart discover the greatest gifts come in the smallest packages. 

Between his busy toy shop and the farm he owns with his twin brother, Gideon Troyer’s life is full. Now, the handsome Amish woodworker is ready to share it with someone special, someone like Hannah Stoltzfus, the lovely quilt shop owner a few doors down. Their friendship has already grown into something deeper. But before Gideon can tell Hannah how he really feels, she makes an unexpected discovery in his shop: a baby . . . one who shares an unmistakable Troyer family resemblance.

Hannah has never forgotten the kindness and support Gideon offered when she first opened her shop. So she’s happy to help him care for the sweet abandoned boppli until they find his family. But as they untangle the mystery surrounding the child, Hannah wonders at Gideon’s hesitation to take their relationship to the next level. He’s a natural with the baby, and Hannah can see Gideon’s ready for a familye of his own . . . but can she help him believe it?

Review:

The Amish Baby Finds a Home by Barbara Cameron is a delightfully charming Amish romance.  Although this latest release is the second book in the Hearts of Lancaster County series, it can be read as a standalone.

Gideon Troyer has a successful toy shop where he sells the toys that he makes.  He also helps his twin brother, Eli, on their family farm. Gideon is dependable and takes his time making decisions. He is level headed and very kindhearted. Gideon is keeping a mental timetable for his relationship with Hannah Stoltzfus but will an unexpected complication alter his plans?

Hannah is the owner of a popular quilt shop. She is a sweet young woman with a sunny nature. Hannah is the first to lend a helping hand when someone needs assistance. So, when she discovers a baby in the back of Gideon’s toy shop, she immediately takes charge of his care. Neither she nor Gideon knows who the baby’s mother is, but they are certain they know who the father is. Will he step up and take responsibility for his child?

Hannah and Gideon have been courting for the past year. Although they love each other, neither has confessed their feelings. Gideon has a lot to offer to Hannah but when something out of his control alters his plans for them, will he allow this unanticipated change to ruin his future? And will Hannah hear Gideon out when a misunderstanding arises?

The Amish Baby Finds a Home is a captivating romance with a heartwarming cast of characters. Gideon and Hannah are multi-faceted, appealing characters with realistic flaws. The interactions between the various family members tug at the heartstrings. The story arc with the baby is heartfelt and the resolution is uplifting. Hannah and Gideon’s romance is very sweet but will how will they handle their first major disagreement?

Old and new fans of Barbara Cameron’s Hearts of Lancaster County series are going to absolutely love this newest installment.

Comments Off on Review: The Amish Baby Finds a Home by Barbara Cameron

Filed under Amish, Barbara Cameron, Contemporary, Forever, Hearts of Lancaster County Series, Rated B+, Review, Romance, The Amish Baby Finds a Home

August 2, 2021 · 12:02 am

Review: An Unexpected Amish Courtship by Rachel J. Good

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

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The luscious scent of fresh-picked peaches and summer apples . . . the warming promise of grilled corn, sweet and savory baked goods . . . and love. In Rachel J. Good’s uplifting Amish romance series, blessed hearts come together in a bustling Pennsylvania community and farmer’s market . . .

Jilted by her first love, Sovilla Mast fled her hometown to live in Pennsylvania with an aunt she’s never met. Only after she arrives does she realize that the cantankerous woman has left the faith and alienated everyone around her. To take her mind off her sadness, Sovilla turns to baking homemade pet food and treats to sell at the Valley Green Farmer’s Market. It’s there she meets dog breeder Isaac Lantz . . .

Shy and kind-hearted, Isaac breeds Labrador retrievers and works as a puppy raiser for assistance dogs. When he and Sovilla bond at the market, he is immediately drawn to her. And when he tells her he needs a new puppy raiser, Sovilla jumps at the chance. But as their friendship deepens, Isaac can’t help but notice that Sovilla keeps herself at a safe distance. Gaining a puppy’s trust and affection has been easy for Isaac, yet he has no idea how to win the heart of the woman he’s fallen in love with—until Sovilla needs advice in dealing with her aunt. Soon, Isaac is putting his lessons from man’s best friend, and his faith, to work for the good of all involved . . .

Review:

An Unexpected Amish Courtship by Rachel J. Good is a charming Amish romance. Although this newest release is the second book in the Surprised by Love series, it can be read as a standalone.

After nineteen-year-old Sovilla Mast’s controlling uncle sells the house she lives with her Mamm and sisters, her mother sends her to live with her Aunt Wilma. Dismayed to leave her family behind, Sovilla tries to make the best of her new situation. Unfortunately, Wilma has been deeply hurt in the past and she is extremely unpleasant to everyone around her. Sovilla’s deep faith serves her well as he exercises patience and forgiveness with her crotchety aunt.

One of the few truly bright spots in her day comes when she spends time with Isaac Lantz. Wilma is very strict so Isaac and Sovila must make the most of their moments together. Sovilla also guilt over how drawn she is to Isaac since left behind a boyfriend when she moved. When she discovers why she has not heard from him, will Sovilla and Isaac have any chance for a future together?

Sovilla is a sweet young woman with a kind heart. Although Wilma is verbally abusive, Sovilla remains pleasant and understanding of her aunt’s obvious deep-seated pain. She enjoys spending time in Isaac’s calming presence. Sovilla is also welcomed by his family and she is thrilled when they invite her to their home.

Isaac has difficulty speaking and fortunately for him, Liesl Vandenberg, the owner of the Green Valley Farmer’s Market offers advice that helps him with his speech. He is a quiet man with who lacks confidence especially when he is around Sovilla. Isaac is very thoughtful and he would never to anything to hurt Sovilla.

Wilma has never gotten over a traumatic event that occurred during her teenage years. She has made her own way and she supports herself with her pickle sales at the farmer’s market. Facing an upcoming hip replacement, Wilma gets her affairs in order. Very fearful about her surgery, she tells Sovilla enough about her past that explains her deep unhappiness. What will Sovilla do with this shocking information?

An Unexpected Amish Courtship is a sweet Amish romance that is well-written and engaging. Sovilla and Isaac are wonderful characters whose deep faith guides them through life’s difficulties. Wilma is a thoroughly disagreeable woman whose emotional barriers are no match for Soviall’s kind-hearted presence. With unexpected twists and turns, Rachel J. Good brings this delightful romance to a wonderful conclusion. Old and new fans of the Surprised by Love series are sure to enjoy this latest installment.

Comments Off on Review: An Unexpected Amish Courtship by Rachel J. Good

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

July 5, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: Finding Hope by Janice Kay Johnson

Title: Finding Hope by Janice Kay Johnson
Tompkins Mill Series Book Three
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In this heartwarming and affecting Amish romance, a young woman has the chance to begin a new life in the Amish community after old betrayals come to light.

Hannah Prescott was used to the transitory life—her mother had always been a wild child, and throughout her life, Hannah became used to taking care of someone who never settled down. But everything changes when Hannah receives the startling news that her mother stole her away from her biological father and the Amish community at a young age.

Although heartbroken and confused, Hannah decides that in order to find out who she is, she needs to find out who she could have been. This includes not only a relationship with her father, but also the chance to make a connection with a young widower who recently moved to the settlement with his children. While her mother still disdains the Amish, and her new community is wary of outsiders, only Hannah can know if she’s brave enough to commit to a fresh start and a real home.

Review:

Finding Hope by Janice Kay Johnson is a delightful Amish romance that tugs on the heartstrings. Although this newest release is the third novel in the Tompkins Mill series, it can be read as a standalone. But I highly recommend the previous books as well.

Twenty-seven-year-old Hannah Prescott is shocked to learn her mother has lied to her for her entire life. Instead of having no other family, she is stunned to discover her mom stole her away from her father, grandparents and other family members. Wanting to get to know her grandmother, grandfather and her dad, she puts her regular life on hold to travel to Tompkins Mill, Missouri.

Upon her arrival, Hannah is shocked to learn that her dad is Amish and she has step-siblings. Incredibly angry with her mom, Hannah lives with her father and starts working for Amish farmer Gideon Lantz. She takes care of household duties and cares for his two children, eight-year-old Zeb and six-year-old Rebekah. While trying to come to terms with her mother’s deception, Hannah finds peace within the Amish community as she explores her deepening faith and growing feels for Gideon.

Hannah’s childhood was rather nomadic since her mom moved quite frequently. She was forced to grow up very fast since her mom is always outrunning her mistakes. Hannah is a trained chef and although she likes her job, she feels like something is missing. She has always had a strong faith but complete spiritual satisfaction is elusive. Hannah settles very easily into Amish life but is she ready to leave behind modern conveniences for a simpler, more faithful life?

Gideon moved to Tompkins Mill following the death of his wife. He is very happy with the decision and he and his children are much liked members of the community. Without family nearby, Gideon is struggling a bit with finding a reliable person to work for him. He is somewhat taken aback at how quickly Hannah settles into taking care of the house and the easy affection between her and his children. Gideon is troubled by how much her presence is affecting him and he has to continually remind himself she is not Amish. As her time in town draws to a close, is there any chance for a future for Gideon and Hannah?

Finding Hope is a marvelous Amish romance with a wonderful cast of characters and a realistic storyline. Hannah is struggling to forgive her mother’s deception and making a decision about whether or not to return to her previous life. Meanwhile, Gideon’s past collides with his present and he is reluctant to reveal the complete truth to his children. At the same time, Hannah and Gideon are uncertain about what to do about their growing feelings for one another. With their future hanging in the balance, Janice Kay Johnson brings this charming novel to an uplifting conclusion. Old and new fans of the Tompkins Mill series are sure to love this newest installment in this wonderful series.

Comments Off on Review: Finding Hope by Janice Kay Johnson

Filed under Amish, Berkley, Contemporary, Finding Hope, Janice Kay Johnson, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Tompkins Mill Series

June 10, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: An Unlikely Match by Beth Wiseman

Title: An Unlikely Match by Beth Wiseman
The Amish Inn Novels Book Two
Publisher: Zondervan
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

When sparks fly between a good Amish girl and a hunky member of the Hollywood elite, even matchmaking innkeepers Esther and Lizzie know better than to fan the flames.

Evelyn Schrock has dismissed the attempts of every young man in her small Amish community to court her. She’s willing to wait for a suitor who shares her curiosities about life and faith.

The only reason Jayce Clarkson is in Amish country hefting equipment for his famous father’s movie production company is for the paycheck. The homestyle cooking at the Peony Inn is a perk though, as is his friendship with Evelyn Schrock. If Jayce can endure his dad’s put-downs for a month, he’ll finally be in a position to make a fresh start—somewhere away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles and the shadow of his checkered past.

To matchmakers Esther and Lizzie, the widowed sisters who operate the inn, Jayce seems like a good man stuck in a life he doesn’t want. But the boy isn’t Amish, and that leaves far too much room for broken hearts. Despite that, Jayce and Evelyn start to realize that they can’t deny their growing attraction. Any path forward seems impossible, and they will have to learn what the future will look like when they leave their fate in Gott’s hands.

Review:

An Unlikely Match by Beth Wiseman is a very charming Amish romance. Although this newest release is the second installment in The Amish Inn Novels series, it can be read as a standalone.

Lizzie and Esther’s latest guests at The Peony Inn are from Hollywood. The large group  includes the producer, Brandon Clarkson, and his adult son, Jayce. Their relationship is tense due to Brandon’s constant berating of his son. Jayce has been in and out of trouble, but he no longer wants anything to do with the Hollywood lifestyle. He has a strong faith but he is struggling to find a church that feels like the right fit.  After the movie is finished, his father will pay him enough money for him to begin his life from underneath Brandon’s thumb. After meeting Evelyn Schrock, Jayce is beginning to envision a future that is very different from the life he currently lives. But Evelyn is Amish and has no intention of leaving the area or her Amish life. Will Jayce leave behind the worldly trappings and become Amish?

Evelyn is an upbeat young woman with an inquisitive mind. She has dated some but she has not yet fallen in love. Although he is not Amish, Evelyn is quite drawn to Jayce. They grow close as they enjoy chaste dates and their feelings continue to grow. Evelyn is surprised when their discussions turn to God and she is pleased to discover Jayce’s faith. Both are heartbroken when it is time for Jayce to return to California. Is their budding romance strong enough to weather their separation?

Lizzie and Esther have yet to replace their previous employee and they are exhausted caring for their guests. They are also both shocked when their testy tenant, Gus Owens, is offered a role in the movie. They are also taken aback to learn that Gus and Jayce share a friendship of sorts. The sisters have long wondered why their mamm insisted that Gus could live on the property as long he wishes. Does the answer to this question lie within a startling discovery? Will the changes in Gus continue once the guests have returned home?

An Unlikely Match is a wonderful Amish romance of faith, love and new beginnings. Evelyn and Jayce are marvelous characters who are a very cute couple.  The romance between Evelyn and Jayce is an absolute joy to watch unfold. Despite their divergent backgrounds, their faith draws them together. With an unanticipated plot twist, Beth Wiseman brings this beautiful romance to a touching conclusion. Old and new fans are going to love this latest addition to The Amish Inn Novels series.

Comments Off on Review: An Unlikely Match by Beth Wiseman

Filed under Amish, An Unlikely Match, Beth Wiseman, Contemporary, Rated B+, Review, Romance, The Amish Inn Novels, Zondervan

June 3, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: An Amish Surprise by Shelley Shepard Gray

Title: An Amish Surprise by Shelley Shepard Gray
Berlin Bookmobile Series Book Two
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In the second installment of the “enjoyable and charming” (USA TODAY) Shelley Shepard Gray’s delightful Berlin Bookmobile series, librarian Sarah Anne Miller returns to Berlin to help a childless Amish couple form the family they’ve always prayed for.

Miriam and Calvin Gingerich have been trying for a baby for several years, but the Lord hasn’t seen fit to bless them. Though Calvin claims he’s content with their childless state, Miriam knows he’s not, and when he starts spending more time off their farm, she worries he’s found someone else. But just as she finds herself at her lowest point, she discovers the ultimate surprise. Unable to confide in anyone who might tell Calvin—out of fear she’ll disappoint him with another miscarriage—Miriam turns to bookmobile librarian Sarah Anne Miller—and any books she may have on pregnancy and childbirth.

Calvin has been keeping a secret from his wife, but it’s not another woman. It’s a little boy. One afternoon when visiting Sarah Anne’s bookmobile, he meets Miles, a ten-year-old living with a foster family down the road. But after spending more time with the boy, Calvin learns that his foster family has no plans to adopt him. Calvin feels a connection with Miles and yearns to give the boy a home, but he’s afraid to tell Miriam, knowing she’s devastated they can’t have children of their own.

As weeks pass and Sarah Anne learns that Miles has nearly given up hope of ever finding a real home, she knows it’s time to intervene. It’s going to take some fancy footwork and a whole lot of prayer, but she knows she can help make this struggling couple into a happy family of four.

Review:

An Amish Surprise by Shelley Shepard Gray is a heartwarming Amish romance. This latest release in the Berlin Bookmobile series can be read as a standalone. But I highly recommend the entire series.

Miriam and Calvin Gingerich are happily married but they long for children. Miriam experiences varied emotions over her infertility. She feels guilty and saddened for their pregnancy losses and her inability to conceive. But it is not until Calvin begins spending time away from home that she notices they are not as close as they used to be. Miriam’s identity has become entangled with motherhood and she wonders if Calvin’s love for her is diminishing. She realizes he is being a bit evasive about his whereabouts and Miriam cannot help but become concerned for their marriage.

Calvin loves to read and he enjoys browsing through the selections on the bookmobile when it is in town. But during his latest visit, bookmobile librarian Sarah Anne Miller is a little overwhelmed by Ruth Schmidt’s rowdy triplets. Ruth is also accompanied by her three foster children. Calvin assists Sarah Anne by reading the children’s story and he finds himself to drawn to one of Ruth’s foster children, ten-year-old Miles.  Calvin is open to adoption but Miriam becomes very upset when he brings up the topic. Calvin spends more and more time with Miles on his own, but he is not certain how his wife will react to meeting him.

Sarah Anne is in her early sixties and the bookmobile is her second career. She is a widow who was not blessed with children. She loves interacting with everyone who visit the bookmobile. Sarah Anne is very observant and she finagled the meeting between Calvin and Miles. She is tentatively involved with Pete Cannon but Sarah Anne is uncertain about the future of their fledgling relationship.

An Amish Surprise is a charming romance with endearing characters and interesting story arcs. Miriam and Calvin are a wonderful couple who are struggling with their childlessness. Will Calvin convince Miriam to meet Miles and consider adding him to their family? What impact will Miriam’s surprise news have on Calvin’s suggestion about Miles? What will happen with Sarah Anne and Pete’s budding romance? Shelley Shepard Gray will delight readers with the answers to these pressing questions. Old and new fans are going to love this marvelous addition to the Berlin Bookmobile series.

Comments Off on Review: An Amish Surprise by Shelley Shepard Gray

Filed under Amish, An Amish Surprise, Berlin Bookmobile Series, Contemporary, Gallery Books, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Shelley Shepard Gray

May 28, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: The Preacher’s Daughter by Patricia Johns

Title: The Preacher’s Daughter by Patricia Johns
The Infamous Amish Series Book Two
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating:

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

For a Pennsylvania Amish family whose faith has been tested, the blessings of marriage, home, and togetherness seem impossible. Patricia Johns brings her trademark warmth to this story of love’s powerful redemption.

With her preacher father in prison for fraud, Elizabeth Yoder’s life in the community of Bountiful has been painfully uprooted. Mindful of wearing out her welcome with her family, she jumps at the chance to stay with elderly Bridget Lantz while the woman’s daughter is away. Elizabeth has secret plans to leave for another Amish community where she might get a fresh start, but here with Bridget, she feels comfortable—until Bridget’s strapping grandson, Solomon, returns from eight years with the English, and inspires feelings that shake Elizabeth’s resolution . . .

Solomon has had his own trouble with the law, after falling in with some bad influences. He’s paid the price, despite his innocence, but the Amish are even more wary of him than they are of spirited Elizabeth. With good reason, he supposes—he’s not sure he’s ready to commit to this way of life again, especially since the Englishers are the ones offering him solutions. The only thing that seems certain is his attraction to Elizabeth. As they strive to find their places in the community, and with each other, can they open their hearts to the blessing of love?

Review:

The Preacher’s Daughter by Patricia Johns is a thought-provoking Amish romance. Although this newest release is the second installment in The Infamous Amish series, it can be read as a standalone.

Elizabeth Yoder lives under the cloud of her once respected father’s arrest and conviction for fraud. She is also still very upset she has not heard her youngest sister, Lovina, who left their community a year earlier. Elizabeth is temporarily staying with Bridget Lantz, an elderly widow who needs a little assistance while her daughter-in-law is out of town. Elizabeth is considering her plans for the future since she would like to marry and have a family. With her family name so tarnished, her prospects in her community are dim. Will the arrival of Bridget’s grandson Solomon change her mind about her plans?

Solomon left the Amish community and fell in with the wrong crowd. Having paid for his mistakes, he is looking for a fresh start. Solomon hopes the community will show him grace but he is discovering forgiveness and trust are in short supply. He is finding comfort in the time he spends with Elizabeth. However, a life together seems impossibly out of reach as he considers what he will do next.

Elizabeth is surprised by how much she likes Solomon, but she is hoping to become a respected person within her community. She knows a relationship with him is impossible but she cannot deny the attraction between them. With few options open to him, Solomon is hoping to convince Elizabeth to agree to his plans. But is there any chance she will say yes?

The Preacher’s Daughter is a very sweet romance with a realistic storyline. Elizabeth and Solomon are both wonderfully developed characters with relatable strengths and flaws. The plot is well-written with true to life problems to solve. With an unexpected twist, Patricia Johns brings this captivating romance to a very satisfying conclusion. Old and new fans of The Infamous Amish series are sure to enjoy this heartwarming love story.

Comments Off on Review: The Preacher’s Daughter by Patricia Johns

Filed under Amish, Contemporary, Patricia Johns, Rated B+, Review, Romance, The Infamous Amish Series, The Preachers Daughter, Zebra Books