Category Archives: Amish

April 30, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: Loving Mrs. Bontrager by Loree Lough

Title: Loving Mrs. Bontrager by Loree Lough
A Little Child Shall Lead Them Series Book Three
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Amid the New Order Amish community of Oakland, Maryland, an unexpected gift of comfort and tender caring can help spark a surprising dream of love . . .

Between raising three grieving children and running a booming business, recent widower Aaron Bontrager desperately needs help—even if it means a marriage of convenience only. He couldn’t be more surprised by his new wife, ebullient Bethel Mast. With an unconventional, joyful sense of purpose, she’s starting to turn his house back into a home and bring stability and peace to his children’s lives. And somehow, her gentle understanding is reigniting impossible hope in Aaron’s guarded, lonely heart . . .

Bethel never had a fair chance for a home and family of her own. She doesn’t want to replace Aaron’s first wife, but she’ll face any challenge to aid him and his children. And she soon finds Aaron’s formidable exterior hides a sensitivity and caring that she’s quietly drawn to. Can Bethel show him that their practical arrangement is blossoming into so much more—and can be the start of a wonderful future together for all of them?

Review:

Loving Mrs. Bontrager by Loree Lough is an absolutely heartwarming Amish romance. Although this newest release is the third book in the A Little Child Shall Lead Them series, it can be read as a standalone.

Widower Aaron Bontrager has struggled to balance raising his three children and running his very successful sawmill. His kids need stability and he needs someone he can rely on to stay with them on a more permanent basis. Between his brother-in-law Karl and his Bishop, they arrive at a solution: Aaron should enter into a marriage of convenience with Karl’s cousin Bethel “Beth” Mast. Despite his uneasiness at marrying a stranger, Aaron and Beth have a few conversations before she moves to Maryland. Beth has a few reservations of her own, but she knows she needs to escape her father and brother. Although their introduction has a few hiccups, Beth is determined to keep her end of their bargain. Aaron continues to harbor doubts as he is plagued with guilt over his mistakes with his first wife. Will this practical arrangement turn into a loving marriage?

Beth is immediately charmed by eight-year-old Molly, six-year-old Matthew and ten-year-old Sam.  She has a take charge attitude when it comes to getting the house in order.  But she is always caring and compassionate with Aaron’s kids. Molly eagerly welcomes her into the family and Matthew is a sweetheart. Young Sam is a tough nut to crack, but with patience and understanding, Beth hopes he will accept her into his life. Beth is a little more tentative with Aaron but he is soon thankful for her thoughtful attention to everyone’s needs.

Aaron would do anything to make ensure his kids’ happiness. He remains uncertain he is making the right decision but he soon quite taken with his soon-to-be wife. Beth is unflappable in just about every situation which he very much appreciates as he works long hours to keep up with his hectic schedule. Aaron enjoys spending time with her and they go through with their wedding plans. As they get to know each other, will their feelings deepen into love?

Loving Mrs. Bontrager is a captivating Amish romance with marvelous characters and a relatable storyline. Beth is a warm-hearted and giving woman who does not let her past define her. Aaron struggles to reconcile his memories of his first marriage with his very different experience with Beth. All of the kids are wonderful and Beth handles the difficulties with settling into the new family with serenity and grace. Loree Lough brings this lovely romance to a sigh-worthy conclusion. Old and new fans are sure to enjoy this latest addition to the A Little Child Shall Lead Them series.

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Filed under A Little Child Shall Lead Them Series, Amish, Contemporary, Loree Lough, Loving Mrs. Bontrager, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Zebra Books

March 25, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: An Unexpected Amish Proposal by Rachel J. Good

Title: An Unexpected Amish Proposal by Rachel J. Good
Surprised by Love Series Book One
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Sometimes love is found in the most unexpected places—as three blessed men will discover in Rachel J. Good’s heartwarming Amish romance series, set in a bustling Pennsylvania community . . .

When an organic farm causes rents to skyrocket at the Valley Green Farmer’s Market, Fern Blauch’s family baked goods stand is driven to the edge of eviction. . . . Until a mysterious temporary reprieve. Fern is confused when she discovers the benefactor is barbecued chicken stand owner—and her longtime crush—Gideon Hartzler. She’s grateful, but pridefully tells him she intends to pay him back. If only she can find a new place to sell her wares . . .

To stay competitive, and help as many others as he can, Gideon expands his stand to provide full meals—including dessert. That’s where Fern comes in. As the two work long hours, side-by-side, business booms—and so does their attraction. Still, the demands of caring for aging parents and struggling relatives cause them to hide any feelings beyond friendship. But as new challenges emerge and Gideon and Fern turn more deeply to their faith, and to each other, will love find a place at their table?

Review:

An Unexpected Amish Proposal by Rachel J. Good is a warm-hearted Amish romance.

Fern Blauch loves working in her family’s baked good stand at the Valley Green Family Market. She and the people who work the other stands have formed warm friendships over the years. They are shocked when the new owner, Russell Evans, raises their rent so high they will not be able to turn a profit. Realizing they will most likely go out of business, Gideon Hartzler steps in and strikes a secret deal with Russell in order to give Fern and the others the opportunity to decide their next steps. When the two months are up, what will happen to Fern and the others?

Fern is a kind-hearted young woman who genuinely cares about others. She has long had a crush on Gideon but she tries to hide her interest in him.  When she unexpectedly gets the chance to continue selling her baked goods, they spend their days in close proximity. Pleased to spend most of her days with him, Fern’s hopes are soon dashed he might view her in a more romantic light. When she believes someone else has captured his heart, will Fern continue to work with Gideon?

Gideon is a loyal person who always keeps his word. He bears more than his share of responsibility as he works his family’s chicken stand, helps his widowed sister-in-law with her children and takes on the mess his deceased brother left behind. Gideon often acts before he thinks and several situations in his life begin to spiral out of control. Then there is his inconvenient attraction to Fern…

The majority of the story takes place in the Market. The daily contact between Fern and Gideon gives each other even more to admire as they deftly handle issues with compassion. They also assist a troubled teen as his relationship with his father deteriorates. Gideon faces a new quandary when he feels vaguely threatened by a businessman who recently begins working at the Market. In between drama, misunderstandings and weighty personal obligations, Fern and Gideon’s feelings for each other continue to deepen.

With a tiny hint of mystery, An Unexpected Amish Proposal is a sweet Amish romance. The plot is engaging with interesting story arcs. Gideon and Fern are wonderfully developed with realistic foibles, strong faith and giving hearts.  Rachel J. Good brings this charming novel to a sigh-worthy conclusion. Fans of Amish romances are sure to enjoy this first installment in the Surprised by Love series.

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

February 26, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: An Amish Homecoming by Rosalind Lauer

Title: An Amish Homecoming by Rosalind Lauer
Joyful River Series Book One
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating:

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Author Rosalind Lauer weaves a patchwork quilt of life and love in the Pennsylvania Amish community of Joyful River, where new beginnings and old ways meet with faith, hope, and compassion . . .

Essie Lapp’s birthday is doubly blessed. There’s a delicious meal to savor with her family, and the sweet gift of time spent with her beau, Harlan. Over two years they’ve forged a bond as strong and hopeful as a tree reaching for the sky. To practical-minded Essie, there’s comfort in knowing exactly what her future will bring. Yet Gott has his plan, and it soon turns her family’s world upside down . . .

Essie’s widowed English uncle has brought his troubled teenage daughters back to their mother’s Amish community, convinced it’s the fresh start they need. Essie strives to welcome her cousins, but adapting to plain living won’t be easy, even if the rewards are great. As cultures clash and hearts collide, Essie feels the first stirrings of doubt about Harlan’s commitment to her. Yet as the seasons change, and the heat of summer gives way to crisp, ripe autumn, this homecoming might mean a bountiful beginning . . .

Review:

The first book in the Joyful River series, An Amish Homecoming by Rosalind Lauer is a delightfully charming romance.

Essie Lapp’s eighteenth birthday celebration is interrupted by the arrival of her Uncle Sully and his three teenage daughters, eighteen year old twins Serena and Megan and fifteen year old Grace. He is a policeman who works the evening shift and the girls have been gotten out of hand since the death of their mother. The Lapps welcome the teenagers into their lives but are the girls prepared for life on an Amish farm?

Essie is a quiet, dutiful daughter who is eager to settle down. She is a little frustrated that Harlan is putting off their wedding but she understands his obligation to his mom and sister. Essie and Harlan have been saving up for a place to live and they have recently  discovered new ways to bring in extra money. However, just as they are ready to announce their plan to marry, unforeseen circumstances threaten to derail their future together.

After a bit of a rocky beginning, Serena has finally adjusted to life on the Lapp’s dairy farm. She has become friends with Scout Tanner and they enjoy a few quiet minutes together almost every day. When he suggests a solution to a problem she is experiencing, they begin spending more time together. With her interest captured by a new hobby, Serena is also falling for Scout. But will she overcome his reluctance to dating?

Megan has settled into living with her aunt and uncle. She is still recovering from a sports injury and she enjoys long walks around the farm. Megan is an excellent student and dedicates herself to her studies. Grace struggles the most with being away from their father, but  as the months pass, she becomes much more content with living with her extended family.

An Amish Homecoming is a sweet family-centric novel. The characters are three-dimensional and quite likeable. The setting is richly developed and springs vibrantly to life. With a couple of unexpected conflicts to resolve, Rosalind Lauer brings this heartfelt story to a gratifying conclusion.  Readers are sure to enjoy this first installment in the Joyful River series.

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Filed under Amish, An Amish Homecoming, Contemporary, Joyful River Series, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Rosalind Lauer, Zebra Books

February 17, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: Mending Hearts by Janice Kay Johnson

Title: Mending Hearts by Janice Kay Johnson
Tompkins Mill Series Book Two
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 318 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In this emotional Amish romance, a young couple will discover that healing from heartbreak takes two.

Miriam Bowman was devastated when her fiance was killed in a logging incident. In the years since the tragedy, she finds it impossible to enter into a new relationship for fear of it coming to a disastrous end. So she works at her quilt shop in town and stays away from anything that would risk her heart. As least until David Miller comes back home to take a second chance at the Amish way of life.

David feels responsible for the logging incident that killed his friend and Miriam’s betrothed, and his life has been corrupted by guilt. That guilt only worsens when he and Miriam begin to spend time together after his return, and they begin to have feelings for each other. David might just be the man Miriam has been afraid of finding, one she could fall in love with. And Miriam is the only one who can truly forgive David for his perceived misdeeds. In order to risk their hearts and find the love they’ve been missing, David and Miriam will have to open them to each other.

Review:

Mending Hearts by Janice Kay Johnson is an endearing Amish romance that deals with true to life issues. Although this newest release is the second installment in the Tompkins Mill series, it can be read as a standalone.

After several years living Englisch, David Miller is ready to return to his family and faith. He has recently inherited a farm and he has decided on a career path that is very different than the one he had before leaving. David’s maam and daad welcome him home with open arms, but David knows the steps he must take to be part of their church community. His neighbors, the Bowman family, eagerly invite him into their home. David is grateful for the opportunity to spend time with them, but how will he feel when he sees Miriam Bowman again?

Having lost the man she hoped to one day marry, Miriam has yet to find another man to love so she is resigned to spinsterhood. She loves her job at the local quilting shop and she continues living with her parents. With David now a part of her life, she begins to view him much differently than when she was younger. Realizing her feelings for him are deepening, Miriam cannot help but wonder if love and marriage might not be as far out of reach as she believes. But will their shared past and Levi’s death prevent them from sharing a future together?

David’s life with the Englisch was not without its fair share of problems. But he is ready to put that life behind him and embrace his Amish faith and community. David begins working with the Bishop right away in order to seek forgiveness for his mistakes. But he is reluctant to confess the one thing that troubles him the most. Will David be able to truly move on since he has not completely forgiven himself?

Mending Hearts is an emotionally compelling novel of forgiveness and love. Miriam is a kind-hearted and loving young woman. David is a compassionate man who struggles to let go of lingering guilt. Both are devoutly faithful but Miriam is better at accepting God’s will. Miriam and David are a wonderful couple but their path to happiness is not assured.  With some late in the story  conflict, Janice Kay Johnson brings this charming romance to a heartfelt conclusion. Old and new fans of the Tompkins Mill series are going to love this newest installment.

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Filed under Amish, Berkley, Contemporary, Janice Kay Johnson, Mending Hearts, Rated B, Review, Romance, Tompkins Mill Series

January 18, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: A Perfect Amish Romance by Shelley Shepard Grey

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.

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

December 30, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: A Double Dose of Love by Kathleen Fuller

Title: A Double Dose of Love by Kathleen Fuller
Amish Mail-Order Bride Series Book One
Publisher: Zondervan
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 304 pages
Book Rating: C+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Prepare for a double dose of romance and fun when two sets of Amish twins find love.

Identical brothers Zeb and Zeke Bontrager aren’t looking for love. They have their hands full with a new horse farm, a half-finished ranch house, and a wild colt, thanks to Zeke’s hasty business dealings. Now Zeb must contend with Zeke’s bad decisions, hidden debts, and tendency to avoid responsibility, which threaten their good standing in the Birch Creek Amish community.

When a newspaper ad prompts Darla King to travel to Birch Creek in search of a husband, her identical twin, Amanda, promises their parents she’ll convince Darla to come home. After all, Amanda is the responsible and reliable one. She has always protected Darla, who acts on impulse and trusts people too easily. The sisters’ close relationship is strained as Darla asserts her independence and Amanda grapples with regrets of her past and the longings of her own heart.

When Zeb and Amanda join forces to protect Darla and Zeke from each other, none of them can possibly predict the outcome as all four come face-to-face with their highest hopes and deepest insecurities in the first installment of the Amish Mail-Order Bride series.

Review:

A Double Dose of Love by Kathleen Fuller is a sweet Amish romance featuring two love stories.

Twenty-one year old Darla King loves her family but she is ready to marry and settle down. She is little bit flighty so her parents and twin sister Amanda are very over-protective. They also have doubts about whether she makes the right decisions. Her parents have kept her from courting due to their concerns for her well-being. When Darla finds an ad for mail-order brides in a nearby town, she sets things in motion to relocate. But when their parents learn of her plans, they insist Amanda accompany her. Will her twin sister thwart Darla’s intentions to find a husband?

Amanda is much more serious and not as outgoing as Darla. She is not at all happy going with her twin, but she hopes they will only be gone for a few days. Much to her dismay, Darla not only gets a job right away, but she believes Zeke Bontrager is the man of her dreams.  Amanda turns to Zeke’s twin brother Zeb for assistance in keeping Zeke away from Darla. She is surprised by how much she likes spending time with Zeb, but she is afraid of risking her heart.

Zeke is great at coming up with ideas, but he tends to run away when things do not go as planned. He is also impulsive which just adds to his problems.  He roped Zeb into purchasing a rundown farm but Zeke’s ill-thought decisions have landed him in financial trouble.  He does not want Zeb to find out but his avoidance tactics are causing a great deal of friction between them. Zeke is not looking for love but he is finding Darla hard to resist.

Zeb loves his brother but he is running out of patience with his frequent absences from the farm. He is a hard worker but he is irritated that he is doing all of the work.  Zeb is taken off guard when Amanda asks him for his help, but he has no problem agreeing to assist her.  He finds Amanda’s company very calming and he looks forward to seeing her. But he does not have time for love… does he?

A Double Dose of Love is an enjoyable Amish romance. The characters are likable and their various issues are realistic. There is a bit of an insta-love vibe to the romances so the couples’ relationships feel a bit under developed. The characters grow and evolve over the course of the story. All in all, a charming first installment in Kathleen Fuller’s Amish Mail-Order Bride series.

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Filed under A Double Dose of Love, Amish, Amish Mail-Order Bride Series, Contemporary, Kathleen Fuller, Rated C+, Romance, Zondervan