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.
