Title: Jeb’s Wife by Patricia Johns
Publisher: Zebra
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
Patricia Johns’ sensitive storytelling brings depth and heart to this tender story of second chances, as an Amish woman embarks on marriage with the gruff farmer next door . . .
Once, Leah Riehl prayed for a husband. The man she loved chose another, wanting the children that Leah can’t provide. But she’s found a measure of peace, keeping house for her brother, Simon, and teaching in a nearby town. Now though, Simon’s debts to an Englisher gambling ring have left Leah with a desperate dilemma—and a surprising offer from her scarred, reclusive neighbor. Jebadiah King needs to marry in order to claim his family farm. A union, for appearances only, will help them both.
Jeb knows his scars make him a less than ideal husband, but he can be a useful one. It’s the least that Leah deserves. But despite the promises he made to himself, Jeb can’t help longing for his lovely, warmhearted new wife. His first marriage brought heartbreak, but Leah’s gentle smiles spark hope again. Are they willing to take the leap that love requires—and open themselves to all the challenges and joy a true marriage could bring?
Review:
Jeb’s Wife by Patricia Johns is a delightfully heartwarming Amish romance.
Thirty year old Leah Riehl’s engagement ended when she told her fiancé she was unable to have children. When he quickly entered into a new relationship, she took an out of town teaching position. Returning for the summer, Leah is dismayed and worried when she discovers her younger brother Simon has amassed a huge gambling debt. Her landlord, Jeb King, proposes an unorthodox solution to secure his inheritance and help Simon. Agreeing to a marriage of convenience, Leah and Jeb are now uneasily navigating a marriage that is a little more complicated than they imagined.
Leah is an outgoing woman who embraces the local community. She is still trying to understand how the man she was planning to marry could love her yet move on to a new relationship so quickly. Realizing her chance for marriage is slipping away, Leah hopes that her new union with Jeb will help her standing in the community. She is hoping friendship will grow between her and her new husband, but she is surprised by how much he is beginning to mean to her. But will she risk her heart again?
Jeb is a reclusive man who eschews the local community. His first marriage and its tragic end hang over his head as everyone continues to view him with suspicion. Jeb is a kind and considerate man but he finds it difficult to participate in local events after he weds Leah. He would like to make her happy but he finds the whispers and stares extremely difficult to deal with. Having been deeply hurt by his former wife, Jeb is afraid of the feelings he is beginning to experience for Leah. When rumors about their marriage begin to spread, what impact will this have on the fragile bond that is beginning to grow between Jeb and Leah?
Jeb and Leah are a charming couple but they have very different expectations from their marriage. Jeb expects his life to remain the same whereas Leah wants to spend time as couple with friends and within the community. Jeb is willing to give her requests a try, but there is truth to his belief that he is not a part of the community. Leah is stubborn when she meets resistance but will this become a deal breaker for the newlyweds?
Jeb’s Wife is a heartfelt Amish romance that is rather thought-provoking. Jeb and Leah are a wonderful couple but their life experiences are quite different. Neither are prepared for the unexpected feelings that begin to grow as they get to know each other. Conflict from outside sources pose unexpected friction as they try to find their footing in their new marriage. Patricia Johnss brings this engaging romance to a sighworthy conclusion. This marvelous love story is an absolute must read for fans of Amish fiction!
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