Category Archives: Romance

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

December 20, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: First Light in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard

Title: First Light in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard
The Maidels of Morning Star Sries Book Two
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Founded by five enterprising Amish maidels, the new Morningstar Marketplace is a joyous
success. What’s even more remarkable is the gift the business bestows upon each of these
unmarried women—the unexpected blessing of love . . .

Leaving Flaud’s Furniture to teach at the community’s new school is a joy for
Lydianne Christner. Old Order Amish, but new to Morning Star, she’s grateful that the congregation trusts her with the position—but she panics when handsome Bishop Jeremiah Shetler asks about the life she left behind. If anyone discovers the secret she’s hiding, she would, quite rightly, be shunned.

A widower, Bishop Jeremiah admires young Lydianne’s youthful energy and skill with the children. He’s also curious about her past, and the burden he senses on her heart. When his request to court her is
refused, he’s stung, and lonelier than ever. It isn’t until a crisis prompts a tearful Lydianne to confess to him that Jeremiah is faced with a choice that requires all of his faith—and teaches them both that love and forgiveness go hand in hand.

Review:

First Light in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard is a thought-provoking Amish romance. This latest release is the second installment in The Maidels of Morning Star series, but can be read as a standalone.

Lydianne Christner has created a new life for herself and she is surrounded by supportive friends.  She is a wonderful young woman but her past mistakes continue to haunt her. Knowing she will never marry, she is hoping the school board will hire for to teach the town’s children. Lydianne is intelligent, caring and well-liked so she would be the perfect teacher. She also finds herself the object of Bishop Jeremiah Shetler’s affections but she deeply regrets she cannot enter into a relationship with him. She is quite dismayed to learn that widower Glenn Detweiler is interested in her as well. With Lydianne’s feelings for Jeremiah growing, how will he react when he discovers her secret?

Jeremiah has deeply grieved the loss of his beloved wife, Priscilla, but he is finally ready to think about remarrying. His interest in Lydianne has been steadily growing but he is intuitive enough to recognize her emotional walls.  Although Jeremiah tries to keep his distance once she firmly turns him down, he continues to hope she will give him a chance.  He is a wise and respected bishop who is understanding of those seeking his counsel. But what will Jeremiah recommend after learning what Lydianne has been keeping from everyone?

Lydianne and Jeremiah are wonderful people who are obedient to their faith and trust God with their problems. They genuinely care about the well-being of everyone within their community. Both Lydianne and Jeremiah’s imperfections are perfectly balanced by their strengths. Lydianne cannot forgive herself for her previous transgression and she is grateful for the grace offered to her by Jeremiah and others.  The aftermath of the startling revelations proves to be healing and life altering.

First Light in Morning Star is a heartfelt Amish romance with a storyline which features real life issues. The various characters are wonderfully developed and easy to like and many are dealing with realistic problems. The setting springs vibrantly to life and it is very easy to visualize the various town, businesses and homes.  Charlotte Hubbard brings this marvelous romance to a endearing and uplifting conclusion.  A fabulous addition to The Maidels of Morning Star series that old and new readers are sure to enjoy.

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Filed under Amish, Charlotte Hubbard, Contemporary, First Light in Morning Star, Rated B, Review, Romance, The Maidels of Morning Star Series, Zebra Books

· 11:56 pm

Review: What the Heart Wants by Virginia Wise

Title: What the Heart Wants by Virginia Wise
Amish New World Series Book Three
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Historical, Amish, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: C

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In this latest novel in Virginia Wise’s enthralling historical saga about America’s first Amish settlement, two devoted sisters forge ahead in a difficult new world—only to find that love is a thrilling discovery of its own . . .

Outgoing and irrepressible, young Christina has her choice of suitors. But she and her practical-minded older sister, Hilda, have built a thriving life in the rugged Pennsylvania backcountry. Hilda has given up her marriage dreams as foolish—and Christina vows she’ll never marry until she finds her sister a husband. So when two handsome newcomers arrive, Christina engages in a bit of secret matchmaking—with disastrous results . . .

Johan is used to hard work and overcoming obstacles. He’s instantly drawn to Christina’s lively
nature—and agrees with her that his serious brother, Wilhelm, would be perfect for Hilda. But Christina’s selfless schemes are keeping her from seeing how much Johan really cares for her. And between mishaps, mistakes, and an unintentional masquerade, Christina and Johan will need to search their hearts to understand themselves, set things right—and embark on a future together . . .

Review:

What the Heart Wants by Virginia Wise is a charming historical Amish romance. Although this latest release is the third book in the Amish New World series, it can be read as a standalone.

Thirty-two year old Hilda raised her sister Christina after their parents’ deaths. The two eventually emigrate from Germany to the Pennsylvania wilderness where they live with a small group of other Amish families. They share a small cabin and support themselves with their herd of sheep.  Hilda bears the weight of responsibility gladly and she always puts work first.

Nineteen year old Christina Dresser is a dreamer whose head is in the clouds a lot of the time. She is a bit flighty and easily distracted. Christina’s heart is always in the right place which sometimes lands her in trouble as she tries to ensure her sister’s happiness.

Christina is instantly smitten with newcomer Johan Lantz. He, his brother Wilhelm and Wilhelm’s rambunctious sons have recently arrived and they working hard to establish their homestead. Johan is a flirt who at twenty-three, is in no hurry to settle down.  So when he meets Christina, he is caught off guard by his thoughts of marriage.

Wilhelm is a widower with his hands full with his three energetic sons. While not exactly looking for a new wife, he is not averse to marrying again. But he harbors doubts a woman would be willing to take on him and three young boys.

What the Heart Wants is an enjoyable Amish romance that is slow-paced.  The storyline is interesting but readers spend a lot of time in Johan and Christina’s heads since the chapters alternate between their viewpoints. They are both immature so there are miscommunications and misunderstandings between them. Virginia Wise brings this heartwarming romance to a gratifying conclusion. Fans of the Amish New World series are sure to love this latest installment.

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Filed under Amish, Amish New World Series, Historical, Patricia Wise, Review, Romance, What the Heart Wants, Zebra Books

December 14, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: Her Amish Wedding Quilt by Winnie Griggs

Title: Her Amish Wedding Quilt by Winnie Griggs
Hope’s Haven Series Book One
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Contemporary, Amish Romance
Length: 253 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

An Amish seamstress and a single father have a chance to make a fresh start in this heartwarming novel about finding love when you need it the most.

Spirited, forthright, impulsive — everyone told Greta Eicher she’d have to change her ways if she ever hoped to marry. Then her best friend Calvin, the man she thought she would wed, chooses another woman. Now Greta’s wondering if the others were right all along. Her dreams dashed, she pours her energy into crafting beautiful quilts at her shop and helping widower Noah Stoll care for his adorable young children.

Noah knows it’s time to think about finding a wife. When Greta offers to play matchmaker on his behalf, Noah eagerly accepts. After all, no one knows his children better. But none of the women she suggests seems quite right, because, unexpectedly, his feelings of respect and friendship for Greta have grown into something even deeper and richer. But will he have enough faith to overcome the pain of his past and give love another chance?

Review:

The first installment in the Hope’s Haven series, Her Amish Wedding Quilt by Winnie Griggs is a heartwarming Amish romance.

Greta Eicher is a plainspoken, full of life young woman who co-owns a quilt shop with her friend Esther Mast. Since Greta is not the typical quiet, biddable Amish woman, her courtships have quickly ended.  A little hurt when the man she has her eye on falls for someone else, she resigns herself to remaining single. But when Esther’s cousin, Noah Stoll, begins searching for a bride, Greta offers to find a suitable match for him. But will Greta end up being the best choice for Noah?

Greta is a wonderful young woman who gets lost in designing and sewing beautiful quilts. She knows she is nothing like the usual Amish women, but she has no desire to change her personality for anyone.  She is pragmatic and a quick thinker who is well liked and respected.  Greta is quick to offer her assistance to Noah while also helping out with caring his two young children David and Anna.

Noah is a widower who really has no desire to fall in love again. But he knows that David and Anna need a mother so he resigns himself remarrying. Noah is not looking for a typical marriage but he hopes he will find a woman who wants the same things he does. A little skeptical at first, he is pleasantly surprised by Greta’s suggestions for possible matches for him.

Noah and Greta spend quite a bit time together and an unexpected friendship grows between them. Noah is surprised by how much he enjoys getting to know Greta. She is taken off guard by the little pang she gets each time she sets him up with a prospective bride. But will Noah find his future bride among the candidates Greta selects for him?

Her Amish Wedding Quilt is an absolutely wonderful novel of healing and unanticipated love. Greta and Noah are vibrantly developed with relatable flaws and marvelous strengths.  The storyline is engaging and moves at a brisk pace.  Despite a few misunderstandings, Winnie Griggs brings this marvelous Amish romance to a sigh-worthy conclusion. The  Hope’s Haven series is off to a strong beginning with this charming first installment.

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Filed under Amish, Contemporary, Her Amish Wedding Quilt, Hopes Haven Series, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Winne Griggs

November 25, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: His Accidental Amish Family by Rachel J. Good

Title: His Accidental Amish Family by Rachel J. Good
Unexpected Amish Blessings Series Book Three
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 294 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In the picturesque Amish community of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, life’s detours may prove the path to true happiness . . .

After a buggy accident when she was a teenager, Anna Flaud was told she would never walk again. Unwilling to be an object of pity, she put aside her dreams of marriage and found purpose as an assistant at a Community Care Center. Now she has a chance to fulfill her dearest wish—motherhood—and adopt three siblings with special needs. Yet the opportunity comes with a condition Anna isn’t sure she can meet: finding a husband.

Levi King began working at the center as penance after a careless mistake led to tragedy. Though he’s dealing with his own heartbreak, he’s drawn to Anna, cheering her on as she strives to regain her mobility. Her quiet determination, her generous heart—these are qualities to cherish in a wife. Still, Anna’s plans give him pause. Given his past, Levi hardly trusts himself to care for one child, let alone three. Yet together, perhaps they could forge a family made sturdier by all they’ve overcome . . .

Review:

His Accidental Amish Family by Rachel J. Good is a delightfully heartwarming Amish romance. This third installment in the Unexpected Amish Blessings series can be read as a standalone.

After her mother’s death, twenty-four year old Anna Flaud relocates to be closer to her cousin and aunt. She is also hoping to finally fulfill her deepest wish to walk again.  She begins therapy at the Community Care Center and she is soon making progress under the watchful eye of Levi King. Anna has a specific reason for working so hard but what will she do if her plans fall through?

Anna is a determined young woman with a strong personality. She is initially a little irritating as she tries to push herself too hard during therapy.  Anna enjoys spending time in Levi’s company but she remains fixated on a promise she made several years earlier. Once she achieves her goal, Anna nervously confronts her unresolved past. But will the meeting lead to the future she has dreamed of?

Levi has devoted himself to caring for others due to a tragic childhood mistake. In addition to working at the Community Care Center, he also teaches classes at the fire department and he is trained as an EMT. Levi has not given much thought to settling down, but he is quite smitten with Anna. He maintains a professional distance, but Levi is still disappointed when he jumps to an erroneous conclusion.

Levi and Anna are wonderful young adults who have both experienced their fair share of tragedy. They both shoulder the guilt for their respective mistakes and they help each other view their pasts through a more forgiving lens. Anna’s conviction about her future holds her back from acting on her growing feelings for Levi. As Levi’s situation at home unexpectedly changes, he gives more thought to settling down, but he is afraid of repeating past mistakes.

His Accidental Amish Family is a charming love story with appealing characters and unique storyline. The issues that both Anna and Levi are dealing with are realistic and easy relate to.  Anna and Levi are well-drawn characters with all too human failings and relatable strengths.  The romance element is understated and grows naturally from Anna and Levi’s friendship.  Rachel J. Good brings this captivating romance to a sigh-worthy conclusion. Fans of Amish romances will enjoy this latest addition to the Amish Blessings series.

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Filed under Amish, Contemporary, His Accidental Amish Family, Rachel J Good, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Unexpected Amish Blessings Series, Zebra Books

November 22, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: Marrying Matthew by Kelly Long

Title: Marrying Matthew by Kelly Long
The Amish Mail Order Grooms Series Book One
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 272 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Captivating Amish romance set in a tiny Appalachian community—where some young women are determined to wed on their own terms . . .

Wanted: An Amish mail-order groom willing to live in remote Appalachia. Appearance must be tolerable, though bride would favor a gut mind over looks . . .

Everyone in Blackberry Falls knows that Tabitha Stolfus is heir to her daed’s wood carving company. To find a man who values more than her purse, Tabitha creates an ad and sends it far from home. But from her first meeting with handsome would-be groom Matthew King, Tabitha realizes this may not be the uncomplicated arrangement she expected.

Matthew’s true desire is an apprenticeship, not a frau. A talented woodworker, he longs to study with the great Herr Stolfus. Yet it’s more than the kindness and warmth of this mountain community that makes Matthew regret his deception. Tabitha—beautiful, intelligent, resourceful—is all he could ever want in a wife. Can a real marriage ever take root when there are so many secrets between them?

Review:

Marrying Matthew is a charming first installment in Kelly Long’s The Amish Mail Order Grooms series.

Tabitha Stolfus is the twenty year old daughter of a successful owner of a woodworking business.  She wants to marry a man of her own choosing and who does not know about her family business. Strong-willed and creative, Tabitha places an ad for a mail-order Amish husband. Keeping her plans secret from her father, John, she is aided by her friend/bodyguard Abner Mast and her friend/housekeeper Anke. Tabitha is pleasantly surprised by her intended, but will she and her new groom live happily ever after?

Matthew King is really not interested in marriage but answering Tabitha’s ad is a means to an end. He is a woodworker who wants to apprentice under his bride-to-be’s father so that is his impetus for marrying Tabitha. Matthew is taken aback by how quickly Tabitha wants to marry since he believed they would have a bit of a courtship before their marriage. He goes along with marrying quickly but he stymies her plans to consummate their marriage before they take the time to get know each other.

John is surprised but thrilled by Tabitha’s marriage and he does not hesitate to welcome Matthew into the family and the business. But the townspeople are a somewhat superstitious and when a couple of incidents occur, they try to distance themselves from the newcomer. After tragedy strikes, most everyone believes Matthew is to blame. Then, just as Matthew and Tabitha fully commit themselves to their marriage, their future is threatened by a series  of events that put not only their happiness, but their lives, in danger.

Marrying Matthew is a fast-paced romance that is not typical of Amish fiction. John and Tabitha are delightful characters whose attraction to each other is not downplayed. Readers of clean romances might be uncomfortable due to descriptions of their mutual desire. A lovely romance between Abner and Anke slowly unfolds and adds depth and substance to the storyline. With a somewhat predictable plot twist late in the story, Kelly Long brings this engaging romance to a dramatic conclusion.  I am looking forward to the next book in The Amish Mail Order Grooms series.

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Filed under Amish, Contemporary, Kelly Long, Marrying Matthew, Rated B, Review, Romance, The Amish Mail Order Grooms Series, Zebra Books