Category Archives: Surprised by Love Series

November 22, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: An Unexpected Amish Christmas by Rachel J. Good

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

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A crackling fire, the promise of snow, the delicious smell of fresh-baked cookies and fallen pine needles . . . when Christmas is coming, every heart lifts in song. In this moving Amish romance series by Rachel J. Good, a bountiful farmer’s market is the source of all kinds of goodies—especially love . . .
 
Recovering from a horse and buggy accident that took the lives of his family, Jacob Zook is struggling to regain both his spirit and his body. While his legs remain stubbornly opposed to moving, he exercises his hands by writing, and finds the perfect outlet for his grief in inspirational letters to the Amish newspaper. When Keturah Esch, a woman who works at the Green Valley Farmer’s Market, responds with gratitude, Jacob has no idea that his hardship is about to become a blessing . . .

Dealing with her own loss, and responsible for her three siblings, Keturah’s new correspondence with the anonymous letter writer becomes a source of joy. And when a shy young man confined to a wheelchair begins to visit the market, Keturah is happy to make his acquaintance—never knowing that Jacob is afraid to reveal himself as her pen pal. After all, what can he offer her, when he can’t even walk? Can faith bring two lonely people together in perfect union? As Christmas approaches, Jacob and Keturah get a chance to make their gifts to each other worthy of the blessing of love . . .

Review:

An Unexpected Amish Christmas by Rachel J. Good is an uplifting Amish romance about healing and love. While this newest release is the third book in the Surprised by Love series, it can be read as a standalone.  I also highly recommend the first two romances as well.

Jeremiah Zook is recovering from an accident and coming to terms with the changes in his life. He is currently unable to walk due to the injuries sustained in an accident, but he is willing to put in the hard work in hopes he will walk again. He has begun writing letters to people who have recently lost a loved one. Jeremiah relates his own experiences dealing with grief and hardship in hopes of helping them work through their own losses.

One of the recipients of his letters is Keturah Esch who recently lost both parents. She is now raising her younger sisters, Lilliane, Rose and Meleah. She is also in charge of making decisions for her siblings and their family pretzel stand at the Green Valley Farmer’s Market. Keturah is overwhelmed by these new responsibilities but she tries to remain strong for her sisters. She is surprised by the anonymous letter she receives in the mail. But Keturah soon comes to rely on the words written by a stranger to boost her spirits and calm her when her life is stressful.

Mrs. Vandenburg might not own the farmer’s market any longer but she is still involved in the local community. Through her kindly interventions, Jeremiah begins working at the Esch pretzel stand. In order to bring Mrs. Vandenburg’s charitable operation to fruition, Keturah agrees to changes in the size and layout of the stand. But some of the necessary changes in their business operation cause friction between Keturah and Lilliane.

An Unexpected Amish Christmas is heartwarming slow-burn romance between two delightful characters. Keturah is a vibrant young woman who must mourn while at the same time running a business and caring for her sisters. Lilianne, Rose and Meleah are well-drawn characters whose reactions to their new circumstances ring true. Jeremiah faces and overcomes adversity through prayer, hard work and a positive attitude. He and Keturah greatly enjoy spending time together but will his secret ruin not just their friendship but any chance of a future with her?

Rachel J. Good brings readers a heartfelt novel of faith, forgiveness and love while also providing a gentle reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. I absolutely loved and highly recommend this latest addition to the Surprised by Love series.

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

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.

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