Category Archives: 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 22, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unexpected Baby by Jennifer Beckstrand

Title: The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unexpected Baby by Jennifer Beckstrand
The Amish Quiltmaker Series Book One
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 279 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In the first in an engaging new series, an Amish quiltmaker moves from Pennsylvania to a new settlement in Colorado, where adventure, challenges, and love are waiting . . .

Esther Zook is starting over after her father’s death, piecing together a new life with as much care as she puts into her intricate quilts. When her wayward sister abandons her baby, it throws all those plans for a fresh start asunder. Esther had accepted her status as an old maid—but a mother? And a single one, at that? Not that she hasn’t noticed Levi Kiem, the eligible young man who’s making repairs in her house. Yet he surely has no interest in Esther as anything other than a friend . . .

It’s true that Levi has plenty of marriage prospects. His dat has even offered to send him to Ohio to find a wife. Yet the more time he spends with Esther, the more intrigued he becomes. Feisty and independent, she’s nothing like the wife he once imagined for himself. Yet just as a quilt is crafted from contrasting cloth, they might find that together, they can create a family to cherish . . .

Review:

The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unexpected Baby by Jennifer Beckstrand is a charming Amish romance with a relatable storyline.

Thirty year old Esther Zook is settling into her new life in Byler, CO when her estranged sister Ivy shows up. Ivy jumped the fence years ago and Esther has rarely seen her in the intervening years. This visit is a shock since Ivy has her newborn baby girl with her. After staying a brief time, Ivy takes off with Esther’s money but leaves baby Winter behind. Esther does not know anything about babies so she is grateful when plumber Levi Kiem stops by. She is even more appreciative when Levi proves to be experienced with babies and sends his family over lend a hand. Esther and Levi become friends over the course of several months and both are smitten with her niece. But how will they react when Ivy unexpectedly returns?

Esther has good reason not to trust Ivy so she reluctantly allows her and the baby to stay with her. Their once close relationship rapidly deteriorated during the years leading up to Ivy running away. Esther has made peace with the fact she will remain a spinster so she has never spent much time around babies. At first completely out of her depth, she is shocked when realizes how much she loves Winnie. Esther is also rather surprised at how much she enjoys Levi’s company.

At twenty-four, Levi remains unmarried due to a dearth of young women in their Amish community. He is more than happy to help Esther but he makes it clear he only considers her a friend. He likes spending time with her but his plan to seek a bride out of state has not changed. Levi is aware of the situation between the two sisters but he is completely unprepared to deal with Ivy.

The youngest of the Zook children, Ivy is spoiled and does not give Esther’s feelings much consideration. She is also very manipulative and vindictive when things do not go her way. Broke and with no place to live, Ivy’s eventual return to Esther’s home is not much of a surprise. Despite Esther’s uneasiness at letting Ivy back into her life, she does not turn her away. Unsettled, she does everything she can to placate Ivy because of her very real fear that her sister will leave and take Winnie with her.  But what will Esther have to give up in order to keep Ivy happy?

The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unexpected Baby is an entertaining Amish romance with quirky characters and a realistic storyline. Esther is an independent woman who is afraid of getting her heart broken again. Levi is a likable young man with a giving nature. Ivy is not easy to like but has potential if she is willing to change her ways. The friendship between Esther and Levi is quite heartwarming but will they have the opportunity to explore their deepening feelings for each other?

This first book in Jennifer Beckstrand’s The Amish Quiltmaker series is sure to be a hit with readers of Amish fiction.

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Filed under Contemporary, Jennifer Beckstrand, Rated B, Review, Romance, The Amish Quiltmaker Series, The Amish Quiltmaker's Unexpected Baby, Zebra Books

January 21, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: The Preacher’s Son by Patricia Johns

Title: The Preacher’s Son by Patricia Davids
The Infamous Amish Series Book One
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In this poignant new series, Patricia Johns introduces an Amish family striving to reclaim the promise of love, marriage, and community . . .

The Amish residents of Bountiful, Pennsylvania, are stunned when preacher Abe Yoder is imprisoned for fraud. For Abe’s son, Isaiah, the news cuts doubly deep. His daet’s misdeeds have cost Isaiah his family’s land and their good name. To support his sisters, he takes a job in the Glick family’s
book-binding shop, though it means working alongside a woman who has every reason to resent him. Yet his attraction to Bethany Glick’s beauty and warmth is undimmed . . .

Isaiah’s daet’s actions helped drive Bethany’s fiancé to the Englischer world, and cost her own father his savings. Their shop has need of Isaiah’s brawn and skill, but if she’s to start over after heartbreak, she needs a man she can trust. Not a Yoder. But Isaiah isn’t giving up so easily. And when Bethany faces a dilemma, there may be a way for each to find not just redemption, but a joyful new love . . .

Review:

The Preacher’s Son by Patricia Johns is a heartfelt Amish romance.

Isaiah Yoder’s life is in shambles following the arrest and conviction of his father for swindling the people in their community.  Living with his uncle, Isaish feels unwelcome so he is desperate to get a job so he can take care of his sisters.  Isaiah is not trusted by the other Amish families and the future he envisioned for himself is now unattainable. But he is unwilling to give up his faith or his community, so he continues trying to show he is worthy of their support and friendship.

Following her fiancé Micah Weibe’s sudden departure, Bethany Glick is heartbroken and mad at herself for not seeing Micah more clearly. She continues working with her dad in his binding shop where she misses Micah’s help and presence.  With everyone else hoping Micah will come to his senses and return to Bountiful, Bethany gradually realizes she would not marry him if he did come back. But after an unwelcome discovery, Bethany is faced with an untenable decision.

When Bethany’s father takes a risk hiring Isaiah, she is at first displeased to see him every day. She is angry that his father’s actions have a direct impact on her parents’ lives. But as they begin to occasionally spend time together outside of work, Bethany gradually begins to thaw towards him. Isaiah knows he will not be able to move  on until he  understands why his father stole from their friends.  With so much going on in Bethany and Isaiah’s lives, will they nurture the fledgling feelings that are growing between them?

The Preacher’s Son is a captivating novel of grace, love and healing. Bethany and Isaiah are wonderfully drawn, vibrant characters who are grappling with realistic problems. They are both dedicated to their faith. However, after Bethany’s circumstances unexpectedly change, she is forced to make a choice that she is uncomfortable with.  Patricia Johns brings this marvelous Amish romance to a heartwarming conclusion. I absolutely loved and highly recommend this first installment in The Infamous Amish series to fans of the genre.

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Filed under Contemporary, Patricia Johns, Rated B+, Review, Romance, The Infamous Amish Series, The Preachers Son, Zebra Books

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

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