Tag: Amish

Christian fiction · four star

An Amish Second Chance Romance Rachel L. Good

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Description:

From stunning handmade crafts to fresh-picked produce and mouthwatering baked goods, Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s Green Valley Farmers Market offers sweet surprises every day—including the chance to make new friends, find community—and even discover a forever kind of happiness . . .

Cathy Zehr prides herself on her skilled donut-making—and on her plain speaking. After all, talking about others’ failings is only telling the honest truth—and it might prevent others from making the same mistakes. But gossiping has made her an alt maidel—someone never courted to be a wife. And she’s finally at a loss for more than words when she must care for her ailing brother’s young sons. To find out what not to do, she turns to reserved woodworker Myron King, a bachelor who raised his orphaned niece and nephew. His advice proves invaluable—plus, Cathy discovers they have much in common. Yet she fears their growing closeness will never overcome her deep trauma—much less lead to love . . .

Myron is taken aback by Cathy’s request—yet he’s also intrigued. Perhaps confessing his parenting regrets will ease some of his guilt. Still, he’s surprised when Cathy truly listens to him, even softening her blunt manner. Myron is even more surprised by his growing attraction to her—despite his fears about risking heartbreak again. But when their deepest secrets suddenly collide, can faith, forgiveness, and courage unite their longing hearts?

My Review:

I really enjoy this series, its so fun catching up with Mrs. Vanderburg and her willing and helpful heart. She is always so blunt, loving and caring in the kindest way it makes me as the reader pause and sometimes am humbled by what its being shared with the characters. I like Myron a lot he seem broken in away that he need to have his eyes opened through someone else’s journey to see the brokenness he was dealing with. I wish the author would had followed up more with someone who was a big part of the story in the beginning who was connected to Myron as I so want to know what was next for this person. Cathy was not one of my favorites, while in the end you find out why her guard is up so high part of me wishes the truth would have come out at least to the reader early on so that it would make a ton more sense what she acted they way she does. While in the end I like how everything played out it just felt like her situation just kept going more than it maybe needed to. I do hope the author tells Tahiti’s story I feel like that is a story I won’t be able to put down. Overall this was a cute story with some very thought subjects discussed. They author did keep it a clean read. 

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

racheljgood.mystrikingly.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Rachel’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

Christian fiction · Three Star

Dating an Amish Flirt Rachel J. Good

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Description:

In USA Today bestselling author Rachel J. Good’s sweet inspirational romance, the bustling Green Valley Farmer’s Market in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania has everything the residents of nearby Amish communities could ever need…including a chance to find love when they least expect!

Perfect for fans of Amy Clipston, Wanda E. Brunstetter, and Charlotte Hubbard.

Between heavenly homemade bread, irresistible desserts, and stunning crafts, Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s Green Valley Farmer’s Market provides warm-hearted community—and love’s surprising possibilities . . .

With her sweet nature and delicate beauty, Rachel Glick attracts boys like bees to a flower—despite her best attempts to discourage them. Downhearted since her beloved brother’s death, and isolated as the sole caretaker to her invalid mother, Rachel would welcome the friendship of other girls. But her unfair reputation as a flirt leaves her snubbed. Yet she’s only ever loved Josh Yoder, her childhood best friend. Why he distanced himself from her in eighth grade, she’ll never understand. And now, though he’s been a blessing doing repairs around her farm, he is courting another girl, so there is no going back . . .

Josh has been in love with Rachel since he was a boy. But he can never forgive himself for hurting her—or for the reason behind it. He can only do his best to lighten her burdens and hope others see her good heart. Still, the sight of her fills him with fresh longing, much as he tries to focus on his girlfriend and forget the past. Yet when jealousy flares, igniting trouble, they both must look to faith to do what’s right—and bring joyous futures for everyone . . .

My Review:

I started off really liking this book, I feel like so far this series is geared more to a teen reader than an adult reader, but you can always learn something new from most books you read. What I was not a fan of, was I felt like Mrs. Vandenberg was very disingenuous in some of her “workings’ in this story.  I have really liked her in past books I have read but this time it felt like she was more or less manipulating situation and saying it was in “God’s name”. As a christian I know that is not how God works and his will for out lives would not using someone to manipulate the situation. I just really wasn’t a fan of her this time. I really like Rachel she had a big heart and she really had a bigger giving spirit she did anything for those she loved and cared for before she thought of herself. Overall this book was not for me this time, the author did keep the book clean making it a perfect read for all readers. 

Where to Buy the book:

www.christianbook.com

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

racheljgood.mystrikingly.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Rachel’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

Christian fiction · four star

Pine Creek Matchmaker Amity Hope

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Description:

Love can lead anyone to redemption—in this unforgettable and heartwarming Pine Creek romance from author Amity Hope…

After leaving Pine Creek—along with his family and the rest of their Amish community—four years ago, Caleb Weaver has returned. He’s come back to help his parents with their struggling candy shop, and everyone in their small town is buzzing with the news. But no sooner does he return than he’s flagged down by the last person he wanted to see…with a helpless, abandoned kitten.

Sadie Ziegler will do almost anything to save an animal, including accepting a ride from her best friend’s older brother, her childhood nemesis. Only, the troublesome boy she remembers has been replaced by a serious, kind, and hardworking man. But not everyone is ready to accept someone who’s been shunned…

Now Sadie and Caleb find themselves organizing the town’s community fundraiser, working together to help his family, and even matchmaking along the way. For the first time, redemption—and a chance at love—seems almost within reach. But there’s no escaping the secret that drove Caleb from Pine Creek…

Each book in the Pine Creek Amish series is STANDALONE:
* Pine Creek Courtship
* Pine Creek Marriage
* Pine Creek Matchmaker

My Review:I thought this book was super cute read. I found it easy to follow and easy to dive into. I did like Sadie and Grace they were two peas and a pod and just truly felt like sisters over best friends. They were both fun and super independent, Sadie was super straight lace and tried to stay as “perfect” as can be, why Grace was someone who like to have fun and live a little more. Caleb had a big heart but I did feel like he played “the Woah is me” card a little too much. I like how this group of friends continued to welcome people into their group and the author didn’t make seem fake or forced. Over all the author Kept this book a good clean read so it will be suitable for all. It was a very lighthearted read for sure. 

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

Facebook Author Page

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Amity Hope’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

Christian fiction · five star

Her Pretend Amish Boyfriend Rachel J Good

SarahLeave a comment

Description:

In this USA Today bestselling author’s sweetly romantic inspirational series, a bustling Green Valley Farmer’s Market in Pennsylvania is the perfect place for residents of nearby Amish communities to find the partner of their dreams—when, and how, they least expect it! Will appeal to fans of Charlotte Hubbard, Amy Lillard, and Jennifer Beckstrand.

Hiding a painful secret, valley newcomer Noah Riehl is looking for a fresh start with few complications.  He hopes his job at the Farmer’s Market will give him the quiet life he craves. But light-hearted Caroline Hartzler has other ideas. She practically falls in love with him at first sight. And when she asks Noah for a not-so-simple favor—and won’t take no for answer—he finds himself reluctantly agreeing . . .

Caroline refuses to listen to the gossip that has followed Noah into the valley, or even to her own daed’s warnings. She’s taken with Noah and his gentle, generous spirit. In fact, he’s the perfect person to help her discourage an unwanted suitor—by pretending they’re courting. Yet the more time they spend together, the more Caroline must remind herself that their relationship is just a temporary ruse. But she’s not the only one struggling. . . . Secretly, Noah’s feelings for Caroline deepen more than he thought possible, helping him renew his faltering faith. But when rumors about his past threaten to ruin them both, they must pray that the truth leads them to the blessed union they long for . . .

My Review:

I found this book so cute. I felt like with Caroline nothing held her back she spoke what was on her mind and believed the best in everyone. She was a fun spirit who just was really fun to read about. Noah was standoffish but for good reason but who really loved and cared deeply for those in his life.  He was so broken with things he faced but that did not stop him from living, but also fighting himself to do what was right for himself. I have read another book in this series and I LOVE Ms. V she is an angel for sure she looks beyond the broken and builds people up and shows them the good that’s already in there heart. This book for me was a quick read and very enjoyable the author kept this book clean so its suitable for all ages, and well worth the read. 

Where to Buy the book:

www.christianbook.com

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

Facebook

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Rachel J. Good’s  other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

Christian fiction · five star

Hopefully Ever After Beth Wiseman

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Description:

To become who they’re meant to be, Eden and Samuel must find the courage to defy expectations.

Sixteen-year-old Eden Hale doesn’t want to be defined by her current circumstances. With absent parents and a troubled past, Eden refuses to become what people expect. When she is sent to live with an Amish cousin she’s never met in Montgomery, Indiana, she welcomes the chance to become the person she wants to be without the burden of anyone’s judgment. Her hopes are confirmed when she meets Samuel, a young Amish man who seems to like her for who she really is.

Samuel Byler has grown up with strict Amish parents, and they aren’t happy that their only son is choosing to spend his free time with an outsider. As Eden and Samuel grow closer, disapproval swirls around the young couple. It isn’t long before Eden starts to doubt herself and wonders if she is doomed to repeat the mistakes of her own past, whether she wants to or not. Meanwhile, Samuel finds himself slipping further and further from his faith—to Eden’s dismay.

Both Eden’s and Samuel’s futures hang in the balance as they face decisions about who they are meant to be—both as individuals and together.

My Review:

I really enjoyed this book. I actually had a hard time putting it down. I really liked Eden she went through so much and was so wise beyond her years. She had the biggest heart, you really watch her grow up so much from the beginning to the end of this book. I felt like Samuel was quite immature but he was always willing to listen to those he respected and cared for. I loved Yvonne and Abraham now I did not read there story but they were the cutest couple and they were so patient and loving with Eden while she dealt with some big blows. Overall I would say this book will have you laughing and crying in the same chapter but its well worth it. This is a clean read and well worth it. 

Where to Buy the book:

Christian Book

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

bethwiseman.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Beth Wiseman’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

Uncategorized

Magdelena’s Choice Molly Jebber

SarahLeave a comment

Description:

Fresh-baked muffins fragrant with ripe blueberries . . . cinnamon-scented turnovers that transform any meal into a feast. . . . In 1914 Ohio, the Amish Charm Bakery holds a special place within its close-knit, faith-filled community, where love finds a way through God’s grace . . .

As the daughter of a wealthy rancher, Magdelena Beachy may not truly need her job at the Amish Charm Bakery, but she enjoys tending to customers, be they neighbors or curious Englischers. Only one thing would make life sweeter, and that’s if Toby Schlabach would court her. It’s not just his dimples and smile that warm Magdelena’s heart—she admires his kindness and values. Yet she worries their chance may slip away . . . 

With his daed ill and his mother and sister depending on him, Toby can’t yet offer Magdelena the future she deserves. But even as he nears his goal, he learns her father has arranged a match with another suitor. Magdelena risks shunning if she goes against her family. Choosing a path will take courage as well as faith—in God’s plan, and in this steadfast, tender love . . .

My Review:

I was not a fan of this book, at first I liked it. However I felt like after something happens in Toby’s life I found Magdelena become whinny and so selfish and self centered. I liked Toby overall he had a big heart and the relationship between him and Rachel was so sweet. I loved Charity and Peter as well they really did keep me reading till the end. Overall this is a clean read but this book was not for me. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.


Where to Buy the book:

www.amazon.com
www.barnesandnoble.com
Where you can connect with the author:

mollyjebber.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Molly Jebber’s other books. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.

Uncategorized

Christmas Grace Mindy Steele

Sarah1 Comment

Description:

Second chances and the Christmas spirit abound in Mindy Steele’s heartwarming novel, one of faith, love, and the power of community.

Grace Miller believed herself in love with the charming Englischer who eventually broke her heart. Now alone except for the secret life growing inside her, she arrives in the unfamiliar small village of Walnut Ridge, Kentucky, to hide and hopefully gain forgiveness.

She is pleasantly surprised, however, to find a tight-knit, welcoming group who help her heart grow right alongside her belly. And with the holidays around the corner, there’s plenty of preparations to occupy her mind. Also occupying her mind? Her strong, protective neighbor, Cullen Graber, the town’s blacksmith, who seems intent on not allowing her to ever suffer alone.

Cullen Graber gave up on love after too many losses early in life. He planned to live out his days focusing on his smithy business, yet the beautiful and mysterious Grace refuses to leave his thoughts. But can they open their hearts to God’s grace and create a new family together before Grace must return home?


My Review:

I really, really liked this book. I feel like Grace was so relatable and why not many face her situations I feel that as Christians we all at one point have wondered if we deserve the forgiveness God gives us. Grace while faced with a tough situation she took things in stride and you seem to “watch” her grow as the story went on. Cullen oh man I liked him to his heart was always in the right place to help those who needed help. He truly loved deeply and with the losses he faced he seem to not have a wall around his heart and he was open to what God gave him. This book is a clean read and I really felt like I was catching up with friends why reading it. I love Tess and you will need to read the book to find out why, because I would just give to much away about her. Overall I could not put this book down and this was a quick read and a really good book to me. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Where to Buy the book:

www.amazon.com
www.barnesandnoble.com

Where you can connect with the author:

mindysteeleauthor.wordpress.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Mindy Steele’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.

Uncategorized

Mending Hearts Janice Kay Johnson

SarahLeave a comment
3 out of 5 stars

Description:

In this emotional Amish romance, a young couple will discover that healing from heartbreak takes two.
Miriam Bowman was devastated when her fiance was killed in a logging incident. In the years since the tragedy, she finds it impossible to enter into a new relationship for fear of it coming to a disastrous end. So she works at her quilt shop in town and stays away from anything that would risk her heart. As least until David Miller comes back home to take a second chance at the Amish way of life.
David feels responsible for the logging incident that killed his friend and Miriam’s betrothed, and his life has been corrupted by guilt. That guilt only worsens when he and Miriam begin to spend time together after his return, and they begin to have feelings for each other. David might just be the man Miriam has been afraid of finding, one she could fall in love with. And Miriam is the only one who can truly forgive David for his perceived misdeeds. In order to risk their hearts and find the love they’ve been missing, David and Miriam will have to open them to each other.


My thoughts on the book:

This book was not for me. I felt for a good portion of the book the story dragged and I found it hard to get into the story over all. I will say just over half way through the author did throw a twist into the story but as quickly as is was there it was over with. I did not read any of the first story but I loved Julie and her brother oh my what sweet souls. I really also like Miriam what she faced in the story could have knocked any one to their knees but she just seemed so strong and stubborn nothing was going to knock her over. The story was a clean read and suitable for most. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Where you can buy the book:

www.christianbook.com
www.amazon.com
www.barnesandnoble.com
Where you can connect with the author:

www.janicekayjohnson.com


While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Janice Kay Johnson’s other books. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

Uncategorized

Forever Amish Kate Lloyd

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About the Book:

Sally Bingham needs some time away to sort through the changes in her life and to rethink her upcoming marriage. Despite her ailing father’s hesitations, she takes off for a bed and breakfast in Lancaster County for a weekend away. But her best-laid plans leave her in a near collision with a bishop’s buggy and in the home of a mysterious Amish woman named Lizzie. Lizzie introduces her to a different perspective on life, a charming farmhand named Armin— and opens a Pandora’s box that will forever change Sally’s life. The latest book in the Legacy of Lancaster trilogy, Forever Amish introduces us to a young woman about to uncover a shocking secret and find an invitation to a new way of living. This is a story of forgiveness, legacies, and the ties that bind through generations.


My thoughts on the book:

This book is ultimately about forgiveness, and how lying can really do a lot more harm then good. I found this book captivating. The book grabs you and keeps you wanting more. It is told from one person side but the author manages to tell everyone’s story, and does an amazing job doing so. I just love Amrin he’s there but not really and then catches you and you are so intrigued by him you just want to know so much more. As Sally struggles with her past and find her future she struggles with her present to. Sally struggles with forgiveness, abandonment, and her own self worth when she receives an email from someone that take her to a place she is always drawn to but can’t figure out why. Sally struggles to figure out who she is and finds that the people closest to her may not be who she always thought they were. I just love the emotions of the characters and how she did not portray the Amish and better then or flawless but just a broken as the rest of us. The author did a good job with this book I would recommend it to anyone, but I think this would be a good book for a preteen or teenager.

Where you can find the book

www.amazon.com

www.christianbook.com/

Where you can connect with the author: http://www.katelloyd.net/


as well as Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Check out her website for these links 

Uncategorized

An Amish Cookie Club Courtship Sarah Price

SarahLeave a comment

 Description:

With tourist season about to start, Edna Esh is busier than ever, baking with her Amish Cookie Club friends and running her business serving meals to Englische tourists. You wouldn’t think she’d have time for matchmaking . . .
 
Edna couldn’t be happier that her new daughter-in-law, Bethany, is pregnant. But Bethany is also her best helper, and morning sickness has her out of commission. Desperate for more hands, Edna accepts a friend’s offer for her twin daughters, Rachel and Ella Mae, to step in. Trouble is, the young women are constantly bickering—except when Edna’s sons, Jeremiah and Jonas, are around . . .
 
It’s soon clear that Rachel has taken a shine to Jeremiah, while Jonas is smitten with Ella Mae. It’s also clear the feelings aren’t reciprocated. But after confiding in the Cookie Club, Edna devises a plan for the pairs to spend more time together. The only problem is it seems to be failing. Yet it appears there’s a grander plan at work—and as nature takes its course, and the MayFest arrives, there’s reason to look forward to the bountiful sweetness of a double wedding come autumn . . .
 
Includes Cookie Recipes!

My thoughts on the book:

The match makers/ Cookie makers are back and still up to no good!!! If you have been following this series or not the friends are back and some are set in there ways and others are ready to make some matches among there children. I love amish books and how simple of a life the authors portray and in this book it was very much the same it was a breath of fresh air with all the craziness going on in our world. I really enjoyed the sisters and how even though they are separate people how it was easy to lump them together into one for so many. I liked how the heart of the story was never judge a book by its cover because you will never get to know there person if you do. I also liked how the author kept this story a good clean read and making it suitable for all readers. Overall this is a fun read and well worth it. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Where you can buy the book:

www.amazon.com
www.barnesandnoble.com
www.christianbook.com


Where you can connect with the author:
sarahpriceauthor.com


While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Sarah Price’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.