Showing posts with label Amish Fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Amish Fiction. Show all posts
About the Book
Author: Amy Grochowski
Genre: Amish Fiction
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: March 26, 2024
A promise brought him home…
Will a pretend courtship make him stay?
Cassie Weaver dreams of opening a bakery—but that dream hinges on her good friend Martin Beiler. Martin once fled their Amish community due to his struggles with autism. Now he’s back to fulfill his promise to help Cassie set up her longed-for bakeshop. But when everyone suspects they are secretly courting, Cassie encourages the matchmaking. Because she’s hoping she can convince Martin this is where he truly belongs…
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Will a pretend courtship make him stay?
Cassie Weaver dreams of opening a bakery—but that dream hinges on her good friend Martin Beiler. Martin once fled their Amish community due to his struggles with autism. Now he’s back to fulfill his promise to help Cassie set up her longed-for bakeshop. But when everyone suspects they are secretly courting, Cassie encourages the matchmaking. Because she’s hoping she can convince Martin this is where he truly belongs…
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
My Thoughts
I loved returning to the town of Promise amongst the Amish and their way of life and visiting with old friends. This book is the story of Cassie Weaver, a baker and Martin Beiler a beekeeper that have been friends since childhood but separated for a while. Cassie has been sweet on Martin since they were younger and she's the only one that has truly understood him.
This was such a sweet story and I loved how the author has made the lead character someone who is in the spectrum. I don't think I have read any stories where the lead has Autism and is being portrayed in a very positive way. I know she has written about this topic before in a previous book and she truly does a fantastic job.
Overall I really enjoyed this story, it was full of sweet romance and faith. If you enjoy reading Amish you need to ass Amy to your list of need to read authors!
I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
More from PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BESTSELLING AUTHOR, AMY GROCHOWSKI, including a FREE Prince Edward Island series prequel at https://linktr.ee/amygrochowski
Amy's deep appreciation for the Amish faith and way of life stems from six years of living and working with a Beachy Amish family, as well as her own Anabaptist roots. After a nursing career of over twenty years, Amy is now fulfilling her long-awaited dream as an author of inspirational romance. She lives in the bustling foothills of North Carolina with her husband and two sons, one of whom has autism spectrum disorder.
Amy's deep appreciation for the Amish faith and way of life stems from six years of living and working with a Beachy Amish family, as well as her own Anabaptist roots. After a nursing career of over twenty years, Amy is now fulfilling her long-awaited dream as an author of inspirational romance. She lives in the bustling foothills of North Carolina with her husband and two sons, one of whom has autism spectrum disorder.
About the Book
Author: Amy Grochowski
Genre: Amish Romance
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: July 25, 2023
She’ll do what it takes
To keep his family together…
When her dearest cousin passed, Fern Beiler made her a promise—to look after her two young children and keep her memory alive. The obvious solution is a marriage of convenience to their father, widower Nick Weaver. But when spending time together causes lines to blur, can two childhood friends overcome feelings of guilt for a chance at happiness…together?
To keep his family together…
When her dearest cousin passed, Fern Beiler made her a promise—to look after her two young children and keep her memory alive. The obvious solution is a marriage of convenience to their father, widower Nick Weaver. But when spending time together causes lines to blur, can two childhood friends overcome feelings of guilt for a chance at happiness…together?
My Thoughts
Once again Amy Grochowski has transported me to Amish life and I loved every minute of it. Although this book is quite short don't let it fool you it has everything you need in small package. You cannot go wrong with a marriage of convenience, friends to more and second chance at love trope. Yep, she has beautifully combined all three into one and it was amazing! You read the story from both main characters but it is not chopped up like some stories can be rather it flows so easily as you get a peek into their thoughts for each other.
Fern and Nick were such great characters. I really liked how they maneuvered to make sure the kids always came first and that their memory of their mother was not lost. Their relationship developed very realistic throughout the story which is always good. They both had some things to workout for themselves and with God so it was neat to see that growth throughout the story.
One of the things I have loved about this author is how her faith threads are so solid. It was present from beginning to end. I have read all of Amy's books and loved all of them. I cannot wait to read more from her especially from this town of Promise. I would love to see a story on Fern's brother!!
If you enjoy Amish stories with romance and a strong faith element then I definitely recommend you pick this one up and all of her other books!
My Rating: 5 Stars/Loved it!
I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
Amy spent her childhood in Melbourne, Australia, where her parents worked as church planters. After returning to the States, the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia became home. Her real-life romance began on a travel nursing assignment to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where she met her husband, David.
After a nursing career of over twenty years, Amy is now fulfilling her long-awaited dream as an author of inspirational romance. She lives in the bustling foothills of North Carolina with her husband and two sons, one of whom has autism spectrum disorder. Learn more at amygrochowski.com or follow Amy on Facebook.
About the Book
Author: Amy Grochowski
Series: Amish Dreams of Prince Edward Island, Book 2
Genre: Christian Amish Romance
Release Date: July 26, 2021
When love demands courage and faith...
An uplifting love story of reconciliation and redemption for a runaway cowboy and the Amish woman he never forgot, as they step-out on a giant leap of faith.
Noah Detweiler thought he'd left his Amish life forever. After years on the Albertan prairie as a cowboy, he's finally found peace with God and purpose at Second Chance Ranch working with special needs children. But when he discovers time is running out for any hope of reconciliation with his father, Noah is forced to revisit his past and the woman he left behind.
Rachel Erb remains content with Amish life on Prince Edward Island by focusing on her faith and her job caring for animals--until Noah returns and the secret longings of her heart are exposed. But loving Noah is destined to break her heart again--no matter what she chooses.
When vicious rumors divide her family and even the New Hope community, a future together seems as far out of reach as it ever has been for Noah and Rachel. Their dreams won't be realized without sacrifice. Only who will pay the cost?
An uplifting love story of reconciliation and redemption for a runaway cowboy and the Amish woman he never forgot, as they step-out on a giant leap of faith.
Noah Detweiler thought he'd left his Amish life forever. After years on the Albertan prairie as a cowboy, he's finally found peace with God and purpose at Second Chance Ranch working with special needs children. But when he discovers time is running out for any hope of reconciliation with his father, Noah is forced to revisit his past and the woman he left behind.
Rachel Erb remains content with Amish life on Prince Edward Island by focusing on her faith and her job caring for animals--until Noah returns and the secret longings of her heart are exposed. But loving Noah is destined to break her heart again--no matter what she chooses.
When vicious rumors divide her family and even the New Hope community, a future together seems as far out of reach as it ever has been for Noah and Rachel. Their dreams won't be realized without sacrifice. Only who will pay the cost?
My Thoughts
I absolutely loved returning to this Amish community in Prince Edward Island! This is book two in the Amish Dreams of Prince Edward Island and although you could read it as a stand alone it is so much better if you read Forever Home and the Christmas Visitor as you will see those characters in this book and will get to know and love them as much as I do. I know I was excited to see Lydia and Joel once again! Yes, I am quite attached to these characters and easy to do as Amy has a great way of connecting you with them and making them so likable and relatable.
This book is all about Rachel and Noah. I loved their story. It's a story of redemption, forgiveness and love. Rachel has been in love with Noah since they were young but circumstances kept them apart. Noah grew up in a broken home and left thinking Rachel was marrying another and never made amends. Years later, he has left the Amish church but his faith in God has only grown stronger. He returns to Prince Edward Island at the request of Rachel who has been looking in on his dying father. His last wish is to make it right with his son.
I loved seeing the reconciliation between Noah and his father. Although hard for Noah he knew that it was something that he needed to do for himself but I was glad that his father had changed his heart towards God through the years to want to ask for forgiveness from his son. The love story with Noah and Rachel was sweet and absolutely perfect. I am not going to give anything away because I really want you to get the books and dive in but it was so good and real.
I think one of the things I love about Amy's writing is that she writes these characters with such love and detail that you truly feel like the characters are right there with you. Like they can be real people in your everyday life. She obviously knows a lot about the Amish culture as well and paints this beautiful picture about the community that you feel like you are home with them. I can't wait to see what happens to some of these characters especially Rachel's siblings... and I still would like to know what happens to Mark (you'll have to read the Christmas Novella to know who he is but you do encounter him for a few lines in this book!)
Overall I thought this was an excellent book filled with wonderful characters, beautiful setting but even more, a beautiful message centered in God.
My Rating: 5 Stars/ Loved it!! Can't wait for more!
I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
After a nursing career of over twenty years, Amy is now fulfilling her long-awaited dream career as an author of inspirational romance. She is also a full time homeschool mom for her two boys, one of whom valiantly faces the daily challenges of autism spectrum disorder. She lives with her husband and sons in the bustling foothills of North Carolina.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Series: Plain Patterns, Book 2
Genre: Christian Amish
Publisher:
Release Date: March 2021
Pages: 336
When wild child Sophie Deiner--the daughter of an Amish bishop--is forced to return to Nappanee, Indiana, quilt-shop owner Jane Berger is one of only a few who welcome her back. It's the last place she wants to be, but Sophie's recent illness requires that she recover for a while.
As Sophie heals, she befriends a group of migrant workers and is appalled to learn of the wretched living conditions they're forced to endure. Sophie begins advocating on their behalf, but soon finds herself opposed by an ex-boyfriend who is the farm foreman.
Jane begins relating the story of an Amish couple who rescued survivors of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, many of whom were Irish immigrants. And Sophie is more convinced than ever that she needs to fight for the powerless. But when digging deeper makes conditions even worse, has she chosen a fight she can't win?
As Sophie heals, she befriends a group of migrant workers and is appalled to learn of the wretched living conditions they're forced to endure. Sophie begins advocating on their behalf, but soon finds herself opposed by an ex-boyfriend who is the farm foreman.
Jane begins relating the story of an Amish couple who rescued survivors of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, many of whom were Irish immigrants. And Sophie is more convinced than ever that she needs to fight for the powerless. But when digging deeper makes conditions even worse, has she chosen a fight she can't win?
MY THOUGHTS
A Patchwork Past is the second book in the Plain Patterns series. I have not read the first one and I had no problem following this one so definitely can be read as a stand alone. When this book came up for review I jumped at the chance just because I really enjoy Amish stories. It is the genre that started me reading Christian Fiction so I have a soft spot for it and although I tend to stick to my favorite Amish writers I do like to try new ones. This was my first by this author and her writing is very good even though this was not my favorite I thought parts of the storyline were quite unique and interesting.
In this story we meet Sophie Deiner who has left the Amish community but returns as she is battling Lupus and needs some much needed help to rest and recoup. Her relationship with her parents, especially with her mom is quite broken. I felt bad for Sophie as it felt like her parents really don't believe that she is sick. While there she helps out Jane who is kind to her and while there Jane tells her the story of Mary, a woman who traveled with her father to Chicago and ends up in the middle of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. The story now goes back and forth between timelines and they somewhat correlates to what is happening in the Amish community as Jane befriends a family of immigrants and tries to fight for their social justice.
You can tell that the author has done a very good job in her research for the Chicago Fire and the Amish community. It is obvious she has a gift for writing Amish stories. This is definitely not your typical Amish story of marriage or hope of marriage. It's the story of Sophie finding herself and what God's calling for her life is.
My personal thoughts on some of the storyline is that it felt a bit too political. The issue of immigration is such a huge hot topic that it wasn't something I was expecting from a book and honestly it's not something that I would have picked up had I known it was going to be such a dominant part of the story. I read stories to escape the realities of the world. That's just me. When I read fiction I don't want to step into the news world or any political aspects of it I just want to delve into a different world and get lost in the story. I read non-fiction for a reason. To learn and educate myself in such topics but when it comes to fiction stories its an escape, a vacation if you will from the busyness of the day.
Overall it was a good story and if you like reading fiction that are based on current events then this may be the book for you. Again I thought the author did a phenomenal job in her writing I just wasn't keen in the topic mixed with my fiction.
My Rating: 3 stars/ It was okay.
I received this book from the publisher Bethany House. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ABOUT THE BOOK
Series: Honey Brook, Book 2
Genre: Amish Fiction
Publisher: Entangled: Amara
Release Date: April 27, 2021
What happens when a traditional horse whisperer clashes with an unconventional trainer within the charming Amish community of Honey Brook?
Grace Zook has always held a talent with horses, ever since she was a child growing up in her quaint Amish village of Honey Brook. Now, as an adult, she’s become a master trainer—but still struggles to prove to her father that she is worthy of taking over the family’s horse farm. With a fiery new stallion coming soon, Grace knows this challenge is her chance to prove she can finally take the reins.
When widower and horse whisperer Isaac King is offered the lead training job on a new farm out of town, he’s thrilled to finally make a name for himself and provide some permanent roots for his young daughter. But not only is the stallion seemingly unbreakable, so, too, is the owner’s headstrong daughter Grace, who has drastically different ideas about how to handle the impossible horse. Yet somehow, he can’t seem to get the confident, beautiful woman out of his mind…even though as his boss’s daughter, she is completely off-limits.
There’s too much at stake for Isaac to gamble his future on Grace…even though suddenly, he can’t imagine one without her.
Each book in the Honey Brook series is STANDALONE:
* Never an Amish Bride
* The Amish Cowboy’s Homecoming
MY THOUGHTS
This is the second book in the Honey Brook Series and can definitely be read as a stand alone. In this story we meet Grace Zook, who has a gift when it comes to working with horses and we also meet Isaac King who is a horse whisperer. He is hired to work with a particular horse in the Zook farm and Grace is less than thrilled to have him around. She is determined to inherit the horse farm once her father retires, something that is somewhat a foreign thing to the Amish community for a woman to be in charge. I really enjoyed her character. I felt like she was at times lost on who she really was.
This is definitely a story of enemies to friends to lovers trope. I really enjoyed how their relationship blossomed to friendship and once Grace started trusting herself and Isaac it really became something special. Isaac was dreamy! He just really got under Grace's skin at the beginning but he saw her for what she truly was. A woman passionate about what she did with horses but also a woman that wanted to be loved.
Other characters that stood out to me was Grace's father. I think he knew from the very beginning that Isaac was going to end up falling for his daughter. I also felt for Sarah, Grace's sister-in-law. I think the grief over not being able to have babies made her into such a crabby woman especially towards her husband. I know in the end they started reconciling but I would love to read more about them perhaps in future stories.
Overall I thought this was a sweet heartwarming and clean Amish story. There were definitely themes of faith interwoven through the story. If you enjoy Amish fiction then I definitely recommend you grab this one. This was my first book by this author but it definitely won't be my last!
My Rating: 4 Stars/I really enjoyed it
I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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Author: Amy Grochowski
Series:Amish of Prince Edward Island 0.5
Genre: Amish Romance,
Publisher: Ambassador International
Release Date: July 21, 2020
Every so often, first love lasts a lifetime—
and what seems impossible is made possible with God.
Mattie Beller is confident God’s plan for her life does not include marriage. Her poor health has kept her an outsider, even in her close-knit Amish community. But when a visitor comes to the New Hope church district for the Christmas season, Mattie’s ideas about her future are turned upside down.
Amid a growing concern over her twin brother’s choices, even as her own heart tugs in two very different directions, Mattie learns that love comes in unexpected ways and can be a truly wonderful thing.
and what seems impossible is made possible with God.
Mattie Beller is confident God’s plan for her life does not include marriage. Her poor health has kept her an outsider, even in her close-knit Amish community. But when a visitor comes to the New Hope church district for the Christmas season, Mattie’s ideas about her future are turned upside down.
Amid a growing concern over her twin brother’s choices, even as her own heart tugs in two very different directions, Mattie learns that love comes in unexpected ways and can be a truly wonderful thing.
My Thoughts
I cannot rant and rave more about Amy Grochowski!! She did it once again!! Transported me back to Amish country in Prince Edward island and not only did I get to "see" past characters but she introduced me to some new ones!! This story focuses on Mattie Beller who battles with asthma and doesn't know yet what God's calling is for her life and for the community. She is friends with Lydia whose cousin Winston comes from Pennsylvania to visit and immediately notices Mattie.
The love story between Mattie and Winston is beautiful. He "sees" her in a way that she doesn't see herself. He builds her up and provides confidence where she lacks it, which is interesting to do in an Amish communities where there are boundaries on what they are allowed to do but somehow they manage and its amazing!
Amy also introduces us to other characters like Mark, Mattie's twin brother and Ellen the former school teacher. I would love to know more about them and hope we see them in future stories. It would be great to know what happens to them. I wish I could tell you more but it would spoil it for you and I don't want to do that. However you should really get this story and the other one in the series and enjoy them!!
My Rating: 5 Stars/Loved it!!
Favorite Quotes: "Kissing,it turned out, was terrific exercise for an asthmatic."
(I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are my own.)
About the Author
Amy spent her childhood in Melbourne, Australia, where her parents worked as church planters. After returning to the States, the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia became home. Her real life romance began on a travel nursing assignment to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where she met her husband, David.
After a nursing career of more than twenty years, Amy is now fulfilling her long-awaited dream career as an author of inspirational romance. She is also a full-time homeschool mom for her two boys, one of whom has Autism Spectrum Disorder and lives with her family in the bustling foothills of North Carolina
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