An Amish Bride (Joyful River Book 2) by Rosalind Lauer

 Book Description:

In Joyful River, Pennsylvania, the faith-filled Amish community lives side by side with the English world, healing problems and overcoming hardship with compassion, love, and abiding trust in Gott’s plan.
 
For Sam Lapp, every day spent working on his family’s dairy farm is a reminder of Gott’s bounty and goodness. And he’s found the person he wants to share that life with. Sam remembers the exact moment he stopped seeing Sadie Beiler as just his sister’s best friend, and saw instead the graceful, loving woman she’s become. If only he had seen it before Sadie began courting someone else . . .
 
When Sadie first caught the eye of a handsome auctioneer, she felt blessed, hopeful that marriage would provide an escape from her troubled home. But as months stretch on without a proposal, Sadie discovers a worrying new side to her beau—and a growing kinship with Sam. Thoughtful, hardworking, kind to his visiting English cousins and to her, Sam shows Sadie that real love is just a stone’s throw away. But when an unexpected obstacle forces a separation between them, can steadfast faith make Sadie an Amish bride at last?

About the Author:  Rosalind Lauer

Rosalind Lauer is the author of the Joyful River Series, Lancaster Crossing series, and Seasons of Lancaster series. She grew up in a large family in Maryland and began visiting Lancaster County’s Amish community as a child. Lauer attended Wagner College in New York City and worked as an editor for Simon & Schuster and Harlequin Books. She now lives with her family in Oregon, where she writes in the shade of some towering two-hundred-year-old Douglas fir trees. Readers can find her on Facebook at facebook.com/GoodOldFashionedBooks/

My Thoughts:  Loved It! 5⭐️

Sadie Beiler and Sam Lapp have been friends for years. However, that begins to change when Sam starts seeing Sadie as more than just his sister's best friend. From that point on, Sam sees Sadie as the person he wants in his future. This is all good and well except that Sadie happens to be courting Mark, and she still sees Sam as her best friend's brother. That is, until one day, she begins to see Sam as more.

Sam and Sadie's journey from friends to more than friends comes with some difficult challenges. While they navigate through their challenges, other characters from the story have their own journeys to navigate. However, the main characters' story remains at the forefront while the secondary characters' stories are intertwined, adding to the story without taking over.

I absolutely loved An Amish Bride! It was sweet, intriguing, and inspiring. It brought up some difficult topics, but the author addressed each one flawlessly. Throughout the story are the messages of faith, love and God's will. Although this is the first book I've read by author Rosalind Lauer, it definitely will not be the last. Check it out for yourself and you'll understand why.

**I received a copy of this book from Kensington Books via NetGalley.  All comments and opinions are strictly my own.

A Promise of Forgiveness: An Uplifting Amish Romance (Secrets of Bliss Valley Book 2) by Jo Ann Brown

Book Description:

Every little secret is a chain to the past…

For Amish widow Naomi Ropp, moving back to her parents’ Bliss Valley home—with her boisterous twin toddler boys—is a chance to start over and bury the painful secrets of her marriage forever. But her life is turned upside down once again when she learns she’s not the only one hiding things. The parents she believed were always open and honest have been keeping a secret her whole life. And now her only confidant is her father’s new employee—a handsome Amish man who was once her childhood tormentor.

Samuel King knows more than anyone should about mistakes—and the way he treated Naomi is at the top of his list. But the shock of seeing her pretty face again is quickly overshadowed when they find a slumbering boppli abandoned on his porch. Caring for the sweet newborn together is finally bringing some peace to their troubled pasts. But when a spark leads to growing feelings as they start to look toward the future, Samuel must find a way to convince Naomi to trust the man he's become…and the promise of new love.

About the Author:  Jo Ann Brown

Jo Ann Brown has published over 100 titles under a variety of pen names. A former military officer, she enjoys taking pictures and traveling. She has taught creative writing for more than 20 years and is always excited when one of her students sells a project. She has been married for more than 40 years and has three children and two rambunctious cats. She lives in Amish Country in southeastern Pennsylvania. She enjoys hearing from her readers. Visit her at www.joannbrownbooks.com. 

My Thoughts:  Inspirational and Touching

Before I say anything else, I have to say that A Promise of Forgiveness is a definite must read. This is the first book I've read by author Jo Ann Brown, so I wasn't sure what to expect. However, once I began reading this wonderful and touching story, I did not stop  until I had finished the entire book. 

Naomi Rupp and Samuel King have a history that stems back to their school days.  That history placed Samuel in Naomi's "never want to see you, do not want to have anything to do with you, and I do not trust you" list. So, imagine the shock Naomi felt when she returned home to live with her father and found Samuel working there alongside her father.  Naomi, being a widowed mother of twins, has nowhere else to go, but the thought of having to see Samuel every day doesn't sit well with her. Between what Naomi went through with Samuel and with her deceased husband, she struggles greatly with trust and forgiveness. And yet forgiveness is something that she and Samuel have in common, that is forgiving others, repenting and seeking forgiveness from others, and forgiving themselves. 

While forgiveness is at the core of Naomi and Samuel's story, there are also elements of intrigue, surprise, sadness, and entertainment mainly supplied by two little boys that have a streak of energy and curiosity which  sometimes has just a little naughtiness tied in. The author's writing was so vivid that as I read it I could feel everything the characters were feeling way down in the deepest part of my core. Everything about this book  made it an absolutely wonderful inspirational and touching read.

I can't say enough about this book, but there is one thing I can guarantee.  I can assure you that although this was the first book I've read by Ms. Brown, it most definitely is not going to be my last. 
 

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin via NetGalley. All comments and opinions are strictly my own. 

The Amish Outcast's Holiday Return: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance by Lacy Williams

 Book Description:

'Tis the season for forgiveness…in this novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Lacy Williams

Torn between family loyalty

and her dreams for the future…

Grace Beiler’s shocked when Zach Miller arrives at her family’s farmhouse seeking forgiveness for his teenage mistake that cost her sister’s fiancé his life. But when her father gives Zach a job, Grace gets to know the man he’s become…and starts to want more than friendship. Can love bloom amid hidden secrets and family grief, and give them a fresh start at Christmas?

Author Info:  Lacy Williams

USA TODAY bestselling author Lacy Williams is devoted to bringing her readers heartwarming love stories about cowboys and the women that tame them. She is the author of over forty books, including the acclaimed Wyoming Legacy and Snowbound in Sawyer Creek series. Her books have been nominated for the RT Book Reviews’ Seal of Excellence as well as finaled in RT’s Reviewers' Choice Awards. She has been a puppy parent almost her whole life and often writes with one of her dogs snuggled in her lap. She is a mom of four and spends her non-writing time buried under piles of laundry and dishes. Find exclusive reader bonuses by visiting her website https://www.lacywilliams.net/.

My Thoughts:  A Wonderful Story!

This is a wonderful story of love, redemption, and forgiveness! It's a reminder of the impact that our choices and actions have, be they positive or negative, and how long lasting the impact of those choices can last.  In this case, Zach Miller finds out just how much of an impact his actions still have. Working to seek forgiveness, to let go of sad memories of his past family situations, reaffirm his faith, and be accepted into his new community is no easy task, but Zach is determined.  One step at a time and one day at a time Zach begins to the fruits of his efforts, until an incident threatens to derail all he's worked for. 

I felt Zach's struggle deep down in my core. Forgiveness, not just about receiving forgiveness from others, but forgiving himself, was gut wrenching.  But Zach pushed forward in his determination to do the right thing and this brought not just forgiveness, but redemption and even love.  All of these elements make this beautiful story one that is not to be missed. 

Loving Lovina (The Infamous Amish Book 3) by Patricia Johns

Book Details:

Title:  Loving Lovina

Series:  The Infamous Amish Book 3

Author:  Patricia Johns

Publisher:  Kensington Books, Zebra

Pages:  292

Release Date:  March 29, 2022

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 Book Description:

When the peaceful Amish community of Bountiful, Pennsylvania, is rocked by scandal, the three Yoder siblings must each find their path to love, family, and forgiveness . . .
 
Waking in the hospital after a car accident, Lovina Yoder doesn’t remember the Amish family who claim her as their own—or the man who says he’s her fiancé. Thoughtful and handsome, Johannes Miller clearly cares for her, and Lovina longs to recall the walks and buggy rides he describes, and the plans they once made. Life in the Amish community seems full of joy, faith, and warmth. And yet, Lovina senses there is something more in her past, just beyond her grasp . . .
 
Gott has answered Johannes’ prayer to bring Lovina back—but not quite as he hoped. A year ago, she ran away to the Englisher world, unable to face the community after her daet’s misdeeds. Her family hopes that Lovina can rediscover her Amish heart before those painful recollections return. Johannes loves her as deeply as ever, but if she walked away once, will she leave again, taking his dream of home and family with her? Or will the new memories they are making together, day by day, convince her that this Bountiful future is Gott’s plan for them both?

About the Author:  Patricia Johns

Patricia Johns is the bestselling author of inspirational, sweet romances including The Infamous Amish Trilogy published by Kensington and the Redemption's Amish Legacies series from Harlequin. She lives with her husband and son in Alberta, Canada. Visit her online at PatriciaJohns.com.

My Thoughts:  A Heartfelt and Inspiring Story

As a result of an accident, Lovina Yoder is now suffering from a case of amnesia.  Therefore, she doesn't remember her family, the scandal involving her family, leaving her Amish home for the Englisher world, and she definitely doesn't remember her "fiancé," Johannes Miller. As Lovina rejoins her family she works toward discovering who she is and putting the pieces of her memory back together.  All the while, Johannes remains by her side where part of him wants her to remember, and the other part of him is afraid that she will.  

I was completely drawn into this story from the very beginning.  I felt so much of Lovina's struggle and pain as she strived to get the pieces of her memory back.  I also felt Johannes' struggle as he toggled between his love for Lovina and his pain at the thought that she might leave again.  And I was especially moved by how deep Johannes' love for Lovina was and the impact it had on how much he was willing to help her, do for her and sacrifice for her.  

Loving Lovina is a wonderful heartfelt and inspiring story of love, forgiveness, and faith. The story's pacing and details are just perfect  in that they keep you drawn into the story and keep you guessing up to the very end as to how everything will come together.  Author Patricia Johns has also done a fantastic job of pulling you into the story by making you feel totally connected to the characters as far as what they're feeling, what they're struggling with, and so much more.  All of this is a perfect combination that makes this a wonderful story that I highly recommend. 

Book Quote:  Gott, where do I belong? she prayed in her heart. Where am I supposed to live my life?

*****I received a copy of this book from Kensington Books via NetGalley.  All comments and opinions are strictly my own.