Book Details:
Book Description:
When widower Stephen Lapp moves his five children from New York State to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, his only plan is to buy his family’s farm stand, Lapp’s Pastured Pork. That way, his brother can move closer to his fiancée and open his own stand. But on Stephen’s first trip to the market, his brave act of kindness nearly ends in catastrophe—until strong-willed Nettie Hartzler saves him—and makes an impression he can’t forget .
A widow with private heartaches of her own, Nettie has no interest in getting involved with any man, though she doesn’t discourage their respective children’s new friendships—despite Stephen’s contentious oldest daughter. But when Nettie runs into serious money worries and Stephen proposes a marriage of convenience, she’s distressed and conflicted. She’s come to know Stephen’s gentle heart and generous soul, and she can’t believe he’ll want her if she reveals the sins of her past. God has His own plans for the faithful, however, and this time they may include a second chance at love . . .
About the Author: Rachel J. Good
Rachel J. Good is the USA Today bestselling author of inspirational fiction including the Unexpected Amish Blessings series, the Sisters & Friends series and the Amish Popcorn Shop Mysteries. She grew up near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the setting for her Amish romances, and she frequently visits Amish friends, who help to ensure the accuracy of her novels. In addition to her Amish novels, she's written more than 40 books, including children's educational books, adult nonfiction, and fiction for children and teens under several pen names. A former teacher and children's librarian, Good completed her MA from Vermont College while raising five children and is presently completing her thesis in the Hollins University MFA program. A member of RWA, ACFW, ALA, and SCBWI, Good speaks regularly at civic events, schools, libraries, and conferences across the country. Rachel can be found online at: RachelJGood.com.
My Thoughts: Delightful Story
An Amish Marriage of Convenience, which is the fourth book in Rachel J. Good's Surprised by Love series, is a wonderful addition to the series. While it can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend you read the entire series. Each story in the series revolves around the Green Valley Farmer's Market. Therefore some characters, such as Mrs. Vanderbilt, appear throughout the series, and you will also have been introduced to Nettie and Stephen prior to their story in book 4. That little detail is the first thing that drew me to this story as I wanted to see what would become of Nettie and Stephen.
While I thoroughly enjoyed Nettie and Stephen's story, I did struggle just a bit with some of the characters. Nettie is the first one I struggled with. I found her very lacking in the kindness department. However, when I came to understand her struggles and concerns for her and her family, she moved to the likable category.
The other character I struggled with was Jolene. I know she'd been through a lot from a young age, but the girl was just not nice. Even when things began to improve, Jolene never quite crossed into the nice category the way I would have liked to see her do. However, that didn't take anything away from Nettie and Stephen's story.
As for Stephen, I liked him immediately. My heart went out to him completely. Even with all he'd been through, he was kind, caring and just an all around great person.
The combination of these characters and overcoming their pasts for a second chance at love made for a very entertaining, engaging and touching story. It was truly a delight to read and I hope you add it to your "to read" pile very soon.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All comments and opinions are completely my own.
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