Thursday, July 6, 2023

The Heart's Bidding (Amish Calling Book 1) by Kelly Irvin


Book Details: 

Title: The Heart's Bidding 

Series: Amish Calling Book 1

Author: Kelly Irvin

Publisher: Zondervan

Pages: 384

Release Date:  August 1, 2023

Genre: Amish Romance

Book Description:

Together, schoolteacher Rachelle Lapp and auctioneer Toby Miller must face their hardest battle yet: trusting God’s plan for their uncertain future.

At twenty-nine, auctioneer Toby Miller is a notorious bachelor. But his job keeps him on the road for months out of the year, and he knows no Plain woman could want a marriage that would force her to live and raise children alone. Thankfully, Toby’s content to dedicate his life to the family business, especially now that his grandfather is retiring. So why does his heart keep longing for something—or more specifically, someone—he can’t have?

Rachelle Lapp has already turned down two marriage proposals. Neither promised a future that would bring her more joy than her job as a teacher to Amish children with developmental disabilities, including her brother, Jonah, and Toby’s sister, Sadie. But when the parents’ committee votes to send her students to the English schools, where they will have access to many more resources, Rachelle finds herself out of a job. She’s forced to decide between pursuing her calling far from home and staying near to the man she can’t get off her mind.

As their families matchmake, Toby and Rachelle realize their jobs may not be all that’s holding them back from a future together. They both must learn not only to trust each other, but also trust God’s plans for them. But do those plans involve a lifetime together or them going their separate ways?

My Thoughts: Deeply Touched My Heart

Sometimes you read a book that just leaves you in awe of how deeply it touches your heart. Such is the case with Kelly Irvin’s The Heart’s Bidding. 


First, you have Rachelle Lapp and Toby Miller. Each one has suffered through relationship issues in the past that have somewhat clouded their feelings on the subject of love and trust.They’ve also had situations in their work and families that weighed heavily on them and in turn had them facing some difficult decisions. All of this caused them to have some reservations which had an impact on their  growing feelings for each other and their possible future. Following their journey completely tugged at my heart strings.


Next you have a wonderful cast of secondary characters, some of which were very special. This is a topic that doesn’t show up very often in this type of story. However, it is very clear that the author researched the topic extensively. The way she flawlessly detailed the characters’ dialogues, actions and reactions was so spot on that it made them feel like they were real.                                                                         


Lastly there is another topic that rarely shows up in this type of story. That topic is about adults who never had their educational needs properly addressed in childhood and how it impacts them in adulthood. This too was depicted in such a realistic way that it deeply touched my heart.


 Author Kelly Irvin has once again written a story that draws you in completely and touches your heart is a special way. It is one of love, hope, faith, trust and following God’s plan. It is a truly heartfelt story that I highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book.  All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.

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About the Author:  Kelly Irvin 

Kelly Irvin is a bestselling, award-winning author of over twenty novels and stories. A retired public relations professional, Kelly lives with her husband, Tim, in San Antonio. They have two children, four grandchildren, and two ornery cats. Visit her online at KellyIrvin.com; Instagram: @kelly_irvin; Facebook: @Kelly.Irvin.Author; Twitter: @Kelly_S_Irvin.



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