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North Country Amish #5
Someone to Trust
Some connections go beyond words…in this novel by USA TODAY bestselling author Patricia Davids.On an Amish matchmaking trip,can she avoid falling in love?Esther Burkholder has no interest in her stepmother’s matchmaking when her family visits an Amish community in Maine. Deaf from a young age, she’s positive a hearing man couldn’t understand the joys and trials of living in a silent world. But Gabe Fischer is certainly handsome, hardworking and brave. More importantly, he sees the real Esther. Might this Amish bachelor be her unexpected perfect match?From Harlequin Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.North Country AmishBook 1: Shelter from the StormBook 2: The Amish Teacher’s DilemmaBook 3: A Haven for ChristmasBook 4: Someone to Trust
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2021
About the author
Patricia Davids
150 books389 followersI was born and raised in Northcentral Kansas. I'm a farmer's daughter, but I now make my home in the city of Wichita. I'm an RN. Neonatal nursing has been the main focus of my career. What can I say? I love babies. I was invited to the highschool graduation of a baby I took care of. Talk about making me feel old!
In June of 2011 I became a widow after my husband of 36 years and 11 months died from multiple brain tumors. It was a very sad time, but thanks to the three f's, my faith, my family and my friends, life is moving forward. I have four brothers, one daughter and two grandchildren who all work at making me feel loved.
I'm the author of more than 30 books and I'm currently writing a series called The Brides of Amish Country for Love Inspired.
In June of 2011 I became a widow after my husband of 36 years and 11 months died from multiple brain tumors. It was a very sad time, but thanks to the three f's, my faith, my family and my friends, life is moving forward. I have four brothers, one daughter and two grandchildren who all work at making me feel loved.
I'm the author of more than 30 books and I'm currently writing a series called The Brides of Amish Country for Love Inspired.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
August 18, 2024
This is an Amish Fiction/Clean Romance, and this is the 5th book in the North Country Amish series. I have not read the other books in this series before picking up this book. This is about a step-mother and her step-daughters went to stay with her family, so maybe her step-daughters would find a husband. Her step-daughters are deaf. I am not sure if the deaf parts are who Deaf Amish people are because I have never meet a totally deaf person or an Amish person. I have to say I will loved this book. The characters where fun and made the book worth reading. The storyline/plot was fun and very well done. The romance both the two main characters was fun and slow moving went I really enjoyed. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Love Inspired) or author (Patricia Davids) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
August 16, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up
I'll say up front I don't often read from the "inspirational romance" category, but Patricia Davids consistently writes stories that aren't preachy and have complex characters I root for. Someone to Trust is yet another example of a really great romance set in an Amish community, this time following a deaf heroine. The portrayal is thoughtful and sensitive, and a I learned a lot. The slow-burn romance is really sweet and the couple has a beautiful relationship as they come to understand each other. If you're looking to try something from this category, I recommend Davids work. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, all opinions are my own.
I'll say up front I don't often read from the "inspirational romance" category, but Patricia Davids consistently writes stories that aren't preachy and have complex characters I root for. Someone to Trust is yet another example of a really great romance set in an Amish community, this time following a deaf heroine. The portrayal is thoughtful and sensitive, and a I learned a lot. The slow-burn romance is really sweet and the couple has a beautiful relationship as they come to understand each other. If you're looking to try something from this category, I recommend Davids work. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, all opinions are my own.
January 5, 2021
This is the fifth book in this series, and yes I have enjoyed them all, but this definitely can be read alone.
What a treat we are given a relatively new step-mother that is plotting with her cousin and becoming hopefully a matchmaker. Her cousin has marriageable age sons and she has these new daughters that need husbands, they have a solution.
We are there as these young couples meet and go about their everyday life, along with some picnics, and bird watching.
One of the girls is deaf, and it is hereditary, and she is sure not interested in finding a husband, but she is a talented artist and seamstress, and one of the boys sure needs help.
I so enjoyed this story, and loved how it highlighted a disability, but showed an everyday person, and we see how she struggles, but gives her all.
Will there be any matches? You will find out by the end of this read!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.
What a treat we are given a relatively new step-mother that is plotting with her cousin and becoming hopefully a matchmaker. Her cousin has marriageable age sons and she has these new daughters that need husbands, they have a solution.
We are there as these young couples meet and go about their everyday life, along with some picnics, and bird watching.
One of the girls is deaf, and it is hereditary, and she is sure not interested in finding a husband, but she is a talented artist and seamstress, and one of the boys sure needs help.
I so enjoyed this story, and loved how it highlighted a disability, but showed an everyday person, and we see how she struggles, but gives her all.
Will there be any matches? You will find out by the end of this read!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.
January 21, 2021
A matchmaking scheme appears doomed from the start for a man who has been burned in the past and wants to focus on his work and a woman from the Deaf community who thinks only a Deaf man can love her. But, love does have a way of things and I was eager to see them win each other over.
Someone to Trust is the fifth in the North Country Amish series, but it is a loose connection and worked fine standalone for me.
Gabe Fischer receives the news that their family is about to welcome his mother's cousin and her stepchildren with reservations. He knows full well that his mother would love to see him and his three brothers married and giving her grandchildren. His brothers might welcome this with his blessing, but Gabe just wants to be left alone to build up his leather business that he hopes will bolster the family buggy and cart making business and keep his brothers from having to take factory jobs. He tried love once and the woman used him to make her real love jealous. But, his resolve doesn't last much further than a life-saving rescue of a pretty, talented woman who happens to be deaf.
Esther Burkholder is on this trip to Maine under silent protest. Wanetta has never liked her and always thought Esther was faking her hardships to hear and lip-read and it is just stubbornness. Wanetta is set on seeing Esther and her three sisters wed, but Esther wants nothing to do with the scheme. She cared deeply for a hearing man once before and he only wanted her when he thought she could be fixed. No, it is best she remain single and work at the Deaf School or find a Deaf man who values a Deaf wife. She is relieved when Gabe is willing to be friends and no more and he wants and prizes her help. He champions her to Wanetta and her own family to value her differences and not shut her out. She is made welcome in the Amish community there and thrills at the wild beauty around the farm and Gabe's shared interest in that. Slowly she opens up to new possibilities, but, in the end, can she trust a man who is not Deaf to love her as she is?
This was a tender, heartwarming story and I thought the detailing of Amish lifestyle and the Deaf community was done amazingly well. The characters of Gabe and Esther were engaging from the start. They had issues of their own to work through and had to cross a divide to understand each other. This was developed nicely in their slowburn romance. I fell in love with the woodsy beauty of the setting and wished I could sketch wildflowers and birds like Esther.
The romance was at the center, but family as well as the need to get Gabe's business up and running were also big elements in the plot. I liked how it was portrayed that Esther and her family had to grow together after letting her Deafness separate them on both sides. Gabe and his family were fun and sweet together including his huge and lovable draft horses that wore his dazzling parade harnesses when they went to town.
All in all, it was tender and gentle with a lovely heartwarming romance at the core. I liked the author's writing style and story/character development so I definitely want to get more and hope to read the earlier stories in this series. Those who enjoy Amish romance or like the idea of a Deaf heroine represented should definitely give this a go.
My thanks to Harlequin for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Someone to Trust is the fifth in the North Country Amish series, but it is a loose connection and worked fine standalone for me.
Gabe Fischer receives the news that their family is about to welcome his mother's cousin and her stepchildren with reservations. He knows full well that his mother would love to see him and his three brothers married and giving her grandchildren. His brothers might welcome this with his blessing, but Gabe just wants to be left alone to build up his leather business that he hopes will bolster the family buggy and cart making business and keep his brothers from having to take factory jobs. He tried love once and the woman used him to make her real love jealous. But, his resolve doesn't last much further than a life-saving rescue of a pretty, talented woman who happens to be deaf.
Esther Burkholder is on this trip to Maine under silent protest. Wanetta has never liked her and always thought Esther was faking her hardships to hear and lip-read and it is just stubbornness. Wanetta is set on seeing Esther and her three sisters wed, but Esther wants nothing to do with the scheme. She cared deeply for a hearing man once before and he only wanted her when he thought she could be fixed. No, it is best she remain single and work at the Deaf School or find a Deaf man who values a Deaf wife. She is relieved when Gabe is willing to be friends and no more and he wants and prizes her help. He champions her to Wanetta and her own family to value her differences and not shut her out. She is made welcome in the Amish community there and thrills at the wild beauty around the farm and Gabe's shared interest in that. Slowly she opens up to new possibilities, but, in the end, can she trust a man who is not Deaf to love her as she is?
This was a tender, heartwarming story and I thought the detailing of Amish lifestyle and the Deaf community was done amazingly well. The characters of Gabe and Esther were engaging from the start. They had issues of their own to work through and had to cross a divide to understand each other. This was developed nicely in their slowburn romance. I fell in love with the woodsy beauty of the setting and wished I could sketch wildflowers and birds like Esther.
The romance was at the center, but family as well as the need to get Gabe's business up and running were also big elements in the plot. I liked how it was portrayed that Esther and her family had to grow together after letting her Deafness separate them on both sides. Gabe and his family were fun and sweet together including his huge and lovable draft horses that wore his dazzling parade harnesses when they went to town.
All in all, it was tender and gentle with a lovely heartwarming romance at the core. I liked the author's writing style and story/character development so I definitely want to get more and hope to read the earlier stories in this series. Those who enjoy Amish romance or like the idea of a Deaf heroine represented should definitely give this a go.
My thanks to Harlequin for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2021
Matchmaking is as old as time. When Esther Burkholder's stepmother brings her and her stepsisters to visit an Amish community in Maine, it is with the very attempt to get the girls married off to the Fischer brothers. There is no doubt in Esther's mind from the very start that Gabe Fischer is a wonderful, kind and handsome man. But, there is one problem, and a major one at that as far as Becca is concerned. She is deaf and Gabe is not. Due to a previously heartbreaking experience, Becca has determined that when she chooses to marry it would have to be to a deaf man.
Becca and Gabe meet when one day he sees her about to get struck by a car. He doesn't realize at that time that she could not possible have heard the car approaching. In saving her, Gabe inures his arm. Since Becca and her family are staying with Gabe's family, she ends up assisting him at his leather goods shop. The two spend a lot of time together and even though feelings begin to grow between them, Becca is determined not to fall for a hearing man.
This sensitive story had my attention from the very start. It was impossible not to fall in love with the characters, but especially Becca. She wore her heart on her sleeve and was a remarkable young woman. Gabe was also pretty wonderful. His kindness showed through and I loved watching this pair find their way towards everlasting love.
Amish fiction is truly one of my favorite genres. I love the easygoing stories, the slow burning romances and the warm feeling that accompanies every book I have read in this genre thus far. This series by Patricia Davids is very sweet, as is everything that I have read by her thus far.
Many thanks to Love Inspired and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
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January 2, 2021Categories
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Amish & Mennonite, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
North Country Amish (Book #4)
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Amish & Mennonite, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
North Country Amish (Book #4)
February 9, 2021
This has to be one of my favourite Love Inspired Amish stories. I love Patricia Davids writing anyway, but she has really excelled with this novel.
It's the cover that grabbed my attention first...Amish woman making the ASL sign for I love you...I'd have bought it based on that alone but then I noticed the author and I was sold. The book didn't last thirty minutes in my house before I started reading. And then I couldn't stop. Because there are two stories going on here.
First, the obvious matchmaking mama throwing her daughters at a family with a convenient number of eligible bachelor sons. While not an unusual theme for an Amish romance, Davids brings a few unique twists that makes it fresh. Plus, she knows how to delve deep into her characters' emotions and that's what kept me turning pages. It's not just the hero and heroine either -- it's the well developed secondary characters who significantly contribute to the plot as well.
Second, is the touching story of a Deaf woman seeking acceptance for who she is. Not broken or in need of fixing or destined to be a burden to her family, but someone who is strong and capable and worth knowing...and loving...just the way she is. Davids did an incredible job of exploring aspects of Deaf culture which I found really fascinating.
Esther and Gabe's heartwarming romance is fueled with love, laughter and faith...and enough misunderstandings to keep us a reader on our toes until the very end. :-)
It's the cover that grabbed my attention first...Amish woman making the ASL sign for I love you...I'd have bought it based on that alone but then I noticed the author and I was sold. The book didn't last thirty minutes in my house before I started reading. And then I couldn't stop. Because there are two stories going on here.
First, the obvious matchmaking mama throwing her daughters at a family with a convenient number of eligible bachelor sons. While not an unusual theme for an Amish romance, Davids brings a few unique twists that makes it fresh. Plus, she knows how to delve deep into her characters' emotions and that's what kept me turning pages. It's not just the hero and heroine either -- it's the well developed secondary characters who significantly contribute to the plot as well.
Second, is the touching story of a Deaf woman seeking acceptance for who she is. Not broken or in need of fixing or destined to be a burden to her family, but someone who is strong and capable and worth knowing...and loving...just the way she is. Davids did an incredible job of exploring aspects of Deaf culture which I found really fascinating.
Esther and Gabe's heartwarming romance is fueled with love, laughter and faith...and enough misunderstandings to keep us a reader on our toes until the very end. :-)
December 13, 2020
I'm giving this book 5 stars because I enjoyed it. I think that what I liked best about this book was I learned a few things. The author has pulled off a great story and the characters seem real. I also like how some of their feelings came out loud and clear to me from the book. Being deaf I'm sure is frustrating. I know it would be for me. But I think a certain young lady in this story handled it very well. I will be wondering if you will recognize the story for what it represented like I did. It didn't take me long to notice. I still enjoyed the book just because I love Amish fiction. The Amish are a very interesting people. I love the way they are a community and help one another, Their simple lifestyle. And their cooking is so very gut! Every time I read an Amish novel I can smell the food! So appetising!
The hardest thing in my opinion is Trust. It is a fragile thing. I think you have to at least try anyway.
Not everyone is the same. I'm also pretty sure that all men don't like to be lumped into the same category either.
I recommend this book. My thanks to Harlequin for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
The hardest thing in my opinion is Trust. It is a fragile thing. I think you have to at least try anyway.
Not everyone is the same. I'm also pretty sure that all men don't like to be lumped into the same category either.
I recommend this book. My thanks to Harlequin for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
February 2, 2021
Esther is far from thrilled about her stepmother's grand matchmaking trip, deaf from the age of ten, she believes that a hearing man would be at all interested in her.
A heartwarming story, I loved Esther from the beginning, and I liked the insights that this book brought into the complications of a non-hearing person living among the Amish. I admired how she didn't let the obstacles hold her back.
Gabe is a fantastic hero, he is kind and thoughtful, he takes the time to make sure that Esther feels included. He isn't a fan of his cousins grand matchmaking schemes, but he is clever, he captured my heart with his thoughtfulness.
Overall, this is a well written read with a full cast of characters, humorous moments, and faith. I loved how the author brought the difference dynamics of the family to life, with strong dialogue, and great interaction, but my favorite part was this book's inspiring heroine. Heartwarming story, with great characters, this is Amish fiction at its best!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A heartwarming story, I loved Esther from the beginning, and I liked the insights that this book brought into the complications of a non-hearing person living among the Amish. I admired how she didn't let the obstacles hold her back.
Gabe is a fantastic hero, he is kind and thoughtful, he takes the time to make sure that Esther feels included. He isn't a fan of his cousins grand matchmaking schemes, but he is clever, he captured my heart with his thoughtfulness.
Overall, this is a well written read with a full cast of characters, humorous moments, and faith. I loved how the author brought the difference dynamics of the family to life, with strong dialogue, and great interaction, but my favorite part was this book's inspiring heroine. Heartwarming story, with great characters, this is Amish fiction at its best!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 13, 2020
I'm giving this book 5 stars because I enjoyed it.
I think that what I liked best about this book was I learned a few things.
The author has pulled off a great story and the characters seem real.
I also like how some of their feelings came out loud and clear to me from the book.
Being deaf I'm sure is frustrating. I know it would be for me. But I think a certain young lady in this story handled it very well.
I will be wondering if you will recognize the story for what it represented like I did. It didn't take me long to notice.
I still enjoyed the book just because I love Amish fiction.
The Amish are a very interesting people. I love they way they are a community and help one another, simple lifestyle, their cooking is so very gut!
Every time I read an Amish novel I can smell the food! So appetising!
I recommend this book.
My thanks to Harlequin for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I think that what I liked best about this book was I learned a few things.
The author has pulled off a great story and the characters seem real.
I also like how some of their feelings came out loud and clear to me from the book.
Being deaf I'm sure is frustrating. I know it would be for me. But I think a certain young lady in this story handled it very well.
I will be wondering if you will recognize the story for what it represented like I did. It didn't take me long to notice.
I still enjoyed the book just because I love Amish fiction.
The Amish are a very interesting people. I love they way they are a community and help one another, simple lifestyle, their cooking is so very gut!
Every time I read an Amish novel I can smell the food! So appetising!
I recommend this book.
My thanks to Harlequin for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
January 25, 2021
An uplifting, inspiring, and entertaining tale of acceptance, family, falling in love and finding your partner. This story made me smile with its pure and sweet turns of the tale.
There is something to be said about the Amish entrepenual skills and determination to succeed. The way the whole crew works together for the good of the family is admirable.
I loved the natural and authentic connection between Esther and Gabe. They were like the two parts of one as they worked together, with their interests, and skills. Their desire to better their communication, Gabe's determination to learn sign language, and the research he did to possibly make Esther's life easier were endearing. They talked about the problems they faced, they apologized when needed, they forgave any crossings, and learned from their mistakes.
An inspiring, endearing, and captivating sweet tale of love filled with delightful romance and informing bits of life and challenges a deaf person faces. Life lessons that can be learned from, gaining an understanding that can be extended to also those who do not fluently understand the language spoken around them.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
There is something to be said about the Amish entrepenual skills and determination to succeed. The way the whole crew works together for the good of the family is admirable.
I loved the natural and authentic connection between Esther and Gabe. They were like the two parts of one as they worked together, with their interests, and skills. Their desire to better their communication, Gabe's determination to learn sign language, and the research he did to possibly make Esther's life easier were endearing. They talked about the problems they faced, they apologized when needed, they forgave any crossings, and learned from their mistakes.
An inspiring, endearing, and captivating sweet tale of love filled with delightful romance and informing bits of life and challenges a deaf person faces. Life lessons that can be learned from, gaining an understanding that can be extended to also those who do not fluently understand the language spoken around them.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
December 26, 2022
I really liked the characters in this book, especially Esther and Gabe’s beautiful love story. I loved reading about the deaf and how their world is for them, especially in a “hearing” world. I think it will make me more sensitive. I love that they all realize it is God’s will. It reminds me of my wonderful church family that have special needs children and how much they love and care for them knowing they are special and it was God’s will to be created just the way they are. These precious Christians are an inspiration to me. I highly recommend this book. I noticed it is part of a series called the “North Country Amish”. Perhaps they all take place in Maine. Not sure. But it is a totally stand alone book.
May 22, 2021
I love a story that teaches. Patricia David's captured my heart with this story. Esther has a beautiful story to tell about life as a hearing impaired individual and struggles and victories they encounter. Gabe is a compassionate man who hopes to win her heart. Their story is a joy to read . Esther and Gabe and their families show the reader to have compassion, trust your Faith, love your family. Summer reading you can't put down.
July 19, 2021
Esther struggles to get acceptance from her family and community for her deafness. She only wants to be loved for herself, not changed to 'fit' their ideals. She shows her courage to remain true to herself and spread her 'light' to all.
December 31, 2020
What a sweet Amish romance! Gabe works in the family business but he also wants to help out their finances with his leather working business. He is a very talented harness and key ring maker, but meeting artistic and creative Esther Burkholder changes what he makes and opens his eyes to the possibility of finding love. The one challenge is that Esther is Deaf and does not want to try to use a hearing aid. She wants people to accept her just as she is. Gabe has many obstacles to overcome in order to discover what his heart really wants. I sincerely enjoyed this story, especially learning more about the Deaf in the Amish community. Because my daughter has a really good friend who is Deaf, this book meant a lot to me, to see Esther accepted into the hearing world and able to use her God-given talents usefully. I enjoyed the plot, the conflicts and the characters with all of their flaws and strengths. I felt like each one was in front of me, getting to know each other as I got to know them. The totally clean read was expected since the book is a Love Inspired tale, and this one as particularly enjoyable because of the Amish aspect. I really enjoy finding out more about the Amish lifestyle and how important family is to them. I learned a lot from this book, both about the Amish and about the Deaf. Kudos to the author for a well-researched and enjoyable book!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
January 26, 2021
Someone to Trust by Patricia Davids is a cute Amish novel. Wanetta Burkholder has married into a family with four daughters of marriageable age and she knows her cousin in Maine has four bachelor sons. The two women decide that Wanetta and her step-children should visit which gives them the chance to do a little matchmaking. Gabe Fisher is too busy working to have time to court and Esther Burkholder, who is deaf, does not want a hearing husband. The matchmaking venture seems doomed from the start. I enjoyed this engaging Amish novel. It is the 4th book in North Country Amish, but it can be read as a standalone. I thought Someone to Trust was well-written with steady pacing. I liked the characters especially Gabe and Esther. An Amish deaf woman is a unique concept. I like how the author dealt with the topic of deafness. Esther was a strong character who did not let her deafness keep her from enjoying life. She lived a full life with a job she loved, good friends, and special talents (sketching and sewing). Esther is also a smart woman who came up with some great ideas for helping Gabe’s leatherworking business. Faith and God are beautifully incorporated into the story. It is wonderful that the Amish view children with disabilities as gifts from God. There were some sweet, tender moments in the story along with some humorous ones. Jonah, Esther’s younger brother, provided some of the amusing ones. He is an honest little fellow. It was interesting learning about the leatherworking trade. This is my favorite book by Patricia Davids. Someone to Trust is a heartwarming Amish tale with matchmaking mamas, fetching flowers, stunning sketches, wandering walks, a woman satisfied with self, a compassionate man, and surprising romance.
March 18, 2021
Someone to Trust is a very heartwarming story written by Patricia David's in her North Country Amish series. The author has done a wonderful job telling her story thru her realistic characters. I enjoyed getting acquainted with Esther Burkholder, a young deaf Amish woman who has traveled to Maine with her sisters and step mother to visit a dear family friend. While there it is the hope of the mothers of both families to make matches between the daughters and sons. When a terrifying accident throws Estherand Have Fisher together for many reason Esther makes it clear she will only marry a deaf man. Now Esther finds a way to express herself not only to her step mother but also Have but the results may not be what the reader will expect. The author has done an amazing job telling her story involving the deaf community and their way of communicating. I enjoyed this story very much.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response and all opinions are my own. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response and all opinions are my own. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
February 4, 2021
I don't read a lot of Amish romance or even inspirational fiction these days, but this one really hit the spot - so much so that I'm thinking I need to remedy that lack of the genre in my TBR. Someone to Trust is the fifth book in the North Country Amish series, but it can totally be read as a standalone. That said, there are some wonderful characters, both primary and secondary, that will make you want more of the series. This book gives us Gabe and Esther, and they are just too darned adorable together. Both characters are lovable and the couple is one you can't help but root for. I liked the way Patricia Davids handled Esther being deaf, including Gabe's determination to learn to communicate with her as well as making things easier for her whenever possible. The whole story comes together wonderfully and it's one of those that leaves you with a smile - something that is much needed in this current stressful and chaotic world.
March 5, 2021
What a beautiful story! I loved the character of Esther in this book. She’s struggling with being “different” from others in her Amish community because of her deafness. She has determined that she will only marry an Amish man who is also deaf, because she wants to be loved and accepted for who she is, and not an object of pity. But when she meets Gabe, she begins to hope that she’s found someone who will cherish her and not consider her deafness a major flaw.
The author did a great job of allowing us to see Esther’s struggle from a deaf person’s point of view. She brought out the importance of acknowledging the sovereignty of God in each individual’s life and the need for us to open our hears and minds to His leading. Patricia Davids is a wonderful author, and I always look forward to reading her books.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The author did a great job of allowing us to see Esther’s struggle from a deaf person’s point of view. She brought out the importance of acknowledging the sovereignty of God in each individual’s life and the need for us to open our hears and minds to His leading. Patricia Davids is a wonderful author, and I always look forward to reading her books.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
June 5, 2021
4.5 stars -- wonderfully engaging, 💖 it
First and most important -- you will LOVE this book. Such great characters and scenes come to life. I can see that moose!
My paternal grandfather was deaf but not from birth. He was 18 or 19. But I never realized how his "world" must have been until I read this book. He could lip read very well but how many conversations was he left out of? Not intentionally but because we didn't know. We used a LOT of "magic tablets".
You will really enjoy this story. Trust me. 😉 It has a HEA ending. Written during COVID-19, Patricia David's (one of my fav Amish authors) has woven a family dynamic that feels honest and realistic.
I had to remove .5 stars because there are major formatting errors throughout the book when read on a Kindle Fire. Bounced from "normal" or original font setting to a smaller one. Back and forth throughout. I used the Report Content Error/Formatting to let the publisher know.
First and most important -- you will LOVE this book. Such great characters and scenes come to life. I can see that moose!
My paternal grandfather was deaf but not from birth. He was 18 or 19. But I never realized how his "world" must have been until I read this book. He could lip read very well but how many conversations was he left out of? Not intentionally but because we didn't know. We used a LOT of "magic tablets".
You will really enjoy this story. Trust me. 😉 It has a HEA ending. Written during COVID-19, Patricia David's (one of my fav Amish authors) has woven a family dynamic that feels honest and realistic.
I had to remove .5 stars because there are major formatting errors throughout the book when read on a Kindle Fire. Bounced from "normal" or original font setting to a smaller one. Back and forth throughout. I used the Report Content Error/Formatting to let the publisher know.
August 8, 2021
I loved this book!! Great story!! Loved gabe and ester!! Didn’t like her step mom!! Glad that she wrote a book about a Amish disabled person!! Love this author’s books!! Love these little short books!!
May 28, 2024
I'm giving this book two stars because Davids accurately portrayed both the Amish, the Deaf, and the people who sympathize with them both. But that's as far as I go. I would give this zero stars if it weren't for the fact that it's spot on in dealing with both communities.
And embodies E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G. I abhor about hypocrites, both with the Amish and Deaf. I lived in Amish country for eight years - and was treated like scum of the earth by them because I didn't dress the way they did or follow their extra-Biblical BS. They would herd their children away from mine at auctions, sidestep and inch away like we had something catching. And then my cousins became 'Plain' for three years - one married a woman set apart for him by the bishop. She laughing says to me (later), "We just do it for the attention. I have no idea what we even believe." I. Kid. You. NOT.
For that matter, neither do any of the characters in this story. There's no praying, no faith, no Bible reading... it's just ritual and adherence to rules some man made up for their own little group. What does the Bible say about 'adding to or taking away' from Scripture, again? So much for 'Love, INSPIRED'.
As for the Deaf, I spent three years amongst them weekly whilst my daughter was getting her ASL certification. I should probably add that she does *NOT* work with the Deaf, and has nothing to do with any of them... none of us do. They treated us like scum because we're hearing so we're not *SPECIAL*. They tolerated us at best, even though my entire family Signs and has since my kids were in diapers. The Deaf don't want to interact with hearing people, they want exclusivity and attention. Period.
Even interpreters? They're convenient to use, and when I say *use* I mean while Signing for them, you're their little servant, and you do what they say to do and Sign what they Sign and you do it NOW, and then get the heck outta their faces, because you're actually hearing, so you're second class and now that the appointment is over, your use has expired, kthxbye.
((NoTe: This is *NOT* the reason my daughter doesn't interpret. She doesn't interpret, because interpreters MUST Sign e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. that they say - you're not allowed to omit. So unless you want to sign 'b-tch', 'f-ing cunt', wh-re, '-ssh-le', and the like? You don't want to be an interpreter. You'd be censoring them NOT to Sign their words.))
This was a miserable trip down memory lane for me, and I loathed every step of it. But it's 100% true, the way these people are. In fact, Davids even makes the same excuses for everything, for both the Deaf and the Amish. I... can't even stress how distasteful everything in this book is.
I do have another LARGE complaint. The 'conversations' that Davids writes in ASL are absolutely NOTHING like what Signing is like. First, they don't use linking verbs (are, was, were, am, etc.). So when she has a character ask if Esther is hungry and she Signs 'I am'...?? That's BS. She would Sign 'yes' - there is no 'I am'. There's a LOT of things they Sign in this book that are not even close to the words they would use. ASL it's all abbreviated and in order of importance, word-wise: "If you get up early tomorrow morning, you might see a moose" would actually be Signed, "See moose if go early morning tomorrow." If you want to be authentic, that's how you'd write it.
One more thing - the lack of physical description in the girls who arrive is annoying. We're supposed to connect with characters (Nancy, Julia, Pamela), and they're like a mass crammed into one character, due to lack of fleshing out *any* description. I get that there's a page limit, but the lack of descriptive writing here is detrimental to the characterizations.
What *REALLY* annoys me is that in book #7, Davids COMPLETELY shucks everything in this book and re-characterizes the brothers, pretends the relationship Moses forms here never existed... it's a hot mess and badly done, so if you plan to continue, beware.
Nope. Not okay with this one.
And embodies E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G. I abhor about hypocrites, both with the Amish and Deaf. I lived in Amish country for eight years - and was treated like scum of the earth by them because I didn't dress the way they did or follow their extra-Biblical BS. They would herd their children away from mine at auctions, sidestep and inch away like we had something catching. And then my cousins became 'Plain' for three years - one married a woman set apart for him by the bishop. She laughing says to me (later), "We just do it for the attention. I have no idea what we even believe." I. Kid. You. NOT.
For that matter, neither do any of the characters in this story. There's no praying, no faith, no Bible reading... it's just ritual and adherence to rules some man made up for their own little group. What does the Bible say about 'adding to or taking away' from Scripture, again? So much for 'Love, INSPIRED'.
As for the Deaf, I spent three years amongst them weekly whilst my daughter was getting her ASL certification. I should probably add that she does *NOT* work with the Deaf, and has nothing to do with any of them... none of us do. They treated us like scum because we're hearing so we're not *SPECIAL*. They tolerated us at best, even though my entire family Signs and has since my kids were in diapers. The Deaf don't want to interact with hearing people, they want exclusivity and attention. Period.
Even interpreters? They're convenient to use, and when I say *use* I mean while Signing for them, you're their little servant, and you do what they say to do and Sign what they Sign and you do it NOW, and then get the heck outta their faces, because you're actually hearing, so you're second class and now that the appointment is over, your use has expired, kthxbye.
((NoTe: This is *NOT* the reason my daughter doesn't interpret. She doesn't interpret, because interpreters MUST Sign e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. that they say - you're not allowed to omit. So unless you want to sign 'b-tch', 'f-ing cunt', wh-re, '-ssh-le', and the like? You don't want to be an interpreter. You'd be censoring them NOT to Sign their words.))
This was a miserable trip down memory lane for me, and I loathed every step of it. But it's 100% true, the way these people are. In fact, Davids even makes the same excuses for everything, for both the Deaf and the Amish. I... can't even stress how distasteful everything in this book is.
I do have another LARGE complaint. The 'conversations' that Davids writes in ASL are absolutely NOTHING like what Signing is like. First, they don't use linking verbs (are, was, were, am, etc.). So when she has a character ask if Esther is hungry and she Signs 'I am'...?? That's BS. She would Sign 'yes' - there is no 'I am'. There's a LOT of things they Sign in this book that are not even close to the words they would use. ASL it's all abbreviated and in order of importance, word-wise: "If you get up early tomorrow morning, you might see a moose" would actually be Signed, "See moose if go early morning tomorrow." If you want to be authentic, that's how you'd write it.
One more thing - the lack of physical description in the girls who arrive is annoying. We're supposed to connect with characters (Nancy, Julia, Pamela), and they're like a mass crammed into one character, due to lack of fleshing out *any* description. I get that there's a page limit, but the lack of descriptive writing here is detrimental to the characterizations.
What *REALLY* annoys me is that in book #7, Davids COMPLETELY shucks everything in this book and re-characterizes the brothers, pretends the relationship Moses forms here never existed... it's a hot mess and badly done, so if you plan to continue, beware.
Nope. Not okay with this one.
February 2, 2021
I’m attracted to books that have main characters with disabilities. Living with a chronic illness myself, I’m fond of representation especially when it is done well. The cover for SOMEONE TO TRUST has an Amish woman giving the American Sign Language symbol for “I Love You,” so the book cover intrigued me immediately. When I found out it was a romance book about a Deaf woman and a hearing man in an Amish community, my intrigue only grew. 🤟🏻
This is my first Patricia Davids novel and I’ve learned it is actually the fifth in the NORTH COUNTY AMISH series for Harlequin although each can be read as a standalone book. I really enjoyed the world and characters she built. SOMEONE TO TRUST was a sweet, clean romance. I learned about Amish culture and a lot about of Deaf culture.
The one aspect I really loved is she made Esther a strong woman. Being Deaf did not hinder her. Davids let the reader see all sides of life that Esther dealt with: family treatment, self-esteem, outsiders treatment, and romance. It was a thoughtful and sweet read to see her story play out for her happily ever after.
To be honest, I expected a fluffy book and I got something more deeper, which makes me a very happy reader. SOMEONE TO TRUST was an unexpected and uplifting joy to read filled with fantastic representation of Deaf culture. 🤟🏻
Thanks so much to @HarlequinBooks and @HarlequinPublicityTeam for my #gifted copy!
Follow me at @niftyreads on Instagram!
This is my first Patricia Davids novel and I’ve learned it is actually the fifth in the NORTH COUNTY AMISH series for Harlequin although each can be read as a standalone book. I really enjoyed the world and characters she built. SOMEONE TO TRUST was a sweet, clean romance. I learned about Amish culture and a lot about of Deaf culture.
The one aspect I really loved is she made Esther a strong woman. Being Deaf did not hinder her. Davids let the reader see all sides of life that Esther dealt with: family treatment, self-esteem, outsiders treatment, and romance. It was a thoughtful and sweet read to see her story play out for her happily ever after.
To be honest, I expected a fluffy book and I got something more deeper, which makes me a very happy reader. SOMEONE TO TRUST was an unexpected and uplifting joy to read filled with fantastic representation of Deaf culture. 🤟🏻
Thanks so much to @HarlequinBooks and @HarlequinPublicityTeam for my #gifted copy!
Follow me at @niftyreads on Instagram!
August 30, 2022
Someone To Trust is a well-written Amish romance by author Patricia Davids. Someone To Trust is part of the North Country Amish series. Even though it is part of a series it can act as a stand-alone.
Waneta, Gabe Fisher’s aunt, was coming for a visit to Maine. His dad wasn’t very fond of her, but she was his wife’s sister. She was also bringing her children, hoping to find her daughters a beau to marry.
Seth, Asher, and Gabe were triplets and they shared a close connection. The girls coming with Aunt Waneta were of marriageable age. So you can probably guess where this is going. However, the triplets were more interested in keeping their business afloat.
Esther Burkholder was deaf so her little brother signed for her. Actually, Esther enjoyed the solitude. Her father saw deafness as an affliction that ran in the family. It was interesting to learn about the cochlear implant and how it helped some who were deaf. The story also mentioned other ways the deaf were helped.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Someone To Trust and give it 5*/5*.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Waneta, Gabe Fisher’s aunt, was coming for a visit to Maine. His dad wasn’t very fond of her, but she was his wife’s sister. She was also bringing her children, hoping to find her daughters a beau to marry.
Seth, Asher, and Gabe were triplets and they shared a close connection. The girls coming with Aunt Waneta were of marriageable age. So you can probably guess where this is going. However, the triplets were more interested in keeping their business afloat.
Esther Burkholder was deaf so her little brother signed for her. Actually, Esther enjoyed the solitude. Her father saw deafness as an affliction that ran in the family. It was interesting to learn about the cochlear implant and how it helped some who were deaf. The story also mentioned other ways the deaf were helped.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Someone To Trust and give it 5*/5*.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
June 28, 2022
Wanetta is vile. The ignorance about how to be polite to a person with a hearing impairment
was well portrayed.
Gabe's father was lovely. I appreciated his compassion for Esther and his opinion of Wanetta's treatment of her. The Bishop in Esther's district was wonderful in supporting her sister over her stalker.
While listening to Alexa read this story to me, I remembered sitting in a bible study class and asking the Pastor why Jesus asked the blind man what he wanted? If he is blind, obviously he would want to see. My Pastor told me that being blind is what the man knew. It is possible that his wants were different. He could have wanted a filling meal, a roof over his head, a dog, etc.
I am both visually and hearing impaired. I was on the phone with a customer and when I explained that I needed him to repeat himself, because I didn't hear him (over his background noise) and apologetically explained about my impairment. He had the nerve to say that I shouldn't have my job if I couldn't hear him. I felt for Esther when she was dealing with her horrible customer.
This story evoked alot of memories.
was well portrayed.
Gabe's father was lovely. I appreciated his compassion for Esther and his opinion of Wanetta's treatment of her. The Bishop in Esther's district was wonderful in supporting her sister over her stalker.
While listening to Alexa read this story to me, I remembered sitting in a bible study class and asking the Pastor why Jesus asked the blind man what he wanted? If he is blind, obviously he would want to see. My Pastor told me that being blind is what the man knew. It is possible that his wants were different. He could have wanted a filling meal, a roof over his head, a dog, etc.
I am both visually and hearing impaired. I was on the phone with a customer and when I explained that I needed him to repeat himself, because I didn't hear him (over his background noise) and apologetically explained about my impairment. He had the nerve to say that I shouldn't have my job if I couldn't hear him. I felt for Esther when she was dealing with her horrible customer.
This story evoked alot of memories.
January 7, 2023
The Love Inspired Inspirational Romance book, Someone to Trust, was an enjoyable read. Esther Burkholder is a Deaf Amish woman. She meets Gabe Fischer when her family visits his family in Maine for a few weeks. He is a hard worker with a leather goods workshop. Esther is good at sewing and she ends up helping Gabe with his projects. They get along well except that communication can be difficult. Esther is sure that she wants to marry a deaf man, someone who understands her silent world. Gabe wonders why she doesn't do whatever she can to get some of her hearing back. They will need to compromise and live with God's way. This sweet story has well developed character descriptions and a look into the Amish way of life. I found it entertaining.
June 7, 2021
Perception is everything
We all think that our beliefs, values, ect. are the right ones. Gabe and Esther meet as he saves her from a large truck. She is profoundly deaf and he has perfect hearing. They are Amish and therefore their beliefs and language are different. Esther starts helping Gabe in his leather working shop as they work together they fall in love. Gabe, unfortunately still has a hearing person's viewpoint in that he thinks that Esther would be better off If she could hear. Esther feels she is as God made her. You will need to read the book to see if they can work their relationship out
We all think that our beliefs, values, ect. are the right ones. Gabe and Esther meet as he saves her from a large truck. She is profoundly deaf and he has perfect hearing. They are Amish and therefore their beliefs and language are different. Esther starts helping Gabe in his leather working shop as they work together they fall in love. Gabe, unfortunately still has a hearing person's viewpoint in that he thinks that Esther would be better off If she could hear. Esther feels she is as God made her. You will need to read the book to see if they can work their relationship out
April 3, 2022
Underestimated
Panetta isn't one of the favored characters to read about. She's over bearing and just plain bossy. But here she has a good idea and takes her step-daughters to be matched with her Cousins sons. Immediately you fall in love with Esthers character and the author does an amazing job with the storyline and bringing the plight of the deaf to light. The family's underestimation of her capabilities is hard to fathom. But Gabe learns early on to not under estimate her value.
Panetta isn't one of the favored characters to read about. She's over bearing and just plain bossy. But here she has a good idea and takes her step-daughters to be matched with her Cousins sons. Immediately you fall in love with Esthers character and the author does an amazing job with the storyline and bringing the plight of the deaf to light. The family's underestimation of her capabilities is hard to fathom. But Gabe learns early on to not under estimate her value.
May 11, 2022
I enjoyed this book very much. I'm a Mainer so I particularly like books based in Maine. We have an ever-growing Amish population here so it's interesting to read this New Covenant series. I like how the author approached the life of a Deaf person and all the feelings on both sides of a potential relationship with a hearing individual.
This is excellent in the genre and Amish theme, with real life possibilities. The characters are just right too!
This is excellent in the genre and Amish theme, with real life possibilities. The characters are just right too!
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