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North Country Amish #3

The Amish Teacher's Dilemma

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Will she return to her old life...or risk everything to build a new one?

Taking a schoolteacher position in another district is just the change Amish spinster Eva Coblentz needs. And with her new neighbour, blacksmith Willis Gingrich, struggling to raise his three orphaned siblings, Eva is determined to help them heal. But when her relatives insist she come home, Eva must choose between the life she left...and the one she's growing to love.

Mills & Boon Love Inspired -- Heartfelt stories that show that faith, forgiveness and hope have the power to lift spirits and change lives.

297 pages, Library Binding

First published February 1, 2020

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About the author

Patricia Davids

150 books389 followers
I 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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Andrea Fleury.
972 reviews78 followers
August 6, 2021
Willis and Eva

Eva comes to town to be the new school teacher. On her first day she meets Willis and his three siblings. Eva befriends them soon she has feelings for Willis but he holds a secret. He tells her he will never marry. All of a sudden things go wrong and Eva is there to help . Maybe willis will have feelings for her
Profile Image for Shirley Chapel.
665 reviews141 followers
April 26, 2020
The main character in this book, Eva Coblentz, had recently moved from Pennsylvania to New Covenant Maine . She had been hired to be the teacher of the new Amish School there. She had spent years caring for her grandparents until they both died and she was no longer needed in her brother's home. She had answered an add in the Amish newspaper for the teaching position and moved there to begin a new life. Her position as teacher was only on a month to month trial basis for the first year. She had no experience teaching but hoped to adapt to it and make a career out of it. Would the strict Amish school board President, Samuel Yoder, allow her to stay on permanently?
The local Amish blacksmith, Willis Gingrich had his shop directly across the road from the school. Willis was unmarried and was a legal guardian of his three younger siblings. Two boys and a six year old girl. The Little girl had a habit of repeating everything she heard at home much to her big brother's dismay. She had a make believe friend she called Bubble. Maddie made up a lot of stories and told people Willis was going to marry the new school teacher so she could cook good meals and take care of the family.
Willis had a secret he kept from everyone. It controlled his life and because of it he knew he could never marry. Once he had confided it to a girl he loved but she had laughed at him and made fun of him in front of her friends. He would never tell anyone ever again about the secret he kept. Especially the beautiful new school teacher that he seemed to be smitten with.
I thought the story was cute because of the children. Both humor and unhappiness was a part of this book. The author was well researched on the topic of dyslexia and learning disabilities. Also characters wrestled with feelings of self worth because of what they had dealt with in their past. The children dealt with the sudden loss of both parents and had to make a lot of adjustments when they moved with big brother from Illinois to Maine.
All readers of Amish fiction and fans of Patricia Davids will love this warm hearted book. I highly recommend it to you.
I downloaded a kindle ebook copy of The Amish Teacher's Dilemma from the Ohio Digital Library. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Profile Image for Bethany (Beautifully Bookish Bethany).
2,608 reviews4,291 followers
May 15, 2020
Compelling characters, a sweet romance, and conversation around dyslexia made The Amish Teacher's Dilemma a solid pick for me. This isn't my typical sub-genre, but I find I enjoy the writing and storytelling of this author. We are following a spinster Amish woman who has spent her life being dependent on a less than ideal older brother, but now is trying to spread her wings by taking a teaching job in an Amish community across the country.

She quickly comes to know her neighbors- a charming young blacksmith raising his younger brothers and sister. They develop a slow friendship and romance that is really quite lovely. The conflict here arises from two places: her brother wants her to return home to care for HIS in-laws, and the blacksmith is hiding his inability to read due to undiagnosed dyslexia. Which one of his brothers appears to have as well. This was sweet, quiet, and has a heroine who stands up for herself as much as her community will allow and makes you want to root for her. I received a copy of this book for review from Harlequin. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Dianne.
1,719 reviews139 followers
May 31, 2020
Exactly the type of book I need when I want to snuggle up to something gentle with a HEA that doesn't involve bodily functions. (Sorry, but that needed to be said IMO)

I love this author because she doesn't over-preach yet she certainly gets her point across. This makes me respect her a lot since I am not a religious person, yet I love her stories and I find them informative, sweet and always teaches me something.

This particular story deals with two people who are made for each other, yet have promised themselves never to marry one because they have a deep secret and the other...well no secrets just a yearning. We have a "meet cute-ish beginning, a scare, and a deep secret -so this book touches on all that makes a romance.

Well worth the few hours it will take you to read and may even become a keeper on your re-read shelf.

*ARC supplied by the publisher.
Profile Image for Robin Loves Reading.
2,425 reviews423 followers
March 1, 2020
Eva Coblentz is excited to become a teacher in a newly formed Amish school. The community in northern Maine is relatively new and until now, the children have been attending an English school. As Eva is getting settled, she soon meets one of her neighbors, Willis Gingrich, a blacksmith. She discovers that Willis is raising his three younger siblings. Their parents were killed in an accident and now Willis is their guardian. All three children will be Eva's students.

It doesn't take long for Eva to fall in love with Willis's siblings, especially his little sister. She also takes well to the challenge of teaching for the very first time. However, her brother come to visit and shares a missive with her: she is instructed to return home to care for an ailing in-law.

Will Eva leave the family she is so drawn to or will she manage to stay where she is? It doesn't take long for Eva to feel very drawn to Willis and his family. However, there is something that Willis is hiding - not just to Eva, but to his siblings as well. I don't want to mention exactly what that is because it is most likely a spoiler. But I wanted to touch on it because it is a very serious issue for an Amish fiction. I applaud Patricia Davids to bring this into this sweet romance.

I have read and loved all three books in the North Country Amish series. The Amish Teacher's Dilemma is a remarkable story and is one that I would love to reread. Ms. Davids writes each story so well, and I must admit that I cried more than once while reading all three stories, but was always left with a warm happy feeling as each book drew to a close.

Many thanks to Harlequin and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Maureen Timerman.
3,031 reviews488 followers
January 29, 2020
This is a sweet book to get lost in. I loved that this young woman is finally able to have a life of her own, now at 30 she has changed states, moving from Ohio to Maine, and going to earn a living, becoming a teacher.
The author also gives us a man whose parents have passed away and has taken on the responsibility of his younger siblings, all the while holding on to a secret that has kept him single and afraid.
Now, things are about to change even before they start, and you wonder about how much power a brother has over his sister.
When this book was finished, and I wanted more pages, I could see this story continuing seemed like there was more, especially since there are some new people in the community?

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.
Profile Image for Dianne.
1,719 reviews139 followers
September 21, 2024
Exactly the type of book I need when I want to snuggle up to something gentle with a HEA that doesn't involve bodily functions. (Sorry, but that needed to be said IMO)

I love this author because she doesn't over-preach yet she certainly gets her point across. This makes me respect her a lot since I am not a religious person, yet I love her stories and I find them informative, sweet and always teaches me something.

This particular story deals with two people who are made for each other, yet have promised themselves never to marry one because they have a deep secret and the other...well no secrets just a yearning. We have a "meet cute-ish beginning, a scare, and a deep secret -so this book touches on all that makes a romance.

Well worth the few hours it will take you to read and may even become a keeper on your re-read shelf.

*ARC supplied by the publisher.
Profile Image for Faith.
2,016 reviews
February 19, 2020
Eva Coblentz takes a job as a schoolteacher in a new district, never married, she has a love of learning sees this job as an opportunity to try something new and escape her domineering brother. She is an intelligent and capable woman, confident on her own, efficient and compassionate. I loved how she took her life into her own hands, stepping outside of what she had known and trying something different. She is very observant and embraces her new role in the community.



Blacksmith Willis Gingrich is struggling to raise his three younger siblings, who are all flourishing under the guidance of their new teacher. Willis isn't interested in marriage, he has more than he can handle with his work and the children, but he and Eva form a fast friendship bonding over the children and she gives him a new outlook on learning.



Well developed characters, and great storytelling, with a fantastic plot with good tension, and good dynamics throughout. I liked the character growth and interaction, throughout. I loved how relatable the characters and storyline were. Highly enjoyable, with great characters, and an engaging plot. Definitely recommend!



I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Lori.
1,892 reviews124 followers
February 15, 2020
I found myself loving Eva more and more as the story went on. Her kind and caring ways had me hooked to the story from the beginning.
She's a sweetheart and wants adventure in her life which I couldn't blame her for.
I admire her for stepping out of her comfort zone.
I for one can relate to that. It can be a mighty hard thing to do. But with God's help we can learn to adjust to our surroundings. Sometimes you just have to go where He needs you to be.
You'll learn to fall in love with Willis and his siblings who are a delight to be around. Willis certainly has his hands full.
There are some scenes that will have you giggling while at the same time holding your breath. You'll also be finding yourself cheering these characters on.
I have come to enjoy Davids stories. They're such a delight to read and we can learn a lot about the Amish in a short amountof time.
I love how the words just seem to flow from her pen to create a story such as this one does.
I think the only thing I didn't like was her brother and his wife. I considered them lazy and unusual. Especially his wife. She's just plumb lazy.
I encourage you to pick up a copy for yourself and read it. It's a wonderful book and won't let you put it down until your are finished.
My thanks to Harliquin and Netgalley for a complimentary copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own
Profile Image for Marilyn.
1,134 reviews
May 29, 2020
Eva Coblentz finally had an opportunity to teach and do things she wanted after caring for aging grandparents and others. A move to New Covenant, Maine to become there first Amish teacher gave her a freedom she hadn’t known. Add in blacksmith Willie Gingrich living across the way and his three young step-siblings brought pure delight to Eva. She was enthralled with the children especially young Maddie and her imaginary friend. Otto stole my heart with his struggle of dyslexia and his thoughts about school because of past remarks in his former district. I appreciate how Davids had this in her story and the research of tests and exercises that could be beneficial for children.

The relationship between Eva and Willie developed into friendship but she felt more. Willie didn’t want to allow himself to care for Eva because of his illiteracy. He kept the secret from so many after being ridiculed but his black smithy skills were amazing. There were multiple twists and turns involving Eva, Willie and the siblings that gave moments of laughter and tears. Will Willie be able to share his secret with someone who taught children and loved to read?

This is the third book in the North Country Amish but can be read as a standalone. I was under no obligation to write a favorable review but have shared my own opinion.
561 reviews13 followers
April 13, 2021
Amish in April

Love this author. Really enjoyed. Great story
Profile Image for Lori.
1,892 reviews124 followers
February 15, 2020
I am finding myself attatched Eva.
She's a sweetheart and wants adventure in her life which I couldn't blame her for.
I admire her for stepping out of her comfort zone.
I for one can relate to that. It can be a mighty hard thing to do. But with God's help we can learn to adjust to our surroundings. Sometimes you just have to go where He needs you to be.
You'll learn to fall in love with Willis and his siblings who are a delight to be around. Willis certainly has his hands full.
There are some scenes that will have you giggling while at the same time holding your breath. You'll also be finding yourself cheering these characters on.
I have come to enjoy Davids stories. They're such a delight to read and we can learn a lot about the Amish in a short amountof time.
I love how the words just seem to flow from her pen to create a story such as this one does.
I encourage you to pick up a copy for yourself and read it. It's a wonderful book and won't let you put it down until your are finished.
My thanks to Harliquin and Netgalley for a complimentary copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own
Profile Image for Carla.
6,788 reviews158 followers
March 6, 2020
Amish spinster Eva Coblentz has lived with her older brother and his wife since her parents died. She took care of her grandparents and was taken for granted by her brother and his family. When her grandparents pass, she takes the opportunity to leave and make a life for herself. Applying and being hired for a teaching position in a relatively new Amish Community in Maine, Eva is ready to start her new and independent life. Shortly after moving to New Covenant, she meets Willis Gingrich, the local Amish blacksmith who also lives across the street from the school. Willis has recently become the guardian to his three half-siblings upon the death of their parents. Will Eva be able to start a new life in New Covenant?

I really enjoyed this story. Being a retired teacher, I enjoyed Eva's growth as a teacher. Learning about dyslexia and how to help children learn is a very commonplace issue and added a great storyline as well. The characters were well-developed and very likeable. Willis' siblings were a fantastic addition to this story, especially Maddie and her make-believe friend Bubble, who got the blame for any of Maddie's outrageous comments or actions. Both Eva and Willis were entering new phases of their lives with new challenges and the story of their facing them was well-written and developed. Yes, there was an aspect of instalove, but it was done in such a touching and beautiful way. There are a few conflicts and issues that the characters have to overcome and I enjoyed reading about their journey. The secondary characters play an important role in this story as well and add much to the story. This is a Harlequin Love Inspired Story and it fits the bill nicely. Even though this is Amish Fiction and a Christian Based story, there is no preachiness to it at all. It is a beautiful, clean, family romance, that just happens to take place in an Amish Community with Amish Culture and Customs. If you enjoy a clean, beautiful romance, then this book is for you. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
Profile Image for Pamela Pavkov.
1,245 reviews14 followers
March 10, 2020
The Amish Teacher's Dilemma is a remarkable story written by Patricia Davids in her North County Amish series. This story is filled with love, faith, family, and secrets. The author has done a wonderful job creating just the right characters to tell her story. The story moved along at a great pace which keeps the readers interest. I loved the character Maddie. At such a young age she has the insight of an adult. Maddie has an imaginary friend named Bubbles who is with her constantly throughout the story and will keep the reader smiling.

Eva Coblentz has moved to New Covenant to be the first teacher in the brand new school. Eva has a lot of spunk and doesn't allow anyone to bring her down. When Eva meets neighbor Willis Gingrich she has mixed emotions about him. Willis has recently taken charge of his two younger half brothers and half sister when their parents died in an accident. Willis carries a secret and has vowed never to reveal it because of the fear of it's repercussions. When signs start appearing that maybe his younger brother Otto has the same problem Willis is determined to seek help for him. Eva discovers Otto's problem and is prepared to help him in anyway that she can. This story touches on a real problem that so many people suffer with, Dyslexia. I learned a lot about this condition from the way the author told her story.

I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was under no obligation to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.

Congratulations to Patricia Davids for writing another fantastic story for her readers enjoyment.
Profile Image for Diane.
2,432 reviews18 followers
December 23, 2022
This book was an absolute delight! Ava and Willis have a wonderful connection right from the start with their lighthearted banter and charming character. 7 year old Maddie’s personality and witty comments always made me laugh out loud and her make-believe friend Bubble gave Maddie an outlet for the grief of losing her parents and having to leave her home to live with her older brother. Bubble also serves as a much needed friend to keep Maddie company when her two older brothers aren’t at home to play with her. I really liked the dyslexia theme of the book because I learned new methods for helping re-train the brain as well as ways to teach a student without making them feel the shame that goes hand in hand with struggling to hide such a secret. This is a heartwarming and uplifting Amish story filled with family values and a sweet romance that I recommend to readers of all ages. I read a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Heather 123.
954 reviews7 followers
May 5, 2020
Not your typical Amish romance book. While most are about a young woman finding her way, this was also about a young man finding his way after his parents were killed and he had to raise his 3 younger siblings. We read about his challenges just as much as we read about hers.

The added family and community pressure was interesting this book. I loved the realness of the children and the bond they had with the teacher.

** ARC received from Netgalley **
Profile Image for Sylvia.
1,578 reviews73 followers
May 19, 2020
I loved this book!! Great story!! Read a few books by this author!! Will read more of her books!! Received this book from Harlequin-romance & canda) from netgally!!
Profile Image for Anna Marie.
1,274 reviews2 followers
May 23, 2024
Ah, now HERE is Patricia Davids doing Amish romance as only she can. I thought for a little that she might've gotten tired or worn out or something. The first two in this series were not as good as the previous books by her that I've read.

This is a delightful story about a 30-something woman who has been used by her family for years to do the cooking, cleaning, and care for their bedridden, elderly grandparents. Her brother hadn't wanted to give up the free housekeeping/nursing care, so he chased off all potential suitors, intentionally.

When the grandparents pass away, she feels as if she might finally be able to try something new and fulfilling in a different way, so she applies for a teaching position in Maine, in a newly forming community. The new schoolhouse is next to the smithy, and she finds herself falling in love with the big burly (dirty but adorable) smith and his endearing yet exasperating half-siblings (much younger, and new to him).

The absolute BEST part of the story is Bubbles, an imaginary friend. But there's plenty of other adventures to it, as well. Until a letter comes from her brother, calling her back home again to nurse his wife's mother. Can she leave all of this behind for the sake of family and duty?

I do have to tell you - I docked a star for three problems I had with the book. The first was their 'meet cute', which was more of a hot mess that made no sense. If Willis was in the middle of fixing a potato harvester? He would not inexplicably LEAVE the machine in the middle of the repair job, walk over to the school, let himself in... just to help her out of a 'faulty' desk chair. WHAT WAS THAT?!?! I'm married to a gearhead - when they're fixing something? They're "in the zone", and they don't register anything else... let alone a 'broken' wooden chair INSIDE a schoolhouse that they can't see (and isn't even metal, for him to fix). SOOOOOO forced. I... wasn't okay with it.

Another problem: the women come to the schoolteacher's brand-new house to bring her housewarming gifts of hand towels, measuring cups, etc. They're all standing around getting to know each other, and then Davids writes that Gemma has to leave because "the car is there"... and a car pulls up OUTSIDE the schoolhouse, where inexplicably her husband also shows up to get her. WHY would they order a car - days in advance, for an appointment made possibly WEEKS in advance - and have the car meet them at the schoolteacher's house? Not only that, but the HUSBAND goes there to meet the car, AND his wife?!?!? Makes. No. Sense.

I also hated the ending. Mr. Lapp fires her for being a bad schoolteacher, takes over for HALF a day, pixxes off all manner of children and doesn't read the student files/assignments... and then suddenly decides to give Eva her job back because... Otto has dyslexia?! The absolute LACK of logic in that very weird, very rushed ending was so contrived and oddly written...!!

I... liked the story. I loved the characters. I adored Bubbles.
And this is MUCH better than its two predecessors.
But... there were some issues, here, too...
Profile Image for Nancy Carty Lepri.
Author 4 books18 followers
February 15, 2020
I have reviewed this book for the New York Journal of Times website where it will be posted the evening before the release date.


"The Amish Teacher's Dilemma" by Patricia Davids
Love Inspired
February 18, 2020
10-1335429438
Contemporary Inspirational Romance
368 pages

Publicity Contact: [email protected]

Reviewed by Nancy Carty Lepri

The third issue of the North Country Amish series has Eva Coblentz moving from her childhood home in Illinois to the Amish community of New Covenant in northern Maine to start a new career. For several years as a single woman, she has been living with her brother and sister-in-law, Gene and Corinne, taking care of their family and now she has a chance to finally live her own life.

A school has just been built for the children in this tiny town, and Eva has accepted the job as their new teacher. In addition to the schoolhouse, she also is provided with a home to occupy. Any fears she may have moving far away and starting anew vanishes when she sees what she meets the townsfolk and the lovely surroundings. Leaving her home doesn't worry her, but the task ahead of her causes her great anxiety. She has no formal education training, though not a prerequisite for Amish teachers, still, she wonders if she's bitten off more than she can chew.

Eva meets the Gingrich children who live in the house across the street from the school. They are siblings of Willis, who took guardianship of his two brothers, Harley 13, Otto, 11, and sister Maddie, age seven after their parents passed away. Though it is still a few weeks before classes start, Eva gets the opportunity to become familiar with the kids, and she is delighted they will be under her care. Maddie, especially, warms her heart with her kind and precocious comments.

The brothers are typical boys, full of energy and as opposite from each other as salt is from pepper. Otto professes his hatred of schoolwork and one day, in his angst, he accidentally breaks a window in the new schoolhouse. Having to own up to his misbehavior, he is given the tasks to clean up the broken glass, work to replace it, and write, "I will respect school property" on the chalkboard 100 times. When Eva tells him his fate, he runs off stating writing on the board is "stupid," but she later finds him and Harley in the schoolroom where Otto is completing his punishment. Gazing at the blackboard, she becomes confused. The first line is well written, but the other 99 displays words with mixed up letters and a completely different style of handwriting.

Eva confers with the previous schoolteacher concluding Otto may have a learning disability. Could this explain his intense dislike for schooling? Worried,
Eva brings this up to Willis, but he appears angry, stating not everyone is book smart. Puzzled by his attitude, she lets it go deciding to be more attentive to Otto when classes begin.

Meanwhile, Willis and Eva are thrown together by unlikely forces, and Maddie has it in her head that Willis needs a wife, but Willis asserts he will never marry. He was hurt long ago, and he would not even consider a relationship. Though he is drawn to Eva, he cannot suffer the embarrassment of his past, along with a secret he holds that no one can know.

Eva also attracted to the handsome smithy, restrains in her feelings for she has heard him chastise Maddie, making it clear he is not in the market for a spouse, though with his new responsibilities, it would be beneficial for him. She tries to away from him, knowing if something should ever happen between him or any other man, she would lose her job for Amish teachers aren't allowed to be married.

One afternoon, Maddie wanders off and gets lost. Her kapp (a hat Amish females wear) is discovered near the entrance to the woods and a search party is convened. Willis fears his little sister may be hurt and berates himself for being a bad guardian. As Eva stands beside him trying to ease his anxiety and offer comfort, her affection for him grows as his apprehension intensifies.

"Ordinarily, it would have taken her weeks to get to know Willis and the children so well, but they had been together frequently since she had arrived. She didn't dream that Willis returned her warmer feelings. She was standing by him as a friend because that was what he needed now.
"She was happy if Willis found her presence comforting but to read anything else into his lingering touch just now was foolish on her part. She knew that. He wasn't interested in more than friendship. She suspected his reliance on her had as much to do with his insecurity regarding the children as anything else. She'd never had to worry about keeping her emotions in check in the past, but she would have to do it in the future where Willis was concerned."

Eva's younger brother Danny shows up unannounced a few weeks after her arrival with news that Corrine's mother has had a stroke and Eva's assistance is needed, though she cannot understand why her lazy sister-in-law is unable to care for her mother. She does not want to go back to Illinois for she now loves New Coventry. But what should she do? Does living her own life mean nothing to her brother or is she indebted to him and his family? Her feelings are torn for she enjoys her freedom and new responsibilities as well as the new friends she's made.

This sweet, inspirational romance offers a fast and easy read. The plot is somewhat predictable; however, it contains heartwarming scenes of how the Amish community come together to help each other. Though they may have a life different from what many "Englisch" live, they share the same sorrows, insecurities, apprehensions, problems, and joys. Yet throughout all tribulations, love proves to be found where and when least expected.
Profile Image for Annie.
372 reviews
June 27, 2022
There is a special place in hell for teachers who tell children that they are stupid or choose to humiliate them. I love how Eva dealt with Dyslexia. It would be nice to see all children tested for learning disabilities.

Bubble and was adorable. And it was wonderful to revisit Hero Saddie.

Once again the bishop was useless. The bishop saw the impact Eva had on Willis and his siblings, and had to know how valueable she could be to their community. Yet he was fine allowing Eva to be enslaved by her older brother!? She sacrificed for her grandparents. Fine. Why should she be expected to give up her hopes and dreams to take care of her sister in laws parents. Her brother gets to live his life and rob her of hers!? Forwarding her pay to her brother's home?! She is a 30 year old woman not a minor!?!? The misogynist attitudes really are hard to read about and make the stories less enjoyable.
Profile Image for Lynda.
1,158 reviews26 followers
July 11, 2021
Want a feel good story and learn something at the same time?

This book is for you if the answer was yes. A warm, delightful story. The little girl, Maddie, will steal your heart. As well as her imaginary friend with a wonderful, even silly name. I had an imaginary friend when I was a little girl. She didn't get me into trouble but she needed a lot of help. Maybe that's why I enjoyed Maddie so much.

You also learn about a disability and I found that there are several interesting "tools" that would assist a person so afflicted.

One warning though... Once you start reading, it's a hard book to put down. The characters are great and engaging.
Profile Image for Nancy Lepri.
136 reviews4 followers
August 25, 2020
The Amish Teacher’s Dilemma
by Patricia Davids
Love Inspired
February 18, 2020
10-1335429438
Contemporary Christian Romance
368 pages



The third Issue of the North Country Amish series has Eva Coblentz moving from her childhood home in Illinois to the Amish community of New Covenant in northern Maine to start a new career. For several years as a single woman, she has been living with her brother and sister-in-law, Gene and Corinne, taking care of their family and now she has a chance to finally live her own life.

A new Amish school has just been built in this tiny town, and Eva has accepted the job as their new teacher. Along with a new schoolhouse, she also is provided with a new home to live in. Any fears she may have had moving far from her family and starting anew vanishes when she sees what she meets the townsfolk and the lovely surroundings. Leaving family doesn’t worry her, but the task ahead of her causes her great anxiety. She has no formal education training, though not a prerequisite for Amish teachers, still she wonders if she’s bitten off more than she can chew.

Eva meets the Gingrich children who live in the house across the street from the school. They are siblings of Willis, who took guardianship of his two brothers, Harley age 13, Otto, age 11, and sister Maddie, age seven after their parents passed away. Though it is still a few weeks from the start of school, Eva is given a chance to become familiar with the kids and she is delighted they will be under her care. Maddie, especially, warms her heart with her warm heart and precocious comments.

The two brothers are typical boys, full of energy and as opposite from each other as salt is from pepper. Otto professes his hatred of school and one day, in his angst, he accidently breaks a window in the new schoolhouse. Having to own up to his misbehavior, he is given the tasks to clean up the broken glass, work to replace it, and write, “I will respect school property” on the blackboard 100 times. When Eva tells him his fate, he runs off stating writing on the board is “stupid,” but she later finds him and Harley in the schoolroom where Otto is completing his punishment. Gazing at the blackboard, she becomes confused. The first line is well written, but the other 99 displays words with mixed up letters and a completely different style of handwriting.

Eva confers with the previous schoolteacher concluding Otto may have a learning disability. Could explain his intense dislike of school? Worried, Eva brings this up to Willis, but he appears angry, stating not everyone is book smart. Puzzled by his attitude, she lets it go deciding to be more attentive to Otto when classes begin.

Meanwhile, Willis and Eva are thrown together by unlikely forces, and Maddie has it in her head that Willis needs a wife, but Willis asserts he will never marry. He was hurt long ago, and he would not even consider a relationship. Though he is drawn to Eva, he cannot suffer the embarrassment of his past and he also holds a secret no one can know.

Eva, also attracted to the handsome smithy, restrains in her feeling for she has heard him chastise Maddie, making it clear he is not in the market for a wife. She tries to steer clear of him, knowing if something should ever happen between him or any other man, she would lose her job for Amish teachers aren’t allowed to be married.

One afternoon, Maddie wanders off and gets lost. Her kapp (a hat the Amish females wear) is discovered near the entrance to the woods and a search party is convened. Willis fears his little sister may be hurt and berates himself for being a bad guardian. As Eva stands beside him trying to ease his anxiety and offer comfort, her feelings for him grows as his apprehension intensifies.

“Ordinarily, it would have taken her weeks to get to know Willis and the children so well, but they had been together frequently since she had arrived. She didn’t dream that Willis returned her warmer feelings. She was standing by him as a friend because that was what he needed now.

“She was happy if Willis found her presence comforting but to read anything else into his lingering touch just now was foolish on her part. She knew that. He wasn’t interested in more than friendship. She suspected his reliance on her had as much to do with his insecurity regarding the children as anything else. She’d never had to worry about keeping her emotions in check in the past, but she would have to do it in the future where Willis was concerned.”

Eva’s younger brother Danny shows up unannounced a few weeks after her arrival with news that Corrine’s mother has had a stroke and they need Eva to return home to help out. She does not want to go back to Illinois for she now loves New Coventry. But what should she do? Does living her own life mean nothing to her brother or is she indebted to him and his family? Her feelings are torn for she enjoys her freedom and new responsibilities as well as the new friends she’s made.

This sweet, inspirational romance offers a fast and easy read. The plot is somewhat predictable; however, it contains heartwarming scenes of how the Amish community ban together to help each other. Though they may have a life different from what many “Englisch” live, they share the same sorrows, insecurities, apprehensions, problems and joys. Yet throughout all tribulations, love proves to be found where and when least expected.
December 12, 2020
Enjoyable Read

I really enjoyed this book. Once I started, it was hard to put it down. I like reading books in a series because it contains characters and places you are familiar with and it becomes a world to escape into. The Amish references draw you into a different way of life. The tidbits of truth about God and his word spoken about and believed by the characters rings true and gives food for thought. Thank you Patricia Davids for giving us this piece of life.
Profile Image for Kathleen Ryder.
Author 43 books855 followers
September 19, 2022
Patricia is a new to me author and I'm glad I took the plunge. I really enjoyed this story and have now added her backlist to my TBR pile.

I am obsessed with Amish romance (if you have any recommendations, please let me know). I love the family aspect of the stories and the clean and wholesome romances that are based on faith.
Profile Image for Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read.
3,435 reviews109 followers
March 14, 2020
So, The Amish Teacher's Dilemma is a first for me. I hadn't read an Amish romance until this one. Yeah, I know, but to be honest, I really don't know that much about the Amish, and I wasn't sure how well I'd like the Amish romances. Well, I can't speak for other books in the genre, but I really enjoyed this one. The story is witty and often funny, the characters are engaging, and the romance is sweet and so easy to root for. The angst is pretty low overall, so even though the story touches on a serious topic, the story is relatively lighthearted throughout. I also like how Patricia Davids speaks of faith and belief in God without being preachy. The book is well-written and fast-paced, and while this may be a first for me, I met enough of the North Country Amish to definitely want more.
July 24, 2021
Slow reading

Just a layed back story very little Amish anything. You knew where the story was headed right from the start. No bad language, no sex which is refreshing. Just boy meets girl and live happily ever after. This book will put you to sleep.
Profile Image for Linda Lewis.
11 reviews
May 24, 2024
This is the first books I’ve read by Patricia Davids and I enjoyed it! I always love stories about children, and it was moving to see how Eva nurtured Willis’s siblings that he was a raising. Definitely a clean, moving read that I will likely read again and again.
Profile Image for melissa.
679 reviews2 followers
May 12, 2020
I absolutely loved this book can't wait to read more from this author. once I sat down and got to read it I couldn't put it down.
I love her books.
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