I think it's hilarious that the author paired up Jesse, the troublemaker who placed the newspaper ad bringing all the marriage-minded women to Birch CI think it's hilarious that the author paired up Jesse, the troublemaker who placed the newspaper ad bringing all the marriage-minded women to Birch Creek, with Charity, one of those young women with the prickliest of attitudes. They both have grown up and matured a bit, and even though they can't stand each other, their connection provides ample opportunities to "help" each other and go through more refining. I really liked Shirley, the woman Charity cares for, and her oft-escaping dog, who both play an important role in bringing Jesse and Charity together. I appreciated the life lessons they learned during their time in Marigold, especially Jesse coming to terms with the impact of his prank.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own....more
I enjoyed the friendship of Deborah, Callie and the others as they handle the upheaval in their community and lives. This book has all the elements ofI enjoyed the friendship of Deborah, Callie and the others as they handle the upheaval in their community and lives. This book has all the elements of a cozy mystery, with an Amish setting mingled with their Englisch neighbors. I had read the first book in the series quite a while ago, so it took me some time to sort out all the names and get a feeling for who's who again. It was overwhelming at first with everyone being introduced along with bits about their backstory while new plot threads are simultaneously beginning. Eventually all that settled down and the layers of the story unfolded along with a little romance, which I'm always a fan of!
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own....more
I love these Amish novella collections! They are perfect for the end of a busy day, when I'd like to read and finish a story quickly before falling asI love these Amish novella collections! They are perfect for the end of a busy day, when I'd like to read and finish a story quickly before falling asleep. I grew up tying quilts with my grandma, and I've loved admiring Amish quilts when visiting Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
In the first story Patchwork Promises, Joanne helps Colin by recreating his grandmothers beloved quilt, a sweet gesture of service. It took her a long time to do by herself, and I didn't understand why she didn't enlist the help of others during a quilting bee (especially since it's the theme of the collection) in order to get it done as soon as possible so the grandmother didn't have to suffer anguished nights any longer. It seemed like she wanted all the credit, and it didn't even occur to her to allow others the opportunity to serve with her.
The second story by Kathleen Fuller was my favorite. She excels at bringing depth and emotion to her stories and characters. Susie and Alex are sweet together, with an immediate attraction when they are reunited, yet both uncertain of the others' feelings. The conflict comes from Susie's mother, who has abandonment issues from when her husband left their family, and she tries to influence Susie against Alex because of his past as a wandering traveler. An unforeseen separation, letters back and forth, an intervention from the quilting ladies, and a providential reunion bring Susie and Alex together as well as heal the relationship between Susie and her mother.
The final story tests the patience of Rosie as she takes pride in her quilt entry and the admiration of others, yet learns humility through several experiences and mishaps out of her control. It was nice to see her able to let go of her expectations of perfection of herself, and learn to find joy in her relationships.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own....more
I love getting to know this author's characters- they come to life with personality and I'm always drawn into their story. I loved Ezra's steadfastnesI love getting to know this author's characters- they come to life with personality and I'm always drawn into their story. I loved Ezra's steadfastness in befriending Katherine! She definitely needed someone who wouldn't give up when she put up walls, and she needed a true friend more than anyone. The town matchmakers add humor to the story with their antics as they "help" Ezra and Katherine's relationship. The emotion of the story is real as both Katherine and Rhoda are healing from abusive relationships, growing stronger and finding new perspective. Rhoda and Loren's situation has been a subplot through the series, and it was nice to see the unexpected resolution of their troubles. A wonderful story of healing with a good dose of sweet romance! Loved it!
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own....more
It's always fun when the main character has some quirks, and Ezra is definitely unique. He's a workaholic on his father's farm, so much so that his faIt's always fun when the main character has some quirks, and Ezra is definitely unique. He's a workaholic on his father's farm, so much so that his family forces him to take a vacation from chores. He and Margaret meet while he is practicing foraging in the woods like his grandfather did, and an unlikely friendship blossoms... somewhat awkwardly. I enjoyed their mishaps, banter, and growing feelings as they continue to meet during Ezra's sabbatical. The concept of someone with a wonderful personality growing more attractive as you get to know them is one that Margaret discovers, and helps her realize what she really wants in her life. I really enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to the next in the series!
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own. ...more
I love the unity and service that is shown when a community comes together for a barn raising! What a great theme for a collection. There is often a tI love the unity and service that is shown when a community comes together for a barn raising! What a great theme for a collection. There is often a tragedy that occurs in order for there to be a need for a new barn, and the outpouring of love and support is reflected in the gathering. The first story was a bit melodramatic with Kathryn and Anthony's forbidden love, and I found it surprising that her father would hold to such an attitude about non-farming Amish. It makes me wonder if that is based on reality. I liked the second story even though there is a love triangle, and was able to connect to the emotions of the characters. The stand-out story for me was the third by Kathleen Fuller, since I recently read the full-length book that serves as a prequel to this novella. Nettie's 180 degree change in attitude and perspective was surprising, and I enjoyed the way Devon gave her another chance even though he knew about her past. Great chemistry!
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own. ...more
A romance between two sets of twins is a fun story, and thankfully there was no assuming each other's identities as a plot device ;) The characters arA romance between two sets of twins is a fun story, and thankfully there was no assuming each other's identities as a plot device ;) The characters are so well fleshed-out, it was easy to get to know them quickly and understand their personalities, vulnerabilities and strengths. It's interesting to see the similarities between Zeb and Amanda as the responsible siblings, and their struggle with resenting their twin, yet loving and supporting them as well. A new business, a new town, a new relationship, a new friendship- it all weaves together while in the background, one set of parents tries to support, while the other set discourages. Since the story is divided equally between all four twins, I felt like my interest was as well- I believe I prefer one main couple to focus on, with the others as a subplot. Overall I love this author's writing style that brings depth and emotion to a sweet story.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own. ...more
What a sweet collection of second chance at love and love later in life! It's always wonderful when I enjoy each story, and just can't stop reading. IWhat a sweet collection of second chance at love and love later in life! It's always wonderful when I enjoy each story, and just can't stop reading. I was impressed by the vivid personalities, romantic chemistry, individual plots, and cozy Christmastime setting. The two that stood out to me are Holiday of Hope by Kelly Irvin and Wreathed in Joy by Kathleen Fuller. I admire when characters can make the best of a difficult situation and recognize the blessings that come because of their efforts.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own. ...more
Unrequited love, second chance love, second love, and late love. It was great to read a variety of stories which also spanned a range of ages. I didn'Unrequited love, second chance love, second love, and late love. It was great to read a variety of stories which also spanned a range of ages. I didn't feel like the "young love" story was too young since Fern is considered a spinster, but compared to the other stories they are! I loved the friendship and affection that quickly bloomed in the last story, especially with Elva's unhappy marriage. It was heartwarming to see her be appreciated for her skills as a cook and as a lovely person inside and out. Jerald is such a fun guy, and it was such a sweet match. I love when books make me feel so happy when things turn out perfectly for characters that deserve it.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own. ...more
My favorite part of this book was the environment of the Amish Market. Aren't the covers of this series so vibrant? A group of young women forge frienMy favorite part of this book was the environment of the Amish Market. Aren't the covers of this series so vibrant? A group of young women forge friendships as they work alongside each other at different stands, and they each have a unique personality. Will and Salina have fantastic chemistry, but struggle to leave their current relationships behind in order to pursue something beyond friendship. Their relationship naturally develops into a romance, but family dynamics cause conflict and drama. I felt frustrated with repetitive thoughts and stalled progress, and hoped for more depth and connection to the emotions of the characters. I was glad to be able to get to the resolution and happy ending.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own....more
This is a collection where I equally enjoyed every story! I loved the way picnics were incorporated into such different plots. Some involved mishaps, This is a collection where I equally enjoyed every story! I loved the way picnics were incorporated into such different plots. Some involved mishaps, some were the perfect setting for a declaration of love, and some were a simple way to get to know each other. I thought all the authors did an exceptional job of creating vibrant characters that really came to life as I read. I especially loved Reeling in Love since friends-to-more is one of my favorite tropes. In Picnics and Prospects it was so sweet how David and Faith reconciled the date that went wrong and started anew with each other. A must-read collection for fans of Amish romance!
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own. ...more
I was so happy to see Selah get her own happy ending! She was a complicated character in the previous books in the series, so it was nice to learn morI was so happy to see Selah get her own happy ending! She was a complicated character in the previous books in the series, so it was nice to learn more about her past and understand her struggle with depression. I enjoyed the cast of characters which included Levi's family, Selah's friends and family, and a non-Amish guest at the inn with secrets of his own. I thought the plot was interesting and added another dimension to the story when it delved into the father-son relationship of Jackson, the guest, and his father who owns a local motel and feels threatened by the new Amish inn. We also see the elderly couple, Cevilla and Richard, hit some rocky spots along their relationship journey. Levi is such a likeable guy, and even though he and Selah have their own ups and downs, their friendship was wonderful and naturally blossomed into more. This has been a delightful series with fun characters and a heart-warming community.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)...more
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