Review: An Amish Harvest by Patricia Davids

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Nursing His Heart

When Amish carpenter Samuel Bowman is injured in an accident, he fears he'll never see again. He's always provided for his family—and now that it's harvest season, the Bowmans are needed in the fields, not at his bedside. So when a young Amish widow becomes his nurse, Samuel expects Rebecca Miller to make his life easier. But his caregiver is bossy, outspoken and challenges him to move on with his life. Though Samuel's sight is in question, he can plainly see the woman he's come to care for won't let herself love again. Now it's Samuel's turn to heal her heart.

My Review

I've added a new author to my favorites list! I loved the way we got to know Rebecca and Samuel, with their strong personalities, flaws, and heartaches. Rebecca would rather laugh than cry, and finds great fulfillment in being a caretaker. I could understand Samuel's despair as he recovers from painful burns and waits to see if his sight will return, while worrying over the effect the accident is having on his family's livelihood. Rebecca challenges him in just the way he needs, which also provides entertainment for his family and the reader ;) Rebecca is facing pressure to marry again, but her fear of loss is overwhelming. I felt like she was able to hide from the future in serving others, because her jobs are temporary and she isn't committed to anything long term. The members of Samuel's family are quite likeable, even Samuel as he becomes stronger and begins to find happiness again. I liked the way their romance unfolded slowly as they experienced each other at their worst and best and everything in between. I loved their scenes together by the river where they were the most genuine. I grew just as attached to the Bowmans as Rebecca, and I can't wait to read more 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.

Check out the other books in The Amish Bachelors series . . .

Review: The Hope by Patricia Davids

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

He thought he’d never settle down…until he found home.

Amish widow Ruth Mast wants nothing to do with the handsome man from her past who just returned to Cedar Grove. Ruth learned the hard way that Owen Mast’s restlessness always causes trouble. But when a little Amish girl appears on Owen’s porch, lost and afraid, Ruth has no choice but to help the man who only ever causes heartbreak…

All Owen wanted was to make amends with Ruth and her family. He never imagined that little girl Grace—or the strange mystery surrounding her—would bring him closer to Ruth. Or that a tender and unexpected attraction would quickly take hold of them both. But even a wandering heart can grow roots…when there is hope for love.

My Review

This pair have been on quite a journey and are just at the midpoint of their lives. The heartbreak and grief they have experienced in the past prevent them from easily allowing a deeper relationship to form. Ruth especially is antagonistic towards Owen in the beginning of the book, but over time and through the shared responsibility of the farm and Grace, she learns to let go of past hurts and see Owen for his good attributes. Owen's choice to spend his life pursuing his missing sister is a noble one, but also leaves him without family and not much time with friends. It was gratifying to see his devotion to Grace and his determination to prove to Ruth that he can be depended on. There is some mystery and suspense as the answers to the question of who Grace is and where she came from slowly come to light. I enjoyed the detailed information about life on the farm, raising and shearing sheep, and Amish customs.

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.

Don't miss the other books in The Amish of Cedar Grove series . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review: An Amish Family Christmas by Marta Perry and Patricia Davids

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Heart of Christmas by Marta Perry

Amish teacher Susannah Miller suddenly has two new students: the children of her former love. Widowed father Toby Unger broke Susannah's heart ten years ago, but now the handsome Amish man desperately needs help with his troubled little ones. Can the joy of the season reunite two lonely hearts in time for Christmas?

A Plain Holiday by Patricia Davids

Outspoken nanny Sally Yoder left her Amish community for her rumspringa. Though her heart is back home, the Amish man she loves, Ben Lapp, will never love a bold woman like her. But when a snowstorm strands her, her young charges and Ben on a remote farm at Christmastime, they both might discover that love is the true holiday spirit.

My Review

These two stories are perfect for a quick winter read. In "Heart of Christmas" by Marta Perry, Susannah is strong and compassionate, making her new students a priority over her own comfort as she advises their father Toby with thoughtful insight as to how he can connect with his grieving children. I loved the sweet moment between Toby and his son when they are finally able to communicate.

The main character Sally in "A Plain Holiday" by Patricia Davids was confusing at first since some important aspects of her thoughts and situation are revealed later and I had to reassess my assumptions about her. However, once they are stranded in the snowstorm the story picks up and she and Ben are finally able to sort through their conflicts and figure out what they really want.

(Thank you to Harlequin and Love Inspired for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)