A Match Made at Christmas

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DAVIDS, PATRICIA

A MATCH MADE AT CHRISTMAS

Christmas comes to a small Amish community -- and brings new beginnings with it.

Karl Gräber is too busy struggling with his hardware store and two young daughters to indulge local matchmaker Rose Yoder's schemes. After his wife's death, the thought of loving and perhaps losing another woman holds no appeal. So while he's relieved to learn he's not on Rose's list of potential husbands for new schoolteacher Sophie Eicher, he's also surprised. Despite himself, Karl can't help wondering what Rose thinks he lacks -- and why outspoken, attractive Sophie has so little interest in marriage.

After surviving breast cancer, Sophie is hoping to make a fresh start in Harts Haven. Perhaps the handsome widower next door would make a good match for her sister, but Sophie won't burden any man with her uncertain future. But when Karl offers to help her to created a 'living nativity' Christmas program for the schoolchildren, she gratefully agrees.

It'll take a bold plan and help from Karl's children to make this chaotic Christmas play a success. And as friendships deepen, hearts open and hopes are rekindled, two unlikely people may discover the healing gift of love.

My Review:

So, so, sooooooo much fun! I listened to the audible edition narrated by Meghan Kelly and I think she enhanced my enjoyment of this story -- especially in her portrayal of Rose, the eccentric Amish matchmaker. I'm still grinning over Rose's clever ploy to use reverse psychology to get these two together. But I'm getting ahead of myself -- let's see if I can corral my thoughts into some kind of order.

First thing you should know is that this book is the second one in the 'Matchmakers of Harts Haven' series. It centres around a Kansas Amish community inn run by three Amish widows. Rose is my favourite -- quirky, well meaning, but not above all kinds of subterfuge when she thinks her matchmaking 'skills' are needed. She provides comic relief and some sound outspoken advice as well. The first book is a great introduction to these characters and the community, but 'A Match Made at Christmas' can also be read as a standalone.

As in the first book, we have a reluctant hero and heroine who stretch Rose's matchmaking creativity to new levels. :-) Karl and Sophie are relationship shy for good reasons. Understandable, but frustrating too, as they are both so stuck in their pasts it's impossible for them to imagine a shared future. So lots of drama and a wee bit of angst, but also lots of Amish family life and, of course, the school Christmas play which was equal parts funny and moving. A perfect combination for a satisfying holiday read.

Goal Update: #6 Stay current with a series

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy -- winner's choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of one of the  A Match Made at Christmas, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday October 29 2022 . Offer open to International Readers.

The Inn at Harts Haven

GIVEAWAY

DAVIDS, PATRICIA

THE INN AT HARTS HAVEN

In this close-knit Amish community, she'll hide in plain sight...

Pregnant and desperate, Victoria Worthington runs to the only place that's ever felt safe. For years she's been controlled, first by her crime-boss father, then by her ex-boyfriend. Donning a hand-sewn dress, a kapp and a new name, she escapes as Abby Martin to the Amish community of Harts Haven, where she spent happy summers with her grandparents. Taking a job as a maid at the local inn, Abby plans to repair her grandparents' abandoned house and build a new life for her baby.

Since a tragedy took his family, contractor Joseph Troyer has traveled from one Amish town to another, refusing to let anyone get close. Not that it stops the inn's elderly, eccentric owner, Rose, from doing some matchmaking while Joe renovates her kitchen. Though Abby is more outspoken than any Amish woman he knows, something draws him to her -- and to the secrets she's hiding.

Taken under Rose's wing, Abby begins to find her place at last. But even here there's no hiding from the past. Only by facing it with courage, faith and the unexpected gift of love can this haven become the home she's longed for.

My Review:

The first in a new series -- The Matchmakers of Harts Haven -- offers a classic Amish setting and a few unexpected twists. First, we have an up and coming inn owned by three Amish widows including one rapscallion matchmaker. Rose alone is worth the read! With equal measures of charm and cunning, her antics are both hilarious and groan-out-loud worthy. So much fun. Unless you are Abby and Joe. :-)

Rose sets the stage for tons of romantical angst as she constantly throws our hero and heroine together but they aren't having any of it. Joe isn't over a severe trauma that has left him unwilling to commit to stay in one community, let alone settle down as a husband. And Abby, well, she's harbouring a whole lot of secrets and her mind is more on survival than courting.

On the surface -- this premise shouldn't work. How realistic is it to think that an Englischer could seamlessly blend in with an Amish community? I'm happy to report that Davids has given careful thought to every aspect and makes the scenario not only plausible but easily relatable too. Especially as she slowly reveals more character back story. I especially appreciated the way faith is woven throughout.

I wouldn't define this as a full out mystery, but there certainly is some as well as an air of real danger which brings an extra thrill to an already delightful story. 

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Meghan Kelly who did a great job of bringing distinctive voices to each character. A real pleasure to listen to.

Goal Update: #6 Start new-to-me series, #10 Give unloved tropes a second chance

 GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook -- winner's choice

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Inn at Harts Haven, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT AND DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the Draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday April 23 2022. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck 

Someone to Trust

GIVEAWAY

DAVIDS, PATRICIA

SOMEONE TO TRUST

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 Fisher is certainly handsome, hardworking and brave. More importantly, he sees the real Esther. Might this Amish bachelor be her unexpected perfect match?

My Review:

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. :-)

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback 

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Someone to Trust, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winners announced on Saturday February 13  2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck! 

The Hope

GIVEAWAY

DAVIDS, PATRICIA
THE HOPE

Home isn't just a place...

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 her heartbreak.

All Owen wanted was to make amends with Ruth and  her family. He never imagined that little 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 grown roots...when there is hope for love.

My Review:

Second chance Amish romance with a touch of mystery! Love the way Davids spun out this tale. Lots of day-to-day sheep farm life, Amish style, including a big old bear of a dog who appoints herself guardian of all the lost lambs -- including one very traumatized human one. Little Grace steals every scene she's in -- sometimes funny, often sad and always surrounded by mystery.

Owen and Ruth have a rocky past -- one that Ruth has never let go of. Owen has always been the man she couldn't count on and, honestly, she really started to annoy me in the first third of the book. She was so mean to him! Uncharitable. Judgmental. Quick to find fault. And he just took it, as if he deserved it. Gah, I wanted to throw something but then, gradually Ruth begins to take responsibility for her thoughts and actions and she starts to change. Adversaries become friends with the potential for so much more. Such great character development and layered storytelling!

I am a huge Patricia Davids fan. I'll buy a book just because her name is on the cover (and for someone who absolutely, positively needs to read the back cover book blurb before buying a book, that's saying something.) She has a gift for creating a captivating community, intriguing characters and page-turning plots that make it hard to put her books down. I found this one especially thrilling because of the mystery sub-plot that made all the rampant emotions zinging around all the edgier.

This is the second book in The Amish of Cedar Grove but it can easily be read as a standalone. Mind you, the hero and heroine and many other characters from The Wish are woven into Owen and Ruth's story which made it all the more fun to read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  The Hope, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday February 1 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

The Amish Christmas Letters

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO READ DAY!

DAVIDS, PATRICIA
PRICE, SARAH
BECKSTRAND, JENNIFER
THE AMISH CHRISTMAS LETTERS

With Christmas around the corner, it's time for Amish families to include holiday greetings in their circle letters, each writer adding to a growing collection as it travels on to the next. In this delightful trio of stories, three cousins scattered across the country share their blessings -- and reveal news of romantic surprises...

Marybeth's Circle Letter by Patricia Davids: To win a friendly annual competition, matchmaker Marybeth Martin must bring one more couple together by Christmas. Her only prospect is a man more interested in a nanny than a wife -- until his little girl shows him the light.

Love Delivered by Sarah Price: Struggling farmer's daughter Katie Mae Kauffman discovers that she and a local widower and father of four can harvest more crops -- and more profits -- together than separately. But she'll have to put pride aside for unexpected love.

Sealed With a Kiss by Jennifer Beckstrand: Corralling an unruly brood of seven is not babysitter Carolyn Yutzy's first choice for celebrating the season -- but the sparks between her and their unsentimental yet irresistible uncle may be a gift neither was counting on.

Now, one by one, each resourceful young woman will have a holiday to remember -- and to write home about.

My Review:

published in 2018

I'm enamoured with anything Patrica Davids so when I saw her name on the cover of this Christmas novella collection I just had to have it! (And isn't that cover so cheery and inviting?) I also enjoyed becoming more familiar with Sarah Price and Jennifer Beckstrand's storytelling. Love that aspect of novella collections -- the chance to be dazzled by new-to-me (or in this case, fairly-new-to-me) authors. Each brings their own unique style to this collection.

Davids and Beckstrand told humourous tales that had me laughing out loud while Price's contribution had a more serious undertone with a kind of Taming of the Shrew retelling. They all kept me spellbound and Susan Boyce's narration of the audible edition was a delight to listen to -- though she did leave me in a quandary over the pronunciation of 'danke.' Would you say dank (as in tank) ee or dunk-a? I've always thought it was the latter but the narrator pronounced it like the first example. Let's take a poll. :-)

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Amish Christmas Letters, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday October 19 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Shelter from the Storm

GIVEAWAY

DAVIDS, PATRICIA
SHELTER FROM THE STORM

An Amish marriage of convenience. 
A new North Country Amish novel.

Secretly pregnant and unwed, Gemma Lapp has a difficult choice -- face her Amish community or raise her baby alone. But when a storm strands Gemma in the wilderness with her former crush, Jesse Crump, she knows her secret won't be safe for long. Gemma can't imagine trusting a man again...until Jesse proposes a marriage of convenience. Could their arrangement lead to love?

My Review:

There's something about a marriage of convenience story that sends me into a swoony tailspin and this one ticks all the boxes.

Character-driven and emotionally compelling, I was committed from the very first page. Love that Jesse and Gemma have a rather notorious history -- a young woman's crush gone awry, you might say. Harsh words followed by hurt feelings sent Gemma running away to lick her wounds while Jesse stayed put and brooded. :-) A year and a half later and they meet again under impossible circumstances. Love the charged atmosphere that crackles around these two. He's long-suffering and cranky while she's snippy and withdrawn but there's a subtext going on that's at odds with all that grumpiness.

Davids is thoroughly mean to her characters, going to great lengths to torture them (and this reader!) There's angst aplenty and I love the wintry wilderness setting! Nothing like being forced to work together to battle the elements to bring about a truce.

This is the second book in the North Country Amish series and I have to say I love the unique setting. A new Amish settlement in Maine provides lots of scope for the imagination. Can't wait to visit New Covenant again in March 2020 when The Amish Teacher's Dilemma releases.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a gently read copy of Shelter from the Storm, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday September 28 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

The Wish

GIVEAWAY

DAVIDS, PATRICIA
THE WISH

Second chances come at the most unexpected times...

Widow Laura Beth Yoder longs for a family of her own. So much so that she's preparing to leave the sleepy Amish town she calls home to find love. But a terrible storm washes out the creek, forcing her to wade in and save the life of an Englisch man and his adorable infant son. As they recover at the farm, the baby brings sunshine and joy, while the handsome outsider is filled with shadows...and secrets.

Joshua King owes his life and his son's to Laura Beth. Still, lingering at her farm is out of the question. He must fulfill a promise he made to his estranged wife on her deathbed to deliver their son to his Amish in-laws. With his dark past, Joshua has no other choice. But his plans never took this sweet and surprising Amish widow into account. She just might be his second chance at happiness...and love.

My Review:

There's something magical about a Patricia Davids story and I'm over-the-moon excited about this new series -- The Amish of Cedar Grove. I'm already in love with this community. Love the unusual setting for an Amish romance and found the differences in this Kansas settlement really interesting (the author provides a 'dear reader' note at the start of the novel explaining unique aspects of the Kansas Amish.)

I fell hard for Joshua even though he made my heart hurt and frayed every last nerve! He's closed-off, grumpy, wary, angst-riddled...prickly as a porcupine at times. But none of that can totally mask the kind, caring, gentle man buried deep inside. Laura Beth sees past the hurt to all that tenderness yearning to surface. And if anyone can turn Joshua's life around it's this determined (aka bossy) Amish widow who has tender yearnings of her own. Davids expertly weaves their love story into the day to day workings of this close Amish community. A beautifully paced, stirring romance that celebrates faith and family and the hope in second chances.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Wish, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday May 25 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

An Amish Wife for Christmas

GIVEAWAY

DAVIDS, PATRICIA
AN AMISH WIFE FOR CHRISTMAS

Will marriage save her family?
Christmas with the North Country Amish.

Bethany Martin has until Christmas to prove to the Amish community that she can raise her siblings -- including her mischievous brother -- without a husband. Then handsome newcomer Michael Shetler arrives, winning over Bethany's siblings. He might be the answer to their prayers, but Michael has a troubled past. Can Bethany love a man with secrets...even if it's the only thing keeping her family together?

My Review:

Sqqquuueeeepppp! I'm letting out all my squeals and eeps in an ear-splitting crescendo of avid-Patrica-Davids-fan excitement! I love this author sooooo much and this book is the first of a new series -- North Country Amish! And if that isn't intoxicating enough -- this series is set in Maine and I do love going on location with the Amish.

New Covenant is a fledgling community experiencing some growing pains as the Amish settle in the predominately Englisch locale. Lots going on both within the community and without. And Bethany and her little family are smack in the middle of it all.

She's an older sister struggling to keep her family together but the Bishop has other ideas. When a newcomer shows up with connections to her deceased grandfather, things really get interesting. Though she can't help liking Michael, he's shrouded in mystery and Bethany has major trust issues. Love the way their friendship grows -- and the first time they meet is hilarious! Sweet romance at it's finest!

There's even a canine heroine -- Sadie Sue -- wonder dog extraordinaire inspired by the author's own furry rapscallion. An Amish Wife for Christmas is a treasure of a holiday read and I'm over-the-moon excited to be at the start of an exciting new series by Patrica Davids.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of An Amish Wife for Christmas , leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of  @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday November 4 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

His New Amish Family

GIVEAWAY

DAVIDS, PATRICIA
HIS NEW AMISH FAMILY

Her home -- and heart -- on the line in the heartwarming conclusion to The Amish Bachelors series.

Widow Clara Fisher's late uncle promised his farm to her -- but she can't find the documents to prove it! Desperate to stop her Englisch cousin from selling it, she works to help of auctioneer Paul Bowman. Paul's always been a wandering spirit, but will sweet, stubborn Clara and her children suddenly fill his empty life with family and love?

My Review:

Clyde the matchmaking basset hound and his sidekick Juliet (a raccoon) are back along with eccentric Aenti Charlotte! And I do love Charlotte -- there's wisdom cloaked in the outrageous things she says, you just have to read between the lines. And how can you not love a woman who speaks both dog and raccoon? So glad this trio made it into the grand finale of  The Amish Bachelors series!

I'm going to miss these Bowman brothers/cousins and their extended clan. These folks know what living in community means and the way they rally around Clara and her children just melted my heart. With Paul leading the way, much to his surprise, because he's the happy-go-lucky-never-more-than-three-dates kind of fella. But there's something about Clara that threatens to turn his life upside down if he's not careful.

Clara's serious nature is the perfect contrast to Paul's ready wit and carefree attitude. The way he teases her! The banter is divine -- a combination of wit and tenderness so you don't know whether to laugh or swoon-sigh. But as much as I loved their romance I fear I spent most of the read seething and spewing not very nice things at a certain character who is evidently up to no good but we can't prove it. That plot thread kept me on tenterhooks right to the very end.

Davids has given the Bowmans a spectacular sendoff. I'm giddy and weepy all at the same time. But no worries if you haven't read the other five books in the series -- you'll still be able to thoroughly enjoy this one...and I bet you'll be hankering to play catch-up once it's all over. I might just re-read the whole series from the beginning.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of His New Amish Family, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday July 22 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck.

An Unexpected Amish Romance

GIVEAWAY

DAVIDS, PATRICIA
AN UNEXPECTED AMISH ROMANCE

New beginnings. New job. New  love? Amish Bachelors are full of surprises...

After a broken engagement, Helen Zook is embracing her independence -- starting with a new job working for carpenter Mark Bowman. Sparks fly as Helen immediately butts heads with her handsome yet gruff boss, whose complicated past makes him hesitant to plant roots in Bowman's Crossing. But Helen's eccentric aunt and a matchmaking basset hound have their own plans for Helen and Mark's future...

My Review:

A matchmaking bassett hound named Clyde and a raccoon named Juliet...need I say more? Sublime romantic comedy that is so much fun to read you can't stop and it's over before you know it -- but you will still be smiling hours later. I think this might be my favourite book by Patricia Davids yet!

Helen and Mark are a hoot! Poor Helen -- everything that can go wrong does every time she runs into Mark. Literally. Every single time. I laughed so hard my tummy hurt. And Clyde has an unusual way of aiding their non-courtship. He's aided and abetted by Helen's Aenti Charlotte who might not be as dotty as she appears to be.

Lots of laughter and sweet romance make this a super fun read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of An Unexpected Amish Romance, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 8 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Amish Christmas Twins

GIVEAWAY

DAVIDS, PATRICIA
AMISH CHRISTMAS TWINS

The Widower's Christmas Wish

With Christmas just around the corner, widow Willa Chase will do anything to retain custody of her twin girls and unborn baby -- even if it means escaping to her childhood Amish home. After her grandfather turns her away, Willa finds herself stranded at the home of blacksmith John Miller. A widower, John buries himself in work -- until Willa's vibrant twins become impossible to ignore. And before long, John is smitten with their beautiful mother, too. But when Willa's past secrets are revealed, will they prevent John's Christmas wish for a happily-ever-after from coming true?

Christmas Twins : Twice blessed for the holiday season

My Review:

First things first -- adorable cover or what? If that doesn't melt your heart and make you want to read this book I don't know what will! I scooped it up without even reading the book blurb based on this cover and I'm glad I did because if I had read the blurb I might not have chanced the read. And that's because I'm not particularly fond of romances where the heroine is pregnant. It seems such a stretch for a woman who is clearly very recently out of a relationship to leap into another one so quickly. But, guess what? Patricia Davids does an amazing job with that aspect of the story and I totally enjoyed Amish Christmas Twins.

John is such a grump when Willa first meets him and I loved watching little Megan and Lucy slowly melt his heart, leaving it wide open to become smitten by their mother. Some of the funniest scenes are the interactions with John and the twins. And Vera, his mother -- such a hoot! I laughed out loud at her antics too.  Willa learns that God has been guiding her steps when she lands on the Miller doorstep. They are the perfect friends to help her ease back into Amish life and when she finally trusts John completely a whole new future suddenly opens up. A tender Christmas love story that will make you smile.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Amish Christmas Twins, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday October 15 2017. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Their Pretend Amish Courtship

GIVEAWAY

DAVIDS, PATRICIA
THEIR PRETEND AMISH COURTSHIP

Make-Believe Beau

Fannie Erb isn't looking for a husband -- especially if she has to leave her beloved horses to go find one. What she needs is a way to assure her parents she's not hopeless when it comes to love. Family friend Noah Bowman might just be her solution. A fake relationship will free them both from unwanted matchmaking plans. how could Fannie predict that pretending to date the handsome, teasing boy next door would awaken genuine emotions? By summer's end they'll be free to part, but Fannie's growing feelings are transforming her neighbor into the only man who might ever rein in her adventurous heart.

The Amish Bachelors: These men finally meet their matches

My Review:

Fun and playful -- I'm still grinning. Fannie and Noah have a knack for slinging barbs that's a delight to read. Their banter, that hails back to childhood, is delivered with cutting precision. It's like they never left the schoolroom which complicates a pretend courtship no end. Both driven by their personal goals, they nearly miss the plan God has laid out before them.

Noah has his eye on a professional baseball opportunity; Fanny has every intention of a career in horse training. Their deception is a means to an end but then they get the surprise of their lives. They actually like each other! A sweet romantic comedy with the cutest haflinger ponies you'll ever want to meet.  It doesn't get any better than this!

GIVEAWAWY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Their Pretend Amish Courtship leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email address to your comment remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday May 28 3017. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

An Amish Noel

GIVEAWAY

DAVIDS, PATRICIA
AN AMISH NOEL

An Amish Homecoming

Luke Bowman's homecoming is turning Emma Swartzentruber's carefully ordered world upside down. Gone is her rebellious girlhood crush, and in his place is a handsome man who seems committed to serving the community. Luke's even agreed to work for Emma's ill father, whose last wish is to see his daughter wedded to a stable, loving man. But Luke - a man who flirted with the outside world with disastrous consequences - is hardly marriage material for a good Amish woman. Yet this Christmas, when her family is flung into crisis, Emma finds that he may just be the one to capture her heart for good.

My Review:

I love the rich depth in the stories Patricia Davids delivers and this one has a unique hook that reeled me in.  Luke's past plays a huge role in his present and has the potential to jeopardize his future...if he lets it. He has to learn to believe in himself so he can have the confidence to put the past behind him for good. While Emma strives to live the same important Amish principle of forgiveness, she finds forgetting is much harder. And sometimes a knee-jerk reaction to judge can interfere with all her good intentions. Davids really knows how to draw her readers in with a complex plot with enough twists and turns to keep things interesting. Throw in some lovely Amish Christmas traditions and you get a heartwarming holiday read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  An Amish Noel please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday November 29 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

The Amish Midwife

GIVEAWAY

DAVIDS, PATRICIA
THE AMISH MIDWIFE

An Unexpected Family

Amish midwife Anne Stoltzfus is used to late-night visitors—but she's shocked to find reclusive bachelor Joseph Lapp on her doorstep with a baby in his arms. Their neighborly quarrels are pushed aside when Joseph explains that his sister has left her daughter in his care—and Joseph needs Anne to be her nanny. Soon they're bonding over baby Leah, and the love they feel for her is healing them both. When Joseph makes an offer of marriage, Anne's painful past resurfaces and she's unsure of what to do. But taking a chance could mean love—and family—are waiting just across the fence.

Lancaster Courtships: Life and love in Amish country

My Review:

I love a good goat herding romance. Yes, you heard me right -- it stems from my first literary crush -- Peter in Heidi (I was ten). So even though Joseph is a bit of a recluse and socially challenged he won my heart because of the goats. How can you not love a hero who takes the time to name an entire herd of goats? And the animals clearly adore him. Anne, not so much. At first. Though they put their differences aside when Joseph becomes sole caregiver of his infant niece. Loved Anne's independent spirit -- capable midwife with a garden produce business on the side. She's constantly surprising Joseph and it isn't long before he's smitten. Their love story isn't without complications though. Heartache and laughter blend together to make this an endearing Amish romance.

*This is the third book in a multi-authored series -- Lancaster Courtships. It reads beautifully as a standalone though we do get glimpses of characters from the previous two books which I really enjoyed.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  The Amish Midwife please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday November 8 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

An Amish Harvest

GIVEAWAY

DAVIDS, PATRICIA
AN AMISH HARVEST

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:

You know that urban myth about men making the worst patients? Well Samuel confirms that it's no myth! He's a take charge, has everything covered, it's my way or the highway kind of guy. Which can be endearing in a annoyingly macho way. But now an accident has left him helpless and he has to learn to let others carry the load. That chafes and makes Samuel cranky. And grumpy. And depressed. All his mother's coddling is only making things worse. Enter nurse Rebecca -- a force to be reckoned with and she won't be swayed by Samuel's pity party. Can you say major clash of wills?  The resulting feisty dialogue still has me grinning. Love how Rebecca can hold her own. By the time they're ready to declare a truce they're in over their heads -- both falling head over heels but reluctant to trust in a future together. Angsty and funny and ultimately toe-curling.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of An Amish Harvest please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday July 26 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Amish Redemption

GIVEAWAY

DAVIDS, PATRICIA
AMISH REDEMPTION

An Amish Homecoming

Joshua Bowman is ready to go home. After spending time in prison for a crime he didn't commit, he's putting everything behind him and reconciling with his fractured family. When a devastating tornado throws him unexpectedly into the path of Mary Kaufman and her daughter, Hannah, he feels the first spark of life after months. But Mary's adoptive dad is the Englisch sheriff—and he'd never trust her care to a man with Joshua's past. Plus the lovely single mom has a secret of her own, one that she's spent years running from. Together they survived the storm, but are they strong enough to shed the shadows of their past?

My Review:

Wow! What a captivating story! Both Joshua and Mary are so positive about their futures despite their rocky pasts. Love that they are both moving forward, anchored in their faith when they first meet. Their relationship develops gently in the midst of the chaotic aftermath of a tornado. I particularly adored Joshua's interactions with Mary's daughter, Hannah. There's something so compelling about a man who loves kids. But there's also these secondary plot threads that intertwine into a surprising and explosive climax I didn't see coming. A sheer delight of a read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Amish Redemption please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 5 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

Brides of Amish Country: Finding true love in the land of the Plain People.

An Amish Christmas Journey

GIVEAWAY

Their Holiday Adventure

Toby Yoder promised to care for his orphaned little sister the rest of her life. After all, the tragedy that took their parents and left her injured was his fault. Now he must make a three-hundred-mile trip from the hospital to the Amish community where they'll settle down. But as they share a hired van with pretty Greta Barkman, an Amish woman with a similar harrowing past, Toby can't bear for the trip to end. Suddenly, there's joy, a rescued cat named Christmas and hope for their journey to continue together forever.

My Review:

Best line in the whole book: "Courage is fear that has said its prayers." That's advice Greta is given early on in the book and it sets the tone for this inspiring story. Love the concept of Toby and Greta's Christmas journey. I could see parallels with the Wise Men's journey of old. Both present and past seekers are searching for truth and the peace finding it can bring. Appropriately, for both Toby and Greta that peace comes from finding true forgiveness. Such a powerful story of coming to terms with loss and having the courage to move on from it. The sweet romance adds a deeper dimension to an already moving tale.  An Amish Christmas Journey brings the true meaning of Christmas to life. A 'novel' addition to any seasonal reading list -- especially if you are an Amish fan.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of An Amish Christmas Journey please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday November 16 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

An Amish Family Christmas

GIVEAWAY

PERRY, MARTA
DAVIDS, PATRICIA
AN AMISH FAMILY CHRISTMAS

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:

Christmas stories that will warm your heart. I love the mix of family and Christmas in both novellas. These authors know how to weave plots full of strife and joy all wrapped up in the Amish genre I love so much. Perry and Davids deliver riveting stories that bring healing and hope.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of An Amish Family Christmas please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday October 19 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

The Amish Nanny

GIVEAWAY

DAVIDS, PATRICIA
THE AMISH NANNY

A Family In Need

A reclusive Amish logger, Ethan Gingerich is more comfortable around his draft horses than the orphaned niece and nephews he's taken in. Yet he's determined to provide the children with a good, loving home. The little ones, including a defiant eight-year-old, need a proper nanny. But when Ethan hires shy Amishwoman Clara Barkman, he never expects her temporary position to have such a lasting hold on all of them. Now this man of few words must convince Clara she's found her forever home and family.

Brides of Amish Country: Finding true love in the land of the Plain People.

My Review:

The Barkman sisters are back and this time it is Clara's story that held me spellbound. I gobbled this one up in an afternoon, it was that good. Loved the blend of humour and drama and the stilted romance. I say stilted because poor Ethan is truly out of his element and that makes for fun reading!

Also appreciate the fact that the author understands that even shy, retiring maidels can be heroines in their own right. Clara isn't your typical heroine. Not only is she shy, but she's fearful about many things. Situations in her past have fed those fears, but she has nurtured them until they've grown out of proportion. Watching her find her inner strength and develop into a woman of courage makes for a moving inspirational read.


GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Amish Nanny please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday August 3 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

My thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for my review copy of this book.

The Shepherd's Bride

GIVEAWAY

DAVIDS, PATRICIA
THE SHEPHERD'S BRIDE

Finding Refuge

Shunned by the Amish community, shepherd Carl King has given up on his dream for a family. Yet when captivating Lizzie Barkman shows up at the sheep farm where he works, Carl sees the wife he once dreamed of. Lizzie is looking for a new start, for herself and her sisters, and discovers Carl to be a kind and gentle man who cares deeply about the Amish way of life. But he is under the bann. Is it possible that this forbidden man holds the key to her family's safety—and the one to her heart?

My Review:

An emotional love story that uncovers some deep issues. Carl in particular is grappling with something that causes him to lose sight of our Saviour's redeeming love. He believes in its existence -- just not for himself. There's one simple little poignant scene...really just a paragraph of one that left me aching for Carl. So, I guess it would be an understatement to say that The Shepherd's Bride definitely engaged me emotionally.

Feisty, determined Lizzie is just what Carl needs to shake his self-exiled world upside down and sideways. But Lizzie has her own problems to worry about - a past to overcome and three sisters she desperately wants to find a safe haven for. And Hope Springs is certainly looking as if it might be the perfect place.

Add in a grouchy grandfather, a multitude of caring neighbours and a hard-working sheepdog and you get an incredible read full of conflict and romance...and, of course, a happy ever after for everyone.

Giveaway Opportunity:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Shepherd's Bride please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca.  If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers. If you email me, please be sure to put the title in the subject line so it is easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 6 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck.