The Amish Secret Wish

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HILTON, LAURA V.

THE AMISH SECRET WISH

Can you love someone you've never met?

Waitress Hallie Brunstetter has a secret: she writes a popular column for her Amish paper under the pen name GHB. When Hallie receives a letter from a reader asking to become her pen pal, she reluctantly agrees. She can't help but be drawn to the compassionate stranger, never expecting him to show up in Hidden Springs looking for GHB...or for him to be quite so handsome in real life. But after losing her beau in a tragic accident, Hallie won't risk her heart -- or her secrets -- again.

If Kiah didn't already feel so connected to GHB, Hallie would be a perfect wife -- and it seems most of Hidden Springs's would-be matchmakers agree! Though Hallie is peculiarly opposed to uncovering GHB's true identity, she understands Kiah almost as well as his mystery pen pal. The longer he searches for GHB, the more Kiah finds himself hoping Hallie will be holding the pen that first captured his heart. But will Hallie ever trust Kiah with the truth about her identity...and her feelings for him?

My Review:

Laura V. Hilton delivers another sparkling romance with this third Hidden Springs novel. Part comedy, part drama with more than a hint of spice thrown in because... woohee, there's tons of insta-love lightning bolts zigging and zagging between Hallie and Kiah. Let's just say this is not your grossmammi's usual Amish fiction! :-) Nothing untoward, but you might want to clear off your fainting couch and keep some smelling salts handy 'cause this is definitely a 'kissing book'.

Loved this hero and heroine instantly -- and the muddled mess they make of their relationship/not-a-relationship is both hilarious and touching and mildly exasperating at times! Just the sort of literary fodder to keep me turning pages at a frantic pace. The Amish Secret Wish became a read-in-one-sitting and bask in the afterglow kind of reading adventure for me. 

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

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

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Amish Secret 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 winners announced on Saturday May 22  2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

The Amish Christmas Gift

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HILTON, LAURA V.

THE AMISH CHRISTMAS GIFT

Will these former sweethearts receive a second chance for Christmas?

Elsie Miller has witnessed -- and experienced -- Levi Wyse's forgetfulness too many times to count. But even after they broke things off, Elsie never forgot the handsome Amish toymaker or her love for him. So when Levi's sister asks her to help keep him organized for the busy Christmas season, Elsie agrees. But she didn't expect working alongside Levi to reignite those old feelings.

Secretly, Levi's heart will always belong to Elsie. But she deserves a better man, one who isn't so absentminded...or responsible for a terrible tragedy. Now, she's at his workshop every day and as Christmas draws near, his reasons for staying away become harder and harder to remember. Will the spirit of Christmas hear past hurts and give Elsie and Levi the greatest gift of all: a future together?

My Review:

Outrageous. Funny. Does that mean this story is outrageously funny? Sometimes. But it's also heart-shatteringly poignant. And fan inducing because this isn't your Grandma's Amish romance. Slide onto that fainting couch and stay put for the duration of the read and brace yourself for some major toe curling! The heat factor in this reunion romance is set on high.

So, Elsie and Levi are a hot mess. And if Levi wasn't such a sweetheart, I'd call him a dunderhead. Elsie, on the other hand, turns leaping to conclusions into an Olympic sport. These two bumble and bungle their way through all the things said and not said in the past...and the present. Luckily for them they have accepting families and a matter-of-fact Bishop with a sense of humour. 

A gentle, heart-felt faith thread is expertly woven in among the chaos which makes the hard-won happily-ever-after that much sweeter. 

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for either a paperback or ebook (Amazon.com account) copy -- winner's choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of To Steal a Heart, 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 December 5 2020. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck! 

Married to A Stranger

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RANDOM RETRO READ DAY!

 

HILTON, LAURA V.

MARRIED TO A STRANGER

He marries her out of need. She marries him to escape. What does love have to do with it?

When her father falsely accuses a stranger of dishonoring her, Bethel Eicher finds herself promised in marriage to a man she's never met. Not exactly a dream come true, but since she has spent several years caring for her handicapped mother, she's already considered an old maid at twenty-five -- and she longs to escape her lonely life as permanent caretaker.

When newly-called Amish preacher Gideon Kaiser learns he's been accused of a dishonorable act, he's horrified. But his wife died in childbirth and his baby needs a mother, so he figures marrying a woman he's never met could be beneficial. 

How can Bethel and Gideon possibly make their marriage work -- especially when the truth behind the accusations is revealed?

My Review:

published in 2019

What an interesting take on the marriage of convenience trope! Love the Amish angle, of course, but there's so much more going on in this story. Like Gideon's slow, deliberate courtship of his wife! Oh my! Their romance just smolders off the pages in a slow burn of readerly bliss. 

And there's a surprising twist to their romance that still has me grinning. :-) But enough hair-pulling angst to leave me partially bald. :-) Along with just enough humour to soothe my emotional turmoil. This is what I love about Hilton's storytelling. She's a master at drawing out emotion, coaxing her readers into feeling every nuance of the story. 

And she's always full of surprises. Just when you think the plot is heading in a predictable pattern...it's not. She likes to challenge her characters and her readers with the unexpected and there's a surprising mystery twist in this one.

Married to a Stranger is the third book in the Amish of Mackinac County series and I'm hoping it isn't the last because I feel like the author has set things up very nicely for Gideon's sister to star in her own story. Mercurial doesn't begin to describe Naomi so that book is sure to be full of frazzle-inducing mayhem! Plus, I've been left with some unanswered questions so I need another chance to travel to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and check up on all these characters. 

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Married to a Stranger, 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 10, 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

The Amish Wedding Promise

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HILTON, LAURA V.
THE AMISH WEDDING PROMISE

Could this bride's wedding disaster be a blessing in disguise?

Grace Lantz always imagined her wedding day would be a blissfully, happy occasion. But after a tornado swept through town, she finds herself relieved that the ceremony is delayed. After all, her groom-to-be hasn't even bothered to check on her. Instead, it's the handsome volunteer Zeke Bontrager who selflessly offers Grace his strong shoulders to lean on.

Zeke came to Hidden Springs to assist a community in need. He didn't expect to meet his soul mate. Determined to ignore his feelings, Zeke promises to help reunite kind, beautiful Grace with her groom. But after spending time together, Grace confesses that she might not want to marry her fiance after all. Can Zeke convince her that her true love is standing right in front of her? And can she find the courage to follow her heart?

My Review:

"We can't choose whether or not storms come. But we can choose where we stare during the storm." (p 86)

An out-of-the-box Amish romance full of pathos and humour. Love the unique flare Hilton brings to this genre. Not sure quite how to describe it -- a little bit edgy and sometimes unexpected? Anyway, it's refreshing and riveting and I'm a fan. Excited to see this is the first in a new series too! Can't wait for more Hidden Springs novels!

So, before you start in on this read you need to be aware that this is definitely a love-at-first-sight, whirlwind kind of romance. I know some people are not fans of this concept and they might find The Amish Wedding Promise disappointing because of that. Not me. I'm an equal opportunities romance lover. Second Chance, Reunion, Friends to Lovers, Love at First Sight....I love 'em all. So, I was thrilled with Gracie and Zeke's story and MERRILY swooned my way to their happily ever after.

Swoon, being the optimum word. Because -- whoosh -- there are some toe-curling scenes and an air of such desperate yearning for something that seems so impossible. (Happy shivery sigh!) Both Gracie and Zeke grow a lot over the course of a few days. They are tried and tested and forced to face their weaknesses even as they discover their strengths. As they grow in their faith, they also grow closer together.

Hilton doesn't make it easy though. Lots of trouble and strife and plenty of action to keep a reader in a rapid page-turning frenzy!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  The Amish Wedding Promise, 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 April 11 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

The Amish Candymaker

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HILTON, LAURA V.
THE AMISH CANDYMAKER

Agnes Zook finds herself on her own in a small Amish community in Mackinac County after a tragedy kills her family. Most of the Amish call her "off in den Kopf" (strange) since she's starting her own business and forging her own way in the community instead of relying on the bishop to take care of her. Since she's viewed as non-submissive and too-forward for as Amish woman, she's not courted by young men in the area.] Isaac Mast is on the verge of leaving the Amish church. He's become a sought-after auctioneer and has a thriving business, but he feels confined by the strict rules. When his brother is severely injured in a wild fire, Isaac receives a letter from his sister-in-law, begging him to come to Mackinac County to help out while his brother is hospitalized. Isaac agrees but is unsure how to manage their young children when he has weekend auctions he's expected to attend.

Agnes may be the answer to a prayer. Sparks fly when she and Isaac meet. But could their differences help them form a deeper connection to their faith...and each other?

My Reveiw:

I've come to really enjoy Laura V. Hilton's Amish novels because she always puts such an interesting spin on them. You might say she writes outside the box and I love the challenges that fresh perspective bring to her characters and her readers.

Agnes wasn't my favourite character in Firestorm (the first book in this series -- The Amish of Mackinac County) so I wasn't sure what to expect within these pages. Might have put off reading it for a bit because of my trepidation but I needn't have worried. Of course Hilton delivers! With depth and compassion and a whole lot of heart. Because Agnes was...well annoying...in the first book. And I loved getting the chance to see beyond the facade into the fragile heart of a woman who just wants to be loved and appreciated.

She's an individualist living in a conforming society and always seems to be just a bit out of step. Talks to plants, has a penchant for pink, is endearingly awkward and..."wears her heart on her sleeve, and she tends to talk without filtering her words." (p 78)  As Isaac says, "I've known a lot of Amish women, Agnes, but none of them has been as know-it-all and bossy as you." (p 101) You might say Agnes is a paradox.

Which is definitely appealing to Isaac. As a traveling auctioneer, he's experienced a vast number of Amish communities and has a tendency to pick and choose the rules he's willing to live by. He's a flirt and has way too much fun flustering Agnes. Always popular with the women, he's had a carefree bachelorhood with plenty of female companionship until Agnes stirs up the longing for something more. Love the banter and playfulness, sharp retorts and teasing. Definitely an unorthodox un-courtship!

And Bishop Miah is back and just as beguiling. One of my all-time favourite secondary characters. Equal parts wisdom, compassion and stealthy spy! Which makes The Amish Candymaker that much more of a delectable read. Ohhhh -- and there are candy recipes in the back! Might have to issue a Sweet-tooth Warning because there's a lot of droolworthy candymaking and eating going on here!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Amish Candymaker, 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 July 27 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Firestorm

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HILTON, LAURA V.
FIRESTORM

When Bridget Behr and her family migrate from a bustling Amish community in Ohio to the remote and isolated Upper Peninsula of Michigan, they're met with an ugly surprise: the house they had brought sight unseen is an uninhabitable wreck. While her father and brother try to find work in the area, the family is forced to live in tents until the house and barn are rebuilt. Bridget can't shake the guilt that it was her fault her family moved -- and is too afraid to trust anyone, especially the flirtatious, overly-friendly Amish man who lives next door.

Gabriel Lapp has made Michigan his home out of necessity, but can't wait to move back to Florida with its sunshine and warmer temperatures. But when Bridget's family seeks refuge with Gabe during a fierce thunderstorm, he can't help but feel a tug of responsibility for them -- especially the girl with the dark green eyes.

Just a Bridget is finally settling into friendship, a new life, and maybe even love, a devastating forest fire ravages the county, destroying both land and the Behrs' dreams. Now Bridget and her family must decide: will they leave behind the ashes and start anew in another Amish community? Or will they dare to fight for the future they'd hoped for in Mackinac County?

My Review:

A different kind of Amish story -- and I love that about Laura V. Hilton's books. Struggling to find a way to explain what exactly is different. The setting for starts -- Michigan's Upper Peninsula, an area I've had a secret fascination for ever since I read Colleen Coble's Rock Harbor series. The newly settled Amish community faces unique challenges in the remote northern location which adds interest to the story.

Plus, the author doesn't sugar-coat the Amish faith or lifestyle. Her characters are flawed, the families aren't perfect. There's brokenness and relationship issues and any number of negative behaviors in the face of adversity. But there's also the desire to do better, make amends, confess and repent and try again. And those journeys are what make this story so compelling.

Gabe is a major flirt with a devil-may-care attitude that pretty much guarantees trouble. He's got a chip on his shoulder that shows up in a defiant attitude at times, and makes him too quick to concede defeat. His brashness hides insecurities and this is very much a coming of age story for him.

Bridget has a tendency to withdraw, to throw up walls which make her seem unapproachable -- stuck up even. Their romance sizzles in fits and starts as they both send off mixed messages which adds to the confusion and angst. But when these two are 'on' they are so on. Toe-curling, swoonilicous, stick-my-head-a-snowbank kissing scenes which might just scorch your finger tips as you turn the pages!

A great cast of secondary characters adds so much spice to the mix. I'd be spitting mad one second and then succumbing to side-splitting laughter the next. And Bishop Miah might just be one of my favourite characters ever. A mix of wisdom and humour...with the patience of Job!

Firestorm is a spectacular start to Hilton's newest series -- The Amish of Mackinac County and I can't wait for more.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Firestorm, 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 16, 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Love by the Numbers

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HILTON, LAURA V.
LOVE BY THE NUMBERS

After a buggy accident claims the life of her fiance, Lydia Hershberger makes a fresh start in Jamesport, Missouri, managing a gift store. It isn't long before she meets the young man hired to handle the bookkeeping -- Caleb Bontrager, whose handcrafted cuckoo clocks are sold in the store.

And it isn't long before Caleb has made up his mind about her: bright and sparkly but not right for him. Alarmed by his attraction to her, he determines to settle down with someone more practical. Less sparkle. More logic. But he can't seem to shake his feelings for Lydia.

When false allegations by the bishop back him catch up with Lydia and threaten to ruin her reputation, can she clear her name and find lasting happiness? Or will Her sunny disposition fade away into heartbreak?

My Review:

Not your typical Amish novel, that's for sure! Not with the emphasis on physical attraction and passion that leaps off the page right from the start. I'll admit, it was off-putting at first, because it seemed so shallow, especially when you think 'Amish romance' so I'm going to tell you what I wish I'd known before I started reading:

 There's a reason for Caleb's thoughts and actions and it shadows everything to do with Lydia. She is quite the woman of mystery living out the repercussions of a past not of her own making that has skewed her sense of self-worth. You won't understand any of that until you've reached the half way point, but keep it in mind because it brings an unexpected depth to what otherwise might appear to be a superficial love story.

The romance sizzles -- scorches, actually so crank up the air conditioning and stick your feet in a bucket of ice before you commence reading.

And you need to be a fan of love at first sight in order to embrace Caleb and Lydia's story. I actually know a couple who just celebrated their 62nd anniversary -- it was love at first sight for him, but she fell head over heels within a week and they were married within the month! I always think of them when I read this kind of love story but I know that some readers don't care for that kind of instant romance so consider yourself forewarned!

Hilton makes this hero and heroine go to battle for their happily ever after -- both physically and spiritually. "What if Gott is waiting for you to stop trying to be gut enough..." (p 174) Caleb's preacher daed cuts to the heart of the matter and what follows is a celebration of forgiveness and grace that took my breath away.

A cast of secondary characters to love -- and to hate -- brought this Jamesport community to life. There's plenty of angst and not all the rough edges are smoothed away by the end, but there's tremendous reader satisfaction over a hard earned HEA!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Love by the Numbers, 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 AT and DOT 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. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday July 29 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Amish Wanderer

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HILTON, LAURA V.
AMISH WANDERER

Desperate for a Ticket Out
Bethany Weiss is ready to leave town. Tongues haven't stopped clacking in Jamesport, MO, since her daed, the bishop, was admitted to a mental hospital after hurting their small Amish community. But her sharpest wounds Bethany hides from prying eyes, quietly biding her time until she can take a chance at a new life -- away from Jamesport and away from God.

Searching for a Home
Silas Beiler was kicked out of his own family's home. Dogged by a rough childhood and a family who blames him for each new disaster, he begins hitchhiking across the country, sleeping in barns where he can, working for  food when possible -- headed for Pennyslvania, in the hope of some stability.

A Memory of Lemonade
When Bethany spies a man asleep in the hayloft, she first fears the return of an unwelcome suitor. But when it is Silas who turns and speaks, the memories flood back: a happy summer six years ago full of lemonade, long walks, and budding courtship. Now, however, those months of bliss seem naive and idyllic. Will their old love overcome new pain? Or will hurt and rejection continue to haunt their path?

My Review:

Not your typical Amish love story. These are flawed characters struggling to overcome the emotional scars accumulated from a lifetime of dysfunction and abuse. It's gritty and harsh -- emotionally shattering in places -- but ultimately triumphant as both Bethany and Silas find their way to a full understanding of grace.

Bethany feels invisible -- especially to God. She lives to serve and submit and longs for escape. Deeply wounded, her behavior can sometimes be erratic as she flounders to make sense of her world. Silas has so much to offer but he holds back out of fear. These two made a connection when they were youngies attending singings. In fact, Silas used to single Bethany out...and then he and the rest of his family left the community. But now he's returned -- just passing through on his way to a new future. Hearts collide once again, only there are no guarantees that Bethany and Silas will be able to create something long lasting this time round either.

I don't want to say too much more about the plot, because there are things we learn about both hero and heroine that propel the plot along in surprising ways. The author digs deep into the psyche of both, successfully pulling me into their lives and making me feel a gamut of emotions that left me reeling. Tremendously touching, sensitive and ultimately hopeful.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Amish Wanderer, 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 . to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please remember to 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 June 18 2017. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Swept Away

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HILTON, LAURA V.
LOVEN, CINDY
SWEPT AWAY

Sara Jane Morgan is trying to balance teaching with caring for her ailing, stubborn grandmother. When school lets out for the summer, the plans are for Grandma to teach Sara Jane to quilt as they finish up the Appalachian Ballad quilt Grandma started as a teenager. But things don’t always go as planned. Andrew Stevenson is hiding from his past—and his future. He works as a handyman to pay the bills, but his heart is as an artisan, designing homemade brooms. When Sara Jane’s grandmother hires him to renovate her home, sparks fly between Drew and his new employer’s granddaughter. Still, it doesn’t take Sara Jane long to see Drew isn’t what he seems. Questions arise, and she starts researching him online. What she discovers could change her life—and her heart—forever.

My Review:

Oh mercy, what a mess of a first meet! So awkward -- the hero and heroine make snap judgements about each other and that creates a gnarly mess to untangle as their relationship progresses. Sara Jane in particular struggles with Drew's presence in her grandmother's life. She has good reason, based on past experiences and her grandmother's circumstances but poor Drew doesn't know that at the beginning.

I loved Drew. Solid, patient and so kind. Tragedy has forced him to grow in his faith and it shows. He is a steadying influence for Sara Jane. More insightful when it comes to Grandma's increasingly odd behaviour. He becomes an anchor of dependability for Sara Jane has she faces an uncertain future.

A strong faith-filled thread adds an extra dimension to this tale of finding love and acceptance.

My thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group and Abingdon Press for my review copy of this book.

http://litfusegroup.com/author/HilLov

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Swept Away 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 December 21  2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

A Harvest of Hearts

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HILTON, LAURA V.
A HARVEST OF HEARTS

A Participant in a swap of Amish men, independent yet kindhearted Matthew Yoder was glad to leave the vast farmland of Lancaster County and make a fresh start in Missouri, where he's living with the Stoltzfus family until he finds a place of his own.

Strong-minded yet filled with compassion, Shanna Stoltzfus always dreamed of becoming a nurse, despite her father's threats to shun her. Determined to follow her heart, Shanna ran away and enrolled in college. But when her classmates embark on a medical mission trip that Shanna can't afford, she must turn to the last place she wants to go for help: home.

Even though Shanna still flirts with the people and practices of her Englisch life, Matthew is fascinated by the Stoltzfuses' prodigal daughter, and a close friendship soon blossoms between them. Amid mounting tension with her father and growing attraction to Matthew, Shanna must ask herself some tough questions and decide where her true home is.

My Review:

Emotionally charged and positively riveting, A Harvest of Hearts will touch your heart and stay there long after you read the last word. Hilton digs deep, uncovering layers of pain and misunderstanding in her characters. The family relationships in this book are so real! It made my heart ache to watch her characters struggle.

The contrast between Shanna and Matthew is profound -- like oil and water they shouldn't mix, but they do, though not without difficulty. I love how Matthew's steadfast calm is a perfect foil to Shanna's volatile, reactive nature. And how sometimes that calm sets her off even more. But his constancy is swoonworthy -- quiet, unyielding, but oh so gentle and compassionate...oops, excuse me while I slide into a puddle. He's that delectable a hero!

The inspirational thread is strong and resonated with me. Hilton may have set out to entertain readers with a story but she's managed to include plain truths that we would all do well to remember. A touching, tender, thought-provoking read.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Harvest of Hearts leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca.  Please remember to include the title in your subject line. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday December 4. Offer open internationally.  Good luck!

Patchwork Dreams

HILTON, LAURA V.
PATCHWORK DREAMS

One fateful decision...Two renewed hearts...

Ever since returning home from her rumschpringe pregnant and unwed, Becky Troyer has been a pariah in her Amish community. Even after she confesses her sin and rejoins the church, her peers continue to shun her. A distraught Becky wonders if she will ever marry for love.

Becky's world changes, however, when the handsome Jacob Miller arrives at her family's farm. The assumption is that he's there to help with chores during the summer, and then he'll return to Pennsylvania. But Jacob's father actually sent him away to introduce new blood into the Amish community of Seymour, as well as to distance him from his sweetheart, Susie.

As their friendship deepens, the two find themselves inexplicably drawn to each other. Can Jacob cheer up the lovely yet listless Becky by offering her the only unconditional friendship she's ever known? Or will he honor his pledge to Susie and turn his back on Becky, as others have done in the past?

My Review:

I found a new favourite Amish author! I think this is her debut Amish story and there's a sneak preview of the next in the series which has me really excited. I'd been experiencing a bit of an Amish drought lately and was just so excited to get into one again.

Hilton reeled me in from the very first page and there was enough emotional tension to keep me turning pages until the very end. The developing friendship between Becky and Jacob defines the story and I loved how Hilton drew them together and then apart and back together again. And though she deals with serious topics that had me in raging hissy fits on more than one occasion during the read, she has peppered Patchwork Dreams with some surprising and delightful humour. A winning combination in my books.

Becky is in such a hard place and so unwilling to trust --  resigned to not having a life beyond the walls of her family's home. At times I wanted to shake her and tell her to smarten up because some of her views were so skewed. Thank goodness Jacob had an unending source of patience and his determination to help Becky, including his teasing flirtations were so much fun to read.

How their friendship blossomed into romance and the angst that embroiled them until the very end made for a fascinating and satisfying read. I'll definitely be watching out for A Harvest of Hearts when it comes out in September.