Friday, November 2, 2018

Review: The Amish Teacher’s Gift

TitleThe Amish Teacher’s Gift
Author:  Rachel J. Good
Series:  Love and Promises #1
Genre:  Inspirational Romance
Publisher:  Forever
Format:  Amazon Kindle
No. of pages: 384
Published: April 24, 2018
My Rating: 5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

A Teacher's Love

Widower Josiah Yoder wants to be a good father. But it's not easy with a deaf young son who doesn't understand why his mamm isn't coming home. At a loss, Josiah enrolls Nathan in a special-needs school and is relieved to see his son immediately comforted by his new teacher, a woman whose sweet charm and gentle smile just might be the balm they both need.

With seven siblings to care for, Ada Rupp wasn't sure she wanted to take on teaching, too. But the moment she holds Nathan in her arms, she realizes she'll do all she can to help this lost little boy. Plus, it gives her a chance to spend more time with Josiah. Falling for a man in mourning may be against the rules, but his quiet strength is the support Ada never knew she needed. And, together, they could have the loving family she'd always hoped for.

Nineteen-year-old Ada Rupp will be teaching at a special needs school. First job. Feels hardly qualified. 


MY THOUGHTS:

Josiah Yoder is reluctant to have his six-year-old deaf son start school. Young Nathan has terrible tantrums whenever Josiah gets close to him. How will Nathan manage in school when Josiah cannot even communicate with or even control him?

Ada Rupp is nineteen years old and is overwhelmingly responsible for her seven younger siblings. Furthermore, she is about to begin her new job as a teacher in the special needs school that Nathan will be attending. Although Ada has a deaf brother, she has no other training with special needs children.

Both Ada’s and Josiah’s stories are heartbreaking. Ada’s mother has recently passed away and something has happened to her father. Nathan is a widower and his son is absolutely terrified of him. They both have devastatingly stressful situations and must now work alongside one another for Nathan’s sake. A problem quickly occurs when the two are drawn to one another. Josiah is still in mourning and Ada has a sensitive secret that bans her from courting.

Only at 6% and I wanted to bawl. I managed to hold myself back but continued reading with a huge lump in my throat. Upon extension we learn much more about Josiah’s and Nathan’s delicate relationship as well as Ada’s wonderfully warm connection to her siblings.

Problems occur on many levels for Ada and Josiah. She has her job and her siblings which are of primary concern and he has got to figure out how to properly father his son. Ada agrees to help Josiah learn sign language, but their chemistry is palpable and they both experience extreme conflict, both internally and externally.

I have never read an Amish love story before, but what a great way to start! While reading the acknowledgments at the beginning of the book, readers will discover how the author did the extensive research that went into in creating this amazing story. She not only developed a fine inspirational romance, but there was wonderful information gleaned to see how she was able to write of the children in the story and make their needs and development incredibly genuine.

When I received the ARC of the second book in this series, The Amish Midwife’s Secret, I definitely wanted to read this story first. I am incredibly happy that I chose to do so, and I read this wonderful story from cover to cover in just a few hours. Ms. Good is an extremely skilled author with the talent to draw the reader into the story. Let me tell you, I read the second book immediately after this one and was just as impressed. Review to follow.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rachel J. Good grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for her Amish novels. A former teacher and librarian, she completed her MA from Vermont College while raising five children. She is presently an MFA student at Hollins University. In addition to having more than 2300 articles and 40 books in print or forthcoming under several pseudonyms, she also juggles freelance editing and illustration careers.



8 comments:

  1. Sounds like you've found a nice series.

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  2. Great review! Sounds like you really felt this book and I am glad you enjoyed it.

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  3. This one sounds like a heart squeezer

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  4. Sounds sweet. I'm glad you're enjoying this series.

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  5. sounds like a sweet read, and it is always nice to find something to enjoy like this a series makes it even better

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  6. Great a new series, though I am not a fan.

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  7. Great review Robin, I've been really wanting to read an Amish romance book for a long time now but I never got a chance to read any Amish romance books yet. But I am really glad you enjoy this book, thank you so much for sharing your awesome post.

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