Monday, August 26, 2019

Review - A Love for Leah

Title:   A Love for Leah
Author:  Amy Lillard
Series:  Amish of Pontotoc #2
Genre:   Inspirational Romance
Publisher:  Zebra
Format:  Kindle
No. of Pages:   352
Date of Publication:  July 31, 2018
My Rating:  4.5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

For the Amish of Pontotoc, Mississippi, faith can open minds—and hearts—to create surprising bonds for a lifetime . . .

Independent-minded Leah Gingerich has always been outspoken. And even though she is now a progressive Mennonite, she's rediscovering the joys of family traditions back in her Amish hometown. Yet she can't help but clash with her handsome new Amish neighbor, Jamie Stoltzfus. He's too hard-headed and old-line to see that his traumatized young nephew, Peter, needs faith and help—or that a woman who stands up to him may be what he needs to heal . . .

After a devastating tragedy, Jamie moved to Pontotoc with his nephew for a fresh start. Holding fast to his beliefs is the only way he feels he can aid Peter—and himself. But somehow, Leah's freethinking ways and feisty challenges are sparking a happiness he's never felt before. Soon, Jamie can't imagine his life without her. But are their differences ultimately too great to overcome—or can love bridge their way to a future together?

MY THOUGHTS:

Leah Gingerich has had no trouble making her own decisions. This including staying very close to her family. This could have been very difficult, as she left the Amish faith and became Mennonite, preferring more freedom in her life. One of the things Leah is doing is opening up a second-hand shop. This helps her family in one particular way when it comes to her sister Hannah's son Brandon. Hannah has returned to the Amish faith. However, since Hannah left the Amish years ago, she married and had a teen son,Brandon, and he was raised English.

Leah takes Brandon in while Hannah prepares for baptism and eventual marriage to Aaron Zook. That story is in the first book in this series, A Home for Hannah. Leah is happy in her life, and proves to be just perfect for Brandon. Then she meets Jamie Stoltzfus, a new man in Pontotoc who has arrived with his six-year-old nephew, Peter. The child lost his family in a fire, and has suffered serious injuries. He doesn't speak, and Jamie will do whatever he can to bring joy to Peter's life once again. 

Leah senses a connection with Jamie and Peter. Well, with Jamie, they rub each other the wrong way at first. But, Peter is something special. Jamie knows that finding a wife is something he must do, but he is Amish and Leah is not. It doesn't take long for the two to realize that they must deal with their attraction without upsetting the importance of their faiths.

A Love for Leah is another very touching story in the Amish of Pontotoc series. This was another book that I could not put down. How could the impossible ever happen? Amy Lillard wrote a compelling story that really considered faith, prayer and grace. Although this could serve as a standalone, I believe the reader would be robbed if they didn't read the first book prior to this one. The family connection and continuity is very important to get the full effect that this book offers.

I eagerly devoured the third book in the series, A Family for Gracie, right after reading this one. What an incredible series! I look forward to making time to read as much of this author's work as possible.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I’m a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, Fibro Warrior, and Squirrel Princess.

I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I’ve retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I’m from Texas. (?)  Rob and I have been married for over twenty-five years and have a son–a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!

I love homemade tacos, nail polish, and romance novels–not necessarily in that order. I’m a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I’m shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.


I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twlight series (I’ll get to it or I won’t, either way I’m good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I’m alone on this last one, and again, I’m good with it.)



Favorite movies–(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940’s movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven’t seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn’s and Audrey’s. 


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