Author: Rachel J. Good
Series: Surprised by Love #5
Genre: Inspirational Romance
Publisher: Zebra
Format: Kindle ARC
No. of pages: 352
Date of Publication: June 27. 2023
My Rating: 4 Stars
DESCRIPTION:
Hiding a painful secret, valley newcomer Noah Riehl is looking for a fresh start with few complications. He hopes his job at the Farmer’s Market will give him the quiet life he craves. But light-hearted Caroline Hartzler has other ideas. She practically falls in love with him at first sight. And when she asks Noah for a not-so-simple favor—and won’t take no for answer—he finds himself reluctantly agreeing…
Caroline refuses to listen to the gossip that has followed Noah into the valley, or even to her own daed’s warnings. She’s taken with Noah and his gentle, generous spirit. In fact, he’s the perfect person to help her discourage an unwanted suitor—by pretending they’re courting. Yet the more time they spend together, the more Caroline must remind herself that their relationship is just a temporary ruse. But she’s not the only one struggling. . . Secretly, Noah’s feelings for Caroline deepen more than he thought possible, helping him renew his faltering faith. But when rumors about his past threaten to ruin them both, they must pray that the truth leads them to the blessed union they long for…
MY THOUGHTS:
If he had his way, newcomer Noah Riehl would like to go to work everyday a the local Farmer's Market in Lancaster County and then go home. However, a stormy woman named Caroline changes everything for him. Caroline has recently led her team to a win in a volleyball game and has upset one of the other players. When he approaches her, Noah is nearby and before he knows it, Caroline declares that he is her boyfriend.
Although it was only for the moment, Noah and Caroline are fake dating, and it doesn't take long for their feelings towards one another to grow. Caroline works for her brother Gideon at his Market Barbecue stand and he had already experienced Caroline being distracted over a boy once before. Now that she has a new boyfriend, his busy stand is often understaffed as Caroline is frequently distracted. Meanwhile, Noah has a backstory that has become fodder for gossip, but Caroline refuses to allow that to influence how she is growing to really care for him.
This is a strong story of faith, and reclaiming that faith. In order to be in good standing with their Amish faith, both Noah and Caroline must make wise decisions that will impact their future. This was a very engaging addition to a lovely series. And of course, Mrs. Vandenburg, over the age of 90, played an important role.
Many thanks to Zebra and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
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.
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