Author: Shelley Shepard Gray
Publisher: Kensington
Series: Amish ABCs #1
Genre: Romance
Format: Kindle ARC
No. of Pages: 288
Date of Publication: June 25, 2024
My Rating: 5 Stars
DESCRIPTION:
Exploring the relationship between Amish and English cultures through the lens of a single family, the Amish Again series is perfect for fans of Beverly Lewis, Suzanne Woods Fisher, and Charlotte Hubbard – and anyone who enjoys uplifting stories about faith, family, love, and the simple life.
SIMULTANEOUS HARDCOVER AND TRADE PAPERBACK RELEASE!
Siblings Martin, Kelsey, Beth, and Jonny are as different as can be, but they have one thing in common. They’re all longing to reinvent their lives. Raised by their divorced lapsed-Amish father and English mother, they only knew real stability and a sense of family when visiting their Old Order grandparents, Josiah and Sylvia Schrock, in peaceful small-town Millersburg, Ohio. Now the four want to try living with them and joining their faith—much to the Schrocks’ surprise . . .
Martin, the eldest, is reeling from a bad breakup, so he’s especially determined to make a fresh start. When he meets his grandparents’ neighbor, Patti Coblentz, he’s immediately drawn to her outgoing, helpful nature—but is so overwhelmed that he appears blunt and rude. Is there any way he can drop his defenses enough to admit she’s captured his heart?
Always self-conscious about the birthmark on her temple, Patti is resigned to never marrying and busying herself with the responsibilities of the large home and property she has inherited. Besides, Martin’s ill-mannered behavior and disconcerting directness make him the last man she’d ever want to wed—no matter how handsome he is.
Yet given time and patience—and adhering to their grandparents’ unexpectedly challenging rules—the whole family might just find what they’re looking for, even Martin and Patti.
MY THOUGHTS:
Four siblings, Martin, Kelsey, Beth, and Jonny, approach their Amish grandparents with a request to reside with them. This decision is not driven by a need for shelter, but rather by their shared decision to embrace the Amish lifestyle, seeking to forge new identities for themselves. Their parents are divorced, with Kelsey’s father having once been Amish. Seeking stability, the siblings yearn for the guidance and support they believe their grandparents can provide. Although their parents are initially pleased with their request, they suggest that the siblings live with them in pairs of two for a year, rather than all four simultaneously.
Martin and Kelsey, eager to lead the way in adapting to the Amish lifestyle, find themselves fitting in remarkably well. Naturally, they must acquire new skills and relinquish all English-language and technological possessions. However, the adjustments extend beyond practical matters.
A romantic connection may be imminent for both siblings. Martin develops a strong attraction to his grandparents’ neighbor, Patti, who bears a port wine birthmark that has caused her significant self-consciousness. This birthmark has made her feel isolated, but Martin and Kelsey, consumed by their shared pursuit of Amish life, including the immediate acquisition of Pennsylvania Dutch, easily overlook her birthmark. Kelsey, on the other hand, is instantly drawn to Preacher Richard, leading to the blossoming of romance for her as well.
As Martin and Kelsey immerse themselves in their newfound community, they discover that their journey has only just begun, with unforeseen obstacles and opportunities presenting themselves. In this captivating and immersive read, the siblings navigate their newfound lifestyle, simultaneously contemplating the possibilities that lie ahead. The next installment in the series, B is for Bonnet, is scheduled for release in January.
Many thanks to Kensington and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.
Photo credit: Dianne Bomar
No comments:
Post a Comment