AUDIOBOOK REVIEW - A Match for the Amish Beekeeper

 

A Match for the Amish Beekeeper

by Laurel Blount

SeriesHickory Springs Amish #4

PublisherHarlequin Audio

GenreInspirational Romance

FormatALC

NarratorStina Nielson

Length6 hrs 36 mins

Pages203

Pub. DateAugust 25, 2026

Rating⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DESCRIPTION

Sometimes falling in love

Feels like coming home…

After losing her beloved fiancé, Lydia Riehl has supported herself as a beekeeper, with Aent Mattie’s guidance. There’s only one When Mattie passes away, she bequeaths the bees and hives to Lydia, and the house and land to Caleb’s twin brother, Ben King. Ben promised his brother he’d look out for Lydia. When he steps up to repair the house and learns the ins and outs of beekeeping, their friendship deepens into something more. Will these two lonely souls decide to be open to love’s possibilities?

From Love  Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Hickory Springs Amish

Book 1: The Amish Widower's Surprise

Book 2: Trusting the Amish Farmer

Book 3: A Courtship for the Amish Nanny

Book 4: A Match for the Amish Beekeeper

Link to shop the series

MY THOUGHTS

I have really been enjoying Laurel Blount’s Hickory Springs Amish series. Each story has been sweet, uplifting, and filled with couples who seem perfectly matched. So far, we have met Eben and Lila in The Amish Widower’s Surprise, Jeremiah and Anna in Trusting the Amish Farmer, and Eli and Trudy in A Courtship for the Amish Nanny. This fourth installment brings Ben King and Lydia Riehl together, and I enjoyed their story just as much as the previous ones. There is also a fifth book, The Amish Mother’s Redemption, and I can’t wait to read it!

This story was especially sweet because Lydia had once been deeply in love with Caleb King and planned to marry him. Sadly, Caleb died from a serious illness, leaving Lydia heartbroken. Meanwhile, Lydia’s Aunt Mattie has passed away and left her beekeeping business to Lydia. But in a surprising turn of events, Mattie leaves her house to Caleb’s brother, Ben.

Ben had moved away some time ago, but he returns to get the house in order while deciding what he wants to do with the property. As he works on the house, he also becomes involved in Lydia’s beekeeping business. What begins as a practical arrangement gradually becomes something much more personal for both of them.

Both Lydia and Ben are grieving Caleb, which creates an emotional conflict neither of them could have anticipated. Could they really fall in love with each other? I especially appreciated the way Laurel Blount handled the delicate situation of a woman falling in love with her deceased fiancé’s brother. Their relationship is complicated by grief, memories, and the question of whether moving forward means leaving Caleb behind.

Ben also has another reason for wanting to remain close to Lydia. Before Caleb died, he made a promise to his brother that he would look after Lydia and help her find a worthy husband. But what happens when Ben begins to wonder if perhaps he could be that husband?

I am really enjoying this series, and this installment tackles some particularly meaningful themes, including grief, second chances, faith, forgiveness, and learning to open your heart to love again. Lydia and Ben’s story is a beautiful reminder that finding happiness again does not mean forgetting the person you lost.

Many thanks to Harlequin Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning author Laurel Blount writes captivating romances full of grit and grace--with characters who'll walk right off the page and into your heart. She lives on a farm in Georgia with her husband, their four fabulous kids, and an assortment of ridiculously spoiled animals.

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AUDIOBOOK REVIEW - A Family for the Amish Orphans

Title:  A Family for the Amish Orphan

Author:  Jo Ann Brown

Series:   Amish of Lost River #4

Publisher:  HarperCollins 

Genre:   Inspirational Romance

Format:  ALC

Narrator:  Catherine Gaffney

Length:  6 hrs 33 mins

No. of Pages:   205 pages

Date of Publication:   June 30, 2026

My Rating:   4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

An unexpected arrangement
might lead to a forever home…

Daryn Yutzy’s three orphaned nieces are now his responsibility—but the Amish bachelor is clueless when it comes to raising little girls, especially one who refuses to speak. When kindhearted food-trailer owner Carrie Detweiler coaxes smiles from them with french fries, he turns to her for assistance. Carrie agrees to help the grieving children—if Daryn helps out her troubled teenage cousin. Carrie has always been focused on business instead of marriage, and Daryn’s still reeling from a past betrayal. Yet working together stirs something neither expected. Can they open their hearts to a future they never planned for?

Amish of Lost River

Book 1: Healing Her Amish Heart
Book 2: Saving Her Amish Baby
Book 3: Their Amish Courtship Secret
Book 4: A Family for the Amish Orphans

Link to shop the series

MY THOUGHTS:

Tragedy has left Daryn Yutzy, a single Amish man, as the guardian of his three young nieces. His love for the girls knows no bounds, and while he understands how deeply they are grieving, he has no idea where to begin when it comes to being the parent they need. When the girls immediately take to Carrie Detweiler, an Amish woman who runs a local food trailer, Daryn asks if there is any way she might be able to help them.

Carrie’s time is already stretched thin, but she agrees. However, her help will come with one condition. Her teenage cousin lives with her family and is constantly finding trouble. In exchange for helping the girls, she hopes Daryn can become a positive influence in the boy’s life. As they work together, trust slowly grows among everyone involved, and both Daryn and Carrie begin to discover that healing is possible.

This is a warm and emotional story that beautifully shows how faith, forgiveness, and compassion can lead to enduring love. I especially enjoyed the audiobook narration, which captured both the tenderness of the children’s healing journey and the sweet, slow-building romance between Daryn and Carrie. A Family for the Amish Orphans is the fourth book in the Amish of Lost River series, and I have enjoyed every installment. Fans of heartfelt Amish fiction will find this to be another uplifting and satisfying read.

Many thanks to HarperCollins and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jo Ann Brown has been creating characters and stories for as long as she can remember. Her first stories were populated with her friends and sisters. She wrote her first novel in high school, and it happily resides in the forgotten depths of her file cabinet. Fast forward through college, serving in the US Army as a quartermaster officer, getting married, and increasing her blessings with three children...and Jo Ann sold her first book in 1987. Since it was published in 1988, she has sold over 100 titles and has become a best-selling and award-winning author. Romantic Times called her “a truly talented author.” She writes romance, mystery, and YA under a variety of pen names. Now she is writing Amish romances for Love Inspired and Annie’s Fiction as Jo Ann Brown.

Her books have been translated into nearly a dozen languages and are sold on every continent except Antarctica. A sought-after speaker, she has been teaching creative writing for over 20 years, and she established several popular fiction courses at Brown University. She resides in Florida with her husband and about a zillion little lizards in her yard.

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AUDIOBOOK REVIEW - Guarded by the Sheriff

Title:  Guarded by the Sheriff

Author: Monique DeVere

Publisher:  HarperCollins 

Genre:   Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Format:  ALC

Narrator:  Kate Marcin

Length:  6 hrs 3 mins

No. of Pages:   237

Date of Publication:   June 30, 2026

My Rating:   4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

A child in need of protection...and a lawman keeping watch.

It’s a shock to Sheriff Ethan Callahan to see his ex-fiancée Sienna Blake again — especially with a child in tow...and a gunman on her heels. Witnessing a shooting has make Sienna a criminal’s next target. And when Ethan realises that he’s the father of her son, he is determined to keep them both safe...no matter the cost. With trust hanging in the balance and their enemy closing in, Ethan and Sienna must stand together to survive. Except the hit man knows their every move...and trusting the wrong person could get them killed.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

Sienna Blake is on the run, and she isn’t alone. Traveling with her is her young son she is determined to protect. Sheriff Ethan Callahan immediately recognizes the danger Sienna is facing, but guarding her is anything but simple. The two were once engaged before Sienna abruptly ended their relationship, leaving Ethan with unanswered questions and a broken heart. Now, as they work together to stay one step ahead of the person hunting Sienna, the powerful feelings they once shared begin to resurface.

There is one more shocking revelation for Ethan. One look into the little boy’s eyes leaves him with no doubt that the child is his son.

Danger, emotion, and pure sweetness make Guarded by the Sheriff a wonderful read. I especially enjoyed the audiobook, beautifully narrated by Kate Marcin. She brings Sienna and Ethan to life while also capturing the innocence and charm of the young boy with a voice that adds even more heart to the story. Her performance enhances the emotional depth and suspense throughout.

Second-chance romances are one of my favorite tropes, and Monique DeVere blends that theme seamlessly with inspirational elements, family drama, and plenty of suspense. I thoroughly enjoyed watching everything come together and found this to be a touching, satisfying story from beginning to end.

Many thanks to HarperCollins and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Monique DeVere writes funny, feel-good romances with heart, hope, and a dash of sass. A true romantic, she believes falling in love should come with belly laughs, awkward moments, and that delicious slow-burn sizzle. Originally from Barbados, Monique lives in the UK with her real-life hero, their four grown children, five grandchildren, and an adorable Yorkie. She loves writing stories about strong, smart heroines and the swoon-worthy men who fall for them—whether in rom-com, contemporary, or inspirational suspense. When she’s not dreaming up emotionally satisfying love stories, she’s collecting new ideas, enjoying family time, or learning something new.

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Review - D is for Daisy

Title:   D is for Daisy

Author:  Shelley Shepard Gray

Publisher:  Kensington

Series:  Amish ABCs #4

Genre:   Romance

Format:  Kindle ARC 

No. of Pages:  288

Date of Publication:  June 30, 2026

My Rating:   5 Stars 

DESCRIPTION:

Newcomers are always welcome in the rural Amish community of Walden, Ohio, but in this heartwarming inspirational romance from beloved New York Timesbestselling and award-winning author Shelley Shepard Gray, a 50-something couple planning for early retirement learn even the simple life can sometimes be complicated. For fans of Beverly Lewis, Amy Clipston, and Charlotte Hubbard—and anyone who enjoys wholesome, uplifting stories about faith, family, and love.

SIMULTANEOUS HARDCOVER AND TRADE PAPERBACK RELEASE!

Early retirement never sounded so good to Mervin and Ruthie Miller. After a lifetime in Millersburg, where Mervin worked at a furniture and shed factory and Ruthie helped out at a fabric store, they have exciting They’re going to become “Amish Gentlemen Farmers.” That means buying a 30-acre, ramshackle farm, and all that comes with it—no matter what their grown children, friends, and aching muscles think . . .

Aaron Miller is worried about his parents, but there’s little he can do now that he lives in Kentucky and has a baby on the way. Then his childhood best friend, Kyle Burkholder, makes a heaven-sent he’ll move in with Aaron’s parents to teach them about raising cows, sheep, and chickens, and even give weekly reports to Aaron.

The arrangement is going well—until Kyle stumbles upon Daisy Lapp who’s just been in a bicycle accident. When he takes her to the hospital, he knows there’s something special between them. So does Daisy. But her something special is the fact that Kyle lives on the farm she’d always dreamed of buying one day. She knows it’s wrong, but she’s jealous. She wants nothing to do with Kyle and politely tells him so.

Still, like the Millers, Kyle’s not one to give up easily. Not on himself, not on the farm, and certainly not on Daisy. With dedication and a leap of faith, the lives they envisioned just might come true . . .

Link to shop the series

MY THOUGHTS:

Shelley Shepard Gray is writing one of my favorite inspirational series, the Amish ABCs. Planned as a five-book series, the final installment, E Is for Englischer, is scheduled for release in November of this year. Set in the Amish community of Walden, Ohio, this series combines faith, heartwarming romance, and a close-knit community to create stories that are both uplifting and comforting.

This fourth installment, D is for Daisy, focuses on Kyle Burkholder and Daisy Lapp. Kyle is doing a favor for his best friend, Aaron, by moving in with Aaron’s parents, Mervin and Ruthie Miller, to teach them about farming. The Millers have purchased a farm despite knowing very little about farm life, and Aaron hopes Kyle’s help will ease his worries while he lives out of state.

One day, Daisy is injured in a bicycle accident, and Kyle rushes her to the hospital. The attraction between them is undeniable, but there is one significant obstacle. Kyle is now living on the very farm Daisy had long dreamed of buying herself. Although she can’t deny her growing feelings for Kyle, her disappointment over losing the farm makes it difficult to spend time with him. Hoping to protect her heart, Daisy is determined to keep her distance.

This is a lovely story about determination, second chances, and trusting God’s plan even when life doesn’t unfold as expected. Kyle is exactly the person the Millers need to help them succeed on the farm, and Mervin and Ruthie are such warm, endearing characters that it’s impossible not to root for them. Faith, hope, and perseverance blend beautifully with the sweet, slow-building romance between Kyle and Daisy, making this another wonderful addition to a series I continue to enjoy.

Many thanks to Kensington and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Amish ABCs

 

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

Review - Still Waters

Title:   Still Waters

Author:  Patricia Johns

Series:  The Amish of Shepherd’s Hill #2

Genre:   Inspirational Romance 

Publisher:   Bethany House Publishers

Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:  352

Date of Publication:  November 4, 2025

My Rating: 5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Unsure of her future within the Amish community, Beth Peachy arrives in Lancaster County to care for her ailing grandmother for the summer at her lake house. Yet with dementia threatening to steal away Mammi's memories, Beth's visit quickly evolves into an urgent quest for the answers to questions that her relatives seem determined to avoid. How can Beth possibly make a lifelong vow to the Amish church when her own family is concealing so much of the past from her?

Beth's childhood friend Danny Lapp faces his own dilemma as his ex-Amish older brother turns his back on their wholesome family upbringing, dishonoring his Plain heritage. Struggling to find some sort of connection with his brother despite their deep difference of opinion, Danny is determined to find a solution before church leadership becomes involved. As Beth and Danny reconnect and seek to help each other in the search for answers, they find themselves stirring up not only surprising revelations about the past, but questions about a possible future together.

Bestselling author Patricia Johns's latest novel is a can't-put-down mix of romance, family secrets, and life within the cloistered Amish community.

Link to shop the series

MY THOUGHTS:

“Still waters ran deep … Notice how still the water is. If the surface is like glass, the water is deep. Don’t be fooled. Lakes can seem almost bottomless.”

Beth Peachy is at a real crossroads in her life. She’s torn between staying in her Amish community or stepping out into the wider world. While she’s in Lancaster County caring for her ailing grandmother, she knows she’s where she’s supposed to be for now — but she can’t help wondering what comes next. The simple Amish life just doesn’t seem to fit her dreams anymore, and she’s struggling to figure out where she truly belongs.

Her childhood friend Danny Lapp is wrestling with his own challenges. His brother has left the Amish and has been pretty outspoken about it, which hurts Danny deeply. Even so, Danny still loves his brother and wants to keep that connection alive.

As Beth and Danny spend time together, they find comfort in being able to talk honestly about their doubts and frustrations. Patricia Johns does such a great job showing the emotional side of their journeys and the very real questions they’re facing. It’s easy to relate to both of them as they try to make sense of faith, family, and their futures.

I also loved seeing Tabitha Schrock again — she was in the first book, Green Pastures, and I hope her story continues in future books. Like the first one, Still Waters focuses more on the emotional and spiritual growth of the characters than on the romance. It’s a heartfelt, thoughtful read that complements the first book perfectly. I’m already looking forward to what comes next in the series.

Many thanks to Bethany House Publishers and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I am a Harlequin author who writes for the Love Inspired, Western/American Romance and Heartwarming lines. I have recently signed a book deal with Kensington Books for Amish romance, so in 2019, you’ll find me being published by both Harlequin and Kensington. You can find my books in any place that books are sold. I am represented by Rachel Beck of Holloway Literary.

I have my Hon. BA in English Literature from University of Toronto, and I live in Northern Canada where the weather dominates our small talk. Mr. Johns has the distinct challenge of being married to a writer, and our young son has yet to be impressed by seeing his mother’s books on a store shelf. 😉 It’s the perfect life for me.

Click on over to see my books, or check out my blog where I talk about writing, books, marriage, kids, and everything else that distracts me from my work. And leave a comment! I’d love to hear from you.

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Review - A Daughter’s Choice

Title:  A Daughter’s Choice 

Author:  Kelly Irvin

Series:  The Heart of the Amish

Publisher:  Barbour

Genre:   Inspirational Romance 

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   256

Date of Publication:   November 1, 2025

My Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Henrietta Is Set Against Love

Full of faith, hope, and romance, this series takes you into the Heart of Amish Country.

Henrietta Miller loves animals—especially her goats. She wants to marry and have children someday, but right now her goal is to have her own business selling snacks made from goat's milk and goat's soaps. Against her the wishes of her father--who's also the bishop—she applies for a job as a veterinary assistant to earn money. Then newcomer Nicholas Byler snatches the job out from under her—or so it seems to Hen. Now Nicholas is treating Hen's beloved animals as if he knows more than her. Hen turns her frustrations toward expanding her business to include wool-producing goats, even while her aunt hatches matchmaking plans—with Nicholas Byler, no less.

The Heart of the Amish Series Includes:
The Flower Quilter by Mindy Steele
Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne
The Quilt Room Secret by Lisa Jones Baker
Courting an Amish Bishop by Mindy Steele
Mary’s Calico Hope by Anne Blackburne
Serenity’s Secret by Lisa Jones Baker
A Stolen Kiss by Mindy Steele
Lizzie’s Little Mouse by Anne Blackburne
Hunting for a Husband by Mindy Steele

MY THOUGHTS:

“Hen truly was the pied piper of animals.”

“Faith. Family. Community. Then self.”

Reading A Daughter’s Choice deeply moved me. I was instantly captivated by Hen’s world—her boundless love for animals, especially her goats. However, working with animals wasn’t supported by Hen’s father, despite her dream of becoming a vet assistant. As the Bishop in their Amish community, he was raising his seven children alone after his wife’s passing. Hen didn’t have to worry about disappointing her father regarding her desire for the vet position, as a newcomer named Nicholas was hired for the very job she wanted. Her disappointment was evident, creating tension between them, especially when it came to caring for animals.

Hen was a remarkable protagonist. Her quiet strength, sense of responsibility, and struggle to balance her heart’s desires with her father’s and faith’s expectations will no doubt resonate with readers. While this is primarily Hen’s story, Nicholas has his own story to tell. This part of the story explored the crisis of faith. Watching both Hen and Nicholas navigate their struggles felt incredibly real to me.

Kelly Irvin’s writing is warm and honest, allowing me to feel Hen’s emotions—her doubt, longing, courage, and sadness. The Amish setting provided a serene backdrop that made me reflect on how faith and community influence our choices. I appreciated that the book didn’t rush the relationship between Hen and Nicholas. However, I would have preferred the story to use the Pennsylvania Deutsch translation for the word “Mom,” which is “Mamm.” 

Stories have always held a profound significance for me, and A Daughter’s Choice certainly resonated deeply with me. By the end of the book, I was reminded of the importance of trusting in God’s plan, even when it diverges from our own desires. This book prompted me to reflect on the delicate balance between listening to our hearts and honoring our faith and family.

Many thanks to Barbour and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Best-selling author Kelly Irvin splits her writing time between Amish romances and romantic suspense. Her latest release is Trust Me (2/8/22), a romantic suspense novel set in San Antonio's historic art district. It explores broken trust and whether trust can ever be restored. Publishers Weekly called it a "whirlwind romantic thriller" and "an emotional rollercoaster."

Her latest Amish romance is Love's Dwelling, the first book in the Amish Blessings series, which released in July 2021. The series takes place in Yoder and Haven, Kansas, and looks at adoption among the Amish. The series follows her Amish romance series, Amish of Sky Country includes Mountains of Grace, followed by The Long Bridge Home, and Peace in the Valley. The series explores Amish communities in northwest Montana and how they are impacted by wildfires.

Other romantic suspense novels include Her Every Move, which Publishers Weekly called gripping suspense and said, "loving descriptions of San Antonio’s attractions enhance the well-paced plot."

The publication called Closer Than She Knows a "brisk, smoothly written, thriller."

Kelly's Every Amish Season series includes Upon A Spring Breeze, Beneath the Summer Sun, Through the Autumn Air, and With Winter's First Frost from Zondervan/HarperCollins Christian Publishing. This follows the Amish of Bee County series, The Saddle Maker's Son, released in June 2016. It is an ECPA bestseller. It follows The Bishop's Son, and the critically acclaimed bestseller, The Beekeeper's Son, which earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly. The reviewer called it "a beautifully woven masterpiece." The Beekeeper's Son was a finalist in the romance category of the 2016 ACFW Carol Awards Contest.

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