First in a series called Lancaster Courtships, this
elegant romance is set to follow in the vein of several
books by Emma Miller that I've previously loved. THE AMISH
BRIDE starts as unmarried Ellen Beachey hurries to work in
a craft shop which sells handcrafts to English visitors.
Ellen's turned thirty, an age when most Plain girls are
respectably wed. But she enjoys her small freedoms.
A senior neighbour, Simeon Shetler, unusually earnest, tells
Ellen that it is time his two sons settled down and a
woman's hand is needed in their home. He's instructed them
both to court her and see if a match can be arranged.
Neziah is a steady widower with two young sons while young
Micah has a rascal's reputation. If Ellen has to wed, she
knows she could do worse. But won't she - or the men - get
a say in matters?
Amusingly the Shetler family all turn up at Ellen's family
farmhouse for the evening meal, three men and two hungry
boys, giving her a taste of what would really be required
of her as a housewife. Do they just want a drudge? Her
parents favour a match, but she can't be forced to wed.
Then again, she used to birdwatch with Neziah before his
marriage, while Micah is still fun to go fishing with.
Being courted isn't so bad!
I enjoyed reading about the work of women without labour
saving devices, who bottle fruit in season and raise their
own chickens. Ellen comes across as wanting the best of
both worlds, having many freedoms and a job while living
with her parents, all of which will be gone if she marries.
Other women had matches made and came to marriage out of
need for a stable home in the community; they tell her that
respect and shared labour can turn to love. On the other
hand, we also meet a young widow with seven young
stepchildren. Single women don't have many opportunities in
a farming community, and we learn that leaving can be
difficult.
The contrasting characters are vividly drawn and keep the
reader's interest. We're also invited to consider what our
own choice would be. Inventively the young people go in a
group to ride a roller coaster while we also explore some
simpler Lancaster County entertainments. With horses and
mules as characters, and laughter amid the tensions and
prayers, Emma Miller has given us a well-rounded book. THE
AMISH BRIDE is a top-class romance which will keep you
guessing and chuckling.
Ellen Beachey's dreams of being a devoted Amish wife and
mother are finally within her reach. But she didn't expect
she'd have to choose between two brothers. Golden-haired
Micah has a heart filled with adventure and a ready smile.
Serious but gentle elder brother Neziah is a devoted and
caring father of two. But Ellen and Neziah share a
heartbreaking past that might prevent any hope of a future.
Ellen never imagined an arranged union as a way to find true
love. She wants to be loyal to her family, but she needs to
follow her heart…if only she can figure out what it wants.
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