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.