Lizzie Fisher was only married to Abraham for two years when tragedy struck. Her husband was a widow with seven children when she married him. He hadn't been a widow long but Lizzie was grateful when he asked her to be his wife. You see, Lizzie has something wrong with one of her hips and considered herself a cripple. She knew Abraham was still grieving for his wife but this just might be her only chance at having a family of her own. They were happy until one day when Lizzie asked him to go up into the barn to rescue some kittens. He fell and died instantly.

THE AMISH MOTHER is the story of Lizzie trying to keep her family together when Abrahams's brother Zack comes to the family farm. Zack received a letter from Lizzie informing him of his brother's death as well as the death of Abraham's first wife. Apparently Abraham hadn't been in touch with his family for many years. When Zack first arrives he is suspicious of Lizzie and plans to stay on the farm for a while and see what is going on. Lizzie is only nineteen and he isn't sure she can handle seven children by herself. Lizzie is afraid and very nervous when he shows up. He is the heir to the property. She loves the children as if they were her own. What if he decides to send her away and raise the children himself?

THE AMISH MOTHER is a beautiful story of love, hope, forgiveness, and family. Abraham's family, who had never met Lizzie before, comes to know her and love her. When Zack first arrived he was going to take over the family farm and raise his brother's children. As time goes on, he sees how much the children love Lizzie and how well she is raising them. Zack is torn as what to do.

My heart was in my throat as Lizzie was so worried about losing all that she held dear to her heart. Rebecca Kertz does a great job of making the reader feel that they are right there in the kitchen with all of the characters enjoying supper. I was instantly invested in Lizzie's character and before I knew it, I was finished with this wonderful and heart-warming story. I cannot wait to read more by Ms. Kertz.