When I see Jennifer Beckstrand's name on a romance book I'm
delighted. She's written the 'Huckleberry Hill
and 'Honeybee Sisters' books. With this three in one set of
tales about AMISH BRIDES I'm also pleased to get to know
Molly Jebber and Amy Lillard. All three specialise in Amish
romance and tell a good yarn.
THE RELUCTANT GROOM is Jennifer Beckstrand's contribution.
Anna Helmuth is a respectable widow who loves matchmaking
as much as crocheting. Her daughter Esther tells her she
works too hard. But Anna can't fail to help a neighbour,
Suvie, who asks her to help with a match. Not gifted in the
cooking department, Suvie has set her eye on Aaron, a young
relative of Anna's. Poor Aaron has been widowed. Is three
years long enough to mourn? And is the lack of kitchen
skill too big a drawback for a farm wife? This story fits
with the 'Huckleberry Hill' series, which has a modern
approach, and gently explores the depressed state of loss.
While I definitely enjoyed it, the notion of a farmer
spending three years eating ramen noodles does not ring
true. Men usually like meat and need hearty meals to do
farm work. Even if he bought pies to heat in the oven, I am
certain he would have eaten better meals.
JOSHUA'S BRIDE by Molly Jebber is set in 1885 in Lancaster,
Pennsylvania. Madeline Lehman accepts a proposal from
Joshua Stutzman with delight. But his family aren't so
happy. Because Madeline's wilder sister Catherine broke his
brother's heart when she left the faith, the older folks
believe Madeline's family can't be trusted. When Catherine
returns - briefly - Madeline's faith and her family's good
standing in the community will be sorely tested. With much
womanly chatter and regard for elders, this very
entertaining tale contrasts lifestyles well.
A SUMMER WEDDING IN PARADISE is by Amy Lillard. Reba
Schmucker, a young teacher, points out differences by
wishing the Amish were allowed to wear watches. Sometimes
it really is hard to get my head around how different this
community is from mine. Abel, a repairman come to work on
the school roof, gets in her bad books by splashing her
with his buggy so she falls and breaks her ankle. Doesn't
he know you're supposed to get on the good side of a
teacher? Have fun with this one. AMISH BRIDES is more
about the people than faith and the romances are suitable
for any age.
Under bright blue skies, wedding bells ring—fulfilling sweet dreams, impossible wishes, and joyous new beginnings . . .
THE RELUCTANT GROOM Jennifer Beckstrand Spirited Suvie Newswenger has three marriage proposals—but not from the man she truly loves. No matter how lonely widower Aaron Beachy is, he seems determined to stay that way forever. Now, with help from his matchmaking great-grandparents, Suvie will do whatever it takes to rekindle Aaron’s hope—and spark happiness for a lifetime.
JOSHUA’S BRIDE Molly Jebber Madeline Lehman fears her fiancé’s family will never accept her because of her rebellious sister. She’s postponed her wedding to Joshua Stutzman until they see the truth. But when Maddie adopts her sister’s abandoned baby, can she and Joshua find a way to unite their families through forgiveness as well as love?
A SUMMER WEDDING IN PARADISE Amy Lillard Reba Schmucker longs to be a bride. And she knows her mischievous nieces just wanted to help when they “chose” Abel Weaver for her. But he’s the last man in the world she’d ever marry. There’s no way her independence and his stubbornness could ever get along—unless a sudden crisis somehow leads to understanding . . . and love.
Excerpt
“Where’s Aaron?” Felty said, studying her face with a perceptive gleam in his eye, like he could tell the difference between tears and rain. “Is he out nursing his rock pile?” Suvie didn’t know what to say. She was probably their first matchmaking failure, and they’d feel bad about it, even if it wasn’t their fault. They’d been given so little to work with. “He, uh, he doesn’t want to look for petunias.” Anna frowned and got the same gleam in her eye that Felty had. “What has he done now?” Suvie couldn’t keep the hitch from her voice, no matter how hard she tried. “Nothing.” Except leave her standing in the rain with nothing to show for it but a thoroughly broken heart and an unfinished box of graham crackers. Anna clucked her tongue. “Did he try to share his bran flakes with you? That’s enough to scare any girl off. What good are bran flakes except to keep him regular?” “Maybe he likes that they keep him regular,” Felty said. “No girl wants a boy who isn’t regular.” Anna huffed out an impatient breath. “What’s romantic about being regular?” Felty took off his hat and scratched his head. “I don’t know. I prefer prunes.” The wrinkles puckered around Anna’s mouth. “That boy is determined to scare girls off with his breakfast cereal.” Suvie gave Anna a sad smile. “I didn’t see any bran flakes this morning.” Felty stroked his beard. “But he doesn’t want petunias.” Suvie lowered her eyes. “No petunias.” Anna clucked her tongue again. “Well, he’s not going to catch a wife with bran flakes. Somebody needs to tell him that being regular is not the least bit romantic.” Anna let Felty help her into the buggy. “Ach, Felty. Sometimes I think nobody would get married without our help. Die youngie are so thick sometimes.”
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