Hattie Schrock, a fifty-nine-year-old widow, would tell you she has a good life in her Amish community. She and her cousin have a popcorn store, she has children and grandchildren, and is an active member of the Widow's Club. She has many endearing characteristics and being an optimist is just one of them. So, if life is good and she is happy and busy, why did she accept her cousin's bet that Hattie couldn't make Christian Beachy a happier man? It is true that the man rarely, if ever or at all, smiled. But, is he really unhappy and if so, can Hattie help him find happiness? Not one to avoid a challenge, Hattie sort of inserts herself into Christian's life and he finds himself enjoying her company. He begins to wonder if perhaps there is some merit in smiling.
WHEN HATTIE FINDS LOVE by Amy Lillard is a heartwarming story about two middle-aged people who, under unusual circumstances, find themselves in a relationship they never could have foreseen. The author has created endearing protagonists and readers will want the best for them. Skillfully presented is a story about a meaningful romance and the road the characters took to achieve it. There is a large cast of secondary characters and they, too, are a likable group.
There is much to enjoy in this well-told story and reading it was a pleasure. Highly recommended.
Hattie Schrock’s lively optimism makes her the Widows Club’s most outgoing member. The circle has helped her through widowhood—and in building a thriving popcorn shop with her cousin. So when Elsie bets Hattie that she can’t help Paradise Valley’s most cantankerous man learn to be happier, Hattie tackles the challenge head-on. But what can she do when she finds Christian Beachy is far more complicated—and appealing—than she thought?
Christian lives his faith through hard work, supporting his overbearing sister, and growing the Valley’s best vegetables. After all, a good Amish man should be dedicated to duty. Yet suddenly, Hattie’s warm-hearted attentions and knack for unexpected adventures is showing him life can be so much more—especially if Hattie can share it with him. But when he discovers her wager, can she and the Widows Club ever convince him that her growing love is the real thing—and that risking together forever will be the sweetest, most fulfilling chance of all?
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