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kerrycat's review against another edition
4.0
(I gave this four stars in the June edition of Romantic Times Book Reviews: https://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-review/amish-brides)
These three novellas feature strong heroines and hard-won romances in a variety of circumstances; it’s sure to please readers looking for quick reads with happy endings. Jebber’s story — and heroine — is particularly heartfelt, and her strength of character and faith are truly inspirational.
In Jennifer Beckstrand's “The Reluctant Groom,” Suvie refuses to give up on Aaron, a widower who has lost interest in life as well as love. She’s determined to spark a romance that will create a happy future for both of them. Molly Jebber's "Joshua's Bride" takes place in 19th-century Pennsylvania — Madeline is thrilled when Joshua proposes, but his family’s grudge against hers makes the strain on their relationship more difficult to bear. In Amy Lillard's "A Summer Wedding in Paradise," Reba discovers that Abel is the cause of an unfortunate accident that leaves her with a broken ankle. Her annoyance and his genuine penitence leads him to make it up to her, with surprisingly romantic results.
These three novellas feature strong heroines and hard-won romances in a variety of circumstances; it’s sure to please readers looking for quick reads with happy endings. Jebber’s story — and heroine — is particularly heartfelt, and her strength of character and faith are truly inspirational.
In Jennifer Beckstrand's “The Reluctant Groom,” Suvie refuses to give up on Aaron, a widower who has lost interest in life as well as love. She’s determined to spark a romance that will create a happy future for both of them. Molly Jebber's "Joshua's Bride" takes place in 19th-century Pennsylvania — Madeline is thrilled when Joshua proposes, but his family’s grudge against hers makes the strain on their relationship more difficult to bear. In Amy Lillard's "A Summer Wedding in Paradise," Reba discovers that Abel is the cause of an unfortunate accident that leaves her with a broken ankle. Her annoyance and his genuine penitence leads him to make it up to her, with surprisingly romantic results.
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
5.0
Amish Brides contains three stories by Jennifer Beckstrand, Molly Jebber and Amy Lillard. The Reluctant Groom by Jennifer Beckstrand is set in Bonduel with Anna and Felty Helmuth. Suvie Newswenger visits Anna to request her assistance. Suvie has fallen for their great-grandson, Aaron Beachy who has yet to get over the loss of his wife three years prior. Anna and Felty are happy to assist Suvie with her request. The threesome set out one morning with a casserole (prepared by Anna), petunias and a knitted item. Is there a chance for this match or will Anna’s matchmaking streak come to an end? 5 stars
Joshua’s Bride by Molly Jebber takes us back to 1885 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Joshua Stutzman proposes to Madeline Lehman and she gladly accepts. Unfortunately, Joshua’s parents are unhappy with the match thanks to Madeline’s sister, Catherine who left the community and ended her relationship with Nathaniel, Joshua’s brother. One day Madeline hears a baby outside and finds one on the doorstep with Catherine running away. Catherine does not want the child nor does she know the father’s identity. Joshua accepts the baby in their life, but his family is incensed. The added tension affects Joshua’s relationship with his parents and brother. Madeline does not wish to come between Joshua and his family, so she calls off their wedding. What will it take for the Stutzman’s to realize the Madeline is not Catherine? 4 stars
A Summer Wedding in Paradise by Amy Lillard is set in Paradise, Pennsylvania. Reba Schmucker is on her way to the schoolhouse when a carriage with a runaway horse forces her into a wet, muddy ditch. Reba ends up filthy, dripping and with an injured ankle. She arrives at the schoolhouse to find out the driver is the repairman, Abel Weaver. Reba’s nieces want her to be happy like their father who is getting married thanks to their matchmaking efforts. The three girls decide to fix Reba up with Abel. Abel and Reba start spending time together, and Reba starts wearing boring clothes instead of her vibrant toned dresses to be more appealing. Will the girl’s matchmaking effort pay off? 4 stars
Amish Brides contains three well-written stories that are entertaining to read. My favorite story is The Reluctant Groom. I love Anna and Felty Helmuth (great characters) and their antics. I giggled frequently while reading it, and I was left with a happy feeling when I finished The Reluctant Groom. Joshua’s Bride is a well-constructed story that is more serious than The Reluctant Groom. It is about not judging others based on their family members. It shows us the importance of love, forgiveness, the power of prayer, faith and believing in God’s will. In Amy Lillard’s A Summer Wedding in Paradise, I liked Reba Schmucker. She is a sassy, independent woman who loved bright, bold colors and pushing boundaries. The story has a good message. It reminds us to be ourselves which can be hard to remember in our society. The little girls were adorable and their capers provided me with some chuckles. The Christian element is light yet powerful. Amish Brides contains three inviting novels that I give 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Joshua’s Bride by Molly Jebber takes us back to 1885 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Joshua Stutzman proposes to Madeline Lehman and she gladly accepts. Unfortunately, Joshua’s parents are unhappy with the match thanks to Madeline’s sister, Catherine who left the community and ended her relationship with Nathaniel, Joshua’s brother. One day Madeline hears a baby outside and finds one on the doorstep with Catherine running away. Catherine does not want the child nor does she know the father’s identity. Joshua accepts the baby in their life, but his family is incensed. The added tension affects Joshua’s relationship with his parents and brother. Madeline does not wish to come between Joshua and his family, so she calls off their wedding. What will it take for the Stutzman’s to realize the Madeline is not Catherine? 4 stars
A Summer Wedding in Paradise by Amy Lillard is set in Paradise, Pennsylvania. Reba Schmucker is on her way to the schoolhouse when a carriage with a runaway horse forces her into a wet, muddy ditch. Reba ends up filthy, dripping and with an injured ankle. She arrives at the schoolhouse to find out the driver is the repairman, Abel Weaver. Reba’s nieces want her to be happy like their father who is getting married thanks to their matchmaking efforts. The three girls decide to fix Reba up with Abel. Abel and Reba start spending time together, and Reba starts wearing boring clothes instead of her vibrant toned dresses to be more appealing. Will the girl’s matchmaking effort pay off? 4 stars
Amish Brides contains three well-written stories that are entertaining to read. My favorite story is The Reluctant Groom. I love Anna and Felty Helmuth (great characters) and their antics. I giggled frequently while reading it, and I was left with a happy feeling when I finished The Reluctant Groom. Joshua’s Bride is a well-constructed story that is more serious than The Reluctant Groom. It is about not judging others based on their family members. It shows us the importance of love, forgiveness, the power of prayer, faith and believing in God’s will. In Amy Lillard’s A Summer Wedding in Paradise, I liked Reba Schmucker. She is a sassy, independent woman who loved bright, bold colors and pushing boundaries. The story has a good message. It reminds us to be ourselves which can be hard to remember in our society. The little girls were adorable and their capers provided me with some chuckles. The Christian element is light yet powerful. Amish Brides contains three inviting novels that I give 4.5 out of 5 stars.
meezcarrie's review against another edition
4.0
In The Reluctant Groom by Jennifer Beckstrand, we get to hang out once again with two of my very favorite people – Anna and Felty Helmuth. Y’all know about my crush on these two adorable octogenarians and they are in rare form (which for them is normal) in this latest visit to Huckleberry Hill. I do have to argue with them on one point though. Throughout the story, they are quite troubled (hilariously so) by the unromantic nature of their great-grandson’s choice of breakfast cereal. Yet, this line in context – “I like you much better than bran flakes.” – had me reaching for my swooning fan. Also – the kisses. Whew. Keep your own swooning fan handy. (5 stars)
Joshua’s Bride by Molly Jebber is a sweet story of two young people preparing for a wedding in spite of opposition from the groom’s family. Madeline’s rebellious sister hurt Joshua’s brother, so as far as his family is concerned nothing good can ever come from associating with her family. The problem is that Joshua and Madeline want to do more than associate. They want to get married. This novella is a poignant picture of how bitterness destroys – and how love rebuilds. The unnatural dialogue (more than a bit of info-dumping) does prove distracting but if you can get past that you’re in for genuine characters and a heartfelt story. (3 stars)
Amy Lillard’s A Summer Wedding in Paradise rounds out the mix with a fun heroine, an important message, and three adorable matchmakers. Reba and Abel and their catastrophic meet-cute – and the continued way fate and Reba’s nieces keep throwing them together – is well written and funny without straying into slapstick or sappiness. As a heroine, Reba is layered and heartwarming and I think nearly every female can relate to her insecurities. This is adorable and romantic and full of great characters! (4 stars)
Bottom Line: The Amish Brides collection by Jennifer Beckstrand, Molly Jebber, and Amy Lillard is a sweet group of stories that ranges from humorous to heartfelt. This is perfect for a take-along on your summer travels as well as a chance to get a taste for each author’s style. Some great kisses plus a few giggles divided by three meaningful messages equals the only kind of math I enjoy!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
see my review at Reading Is My SuperPower
Joshua’s Bride by Molly Jebber is a sweet story of two young people preparing for a wedding in spite of opposition from the groom’s family. Madeline’s rebellious sister hurt Joshua’s brother, so as far as his family is concerned nothing good can ever come from associating with her family. The problem is that Joshua and Madeline want to do more than associate. They want to get married. This novella is a poignant picture of how bitterness destroys – and how love rebuilds. The unnatural dialogue (more than a bit of info-dumping) does prove distracting but if you can get past that you’re in for genuine characters and a heartfelt story. (3 stars)
Amy Lillard’s A Summer Wedding in Paradise rounds out the mix with a fun heroine, an important message, and three adorable matchmakers. Reba and Abel and their catastrophic meet-cute – and the continued way fate and Reba’s nieces keep throwing them together – is well written and funny without straying into slapstick or sappiness. As a heroine, Reba is layered and heartwarming and I think nearly every female can relate to her insecurities. This is adorable and romantic and full of great characters! (4 stars)
Bottom Line: The Amish Brides collection by Jennifer Beckstrand, Molly Jebber, and Amy Lillard is a sweet group of stories that ranges from humorous to heartfelt. This is perfect for a take-along on your summer travels as well as a chance to get a taste for each author’s style. Some great kisses plus a few giggles divided by three meaningful messages equals the only kind of math I enjoy!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
see my review at Reading Is My SuperPower
cmdc325's review against another edition
4.0
*Goodreads Giveaway*
I surprisingly really liked this book.
I surprisingly really liked this book.
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