Carla's Book Crush

Unlikely romances are the best. But really, are there ever any other kind? I love it when an Amish person falls in love with an Englisher, and then they must choose between the two lifestyles—preferably the Amish one, because that seems like the harder transition. I do enjoy tough choices in books, just not in real life.

A is for Amish by Shelley Shepard Gray

Four siblings decide to make a major lifestyle change: they are going to join their grandparents, Josiah and Sylvia Schrock, in the Old Order Amish faith. As usual, Shelley Shepard Gray does not disappoint. I stayed up well past my normal bedtime to see what would happen between Martin, the oldest brother, and his grandparents’ neighbor, Patti. I also learned all about his sister Kelsey and her Amish crush, Preacher Richard. I was captivated by Richard and Patti’s budding relationship and the changes they both face as a result of their unexpected feelings for each other.

An Unlikely Match by Beth Wiseman

This book is the second in The Amish Inn series by Beth Wiseman. It has been a while since I read this one, but I knew it had to go on the list. Evelyn Schrock is waiting for the right man, one who shares her faith and curious nature. Jayce Clarkson is working for a paycheck by working for his dad’s movie production company, which is currently setting up camp in an Amish community. He just wants to save up so he can start a new life away from Los Angeles, where no one knows about him or his past. The matchmaking innkeepers, Esther and Lizzie, think this may finally be the one for Evelyn, but the fact that Jayce isn’t Amish is putting a damper on things. Still, Evelyn and Jayce are finding it hard to deny the spark that is starting between them. Can this work out? Will Evelyn and Jayce find love with each other, or will they wait for someone within their own communities?

The Farmstand by Amy Clipston

The Amish Marketplace is my favorite Amy Clipston series so far. I feel like I’m a little behind on my Amy Clipston reading, but I’m picking up a book on hold from the library right after I type this up. For some of you, this might not be an English/Amish romance, but I gather from the books I read that any Amish person would think so.

Salina Petersheim runs a produce booth at the Amish market. With a brother who is a deacon and a father who is a bishop, Salina is feeling the pressure to be the perfect daughter. Her beau of one year, Josiah, is the perfect catch by all outward appearances. He’s easy to talk to, handsome, and a hardworking roofer, but he just doesn’t make Salina’s heart go pitter-patter. Then there is Will Zimmerman. Will runs the restaurant next door to the Amish market. And he’s Mennonite. When Salina finds herself supplying the produce for the market, she also finds that she may want this to be more than a business relationship. Will is finding himself feeling the same way. But Salina has her family and faith to think of— a family and faith that want her to stay within the Amish community. It’s hard to deny how they are feeling, but they are at a crossroads. How can they move forward with a relationship when the odds are against them?

What are your favorite interfaith romances?