Carla's Book Crush

When the Morning Comes by Cindy Woodsmall
Series: Sisters of the Quilt – Book 2
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Her relationship with fiancé Paul Waddell in tatters, Hannah Lapp has fled her secluded Old Order Amish community in hopes of finding a new home in Ohio with her shunned aunt. Hampered by limited education and hiding her true identity, Hannah struggles to navigate the confusing world of the Englischers.

Back in Owl’s Perch, Pennsylvania, Paul is wracked with regret over his treatment of Hannah. Fearing for her safety, he tries to convince Hannah’s remaining allies–brother Luke, best friend Mary, and loyal Matthew Esh–to help search for his love. Hannah’s father, however, remains steadfastly convinced of her sinful behavior. His blindness to his family’s pain extends to her sister, Sarah, who shows signs of increasing instability.

Convinced her former life is irreparably destroyed, Hannah finds purpose and solace in life with her aunt and in a growing friendship with Englischer Martin Palmer. Will the countless opportunities in her new life persuade Hannah that her place is amongst the Englischers— or will she give in to her heart’s call to return home and face her past?

Winter’s Awakening by Shelley Shepard Gray
Series: Seasons of Sugarcreek – Book 1
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As the coldest winter on record blows into Sugarcreek, will three hearts have the courage to discover the life that God wants for them?

In the small Amish town of Sugarcreek, Ohio, Joshua knows what’s expected of him: to work at the family store and to finally marry Gretta, whom he’s courted for years. But when a new English family moves in next door—and their teenage daughter catches his eye—Joshua wonders if his future plans are too firmly set in stone.

Gretta is shocked by the sudden change in Joshua. Their arguments followed by tense silences feel too much like the frosty atmosphere at home between her parents. When Roland begins to take an interest in her, she considers what her life might be like with Joshua out of the picture. With Roland, Gretta would have steady, kind companionship…although she knows she could never love him.

When Lilly moved to Sugarcreek, she never imagined she’d be enamored with the Amish way of life—and especially with her handsome new neighbor, Joshua. But she guards a secret that will surely drive him away, one that compelled her family to leave their old home and move to Sugarcreek in the first place: Lilly is pregnant.

Secrets in an Amish Garden by Lenora Worth
Series: Amish Seasons – Book 4
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Can love bloom twice in a lifetime…in this novel by New York Times bestselling author Lenora Worth.

Working together in her Amish garden

Will grow more than just flowers…

After losing her first love, Amish garden nursery owner Rebecca Eicher thought she’d shuttered her heart forever. But when Englisch stranger Jeb Martin asks for work, there’s an instantaneous connection—almost like Rebecca knows him. But Jeb has a past he’s been hiding. And when her brother helps play matchmaker, will the truth bring them together or break them apart?

A Widow’s Hope by Mary Ellis
Series: The Miller Family – Book 1
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A bright new voice shares a tender love story set in the rolling green fields of Ohio Amish country.

After the death of her husband, Hannah Brown is determined to make a new life with her sister’s family. But when she sells her farm in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and moves with her sheep to Ohio, the wool unexpectedly starts to fly. Her deacon brother-in-law finds just about everything about Hannah vexing. When his widower brother shows interest in the young and beautiful widow, the deacon turns to prayer for guidance.

Hannah thought she could never love again, until she meets the strong, gentle farmer. Unfortunately, Seth Miller’s only interest is in Hannah’s sheep. He is content in his bachelor state and slow to recognize his daughter’s need for a new mother. Yet God offers Seth the perfect solution to their problems if he could only open his heart again…and love.

An Uncommon Grace by  Serena B. Miller
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Grace Connor, a military nurse formerly stationed in Afghanistan, hopes that moving to a farm in rural Ohio will help her recover from the ravages of war, and keep her teenage brother out of trouble.

When Levi Troyer meets Grace, he is at his most vulnerable. His stepfather has been murdered and his mother wounded by intruders. Grace saves his mother’s life and Levi is more than thankful. However, any relationship between them is forbidden by his faith.

Even before meeting Grace, Levi had begun to question some of the teachings of his ultra-conservative Amish sect. He has considered leaving, but knows he will be banned forever from having contact with his younger siblings and widowed mother-who need him to survive. Grace is struggling with trying to figure out how to live her life without the man she has grown to love. Meanwhile, a murderer must be caught. Will love and justice prevail?

The Proposal Plot by Kathleen Fuller
Series: Amish of Marigold – Book 2
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For someone so strong-willed and certain, Ella Yoder has never been more unsure of her life. It’s been a year since she convinced her father to move with her and her younger sister Junia to Marigold, Ohio, to open E and J Grocery. Ella’s got a keen eye for running a business and has big dreams to expand. But her plans are stalled because Junia refuses to lift a finger at the store–or listen to her about anything.

Nelson Bontranger knows one thing for sure: creating his own artisan deli meats is his passion. Well, maybe one other thing: he’s sworn off women forever. After two bouts of heartbreak, he’s not willing to open up himself to a third. When he eyes his own butcher shop next to E and J Grocery in Marigold, he’s surprised to learn that Ella has had her eye on the property for some time. He doesn’t trust this stubborn, pushy young woman–and for her, the feeling is mutual.

Against their wishes, Ella and Nelson’s paths continue to cross when Nelson’s nephew Malachi falls head over heels for Junia. Nelson and Ella are brought together to keep the lovebirds in check, but somewhere along the line, their frustration turns to something altogether more pleasant. But they will both need to come to terms with past pain before they can find their future happiness.

Hannah’s Courage by Molly Jebber
Series: The Amish Charm Bakery—Book 3
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A loaf of fragrant cinnamon bread for breakfast . . . a sweet and creamy custard pie for dessert. In 1912 Ohio, the Amish Charm Bakery has something to delight locals and visiting Englischer alike. And within this warm, welcoming community, there’s always room for love to grow . . .

Hannah Lapp’s life, like a long-cherished recipe, is satisfying just the way it is. She enjoys whipping up desserts at the bakery, tutoring local children, and socializing with dear friends. One of those friends, Timothy Barkman, has made his interest in Hannah clear, but she’s been in no hurry to change her circumstances.

No sooner does she feel ready to grow closer to hard-working, handsome Timothy than Hannah finds she may have waited too long. Charlene Shetler intends to become Timothy’s fraa. It’s little wonder he’s attracted to such a pretty, forthright young woman, but is the newcomer all that she seems? Only when Hannah is willing to confront some difficult truths can she move bravely toward a life of abiding faith and love . . .

The Amish Innkeeper’s Secret by Patricia Davids
Series: Brides of Amish Country—Book 1
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USA Today–Bestselling Author: Her hope for love was stolen by tragedy—but could a new arrival at her family’s inn bring a second chance?

Emma Wadler has made a good life for herself, running the Wadler Inn in the town of Hope Springs, Ohio. She has accepted her life as an “old maid,” and is content catering to the tourists who come to view her Amish community. She had once hoped to marry and raise a family of her own, but her fiancé died tragically when they were both only seventeen, and Emma has guarded her heart ever since.

Adam Troyer fixes things. Having just returned to the faith after years in the English world, Adam is hoping to prove to his father that he is committed to a simple life. So he’s happy to be hired by Emma’s mother to make repairs to the inn during the winter off-season. The old Swiss-style chalet has its share of problems, but nothing he can’t fix. Nothing except perhaps the broken heart of the owner. . . .

Lydia’s Charm: An Amish Widow Starts Over in Charm, Ohio by Wanda E. Brunstetter
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Visit Amish Country during the fall as Lydia King attempts to make Charm, Ohio, feel like home after losing her husband. But is her heart ready to open back up to love when gifts appear on her porch from a mystery source? Could it be from the widowed father of four energetic boys, or is it from the man who has rejected romance to be his family’s caregiver? When life hands Lydia another challenge, will the gift giver be there to support her?

Their Unlikely Amish Courtship by Cathy Liggett
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A fake arrangement

For the sake of a child

No one in Sugarcreek, Ohio, can believe that charming Benjamin Byler and standoffish Miriam Schrock are dating—and they’d be right. But the Amish bachelor needs the fake courtship to prove he can care for his orphaned niece. Now the mismatched couple must convince their community they’re truly in love. Except Miriam is more caring and beautiful than Benjamin thought, and he might be in danger of falling for his own charade…

Are you from or have you been to Ohio?
What is your favorite thing about Ohio?

Thank you to The Artsy Reader Girl for hosting Top Ten Tuesday!