Carla's Book Crush

A Stolen Kiss by Mindy Steele
Series: The Heart of the Amish – Book 7
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
Publication Date: December 01 2024
Genres: Christian | Amish Romance
Pages: 256
Format: eARC
Add to Goodreads
Buy on Amazon

Full of faith, hope, and romance, the series takes you into the Heart of Amish Country.

LeEtta Miller has never done anything spontaneous before, but when a girl is the last one at everything, sometimes she has to take the reins into her own hands. What harm could come from kissing a stranger she’ll never see again?

Benuel Ropp isn’t sure he can ever forgive his father for giving away his inheritance. Taking work far from home, Ben hopes to earn enough to build his future, but nowhere in his plans did he predict being kissed by a beautiful stranger – or having to marry her. To save both their reputations he has little choice but to accept the elder’s demands. Well. . .if LeEtta thought he’d flinch, letting her boldness ruin the future he had all mapped out, she was mistaken. He has a dream to work for, and if he has to make sacrifices to reach them, so will she.

Who kissed who first? He couldn’t even remember anymore.

LeEtta Miller is twenty-two and has never been kissed. She has never even been picked or courted—unless you count fifteen-year-old Jonas Hostetter’s obsession with her. LeEtta does not.

Benuel Ropp, or Ben as most call him, has just arrived in town, staying with his grandparents after his father gave the entire family farm to his younger brother, Samuel. Even though Ben put everything into it—his time, money, and heart.Ben is determined to make the money needed to buy a farm of his own back in Ohio.

A chance meeting between LeEtta and Ben sparks a connection neither expects. But in their strict Amish community, even the smallest actions can have life-altering consequences. When LeEtta and Ben find themselves forced into marriage, they must learn how to build a life together, despite being strangers.

This book is so incredibly perfect from beginning to end that I just can’t put it down. Every word and every character drips with movement, emotion, and eventually, love.

LeEtta and Ben are great characters. You really get to understand why LeEtta makes that spontaneous move. Being raised by her overprotective widower father, she struggles to make her way as an Amish woman. Ben grapples with the hurt and betrayal but also comes to terms with himself and his heart. Every word that is penned helps you really feel the characters’ feelings and provides context and depth in a compelling way.

The secondary characters are great too. I especially love Mammi Iola—she is unconventional and fun. LeEtta’s dad provides insight into grief and suffering and what it’s like to raise a daughter on your own, whereas Ben’s aunt Oneida adds grounding and strength to the story. The only character I am annoyed with is Jonas, but it is a good and much-needed annoyance. Steele manages to orchestrate so many emotional chords through the various characters in the book that it transports you right into Amish Country.

This book is a fantastic read, from its heartfelt characters to its vivid storytelling. I can’t recommend it enough! Those who enjoy forced marriage, strangers to love, overprotective parents, and quirky older relatives will relish this book.

Do you enjoy forced marriage tropes?
If so, what book has been your favorite?

Thank you to Barbour Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.
All opinions are my own.