I’d tell you that I’ve been in an Amish romance reading mood lately, but 1) if you’ve been here before, you know that, and 2) it’s not a mood; it’s a way of life. I mean, really, when have I ever thought, “I just don’t feel like reading an Amish romance today”? Never! Whether you’re in the mood for an Amish romance or you’re like me and can’t get enough of them, here are four for you to curl up with this weekend.
Book Banter
An Amish Baby in Her Arms | An Amish Widow’s Promise
Hunting for a Husband | The Marriage Pact
Kathleen Fuller | Winnie Griggs | Patricia Johns | Mindy Steele
Hunting for a Husband by Mindy Steele
Series: The Heart of the Amish – Book 9
Publisher: Barbour Fiction
Publication Date: July 1, 2025
Genres: Amish Romance
Pages: 256
Format: paperback – Publisher
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Love Is the Bull’s-Eye Leah Aims For
Full of faith, hope, and romance, this series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.
Ten years ago, Joe Shetler took a leap, and it cost him his ability to walk. Accepting that this is God’s will for him, Joe finds his independence running Shetler Outdoors, an archery and outdoors shop.
Leah Wicky moves to Kentucky where her father has set up a deer farm. With a strong desire to marry, she soon sets her sights on Joe who, despite his disabilities, has determination and an easy way about him. A sticky situation finally affords the opportunity for a friendship to form between them.
When the Wickey’s prize buck attracts attention in the community—and attempted poachers—Leah is caught in the crosshairs, and Joe’s fears of inadequacy haunt him when he fails to protect her. A future once bright has dimmed.
I am starting to collect Mindy Steele books, and I couldn’t be happier. I can’t even begin to tell you all of the emotions that I felt reading this book—or maybe it was all of them.
Oh, there were so many things that I loved about this book. One thing was that I learned more about the Amish faith—things that I didn’t know before. They could be unique to the Kentucky Amish, but I enjoyed learning them. Joe’s acceptance and non-acceptance of his disability is so clear. On one hand, he was upbeat and quick-witted, but he also had thoughts about himself that really weren’t true. He let his disability define him.
Leah often made me laugh. She said she didn’t have a list of what the perfect man would look like, but she kept ticking off imaginary checkboxes in her head when she would meet men or would make references to the fact that they wouldn’t mark off the box. It’s a good thing that she had this nonexistent list, because she kept checking off more and more boxes whenever she thought of Joe.
I saw themes of discerning God‘s will for yourself, learning to trust—not only others but yourself—and acceptance of who people are deep down, not on a superficial level. It was a fictional story that didn’t take me long to read because it was so good and really came at a time when I needed it most. Not necessarily for the strong Christian themes, which I, of course, always love to have in my books, but because it really made me feel. It really brought out true emotion, and for those of us who really love happily ever afters, you won’t be able to stop smiling with this one.
The Marriage Pact by Kathleen Fuller
Series: Amish of Marigold – Book 3
Publisher: Zondervan
Publication Date: May 6, 2025
Genres: Amish Romance
Pages: 304
Format: eBook – NetGalley/Publisher
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Perry and Daisy’s fake relationship is fooling everyone . . . but they’re the ones who might be getting fooled.
When Daisy Hershberger and Perry Bontrager meet, they discover they have one thing in common: both their families are way too eager to see them matched with the person of their dreams. Daisy is convinced that Maynard is the one for her, but her parents have their doubts. And Perry? His family wonders if there’s anyone out there for a quirky guy like him. He’s also certain that some people–himself included–are destined to be single for life.
After comparing notes, Perry and Daisy agree to a pact. He’ll help her make Maynard realize what he’s missing, and she’ll pretend to be Perry’s love interest to keep his matchmaking mother satisfied. For a while, their pact seems to be working.
Maybe their imagined futures aren’t exactly what fairy tales are made of, but they’re committed to their plan . . . until they realize that a real-life fairy tale is happening where they least expect it. Sometimes, you don’t have to pretend to be anything but yourself in order for love to find you.
Kathleen Fuller, you did it again! Your words make things come alive, and I’m so happy about it. There’s a lot I want to say about Daisy Hershberger and Perry Bontrager. I’m trying not to spill too much, though—I really want everyone to experience this one for themselves because everyone needs to read it.
I was miffed right away about Daisy’s insistence that she was in love with Maynard. I certainly didn’t feel the same. He seemed kind of boring it didn’t even feel like he liked her. And Perry? How did he not realize what was going on with his own feelings?! But honestly, with all the characters and storylines, it was Ferman who completely stole the spotlight.
This book was so clever. I found myself highlighting line after line—not just because they were hilarious, but because they were also surprisingly bold. I still can’t wrap my head around how a kisses-only romance managed to be both lighthearted and…well…steamy in the most unexpected ways. Some of Daisy’s thoughts took me by surprise. First, because you don’t usually expect that kind of inner monologue in an Amish romance. And second, because it acknowledged that Amish women are still women. Like the rest of us, they notice things! And Perry definitely wasn’t clueless either. I mean, the whole ankle-touching thing? Seriously. It blew my mind that something so seemingly innocent could feel both funny and low-key sensual. But it totally worked.
I absolutely loved how Daisy and Perry interacted with Ferman. The way they genuinely cared for him—without obligation or pressure—was incredibly touching. It wasn’t just about doing the “right” thing or sticking to cultural expectations. They wanted to be there. Ferman and Daisy being around all the time gave Perry a glimpse into what daily life could look like in a more domesticated situation. Something he didn’t think he wanted.
Okay, I need to stop myself here before I end up recounting the whole plot—because obviously, Kathleen Fuller tells it way better. If you’re looking for something heartwarming, hilarious, and unexpectedly swoony, this should be the very next book you read.
An Amish Widow’s Promise by Winnie Griggs
Series: Sweetbrier Creek – Book 2
Publisher: Forever
Publication Date: April 29, 2025
Genres: Amish Romance
Pages: 320
Format: eBook – NetGalley/Publisher
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One Amish man helps to revive a young widow’s struggling orchard—and heal her heart—in this light, warmhearted Amish romance perfect for fans of Jo Ann Brown and Jocelyn McClay.
Widow Miriam Esh has to find a fiancé, or her overbearing bruder-in-law will sell her familye apple orchard. He’s already taken it upon himself to hire someone—likely another man presuming he knows what’s best for her land. But if she’s going to save it, Miriam must focus on finding a suitable husband, not on the new orchardist or on how good he is with her son, and definitely not on how his smile scatters her thoughts . . .
By the looks of things at the Esh estate, Daniel Beiler knows Miriam could use a hand. Only the stubborn widow doesn’t want to take any of his advice. Yet as they spend their days working side-by-side and sharing warm meals, Daniel and Miriam can’t deny the growing comfort in each other’s company. So when Miriam begins receiving attention from eligible men seeking a wife, Daniel must admit his feelings for her before it’s too late. With the promise that he’ll be the partner she can trust, can Daniel convince Miriam that he should also be the mann in her life?
Honestly, this book is a solid 4½ stars. I was hooked from the beginning, though I didn’t like Miriam all that much. She seemed to find faults in others that were flaws of her own—and she never acknowledged that. That, along with the fact that the story feels a little unfinished (an epilogue would help!), kept it from earning a full five stars for me.
I enjoyed Daniel’s Aunt Edna. Miriam reaches out to her for help because of Edna’s matchmaking skills, and Edna doesn’t disappoint. She’s wise and clearly knows what she’s doing. I also appreciated Daniel’s family. They were warm and engaging, but not so central that you had to keep track of tons of names or details. They were just there in the background—quietly supportive and really special.
The book is filled with some swoon-worthy lines, and I found myself especially invested in the relationship from Daniel’s perspective. Overall, this was an excellent read. If you’re someone who struggles with letting go of the past, you might find some meaningful lessons here. And if you love small-town romances, Amish settings, or sweet, clean love stories (I don’t even recall a kiss in this one!), you’ll likely enjoy every minute of this book.
An Amish Baby in Her Arms by Patricia Johns
Series: Amish Chocolate Shop Brides – Book 1
Publisher: Love Inspired
Publication Date: July 29, 2025
Genres: Amish Romance
Pages: 200
Format: ebook – author
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A widow reeling from loss…
Can the storm deliver her a family?
Miriam Yoder thought she’d never feel happy again after the loss of her husband and unborn child—until a baby is abandoned outside her workplace. Seeing this as an opportunity for her heart to heal, she cares for the helpless infant during a fierce storm with her late husband’s brother. But Amish farmer Isaac Yoder has been keeping secrets. Hiding them from Miriam as he temporarily works alongside her at his aunt’s chocolate shop is one thing…but caring for a baby together presents a new challenge. Can their growing connection withstand the weight of the truth and open Miriam’s heart again?
I just finished reading this book last night. I actually stayed up late to read it. My sister called me much later than normal, and when I answered the phone, she was like, “Oh my gosh, I just realized how late it is! What are you doing up?” And I said, “I’m reading this really good book!”
So what makes it so good? It was sweet, endearing. It really showed how hard it is to discern what God wants for us in our lives. We have to pay such close attention to the things that are happening to us and going on around us—making sure we’re grasping at the right place at the right time. Without that careful attention, we’re really just following our own path and not God’s. This book showed that so excellently.
As usual, this is a book from my favorite genre: Amish romance. It’s the story of Miriam Yoder, a young widow who lost a baby shortly after her husband’s passing—and her brother-in-law, Isaac Yoder. Not only is Miriam dealing with the loss of her infant, but she is also dealing with the realization that her marriage was not really a happy one. It was something she understood deep down, but hadn’t really expressed out loud.
Isaac, or Zaac as he’s known, is considering leaving the Amish faith and becoming English. On the surface, it’s for a very noble reason, but were the things he was looking at really a pulling from God—or just a way to justify his own wants and desires?
Some things that really stood out to me were Zaac’s tenderness toward Miriam. The sweet thoughts in his mind are almost heartbreaking. Both Miriam and Zaac take care of everyone and every living thing around them without much forethought—it’s just part of who they are.
Miriam’s focus on God, and His love for her and everyone around her, is so good and pure. And yet, she’s not afraid to show Him her anger or ask Him the hard questions. Miriam realizes—although it’s not spelled out or said this way in the book, you certainly pick it up—that you can have those conversations with God. It doesn’t mean you love Him less or that He loves you less. It’s just a conversation with your Heavenly Father.
I don’t know why, but this Amish romance almost made me cry in the epilogue, of all places. It wasn’t something said by Zaac or Miriam. It was something said by Miriam’s Uncle Elmer. It’s something people hear a lot or say a lot, but in the context of the whole book, it really comes out as a sincere and true statement—not just to placate. But… you have to read the book to know all of that.
If you’re not sure the messages you have been receiving are from God—or if you’re dealing with an emotional struggle that feels like it’s never going to go away or become manageable —then you need to read this book.
A Peek at My Weekend
This weekend I’m:
- Reading: The Pretender by Wanda E. Brunstetter
- Watching: I’m trying to quit TV. Even for background noise. I get so much more done and feel better when I don’t have that distraction.
- Working on:
- Top Ten Tuesday post. I’m about 2 weeks ahead as I’m writing this post. I’d like to be at least a month out.
- Book tour post for Kissing the Texas Ranger
- I try to get three Bookstagram posts up each week. We’ll see if I get them all done. It’s really not that critical to me.
- Family snapshot: I need to get birthday packages together to send to my daughter and Gkid #6.
- Bible study: Preparing to hear Sunday’s sermon. I know where’re on week 3 of a series entitled ‘Less is More’ but the scriptures it coincides with won’t be published until tomorrow.
What have you read recently? Any fun weekend plans?
In some instances, I receive books through the publisher, author, or NetGalley. This is marked next to “Format”. This in no way sways my opinion. All opinions are my own.
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