While I always love books with a faith message, sometimes it’s nice just to read a good clean book. For those who are hesitatant about an Amish romance, this one may be the bridge you need before you jump right into the genre. While this is set in Amish Country, the main couple is not Amish, so you may enjoy this more than you think.

About the Book

An Amish Country Lullaby by Patricia Johns
Series: An Amish Antiques Shop Romance
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Release Date: February 24, 2026
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

A friend from her past…
A new dream for their future?

Single dad Curtis Moore has returned to Apfelkuchen, Pennsylvania, with a dream to revitalize the town—if only he can unite its Amish and English residents. When local businesswoman Hope Taylor offers to care for his spirited toddler, Lucy, he jumps at the chance. Hope figures this is exactly the experience she needs. Not only is she planning to open a day care, but she’s expecting her first baby—her late husband’s child. As tensions rise over his development plans, Curtis and Hope grow closer—and they must decide if the heart of the town’s future might just lie in the growing love between them.

My Review and Reflections

This is a sweet but realistic read. The hardships the characters were going through, and their responses to them, felt real and raw. I especially felt connected to Hope’s mixed feelings about Curtis since it hadn’t even been a year since her husband passed.

Character Highlights

Curtis is a man who takes on a lot of responsibility, not only his own but he seems to feel accountable for others as well. Or at least he wants to make things better for everyone. Sometimes these people don’t want his help and other times they aren’t ready to accept it. But it makes him endearing that he keeps trying in a way that isn’t pushy. Or at least he’s trying to be that way.

I really loved getting to know more about Hope. After she lost her husband in the first book, I wanted to hear more because she had just started telling people she was pregnant. Despite the grief, she realizes that she had become dependent on her husband and she really wanted to show her independence. Seeing her evolve throughout the story and learning that maybe she could still have it, even with a man in her life, really made her a strong character.

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“He was still a little surprised at himself for inviting her. Maybe he could blame it on the twighlight, but there was a deep, lonely part of him that wanted her at his side.”

p. 133

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The secondary characters were also really good in this one. Getting to hear more about the town and how it functioned with such a strong Amish presence was interesting. What they thought about Curtis’s ideas, how that made them feel as a community, and their concerns about their way of life were all valid points. I also enjoyed that Hope had some connections to the Amish community through her late husband. Oh, and I especially enjoyed hearing more about Sarah and Eddie. While not the primary story in book one, it left me hanging and I wanted to know more.

Why Read This

If you enjoy a good series but also want to be able to jump in at any time, this book is for you. Those curious about Amish culture or the Amish romance genre will find a glimpse with this. A wonderful friends to more, single parent, clean romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
All opinions are my own.

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About the Author

Patricia Johns is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than 50 books. She writes Amish fiction with tight communities, outspoken heroines, and the handsome, rugged men who fall in love with them. She lives in Alberta, Canada, with her husband and son.

Connect with Patricia by visiting patriciajohns.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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I’m enjoying this series and can’t wait for the third book in December. One sister left to go. Who knows, maybe I’ll learn even more about Sarah and Eddie too.