Green Pastures by Patricia Johns
Series: The Amish of Shepherd’s Hill – Book 1
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Publication Date: March 18, 2025
Genres: Amish Romance
Pages: 352
Format: paperback – received from Publisher
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I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Tabitha Schrock’s return to Lancaster County shakes the foundations of her family and community. After her departure during rumspringa and a recent divorce, Tabitha faces the challenge of reintegrating into Amish society while pursuing her dream of working as a veterinarian. Meanwhile, her sister Amanda, whose own prospects were dimmed by Tabitha’s leaving Shepherd’s Hill, decides to seize her chance at love by pursuing a man with a shadowed past. And their youngest sister, Rose, despite her beauty and romantic hopes, faces the harsh realities of matrimony, grappling with the weight of vows made before Gott and her community.

As the sisters navigate the intricacies of love, faith, and tradition, they are bound by their commitment to uphold their Amish way of life. But as they strive to keep their promises, how much are they willing to sacrifice to remain true to themselves and their community?

My Review and Reflections

This story is about the love of three sisters who lead very different lives in their Amish community. It’s primarily from the point of view of the oldest sister, Tabitha, and the middle sister, Amanda.

Tabitha leaves the Amish community for ten years, living in the English world, getting married, and divorcing. When she returns, the Amish community is forgiving and welcomes her back, allowing her to continue working as a veterinarian, even though it’s considered men’s work. Since she is divorced, she cannot marry an Amish man, which brings a different type of heartbreak but Tabitha is content with her decision. I admire her bravery in returning and building a new type of Amish life for herself.

Amanda is left unmarried partly because of her sister‘s decision to become English but longs for a family of her own. She learns that Menno Weaver is looking for a wife. His reputation isn’t the best because of his family’s choices and his own troubled past, but he is working hard to change. I feel connected to Amanda because choosing to love someone who fights an addiction daily is not an easy choice, but it can be worth the risk. And I absolutely fell in love with Menno myself!

This book is beautifully written. There were moments that made me laugh, times when I had tears in my eyes, and times when I couldn’t help but smile. Every part has meaning and depth, full of love for people of all types of backgrounds and God. There are hints of a possible love story for Tabitha in future books, and I can’t wait to see how that unfolds given her circumstances.

This is a great read for anyone who loves Amish romance, real-life marriage struggles (Amish or not), and stories that show what the power of family, community, and God can do.