Plain Jane's Secret Admirer by Anne Blackburne

 

Plain Jane's Secret Admirer

About the Book

Book: Plain Jane’s Secret Admirer (The Heart of the Amish Book 11)

Author: Anne Blackburne

Genre: Amish/Christian Fiction

Release Date: January, 2026

Secrets Surround Shy Jane Bontrager

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

Sweet, shy, and devoted Amish woman, Jane Bontrager secretly hates her childhood nickname of Plain Jane. She doesn’t know who started the ugly name back in her school days, but she can never forget how it has long made her feel.

Jane has a huge crush on Amish buggy maker Samuel Mast, but they are both so shy they are more likely to turn old and gray alone than to ever get together—especially since Samuel holds a secret or two of his own.

What can bridge the gap between two young people who both deserve love and happiness?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Anne Blackburne lives and works in Southeast Ohio as a newspaper editor and writer. She is the mother of five grown children, has one wonderful grandchild, and a spoiled poodle named Millie. For fun, when she isn’t working on Amish romance or sweet mysteries, Anne directs and acts in community theater productions and writes and directs original plays. She also enjoys reading, kayaking, swimming, searching for beach glass, and just sitting with a cup of coffee looking at large bodies of water. Her idea of the perfect vacation is cruising and seeing amazing new places with people she loves.

More from Anne

The amazing bloggers who work with Celebrate Lit are going to do a blog tour for my brand new book in Barbour’s “Heart of the Amish” series, “Plain Jane’s Secret Admirer”!

Jane’s story is available now to readers in print and online wherever fine books are sold, and I feel so blessed to have the help of the Celebrate Lit folks in launching this next tale from my made-up Amish community of Willow Creek, Ohio.

If you read any of my previous three Heart of the Amish books in the series, “Ruth’s Gingersnap Surprise”, “Mary’s Calico Hope”, and “Lizzie’s Little Mouse” (currently on sale), you’ll remember Jane Bontrager, their good friend who lives and works with Lizzie in her New Orleans Style French/Amish bakery in Willow Creek. Jane was also mentioned in Ruth’s story as one of the lucky recipients of a kitten from their elderly friend, Lydia’s, cat’s final litter.

Jane’s cat is a tabby named Secret, because she can tell her fluffy pal all of the wishes, hopes and dreams closest to her heart.

As the story opens, Jane is waving her brother John and Lizzie off on their wedding trip, promising to take good care of the bakery – and Lizzie’s precious cat, Little Mouse – while they are away.

But then Jane finds a mysterious note from someone claiming to be her secret admirer taped to the back door of the bakery, and her heart flutters, wondering if it could possibly be her long time crush, Samuel Mast, the buggy maker, who put it there, along with a whimsical little gift.

Between a water leak that damages ceilings in the bakery building and the sudden disappearance of both Secret and Little Mouse, Jane has no time to wonder who left the note and gift; she needs help!

And Samuel Mast, who is indeed her secret admirer, is ready to step up to the plate and do whatever it takes to help Jane find the cats, repair the bakery, and maybe even discover love along the way.

But Sam has a secret of his own. He’s the one who accidentally-on-purpose saddled her with the nickname “Plain Jane” when they were kids. He has no idea how to confess his mistake, or his love.

Will Jane and Sam be able to get past Sam’s terrible secret? And will they find the missing cats before Lizzie gets home? Don’t lose hope; with God, everything is possible!

Thank you for taking the time to learn about Jane’s story! This book is my fourth in Barbour Publishing’s series, “The Heart of the Amish”. Look for other great reads in the series from authors Mindy Steele, Kelly Irvin and Lisa Jones Baker.

I’m currently writing my fifth book in the series, which will feature a young woman you’ve met in some of my other stories, Miriam Zook. Miriam is a talented artist who paints stylized folk art paintings depicting scenes from Amish life.

Just like her friends, Miriam received a kitten from Lydia; a black and white fellow named Beauregard, or Beau for short. Her story, “Miriam’s Little Gentleman”, is due out in May, 2026.

I hope you’re having as much fun reading about these remarkable young women – and their kitties! – as I’m having writing about them. Thanks for being part of our journey!

As for me and mine, we are all well and enjoying a crisp winter in southeast Ohio.

God bless you and yours!

Joyfully,

Anne Blackburne

My Thoughts

Plain Jane’s Secret Admirer by Anne Blackburne is a cute tale.  I enjoyed getting to know Jane and Eliza better as well as Sam and Ben.  I thought Ben was entertaining.  I loved his reactions to Sam’s attempts at romance.  I thought Sam’s gifts were sweet and thoughtful just like   Sam.  His shyness prevents him from telling Jane how he feels as well as something he did as a teen. We get to see how fear can twist your thoughts.  It is better to let it go and leave it with God. I felt for Jane when Little Mouse disappeared, because I know how it feels when your cat is lost.  The lost cat plot, though, lagged. (needed a little more action).  I like how the cat story turned out.  Owning a pet can significantly impact an individual’s life and contribute to personal development.  I was surprised to hear that the cats enjoyed playing in water.  I have owned a few cats over the years, but I have yet to find one that liked water (my current cat is the only one who tolerates a bath without scratching or biting me). 

I hope that we get Miriam and David’s story soon (I am curious to see how it will play out).   One of my favorite quotes from the story comes from Lydia when she needs to talk to Jane about something that is bothering her.  Jane offers to make tea, but Lydia says she needs something stronger, “I’m talking about chocolate, child! I need some gut, strong hot cocoa.  Possibly with marshmallows if you have any of those tiny ones.”  I got a chuckle out of that line (my mother has the same philosophy).  Plain Jane’s Secret Admirer is the eleventh installment in The Heart of the Amish series, yet it also works well as an independent read.   Plain Jane’s Secret Admirer is a sweet story with tasty pastries, a water disaster, cats gone astray, special gifts, a nervy newcomer, and returning honeymooners.  

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Anne is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!  Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click HERE to enter.  Good Luck!

Plain Jane’s Secret Admirer is available from Amazon*.  The twelfth book in The Heart of the Amish series is A Heart on Consignment by Mindy Steele and it will be out on March 15 (you can click here to preorder it). Miriam's Little Gentleman by Anne Blackburne comes out May 1 and it is the thirteenth book in The Heart of the Amish series. You can find the other novels in The Heart of the Amish series here.  Check out Anne Blackburne's other novels.  

Thank you for joining me today.  I will return on Tuesday, February 10 with The Single Mom's Second Chance by Tara Randel.  I hope that you have marvelous weekend.  I am looking forward to next week when the weather will be in the high 60s.  There is even a day when we might hit 70 degrees (a girl can hope).  We all need a chance for our bones to warm up.  Don't forget to enter the giveaway before you depart. Take care, stay warm, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 29

Texas Book-aholic, January 30

Simple Harvest Reads, January 31 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

lakesidelivingsite, February 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 4

Bizwings Blog, February 5

The Avid Reader, February 5

For Him and My Family, February 6

Jeanette’s Thoughts , February 7

Mary Hake, February 8

Holly’s Book Corner, February 8

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, February 9

Cover Lover Book Review, February 10

Book Holds and Jello Molds, February 10

Vicky Sluiter, February 11

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Katie's Amish Journey of Hope by Tracy Fredrychowski

Katie's Amish Journey of Hope

Book Summary

Her faith is shaken, her heart burdened with sorrow. Can this grieving mother find her way back to the joy she once knew?

Katie Miller is lost in grief. After the death of her beloved mother, she struggles to find purpose in the daily rhythm of Amish life. Her husband’s patience is wearing thin, her children long for the mother they once knew, and the faith that once anchored her now feels distant. As sorrow deepens, she wonders if she will ever feel whole again.

Desperate to help, Daniel turns to Katie’s father, hoping Levi can guide her back to the light. But Levi, too, is drowning in grief, lost without the woman who was the heart of their family. As they all drift further apart, their family begins to crack under the weight of sorrow, and Katie fears the love they once shared may not survive.

But when a kind stranger arrives in their quiet Amish community, carrying a message that stirs something deep within Katie, a flicker of hope emerges. Soon, small reminders of her mother’s unwavering faith begin appearing. These gentle signs feel like messages from heaven, whispering that Ruth’s love and wisdom have never truly left.

Encouraged by her children’s laughter, the steadfast love of her husband, and the gentle hands of a community that refuses to let her fall, Katie slowly rediscovers joy in the simple blessings around her. As the first signs of spring bring new life to the fields of Lawrence County, she must make a choice… will she continue down a path of sorrow, or will she embrace the promise of renewal, trusting that Gott’splan is greater than her pain?

Can she open her heart to healing before she loses everything she holds dear?

Katie’s Amish Journey of Hope is a heartfelt and inspiring novel in The Amish Women of Lawrence County series of Amish women’s fiction. If you love emotional journeys of faith, stories of marriage and motherhood, and the power of God’s grace to restore even the most broken hearts, then you’ll be moved by Tracy Fredrychowski’s tender tale of love, healing, and renewal.

My Thoughts

Katie’s Amish Journey of Hope by Tracy Fredrychowski is a touching tale.  I thought the author captured the depression a can feel after the birth of a child and the loss of a parent.  I felt for Katie.  I know what it is like to lose a parent, and the grief can become overwhelming.  I liked that we got to see the issue from different family members’ perspectives (Katie’s husband, brother, and sister-in-law).  I sympathized with Katie’s eldest daughter, Mary, who at five was doing tasks meant for much older children.  Betty, a family friend, was a dear and definitely was needed.  Katie’s Amish Journey of Hope is a story of grief, patience, hope, love, family, and faith.  While Katie’s Amish Journey of Hope is the eighth book The Amish Women of Lawrence County series, it can be read as a standalone.   Katie’s Amish Journey of Hope is an expressive story with a departed mother, a distressed daughter, active children, a bustling bakery, a kindhearted neighbor, a teen in need, and having hope.

Katie’s Amish Journey of Hope is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other novels in The Amish Women of Lawrence County series here.  The next book in The Amish Women of Lawrence County series is Sarah’s Amish Season of Change which will be out on January 5, 2027. Tracy Fredrychowski has Buried Secrets coming out April 1.  It is the first book in An Amish Book Club Mystery series. You can find Tracy Fredrychowski's other novels here.  If you follow Tracy on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release. Thank you for dropping by today.

On Thursday, January 5, I am stop on Celebrate Lit Tour for Plain Jane's Secret Admirer by Anne Blackburne.  It is eleventh book in The Heart of the Amish series.   Please stop by tomorrow to learn more.  We enjoyed a mild day today (mid 60s).  It is our last one until the middle of next week.  The United States has not had a winter like this in many, many years.  I hope that you have a cheerful day.  Take care, stay warm, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links.

The Great Amish Baking Battle by Debra Torres

 The Great Amish Baking Battle

Book Summary

Juggling four jobs and a teetering homelife, Sadie Beiler, Amish baking columnist for the Buggy Crossing newspaper, already lives at breakneck speed.

But the pressure intensifies when her boss and owner of the Apple Blossom Inn shares a blockbuster announcement with the press before consulting Sadie.

"It's going to be big!" announces Mrs. Eloise Sorensen to the Mountain Laurel Star news team.

But "big" means even more crushing anxiety for Sadie, who secretly struggles to keep her panic attacks at bay.

Jubal King, maintenance man at the Apple Blossom Inn, knows how to fix broken-down appliances and assist with a leaking septic system, but when it comes to Sadie Beiler, he finds himself scratching his head more times than not. What is it about her that keeps him working at a job that he desperately wants to leave?

Can Sadie rise above her fears and step into something as exciting as it is fearsome? And will a budding romance with Jubal King help or hinder her harrowing journey to self-discovery?

Love “can’t put it down” Amish books? Book Two in the Amish of Newspapers of Mercer County series will have you reading till morning!

My Thoughts

The Great Amish Baking Battle by Debra Torres is a sweet story with an inspiring message.  Sadie finds herself overwhelmed with her various jobs as well as helping her family.  When her boss at the Apple Blossom Inn adds a baking competition to her load, it becomes too much for the eighteen-year-old especially with the anniversary of her mother’s death fast approaching.  I felt for Sadie who has so much on her young shoulders.  I recognized the factors contributing to her anxiety and recurrent panic attacks and found the author's depiction of these experiences to be thorough and accurate. 

However, I did experience some frustration with Sadie’s reluctance to accept assistance from those offering support.  Sadie will need to lean on God when she becomes anxious, overwhelmed, or full of grief, and He will help her through the difficult moments. The dessert descriptions will have your mouth watering for a bite.  There is a touch of romance as well.  I hope Sadie gets her happily ever after in the future.  The Great Amish Baking Battle a tasty tale with a crowded household, columns to create, nerve racking videos, a cousin’s contract, a baking battle, helpful hikes, and finding a way forward.

The Great Amish Baking Battle is available from Amazon* (digital and paperback). The first book in Amish Newspapers of Mercer County series is Amish Home Remedy for the Heart.  Debra Torres has Hannah’s December Gift coming out on November 24. It is the twelfth book in An Amish Romance Birthday Series.  You can find Debra Torres' other novels here. 

Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return tomorrow, February 4 with Katie's Amish Journey of Hope by Tracey Fredrychowski.  It was such a cold weekend (I slept with three blankets plus my electric blanket).  We will have one semi-warm day this week before the next cold front rolls in (brrrrr).  May warm days be in our future! I hope that you have an uplifting day.  Take care, stay warm, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links.

A Spirited Supper at Dundoon Castle by Darci Hannah

 A Spirited Supper at 

DUNDOON CASTLE

Book Summary

When chef Bridget “Bunny” MacBride got a role on the reality show Food & Spirits, she thought “spirits” meant cocktails. Instead, she’s cooking up dinners meant to tempt the departed to appear. And to her surprise, she’s discovered abilities to connect with the beyond—and crack murder cases . . .

Now that Bunny’s entrées come with a side of the Other Side, it comes in handy to have a grandma who’s friendly with the elderly owners of a haunted Scottish castle. During Bunny’s childhood she heard all about Dundoon’s bloody history and the “ghostly piper” who roamed the grounds—and soon she’ll be visiting the ancient place with her ghost hunter and psychic co-stars. The annual bagpipe competition in the late piper’s honor will make for some good footage as well.

After Bunny serves a feast fit for a 17th century king, including lamb chops with plenty of fresh herbs, she heads outdoors for the ghost hunt. But in the dark, dense fog, someone fatally plunges from the clifftop over the loch. The sound that follows is a mournful, otherworldly bagpipe . . . and once the body of another perished piper is retrieved, Bunny is determined to solve this Highlands homicide—and prevent a killer from getting off scot-free . . .

Includes Delicious Recipes!

World's Biggest Bagpipe Competition

My Thoughts

A Spirited Supper at Dundoon Castle by Darci Hannah is the second in A Food and Spirits Mystery series but works well as a standalone with provided background. The story reads smoothly, with leisurely pacing and vivid descriptions of Scotland, Bunny’s childhood home, and Dundoon Castle. The cliffs with the fog were eerie.  I wish more time had been spent inside the castle which had a creepy ambiance.  I liked the ghost stories and the ghostly atmosphere. I find it annoying that Bunny does not like being around ghosts.  I wish she would embrace her gift (like her grandmother).  

I love Bunny’s grandmother.  She is a hoot as well as helpful.  The mystery was interesting, but it was a snap to solve. I liked that Bunny’s grandmother and brother were involved. There were some parts of the investigation that were a tad farfetched (I rolled my eyes a number of times).  I wish there was less repetition and a snappier pace.  Bunny whipped up a mouthwatering meal that had the corporeal guests asking for seconds (recipes at the end of the book).   A Spirited Supper at Dundoon Castle is a misneachail tale with piper specter, a delicious meal, a bagpipe competition, wonderful whiskey, an eliminated judge, craggy cliffs, and reunifying with family.

A Spirited Supper at Dundoon Castle is available from Amazon*.  The first book in A Food and Spirits Mystery series is A Fatal Feast at Bramsford Manor.  You can find Darci Hannah's other novels here.  

Thank you for joining me today.  I will return on Tuesday, February 3 with The Great Amish Baking Battle by Debra Torres. It is the second book in the Amish Newspapers of Mercer County series.  It has been a very cold week.  I have exhausted my extreme cold weather wardrobe.  I will need to do some shopping before winter next year.  My mother employs a different approach.  She wears long flannel nightgowns (they go down to her feet) along with a matching sweater.  She keeps herself toasty by staying in bed.  She has a heated mattress pad (instead of an electric blanket) and Snoopy flannel sheets (plus a Sherpa lined blanket and a quilt). When my mother needs anything, she rings a bell (she is not budging unless it is absolutely necessary).  If I do not hear the bell, she uses a duck call (its loud). 

My cat, Dickens, has taken to sleeping on the cable box in my mother's room (makes it hard to change the channel).  I hope that you have a relaxing weekend.  I have a feeling that all of us will be staying indoors this weekend since another cold front is coming through (good reading weather).  Take care, stay warm (and safe), and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Target for Abduction by Virginia Vaughan

 Target for Abduction

Book Summary

The search for missing children

reveals a dangerous enemy.

Thwarting a kidnapping attempt places Sheriff Deena Thompson in the crosshairs of a child-abduction ring, and now they want her son—and want her dead. To track down the vanished children, she teams up with FBI agent John Pearson, who’s determined to make up for his rocky past…and unaware that he’s the father of her child. When their investigation uncovers a sinister cult bent on brainwashing their young victims, Deena and John know they need to close in fast. With danger coming from all sides and threats against their son escalating, they race to dismantle this menacing scheme…before more innocent lives are taken.

My Thoughts

Target for Abduction by Virginia Vaughan is a suspenseful story. The action began early and persisted. I enjoyed getting to know Sheriff Deena Thompson, FBI Agent John Pearson, and little Charlie.  The author effectively conveyed Deena and John's emotions.  I could imagine the shock Deena felt when she saw John.  I understood her hesitancy to tell John about their son.  The pair had obvious chemistry.  I liked the suspense, mystery, action, and underlying faith in the book. The ending wrapped up the story well.  Though Target for Abduction is the fourth Lone Star Defenders book, it works well as a standalone.   Target for Abduction is a tense tale with snatched children, a blast from the past, a startling revelation, blasting bullets, a crunched car, and time for the truth. 

Target for Abduction is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other novels in the Lone Star Defenders series here.  Check out Virginia Vaughan's other novels.  If you follow Virginia Vaughan on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I really appreciate it.  I will return tomorrow, January 29 with A Spirited Supper at Dundoon Castle by Dardi Hannah.  It is the second book in A Food and Spirits Mysteries. In case you were wondering about my mother and the appointment, we did not make it.  She said she was too sick to leave the house (she reminds me of my daughter when she went through the terrible two's that lasted until she was four).  I have rescheduled the appointment and I am hoping the weather will be warmer (it will give her one less excuse).  I hope that you are having merry day.  Take care, stay warm, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. 

An Amish Widow's Hope by Pamela Desmond Wright

 An Amish Widow's Hope

Book Summary

Regrets from the past

could lead to a chance for redemption…

After a terrifying break-in, widowed dressmaker Isla Stohl finds herself leaning on town sheriff Evan Miller. Sixteen years ago, Evan chose a law enforcement career over her and their Texas Amish community, and now he’s determined to make amends. Evan vows to keep Isla and her two children safe, but old feelings begin to arise once more. As he’s drawn back to his heritage and faith, he must decide if he can leave behind the life he built for himself in the Englisch world for the woman he’s never been able to let go of.

My Thoughts

An Amish Widow’s Hope by Pamela Desmond Wright presents a thoughtfully crafted and encouraging narrative. The character development of Isla and Evan is well executed, with each facing distinct personal challenges. The portrayal of Isla drawing upon her faith to address the trauma of a break-in and theft is particularly notable. The depiction realistically reflects the difficulty individuals may experience in regaining a sense of security following such incidents.  I loved Aunt Hazel, Stewart the raccoon, and Hambone the pig (love the name).  The story explores themes such as hope, faith, redemption, love, family, mercy, and the concept of second chances. Additionally, the element of mystery was particularly engaging.  An Amish Widow’s Hope is a heartfelt tale with a bad break-in, cute kids, an animated aunt, a Hambone in the bedroom, grief and guilt, finding faith, and a second chance at romance. 

An Amish Widow’s Hope is available from Amazon* as well as other major booksellers.  Pamela Desmond Wright has Her Reluctant Amish Heart coming out July 28. You can find Pamela Desmond Wright's other novels here.  Thank you for dropping by today.  On Wednesday, January 28 I will be featuring Target for Abduction by Virginia Vaughan.  I am off to an appointment with my mother (hopefully--she has been trying to get out of it since yesterday) and then to stock up on provisions for the cold settles in tonight.  My new electric blanket arrived just in time.  It should not get down to freezing in Florida (my parents moved us to the Sunshine State to avoid this type of weather--I will need to remind myself of this in July)!  I hope that you have a delightful day.  Take care, stay warm, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links.