His Unexpected Amish Twins by Rachel J. Good: Review & Giveaway!

About the Book

Book:  His Unexpected Amish Twins
Author: Rachel J. Good
Genre:  Amish Romance
Release Date: February 28, 2020

When Micah Miller’s brother and sister-in-law are killed in a buggy accident, he’s devastated, but he fulfills a promise to raise their seven-year-old twins, Abby and Isaac. While struggling to deal with the twins’ grief and Abby’s anger toward God, he discovers an Amish farm offering horse therapy for grief. And he’s thrilled to find the owner cares about and prays for the twins.

Hope Graber had to find a way to save the family farm after her daed’s unwise decisions. Even selling off many of the horses didn’t cover all the bills. After deciding to use the remaining horses for animal therapy, she brings on Logan Russell, an experienced trainer, to help her. Together they not only start paying off the debts, but they also make positive changes in children’s lives.

Hope loves helping each child, but she takes a special interest in the twins and determines to help them heal both emotionally and spiritually. As she gently guides Abby back to God and makes the little girl smile again, Hope also makes Micah’s life brighter. As he emerges from his depression, he longs to make them one happy family, but only God can overcome the many obstacles in their path.

Click here for your copy!

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author RACHEL J. GOOD writes life-changing, heart-tugging novels of faith, hope, and forgiveness. She grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for her Amish novels. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events.

Rachel is the author of several Amish series in print or forthcoming – the bestselling Love & Promises Series, Sisters & Friends Series, Unexpected Amish Blessings Series, Surprised by Love (2021), and two books in Hearts of Amish Country (through Annie's Attic) – as well as the Amish Quilts Coloring Books. In addition, she has stories in many anthologies, including Love’s Thankful Heart, Love’s Christmas Blessings, Plain Everyday Heroes, Love’s Truest Hope,and the forthcoming Amish Christmas Twins (September 29, 2020) with Shelley Shepard Gray and Loree Lough.

Horse Therapy

More From Rachel

Phobias and Faith

“Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14: 27b KJV)

In every book I write, I like the hero and heroine to experience character growth. I think it’s important that they change and become different. So, in His Unexpected Amish Twins, Micah faces several life-changing events. First, his life is turned upside-down when he becomes the guardian of his niece and nephew, seven-year-old twins. Although he loves the children dearly, as a young, single man, he isn’t quite ready to handle his lively, rebellious niece and his silent, withdrawn nephew, especially not when he’s grieving himself.

But with the help of horse therapist, Hope Graber, Micah puts aside his own pain to concentrate on caring for the twins. But Micah is also hiding a deep-seated phobia.

As a child, he had a terrible experience, one that scarred him for life. One that still haunts him and terrorizes him. One that may destroy his future relationship with Hope.

Getting over fear is never easy, and Micah prays for strength. But it isn’t until he’s forced to make a choice – give in to his fear or save a life – does he push past that fear.

Like Micah does, we often go through life hiding our fears. We make excuses not to do something that frightens us. When a fear turns into a phobia, it can become paralyzing.

For me, public speaking was my greatest fear. I managed to avoid it until I was asked to do a simple two-minute introduction each month for the Christian Women’s Club. I didn’t have to answer right away. They asked me to pray about it, and let them know my answer in a few days.

If they’d asked for an answer right away, I would have made an excuse. I had four small children and an ill husband. But the truth was – I was scared. Not just scared, but petrified. Petrified about even standing in front of an audience.

When I discussed this opportunity with my father, he suggested God might be giving me a chance to get over my fear because He had something greater for me to do in the future. My first thought was that it had better not have anything to do with public speaking.

Dad encouraged me to take a speech class, so I signed up for one. Eight people attended this informal course in the teacher’s living room. The first night we had to give a two-sentence introduction of ourselves. We didn’t even have to stand up.

I went last. My turn came, and my mind went blank. I couldn’t even remember my name. With prompting, the teacher got me to stumble through my name and hometown.

Our assignment for the following week was to prepare a three-minute demonstration of one of our hobbies. We could use notes and props. I mumbled through the speech, rushed out the door to my car, and vomited in the street. Yes, I was that frightened by public speaking.

I told my father I planned to quit the class, but he encouraged me to continue. And several months later, I stood in front of the women’s club. My eyes blurred, and I couldn’t see the people in front of me. I hurried through my memorized two-minute introduction clutching my note cards in case I forgot the words. I had no idea what I said, but several people mentioned that they liked it. And I went on to do it every month for two years.

And my father was right. God did train me for a future job. Wouldn’t Dad be surprised to know that, as an author, I speak in front of audiences around the country? He died before my first book was published, but I suspect he’s up in heaven cheering me on. And I could never have done it without God’s help.

Micah and I both had to learn to trust God’s promise: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1: 9 NIV)

My Thoughts

His Unexpected Amish Twins by Rachel J. Good has Holly Graber starting a horse therapy business in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  She is on her way home when she encounters an accident between a buggy and a car.  Hope rushes to offer aid to the little girl thrown from the buggy.  She ends up staying by Chloe and her twin brother’s side until a relative arrives.  Micah Miller hurries from New York to Lancaster to be with his brother’s children.  Unfortunately, Micah’s brother, Ben and his wife did not survive the accident.  Micah finds himself overwhelmed and is grateful when Hope offers assistance with the twins.  Micah is unsure how to handle the children’s grief.  Hope suggests they try hippotherapy which terrifies Micah.  He was kicked by a horse as a child which has caused Micah to be dread being around a horse (which is difficult when your Amish).  Horse therapy may be just what Micah and his new charges need plus it allows Micah and Hope to spend time together.  

Amish Pony Cart

His Unexpected Amish Twins is a poignant Amish story.  I thought it was well-written with developed characters.  The story deals with grief, fear, pride, forgiveness, healing and love.  Micah has felt he was always in competition with his brother and he felt that he never did as well.  Plus, Micah has a fear of horses.  Hope has been responsible for her family’s financial matters since she turned eighteen.  Her father, Isaac has a gambling problem which Hope has done her best to keep from others.  To help provide them with an income and use the horses they own, Hope has been training in hippotherapy.  Hope is a kind, compassionate woman.  I liked learning about hippotherapy and its benefits.  Hope is naïve, though, because she does not understand her father’s addiction to gambling (the lengths one will go to get the money they need).  I did feel that the father needed additional counseling from a minister or church elder.  The description of a grieving family was realistic.  I could relate to their overwhelming loss.  I felt bad for the children who lost both their parents.  Micah was trying to do what is best for the kids, but as expected, he makes a few missteps along the way.  It can be difficult to raise one child much less two who are as different as the twins.  Chloe is energetic, outgoing while her brother is quiet and reserved.  I was rooting for Micah to overcome his fear of horses as Hope worked with him.  The romance progressed at just the right pace for this story.  Isaac, Hope’s father, struggle was evident along with his feelings of regret.  I appreciated the epilogue which provided a sweet ending to the book. His Unexpected Amish Twins is an emotional story that will tug on your heartstrings.  I look forward to reading the next book in the Unexpected Amish Blessings series. 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away the grand prize package of an autographed copy of the book and $25 VISA gift card.  Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the here to enter.  Good Luck!  His Unexpected Amish Twins is available at Amazon*.  The next book in Unexpected Amish Blessings series is His Pretend Amish Bride which will be out on June 30, 2020.  If you would like more information on hippotherapy, check out this site. Thank you for joining me today.  I will be back tomorrow with An Amish Picnic by Amy Clipston, Vannetta Chapman, Kelly Irvin and Kathleen Fuller. Before I depart, here is the book related pun of the day.  I wanted to visit the world's biggest library, but it was overbooked!  I did not say they were great puns! I hope that you have a fulfilling day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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