Thursday, November 5, 2020

An Amish Husband for Tillie


Book Summary

An Amish Husband for Tillie by Amy Lillard has Tillie Gingerich returning home to her conservative Amish community in Pontotoc pregnant and unmarried at Christmas.  Tillie had left with Melvin Yoder for the English world where he could work on engines.  Tillie did not feel she fit in the English world, and she missed her family, faith, and community.  She wants her child to grow up among her people.  Tillie was unable to convince Melvin to return with her.  Her family welcomes her with open arms and no judgement.  However, if Tillie is to remain, they must get the approval of the bishop.  Tillie is hoping to enjoy the holidays with her family before having to face the consequences.  Her parents throw a Christmas party where Tillie is aware of the stares and the whispers.  Needing some breathing room, Tillie takes off walking where she soon becomes lost in a storm.  Tillie comes across Levi Yoder’s isolated farmhouse.  Levi, a cousin of Melvin’s, lost his wife and their unborn child two months prior.  He wishes to remain holed up in cabin until Christmas is over.  The last thing he wants his company.  Then Levi finds a cold Tillie in his barn.  With a violent storm raging outside, Levi has no choice but to welcome Tillie into his home.  That night, Tillie goes into labor forcing Levi to deliver the baby.  As the storm rages outside, Tillie and Levi get a chance to know each other.  Did God put them together for a reason?  Can Tillie help Levi heal and begin living again?

My Thoughts

An Amish Husband for Tillie by Amy Lillard is the 4th novel in Amish of Pontotoc series.  I recommend reading the series in order.  This will allow you understand the sisters’ stories.   I was eager to read Tillie’s tale.  I found this emotional story to be well-written with steady pacing.  The characters are realistic and developed.  I was happy to that Tillie’s large family was included and that we get to catch up with her sisters from the previous three books (Leah, Hannah, and Gracie).  Tillie Gingerich is scared to return home after taking off for the English world with Melvin Yoder.  We get to experience her fears and uncertainties.  Tillie knows the rules of the community, but she wants to spend Christmas with her family.  Her baby is due in less than a month which has her longing for the comfort of home and family.  I thought the author did a wonderful job at expressing Tillie’s emotions and thoughts.  Amy Lillard does the same for Levi Yoder who is devastated when his pregnant wife dies unexpectedly.  Levi goes from happy husband and expectant father to a widower.  The approaching holidays are not helping his mood nor the caring ladies of the community who drop by with food.  I could feel Levi’s grief and how overwhelming it is to him.  I could relate to his feelings regarding the holiday season.  I did not understand the bishop’s decision regarding Tillie considering that she was not a baptized member.  I know it is fiction, but I found the situation harsh.  I wanted to give that bishop a piece of my mind.  I just loved Levi’s sister, Mims.  She is a force to be reckoned with when she is on a mission.  You can tell how much she loves her brother.  An Amish Husband for Tillie is a moving and inspiring story.  We see that God’s plan for our life may not be our plan.  We never know what he has in mind for our lives.  The story deals with love, faith, forgiveness, acceptance, trust, compassion, and second chances.  Everyone deserves a second chance.   An Amish Husband for Tillie is a touching and encouraging holiday story that will tug on your heartstrings.  

An Amish Husband for Tillie can be obtained from Amazon*.  The other novels in Amish of Pontotoc series are A Home for Hannah, A Love for Leah, and A Family for Gracie (my favorite one in the series).  I am hoping that the author will give us Mims' story (Levi's sister).  You will find Amy Lillard's other novels here.  Amy Lillard has A Murder Between the Pages coming out November 24.  It is the 2nd book in A Main Street Book Club Mystery seriesA New Love for Charlotte by Amy Lillard releases March 30, 2021.  It is the 11th A Wells Landing Romance.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will be reviewing Have Yourself a Fudgy Little Christmas by Nancy Coco tomorrow. It is the 8th book in A Candy-Coated Mystery series. I do hope you have an encouraging day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader


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