An Amish Marriage of Convenience by Rachel J. Good

 An Amish Marriage of Convenience

Book Summary

In USA Today bestselling author Rachel J. Good’s sweetly romantic inspirational series, the bustling Green Valley Farmer’s Market in Pennsylvania is an unexpected place for residents of nearby Amish communities to find the partner of their dreams. But as spring gives way to summer and the market fills with the season’s bounty, a new relationship begins to bloom as well…

When widower Stephen Lapp moves his five children from New York State to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, his only plan is to buy his family’s farm stand, Lapp’s Pastured Pork. That way, his brother can move closer to his fiancée and open his own stand. But on Stephen’s first trip to the market, his brave act of kindness nearly ends in catastrophe—until strong-willed Nettie Hartzler saves him—and makes an impression he can’t forget . . .

A widow with private heartaches of her own, Nettie has no interest in getting involved with any man, though she doesn’t discourage their respective children’s new friendships—despite Stephen’s contentious oldest daughter. But when Nettie runs into serious money worries and Stephen proposes a marriage of convenience, she’s distressed and conflicted. She’s come to know Stephen’s gentle heart and generous soul, and she can’t believe he’ll want her if she reveals the sins of her past. God has His own plans for the faithful, however, and this time they may include a second chance at love . . .

My Thoughts

An Amish Marriage of Convenience by Rachel J. Good is the fourth novel in the Surprised by Love series.  Each book in the series can be read on its own, but I recommend reading them in order.  I like the author’s writing style.  It is casual (easy going) which makes the story a breeze to read.  The pacing varied throughout the book.  Sometimes I thought it was a little on the slow side, while at other times it moved along at a steady pace. The point-of-view alternates between Nettie, Stephen, and Joline.  Nettie and Stephen each had problems from their youth that are plaguing them in their adult lives.  Fears and insecurities have a way of holding us back.  They both need to learn to let go and trust God.  Forgiveness is another theme in the story.  I like that the romance progressed slowly.  I thought it was amusing how Mrs. Vandenberg used her new project to get the pair together.  

Mrs. Vandenberg is trusting that God will find a way to overcome the obstacles in the path to the couples happily ever after.  I liked the light humor sprinkled throughout the book (I laughed out loud a few times).  It was good to return to the Green Valley Farmers Market where we get to catch up with the characters from first three books.   Mrs. Vandenberg has a wonderful new project.  It is something that could be used in neighborhoods all over the country.  It is certainly a “beacon of hope” for many people.  The author also touched on bullying and learning disorders.  I like how the various threads all came together for one heartwarming tale.  The ending of An Amish Marriage of Convenience is special.  I am glad the author included an epilogue.  I loved the last line of the book (it was fitting).  An Amish Marriage of Convenience is a delightful escape from reality.  An Amish Marriage of Convenience is a heartening tale with a demanding market, the cunning Mrs. Vandenberg, school troubles, frightening fears, a sneaky schoolgirl, a caring community, and a forgiving God.  

An Amish Marriage of Convenience releases on Tuesday, August 22 and it can be preordered on Amazon*.  The other novels in the Surprised by Love series are An Unexpected Amish Proposal, An Unexpected Amish Courtship, and An Unexpected Amish Christmas.  You can find Rachel J. Good's other novels here.  The author has An Amish Christmas Inheritance publishing on October 25.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return tomorrow with Hiding in Plain Sight by Laura Scott. I am off to get work done around the house.  I have been having Fibromyalgia flare ups which means I am not getting much done.  I am determined to get the walls painted by the end of November (my mother wants everything in place by Christmas).  At least I do not have to do the ceilings (already done by the shyster who never returned to paint the walls).  I hope that you have a blissful day.  Take care, stay cool, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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