The Amish Cowboy's Homecoming by Ophelia London

The Amish Cowboy's Homecoming

Book Summary

The Amish Cowboy’s Homecoming by Ophelia London has Grace Zook eager to train the new horse that will son be arriving at the Zook’s Horse Training Farm run by her father, John.  Grace is eager to prove to her father that she can handle the horse farm because she wants to take it over when he retires.  Grace is surprised when her father announces that he has hired Isaac King, a horse trainer, to work with the new equine.  Isaac is a widower with a young daughter who is eager for the job that will take him away from the tense atmosphere at his in-law’s.  He is unprepared for Grace who is determined to exert her authority at the farm.  They each have different ideas on how to train the devil of a horse.  The more time Isaac spends with Grace, the more he finds himself attracted to her especially her bright blue eyes and sweet dimples.  Is it wise, though, to fall for the boss’s stubborn daughter? 

My Thoughts

The Amish Cowboy’s Homecoming by Ophelia London is the 2^nd book in The Honey Brook Series.  It can be read as a standalone if you have not had a chance to peruse Never An Amish Bride.  I like that we get to see how Lucas Brenneman and Esther are doing since the end of Never an Amish Bride.  It is great that we get to see Lucas offering guidance to Isaac.  I thought The Amish Cowboy’s Homecoming was well-written with good characters and a beautiful setting.  I like that Grace Zook is a strong female character who is bucking Amish tradition.  Grace prefers working with horses that cooking, cleaning, and tending to children.  Grace does, though, yearn for a man who will love her for herself (just as she is).  Isaac King is a kind man who is a widower with a young daughter.  He wants what is best for his child which is admiral.  I like his attitude towards animals.  Family, friendship, horses, faith, and community is at the center of the story.  There is also romance and vandalism.  Fires and thefts have been taking place in the community.  They have yet to catch the people responsible.  I did find the story to be a little long.  It could have done with some editing which would have also helped the pacing (slow in some places).  I also wish there had been more humor.  It would have enhanced this charming Amish tale.  I enjoyed reading The Amish Cowboy’s Homecoming which is a heartwarming story about a strong-willed Amish woman with a special talent and an Amish man who has a way with horses looking for a permanent home for himself and his daughter.  

The Amish Cowboy's Homecoming publishes Tuesday, April 27 and can be pre-ordered from Amazon*.  The first novel in The Honey Brook Series is Never An Amish Bride featuring Lucas Brenneman and Esther.  You can find Ophelia London's other novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on Finding Ashley by Danielle Steel which publishes April 27.  I hope you have a upbeat day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Pine Creek Courtship by Amity Hope

Pine Creek Courtship

Book Summary

Pine Creek Courtship by Amity Hope has Emma Ziegler struggling to raise her siblings while managing the family farm.  Her Aunt Naomi’s solution is to sell the family farm to Amos Stoltzfus and have Emma become his bride.   The last thing Emma wishes to do is marry Amos who has a bad reputation.  Aunt Naomi also wants to take Ezekiel and Sadie, Emma’s siblings with her.  Levi Bontrager and Emma have been friends since they were children until he did something that drove a wedge between them.  When Levi hears the aunt’s plans, he steps in to state that Emma cannot wed anyone else because they are courting.  Emma is not comfortable lying so Levi suggests that they court.  This is Levi’s chance to win back Emma’s trust back as well as her heart.  Is there a hope for Emma and Levi?

My Thoughts

Pine Creek Courtship by Amity Hope is the first book in the Pine Creek Series.  I enjoyed reading this sweet Amish novel.  It was a nice change of pace from the other books that I have been reading and real life.  I thought Pine Creek Courtship was well-written with good characters and steady pacing.  I like Emma Ziegler who has been through so much.  She is working hard to maintain the family farm while caring for her younger siblings.  They also have the maple trees to care for as well (they tap the trees for the sap that they turn into maple syrup).  Emma can be stubborn though (she has her pride as well).  Levi Bontrager is a good man with a caring heart.  He loves Emma and wants to help her and keep her safe.  I like all the characters in the story especially Emma’s brother, Ezekiel.  Sadie, Emma’s sister, had a fondness for animals.  She has unique chickens (it was interesting learning about them) and raises goats (makes yummy cheese).  I love the drama in the story.  It gives the book additional depth and interest.  I like how the romance played out between Levi and Emma.  There are good values in the story.  I like how the Amish in this story care for their families and help others in the community.  I am looking forward to the next book in the Pine Creek series.  Pine Creek Courtship is a charming Amish tale with strong characters, a pastoral setting, delightful drama, a caring cousin, a rewarding romance, and sweet siblings.  

Pine Creek Courtship publishes March 30 and can be pre-ordered from Amazon*.  This is Amity Hope's first Amish novel.  I look forward to her next one.  Thank you for reading my review.  Tomorrow I am discussing Paddlers, Promises, and Poison by Tonya Kappes.  It is the 16th A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery.  I hope you have a positive day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Never an Amish Bride by Ophelia London

Welcome!  On June 25, The English Wife by Adrienne Chinn will be out and The Mountains Wild by Sarah Stewart Taylor releases June 23.  There are several new cozy mysteries coming out on June 30.  The titles include A Sprinkling of Murder by Daryl Wood Gerber (a new series), A Fatal Friction by Kaitlyn Dunnett, Game of Dog Bones by Laurien Berenson, Still Knife Painting by Cheryll Hollon, The Last Curtain Call by Juliet Blackwell, and Witch Hunt by Cate Conte.  Austin by Jennifer Beckstrand was supposed to come out on June 30, but the publisher has postponed its release (The Petersheim Brothers is such a delightful Amish series).  I will let you know when it is rescheduled.

Pouring soap into molds

Never an Amish Bride by Ophelia London has Esther Miller struggling two years after her fiancé, Jacob Brenneman died weeks before their wedding.  It has been worse lately because her younger sister, Sarah is getting married in November.  Esther tries to be good and find peace.  The one solace Esther has is making her soap which has become popular at Yoder’s Home Goods.  Sarah is heading to Yoder’s to deliver soap when she detours to the medical clinic where her Lucas Brenneman is working.  Lucas is Jacob’s brother and Esther hopes he can answer some questions for her.  Lucas has questions of his own.   Lucas left Honey Brook when he was sixteen, but he never told anyone the real reason for his departure.  Esther and Lucas begin spending time together and become friends.  They find they can tell each other things that they cannot share with anyone else.  Lucas finds himself falling for Esther.  He does not know, though, how they could be together when Esther is Amish and is unwillingness to give up his position as a physician’s assistant.

Pygmy goat in sweater

 Never an Amish Bride by Ophelia London is the first novel in the Honey Brook series.  Honey Brook, Pennsylvania is a cozy town in Lancaster County.  Gossip spreads quickly in this small Amish town.  Esther Miller was to marry Jacob Brenneman two years ago, but he died a few weeks before their wedding day.  After Jacob passed, no one would talk about him or how he died.  Esther is struggling right now especially with her faith.  Esther’s younger sister, Sarah is getting wed in November and she has roped Esther into planning the event as well as sewing the wedding dress.  It is the last thing that Esther wishes to do.  Lucas Brenneman left town when he was sixteen on a mission and he returned six months ago.  He wonders about his family and if he has made the right choices.  I thought Never an Amish Bride was well-written with developed main characters.  The characters are realistic with their struggles involving family, faith, and tragedy.  The romance is sweet and progresses at a gentle pace.  I enjoyed the way they could talk to each other and their playful banter.  There is humor in the story and light moments that I enjoyed.  I love the three kids (baby pygmy goats) that were dressed in various costumes.  I could just imagine them in Christmas sweaters.  I loved the Anne of Green Gables references where Esther likens Lucas to Gilbert Blythe.  Esther made some wonderful soap.  I would not mind her clove soap myself.  I like how the soap played into Esther and Lucas’ romance.    I thought the author should have included a recipe at the end (or tips for making soap).  Never an Amish Bride is a delightful Amish story and I wish that we did not have to wait for spring for The Amish Cowboy’s Homecoming.  I appreciated the epilogue at the end.  Never an Amish Bride is a charming Amish tale with soap bar battles, a wayward wagon, plush pygmy goats, wedding woes, soaring scents, a dress dilemma.

Finished organic soap

Never an Amish Bride will be released on June 30 and can be obtained from Amazon*.  This is Ophelia London's debut Amish novel.  The next book in the Honey Brook series is The Amish Cowboy's Homecoming which will be out on April 27, 2021.   Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am sharing Murder in Waiting by Lynn Cahoon.  It is the 11th A Tourist Trap Mystery.  I do hope you have a smashing day.  Take care of yourself and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.