A Daughter's Choice by Kelly Irvin

 

A Daughter's Choice

About the Book

Book: A Daughter’s Choice (The Heart of the Amish Book Ten)

Author: Kelly Irvin

Genre: Amish/Christian Fiction

Release Date: November, 2025

Henrietta Is Set Against Love

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

Henrietta Miller loves animals—especially her goats. She wants to marry and have children someday, but right now her goal is to have her own business selling snacks made from goat’s milk and goat’s soaps. Against her the wishes of her father–who’s also the bishop—she applies for a job as a veterinary assistant to earn money. Then newcomer Nicholas Byler snatches the job out from under her—or so it seems to Hen. Now Nicholas is treating Hen’s beloved animals as if he knows more than her. Hen turns her frustrations toward expanding her business to include wool-producing goats, even while her aunt hatches matchmaking plans—with Nicholas Byler, no less.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Award-winning author Kelly Irvin has published more than 30 novels and a dozen novellas. The bestselling novelist worked as a newspaper reporter before spending 22 years in public relations. She now writes fiction full time. She and her husband live in Texas. They are the parents of two kids, four grandkids, and an ornery senior cat.

More from Kelly

Research for A Daughter’s Choice leads to goats nips and cow cuddles

By Kelly Irvin

Each time I come up with a new story concept, I’m super excited about it. When a publisher lets me know the “pub” committee has approved a contract for the story, I get even more excited. Then I sit down at my computer, open a document, and zoom, my fingers take off on the keyboard . . . . nope . . . not exactly.

What really happens is that I suddenly realize this fabulous story idea will require a ton of research. In the case of A Daughter’s Choice, featuring goat lover Henrietta “Hen” Miller, I needed to be an “expert” on raising goats and tending to a horse with colic and making candy from goat’s milk, and delivering a foal that isn’t positioned correctly (and treating a crotchety cat!). The story also required a deep dive into several other kinds of livestock, veterinarians’ clinics and vet assistants, and facets of the Amish faith that I wanted to make sure I addressed properly.

Much of this information is easily available on the Internet and in the many reference books about the Amish I’ve acquired over the years. But on-line research doesn’t allow me to get up close and personal with key characters in my story—the animals. I especially wanted to hang out with some goats. To my surprise, I had trouble finding a place in the San Antonio area where I could interact with these frolicking creatures.

Then my daughter-in-law came to the rescue. She found Cavalry Farm, a nonprofit organization that takes in and cares for all sort of livestock animals in little Adkins, Texas, just south of San Antonio. They have frequent open houses where—for a nominal fee—the public can visit, pet, feed, and yes, cuddle some of the animals. My response? ROAD TRIP!

The farm is home to a small herd of pygmy goats as well as larger dairy goats. I have never been close to a goat, so I didn’t know what to expect. They were as curious about me as I was about them. They crowded around me, climbed up my rollator, chewed on my purse strap, nibbled at the zipper on my shorts’ pocket, and prodded my hands with their noses. I had a fabulous time!

The volunteer who stayed with us in the goat pen shared all sorts of tidbits about the care of goats. My grandson, who’s two and a half, chatted with them. I took lots of photos for marketing purposes. Most importantly, I gained an understanding of why Hen is so enamored of goats. They’re lively, friendly, and determined to learn all about their visitors.

Of course, Hen isn’t simply a “goat whisperer.” She also loves horses, which leads to her first encounter with vet assistant Nicholas Byler, a newcomer to Smicksburg, PA, and many other animals, including cats and dogs. At Cavalry Farm, I also was able to visit with horses, pigs, donkeys, alpacas, chickens, turkeys, and cows. I’m from Kansas so I’ve had my share of livestock sightings. However, I’ve never been offered an opportunity to snuggle a cow. Who knew that is a thing? My farmer family members will find it humorous, I’m sure.

The cows lounge on the grass just waiting for a visitor to come along, sit beside them, and snuggle up. It’s so stinking cute!

No cow snuggling occurs in A Daughter’s Choice. However, I can assure readers there is plenty of fun with a runaway puppy up for adoption, goats on the loose tearing through a wedding prep tent, and more. The story also moves beyond the humorous as Hen overcomes past losses and grief , allowing her to make important choices about her future. Nicholas too has to make hard choices about his occupation and his life as a faithful Amish believer.  What they decide will determine if they find their happily-ever-after!

If you’d like to know more about Cavalry Farm and their mission, check out the website at www.cavalryfarms.org.

My Thoughts

A Daughter’s Choice by Kelly Irvin has two unique main characters for an Amish story.  Henrietta “Hen” Miller prefers spending time with her goats than keeping house.  Her father, the bishop, would rather she spend her time doing household chores like the other women in the district. Nicholas Byler along with his sister, Lenora, have come to town to take care of their grandfather who has dementia.  Nicholas obtained the job with the local vet that Hen had applied for, but her father nixed it.  I felt for Hen.  She has a wonderful spirit, and she is a natural with animals. Her father did everything he could to discourage her.  I found him to be very harsh, and I did not like that he was punishing a twenty-two-year-old woman like she was two.  I also understood Nicholas’ desire to study to become a veterinarian. 

The story is well-written with steady pacing.  I like that the story is told from Hen and Nicholas’ point of view because it allows readers to see each of their perspectives on the various issues.  The themes in A Daughter’s Choice are God’s will, faith, family, and community.  A Daughter’s Choice is the tenth book in The Heart of the Amish series.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  I enjoyed the humor sprinkled throughout the story and the heartfelt ending. A Daughter’s Choice is a poignant tale with energetic goats, an animated animal lover, a job robber, a cute canine, strained ankle trouble, matchmaker mess, and rampant rumors. 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kelly is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon e-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!

A Daughter's Choice is available from Amazon*.  The eleventh book in The Heart of the Amish series is Plain Jane's Secret Admirer and it will be out on January 1, 2026.  You can find Kelly Irvin's other novels here. Thank you for stopping by today.  On Wednesday, December 3, I am featuring All My Bones by P.J. Nelson. I hope that you have a terrific Tuesday.  Don't forget to enter the giveaway.  Good Luck!  Take care, stay warm, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, November 22

Life on Chickadee Lane, November 23

Simple Harvest Reads, November 24 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

She Lives to Read, November 25

lakesidelivingsite, November 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 27

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 28

Stories By Gina, November 29 (Author Interview)

Nighttime Reading Center, November 29

For Him and My Family, November 30

Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 1

Fruitfully Planted, December 1

The Avid Reader, December 2

Holly’s Book Corner, December 3

Vicky Sluiter, December 4

The Mommies Reviews, December 5

Mary Hake, December 5

*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.

With All Her Heart by Kelly Irvin

 With All Her Heart

Book Summary

Bonnie is successful in her crafts shop but fears no man will see past her disability to her strong and loving heart. Elijah dreams of leaving the family business to focus on his carvings. Can they find a new path together?

Elijah Miller is a quiet and painfully shy man with a talent for carving the handmade toys and furniture that tourists in the Amish shops love. The large, boisterous Miller family is anything but shy. With a thriving auction business, they want him to do what he hates most: taking the stage and calling the auctions. He loves his family and wants to support them, but will they allow room for Elijah to follow his own dream?

Bonnie Yoder began the Homespun Handicrafts with her friends, Sophia and Carol. Each has a physical disability to overcome but together they prove that wheelchairs and rollators will not stop them from building a business and a craft community. Bonnie, with her chestnut curls and pretty face, yearns for a husband and family of her own but fears her spinal condition will keep any Amish man from choosing a life with her. Can a man like Elijah see past her walker to the woman behind it?

With the support of his beloved dog, Slowpoke, Elijah finds the courage to bring in samples of his handcrafted toys for Bonnie to consider for display in the shop. Through her advice, Elijah begins to see a possible new life doing what he loves best. Bonnie, in reconnecting with this old school friend, fears that the hope for a relationship that she feels may be another disappointment.

Can Elijah and Bonnie help each other find the lives they want and the love they desire?

My Thoughts

With All Her Heart by Kelly Irvin is a heartwarming story about love, acceptance, and faith.  We get to learn about the disabilities that affect the Amish because of their limited gene pool.  I felt for Bonnie who was struggling with her declining health.  She did not want to give up her independence by switching from a rollator to a wheelchair.  Bonnie has always wanted a husband and a family, but she did not see how it was feasible.  Plus, Bonnie did not wish to be a burden to a husband.  I liked the friendship that formed between Bonnie and Elijah.  A friendship is a good basis for a romantic relationship. 

Bonnie and Elijah were good for each other.  Both Bonnie and Elijah must face their fears and deal with their pride (there are different forms of pride).  Like Bonnie, I have trouble asking for help.  There is also a romance between Bonnie’s mother and a new widower.  Bonnie’s mother is resistant at first.  She does not appreciate her brother’s matchmaking.  I especially enjoyed this storyline because the characters are closer to my age.  I like how faith was woven into the story.  With All Her Heart is the third book (and final) book in the Amish Calling series.  While it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the series in order.  With All Her Heart is a touching tale with handcrafted toys, a special shop, a helpful rollator, social anxiety disorder dilemma, merry matchmakers, a crafty grandpa, and happy hearts. 

Rollator with seat & cup holder

With All Her Heart is available from Amazon.  The first two books in the Amish Calling series is  The Heart's Bidding and Matter's of the Heart.  You can find Kelly Irvin's other books here.  If you follow Kelly Irvin on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return on Thursday, January 30 with my thoughts on Order of Swans by Jude Deveraux.  My mother and I made a decision regarding our home.  A wonderful woman in our community took me around to look at other homes.  There was one that I loved.  The closet was three times the size of my current one.  Everything was updated (I loved it).  But (you knew there was one), my mother's room was smaller and so was her closet (which would not be fair to her).  So, we are going to stay and get our current place fixed up.  We have wonderful neighbors which is another bonus.  I believe  the cats and ducks are thrilled as well.  I do not believe my new neighbor is going to be doing handsprings when she hears the news.  She offered me moving boxes the other day (she is not a fan of the ducks and cats).  What are you currently reading?  I am embarking on Cold Case Murder Mystery by Nicole Helm.  I hope that you have a delightful day.  Take care 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.

Matters of the Heart by Kelly Irvin

 Matters of the Heart

Book Summary

He's the community's jokester auctioneer. She's the serious caregiver for her siblings who also works at the local plant nursery. What future could they have together?

Declan Miller has always had feelings for Bethel King. Back when they were in school, she was the smartest girl in the class and, in his opinion, by far the prettiest. Now the two of them are in their twenties and while the attraction is still there, Declan is as hesitant as ever to let Bethel know how he feels. His corny jokes and wisecracks cover a heart that's afraid of rejection.

Bethel can't deny Declan is nice, funny, hardworking, and pleasing to the eye--a perfect match if you asked any Plain girl in the area. But marrying Bethel would also mean marrying into her family. Two of her younger brothers have a rare form of muscular dystrophy, and her sister Claire is now showing signs of having it as well. Fiercely loyal and nurturing, Bethel has promised herself her siblings will always come first. With a good chance that she carries the gene and could pass it on to her children, Bethel has tried to convince herself marriage and family just aren't in the cards for her.

Amish waiting at a clinic in Lancaster

When a devastating diagnosis of his own turns Declan's world upside down, he looks to Bethel for understanding, compassion, and a realistic outlook. As they share their dreams and fears and grow together in faith, a bond begins to develop between them. Perhaps their combination of optimistic extrovert and thoughtful introvert really isn't such a bad thing--perhaps it's actually a part of God's beautiful design.

My Thoughts

Matters of the Heart by Kelly Irvin is a touching Amish tale.  This story focuses on the genetic disabilities among the Amish as a result of them intermarrying.   We get to see the emotional, physical, and spiritual challenges that families face when family members have medical conditions (it can be overwhelming).  The old adage “when it rains, it pours” came to mind when I was reading Matters of the Heart.  Life is challenging when you have a relative (or in this case multiple relatives) with physical challenges (I know from experience).  I enjoyed getting to know Declain and Bethel as well as their families. I was rooting for Declan and Bethel.  Bethel’s siblings are so sweet and happy.  They do not let their challenges bring them down (a lesson I could learn).  Matters of the Heart is the second An Amish Calling Novel.  It can be read as a standalone.  Matters of the Heart was thoughtfully done with realistic characters and situations.  This compelling story has ups and downs (have tissues nearby) along with a sweet ending.  

Matters of the Heart is available from Amazon*.  The Heart's Bidding is the first An Amish Calling Novel.  The third An Amish Calling Novel is With All Her Heart and it will be released on January 28, 2025.  You can find Kelly Irvin's other books here.  If you follow the author on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release. Do not forget that July 16th and 17th are Amazon Prime Days. Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I will be sharing my thoughts on A Controversial Cover by Lorna Barrett.  It is the 18th A Booktown Mystery.  I am off to make homemade noodles.  Today is my mother's 79th birthday.  She requested homemade chicken and noodles for dinner (I pushed for going out to eat, but I was unsuccessful).  The noodles need to dry for a couple of hours before they are cooked.  I am grateful that she did not request chicken pot pie!  I hope that you have a joyful day!  Take care, stay cool, 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. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.  

The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos by Kelly Irvin

 The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos

Book Summary

Two sisters seek a new balance in work, family, and love when one receives a diagnosis that sets the clock ticking.

Determined to save Sherri’s life, Kristen drops everything to guide her sister on the harrowing cancer treatment journey. When she’s unable to balance the strain of caring for her patients, being a wife and mother, and her frantic efforts to save her sister, Kristen’s carefully balanced life crumbles, starting with her marriage. Desperate to regain her footing, she vows to rebuild her broken relationships . . . as soon as she’s sure Sherri will beat the odds stacked against her.

Unlike her sister, Sherri Reynolds has worked to cultivate balance in her life. Her children, her job as a teacher, and her strong faith keep her grounded—until her diagnosis sends her spiraling into the scary world of what-ifs and unknown outcomes. Sherri faces the agonizing realization that family history may be about to repeat itself. With the clock ticking, she’s determined to use whatever time she has left to heal old wounds and restore relationships.

My Thoughts

The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos by Kelly Irvin is an emotional tale.  I thought the story was well-written with realistic, developed characters.  The author captured the emotions that are experienced by an individual when they receive a cancer diagnosis as well as by those close to person (family, friends, coo-workers).  The author was able to share her knowledge and experience (with stage 4 ovarian cancer) in this story.  I can tell that Kelly Irvin did her research.  I had no idea that insurance would not cover all the costs.  You can go severely into debt trying to get cured. I liked reading about the caring oncologists and how they are there for their patients.   The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos is told from Kristen (the sister who is the oncologist), Sherri (the sister who is diagnosed with cancer), and Daniel’s (Kristen’s husband) point-of-view.  

The story deals with a variety of topics.  Kristen and Daniel are empty nesters who are drifting apart.  Kristen is a dedicated doctor.  We get to see what happened in Kristen’s childhood that drew the sisters closer and led her to become an oncologist.  Sherri is divorced, but she still cares for her ex-husband.  Forgiveness, job dynamics, family troubles, grief, new beginnings, and faith are other topics addressed in this touching story.  We get to see the ups and downs of a family affected by a cancer diagnosis.  Faith was beautifully woven into the story.  Faith and Sherri’s church family are an important part of her life.  You will want to have a box of tissues nearby while reading The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos.  The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos is an expressive story with close sisters, a scary diagnosis, a dedicated doctor, thoughtful friends, costly chemo, a frustrated husband, a devoted family, and a firm faith.

The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos is available from Amazon*.  To read the first four chapters of The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos plus learn about Kelly's cancer journey and subscribe to her newsletter, click here. Kelly Irvin has Matters of the Heart coming out July 16, 2024.  It is the second An Amish Calling Novel.  You can find Kelly Irvin's other novels here.  If you follow Kelly Irvin on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for stopping by today.  A couple of the other new books out today are Death by Demo by Callie Carpenter, The Orphans' Amish Christmas by Tracy Fredrychowski, Sniffing Out Murder by Kallie E. Benjamin, and Murder of an Amish Bridegroom by Patricia Johns.  I hope that you have a hopeful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris 

The Avid Reader

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

Every Good Gift by Kelly Irvin

 Every Good Gift

Book Summary

During the most difficult season of her life, how could she know whether their meeting was a gift from God—or another temptation?

Maisy never expected that a Plain girl like her could have her heart stolen by an Englisch boy. But when her rumspringa ends and Maisy realizes she’s pregnant, the reality of their choices—and their differences—sets in.

Maisy knows she will never leave her faith to marry her baby’s father. But she also knows the road to acceptance as an unwed mother in an Amish community will be long and hard. To protect her family from the scandal, she goes to live with her cousin in Haven, Kansas, where she will have some solitude to figure out what kind of future she might have.

In Haven Maisy begins to find her way—thanks in no small part to Joshua Lapp, a Plain man who’s made it clear he isn’t bothered by her situation or ashamed to be seen with her, despite the bishop’s warnings. But Joshua has struggled with his faith ever since the death of his twin brother, leaving Maisy to wonder: How can two people who are so lost ever help each other discover Gott’s plans for their future? 

My Thoughts

Every Good Gift by Kelly Irvin is the third novel in the Amish Blessings series.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  I was eager to read this story (I moved it ahead of other books on my TBR list).  I like Kelly Irvin’s writing style.  It is friendly and engaging.  I was easily drawn into the story.  Maisy Glick is on her rumspringa and has an English boyfriend.  When Maisy discovers she is pregnant, she makes a decision.   Maisy does not want her family to be embarrassed by her actions.  She departs for Haven, Kansas to stay with her cousin.  Joshua Lapp is at the bus station sending his family off on their trip.  He sees an exhausted Maisy and offers her transportation to her cousin’s farm.  Joshua is not a baptized member of the church despite being in his early twenties.  Joshua misses his twin brother who died when they were twelve.  He is angry at God and does not understand how God can allow a child to die.  Joshua befriends Maisy despite warnings from the bishop.   Maisy has some tough decisions to make.  What does God have in store for these two lost souls?  

Every Good Gift is a touching story.  I thought the characters were realistic and relatable.  The author did a wonderful job of describing the emotions the characters were feeling.  Maisy and Joshua learn some valuable life lessons.  Maisy needs to find a way to forgive herself so she can move forward while Joshua needs to let go of his grief and anger towards God.  I like that we are reminded that “Every one of us has sinned and fallen short of the glory of Gott.”  We only have to seek forgiveness and He will give it.   I was sorry when Every Good Gift came to an end.  I enjoyed getting to know the characters and going on their journey with them.   I like that we get to catch up with the characters from Love’s Dwelling and The Warmth of Sunshine.  Every Good Gift is a story about love, compassion, faith, family, forgiveness, and hope.  

Every Good Gift is available from Amazon*.  The first two books in the Amish Blessings series are Love's Dwelling and The Warmth of Sunshine.  You can find Kelly Irvin's other novels here.  Kelly Irvin has The Heart's Bidding coming out on August 1.  It is the debut of the Amish Calling series.  Thank you for stopping by today.  On Tuesday, February 14 I will share my thoughts on The Beekeeper's Bride by Mollie Cox Bryan.  It is the first novel in The Shenandoah Heart series.  I hope that you have an enjoyable weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

The Warmth of Sunshine by Kelly Irvin

 The Warmth of Sunshine

Book Summary

Abigail’s Amish life has always followed a certain path . . . until an Englisch woman disrupts all she’s known to be true.

Growing up Amish, Abigail Bontrager often felt like a square peg in a round hole. Her pie crusts always turned out tough. Her stitches always ran crooked. She was clumsy. Not ideal for an aspiring Amish wife and mother, but her faith and love of her family, which are so much more important, are solid. Plus, her relationship with the attractive and kindhearted Owen Kurtz is moving in the right direction.

Owen is part dreamer, part entrepreneur. His friendship with Abigail has gradually blossomed into a sweet and loving courtship. Inspired by the hope of a future with the girl of his dreams, he decides to take the next step in building a business of his own—in the promising new industry of growing sunflowers.

When an outsider claiming to be Abigail’s birth mother abruptly enters her life, Abigail’s world comes crashing down. Confused and upset, she is determined to discover who she really is. Her journey of discovery leads to the possibilities of a new life waiting for her in the Englisch world. But is this new life really worth giving up everything and everyone she’s known? How can Abigail and Owen follow their hearts—and God’s plan—when these new paths now lead them into the unknown?

In this second book in the Amish Blessings series, bestselling and award-winning romance novelist Kelly Irvin shares an inspiring story of following your heart while trusting God to lead you into your future.

My Thoughts

The Warmth of Sunshine by Kelly Irvin is a touching Amish tale.  Abigail Bontrager has her life turned upside down when she learns that she was adopted.  Her birth mother, Heather shows up at the family farm wanting to get to know Abigail. Abigail is confused and no longer knows who she is.  Abigail decides to visit her birth mother and siblings in Abilene to see if it can provide clarity.  Abigail hopes that God will lead her down the right path.  I thought The Warmth of Sunshine was well-written with developed characters.  I like Kelly Irvin’s engaging writing style.  I was drawn into the story and just wanted to keep reading.  I cannot imagine what Abigail was feeling after discovering that she was adopted.  She has always felt like she did not fit in since she struggles to accomplish the normal female tasks (cooking, baking, etc.).    Abigail’s cookies could break a tooth.  I thought the author did a wonderful job at portraying Abigail’s emotional and her mental state after this revelation.  

We also meet Owen who has been courting Abigail.  He works for his father’s metal shed construction company, but Owen prefers farming.  He wants to grow sunflowers as a cash crop on his father’s land, but Owen’s father is not keen on the idea.  When Abigail departs for Abilene, Owen is left wondering if she will return to Haven.  Owen’s father is also courting a local widow.  It looks like he will be proposing soon which means a new stepmother and five new siblings.  The story is told from Abigail and Owen’s point-of-view in alternating chapters.  I found the pacing to be a little on the slow side as Abigail decides what to do and then visits her birth mother.  There are good life lessons in the story.  Everything happens for a reason.  God has a plan that will unfold according to His schedule (not ours). The Warmth of Sunshine is a story about hope, love, family, friendship, and faith.  It is the second book in the Amish Blessings series, but it can be read as a standalone.  The Warmth of Sunshine is a poignant Amish tale with an unexpected announcement, baffling feelings, bewildering birth family, crop conundrum, displeased parents, and a gracious God.

The Warmth of Sunshine is available from Amazon*.  The first book in the Amish Blessings series is Love's Dwelling.  Every Good Gift will be the third book in the Amish Blessings series and it will be out February 7, 2023. You can find Kelly Irvin's other novels here.  Thank you so much for visiting today.  I will be back tomorrow with Listen to Me by Tess Gerritsen.  It is 13th novel in the Rizzoli & Isles series.  I hope that you have cheery day.  Take care, stay cool (it is so hot), and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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