Courting Caleb by Kelly Long

Courting Caleb

Book Summary

In a small Appalachian community with few single men, young Amish women take fate in hand and help forge their own paths to happy marriages . . .
 
Wanted: An Amish Mail Order Groom. Age 20‑30. Must understand that courting will follow the marriage ceremony in gut order. Seeking one who is reserved, quiet, and bookish.
 
It worked for her best friend, so why shouldn’t Abigail Mast, the local potter of Blackberry Falls, follow suit and advertise for a groom? But her plan goes awry when two men arrive in answer to her ad. The bishop’s unexpected solution: Abigail should court them both and make a decision by Valentine’s Day. Just as the clay she works with reveals its true purpose in time, surely she will discover which man is most suited to be her
husband . . .
 
Caleb thought his bruder was crazy for answering an ad and agreeing to marry a complete stranger. Yet there’s no denying he’s found a gut wife and a happy life. Rather than agree to the unsuitable match his father has made for him, Caleb answers another ad from faraway Blackberry Falls. There he discovers a woman who makes him forget his past—and a rival groom-to-be. Will Gott free all involved to make the right decisions for their heads and their hearts?

My Thoughts

Courting Caleb by Kelly Long is the second novel in The Amish Mail Order Grooms series.  Courting Caleb can be read as a standalone if you have not indulged in Marrying Matthew.  I have mixed reactions to this book.  Courting Caleb is a unique Amish story.  It is told from multiple points of view which can be confusing.  It switches between Abigail, Caleb, Phillip, Mercy, and Joshua (I might have forgotten a character or two who had a POV).  There are quite a few characters in the story.  There is an eccentric bishop (Bishop Kore) who is loud and uses unusual phrases, Birchbark with his magical pack, and Fern the healer with her special ornaments.  I like the addition of the paranormal element, but I wish the author had stopped with Birchbark.  I would love a Birchbark in my village.   I like that Abigail is a potter.  I thought it was unique for an Amish novel.  I was baffled as to the time period of the novel.  At times it felt like it was set in the present day, but some elements made it feel like it was in the late 1800s (with log cabins, no running water).  I was expecting a clean Amish romance novel.  I was surprised by the amount of kissing, touching, and intimate thoughts.  This book definitely crossed the line with the PDA (there was just so much of it).  I like that we get to catch up with Matthew and Tabitha from Marrying Matthew.  Courting Caleb was a miss for me.  I liked the premise of a woman placing an ad for a groom and getting two responses.  I felt that the author tried to combine too many differing elements into one book (the eccentric bishop, the paranormal and fantasy elements, too many characters, various storylines, and the sexual innuendos).  I was looking forward to reading a sweet, clean Amish novel and that is not Courting Caleb.   Courting Caleb is an unusual Amish romance with friendly folks, a boisterous bishop, a groom seeking ceramicist, a sour sister, a magical pack, a helpful healer, and a duo of eager grooms.

Courting Caleb comes out on Tuesday, April 26 and it can be preordered from Amazon*.  The first book in The Amish Mail Order Grooms series is Marrying Matthew (on Kindle Unlimited along with over 50,000 other books).  You can follow Kelly Long on Amazon to receive an email when she publishes a new novel.  Thank you for joining me today and reading my review.  Tomorrow I am featuring A Margin for Murder by Lauren Elliott.  It is the 8th A Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery.  There are so many new books coming out on April 26.  I hope that you have a calm day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

Amish Midwives by Amy Clipston, Shelley Shepard Gray, and Kelly Long

 

Amish Midwives

Bundles of Blessings by Amy Clipston has Kristina Byler busy as a midwife in her community after the death of her husband.  She is surprised to learn that Aidan Smoker has returned.  They dated in their teens and Kristina thought Aidan was the man she would marry until she found a letter on her porch.  Kristina finds herself still attracted to Aidan, but she is afraid that he will break her heart once again.  She could not handle that pain a second time.  Kristina loves her job as a midwife, but she does want a family of her own.  A new revelation may be just the ticket to bring Aidan and Kristina together.  

A Midwife for Susie by Shelley Shepard Gray has Joanna Zimmerman determined to not continue as a midwife.  She had a tragic experience with a mother in Sugar Creek, Ohio.  Joanna has kept what happened to herself since returning home, but her best friend Dwight Eicher knows something is wrong since she has not been acting like herself.  Dwight’s sister, Susie is pregnant with her first child and she wants Joanna to deliver it.  When Joanna refuses, Dwight sets out to find out what is bothering his best friend.  Dwight’s feelings for Joanna have begun to change into something deeper and he does not like to see her hurting.  Joanna is afraid of what Dwight will think of her when he learns the truth.  Dwight will have to tread softly with Joanna to help her overcome her fears and return to the profession she loves.  

Christmas Cradles by Kelly Long has Anna Stolis filling in her for aunt, the local midwife, while she goes out of town for Christmas.  Asa Lapp’s father agreed to drive Anna if there were any deliveries, but he has come down with the flu.  Asa has agreed to fulfill his father’s promise.  On a snowy Christmas night, Asa and Anna end up helping three women welcome new life into their homes.  Anna is surprised at how helpful Asa is during the long night and the attraction she feels towards him.  Unexpected Christmas blessings are in store for Anna and Asa.

My Thoughts

Amish Midwives by Amy Clipston, Shelley Shepard Gray, and Kelly Long contains three heartwarming Amish tales.  I enjoyed reading these sweet Amish novellas.  I thought they were well-written with charming characters.  Each story has a midwife who is considered past her prime (two unmarried and one widow).  I liked the midwife theme and the unique way each author presented it.  We get to see the role of a midwife in an Amish community.  A midwife needs to be knowledgeable about her craft as well as compassionate, organized, and professional.  I could not imagine going through a home birth (I needed pain killers).  There is humor is each of the stories, but it is especially prevalent in A Midwife for Susie.  I laughed at Joanna’s ineptness in the kitchen and the messes she created.  Christmas Cradles is a sweet tale that has snow, Christmas, and beautiful handmade quilts.  Bundles of Blessings has two people who once loved each other getting a second chance.  I was quickly drawn into Amy Clipston’s appealing Amish story.  Her characters and storyline are appealing.  I was happy there was an epilogue that nicely wrapped up the novella.  There are discussion questions for each short story.  Amish Midwives is one of those books that provides a delightful break from real life.  Amish Midwives contains three inspiring and emotional tales that will touch your heart.  

Amish Midwives is available from Amazon*.  Amy Clipston has An Amish Barn Raising releasing April 6.  You can find Amy Clipston's other novels here.  You will find Shelley Shepard Gray's books here and Kelly Long's here.  Thank you for stopping by and reading my review.  I will be sharing my thoughts on Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop by Darci Hannah next time.  It is the first novel in A Beacon Bakeshop Mystery series.  I hope that you will have a kind day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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

Marrying Matthew by Kelly Long

 Marrying Matthew

Book Summary

Marrying Matthew by Kelly Long has Tabitha Stolfus advertising for a mail order groom.  Tabitha is heir to her father’s lumber and woodworking company which is prominently known in Blackberry Falls, Pennsylvania.  Her father wishes her to marry and has paraded a variety of eligible men in front of Tabitha.  Tabitha is determined to marry under her terms which is why she placed the advertisement.  She wants a groom who is unaware of her father’s business.  Matthew King responded to the ad and will be arriving that day.  Matthew is a woodworker who wishes to learn from her father, John Stolfus. It is a fact that he failed to disclose to Tabitha in their letters.   When Matthew arrives, they marry immediately while John is out of town.  Matthew wants them to spend time getting to know each other before consummating their marriage.  While townspeople welcome Matthew and congratulate the newlyweds, workers at Stolfus Lumber and Woodworking are less than thrilled.  A series of incidents begin to happen that end up with Matthew becoming injured.  Someone seems determined to eliminate the new groom.  Will Tabitha end up a widow before her marriage can truly begin?

My Thoughts

Marrying Matthew by Kelly Long is the first book in The Amish Mail Order Grooms series.  Marrying Matthew not your typical Amish novel.  I liked the unusual premise of a mail order Amish groom.  I enjoyed the descriptions of Blackberry Falls, Pennsylvania.  There are a variety of quirky residents with Bishop Kore leading the pack.  I like that there is a mystery which adds depth and suspense.  I was turned off, though, by the sexual innuendo and intimate situations.  I read Amish and Christian novels because they do not contain that type of content.  I was surprised to find it in Marrying Matthew (and so much of it).  I was puzzled about the time period.  While in Blackberry Falls it seems that we have stepped back in time.  I thought it was the early 1800s from the way things were described and the way the Amish spoke.  But then they went to the local hospital and were able to watch television.  If this had been a clean, Amish novel, I would have enjoyed Marrying Matthew.  It has a great premise along with mystery, suspense, a charming town, humor, unique characters, and suspense.  If you enjoy explicit romance novels, then you will enjoy Marrying Matthew much more than I did.  

Marrying Matthew is available from Amazon*.  You can find Kelly Long's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Next time I am featuring The Awakening by Nora Roberts.  I hope that you have a exultant 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.

An Amish Wedding Feast on Ice Mountain by Kelly Long

Happy Saturday!  Kelly Long is the author of The Amish of Ice Mountain series.  Kelly was born and raised in North Central Pennsylvania where there was an Amish hitching post in front of the grocery store in her town.  She currently lives in Atlanta with her husband and children.  Kelly loves to write Amish romance with her books including The Amish of Ice Mountain series as well at A Patch of Heaven series.  She became a published author in 2005 with the release of Hart's Truth which is available on Kindle Unlimited.  Kelly Long is on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

An Amish Wedding Feast on Ice Mountain by Kelly Long has readers returning to Ice Mountain, Pennsylvania.  Beth Mast lost her beloved father when she was thirteen, and she has spent the years since taking care of her stepmother, Viola and stepsister, Rose along with the animals on the farm.  Beth gets a day off when her friend, Lucy asks her to be one of her attendants at her wedding to Jeb King.  Ransom King has just returned to Ice Mountain after being away for the last five years for an apprenticeship.  He has a sadness about him from events that happened while he was away and he recognizes kindred spirit in the shy but lovely, Beth.  Ransom and Beth are partnered together for the wedding by Lucy who would love for her friend to become a sister through marriage.  Ransom sees how Beth is treated by her stepmother and sister.  He wants to show Beth that she is deserving of happiness and love, but his own troubled past prevents him from doing so.  Then Aenti Ruth descends on the King house with her brigade of animals.  Aenti Ruth can tell that Ransom and Beth are suited.  They just need a little nudge or two.

An Amish Wedding Feast on Ice Mountain by Kelly Long is the sixth book in The Amish of Ice Mountain series.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to this Amish series.  It is a Cinderella type story with Beth Mast taking care of her stepmother and stepsister without so much as a please or thank you.  The stepmother, Viola is critical of Beth who is a caring and shy individual.  Rose, Beth’s stepsister, is beautiful and outgoing.  Her mother wishes her to make a good match which means keeping Beth in the shadows.  I felt bad for the way Beth was treated.  I was happy when Ransom King enters the picture and sets out to help Beth and ensure that she has some fun.  The book contains good writing and it moved along quickly.  There are sad moments along with heartwarming ones.  There is humor thanks to my favorite character, Aenti Ruth.  Aenti Ruth arrives with a passel of animals that help her with Ransom and Beth.  I like how kind she was to Beth and the special recipe she gave her.  I laughed so often at her antics.  I also like Bishop Umble.  He is such a kindly man who cares for his flock.  I loved the descriptions of Ice Mountain especially the beautiful ice cave.   I was disappointed with the amount of kissing (some steamy situations) and intimate innuendo that was present along with the forward Rose.  I like to read Amish fiction because they are clean stories (minimal kissing is fine).   I also would have liked a more complete epilogue.  This was a good ending to The Amish of Ice Mountain series.  An Amish Wedding Feast on Ice Mountain is a sweet story about love, forgiveness, grace, hope and faith.  

An Amish Wedding Feast on Ice Mountain can be purchased here* (Amazon UK).  You can find a list of the other novels in The Amish of Ice Mountain here.  Kelly Long's next series is The Amish Mail Order Groom series.  Thank you for stopping by today and reading my review.  Since tomorrow is Sunday, I am featuring Tied Up with a Bow by Sheila Connolly.  I hope that you have a restful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!  

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.

An Amish Courtship on Ice Mountain: The Amish of Ice Mountain

Welcome!  Can you believe November is almost over?  2017 will be over before we know it.  The Liverpool Girls by Pam Howes will be published on November 30. It is the final book in The Mersey Trilogy.  

An Amish Courtship on Ice Mountain by Kelly Long is the fourth book in The Amish of Ice Mountain series.  It is 1958 in Ice Mountain, Pennsylvania and Joel Umble is twenty years old.  Joel lives with his anxiety ridden mother and his cruel older brother, Judah.  Late one night, Joel is unable to sleep and goes to the creek.  He stumbles upon Martha Yoder bathing.  Joel is instantly attracted to her and wants to court the young woman.  Martha does not feel worthy of Joel’s attentions.  She comes from a poor family, uneducated and takes care of her grandmother and parents.  Martha also has the added problem of Judah and his unwanted attentions.  Judah has made it clear that he wants Martha and what he intends to do to her.  Martha is unprepared for Joel’s determination (and love) or Judah’s cruelty.  Will there be a happily ever after for Joel and Martha? 

It was lovely to get Joel Umble’s story in An Amish Courtship on Ice Mountain.  The story is nicely written and has a good pace which made for an easy to read story.  I was unprepared for the violence in this book (it was realistic and cruel).  It is uncharacteristic for an Amish novel.  The romance is simple, straightforward and predictable.  It is gratifying to find out what and who shaped Joel Umble into the man he became (the spiritual leader of their community).  He does come across as a goody two-shoes though (honorable, decent, kind, hardworking, does the right thing).  Joel is good and kind in the face of evil and adversity.  I liked the addition of Sebastian to the story and how he affected Joel’s life.  Fans of the The Amish of Ice Mountain series will delight in reading An Amish Courtship on Ice Mountain.  There is a preview of An Amish Match on Ice Mountain at the end of book which is Stephen Lambert’s story (Joel’s best friend).

Thank you for stopping by and reading my review.  I will be featuring Death Comes to the School by Catherine Lloyd next time.  It is the fifth book in A Kurland St. Mary Mystery series (historical cozy mystery).  May you have a remarkable day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

The Amish Christmas Candle: Three Amish Novellas

Greetings!  Knit to Kill by Anne Canadeo along with The Quiche and the Dead by Kirsten Weiss will be out tomorrow (October 31).  

The Amish Christmas Candle contains three Amish stories written by Jennifer Beckstrand, Kelly Long and Lisa Jones Baker.  Snow Shines on Ice Mountain by Kelly Long is set in Ice Mountain, Pennsylvania.  Naomi Gish makes and sells candles in her shop.  She has been trying to convince her father, Bud to give up running moonshine.  Bud hires Grayson Fisher to work in Naomi’s shop during the day and run moonshine for him at night (sneaky).  Gray is bitter from an accident when he was fourteen that lost him the use of his right arm.  During the holiday season miracles can happen.  Is it possible for these two to find love and happiness this Christmas season?

A Honeybee Christmas by Jennifer Beckstrand tells the story of Bitsy Kiem.  Bitsy is on her own now that the three nieces she raised are happily married.  One day, Yost Weaver stops by with his grandson, Levi.  Levi “borrowed” some bee equipment from Bitsy and needs to make restitution.  Bitsy wants to start a candle making business and Levi can be her apprentice.  Yost will not allow his grandson to spend time alone with the unconventional Bitsy and insists upon accompanying him.  Yost and Bitsy become reacquainted.  Can these two very different people find a way to be together?

The Christmas Candle by Lisa Jones Baker revolves around Lydia Schultz.  Lydia injures her ankle on the way home and John King (King’s Bakery) stops to assist her.  King’s Bakery provides cinnamon rolls for Christmas treats for those in need every year.  This year the list has doubled and they might not be able to provide them.  Lydia misses her sister, Anna since she married and moved to Ohio.  Every Christmas they would decide on a Christmas blessing and make it happen.  Lydia and John team up to help each other and other this Christmas.

The Amish Christmas Candle has three heartwarming Amish stories.  My favorite is A Honeybee Christmas.  It is well-written, has delightful characters and plenty of humor.  Bitsy is quite a character (I wish I had her gumption and zest for life).  I am glad the author gave us Bitsy’s story (from the Honey Bee Sisters trilogy).  All three novellas are easy to read and have good life lessons (honesty, truth, love, value of compromise, true meaning of Christmas).  Snow Shine on Ice Mountain is heavy on romance (a little sappy), but the father was so mischievous.   I liked the bayberry candle (it was interesting to find out they were made) and the Christmas miracle.  There is a preview of An Amish Courtship on Ice Mountain at the end which tells the story of Bishop Umble.  The Christmas Candle had a slower pace than the other stories, but it has a lovely ending.  There is a recipe for the cinnamon rolls and an excerpt for Rachel’s Dream.  I give The Amish Christmas Candle 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). 

Thank you for visiting today.  I will be featuring The Secret, Book and Scone Society by Ellery Adams on Halloween.  By the way--Which ghost is the best dancer?  The Boogie Man!  May you have a witchingly good day!  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader