Home to Stay by Loree Lough

 Home to Stay

Book Summary

In the New Order Amish community of Pleasant Valley, a helping hand is never far away, and a baby’s smile can be reason enough to start over—and risk love again . . .
 
Since losing his family in a tragic accident, building contractor Max Lambright can't seem to find purpose in anything but hard work . . . until he meets feisty newcomer, Willa Richards. As she struggles to make a new life for herself and her baby girl, she challenges him in just about every possible way. Dare he hope that, alongside this spirited woman, he might rekindle his lost faith, and find the path to love and the family he craves?
 
Poor choices and a difficult past have inspired Willa to make better decisions for her precious Frannie, even if it means leaving the familiar behind and starting over . . . among strangers. As she adapts to the Amish ways, she learns about Max’s generous and steadfast nature. The loneliness he tries so hard to mask can’t be hidden . . . not from a woman with something to prove: Together, they can build their friendship into something that will forever stand as the cornerstone of a happy family . . .

My Thoughts

 Max Lambright is a man who has had great loss in his life.  He is the last member of his family.  He is fortunate to have good friends in his New Order Amish community.  Max’s main focus is work.  It keeps him from thinking about the loss and his lonely home.   Then he meets Willa Richard and her charming daughter, Frannie.  Willa is an Englisher who has come to live with Max’s business partner, Dan and his wife, Anki.  Willa has made poor choices in the past, but she is determined to do better for her daughter.  Willa is like a breath of fresh air to those she meets.  Max finds himself thinking about Willa while at work and wanting to help her and spend time with her.  Max begins to hope that with time, his house will become a home.  

Home to Stay by Loree Lough is the 2^nd book in A Little Child Shall Lead Them series.  I thought Home to Stay was well-written with developed characters.  The story moves along at a gentle pace which suits the story.  I did feel the book was a little long (400 pages).  Home to Stay has two other storylines that are a little dark for an Amish novel.  Willa escaped a life of drugs.  She took off the from the man that got her into that life and Willa hopes (and prays) that he will not find them.  Willa is living with Dan and Anki.  Anki suffers from severe depression that has rendered her unable to take care of household chores.  Willa tries to help Anki and convince Dan that his wife needs professional help.  Home to Stay deals with drugs, mental health issues, and suicide.  I loved little Frannie who provided a sweet, lightness to the story.  Home to Stay is an emotional novel. There is joy, grief, love, sadness, and much more.  Willa was such a compassionate character.  She was wonderful with Anki.  I did not know where she got her energy.  Willa accomplished more in an hour than I do in a day.  I enjoyed the faith elements in the story.  Home to Stay can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  Home to Stay is a story about new beginnings, great loss, forgiveness, depression, and faith.  Home to Stay is a poignant story that will tug on your heartstrings.  

Home to Stay is available from Amazon*.  The other two books in A Little Child Shall Lead Them are All He'll Ever Need (on Kindle Unlimited) and Loving Mrs. Bontrager.  You can find Loree Lough's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Next time I am sharing my thoughts on Southern Magical Bakery by Tonya Kappes.  I hope that you have contented 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.

Loving Mrs. Bontrager by Loree Lough

 Loving Mrs. Bontrager

Book Summary

Amid the New Order Amish community of Oakland, Maryland, an unexpected gift of comfort and tender caring can help spark a surprising dream of love . . .
 
Between raising three grieving children and running a booming business, recent widower Aaron Bontrager desperately needs help—even if it means a marriage of convenience only. He couldn’t be more surprised by his new wife, ebullient Bethel Mast. With an unconventional, joyful sense of purpose, she's starting to turn his house back into a home and bring stability and peace to his children’s lives. And somehow, her gentle understanding is reigniting impossible hope in Aaron's guarded, lonely heart . . .
 
Bethel never had a fair chance for a home and family of her own. She doesn't want to replace Aaron’s first wife, but she’ll face any challenge to aid him and his children. And she soon finds Aaron’s formidable exterior hides a sensitivity and caring that she’s quietly drawn to. Can Bethel show him that their practical arrangement is blossoming into so much more—and can be the start of a wonderful future together for all of them?

My Thoughts

Loving Mrs. Bontrager by Loree Lough is a heartwarming Amish novel.  Bethel Mast arrives in Pleasant Valley, Maryland to become Aaron Bontrager’s wife.  Aaron has been struggling since the death of his wife to run his business, his home, and to take care of his three rambunctious children.  Aaron’s brother-in-law suggested Bethel to Aaron as the perfect solution.  Aaron made sure that Bethel understood that the marriage is an arrangement only.  Bethel soon restores order to the chaotic Bontrager household.  Her sweet, gentle nature soon begins to make changes on the children’s hearts.  Bethel wonders if Aaron could ever find a way to love her as well.  Loving Mrs. Bontrager is the third book in A Little Child Shall Lead Them series.  While it is part of the series, it reads as a standalone.  Loving Mrs. Bontrager is one of those stories that you do not want to put down.  I started reading it before bed and I found myself staying up late because I did not want to stop.  I thought the characters were developed and realistic.  My heart went out to Bethel and Aaron.  I was amazed at Bethel’s sweet nature considering what she has experienced.  We never know what really goes on inside a family’s home.  We only see what they let us.  In Loving Mrs. Bontrager, we get a peak behind the doors.  The children were great characters as well.  The three kids were so different, but they were similar in their need for love and acceptance.  It was a great touch that the author had the sibling’s bicker.  She made them like real-life siblings.  I wish I could accomplish a fraction of what Bethel managed to get done in a day.  She is a whirlwind who does great things with very little.  I thought Bethel had the patience of a saint.  I do not know how she held her tongue at times.  Loving Mrs. Bontrager is special, wholesome Amish novel with great life lessons.    I had two phrases from the book that I wanted to share.  The first is, “What Englishers—what anyone else thinks—is unimportant.  He is the only being we need to impress.”  The other phrase I wanted to share is, “With the right mindset, a person can accomplish much.”   Loving Mrs. Bontrager is a heartfelt tale with busy boys, a demanding mill, a massive mess, colossal amounts of laundry, a sweet story, a startling lodger, and one good-natured woman.

Loving Mrs. Bontrager can be acquired from Amazon*.  The other novels in A Little Child Shall Lead Them series are All He'll Ever Need  (can be borrowed for free if you are a Kindle Unlimited member) and Home to Stay.  You can find Loree Lough's other novels here.  Thank you for visiting today.  Tomorrow I am discussing Outdoors, Oars, and Oath by Tonya Kappes.  It is the 18th A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery.  I hope that you have a sunny 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.