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Amish of Seymour County #2
A Harvest of Hearts
A participant in a swap of Amish men, independent yet kindhearted Matthew Yoder can't wait to leave the vast farmland of Lancaster County and make a fresh start in Missouri, where he'll move in with the Stoltzfus family until he finds a place of his own.
Strong–minded yet filled with compassion, Shanna Stoltzfus always dreamed of becoming a nurse, despite her father's threats to shun her. Determined to follow her heart, Shanna ran away and enrolled in college. But when her classmates embark on a medical mission trip that Shanna can't afford, she must turn to the last place she wants to go for home.
Even though Shanna still flirts with the people and practices of her Englisch life, Matthew is fascinated by the Stoltzfuses' prodigal daughter, and a close friendship soon blossoms between them. When the tension escalates between Shanna and her father to the point where his health is in jeopardy, Shanna is forced to face some tough issues, including the question of where her true home is.
Strong–minded yet filled with compassion, Shanna Stoltzfus always dreamed of becoming a nurse, despite her father's threats to shun her. Determined to follow her heart, Shanna ran away and enrolled in college. But when her classmates embark on a medical mission trip that Shanna can't afford, she must turn to the last place she wants to go for home.
Even though Shanna still flirts with the people and practices of her Englisch life, Matthew is fascinated by the Stoltzfuses' prodigal daughter, and a close friendship soon blossoms between them. When the tension escalates between Shanna and her father to the point where his health is in jeopardy, Shanna is forced to face some tough issues, including the question of where her true home is.
304 pages, Paperback
First published August 16, 2011
7 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
About the author
Laura V. Hilton
39 books653 followersAward winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five children make their home in Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom and home-schools. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor.
Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (winner of the 2012 Clash of the Titles Award in two categories), and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love (finalist for the 2013 Christian Retail Awards). Surrendered Love and Awakened Love followed by her first Christmas novel, A White Christmas in Webster County, as well as the Amish of Jamesport series, The Snow Globe, The Postcard, and The Birdhouse. Other credits include Swept Away from Abingdon Press’ Quilts of Love series. Laura is contracted for another three book Amish series set in the Jamesport area, with the first book, The Amish Firefighter, planned for April 2016.
She has self-published a Christmas novella, Christmas Mittens.
Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer and blogs for Putting on the New and Seriously Write.
Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (winner of the 2012 Clash of the Titles Award in two categories), and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love (finalist for the 2013 Christian Retail Awards). Surrendered Love and Awakened Love followed by her first Christmas novel, A White Christmas in Webster County, as well as the Amish of Jamesport series, The Snow Globe, The Postcard, and The Birdhouse. Other credits include Swept Away from Abingdon Press’ Quilts of Love series. Laura is contracted for another three book Amish series set in the Jamesport area, with the first book, The Amish Firefighter, planned for April 2016.
She has self-published a Christmas novella, Christmas Mittens.
Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer and blogs for Putting on the New and Seriously Write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 15, 2013
Love at first sight! Most people don't believe this can happen but it certainly does for Matthew Yoder in A Harvest of Hearts.
In this engaging novel we find Shanna Stoltzfus, having fled her Amish heritage to seek a college education in nursing, returning for the summer while waiting for her fall college term to begin. She meets Matthew, who has come from a PA amish community as part of a man swap, on her first day back home and immediately thinks he is "hot" for an Amish guy. Matthew, on the other hand, immediately feels that she "speaks to his heart". For an Amish story, this one moves rapidly through emotions and circumstances in a very short time. Days in fact. There's plenty of tension between Shanna and her Daed to keep it going, and lots of angst in both Shanna and Matthew's thoughts. Typical though it is, it captured my attention and kept me turning the pages until I was finished.
My favorite character would have to be Matthew. He is so patient when dealing with Shanna, showing a gentle and loving spirit toward her, despite her outrageous behavior and attire. He sees Shanna's heart, takes the time to find out why she left and seeks to bring her back into the fold. He really does know that she will one day be his wife. His heart tells him so. (I love that!)
The only thing I wish was different is the time frame. Everything happens so fast. It would be more believable to me if it took several weeks or months instead of days. That being said, I still liked the book and recommend it if you are a lover of Amish Fiction.
Special thanks to Cathy Hickling, Whitaker House, for sending me a review copy through FIRST Wild Card Tours. I was not required to write a positive review, just my opinion of the book.
In this engaging novel we find Shanna Stoltzfus, having fled her Amish heritage to seek a college education in nursing, returning for the summer while waiting for her fall college term to begin. She meets Matthew, who has come from a PA amish community as part of a man swap, on her first day back home and immediately thinks he is "hot" for an Amish guy. Matthew, on the other hand, immediately feels that she "speaks to his heart". For an Amish story, this one moves rapidly through emotions and circumstances in a very short time. Days in fact. There's plenty of tension between Shanna and her Daed to keep it going, and lots of angst in both Shanna and Matthew's thoughts. Typical though it is, it captured my attention and kept me turning the pages until I was finished.
My favorite character would have to be Matthew. He is so patient when dealing with Shanna, showing a gentle and loving spirit toward her, despite her outrageous behavior and attire. He sees Shanna's heart, takes the time to find out why she left and seeks to bring her back into the fold. He really does know that she will one day be his wife. His heart tells him so. (I love that!)
The only thing I wish was different is the time frame. Everything happens so fast. It would be more believable to me if it took several weeks or months instead of days. That being said, I still liked the book and recommend it if you are a lover of Amish Fiction.
Special thanks to Cathy Hickling, Whitaker House, for sending me a review copy through FIRST Wild Card Tours. I was not required to write a positive review, just my opinion of the book.
January 7, 2012
Matthew Yoder came to Missouri from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in a swap of Amish men. His desire to come to Missouri is to start a fresh life. Matthew is taken in by the Stoltzfus family until he is able to acquire a place of his own. He works for Levi Stoltzfus in Levi's furniture business.
Shanna Stoltzfus's dream is to become a nurse. She knew that her Amish upbringing would not allow her to further her education so she left home during her rumschpringe to pursue her dream. Shanna knew that leaving home would devastate her family especially her Mom.
During Shanna's summer break from college she decides to go home for the summer hoping her Dad will allow her to stay. Shanna knows that her Mom will welcome her with open arms but will her Dad tell her to leave? Shanna's Dad allows her to stay letting her live in the apartment in the barn that belongs to her Uncle. Her Uncle and his wife are traveling and won't be back until the fall so it is a perfect set up for Shanna especially since the apartment has electricity.
Matthew and Shanna seem to be attracted to each other from the very first meeting. They both wish to be friends but nothing more.
Matthew soon discovers that he wants more than friendship from Shanna. He knows that can't be possible as long as Shanna continues to live Englisch. If only she were to come home for good and join the church then he could court her. His desire is to marry Shanna. Would he be able to leave the Amish faith for Shanna if she stayed Englisch?
Shanna too is wanting more than friendship from Matthew. Would she be able to give up her dream of becoming a nurse to settle down and join the church in hopes of becoming Matthew's wife?
There is a lot of raw emotion going on in this book. There are feelings of insecurity, feelings of not being loved and feelings of not being wanted. The Author does an excellent job of showing how "God's Will" comes through not only for Matthew and Shanna but for the Amish community as a whole.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was another page turner for me. I love getting lost in the pages of a good book. This was one of them! I am looking forward to reading the third book in this series, "Promised to Another". I know I will not be disappointed!
Shanna Stoltzfus's dream is to become a nurse. She knew that her Amish upbringing would not allow her to further her education so she left home during her rumschpringe to pursue her dream. Shanna knew that leaving home would devastate her family especially her Mom.
During Shanna's summer break from college she decides to go home for the summer hoping her Dad will allow her to stay. Shanna knows that her Mom will welcome her with open arms but will her Dad tell her to leave? Shanna's Dad allows her to stay letting her live in the apartment in the barn that belongs to her Uncle. Her Uncle and his wife are traveling and won't be back until the fall so it is a perfect set up for Shanna especially since the apartment has electricity.
Matthew and Shanna seem to be attracted to each other from the very first meeting. They both wish to be friends but nothing more.
Matthew soon discovers that he wants more than friendship from Shanna. He knows that can't be possible as long as Shanna continues to live Englisch. If only she were to come home for good and join the church then he could court her. His desire is to marry Shanna. Would he be able to leave the Amish faith for Shanna if she stayed Englisch?
Shanna too is wanting more than friendship from Matthew. Would she be able to give up her dream of becoming a nurse to settle down and join the church in hopes of becoming Matthew's wife?
There is a lot of raw emotion going on in this book. There are feelings of insecurity, feelings of not being loved and feelings of not being wanted. The Author does an excellent job of showing how "God's Will" comes through not only for Matthew and Shanna but for the Amish community as a whole.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was another page turner for me. I love getting lost in the pages of a good book. This was one of them! I am looking forward to reading the third book in this series, "Promised to Another". I know I will not be disappointed!
June 16, 2011
Another winning book by Laura V. Hilton. I really like her fresh new look at the Amish. In her Amish stories it tells about some Amish that have went over to being English/thinking about it or have had babies out of wedlock {that was in book one of the Amish of Seymour series}.
In book two A Harvest of Hearts you read the story of Shannah {fantastic name by the way} how she ran away from the Amish to become a nurse and also about Matthew a very strict Amish man. How they meet and what becomes of their being together. I like how Laura doesn’t hold to such strict standards that some writers do when they are writing Amish stories. I believe she really tells it like it is. Even through the Amish live with very strict rules they are still human.
I enjoyed this book because Shannah and Matthew had some very tough decisions to make and how they had many obstacles in the way. In A Harvest of Hearts you will see that the decisions you make affect everyone around you, not just yourself.
A Harvest of Hearts has much adventure, romance and best of all people who love the Lord and follow Him. I recommend this book for all of you Amish lovers out there, but also for everyone who truly loves a fantastic story. Laura V. Hilton has out done herself again. This book doesn’t come out until September so put it on your to read list and you’ll be extremely happy you did.
Thank you to Whitaker House for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
RELEASE DATE September 2011
In book two A Harvest of Hearts you read the story of Shannah {fantastic name by the way} how she ran away from the Amish to become a nurse and also about Matthew a very strict Amish man. How they meet and what becomes of their being together. I like how Laura doesn’t hold to such strict standards that some writers do when they are writing Amish stories. I believe she really tells it like it is. Even through the Amish live with very strict rules they are still human.
I enjoyed this book because Shannah and Matthew had some very tough decisions to make and how they had many obstacles in the way. In A Harvest of Hearts you will see that the decisions you make affect everyone around you, not just yourself.
A Harvest of Hearts has much adventure, romance and best of all people who love the Lord and follow Him. I recommend this book for all of you Amish lovers out there, but also for everyone who truly loves a fantastic story. Laura V. Hilton has out done herself again. This book doesn’t come out until September so put it on your to read list and you’ll be extremely happy you did.
Thank you to Whitaker House for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
RELEASE DATE September 2011
June 2, 2011
Book Two
The Amish of Seymour
Laura V. Hilton
Releases September 2011
Whitaker House
Fiction/Amish/Romance
Shanna Stoltzfus is a bad girl who is really a good girl. Just my type of person, a good person at heart with a mischevious streak, a bit irreverent, but knows what is important. Shanna like many of us does not like rules that are not steady, and often different bishops intrepret things differently, thus she is rather unsure about the Amish faith. Not unsure about God, just about being Amish. She runs away from the rules and goes to nursing school, but summer break brings a dilemna, her class is going on a mission trip to Mexico, but she was unable to raise the funds to go, and cannot stay on campus during the break, so she turns to the only place she knows, home. Will she find acceptance or rejection?
One thing she does find that is totally unexpected is Matthew Yoder, one of the men from Pennsylvania, who came for the man swap. He is boarding with her family and helping her dad in the furniture shop. His eyes and his personality make Shanna rethink her career choice and her return to school.
I loved this book, I think it is my favorite in the series thus far. Shanna was a character I could totally relate to, I felt her pain and struggle with the rules and with feeling rejected, I also felt her joy in the simple things of life. I have to say I did cry in this book, I could feel the pain and agony she was facing. 260 pages $9.99 US 5 stars.
Special thanks to Cathy Hickling @ Whitaker House for sending me the ARC of this book for review.
The Amish of Seymour
Laura V. Hilton
Releases September 2011
Whitaker House
Fiction/Amish/Romance
Shanna Stoltzfus is a bad girl who is really a good girl. Just my type of person, a good person at heart with a mischevious streak, a bit irreverent, but knows what is important. Shanna like many of us does not like rules that are not steady, and often different bishops intrepret things differently, thus she is rather unsure about the Amish faith. Not unsure about God, just about being Amish. She runs away from the rules and goes to nursing school, but summer break brings a dilemna, her class is going on a mission trip to Mexico, but she was unable to raise the funds to go, and cannot stay on campus during the break, so she turns to the only place she knows, home. Will she find acceptance or rejection?
One thing she does find that is totally unexpected is Matthew Yoder, one of the men from Pennsylvania, who came for the man swap. He is boarding with her family and helping her dad in the furniture shop. His eyes and his personality make Shanna rethink her career choice and her return to school.
I loved this book, I think it is my favorite in the series thus far. Shanna was a character I could totally relate to, I felt her pain and struggle with the rules and with feeling rejected, I also felt her joy in the simple things of life. I have to say I did cry in this book, I could feel the pain and agony she was facing. 260 pages $9.99 US 5 stars.
Special thanks to Cathy Hickling @ Whitaker House for sending me the ARC of this book for review.
June 6, 2012
Laura Hilton -The Amish of Seymour series-book@2 "A Harvest of Hearts"
Matthew Yoder is part of a group of men that is in a "swap" of men to leave lancaster county and make a fresh start in Missouri. He comes from a large family and knows there wont be much left for him in way of farmland and he has a dream to grow blueberries.
Shanna is a strong willed young woman who left the amish community to have a chance to get educated to be a nurse. She and her dad had always clashed about things and they never seem to realize how much they loved one another. When her classmates go on a mission trip that Shanna cannot afford to do between semesters she decides to visit home for the summer. Now she will meet Matthew and more importantly He will meet her, A close friendship soon blossoms between them and they are both surprised when they feel a stronger pull toward a different type of relationship.
Matthew knows he cannot have a relationship with an english person and prays that Shanna will relize that she needs to come back to the community-He opens her eyes to the possiblity of being a midwife to the community and pursuing a closer walk with him.
Can the amish community forget the wild young woman that Shanna has always been? Will the Bishop and elders be a little lenient? Will Shanna make some good choices that will bring closure and happiness to a lot of folks in the family and even let herself say Yes to Matthew and be his "Frau" for all time....
I am looking forward to reading book #3"Promised to Another", Thanks Laura for a great story.
Matthew Yoder is part of a group of men that is in a "swap" of men to leave lancaster county and make a fresh start in Missouri. He comes from a large family and knows there wont be much left for him in way of farmland and he has a dream to grow blueberries.
Shanna is a strong willed young woman who left the amish community to have a chance to get educated to be a nurse. She and her dad had always clashed about things and they never seem to realize how much they loved one another. When her classmates go on a mission trip that Shanna cannot afford to do between semesters she decides to visit home for the summer. Now she will meet Matthew and more importantly He will meet her, A close friendship soon blossoms between them and they are both surprised when they feel a stronger pull toward a different type of relationship.
Matthew knows he cannot have a relationship with an english person and prays that Shanna will relize that she needs to come back to the community-He opens her eyes to the possiblity of being a midwife to the community and pursuing a closer walk with him.
Can the amish community forget the wild young woman that Shanna has always been? Will the Bishop and elders be a little lenient? Will Shanna make some good choices that will bring closure and happiness to a lot of folks in the family and even let herself say Yes to Matthew and be his "Frau" for all time....
I am looking forward to reading book #3"Promised to Another", Thanks Laura for a great story.
August 2, 2011
A Harvest of Hearts is one of the lightest, most refreshing Amish fiction books I've read in a long time. The Amish fiction genre has really started to branch out from the "traditional" there's been a book centered around an Amish family affected by Vietnam and even a book with Amish vampires. Laura Hilton's latest installment in the Amish of Seymour series while not quite as unique as the other new releases caught my attention because the heroine Shanna, even though Amish, was very outgoing and flirtatious. I like to think that Amish are real people too with different personalities and not just shy and quiet like heroines seem to be a lot of time in the novels I've read. That said I really think this book will appeal to younger readers as Shanna deals with determining where she fits in, in the "Englisch" world or the Amish community and conflict within her family. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to book number three hopefully soon!
***Special thanks to Cathy Hickling, Whitaker House, for sending me a review copy.***
***Special thanks to Cathy Hickling, Whitaker House, for sending me a review copy.***
December 3, 2011
Emotionally charged and positively riveting, A Harvest of Hearts will touch your heart and stay there long after you read the last word. Hilton digs deep, uncovering layers of pain and misunderstanding in her characters. The family relationships in this book are so real! It made my heart ache to watch her characters struggle.
The contrast between Shanna and Matthew is profound -- like oil and water they shouldn't mix, but they do, though not without difficulty. I love how Matthew's steadfast calm is a perfect foil to Shanna's volatile, reactive nature. And how sometimes that calm sets her off even more. But his constancy is swoonworthy -- quiet, unyielding, but oh so gentle and compassionate...oops, excuse me while I slide into a puddle. He's that delectable a hero!
The inspirational thread is strong and resonated with me. Hilton may have set out to entertain readers with a story but she's managed to include plain truths that we would all do well to remember. A touching, tender, thought-provoking read.
The contrast between Shanna and Matthew is profound -- like oil and water they shouldn't mix, but they do, though not without difficulty. I love how Matthew's steadfast calm is a perfect foil to Shanna's volatile, reactive nature. And how sometimes that calm sets her off even more. But his constancy is swoonworthy -- quiet, unyielding, but oh so gentle and compassionate...oops, excuse me while I slide into a puddle. He's that delectable a hero!
The inspirational thread is strong and resonated with me. Hilton may have set out to entertain readers with a story but she's managed to include plain truths that we would all do well to remember. A touching, tender, thought-provoking read.
July 24, 2011
Another great book by Laura, you meet again with some of the Character's of Patchwork Dreams which I find enjoyable. You will not have had to read this first book to read this one, all is explained.
This story is about Shanna and Matthew, and putting together two lives. One Amish girl that has gone English in order to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse, the other an Strict Amish man who wants to be true to his faith, having a wife and kids.
Through out the book you find the love of family in just about everything. There are surprises to be had here in how the community reacts to Shanna and Matthew. There are a few chuckles while fishing and when Matthew is not paying attention to what is being said.
I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a wonderful and different Amish read.
I was provided with a copy of this book by Whitaker Publishing and First Wild Card, and was not required to give a positive review.
This story is about Shanna and Matthew, and putting together two lives. One Amish girl that has gone English in order to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse, the other an Strict Amish man who wants to be true to his faith, having a wife and kids.
Through out the book you find the love of family in just about everything. There are surprises to be had here in how the community reacts to Shanna and Matthew. There are a few chuckles while fishing and when Matthew is not paying attention to what is being said.
I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a wonderful and different Amish read.
I was provided with a copy of this book by Whitaker Publishing and First Wild Card, and was not required to give a positive review.
August 16, 2011
This is book two in a series by Laura and another great book. If you haven't read book one you will still be able to follow this series. This book brings us Shanna who has come home wondering if her father will accept her coming home for the summer. She left the Amish to go to college. When she comes back she meets Matthew who has come to the community on a swap. Hes boarding with her family. What I love is the way Shanna is torn over her old life and new life and dealing with her fathers feelings. Its interesting how the way one person sees something is different from how another sees things and we see this in this book. Seeing how some of the other members of the community react to Shanna is also interesting also. Some of the comments are priceless in this story. We also see Shanna make some interesting choices in this book which have the potential to affect her and other lifes for along time to come. If you enjoy Amish books I am sure you will enjoy this story. A good read.
January 3, 2016
A Harvest of Hearts by Laura V. Hilton is Book Two in The Amish of Seymour County series. This is an inspiring story of forgiveness, love of family and faith in God. Matthew Yoder, a kindhearted Amish man, is making a fresh start in Missouri through a swap of Amish men from Lancaster Co., PA. Matthew is living with the Stoltzfus family until he finds a place of his own. He runs into the independent, yet compassionate prodigal daughter, Shanna Stoltzfus, when she comes home from college. She is pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse risking a possible shunning by her family. As the attraction grows between Matthew and Shanna decisions will need to be made…will Matthew give up all that’s important to him or will Shanna have to give up her dreams? The characters, Matthew and Shanna will keep you guessing. This is a stand-alone book as with the others in this series, and one that you will enjoy!
October 17, 2011
Loved this book and loving the series. Sure cant wait till next June to read the third book; praying to read more about Shanna and Matthew in the third book.
Sure had me guessing and wondering. I could not put the book down this weekend.
I wanted to read more about Shanna and Matthew's relationship up to and including December.
Over all the book's message was: Not to put off improving a relationship and not to judge situations and or people.
Sure had me guessing and wondering. I could not put the book down this weekend.
I wanted to read more about Shanna and Matthew's relationship up to and including December.
Over all the book's message was: Not to put off improving a relationship and not to judge situations and or people.
May 30, 2013
Adorable impossible-love story. Great sequel to the series. Verrrry captivating and fun.
She is a nautty damsel in distress, he is an honorable hero. She wants to be an english nurse he wants to be an amish blueberry farmer. Their paths run in opposite directions but he is stubbornlly stating that she will marry him and only him. Lovelly Amish romance!'
She is a nautty damsel in distress, he is an honorable hero. She wants to be an english nurse he wants to be an amish blueberry farmer. Their paths run in opposite directions but he is stubbornlly stating that she will marry him and only him. Lovelly Amish romance!'
January 23, 2015
I generally enjoy these romances that involve the Amish - and this was no exception. The author did a good job in creating a story that kept the reader engaged as well as taught us some things about the Amish way of life. Definitely recommend to others.
April 8, 2019
A HARVEST OF HEARTS by Laura V. Hilton is the second book in the Amish of Seymour County series. It’s the story of Shanna Stolzfus and Matthew Yoder.
Shanna seems to have one foot in the Amish world from her raising and her beliefs and one foot in the Englisch world by wanting an education to become a nurse while feeling like she doesn’t belong in either. Matthew came to Missouri in the man swap from Pennsylvania in hopes of finding farmland for crops like blueberries and to find someone to share his life with. One is calm and has lived by the rules and the other emotionally reactive and seemed to find ways to break most of them.
Finances have Shanna returning home during the summer not knowing if she would be welcomed with open arms are shunned by her Daed. Her main concern is finding a job and building up funds so she can go back to school in the fall to finish her nursing degree specializing in obstetrics. The last thing she was looking for or needed was an emotional involvement. However, from their first meeting sparks seemed to fly between Shanna and Matthew. Matthew was the first to realize that he wanted to make Shanna his frau declaring to her that she would marry him someday. Shanna wasn’t so sure. She was open to flirting and have fun, but she had to leave come fall.
Can they find a way to make it work? Can a talk with the bishop have the gossip come to a halt and Shanna continue with the schooling? Will Shanna become his bride come December, the marrying season? Will Shanna and her Dad find peace and open up to the each other?
Laura V. Hilton has written a remarkably sweet romance story that is also emotional charged, realistic in proving that not all roads are straight or smooth, showing family dynamics have their ups and down but with love and support you can make it through the worst of times and all the while making your heart beat faster as you peel back the layers of this wonderful love story. You may want to shake Shanna so she will see what a prince Matthew is and adore Matthew for his patience and asking for God’s guidance, but mostly you are pulling for a happy ever after. Laura delivers in every aspect with this book. She sets the heart pitty-patty in the romance department and the brain to thinking while taking in the inspirational messages throughout. It’s a book you don’t want to put down and once done you savor the warmth in what you have just read. If like me, you will be finding someone to pass it on to so they too can know the wonders of this author’s writing.
A HARVEST OF HEARTS can definitely be read as a standalone book. You will, however, be wanting to read more books by this author after reading this one. I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves a great Christian romance with true to life situations.
Shanna seems to have one foot in the Amish world from her raising and her beliefs and one foot in the Englisch world by wanting an education to become a nurse while feeling like she doesn’t belong in either. Matthew came to Missouri in the man swap from Pennsylvania in hopes of finding farmland for crops like blueberries and to find someone to share his life with. One is calm and has lived by the rules and the other emotionally reactive and seemed to find ways to break most of them.
Finances have Shanna returning home during the summer not knowing if she would be welcomed with open arms are shunned by her Daed. Her main concern is finding a job and building up funds so she can go back to school in the fall to finish her nursing degree specializing in obstetrics. The last thing she was looking for or needed was an emotional involvement. However, from their first meeting sparks seemed to fly between Shanna and Matthew. Matthew was the first to realize that he wanted to make Shanna his frau declaring to her that she would marry him someday. Shanna wasn’t so sure. She was open to flirting and have fun, but she had to leave come fall.
Can they find a way to make it work? Can a talk with the bishop have the gossip come to a halt and Shanna continue with the schooling? Will Shanna become his bride come December, the marrying season? Will Shanna and her Dad find peace and open up to the each other?
Laura V. Hilton has written a remarkably sweet romance story that is also emotional charged, realistic in proving that not all roads are straight or smooth, showing family dynamics have their ups and down but with love and support you can make it through the worst of times and all the while making your heart beat faster as you peel back the layers of this wonderful love story. You may want to shake Shanna so she will see what a prince Matthew is and adore Matthew for his patience and asking for God’s guidance, but mostly you are pulling for a happy ever after. Laura delivers in every aspect with this book. She sets the heart pitty-patty in the romance department and the brain to thinking while taking in the inspirational messages throughout. It’s a book you don’t want to put down and once done you savor the warmth in what you have just read. If like me, you will be finding someone to pass it on to so they too can know the wonders of this author’s writing.
A HARVEST OF HEARTS can definitely be read as a standalone book. You will, however, be wanting to read more books by this author after reading this one. I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves a great Christian romance with true to life situations.
December 11, 2019
A quick read of a romantic story that takes place in Amish part of Missouri. The daughter, Shanna, returns home for the summer after running away to go to school to become a nurse. She finds that
there is a young man, Matthew, that has come from Pennsylvania to help her dad w/making hand made furniture. He immediately "takes" to her and she can't help but notice him. Since she had given up Amish ways, she was not sure her father would let her stay; and surprisingly he welcomes her.
At the beginning it doesn't go well for Shanna, accident w/her car & a buggy, and various other
the problems that are not looked on favorably by the Bishop. Toward the end, her father has a heart attack and is saved by Shanna's quick recognition and getting help. She had decided to leave again, but the Bishop approached her w/the offer of paying for her to complete her nursing degree and return to the community to care for the Amish residents. She and Matthew would marry and live
happy ever after.
there is a young man, Matthew, that has come from Pennsylvania to help her dad w/making hand made furniture. He immediately "takes" to her and she can't help but notice him. Since she had given up Amish ways, she was not sure her father would let her stay; and surprisingly he welcomes her.
At the beginning it doesn't go well for Shanna, accident w/her car & a buggy, and various other
the problems that are not looked on favorably by the Bishop. Toward the end, her father has a heart attack and is saved by Shanna's quick recognition and getting help. She had decided to leave again, but the Bishop approached her w/the offer of paying for her to complete her nursing degree and return to the community to care for the Amish residents. She and Matthew would marry and live
happy ever after.
Read
January 29, 2026I really enjoyed this book. It only took be two days to read it. It was that good in keeping me engaged in all the drama. I will be getting the next book in this series at the library Promised to another.
January 8, 2019
This book is the second in the Amish of Seymour County series by Laura V. Hilton. The pleasant characters add to the story and the ending has hints for the next book. copy right 2011
January 23, 2019
Book number two did not disappoint. Great character development and intertwining of the community's characters. I am liking this author the more I read.
May 23, 2021
Love story
I enjoyed this book because I love series books and it is a good love story. I enjoy know what is happening in the community and what each of the members are doing.
I enjoyed this book because I love series books and it is a good love story. I enjoy know what is happening in the community and what each of the members are doing.
July 17, 2016
A Harvest of Hearts was a page turner from the beginning. I'm glad I started it on a weekend so I could finish it quickly. Laura Hilton spun another fantastic Amish genre tale with true to life characters. I appreciate how her books interweave Amish and English together. The Amish of Seymour is truly a delightful enjoyable series to read. I still have book three to read but know I will not be disappointed. I'm thankful I have all the books and not waiting months in between each book for this series.
Matthew Yoder was one of the young Amish men from Lancaster, PA that was glad to participate in the swap of young men to Seymour, MO. We met Matthew in book one, Patchwork of Dreams, when he joined his best friend, Jacob Miller, in Seymour. Matthew is residing with Levi Stoltzfus family and working in their furniture business. Matthew is happy with his work and the community.
Matthew found Shanna Stoltzfus, the Stoltzfus' prodigal daughter, slumped over her steering wheel. Shanna was awe strucked with Matthew. Shanna did not want to be home for the summer but had not been able to join fellow students on a mission trip to Mexico. Shanna had left her Amish community to pursue her nursing degree after being told by the bishop she had a gift when she assisted in a crisis that saved a mother's life and her newborn baby.
Matthew and Shanna's characteristics are opposite. Matthew had faith, hardworking, sought the good in others and patience of Job. Shanna was impulsive, prideful, didn’t listen to reason, and had strayed from her relationship with God. Shanna butted head with her father often and felt that's how God viewed her also. Matthew was insistence on waking Shanna up to what she really had with her loving family and within the Amish community if she would only come home and give up the English world. When Matthew must meet with Bishop Sol and the ministers will his relationship with Shanna be forbidden? Or did Matthew enlighten the Bishop and ministers to the true heart Shanna had spoken and shown to him? A near tragedy toward the end of the book made Shanna want to run away once again. Will Matthew and others be able to persuade her to return to her roots?
A Harvest of Hearts is not your typical Amish read. Ms. Hilton has characters that are true to life instead of posing Amish as quiet and passive. The heroine and hero in this great story have their struggles, disappointments, grief and faith to see them through. She weaved another powerful story with the residents of Seymour, MO that I fell in love with in book one, Patchwork Dreams. I imagine book three, Promised to Another, will be over the top as these two books are superb.
Matthew Yoder was one of the young Amish men from Lancaster, PA that was glad to participate in the swap of young men to Seymour, MO. We met Matthew in book one, Patchwork of Dreams, when he joined his best friend, Jacob Miller, in Seymour. Matthew is residing with Levi Stoltzfus family and working in their furniture business. Matthew is happy with his work and the community.
Matthew found Shanna Stoltzfus, the Stoltzfus' prodigal daughter, slumped over her steering wheel. Shanna was awe strucked with Matthew. Shanna did not want to be home for the summer but had not been able to join fellow students on a mission trip to Mexico. Shanna had left her Amish community to pursue her nursing degree after being told by the bishop she had a gift when she assisted in a crisis that saved a mother's life and her newborn baby.
Matthew and Shanna's characteristics are opposite. Matthew had faith, hardworking, sought the good in others and patience of Job. Shanna was impulsive, prideful, didn’t listen to reason, and had strayed from her relationship with God. Shanna butted head with her father often and felt that's how God viewed her also. Matthew was insistence on waking Shanna up to what she really had with her loving family and within the Amish community if she would only come home and give up the English world. When Matthew must meet with Bishop Sol and the ministers will his relationship with Shanna be forbidden? Or did Matthew enlighten the Bishop and ministers to the true heart Shanna had spoken and shown to him? A near tragedy toward the end of the book made Shanna want to run away once again. Will Matthew and others be able to persuade her to return to her roots?
A Harvest of Hearts is not your typical Amish read. Ms. Hilton has characters that are true to life instead of posing Amish as quiet and passive. The heroine and hero in this great story have their struggles, disappointments, grief and faith to see them through. She weaved another powerful story with the residents of Seymour, MO that I fell in love with in book one, Patchwork Dreams. I imagine book three, Promised to Another, will be over the top as these two books are superb.
December 20, 2012
I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first one in the series, but it was still a fun, light read. I appreciate the fact that Laura allows her young adult characters to dabble in the English world without making her plots over-dramatic, as some authors have a tendency to do. Matthew learned to drive in his rumspringe, and Shanna went to college and worked at McDonalds, but neither of them gave up their values and morals. This seemed appropriate considering their upbringing and their ties to their families. Sometimes it seems unrealistic for an Amish person who was so grounded in their faith as a child to drop it all once they become a teenager, so I think Laura stuck a good balance. It was also interesting seeing how older Amish people involved some English things in their lives, like going to the drive-thru at McDonalds and having cans of Coke in their fridge. I guess I'm more conservative than them, since I do neither ;)
As for the plot, I felt that the romance moved rather fast. I know that Matthew and Shanna are rather young, and relationships can move at a quicker speed at that age when hormones are flying all over the place, but they seemed to fall in love within a couple of weeks of meeting each other. Matthew seemed incredibly forward with his decision to marry Shanna so early on, and telling her his intentions.
As I said, I did genuinely enjoy this book, but I found Shanna and Matthew a bit immature and too impulsive for my liking. I think that's why I struggled to relate to them. Maybe it's just that the young adults in other Amish novels behave more like grown adults, thinking about marriage and starting families, and although Matthew and Shanna did think about these things, their attitudes seemed more like that of teenagers than adults. I can see this book appealing to a more teenage audience - which is good, as there isn't exactly a teenage equivalent to the typical Amish book - but I guess it didn't suit my tastes. Becky and Jacob, from the previous book, felt more mature, if I'm remember correctly.
I did enjoy this book, and I'd happily recommend it to younger readers of Amish fiction, but it's not among my favourite Amish reads of this year. It was a nice, easy read for the end of exams, so it fit the bill perfectly. 3*
As for the plot, I felt that the romance moved rather fast. I know that Matthew and Shanna are rather young, and relationships can move at a quicker speed at that age when hormones are flying all over the place, but they seemed to fall in love within a couple of weeks of meeting each other. Matthew seemed incredibly forward with his decision to marry Shanna so early on, and telling her his intentions.
As I said, I did genuinely enjoy this book, but I found Shanna and Matthew a bit immature and too impulsive for my liking. I think that's why I struggled to relate to them. Maybe it's just that the young adults in other Amish novels behave more like grown adults, thinking about marriage and starting families, and although Matthew and Shanna did think about these things, their attitudes seemed more like that of teenagers than adults. I can see this book appealing to a more teenage audience - which is good, as there isn't exactly a teenage equivalent to the typical Amish book - but I guess it didn't suit my tastes. Becky and Jacob, from the previous book, felt more mature, if I'm remember correctly.
I did enjoy this book, and I'd happily recommend it to younger readers of Amish fiction, but it's not among my favourite Amish reads of this year. It was a nice, easy read for the end of exams, so it fit the bill perfectly. 3*
November 21, 2014
I am immersing myself in The Amish of Seymour series!
This is something I enjoy doing, whenever I have the time… to take a beloved book series – begin with the first one and continue in order until I’ve read the last one, with no interruptions, at least by any other story line.
Let me just say that while A Harvest of Hearts is one of my favorite books and a great sequel… Shanna isn’t one of my favorite characters!
There! I’ve said it… and I really didn’t want to say it, but she’s just so pushy, so irritating, so Englisch!
Matthew is so patient, so kind, just like one would expect him to be. But Shanna’s dad is the biggest surprise! Wonderful story, wonderful characters!
Laura is so skillful; she puts in a character that I sometimes want to smack (or give a time-out!) but the story needs this character. The best part is seeing how she acts -– and reacts -– throughout the book.
I mentioned in the review for Patchwork Dreams that the characters are “full of character” for better or worse. Well, this sequel is just part of the same excellent work of the author.
Don’t miss reading A Harvest of Hearts; better yet, read the entire series… you’ll be glad you did!
If you enjoy reading Amish novels, you’ll love Patchwork Dreams… and A Harvest of Hearts! If you enjoy reading good Christian romance novels, you’ll really love the entire series!
Don’t miss this great Amish series! Get yours today!
Disclosure of Material Connection: The opinions I express are my own, but I received this book free from the author in appreciation for featuring her this month on my blog.
August 13, 2015
Shanna is not your typical Amish heroine, and I applaud author Laura V. Hilton for featuring such a strong character in this story. Shanna ran away from home in order to fulfill her dream of a nursing degree. She has almost fully embraced the Englisch life, and that creates plenty of tension – especially in her relationship with her father.
Matthew cannot ignore Shanna’s beauty and her sometimes shocking ways, and I enjoyed watching their two-steps-forward-one-step-back relationship evolve. His self-control (most of the time!) is a perfect foil to her impulsiveness. Even though I knew they had to eventually overcome their obstacles, their journey toward love and redemption kept me turning the pages to the story’s sweet ending.
If you enjoy Amish fiction, or even if it’s a genre you haven’t tried, I recommend A Harvest of Hearts. This book earns five stars.
Disclaimer: I was given a copy of A Harvest of Hearts by the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
Matthew cannot ignore Shanna’s beauty and her sometimes shocking ways, and I enjoyed watching their two-steps-forward-one-step-back relationship evolve. His self-control (most of the time!) is a perfect foil to her impulsiveness. Even though I knew they had to eventually overcome their obstacles, their journey toward love and redemption kept me turning the pages to the story’s sweet ending.
If you enjoy Amish fiction, or even if it’s a genre you haven’t tried, I recommend A Harvest of Hearts. This book earns five stars.
Disclaimer: I was given a copy of A Harvest of Hearts by the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 15, 2011
The characters come to life in Laura V. Hilton’s second book in the Amish of Seymour Series. I adored Matthew’s character and his patient and caring personality. I enjoyed traveling with Shanna as she overcame the hurt and rejection of her past, and I wondered with her about what would become of her future.
One of my favorite parts about the book was the surprise ending and the touching closeness of the families portrayed in the book. A Harvest of Hearts leads readers to the hope of where home really is with its strong and touching themes of forgiveness and second chances. Another winner from an up and coming author!
One of my favorite parts about the book was the surprise ending and the touching closeness of the families portrayed in the book. A Harvest of Hearts leads readers to the hope of where home really is with its strong and touching themes of forgiveness and second chances. Another winner from an up and coming author!
September 17, 2012
I'm not exactly sure what to write in this review. Overall, I liked the book and thought the author did a good job of making sure that Matthew and Shanna were multi-dimensional characters. But, there was something (and I can't really put my finger on it) that didn't quite sit right with me.
This was the second book in the 'Amish of Seymour County' trilogy, and I am intrigued to read the final one and see what ultimately happens with all the characters the author has created.
This was the second book in the 'Amish of Seymour County' trilogy, and I am intrigued to read the final one and see what ultimately happens with all the characters the author has created.
July 17, 2013
I liked this book, but I think I liked the first one better. I love the theme of the Amish doing boy exchanges to get new blood in the community.
May 22, 2012
Loved this book :D
June 21, 2012
I loved this book!! I highly recommend it.
September 27, 2012
Really enjoyed the second book of the Amish of Seymour Series. Characters are very real and the plot was good but not a surprise. A good read full of inspiration.
December 4, 2012
This story was so cute. This series has been different than the other Amish books that I have read. I can't wait to read the third one!
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