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Land of Canaan #2
The Wonder of Your Love
Settling in to her new life in Canaan, Colorado, Katie Ann Stoltzfus gives birth to a beautiful baby boy. This child comes to her late in life following the death of her estranged husband. She resolves to play the role of both father and mother to the child. Ivan was her one true love and despite his infidelities, she mourns his loss and vows never to trust another man. But when a meddling--but good hearted--Englisch woman plays matchmaker for Katie Ann and Eli Detweiler who just arrived in Canaan, they both need to restructure their expectations of the future and step onto the new path God is paving for them.
8 pages, Audio CD
First published January 1, 2011
127 people are currently reading
1264 people want to read
About the author
Beth Wiseman
136 books1,423 followers"I wish I had the time to review books and chat with you here, but my writing deadlines just don't allow it. Please like my Fans of Beth Wiseman Page on Facebook where I try to post any news and interact with readers."
Beth is the best-selling and award winning author of the Daughters of the Promise series - Plain Perfect, Plain Pursuit, Plain Promise, Plain Paradise, and Plain Proposal. She is contracted with HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Her other series--the Land of Canaan Novels--begins with Seek Me With All Your Heart, then The Wonder of Your Love and now, His Love Endures Forever. Seek Me With All Your Heart is the first Amish fiction book selected as a Women of Faith novel in 2011. Beth has also written three contemporary Christian fiction novels, Need You Now published in 2012 and The House That Love Built in 2013. In The Promise, (2014) Beth jumps way outside the box. This story takes readers far away from Amish Country and small Texas towns to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. Inspired by a true story, Beth believes this is the book she’s been working toward for a long time. 2015 brings Beth back to the Pennsylvania Amish with her new series, Amish Secrets. She is currently working on book #2 following much success with book #1, Her Brother's Keeper.
You can also follow Beth on Twitter: @BethWiseman
Beth is the best-selling and award winning author of the Daughters of the Promise series - Plain Perfect, Plain Pursuit, Plain Promise, Plain Paradise, and Plain Proposal. She is contracted with HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Her other series--the Land of Canaan Novels--begins with Seek Me With All Your Heart, then The Wonder of Your Love and now, His Love Endures Forever. Seek Me With All Your Heart is the first Amish fiction book selected as a Women of Faith novel in 2011. Beth has also written three contemporary Christian fiction novels, Need You Now published in 2012 and The House That Love Built in 2013. In The Promise, (2014) Beth jumps way outside the box. This story takes readers far away from Amish Country and small Texas towns to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. Inspired by a true story, Beth believes this is the book she’s been working toward for a long time. 2015 brings Beth back to the Pennsylvania Amish with her new series, Amish Secrets. She is currently working on book #2 following much success with book #1, Her Brother's Keeper.
You can also follow Beth on Twitter: @BethWiseman
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
September 9, 2017
While this is the middle book in a series, I had no trouble reading it as a standalone -- though my interest has been piqued enough to send me searching my library for Seek Me With All Your Heart and His Love Endures Forever.
A moving love story centered around two people with very different ideas of what their futures hold. Eli, who has raised his large brood single-handedly, is ready for some peace and quiet and quality 'me' time. Katie Ann is still reeling from her husband's betrayal and after months of estrangement, finds herself widowed with an infant son. Her focus is on the baby and the hurt she's encountered makes her wary of trusting any man.
But there's no denying the special connection between Eli and Katie Ann. Everyone sees it though the pair are quick to deny it -- at first. The most they'll ever share is a platonic friendship...until a sweet and tender romance develops.
Eli is so full of life that it's hard for Katie Ann to resist letting her guard down and finding the kind of happiness that has been long absent from her life. But there are stresses and strains that challenge her along the way. And then she's confronted with some wretchedly impossible situations -- but each one makes her stronger and able to release some of the bitterness and anguish of the past. I was stunned by some of the developments and then there's this fabulous triumphant scene towards the end of the story that shows just how far Katie Ann has come in trusting God enough to just let go. A stunning sacrifice that finally sets her free -- the relief is palpable.
An incredible story of love and loss and the promise of the kind of future only God can orchestrate.
A moving love story centered around two people with very different ideas of what their futures hold. Eli, who has raised his large brood single-handedly, is ready for some peace and quiet and quality 'me' time. Katie Ann is still reeling from her husband's betrayal and after months of estrangement, finds herself widowed with an infant son. Her focus is on the baby and the hurt she's encountered makes her wary of trusting any man.
But there's no denying the special connection between Eli and Katie Ann. Everyone sees it though the pair are quick to deny it -- at first. The most they'll ever share is a platonic friendship...until a sweet and tender romance develops.
Eli is so full of life that it's hard for Katie Ann to resist letting her guard down and finding the kind of happiness that has been long absent from her life. But there are stresses and strains that challenge her along the way. And then she's confronted with some wretchedly impossible situations -- but each one makes her stronger and able to release some of the bitterness and anguish of the past. I was stunned by some of the developments and then there's this fabulous triumphant scene towards the end of the story that shows just how far Katie Ann has come in trusting God enough to just let go. A stunning sacrifice that finally sets her free -- the relief is palpable.
An incredible story of love and loss and the promise of the kind of future only God can orchestrate.
March 23, 2025
A very enjoyable read. I liked the characters especially Katie Ann who is a young Amish lady with a new born baby . Katie Ann is struggling to raise her baby with the loss of her husband but, soon realizes that God has a bigger plan for her.
This story was a little slow at times .I enjoyed the Eli & Katie Ann 's relationship that was slow developing.
This story was a little slow at times .I enjoyed the Eli & Katie Ann 's relationship that was slow developing.
October 11, 2012
Good book. Katie Ann is raising her child alone after her husband left her and then died in an accident. She has good friends in her Amish community and at a wedding meets Eli Detweiler. He is visiting from his home in Indiana, where he has just married off his youngest daughter. After seventeen years as a single father, he is looking forward to living his own life and doing some things that he wants to do. He and Katie Ann find that they have a lot in common and enjoy talking to each other. Both of them have friends who keep trying to fix them up with potential mates, but neither is interested. They decide that they would like to be friends, but agree that a relationship is just not possible. I really liked both Katie Ann and Eli. Katie has trust issues stemming from her husband's desertion. She is quite happy to be Eli's friend. She is surprised by how good he is with her son, as Amish men aren't generally very hands on with infants. She enjoys hearing about his plans for travel and their letters back and forth have been satisfying. There is also a physical attraction, but their differing life paths indicate that nothing will come of it. As their friendship grows, Katie finds herself falling in love with Eli. Eli is an unusual Amish man. He did not remarry right after his wife's death but raised his children on his own. Now that he has an empty nest he is looking forward to doing the things he dreamed about when he was younger. He likes Katie Ann and is attracted to her, but is not interested in starting over with a new family. As their friendship progresses he can't understand why he is so drawn to her when she is the opposite of everything he currently wants. The more he travels the more he finds he wants to spend time with her. I loved the way that their relationship developed slowly and Eli's solution to their living arrangements was perfect. I also enjoyed the other characters in the story. Martha was just as fun in this book as she was in the first. I really liked her faith and the way she was like a mother to Katie Ann. I loved her dealings with Danielle and look forward to seeing more of her.
December 3, 2011
The Land of Canaan series has got to be one of my favorite Amish series...ever. If you don't believe me, I dare you to compare them to some of the other Amish books on the shelves and see what you think. If they don't have you glued to the pages like they do me...well then, we might have to have a little chat to change your mind (just kidding, I promise). :o)
I don't know how she does it, but Beth Wiseman has got this incredible way of getting me emotionally invested with all of her stories. I find myself cheering for their successes, and empathizing with their heartbreaks like they were real people. And if those things weren't enough, then she goes and writes these stirring romantic scenes between her male and female lead characters that literally set my heart to pounding...as in out-of-my-chest pounding! There are only a handful of authors that are truly gifted when it comes to writing romance into any story, and by golly, Beth is at the top of the list!
But now that this visit back to Canaan has come to an end, it's like anguish...horrible, gut-wrenching anguish. I know I make it sound like my dog just died, but I usually feel this way after I read one of Beth's books. How in the world can I make it until I know what happens next in this close-knit community?! I want to know what will happen with Danielle--is something on the horizon for her and Levi? Will Eli's children be happy with the changes they are about to make? Will Martha continue to be her ornery old self now that her relationship status has changed? See what I mean...there are just too many questions!!!
So, while I patiently wait, I guess I'll have to be satisfied that this particular story ended just how I wanted it to--not a cliff-hanger in sight. :o) Still, a return trip to Canaan is on my radar, and I hope Beth won't make us wait too terribly long before we can go back.
I don't know how she does it, but Beth Wiseman has got this incredible way of getting me emotionally invested with all of her stories. I find myself cheering for their successes, and empathizing with their heartbreaks like they were real people. And if those things weren't enough, then she goes and writes these stirring romantic scenes between her male and female lead characters that literally set my heart to pounding...as in out-of-my-chest pounding! There are only a handful of authors that are truly gifted when it comes to writing romance into any story, and by golly, Beth is at the top of the list!
But now that this visit back to Canaan has come to an end, it's like anguish...horrible, gut-wrenching anguish. I know I make it sound like my dog just died, but I usually feel this way after I read one of Beth's books. How in the world can I make it until I know what happens next in this close-knit community?! I want to know what will happen with Danielle--is something on the horizon for her and Levi? Will Eli's children be happy with the changes they are about to make? Will Martha continue to be her ornery old self now that her relationship status has changed? See what I mean...there are just too many questions!!!
So, while I patiently wait, I guess I'll have to be satisfied that this particular story ended just how I wanted it to--not a cliff-hanger in sight. :o) Still, a return trip to Canaan is on my radar, and I hope Beth won't make us wait too terribly long before we can go back.
September 9, 2021
I can never go wrong with my favorite genre. Christian Fiction never disappoints me. I absolutely love clean romance novels. It ended with what I wasn't expecting. I was prepared for the worst but I'm happy that it wasn't a depressing ending because who likes books that make you cry? If you love clean romance or even Christian Fiction, I highly recommend
January 17, 2018
Fell in love with this story: Katie ann deserves to have a great life and a wonderful man in her life and for her son. Martha I tell ya she is a hoot for attention. She got love to give has well. Find out what Martha been up too. Katie ann finds out more stuff about her husband life's when he left her. I do not care for that man! Selfish. Beautiful ending with this book.
You will have to see who the new characters that came into Martha's life.
You will have to see who the new characters that came into Martha's life.
June 3, 2018
A sweet Amish story, with some fun character and an interesting plotline. At times the romance was a little cheesy and there was some repetition (several times it was mentioned about the difference between two Bishops and more than twice, Eli's love for children was considered so unusual). Sometimes it didn't have the Amish feel to it, and I had to remind myself it was an Amish setting. But, the book held my interest the whole way, and the ending is happy. Martha was a fabulous character! :D
February 17, 2024
Katie Ann is alone with a new baby, wondering if she will ever find love again. Eli is alone too, with six grown children but he doesn't want to get married again. The Amish community welcomes Martha as a friend and accepts her with all her English ways. Will she find someone to love again? Will a miracle happen between Katie Ann and Eli?
August 9, 2014
I picked this book to read to do research on the top ten sellers in Christian fiction. What made them the books that people went to over and over? What formula was used?
Imagine my surprise as I started reading, I became engrossed into the story. Even though I started reading it a few days ago when time permitted, today I sat down and finished the last 200+ pages of the story. I did not want to put this down.
Romance is not my typical genre. The Wonder of Your Love is the first Amish romance I have ever read.
Stereotypical Amish romances, from reviews and perusing of some books, are usually cookie-cutter type books of fluffy happiness and goody-two shoes characters. Not this book.
Each character had flaws. Secondary characters strengthen the story and foreshadowed upcoming titles. The juxtaposition of the characters Katie Ann and Martha offer a true picture of friends from different worlds/ways of life, which is the beauty of Christ.
Some may be surprise that the characters are middle-aged, which I really hate that word and the stereotypes that come with it, but why be surprised? Even older people like a lot of the same things that younger people do. Even older people long for the same things that younger people do. And as someone in her late thirties, older people can be just as rebellious. A little of this is seen in Beth Wiseman's book and it deepens the personalities of her characters.
Truly this is a book I will always keep and I highly recommend it.
A passage from the book stands out from all others: To hear Him, To know Him, and to understand the wonder of His love--one must trust Him completely.
This story gives hope to those of us who wonder...
Imagine my surprise as I started reading, I became engrossed into the story. Even though I started reading it a few days ago when time permitted, today I sat down and finished the last 200+ pages of the story. I did not want to put this down.
Romance is not my typical genre. The Wonder of Your Love is the first Amish romance I have ever read.
Stereotypical Amish romances, from reviews and perusing of some books, are usually cookie-cutter type books of fluffy happiness and goody-two shoes characters. Not this book.
Each character had flaws. Secondary characters strengthen the story and foreshadowed upcoming titles. The juxtaposition of the characters Katie Ann and Martha offer a true picture of friends from different worlds/ways of life, which is the beauty of Christ.
Some may be surprise that the characters are middle-aged, which I really hate that word and the stereotypes that come with it, but why be surprised? Even older people like a lot of the same things that younger people do. Even older people long for the same things that younger people do. And as someone in her late thirties, older people can be just as rebellious. A little of this is seen in Beth Wiseman's book and it deepens the personalities of her characters.
Truly this is a book I will always keep and I highly recommend it.
A passage from the book stands out from all others: To hear Him, To know Him, and to understand the wonder of His love--one must trust Him completely.
This story gives hope to those of us who wonder...
November 28, 2011
This second book in the series was just as good as the first. Tho' the resolution of the dilemma is hardly believable, it's was still a good uplifting read.
December 22, 2022
I didn't realize that this book was a part of a series when I entered a contest a twelve years ago. I was very happy to read it because I love Amish fiction. Now I reading through my bookcases!
Katie Ann Stoltzfus lives in Canaan, Colorado with her baby Jonas. Her husband left her for a English woman before she could tell him that she was pregnant. Now she is forty with an infant and a good English friend, Martha, who helps with the baby but is a little set in her ways.
Eli Detweiler, came to Canaan for a family wedding and meets Katie Ann. His wife died with the birth of the last of the six children. Eli raised the children by himself and now that he had an empty nest, he planned to travel and enjoy his new found freedom.
Katie was still in mourning for her husband but was filled with anger at her husband's betrayal. Eli feels an instant admiration with Katie, he decides to request to be her friend because Katie is still in mourning.
How will this resolve? There are several secondary stories interwoven with main one and at times, it seems hopeless but Beth Wiseman carries us through the tale with much love and care. I definitely want to read more of her books.
Katie Ann Stoltzfus lives in Canaan, Colorado with her baby Jonas. Her husband left her for a English woman before she could tell him that she was pregnant. Now she is forty with an infant and a good English friend, Martha, who helps with the baby but is a little set in her ways.
Eli Detweiler, came to Canaan for a family wedding and meets Katie Ann. His wife died with the birth of the last of the six children. Eli raised the children by himself and now that he had an empty nest, he planned to travel and enjoy his new found freedom.
Katie was still in mourning for her husband but was filled with anger at her husband's betrayal. Eli feels an instant admiration with Katie, he decides to request to be her friend because Katie is still in mourning.
How will this resolve? There are several secondary stories interwoven with main one and at times, it seems hopeless but Beth Wiseman carries us through the tale with much love and care. I definitely want to read more of her books.
February 16, 2019
Coleen Wiseman does a nice job portraying a diverse Amish society to us “English”. Some novels labeled “Amish” are sappy soap operas in an Amish setting. “Wonder” has it’s share of romance, drama and religion but it’s lightly portrayed. She also accurately describes the San Luis Valley, which has a significant Amish community I’d like to learn more about.
The main story line involves Katie Anne, a recent widow struggling with a newborn and visiting widower Eli. After raising six children, Eli is ready to travel and, although intrigued by Katie Anne, isn’t ready to parent a newborn.
The two become friends steadfastly resisting the matchmaking efforts of friends and family. Katie Anne’s feisty friend Martha has her own challenges with a health scare and a sulky teenaged visitor. It’s not Pulitzer Prize stuff but an engaging light read.
The main story line involves Katie Anne, a recent widow struggling with a newborn and visiting widower Eli. After raising six children, Eli is ready to travel and, although intrigued by Katie Anne, isn’t ready to parent a newborn.
The two become friends steadfastly resisting the matchmaking efforts of friends and family. Katie Anne’s feisty friend Martha has her own challenges with a health scare and a sulky teenaged visitor. It’s not Pulitzer Prize stuff but an engaging light read.
March 23, 2023
Katie Ann’s character has been on an emotional roller coaster in this series as she tries to put up with her philandering husband whose actions slowly destroyed her faith in herself and left her pregnant and alone. I loved her resiliency and her budding attraction to Eli who has raised his family after the death of his young wife and is ready to enjoy his empty nest. Eli’s struggle with his attraction to Katie Ann and making a commitment to start the parenting process again was difficult but beautifully written. Part of my excitement about this couple is that they’re in their 40’s. As a mature reader I enjoyed the change of pace, rooted for this couple from the very start and loved Katie Ann’s joy when the baby she’s dreamed about for years finally became a reality.
November 12, 2017
Beth Wiseman lived up to your great written ability with The Wonder of Your Love!
It’s a fantastically written story of having faith to follow the path that God is leading them on in their journey to romance. It’s a story of family, commitment and opening yourself up to new adventures.
It’s a great stand-alone book but now I know I have to read the rest of the series. I love Amish stories and this one has to be right at the top of the list of those I really loved. I definitely recommend it and you will want to share it after you read it.
It’s a fantastically written story of having faith to follow the path that God is leading them on in their journey to romance. It’s a story of family, commitment and opening yourself up to new adventures.
It’s a great stand-alone book but now I know I have to read the rest of the series. I love Amish stories and this one has to be right at the top of the list of those I really loved. I definitely recommend it and you will want to share it after you read it.
August 4, 2021
Katie Ann is still grieving from the death of her husband and raising her young son Jonas. Eli Detweiler is visiting for a family wedding in Canaan, Colorado, now that all his children are grown and out of the house. A great story to read, I needed this. Enjoyed reading the two of them trying to decide what kind of relationship they wanted with each other. I liked reading about the simple life of the Amish when life today is so full of things to worry about
March 7, 2018
2.5 ⭐
the love story was what I expected and wanted.
a plot twist that wasn't communicated at all made me really dislike this book. I chose it specifically, hoping for a light read, and for the most part it was. if I had known what would take place between characters I wouldn't have read this book at all.
the love story was what I expected and wanted.
a plot twist that wasn't communicated at all made me really dislike this book. I chose it specifically, hoping for a light read, and for the most part it was. if I had known what would take place between characters I wouldn't have read this book at all.
March 4, 2022
I thought this book had a great plot and was very well written. I especially liked that it wasn’t overly preachy. You had a pretty good idea what was going to happen but that’s OK because really you want it to be happy… At least that’s why I read a lot of these books. I felt very uplifted reading it too. I enjoy this series and I’m looking forward to the last installment.
November 10, 2025
The Wonder of Your Love by Beth Wiseman is the story of Katie Ann Stolzfus and her friendship with Eli Detweiler, a widower of 17 years. They met when Eli came to a mutual friend’s son’s wedding. They felt a mutual connection and started a friendsh but he lives in Ohio and she’s from Colorado. Touching story of mature love between a widow and a widower.
December 5, 2020
Good book following the first two books on this series. Liked the continuity of reading the endings to the storylines. I have always been fascinated by the Amish and this author dies a great job of writing of their struggles and faults.
February 3, 2023
betrayal
I thought that if you loved your Amish husband that you would be together for the rest of your life, there is No divorce for us, it’s just not done. But my husband left me for another woman, an English person. I feel betrayed.
I thought that if you loved your Amish husband that you would be together for the rest of your life, there is No divorce for us, it’s just not done. But my husband left me for another woman, an English person. I feel betrayed.
September 14, 2024
Wonderful Amish Love Story
God’s love reins over ALL! Repeatedly we see how God’s plan is evident in the lives of the people of Canaan. I love the blend of the “Englishers” and the Amish community. Love, love, love Martha. This was a totally satisfying read!
God’s love reins over ALL! Repeatedly we see how God’s plan is evident in the lives of the people of Canaan. I love the blend of the “Englishers” and the Amish community. Love, love, love Martha. This was a totally satisfying read!
July 17, 2017
Wiseman does Christian "bonnet fiction" well. Enjoyed the reader, characters, etc.
February 24, 2018
Absolutely beautiful story so well-written – I can't say enough about how good this book is. It is really special .
May 25, 2018
❤️❤️❤️
January 6, 2019
Love the characters, especially Martha .
February 27, 2019
I was so excited to get my hands on this book! It's the second in the series and I just had to know what happened to Katie Ann! I'm so glad that she found her happy ending with a good man!
May 18, 2020
Just as predictable as the previous book, this one lacked the humor that the first book carried. But, it had the same writing style and really was enjoyable.
June 14, 2021
Second in the series, enjoyed it as much as the first one. On to the next!
January 2, 2022
My first Amish book and it was so good. I loved the raw honesty and emotional intelligence. I'll be reading more.
March 12, 2022
Charming series. Great characters with strong Christian values.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews