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Amish Brides of Celery Fields #3
A Groom for Greta
Everyone in their small Amish community expects Greta Goodloe to marry her longtime sweetheart—Greta included. So when he publicly ends their engagement, in front of newcomer Luke Starns no less, she is utterly humiliated. At least she can take comfort in matchmaking between Luke and her quiet schoolmarm sister. Yet the more she tries to throw them together, the more Luke fascinates her.
A serious, no-nonsense schoolmarm should be exactly what Luke wants in a wife. Still, he can't help but be charmed by Greta's warm smile and impulsive ways. Does he dare to stray from the sensible choice and take a chance on happiness?
A serious, no-nonsense schoolmarm should be exactly what Luke wants in a wife. Still, he can't help but be charmed by Greta's warm smile and impulsive ways. Does he dare to stray from the sensible choice and take a chance on happiness?
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
About the author
Anna Schmidt
64 books222 followersAnna Schmidt's historical novel, THE WINTERKEEPER, received a Five Star rating from Reader's Favorites. Reviews for the story have been strong including one from the Historical Novel Society that raved: "The storytelling and scene building are masterful and create an immediacy that keeps the reader turning pages. This is a writer who feels words as well as thinking them." Anna is a three-time finalist for the coveted RITA award presented annually by Romance Writers of America. In addition she has been a four-time finalist for the Reviewer’s Choice Award from Romantic Times magazine—an award she has won twice. Her latest novel RENEGADE is the second in her new series: Cowboys and Harvey Girls and is available now. Publisher's Weekly hails the series as: "Easygoing western romance readers will cheer for this good-hearted heroine to achieve all her dreams." Anna splits her time between Wisconsin and Florida, noting that, “I am blessed to have a career that travels well!”
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 20, 2018
She found herself thinking about how his full, soft lips might feel.
This is the second Amish romance I've read that takes place during the Great Depression. I don't know if this is a thing.
The book opens with Greta getting horribly dumped by her beau of five years - the man she thought she was going to be married to - Josef. He breaks it off with her right outside of Luke's blacksmith shop. Luke offers her comfort and help.
She's embarrassed about the breakup, and promises to help him court her older sister, Lydia, if he keeps his mouth shut about what happened. She's always coming up with harebrained schemes like this.
As for Luke, he came here to Florida from Ontario. There are hints of a dark secret in his past. He mysteriously came to town, no one really knows his background or his people.
Okay, let's break this book down.
1.) I really enjoyed this book. Schmidt kept my attention and kept me glued to every page. I was truly interested in what was going to happen to the characters. It was gripping and suspenseful. Her character descriptions were vivid.
2.) The hero is a huge, strapping blacksmith. He's kind, and although not as even-tempered as I like, he's pretty close. So he was someone interesting to me. I could see why Greta was into him.
He also wasn't so rigid. Some of these Christian heroes - Amish or not - can be real uptight. Luke wasn't like that.
Luke sent up a silent prayer for forgiveness for the lie he was about to tell. - page 255
He lies to (male) gossips to protect his woman. That's good. The biggest gossip in the book is a man, not a woman. Refreshing.
Greta did not appear to be quite so blind in her faith and Luke realized that this was a trait that the two of them shared. - page 303
Both he and Greta struggle with completely trusting God and going through life without worry.
Watching him, Luke found himself curling his hands into fists. He had never in his life wanted to strike another human being the way he wanted to strike Josef. - page 303
Luke never strikes Josef in this book, even though Josef definitely is an asshole and you would completely understand anyone kicking his ass. But he thinks about it! This is about as much as you'll get in a Christian romance.
There's a scene where something bad happens and Luke - even though he doesn't have to and it would be understandable if he ran away or ignored it - just goes out to take care of shit. You know it's going to be uncomfortable and painful for him but he just faces it head-on. This is super-attractive in a man.
He also kisses Greta! I know, you are like, "Well, this is a romance, of course he did." But plenty of Christian romances have zero kissing (tragic) and if the couple does kiss, it's a quick asexual lipsmack that takes 0.02 seconds. There is actual kissing in here that makes me think these two might have a hope of a good and satisfying sex life. They both seem to enjoy kissing. :D
So, in conclusion, Luke was a little bit nom. He wasn't perfect, he had flaws, but he had an attractive personality.
3.) The heroine. At first I didn't exactly know what Schmidt was doing with this character. Greta is what most would call 'a drama queen.' Her moods fluctuate wildly. She can change her mood on a dime. She is overly dramatic. She makes instantaneous and poorly-thought-out decisions. She's rash and impulsive. She's meddling and conniving (not in a malicious way, but still).
Schmidt might have been trying to make this a little humorous. A la Tales of a Drama Queen.
Greta has great qualities, too. She is fun, funny, full of laughter and light. She loves people and gets along with almost everyone. She's curious and outspoken.
I personally wouldn't date someone with this personality - too much drama and manufactured excitement for me - but I can see why certain people would find her appealing.
I also really relate to her struggles with men. One, she dated Josef (a jerk) for five years. He wanted to change her and didn't love her for who she was. Two, she feels like men are too jealous and needy. She's right. I feel ya, sister. She's exasperated with trying to have to please and appease men all the time. It's exhausting, for sure.
"So, you're jealous." Relief mixed with irritation flooded her veins. This was not the first time that Josef had been upset with her for what he saw as flirting and she saw as simply being herself. - page 242
How many times had she reassured this man over the course of their lives together? How many more times would she have to apologize for being herself? She closed her eyes and prayed for guidance - and patience. - page 242
Cowardly. Yes, that explained it. For as long as shed known him, Josef had allowed her to have her way and deep down she had known that even the hint that she might be attracted to some other boy could have Josef falling all over himself to win favor with her. On the other hand, he had made it clear on more than one occasion that once they married, he would determine where she went and who she saw and when. Greta had accepted that, once she married, the man was in charge. But she had always assumed that after marriage she would be able to find her way around Josef's jealousies and strict ways the same way she had during their courtship. - page 258
As the evening wore on, Greta realized that the smiles Josef and Esther were exchanging were far too familiar to be the start of something new. No, those smiles were the smiles of two people who shared a secret.
So there had been someone else, Greta fumed silently and she made no pretense at keeping up with the words the others were singing. A combination of jealousy and guilt overwhelmed her and this time she needed no excuse to leave the table. Without a word she stumbled toward the open doors of the barn and the sanctity of the darkness beyond. She felt all eyes follow her as she hurried away and once outside she gulped in the humid night air and fought against the tears that she simply refused to allow herself to shed.
Cry over Josef Bontrager after everything she had put up with all these years? His moods, his insistence that everything be done to his satisfaction, his constantly trying to change her - mold her into some ideal he held of the perfect wife and mother?
That was it, she realized. All the time that Josef had courted her, he had been trying to change her. He didn't love HER, she realized. He loved her appearance - took sinful pride in being seen with such a pretty and popular woman. But how many times when he spoke of their future had he reminded her that, once they were married, she would need to temper her curiosity and natural instinct to speak her mind?
And truth be told she had thought she could change him, as well - once they were married. She had imagined that he would become less reserved and more outgoing. She had been certain that the children they would have would soften his strict demeanor. But now, as she walked a distance from the barn to the bench where Lydia had sat earlier, she had to admit that she had been wrong - as wrong about Josef as he had been about her. And in her heart she forgave him for the pain he had caused her and she prayed for God's forgiveness for her own selfishness. "But, heavenly Father, I cannot understand what You have in mind for me." page 300
Greta was all too aware that Josef's gaze followed her wherever she went. If she spent too much time lingering over conversation with any one of the men - even the married ones - that gaze became a glare. More disturbing was the fact that Luke Starns also seemed to be watching her - and he appeared to be no more pleased than Josef was with her behavior.
Well, let them gawk all they wanted. Greta was so very tired of trying to live up to somebody else's ideal of how she should conduct herself. She liked people. She found the sheer variety and diversity of them a source of endless fascination. Wasn't it amazing how God had given each of his creatures their very own unique qualities? If Josef - and Luke, for that matter - chose to view her behavior as inappropriate, that was hardly her problem. Josef had made his choice and as for Luke - well, if he wanted to be her friend, or more than that - then he would just have to accept her for the way she was. After all, that's what true friends did. - page 370
Greta had to wonder if all men were like this - always questioning what her feelings might be, what they were going to be in the future. Josef had done that repeatedly, taking every conversation she had with any male and turning it in his mind into a flirtation or abandonment of him. - page 390
Greta's far from perfect: she can be meddling, conniving, jealous and petty at times. But she's a good person and you can see many sides of her in this book.
4.) Josef, the villain and Greta's ex. The way Schmidt illustrates Josef and his bad character in a variety of ways is skilled. You can picture him exactly. I feel like she put a lot of work into her characters in this book. You are going to want to brain Josef with a shovel... I know I did. But at the same time, he's not one-dimensional.
5.) Same thing goes for Lydia, Greta's older sister. This is no shallow character, but a living, breathing person whom you can see in your mind's eye.
Not only are Greta and Lydia best friends - refreshing and great - but Lydia's interactions with Luke are also stellar. I love seeing strong female friendships in romance novels, and I love how Luke and Lydia have long talks, are honest with each other, and relate to each other. After all, they will be family. Rarely is this shown or focused on in romance novels, usually the heroine's sister(s) are very minor and not developed. Schmidt puts in the extra time here to flesh out all the major players. It's easy to make them cookie-cutter, but Schmidt respects her readers more than that. I appreciate her hard work.
6.) MENTIONS OF GOD: ~95
7.) HOW'S THE SEX, CARMEN?
There's no sex, this is a Christian romance. Minus one star. There is some actually good kissing in here, though. As in: they seem to be enjoying themselves and they are not half-assing it. Schmidt doesn't seem to be as terrified about writing sexual attraction as some Christian authors.
TL;DR This is not getting five stars because a.) no sex and b.) there's one part of the book where Greta acts like a complete moron for no reason other than Schmidt using it as a ploy to make the plot more dramatic. That's lazy writing.
But overall I have to say this was very enjoyable. Schmidt certainly had my full attention. I really cared about the characters and what happened to them. I was definitely rooting for them to end up together - even run away together if necessary. It felt good to read about a couple I was behind 100%.
If you like no-sex Christian romances, you can't really do better than this. I highly recommend it to people who are interested in that sort of thing. Personally, I can't give five stars to a romance novel that doesn't have sex in it (especially if it features a big, burly blacksmith... I mean COME ON!) but I know not everyone enjoys sex scenes in romance novels. This is a win if you like that subgenre of romance. Schmidt should feel proud.
P.S. I actually laughed out loud at one point reading this book - during the scene where Luke eats Lydia's pie. So extra points to Schmidt. I usually don't laugh out loud while reading.
ROMANCE CATEGORIES:
Historical Romance - 1934
Inspirational Romance
Virgin Hero
Amish Romance
Great Depression Romance - 1934
She doesn't work for pay. I mean, she works hard from dawn to dusk but it's unpaid 'women's labor' like cooking, cleaning, baking, laundry, childcare. He's a Blacksmith.
This is the second Amish romance I've read that takes place during the Great Depression. I don't know if this is a thing.
The book opens with Greta getting horribly dumped by her beau of five years - the man she thought she was going to be married to - Josef. He breaks it off with her right outside of Luke's blacksmith shop. Luke offers her comfort and help.
She's embarrassed about the breakup, and promises to help him court her older sister, Lydia, if he keeps his mouth shut about what happened. She's always coming up with harebrained schemes like this.
As for Luke, he came here to Florida from Ontario. There are hints of a dark secret in his past. He mysteriously came to town, no one really knows his background or his people.
Okay, let's break this book down.
1.) I really enjoyed this book. Schmidt kept my attention and kept me glued to every page. I was truly interested in what was going to happen to the characters. It was gripping and suspenseful. Her character descriptions were vivid.
2.) The hero is a huge, strapping blacksmith. He's kind, and although not as even-tempered as I like, he's pretty close. So he was someone interesting to me. I could see why Greta was into him.
He also wasn't so rigid. Some of these Christian heroes - Amish or not - can be real uptight. Luke wasn't like that.
Luke sent up a silent prayer for forgiveness for the lie he was about to tell. - page 255
He lies to (male) gossips to protect his woman. That's good. The biggest gossip in the book is a man, not a woman. Refreshing.
Greta did not appear to be quite so blind in her faith and Luke realized that this was a trait that the two of them shared. - page 303
Both he and Greta struggle with completely trusting God and going through life without worry.
Watching him, Luke found himself curling his hands into fists. He had never in his life wanted to strike another human being the way he wanted to strike Josef. - page 303
Luke never strikes Josef in this book, even though Josef definitely is an asshole and you would completely understand anyone kicking his ass. But he thinks about it! This is about as much as you'll get in a Christian romance.
There's a scene where something bad happens and Luke - even though he doesn't have to and it would be understandable if he ran away or ignored it - just goes out to take care of shit. You know it's going to be uncomfortable and painful for him but he just faces it head-on. This is super-attractive in a man.
He also kisses Greta! I know, you are like, "Well, this is a romance, of course he did." But plenty of Christian romances have zero kissing (tragic) and if the couple does kiss, it's a quick asexual lipsmack that takes 0.02 seconds. There is actual kissing in here that makes me think these two might have a hope of a good and satisfying sex life. They both seem to enjoy kissing. :D
So, in conclusion, Luke was a little bit nom. He wasn't perfect, he had flaws, but he had an attractive personality.
3.) The heroine. At first I didn't exactly know what Schmidt was doing with this character. Greta is what most would call 'a drama queen.' Her moods fluctuate wildly. She can change her mood on a dime. She is overly dramatic. She makes instantaneous and poorly-thought-out decisions. She's rash and impulsive. She's meddling and conniving (not in a malicious way, but still).
Schmidt might have been trying to make this a little humorous. A la Tales of a Drama Queen.
Greta has great qualities, too. She is fun, funny, full of laughter and light. She loves people and gets along with almost everyone. She's curious and outspoken.
I personally wouldn't date someone with this personality - too much drama and manufactured excitement for me - but I can see why certain people would find her appealing.
I also really relate to her struggles with men. One, she dated Josef (a jerk) for five years. He wanted to change her and didn't love her for who she was. Two, she feels like men are too jealous and needy. She's right. I feel ya, sister. She's exasperated with trying to have to please and appease men all the time. It's exhausting, for sure.
"So, you're jealous." Relief mixed with irritation flooded her veins. This was not the first time that Josef had been upset with her for what he saw as flirting and she saw as simply being herself. - page 242
How many times had she reassured this man over the course of their lives together? How many more times would she have to apologize for being herself? She closed her eyes and prayed for guidance - and patience. - page 242
Cowardly. Yes, that explained it. For as long as shed known him, Josef had allowed her to have her way and deep down she had known that even the hint that she might be attracted to some other boy could have Josef falling all over himself to win favor with her. On the other hand, he had made it clear on more than one occasion that once they married, he would determine where she went and who she saw and when. Greta had accepted that, once she married, the man was in charge. But she had always assumed that after marriage she would be able to find her way around Josef's jealousies and strict ways the same way she had during their courtship. - page 258
As the evening wore on, Greta realized that the smiles Josef and Esther were exchanging were far too familiar to be the start of something new. No, those smiles were the smiles of two people who shared a secret.
So there had been someone else, Greta fumed silently and she made no pretense at keeping up with the words the others were singing. A combination of jealousy and guilt overwhelmed her and this time she needed no excuse to leave the table. Without a word she stumbled toward the open doors of the barn and the sanctity of the darkness beyond. She felt all eyes follow her as she hurried away and once outside she gulped in the humid night air and fought against the tears that she simply refused to allow herself to shed.
Cry over Josef Bontrager after everything she had put up with all these years? His moods, his insistence that everything be done to his satisfaction, his constantly trying to change her - mold her into some ideal he held of the perfect wife and mother?
That was it, she realized. All the time that Josef had courted her, he had been trying to change her. He didn't love HER, she realized. He loved her appearance - took sinful pride in being seen with such a pretty and popular woman. But how many times when he spoke of their future had he reminded her that, once they were married, she would need to temper her curiosity and natural instinct to speak her mind?
And truth be told she had thought she could change him, as well - once they were married. She had imagined that he would become less reserved and more outgoing. She had been certain that the children they would have would soften his strict demeanor. But now, as she walked a distance from the barn to the bench where Lydia had sat earlier, she had to admit that she had been wrong - as wrong about Josef as he had been about her. And in her heart she forgave him for the pain he had caused her and she prayed for God's forgiveness for her own selfishness. "But, heavenly Father, I cannot understand what You have in mind for me." page 300
Greta was all too aware that Josef's gaze followed her wherever she went. If she spent too much time lingering over conversation with any one of the men - even the married ones - that gaze became a glare. More disturbing was the fact that Luke Starns also seemed to be watching her - and he appeared to be no more pleased than Josef was with her behavior.
Well, let them gawk all they wanted. Greta was so very tired of trying to live up to somebody else's ideal of how she should conduct herself. She liked people. She found the sheer variety and diversity of them a source of endless fascination. Wasn't it amazing how God had given each of his creatures their very own unique qualities? If Josef - and Luke, for that matter - chose to view her behavior as inappropriate, that was hardly her problem. Josef had made his choice and as for Luke - well, if he wanted to be her friend, or more than that - then he would just have to accept her for the way she was. After all, that's what true friends did. - page 370
Greta had to wonder if all men were like this - always questioning what her feelings might be, what they were going to be in the future. Josef had done that repeatedly, taking every conversation she had with any male and turning it in his mind into a flirtation or abandonment of him. - page 390
Greta's far from perfect: she can be meddling, conniving, jealous and petty at times. But she's a good person and you can see many sides of her in this book.
4.) Josef, the villain and Greta's ex. The way Schmidt illustrates Josef and his bad character in a variety of ways is skilled. You can picture him exactly. I feel like she put a lot of work into her characters in this book. You are going to want to brain Josef with a shovel... I know I did. But at the same time, he's not one-dimensional.
5.) Same thing goes for Lydia, Greta's older sister. This is no shallow character, but a living, breathing person whom you can see in your mind's eye.
Not only are Greta and Lydia best friends - refreshing and great - but Lydia's interactions with Luke are also stellar. I love seeing strong female friendships in romance novels, and I love how Luke and Lydia have long talks, are honest with each other, and relate to each other. After all, they will be family. Rarely is this shown or focused on in romance novels, usually the heroine's sister(s) are very minor and not developed. Schmidt puts in the extra time here to flesh out all the major players. It's easy to make them cookie-cutter, but Schmidt respects her readers more than that. I appreciate her hard work.
6.) MENTIONS OF GOD: ~95
7.) HOW'S THE SEX, CARMEN?
There's no sex, this is a Christian romance. Minus one star. There is some actually good kissing in here, though. As in: they seem to be enjoying themselves and they are not half-assing it. Schmidt doesn't seem to be as terrified about writing sexual attraction as some Christian authors.
TL;DR This is not getting five stars because a.) no sex and b.) there's one part of the book where Greta acts like a complete moron for no reason other than Schmidt using it as a ploy to make the plot more dramatic. That's lazy writing.
But overall I have to say this was very enjoyable. Schmidt certainly had my full attention. I really cared about the characters and what happened to them. I was definitely rooting for them to end up together - even run away together if necessary. It felt good to read about a couple I was behind 100%.
If you like no-sex Christian romances, you can't really do better than this. I highly recommend it to people who are interested in that sort of thing. Personally, I can't give five stars to a romance novel that doesn't have sex in it (especially if it features a big, burly blacksmith... I mean COME ON!) but I know not everyone enjoys sex scenes in romance novels. This is a win if you like that subgenre of romance. Schmidt should feel proud.
P.S. I actually laughed out loud at one point reading this book - during the scene where Luke eats Lydia's pie. So extra points to Schmidt. I usually don't laugh out loud while reading.
ROMANCE CATEGORIES:
Historical Romance - 1934
Inspirational Romance
Virgin Hero
Amish Romance
Great Depression Romance - 1934
She doesn't work for pay. I mean, she works hard from dawn to dusk but it's unpaid 'women's labor' like cooking, cleaning, baking, laundry, childcare. He's a Blacksmith.
August 31, 2012
This wasn't so bad for me. It was just okay, in my opinion.
The writing was okay, the author was able to paint a lovely picture of her characters for the reader and I appreciated that.
I think that the Amish are a very interesting people. The language, their lifestyle, and so on.
All very intriguing to me.
My problem though was with the time frame in which the author decided to give the hero a "sordid" past. It happened too late for me and kinda came out of nowhere and felt foolish.
Then the resolution. It was all so out of the blue and the ending felt rather abrupt.
In the end I couldn't give this a 3 star review in good faith.
July 18, 2013
Love d it. Can't wait for the nest one.
September 3, 2012
4 STARS
I had a smile for most of the book. So Yes I recommend this book.
Greta Goodloe live in the Amish town of Celery Fields. It is tough time durning the great depression. Greta is thinking that tomorrow her banns to Josep will be read in church. They have been dating for five years.
Josep is walking her home when he stops and says he can't marry her. Greta says if you want to wait another a year she guess it will be alright. Josep says never and walks away.
Greta realized he was serious and that it was right under the black smith's window. She goes into make sure Luke won't tell anyone what he over heard. Breaks down in front of him.
Luke asks her if he can give Greta and her sister Lydia a ride to church in the morning. Greta does not want his pity. Luke says he is interested in courting Lydia.
Greta thinks that will get some of the attention away from her and thinks that would be a good idea.
Lydia has other ideas. Lydia thinks that Luke would be better for Greta and asks him to pray on that. If he agrees he can come courting to thier house at night on the porch but while everyone will believe he is courting her he could take the time to get to know Greta and see if that would work.
Lydia noticed his attention to watch Greta and Lydia wants to be loved just not a good marrage.
Josep is starting to court someone else but he can't help still looking at Greta and wants to pick off where they ended.
I like how the Amish come together to help each other in times of need. But the bannished is a harsh thing to do. I don;t know if I could do that to ones I cared about.
I like the characters in the book. I love Greta laughter and how she brighten the place up and she loves to take care of others.
I would like to read more books by Anna Schmidt in the future. Especiallt Lydia's story.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley.
10/01/2012 PUB Harlequin Imprint Harlequin Love Inspired Historical 283 pages
I had a smile for most of the book. So Yes I recommend this book.
Greta Goodloe live in the Amish town of Celery Fields. It is tough time durning the great depression. Greta is thinking that tomorrow her banns to Josep will be read in church. They have been dating for five years.
Josep is walking her home when he stops and says he can't marry her. Greta says if you want to wait another a year she guess it will be alright. Josep says never and walks away.
Greta realized he was serious and that it was right under the black smith's window. She goes into make sure Luke won't tell anyone what he over heard. Breaks down in front of him.
Luke asks her if he can give Greta and her sister Lydia a ride to church in the morning. Greta does not want his pity. Luke says he is interested in courting Lydia.
Greta thinks that will get some of the attention away from her and thinks that would be a good idea.
Lydia has other ideas. Lydia thinks that Luke would be better for Greta and asks him to pray on that. If he agrees he can come courting to thier house at night on the porch but while everyone will believe he is courting her he could take the time to get to know Greta and see if that would work.
Lydia noticed his attention to watch Greta and Lydia wants to be loved just not a good marrage.
Josep is starting to court someone else but he can't help still looking at Greta and wants to pick off where they ended.
I like how the Amish come together to help each other in times of need. But the bannished is a harsh thing to do. I don;t know if I could do that to ones I cared about.
I like the characters in the book. I love Greta laughter and how she brighten the place up and she loves to take care of others.
I would like to read more books by Anna Schmidt in the future. Especiallt Lydia's story.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley.
10/01/2012 PUB Harlequin Imprint Harlequin Love Inspired Historical 283 pages
November 20, 2012
This was one of the best romances I've read in a long time. I couldn't put it down until I finished reading it and considering that it is 280 pages, well that's really saying something. Lately I've been having a hard time reading books the length of a Harlequin Romance!
So what was it about this story that made it stand out from all the others I've been reading
Greta, Lydia and Luke were really engaging characters. Greta at first seems a little flighty and flirty but that isn't the case really. She's really just a people person. And Luke and Lydia both appear serious but they have their own secrets too. Luke's deals with his past life in Canada, and Lydia's deals with a certain someone that we meet near the end of the book.
I also liked the setting of the book, Depression Era Florida.
It is so nice to read Amish stories that aren't always set in PA or OH!
Plus, even though Love Inspired is a Christian line, this book was pure sweet romance, which isn't something that you get with a lot of Amish fiction out there. This is really a love story between Greta and Luke, and it has some ups and downs do to the way the two of them find each other.
Greta has just been jilted by her sweetheart, just a few days before they planned to announce their engagement and Luke thinks he wants to wed Greta's sister Lydia. How the two finally decide to court is quite amusing, but you'll have to read that for yourself. I will give you a hint that Lydia has something to do with it.
But things aren't always easy and fires and secrets make their courtship a little bumpy.
Anna tied the story together nicely without making things too obvious. This is a great afternoon romance and one that I can see myself revisiting again down the line
So what was it about this story that made it stand out from all the others I've been reading
Greta, Lydia and Luke were really engaging characters. Greta at first seems a little flighty and flirty but that isn't the case really. She's really just a people person. And Luke and Lydia both appear serious but they have their own secrets too. Luke's deals with his past life in Canada, and Lydia's deals with a certain someone that we meet near the end of the book.
I also liked the setting of the book, Depression Era Florida.
It is so nice to read Amish stories that aren't always set in PA or OH!
Plus, even though Love Inspired is a Christian line, this book was pure sweet romance, which isn't something that you get with a lot of Amish fiction out there. This is really a love story between Greta and Luke, and it has some ups and downs do to the way the two of them find each other.
Greta has just been jilted by her sweetheart, just a few days before they planned to announce their engagement and Luke thinks he wants to wed Greta's sister Lydia. How the two finally decide to court is quite amusing, but you'll have to read that for yourself. I will give you a hint that Lydia has something to do with it.
But things aren't always easy and fires and secrets make their courtship a little bumpy.
Anna tied the story together nicely without making things too obvious. This is a great afternoon romance and one that I can see myself revisiting again down the line
October 12, 2012
Greta finds herself dumped by her fiancé in the middle of the street and only the blacksmith Luke heard it happen. Trying to save herself some embarrassment she asks Luke to not tell anyone and when she finds out he is interested in courting her sister she offers to help thinking it would take the eyes off her. The problem is she finds Luke interesting as well. Luke moved to the area to start over. Now that his business is doing well he figures its time to find a wife and Greta’s older sister seems like the best choice yet he can’t shake the fact that he finds himself caring for Greta.
This was an enjoyable book which I have come to expect with the Love Inspired line.
What I liked: I liked all the characters. I felt bad for Greta because she got dumped by her fiancé only a few days before it was going to be announced in church. Luke had to face his past and Greta was willing to help him do that. I also liked Greta’s sister even though she was more of a side character in this book I believe she will get to tell her story next.
What I did not like: Greta came across a little immature. I understand it would be hard to be dumped like she was but I rolled my eyes at her at times.
Over all I really enjoyed this book and now I want to go back and read the first two books of the series. I am also looking forward to the next book. If you like Amish fiction you will enjoy this book. You can easily read this book with out reading the first two but you can tell it’s a series book.
http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2012/1...
This was an enjoyable book which I have come to expect with the Love Inspired line.
What I liked: I liked all the characters. I felt bad for Greta because she got dumped by her fiancé only a few days before it was going to be announced in church. Luke had to face his past and Greta was willing to help him do that. I also liked Greta’s sister even though she was more of a side character in this book I believe she will get to tell her story next.
What I did not like: Greta came across a little immature. I understand it would be hard to be dumped like she was but I rolled my eyes at her at times.
Over all I really enjoyed this book and now I want to go back and read the first two books of the series. I am also looking forward to the next book. If you like Amish fiction you will enjoy this book. You can easily read this book with out reading the first two but you can tell it’s a series book.
http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2012/1...
December 3, 2012
When Greta Goodloe is disengaged by her Amish Fiancé in the middle of the street...she is beyond tears. Luke, the local blacksmith witnesses what happens, and consoles Greta. Luke has seen Greta around, but he is new to the area of Celery Fields FL.
Luke thinks he would like a relationship with Greta's sister Lydia. He begins to think that this young woman, will be his sister-in-law, and may end up living with them?? He is really dreaming ahead!
Lydia does agree to go to a Sunday Night Singing with Luke, and now everyone thinks that the two of them will make a match? Greta's old boyfriend has begun flirting with another, even though she doesn't love Josef, she is hurt that he is already looking.
Luke does come with baggage, he has come from Ontario, and hasn't said what the problem is and why he left? Was a bit surprised by this turn of events, there is a bit of deceit going on.
I did finish this in one day, and is a fast and interesting read. If you enjoy good Amish stories, this one is for you!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.
Luke thinks he would like a relationship with Greta's sister Lydia. He begins to think that this young woman, will be his sister-in-law, and may end up living with them?? He is really dreaming ahead!
Lydia does agree to go to a Sunday Night Singing with Luke, and now everyone thinks that the two of them will make a match? Greta's old boyfriend has begun flirting with another, even though she doesn't love Josef, she is hurt that he is already looking.
Luke does come with baggage, he has come from Ontario, and hasn't said what the problem is and why he left? Was a bit surprised by this turn of events, there is a bit of deceit going on.
I did finish this in one day, and is a fast and interesting read. If you enjoy good Amish stories, this one is for you!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.
August 17, 2013
Trying to play matchmaker ends up changing this main characters life! I gave this book 5/5 stars. I liked the relationships of the two main characters, Greta and Luke. I liked how the conversations flowed and were actually real to life. I enjoyed the Amish setting and think it made the story more memorable. I would recommend this book for anyone looking for an entertaining romance between two likable characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will definitely read it again.
I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
October 10, 2013
This book started out slow for me, but towards the middle, it picked up speed and by the last several chapters, I had a hard time putting it down because I wanted to see what happened next!
I liked the characters. Greta and Luke were solidly portrayed, and you couldn't help but feel for them in the situations they ended up in. But, I have to say my favourite character was Lydia. She was a very compassionate soul. :)
I liked the characters. Greta and Luke were solidly portrayed, and you couldn't help but feel for them in the situations they ended up in. But, I have to say my favourite character was Lydia. She was a very compassionate soul. :)
September 30, 2012
I wish I could give more stars!! I LOVED this book and can not believe I have not read any others by this author. I plan to rectify this soon. I loved Greta's character so much (maybe because I can relate to her. I feel so much like her. Both good and bad, Lol) The romance was sooo tender and sweet!! I cried at the end :) Happy, happy tears! READ.THIS.BOOK!!!!
August 25, 2014
Love how simple this book was to read. I read this book as the second book in the series but it was still easy to read and follow along and didn't feel lost since I read the 2nd book first by accident. I love amish book and love this one as well.
March 19, 2016
I have enjoyed each book in this series, but this one made me cry. This is definitely my favorite! I can't wait to read Lydia's story. Thank you Anna.
October 1, 2012
(3.5 stars) This was a nice read showing the hardships met during the depression through the eyes of the Amish.
December 17, 2012
Another really good story by Anna Schmidt. Enjoyed going back to Celery Fields. Couldn't put it down until I was finished.
March 26, 2014
a blacksmith, a fire, a pair of sisters
December 19, 2017
Lovely story with an unexpected twist that really makes you gulp. Liked it so much that I'm reading the rest in the series right away!
July 30, 2017
Sweet love story. Highly recommend this book!!
July 16, 2022
The Amish community of Celery Fields, including Greta, have expected her to marry her childhood sweetheart, till the day when suddenly, in public, he tells her he can not marry her. She is heartbroken, but if she is honest she has to admit that it is more the embarrassment and the shock than it is because she really loves him.
But she soon finds herself attracted to a new man. This man, Luke, is a new arrival to their community and was witness to her rejection. As time goes by, they get closer but then there are some surprises that threaten their happiness.
The book is not very deep, nor does it truly explore any real issues with the society in which these people live. I admit to having a bit of a problem with their culture which is so different from everything I was raised to. Shunning for example always strikes me as a vicious and unloving part of the culture which I have a hard time not seeing as inhumane.
That being said, I also don't think the book rings true for what else I know about the Amish community. When an Amish word or phrase is used, it almost seems to be an insert. There is no evidence of the thees and thous that I have always identified as part of the culture.
While the author throws in a few Amish ideas, most of it tends to be generally Christian which leads me to wonder if Ms. Schmidt is actually Amish or perhaps some other denomination (perhaps Mennonite) with an interest in the Amish because of the colorfulness. That judgment may be my own and unjustified but such are the thoughts that popped up for me. I gave the book 3 stars instead of 2 because it was a quick interesting read and make some valid points about how people can sometimes surprise us in how lovingly they can act....and how in any society, there are those that are closed-minded and even vindictive.
But she soon finds herself attracted to a new man. This man, Luke, is a new arrival to their community and was witness to her rejection. As time goes by, they get closer but then there are some surprises that threaten their happiness.
The book is not very deep, nor does it truly explore any real issues with the society in which these people live. I admit to having a bit of a problem with their culture which is so different from everything I was raised to. Shunning for example always strikes me as a vicious and unloving part of the culture which I have a hard time not seeing as inhumane.
That being said, I also don't think the book rings true for what else I know about the Amish community. When an Amish word or phrase is used, it almost seems to be an insert. There is no evidence of the thees and thous that I have always identified as part of the culture.
While the author throws in a few Amish ideas, most of it tends to be generally Christian which leads me to wonder if Ms. Schmidt is actually Amish or perhaps some other denomination (perhaps Mennonite) with an interest in the Amish because of the colorfulness. That judgment may be my own and unjustified but such are the thoughts that popped up for me. I gave the book 3 stars instead of 2 because it was a quick interesting read and make some valid points about how people can sometimes surprise us in how lovingly they can act....and how in any society, there are those that are closed-minded and even vindictive.
February 21, 2021
I enjoyed this clean, Amish romance. I voluntarily chose to review this story and I've given it a 4.7* rating. Because of some of the issues, you might want to limit it to the 15 and older readers. This story has a lot of the feels in it and plenty of action to keep you turning the pages. It has a nice ending but left me wanting to know more.
September 23, 2018
Absolutely loved this book. Recommend reading!
February 18, 2022
I really liked this one. The best so far.
November 6, 2025
Not the worst book I have read but also not the best one either
February 18, 2015
Another outstanding story. Ten star rating.
I now have read two books by Anna Schmidt. They were so interesting I could hardly stop reading. A very remarkable author she is and very talented. I would recommend any of her books for you. I give this the highest star rating out there. What a talented person she is.
I now have read two books by Anna Schmidt. They were so interesting I could hardly stop reading. A very remarkable author she is and very talented. I would recommend any of her books for you. I give this the highest star rating out there. What a talented person she is.
Read
October 2, 2012Miniseries: Amish Brides of Celery Fields
Category: Inspirational Romance
Category: Inspirational Romance
October 5, 2015
A wonderful historical series by Anna Schmidt. Greta was different in a good way.
Read
December 27, 2014Miniseries: Amish Brides of Celery Fields
Category: Inspirational Romance
Category: Inspirational Romance
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews