The Bridge of Progress (Lancaster Bridges Book Two): An Amish Romance Series

by Sylvia Price, Tandy O (Editor)

Discover a world of love, faith, and community. Follow the Lancaster County Amish as they navigate the challenges of balancing their beliefs with the allure of the wider world.

Lydia Lapp, a young Amish woman returning from a New Order Amish community, is eager to bridge the gap between the Amish and Englisch communities, but not everyone is on board with her ideas. As tensions rise over a proposed factory, Lydia and other community members work to find a compromise that respects tradition while allowing for progress. Along the way, they discover new opportunities for growth and employment, and even unexpected love.

Meanwhile, Hannah Fisher struggles with her decision to leave the community, and Ruth Fisher and David Lantz's relationship is tested by their differing views. Through it all, the community learns the value of compromise and the importance of embracing change. This is a story of love, friendship, and the power of community in the face of adversity.

The Lancaster Bridges series explores a close-knit Amish community in Pennsylvania as they navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing world. Experience the beauty and simplicity of Amish culture, while also witnessing the characters' journeys of self-discovery, personal growth, and community building. Overall, the series offers a rich and heartfelt portrayal of a community that is both deeply traditional and open to change, and celebrates the enduring values of family, faith, and love.

Genres: Amish

203 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 18, 2023

About the author

Now an Amazon bestselling author, Sylvia Price is an author of Amish and contemporary romance and women’s fiction. She especially loves writing uplifting stories about second chances!

Sylvia was inspired to write about the Amish as a result of the enduring legacy of Mennonite missionaries in her life. While living with them for three weeks, they got her a library card and encouraged her to start reading to cope with the loss of television and radio, giving Sylvia a new-found appreciation for books.

Although raised in the cosmopolitan city of Montréal, Sylvia spent her adolescent and young adult years in Nova Scotia, and the beautiful countryside landscapes and ocean views serve as the backdrop to her contemporary novels.

After meeting and falling in love with an American while living abroad, Sylvia now resides in the US. She spends her days writing, hoping to inspire the next generation to read more stories. When she’s not writing, Sylvia stays busy making sure her three young children are alive and well-fed.

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Reviews

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book in a series but can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story as well. The author shares just enough background info to complete the present story line without it being repetitive. This series is all about different “Bridges”.

Sylvia used a fictional story to allow the reader to relax and enjoy it and yet she fills it with useful life lessons and the importance of faith. Nothing is preachy in her stories, but a relationship with God and reliance on His touch in the individual’s life is displayed.

This book starts with the closing of a growing relationship in the previous book where two main individuals realized they wanted different futures. It transitions with Samuel looking for his dream of the future. The gmay has an ongoing conflict between two groups of its members: one demanding to hold fast to the old traditional ways, fearful of change and a second who desire to use more modern ideas/ways. Through determination and lots of effort a compromise resolution is reached… and can even be used in real life.

Another great story by a terrific author. I received an advanced copy and am leaving my honest review. A well done story!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bridge of Progress is the second book in the Lancaster Bridges series and I'm looking forward to reading more. This is Samuel and Lydia's story and it was nice to see them reconnect when she returns to her hometown to help out in her aunt and uncle's bakery. The story picks up where we left off and was a lovely continuation of the story.

There's still division in their small town and Lydia does a lot to bridge their differences into workable solutions. She is caring and resourceful and has a way of sharing viewpoints and bringing the different factions together. Although everyone is not on board, their town can move forward on several projects once she forms committees with those who want to help.

There's an underlying romance, prayers, Amish beliefs and more. There are heartwarming tales but I was always waiting for the other shoe to drop where Levi, Samuel's brother, is concerned. The story had a good flow and I liked how Lydia could bridge ideas, needs, beliefs and people together. There was some closure and the possibility of a happily ever after but I was hoping for more. I can't wait to read more books in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samuel’s childhood friend, Lydia, arrives back in town shortly after Hannah returns to college. As soon as she perceives the animosity between the members of the Amish community, she sets about trying to bridge the division by building a relationship with the Englischer developer of a planned factory construction that will benefit all those in the area.
Sylvia Price has produced another well-thought-out plot. Lydia is portrayed as a strong leader who can unite the opposing factions within the Amish gmaye, and teach them that they can live and work harmoniously with Englisch people.
So why 4 stars? Firstly, I considered Samuel to be a weak character: he was continually swayed in his opinions of traditional vs progressive; and he began a relationship with Lydia right after of his break-up with Hannah.
Secondly, the author appears to prolong the book by often reiterating the dilemmas being faced by the Amish community and the planning of the factory. The reader is also not told what the factory will manufacture.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katherine Hayward Pérez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was eagerly awaiting The Bridge of Progress after the first book from the series and the prequel. I liked the work Lydia did and how the Amish community always rally round and help. The tornado was shocking, but a good twist to the story. There are sudden problems in Lydia's personal life: Can she choose what's right?

Can the community as well as Lydia and Samuel stop a factory ruining the Amish way of life and help the community progress? Will the community center project work to benefit the community?

I liked the bond between Lydia and Samuel. and the positive notion of moving forward.

The Bridge of Progress is another emotional winner of a book in the Lancaster Bridges series. The pacing is something that is characteristic of Sylvia Price's writing, and it always leaves me hooked on her stories. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Thanks to Sylvia Price.

[Malgorzata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conflict between conservative group and progressive one is growing bigger in the Amish community where Samuel is caught in the middle. He met his old schoolfriend, Lydia, who, after few years away, returned to her hometown to help her uncle and aunt in the bakery. She is trying to show her community that accepting progress not necessarily means abandoning faith and traditions. Lydia with help of Samuel, David, Ruth and others is working on building bridges within community and with Englischer world. Meanwhile she is growing closer with Samuel as through all the work which they do together, they support and encourage each other.
I really like how the main characters are growing, changing and learning how to deal without anger with opponents.

[Debbie Earls · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book #2 in this series. Bridge of Progress centers around Samuel and Lydia, childhood friends, who are reunited as adults when Lydia moves back to Lancaster. Lydia has more progressive ideas to bridge The Amish community with the English community. Samuel is more old order but willing for changes to be made that will benefit all. One is to build a community center for both communities to use. The other is a factory that wants to build in Lancaster that will help by employing The Amish and the English. Samuel's brother, Levi, is against any type of progress. This causes friction between the brothers. Read this book to see what resolutions evolve to help all concerned.

[Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two continues Samuel's story as he embraces his thoughts and ideas on progress in his community. Tensions run high in this conservative Amish community with the prospect of an English company building a factory nearby. Samuel is cauhght in the middle. His brother, Levi, leads the side which fears change of any kind. Lydia, a childhood friend, heads up the opposite side attempting to convince this community that progress doesn't mean turning their backs on their values and traditions. This is an easy-going, slow read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Evelyn Foreman · Rating 5 out of 5]

While neither Samuel or Lydia were prepared for the challenges which lay ahead as they strove together to bring unity to their community between the Amish and the Englisch, neither were they prepared for the childhood friendship to possibly be something deeper. But could he finally let go of his feelings for Hannah to pursue Lydia? Would their hard work pay in the end by uniting two different worlds? This enthralling story will grab your very soul as you sense the heart of the author throughout!

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

How long will it take for Lydia and Samuel to realize they aren't kids anymore growing up in Lancaster County? With Hannah continuing her education outside the community, what is Samuel to do? Has she decided to continue in the Englisch world or return to the life that Samuel wants with her? Who can take her place? Is Lydia the one - even though she is pushing toward progress in Lancaster County with the building of a big business by the Englischers?
Really good series!

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lydia Lapp a Amish woman is returning from a new order Amish community and wanting to bridge the gap between the Amish and English and not everyone agrees with her. Lydia has to respect tradition and find a bridge to except the change. Meanwhile Hannah struggles with her wish to leave the community while Ruth Fisher and David Lantz are tested by their different views. A great read of love, friendship and endurance. I received this book free via booksprouts and leave a honest review. I

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is another wonder Amish book!! I loved the characters and story line. Samuel has his sites set on Hannah, but when she leaves he realizes that it was not meant to be... can he get over her so he can pursue Lydia?? Follow their adventures and challenges! I highly recommend this book for everyone who loves clean and wholesome Amish inspirational stories!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samuel has a chance for a wife when Lydia returns to the Amish community. She has been with a more progressive community. Her ideas for how to help the community grow causes Samuel & especially Levi to question if she is the right match. A group wants to build a new factory. Will that be good or bad? Progress doesn't come easy & Levi, as usual, is in opposition.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This inspirational read is a story of love, friendship and the effectiveness of prayer on the Lancaster Amish community. I really like that Samuel is able to move on and enjoyed his dynamic with Lydia who shows great strength. Ms. Price has given us another must read in her Lancaster Bridge series and I look forward to book three. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Cheryl Hollingsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was wonderful to read about how Hannah & Ruth both continue to work towards progress for their community (& themselves). And, I'm so happy that Samuel met up with Lydia again -- reminding me that God's plans are always best, but sometimes we must wait on His timing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t like this book as much as the others in the series. I felt it moved too slowly was drawn out by rehashing thoughts and things over and over. I did like the relationship growing between Samuel and Lydia, the great metaphors and descriptions, but what a way to end the book up in the air!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bonnie Theel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lydia and Samuel were childhood friends. She moved with her family to a new order Amish community. She returned to Lancaster to help her aunt and uncle in the bakery.

Will Lydia and Samuel re-connect? Will they be able to work together to bring the Amish and Englisch to an understanding without sacrificing their beliefs?

I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.

[Linda Lavoie · Rating 5 out of 5]

great story

You will fall in love with this 2nd book in this wonderful series, the clash between the Amish way of life and modern world will keep you coming back for more, the friendships between the people will be put to the test for our reader’s pleasure. You have to read them all.

[Angie S. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was a little boring, it was way more about the infighting in the community with just a spattering here and there of the relationship, mostly in the I wonder if he/she cares for me too questions. I don't know if I'm going to finish the series because I worry that I'm going to read more like this.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing the trials and lifes of the Amish as they find their ways ahead in life and choosing what paths to take. Well written engaging read I can't wait for more!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angie Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The bridge of progress Lancaster bridges was a fantastic book I really enjoyed reading. I love the characters it is book 2 and is much better than the first book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Toothpick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the characters in this book. Since it's part of a series the reader gets to see how their thoughts, actions and decisions are affecting their lives. When I read I feel like I'm a fly looking over what's going on....in other words, I feel like I'm really there.

[Dorothy Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tensions Mount

Lydia hopes to rejoin the Amish community after being away since childhood. As she reconnects with her friend Samuel, she discovers a division within the community. I loved that Lydia worked so hard for peace.

[Kari Slade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Community, Unity, and Love

Lydia and Samuel learn to grow together as they help their community grow more toward cooperation and unity. The Bridge of Progress is a sweet story of patience, perserverence, community and love.

[N Ham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way the characters continue to grow in this series and look forward to continuing this journey with them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheryl McCrork · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good Amish series

This book has information on the Amish beliefs and how they follow their guidelines. It was a good story about change and the factor of growth. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.

[Mary Labeots · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love found

It's a good read for teens on up. It shows how, with Presidents and commitment, changes can be made to benefit a community.