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Love Finds You in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
Two women with nothing in common except the need for a friend and a fresh start. When Amish-born Lydia Ann Raber and Southern belle Caroline DeMarco discover a shared history of loss, the unlikely duo decides to open a gift shop in beautiful Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Lydia Ann is surprised to find herself drawn to handsome woodworker Simon Zook. When God offers her a second chance at love and family, will she take it? Or will the secret Simon harbors cause her even more heartbreak? For Caroline, love comes in the way of newspaper reporter Michael Landis. Their low-key romance is a dream come true for Caroline, a fugitive from an infamous past. Is Michael to blame when the paparazzi start hovering once again, or can Caroline trust him with her heart?
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2011
8 people are currently reading
626 people want to read
About the author
Annalisa Daughety
31 books109 followersAnnalisa Daughety won first place in the Contemporary Romance category at the 2008 ACFW Genesis Awards. After graduating from Freed-Hardeman University, she spent time working as a park ranger for the National Park Service. Originally from McCrory, Arkansas, Annalisa now resides in Memphis, Tennessee. Read more at www.annalisadaughety.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 17, 2012
** This book is part of my 50 state challenge**
According to Goodreads:
Two women with nothing in common except the need for a friend and a fresh start. When Amish-born Lydia Ann Raber and Southern belle Caroline DeMarco discover a shared history of loss, the unlikely duo decides to open a gift shop in beautiful Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Lydia Ann is surprised to find herself drawn to handsome woodworker Simon Zook. When God offers her a second chance at love and family, will she take it? Or will the secret Simon harbors cause her even more heartbreak? For Caroline, love comes in the way of newspaper reporter Michael Landis. Their low-key romance is a dream come true for Caroline, a fugitive from an infamous past. Is Michael to blame when the paparazzi start hovering once again, or can Caroline trust him with her heart?
My jouney through Lancaster County ended too soon! I absolutely fell in love with this book as well as the characters. I love the friendship that blossomed between Caroline and Lydia Ann. I love that these two women were drawn to eachother because of the heart ache that they both experienced.
This book is about second chances at love. Just when you think that you will never love again, BANG it's staring you in the face. Simon, Lydia Ann, and Caroline learned that first hand. Michael had his second chance with his family. He missed out on so much and now that he is home, he doesn't want to leave.
A piece of my heart went out to the characters in this book.
I thought the story line was well written. The description throughout the book allowed the reader to feel as though they were right there along side the characters.
I rate this book 5/5!!
According to Goodreads:
Two women with nothing in common except the need for a friend and a fresh start. When Amish-born Lydia Ann Raber and Southern belle Caroline DeMarco discover a shared history of loss, the unlikely duo decides to open a gift shop in beautiful Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Lydia Ann is surprised to find herself drawn to handsome woodworker Simon Zook. When God offers her a second chance at love and family, will she take it? Or will the secret Simon harbors cause her even more heartbreak? For Caroline, love comes in the way of newspaper reporter Michael Landis. Their low-key romance is a dream come true for Caroline, a fugitive from an infamous past. Is Michael to blame when the paparazzi start hovering once again, or can Caroline trust him with her heart?
My jouney through Lancaster County ended too soon! I absolutely fell in love with this book as well as the characters. I love the friendship that blossomed between Caroline and Lydia Ann. I love that these two women were drawn to eachother because of the heart ache that they both experienced.
This book is about second chances at love. Just when you think that you will never love again, BANG it's staring you in the face. Simon, Lydia Ann, and Caroline learned that first hand. Michael had his second chance with his family. He missed out on so much and now that he is home, he doesn't want to leave.
A piece of my heart went out to the characters in this book.
I thought the story line was well written. The description throughout the book allowed the reader to feel as though they were right there along side the characters.
I rate this book 5/5!!
February 15, 2019
I read this book in less than 24 hours. Once I started I couldn’t stop. Both women captured my heart. Lydia and Caroline come from two different worlds but their lives end up intersecting and they are able to form an unexpected bond. They realize they have much more in common than first thought. Their friendship helps them deal with their fears and open themselves up to new possibilities. In addition to their own fears standing in the way of second chances at love, secrets are being kept and someone is determined to stand in their way. Can these possible couples overcome the challenges facing them? Can their future look brighter than it currently is?
While I did enjoy following Lydia and Simon’s story I found myself more drawn to Caroline and Michael’s budding romance. I quickly found myself wanting things to work out between them. I appreciated that Michael did not push Caroline and let her set a pace that she was comfortable with.
I especially enjoyed the secondary characters. Lydia’s cousins and Michael’s parents added quite a few entertaining lines. The descriptions of the area were very well done that I felt like I was visiting Lancaster County myself (hopefully someday). Overall I enjoyed this story and was pleased with the ending.
This review first appeared at: C Jane Read.
While I did enjoy following Lydia and Simon’s story I found myself more drawn to Caroline and Michael’s budding romance. I quickly found myself wanting things to work out between them. I appreciated that Michael did not push Caroline and let her set a pace that she was comfortable with.
I especially enjoyed the secondary characters. Lydia’s cousins and Michael’s parents added quite a few entertaining lines. The descriptions of the area were very well done that I felt like I was visiting Lancaster County myself (hopefully someday). Overall I enjoyed this story and was pleased with the ending.
This review first appeared at: C Jane Read.
September 18, 2011
What a delightful read this book was. This book will grab your interest from page one. I love how the author wrote about two very different, yet two very similar young women. One lives in Charm, Ohio, and the other lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
Lydia Ann Raber lost her husband to cancer five years ago and is raising her six year old twin daughters Mary and Katie the best way that she can. Lydia Ann owns a Quilt Shop in Charm, Ohio, but it was demolished, as well as several other businesses, from a recent tornado that came through. Lydia Ann makes a decision to take her daughters and go visit her Dad and Step-Mother Leah in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania for the summer.
Caroline DeMarco needing a place of refuge after a terrible tragedy in her life decides to go for a visit to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The last trip that Caroline and her Mama took together before Caroline’s Mama passed away was to Charm, Ohio. They had such a wonderful time visiting there that they decided their next trip would be to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Caroline knew this would be the perfect place for her to take refuge for awhile.
This book is about new beginnings, letting go of the past, faith in God, unconditional love, and hope for a bright future.
Lydia Ann Raber lost her husband to cancer five years ago and is raising her six year old twin daughters Mary and Katie the best way that she can. Lydia Ann owns a Quilt Shop in Charm, Ohio, but it was demolished, as well as several other businesses, from a recent tornado that came through. Lydia Ann makes a decision to take her daughters and go visit her Dad and Step-Mother Leah in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania for the summer.
Caroline DeMarco needing a place of refuge after a terrible tragedy in her life decides to go for a visit to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The last trip that Caroline and her Mama took together before Caroline’s Mama passed away was to Charm, Ohio. They had such a wonderful time visiting there that they decided their next trip would be to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Caroline knew this would be the perfect place for her to take refuge for awhile.
This book is about new beginnings, letting go of the past, faith in God, unconditional love, and hope for a bright future.
June 2, 2013
This was a quick and interesting read. The author made it easy to connect with the characters in the story and made the problems faced in the book relevant to me as a reader. I also liked how she made it feel as though I was really visiting in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It was mentioned in a group read for this novel that the Amish character in this story was mentioned in Love Finds You in Charm, Ohio by the same author, however, I found that book very confusing as it was told from so many different points of view. I would definitely pick up this book again for a quick read or when I am in the mood for a contemporary Christian romance book.
August 22, 2013
The story of 2 very different women who become friends and trust each other. They share their hopes-sorrow and despair. it's a very sweet--clean love story . I really enjoyed this story and recommeend it to anyone who enjoys a good clean love story.
October 9, 2022
I Just finished reading this lovely story of love and forgiveness. A new author to me but I loved her way of writing. I almost felt like I was in Amish Country in Lancaster County in this little bookstore. Thank you for sharing your God given talent to entertain readers like me.
January 12, 2012
I enjoyed the book. Good story line. I liked Carolina and Michael. Had a little trouble getting close to Lydia Ann and Simon.
August 20, 2021
So, as I've said elsewhere, I'm not a fan of the romance genre. I'm also not a fan of the pop Christian fiction genre. This is both rolled into one, and, surprise, I didn't really enjoy it. Why read this then? For a reading challenge. The things I do for you all....
Anyway, this is the story of Caroline DeMarco, a Georgia native whose famous husband has just been murdered, and who decides to run off to Amish country in the hope for some peace and quiet. She bumps into Michael Landis who is just moving back into his parents' B&B after losing his job in DC and is hoping to find a new start in his home town. It's also the story of Lydia Ann, an Amish widow and mother of two who moves back in with her father after a tornado destroys her quilt shop in Ohio, and then meets Simon, a Lancaster native and single Amish man with a "secret".
I am a native of Pennsylvania and live just outside of Lancaster, so this my turf. As a native, there is one thing that I have seen time and time again that has baffled me in literature: the Amish romance novel. Why do these exist? What do the actual Amish think about these books? Do THEY read these novels? It honestly feels like a fetish, because there are SCORES of these books EVERYWHERE, especially in this area, and it honestly makes me uncomfortable. Like, it feels like a Christian version of a YA or 10 cent romance piece. Since they're "Amish" and "conservative", that makes it all ok, I guess? Since there isn't sex scenes in the genre (I'M ASSUMING. IF I'M WRONG SO HELP ME...) then it's a "good book" despite the fact that the genre does everything a YA/romance does: stereotypes, characters you can insert yourself into, unrealistic relationships, cheap thrills, etc. This book isn't strictly an Amish romance (it's mostly about the two non-Amish characters), but it does lean heavily on the genre. I do not see the appeal. I just don't. It is weird to me that Amish romance novels exist (and are primarily read and marketed to non-Amish people). Moving off that soapbox:
It is apparent to me that the author does not live in Lancaster or even in PA. You can pick that up from the writing. All of the cultural pieces are straight out of a tourist book and the descriptions are so vague, I can tell that this isn't an area that the author is familiar with (and, trust me, I know. I'm VERY familiar with literally every place mentioned in this book). So there's strike one.
The characters and the plot are just so, so bland and tropey, it's cringeworthy. I do not believe a single one. Michael came off a little creepy, not romantic, and these characters have all gone through so much trauma and yet so easily get over it...yeah, no. Not how real life works. The conversations were shallow, all of the development happens off screen, and it's hard to track time movement. There are almost no Amish cultural pieces either. If the characters didn't say, "oh hey, these are Amish people", you almost wouldn't be able to tell for sure. They just ride buggies and have weird accents, is all. There's, again, no descriptions of them or their lifestyle outside of bare facts you could Google, and, therefore, it's hard to even picture them as Amish. So, there's strike two.
It also includes my number one pet peeve of the pop Christian fiction genre: shallow theology. This book is, primarily, a romance novel that just scatters in words about church and prayer to make it "Christian", but you rarely see those things actually impacting the characters in a meaningful way. Sure, they pay lip-service to it, but you don't see it as a reader. A clear, devoted life to God is missing. The faith is more of a side thing in this novel, just tacked on where it feels convenient. And, of course, everything ends perfectly and all the big traumatic bits get tied up with a pretty bow, because, for some reason, many Christian novelists don't seem to think that you can market God working in the mess of real life. Everything has to end "perfectly" with a "happily ever after" despite the fact that that's not how real life is, nor is it who God is. You don't see God present in this book, lifting the characters through their difficulties in a real way. You don't see Him working in their pain. You don't really see Him at all or the strength and power He can provide in the tough times. No, the tough things must all just magically get better in these books, and I cannot stand that trope. It does so much damage to the faith of the reader. Strike three.
All in all, it's not a great book. There's nothing really amoral in it, but there's nothing really in it period. It's a fluffy, totally unrealistic, feel good romance which just lacks in basically everything it had going for it. I know worse books exist, so it's not a 1-star book. But, even if you like this genre, I know there's better books out there. I'd pass on it if I were you.
Anyway, this is the story of Caroline DeMarco, a Georgia native whose famous husband has just been murdered, and who decides to run off to Amish country in the hope for some peace and quiet. She bumps into Michael Landis who is just moving back into his parents' B&B after losing his job in DC and is hoping to find a new start in his home town. It's also the story of Lydia Ann, an Amish widow and mother of two who moves back in with her father after a tornado destroys her quilt shop in Ohio, and then meets Simon, a Lancaster native and single Amish man with a "secret".
I am a native of Pennsylvania and live just outside of Lancaster, so this my turf. As a native, there is one thing that I have seen time and time again that has baffled me in literature: the Amish romance novel. Why do these exist? What do the actual Amish think about these books? Do THEY read these novels? It honestly feels like a fetish, because there are SCORES of these books EVERYWHERE, especially in this area, and it honestly makes me uncomfortable. Like, it feels like a Christian version of a YA or 10 cent romance piece. Since they're "Amish" and "conservative", that makes it all ok, I guess? Since there isn't sex scenes in the genre (I'M ASSUMING. IF I'M WRONG SO HELP ME...) then it's a "good book" despite the fact that the genre does everything a YA/romance does: stereotypes, characters you can insert yourself into, unrealistic relationships, cheap thrills, etc. This book isn't strictly an Amish romance (it's mostly about the two non-Amish characters), but it does lean heavily on the genre. I do not see the appeal. I just don't. It is weird to me that Amish romance novels exist (and are primarily read and marketed to non-Amish people). Moving off that soapbox:
It is apparent to me that the author does not live in Lancaster or even in PA. You can pick that up from the writing. All of the cultural pieces are straight out of a tourist book and the descriptions are so vague, I can tell that this isn't an area that the author is familiar with (and, trust me, I know. I'm VERY familiar with literally every place mentioned in this book). So there's strike one.
The characters and the plot are just so, so bland and tropey, it's cringeworthy. I do not believe a single one. Michael came off a little creepy, not romantic, and these characters have all gone through so much trauma and yet so easily get over it...yeah, no. Not how real life works. The conversations were shallow, all of the development happens off screen, and it's hard to track time movement. There are almost no Amish cultural pieces either. If the characters didn't say, "oh hey, these are Amish people", you almost wouldn't be able to tell for sure. They just ride buggies and have weird accents, is all. There's, again, no descriptions of them or their lifestyle outside of bare facts you could Google, and, therefore, it's hard to even picture them as Amish. So, there's strike two.
It also includes my number one pet peeve of the pop Christian fiction genre: shallow theology. This book is, primarily, a romance novel that just scatters in words about church and prayer to make it "Christian", but you rarely see those things actually impacting the characters in a meaningful way. Sure, they pay lip-service to it, but you don't see it as a reader. A clear, devoted life to God is missing. The faith is more of a side thing in this novel, just tacked on where it feels convenient. And, of course, everything ends perfectly and all the big traumatic bits get tied up with a pretty bow, because, for some reason, many Christian novelists don't seem to think that you can market God working in the mess of real life. Everything has to end "perfectly" with a "happily ever after" despite the fact that that's not how real life is, nor is it who God is. You don't see God present in this book, lifting the characters through their difficulties in a real way. You don't see Him working in their pain. You don't really see Him at all or the strength and power He can provide in the tough times. No, the tough things must all just magically get better in these books, and I cannot stand that trope. It does so much damage to the faith of the reader. Strike three.
All in all, it's not a great book. There's nothing really amoral in it, but there's nothing really in it period. It's a fluffy, totally unrealistic, feel good romance which just lacks in basically everything it had going for it. I know worse books exist, so it's not a 1-star book. But, even if you like this genre, I know there's better books out there. I'd pass on it if I were you.
February 8, 2021
Based on the fact it took me a year to finish, you would never know I truly loved this book. Reading has been a challenge and I couldn’t finish a book. This story stuck with me. Caroline and Lydia Ann are women you can befriend easily so the story was an easy one to pick back up. Challenges, but faith, all wrapped into the novel. This was a sweet read, not too “cheesey”, and perfect to settle my heart. Of course the ending is a happy one. Just as all books in the series are. But the journey Caroline and a Lydia Ann travel is special and believable. Loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2023
This was a wonderful story. Lots of happy endings at the completion of this book. I saw an Amish movie based on the book “Love Finds You In Charm Ohio, by this author, and wanted to read the one that takes place in Lancaster, since I grew up not far from there. I would definitely recommend. It’s not the typical Amish inspirational romance book. This one is filled with strong friendships between Amish and English. Loved it!
March 10, 2023
Once I opened this, I couldn’t stop reading! All of the characters were introduced so quickly that I DID have to flip back a couple times to remind myself who they were in the beginning, but once I got going, it was like they were all family that I’d known my whole life. The author is so good at storytelling that I felt like I was right there. I absolutely loved it!
December 22, 2018
Lydia Ann Raber is Amish, Caroline DeMarco is a Southern Bell. The two discover the have much in common and decide to open a gift shop. They live Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and are a journey of friendship and love. If you like romance grab this.
April 17, 2018
Love,Love,Love!
I enjoyed the setting in Lancaster, PA and the stories of the heroines. I enjoyed it. Thanks for the good romance.
I enjoyed the setting in Lancaster, PA and the stories of the heroines. I enjoyed it. Thanks for the good romance.
March 6, 2019
A very sweet story about finding second chances and new friendships when and where you're least expecting them.
April 27, 2019
Love the character developments! I especially enjoyed the blending of Amish & "English" cultures. Well written.
Read
January 24, 2022Didn't like.
July 18, 2022
I really enjoyed this book.
June 15, 2023
Love finds you in Lancaster County Daughety, Analisa 3 F amish Widowed Amish mother & widowed football player in tabloids find love & faith 2014 9/10/2014
September 5, 2024
very good book
September 29, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up.
October 5, 2011
Finished this last night and I'm not sure whether it's a 6 or a 7. I actually enjoyed the romance between Caroline and Michael a lot more than the Amish couple's, which is very unusual for me as I'm not normally a fan of contemporary romances and Amish stories are normally my favourite! But sadly I found that Caroline and Michael were a lot more fleshed out than Lydia Ann and Simon, who I felt like I never really got to know properly. The story picked up in the last third, when things actually started happening to the plot, rather than just developing relationships, but then I think the ending may make me drop a star from this book's rating.
Both of the couples nearly broke up because one partner pretended not to be interested in the other in order to spare them from some huge tragedy. The first time this happened, I didn't mind, but when Caroline did the exact same thing as Simon (despite assuring Lydia Ann that she thought Simon had something else on his mind and didn't mean it, and had seen the after affect of Simon's treatment of Lydia Ann!) which just didn't seem realistic in the slightest. Although everything was explained and wrapped up neatly in the end, I got a bit annoyed that the author had used the same plot contrivance twice, especially when it comes so close to being the typical romantic Big Misunderstanding, which I do so hate whenever it's used to cause conflict between characters. If a problem can be solved with a quick conversation, it isn't really a problem at all.
Despite my complaints about the events towards the end of this book, I will admit that it was a fairly enjoyable, light romance. Caroline's story was the most interesting and was one of the most original parts of the story. She turned out to be a very easy character to relate to. I enjoyed reading about her developing relationship with Michael, and the conflict with his ex-girlfriend was written very well. My fiance has your stereotypical pyscho ex from hell - bringing up old nostalgia, causing a lot of cringe-worthy embarrassment at high school reunion parties, etc - so I could completely relate to Michael and Caroline's predicament! However, I just didn't relate to Lydia Ann and Simon in the same way. I never felt like I really got close enough to them. In a way, I feel like the novel would have been better if it had focused on Caroline and Michael and had the other couple as a much smaller subplot.
All in all, I did enjoy reading this book and it was a very relaxing, comfortable experience for me. I would definitely read more from Annalisa Daughety in the future, just to see what her novels are like when she doesn't try to split herself between two stories. After further thought, I think I'll rate this book 7/10 as I did really enjoy Caroline and Michael's story, despite my earlier complaints. Maybe not the best Amish-themed romance novel I've read, but definitely a sweet story.
Both of the couples nearly broke up because one partner pretended not to be interested in the other in order to spare them from some huge tragedy. The first time this happened, I didn't mind, but when Caroline did the exact same thing as Simon (despite assuring Lydia Ann that she thought Simon had something else on his mind and didn't mean it, and had seen the after affect of Simon's treatment of Lydia Ann!) which just didn't seem realistic in the slightest. Although everything was explained and wrapped up neatly in the end, I got a bit annoyed that the author had used the same plot contrivance twice, especially when it comes so close to being the typical romantic Big Misunderstanding, which I do so hate whenever it's used to cause conflict between characters. If a problem can be solved with a quick conversation, it isn't really a problem at all.
Despite my complaints about the events towards the end of this book, I will admit that it was a fairly enjoyable, light romance. Caroline's story was the most interesting and was one of the most original parts of the story. She turned out to be a very easy character to relate to. I enjoyed reading about her developing relationship with Michael, and the conflict with his ex-girlfriend was written very well. My fiance has your stereotypical pyscho ex from hell - bringing up old nostalgia, causing a lot of cringe-worthy embarrassment at high school reunion parties, etc - so I could completely relate to Michael and Caroline's predicament! However, I just didn't relate to Lydia Ann and Simon in the same way. I never felt like I really got close enough to them. In a way, I feel like the novel would have been better if it had focused on Caroline and Michael and had the other couple as a much smaller subplot.
All in all, I did enjoy reading this book and it was a very relaxing, comfortable experience for me. I would definitely read more from Annalisa Daughety in the future, just to see what her novels are like when she doesn't try to split herself between two stories. After further thought, I think I'll rate this book 7/10 as I did really enjoy Caroline and Michael's story, despite my earlier complaints. Maybe not the best Amish-themed romance novel I've read, but definitely a sweet story.
February 16, 2012
From the very first page, it became clear to me that I was definitely going to enjoy this story. I had a wonderful time with some of these characters in Annalisa's previous LFY book that was set in Charm, Ohio, and I was so happy that their story was continued here.
One thing that completely surprised me was how much this was more a contemporary tale than an Amish one. It's no secret that I love almost every single Amish book I pick up, and while this one was minimally Amish, it made it no less a great read. I found myself caught up in the public turmoil that Caroline's husband had put her through, and craved the peace that she ultimately found in Lancaster. I was equally caught up in Lydia Ann's story as she struggled with the major decision of relocating to Lancaster from Charm. And if those things weren't enough to keep me glued to the pages, there was a little twist that showed up about halfway through, and by that time, I had no intentions of setting this book down!
Another thing that I was impressed was the setting itself. Because so many Amish stories are set in this area, there's not a whole lot left to feature in yet another book set in Lancaster....but don't let that stop you from giving it a try (it didn't stop me). :o) I could easily visualize the covered bridges that Michael and Caroline visited, as well as the restaurants and taverns that they visited with Simon and Lydia Ann, and there was just enough to have me itching to go there and see all of it for myself.
And lest I get too carried away with any more details, I'll leave this review with one final note. This was the third book that I've read by Annalisa, and while I was impressed with all the details that are mentioned above, what impressed me the most was that I could tell that she has grown as an author. I won't lie...the first book I read by her wasn't a favorite of mine, but I'm a big proponent of giving authors a second chance to make a first impression. And now having read two more books of hers since then, I can say without a doubt that I will be purposefully going out of my way to read more of her books down the road. (That might have a little something to do with all these *Southern* books she's got coming up here shortly...) :o)
One thing that completely surprised me was how much this was more a contemporary tale than an Amish one. It's no secret that I love almost every single Amish book I pick up, and while this one was minimally Amish, it made it no less a great read. I found myself caught up in the public turmoil that Caroline's husband had put her through, and craved the peace that she ultimately found in Lancaster. I was equally caught up in Lydia Ann's story as she struggled with the major decision of relocating to Lancaster from Charm. And if those things weren't enough to keep me glued to the pages, there was a little twist that showed up about halfway through, and by that time, I had no intentions of setting this book down!
Another thing that I was impressed was the setting itself. Because so many Amish stories are set in this area, there's not a whole lot left to feature in yet another book set in Lancaster....but don't let that stop you from giving it a try (it didn't stop me). :o) I could easily visualize the covered bridges that Michael and Caroline visited, as well as the restaurants and taverns that they visited with Simon and Lydia Ann, and there was just enough to have me itching to go there and see all of it for myself.
And lest I get too carried away with any more details, I'll leave this review with one final note. This was the third book that I've read by Annalisa, and while I was impressed with all the details that are mentioned above, what impressed me the most was that I could tell that she has grown as an author. I won't lie...the first book I read by her wasn't a favorite of mine, but I'm a big proponent of giving authors a second chance to make a first impression. And now having read two more books of hers since then, I can say without a doubt that I will be purposefully going out of my way to read more of her books down the road. (That might have a little something to do with all these *Southern* books she's got coming up here shortly...) :o)
January 4, 2012
Title: LOVE FINDS YOU IN LANCASTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Author: Annalisa Daughety
Publisher: Summerside Press
July 2011
ISBN: 978-1-60936-212-6
Genre: Inspirational/contemporary romance
Caroline DeMarco has made a mistake. She married a professional ballplayer, and when he unfortunately dies, the surprising number of affairs he’s had—a woman in every state—emerge, then Caroline finds herself on the cover of every tabloid and reporters parked outside her doors. Desperate to get away and regroup, Caroline changes her appearance and flees to the last place she’ll be found…Amish country.
Lydia Ann Raber has twin six-year-old daughters and a thriving quilt shop in Charm, Ohio. But when a tornado wipes away her business, Lydia takes the opportunity to visit her father who’s relocated to Lancaster County, and acquaint herself with his new bride.
When Lydia Ann and Caroline meet and find common ground, they decide to go into business together. But Caroline’s secrets are discovered—has the man she’s attracted to told the press? And the man Lydia Ann is drawn to has secrets of his own…secrets that could destroy Lydia Ann’s hope of happiness.
LOVE FINDS YOU IN LANCASTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, has two romances set in Amish country. Two sets of heroes and heroines, one Amish, one not, make this book unique. I’ve enjoyed all of the Love Finds You books that I’ve read so far, and this one is no different. I had to keep reading to find out what happens.
Ms. Daughety did a phenomenal job in bringing these four characters to life, and making the reader care about them. Even though Caroline and Michael got most of the attention, readers still cared about Lydia Ann and Simon. Readers who love Amish fiction as well as those who like contemporary romances will both love LOVE FINDS YOU IN LANCASTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. $12.99. 330 pages.
Author: Annalisa Daughety
Publisher: Summerside Press
July 2011
ISBN: 978-1-60936-212-6
Genre: Inspirational/contemporary romance
Caroline DeMarco has made a mistake. She married a professional ballplayer, and when he unfortunately dies, the surprising number of affairs he’s had—a woman in every state—emerge, then Caroline finds herself on the cover of every tabloid and reporters parked outside her doors. Desperate to get away and regroup, Caroline changes her appearance and flees to the last place she’ll be found…Amish country.
Lydia Ann Raber has twin six-year-old daughters and a thriving quilt shop in Charm, Ohio. But when a tornado wipes away her business, Lydia takes the opportunity to visit her father who’s relocated to Lancaster County, and acquaint herself with his new bride.
When Lydia Ann and Caroline meet and find common ground, they decide to go into business together. But Caroline’s secrets are discovered—has the man she’s attracted to told the press? And the man Lydia Ann is drawn to has secrets of his own…secrets that could destroy Lydia Ann’s hope of happiness.
LOVE FINDS YOU IN LANCASTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, has two romances set in Amish country. Two sets of heroes and heroines, one Amish, one not, make this book unique. I’ve enjoyed all of the Love Finds You books that I’ve read so far, and this one is no different. I had to keep reading to find out what happens.
Ms. Daughety did a phenomenal job in bringing these four characters to life, and making the reader care about them. Even though Caroline and Michael got most of the attention, readers still cared about Lydia Ann and Simon. Readers who love Amish fiction as well as those who like contemporary romances will both love LOVE FINDS YOU IN LANCASTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. $12.99. 330 pages.
August 26, 2015
Two love stories in one, but not really worth it. It was not terrible, but it was not something that I think to be too realistic. If your husband cheated on you and you were were basically living apart for two years and you saw him get shot, I doubt you'd be at peace so easily as the main character was here. I also doubt you'd be able to find love so easily afterwards or trust a man as easily. I don't think there was much of a struggle.
As far as the Amish couple - It is one thing to know Englishers and show kindness to them, but to befriend and hang out with them more than you do fellow Amish and even travel a couple hours away with them just doesn't seem like a normal Amish adult thing to do (one thing if you are young and going through Rumshpringa, another if you have already become a member of a church and were settled into it like the ones here). Also I doubt Amish people would want to go to Gettysburg to enjoy the historical sights. Anabaptists are pretty strict about being anti-war, though learning about the fact that wars exist is important, I don't know how willing they'd be to go with Englishers who might pride themselves in seeing these sights. Just a little food for thought from a fellow Anabaptist (though I'm not Amish).
Otherwise this story was a bit too dry with a lack of meat in it, but the story of forgiveness was important and finding someone who cares for who you are is also great.
I have read a few dozen Love Finds You books now and did really enjoy the Charm, Ohio one that this author also wrote, but this one was not as enjoyable. I'm a bit down about it.
As far as the Amish couple - It is one thing to know Englishers and show kindness to them, but to befriend and hang out with them more than you do fellow Amish and even travel a couple hours away with them just doesn't seem like a normal Amish adult thing to do (one thing if you are young and going through Rumshpringa, another if you have already become a member of a church and were settled into it like the ones here). Also I doubt Amish people would want to go to Gettysburg to enjoy the historical sights. Anabaptists are pretty strict about being anti-war, though learning about the fact that wars exist is important, I don't know how willing they'd be to go with Englishers who might pride themselves in seeing these sights. Just a little food for thought from a fellow Anabaptist (though I'm not Amish).
Otherwise this story was a bit too dry with a lack of meat in it, but the story of forgiveness was important and finding someone who cares for who you are is also great.
I have read a few dozen Love Finds You books now and did really enjoy the Charm, Ohio one that this author also wrote, but this one was not as enjoyable. I'm a bit down about it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2013
I have Plain extended family, so I enjoy books set in Amish Country. This book took a different approach, starting out describing the life and chaos of Caroline, who has news crews camped out on her Atlanta front lawn. But it is because Lance has just made his last appearance...at his funeral. Caroline is edgy and wants to escape.
However, the beginning also tells about Lydia Ann, who runs a quilt shop in quaint Charm, Ohio. The clouds are dropping, and the weather radio is warning of a bad approaching storm. Will the tornado reach them? The Amish are usually some of the first responders to disasters, and my Mennonite uncle's community do the same. But what happens when the radio suddenly blares that a tornado is approaching charm?
It does have a sweet ending, and it is all about second chances and the strong courage that the Amish have. I have a friend that has the same disease that Simon Zook had in the book, so it hit close to home. I don't want to add any plot spoilers, so please read the book.
However, the beginning also tells about Lydia Ann, who runs a quilt shop in quaint Charm, Ohio. The clouds are dropping, and the weather radio is warning of a bad approaching storm. Will the tornado reach them? The Amish are usually some of the first responders to disasters, and my Mennonite uncle's community do the same. But what happens when the radio suddenly blares that a tornado is approaching charm?
It does have a sweet ending, and it is all about second chances and the strong courage that the Amish have. I have a friend that has the same disease that Simon Zook had in the book, so it hit close to home. I don't want to add any plot spoilers, so please read the book.
September 5, 2011
There is something so hopeful about second chance love stories and Love Finds You in Lancaster County Pennsylvania is brimming with that quality. Daughety has created two winning romance stories that merge into one heartwarming read. And it's great for Amish toe-dabblers since the plot evenly balances both Amish and contemporary storylines.
Daughety surprised me a time or two when she veered away from predictable plotting, make this a quick and refreshing read. Lovely, pure romance -- though it's not without angst. I especially liked the way Caroline and Michael's relationship developed -- from wariness, to friendship and then something deeper. It felt so honest and real. Simon and Lydia Ann's journey is much gentler -- sweeter and the contrast between the two really sharpened the story.
Daughety surprised me a time or two when she veered away from predictable plotting, make this a quick and refreshing read. Lovely, pure romance -- though it's not without angst. I especially liked the way Caroline and Michael's relationship developed -- from wariness, to friendship and then something deeper. It felt so honest and real. Simon and Lydia Ann's journey is much gentler -- sweeter and the contrast between the two really sharpened the story.
August 13, 2011
Four people from different parts of our country find themselves in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and become a part of each other's life. Lydia Ann and her daughters go to visit her father and new bride, Michael comes home, Caroline needs rest and solitude, and Simon has lost love. What I really enjoy in this Love Finds You series novel is how lifelong friendships are formed between those of the Amish faith and those who are not.
Book related to the characters in Love Finds You in Charm, Ohio.
330 pages
Book related to the characters in Love Finds You in Charm, Ohio.
330 pages
September 21, 2011
This is my third LFY book and they have all been totally different but very enjoyable. The parallel story lines in this book between Caroline and Lydia are very well done. The contrast between the Amish couple and the "Englisher" couple is also good. Great to see how the two cultures complimented one another and that the two women and two men could become such good friends. Looking forward to reading another LFY soon.
October 12, 2015
Setting: Lancaster County, PA
Characters: Michael, Caroline, Lydia Ann, Simon
I got this book because I thought it was a movie, but I read the book instead. At first it was a little hard to keep so many characters straight, but as the book went on it got easier. It wasn't the absolute best romance, but it was good enough and there was enough suspense to make it hard to stop reading. I would like to read all the books in this series eventually!
Characters: Michael, Caroline, Lydia Ann, Simon
I got this book because I thought it was a movie, but I read the book instead. At first it was a little hard to keep so many characters straight, but as the book went on it got easier. It wasn't the absolute best romance, but it was good enough and there was enough suspense to make it hard to stop reading. I would like to read all the books in this series eventually!
August 4, 2015
Thankfully, the author kept most of the story in rural Amish country and only used modern day far-fetched murder in the big city as a plot device. Cute story for the most part, although nothing mind blowing.
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