The Amish Baker's Secret Courtship

by Amy Grochowski

A promise brought him home…

Will a pretend courtship make him stay?

Cassie Weaver dreams of opening a bakery—but that dream hinges on her good friend Martin Beiler. Martin once fled their Amish community due to his struggles with autism. Now he’s back to fulfill his promise to help Cassie set up her longed-for bakeshop. But when everyone suspects they are secretly courting, Cassie encourages the matchmaking. Because she’s hoping she can convince Martin this is where he truly belongs…

From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Genres: Harlequin, Christian Fiction

208 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published March 26, 2024

About the author

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BESTSELLING AUTHOR, Amy Grochowski's appreciation for the Amish faith and way of life stems from six years of living and working with a Beachy Amish family, as well as her own Anabaptist roots. After a nursing career of over twenty years, Amy is now fulfilling her long-awaited dream as an author of inspirational romance. She lives in the bustling foothills of North Carolina with her husband and two sons, one of whom has autism spectrum disorder. Learn more at amygrochowski.com or follow Amy on Facebook.

Reviews

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fascinating and sweet story of two friends who wished that they could be more. Yet, it didn’t seem like that was to be, as Martin had left their Amish community three years earlier. He was back, but only temporarily.

I found it fascinating to see things from Martin’s perspective. He was on the autism spectrum and had learned even more about the way he processed the world around him after having some therapy sessions over the past few years. It was interesting to see how he perceived certain things and his awareness that he could possibly be misinterpreting or misreading social cues at times.

I loved the way Cassie was in tune with Martin. She had grown up as his dearest friend and she loved him for who he was. She was sensitive to what might be problematic for him and tried to ease certain situations as they would arrive.

These two were just so good together. It was easy to see that their hearts were completely drawn to one another yet both of them struggled with wondering if a relationship could ever truly become reality.

It was fun to return to this community. The Amish Nanny’s Promise also takes place in this same Amish setting directly before this one, yet you can easily jump into The Amish Baker’s Courtship even if you haven’t read the other novel.

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Connie Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second visit to Promise, Virginia and it's just as pleasant as the first! Who wouldn't love a reunion with the Beiler and Weaver families in their small Amish community and jump at the chance to learn more about the special connection between Cassie Weaver and Martin Beiler? How could we not appreciate a young woman who has a unique understanding of a man dealing with autism, and why wouldn't we cheer when their lifelong friendship appears to be taking a new direction? Yes, this return visit to Promise was definitely worth taking!

The Amish Baker's Secret Courtship is an emotional story with memorable characters, second chances, and an inspiring message of faith and trust. I recommend it to all who enjoy heartwarming Amish romance and I'm hoping that author Amy Grochowski is planning more visits to Promise!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. There was no obligation for a positive review.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martin & Cassie, are best friends from childhood. When Martin's rebellious
twin brother left the Amish church & their small community, Martin decided to leave with him. Martin grew up struggling with autism, but started a successful beekeeping business on his own. Cassies dream has always been to start her own bakery shop. Martin comes back home to temporarily help his sister, but ends up helping Cassie renovate a house into her bakery business. Can their friendship pick up again, or has the time apart changed them too much?
This is a sweet & touching story of overcoming struggles, determination in accomplishing goal & dreams and depending on God for guidance. Ms. Grochowski's book is well written, has believable characters, is humorous & you won't want to put it down! This book for sure is sweet as honey!
I received an advanced copy, with no expectations of a positive review.

#1Bookworm

[Becky Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I lived this book a heart felt warm romance amish style Cassie dreams of opening her own amish bakery but her dad is worried about her safety will her friend Martin Tyler who moved back to to the community for a short time will Martin help Cassie build her perfect bake shop to find out get your copy

[Tara Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow!! I absolutely fell in love with this sweet, heartwarming story full of second chances, love, faith and hope. I loved reading more about Uncle Nick and Fern from A Amish Nanny's Promise. I really enjoyed reading about Martin Beiler and Cassie Weaver. When Martin returns home for a visit Cassie tries to think of ways to get him to move home again, she misses her best friend. This author knows how to keep you entertained throughout the story!! A must read!! I couldn't put it down!! I was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martin Beiler and Cassie Weaver have been friends since childhood. Martin is autistic bee keeper and has a twin brother Seth. When Seth decides to leave Martin goes with him to the valley. Cassie is devastated. She wants to have her own bakery and decides to get Martin to help her with fixing up her Uncle’s house when he comes back to set up some new bee hives in their area. While he is there can she give him a reason to stay? Will he realize that she loves him also? Great read! I was given this book to read and leave my honest review.

[Lisa Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Amish Baker's Secret Courtship the newest book by Amy Grochowski is a sweet story of lifelong friends Cassie Weaver a baker and Martin Beiler a beekeeper that after years apart are brought back together, but how long will it last?

Cassie has never moved past Martin leaving town with his twin brother Seth and has put all her efforts into fulfilling her lifelong dream of owning her own bakery and as luck would have it Martin is the one who could help fulfill that dream. 

Martin has been gone from his home town of Promise for three years with his twin brother Seth working with his bees. Martin who is currently renting his sister's house (but not living in it) to keep it in the family until the children are older has decided to sneak into town and place some bees on the property, the plan is to get in and out without seeing Cassie. 

Cassie soon finds out and puts her plan into action, but first she must bake Martins favorite treat.

I highly recommend that you read this sweet story to find out what happens. 

#amygrochowski
#theamishbarkerssecretcourtship
#loveinspiredromance
#hope&inspiration 

[Jeanette Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does a relationship go from friendship to romance?  Does Cassie and Martin  have a chance to make a life together?

A sweet story about Cassie who dreams to open a bakery.  She also secretly hopes for a closer relationship with her best friend, Martin. 

Martin also has his own dreams. He is trying to get his career off the ground.  His bee hives have kept him very busy.  But he can't get Cassie out of his mind or his heart.

I highly recommend this Love Inspired Romance Story.  I came to care for the couple and wished them all the happiness they deserved.

[Mary Hake · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet love story where the man’s autism and withdrawal may derail the courtship that never really got off the ground. I like the way the main characters cared about each other and worked to help one another whether or not they had a future together. The transformation of the old farmhouse into a successful bakery seemed to symbolize the renovation of the lives of the endearing characters. The focus is on the characters, who have been best friends since childhood. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Maryann Skaritka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sweet Amish story. It’s full of love, hope, faith, family and a second chance to see if friendship can turn into something more.
Cassie Weaver dreams of owning her own bake shop to use her skills and talents.
Martin Beiler left the Promise, Virginia Amish community along with his brother Seth three years earlier. When he returns to briefly help his family he also devotes his time to his beekeeping business.
Having autism Martin struggles at times socially. It was wonderful seeing how sweet and helpful Cassie
was with assisting Martin and showing her sweet and kind spirit. The author did an excellent job of having readers see the struggles of autism through the characters perspective.
Their families try a little bit of matchmaking but Cassie and Martin enter a pretend courtship. Martin helps Cassie by making her bakery dreams come true.
This sweet couple was delightful and brought a smile to my heart.

[Diane Jewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Amish Baker's Secret Courtship by Amy Grochowski ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Another great friendship to romance to love story by Amy. Well written with relatable characters.
I absolutely love reading about Amish culture does and don't compared to The English. This book has a little of both so it made it a delight to read. Hope you pre-order your copy today for the March 26th release and enjoy it as much as I did.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Amy for for my honest review.

[DianeLikesToRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy Grochowski did it again! Another heartwarming novel that shows us that God’s plan may not always be our plan.
Cassie decides to open a bakery and she’s hoping her good friend Martin will stick around to help her. He left for a while with his rebellious brother and due to his struggles with autism. Cassie and Martin decide to have a pretend courtship. Cassie hopes it will turn into something more!
I love how the author weaves in characters from her first book. Here’s hoping there will be a book about Seth and I want a redemption story for Nan.
I’m looking forward to the next installment in this series. Many thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Michelle Rhoden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a heartwarming book from page 1. Two people who have their own goals and dreams. Will they be able to work together to accomplish them? This is the first time I have read an Amish book where one of the main characters has autism. Such a refreshing book about friendship and obstacles that must be overcome and it kept me reading to see that would happen. I highly recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All words are my own.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING This story is about Cassie and Martin. Childhood, friends,dreams,promises and faith. Everyone knows how it will end but them. There is a few twists that having you wondering yourself. But in the end all works as God would have it.

[Kelly-Ann ~ Sassy Bookish Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved returning to the town of Promise amongst the Amish and their way of life and visiting with old friends. This book is the story of Cassie Weaver, a baker and Martin Beiler a beekeeper that have been friends since childhood but separated for a while. Cassie has been sweet on Martin since they were younger and she's the only one that has truly understood him.

This was such a sweet story and I loved how the author has made the lead character someone who is in the spectrum. I don't think I have read any stories where the lead has Autism and is being portrayed in a very positive way. I know she has written about this topic before in a previous book and she truly does a fantastic job.

Overall I really enjoyed this story, it was full of sweet romance and faith. If you enjoy reading Amish you need to ass Amy to your list of need to read authors!

I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Kim Hambleton-Burnham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading an ARC of The Amish Baker’s Secret Courtship by Amy Grochowski and let me tell you it was such a sweet story. The heroine, Cassie, opened her own bakery with the help of her life-long friend, Martin. Martin has Autism and she wrote about his experience so well. I found this book to be very enjoyable. I highly recommend it. I have to say I’m looking forward to more books in this series (hopefully) and I hope to get to read more about Cassie’s friend. I also wish I could get a taste of those cinnamon buns!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Amish Baker's Secret Courtship by Amy Grochowski
An Uplifting Inspirational Romance
A promise brought him home…
Will a pretend courtship make him stay?
Cassie Weaver dreams of opening a bakery—but that dream hinges on her good friend Martin Beiler. Martin once fled their Amish community due to his struggles with autism. Now he’s back to fulfill his promise to help Cassie set up her longed-for bakeshop. But when everyone suspects they are secretly courting, Cassie encourages the matchmaking. Because she’s hoping she can convince Martin this is where he truly belongs
This is Cassie Weaver and Martin Beiler's story.
Cassie Weaver plunged her fists deep into the bread dough until her knuckles disappeared into the center of the deflating pillow of yeasty softness. She wasn’t always so forceful with this step of bread making—a task she performed multiple times daily on most days of the week.
In fact, she loved baking and her job in her uncle’s Amish store. And Uncle Nick understood—encouraged even—her desire to open her own Amish bake shop. But her datt...
“I’m not that bad.” Although Martin had to admit to himself, he sounded pretty gruff already.
He sighed and reminded himself that everything would work out fine. Probably. Hopefully. Maybe. He kicked at the gravel. Who really knew?
As he crossed the last step up to the porch, the scent of cinnamon, yeast and honey wafted in the air. He hadn’t smelled that combination in years. Somewhere around three years, to be exact.
“Whoo-boy! Don’t that make your mouth water?” Uncle Titus Uncle Titus grinned as wide as one of the giant cinnamon rolls Martin had just been reminded of—the ones Cassie used to bake and glaze with a honey concoction just for him.
I recommend this book.
The Amish Baker's Secret Courtship by Amy Grochowski is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Amy Grochowski.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

[Heather Pickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back in the charming Amish community of Promise with author Amy Grochowski's The Amish Baker's Secret Courtship. You may remember meeting Cassie Weaver and Martin Beiler in the author's 2023 release, The Amish Nanny's Promise (which if you haven't read, you'll want to!).
Cassie works for her uncle Nick and his wife at their store, baking an array of mouthwatering goods. She has a dream of opening her own bakery, though, and has just the place for it...Uncle Nick's empty farmhouse! But her "datt" has some reservations; namely, her safety.
Enter Martin Beiler. Never feeling like he truly fit in due to his struggles with autism, he left town several years earlier. Now he's back, at least temporarily, to help Cassie modify the farmhouse and get his best friend's bakery up and running.
Cassie and Martin have been best friends since they were young "kinner", but Martin doesn't think the town will welcome him back, and he for sure and for certain doesn't think he's worthy of Cassie, the one person (besides his brother) that has always truly understood him.
Cassie and Martin's hearts are clearly meant for one another, but it seems everyone knows it except them! I loved reading how the Lord led the hearts of the beekeeper and the baker to be on the same page, in His perfect timing, plus there is my favorite...an epilogue!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this story!!! Cassie and Martin were best friends UNTIL he left the Amish community. It's been 3 years. He's not shunned by the community, but also not baptized, so he isn't accepted either. He came back ONLY to set up his beehives, but Cassie convinced him to stay for 3 months and help her set up her bakery. Her family okays him helping her, but only if he agrees he's there only on a "temporary basis." Cassie and Martin have always had strong feelings for each other, but I think neither of them were ever aware of it. But their families were not blind to it, and kept a very watchful eye on them as they worked on the bakery. The problem is, that as the 3 months are moving along, neither of them is ready to be separated again. But Martin's livelihood is in the valley, and he isn't certain he could afford to live in Promise. And even if he could live there, would the Amish community ever take him back, would Cassie's father permit him to ever court her?!

Wonderful story, and I love that we see someone with autism featured in this story. He is the main character, and I love how the author writes in some of the struggles that he faces because he is autistic. He was represented in this story very well, and I love that Cassie just "gets" Martin and she is his peace" when he is overwhelmed.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back once again in the small mountain town of Promise. Cassie Weaver wants to start a bakery and she needs her good friend Martin Beiler to help make her dream happen. This was the sweetest story by Amy Grochowski. I love the friendship between Martin and Cassie has had since childhood. It has weathered many storms one being how Martin has been gone from Promise for the last 3 years when he left with his twin brother Seth. It was so sweet reading about how this friendship grew to love. I think I might have been crying happy tears the last 3rd of the book. This is a follow up to her first Love Inspired book The Amish Nanny's Promise. You don't have to read the first book to understand what is happening in this one. It's nice though that you get to revisit characters from the first book and see what's happening with them. I appreciate that in a book so much. I hope we get more books set in Promise. I love the stories coming out of this small town. I'm very interested in other characters and where their stories might lead them. If you love sappy faith based Amish books with beautiful characters like Cassie and Martin then what are you waiting for and buy this one. I'm definitely a fan of friends to love, I was given a copy, but all opinions are my very own.

[Janet Nush · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading The Amish Baker's Secret Courtship by Amy Grochowski. This is the second book I have read by this author and I LOVED it!! Oh my, once I started reading it, I just couldn't stop! I stayed up very late to finish reading it! Her book captured my attention from the very first chapter and held it until the very last page! I fell in love with her characters Cassie and Martin. The story was sweet and the setting was very realistic. As I read each page I felt like I was actually in the Amish community of Promise with Cassie and Martin. If you enjoy reading Amish fiction, I know that you will enjoy reading this book! I look forward to returning to the Amish community of Promise and reading many more books by Amy Grochowski in the future. She is a very talented writer and her books are very well written!

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me reading from beginning to end. I definitely didn’t want to put it down.

I’ve yet to read a book where the main characters deals with autism. Author Amy Grochowski not only wrote such a character, but she did it extremely well. It really helped me to understand and it brought me to tears many times. Martin is a wonderful Amish man who knows he just doesn’t fit. And Cassie is determined to help the man she’s had a crush on for years.

A sweet story, it shows what can be achieved when working together and determining to follow God’s leading. I highly recommend this book and wish I could give it more than 5 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

[Jane Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amy Grochowski did a very nice job writing about Martin and his struggles with autism spectrum disorder. He worked hard to overcome some challenging obstacles to help his longtime friend, Cassie. Leaving his family earlier due to his struggles, he made a life for himself as a beekeeper. He came back to Promise to help his friend Cassie to open her dream bakery. With much speculation on the community's part about the two of them secretly courting, Cassie decided to encourage it as she prayed that Gott's plan was for him to stay in Promise and someday be together as more than friends. I received this book from the author. This review is my honest opinion. Pick up a copy for yourself soon before it is sold out.

[Becky Clous · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will fall instantly in love with these endearing characters and find yourself cheering them on through every twist and turn. Their love, faith, and strong connection with their community will inspire and uplift you. But, in the end, will Martin Beiler be able to overcome the obstacles of autism, family and faith struggles, and even the reservations in his own heart as well as in the heart of Cassie’s protective minister father about whether he is truly the right one to claim Cassie’s beautiful, understanding, and determined heart? Grab this great book to find out. You will enjoy it from the first page to the last!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Promise Brought Him Home.
This heartwarming read by Amy Grochowski weaves dreams, promises, and hope to make a beautiful love story. Because of obstacles, this family's determination, faith, and devotion show that love can conquer all, with God's guidance. The author added descriptive characteristics that were eye opening and heart touching.

Revisiting the people and the town of Promise, Virginia from "An Amish Nanny's Promise" made this such a delightful story. It can be read as a stand-alone. I so recommend this book.

I was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A love story about Cassie the baker and Martin the beekeeper who are best friends. Martin had left the Amish community years ago with his brother but his beehives brought him back to his home town Cassie wants her own bakery. She is hoping that Martin would stick around to help her. Thank you Amy Grochowski for another wonderful story and for bringing back some characters from your other books.

[Dali Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming Story

This is a wonderful and charming story about two best friends, Cassie Weaver and Martin Beiler, navigating the waters that have kept them in the friend zone for years rather than pursuing a deeper relationship. As they spend more time together, the waters shift, and they find that there is more to their relationship than just friendship. How it all comes together makes for a sweet story that is a joy to read.

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! The friendship between Cassie and Martin was very heartwarming and inspiring. They are both trying to establish their own life paths and have rekindled a friendship that endures many hurdles. I love how this book vividly describes the surroundings, I felt like I could really see this town and the people that lived there. This is not to be missed for all the wonderful lessons a couple learns about life, friendship and also some romance.

[Patricia A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the storyline and the characters. It was interesting to learn and read about beekeeping as well as go through Cassie’s journey . Cassie and Martin made the perfect couple only they didn’t know it. I enjoyed this story very much. I loved the characters and the setting was amazing. Made me feel as if I could visit there. I hope there is more story to tell!

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun Amish read for me, and it's the first time I've read a novel involving an Amish man with autism. I thought the author did a great job describing his difficulties in a very kind and caring way.