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Their Unlikely Amish Courtship
A fake arrangement
For the sake of a child
No one in Sugarcreek, Ohio, can believe that charming Benjamin Byler and standoffish Miriam Schrock are dating—and they’d be right. But the Amish bachelor needs the fake courtship to prove he can care for his orphaned niece. Now the mismatched couple must convince their community they’re truly in love. Except Miriam is more caring and beautiful than Benjamin thought, and he might be in danger of falling for his own charade…
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
For the sake of a child
No one in Sugarcreek, Ohio, can believe that charming Benjamin Byler and standoffish Miriam Schrock are dating—and they’d be right. But the Amish bachelor needs the fake courtship to prove he can care for his orphaned niece. Now the mismatched couple must convince their community they’re truly in love. Except Miriam is more caring and beautiful than Benjamin thought, and he might be in danger of falling for his own charade…
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
- GenresAmish FictionRomance
208 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published April 23, 2024
26 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Liggett
33 books175 followersCathy Liggett is a New York Times bestselling author and an ACFW Carol award winner. She is also an Ohio girl who never dreamed her writing journey would take her across the world and to Amish country, too. But she's learned God's plans for our lives are often more creative than the ones we imagine for ourselves. That includes re-meeting her husband at a high school reunion and marrying three months later--over forty years ago. She enjoys visiting kids and grandkids, spoiling the family pup, and knitting too (if the pattern isn't too tough!).
Please visit her website at www.cathyliggett.com or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cathyligg/
Please visit her website at www.cathyliggett.com or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cathyligg/
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 29, 2024
I fell in love with this sweet Amish romance in the first chapter. Two hurting souls are bought together when they try to fake a courtship in order to make a little girl a permanent part of their lives. They had to learn the hard way that one lie leads to another and soon they get caught in their lies. What they didn’t count on was falling in love with each other. This is their story !
I felt the pain of the three main characters of this book. There are a lot of mixed feelings and emotions. There are also happy times as the characters find purpose in their lives. The ending was beautiful and made me cry . It was an easy read and I loved the story plot. I found it hard to put this book down. It goes on my favorite shelf.
I recommend this book to readers of Amish Romance Fiction and to fans of the Author. It can be read as a standalone.
I purchased my own copy. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
I felt the pain of the three main characters of this book. There are a lot of mixed feelings and emotions. There are also happy times as the characters find purpose in their lives. The ending was beautiful and made me cry . It was an easy read and I loved the story plot. I found it hard to put this book down. It goes on my favorite shelf.
I recommend this book to readers of Amish Romance Fiction and to fans of the Author. It can be read as a standalone.
I purchased my own copy. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
April 1, 2025
4.5 stars
Sweet characters, a little bit of drama, happy ending. What’s not to love?
Sweet characters, a little bit of drama, happy ending. What’s not to love?
April 1, 2024
Bachelor Benjamin Byler and schoolteacher Miriam Schrock are an unlikely match, and their Amish community is surprised to learn that they're courting. Miriam isn't who people pictured with Sugarcreek's most eligible bachelor. But is it possible that Benjamin and Miriam can be the perfect couple to care for Emma, Benjamin's orphaned niece, or will she need to move away to live with his Englisher brother and his wife in Boston?
Miriam is independent and outspoken, even though that doesn't equate to a line of possible suitors. She is close to Emma, Benjamin's niece. He's been named as her guardian, and he realizes he's in over his head, especially as Emma hasn't spoken since her parents died. He hopes that a fake relationship with Miriam can allow Emma to stay in the only community she's ever known ... and hopefully start to speak again. Is it possible that a real family can come from this ruse?
Characters are well-developed and realistic. It's easy to root for Miriam, Benjamin, and Emma. And the story is a great reminder that all things are possible with Gott. The epilogue creates the perfect ending to this charming story.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
Miriam is independent and outspoken, even though that doesn't equate to a line of possible suitors. She is close to Emma, Benjamin's niece. He's been named as her guardian, and he realizes he's in over his head, especially as Emma hasn't spoken since her parents died. He hopes that a fake relationship with Miriam can allow Emma to stay in the only community she's ever known ... and hopefully start to speak again. Is it possible that a real family can come from this ruse?
Characters are well-developed and realistic. It's easy to root for Miriam, Benjamin, and Emma. And the story is a great reminder that all things are possible with Gott. The epilogue creates the perfect ending to this charming story.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
March 24, 2024
Miriam Schrock is her Amish community’s schoolteacher in Sugarcreek, Ohio. She’s forthright and outspoken, and knows she’s on no man’s list to court.
Benjamin Byler was fairly recently back in the community when tragedy struck his brother and sister in law. Now he’s left as guardian of his young niece, who hasn’t said a word since her parents died. Neighbor Miriam has been babysitting, but with the threat of losing young Emma, he needs to be in a relationship, even if it’s fake to everyone else. The last person the community would believe Miriam being courted by is handsome and popular Benjamin, but for the sake of Emma, she’s willing to go long with his scheme.
But as they spend more and more time together, could real feelings actually be developing? If they are, can Miriam move past the scars of her heart to accept these feelings? Can Ben work through burdens of his own to be the man Miriam deserves? With “Gott” in the center, anything is possible! Plus this story has my favorite…an epilogue!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is my own.
Benjamin Byler was fairly recently back in the community when tragedy struck his brother and sister in law. Now he’s left as guardian of his young niece, who hasn’t said a word since her parents died. Neighbor Miriam has been babysitting, but with the threat of losing young Emma, he needs to be in a relationship, even if it’s fake to everyone else. The last person the community would believe Miriam being courted by is handsome and popular Benjamin, but for the sake of Emma, she’s willing to go long with his scheme.
But as they spend more and more time together, could real feelings actually be developing? If they are, can Miriam move past the scars of her heart to accept these feelings? Can Ben work through burdens of his own to be the man Miriam deserves? With “Gott” in the center, anything is possible! Plus this story has my favorite…an epilogue!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is my own.
April 17, 2024
Their Unlikely Amish Courtship
Cathy Liggett
Wow, I loved this story. Cathy Liggett really outdid herself on this story. A very clean, Amish romance story that will have you reading way in the night to see what happens. You might laugh a little and even shed a few tears. Benjamin Byler and Miriam Schrock are long time neighbors. Benjamin is handsome and the most eligible bachelor, and Miriam is the community schoolteacher. When these two start dating no one can believe it. Benjamin’s orphaned niece needs him. Can he prove that he can take care of her? What about Miriam? Will she go alone with this fake courtship arrangement for the sake of a child? I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Cathy Liggett
Wow, I loved this story. Cathy Liggett really outdid herself on this story. A very clean, Amish romance story that will have you reading way in the night to see what happens. You might laugh a little and even shed a few tears. Benjamin Byler and Miriam Schrock are long time neighbors. Benjamin is handsome and the most eligible bachelor, and Miriam is the community schoolteacher. When these two start dating no one can believe it. Benjamin’s orphaned niece needs him. Can he prove that he can take care of her? What about Miriam? Will she go alone with this fake courtship arrangement for the sake of a child? I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
March 21, 2024
If you are looking for a sweet Amish story you will not want to miss this one.
Miriam Schrock is the school teacher in Sugarcreek Ohio.
She lives alone and seems to be doing well until Benjamin Byler, her single, good looking neighbor appears on her doorstep with a hand full of roses asking her to participate in a fake courtship to prove he can care for his orphaned niece.
Miriam already loved his niece, having known her since she was a small child but would that be enough to convince his and her friends and family that they were really courting.?
Miriam Schrock is the school teacher in Sugarcreek Ohio.
She lives alone and seems to be doing well until Benjamin Byler, her single, good looking neighbor appears on her doorstep with a hand full of roses asking her to participate in a fake courtship to prove he can care for his orphaned niece.
Miriam already loved his niece, having known her since she was a small child but would that be enough to convince his and her friends and family that they were really courting.?
April 12, 2024
Their Unlikely Amish Courtship by Cathy Liggett
An Uplifting Inspirational
A fake arrangement
For the sake of a child
No one in Sugarcreek, Ohio, can believe that charming Benjamin Byler and standoffish Miriam Schrock are dating—and they’d be right. But the Amish bachelor needs the fake courtship to prove he can care for his orphaned niece. Now the mismatched couple must convince their community they’re truly in love. Except Miriam is more caring and beautiful than Benjamin thought, and he might be in danger of falling for his own charade…
This is and Miriam Schrock and Benjamin Byler and his orphaned niece Emma's story.
The early morning June sun poured through Miriam Schrock’s kitchen window. As she sat at her oak table, the beaming light illuminated the entire space around her. That alone should’ve made her feel perky and ready to shine. Plus, the fact that school had been out for several weeks and she’d been resting from planning lessons and correcting papers should’ve energized her as well. But so far there’d been nothing typical about this summer in Sugarcreek.
As she opened the screen door, she wondered if she’d misunderstood what time she was supposed to sit with his eight-year-old niece.
“Am I late coming over to watch Emma? I thought you said after lunch.”
“I did say after lunch,” he answered tersely.
“Benjamin, what’s going on?” She frowned at his hands. “Are those... Have you been cutting down my roses?”
Studying him, she was a bit confused.
“These aren’t yours,” he replied. “They’re roses from the other side of Roman and Lizzie’s...well, my house now,” he added with a notably sad inflection. “I thought since Emma is still sleeping that I’d bring some over to you.”
“Hmm. Are you sure they’re from your house? Because some look very similar to my roses. Pretty as they are, they’d last a lot longer in the ground than in a vase filled with water.”
“You know, Miriam, if someone brings you flowers, it’s traditional to be thankful, not annoyed.” He rolled his eyes. “You also don’t have to look so suspicious.”
“And how should I look, Benjamin?” She couldn’t help but huff back.
I recommend this book.
Their Unlikely Amish Courtship by Cathy Liggett is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Cathy Liggett
I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
Trusting Her Amish Heart
Her Secret Amish Match
Their Unlikely Amish Courtship: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance
by Cathy Liggett
Redemption in Amish Country (Love Inspired)
by Cathy Liggett and Pamela Desmond Wright
An Uplifting Inspirational
A fake arrangement
For the sake of a child
No one in Sugarcreek, Ohio, can believe that charming Benjamin Byler and standoffish Miriam Schrock are dating—and they’d be right. But the Amish bachelor needs the fake courtship to prove he can care for his orphaned niece. Now the mismatched couple must convince their community they’re truly in love. Except Miriam is more caring and beautiful than Benjamin thought, and he might be in danger of falling for his own charade…
This is and Miriam Schrock and Benjamin Byler and his orphaned niece Emma's story.
The early morning June sun poured through Miriam Schrock’s kitchen window. As she sat at her oak table, the beaming light illuminated the entire space around her. That alone should’ve made her feel perky and ready to shine. Plus, the fact that school had been out for several weeks and she’d been resting from planning lessons and correcting papers should’ve energized her as well. But so far there’d been nothing typical about this summer in Sugarcreek.
As she opened the screen door, she wondered if she’d misunderstood what time she was supposed to sit with his eight-year-old niece.
“Am I late coming over to watch Emma? I thought you said after lunch.”
“I did say after lunch,” he answered tersely.
“Benjamin, what’s going on?” She frowned at his hands. “Are those... Have you been cutting down my roses?”
Studying him, she was a bit confused.
“These aren’t yours,” he replied. “They’re roses from the other side of Roman and Lizzie’s...well, my house now,” he added with a notably sad inflection. “I thought since Emma is still sleeping that I’d bring some over to you.”
“Hmm. Are you sure they’re from your house? Because some look very similar to my roses. Pretty as they are, they’d last a lot longer in the ground than in a vase filled with water.”
“You know, Miriam, if someone brings you flowers, it’s traditional to be thankful, not annoyed.” He rolled his eyes. “You also don’t have to look so suspicious.”
“And how should I look, Benjamin?” She couldn’t help but huff back.
I recommend this book.
Their Unlikely Amish Courtship by Cathy Liggett is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Cathy Liggett
I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
Trusting Her Amish Heart
Her Secret Amish Match
Their Unlikely Amish Courtship: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance
by Cathy Liggett
Redemption in Amish Country (Love Inspired)
by Cathy Liggett and Pamela Desmond Wright
March 29, 2024
Cathy Liggett is an amazing author writing about an Amish community in Sugarcreek, Ohio. The Batchelor, Benjamin Byler and the single Ms. Miriam Schrock are neighbors but are they friends? Benjamin has taken over care of his orphaned niece after the death of his sister and her husband. His brother and his wife want custody but they are not Amish. Benjamin needs a wife so he can fight for custody if necessary. He approaches Miriam about a fake courtship until his brother and his wife come to visit and then leave. She reluctantly agrees after Emma goes missing and she helps find her. Emma hasn't spoken since the funeral of her parents. Can they work together to help Emma? Will they find themselves in a fake to real relationship as time goes by? Do they have what it takes? What does the Bishop have to say to both of them as circumstances come to light? Get this book and read it. You won't be disappointed. It is a great read. Thank you Cathy Liggett for gifting me this book with no expectations for me to write a review. I wrote this review because I loved the book. These are my words and my opinion of the book. It is a really great read. Enjoy it.
March 26, 2024
Their Unlikely Amish Courtship is Cathy Leggett’s latest book. It will be available April 23, 2024. It is available for preorder on Amazon and other retail sites.
The Amish community in Sugarcreek can’t believe the handsome and outgoing Benjamin Byler and Miriam Schrock could possibly be courting. Mariam is respected as the schoolteacher, but not as a possible wife for Sugarcreek’s most eligible bachelor. Now, the question is, can this most unlikely couple fool everyone while trying to give Benjamin’s orphaned niece a chance to stay in her home community?
The characters in this story are very well developed and the plot is so exciting you can’t wait to see what happens next. This is a delightful story that can’t be missed.
It is an honor to be on Cathy’s launch team. I was given an ARC copy of the book, but was not required to give a positive review.
A 5-star read all the way.
The Amish community in Sugarcreek can’t believe the handsome and outgoing Benjamin Byler and Miriam Schrock could possibly be courting. Mariam is respected as the schoolteacher, but not as a possible wife for Sugarcreek’s most eligible bachelor. Now, the question is, can this most unlikely couple fool everyone while trying to give Benjamin’s orphaned niece a chance to stay in her home community?
The characters in this story are very well developed and the plot is so exciting you can’t wait to see what happens next. This is a delightful story that can’t be missed.
It is an honor to be on Cathy’s launch team. I was given an ARC copy of the book, but was not required to give a positive review.
A 5-star read all the way.
May 13, 2024
As I expected, I really enjoyed Their Unlikely Amish Courtship by Cathy Liggett. This author is a must read for me.
Benjamin proposes a fake courtship to Miriam for the sake of his niece, Emma, who is also one of Miriam's students. Emma's parents were killed in a buggy accident and Benjamin stands a better chance of keeping custody of Emma if he's in a committed relationship. Emma is also selectively mute.
Miriam wrestles with feeling unlovable based on her childhood experiences. She's outspoken and direct which pushes people away. Benjamin knows this going into the fake courtship but is surprised that he comes to appreciate this about her because of his past experiences in courting. Benjamin wrestles with forgiveness issues due to the death of his brother and sister-in-law. I loved the development of these characters throughout the story.
If you like Amish fiction, I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Benjamin proposes a fake courtship to Miriam for the sake of his niece, Emma, who is also one of Miriam's students. Emma's parents were killed in a buggy accident and Benjamin stands a better chance of keeping custody of Emma if he's in a committed relationship. Emma is also selectively mute.
Miriam wrestles with feeling unlovable based on her childhood experiences. She's outspoken and direct which pushes people away. Benjamin knows this going into the fake courtship but is surprised that he comes to appreciate this about her because of his past experiences in courting. Benjamin wrestles with forgiveness issues due to the death of his brother and sister-in-law. I loved the development of these characters throughout the story.
If you like Amish fiction, I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 15, 2025
This is a sweet Amish story by Cathy Liggett. Miriam and Benjamin have known each other for years having lived next door to one another since they were children. When Benjamin's brother Roman and sister-in-law Lizzie are killed in a buggy accident, Benjamin takes in his niece, Emma, to raise. However, when his Englisher brother Stephen and sister-in-law Angie suggest they take Emma to raise, Benjamin knows he has to quickly come up with an idea to keep Emma. Benjamin proposes to Miriam that they "fake" a relationship. Things get out of hand and start to backfire on them. However, during this time of pretending to be courting, they end up falling for one another. Can they work out their differences and become a family of three? You'll need to read this book and find out.
May 4, 2024
I just finished reading Their Unlikely Amish Courtship by Cathy Liggett. It is a heartwarming Amish story about a fake courting arrangement between a school teacher and a very handsome bachelor. You will fall in love with characters Miriam Schrock and Benjamin Byler. Cathy Liggett's writing style captures your attention in the very first chapter and holds it until the very last page! If you enjoy reading Amish fiction you will definitely want to read this book! I highly recommend it! I guarantee you will love reading this book as much as I have!
July 22, 2025
An easy clean read with three hurting characters. Miriam is outspoken and Benjamin returned to Sugarcreek to care for his orphaned niece. When he proposes a fake courtship to appease his English brother and others, you can only imagine what happened. Sweet little Emma and Bumper as a pet will keep the pages turning to see the next drama of events to bring brightness into Emma’s life as well as others in the community.
March 13, 2024
great book
May 24, 2024
I read this book, in just about 3 hrs. It reads itself, very good.
August 23, 2024
Newer to me author. Book was very good. Will definitely be reading more from her.
October 19, 2024
Good book! Love the story. I would recommend it for you to read.
August 8, 2025
Sometimes curiosity wins and you check out an Amish romance from Libby and then it’s the only book you have in the backcountry so you have to finish it
August 13, 2025
Lovd it!
October 7, 2025
very very good book i really enjoyed this book could not put it down
October 15, 2025
3.5⭐️
cute couple, cute chemistry, good time
cute couple, cute chemistry, good time
June 29, 2024
A Delightful Story
Benjamin and Miriam have known each other for years, but they don't really know each other. Their personalities are like night and day, which is one of the reasons why they seem like an unlikely couple. But they decide to put their differences aside for the sake of one lovely little girl who has suffered a great loss. Ben and Miriam's journey begins as a fake relationship, but eventually those waters become murky, and their relationship blossoms into more. And what happens from then on is such a delight to read.
Their Unlikely Match is a wonderful story. The characters are well developed and their interactions and conversations were sweet, but also entertaining. While the story is about loss and love, it's also a story of healing. It truly is a joy to read.
Benjamin and Miriam have known each other for years, but they don't really know each other. Their personalities are like night and day, which is one of the reasons why they seem like an unlikely couple. But they decide to put their differences aside for the sake of one lovely little girl who has suffered a great loss. Ben and Miriam's journey begins as a fake relationship, but eventually those waters become murky, and their relationship blossoms into more. And what happens from then on is such a delight to read.
Their Unlikely Match is a wonderful story. The characters are well developed and their interactions and conversations were sweet, but also entertaining. While the story is about loss and love, it's also a story of healing. It truly is a joy to read.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews