Katie's Choice

Clover Ridge #2

by Amy Lillard

Katie Rose Fisher loved Samuel Beachy with an intensity that shook their Amish district. No one doubted they would one day marry, until Samuel turned his back on the church and joined the world of the English.

Alone now in Clover Ridge, Katie Rose dedicates her life to God and the school children she teaches each day. Although she secretly longs for more, Katie knows God’s hand is at work, and she is happy.

News correspondent Zane Carson never even knew Oklahoma had an Amish community until he got the chance to live among them and learn about their day-to-day activities. Their simple way of life is intriguing, but not half as much as the young teacher.

Katie Rose is flattered over the attention she receives from Zane, but she has resolved to never marry. Even if she were to entertain the idea, it surely couldn’t be with an outsider like Zane.

Never one prone to the restraints of organized religion, Zane finds a comfort in the rituals and blessings in the day to day righteous living of this small Amish community. He finds himself, God, and love with Katie Rose.

But as Zane draws closer to Katie Rose, Samuel comes back to repent his ways and return to his place at her side. Can Zane convince Katie Rose that he is committed to adapting to her way of life, or will Samuel win her affec- tions back for himself once again?

Genres: Amish, Christian Fiction, Amish Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Christian, Christian Romance

323 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 8, 2013

About the author

I'm a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.

I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I've retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I'm from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son--a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!

I love homemade tacos, nail polish, and romance novels--not necessarily in that order. I'm a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I'm shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.

I believe that God is love. I guess that's why I adore romances.

I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I'm a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that's me June Cleaver with a laptop.

I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twlight series (I'll get to it or I won't, either way I'm good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I'm alone on this last one, and again, I'm good with it.)

Favorite movies--(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940's movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven't seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn's and Audrey's.

Reviews

[Cheryl Baranski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Katie Rose Fisher and Zane Carson. He came to Clover Ridge reluctantly. He was a reporter that cover stories like the war. He was shot and had to recover from his injuries. Zane lost his parents at the age of 10, his only family member took him in to raise him, his Uncle. Zane’s uncle has since past away. Reporting is the only life he has. In order to get back to the war torn areas that he wants his editor insists that he take a three month story covering the Amish and their way of life. It is all to help the Amish raise money to help cover the medical expenses of Ruth Fisher who is fighting breast cancer.
All Zane wants to do is get these stories done. He left what few things he owns back in Chicago while he is away in Amish country.
Including Monica the girl he asked to marry him, she has still to answer him.
Who knew after only three months he would come to love the lifestyle and have feelings for Katie Rose Fisher. Katie thinks she islong pass marring age after being abanded years ago by her intended. She fights her feels that she has for Zane. He is english after all. Katie is determined to do what is right teach school, raise her brothers childre and take care of them since their mother passed away in childbirth.
Will Katie Rose and Zane realize what path that God has laid out before them before it is to late. Monica (Zane’s intended)and Samuel(Katie Rose’s former intended, have both shown up and stirred up feelings Zane and Katie Rose. How will it end?
A definate must read

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie's Choice: A Clover Ridge Novel
Katie Rose Fisher an Amish lady who was in love with her childhood sweet heart and friend. She grew up with Samuel Beachy and everyone thought they would join the Church and get married. Samuel decided that he wasn't ready for marriage and to join the church so he turned his back on Katie and the church. He wanted to live in the English world. Katie always knew she wanted to live in The Old Order Amish Community of Clover Ridge, Oklahoma . She wanted to join the church and live for God. Katie is living with her brother Gabriel ever since his wife passed away. She is helping him take care of his two children.She said that helping Gabriel, teaching the children at school, and living for God was her life and she had no plans to get married. She still can't get Samuel out of her mind.
Zane Carson is a News Correspondent and was given a job to go to this Amish Community and get a story on their every day way of life. Katie's mom, Ruth Fisher was also part of his assignment. She is very sick and it is costing a lot for her treatments.Zane has never gone to church or even prayed and he was suppose to go and live with the Fisher family for a while and get his story for the News. Oh, Zane is also engaged to marry his friend back home. Zane is living and working with the Fisher family, and he thinks Katie is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. He just loves those eyes. There is an attraction between them when they first meet. Katie wants no part of a man especially an English one.Now both are having a hard time with their feeling around each other and with themselves.
Well I guess I better stop before I spoil everything.
What about Zane's girlfriend Monica that he has ask to marry him???
Will Samuel come to his senses and come back?? Also what about Katie and Zane the difference between them, would they ever make it together??
Well all I can say about this Amish Romance book is WOW.This is a very good written story and I would read it again. I gave this book a 5 Stars rating because it is good and very well written.

I won this Advance Reader copy and was not told to write a good review.
Release date is May 1,2013

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Just Another Amish Fiction Read!

I have quickly become a fan of Amy Lillard. After reading her first book Saving Gideon, I couldn't wait to read Katie's Choice.

Katie Rose Fisher is a woman who has accepted her calling from God. That calling is to help care for her brother's children and to be the schoolteacher in her district. She is obedient to this call because of her love for children. She has resigned herself to a life without a husband and children of her own. This is what God wishes for her isn't it? She had one love in her life, Samuel Beachy. When Samuel left the Amish district and Katie for the English world, Katie was crushed.

Zane Carson, a war correspondent for Around the World magazine, was recovering from a bullet wound to his shoulder when he received a call from Jolene Davidson, senior editor of the magazine. Zane was hoping to hear he was being sent to Juarez, Mexico to cover an assignment on the war on drugs. A very dangerous assignment Zane knew but he wanted the excitement of the job. Instead Jo wanted him to spend three months in Oklahoma Amish country. Surely, she was joking! She promised Zane that if he took this assignment she would make sure he got the Juarez assignment.

Katie being Amish and Zane from the English world both knew that what they felt could never be acted on. Katie had a close relationship with God. Zane wanted nothing to do with God. Surely there could never be any kind of relationship between the two. Zane was looking forward to leaving in 3 months after this assignment was done. Wasn't he?

The author not only brought two worlds together, she made it seem like a natural thing to do. There were moments of laugh out loud humor, moments of struggling with an illness, moments of seeing family and community working together and definitely moments of doing some soul searching. We see love, faith, and trust all coming together. Choices had to be made.

This book is very deserving of 5 stars. I urge you to pick up a copy. You will not be disappointed. I can't wait to read author Amy Lillard's next book!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't realize that this was the second book in the Clover Ridge Novel series by Amy Lillard, thankfully though the author provides enough background information that it was easy to be pulled right into the story. I really felt drawn to Clover Ridge, and the characters in the story. The author's storytelling, not only created endearing characters, but also a plot that easily pulled me along. Katie Fisher feels like she is well past the age for marrying, even though she longs for more she is content with the plan that God has for her, and that's teaching the children, and helping to take care of her brother's children. Things change though when Zane Carson comes to town. As a war correspondent the last place he expected to be assigned was in Oklahoma Amish country, but that's his next assignment. Staying for three months to get an inside view of the Amish. He and Katie are drawn together, but how could it ever work, after all Zane is an outsider. An added twist is the person who left Katie and the faith has come back. Will she reconnect with him, or is there some way that she and Zane might find love?

Great setting, wonderful characters, and an interesting story made "Katie's Choice" a great read for me. I enjoyed this one so much that I have already ordered the first book in the series titled "Saving Gideon."

A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review purposes.

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend seems hardly the word to describe my feelings after reading Katie's Choice by author Amy Lillard. This is one of the best books I've read this year and desperately needs to be added to anyone who loves Amish fiction! I would most definitely add this to your summer reading list even if your simply a fan of romance stories and have never read an Amish fiction novel before.

Picking up on the heels of its predecessor, Saving Gideon, the reader is once more back at the Fisher family farm in Oklahoma. This time it's to help with the financial worries facing the community in dealing with Ruth Fisher's cancer treatments. Asking an English reporter, Zane Carson to spend three months in their home learning about what the Amish life is all about, they are hoping since the English are so interested in the Amish way of life, this might be a way to help contribute to the ongoing cancer treatments Ruth has been facing since learning she has breast cancer.

Zane Carson is less than thrilled with his latest assignment in Oklahoma preferring to be in the midst of some war in a third world country at war. Yet still recovering from his last story in which he was shot, his editor Jo, promises if he can cover this story for three months, she send his to Juarez, Mexico to deal with the ongoing drug cartels. For Zane it's a no brainer to do this. Until he discovers that living life as an Amish person is a whole lot more challenging than he ever dreamed. Not just dealing with no electricity, but men are working from before sun up to sun down, plowing, planting and caring for the farm. Something this Chicago based city boy is about to get a rude awakening on. What he didn't plan on, was falling for Katie Rose Fisher, a plain and simple Amish girl dealing with her own heartbreak.

Katie Rose Fisher has been waiting for the man she dreamed of marrying, Samuel Beachy. She's been waiting for six long years and has resolved her fate in life, that Samuel will never return from living among the English and instead cares for her brother and his only child, while teaching the children in the one room Amish schoolhouse. She truly believed that after Samuel experienced his time during rumspringa, that he would return to the church and they would marry, but Samuel didn't want to return to the church. He wanted to remain English instead and never looked back. Katie now believes it's long past time to find someone else to marry and it's certainly not going to be the man moving into her parents home, no matter how good looking he is.

I received Katie's Choice by Amy Lillard compliments of B and H Publishing Group and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and received no monetary compensation for a favorable one. Now I can say I thought Saving Gideon was my favorite but after reading Katie's Choice, I am stuck in the middle. Amy Lillard seamlessly weaves two beautiful genre's together in writing her latest novels in the Clover Ridge Series, Amish Fiction and Contemporary Romance, and for me and my book lover's heart, I am in LOVE! Hands down this one is a 5 out of 5 stars, which in my world means it's a permanent keeper on my library shelf, one that I will read more than once and will talk about long after reading it. I especially loved the relationship that Zane develops with John Paul, Katie's brother who himself is in the midst of rumspringa and the lessons they teach one another about growing up and practical jokes. There's even a discussion guide included to make this one a great novel for a book club along with a glossary of Amish words you'll found throughout the novel. Trust me, get this one! While you're at it, better pick up Saving Gideon too because it shares the story of Annie whom you will meet in this one!

[Jalynn Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book:

Katie Rose Fisher loved Samuel Beachy with an intensity that shook their Amish district. No one doubted they would one day marry, until Samuel turned his back on the church and joined the world of the English.

Alone now in Clover Ridge, Katie Rose dedicates her life to God and the school children she teaches each day. Although she secretly longs for more, Katie knows God’s hand is at work, and she is happy.

News correspondent Zane Carson never even knew Oklahoma had an Amish community until he got the chance to live among them and learn about their day-to-day activities. Their simple way of life is intriguing, but not half as much as the young teacher.

Katie Rose is flattered over the attention she receives from Zane, but she has resolved to never marry. Even if she were to entertain the idea, it surely couldn’t be with an outsider like Zane.

Never one prone to the restraints of organized religion, Zane finds a comfort in the rituals and blessings in the day to day righteous living of this small Amish community. He finds himself, God, and love with Katie Rose.

But as Zane draws closer to Katie Rose, Samuel comes back to repent his ways and return to his place at her side. Can Zane convince Katie Rose that he is committed to adapting to her way of life, or will Samuel win her affections back for himself once again?



About the Author:

Amy Lillard is an award-winning writer who loves reading romance novels from contemporary to Amish. These two genres met in her first book, 2012's Saving Gideon. Born and bred in Mississippi, she now lives with her husband and son in Oklahoma.



My Review:

I had never heard of the author until reading Katie's Choice which is a well written novel based on the fact that Katie, an Amish girl is very much smitten with a fellow Amish man by the name of Samuel Beachy and Samuel doesn't seem to return the affection the way he should. And Katie doesn't understand why he hasn't returned from living with the English. And as a result of this Katie has resigned herself to the fact that she will never marry. Never marry that is until Zane comes into her life. And making that vow to herself turns out to be a very hard thing to live by. Especially since Zane isn't Amish.

But Zane could be the hope and dreams that Katie has longed for if only she would give Zane a chance to get close since her major heartbreak caused by Samuel and his continued absence.



**Disclosure** I received a copy of the book above for my honest review from the author.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to start out by saying I am a bad street team member. Ach! Too often when you are an active reviewer books pile up fast and this was the case with this book. I did read the last book in the series so I started out this book, knowing if the boy would get the girl. At first I was wondering why read it, you know what happens, but I am so glad I took the time to read this book. It was a fun story. It also gave you more insight to the relationships that you have read about in the previous book, and even the latter book. I LOVED the practical jokes. The Fisher men got one over on Zane, his first day of working in the fields but he got them back. And the gig was on then. More practical jokes and tricks followed and they really made the story even more enjoyable for me. This book is a wonderful story and I loved it 5 stars from this reviewer.
This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.

[Cheryal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. You don't even need to have a fixation with the Amish to love this one. I am so sad that there was one before this one. I will read it now but would have loved to have read it in order. Good news is that there is a third one.
It is romantic, it makes me laugh outloud, there is a spice added religion so no preaching. The excitement as two worlds collide. Ahhhhh makes me want to read it again.

[Lindsey Silvestrini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Amy Lillard’s writing in her first book in the Clover Ridge Series Saving Gideon so I was sure I’d like Katie’s Choice just as much.I was not disappointed!

I love Lillard’s simple style of writing and am so intrigued by the Amish way of life. It makes me want to move to Clover Ridge and never look back. It’s hard to see a difficult lifestyle full of hard work, minimal amenities and strict rules as appealing but Lillard somehow succeeds in doing this.

I got to know the characters in the first book so it was nice to jump right in and see what they were up to. This time the focus was more on Katie Rose who is helping her brother raise his only child after the loss of his wife. She has accepted her fate to never get married after being heart broken by Samuel and left to help her brother. Everything changes when Zane Carson comes along.

While Katie is a little rude to Zane at first, it’s only to hide her attraction to him. She knows nothing can come of a relationship with an Englischer. But Zane has struggles of his own. He is a reporter studying the Amish lifestyle but gets much more then he bargained for. Katie awakens something in him and he begins to question his own lifestyle and the wisdom of living a life without God.

Will studying the Amish lifestyle make him want to become one of them? Is his mutual attraction to Katie Rose enough to help him make some touch choices?

I liked the characters in Lillard’s story and that Annie and Gideon who I loved in the first book are still in the picture. It’s always and adjustment for me when reading a series for the focus to be shifted on someone else. But less then halfway into this book and I was entirely focused on Katie and Zane.
From the original plot to the stories of the characters I’ve come to love, Katie’s Choice was just as good as Saving Gideon and I can’t wait to see what Lillard writes next.

[Andrea Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most books that you read about the Amish involve just the Amish. This book was very different in that respect. Zane Carson is a worldly reporter, used to covering stories in the worst conditions. He's sent to Oklahoma to study the Amish way of life and bring their story to the world for his magazine.

Amy Lillard brings the day to day life of the Fisher family to life on each page. You feel like you knew all of them. I adored Ruth, who was undergoing treatment for breast cancer and had her own demons she was facing. She was spunky and determined even though she was frightened.

And John Paul, who seems like the typical teenage boy on his rumspringa, who is anything but.

These characters show the importance of family as well as Zane's journey to find God and love. You may think that the story is about Katie Rose, and yes, she's the heroine here, but it is Zane who is front and center.

Amy shows us through his eyes how the Amish live and how he came to become one of them while he worked on her families farm and how he fell in love with her.

It isn't often that Englischers turn Amish. I hope that in future books, we'll see if Zane and Katie's relationship succeeds. You certainly are rooting for them. You even feel a bit sad for Zane's girlfriend, who is often forgotten throughout the book. As for Samuel Beachy? Well when he returns you have to let out a groan of disgust. I mean, he left the faith and was gone for 6 years and expected Katie to agree to marry him?

Not good marriage material if you ask me.

Again, it leaves you wondering what will become of him in the future, will he return to the fold or will he go back out into the world

I can't wait for the next book!

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. It helps you realize what exactly is important in life. Zane Carson is a reporter, wounded in Afghanistan. He is recovering and ready to get to get back in action. His Editor thinks it is to soon, but has an assignment for him. Visit and tell about life in Amish Country in Oklahoma.
Thus begins his life awakening moments, refreshing warm memories of his Childhood. He grew up in a Hippie Commune with his parents. Although they died while he was still young, and he finished growing up with his Uncle in Chicago. He was brought up without knowing God, and now he is going to live with people who base their lives on God.
Just before he leaves he asks his girlfriend Monica to marry him, she hadn't given him an answer.
Arriving in Oklahoma he has no idea at all how Amish people live. I was pleasantly surprised at how well he seems to adapt. He of course, being a reporter is full of questions.
Katie Fisher has been hurt when her intended left her a few years ago. He wanted to go English. She now is the Amish School Teacher, and helps her brother with the care of his family. One thing you notice as soon as she meets Zane is sparks. We all know this cannot be, he is Agnostic and she loves the Lord. He is English and she is Amish.
I loved how the whole community comes together, and basically the acceptance of the English man, of course there is a reason behind him being there, which you will soon find out.
Enjoy this quick pace read in the Oklahoma Amish Community. I for one am so glad there is another book in this series.

I received this book through First Wild Card Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.

[JC Morrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another masterful telling from Amy Lillard.


WOW!

I’ll say it again. Amy Lillard has such an amazing talent

It is amazing to see so many different perspectives in her work. In the first book of this series: Saving Gideon, we had the perspective of an outsider looking in.

In Katie’s Choice we get the added perspective of a hard-core unbeliever who also happens to be a journalist.

Amy writes with such realism, she puts you in the shoes of each character and the different perspectives are absolutely wonderful.

One of my favorite things about this genre is that the lack of things like intimacy before marriage or bad language force the story to be so much more developed than most mainstream fiction.

Mainstream fiction depends on that “hook” to sell books and Inspirational fiction actually has have a well developed plot and storyline to make it.


Amy Lillard is a prime example of that.

Her plots are well-constructed and they flow well. She doesn’t feel the need to fill the pages with overblown drama or unbelievable events. You follow along the story and it all feels perfectly real while still being highly entertaining.

I feel blessed to have found such a terrific new author and I hope to see many more books of hers in the years to come.

Disclaimer: I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was wonderful. As the second book in the Clover Ridge Series, it follows the life of Katie Rose, who is the sister of Gideon from book number one (Saving Gideon) in the series. A great follow up to Saving Gideon, Katie's Choice introduces us to Zane Carson. Zane, a reporter, has led a hard life and does not believe in God. He is assigned to live with the Amish for three months and ends up living with Katie's parents. Can Katie Rose's heart open up to him and be healed from a previous hurt? Will Zane ever believe that God is real? Would he want to leave his former life and devote himself to God and Katie Rose? This was a sweet story and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was very hard to put down and I would recommend this book highly to any fans of Christian fiction and Amish romance.

[Gayle Pace · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEW:

I'm an Amish fiction lover. I think that anybody that loves Amish reads should add this to their to read list. Even if you're a romance lover, I think you'll love it. We start off with the Fisher family in Oklahoma. You may like to start out reading SAVING GIDEON, the first in the series. Ruth Fisher has cancer and is receiving medical attention for it. The financial worries are building. As we all know, the English are so fascinated with the Amish. This is where an English reporter comes in. Zane Carson is asked to stay in the Fisher home to discover what Amish living really is. The reporter is not exactly thrilled about doing this. He is promised by his editor that if he does this story that he can go to Mexico to report on the drug dealing.

I had to smile at Zane thinking this was a cinch. He doesn't realize that Amish life can be very challenging and yet rewarding. What an eye opener this will be for the city boy. I loved when Zane fell for Katie Rose Fisher. But Katie had no intentions of getting involved with the English man that was living in her parent's home. She was a simple Amish girl who had battles of her own. She teaches the Amish children. She is filled with heartache. The man she had waited six years for has not returned from the English. Samuel went through his rumspringa and didn't want to go back and he didn't. I felt like he wasn't worthy of Katie. He was a cad.

Zane ended up developing a great friendship with Katie's brother John Paul and how they got along so well. I found that heart warming considering the differences between the English and Amish.

You will find a mix of romance and plain, simple living. I found it was complicated for the Amish and the English. I loved this book. The author did a wonderful job of weaving the English with the Amish with romance. It's a book of love. I've found that most Amish reads are calming and usually make me reflect on the differences. I will definitely purchase this book in print and add it to my Amish collection. I can't say enough about what a fantastic book the author, Amy Lillard has written. I encourage any reader to go get this book and read it. You will probably want to re-read it. I know I will. As an extra, you will find a glossary of Amish words and a discussion guide for book clubs or anyone.

I would give this book 5 STARS

The cover was beautiful, another 5 STARS

I received this book at NetGalley on behalf of the author and publisher for this unbiased review.

[Dali Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit that sometimes when I read the summary on the back of a book, I draw a conclusion of how I think things will turn out. However, Katie's Choice had me guessing to the very end. Amy Lillard's second book in A Clover Ridge Novel is a beautifully written, tender romance with tinges of humor rolled in, which makes for an awesome combination. Sometimes books in a series are difficult, because you tend to measure book 2 against book 1, and so on. Katie's Choice definitely does not disappoint. Can't wait for book 3!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved these Amish stories of Clover Ridge. Wish they would put a big #1, #2, #3 on the books so I could have read them in order. But even so, each one intertwined with the other. Great reads.
WHOOPS! They do list the numbers!! Just noticed. Bad me!

[JoAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review originally posted on Romancing-the-Book.com is shown below:

I read book one, Saving Gideon, for review and thoroughly enjoyed it. So much so that the author offered to send me this book to review and I jumped at it. The book immersed me in the Amish way of life and takes place in Oklahoma not Lancaster where I believe most Amish people live. The Fisher family are again front and center and it was nice to pick up where we left off with Gideon and Annie. Ruth and Abram were endearing and led the family well. We saw different sides of them – loving and caring for family and friends, how they dealt with Ruth’s illness and how they led a gentle life on their farm and with prayer. John Paul was intriguing in his demeanor since he was enjoying his rumspringa but not how I would have imagined him doing so. Watching Zane embrace the Amish life and his awkwardness once back in Chicago with his fiancee, Monica, was unexpected but felt right. I could see him mellowing before my eyes and embracing all things Amish during his stay with the family. There were so many sides to him and he realized growing up as he did he missed out on a lot – interactions with family, attending church and leading a more orderly life although he knows that being a war correspondent helped mold him to who he is today. Katie was very warm and caring as a teacher to the Amish, as she helped raise her brother Gabriel’s family, helped care for other members in the community or helped Zane acclimate to the Amish way of life. Their interactions were rich and heartwarming. There was laughter, tears, sorrow, heartache, prayers, religion, family, friends, romance and love. There was a happily ever after in the offing and I’m hoping it will materialize in book 3, Gabriel’s Bride. There was a glossary of Amish words in the back of the book that was helpful and a letter written by Katie as well. I felt the letter would have been better suited in the front of the book. But all in all a wonderful read from start to finish that I had a hard time putting it down and stayed up way to late to finish it!

I’ve read books about the Amish before but this author and her Clover Ridge series raises the bar. I look forward to reading many more of her books both as Lillard which she uses for both Amish and contemporary romance novels and Amie Louellen which she uses to pen contemporary romance novels.

Favorite Quote: Just because he found her warm and refreshing didn’t mean anything beyond that. They were from two different worlds – and that’s how it would forever remain.

[DJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

We first met Katie Rose in Saving Gideon, when she taught Annie how to cook. Besides helping her older brother, by caring for his children and his home, she also teaches at the Amish schoolhouse.

Katie Rose would have been married already, but Samuel Beachy, after making plans to marry, left and became an Englischer. Although she longs for children of her own, she knows her brother needs her.

When an Englischer reporter comes to stay with the Fisher family, will Katie be tempted to leave with him?

Trust me; you don’t want to miss this story. Read the series and follow Katie and Zane’s story.

Amy Lillard writes a wonderful story, showing yet another Englischer who tries to fit into the Amish way of life. I was thrilled to find the second book just as interesting as the first one in the series.

Don’t miss this exciting series, found in the wonderful (fictional) community of Clover Ridge.

Happy Reading!!!

[Colletta Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

It had been a while since I'd read an Amish story and I was looking forward to it. I was not disappointed! This book had everything I could wish for.

I loved how Zane, a war reporter, took to the Amish life so readily. Katie was such a wonderful character as well.

The author did a wonderful job with the setting, characters and flow. I was pulled into the story and couldn't wait to find out how it turned out. I was very pleased :)

[Romancing the Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by JoAnne
Book provided by the author for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

I read book one, Saving Gideon, for review and thoroughly enjoyed it. So much so that the author offered to send me this book to review and I jumped at it. The book immersed me in the Amish way of life and takes place in Oklahoma not Lancaster where I believe most Amish people live. The Fisher family are again front and center and it was nice to pick up where we left off with Gideon and Annie. Ruth and Abram were endearing and led the family well. We saw different sides of them – loving and caring for family and friends, how they dealt with Ruth’s illness and how they led a gentle life on their farm and with prayer. John Paul was intriguing in his demeanor since he was enjoying his rumspringa but not how I would have imagined him doing so. Watching Zane embrace the Amish life and his awkwardness once back in Chicago with his fiancee, Monica, was unexpected but felt right. I could see him mellowing before my eyes and embracing all things Amish during his stay with the family. There were so many sides to him and he realized growing up as he did he missed out on a lot – interactions with family, attending church and leading a more orderly life although he knows that being a war correspondent helped mold him to who he is today. Katie was very warm and caring as a teacher to the Amish, as she helped raise her brother Gabriel’s family, helped care for other members in the community or helped Zane acclimate to the Amish way of life. Their interactions were rich and heartwarming. There was laughter, tears, sorrow, heartache, prayers, religion, family, friends, romance and love. There was a happily ever after in the offing and I’m hoping it will materialize in book 3, Gabriel’s Bride. There was a glossary of Amish words in the back of the book that was helpful and a letter written by Katie as well. I felt the letter would have been better suited in the front of the book. But all in all a wonderful read from start to finish that I had a hard time putting it down and stayed up way to late to finish it!

I’ve read books about the Amish before but this author and her Clover Ridge series raises the bar. I look forward to reading many more of her books both as Lillard which she uses for both Amish and contemporary romance novels and Amie Louellen which she uses to pen contemporary romance novels.

Favorite Quote: Just because he found her warm and refreshing didn’t mean anything beyond that. They were from two different worlds – and that’s how it would forever remain.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This is good. I love the characters. It's a beautfullyu-written novel. I cannot wait for book three.

[Cindi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zane Carson, a news correspondent is sent on an unusual assignment. He's heading to Oklahoma to learn about the Amish way of life. His mission is to not only report, but actually live with an Amish family for three months.

Katie Rose teaches at the local Amish school and is raising her brother's children after he lost his wife during childbirth. Katie has accepted that she will never be married because her beau left the Amish for the English world.

Can Zane learn what it's truly like to be Amish? Will Katie be happy with her life as a teacher and fill-in mother?

This would be a great book to start with if you are not familiar with the Amish, as the story gives a lot of information on their beliefs and way of life. There are some terrific spiritual lessons in this novel that made the storyline even better.

I give Katie's Choice 4-1/2 stars.

[Megann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow another great book in the series I have one more to read and will finish up with that and move on to another author for awhile. Loved this book too as it shows that nobodies life is without trouble and it's how you handle it that makes you what you are.

[ASC Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this book when I realized there was one before it, and that I had the first in the series already. So I put Katie's Choice down and read Saving Gideon first. I'm so glad I did. While Katie's Choice can be a stand alone I think that I enjoyed it much more after already being introduced and loving the original characters. That said, there are really great scenes that I loved; though there are also lulls in the story. It didn't completely capture me at times when at others I couldn't put it down! The over all message and story is interesting and unique. I love how Amy gives you a character that you don't like and don't want to like in the beginning and then does something that makes you love them like the rest. Katie's Choice is wonderful for the reader that has just started reading Amish stories. You will learn along with Zane about their ways and customs, but it is also great for those that have read about the Amish regularly (though at times I personally got frustrated with Zane in his first views of the Amish). :) Amy captures how The Lord will provide and how resourceful the people that trust in Him can come to be! :) A journey of change and finding Salvation and faith lies with in these pages! :) From the cost of fighting cancer to the love and loyalty of family! Katie's Choice is an all around great read! :) Plus there are some great humorous scenes! :D I can't wait for the rest of the characters stories and see what Amy comes up with!

One last note that I must share is how I love that a Glossary is included! While as you read Amish fiction it becomes easy to know what they say without the help of a glossary it is still very considerate when it is included! :) The only question I would have for Amy is..."Where are the recipes?!?!?!?" ;) LOL!

My song choices: "The Love of God" by Dave Hunt, "Little Drummer Boy" Faith Hill,

and while I know I used this one for Saving Gideon as well; I must use it again for Katie's choice. On so many levels it works! :) (This time I'll use Dave's version :) ) "God Gave Me You" by Dave Barnes

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katie’s Choice by Amy Lillard is an Amish romance novel. It is the second book in the series. Zane is a war correspondent who has been recuperating from a gunshot wound for the last six months. He is anxious to get back to work. Being shot made Zane realize how precious life and he proposes to his girlfriend, Monica (though he is not sure about her). His latest assignment from Around the World magazine is to go to Oklahoma Amish country (Old World Amish) and experience the life. Zane will then write some articles on his experience (if he does a good job, he will get to go to Juarez, Mexico and write about the drug wars). Zane will be staying with the Fisher family while in Oklahoma. The Fisher’s will act as his host family. Ruth Fisher has cancer and her treatment was quite costly to the community. The community is hoping an article will help bring tourists to the area and bring in some needed money for the community coffers.

Katie Rose Fisher is the eldest daughter in the Fisher family. She is the teacher at the local school and lives with her brother, Gabriel. She is helping him raise his children after his wife died giving birth to the youngest boy, Samuel (who has Downs Syndrome). Katie does not think she will ever marry since she is in her late twenties. However, Katie is instantly attracted to Zane. Katie knows she needs to stay away from Zane since he is an Englischer and does not believe in God. God, though, does have a way of working these things out.

I give Katie’s Choice 4 out of 5 stars. It is a sweet Amish romance that is enjoyable to read. Zane learned some valuable lessons while living among the Amish that will stay with him the rest of his life.

I received a complimentary copy of Katie’s Choice from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own.

http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...

[Eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katie´s Choice is the second book of Amy Lillard´s Clover Ridge series. I am not reading the books in correct order, but I have really enjoyed the third book of the series, Gabriel´s Bride, and I looked forward very much to this one.

I can´t say I am disappointed. Perhaps the title is a bit misleading. For me, it was more of Zane´s Journey than Katie´s Choice. Amy Lillard builds a captivating story around a stay of a war zone reporter Zane Carson in an Amish family. Zane as given this assignment to recuperate from his last stay in the Middle East and he isn´t thrilled. The Fisher family, who had agreed on this arrangement to help raise funds for their mother Ruth´s cancer treatment, treats Zane as one of their own, and he discovers that there is much more to the plain life that meets the eye of a regular tourist. He befriends the daughter of the family, Katie Rose, who decided not to marry, teach at the local school and help her widowed brother to bring up his five kids. Zane, loner and atheist, has to rethink his beliefs and way of life. Katie has also to make a choice (finally) - future with the newcomer Zane or with Samuel Beachy, her old love that has returned to the Amish community.
To sum up, Gabriel´s Bride will probably stay my favourite of the series, but Katie´s Choice is certainly worth reading.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amy is another author whose books I have not yet read and now she is on my list of Favorite Authors !!!!!!! I have always been intrigued about the Amish and have seen many a documentaries about their life style….I am surprised at how much I believe as they do in many ways. And as Zane, one of the main characters in this book too finds out how different their lifestyles are….He is not used to so many things that are different as many of our lives are…

I do not want to give away too much about this story of the Amish and what happens to Zane while he is there as a correspondent to watch and write as he is in the Oklahoma Amish Country…But I do want to say you will fall in love with this lovely story of how these people learn and live together…Amy took much time and effort to make all the Amish lifestyle to be true and not just her opinion…

LOVE ..LOVE.. LOVE.. this story and you will also!!!

I HIGHLY recommend this book from tweens and up!!!

Amy, May God’s Grace and Love engulf you and guide you all the days of your life in Jesus Name AMEN !!!!

I received this book for Christian Fiction Blog Alliance in return for my honest review

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zane Carson is a war correspondent who finds himself assigned to Clover Ridge Amish community for three months. It is the hope of the community that his magazine article will bring tourists to help raise money that will help cover the costs of Ruth Fisher's cancer treatments. Zane will live with the Fishers and learn the ways of the Amish by doing so. His first wake up call is just that - a 5 AM wake up call to milk the cows! He is then required to wear Amish attire. All of this is tempered by his growing attraction to the Fisher's daughter Katie Rose, who keeps house for her widowed brother and his six children and also teaches school in the Amish school. There are many complications attached to this romance, of course. One being that Zane is not Amish. Secondly, he is already engaged to someone back home in Chicago! A third obstacle is thrown in when Katie's long lost love, Samuel Beachey, returns to Clover Ridge and wants to marry her ASAP. Who will Katie choose?

[Teresa Snyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took awhile before I connected with Zane and Katie Rose - actually, half the book. I liked them both, individually, but didn't really feel the chemistry like I did with Gideon and Annie in book one of the series. Maybe it was the storyline, or maybe it was just me. Regardless, about half way though the book, things started to pick up - storyline and chemistry.

I was also disappointed that there wasn't more interaction between Gideon and Annie. Annie played a big part in this book, and there was mention of the two of them together, and their impending marriage, but not much with the two of the together.

Really enjoyed John Paul and Mary Elizabeth . I hope they get to tell their stories in future books. Not yet sure how I feel about Gabriel, the grouchy brother, being the focus of book three. I'm sure by the end of the book I will love him, but not so much at the moment.

Very much looking forward to discovering the rest of the story for Zane and Katie Rose in future books.

[Marge Pinkus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just waiting for more.

Great twist and unexpected turns in this well written amish story. Sorry I read this book before #1. Trying to locate 1st and sequels in the future.