What do you think?
Rate this book
The Bliss Creek Amish #1
To Love and to Cherish
In author Kelly Irvin's first installment in the Bliss Creek Amish series, readers will find a charming, romantic story of how God works even in the darkest moments.
It's been four years since Carl left. Four years since he left the safety of the small Amish community for the Englisch world. And in four years, Emma's heart has only begun to heal.
Now, with the unexpected death of her parents, Emma is plunged back into a world of despair and confusion. It's a confusion only compounded by Carl's return. She's supposed to be in love with him...so why can't she keep her mind off Thomas, the strong, quiet widower who always seems to be underfoot? Could the man she only knew as a friend be the one to help her to heal?
In a world that seems to be changing no matter how tightly she clings to the past, this one woman must see beyond her pain and open her heart to trust once again.
It's been four years since Carl left. Four years since he left the safety of the small Amish community for the Englisch world. And in four years, Emma's heart has only begun to heal.
Now, with the unexpected death of her parents, Emma is plunged back into a world of despair and confusion. It's a confusion only compounded by Carl's return. She's supposed to be in love with him...so why can't she keep her mind off Thomas, the strong, quiet widower who always seems to be underfoot? Could the man she only knew as a friend be the one to help her to heal?
In a world that seems to be changing no matter how tightly she clings to the past, this one woman must see beyond her pain and open her heart to trust once again.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2012
33 people are currently reading
762 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Irvin
74 books831 followersBest-selling author Kelly Irvin splits her writing time between Amish romances and romantic suspense. Her latest release is Trust Me (2/8/22), a romantic suspense novel set in San Antonio's historic art district. It explores broken trust and whether trust can ever be restored. Publishers Weekly called it a "whirlwind romantic thriller" and "an emotional rollercoaster."
Her latest Amish romance is Love's Dwelling, the first book in the Amish Blessings series, which released in July 2021. The series takes place in Yoder and Haven, Kansas, and looks at adoption among the Amish. The series follows her Amish romance series, Amish of Sky Country includes Mountains of Grace, followed by The Long Bridge Home, and Peace in the Valley. The series explores Amish communities in northwest Montana and how they are impacted by wildfires.
Other romantic suspense novels include Her Every Move, which Publishers Weekly called gripping suspense and said, "loving descriptions of San Antonio’s attractions enhance the well-paced plot."
The publication called Closer Than She Knows a "brisk, smoothly written, thriller."
Kelly's Every Amish Season series includes Upon A Spring Breeze, Beneath the Summer Sun, Through the Autumn Air, and With Winter's First Frost from Zondervan/HarperCollins Christian Publishing. This follows the Amish of Bee County series, The Saddle Maker's Son, released in June 2016. It is an ECPA bestseller. It follows The Bishop's Son, and the critically acclaimed bestseller, The Beekeeper's Son, which earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly. The reviewer called it "a beautifully woven masterpiece." The Beekeeper's Son was a finalist in the romance category of the 2016 ACFW Carol Awards Contest.
Kelly is also the author of the Bliss Creek Amish series and the New Amish Amish series. The first series includes To Love and To Cherish, A Heart Made New, and Love’s Journey Home, published by Harvest House. The New Hope Amish series includes Love Still Stands, followed by Love Redeemed, which was an ACFW Carol Award finalist, and A Plain Love Song.
Kelly has also penned two other romantic suspense novels, A Deadly Wilderness and No Child of Mine..
The Kansas native is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and ACFW's San Antonio local chapter Alamo City Christian Fiction Writers.
A graduate of the University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism, Kelly has been writing nonfiction professionally for thirty years. She studied for three semesters at the University of Costa Rica, learning the Spanish language. As a journalist, she worked six years in the border towns of Laredo and El Paso.
She worked in public relations for the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department for 22 years before retiring earlier this year. Kelly has been married to photographer Tim Irvin for twenty-eight years. They have two young adult children and have three grandchildren. In her spare time, she likes to write short stories, read books by her favorite authors, and looks forward to visits with her grandchildren.
Her latest Amish romance is Love's Dwelling, the first book in the Amish Blessings series, which released in July 2021. The series takes place in Yoder and Haven, Kansas, and looks at adoption among the Amish. The series follows her Amish romance series, Amish of Sky Country includes Mountains of Grace, followed by The Long Bridge Home, and Peace in the Valley. The series explores Amish communities in northwest Montana and how they are impacted by wildfires.
Other romantic suspense novels include Her Every Move, which Publishers Weekly called gripping suspense and said, "loving descriptions of San Antonio’s attractions enhance the well-paced plot."
The publication called Closer Than She Knows a "brisk, smoothly written, thriller."
Kelly's Every Amish Season series includes Upon A Spring Breeze, Beneath the Summer Sun, Through the Autumn Air, and With Winter's First Frost from Zondervan/HarperCollins Christian Publishing. This follows the Amish of Bee County series, The Saddle Maker's Son, released in June 2016. It is an ECPA bestseller. It follows The Bishop's Son, and the critically acclaimed bestseller, The Beekeeper's Son, which earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly. The reviewer called it "a beautifully woven masterpiece." The Beekeeper's Son was a finalist in the romance category of the 2016 ACFW Carol Awards Contest.
Kelly is also the author of the Bliss Creek Amish series and the New Amish Amish series. The first series includes To Love and To Cherish, A Heart Made New, and Love’s Journey Home, published by Harvest House. The New Hope Amish series includes Love Still Stands, followed by Love Redeemed, which was an ACFW Carol Award finalist, and A Plain Love Song.
Kelly has also penned two other romantic suspense novels, A Deadly Wilderness and No Child of Mine..
The Kansas native is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and ACFW's San Antonio local chapter Alamo City Christian Fiction Writers.
A graduate of the University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism, Kelly has been writing nonfiction professionally for thirty years. She studied for three semesters at the University of Costa Rica, learning the Spanish language. As a journalist, she worked six years in the border towns of Laredo and El Paso.
She worked in public relations for the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department for 22 years before retiring earlier this year. Kelly has been married to photographer Tim Irvin for twenty-eight years. They have two young adult children and have three grandchildren. In her spare time, she likes to write short stories, read books by her favorite authors, and looks forward to visits with her grandchildren.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
February 15, 2012
Emma's heart was broken four years ago when her beau Carl decided that he needed to try living in the Amish world. As a school teacher she believes that her pupils may be the closest she will ever come to having her own children. When an unexpected accident takes the lives of her mother and father she learns that an old family friend Thomas has feelings for her and actually talked to her father, but her father thought their age difference was to far apart. Thomas is a quiet widower with two small children who feels drawn to Emma, but decided to honor her father's wishes, but now since her parents are gone, their relationship slowly starts to change, but when Carl returns home saying he wants to return to the faith and tries courting Emma, her feelings are conflicted. There is a secret though that Carl is harboring, a secret that he shares with Emma. Will Emma and Thomas find love together, or will Carl be the one she chooses?
Amish fiction is my favorite genre to read, but I hadn't read anything by this new to me author Kelly Irvin, so I was excited to give her writing a try. Well I loved this story. I was immediately drawn into the story. The story opens with a major tragedy that caused me to feel sorrow for Emma and her siblings. While the primary story was of 23 year old Emma there were a few secondary stories that really pulled this book along at a brisk pace. For example her sister Catherine was struggling with PTSD because of something she saw. Her brother Luke and his wife Leah had to move back to the family farm so that Luke could fill in the gaps left open by the loss of his parents, which wasn't an easy transition for Leah by any means.There was also the struggle her seventeen year old brother Josiah was facing because he was thinking of leaving the faith.With several story lines going on one might assume that it would be difficult to keep things straight , but the author does an amazing job of weaving them together to make for a fast moving plot that kept me wanting to know not only how things would work out for Emma but for everyone else as well. I thought the author's message of faith and forgiveness was perfectly blended into the story, we see how Emma struggles with finding forgiveness for the truck driver who caused the accident, and finding some wonderful words of wisdom from her aunt.
Overall I really enjoyed the first installment of The Bliss Creek Amish and look forward to reading the next installment in the series.
Amish fiction is my favorite genre to read, but I hadn't read anything by this new to me author Kelly Irvin, so I was excited to give her writing a try. Well I loved this story. I was immediately drawn into the story. The story opens with a major tragedy that caused me to feel sorrow for Emma and her siblings. While the primary story was of 23 year old Emma there were a few secondary stories that really pulled this book along at a brisk pace. For example her sister Catherine was struggling with PTSD because of something she saw. Her brother Luke and his wife Leah had to move back to the family farm so that Luke could fill in the gaps left open by the loss of his parents, which wasn't an easy transition for Leah by any means.There was also the struggle her seventeen year old brother Josiah was facing because he was thinking of leaving the faith.With several story lines going on one might assume that it would be difficult to keep things straight , but the author does an amazing job of weaving them together to make for a fast moving plot that kept me wanting to know not only how things would work out for Emma but for everyone else as well. I thought the author's message of faith and forgiveness was perfectly blended into the story, we see how Emma struggles with finding forgiveness for the truck driver who caused the accident, and finding some wonderful words of wisdom from her aunt.
Overall I really enjoyed the first installment of The Bliss Creek Amish and look forward to reading the next installment in the series.
February 10, 2012
Wow!! I have never read a book that has so much happening in it. Buggy accident, tornado, barn raising, rebellious son coming home, and leaving,a nervous breakdown, a missing child in a snowstorm and that is not even a drop in the bucket. This book has lots of action. An Amish Action Adventure book, truly at time it was a bit overwhelming however, Kelly Irvin does an awesome job of keeping everything straight and tying the story together. This was a great story of learning that just as everyone does, the main female character in this story (Emma) struggles with forgiving and has for years. It began with her intended, leaving the faith, he had already been baptised, so he was not in rumspringa, but left to see what was out in the world. Emma struggles for four years to forgive Carl, but it is harder than she thought, and friends marrying and having babies makes the wound open up over and over. The death of her parents, even adds to the burden of forgiveness. How will she forgive the driver of the truck that struck their buggy, and how will she forgive God for taking her parents away? A great story that you have to read!! I loved the book and look forward to reading more books from Kelly Irvin. A 4 star rating is what I give this book! This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.
April 2, 2013
LOVE’S JOURNEY HOME by KELLY IRVIN, is a contemporary Amish romance. MS. IRVIN has done a fine job in telling a story about disappointment, hardships, everyday struggles, and second chances. Her characters deal with raising children after the death of a spouse, and all that entails.
Gabriel Gless, along with his passel of children, move to Bliss Creek in hopes of escaping the worldly influences of Indiana. Helen Crouch is doing just fine, taking care of her kids and getting by. Gabriel and Helen have so much in common. So why can’t they seem to speak without getting into an argument?
*Please see my profile for more information on this review.
Gabriel Gless, along with his passel of children, move to Bliss Creek in hopes of escaping the worldly influences of Indiana. Helen Crouch is doing just fine, taking care of her kids and getting by. Gabriel and Helen have so much in common. So why can’t they seem to speak without getting into an argument?
*Please see my profile for more information on this review.
April 15, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. At first I thought it might just be a nice to read book. Well, it had much more depth than I thought it would. I couldn't wait to pick up the book and read more whenever I had the time. This book is about, love, loyalty, loss, forgiveness and seriously learning how to get along with others that you share a home with. Always, always, always, it comes down to "pride." Pride is such a defeater of relationships. We want it our way, our way is the best, cry cry because that person doesn't agree with me. Get rid of your pride and your self pity and see what a better life you can have without that pride. Do what is right. That is a big reason I like to read books about the Amish. Life sure isn't easy, only they work so hard at forgiveness and helping one another. I wish the rest of the "believers" in this world would act that way. Especially the Pastors or leadership! If you don't get to know the Pastor or leadership, you may not find out you are in error going to the church you attend. Well, I got a little of course. Sorry, this book was a great read and about real life issues. I recommend to all.
July 29, 2022
4.5 stars.
This is my first time reading a book by this new to me author and I really enjoyed reading it.
From the very beginning of the book and the storyline already draws you in and keeps you hooked throughout.
Even though a lot of stuff happen in the book I never felt like I was getting lost in all of the twists and turns.
I really liked reading about how Emma comes to realize how she has grown after a heartbreak and what she now wants for her life and her future.
I also liked how even though she struggles with forgiving those that have hurt her she learns to forgive with God’s help.
I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
This is my first time reading a book by this new to me author and I really enjoyed reading it.
From the very beginning of the book and the storyline already draws you in and keeps you hooked throughout.
Even though a lot of stuff happen in the book I never felt like I was getting lost in all of the twists and turns.
I really liked reading about how Emma comes to realize how she has grown after a heartbreak and what she now wants for her life and her future.
I also liked how even though she struggles with forgiving those that have hurt her she learns to forgive with God’s help.
I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
February 7, 2024
I always enjoy an Amish story. This one not so much as others I have read. It just seemed the story line between Carl, Emma and Thomas drug on and on. Amish ways are interesting. When Catherine needed help from a psychiatrist, it was frowned upon by the Amish community. You would think that they would want to get Catherine whatever help she needed to get over the trauma from watching her parents get killed. I guess the Amish feel that to put God first takes care of all that ails a person. That's some mighty big faith thought.
March 4, 2017
At times I found this book a little slow, but overall I enjoyed it a great deal. My only wish was the ending had been a little longer and we saw into their future happiness. Maybe if I am lucky book two will give me what I wanted to see at the end of book one!
Read
July 31, 2020Young woman dealing with two men interested in her. She is dealing with the buggy accident that killed her parents. Emma has to look past her pain, find strength in God and open her heart to true love.
May 18, 2023
Beautiful First Book in First Series
I have been reading Kelly Irvine 's books for years and such a delight to read now the series that started it all. FORGIVENESS is the main theme throughout the story. Also, how the Amish community comes together in all kinds of circumstances.
I have been reading Kelly Irvine 's books for years and such a delight to read now the series that started it all. FORGIVENESS is the main theme throughout the story. Also, how the Amish community comes together in all kinds of circumstances.
June 9, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. Twists and turns to make the story interesting.
August 13, 2018
I loved this book!! Great story!! Starting to like this author's books!!
March 29, 2020
Great book!
January 6, 2022
more
This books had a few “I didn’t see that coming!” In it. Left me wanting more. So glad there is going to be more books to come.
This books had a few “I didn’t see that coming!” In it. Left me wanting more. So glad there is going to be more books to come.
March 21, 2017
Very Good
I really enjoyed reading it was a very interesting read I really enjoyed all the characters I thought the ending was a little sudden it left you in a cliffhanger but overall I thought it was a very good read.
I really enjoyed reading it was a very interesting read I really enjoyed all the characters I thought the ending was a little sudden it left you in a cliffhanger but overall I thought it was a very good read.
October 4, 2012
I had the privilege of reading To Love and To Cherish, the first book in The Bliss Creek Amish series by Kelly Irvin. What a great introduction to the Schirack family.
When I read an author new to me for the first time, I usually will look to see if there are more books by him or her. I was pleasantly surprised to see that this was not the first book that Kelly Irvin had written. She not only writes Amish fiction, but has two books in the Romantic Suspense genre. Those books are: A Deadly Wilderness and No Child of Mine. They are now on my “to read” list.
Regarding this series, To Love and To Cherish is the first book, then A Heart Made New just came out this month, October 2012, and the third book in the series is due out in January 2013, Love’s Journey Home. If you want to read an overview of any of the books that Kelly Irvin has written, feel free to visit her website site at: www.kellyirvin.com. However, if you don’t want some of the suspense of the first book ruined for you, my suggestion would be to wait to read the reviews until after you have read the first book, To Love and To Cherish. The question will be answered by then and you will be very happy (I think) to read about the heroine in Book III.
Now, on to my opinion of To Love and To Cherish. The first chapter introduces us to the Shirack family. Emma, the oldest daughter but not oldest child, is the heroine and is lovable immediately with her kind personality and deep love for family shining through from the start. Ms. Irvin keeps her real, though, with her inward struggle over how to forgive certain people in her life as well as conflict with her sister-in-law whose personality appears to differ greatly from her own.
The main theme of the book dealt with forgiveness and how God calls us to forgive, even though it can be a painful process. In the Amish way of life, forgiveness is very important and the fact that Emma struggles throughout the book is written very well. I could feel her internal struggles with God as she tried to uphold her faith and her teachings. While others appeared to forgive so easily, Emma felt inadequate and as though she didn’t deserve grace (or love) herself until she could resolve this conflict in a God-honoring way. Ms. Irvin does a great job showing how forgiveness is a choice, more for yourself than for the other person, but it does have a ripple effect and blesses the one you forgive as well.
Emma spends the entire book in conflict between two men. The conflict feels very real and I was able to step into Emma’s shoes as she had to make the difficult choice between her conflicting emotions. I love how Ms. Irvin kept multiple storylines running throughout the book. I never got bored as there was always something going on with someone. Each family member was so well developed that I could picture not only each of their faces, but their unique personalities as well.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and continue to follow this family that I have started to fall in love with. In fact, I have already started Book II, A Heart Made New, in the series and can tell you that Ms. Irvin keeps it interesting from the very first page.
I love how To Love and To Cherish ended. There were twists and surprises throughout the book that kept me guessing and things that completely surprised me. At the conclusion of Book I, Ms. Irvin set up Book II nicely without giving anything important away. It also stayed very real to the Amish culture. Emma ended up with the man that would best suite her and her wonderful personality. She definitely received a blessing for all the struggles that she had to endure, that started before the first page of the first book. I can’t wait to continue to follow their relationship in Book II, A Heart Made New, and I’m sure I won’t be disappointed. And then, if things couldn’t get better, in January 2013, I get to finish this series with her final book, Love’s Journey Home. Having read the back cover of the third book, I won’t ruin anything for anyone, but I’m so excited about the main character in Book III. I fell in love with this woman during the first book and can’t wait for her to find happiness as well.
I am definitely a new fan of Ms. Irvin and can’t wait to read her other books when I finish with the Shirack family.
When I read an author new to me for the first time, I usually will look to see if there are more books by him or her. I was pleasantly surprised to see that this was not the first book that Kelly Irvin had written. She not only writes Amish fiction, but has two books in the Romantic Suspense genre. Those books are: A Deadly Wilderness and No Child of Mine. They are now on my “to read” list.
Regarding this series, To Love and To Cherish is the first book, then A Heart Made New just came out this month, October 2012, and the third book in the series is due out in January 2013, Love’s Journey Home. If you want to read an overview of any of the books that Kelly Irvin has written, feel free to visit her website site at: www.kellyirvin.com. However, if you don’t want some of the suspense of the first book ruined for you, my suggestion would be to wait to read the reviews until after you have read the first book, To Love and To Cherish. The question will be answered by then and you will be very happy (I think) to read about the heroine in Book III.
Now, on to my opinion of To Love and To Cherish. The first chapter introduces us to the Shirack family. Emma, the oldest daughter but not oldest child, is the heroine and is lovable immediately with her kind personality and deep love for family shining through from the start. Ms. Irvin keeps her real, though, with her inward struggle over how to forgive certain people in her life as well as conflict with her sister-in-law whose personality appears to differ greatly from her own.
The main theme of the book dealt with forgiveness and how God calls us to forgive, even though it can be a painful process. In the Amish way of life, forgiveness is very important and the fact that Emma struggles throughout the book is written very well. I could feel her internal struggles with God as she tried to uphold her faith and her teachings. While others appeared to forgive so easily, Emma felt inadequate and as though she didn’t deserve grace (or love) herself until she could resolve this conflict in a God-honoring way. Ms. Irvin does a great job showing how forgiveness is a choice, more for yourself than for the other person, but it does have a ripple effect and blesses the one you forgive as well.
Emma spends the entire book in conflict between two men. The conflict feels very real and I was able to step into Emma’s shoes as she had to make the difficult choice between her conflicting emotions. I love how Ms. Irvin kept multiple storylines running throughout the book. I never got bored as there was always something going on with someone. Each family member was so well developed that I could picture not only each of their faces, but their unique personalities as well.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and continue to follow this family that I have started to fall in love with. In fact, I have already started Book II, A Heart Made New, in the series and can tell you that Ms. Irvin keeps it interesting from the very first page.
I love how To Love and To Cherish ended. There were twists and surprises throughout the book that kept me guessing and things that completely surprised me. At the conclusion of Book I, Ms. Irvin set up Book II nicely without giving anything important away. It also stayed very real to the Amish culture. Emma ended up with the man that would best suite her and her wonderful personality. She definitely received a blessing for all the struggles that she had to endure, that started before the first page of the first book. I can’t wait to continue to follow their relationship in Book II, A Heart Made New, and I’m sure I won’t be disappointed. And then, if things couldn’t get better, in January 2013, I get to finish this series with her final book, Love’s Journey Home. Having read the back cover of the third book, I won’t ruin anything for anyone, but I’m so excited about the main character in Book III. I fell in love with this woman during the first book and can’t wait for her to find happiness as well.
I am definitely a new fan of Ms. Irvin and can’t wait to read her other books when I finish with the Shirack family.
May 3, 2012
Emma’s life is changed forever that day as she was walking with her younger sisters to the produce stand. Her parents where killed in a buggy accident. Her brother forgave the driver at the scene but Emma could not in her heart say it as well. Now her older brother Luke is the head of the family and he and his wife Leah who Emma does not get along with the best move into the family home so they can keep the farm running. To top it off they are worried about there younger brother who does not want to be Amish.
While Emma is dealing with her parents funeral her old boyfriend who left the church returns and wants a second chance and she also finds out that the family’s neighbor and good friend Thomas has been secretly wanting to court her. Emma must deal with all of this while she struggles to understand why God took her parents. Will Emma be able to forgive like God asks her to do or will it be to much? Can she find true love and a family that she wants so much?
I admit when I saw what this book was about I was afraid I might not like it but I was wrong I LOVED it.
What I liked: This book was so well written. Yes the baseline of this story is heartbreaking with the opening few pages dealing with the sudden and very tragic death of Emma’s parents. But this story is about forgiveness and family. Emma came across so real to me. She struggles with forgiving the man who kills her parents as well as Carl her old boyfriend who returns to try and win her back. I was cheering for Emma to make the right choices. The author did a wonderful job of expressing the characters feelings in this book even Emma’s sisters and brothers. The romance part of the story was really good as well. I really liked Thomas but with Carl in the picture I found myself biting my nails hoping Emma would chose the right man.
What I did not like: I wished we could have had a chapter or two from Emma’s brother’s point of view. I could almost feel the weight of his responsibilities that he was caring as he worried about his family. Leah was another one who comes across so mean but really she has her own story to tell and I would have liked to know her a little better. Other then that this book was such a great story.
I am very excited that this book is the first in a new series I can’t wait to read more about this family. It’s not often I read two 5 star books in a row but what a treat! I HIGHLY recommend this book! A must read in my option if you love Amish Fiction.
http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2012/0...
While Emma is dealing with her parents funeral her old boyfriend who left the church returns and wants a second chance and she also finds out that the family’s neighbor and good friend Thomas has been secretly wanting to court her. Emma must deal with all of this while she struggles to understand why God took her parents. Will Emma be able to forgive like God asks her to do or will it be to much? Can she find true love and a family that she wants so much?
I admit when I saw what this book was about I was afraid I might not like it but I was wrong I LOVED it.
What I liked: This book was so well written. Yes the baseline of this story is heartbreaking with the opening few pages dealing with the sudden and very tragic death of Emma’s parents. But this story is about forgiveness and family. Emma came across so real to me. She struggles with forgiving the man who kills her parents as well as Carl her old boyfriend who returns to try and win her back. I was cheering for Emma to make the right choices. The author did a wonderful job of expressing the characters feelings in this book even Emma’s sisters and brothers. The romance part of the story was really good as well. I really liked Thomas but with Carl in the picture I found myself biting my nails hoping Emma would chose the right man.
What I did not like: I wished we could have had a chapter or two from Emma’s brother’s point of view. I could almost feel the weight of his responsibilities that he was caring as he worried about his family. Leah was another one who comes across so mean but really she has her own story to tell and I would have liked to know her a little better. Other then that this book was such a great story.
I am very excited that this book is the first in a new series I can’t wait to read more about this family. It’s not often I read two 5 star books in a row but what a treat! I HIGHLY recommend this book! A must read in my option if you love Amish Fiction.
http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2012/0...
February 20, 2012
The story begins with Emma Shirack's mother and father's buggy being hit by the truck of a neighbor, Mr. Cramer. Her sister, Katherine, and brother, Luke, witnessed them being thrown from the buggy and dying right before their eyes. Life suddenly changed for the Shirack children. They didn't want to lose their farm and there were younger children that needed care. Emma's older brother, Luke, and his family sold their house and moved in with his seven siblings.
Emma's heart was already broken and not quite healed from a past hurt. Her boyfriend, Carl Freiling, left the Amish community of Bliss Creek four years earlier. She didn't know why he left. She refused to be hurt again. She hadn't dated anyone since. Thomas Brennaman was interested in dating her. His wife had died four years before from cancer. Thomas wanted to start dating Emma but he kept putting it off because he had trouble expressing himself. All Emma saw him was as a good friend.
Carl returned to Bliss Creek and complicated things for Emma. Thomas finally decided that he may lose Emma to Carl so he told her he wanted to court her. Carl also told her that he wanted to court her. The whole story is about Emma coming to grips with what Carl did to her and who she decides to court.
There are quite a few subplots woven into the story. Emma's brother,Josiah, returns home after being gone for a year, Luke and his wife,Leah, are expecting their third child, Emma struggles with her relationship with Leah and Catherine deals with severe depression from witnessing her parent's death.
This story is about forgiveness. It also shows us the different ways people deal with grief. I really liked Emma, she was real with her inability to truly forgive. I can't believe she didn't notice Thomas being attracted to her. I was glad when he finally asked her to court him. I was also annoyed that Carl came back into the picture. It was hard to guess who Emma would chose to court. A few events happened at the end of the story that were surprising and suspenseful. One of the things is that a person ends up leaving the Amish community that I never suspected. You'll have to read To Love And To Cherish to find out what happens.
To Love And Cherish, Bliss Creek Series #1
A Heart Made New, Bliss Creek Series #2 out September 2012
I received a free copy of this e-book from NetGalley for my honest review.
Emma's heart was already broken and not quite healed from a past hurt. Her boyfriend, Carl Freiling, left the Amish community of Bliss Creek four years earlier. She didn't know why he left. She refused to be hurt again. She hadn't dated anyone since. Thomas Brennaman was interested in dating her. His wife had died four years before from cancer. Thomas wanted to start dating Emma but he kept putting it off because he had trouble expressing himself. All Emma saw him was as a good friend.
Carl returned to Bliss Creek and complicated things for Emma. Thomas finally decided that he may lose Emma to Carl so he told her he wanted to court her. Carl also told her that he wanted to court her. The whole story is about Emma coming to grips with what Carl did to her and who she decides to court.
There are quite a few subplots woven into the story. Emma's brother,Josiah, returns home after being gone for a year, Luke and his wife,Leah, are expecting their third child, Emma struggles with her relationship with Leah and Catherine deals with severe depression from witnessing her parent's death.
This story is about forgiveness. It also shows us the different ways people deal with grief. I really liked Emma, she was real with her inability to truly forgive. I can't believe she didn't notice Thomas being attracted to her. I was glad when he finally asked her to court him. I was also annoyed that Carl came back into the picture. It was hard to guess who Emma would chose to court. A few events happened at the end of the story that were surprising and suspenseful. One of the things is that a person ends up leaving the Amish community that I never suspected. You'll have to read To Love And To Cherish to find out what happens.
To Love And Cherish, Bliss Creek Series #1
A Heart Made New, Bliss Creek Series #2 out September 2012
I received a free copy of this e-book from NetGalley for my honest review.
February 14, 2012
There is nothing like starting off a book with a massive tragedy! Wow!! Right from the start we are sucked in to the story of Emma and her family – be warned the tears might start flowing! Emma loses her parents in a terrible accident and is suddenly found in a difficult spot. Her older brother Luke moves in with his wife Leah and helps Emma with the responsibility of caring for her younger siblings and the farm. There are lots of issues when you mix the two families together and it is bumpy road they travel as their emotions run high.
Not only is Emma dealing with the tragedy of losing her parents and caring for her younger siblings but she is also struggling with issues of the heart. Her ex beau Carl is suddenly back in the picture after breaking her heart in to a million pieces four years ago. On top of the new hurts she is dealing with now that Carl is back in her life, her good friend Thomas is suddenly showing an interest in her. As her heart begins to heal she can’t decide who she wants to be with. You’ll be wondering who will win her heart the whole time.
To Love and Cherish has everything I love in an Amish story, and a romance. There is a tragedy that tests the faith of all the characters and a story of forgiveness and redemption. There is a love interest that doesn’t just fall in your lap but develops and strengthens as we read. You’ll laugh and you’ll cry! Best of all there are lots of unexpected events and you can’t really predict what the ending will be! This was truly a great read and I’ll be looking in to more books by Kelly Irvin.
I was provided with a copy of this book by the Publisher Harvest House, and was not required to give positive review.
Not only is Emma dealing with the tragedy of losing her parents and caring for her younger siblings but she is also struggling with issues of the heart. Her ex beau Carl is suddenly back in the picture after breaking her heart in to a million pieces four years ago. On top of the new hurts she is dealing with now that Carl is back in her life, her good friend Thomas is suddenly showing an interest in her. As her heart begins to heal she can’t decide who she wants to be with. You’ll be wondering who will win her heart the whole time.
To Love and Cherish has everything I love in an Amish story, and a romance. There is a tragedy that tests the faith of all the characters and a story of forgiveness and redemption. There is a love interest that doesn’t just fall in your lap but develops and strengthens as we read. You’ll laugh and you’ll cry! Best of all there are lots of unexpected events and you can’t really predict what the ending will be! This was truly a great read and I’ll be looking in to more books by Kelly Irvin.
I was provided with a copy of this book by the Publisher Harvest House, and was not required to give positive review.
January 27, 2012
**I received this book from Harvest House Publishers through NetGalley. I am not required to give a positive review, just an honest one**
*This is the first book in the Bliss Creek Amish Series*
Emma's life has been turned upside down. It all started four years ago when the man she loved left the Amish community for the English life. Finally, four years later her heart has begun its healing process. That is until the unexpected death of her parents occurs. Now her heart is broken yet again.
Thomas, a widower with two children of his own has taken an interest in Emma. However, both Thomas and Emma are taken by surprise when Carl shows up out of the blue.
Will Emma chose to go back to Carl and forgive him or will she chose to start over with Thomas? To find out read: To Love and to Cherish by Kelly Irvin.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This is the first book that I have read by this author. I must say that I really enjoyed everything this book had to offer. This book is about forgiveness, family, new beginnings, and finding love.
I enjoyed getting to know the Shirack family! Each and everyone of them are unique individuals that brought different qualities into their family. I will say, I was not fond of Leah. I think she is hard headed and cruel. However, as the book progressed, I came to a better understanding of who she really was.
This book made me laugh and cry. It also made me realize that we have to live each day to the fullest. I am truly amazed that the Amish can forgive as easily as they do. I don't know if I would be so forgiving.
I rate this book 5/5!
*This is the first book in the Bliss Creek Amish Series*
Emma's life has been turned upside down. It all started four years ago when the man she loved left the Amish community for the English life. Finally, four years later her heart has begun its healing process. That is until the unexpected death of her parents occurs. Now her heart is broken yet again.
Thomas, a widower with two children of his own has taken an interest in Emma. However, both Thomas and Emma are taken by surprise when Carl shows up out of the blue.
Will Emma chose to go back to Carl and forgive him or will she chose to start over with Thomas? To find out read: To Love and to Cherish by Kelly Irvin.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This is the first book that I have read by this author. I must say that I really enjoyed everything this book had to offer. This book is about forgiveness, family, new beginnings, and finding love.
I enjoyed getting to know the Shirack family! Each and everyone of them are unique individuals that brought different qualities into their family. I will say, I was not fond of Leah. I think she is hard headed and cruel. However, as the book progressed, I came to a better understanding of who she really was.
This book made me laugh and cry. It also made me realize that we have to live each day to the fullest. I am truly amazed that the Amish can forgive as easily as they do. I don't know if I would be so forgiving.
I rate this book 5/5!
January 23, 2016
TO LOVE AND TO CHERISH was better than I expected. I am not a fan of Amish themed books, but since I received the book in exchange for a review, I didn’t want to shirk my responsibilities.
Emma Shirack feels abandoned once again. Four years earlier Carl, the man she would marry, left her for the Englisch world. Now, the tragic death of her parents leaves her feeling forsaken. Without children of her own, the maternal feeling she has for her brothers and sisters because even more real. Though she desires nothing more than to marry and have children of her own, she sadly feels without Carl that will never happened. When Carl unexpectedly returns from his time in the world, she struggles with offering him forgiveness, which in turn, has her questioning her faith. When Thomas, a family friend and widower begins to show her attention, her feelings are confused even further. Two men vie for her attention. Her one true love, and a man who shares her deep seeded devotion to their quiet lives in the small town of Bliss Creek.
TO LOVE AND TO CHERISH actually kept my interest. Ms. Irvin allowed enough action to keep the story flowing at an even pace, something I feel is usually missing from Amish books. I am easily frustrated with romance novels that don’t allow the hero and heroine any real time together, especially when the main characters are self-deprecating and constantly flip-flop in their feelings for others. But, TO LOVE AND TO CHERISH, for whatever reason pulled me in and kept me entertained.
Book provided for review purposes.
Emma Shirack feels abandoned once again. Four years earlier Carl, the man she would marry, left her for the Englisch world. Now, the tragic death of her parents leaves her feeling forsaken. Without children of her own, the maternal feeling she has for her brothers and sisters because even more real. Though she desires nothing more than to marry and have children of her own, she sadly feels without Carl that will never happened. When Carl unexpectedly returns from his time in the world, she struggles with offering him forgiveness, which in turn, has her questioning her faith. When Thomas, a family friend and widower begins to show her attention, her feelings are confused even further. Two men vie for her attention. Her one true love, and a man who shares her deep seeded devotion to their quiet lives in the small town of Bliss Creek.
TO LOVE AND TO CHERISH actually kept my interest. Ms. Irvin allowed enough action to keep the story flowing at an even pace, something I feel is usually missing from Amish books. I am easily frustrated with romance novels that don’t allow the hero and heroine any real time together, especially when the main characters are self-deprecating and constantly flip-flop in their feelings for others. But, TO LOVE AND TO CHERISH, for whatever reason pulled me in and kept me entertained.
Book provided for review purposes.
July 26, 2012
Title: TO LOVE AND TO CHERISH
Author: Kelly Irvin
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
February 2012
ISBN: 978-0-7369-4371-9
Genre: Amish
Emma Shirack has not yet healed from her boyfriend, Carl, leaving the Amish. But now her life is thrown into turmoil. In less than a month’s time, her parents are killed in a tragic accident, her brother and his wife sell their home and move in, a tornado takes down the barn and Carl returns from the world.
But things have changed. Emma has become bitter and unforgiving. Her brother’s wife is difficult and hateful, and she’s discovered that an older Amish man has been interested in her, but turned down due to the huge age difference between them.
Will Emma learn to forgive? And which man holds the keys to her heart?
TO LOVE AND TO CHERISH is the first book in Ms. Irvin’s The Bliss Creek Amish series. It is action packed, full of drama, and emotions. Readers will hurt with Emma over the injustices in her life, and mourn with her and some of their siblings as they adjust to the loss of their parents, loss of their freedom, loss of their rights… and for the good of… who?
I���m not really sure how I feel about this book. Ms. Irvin is a very talented author. The reader will care. But…the bitterness, unforgiveness, and anger seem to be overdone, and the death of the parents seemed to drag on a little long. Fans of Amish fiction will probably devour this book. Discussion questions are included. $13.99. 326 pages. 3.5 stars.
Author: Kelly Irvin
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
February 2012
ISBN: 978-0-7369-4371-9
Genre: Amish
Emma Shirack has not yet healed from her boyfriend, Carl, leaving the Amish. But now her life is thrown into turmoil. In less than a month’s time, her parents are killed in a tragic accident, her brother and his wife sell their home and move in, a tornado takes down the barn and Carl returns from the world.
But things have changed. Emma has become bitter and unforgiving. Her brother’s wife is difficult and hateful, and she’s discovered that an older Amish man has been interested in her, but turned down due to the huge age difference between them.
Will Emma learn to forgive? And which man holds the keys to her heart?
TO LOVE AND TO CHERISH is the first book in Ms. Irvin’s The Bliss Creek Amish series. It is action packed, full of drama, and emotions. Readers will hurt with Emma over the injustices in her life, and mourn with her and some of their siblings as they adjust to the loss of their parents, loss of their freedom, loss of their rights… and for the good of… who?
I���m not really sure how I feel about this book. Ms. Irvin is a very talented author. The reader will care. But…the bitterness, unforgiveness, and anger seem to be overdone, and the death of the parents seemed to drag on a little long. Fans of Amish fiction will probably devour this book. Discussion questions are included. $13.99. 326 pages. 3.5 stars.
February 15, 2012
This emotionally charged novel starts out with the unexpected and tragic death of Emma Shirack's parents. This tragedy tests the family over and over and topped with a few other incidents, creates a compelling and heart-tugging story.
The Amish way is to forgive, but Emma and other members of her family struggle throughout the story with forgiveness. It is in this one act that they will heal and give them a freedom that they need, but forgiveness is not easily done.
I found this whole story mesmerizing and somewhat different from other Amish fiction I have read in the past. The struggles Emma and her family face are not easily handled and that made for a true-to-life scenario for me. One tragedy can affect so many people in many different ways, add in guilt, shame, wrong choices and broken hearts, the effect can be astounding.
This story is one about love, loss, guilt, trauma, faith, forgiveness and healing. It is so well written that I found it impossible to put down. Kelly Irvin captures the essence of family and faith in this book. It is the first book of her Bliss Creek Amish series, and after reading this one, I can't wait to get my hands on the next book to see what happens in Emma's family!!
The Amish way is to forgive, but Emma and other members of her family struggle throughout the story with forgiveness. It is in this one act that they will heal and give them a freedom that they need, but forgiveness is not easily done.
I found this whole story mesmerizing and somewhat different from other Amish fiction I have read in the past. The struggles Emma and her family face are not easily handled and that made for a true-to-life scenario for me. One tragedy can affect so many people in many different ways, add in guilt, shame, wrong choices and broken hearts, the effect can be astounding.
This story is one about love, loss, guilt, trauma, faith, forgiveness and healing. It is so well written that I found it impossible to put down. Kelly Irvin captures the essence of family and faith in this book. It is the first book of her Bliss Creek Amish series, and after reading this one, I can't wait to get my hands on the next book to see what happens in Emma's family!!
February 1, 2012
This book begins with a heartbreaking tragedy, where family members watch in horror as a truck slams into their parents buggy. Emma had just been thinking that she wished the twin sisters in her buggy were hers, and now they are all parentless.
Their older brother Luke assumes responsibility for the family. He has to sell his house and they all move in together, including his wife Leah and their two sons. There are three older girls in the family, including Emma. Would be hard to imagine who would now be in charge here. Leah is now the outsider, and is expecting a new baby.
Emma loves her sister-in-law, but is also envious, that she has a husband and family. Emma thought she was going to have this, when abruptly her boyfriend Carl left. Her brother Luke is encouraging a match between Emma and Thomas.
You will have to wonder who will win her heart as Carl reappears and wants her back. Can she come to terms with what he did to her, or will she return Thomas's attraction to her.
The book has a lot of exciting twists and turns, and you can't think you know what is going to happen...you will be wrong!
Don't miss this great read!
I was provided with a copy of this book by the Publisher Harvest House, and was not required to give positive review.
Their older brother Luke assumes responsibility for the family. He has to sell his house and they all move in together, including his wife Leah and their two sons. There are three older girls in the family, including Emma. Would be hard to imagine who would now be in charge here. Leah is now the outsider, and is expecting a new baby.
Emma loves her sister-in-law, but is also envious, that she has a husband and family. Emma thought she was going to have this, when abruptly her boyfriend Carl left. Her brother Luke is encouraging a match between Emma and Thomas.
You will have to wonder who will win her heart as Carl reappears and wants her back. Can she come to terms with what he did to her, or will she return Thomas's attraction to her.
The book has a lot of exciting twists and turns, and you can't think you know what is going to happen...you will be wrong!
Don't miss this great read!
I was provided with a copy of this book by the Publisher Harvest House, and was not required to give positive review.
April 3, 2015
This is my second Amish romance and I think I've realized what I like about them. Honestly, there is so little "traditional" romance that they really read more like general fiction. The romance winds up becoming a secondary plot and the soul searching of the female protagonist (and in this book the male protagonist as well) is the primary focus.
The two books I chose in this genre wound up being nice bookends. The Shunning had a protagonist who wasn't sure that she belonged in the Plain world. The protagonist in To Love and to Cherish has absolutely NO desires to leave the Plain world. She is dealing with forgiveness. The personal internal struggles as well as the interactions with family, the community, and the Englisch are what REALLY make these books for me.
That being said, the community of Bliss Creek seems to be particularly plagued by calamity. Kind of like the TV show Little House on the Prairie, where every week there's either a tornado, or a fire or some other catastrophe. I get it, they are almost modern day pioneers. However, it felt a tad excessive to me. Otherwise, it was a solid book.
For the record, no sex, violence, or profanity.
The two books I chose in this genre wound up being nice bookends. The Shunning had a protagonist who wasn't sure that she belonged in the Plain world. The protagonist in To Love and to Cherish has absolutely NO desires to leave the Plain world. She is dealing with forgiveness. The personal internal struggles as well as the interactions with family, the community, and the Englisch are what REALLY make these books for me.
That being said, the community of Bliss Creek seems to be particularly plagued by calamity. Kind of like the TV show Little House on the Prairie, where every week there's either a tornado, or a fire or some other catastrophe. I get it, they are almost modern day pioneers. However, it felt a tad excessive to me. Otherwise, it was a solid book.
For the record, no sex, violence, or profanity.
September 19, 2016
What an amazing story!
When Emma Shirack’s parents are killed in an accident, she fears nothing will ever be the same. Her older brother moves back home to care for his brothers and sisters, but Emma just wants a family of her own. Thomas would love to be more than Emma’s friend . . . but after being gone for 4 years, Carl, the boy Emma has always loved, moves back to Bliss Creek and begs Emma to give him another chance. Should she? Will he stay this time? What is he hiding?
This series promises great characters, with more than their share of troubles and woes. For awhile I wondered if Emma would make the right choice or not — I almost wanted to smack her a time or two.
Emma! Have you not learned anything!
I’m glad I had a box of tissues nearby, as I grabbed one just after I began reading this wonderful story. It will definitely capture your attention and hold it tightly until the very end.
Kelly Irvin has written an awesome story! I enjoyed it so much, I couldn’t wait to write the review and pick up the next book in the series to continue reading.
Happy Reading!!!
February 16, 2012
My heart went out to Emma on the very first page. Such heartache and pain.
But after that I had a hard time with all the relatives and trying to figure out who was related to who, and which of the young people mentioned were her siblings and which ones where her nieces and nephews! I spent most of my time scratching my head and trying to figure out which kids belonged with which family. And by the time I had that figured out I was at a bit of a disconnect with the story.
Remembering who was who, was a problem for me as well because I was hoping for a few more mannerisms to grab onto, but this might just be me.
I really loved Thomas's character, he was so steady, a bit on the shy side, but he totally had a heart of gold.
While I wasn't as immersed as I wanted to be, To Love and To Cherish is a sweet Amish romance that I would mostly recommend to fans of the Amish. Thanks.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
But after that I had a hard time with all the relatives and trying to figure out who was related to who, and which of the young people mentioned were her siblings and which ones where her nieces and nephews! I spent most of my time scratching my head and trying to figure out which kids belonged with which family. And by the time I had that figured out I was at a bit of a disconnect with the story.
Remembering who was who, was a problem for me as well because I was hoping for a few more mannerisms to grab onto, but this might just be me.
I really loved Thomas's character, he was so steady, a bit on the shy side, but he totally had a heart of gold.
While I wasn't as immersed as I wanted to be, To Love and To Cherish is a sweet Amish romance that I would mostly recommend to fans of the Amish. Thanks.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2014
Enjoyed the story-line and the characters in this book very much. Sometimes literature touted as "Christian" can be overwhelmingly sweet, almost saccharine , or at least the resolution of the problems and the problems themselves, seem tame or too easily tied-up with a bow within the page limit. Irvin, however, allowed problems to be much more "problematic" and not easily resolved. There was angst, anger, misunderstandings, sorrow, and characters dealing with heavy issues: life outside the Amish community, faith tested and found lacking, and finding a spouse. I thought the scenarios were realistic and that Irvin handled them with realistic results and consequences. Everything was not automatically resolved and tied up in the neat bow. Questions remain and characters have opportunities to grow and increase in integrity, honesty and involvement in human relationships, just like we all do.
Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
November 28, 2023
The tragedy that left the Shirack family floundering without their matriarch and patriarch sends the entire family grappling with emotional and economic issues that change their lives forever. This story grabbed me by the heart as they grieve, struggle with their faith and put one foot in front of the other as they try to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. My heart broke for Catherine who suffers with PTSD, Emma who is torn between two men and their oldest brother Luke who must now step into his father’s shoes and be wise enough to see his family through their darkest days. I have to admit to feeling very frustrated with Luke’s wife Leah who is a terribly negative woman with a mean streak, especially when it comes to the youngest members of the family. Seems to me she deserved to be admonished by the bishop for bullying six year old twins the way she did. I’m not sure I could have held my tongue around her. This is a compelling and thought provoking read.
January 28, 2019
My first Kelly Irvin book and I enjoyed it. To Love and to Cherish is the first book in The Bliss Creek Amish series. It’s centered around Emma and her siblings who lose their parents unexpectedly. It deals with some of their struggles and also the problems Emma faces after her old beau turns up after having left the Amish four years ago. It’s a good story though sad at times that even deals with mental health issues. The story and the characters are both written well and for me it was hard to put down. I’m hoping we get to see some of Emm’s sister Catherine’s story in the next two books. I’d like to see how she turns out.
If you’re looking for a new series or well technically a trilogy as this has only three books then look no further. This may only be the first book but I’m definitely going to continue on and see where the rest go.
If you’re looking for a new series or well technically a trilogy as this has only three books then look no further. This may only be the first book but I’m definitely going to continue on and see where the rest go.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews