The Amish Book Cellar

Willow Springs Amish Mystery Romance #1

by Tracy Fredrychowski

It will take everything she has to face her past. Can this wayward woman find her way back into the hearts of her Amish Community?When a mistake forces Lydia Troyer to leave her Amish roots in exchange for a new life as an Englischer, she finds herself running from more than her past as Wally Troyer's rebellious daughter.

Upon her father's untimely death, she is called home to take over The Book Cellar, Willow Springs's favorite Amish bookstore. A series of strange happenings and whispers among her people lead her to suspect there are more than books hidden in the cellar. Will she chance getting her heart broken again if she leans on a longtime friend and carpenter, Aaron Shetler, to help her discover the truth?

Widower Aaron Shetler has too much at stake to allow Lydia Troyer back into his life. Will it take his young daughter, Mattie Rose, to convince him what he yearns for the most is the one thing he's fighting against the hardest?

Together with their Labrador, Yankee, Lydia, and Aaron help bring to light a century of mysteries waiting to be unearthed about some of Willow Springs's most upstanding citizens.

Can this woman find the courage to stand up for what is right and find her place back among her people?

The Amish Book Cellar is the first book in the Willow Springs Amish Mystery Romance series. If you like secrets, disappearances, plot twists, and sometimes murder, then you'll adore Tracy Fredrychowski's small-town whodunnit Amish romance mysteries.



Buy The Amish Book Cellar to discover the hidden truths buried in Amish country today!

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

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 4, 2024

About the author

Go to https://bf.tracyfredrychowski.com/u9x... to subscribe to the newsletter and download Love Blooms as a specail thank you gift.

I’m a country girl at heart, an author, a homesteader, and a lover of all things simple living. My passion lies in capturing the essence of the simpler side of life, much like the one I enjoyed growing up in rural Pennsylvania.

My life has always been intricately linked with Amish culture, and it’s only fitting that I have a deep, genuine love for their simplicity, sense of community, and God-centered way of living.

Growing up in Northwest Pennsylvania, I spent my childhood immersed in the heart of Amish Country. The rhythmic clip-clop of horse and buggies was my morning soundtrack as Amish men journeyed past my home to work. A pivotal moment in my young life was shaped by a tragic Amish murder, a story detailed in “Crimson Stain” by Jim Fisher. Jake, a key figure in that true story, was my uncle.

Now residing in South Carolina, my family and I frequently travel through the Amish regions of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin. These journeys are not just visits but research expeditions. I take pride in writing Amish fiction that authentically represents their culture, thanks to the invaluable insights from friends within these communities.

If the Amish lifestyle fascinates you, join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and check back here often for new short stories and updates on upcoming book releases. Together, let’s explore the serene and captivating world of the Amish.

Reviews

[Mindy Steele]

A great start to the Willow Springs Amish Mystery series. It takes courage to face your past when aiming for your future. Lots of plot twists and turns and one very happy-ever-after ending.

[J.E. Grace]

Lydia Troyer was an interesting character and was my favorite. She was determined and seemed to run towards danger instead of away. Past mistakes plague Lydia, and she feels guilty about leaving her Amish family. Now an Englisher living and working in Pittsburgh with a good paying job as a podcast host. An unexpected event finds her back in her hometown facing what she has been trying to forget.

The storyline has many moments of danger, twists, and turns that I wasn't expecting. It's an easy-to-read mystery romance with plenty of clues to keep you guessing. I enjoyed reading it and look forward to the next book in the series. The ending was surprising but wrapped up everything nicely. I highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy from the author, and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

[SKP]

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My main reason for the 3 star review is that I listened to this on Audible, and it was AWFUL! It was done by computer or AI or some such trash, and the inflections, voices and the pronunciations—especially of the Amish words—were so far off-kilter that I was cringing over and over again. I was glad this was included in my Audible membership or I would have given this 1 star. I certainly do NOT need to pay for a computer to read a book when I could use Voiceover for free. I hope this isn’t a new Audible trend, or I’ll certainly be canceling my membership.

As for the book itself, the plot had a lot of potential, but I found several issues with it, also contributing to my lowering the rating:
1. One of the biggest issues I had was when Lydia had just told the detective the sad truth about what happened between her and Jimmy, and the detective promptly turned around and ridiculously set her up to be a decoy to trap Jimmy, promises to watch over her, and then isn’t around when Lydia is accosted by Ed Glick.
2. Then you have Aaron who seems to have mood swings on how much he wants to follow his church’s rules or not, mood swings that also seem to dictate how much he wants to have to do with Lydia on a given day. I think Aaron’s character was kind of a miss overall. Mostly I wasn’t all that fond of him.
3. And after all the statements Lydia made about not being Amish anymore, 6 months later she is Amish again. A little too convenient.
4. I did not feel that the situation with Lydia’s former boss and Jimmy’s family’s company completely had closure. We don’t know what happened to all of them. The assumption is all of them went to prison, but it really isn’t tied up very well.
5.Perhaps the clincher was that the reunion with the daughter Lydia gave up was just a little too perfect —the author kills off both of the poor kid’s adoptive parents via separate illnesses, and Lydia just happens to be the one to bring her into her house as part of a Christmas program for orphans. Right.

I realize that I’m in a minority of opinions concerning this book, but I think what really set me off was the computer-generated narration, and I think after that it was just spoiled for me & went into a downward spiral. I am not at all interested in reading more of the series when they are released, and not sure I’ll be giving anything else by this author a chance.

[Emma]

The Amish Book Cellar by Tracy Fredrychowski
A Willow Springs Amish Mystery Romance
Book 1 of 1: A Willow Springs Amish Mystery Romance
It will take everything she has to face her past. Can this wayward woman find her way back into the hearts of her Amish Community?
When a mistake forces Lydia Troyer to leave her Amish roots in exchange for a new life as an Englischer, she finds herself running from more than her past as Wally Troyer's rebellious daughter.
Upon her father's untimely death, she is called home to take over The Book Cellar, Willow Springs's favorite Amish bookstore. A series of strange happenings and whispers among her people lead her to suspect there are more than books hidden in the cellar. Will she chance getting her heart broken again if she leans on a longtime friend and carpenter, Aaron Shetler, to help her discover the truth?
Widower Aaron Shetler has too much at stake to allow Lydia Troyer back into his life. Will it take his young daughter, Mattie Rose, to convince him what he yearns for the most is the one thing he's fighting against the hardest?
Together with their Labrador, Yankee, Lydia, and Aaron help bring to light a century of mysteries waiting to be unearthed about some of Willow Springs's most upstanding citizens.
Can this woman find the courage to stand up for what is right and find her place back among her people?
The Amish Book Cellar is the first book in the Willow Springs Amish Mystery Romance series. If you like secrets, disappearances, plot twists, and sometimes murder, then you'll adore Tracy Fredrychowski's small-town whodunnit Amish romance mysteries.
This is Lydia Troyer's story.
This is Wally Troyer's story.
This is Aaron Shetler and daughter Mattie Rose's story.
"Aaron, is that you?"
" Jah. Lydia?"
"Lydia, it is your datt. I found him this morning dead."
When her father died, she is called home to Willow Springs to run her father's bookstore.
I recommend reading.
The Amish Book Cellar by Tracy Fredrychowski is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Tracy Fredrychowski.
I received a complimentary copy of the book and was under no obligation to post a review.

[Susan]

THE AMISH BOOK CELLAR is the first book in the Willow Springs Amish Mystery Romance series and hooked me from the very first page! I’ve never read a story about an Amish book seller and this one really will pull on the readers heart strings. Lydia made a mistake many years ago and left her Amish roots behind to become English. She knows her family doesn’t understand why she did it, but she surely misses them, especially her Daed. Now she is on her way back home, receiving a dreaded phone call that her daed has passed away.

Lydia is mourning her daed’s death and is having a hard time dealing with accepting that he is gone. His death is very suspicious and she won’t rest until she finds out what happened. Along the way, many secrets are revealed that shock Lydia. She believes somehow that her older brother is involved. She just doesn’t know how yet but he is sure in a hurry to sell the bookstore and send Lydia back to her English life. Lydia is also hiding a very big secret and when the man who created that big secret with her enters her book store once again, Lydia’s life explodes in ways she never imagined!

Once I started reading THE AMISH BOOK CELLAR it was very hard to stop. Even though it is 310 pages it was a very quick read. My emotions were all over the place and Lydia won my heart right away. While Lydia is trying to solve her Daed’s passing, she is quickly back in her first love’s life. Aaron and his daughter Mattie Rose are trying to move on from his wife’s death. Mattie Rose hasn’t spoken at all and Aaron is worried as she is starting school soon. Lydia becomes a big part of her life and Aaron is worried of what will happen when Lydia returns to her English life. He is torn between the feelings he still has for Lydia and protecting his daughter.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Drebbles]

“The Amish Book Cellar” is the nicely done first book in Tracy Fredrychowski's Willow Springs Amish Mystery Romance series. This book introduces readers to Lydia Troyer, who left the Amish after a devastating event in her past, but has returned after the sudden death of her father and Amish carpenter Aaron Shetler, who cared for Lydia in the past and has never stopped caring for her. When Lydia and Aaron realize her father’s death was suspicious, they work together to find out what happened. The renewed romance between the two is nicely done and readers will enjoy reading as the two find their way back together. Mixed in with the romance is the mystery of what happened to Lydia’s father as well as some mysterious events at the book store – this isn’t a sit down and try to figure out whodunit kind of mystery as that is made obvious during the course of the book. Instead it is a sit down and enjoy reading as Lydia and Aaron grow closer together as they work with the police to solve the mystery. Even with the bad guys being revealed during the course of the book, there are still a few surprises in store for readers. All in all an enjoyable book and I look forward to the next Willow Springs Amish Mystery Romance.

I received a free copy of this book but was under no obligation to review it.

[Christi]

This novel was a sweet escape and a refreshing change of pace from some of the heavier novels I’ve been reading lately. A prodigal daughter returns home to face the consequences of her choices while someone else will stop at nothing to make her change her mind. It is a layered mystery with multiple narratives that will keep you guessing.

This novel deals with Old Order and New Order Amish, as well as shunning, which is always something that bothers me. I understand the reasoning behind shunning in the Amish community, but I can’t help but think about the broken families and divides that this practice causes.

Luckily, this story had a happier ending on that front. It was sweet and different from the usual cliche endings that we see in clean reads, which was refreshing and appreciated.

The Amish Book Cellar is a great combination of mystery and faith tucked into a charming Amish community. I would’ve liked there to have been a little more of a twist and maybe not as predictable, but all in all it was still pretty cute, and I am excited to see what’s next for the inhabitants of Willow Springs.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.

[Kendra Neal]

Amish Fiction is my absolute favorite Genre! The Amish Book Cellar by Tracy Fredrychowski is Book 1 in the Willow Springs Amish Mystery Romance series. I am excited to read this book!

I have to say this is probably the most action packed Amish Fiction book that I have ever read. Lydia Troyer and Aaron Shelter are the main characters of the story. Lydia returns to the Amish Community after he Dad is killed. She had been an Englischer and comes home to run The Book Cellar store, the favorite book store amongst the Amish. Aaron Shelter is an old friend of Lydia's. He is a widower with a young daughter. Lydia enlists the help of Aaron to help her discover some mystery happenings in the cellar of the Book Store and to try to figure out who killed her Dad. Lydia and Aaron have a past and Aaron is cautious about Lydia being back in his life. I really LOVE how they grow closer as they work together to solve the mysterious happenings in town and at the Book Store. Aaron's daughter even gives him the courage to give LOVE a chance with Lydia. The book is one of Faith, Forgiveness, Mystery, Romance and more. It has many twists and turns and kept me captivated to keep reading. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Mystery and Amish Fiction! AMAZING BOOK!

[Ann Leatherman]

The Amish Book Cellar by Tracy Fredrychowski is an excellent story of redemption, forgiveness and mystery. Lydia left the Amish community of Willow Springs because of serious mistakes she made. She felt that her father, a member of an Old-Order Amish community would not forgive her, and even though he did try to reach out to her she did not respond. When she learns that he has been killed she returns to take over the book store he owned and loved. Many unexplained things happen. Aaron was in love with her before she left and reluctantly helps her now. She had been drawn to Aaron previously, but feeling the mistakes she made were unforgivable, she left anyway. I liked the faith filled content of this book, especially where after she says she's not sure God would ever forgive her, Aaron says God is bigger than that. When she asks how she can ever be worthy of His love, Aron says God's love knows no bounds. I could not put this book down as I just had to find out what happened next!! The mystery parts took so many unexpected turns. I received this as an ARC and this is my honest opinion. Thank you, Tracy Fredrychowski, for this opportunity.

[Nyla Kay]

The Amish Book Cellar by author extraordinaire Tracy Fredrychowski is the beginning book in her A Willow Springs Amish Mystery Romance series. This Christian tale is exciting and very different from most. It was a page turning, don’t put me down book!

This is the story of Lydia. She has left the Amish. Her Old-Order Amish father has been murdered, and she must return home to Willow Springs to run his book store.
The author has done a great job with this book. Characters are believable and endearing or villainous. I was immediately in them and their lives.

The spiritual message is woven all throughout this book. It is a story of love, forgiveness, and redemption. I loved the mystery and romance that made this such a fascinating read. There are several twists and turns that kept me reading. It has a fast pace and is had to put down.

I highly recommend this book. It would make a great book club choice. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by the author, but these are my own, honest thoughts.

[Erin]

The Amish Book Cellar is a sweet romantic Amish fiction novel that also has a bit of suspense thrown in as well. This is the first I’ve read by this author and I can’t say enough about it.

This book has a strong Christian faith woven into all parts. It’s got suspense. It has love. And it has an adorable little girl and dog too. As an animal lover and a lover of children, this was a great selling point for me.

Oh, and who can turn down a bookstore!? I can’t that’s for sure! All things books call to me. If you’re like me you’ll love that part of the novel as well.

The characters were amazing. They seemed so real and just jumped off the page to chat with me. Add in that there is a mystery to solve and I was hooked.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[DianeLikesToRead]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I get so excited when a Tracy Fredrychowski book comes out! “The Amish Bookseller” is the first book in the Willow Springs Amish Mystery series. We learn Lydia Troyer’s backstory in the beginning of this series.
Lydia returns home after her father dies. She “jumped the fence” when she was faced with a great challenge. Luigi’s is working to save her father’s bookshop while dealing with strange happenings in the neighborhood. She also get reunited with her first boyfriend, widower Aaron Shetler. If you believe in second chances, this book is for you!
I can’t wait for the next book! Many thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

READ THIS BOOK IF YOU
Want “not your typical” Amish story
Enjoy a redemption story
Like a twisty mystery

#TracyFredrychowski #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks

[Nancy]

I am an avid reader of Tracy Fredrychowsi’s books, her latest book the Amish Book Cellar: A Willow Springs Amish Mystery Romance is my favorite! The story takes place in an Amish community, but the main character, Lydia, is a woman who had previously left the community. Now that her father has died, she is asked to come back and take over the family bookstore. The book is fast paced and once you start reading it will be hard to put down. There is some romance and mystery involved in the story. Will Lydia be able to take her place back in the Amish community? Why is there a tunnel under the store? Who are the people who are buying up the town and why? All these questions and others will be answered in Tracy’s latest book, The Amish Book Cellar.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book via the author. I was not required or asked to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and are honestly given.

[Nicole]

The Amish Book Cellar by Tracy Fredrychowski
Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2024
This is a Willow Springs Amish Mystery. When Lydia Troyer finds out about her father’s passing at their families book store called The Book Cellar, she knows she has to go back to Willow Springs. Lydia doesn’t know if she can face her wayward past, her Amish family, and her best friend and the love of her life widower Aaron Shetler. Can his young daughter who hasn’t spoken since her mother’s passing help Lydia and Aaron find their way back to each other. When she arrives she finds out that her father was murdered and that some of his precious and valuable books are missing. Can she solve this mystery of her father’s death and his missing books? Can Lydia come clean with her past? Can she forgive herself? This is a must read! Full of Forgiveness, Faith, Family and Love.
I received this book as an ARC and have left my honest review. Thank you for a great read!

[Kristina Anderson]

The Amish Book Cellar by Tracy Fredrychowski is the first book in A Willow Springs Amish Mystery Romance series (that is a mouthful). I enjoyed getting to know Lydia and Aaron. Lydia’s love of books was apparent, and I like how she encouraged others to find joy in books. Aaron’s daughter, Mattie Rose is a sweetheart, and I loved Lydia’s dog, Yankee (he is protective of Lydia). The author did a wonderful job at creating the villains. The mystery had some fascinating elements. The mystery drew me in (I love a good whodunit), but the ending left me wanting. The romance was sweet. I like how faith was woven throughout the story. My favorite phrase from The Amish Book Cellar is, “Gott’s love knows no bounds. He sees beyond our faults and failures and embraces us with open arms. All we need is to trust in that.” The Amish Book Cellar is an uplifting tale about forgiveness, family, love, and faith.

[Cherese Akhavein]

If you like reading mysteries full of wonderfully crafted clean suspense and charters that express deep emotions then this book is for you. The setting is in an old bookstore that holds its own history, they say if walls could talk we would be amazed at the history we hear and in this case it couldn’t be more true, while reeling from her loss and past Lydia slowly discovers the extent of how she was misguided and together with the steadfast friendship of her friend Aaron she will put to rest not only her past history but that of her town and her beloved bookshop.
I can honestly say this author crafts some of the most intriguing stories and this book will not disappoint. I was gifted a copy but not required to leave a review, I’m happy to be able to thou. Happy Reading!

[Michelle Rhoden]

WOW! I enjoy a good Amish mystery and Tracy Fredrychowski really delivered with this amazing book. It had so many twists and turns that had me changing my decision of “who done it” and who was truly involved in the mystery. Kudos to Tracy for also weaving struggles with faith and not feeling good enough to be forgiven in the storyline. I highly recommend this book and encourage you to pick up a copy today. You will definitely be reading late into the night and having a hard time putting the it down. It’s best to read this on a day you will not be interrupted by anything, it’s that good!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. All words are my own.

[Helen]

The Amish Book Cellar is the first book in A Willow Springs Amish Mystery Romance series. This is a well written, easy to read story. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense in the story surrounding the events happening at the book story. I also enjoyed the family’s acceptance of Lydia when she returned home following her father’s death. I especially enjoyed the way her father handled the future of the story and how he never stopped caring about her after she left the Amish faith.

I found the story inspirational with how Aaron kept in touch with her father and how he kept watch over her father and her through out the story. The interaction between Lydia and his daughter is so heartwarming.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

[Merilee Bishop]

Sad adventure with miraculous ending

The main character got pregnant on her rumspringa. The father of the baby took her to a place for unwed mothers in a big city. She put the baby up for adoption and gets a job, trying to put her past behind her and move on. When her Father dies she returns to the family bookshop a realizes that some powerful people that used her as a pawn are still trying to get away with some nasty business. With the help of her childhood love and the support of other members of her community, she starts to take back what is hers. The ending is a kind of believable miracle. Lots of adventure that comes as a direct result of suffering. A well written book, especially for those who believe in miracles and happy endings.

[katescleanreads]

Tracy Fredrychowski is a talented writer, and now she has added mystery to her repertoire! I have loved all of her Amish romance books, but the element of suspense in this book brought her writing to a whole new level and was difficult to put down. With just the right balance of drama and excitement, she has created a puzzle to solve that is both fun and unpredictable. A lively, entertaining whodunit that will leave you wanting more. I eagerly look forward to the next book in the series.
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sunnie]

I totally loved this book. I love a good mystery and this book filled the bill! There were no boring moments in this book, rather it was full of action and very engaging. Lydia is a young woman, who after leaving the Amish, returns to attend to her father's passing and funeral. She takes over the care of his bookstore and finds that there is a secret. This is a story of love, forgiveness and miracles. It's a fast paced and wonderful read. I recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Evelyn Foreman]

This story had me holding my breath, knuckles white, experiencing the menacing evil pervading the town of Willow Springs, along with Lydia and Aaron, as they fought to overcome a dark past overshadowed by secrecy and imminent threats. The author is a master storyteller, leaving no stone unturned as she stirs the intrigue of the reader beginning to end! Read in one sitting as I could not put it down! I received a copy of this book via the author. I was not required or asked to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and are honestly given.

[Phyllis Rundell]

This is Book #1 in the new Willow Springs Amish Mystery Romance and is exciting and full of action which includes: drama, heartache, grief, secrets, mystery, lots of twists and turns and romance. This is Lydia and Aaron's story, as well as Aaron's young daughter, Mattie Rose. This is a fast moving story and one that will keep you turning the pages to see what is going to happen next. Don't miss this one; I know you will enjoy it as much as I did. I look forward to the next story in the series.

[Laura Salas]

Fun Read but Main Mystery Unresolved

This was a fun read, but we never find out who actually murdered Lydia’s father, to whom stash of illegal weapons they discovered belongs to, or what happens to the bad guys. These things are left up in the air and the reader must infer them, but you don’t get to see them play out in the story. And why, if main character suspects her brother killed her father, why would she let her brother have the father’s collection of antique books so that brothers can pay his debts???? Super annoying to read to end and find it so absurd. No closure.

[Patti Sherman]

Oh this book is just something else. It is well written. Taught about love. Mystery. Miracles. And grand suprises. I absolutely love it. Aaron ,Lydia and Mattie Rose are wonderful characters. I just adored all 3 of them. The historical surprises are so much fun. They mystery and how they are handled. Make it a very fun read. I love some of the happenings. Cried at some of the happenings. I absolutely recommend this book. I can't wait for the next one.

[Kathy Crabtree]

I enjoyed meeting the characters in this book. The personal, and emotional struggles were well written and kept me cheering for Lydia. Aaron was strong in his righteous beliefs yet kind and understanding as every male love interest should be. I loved the strong and decisive actions that Lydia took, against all odds. The delicate issue was handled with grace and understanding. This was my first Amish mystery, a satisfactory “good read”.

[Debbie Earls]

This is book one in this series. When Lydia's father is murdered, she returns to her childhood Amish community to run his beloved bookstore. She has been away for 9 years. Many things have changed. There are people, including some in her own family, that don't want her there. The longer Lydia is home, she begins to uncover secrets with her childhood friend, Aaron, that puts her life in danger. If you like cozy mysteries and reading about The Amish, you will love this book! Great characters.

[Anne M.]

heartwarming but deals with real issues of seperation

Lydia returns home to Willow Springs after walking away from Amish family and community. Now her father is dead and she must take over and settle matters of his business. Not all is smooth going as the historic building is now in demand. Mysterious thefts and intimidation, seperation, hard life choices are all coming full circle in this warm Amish mystery.

[Emily Morris]

A cute if too plain mystery

I like Amish stories and I like mysteries and was down for a combination of the two. This is sweet and tightly written with a nice indulgence of wicked bad guys to give things some grit. My complaint is that it's a little too tight without much real danger or particular excitement.

[Gwen Hight]

The Am ish Book Cellar

This is a good second chance story and a mystery also Lydia was working in the city when she learned her father was dead She returned home and there I s danger for her She refuses to sell the bookstore because her father leftist for her and she had a secret but it was known but there was happiness in the end