Her Surprise Amish Match

by Pamela Desmond Wright

They have nothing in common…

Until an unexpected matchmaker proves them wrong

Amish business owner Amity Schroder can’t stand her neighbor Ethan Zehr. Sharing a building for their individual shops has never been easy, since the stern widower bristles at every one of Amity’s too-progressive business ideas. So when Amity starts to fall for her new anonymous pen pal, she knows there’s no way it could be Ethan. Their constant arguments are nothing like the heartfelt letters she’s been receiving. But as she gets closer to discovering her secret admirer’s identity, will she let the truth stand in the way of her happiness?

Genres: Amish, Fiction, Christian

208 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published August 20, 2024

About the author

Pamela Desmond Wright grew up in a small, dusty Texas town. From the time she learned to read, books have been her passion.

A veteran of the e-book revolution of the late '90's, Pamela moved into traditional publishing, writing in the paranormal and adult romance genres for Kensington and NAL/Penguin. Nominated 2 times, she won the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award in 2010. Pamela was also a founder of the scam publishers and agents website, The Write Connection, which was transferred to the SFWA through (then) vice-president A.C. Crispin to become Writer Beware. Her experiences with scam agents and publishers was documented in Professor Jim Fisher's book, Ten Percent of Nothing: The Case of the Literary Agent From Hell.

In 2013, Pam took a break from writing. Unable to shake the story bug, she came back in 2019 with a new focus, fulfilling a promise to write wholesome books readers of all ages could enjoy.

She currently writes Amish romance for Harlequin Love Inspired, crafting heartfelt stories where characters face life’s challenges with courage and grace. No matter how difficult the journey, they always find hope and healing through the power of faith and love.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

While reading HER SURPRISE AMISH MATCH I became emotionally invested in all of the characters. They are all flawed, real and lovable! Once I started reading, I was instantly hooked. I devoured every page and couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next. This not so typical Amish story is filled with jealousy, temptation, lies, rumors, but also love and second chances.

I quickly flew through HER SURPRISE AMISH MATCH and when I finished I found myself wanting more. I loved all of the characters and found myself wanting to travel to Texas and visit with Ethan and Amity. The tender moments in the story really pull at the reader’s heart strings. Ethan moved to Texas to start a new life as he is struggling to raise his two children after his wife passed away. He really needs to open up his heart to find A help mate for his family. When he first meets Amity, who owns the shop next to him, she is a rather outspoken woman and he isn’t used to that at all. He finds her rude and too embracing of the English world. She even has Internet put in at her store.

In HER SURPRISE AMISH MATCH I loved Ethan and Amity, the primary characters, but also fell in love with all of the secondary characters, especially Charity, as well. Every one of them has an important part to play in this heart warming story and even though I wanted to reach in and shake some sense into one or two of them every now and then, they all weaseled their way into my heart. This story is so funny and I found myself giggling out loud many many times. My emotions were all over the place and I was even reaching for the tissues quite a few times. Amity and Ethan are both hiding painful pasts and are afraid of being exposed at any moment. Will they learn to forgive themselves and begin to live again?

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was wonderful to be back in Burr Oak, Texas, with the Schroder sisters once again. If you haven’t yet read Gail and Rebecca’s respective stories, you should definitely go back and read them if you have a chance because they’re delightful. But it’s not necessary to have read them to enjoy Her Surprise Amish Match.

Like her sisters before her, Amity is warm, smart and friendly, but she’s also got an inner fire that makes her unafraid to speak her mind when needed. I loved this about her because it enabled her to stand her ground against Ethan’s grumpy bluster. That strength & courage also helped her carve her own path – buying a storefront, opening a business, living above it by herself, etc. – and I really admired her for stepping outside some of her cultural norms and leaning on God instead of a man. And then there’s Ethan, who at first glance is definitely her opposite. Ethan is more legalistic than Amity (by far) and prone to overreact (why yes, this does cause conflict in the story lol – how did you guess?), though his intentions do come from a sincere heart. I appreciated the layered backstory that Wright gives Ethan’s character – when you understand all the emotions and pressure stuffed inside him, you can see why he’s reacting the way he is and you’ll long for him to find peace… from his striving, with his family, and with Amity. Because, from their first encounter, I knew that Ethan and Amity’s ‘opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine’ coexistence would be charged with an underlying attraction that would undoubtedly develop into something sweet and swoony, and I’m happy to report that I was right!

Bottom Line: Her Surprise Amish Match by Pamela Desmond Wright is touching and entertaining with lovely, multi-dimensional characters and an engaging plot. Not only did I love Ethan despite his blustery exterior, I also loved his teenage son, preteen daughter, and twinkly-eyed dad (whose unique-for-an-Amish-man hobby-turned-business I found fascinating) and the layers they added to the story. It was also great to be reunited with sweet Amity and her ranching family, and oh my mercy, Florene’s story promises to be a powerful one. I can’t wait!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Kasia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Closer to 3.5 ⭐️ — honesty this was pretty cute with a slow burn enemies to lovers trope, it didn’t feel overwhelmingly preachy but more like a snapshot of Amish community. Very good a building tension because they can ONLY exchanged longing glances and have sudden realizations of their feelings.

[Ernestine Kaye Haggard · Rating 5 out of 5]

# Pamela Desmond Wright
Her Surprise Amish Match
Ethan Zehr runs a coffee shop with his father and two kids.Amity Schroder's is open a shop up in the same building a Ethan .Amity has progressive business ideals and Ethan says they are to English cause she has a computer in her office Do you think they ever come around to agreeing on any thing.What happenes to this father and two children .Have you read this book have you bought it.You need to get it.Pamela Desmond Wright had gone and written another great book I rate it 5 Stars

[Beth Casas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second Pamela Desmond Wright book and I would like to thank her very much for an ARC copy of this wonderful book!!
I adore the characters in her books and the fact that they are faith based. I don’t have to worry about my grandkids picking up my book when I leave it sitting on the coffee table after reading late into the night!

I would suggest you pick up a PDW book SOON to see what all the fuss is about! You will laugh, cry, and your faith will be restored! ❤️

Favorite Quote:

“Other things might change in our lives, but the Lord does not.”

[Heather Pickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who is completely delighted to be back in Burr Oak, Texas with the Schroeder sisters? This reader, that’s who! In author Pamela Desmond Wright’s newest, Her Surprise Amish Match, we focus on Amity Schroeder. She’s just purchased half a building to open her own Amish goods store, as well as move into the apartment above. Amity is kind, smart, a bit outspoken, but most of all, has a forgiving nature. The other half of the building is owned by town newcomer Ethan Zehr, proprietor of the coffee shop. He’s a widower who has moved here with his two children, plus his father. His ramrod strait-laced nature locks horns with her more easygoing ways, but could something be percolating under the surface that might allow for these opposites to meet in the middle? Gott works all things together for good, so here’s hoping!
I so loved this sweet story, plus it has my favorite, an epilogue! You’ll love catching up with sisters from the previous books (though this can definitely be read as a stand-alone) while cheering on Amity and Ethan.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can two Amish shop owners share a building and learn to get along? Ethan Zehr has moved to Texas to start over after the death of his wife. when new owner moves into the attached building he thinks she is just to worldly. Amity Schroder knows what she knows in her shop and Ethan starts telling her why she can't do the things the way she wants to. They don't get along from the start but can they learn to. Ethan needs a helpmate with raising his two youngies and decides to ask Amity to be his helpmate, but he doesn't say anything about love or anything romantic. Amity wants love and marriage but not a marriage of convivence. She answers an ad in the paper for a male pen pal and starts writing to him, when Ethan finds out that his daughter is writing to Amity he makes her stop.
All Amity knows is the pen pal stopped writing and she questions her decision on life and maybe she should rethink Ethan's proposal. Can these two make it together or not?

[Marilyn Rushing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan Zehr an Amish widower and father of two have moved along with his Datt to Burr Oak. After opening a kaffeeshop Ethan meets Amity Schroeder, a single Amish lady. She has bought the other side of the building that is connected to the kaffeeshop. Ethan believes Amity is too progressive in her business. She even has a computer.
Family and friends think 25 year old Amity should find love and tries to arrange dates that end in disaster. Amity tells them Gotta will send the right man when the time is right.
Amity answers an ad for a pen pal and begins falling for the unseen writer.
Ethan decides he needs a helper to help raise his two youngies. Amity has mentioned she has had no offers of marriage, but would she be too hard to get along with with their difference in their beliefs?
When Amity’s pen pal stops writing her should she accept Ethan’s suggestions?

A really good story I enjoyed reading. Have you ever questioned a decision you made and wish you could go back and redo?

[Joyce Pavlick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book, didn’t want you to put it down until it was finished (now I want the story to continue)

This book kept my interest, I could relate to the story, easy read

Thank you Pamela

[Harold Cheetham · Rating 5 out of 5]

some times love comes when you don't expect it and from some one you don't expect it to come from.another great book by Pamela.

[Tara Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Surprise Amish Match is about widower, Ethan Zehr and his two children, Charity and Liam. When business owner, Amity Schroder becomes his neighbor, sharing a building for each of their shops, Ethan is none to pleased. I enjoyed reading this sweet, heartwarming story of love, faith, forgiveness, family and hope. I like how Rebecca's family help each other. A must read. I was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Michelle Rhoden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two different characters Amity and Ethan, have their own dreams of running a successful business. Will the two Amish shop owners who share the same building, be able to put aside their differences to work beside each other? When they become unknown pen pals to each other, their relationship takes on a whole new meaning. A good, clean read by Pamela Desmond Wright. She truly knows how to make the storyline flow and makes it an enjoyable book.

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

[Kay Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

HER SURPRISE AMISH MATCH by Pamela Desmond Wright is the fabulous story of Amity Schroder and Ethan Zehr, who might seem to be complete opposites, but find they have more in common than either one of them may think.

Amity Schroder has lived her whole life in Burr Oak, TX. She’s always been one to stand up for herself making her more vocal and opinionated than most Amish young women. It seems to have scare off any possible suitors. Now that her younger sister is getting married, Amity, at twenty-five and still single, which by Amish standards bordering on being a spinster, Amity has decided to make a life for herself outside of living with her family. With her savings, she purchased one side of a building and started a new business featuring locally made crafts, fabric and home décor and hopes to have sewing circle and other such craft classes. She’s able to save money since over the shop is a small, but nice apartment for her to live in. So far, the only problem she’s encountered is with the neighbor she shared the building with. For some reason, he seems to be against her shop even before it opens.

Ethan Zehr, a young widower with two children – Liam and Charity, along with his daed moved from Augsberger, OK to TX. In need of a new start prompted the move. He’s begun to second guess this move into a less restrictive and more progressive district. However, his venture into opening the Kaffee Shop seems to have proven that the move was the best thing for his family and gives them a place to live upstairs until they can find the perfect property to buy. He was extremely disappointed when the building owner didn’t give him the first option on buying the other half of the building as they had promised. Maybe that jaded his opinion of the new property owner some, but her too-progressive ideas pushed his views over the top. How will he ever be able to work compatibly with her?

Despite Ethan’s non-progressive views, he can’t seem to help his thoughts of attraction when it comes to Amity. However, their constant bickering keeps reminding him of why there’s no way he could even think of stepping out with this woman. Meanwhile, Amity has a soft spot for both Liam and Charity. On more than one occasion, she seems to be the only one to see their side. Once again, her outspoken personality comes to the surface and by doing so, she’s able to enlighten Ethan to look at things through new eyes and see his children’s side. One minute Amity sees Ethan favorably and then he opens his mouth spouting off like she’s doing something wrong, when everything she is doing has been approved by their bishop and according to the church rules, which has her changing her view of him – again.

After a suggestion, Amity decides to try writing to a pen pal through their local paper. She soon finds out that she has much in common with this new pen pal and wonders who he might be. Her feeling are conflicted between the man in front of her when he’s kind and generous, before he goes into a rant, and the man in her letters who speaks so sweetly and gentle. As Ethan starts to understand the difference in the church rule in Texas, can he start to embrace the restricted use of technology for his business? When Liam starts getting into trouble hanging with the wrong Englsch kids, will putting him to work having him not only keeping out of trouble, but also finding what his life calling might be? Will being able to connect with Amity, be what Charity needs to draw her out and give her the female companion she’s been both needing and wanting? Seeing Amity connect with and be around his children have Ethan seeing her in a new light as well? When the Zehr’s find a ranch to buy and move out of their adjacent apartment, will it have Ethan missing seeing Amity more? Will the mysterious pen pal and his identity come between Amity and Ethan or pull them closer together?

HER SURPRISE AMISH MATCH is a book that has you compelled to read it in one sitting with its wonderful characters, family values and seeing that true love really will find a way through all obstacles. Pamela Desmond Wright writes a phenomenal story with a wonderful thread of faith showing us that in life that we often have to bend, stop to see things from another’s perspective and to listen to our heart while not being afraid of not fitting into the mold someone else might have for us and learning that anything worth having is worth working for. HER SURPRISE AMISH MATCH is definitely FIVE STAR reading that I highly recommend to everyone. Anyone whether you love the Amish genre like I do or just a well-written, speak to the heart story will fall in love with this story.

I receive an ARC of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.

[Phylis Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any time you pick up a book by this author you know it will be a good book. Once you start reading you feel like you are immersed in her world she has created.

This book flowed so well and kept me immersed that I did not want to put it down. Ethan owns the Kafeeshop and thought that once the tenants in the other half of the building moved out he would be able to take the whole shop. Unfortunately, for him that did not happen. A feisty young Amish Lady got the other half of the building and he wasn't very happy about it. Then she wanted to make changes such as adding internet.

The Amish Community that he used to live were very strict and the one he has moved to now isn't as strict. So Ethan and the new owner Amity have clashed.

Check out the story I think you will enjoy it too.

[JudyAnnLovesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever I need to decompress I pick up a Love Inspired romance and feel myself relaxing with every page I read. HER SURPRISE AMISH MATCH lived up to this and was the perfect read in one sitting romance.

I found myself drawn into the lives of the two main characters - Amity Schroder and Ethan Zehr. He kind of reminded me of an adorable Oscar the Grouch and she was a literal ray of sunshine (who at times peaked out from a little grey cloud). Their interactions where never boring. They brought out the best and worst in each other - they argued, fussed and fought but underneath all that bluster was respect, attraction and ultimately love.

If you enjoy sweet and uplifting reads then thus is a definite must read for you. I’m giving HER SURPRISE AMISH MATCH the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!

[Vicki Cook · Rating 2 out of 5]

I almost DNF'd this book as the more I read the more I detested the MFC. No matter what the situation she was always the one who had all the answers. The MMC was constantly being humbled by her wisdom which made him seem wishy washy because he was continually backing down. I could just see them married in the future and picture who'd be wearing the pants in the family. Also there were a few glaring errors that I'm very surprised an editor didn't catch - the worst being a scene where the MMC's father sits down in a chair and the very next page sits down again in the same chair even though he never got up. The only reason I rated this book a 2 instead of a 1 is the side character's which were very fleshed out and more interesting than the two main characters.

[Dali Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful Story

This is a delightful story that captured my interest from the first page.

I enjoyed Amity and Ethan's story. After their initial meeting, I found it hard to believe they could be anything more than two people sharing a building. However, in getting to know Amity, I understood her stubborn streak and why she tended to speak her mind, and I came to appreciate those traits. As I got to know Ethan, I understood why he reacted to situations as he did, and my heart went out to him. When they spent more time together, things began to change. A few wrenches got thrown into the mix, making me wonder how it would all turn out, and I was not disappointed. It was a delightful story and one that I highly recommend.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Her Surprise Amish Match by Pamela Desmond Wright. It's an enemies to more story as Amity and Ethan spar over business practices in a building they share. Amity is self-sufficient and self-confident and essentially considered a spinster as she's in her late twenties. I found it inspiring that she didn't feel sorry for herself and made the best of what she had. Ethan's a widower and has moved, with his son, daughter, and father, to Amity's district which is more progressive that where he came from. The story has a surprise twist with the secret male pen pal that Amity has. I liked all of the side characters and would like to read their stories as well. If you like Amish fiction, I recommend this book!

[Debbie Earls · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good book. Ethan is a widower with 2 teenage children. They are all grieving the loss of their wife/mother. Ethan moves to a new community and opens up a coffee shop. The property is shared with Amity. She has a gift shop next door to the coffee shop. Right away they take a dislike to one another. Various circumstances continue to be bring them together. There are many ups and downs with the children that Amity tries to help with. Does God want them to begin a new life together? This book is about love, forgiveness and second chances. I received a complimentary copy of this book but the opinions are my own. #hersurpriseamishmatch

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Surprise Amish Match by Pamela Wright has us once again back in Burr Oak, Texas and their sweet Amish community. It was so nice being back to this small town and with the Schroeder sisters. Amity's and Ethan's story does not disappoint. Of course, you can read this as a standalone novel. Though it is always fun to read previous books in a series. You get to know the town more and of course the other Schroeder sisters and their stories. I really loved this heartwarming story. I never want to leave this wonderful community, but this one just kept drawing me back in over and over again. I loved how these two find their way together. It has an amazing epilogue. My fave! I can't wait for the next Burr Oak book. I was given a copy, but all opinions are my very own.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Surprise Amish Match by Pamela Desmond Wright is the second book that I have read by this author.
The story takes place in Burr Oak, Texas. Ethan Zehr is a newcomer (formally from a very strict Amish community )and opened a coffee shop with his dad and 2 children. He has intentions of expanding his coffee shop to the other side but Amity Schroder moves her shop in. She owns an Amish goods store where she also wants to offer a sewing circle. Amity is 25, opinionated, unmarried and in Ethan’s mind too progressive in her business with wanted to have internet and a computer. They keep butting heads. Ethan forgets that the rules are more Lax here in Texas. Amity decides to answer a pen pal in the paper. She feels like this might be her last chance at marriage. With her little sister getting married she feels some pressure. Can she help Ethan relax his ways? Can she help him connect with his troubled son Liam and feeling neglected daughter Charity? Who is this mysterious pen pal? This book is full of Family, Faith, Forgiveness and Love.
I received this ARC book to read and leave my honest review. I loved it. Happy reading!

[Mary Hake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Amish story, set in Texas, contains some heart-touching scenes and sweet dialogue in a complex tale where a widower with two children and a single woman business owner are thrown together and often clash. Readers observe the challenges facing the Amish as they struggle with adapting to modern technology and life while maintaining their religious convictions and separate way of living. These Texas Amish have differences from other Amish I have heard or read about. It’s interesting to learn about different communities. The novel seemed realistic and the characters believable as they draw readers into their daily life. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Maryann Skaritka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved returning to Burr Oak, Texas to read about Amity Schroeder. She is the petite but outspoken sister. While staying true to her Amish faith she is a shop owner who incorporates some modern technology for business purposes.
Widower Ethan Zehr has moved from a conservative Amish community in Oklahoma to run a coffee shop with his father. His two children Liam and Charity struggle with their mother’s death. Your heart will go out to them as you read their struggles.
Having to share close space in a building as well as upstairs apartments leads to differing opinions on accepting modern technology, different Amish ways clothing between Amity and Ethan.
Amity and Ethan wonder if they could ever have a future together but there are many obstacles to overcome. There is an interesting twist that adds to the story. This story was well written and will have you believing in the power of faith and love.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her Surprise Amish Match by Pamela Desmond Wright is a charming story. I found this sweet story to be easy to read. I enjoyed getting to know Amity Schroeder as well as Ethan Zehr and his family. Amity is smart, kind, has an easy-going nature, forgiving, and outspoken. Amity has a good head for business and has found a way to incorporate English technology into her business. Ethan is a widower with two children and his father is living with them as well. The family is looking for a fresh start. Ethan is straightlaced and is not open to embracing English technology. It leads to some amusing and sticky situations. There are good life lessons in the story. Faith was nicely woven into the story. The book has family, hope, love, forgiveness, and faith. Her Surprise Amish Match is a heartwarming tale with delectable coffee, a Wi-Fi quandary, building boundaries, a matchmaking dilemma, a rebellious son, and a lasting love.

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her surprise Amish Match

I loved Amity. She knew what she wanted. Amity and Ethan shared the building where their business was. Amity and Ethan had a hard time agreeing on some things. Will they ever agree on anything? Ethan is a widow with children. That is hard for him. I enjoyed both Ethan and Amity family.

I received an advanced copy of the book from the author. This book review is my own opinion.

[Ron Paula Gowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The two rivals in this story are opposite
as can be but opposites attract sometimes...
This story keeps you engaged & waiting to see what happens next. Follow along as you see their struggle to coexist as shop owners that share their building to further their business & provide for their families.
Love the way that Pam weaves the characters lives together!

[Millie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read A advance readers copy of "The Surprise Amish Match" by Pamela Desmond Wright and brought a paperback copy. Two very different people who think they have nothing in common until they become pen pals and realize they have more in common they they thought they did. I loved this book. It showed how inspire of their differences, they had more in common then they thought they did.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amity and Ethan are at odds over there shops. Ethan is dealing with his son and daughter being without a mother and they all must come to terms that life will go on. Amity despite her misgivings decides it is better to be friendly and reach out to help. This book is about second chances and new beginnings.

[Mary Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this story. It’s set in not the usual Amish Country area. It’s light hearted and easy to read. A new Amish Fiction author to me Pamela Desmond Wright, so I was glad to read her new book and give my review. I am looking forward to reading more of her books!

[Evelyn Foreman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was a whirlwind of emotions, yet always keeping me grounded in the fact that Gott had a plan for each life despite circumstances, past and present. The author has amazing, creative talent that flows through each chapter, each page, peaking one’s interest beginning to end!