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Clover Ridge #3
Gabriel's Bride
Rachel Yoder has two marry Gabriel Fisher or move to Ohio. As an orphan, Rachel doesn’t have much to offer; any match she can make will be a good one. She just didn’t plan on Gabriel with his big hands and permanent frown.
As a widower Gabriel needs help caring for the farm and his six children. But he never thought he’d marry a slip of a girl who barely reaches his chin.
Yet as time passes, Gabriel finds himself thinking about a real marriage. They have spoken vows to God and each other, but can he risk his heart with Rachel?
As a widower Gabriel needs help caring for the farm and his six children. But he never thought he’d marry a slip of a girl who barely reaches his chin.
Yet as time passes, Gabriel finds himself thinking about a real marriage. They have spoken vows to God and each other, but can he risk his heart with Rachel?
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
31 people are currently reading
599 people want to read
About the author
Amy Lillard
101 books672 followersI'm a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.
I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I've retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I'm from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son--a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!
I love homemade tacos, nail polish, and romance novels--not necessarily in that order. I'm a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I'm shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.
I believe that God is love. I guess that's why I adore romances.
I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I'm a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that's me June Cleaver with a laptop.
I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twlight series (I'll get to it or I won't, either way I'm good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I'm alone on this last one, and again, I'm good with it.)
Favorite movies--(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940's movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven't seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn's and Audrey's.
I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I've retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I'm from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son--a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!
I love homemade tacos, nail polish, and romance novels--not necessarily in that order. I'm a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I'm shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.
I believe that God is love. I guess that's why I adore romances.
I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I'm a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that's me June Cleaver with a laptop.
I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twlight series (I'll get to it or I won't, either way I'm good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I'm alone on this last one, and again, I'm good with it.)
Favorite movies--(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940's movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven't seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn's and Audrey's.
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April 22, 2016
Gabriel’s Bride, By: Amy Lillard
This is the story of Rachel Yoder who was orphaned as a child.
She is taken in by her aenti Katherine Yoder. He passing has
left Rachel in a bind. Rachel can either marry Gabriel Fisher
and care for his six children and home or move to Ohio to help
out her cousins. Gabriel and Rachel come to an aggrement to have a
marriage in name only. Will they both be able to keep up those strong
walls around their hearts? Vowing not to fall in love.
Amy Lillard knows how to write a story that keeps you glued to the book.
I give this book 5 stars!
A must read book!
This is the story of Rachel Yoder who was orphaned as a child.
She is taken in by her aenti Katherine Yoder. He passing has
left Rachel in a bind. Rachel can either marry Gabriel Fisher
and care for his six children and home or move to Ohio to help
out her cousins. Gabriel and Rachel come to an aggrement to have a
marriage in name only. Will they both be able to keep up those strong
walls around their hearts? Vowing not to fall in love.
Amy Lillard knows how to write a story that keeps you glued to the book.
I give this book 5 stars!
A must read book!
March 24, 2014
Gabriel Fisher has been widowed for six years, and has his hands full with five sons and a large farm to manage. His daughter recently left home during her rumspringa in order to continue her education, and his sister is planning for her upcoming wedding. With no alternative, his only option was to hire someone to manage his household and monitor the children.
Sadly, Rachel Yoder's aunt passed away leaving her homeless and alone, aside from distant cousins in Ohio. In order to remain in her Amish community in Oklahoma she takes the job as housekeeper for Gabriel in lieu of moving to Ohio to live with relative strangers. Gabriel agreed to allow her to bring her goats to his farm, an option that she was not allowed if she were to move to Ohio. Not considering the repercussions involved in the Amish community, Gabriel agreed for Rachel to live in his daughter's vacant room at the farm. The bishop of their district has other ideas when he discovers that Gabriel has an unmarried housekeeper living in his home.
A quick marriage arrangement takes place out of convenience for both Gabriel and Rachel. Gabriel's children don't take kindly to the idea as they still hold their mother close in their hearts, and the new housekeeper turned wife becomes easily distracted from her chores and has a penchant for burning nearly everything she cooks! Six-year-old Samuel is the exception to the rule. A Down syndrome child with learning disabilities, Samuel loves everything about Rachel, and becomes very attached to her. Rachel loves his sweet and affectionate nature and can't imagine her life without him. So begins a journey of joy and sadness, fun and games, mishaps and adventures, disappointment and desolation.
Returning to Clover Ridge, Oklahoma in the third installment of this series is pure delight, with moments of hilarity and occasions of emotional upheaval and heartbreak. Amy Lillard has written another wonderful Amish novel of love, tenderness, humor and despair, all rolled into a wonderful and emotional read. Amy is very talented in painting a pictorial representation of the locale, the Amish farms and surrounding area. I was impressed by that quality from "Saving Gideon" as well, the first book in this series. The characters throughout this book are very personalized and colorful, with traits that make you love them, and in some cases, dislike them, but in getting to know them personally this is a very enjoyable part of the story. I highly recommend Gabriel's Bride. This is a far different viewpoint from many Amish fiction stories, one that I particularly enjoyed. The books in this series can also be read as stand alone stories, but I recommend the entire series for your reading pleasure!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from B&H Publishing Groups in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
Sadly, Rachel Yoder's aunt passed away leaving her homeless and alone, aside from distant cousins in Ohio. In order to remain in her Amish community in Oklahoma she takes the job as housekeeper for Gabriel in lieu of moving to Ohio to live with relative strangers. Gabriel agreed to allow her to bring her goats to his farm, an option that she was not allowed if she were to move to Ohio. Not considering the repercussions involved in the Amish community, Gabriel agreed for Rachel to live in his daughter's vacant room at the farm. The bishop of their district has other ideas when he discovers that Gabriel has an unmarried housekeeper living in his home.
A quick marriage arrangement takes place out of convenience for both Gabriel and Rachel. Gabriel's children don't take kindly to the idea as they still hold their mother close in their hearts, and the new housekeeper turned wife becomes easily distracted from her chores and has a penchant for burning nearly everything she cooks! Six-year-old Samuel is the exception to the rule. A Down syndrome child with learning disabilities, Samuel loves everything about Rachel, and becomes very attached to her. Rachel loves his sweet and affectionate nature and can't imagine her life without him. So begins a journey of joy and sadness, fun and games, mishaps and adventures, disappointment and desolation.
Returning to Clover Ridge, Oklahoma in the third installment of this series is pure delight, with moments of hilarity and occasions of emotional upheaval and heartbreak. Amy Lillard has written another wonderful Amish novel of love, tenderness, humor and despair, all rolled into a wonderful and emotional read. Amy is very talented in painting a pictorial representation of the locale, the Amish farms and surrounding area. I was impressed by that quality from "Saving Gideon" as well, the first book in this series. The characters throughout this book are very personalized and colorful, with traits that make you love them, and in some cases, dislike them, but in getting to know them personally this is a very enjoyable part of the story. I highly recommend Gabriel's Bride. This is a far different viewpoint from many Amish fiction stories, one that I particularly enjoyed. The books in this series can also be read as stand alone stories, but I recommend the entire series for your reading pleasure!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from B&H Publishing Groups in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
May 16, 2014
As a reader that only enjoys SOME Amish fiction I usually try a new author with some trepidation. I quickly lost that with Gabriel's Bride. The book was new, different, and not the usual hackneyed storyline. I was pulled in with chapter one and it kept me hooked all the way through to the last page.
I really liked both Rachel and Gabriel. Rachel is sweet and genuinely tries to fit in and help her new family. Gabriel is a bit gruff and doesn't always know what to say but he loves his family very much. It was neat watching the two grow, change, and get used to each other. I really enjoyed how Amy Lillard made her characters flawed and make mistakes but still doing their best and trying to do what is right for their family.
As with most Amish stories faith and family are foremost. I love the wholesome but also realistic life stages and predicaments that the characters find themselves in. There is romance, danger, drama, and humor all rolled into 300 pages of good book. Some of the best humor comes when Gabriel's boys decide they don't want a new mother and the tricks they pull on her, and how she good-naturedly gets back at them.
Gabriel's Bride was an enjoyable story that I would recommend to any lover of Amish fiction!
(I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.)
I really liked both Rachel and Gabriel. Rachel is sweet and genuinely tries to fit in and help her new family. Gabriel is a bit gruff and doesn't always know what to say but he loves his family very much. It was neat watching the two grow, change, and get used to each other. I really enjoyed how Amy Lillard made her characters flawed and make mistakes but still doing their best and trying to do what is right for their family.
As with most Amish stories faith and family are foremost. I love the wholesome but also realistic life stages and predicaments that the characters find themselves in. There is romance, danger, drama, and humor all rolled into 300 pages of good book. Some of the best humor comes when Gabriel's boys decide they don't want a new mother and the tricks they pull on her, and how she good-naturedly gets back at them.
Gabriel's Bride was an enjoyable story that I would recommend to any lover of Amish fiction!
(I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.)
January 31, 2014
Choices, choices? But which is the right path to take? If only she had a definitive answer. Will God answer her prayers? Rachel Yoder is still dealing with the death of her only family member, her Aunt Katherine, she is now faced with finding a new place to live. Unlike most Amish families, her Aunt Katherine took out a reverse mortgage on her home and land. Now that she has passed away, the bank now owns the property and despite all of Rachel's pleas to make the payments, she has no other choice but to find somewhere else to move.
It seems her only option is moving to Ohio where her Katherine had some cousins that could definitely use her help raising eleven children. His wife has been ill lately and could use the help around the house if she is willing to come. But what other choice does she have? She can only pray that they might be willing to take her goats as well since she has been making a living with their milk and cheese. But Ohio? So far away.
"There is no one here that would take her in. No one who would help without needing something in return. For her to care for their children or cook their meals. No one who would understand how important it was for her to keep her goats and make her cheese. To understand how important it was for her to make her own way. Once again she was adrift. Alone in the world. Except this time she was twenty-six, not ten. This time she was an adult, though she still felt like a frightened child who had come here all the way from Florida to live with a maiden aunt after her parents had died in that awful accident.
"The district will have to choose a new deacon, and I'm putting your name in."
A dozen conflicting emotions swamped Gabriel. He wasn't worthy. He was a widower. He didn't need the responsibility while he was alone now and struggling to raise his children.
"I'll say that I'd rather you didn't." Being a deacon, or any of the chosen leaders, was no easy job. Aside from feeling like he wasn't worthy, he simply wasn't up for it.
""It'll do you good son."
Gabriel took a deep breath, slowing the mad thump of his heart. Just because his name went into the lot wouldn't mean he would be chosen. Only God knew the outcome.
"Course'n it'd be better if you were married."
He had no intention of getting married again. He'd been so blessed before, marrying a woman he loved with all his heart. Then the Lord had seen fit to take her home at the same time He gave them Samuel. Gabriel would never love like that again. Having experienced it once before, it wasn't fair to ask another to enter into a relationship that was not was wondrous. Oh, he knew that he'd had something so special with Rebecca, he couldn't settle for less. He's make do in his life, knowing that once he had held the world in his arms.
But the little voice whispered in his head. He no longer had a woman partner, someone - anyone - to help with chores and teaching the boys the ways of women. Katie Rose was getting ready to get married and Mary Elizabeth was gone, her love of animals and desire for an education pushing her into the Englisch world. His mother was doing well after her cancer treatments a couple of years back, but she was not as strong as she used to be. Gideon's Annie was going to deliver their first child soon. No, all the women in his life were busy living their own lives. Oh, they would help if he asked, but he didnt' feel that was fair, nor was getting married again. He'd just have to manage.
"I don't think - "
Esh shushed him with a wave of one hand. "You just be open to whatever God has in store for you."
There was no way to argue with that. "Jah, Deacon. I will at that." (Excerpt pg 13-14).
Welcome to Gabriel's Bride, the third book by Amy Lillard in her Clover Ridge series that has completed captivated my heart and soul! Both Rachel and Gabriel have pressing matters in which a marriage of convenience would work well for, but even though it seems like the perfect arrangement, neither of them are prepared for what lies in store for them. For Rachel she has to contend with trying to find a way to cook and clean when she appears to not be able to manage anything without burning or scorching something in the process. Gabriel has to battle the feelings that he finds stirring in his heart now that Rachel is living under his roof even though they have agreed to keep things platonic between them. It's the perfect recipe for romance and a whole lot of laughs along the way.
I received Gabriel's Bride by Amy Lillard compliments of B and H Publishing Group and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Book Tours for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions are strictly my own unless otherwise noted. I have been completely charmed by this series because Amy creates a delightful cast of characters that keeps you coming back for more just to know what is happening in their lives. It's hard to believe that your simply reading a great novel and these characters only exist on the pages of this book and not in real life. They aren't perfect but have their own set of flaws much like we all do. I believe that is what makes readers sit up and take notice. Congratulations Amy Lillard, you've hooked me and created such a craving for this series, I am officially addicted. I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion and it even includes a discussion guide that is great for book clubs!
It seems her only option is moving to Ohio where her Katherine had some cousins that could definitely use her help raising eleven children. His wife has been ill lately and could use the help around the house if she is willing to come. But what other choice does she have? She can only pray that they might be willing to take her goats as well since she has been making a living with their milk and cheese. But Ohio? So far away.
"There is no one here that would take her in. No one who would help without needing something in return. For her to care for their children or cook their meals. No one who would understand how important it was for her to keep her goats and make her cheese. To understand how important it was for her to make her own way. Once again she was adrift. Alone in the world. Except this time she was twenty-six, not ten. This time she was an adult, though she still felt like a frightened child who had come here all the way from Florida to live with a maiden aunt after her parents had died in that awful accident.
"The district will have to choose a new deacon, and I'm putting your name in."
A dozen conflicting emotions swamped Gabriel. He wasn't worthy. He was a widower. He didn't need the responsibility while he was alone now and struggling to raise his children.
"I'll say that I'd rather you didn't." Being a deacon, or any of the chosen leaders, was no easy job. Aside from feeling like he wasn't worthy, he simply wasn't up for it.
""It'll do you good son."
Gabriel took a deep breath, slowing the mad thump of his heart. Just because his name went into the lot wouldn't mean he would be chosen. Only God knew the outcome.
"Course'n it'd be better if you were married."
He had no intention of getting married again. He'd been so blessed before, marrying a woman he loved with all his heart. Then the Lord had seen fit to take her home at the same time He gave them Samuel. Gabriel would never love like that again. Having experienced it once before, it wasn't fair to ask another to enter into a relationship that was not was wondrous. Oh, he knew that he'd had something so special with Rebecca, he couldn't settle for less. He's make do in his life, knowing that once he had held the world in his arms.
But the little voice whispered in his head. He no longer had a woman partner, someone - anyone - to help with chores and teaching the boys the ways of women. Katie Rose was getting ready to get married and Mary Elizabeth was gone, her love of animals and desire for an education pushing her into the Englisch world. His mother was doing well after her cancer treatments a couple of years back, but she was not as strong as she used to be. Gideon's Annie was going to deliver their first child soon. No, all the women in his life were busy living their own lives. Oh, they would help if he asked, but he didnt' feel that was fair, nor was getting married again. He'd just have to manage.
"I don't think - "
Esh shushed him with a wave of one hand. "You just be open to whatever God has in store for you."
There was no way to argue with that. "Jah, Deacon. I will at that." (Excerpt pg 13-14).
Welcome to Gabriel's Bride, the third book by Amy Lillard in her Clover Ridge series that has completed captivated my heart and soul! Both Rachel and Gabriel have pressing matters in which a marriage of convenience would work well for, but even though it seems like the perfect arrangement, neither of them are prepared for what lies in store for them. For Rachel she has to contend with trying to find a way to cook and clean when she appears to not be able to manage anything without burning or scorching something in the process. Gabriel has to battle the feelings that he finds stirring in his heart now that Rachel is living under his roof even though they have agreed to keep things platonic between them. It's the perfect recipe for romance and a whole lot of laughs along the way.
I received Gabriel's Bride by Amy Lillard compliments of B and H Publishing Group and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Book Tours for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions are strictly my own unless otherwise noted. I have been completely charmed by this series because Amy creates a delightful cast of characters that keeps you coming back for more just to know what is happening in their lives. It's hard to believe that your simply reading a great novel and these characters only exist on the pages of this book and not in real life. They aren't perfect but have their own set of flaws much like we all do. I believe that is what makes readers sit up and take notice. Congratulations Amy Lillard, you've hooked me and created such a craving for this series, I am officially addicted. I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion and it even includes a discussion guide that is great for book clubs!
January 22, 2024
Great Ending!
Absolutely loved Gabriel's Bride, which is book 3 of Amy Lillard's A Clover Ridge Novel series! It begins with Rachel Yoder's aunt having just passed away and Rachel's world getting turned upside down in more ways than one. Not only has she just lost her surrogate parent, but she also finds out that she cannot stay living in her aunt's house. Her only choice is to move to Ohio with relatives that she barely knows, which would also mean leaving behind her precious goats and abandoning her cheese making business.
Gabriel Fisher is a widower raising six children. The oldest, Mary Elizabeth, has left unexpectedly, to pursue an education in the English world, leaving Gabriel alone with his five boys, the youngest of which has Down Syndrome. Gabriel decides the best solution to his problem is to hire a live in housekeeper, which works out all good and well until......
Well, the rest of the story, written in total Amy Lillard fashion, works through Rachel and Gabriel's relationship, loaded with ups and downs, sadness and joy, as well as romance and comedy that combined together make for a great ending to a wonderful series.
Absolutely loved Gabriel's Bride, which is book 3 of Amy Lillard's A Clover Ridge Novel series! It begins with Rachel Yoder's aunt having just passed away and Rachel's world getting turned upside down in more ways than one. Not only has she just lost her surrogate parent, but she also finds out that she cannot stay living in her aunt's house. Her only choice is to move to Ohio with relatives that she barely knows, which would also mean leaving behind her precious goats and abandoning her cheese making business.
Gabriel Fisher is a widower raising six children. The oldest, Mary Elizabeth, has left unexpectedly, to pursue an education in the English world, leaving Gabriel alone with his five boys, the youngest of which has Down Syndrome. Gabriel decides the best solution to his problem is to hire a live in housekeeper, which works out all good and well until......
Well, the rest of the story, written in total Amy Lillard fashion, works through Rachel and Gabriel's relationship, loaded with ups and downs, sadness and joy, as well as romance and comedy that combined together make for a great ending to a wonderful series.
March 28, 2014
If you read the intro to Gabriel’s Bride, you’ll see right away that it was written at a particularly difficult time for Amy Lillard.
Instead of letting the events she was dealing with at the time deter her, she made the brave decision to forge ahead and, while she did not allow the sadness to make this book depressing, she did allow her feelings to fuel a deeply emotional story that is the best of this series – at least in my humble opinion.
Amy Lillard is a truly gifted author.
This is a book that everyone should read, whether they enjoy Amish fiction or not.
It is a story of loss, yes – but it is also a story about redemption and the amazing wonder of life and love.
I don’t know what Amy has planned for her next book but I really hope she plans to write more about this series, these people.
And I know her website says this book is the last in the Clover Ridge series but Clover Ridge has become a favorite place of mine and I hope Amy finds a way to share more with us in some way or another about the wonderful community of Clover Ridge.
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.
Instead of letting the events she was dealing with at the time deter her, she made the brave decision to forge ahead and, while she did not allow the sadness to make this book depressing, she did allow her feelings to fuel a deeply emotional story that is the best of this series – at least in my humble opinion.
Amy Lillard is a truly gifted author.
This is a book that everyone should read, whether they enjoy Amish fiction or not.
It is a story of loss, yes – but it is also a story about redemption and the amazing wonder of life and love.
I don’t know what Amy has planned for her next book but I really hope she plans to write more about this series, these people.
And I know her website says this book is the last in the Clover Ridge series but Clover Ridge has become a favorite place of mine and I hope Amy finds a way to share more with us in some way or another about the wonderful community of Clover Ridge.
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.
February 1, 2014
What a wonderful story, and a refreshing visit with some old friends. I loved being back in the Oklahoma community.
This is the third book in this series, and although you don't have to read the first to to read this one, I would recommend you do.
Come along with people who really live their faith. Rather than go against their beliefs, they form a marriage of convenience. I cannot really imagine myself doing this, but it was at the time the only option available. Or was it? Was this the will of God?
I loved the interaction between Rachael and Samuel, you could see their bond and love grow. The other boys were little devils, messing with the house and her cooking! Then their are the jumping amphibians and grasshoppers, can you imagine the mess in the house. We also the joy that is brought forth by being a family.
Come a long for a sweet visit, once you start you won't want to leave.
I received this book Net Galley, and the Publisher B & H Books, and was not required to give a positive review.
This is the third book in this series, and although you don't have to read the first to to read this one, I would recommend you do.
Come along with people who really live their faith. Rather than go against their beliefs, they form a marriage of convenience. I cannot really imagine myself doing this, but it was at the time the only option available. Or was it? Was this the will of God?
I loved the interaction between Rachael and Samuel, you could see their bond and love grow. The other boys were little devils, messing with the house and her cooking! Then their are the jumping amphibians and grasshoppers, can you imagine the mess in the house. We also the joy that is brought forth by being a family.
Come a long for a sweet visit, once you start you won't want to leave.
I received this book Net Galley, and the Publisher B & H Books, and was not required to give a positive review.
March 5, 2015
I am a lover of anything Amish. Especially books. This is the second Amish book of Lillard's that I have read and loved. In Gabriel's Bride Gabriel has been widowed and his oldest daughter left leaving him to tend to the other children and work the farm. Gabriel knows he needs to find someone quick to help take care of them. Rachel has just lost everything she has ever loved. Her Aunt has passed and now she has to decide if she wants to move to Ohio or not. Gabriel ends up hiring Rachel to stay on and care for the children. The children are not that fond of Rachel at first and the loved to play tricks on her and scare her. This book made me a giggle a bit with the boys and their pranks.Rachel ended up sharing a special bond with little Samuel and she just couldn't see her life without him. Gabriel thought more and more about her each day and loved that she was there. Could their arrangement become something more? This is a very sweet romantic Amish book.I highly recommend it. You will not want to put it down.
February 5, 2014
Gabriel’s Bride is the third book in the Clover Ridge series. It can be read as a stand-alone book, but I highly recommend reading Katie’s Choice and Saving Gideon. They are excellent reads also! I have to say Gabriel’s Bride was my favorite! Amy Lillard never disappoints. She has a knack for creating characters that are easy to fall in love with. The sweet romance that she creates along with the humor she interjects makes for a great story that is hard to put down. Unlike other Amish authors, Amy focuses on the love story first. That is what makes her books so wonderful! I have read all of her books, Amish and contemporary, and I highly recommend them all.
February 7, 2014
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Wow I think this is my favorite book in the Clover Ridge Series, of course that’s what I said about each of the others when I read them! Amy Lillard was on my ‘Favorite Author’s’ list when I read the first book in this series, Katie’s Choice.
After her aunt’s death, Rachel needed a place to stay, and Gabriel needed a housekeeper, so taking Gabriel up on his offer to move in with his family should solve both of their problems, right? Well it did until the elders of the Amish church starts hearing the gossip from the Amish grapevine, and Gabriel never thought he would marry a tiny someone like Rachel.
I was so into this story! Both Rachel and Gabriel were living a life of hurts from the past. Rachel losing her family in an accident, and Gabriel dealing with losing his wife while trying to work the farm and raising their six kids. I felt so sorry for Rachel because I would be just like her if I had to cook, clean, and do laundry for six guys! As well as trying to keep up with everything else Amish women were required to do. There were so many things happening, with some of the boys trying to run Rachel away, and Rachel and Gideon and their attraction for each other, which couldn’t happen! It seemed everything was against them. But that is all I am going to tell you, because you need to find out the outcome of this dysfunctional family for yourself. And you will experience a wonderful, exciting, and entertaining time of enjoyable reading! I love, love Amy Lillard, and will keep all three books in this series so I can read it again! I encourage you to run out and grab a copy of this book, or run to the computer and order online! You will sure not be disappointed!
I received this book from CFBA and B&H Books to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
Wow I think this is my favorite book in the Clover Ridge Series, of course that’s what I said about each of the others when I read them! Amy Lillard was on my ‘Favorite Author’s’ list when I read the first book in this series, Katie’s Choice.
After her aunt’s death, Rachel needed a place to stay, and Gabriel needed a housekeeper, so taking Gabriel up on his offer to move in with his family should solve both of their problems, right? Well it did until the elders of the Amish church starts hearing the gossip from the Amish grapevine, and Gabriel never thought he would marry a tiny someone like Rachel.
I was so into this story! Both Rachel and Gabriel were living a life of hurts from the past. Rachel losing her family in an accident, and Gabriel dealing with losing his wife while trying to work the farm and raising their six kids. I felt so sorry for Rachel because I would be just like her if I had to cook, clean, and do laundry for six guys! As well as trying to keep up with everything else Amish women were required to do. There were so many things happening, with some of the boys trying to run Rachel away, and Rachel and Gideon and their attraction for each other, which couldn’t happen! It seemed everything was against them. But that is all I am going to tell you, because you need to find out the outcome of this dysfunctional family for yourself. And you will experience a wonderful, exciting, and entertaining time of enjoyable reading! I love, love Amy Lillard, and will keep all three books in this series so I can read it again! I encourage you to run out and grab a copy of this book, or run to the computer and order online! You will sure not be disappointed!
I received this book from CFBA and B&H Books to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
August 5, 2014
Amy Lillard confided in the Author´s note that Gabriel´s Bride was written during a particularly difficult time in her life and that she had tried to turn her sorrow into something positive. Well, she completely succeeded. Gabriel´s Bride is a very good mix of romance, serious issues like overcoming sorrow, pain and loneliness, but also of great fun. The book is part of a series, but it can be very easily read separately.
Rachel Yoder is an orphan with no real connections to anyone but her recently deceased aunt – something rare among the Amish. In order to be able to support herself, keep her goats and stay in the community she knows, she takes up a job of housekeeper for Gabriel Fisher, a widower with six children. Wagging tongues of some church members force them to marry. Their marriage is in name only, because Gabriel doesn´ t believe he could love a woman once more and Rachel isn´t attracted to him anyway… or so they think at the beginning.
Their romance is not a straightforward one, they have to overcome not only their prejudices, grief, nd differences in lifestyle, but also deal with Gabriel´s children´s feelings and expectations.
I really liked that none of the characters was a perfect person; each has his or her flaws and weaknesses, but they were open to God´s work in their hearts and lives.
I got the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and I am very grateful for the opportunity to read and review such a fine story.
February 25, 2014
Gabriel's Bride (Clover Ridge #3)
by Amy Lillard
The book begins with Gabriel’s oldest child, Mary Elizabeth, leaving home unexpectedly to further her schooling in the English world.
Gabriel, who desperately misses his wife who died during childbirth six years ago, has no one to help with the cooking and housekeeping for him and his six children. He needs the help with his youngest son six year old Samuel with Down’s syndrome.
After her aunt’s death, Rachel needed a place to stay .she has two choices marry Gabriel Fisher or move to Ohio.Gabriel needed a housekeeper. taking Gabriel up on his offer to move in with his family should solve both of their problems.
Yet as time passes, Gabriel finds himself thinking about a real marriage. They have spoken vows to God and each other, but can he risk his heart with Rachel?,
Gabriel's Bride is the third book in the Clover Ridge Series. I highly recommend reading Gabriel's Bride. Gabriel's Bride is a 5 star book. I look forward to reading more book by Amy .
#1 "Saving Gideon"
Book #2 "Katie's Choice" of the Clover Ridge Series
Gabriel's Bride is the third book in the Clover Ridge Series.
Caroline's Secret
(Some Secrets, book 1
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
by Amy Lillard
The book begins with Gabriel’s oldest child, Mary Elizabeth, leaving home unexpectedly to further her schooling in the English world.
Gabriel, who desperately misses his wife who died during childbirth six years ago, has no one to help with the cooking and housekeeping for him and his six children. He needs the help with his youngest son six year old Samuel with Down’s syndrome.
After her aunt’s death, Rachel needed a place to stay .she has two choices marry Gabriel Fisher or move to Ohio.Gabriel needed a housekeeper. taking Gabriel up on his offer to move in with his family should solve both of their problems.
Yet as time passes, Gabriel finds himself thinking about a real marriage. They have spoken vows to God and each other, but can he risk his heart with Rachel?,
Gabriel's Bride is the third book in the Clover Ridge Series. I highly recommend reading Gabriel's Bride. Gabriel's Bride is a 5 star book. I look forward to reading more book by Amy .
#1 "Saving Gideon"
Book #2 "Katie's Choice" of the Clover Ridge Series
Gabriel's Bride is the third book in the Clover Ridge Series.
Caroline's Secret
(Some Secrets, book 1
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
April 22, 2016
Gabriel’s Bride
By: Amy Lillard
I love Amy’s books. She writes such sweet stories. I like it they are nice and clean and spiritual. I love the characters. You don’t want the book to end. Gabriel’s oldest daughter is going away to school. He still has 5 sons at home to care for and the youngest one who is six has Down’s Syndrome. Gabriel’s wife died six years ago giving birth to Samuel. Gabriel needs help, but there was no women available in the family to help him and he didn’t want to marry again he had a wonderful life with Rebecca.
Gabriel then meets Rachel Yoder. She begins doing housekeeping and helping with children for him. Then there is trouble the Bishop pays a visit. What are they to do? This is a wonderful book one you won’t want to put down. It is the third book in the Clover Ridge series. Amy is a wonderful writer. I fully enjoy her Amish series.
By: Amy Lillard
I love Amy’s books. She writes such sweet stories. I like it they are nice and clean and spiritual. I love the characters. You don’t want the book to end. Gabriel’s oldest daughter is going away to school. He still has 5 sons at home to care for and the youngest one who is six has Down’s Syndrome. Gabriel’s wife died six years ago giving birth to Samuel. Gabriel needs help, but there was no women available in the family to help him and he didn’t want to marry again he had a wonderful life with Rebecca.
Gabriel then meets Rachel Yoder. She begins doing housekeeping and helping with children for him. Then there is trouble the Bishop pays a visit. What are they to do? This is a wonderful book one you won’t want to put down. It is the third book in the Clover Ridge series. Amy is a wonderful writer. I fully enjoy her Amish series.
April 18, 2014
I love a good Amish fiction read and this did not disappoint. I have read the other two books in this series that focus on Katie and Gideon. They were both wonderful and so I couldn’t wait to get started on this one. I was already in love with little Samuel and his Down’s. It didn’t take long for me to be sucked in and feel that Rachel was my friend. Of course, I also had moments where I wanted to shake some sense into her and slap Gabriel until he figured it out! Don’t worry I won’t give away the ending or whether this couple makes it or not. But I will say be warned to never pick up a rattlesnake!
January 30, 2014
Readers who enjoy Amish fiction will not be able to put Gabriel’s Bride by Amy Lillard (B&H Publishing Group) down once they start reading. This Amish romance is the continuation of The Clover Ridge series and follows the eldest son, widowed, taciturn Gabriel Fisher and his family in Clover Ridge, Oklahoma. Readers need not read the previous two novels in the series, but will want to as the first two novels, Saving Gideon and Katie’s Choice, are just as exceptional as Gabriel’s Bride.
The book begins with Gabriel’s oldest child, Mary Elizabeth, leaving home unexpectedly to further her schooling in the English world. Gabriel, who desperately misses his wife who died during childbirth six years ago, has no one to help with the cooking and housekeeping for him and his five sons. He needs the help especially with his youngest son, sweet and delightful six year old Samuel with Down’s syndrome.
Soon Gabriel meets a 26 year old Amish woman, Rachel, who is in need of a job and place to live since her only close relative has passed away. If Rachel doesn’t take the housekeeper job for the stern and unfriendly Gabriel, she will need to move to Ohio to live with a distant cousin with eleven children and give up her organic goat cheese business.
With some misgivings, Rachel begins the housekeeping job at Gabriel’s home but she’s not much of an Amish housekeeper. She burns most of the food she cooks, her goats eat Gabriel’s prized experimental crop of red and gold wheat, and she has trouble keeping up with cleaning and sewing. However Rachel and little Samuel develop a bond even if the older brothers have little use for her.
Only two weeks into this rocky start, the bishop and ministers pay a visit to Gabriel and Rachel to tell them their living arrangement is inappropriate since they are not married but living under the same roof. Impulsively and although they barely get along, Gabriel asks Rachel to marry him, in name only, so they can continue the work arrangement and still satisfy the demands of the Amish ministers.
Slowly the barriers between Gabriel and Rachel begin to crumble and break down; love starts to grow secretly in each of their hearts. The author skillfully brings the couple closer to a real marriage until little Samuel gets bitten by a rattlesnake. Rachel blames herself for the boy’s injury. She feel unworthy to raise Gabriel’s children and decides to run away from Clover Ridge to live with her distant Ohio relatives. Delightful surprises await readers in the captivating ending to this most readable novel.
Amy Lillard writes beautiful romantic Amish novels. She is talented in maintaining the romantic tension as well as interjecting humor between the characters in her books. Readers of the Amish genre will savor every page of Gabriel’s Bride.
The book begins with Gabriel’s oldest child, Mary Elizabeth, leaving home unexpectedly to further her schooling in the English world. Gabriel, who desperately misses his wife who died during childbirth six years ago, has no one to help with the cooking and housekeeping for him and his five sons. He needs the help especially with his youngest son, sweet and delightful six year old Samuel with Down’s syndrome.
Soon Gabriel meets a 26 year old Amish woman, Rachel, who is in need of a job and place to live since her only close relative has passed away. If Rachel doesn’t take the housekeeper job for the stern and unfriendly Gabriel, she will need to move to Ohio to live with a distant cousin with eleven children and give up her organic goat cheese business.
With some misgivings, Rachel begins the housekeeping job at Gabriel’s home but she’s not much of an Amish housekeeper. She burns most of the food she cooks, her goats eat Gabriel’s prized experimental crop of red and gold wheat, and she has trouble keeping up with cleaning and sewing. However Rachel and little Samuel develop a bond even if the older brothers have little use for her.
Only two weeks into this rocky start, the bishop and ministers pay a visit to Gabriel and Rachel to tell them their living arrangement is inappropriate since they are not married but living under the same roof. Impulsively and although they barely get along, Gabriel asks Rachel to marry him, in name only, so they can continue the work arrangement and still satisfy the demands of the Amish ministers.
Slowly the barriers between Gabriel and Rachel begin to crumble and break down; love starts to grow secretly in each of their hearts. The author skillfully brings the couple closer to a real marriage until little Samuel gets bitten by a rattlesnake. Rachel blames herself for the boy’s injury. She feel unworthy to raise Gabriel’s children and decides to run away from Clover Ridge to live with her distant Ohio relatives. Delightful surprises await readers in the captivating ending to this most readable novel.
Amy Lillard writes beautiful romantic Amish novels. She is talented in maintaining the romantic tension as well as interjecting humor between the characters in her books. Readers of the Amish genre will savor every page of Gabriel’s Bride.
March 6, 2014
There’s something about reading a book that you have been anticipating for so long that is extra special. That is how I feel about Gabriel’s Bride. From the moment I “met” Gabriel in the first book of this series, Saving Gideon, I wanted to find out how his story would turn out. I wasn’t disappointed. In fact, I will go on to say that it was even better than I could have imagined. I have enjoyed every book in the Clover Ridge series and if you are a fan of Amish fiction, this is a series that you should consider reading.
The premise of the book is that Rachel Yoder and Gabriel Fisher choose to enter into a marriage of convenience. For Rachel, it is an opportunity to stay in the Clover Ridge community. For Gabriel, it means that he will have the housekeeper that he needs. Both, of course, feel that they will be able to honor the agreement, but we, the readers, know that there will be so much more to the story than just that.
All of the characters in this book are so well-written. Even the side characters and the children have distinct personalities and make for a well-rounded story. Rachel is so sweet and the trouble she has running the household makes her dear to my heart. She is kind and loving to all and just trying to make things work in her new role of “wife” while managing her changing feelings. Gabriel is such a solid, good man. He loves his children, he loves his late wife, and he is working hard to honor God with his position in the community. What Gabriel is not good at is expressing his true feelings. Fear of how the other will react greatly influences many decisions made by Gabriel and Rachel and makes for a truly satisfying read.
The author has done a lovely job with the whole series and this book is a wonderful addition. I hope to someday read the stories of some of the other characters from Clover Ridge, such as John Paul or Mary Elizabeth. If ever these stories are written, I know they will be well worth the wait.
I received a complimentary copy of Gabriel’s Bride from the author in exchange for an honest review, which I have given. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
You can read this review on my blog at:
http://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.co...
The premise of the book is that Rachel Yoder and Gabriel Fisher choose to enter into a marriage of convenience. For Rachel, it is an opportunity to stay in the Clover Ridge community. For Gabriel, it means that he will have the housekeeper that he needs. Both, of course, feel that they will be able to honor the agreement, but we, the readers, know that there will be so much more to the story than just that.
All of the characters in this book are so well-written. Even the side characters and the children have distinct personalities and make for a well-rounded story. Rachel is so sweet and the trouble she has running the household makes her dear to my heart. She is kind and loving to all and just trying to make things work in her new role of “wife” while managing her changing feelings. Gabriel is such a solid, good man. He loves his children, he loves his late wife, and he is working hard to honor God with his position in the community. What Gabriel is not good at is expressing his true feelings. Fear of how the other will react greatly influences many decisions made by Gabriel and Rachel and makes for a truly satisfying read.
The author has done a lovely job with the whole series and this book is a wonderful addition. I hope to someday read the stories of some of the other characters from Clover Ridge, such as John Paul or Mary Elizabeth. If ever these stories are written, I know they will be well worth the wait.
I received a complimentary copy of Gabriel’s Bride from the author in exchange for an honest review, which I have given. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
You can read this review on my blog at:
http://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.co...
July 1, 2020
My review originally posted on Romancing-the-Book.com is shown below:
This is the third book in the Clover Ridge series and it did not disappoint becoming my favorite book of the series. This is Gabriel and Rachel’s story and the series just gets better and better. Their interactions are both heartwarming and distant and watching them grow closer against their will but remain distant was heartbreaking and stressful.
I’ve met the Fisher family in the first two books in the series and are reunited with them here and it was wonderful to see how their lives are progressing. Watching the interactions of all the family members was so real whether there were pranks being played, illnesses to deal with, chores to get done, children to raise, services to attend, arguments, misunderstandings, happy or sad events. There was romance and love and I laughed and cried since the story was touching in so many ways and engaged my emotions totally throughout.
The Amish and the Englisch interact in this story as well as they have in the past stories. Since it is an Amish story the church, prayers and meetings play an important role. The goats were a nice addition reminiscent to me of the menagerie in the Fool’s Gold series by Susan Mallery. The glossary at the back of the book was helpful for any Amish words that I didn’t understand and the discussion questions were thought provoking.
I hope the series will continue with John Paul’s story but if not, I am sorry to see the series end since there seems to be so much more story to tell. I look forward to reading many more of Lillard’s books in the future. She has become one of my favorite authors and her books will be added to my always growing TBR pile! Give her books a read. You will be glad you did!
Favorite Quote: Sure enough there were goats. In his experimental patch of hybrid red and gold wheat! The beasts were munching on the tender stalks pulling them up by the roots and chewing them to bits like there was no tomorrow. Even worse, someone had dragged a number 10 washtub into the fenced-in area crushing even more of the wheat sprouts.
This is the third book in the Clover Ridge series and it did not disappoint becoming my favorite book of the series. This is Gabriel and Rachel’s story and the series just gets better and better. Their interactions are both heartwarming and distant and watching them grow closer against their will but remain distant was heartbreaking and stressful.
I’ve met the Fisher family in the first two books in the series and are reunited with them here and it was wonderful to see how their lives are progressing. Watching the interactions of all the family members was so real whether there were pranks being played, illnesses to deal with, chores to get done, children to raise, services to attend, arguments, misunderstandings, happy or sad events. There was romance and love and I laughed and cried since the story was touching in so many ways and engaged my emotions totally throughout.
The Amish and the Englisch interact in this story as well as they have in the past stories. Since it is an Amish story the church, prayers and meetings play an important role. The goats were a nice addition reminiscent to me of the menagerie in the Fool’s Gold series by Susan Mallery. The glossary at the back of the book was helpful for any Amish words that I didn’t understand and the discussion questions were thought provoking.
I hope the series will continue with John Paul’s story but if not, I am sorry to see the series end since there seems to be so much more story to tell. I look forward to reading many more of Lillard’s books in the future. She has become one of my favorite authors and her books will be added to my always growing TBR pile! Give her books a read. You will be glad you did!
Favorite Quote: Sure enough there were goats. In his experimental patch of hybrid red and gold wheat! The beasts were munching on the tender stalks pulling them up by the roots and chewing them to bits like there was no tomorrow. Even worse, someone had dragged a number 10 washtub into the fenced-in area crushing even more of the wheat sprouts.
August 25, 2015
Gabriel's Bride**** by Amy Lillard
Rachel Yoder's aunt has died and her home has been sold. Now orphaned and alone she has two choices: move to Ohio with a distant cousin who has eleven children—which also means she has to sell her goats and loose her organic goat cheese business; or a marriage of convenience to unfriendly and stern Gabriel Fisher, a widower with six children. If she marries Gabriel, she can keep her goats and her cheese business as well as having a home and family.
Everything does not go as smoothly as Rachel and Gabriel had hoped. For one thing his two middle sons are not happy with their dad's new wife. Those two mischievous sons hatch a plan to sabotage everything Rachel does in hopes to drive her away. However, Rachel takes in stride—as she does everything—and continues to make Gabriel's home and family her own. The youngest son, six year old Samuel, captures Rachel's heart and he loves her.
Gabriel is hopeful that his life will be much easier and uneventful with Rachel here to do the indoor chores, cook and mind his sons. But it appears that she can't keep the house clean for long and burns almost everything she cooks. However, her goat cheese is delicious!
Samuel captured my heart as he did Rachel's. I like the way Rachel kept going even with all that she had endured in her young life. Loved the antics the two middle boys pulled on Rachel and had to chuckle when she pulled one on them. Gabriel seemed blind to what they were up to and I wanted to go out to the barn and tell him. I enjoyed watching Gabriel and Rachel as they adjusted to their new lives together and the way love sneaks up on them. Faith and family are a very important part of their lives; add to that romance, some danger, joy as well as sadness, drama, heartbreak and humor. I could picture their farm, surrounding farms and community from the clear descriptions Amy Lillard painted.
~~I won a copy of this book from the author on Goodreads Bingo, this is my honest review~~
Rachel Yoder's aunt has died and her home has been sold. Now orphaned and alone she has two choices: move to Ohio with a distant cousin who has eleven children—which also means she has to sell her goats and loose her organic goat cheese business; or a marriage of convenience to unfriendly and stern Gabriel Fisher, a widower with six children. If she marries Gabriel, she can keep her goats and her cheese business as well as having a home and family.
Everything does not go as smoothly as Rachel and Gabriel had hoped. For one thing his two middle sons are not happy with their dad's new wife. Those two mischievous sons hatch a plan to sabotage everything Rachel does in hopes to drive her away. However, Rachel takes in stride—as she does everything—and continues to make Gabriel's home and family her own. The youngest son, six year old Samuel, captures Rachel's heart and he loves her.
Gabriel is hopeful that his life will be much easier and uneventful with Rachel here to do the indoor chores, cook and mind his sons. But it appears that she can't keep the house clean for long and burns almost everything she cooks. However, her goat cheese is delicious!
Samuel captured my heart as he did Rachel's. I like the way Rachel kept going even with all that she had endured in her young life. Loved the antics the two middle boys pulled on Rachel and had to chuckle when she pulled one on them. Gabriel seemed blind to what they were up to and I wanted to go out to the barn and tell him. I enjoyed watching Gabriel and Rachel as they adjusted to their new lives together and the way love sneaks up on them. Faith and family are a very important part of their lives; add to that romance, some danger, joy as well as sadness, drama, heartbreak and humor. I could picture their farm, surrounding farms and community from the clear descriptions Amy Lillard painted.
~~I won a copy of this book from the author on Goodreads Bingo, this is my honest review~~
August 5, 2016
Looking For a Great Book to Read? This Is It!
Gabriel’s Bride is the third book in this series. I want to add, if you haven’t read Saving Gideon and Katie’s Choice I strongly suggest you do before reading this one. This could be read alone I suppose but you don’t want to miss out on knowing the characters from the previous books.
Goodness, where shall I begin. Author Amy Lillard made this book come to life for me. I immediately fell in love with Rachel Yoder; perhaps it is because she reminds me of what I have been through and I can sympathize with her.
Gabriel Fisher, he frustrated me through-out most of this book. I must say that Rachel did too at times. They could not see what was right there in front of them. Have you ever talked to characters in a book before? I most certainly was trying to talk some sense into both of them!
One character that captured my heart and held it during this story was Samuel Fisher. Oh the innocence of little children. I know you will agree with me when you find out what I am talking about. No spoilers here!!
Being stubborn, lack of faith, being afraid of unknown circumstances, and being afraid to step out of our comfort zone was evidenced in this book. Being a Christian I loved how my beloved characters learned how to put their faith and trust in God through Bible scriptures and prayer.
Amy Lillard, I loved this whole series but Gabriel’s Bride is my favorite. Thank you and B&H Publishing Group for graciously giving me a copy of this book to read and review. I loved it and I am giving it a 5 star rating!
The opinions written in this review are mine alone.
Gabriel’s Bride is the third book in this series. I want to add, if you haven’t read Saving Gideon and Katie’s Choice I strongly suggest you do before reading this one. This could be read alone I suppose but you don’t want to miss out on knowing the characters from the previous books.
Goodness, where shall I begin. Author Amy Lillard made this book come to life for me. I immediately fell in love with Rachel Yoder; perhaps it is because she reminds me of what I have been through and I can sympathize with her.
Gabriel Fisher, he frustrated me through-out most of this book. I must say that Rachel did too at times. They could not see what was right there in front of them. Have you ever talked to characters in a book before? I most certainly was trying to talk some sense into both of them!
One character that captured my heart and held it during this story was Samuel Fisher. Oh the innocence of little children. I know you will agree with me when you find out what I am talking about. No spoilers here!!
Being stubborn, lack of faith, being afraid of unknown circumstances, and being afraid to step out of our comfort zone was evidenced in this book. Being a Christian I loved how my beloved characters learned how to put their faith and trust in God through Bible scriptures and prayer.
Amy Lillard, I loved this whole series but Gabriel’s Bride is my favorite. Thank you and B&H Publishing Group for graciously giving me a copy of this book to read and review. I loved it and I am giving it a 5 star rating!
The opinions written in this review are mine alone.
March 9, 2015
Gabriel's Bride is a Clover Ridge Novel by Amy Lillard
I enjoyed this book and its characters so much that I finished it in couple days, staying up late at night reading.
Gabriel lost his wife of many years and has 6 children to raise, it is so hard being both mom and dad. There are inside cores and outside chores . Many of the chores around the house fell to his only daughter Mary Elizabeth. one son had downs syndrome and needed special care also. Mary nearing her running around years was so tired of working dawn to dusk and missing out on fun so she left a note and left the community. Gabriel is devastated to find her gone in the early morning but knew there was no time for tears...much work needed done and the children needed breakfast.
When one of the ministers told him of a death in the community that he needed to attend with him, he was surprised but went because it was the right thing to do.
He met a young woman, who was the neice of the woman that died, on this trip and his life would never be the same.
Gabriel is a widower needing a wife and Rachel is about to lose her home and her goats if she must leave and go to Ohio where there is distant family.
I read of lonliness,fatigue,depression and on the flip side of that -love of the lands -the goats- the man that Rachel has just met and cannot seem to forget. the giant of a man with a gruff voice at the funeral.
you must read this wonderful story and then you will probably do as I have and search for the rest of the Clover Ridge stories.
I enjoyed this book and its characters so much that I finished it in couple days, staying up late at night reading.
Gabriel lost his wife of many years and has 6 children to raise, it is so hard being both mom and dad. There are inside cores and outside chores . Many of the chores around the house fell to his only daughter Mary Elizabeth. one son had downs syndrome and needed special care also. Mary nearing her running around years was so tired of working dawn to dusk and missing out on fun so she left a note and left the community. Gabriel is devastated to find her gone in the early morning but knew there was no time for tears...much work needed done and the children needed breakfast.
When one of the ministers told him of a death in the community that he needed to attend with him, he was surprised but went because it was the right thing to do.
He met a young woman, who was the neice of the woman that died, on this trip and his life would never be the same.
Gabriel is a widower needing a wife and Rachel is about to lose her home and her goats if she must leave and go to Ohio where there is distant family.
I read of lonliness,fatigue,depression and on the flip side of that -love of the lands -the goats- the man that Rachel has just met and cannot seem to forget. the giant of a man with a gruff voice at the funeral.
you must read this wonderful story and then you will probably do as I have and search for the rest of the Clover Ridge stories.
February 3, 2014
My Review:
Rachel Yoder knew her life was not the typical Amish way of life for a young girl of marrying age but she was happy and content nonetheless. She was content that is until the death of her precious Aunt Katherine. Shortly after Aunt Katherine's death Rachel soon learns of the status of her estate and that the bank actually owns her house and the property. So Rachel is faced with a dilemma. She has to come up with a different plan because before long she will no longer have a place to live.
Gabriel Fisher finds himself alone raising 6 children several years after his wife's death. It has been very difficult for him trying to run a household, a farm, and raise his children. So its not long before he gives the advice old Deacon Esh some serious thought and starts to realize that he is indeed spread too thin. Trying to take care of his children and get the planting done has started to take its toll.
Rachel has an offer from a relative to move away and she has an offer from Gabriel, but what does the Lord want her to do that is her only concern, as well it should. Will these two God fearing people be able to come together and give these children a family once again and experience love together as God intended? Or will it turn out to be a big disaster?
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from CFBA.
Rachel Yoder knew her life was not the typical Amish way of life for a young girl of marrying age but she was happy and content nonetheless. She was content that is until the death of her precious Aunt Katherine. Shortly after Aunt Katherine's death Rachel soon learns of the status of her estate and that the bank actually owns her house and the property. So Rachel is faced with a dilemma. She has to come up with a different plan because before long she will no longer have a place to live.
Gabriel Fisher finds himself alone raising 6 children several years after his wife's death. It has been very difficult for him trying to run a household, a farm, and raise his children. So its not long before he gives the advice old Deacon Esh some serious thought and starts to realize that he is indeed spread too thin. Trying to take care of his children and get the planting done has started to take its toll.
Rachel has an offer from a relative to move away and she has an offer from Gabriel, but what does the Lord want her to do that is her only concern, as well it should. Will these two God fearing people be able to come together and give these children a family once again and experience love together as God intended? Or will it turn out to be a big disaster?
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from CFBA.
February 7, 2014
I just love these Amish stories and especially Amy Lillard’s Clover Ridge Series! I read the first two in the series Saving Gideon and Katie’s Choice. Gabriel’s Bride is the third in the series and has been my favorite so far! Even though it’s a series, I like that these can also be read as stand alone books. While you won’t have the complete history of all the character’s, each is a new story starring someone else.
An arranged marriage is not my idea of romance but that’s what Rachel Yoder faces when she finds herself in impossible circumstances. Gabriel is a widower and needs Rachel as much as she needs him, but can an arranged marriage really ever be more than a business arrangement?
It’s often been said that love is a choice. It doesn’t seem likely for these two who are the most unlikely pair and constantly butting heads. But you can see the care start to grow out of circumstance and often choosing love can be more powerful than just falling in it!
Gabriel’s Bride is the perfect third book in the Clover Ridge Series and I look forward to the next!
An arranged marriage is not my idea of romance but that’s what Rachel Yoder faces when she finds herself in impossible circumstances. Gabriel is a widower and needs Rachel as much as she needs him, but can an arranged marriage really ever be more than a business arrangement?
It’s often been said that love is a choice. It doesn’t seem likely for these two who are the most unlikely pair and constantly butting heads. But you can see the care start to grow out of circumstance and often choosing love can be more powerful than just falling in it!
Gabriel’s Bride is the perfect third book in the Clover Ridge Series and I look forward to the next!
February 5, 2014
Once again we are in Clover Ridge, I love these stories because most generally I can picture the are, because I have been through there before, having had friends live in the Pryor area. Gabriel and his children have always pulled at my heart strings through-out this series, so I was happy to read his story. I chuckled and laughed at the stunts the boys pulled, but was grieved and cried as they faced their fears of loosing the memories of their mom. Amy is a great story-teller and this book does not disappoint. A great story that you do NOT want to miss. 5 stars from this reviewer, who looks forward to the next Amy Lillard book!
Many thanks to B&H Publishing for sending this book for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.
Many thanks to B&H Publishing for sending this book for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.
March 2, 2015
Gabriel's Bride
by Amy Lillard
Gabriel's Bride is the third novel in The Clover Ridge Series and it is awesome. I am a big fan of Amy Lillard and I love her books. They are good clean books and when you start reading one you do not want to put it down. Rachel Yoder is an orphan and a young Amish woman who lives in Clover Ridge, Oklahoma. She is being forced to move and she has an offer to move to Ohio. Now if she does move to Ohio she can't carry her goats ,which she really loves. There would be a lot of changes for her. She meets Gabriel Fisher and thinks that he is so big and he has this awful frown all the time. Gabriel Fisher is a widow and is having a hard time taking care of his five boys at home. His oldest daughter, Mary Elizabeth left home to further her schooling. These five boys is a hand full. He can't take care of all their needs and work his farm. He needs help. Gabriel comes up with the idea of hiring a housekeeper to help out. Who could he get, he don't know of anyone that has the time to help him. One day he runs into Rachel Yoder. He decides to ask her if she would want the job since she is going to have to move anyway. Now Rachel has two choices , she can move to Ohio or move in and be housekeep for Gabriel and his five boys. Now The Bishop does not like this arrangement and he has other ideas . He tells them Rachel has to move or they have to get married. Get married ,neither one of them wants to do that. Gabriel and Rachel agrees this would be a marriage of convenience since both were having their problems. Rachel would still be a housekeeper. Would this work out? I will stop before I give to much away.
I was given a copy of this book from B and H Publishing Group for my honest review and I have given it.
by Amy Lillard
Gabriel's Bride is the third novel in The Clover Ridge Series and it is awesome. I am a big fan of Amy Lillard and I love her books. They are good clean books and when you start reading one you do not want to put it down. Rachel Yoder is an orphan and a young Amish woman who lives in Clover Ridge, Oklahoma. She is being forced to move and she has an offer to move to Ohio. Now if she does move to Ohio she can't carry her goats ,which she really loves. There would be a lot of changes for her. She meets Gabriel Fisher and thinks that he is so big and he has this awful frown all the time. Gabriel Fisher is a widow and is having a hard time taking care of his five boys at home. His oldest daughter, Mary Elizabeth left home to further her schooling. These five boys is a hand full. He can't take care of all their needs and work his farm. He needs help. Gabriel comes up with the idea of hiring a housekeeper to help out. Who could he get, he don't know of anyone that has the time to help him. One day he runs into Rachel Yoder. He decides to ask her if she would want the job since she is going to have to move anyway. Now Rachel has two choices , she can move to Ohio or move in and be housekeep for Gabriel and his five boys. Now The Bishop does not like this arrangement and he has other ideas . He tells them Rachel has to move or they have to get married. Get married ,neither one of them wants to do that. Gabriel and Rachel agrees this would be a marriage of convenience since both were having their problems. Rachel would still be a housekeeper. Would this work out? I will stop before I give to much away.
I was given a copy of this book from B and H Publishing Group for my honest review and I have given it.
February 22, 2014
Rachel Yoder has two choices: marry Gabriel Fisher or move to Ohio and as an orphan, she doesn't have much to offer. As a widower Gabriel needs help caring for his farm and six children. Will this marriage of convenience work and could it ever become real love?
Gabriel's Bride is the third book in the Clover Ridge Series. It's a fantastic book showing happiness and joy can come from sadness and uncertainty when you open your heart. The storyline stays true to the Amish beliefs and values, but also shows how life can be painful and have many blessings. I love the author's style of writing. Keeps your attention from the beginning to the end. Amy Lillard is a marvelous author and I highly recommend reading Gabriel's Bride. Also, I recommend reading Book #1 "Saving Gideon" and Book #2 "Katie's Choice" of the Clover Ridge Series, if you haven't read these books. You would be missing some fantastic reading.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. This review is one hundred percent my opinion and no monetary compensation was received for this review
Gabriel's Bride is the third book in the Clover Ridge Series. It's a fantastic book showing happiness and joy can come from sadness and uncertainty when you open your heart. The storyline stays true to the Amish beliefs and values, but also shows how life can be painful and have many blessings. I love the author's style of writing. Keeps your attention from the beginning to the end. Amy Lillard is a marvelous author and I highly recommend reading Gabriel's Bride. Also, I recommend reading Book #1 "Saving Gideon" and Book #2 "Katie's Choice" of the Clover Ridge Series, if you haven't read these books. You would be missing some fantastic reading.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. This review is one hundred percent my opinion and no monetary compensation was received for this review
March 12, 2015
I am now going to have to go back and read her earlier books. Again, Amy takes us into the Amish world where things are not always black and white and easy. This one is full of missed communications, missed times when they could have shared and feelings that each are afraid to show. Being insecure is not a life style thing it is a human thing and we all suffer from it again and again. This shows us how being honest can make ones dreams come true.
March 13, 2016
When Rachel Yoder loses her home, she learns that she’s expected to move to Ohio, to care for distant family. When Gabriel Fisher’s youngest son quickly grows attached to Rachel, Gabriel and Rachel decide to marry, for the sake of his children.
But what happens when they begin to have feelings for one another?
Amy Lillard handles this particular situation well, as Gabriel and Rachel try to ignore their feelings, and stay true to their vows — and their commitment to each other.
Don’t miss this exciting series, found in the wonderful (fictional) community of Clover Ridge.
Happy Reading!!!
July 6, 2015
Reviewed by JoAnne
Book provided by the author for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
This is the third book in the Clover Ridge series and it did not disappoint becoming my favorite book of the series. This is Gabriel and Rachel’s story and the series just gets better and better. Their interactions are both heartwarming and distant and watching them grow closer against their will but remain distant was heartbreaking and stressful.
I’ve met the Fisher family in the first two books in the series and are reunited with them here and it was wonderful to see how their lives are progressing. Watching the interactions of all the family members was so real whether there were pranks being played, illnesses to deal with, chores to get done, children to raise, services to attend, arguments, misunderstandings, happy or sad events. There was romance and love and I laughed and cried since the story was touching in so many ways and engaged my emotions totally throughout.
The Amish and the Englisch interact in this story as well as they have in the past stories. Since it is an Amish story the church, prayers and meetings play an important role. The goats were a nice addition reminiscent to me of the menagerie in the Fool’s Gold series by Susan Mallery. The glossary at the back of the book was helpful for any Amish words that I didn’t understand and the discussion questions were thought provoking.
I hope the series will continue with John Paul’s story but if not, I am sorry to see the series end since there seems to be so much more story to tell. I look forward to reading many more of Lillard’s books in the future. She has become one of my favorite authors and her books will be added to my always growing TBR pile! Give her books a read. You will be glad you did!
Favorite Quote: Sure enough there were goats. In his experimental patch of hybrid red and gold wheat! The beasts were munching on the tender stalks pulling them up by the roots and chewing them to bits like there was no tomorrow. Even worse, someone had dragged a number 10 washtub into the fenced-in area crushing even more of the wheat sprouts.
Book provided by the author for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
This is the third book in the Clover Ridge series and it did not disappoint becoming my favorite book of the series. This is Gabriel and Rachel’s story and the series just gets better and better. Their interactions are both heartwarming and distant and watching them grow closer against their will but remain distant was heartbreaking and stressful.
I’ve met the Fisher family in the first two books in the series and are reunited with them here and it was wonderful to see how their lives are progressing. Watching the interactions of all the family members was so real whether there were pranks being played, illnesses to deal with, chores to get done, children to raise, services to attend, arguments, misunderstandings, happy or sad events. There was romance and love and I laughed and cried since the story was touching in so many ways and engaged my emotions totally throughout.
The Amish and the Englisch interact in this story as well as they have in the past stories. Since it is an Amish story the church, prayers and meetings play an important role. The goats were a nice addition reminiscent to me of the menagerie in the Fool’s Gold series by Susan Mallery. The glossary at the back of the book was helpful for any Amish words that I didn’t understand and the discussion questions were thought provoking.
I hope the series will continue with John Paul’s story but if not, I am sorry to see the series end since there seems to be so much more story to tell. I look forward to reading many more of Lillard’s books in the future. She has become one of my favorite authors and her books will be added to my always growing TBR pile! Give her books a read. You will be glad you did!
Favorite Quote: Sure enough there were goats. In his experimental patch of hybrid red and gold wheat! The beasts were munching on the tender stalks pulling them up by the roots and chewing them to bits like there was no tomorrow. Even worse, someone had dragged a number 10 washtub into the fenced-in area crushing even more of the wheat sprouts.
June 19, 2015
Gabriel’s Bride by Amy Lillard is the third and final book in the Clover Ridge series. Gabriel Fisher is the father of five children and is raising them without his wife. His wife, Rebecca died in giving birth to their youngest son, Samuel (he has Down’s syndrome). His sister, Katie was helping him raise the children, but she has moved back home while being courted by Zane (according to Amish custom in their area). Gabriel’s eldest daughter, Mary Elizabeth, left during the night. She left a note stating she wanted to experience life in the Englischer world and see about getting more schooling. Mary Elizabeth wants to be able to work with animals. In addition, Gabriel is the new deacon and will be having more responsibilities that will keep him away from the farm and his children. Gabriel decides to advertise for a housekeeper.
Rachel Yoder is twenty-six years old. She lived with her Aunt Katherine since the death of her parents and brothers when she was ten years old. Rachel had lived in Florida and was raised Beachy Amish prior to coming to Clover Ridge (which is Old Order Amish). Rachel assumed she inherited her Aunt’s home and that is where she would stay quite happy with her goats and the business she has created (making goat cheese). Rachel’s bubble is burst on the day of the funeral. She is told that her aunt did a reverse mortgage on the property. The bank now owns the home. Rachel’s only option is to go live with a cousin in Ohio who needs help raising eleven (way, way too many) children! Rachel would not be able to bring her goats with her.
Gabriel needs a housekeeper and Rachel needs a place to live. The perfect solution is for them to help each other. Rachel will do the cooking, cleaning, and watch after the children. Gabriel will give her a salary, a room on the second floor (his is on the first), and her goats get to come with her. Things get off to a bumpy start when Rachel’s goats arrive and she puts them in the wrong area (three years of Gabriel’s research just went into the goat’s bellies). Rachel’s cooking is not the best (evidently Aunt Katherine did the cooking). Rachel forgets she has something on the stove or in the oven when an idea comes to her about goat cheese or she is out checking on the goats. Her cookies always come out burnt. Of course, someone may be helping her food to burn. Looks like not all the children are happy to have Rachel in the house. Then the Bishop and minister show up! Poor Gabriel is not having a good month. It seems it is not appropriate for Rachel to live in the house with Gabriel and the children (I did not quite see their reasoning, but to each his own). Gabriel can marry Rachel or Rachel can go to Ohio (with no goats and eleven children). Will Gabriel and Rachel get married? Can they come to love each other? Will the children be able to accept Rachel?
You will need to read Gabriel’s Bride to find out! I give Gabriel’s Bride 4.25 out of 5 stars. The series is wrapped up nicely at the end of the book (it wraps up Gideon and Anne, Zane and Katie Rose, Mary Elizabeth). Such a lovely story with the right amount of humor mixed in. You will not regret reading Gabriel’s Bride or any of the books in the Clover Ridge series.
I received a complimentary copy of Gabriel’s Bride from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own.
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...
Rachel Yoder is twenty-six years old. She lived with her Aunt Katherine since the death of her parents and brothers when she was ten years old. Rachel had lived in Florida and was raised Beachy Amish prior to coming to Clover Ridge (which is Old Order Amish). Rachel assumed she inherited her Aunt’s home and that is where she would stay quite happy with her goats and the business she has created (making goat cheese). Rachel’s bubble is burst on the day of the funeral. She is told that her aunt did a reverse mortgage on the property. The bank now owns the home. Rachel’s only option is to go live with a cousin in Ohio who needs help raising eleven (way, way too many) children! Rachel would not be able to bring her goats with her.
Gabriel needs a housekeeper and Rachel needs a place to live. The perfect solution is for them to help each other. Rachel will do the cooking, cleaning, and watch after the children. Gabriel will give her a salary, a room on the second floor (his is on the first), and her goats get to come with her. Things get off to a bumpy start when Rachel’s goats arrive and she puts them in the wrong area (three years of Gabriel’s research just went into the goat’s bellies). Rachel’s cooking is not the best (evidently Aunt Katherine did the cooking). Rachel forgets she has something on the stove or in the oven when an idea comes to her about goat cheese or she is out checking on the goats. Her cookies always come out burnt. Of course, someone may be helping her food to burn. Looks like not all the children are happy to have Rachel in the house. Then the Bishop and minister show up! Poor Gabriel is not having a good month. It seems it is not appropriate for Rachel to live in the house with Gabriel and the children (I did not quite see their reasoning, but to each his own). Gabriel can marry Rachel or Rachel can go to Ohio (with no goats and eleven children). Will Gabriel and Rachel get married? Can they come to love each other? Will the children be able to accept Rachel?
You will need to read Gabriel’s Bride to find out! I give Gabriel’s Bride 4.25 out of 5 stars. The series is wrapped up nicely at the end of the book (it wraps up Gideon and Anne, Zane and Katie Rose, Mary Elizabeth). Such a lovely story with the right amount of humor mixed in. You will not regret reading Gabriel’s Bride or any of the books in the Clover Ridge series.
I received a complimentary copy of Gabriel’s Bride from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own.
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...
April 6, 2015
Rachel Yoder has lost much in her life. Her parents and brothers died in a tragic buggy accident and now the Aunt she lived with in Clover Ridge, Oklahoma has also passed away. Rachel learns that she must leave as the bank now owns her aunts farm. She will have to leave her beloved goats who bring her a source of joy and also a small income and move in with distant cousins in Holmes County, Ohio to take care of their large family.
Gabriel Fisher is a widow with 6 children. Gabriel needs a housekeeper to tend to his children,cook and take care of the home. His littlest sweet 6 year old Samuel, has Down Syndrome and requires extra help and attention.
The two are forced into a marriage of convenience to appease the local bishop and the local Amish community.
The adjustment is hard on Rachel and many times she seems more focused on caring for her goats than on her cooking and household chores. Samuel and her do develop a sweet and special bond. However, all does not go well when a serious of events seem to question her skills and try her patience.
Feeling she is not truly loved by Gabriel,Rachel moves back to Holmes County with her cousin.
The book contains lots of extended family, which Rachel is longing to have relationships with.
This book is the 3rd in the series but reads well as a stand alone.
I enjoyed reading about how the relationship between Rachel and Gabriel develops and is tested and tried. This was a sweet Amish romance.
I received this book from Goodreads First Reads.
Gabriel Fisher is a widow with 6 children. Gabriel needs a housekeeper to tend to his children,cook and take care of the home. His littlest sweet 6 year old Samuel, has Down Syndrome and requires extra help and attention.
The two are forced into a marriage of convenience to appease the local bishop and the local Amish community.
The adjustment is hard on Rachel and many times she seems more focused on caring for her goats than on her cooking and household chores. Samuel and her do develop a sweet and special bond. However, all does not go well when a serious of events seem to question her skills and try her patience.
Feeling she is not truly loved by Gabriel,Rachel moves back to Holmes County with her cousin.
The book contains lots of extended family, which Rachel is longing to have relationships with.
This book is the 3rd in the series but reads well as a stand alone.
I enjoyed reading about how the relationship between Rachel and Gabriel develops and is tested and tried. This was a sweet Amish romance.
I received this book from Goodreads First Reads.
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