Winnie Griggs grew up in south Louisiana in an undeveloped area her friends thought of as the very back of beyond. With her two younger siblings and another family of two siblings for playmates, she spent many an hour exploring the overgrown land around her home, cutting jungle trails, building forts and frontier camps, and looking for pirate ships on the nearby bayou.
Once she ‘grew up’ she found other outlets for dealing with all those wonderful, adventurous imaginary friends by filling notebooks with their stories. And somewhere along the way, those scribblings gave way to full length stories.
Eventually she found her own Prince Charming, a rancher whose white steed takes the form of a tractor and whose kingdom is situated in a small rural community that she loves to call home, and together they’ve built their own storybook happily-ever-after. Their lives together expanded to include four now grown children who share Winnie’s vivid imagination and her husband’s steadier influences and are now out in the world pursuing their own adventures.
Winnie shares her stories with readers through her writings for Love Inspired and Love Inspired Historical books. You can learn more about Winnie at www.winniegriggs.com
I liked this book, though I don't think it was as strong as the first book in the series. Miriam and Daniel were both easy characters to understand and like, and I thought their journey from acquaintanceship to more was sweet in general. I also appreciated that, while it wasn't overt, it was clear that both Daniel and Miriam sought to live out their faith in God. I do wish that I'd seen a little bit more character development from each of them, especially after each one shared past experiences that were pivotal in the course of their lives. Daniel made a particular choice that, while I understood why he did, even I saw that it wouldn't be appreciated by Miriam. Speaking to Miriam herself, she told herself not to judge all men by the actions of a few, and yet throughout the novel, she painted Daniel with the same brush as the others. If I'd seen a little more effort on each of their parts to move past those problematic behaviours, even if they weren't successful at first, I think I would have enjoyed this as much as the first one.
An Amish Widow's Promise is a remarkable book written by Winnie Griggs. This story is full of amazing characters that teach us to love, forgive, and respect others. I especially loved little Jonah and his love to learn everything. He also knew from the beginning what he wanted and worked hard to get it. This story definitely grabs the readers interest throughout the story.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this story through Netgalley but was not approached to post a favorable review.
An Amish Widow's Promise by Winnie Griggs (Sweetbrier Creek) One Amish man helps to revive a young widow’s struggling orchard—and heal her heart—in this light, warmhearted Amish romance perfect for fans of Jo Ann Brown and Jocelyn McClay. Widow Miriam Esh has to find a fiancé, or her overbearing bruder-in-law will sell her familye apple orchard. He’s already taken it upon himself to hire someone—likely another man presuming he knows what’s best for her land. But if she’s going to save it, Miriam must focus on finding a suitable husband, not on the new orchardist or on how good he is with her son, and definitely not on how his smile scatters her thoughts . . . By the looks of things at the Esh estate, Daniel Beiler knows Miriam could use a hand. Only the stubborn widow doesn’t want to take any of his advice. Yet as they spend their days working side-by-side and sharing warm meals, Daniel and Miriam can’t deny the growing comfort in each other’s company. So when Miriam begins receiving attention from eligible men seeking a wife, Daniel must admit his feelings for her before it’s too late. With the promise that he’ll be the partner she can trust, can Daniel convince Miriam that he should also be the mann in her life? This is Miriam Esh, Paul and son Jonah's story. This is Daniel Beiler's story. This is Andrew Esh's story. Please, Andrew, don’t do this.” Miriam Esh stared at her bruder-in-law, unable to believe what he was contemplating. This was a between Sunday, which was supposed to be a day for peaceful contemplation and fellowship with family and friends. But instead, it had suddenly turned into a nightmare. She tried again. “How can you possibly think of selling our orchard? This is Jonah’s legacy.” Thank goodness Jonah was in his room napping—this was not a conversation her six-year-old suh should be listening to. “Don’t you mean half of the orchard is his legacy? And don’t worry, his share of the money I get from the sale can be his legacy. And this way he won’t be tied to working an orchard when he comes of age, he’ll be able to do whatever he wants with the money.” Andrew didn’t appear to be swayed. “I promised Paul before he passed that I would look after you and Jonah, at least until you remarried. That’s why he gave me half of the place outright and put me in charge of managing the half that was left to Jonah. But I never had an interest in becoming an orchardist—I only ever helped Paul out because I wanted to work on Daed’s dairy farm. “Can you teach me how to do that?” Daniel turned to see a young boy of about six or seven standing at the foot of the bridge. Where had he come from? Other than the dog with a peppery gray-and-white coat at his side, the kinner appeared to be alone. “Well, hello there. I’m Daniel. And who might you be?” The boy eagerly joined him, eyeing the slingshot with an anticipatory gleam in his eye. Daniel held out the slingshot and the boy took it almost reverently. “Hold the handle with your left hand like so.” I recommend this book. An Amish Widow's Promise by Winnie Griggs is a wonderful well written 5 star book. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own. I am looking forward to reading more books by Winnie Griggs.
An Amish Widow's Promise by Winnie Griggs, book two in the Sweetbrier Creek series, tugs at your heart, holding you hostage until the very last page; I could not put down, reading it in one day. Miriam Esh was surprised after the death of her husband to learn her husband left his brother in charge of her family orchard, making sure she and her son Jonah are taken care of. Her brother-in-law has no interest in running the orchard; wanting to go to another town where he can work with horses and be closer to his girlfriend. Now this young Amish widow is being forced to find a suitable husband within three months or her family's beloved orchard will be sold with her having no say by her brother-in-law. Miriam has already been betrayed by the men in her family and doesn't trust any of them now and certainly doesn't want a husband. All she wants is to raise her son and have the orchard stay in her family until he's old enough to run it.
After the local orchard Daniel Beiler worked at was sold, he finds himself reflecting on his future; whether he wanted to work for another orchard owner or find land to begin his own. When he is offered the chance to work for Miriam, her stubbornness to allow Daniel to take complete control soon becomes an issue. Miriam wants to run things on the orchard her way, the way it has always been done, and on her own time frame. Daniel knows a thing or two about orchards, having kept up on the newest and latest techniques to improve orchards; but Miriam doesn't want to take any of his advice. As her son, Jonah becomes comfortable around Daniel, enjoying spending time and working with him; Miriam does too. Feelings between Daniel and Miriam start to grow. Learning that Daniel kept a secret from her, she is devastated; believing he is just like all the other men in her life. Daniel only wants the best for the orchard and for Miriam, but will she realize this in time or will secrecy by omission keep this couple apart. It is going to take the help of Daniel’s aunt, a matchmaker, his sister-in-law, and Jonah before Miriam and Daniel can plant the seeds to grow a working and loving relationship.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. #NetGalley #Forever # AnAmishWidowsPromise
Honestly, this book is a solid 4½ stars. I was hooked from the beginning, though I didn’t like Miriam all that much. She seemed to find faults in others that were flaws of her own—and she never acknowledged that. That, along with the fact that the story feels a little unfinished (an epilogue would help!), kept it from earning a full five stars for me.
This is the story of Miriam Esh, a widow with a seven-year-old son, living on her family’s orchard. Technically, though, the orchard isn’t hers. Half belongs to her son, and the other half to her brother-in-law, Andrew, who has no interest in farming. He wants to sell the land to chase his dreams, which pushes Miriam to devise a plan to keep it. She strikes a deal with Andrew: if she can find a husband in 12 weeks, she can keep the orchard. That’s when Daniel Beiler enters the picture. Hired by Andrew to manage the orchard during Miriam’s husband search, Daniel quickly became my favorite character. He’s a planner—always thinking through possible problems before making a move, maybe to a fault, but it works for him.
I enjoyed Daniel’s Aunt Edna. Miriam reaches out to her for help because of Edna’s matchmaking skills, and Edna doesn’t disappoint. She’s wise and clearly knows what she’s doing. I also appreciated Daniel’s family. They were warm and engaging, but not so central that you had to keep track of tons of names or details. They were just there in the background—quietly supportive and really special.
The book is filled with some swoon-worthy lines, and I found myself especially invested in the relationship from Daniel’s perspective. Overall, this was an excellent read. If you’re someone who struggles with letting go of the past, you might find some meaningful lessons here. And if you love small-town romances, Amish settings, or sweet, clean love stories (I don't even recall a kiss in this one!), you’ll likely enjoy every minute of this book.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
When Miriam's husband dies, she soon realizes her husband left his brother in charge of the orchard to make sure she and her son Jonah are taken care of. Since the orchard was passed down to Miriam through her family, her brother in law has no interest in running it. One of his stipulations is since he wants to go and live where his girlfriend is, Miriam has to be married within 3 months. Daniel is let go from his job at a local orchard due to the sale of it and he begins looking for other opportunities to run another orchard since his goal is owning his own one day. When he is given the chance to work for Miriam, her stubbornness to allow Daniel take complete control soon becomes an issue. Will she be able to relax and trust him to do the right thing with her son’s legacy especially when he starts bringing new techniques to improve her orchard? Will Daniel end up as the man who could be her husband even without help from the local matchmaker? Will Jonah be the key that allows them to open their hearts to each other? This was such an enjoyable read and I highly recommend it.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All words are my own.
Young Amish widow, Miriam Esh is being forced to find a suitable husband in a certain time period or her family's beloved orchard will be sold with her having no say by her brother-in-law. Miriam has already been betrayed by the men in her family and doesn't trust any of them now and certainly doesn't want a husband. All she wants is to raise her son and have the orchard stay in her family until he's old enough to run it. Miriam wants to run things on the orchard her way on her own time frame but when Daniel Beiler is hired, she doesn't want to take any of his advice. Daniel knows a thing or two about orchards, even Miriam who doesn't want to admit it agrees. As her son becomes comfortable around Daniel so does Miriam but then she once again feels betrayed by something. Daniel only wants the best for the orchard, but will Miriam see this in time or will secrecy by omission keep this couple apart. It was interesting reading about the daily running of the orchard.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Miriam Esh is a widow who lives with her young son, Jonah, on her family orchard. Because her father left the orchard to her husband and after her husband’s death his brother inherited half along with the other half belonging to her son, Miriam felt betrayed. In order to buy her brother-in-laws half, she agreed to find a husband within three months. Impossible? Not with the help of the communities matchmaker.
Meanwhile, enters Daniel, who is hired to manage the orchard until Mariam can marry. This sets off a huge circle of events that will keep your interest as you continue to read the book. Who will Miriam finally choose, or will she? Time will tell.
All the characters are very realistic and the plot and storyline holds your interest from beginning to end.
I recommend this book.
Thank you Forever Grand Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC through NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
4.5⭐️ Winnie has been betrayed by every man in her life, including her former husband. When he passed, he left Winnie's family orchard to their son and her brother-in-law instead of Winnie. Her brother-in-law wanted nothing to do with the orchard and wanted to sell it, but gave Winnie the chance to buy it if she met certain stipulations.
The farm Daniel had been working at was recently sold and he took a temporary job taking care of Winnie's family orchard. Neither Daniel or Winnie want to admit their attraction to each other and Winnie asks the local matchmaker, Edna, for help finding a husband. Edna is a hoot and Winnie's son is adorable.
This book is part of a series, but can easily be read as a stand alone (you'll be missing out though because the first book is just as good.)
I look forward to reading the other books in this series! Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
The orchard should have been Amish widow's Miriam's property. It's been in her family for four generations. Unfortunately, her deceased husband inherited from her father and left it in his brother Andrew's hands. Now, Andrew wants to sell it unless she can marry or be engaged in the next three months. Daniel has been working at an orchard for years, but it was sold. Now, Daniel is going to manage the Miriam's family orchard temporarily for Andrew for three months. As Daniel and Miriam work together, they draw closer. I received a free ebook from the publisher through Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. I love that Miriam is so independent and how Daniel works hard to give them a good working relationship. I'm glad this is not an instant love story, but one where their relationship slowly grows among mistakes on both sides. I also love the relationship that grows between Daniel and Miriam's son.
An Amish Widow’s Promise by Winnie Griggs is the second book in the Sweetbrier Creek series. It can be read as a standalone, but I do recommend reading An Amish Christmas Match (it is a cute story). I liked that this story had a different premise from other Amish novels that I have read. I felt for Miriam who has no control over her family’s orchard. I understand why she is frustrated after dealing with her father, husband, and brother-in-law. I would never last a day in the Amish patriarchal society. I like that we get to see things from Miriam and Daniel’s point of view. I will admit that Miriam got on my nerves at times. She was so prickly, and she got her back up at the slightest thing. I liked Daniel’s strong faith. He is a kind man who trusts in the Lord. Miriam’s son is adorable, and I love the matchmaking Edna. We get to see the importance of open and honest communication. Holding off telling a person vital information is never a good idea. An Amish Widow’s Promise is a story about healing, forgiveness, and second (maybe third) chances.
Mariam Esh is a widowed apple orchard owner, whose late husband left in the care of her brother-in-law. Her orchard has been passed down through generations on her side of the family and she hopes to pass it on to her son, but her brother-in-law, wanting to move away from the area, gave her an ultimatum with a time limit that she must find a husband who will be good with her son and a suitable helper in the orchard.
Daniel Beiler is hired to be the person to help her while her brother-in-law moves away. They tend to have a very trying time working together but her son loves Daniel and wants them to be a family, which is very doubtful to happen. Mariam even approaches a matchmaker to help her find a husband.
This is a very sweet story, but one that you will not want to put down as it is hard to see how it will end. I highly recommend this book to those who love to read Amish books. You won’t be disappointed.
An Amish Widow’s Promise by Winnie Griggs. Widow Miriam lives in her families Orchard with her son Jonah. Andrew her late husband’s brother owns half and manages her son’s half. Miriam is feeling betrayed by the men in her life for not allowing her to run the orchard that she has so much knowledge about. Andrew hires Daniel to run the Orchard with the option to buy it if Miriam doesn’t find a husband to take it over and buy him out. Misunderstandings and past hurts cloud Miriam’s judgment of Daniel. Every suitor is just not the right one. Great read. Thank you to the author, #NetGalley and #Grand Central Publishing for the Arc book. This is my honest review publication date April 29, 2025
🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎 Loved this book! Miriam is raising her son and trying to run her family’s orchard after her husband’s death. Her brother in law owns half of the orchard and gives her an ultimatum- get married in three months or he’ll sell the orchard!!! What a heel!!!! Daniel comes to manage the orchard. Miriam and him have an uneasy relationship from the beginning. If you still A story about second chances and healing, this book is for you. Many thanks to the author, Forever Publishing and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. #AnAmishWidowsPromise #WinnieGrigg #ForeverPublishing #NetGalley #AmishMystery #AmishFiction #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BooksSetInAmishCountry
AN AMISH WIDOW’S PROMISE was a touching story about the strength of a mother’s love and her determination to do everything in her power for her son all while falling accidentally in love with the most unlikely candidate for a future husband. Miriam was a strong woman who on the outside seemed to have lived a blessed life and marriage. Unfortunately there were layers to that life that others did not see. Fighting for her independence and working hard to keep her son’s rightful inheritance puts her and Daniel at odds. However, through his kind words, understanding and actions, he shows her and her son, Jonah, that he just might be the man and father they both need. I truly enjoyed this one and am giving it the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!
This wonderful story of healing, forgiveness, new beginnings, family, faith, and love is beautiful! The message of how our past, our relationships, how we treat each other, and listening to God's voice truly shape and affect us resonates deeply. Watching Miriam and Daniel navigate all these issues was at times painful, but overall beautiful. All of this makes for a very touching and heartfelt story.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.
From Winnie Griggs comes a tale of love, heartbreak, tenderness, and a second chance. This book did not disappoint.
The story about a young, widowed Amish mother learning to love again thoroughly touched my heart. The writing was incredible, and the story was so sweet. This book contained real life values and lessons, ones that I think everyone should learn, and this book teaches it in such an honest, genuine way.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this book.
If you enjoy Amish fiction, you will enjoy this story. So much is going on in Miriam's life, and not all of it is good. Some is frustrating. Some confusing. You will enjoy getting to know Miriam and her son, Jonah. He's adorable! And Daniel is the perfect hero.
Take a trip to Sweetbrier Creek and enjoy your time in the apple orchard!
Widow Miriam is on a deadline to remarry to keep her beloved orchard. Hired by Miriam's brother in law Daniel manages the orchard. He is secretly doing all he can to help her while falling in love with her. Sweet Amish romance.
This is a highly enjoyable story about a young widow who stands to lose her son's inheritance of an apple and pear orchard, unless she marries. And her new husband must be able to do the work in the orchard.
I love seeing the seasons change, the trees and pruning. The tale is set around spring and Easter, so we see how the Amish celebrate. Children, horses and dogs populate the story. Winnie Griggs is a reliable romance writer, and this is a lightly inspirational tale.
I read an e-ARC from Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.