The Amish Baby Scandal: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance

by Virginia Wise

Her upcoming bundle of joy

Brings an even bigger bundle of challenges…

When Emma Yoder returns to her Amish community unwed and pregnant after leaving the faith during her Rumspringa, she resigns herself to a life of loneliness. She believes no good Amish man would ever accept her situation—not even her childhood best friend, Benjamin Stoltzfus. But Benjamin has always loved Emma and wants nothing more than to support her and her baby. A well-meaning matchmaking scheme allows them to grow closer, but with Benjamin’s overprotective sisters and his own feelings of inadequacy, can they overcome their obstacles to become the family they both need?

From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Genres: Amish, Romance, Christian Fiction

272 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published July 1, 2025

About the author

Virginia Wise is a New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of inspirational romance. A romantic at heart, she loves a happily ever after. You might find her wandering Lancaster County's Amish country where she enjoys meeting new people who inspire her heartwarming stories. When she's not writing, Virginia enjoys painting, spending time with family and friends, and taking long walks in the woods. Visit her online at VirginiaWiseBooks.com.

Reviews

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Virginia is such a talented author, and I’m already counting down the days until the next books in this series. Are you ready for a friends-to-more Amish romance?

When Emma returns to her Amish community eight months pregnant and unmarried, she doesn’t expect a warm welcome. But she’s worked hard to turn her life around, has been baptized back into the faith, and is doing her best to move forward. Still, it's not easy walking around with visible reminders of her past, and wondering if she’ll ever be accepted.

Enter Benjamin, her childhood friend, who’s determined to be there for her. He never stopped seeing her for who she truly is. What Emma doesn’t know? He’s been in love with her for years. But now isn’t the time to say that out loud. Not yet. Emma can barely accept his kindness, let alone believe she’s worthy of love again. And even if she could… does she really want it?

This is very much a slow-burn romance. There’s a lot of focus on personal growth, rebuilding trust, and the sweet, tender steps back to friendship, with some undeniable sparks along the way. And just wait until you meet Benjamin’s sisters. Their stories are coming, and I am SO ready, especially for Miriam’s.

Some favorite parts:
* Benjamin’s quiet, protective nature
* His new business venture
* His meddling sisters
* Viola’s bold personality
* Belinda, the guard goose (yes, really)

I received a complimentary copy, this review reflects my honest opinion.

[Mary Jo]

Romance is not a genre I typically read but I was drawn in by this unusual plot line and the opportunity to see how a different culture would handle the the main character's difficult situation. Without giving too much away, I can say that family dynamics--Emma's longtime friend Benjamin lives with his four sisters who have a lot to say about his life choices--complicate things in a way that moves the story forward. Of course, the Amish values of faith, family, community and simplicity are woven throughout the book. And I loved the plainspoken Viola who does not hold back when she has a thought! Thank you, Virginia Wise, for the visit to Stoneybrook Farm and this hopeful story.

[Carla Bruns · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I'm going through some difficult times, this is just the book to give me the emotional boost that I need. Emma Yoder is a young, unmarried, and very pregnant Amish woman. While she was wilder in her youth (and her rumspringa), Emma has repented, been baptized, and become a member of the church. However, she's not foolish enough to think that she'll be welcome with open arms. Emma's strength to join the church even though she is not likely to experience all of the things other Amish women experience due to her unwed and pregnant status draws me to her.

Her best childhood friend, Benjamin Stoltzfus, lives on the neighboring farm. He is charming and loving and sees beyond Emma's wildness. He sees her heart. Benjamin has always loved Emma and felt that, even though the best of friends, she'd never see him as the boyfriend he longs to be.

This is a sweet, slow-burn romance that truly captures how two people can bring out the best in each other. In addition to Emma and Benjamin, there are some other great characters in the book. Emma's aunt and uncle are so accepting that it almost hurts. Benjamin's sisters, except his twin, seem to think they know what is best for Benjamin without even consulting him. I can't wait to read more about them! My favorite secondary character, by far, is Belinda the goose. Who would've thought?

Emma’s story reminds us that God’s grace doesn’t hinge on perfection. He loves us despite what we do, not because of what we do.

I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.

[nickneedstoreadmore · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Amish Baby Scandal... was lackluster. Where is the scandal? Emma's return to the Amish lifestyle is definitely challenging due to her circumstances, and I am aware of the backlash that might be received. However, there is almost no conflict, and not only myself, but Emma must have forgotten she was pregnant quite a few times throughout the story.

I understand that this is a romance story, but it was too drawn out and repetitive, I could barely keep the book open. It was tiring to reread the same lines of Emma and Benjamin constantly gushing over each other and not telling the other how they truly feel when it was super obvious to not just the reader, but the town, too. I also did not need to know every time the buggy was drawn to a stop, there is too much unneeded detail. I am not Amish, so I cannot speak on how realistic the setting is, but the conflict (which is practically nonexistent) and communication is unrealistic and reads like a Hallmark Christmas special.

If you enjoy romance novels, this might be the right book for you, but if you are trying to find funny covers in the Walmart clearance book section, I recommend skipping over this one, it was not worth the $8. I would have rather given birth to Emma's boppli than read this book again. Overall, this book is too fast paced and repetitive to hold engagement and I predicted the ending by the end of chapter one. I would not recommend this book unless you are an amateur romance enjoyer who gets their rocks off to a quick, cliche love story.

[Lori Parrish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I've rear from her in a long long while and I loved it!
The thing I hate most about people is gossip. They're the worst kind which is why I liked Eliza.
Eliza is a no non sense character that I loved from the get go. She really does stop and make you think and brings you right down to earth as Emma soon realizes.
I really didn't like Emma at first. Such a coward. But as I read on I genuinely started liking her.
I felt sorry for Benjamin. He's my favorite person. He is real and true. I love that about him
Anyways I do love 2nd chance stories and this one didn't disappoint. Of course I finished in a couple of hours. It really is a sweet story.
I hated to say goodbye to these wonderful people that eventually I called family.
I can't wait until her next one!! The cover has my favorite flowers which is what sold me along with Emma in the picture.
5 stars for adding all the ingredients to make a sweet love story that drew me in from the beginning! I highly recommend!
My thanks to the author for a copy of this wonderful story. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

[Patricia A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Amish Baby Scandal

Virginia Wise writes a fun story (we are in Bluebird Hill at StoneyBrook farm)involving Benjamin a young man with developmental disorder. He doesn’t think much of himself because of his disorder but Emma(next door neighbor) a childhood friend who comes back into the picture thinks he’s great and doesn’t feel he’s any different. They have some ups and downs while becoming reacquainted. His family believes she’s a bad influence when she comes back pregnant by another man. They must build trust with each other but there are other issues they must deal with especially let each other know how they feel. But they must overcome the prejudice of his family and the community. Together they build a friendship that becomes love. Will it be too late?

This story was great. I loved the characters and how the story progressed, especially the ending. There are many strong female characters in this book but Benjamin and Emma are the shining stars. I will miss this series as I have loved the storyline. However I’m excited that they will be coming back in a new series. I can’t wait to read Miriam’s story!

[JudyAnnLovesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

My secret obsession of late is Amish romance books and an author that has quickly become a favorite is Virginia Wise. I find her books to live up to the “Love Inspired” title of these pocket sized gems (they should also be called “Hope Inspired” because they are also full of hope).

In THE AMISH BABY SCANDAL Emma is a young Amish woman who has hit a rough patch in her life but through her faith has found a new path. Benjamin is her friend. He is stoic and strong in a way only a person who has faced adversity can be. Their childhood friendship a beacon of light for both of them and will prove to be the greatest starting point for their adult life together. Through all the ups and downs and meddlesome nature of friends and family, this unlikely couple will find their happily ever after.

I’m giving THE AMISH BABY SCANDAL the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!

[Marilyn Rushing · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hard to put down read.. I love the characters Virginia Wise has created. They are very realistic. More stories are to come and I am excited to read more from this talented author.

Emma Yoder is devastated when her English boyfriend walks away when she tells him she is with child. She returns to her Amish community where she sees her childhood best friend Benjamin Stoltzfus. Benjamin has always been in love with Emma but has never acted upon his feelings for her. Will Emma’s shame stand in the way with the developing feelings she is having for Benjamin? Will his overbearing sisters change his mind about his feelings for Emma?

If you love a good Amish fiction about family and forgiveness you will not want to miss this one.

[Janice G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virginia Wise knows how to tell a good story, and she creates interesting and multi-dimensional characters. In the first few pages after Benjamin, one of the main characters, is introduced, we learn that he was born with a development disorder called dyspraxia. It stopped me in my tracks – how wonderful to have a neurodiverse character, which can help us be aware of and learn about neurodiversity and how it affects an individual's life. She does not dwell on it, but it factors into the story. Both Benjamin and Emma are very likable. Their uncertainty about the feelings and thoughts of the other certainly seems true to life. Don't we all hesitate at times to take a chance and reveal our feelings?

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m going to be honest right up front, and wasn’t too sure about this story, simply based on the title. Don’t go by that! A story of best friends to more, I thoroughly enjoyed the warmth and the forgiveness to be found between the covers of this book.

Emma learned a hard lesson during Rumspringa. And part of that lesson was that Benjamin is a true friend. Can he be more? Benjamin deals with a learning disability that causes his sisters to treat him more like a child, yet it gives him a huge heart for others. And he loves Emma. I loved his character!

This story has it all. Personal growth, learning to trust again, and meddling sisters. (I can’t wait for their stories!) If you enjoy Amish fiction with a wonderful hero, then do read this book.

[Janet Nush · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE reading books by Virginia Wise and I know that many of you do too! If you haven't read any of her books yet, you really are missing some wonderful reads! The Amish Baby Scandal is the fifth book in her Bluebird Hill Series. I’ve LOVED reading every book in this series! I’ve fallen in love with all of her characters in these five books. I’m kind of sad to see this series end. But, I know she has another series in the works and I can’t wait to start reading that series too! If you love reading Amish fiction, you will definitely want to read the five books in this series! They are wonderful reads! Thanks Virginia Wise for continuing to write such wonderful books! I look forward to reading more of your Amish books!

[Kathy Wallen · Rating 2 out of 5]

November 5, 2025

It's alright. This book isn't anything particularly special, but it's not the worst book in the world. There isn't much to say about the plot other than the fact that it has a fairly predictable "we're just friends" thing and "I'm breaking us up because I don't want to hurt you" thing and both of them are pretty common tropes in romance.

A lot of the plot was characters wandering around and talking. I guess that there's only so much that you can do in a close-knit setting like an Amish town, but still. I was interested in the plot point of Benjamin being insecure because of his overbearing sisters, but I feel like he was treated as a child instead of a young man. It didn't do much for me.

It's an okay book.

[Doris Lankford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to go to Bluebird Hills and read Emma and Benjamin's story. Emma was pregnant and unmarried but had come to Bluebird Hills to await the birth of her baby. She and Benjamin had been childhood friends but had lost touch over the years. They were able to reconnect, despite the circumstances, and their friendship grew. Soon they realized that they loved each other and after the birth of the baby, they were married so they could raise the baby together. I look forward to more books from Bluebird Hills.

[Dali Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and Endearing

This sweet and endearing story was so good that I couldn't put it down until I'd finished reading it. I loved that Emma and Benjamin had had a great friendship in the past, as that played perfectly into their reconnection. Some rocky patches were put in by some "well-meaning" characters, which had some effects on them, including bringing in some doubts. However, those doubts were impacted by faith, friendship, hope, and, especially, love, making Emma and Benjamin's story an absolute joy to read.

[Evelyn Foreman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was entertaining, yes, but I also came away with a heart encouraged and inspired as I read grace in action. The characters were so creatively described, each plot so vividly written, one cannot help but immerse oneself in every page of the book, bringing life to the narrative. The author’s talent goes beyond penning a story as she reaches the very soul of the reader, leaving one satisfied with the ending but wishing for more!

[DianeLikesToRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Perfection!! I will be reading Virginia Wise’s books for life. I always go to them when I’m having a good or bad day or in between days. “The Amish Baby Scandal” introduces us to Emma Yoder. She is pregnant and unmarried after a wild rumspringer. She reunites with her friend Benjamin Stoltzfus. Can these two friends overcome the past to make a new future?
I’m glad we will get to see Benjamin’s sisters in future books. They ALL need their stories told- especially Miriam!! Many thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#TheAmishBabyScandal #VirginiaWise #LoveInspired #AmishFiction #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BooksSetInAmishCountry #AmishRomance

[Margaret J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely romance! Both Emma and Benjamin are delightful characters, as well as believable and and interesting; and I could relate to and hope for the happiness of each. And what reader wouldn't enjoy hearing from Eliza? "It isn't right for people to talk behind your back," she says, "But since they are, you have a right to know..."

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read. Easy to read too. As a woman who at one time was a single mom who found the man God wanted me to be with and the man who became the father to my child through adoption, I really appreciated this story.

[Jennifer Goins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new author to me. The book was well written and love the characters in the book.
Can't wait to read more books from the author (Virginia Wise).
To learn more about the author please check out her newsletter. I would definitely recommend this book,

[Seraphina A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got this as a joke gift, but it’s honestly not bad at all! It’s a very wholesome, quick read that helped take me out of the struggles of daily life. That being said, it wasn’t amazingly written and it could have been further flushed out. But, for a quick romantic read, I can’t complain.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read that has a character with dyspraxia in it. If you or anyone you know has it, it is worth reading. It's worth reading for anyone.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back to Bluebird Hill at Stoneybrook Farm. Emma comes back to live with her Aunt and Uncle with a baby scandal and meets up with her longtime best friend Benjamin who lives next door. Benji has loved Emma forever but she has only seen him as a friend. You will want to grab this book and read this sweet romance. Virginia Wise didn’t disappoint! I didn’t want to put it down and definitely didn’t want it to end! Thank you for allowing me to read this Arc. Releases July 1, 2025 This is my honest review!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and a, new to me, author. I hope there are more books about this community.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good book

[Patricia Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. It was a book that pulled me in from the first til the end. The only thing bad about finishing the book is now I got to wait on her next book.

[Sofia Dimas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Absolutely worth the $6 I paid for it but not enough scandal and let my man Benjamin gossip

[Becky haxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a delightful read

[Mrs. Brent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story!!! Virginia Wise wove a beautiful story that will have you laughing out loud at times. , especially when you think you have the storyline figured out.

[Audrey Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book. I couldn’t put it down. I just had to know what would happen in the end. And I tell you, it was an excellent ending and almost made me cry.

[Laura Beadle · Rating 3 out of 5]

You know what, I liked it more than I thought I would