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The Amish Bachelor's Promise

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From a lifelong friendship

To an unexpected courtship…

After years of overlooking his best friend, Amish farmer Freeman Yoder finally begins to see Evie Ebersol through new eyes. But Evie is convinced that she would be a rebound—and that her physical challenges would be a burden. Despite loving Freeman for most of her life and yearning for a family and home of her own, she refuses to hold Freeman to his decades-old promise to marry her. Now he’s determined to show Evie that she’s the only one he wants to build a future with.

From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2025

13 people are currently reading
38 people want to read

About the author

Amy Lillard

101 books672 followers
I'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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Jo|Ruth Reads.
669 reviews82 followers
April 25, 2025
In this heartfelt Amish romance, the friends-to-lovers story takes center stage as two childhood friends navigate their unspoken feelings and insecurities. Evie and Freeman may have frustrated me at times, but I couldn’t help rooting for them to see what was right in front of them. Their emotional journey, filled with tension and heartache, had me hooked, and by the end, I was captivated by their story.

Freeman, heartbroken after his long-term girlfriend Helen leaves him, is left to rebuild his future. He had imagined marrying Helen and running an organic farm, but now, with her gone, Freeman faces an uncertain path. Enter Evie, his best friend, the one person who’s always been there.

Evie, who was often the third wheel in Freeman and Helen’s relationship, now sees things differently. While Freeman deals with his heartache, he remembers a promise he made to Evie as children: that if they were both still unmarried when older, they would marry each other. Freeman, who trusts Evie completely, sees her as the best choice. The problem is, Evie’s feelings run deeper than she’s willing to admit. And she believes that considering his offer would only lead to heartbreak for them both.

Evie has spent years proving she can be independent, despite living with spina bifida. She doesn’t want to be a burden to Freeman and doesn’t think she could be the wife he needs. She worries she could never help on the farm like Helen could. To push Freeman away, she even tries to set him up with someone else.

But Freeman is determined. He knows Evie is not his second choice; she’s always been the best one. He believes they could have a partnership unlike any other. Will Evie realize that being Freeman’s helpmeet is part of God’s plan for her? Can she finally accept that this might fulfill her in ways she never imagined? And what happens if/when Helen returns?!

This story is full of emotional depth as two people face their fears, insecurities, and the pain of rejection. Their love story has its bumps, but it’s impossible not to root for them as they learn to trust in each other, and in God’s plan for their lives. All in all, I was totally engaged in the story and read it all in a few hours! For me, I would give it a 4.5, rounding up to a 5-star read!

I received a complimentary copy, this review reflects my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,890 reviews207 followers
May 28, 2025
What a sweet friends to more story! I loved the way Freeman’s eyes were opened to seeing Evie as the woman that his heart wanted. For years he’d only seen her as a friend because his heart had been tied to Helen. It was interesting to see that Freeman began to realize that he and Helen were not ever a very good fit after all. As he began to realize that his heart was pulled toward Evie, he didn’t expect Evie to resist entering into a marriage with him.

I felt for Evie. She had truly loved Freeman for most of their lives, yet he always saw her as only a friend. She was terrified of agreeing to marry Freeman only to discover that he didn’t love her the way she loved him or to realize that he regretted their marriage after the fact. Evie struggled throughout much of the story with trying to prove her independence and attempting to show that she could be self sufficient regardless of her disability. She tried to force things in a certain path rather than praying and allowing God to show her His path.

I did love the way these two characters were true friends to each other and really did want only the best for each other. I also liked that they began to communicate their feelings and fears with each other, which allowed them to work through some difficult events in the story. I enjoyed seeing these two friends find their true love with each other.

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Profile Image for Janice Sisemore.
1,650 reviews16 followers
April 30, 2025
The Amish Bachelor’s Promise

I enjoyed Evie and Freeman story. I especially loved Evie. She wanted to learn different trades. She was a hard worker and determined to learn. Poor Freeman couldn’t make up his mind. Will he decide to Marry Evie or not? I loved learning about goats. I wasn’t ready for the story to end. I hope to read more about them in future books.

I received an advanced copy of the book from the author. This book review is my own opinion.
318 reviews6 followers
June 23, 2025
The Amish Bachelor’s Promise by Amy Lillard is the second book to The Amish Christmas Promise. Evie and Freeman met at 6yrs old and are best friends. Evie has spina bifida and is always helping others but feels on the outskirts with others because of her limitations. Evie has always been the third wheel with Freeman and Helen but Helen breaks up with Freeman and goes to Lancaster. Evie has dreams of being independent but secretly loves Freeman. Freeman buys an organic farm that he has been dreaming about and needs a helpmate. Can he convince Evie that he loves her Hunting the Amish Witness by Dana R. Lynn is the 20th book in her Amish Country Justice series. It can be read as a standalone. Miriam left her Amish community and married an Englisher who she begins to not trust and is suspicious of his business dealings. Miriam witnesses his murder and now her best friends by the same man. On the run with her young daughter brings her back to her Amish community. Fast paced, suspenseful, well developed characters, and full of Faith and Family. A must read. Thank you for this Arc. This is my honest review. Releases July 29, 2025 than a friend? Insecurities can block us from our dreams. With Faith, Family, Forgiveness and love this story has it all. You will fall in love with Evie and Freeman and by rooting them on! You won’t want to put this down. Thank you to #AmyLillard for this Arc. This is my honest review.
1,630 reviews28 followers
May 21, 2025
The Amish Bachelor's Promise by Amy Lillard
An Uplifting Inspirational Romance
From a lifelong friendship
After years of overlooking his best friend, Amish farmer Freeman Yoder finally begins to see Evie Ebersol through new eyes. But Evie is convinced that she would be a rebound—and that her physical challenges would be a burden. Despite loving Freeman for most of her life and yearning for a family and home of her own, she refuses to hold Freeman to his decades-old promise to marry her. Now he’s determined to show Evie that she’s the only one he wants to build a future with.
This is Freeman Yoder's story.
This is Evie Ebersol's story.
This is Helen Schrock's story.
Everyone was speculating, whispering behind their hands, talking about it as Evie Ebersol poured another cup of water to serve at the after-church meal. People were trying to be discreet. No one wanted to say anything too loudly, but everyone was thinking it.
Poor Freeman Yoder.
Though Evie had no plans to marry or have children of her own. She supposed that meant the times were changing. Or maybe she was being dramatic. It wasn’t that Evie didn’t want to get married; she was simply accepting her limitations. Just as no one expected thirty-five-year-old quirky Ada Peachy to marry.
Ever since Helen Schrock had broken up with her long-standing boyfriend, Freeman Yoder, she had been talking about going to Lancaster to visit some distant cousin or another and get a feel for how the Amish lived down there.
I recommend this book.
The Amish Bachelor's Promise by Amy Lillard 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 Amy Lillard .




Profile Image for JoAnne.
3,157 reviews32 followers
May 30, 2025
THE AMISH BACHELOR’S PROMISE is a Love Inspired Inspirational Romance by Amy Lillard. It’s the second book in the series and I can’t wait to return to Millers Creek, Pennsylvania. This is Evie and Freeman’s story filled with promises and dreams.

It was nice to reunite with characters we have met in the previous book and meet new ones too. There was a lot of prayers and practical thinking of what God would do to guide them in their Amish lives but also how God leads the way and opens them to new beliefs and opportunities. There are family and friends and their stories add another dimension.

There is sometimes a feeling of hopelessness and other times hopefulness. Evie thinks of her disability as preventing her from living the life she always wanted but her best friend and love interest doesn’t see it that way. They take one step forward and many more back before realizing they need to embrace their love and not always do the right thing for others while making their needs secondary.

There are some funny moments along with more serious ones. There is a good flow to the story and my interest was held from the first page to the last. There is a little bit of romance and closure that shows that the happily ever after is within reach. I just wish we saw it happen. The letter to readers in the back of the book was a great addition especially since I learned about the author’s website, Amysamishadventure.com which I hadn’t been aware of.

Ms. Lillard is a favorite author who weaves believable stories and makes me feel like I am there no matter where the book is set. Her books run the multitude of genres and I always look forward to getting my hands on her next book. Give her books a try if you haven’t already. You’ll be glad you did.
Profile Image for Jasmine.
1,296 reviews43 followers
June 2, 2025
Soap, goats, and a childhood promise....

It's been awhile since I've read such a sweet romance story and I can tell you that it was high time that I did. The Amish Bachelor's Promise was the perfect way to spend an afternoon. It had me smiling and even laughing at the antics of a certain small goat.

I truly liked Evie and Freeman from the very start of the book. Evie doesn't let her physical disability stop her and Freeman is such a genuinely caring person. I was honestly surprised at just how much I was caught up in their story and how invested I was in the outcome of such a quick read.

Amy Lillard has a charming story in this 200+ page book and it was a definitely enjoyable read. The characters are likable and you can't help but root for these two friends to overcome the obstacles potentially keeping them apart.

If you are looking for a cute story and a quick read with an Amish theme The Amish Bachelor's Promise from Amy Lillard is a great choice....

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
21 reviews2 followers
July 19, 2025
I will read anything by Amy Lillard, and so it was no surprise that this was another wonderful book. The main character Evie, is disabled. Her childhood friend, Freeman, recently broke up with his girlfriend who moved away. He remembered a promise he made to Evie, that if neither was married by the age of 22, that he would marry her. So he proposes, but Evie says no. I really like Evie; she stayed strong dealing with her disability. She doesn't think she will ever get married because of her limitations. She tells Freeman she won't marry him, because she thinks his ex-girlfriend will come back, and also that he just needs a wife because he just bought a farm. Freeman had to realize to get her to marry him, he had to prove it was more than that, it was love. This book was a sequel to The Amish Christmas Promise. but it doesn't really state it's the second in a series. You need to read that book first, because there are a lot of characters mentioned that you won't know who they are otherwise.
Profile Image for Lori Parrish.
97 reviews25 followers
April 27, 2025
I enjoyed this story and finished it in one sitting. It's short and easy to read.
I found myself shaking my head throughout most of this story.
I didn't like Freeman. I thought he was being too pushy and I didn't like that this book focused solely on the missing Helen.
Eva is right in holding off as long as she can.
I understand the need for a marriage of conviences but it seems wrong in so many ways. It feels like being used or forced together.
I'll have to admit that at times this sweet story made me giggle at times.
It's why I truly love these Amish stories.
Lillard excells at these. It's why she's one of my favorite authors. Her stories never disappoint.
I did enjoy this story but really it ended too soon lol.
I'm giving this one 5 stars for a job well done
I highly recommend
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
Profile Image for Michelle Rhoden.
524 reviews17 followers
July 12, 2025
Are promises made to be broken? According to Evie whose childhood best friends are Helen and Freeman, they can be. When they were 6 years old, Freeman promised to marry Evie, but when he ends up engaged to Helen, things suddenly take a twist with their relationships. Will Evie be able to protect her heart and keep her relationship with Freeman on a friendship level even after Helen breaks up with him? Will Evie decide it’s time to find a place of her own and begin raising goats to make soaps and lotions despite her disability? Will Helen return from Lancaster to rekindled her relationship with Freeman if she decides “ the grass is not always greener” in Lancaster? So many questions needing answers in this sweet, clean romance. I enjoyed how Amy Lillard wrote about Evie having spina bifida, but it did not let it deter her from accepting challenges that got in her way once she set her mind overcoming them. Very encouraging storyline I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for C Allen.
490 reviews13 followers
April 28, 2025
The Amish Bachelor’s promise by Amy Lillard is an outstanding work. It is unusual in many ways from your typical Amish novel.

Evie and Freeman are. two best friends that grew up together, but. Are unsure of how to navigate their new relationship now that they are adults. Both wanting to prove their independence yet not just sure that can happen without help.

The characters are very realistic, and the storyline moves quickly and smoothly.

I am impressed with the plot of the story. It is very believable and holds your interest throughout the whole book. Love how Ms. Lillard allows one of the main characters to be handicapped, but this is not the main focus of the story.

This is a 5-star book and release day is May 27, 2025.

I was given and ARC by the author, but all opinions are my own and was not ask to give a positive review.
Profile Image for Connie Saunders.
1,841 reviews159 followers
May 29, 2025
I often describe suspense novels as "can't put it down" page-turners, but these are also the perfect words for The Amish Bachelor's Promise! This heartwarming romance kept me turning the pages to see if Evie and Freeman would recognize what everyone else already knew. Would these childhood friends realize that they were exactly what the other needed?

Author Amy Lillard perfectly captures their insecurities and doubts as Evie and Freeman contemplate a different relationship. The Amish Bachelor's Promise is a captivating romance with delightful characters, a lovely setting, and a touching resolution! I recommend it to all who enjoy clean romance.

I received a digital ARC from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.

I invite you to read my full review @https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot....
Profile Image for Maureen Timerman.
3,239 reviews490 followers
June 6, 2025
This was such a fun read, three friends, two whom seem destined to marry, when she leaves. Sometimes we don't see what is right in front of our eyes.
Evie Eborsol was born with a disability, but that sure doesn't get her down! She took her crutches and learns to milk goats, interesting. We are also there as she attempts to learn a new product to sell to the english to be able to support herself.
Then we have Freeman Yoder, a man that wants to own and run an organic farm. He also needs a wife, or so he thinks, which is the Amish way.
What a journey we are on when Freeman decides to marry, and keep page turning, there are a lot of ups and downs.
I really didn't want to leave this story, and would love to continue on here!
I received this book through the Author, and was not required to give a positive review.
Profile Image for JudyAnnLovesBooks.
2,126 reviews77 followers
April 18, 2025
There is something incredibly satisfying about reading a Love inspired Amish romance and THE AMISH BACHELOR’S PROMISE is a fine example of that. In this book, Evie and Freeman are best friends. They have grown up together and been a cornerstone in each other’s lives since childhood. For obvious reasons, Evie works very hard at being independent and does not want to be a burden on anyone. Freeman is recently out of a relationship and is starting to realise that the right woman for him is not the one he thought. As feelings develop and the dynamics of their relationship change from friends to more, the reader is sucked in, wanting, no needing, them to get their happily ever after. I really enjoyed this one and am giving it the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!
Profile Image for Sunnie.
1,005 reviews49 followers
June 2, 2025
I really enjoyed this sweet Amish romance. Two friends since childhood find themselves in an interesting situation. Freeman has just experienced a difficult breakup only to see a long-time friend through different eyes. He remembers a promise that they made years ago that if they were both single at 22, they would marry. But I think that Evie, his friend, might just feel like a burden to him because of her spina bifida. Although she appears to be holding back her feelings, Freeman feels that she is the woman for him and he is determined! The story is emotional and touching. They learn to trust and to see that this just might be God's plan for them. This was a very enjoyable feel good story!
I received an ARC from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Ashley.
223 reviews16 followers
May 26, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this book. It's about Evie Ebersol and Freeman Yoder. Evie and Freeman have been friends ever since they were six years old. Evie has spinal bifida but she doesn't let that stop her. She is always helping others. Freeman is dating Helen they plan on getting married. Helen decides to up and leave Freeman. He hopes that she will come back. But by the looks of it she isn't going too.
When Freeman and Evie were six years old Freeman made a promise to Evie. Over the years things have changed between them. Now twenty years later will he hold his end to that promise he made?
This book had me sucked in from the very beginning all the way to the end.
Profile Image for Gail Hollingsworth.
1,005 reviews51 followers
May 29, 2025
This story touched me in many ways. Evie, born with spinal bifida, uses crutches to get around. She wants more than anything to be independent but she requires help from time to time. I admired Evie’s gumption in her efforts to succeed. Freeman and Helen are her best friends since childhood. The community is rocked when Helen breaks up her engagement to Freeman and leaves. Poor Freeman everyone says. A surprise that rocks both Evie and Freeman’s world brings misunderstandings to many. The ending was a little abrupt but satisfying nonetheless. I enjoyed getting to know all the many characters in the story. Their pain was mine and their happiness made me smile. I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from
the author but was not required to write a review.
815 reviews15 followers
May 28, 2025
Will an old promise lead to a new beginning? Can looking at what is in front of you in a new light really change your path? After a bad break up and a blow to his ego, Freeman Yoder must revisit both in order to move forward, but what happens if the future in question doesn't see it the same way? Evie Ebersol doesn't want to be just a second choice. She needs to know that Freeman is all in or it isn't going to work. Can she believe his words or will actions speak louder? I really enjoyed reading this story. Amy Lillard knows how to bring a story to life. Her characters speak to the reader. I look forward to more books. I received an ARC copy. A review was not required.
Profile Image for Debbie.
2,569 reviews4 followers
June 4, 2025
When I learned that Amy Lillard had a new book out and it was a Love Inspired Romance, I just knew I had to read it. And I have to say I wasn't disappointed.
"The Amish Bachelor's Promise" by Amy Lillard is a book based on a promise that a 6-year-old made. This story starts out sad as Helen has broken off her engagement to Freeman and Evie has a physical handicap. This is a story of love, hope, disappointments, new beginnings, and faith and second chances.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and these opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Lorraine.
158 reviews3 followers
June 7, 2025
This is a story of friendship, love, broken promises and forgiveness.

A roller coaster of emotions.

Evie Ebersol, born with spina bifida, was loving and caring and wanted with all her heart to have a life where she was independent. She wanted to be able to support herself because she believed no one would marry her.

Evie, Helen Schrock, and Freeman Yoder were the best of friends. You’ll have to buy this book and navigate the winding roads of their relationships. Sometimes comical, sometimes not.

I thoroughly enjoy reading their story!
Profile Image for Deanne Patterson.
2,419 reviews121 followers
April 16, 2025
Friends since childhood a young Amish woman with insecurities doesn't believe she can be all Amish farmer Freeman Yoder needs. When he begins seeing her in a new light, she's still not convinced though her friends try to tell her otherwise. An uplifting and encouraging inspirational romance that will have you believing that kindness, patience and goodness still exist. Very enjoyable read.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for DianeLikesToRead.
679 reviews5 followers
June 2, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
It’s always a good day when an Amy Lillard book comes out! “The Amish Bachelor’s Promise” is a sweet book about love and hope.
Evie always feels like she’s on the outskirts of her community due to her disability. Freeman was engaged to her best friend Helen, but Helen left and went to Lancaster. With Helen out of the picture, Freeman starts seeing her in a new way. But can she trust him?
If you like sweet romances, this book is for you! Many thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#TheAmishBachelorsPromise #AmyLillard #LoveInspired #AmishFiction #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BooksSetInAmishCountry
Profile Image for Melissa Henderson.
Author 8 books189 followers
April 14, 2025
Promises can bring joy or heartache or both. In this sweet story, two people have the opportunity to reconnect and find love through a promise from childhood. Someone might interfere with their plans. This is a sweet story of love and hope. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.
Profile Image for Virginia Winfield.
2,919 reviews14 followers
May 29, 2025
I loved this wonderful Amish romance. I loved Evie and Freeman. I enjoyed all of the obstacles that these characters had to face as they go from friendship to knowing they love each other. I could not put this book down. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
16 reviews5 followers
June 3, 2025
What a sweet romance from Amy Lillard! I enjoyed this novel just like her other books I've read. I loved that one of the main characters had a disability. Evie showed that her dreams could come true. What came true was the promise that Freedman made her when they were 6 year old classmates. Read this book to find out what that promise was!
Profile Image for Ellie.
439 reviews8 followers
June 13, 2025
3.5 stars. I loved the the idea of this storyline and it was an easy and quick read. I admired Evie for wanting to start a goat milk soap and lotion business to support herself. I also enjoyed Evie's sisters. I couldn't get past Freeman's changing affections in a matter of days. If you like Amish fiction, I think you will enjoy this book.
Profile Image for Connie  Lynch.
326 reviews24 followers
June 24, 2025
I love reading a book by Amy Lillard. This book is a joyful read whose main character struggles with self confidence and self esteem. Evie is a blessing to everyone but doesn't believe in herself. Can her love interest Freeman convince her she is worthy of his love? You will love this story, these characters, this book.
4 reviews
July 11, 2025
Amy Lillard rights from the heart with faith compassion and love if we hold on and work through our struggles we can find our happy ever after her books are true keepers thank you
Profile Image for Dali Castillo.
674 reviews18 followers
May 28, 2025
Great Story

The Amish Bachelor's Promise is yet another great story by author Amy Lillard. It is a story of love, hope, disappointments, new beginnings, and faith. And all of these played into Evie and Freeman's story. It was quite the roller coaster ride, but, boy, oh, boy, what a ride it was. As I read it, I was taken through a range of emotions, from smiles to sadness, frustration, and much more.

While I understood Evie, her decisions and her actions, she drove me to exasperation more than once, but I still had high hopes that love would win out. And Freeman? I was actually rooting for him to figure things out so that their true feelings would come to the surface. Theirs was a bumpy ride, but what a great one it was. And all of that made this a fantastic story that was a joy to read.

I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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