The Shop Down the Lane

Letters from Lancaster County #1

by Leslie Gould

Leslie Gould delights in this sweet and humorous Amish romance reminiscent of The Shop Around the Corner and You've Got Mail .

Lois Yoder has always found solace in the quiet life of Paradise, Pennsylvania, where she manages a gift shop that reflects her Amish community's simple values. Her tranquil world is upended when Moses Lantz, a former Amishman turned Mennonite and the man who broke her heart, buys the shop with ambitious plans to transform it into a tourist hub--a move that Lois fiercely opposes.

Seeking a distraction, Lois joins a bird watchers' circle letter under an alias. But unknown to her, Moses does the same at the urging of a friend. While their correspondence blossoms into a tender romance, the enmity between Lois and Moses in real life only intensifies. Can they overcome their animosity and embrace the love they've found through their letters, or will their stubborn hearts keep them apart forever?

This heartwarming Amish romance includes themes of bird watching, correspondence by letters, enemies to lovers, and family secrets for readers of Beverly Lewis, Wanda E. Brunstetter, and Shelley Shepard Gray.

Genres: Amish, Romance, Amish Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

341 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 6, 2025

About the author

Leslie Gould is the #1 bestselling and Christy Award-winning author of fifty novels. She received her MFA in 2009 and has taught writing on the university level. Leslie enjoys traveling, hiking, and history. She and her husband, Peter, are the parents of four adult children and two grandbabies. Visit her at http://www.lesliegould.com/.

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I feel like I’m overwhelmed and want to step off the busy treadmill of life, I find myself reaching for Amish fiction. I’m new to this genre this year and find that reading about the simpler way of life appeals to me when I’m dreaming of a slower pace. It’s also refreshing to know that when I pick one up, it’ll be a guaranteed clean, sweet read. 


Author Leslie Gould explores second chance romance, and the importance of circle letters and birding to the Amish community in Paradise, Pennsylvania. 


The Shop Down the Lane is the first in the Letters from Lancaster County series and is a charming look at the simple life of Lois Yoder’s Amish community. The first thing I noticed was the value of community. Twenty-five-year-old Lois lacks family support and relies on the kindness of the Plain people, especially Scotty Harris, her landlord and the owner of the Paraise Found: Gift and Tourist Shop where she works. When Scotty announces he’s selling, Lois’s comfort zone disappears and she’s forced to rely on her community. 


Gould examines the dangers of secret keeping, the importance of communication and honesty, the differences between the Mennonite and Amish communities, the things we can learn from birds, the hope and peace we receive from God’s creation, and the value of finding our place and purpose. I particularly liked the lesson shared about the starlings in a murmuration. 


I was gifted this copy by Bethany House and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review. 

[Dana Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great start to a new series by Leslie Gould! This is definitely a nod to You've Got Mail. And this is definitely my jam...and an Amish version!! This one, however, uses a birding circle letter as the way to communicate under a pseudonym. The characters are so likable, and the storyline makes for a great page-turning read. I loved Moses and Lois, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
*I was givena copy of this book by the publisher, and this is my honest opinion.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lois needs something to do in her free time. So when her friend passes on a circle letter she gets excited to meet new people and write about her favorite hobby, birding. She is quite taken with a man called Menno. The two are enjoying corresponding with each other and as much as they try to fight it, there is a huge attraction on both of their parts even though they have never met. Or have they? THE SHOP DOWN THE LANE reminded me of the movie, You’ve Got Mail so much. There are also secrets, so many secrets and when they are exposed feelings get hurt and words are said that prove to be painfull.

I’m not going to say too much about THE SHOP DOWN THE LANE as to not give anything away, but truly, you will love this story if you have the chance to read it! I love how Leslie Gould tells a story and it feels like she is writing directly to me. She kept me engaged from the very first page!

I am so excited to continue this series, Letters from Lancaster County by Leslie Gould. I’m can’t wait to read the second book. I was instantly swept up in all the characters lives, felt their happiness as well as their heartache, as if I was sitting right there at the table with them breaking bread. They have all become my friends and I can’t wait to see what happens next for them all. Leslie Gould writes beautifully and rips away the protective layers of your heart as you are reading. She pulls at your heart strings and doesn’t let them go until the very last page. THE SHOP DOWN THE LANE is the perfect beginning to this series and I can’t wait to continue learning more about all of these wonderful and caring people.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Carla Bruns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lois Yoder is an Amish woman without family nearby. After her parents passed, she wanted nothing more than to stay in her hometown of Paradise, Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, the much older brother that she barely knows, and the Bishop, think she needs to be under a man's protection—something that Lois thought wasn't likely to happen after Moses Lantz broke her heart five years earlier. Moses wasn't expecting to see Lois again, nor was he expecting her to be managing the tourist shop he just bought. He'd wronged her in the past, and her behavior toward him proved that she no longer liked him. This is a slower-paced story in the best sort of way. The details are vivid and bright, and you can see yourself birdwatching in Paradise.

I love how Lois is both independent and vulnerable at the same time. She lives on her own, but at the same time has trouble standing up to the Bishop or her brother. I didn't care for her brother, Randy, who held very outdated views (even within the Amish community). However, Lois's Bishop did seem to be encouraging Randy in this thought pattern.

Moses is a man with a mission, a good one, but also one that is leading him to value obtaining businesses (and money) over other important things. He seems to have chosen to walk away from the Amish church, not due to his beliefs, but because he holds himself to such high expectations—expectations that don't seem to be popular with the Amish community.

I enjoyed the circle letter aspect of the book—getting glimpses not only into what Lois and Moses were writing, but also seeing what the circle letter manager was writing. And especially how the encouraging words from the circle letter leader impacted both Lois and Moses. Because the book was slower-paced, I kept reading and reading, and I'm thinking, when is he going to say something, when is she going to say something? When the ending came, it was so satisfying, but I was also screaming—I want more! Thank goodness this is the first in a series.

There are so many reasons to read this book besides the fact that it's an Amish romance—troubled relationships (both romantic and familial), birdwatching, to see what a loving son looks like, and the great ending. And if you love a series that draws you in at book one, then you have to read this.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the publisher and author. All opinions are my own.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Shop Down the Lane by Leslie Gould is an Amish romance that bird watchers will delight in.

Lois Yoder is on her own and living above the gift shop she has worked in for some time. All the customers love her, and she enjoys her life in Paradise, Pennsylvania, until her boss sells the shop to an ex-boyfriend who broke her heart.

Moses Lantz, who bought the shop, didn’t realize that Lois came with it, and her attitude toward him immediately put him off. They both have a past with each other and grudges, which makes things a little tricky when they have to work together.

Both escape by applying to a birdwatcher’s circle letter anonymously. Under their pen names, they fall in love, but in real life, the animosity between them is so thick you could cut it with a knife.

While the relationship between Jane (Lois’ pen-name) and Menno (Moses’ pen-name) was sweet, when it came time for the big reveal, everything for me just fell flat. I enjoyed the bird information and the helpful hints to life and relationships in the circle letter and saw how these hints were helping both characters to grow. However, I felt the characters’ rapidly rekindled feelings were unrealistic, given the author’s extended depiction of their animosity.

While this book was reminiscent of You’ve Got Mail, if the author had lessened the hate and had more of a build-up to the change in feelings the characters had for one another, I think I would have given this five stars.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley for my honest review.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of the Tom Hanks / Meg Ryan romcom You’ve Got Mail, so when I heard that Leslie Gould’s new Amish romance The Shop Down the Lane was a nod to this film I absolutely had to read it. Lois Yoder is instantly both likable and empathetic with her warm heart and resilient spirit… even if Moses Lantz does bring out the worst in her. And, despite Moses being a genuinely good guy, Lois brings out the worst in him too. Their relationship since meeting in childhood has gone from enemies to friends to the start of something more … until everything imploded and they went right back to enemies again. Now they’re forced to work together and if you guessed that the sparks will fly, you’d be right.

And we all know that if there’s enough emotion still between them to generate sparks of irritation and anger, that means those feelings could quickly swing back to the romantic kind. I have to say that I really loved watching Moses figure out how to make that happen. A smitten giant of a man is so swoony! Still..both he and Lois had moments where I wanted to just shake them. Then again, they also each had moments where my heart went out to them, and Moses’ arc in particular is quite touching. In fact, this novel would have been worth reading just for his character journey, but as I mentioned before the overall story is also reminiscent of one of my favorite movies. The plot points that mirrored the events of You’ve Got Mail made me smile, and I also loved how Gould reshaped these themes to fit the Amish culture where, obviously, email isn’t a normal form of communication. Her addition of the birding element was lots of fun too.

Bottom Line: The Shop Down the Lane by Leslie Gould is a charming love story between two lonely hearts with a tumultuous past between them that complicates their present and makes their futures uncertain. I loved the You’ve Got Mail and The Shop Around the Corner elements in play across Lois & Moses’ story, though I did feel that Lois’ feelings for Moses could have been a bit more fleshed out before the big romantic moment. I cheered for Lois to maintain her independence, despite her controlling brother’s best efforts to the contrary, and I rooted for Moses to find the answers he begins to seek after an unexpected twists. And oh my goodness, he solidly won my heart as I watched him take care of his precious mother. The Shop Down the Lane kicks off this series in such a fun way, and it has me eager for the books to follow.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Tracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shop Down the Lane is the first book in Leslie Gould's new series, Letters from Lancaster County. As always, the author quickly captures readers' attention with characters we care about. Lois Yoder manages Paradise Found, a gift shop. The shop forms a delightful central setting for the story. The strong supporting cast--Anna, Casey, Amy, and others-- along with Lois and Moses, left me wanting to read more. The correspondence theme only added to the charm, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I received a review copy from the publisher, and all opinions are my own.

[Elizabeth Eckmeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leslie Gould does it again with an excellent romance! The story is engaging from beginning to end. There is added suspense and real life hardships mixed with a little mystery.
Lois Yoder has always been a lover of birds and family. After the death of her parents she has found the perfect job at Paradise Found selling bird items. She is missing one thing in her life; romance. After Moses Lantz broke her heart it ended any hope of finding someone.
Moses Lantz became a business man after his dad passes away. His mother developed dementia and he had to place her in a care home. After buying Paradise Found and working with Lois he begins to question himself and his life. Everything changes when he joins a bird lovers penmanship group.
This story is a parallel of you've got mail. A sweet and challenging story or finding the right person and settling down in life. This story has some twists and turns and so many sweet moments. It's a must read.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House Publishers through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*

[Becky Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

“She should have quit when Moses first bought Paradise Found, which was Paradise Lost now to her.”

Leslie Gould gives us a humorous remix of “You’ve Got Mail” and “The Shop Around the Corner” in The Shop Down the Lane. When her mentor Scotty sells the Amish souvenir shop she manages, Lois Yoder is doubly upset to discover the new owner. He’s none other than Moses Lantz, former Amish turned Mennonite, and one with whom she shares a past. Unable to bring themselves to be civil to each other, tensions escalate between the two while their individual woes pile up as well. Both Lois and Moses join an Amish birding circle letter separately, under assumed names. As their real life relationship crumples, their friendship on paper becomes a beacon of hope. Gould applies some good twists to this story, and uses birds to teach valuable lessons as well.

Casey and Amy probably tie for my fave secondary characters. Both are incredibly perceptive and wise. Without Amy, Lois probably wouldn’t have had the strength to remain in the Paradise community. Amy may be the closest thing to family Lois has. Casey is a good friend to Moses, but he also holds him accountable for his actions, and makes Moses think about his life’s direction. Casey is also a supportive friend to Lois.

Since I love birds, and novels with twists, this book hit some sweet spots for me. I loved how many different birds are mentioned, along with their descriptions, habits, and habitats. Such a treat for any birder! And Teresa, the Amish woman who initiates the birding circle letter, loves to compare birds to people. “They live by their values, something we would do well to emulate. Everything they do is for a purpose, from their singing to nest building to hunting.” A few times Lois has to stop and consider as she reads these lines, she is not living by her values.

At one point John rather glibly replies to a statement, saying that God had worked out all things. While this may be true, Lois is hurt. Sometimes we hurt others, spouting off Scriptural thoughts blithely, ignoring the pain a friend is presenting. Yes, God does work things out, however-
“Sometimes there was quite a bit of pain before “things” worked out. Sometimes people were stuck in the middle of something for years before it did work out. Or perhaps it never worked out in the way you hoped and you simply moved on, knowing Gott still had a plan.”
God, help me to be careful in offering empty ( albeit true) platitudes!

I recommend this novel!

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“Nurture others, she’d written. But depend on their strengths too. “- Teresa

“Everything we do is motivated by either love or fear,” he said. “We must decide which will motivate us before a trying situation arises. Will we be motivated to love our neighbors or fear them?”

“it was up to management to educate employees into the workers the business needed.”

“Gott made you, just as He made every single bird, to be YOU. Let others see the beauty He created in you, both internal and external.”

“God’s creation is what gives me hope. There’s so much beauty and joy, tragedy and trauma, harmony and hope. No matter how difficult life is, I feel at peace when I’m birding.”

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leslie Gould has long been one of my favorite authors. Her books are always well-written with characters who feel real and stories rich in detail. The Shop Down the Lane is no exception.

Lois Yoder is a young Amish woman living alone much to the dismay of her district's Bishop. She is happy enough on her own working at a local gift shop until she discovers Moses Lantz, with whom she has a past, wants to buy the shop. Things become tense and as a distraction, Lois joins a circle letter for bird watchers. Unknown to her Moses has also joined the circle letter group and the two begin corresponding not knowing they are talking to each other due to pseudonyms.

I've read a lot of Amish fiction books and frankly became bored with them due to the cookie-cutter nature of the stories. This book was different. I don't recall reading about a young Amish woman living on her own. I liked this aspect of the story. It added a layer of vulnerability and issues to be explored. Though I am not a bird watcher I very much enjoyed this aspect of the story. It is clear that the author did her research on birds and bird watching. It shows in all the descriptions and dialogue. She had me wanting to grab some binoculars and go looking for birds!

Leslie Gould is a wonderful storyteller. Her characters are complex and genuine. Her stories are full of detail, research, and emotion. I know when I sit down to read one of her books that I will become immersed in the lives of the characters. She transports me to the setting of her story and makes me feel part of it.

I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I want to catch up with the characters I met in this book and see what new characters she has for me to meet. Until then The Shop Down the Lane is going on my keeper shelf to be enjoyed again.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amish Fiction is my ultimate favorite genre to read. I have been a fan of Leslie Gould for a long while. The Shop Down the Lane by Leslie Gould is her most recent release. It is Book 1 in the Letters from Lancaster County series.

WOW, this storyline is one that immediately had me connected to the story. The setting is Paradise, Pennsylvania. The 2 main characters are Lois Yoder and Moses Lantz. Lois is content with her quiet life and running the Gift Shop in the town. Moses is a former Amish who left town to become a Mennonite. Lois is shocked when she learns that Moses has bought the Gift Shop and she is frustrated with the plans that Moses has for the Shop. Moses broke Lois's heart in the past and with him back in town and her life, she really feels the need to do something else. I really enjoyed seeing how she and Moses joined a "Pen Pal" group for Birdwatchers. They both used "fake names" and unbeknowst to one another they had been writing to one another. The letter writing led to more then a friendship. I think my favorite part of the book was when it was revealed that the 2 had really been writing to one another. They had to figure out if they could let their past be in the past and continue to enjoy the company of each other once again. I am excited for future books in this series, as this series is starting off in a GREAT WAY!

[Hallie (Hallie Reads)]

an amish romance with you've got mail vibes!

lois yoder and moses lantz have a complicated past, so when he buys the shop she manages (and starts making changes), there's some obvious animosity and friction. still, through a mutual love of birding, they wind up as pen pals (both with aliases) and get to know one another again without any biases. but when the truth comes out, will they be able to move on from the hurt and conflict?

the shop down the lane is a sweet story—though it was frustrating to read, at times, knowing lois and moses would get along splendidly if they just talked about what happened and how they felt. of course, they both have other concerns challenging them, more to think about than rekindling an old romance, and their story, overall, progressed in a way that made sense.

lovers of amish romance are sure to love this start to leslie gould's new series, letters from lancaster county.

(i received a complimentary copy from the publisher. i was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions i have expressed are my own.)
 

considerations: 
—language: none
—spice: kisses only
—faith: amish community, mentions of God
—content: controlling family member, alzheimer's disease, adoption, mentions of loss of parent, car accident, and drinking

[June Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique story about finding one's true self as family secrets of the past are revealed . . .

This is a story that will remain with me for a long time. The main characters are multi-dimensional individuals who are attempting to live their authentic lives even though they don't understand just how their family's history has shaped their present lives.

The author has given readers a fine gift by creating a bird watchers' circle letter group where readers can experience an insider's view at the hearts of the participants in the circle through reading their heartfelt letters. I love stories told in the epistolary mode because I believe that handwritten letters are treasures we can revisit many times.

Once she opens her heart, orphan Lois Yoder discovers many people care for her and will support her in her quest to make it on her own. She has a real gift interacting with the customers she serves at the shop down the lane where she works. She is always willing to lend a helping hand to her friends and neighbors.

Moses Lantz is a successful businessman who lost his father in an accident. Now Moses is slowly losing his beloved mother to early-onset dementia and it causes this devoted son much pain to watch his mother disappear. He is a good-hearted man, but he is impulsive and the smallest things seem to set him off.

I enjoyed this book's cover because the lovely photo of the young woman looking into the sky exudes pure joy at observing God's handiwork in nature!

The faith thread woven throughout this book is strong and works in perfect sync for this genre. The book is completely clean in language and content.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through JustRead Publicity Tours. All of my thoughts and opinions shared here are solely my own.

#####################

[Hannah Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shop Down the Lane was the perfect feel good, sweet Amish romance to accompany the arrival of spring! I know very little about birds… but I loved Lois’s passion for them, and how she was able to find someone who shared that love!

I was a little leery about how the pseudonyms, circle letter, meet-ups, and whatnot were going to work out—this style of plot can pretty easily feel VERY contrived. But Leslie Gould did it so nicely! Though, she did have me feeling rather impatient as I waited for Moses to finally reveal himself. As a writer, I think I would have a really hard time maintaining those two separate identities over the course of the book, so kudos to Ms. Gould!

I love the name Lois, and I love her character too. She’s sweet, but she’s got some spunk, and I love how she lets it shine as the story progresses. Moses definitely had some moments I didn’t love him, but overall, he was such a kind, caring man—especially with his mom. And considering all the grief and guilt he was grappling with, we’ll let his occasional temper go.

Seriously, friends… if you’re looking for an adorable, touching, and inspirational romance, this book is for you!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Shop Down the Lane is the first book I have read written by Leslie Gould, and it was such a joy. The nod to You’ve Got Mail and the bird watching elements was a fun dynamic. I could not put this book down.

The character development was good. I enjoyed getting to know Lois and learn more about her community. It was interesting looking at her struggles of being from a smaller family, having lost both parents, so she is battling figuring out living on her own in the Amish community. Moses was an interesting character. It took a little bit to figure him out, and I’m not sure I really understood him totally. He was Amish and chose to become Mennonite. He is taking care of his mom; she is in an assisted living facility, but he is trying to bring her back home. Which would take a lot out of anybody. Dealing with his past and trying to manage his future is a lot.

The storyline and setting were fantastic. I enjoyed the Lancaster County setting. With the rolling farmland and small Amish community. I enjoyed the You’ve Got Mail feel to the story. I had a personal connection to this story with the bird watching as my family is starting to do a bird watching class. I enjoyed that aspect of the story. It was fun seeing the letter circle. What a fun concept.

The romance element was sweet and clean. Low-spice, slow build, as it was an enemies-to-lovers element. It was perfect.

Leslie Gould did a good job including faith elements throughout the book.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shop Down the Lane, by Leslie Gould, is the first book in the Letters from Lancaster County series. This is a well written story that is easy to read and enjoy. I enjoyed the variety of the characters in the story. Lois is well liked and hard working managing a gift shop. The shop owners decide to retire and end up selling to Moses, a man in Lois's past. While Moses has plans for the shop and property, the community and customers like the shop as it is, especially with Lois working there.
This is a nice story to just get lost in. It was interesting to read of the feeling of the Bishop and Lois's brother regarding where and how she lived. I found the background story of Lois and Moses to be intersting. I enjoyed how both enjoyed bird watching. I especially enjoyed the character of his mother, even with her forgetfulness, she remembers Lois and encouraged Moses. This is a delightful story of second chances.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shop Down the Lane is an inspiring Amish story. Lois Jane Yoder, an Amish clerk at Paradise Found, enjoys her job and the upstairs apartment. Her life swiftly changes when the shop's owners decide to sell it. Lois finds she has to face someone from her past.

The storyline is filled with uncertainty, secrets, lies, mistrust, second chances, and love. I could feel God's love and influence coming through the pages. The main characters, Lois and Moses, have many layers that evolve throughout the story. I enjoyed following both of them as their past and future collided.

The story was mysterious, with some twists that added tension. I enjoyed the birding references, which added another level of interest. The sweet romance didn't come without complications, and the ending wrapped up everything nicely.

I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

[Misty Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story! I found myself captivated from the beginning and hated to see the story end. It encompasses friendships and families while showcasing real life hardships in relationships and life. It has a the perfect mix of romance, suspense, and a little mystery.

Lois Yoder is a young Amish woman living on her own in an apartment above her employment. She loves her job, her simple life, and bird watching. Everything was going smoothly until her former friend, Moses Lantz, purchases her place of employment. It doesn’t take long for sparks to fly driving a further wedge between them. Can their love of birdwatching heal the past hurts and begin to bridge the divide?

Leslie Gould is one of my favorite authors of Amish fiction and this book did not disappoint. Likable, relatable characters and a great storyline makes this book a must read! I found the love of birdwatching an enjoyable bonus to the story.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Gail Hollingsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had a little of it all: friendship, loyalty, jealousy, fabrication, hurt, but also a lot of love. Lois in her mid twenties, lives alone above the gift shop where she works. This goes against Amish teachings that a single woman needs a man’s guidance whether a husband or a relative. She fights it with all her being and then gets another blow when her boss sells the store to her childhood nemesis. Lois won my heart right away. She was strong and stood up for herself in spite of her Amish upbringing.
I enjoyed the birding letters sent by Teresa in a circle letter to several participants. There was some wise tidbits comparing God’s bird creations to what we as humans can learn from them.
Overall, a feel good story that had me smiling many times.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher but was not required to write a review.

[Ann Mcgraw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leslie Gould has long been a favorite writer for me, and this book reminded me why. I loved this Amish retelling of Shop Around the Corner and You’ve Got Mail. Lois and Moses had preconceived notions of each other, based on negative past experiences and miscommunication. Even though the Amish way of life seems simpler to our 21st century fast-paced mindset, many of the complexities of relationships and understanding ourselves are the same.

While each was trying to determine God’s path for them individually, circumstances brought them together after a painful incident 5 years previously had broken off a promising relationship. Based on incorrect assumptions about each other, sparks fly when Moses becomes Lois’ employer. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to each, they join a birding circle letter using the alias names Jane and Menno.
Sensing in each other kindred spirits, Jane and Menno begin a private correspondence, filling them with hopes that get dashed. The way in which they eventually discover their true identities is fun to watch!

This story has elements of family and relationship drama which we all are familiar with, such as grief, aging parents with dementia, dating, career choices, adoption, etc. Gould has given us good character development of the protagonists, as well as many friends and family who contribute to the plot. I highly recommend this excellent read!

I received a pre-released copy from Bethany House Publishers but was under no obligation for a predetermined review. All opinions are my own. #BHPFictionThe Shop Down the Lane

[Stephanie’s Ninth Suitcase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spiritual Themes
Through the circle letter, characters share observations about birds that speak into life experiences. While some of these observations are more superficial/basic than others (and the characters observe this, as well), I like this culminating thought:

"Birds are a primary example of the importance of all of Gott’s creatures. I believe acknowledging Gott’s design and purpose is a form of worship we can share with others."

p. 329

I am so grateful that God has given us the opportunity to live in this world with the dear, amazing creatures He has made, and this quote speaks to the Source of our enjoyment. It’s a great indicator and a reminder to “set our minds on things above” (Col. 3.2), not in spite of, but because of, the beauty of Creation. That’s why, although the connection may seem tangential, I’ve chosen these passage from Colossians as the Scripture Connection.

Scripture Connection
"The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Col. 1:15-17

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
Col. 3:1-2

What I Liked
Personal Connection
As a fun connection, I recently read Lizzie’s Little Mouse, by Anne Blackburn, and it was neat to note the similarity between the main characters: both of whom live above the establishment where they work. Lois lives over Paradise Found, where she has a community-wide reputation for her fantastic customer service, and Lizzie lives about her New Orleans-style bakery.

Correspondence
Marketed to fans of You’ve Got Mail and The Shop Around the Corner, The Shop Down the Lane delivers on its promise of a masked-identity correspondence romance. I was drawn to the book on the basis of the letter-writing and the birding, and I very much enjoyed the read!

I really enjoyed the element of intrigue as “Jane” and “Menno” begin writing to each other, with no knowledge of the other’s identity. This lent itself to a good deal of dramatic irony, as the reader has the advantage of experiencing both perspectives. For instance, I believe that Lois unwittingly compares Moses to Menno, even as Moses is contrasting Lois’s personality with Jane’s.

Gender and Submission
There’s some interesting commentary on gender roles and the idea of submission (which I also discussed in my review of Lizzie’s Little Mouse). In this case, Lois is being pressured to return home– not to her father, but to her brother, Randy. Randy, in turn, is determined to marry off his sister.

Unlike Lois’s father, a gentle, caring man, Randy is harsh and impatient. I appreciated the contrast between the two characters, because it leaves room for interpretation in terms of Lois’s approach to submissiveness. I believe Lois would have submitted to her godly father. Plus, Lois makes the case that she is receiving some of the benefits that she would experience with a male family, in relationship with her Amish community.

Scripturally, I see a precedent for young women remaining in their father’s households, and I also see the need for family members to watch out for their siblings. In Randy’s case, though, Lois would be coming under oppressive authority, rather than protection– and I appreciate that the author is showing this distinction.

Friendships
Lois and her best friend Amy have a sweet, delightful relationship. From Lois’s perspective, it is very clear that she needs the support of her best friend, as there are very few people “watching out for her” in the community. At the same time, it’s neat to see the reciprocity between the two, as Lois is always helping Amy with the chores and the childcare. While Lois has a tendency to downplay what she is bringing to the friendship, it’s clear that both women are very available for one another.

Even so, my favorite side character is Casey, Moses’s best friend. While books about female friendship are some of my favorites, I find it so refreshing to read about male bonds. Casey is a really neat guy who is gracious and kind, but also willing to hold Moses accountable for his actions. I also appreciate that Casey is willing to stand up for Lois, while respecting Moses’s history with her. Casey is a great guy who deserves his own story! (And this is book one in a series, so perhaps he will get one?)

Romance
The romance is very gentle and slow, and while I was expecting to see it more developed within the story, I think there’s something to be said about the shared history. And, there’s a definite sweetness to a romantic attachment formed in letter writing. It’s also nice to encounter a book with less emphasis on physicality: I want to say there’s one kissing scene, plus some descriptions of physical attractiveness, but not a lot of physical touch and overall just less physicality than what I’ve seen even in other books marketed as Christian.

Moreover, the author mentions Pride and Prejudice as an inspiration for the novel, which gave me a bit more context for the subtlety of the romance. I appreciate the purity and the emphasis on friendship as the basis for love!

Content Notes
These notes are “trigger” items, which may upset some readers who have encountered these specific life experiences.

One of the secondary characters suffers memory loss from Alzheimers or dementia.

An adult character learns that he was adopted.

Recommendation Status
The Shop Down the Lane is a delightful Amish story in the tradition of You’ve Got Mail, following a burgeoning correspondence between characters who barely tolerate one another. Recommended for fans of Amish fiction, especially those who enjoy the Meg Ryan film.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. Opinions expressed are my own.

[Pamela Pavkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shop Down the Lane is an exceptional story written by Leslie Gould in her new series Letters From Lancaster County. I absolutely loved her amazing characters and really enjoyed watching them evolve throughout the story. There are several secrets and mysteries to be discovered in this story which will definitely keep the readers interest. With the birding woven in the story it shows the readers the value of birds. I felt like I was right there in this story especially riding the scooter with Eva. As Moses discovers many things from his past I loved that his mother was always at the front of his decisions.

I did receive an advanced copy of this book to read from the author but was not approached to post a favorable review.

[Michelle C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lois is a single Amish woman working in a store she loves, and living in the apartment above the shop she had shared with her mom before her death. Having lost her dad before that her only relative is her overbearing brother that wants to marry her off to an abusive older widower with five children in a different community. She’s been getting along just fine on her own, and is beloved in her community. Her world gets turned upside down when her employer decides to sell the shop along with her home to the man that she thought she’d marry, but broke her heart.

Lois suddenly has to deal with her ex as her boss, and to make matters worse he’s still courting the woman that ruined their relationship. She makes it clear she wants Lois’ job and home after she already stole her beau. As if she didn’t have enough to contend with the Bishop doesn’t like that she’s living alone, and contacts her brother. The two men decide she needs to be under her brother’s authority which would mean moving away, being married to the abusive widower and being trapped in a loveless marriage.

To distract herself from her troubles, and hopefully meet a possible match Lois joins a birdwatchers circle letter. Her brother looks down on birding, and told her to hide her interest so she uses an alias to protect her privacy. Moses, her ex and new boss, does the same. Neither of them knows the other’s interest in birdwatching so don’t suspect a thing. As they begin to exchange letters as penpals they grow fonder of each other sharing personal things they never shared with others even as their real life relationship becomes even more hostile.

This was the Amish version of You’ve Got Mail. I enjoyed that Lois stood up for herself, and had some feistiness. I also liked the birdwatching aspect, and the role it played. It was sweet to see their new relationship play out as they started learning more about each other instead of the misconceptions they had. I can’t wait to read more books by this author. I received a complimentary copy of this book, but the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always gain a nugget of inspiration when I read Amish fiction, and this one is no exception. In The Shop Down the Lane, I found hope and that things aren’t always what they seem. Lois leads a simple life, one I greatly admire, but sadly, that simplistic existence is due to her parents being gone and her having to figure out life on her own. Luckily, the Amish community flocks together, so she has a lot of support, but her loneliness is felt through the pages. Moses is driven, ambitious, and has a heart of gold, wanting to do right by himself and others. It’s crazy how much Lois and Moses have in common, but the hurts of the past and misunderstandings keep them both at arm’s length.

There are some sweet moments in this story, and it is very reminiscent of You’ve Got Mail, one of my all-time favorite movies. Though Moses and Lois are prickly towards one another, it’s clear, especially through their correspondence, that they are meant to be together, and it was so sweet to see their bumpy travels to happily ever after.

The birding letters were a favorite aspect of mine as I love when characters put pen to paper and express their thoughts through words. It’s truly poetic and something that makes my heart sing. Writing letters is truly a dying art that I wish would make a resurgence. Plus, I got to gain some knowledge on birds and birding in general.

Though there are some scenes that dragged a bit overall, I enjoyed this novel. With likable characters, picturesque imagery, and remnants of one of my favorite stories, The Shop Down the Lane is a great start to the new Letters from Lancaster County series and a read that was a sweet escape.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything you need to know about life in the Amish community is look at the birds. Rise early. Sing to God, flock together, work hard, take care of yourself and others.


In the same thread of a classic movie staring Jimmy Stewart- Shop Around the Corner and the remake of Tom Hanks - You Got mail, you have the Amish remake Shop Down the Lane.

Lois Yoder is a single young woman who loves birding. She has returned to Paradise after the death of her father. She has recently lost her mother and is being strongly encouraged by her brother and the bishop to marriage. Lois is content with her life working at the local gift shop and lives in the apartment above the gift shop. She has a great working relationship with the shop's owner. Everything is good until Moses Lantz walks thru the doors. It has been 10 years since Lois and Moses have seen each other. And they had parted ways with misunderstanding and hurt feelings.

Moses Lantz has come back to Paradise with purpose. He is successful business man who has acquired several Amish business and is seeking to purchase the local gift shop with plans to make it a thriving market. When he realizes that Lois is a vital part of the shop, old feelings come back that he must deal with. Being an avid bird lover, he decides to join a birding community that corresponds with other bird lovers. He takes an alias name and discovers another fellow bird lover that opens his heart to possibilities.

The relationship between Moses and Lois is what drew me and of course how they got to know each other deeper thru their aliases was endearing. They both had to break down old walls and to see each other in another perspective. Something we all can learn about. Highly recommend.

A special thank you to Bethany House and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Lori Parrish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always get excited when I see this author come out with a new book!
This was sooooo good! I loved every minute of it. I finished this one at 4am in the morning. I loved Moses's and Lois's story!
I've never met two stubborn people in my life! These two are so hard headed when it comes to certain scenes in this book.
There is a surprise in this story but I won't say what it is. I will tell you that in certain things I can relate to Moses and what's going on in his life.
Lois is a work in progress as we all are. Lois is a lot like me too on certain things in this journey called life.
Changes for one. I hate them but I know they need to happen.
Moving stinks! It's no fun at least for me it isn't.
But on a lighter note, I learned a lot about birds. Especially hawks. Birds are like people in a way.
I didn't like Sara at all! I didn't like her personality and the way she went about things.
God does have a way of working things out. It's called timing. Timing is everything and it's so hard to wait patiently sometimes!
Forgiveness is even harder. You can forgive but not forget.
I did find myself rooting for my two favorite people along the way. I kept hoping they'd wake up.
Did they ever realize that things have a way of working out? Did they ever open their eyes and look at what's right in front of them?
You'll just have to pick up this sweet and fun read and read it for yourself.
I did find myself laughing at some of the scenes in this book.
Gould does such a wonderful job at keeping me engaged with her characters that I'm giving this book 5 stars!
I highly recommend it!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never gave much thought to birdwatching before reading this book although I do use an app on my phone to identify birds by their sounds. The Amish birders really get serious about spotting and identifying birds in the story. I enjoyed the words of wisdom shared by the lady who started the Flight of Doves Plain Circle Letter. How curious it was to know that Lois and Moses, who had been friends in school and had courted unofficially for a short time, did not know that the other one loved to watch birds. In fact, it seems they knew very little about each other outside of school where they had pestered each other constantly. Now, as the story opens, Moses is buying the gift shop where Lois has been working for two years. He has agreed with the seller that he will keep the manager and allow her to continue living in the upstairs apartment without knowing that Lois is the manager. For two people who seemed to get along so well with virtually everyone else, Moses and Lois could barely speak a pleasant word to each other. In fact, their childhood picking has turned into adult clashes over practically every decision Moses made after buying the shop. However, the words of wisdom by the originator of the circle letter which they joined anonymously somehow seemed to nudge them both to take a closer look at how they treated others. Interestingly, I remember when I was young that people would often call someone else a birdbrain when the other person did something absurd, but the author of the circle letter used various birds and their actions to demonstrate how much we can learn from birds. I enjoyed this story set in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own. #BHPFiction

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sensational well written story that is filled with dimensional characters facing real life issues to overcome. Lois Yoder loved her job at the Paradise Found shop with all the birding items available to customers. Her world became a roller coaster when the owners decided to sell to Moses Lantz. Their past had ended abruptly that caused a lot of heartache.

Lois loved birding since childhood and decided to join a circle letter for birding watchers. The tidbits provided by the facilitator of the letter gave much thought to how the characteristics of birds could be applied to relationships, stepping out side of one’s comfort zone and learning to work together like birds. Lois didn’t realize Moses had gone birding with his parents and joined the circle letter group too. With them writing under fictional names to one another will they find a re-connection of what they truly had?

The action filled pages, information about birds sighted, struggles, and discovering answers to questions through a bit of mystery woven in kept the pages turning. I didn’t want to see Moses and Lois story end. I appreciated the way Moses’ mother was a positive character and made a difference in lives along with Lois’ childhood friend. All the characters were realistic some with greater values and concern of wanting the best for others except for a couple.

Leslie Gould has never disappointed me with her stories and this is one I’ll cherish for a long time. I’ll be abiding my time until the next installment is released.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through the publisher and author as a launch team member. I was under no obligation to write a positive review, but have gladly shared my own thoughts.

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lois loves her job running a gift shop, so she's horrified when the owner tells her he's selling. And when the new owner turns out to be Moses Lantz, with whom she has a painful history, she's sure it's only a matter of time before she loses her job, despite his agreement to keep her on. Eager for an escape from such thoughts in her spare time, she turns to birding, joining a birding circle letter. under a pen-name. Moses has a plan for his life, and buying the gift shop and building an Amish market behind it is the next step - but Lois seems determined to thwart him at every step. Amidst the turmoil of his new business and maintaining existing businesses, he nevertheless takes time out for relaxation by joining a birding circle letter under a pen-name. But when real life and written life collide, what will be left standing?

I wanted to like this, but to me it ended up just okay. The overall story was fine, but I never really felt like I understood why the characters were reacting as they did - it generally seemed over-the-top. And for Moses to spend all his time building a portfolio of businesses and then suddenly decide to sell most of them? I really didn't understand that. However, some of the birding stuff was interesting, particularly some of the leader's comments (though others felt a bit of a stretch). Overall, while I didn't mind finishing, I doubt I'll be looking for more by the author, as it wasn't really my cup of tea. But I'm sure others will love it.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shop Down the Lane by Leslie Gould is a charming story. I thought the book was well written with developed main characters. The characters are complex, realistic, and likeable. I enjoyed getting to know Lois Yoder and Moses Lantz. Paradise Found, the gift shop where Lois worked, and that Moses purchased sounded like a delightful place thanks to Lois (a shop that I would love to visit). I especially loved the special tree display with the crocheted birds and the birdhouses hanging from the branches. I liked the bird watching aspect. I have bird feeders in my yard, and I enjoy seeing the different types of birds that visit (we also have a pond in our village, and we get some unique aquatic birds). The bird descriptions were striking which allowed me to visualize them. It was interesting learning about circle letters. It made curious about how many different types of circle letters there are for the Amish. I can tell that the author did her research for this book. The Shop Down the Lane is a story full of emotion. The author’s vivid descriptions allowed me to envision the scenes. I could picture Lois zipping along on her scooter. I am looking forward to the next book in the Letters from Lancaster County series. The Shop Down the Lane is a special Amish story with a blast from the past, a sold shop, circle letters, a soaring scooter, observing birds, courting troubles, and a hopeful future.