Miriam Yoder thought she’d never feel happy again after the loss of her husband and unborn child—until a baby is abandoned outside her workplace. Seeing this as an opportunity for her heart to heal, she cares for the helpless infant during a fierce storm with her late husband’s brother. But Amish farmer Isaac Yoder has been keeping secrets. Hiding them from Miriam as he temporarily works alongside her at his aunt’s chocolate shop is one thing…but caring for a baby together presents a new challenge. Can their growing connection withstand the weight of the truth and open Miriam’s heart again?
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
What a beautiful romance. This book is perfect for a Sunday afternoon that you just want a feel good read.
Miriam has been through so much in her short adult life that she is adamant about never remarrying and being responsible for herself. Zaac has watched Miriam from afar and even watched her marry his scoundrel brother. He has watched her grieve his brother’s death and has continued to tamp down his feelings for her. That is until a stormy night while working his aunt’s chocolate shop together they find themselves responsible for a baby dropped at the doorstep.
Hurry and preorder your copy today to see how the story unfolds.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All words above are my own.
An Amish Baby in Her Arms, written by Patricia Johns, is a story that will make a good impression on you, and stay in your thoughts for a long time after you've read the last page. This story focuses mainly on the life of Miriam Yoder, a young woman whose husband Elijah was killed in an accident, and her unborn baby was miscarried around the same time frame. The two major life events happening at the same time are enough to crush anyone, especially the loss of a child. I was impressed with Miriam's resilience. Isaac, or Zaac, the supporting protagonist and Elijah's brother, is also a big part of the book. Miriam's husband was selfish, hateful, and irresponsible, but being an Amish wife meant submitting to her husband and being under his rule, even if he was abusive. He was a gambler and a heavy drinker. Still, after the 2 deaths, Miriam managed to deal with the devastating losses, and at the same time, begin again with a job in a candy shop owned by Esther Mae, a local Amish woman, who was kind and encouraging to her. She worked at the chocolate shop regularly, and even invented some chocolate creations of her own. She also liked the security that came with having a dependable job in her own community. After the marriage to her narcissistic husband, Miriam decided never to be dependent on any man and to be able to provide enough money for herself without being enslaved to abuse and neglect from another husband. That's completely understandable. The story begins with Miriam and Zaac, who was Elijah's brother, working alongside each other in the candy shop, Zaac being there temporarily to learn how to run a business. A heavy rainstorm starts, and they start to close up shop. After a knock at the door, they find an abandoned infant on the steps of Esther Mae's candy business, with a note asking them to take the baby, and that the child's name is Ivy. They bring the infant in, and start taking care of her, both at the shop and then at Miriam's grandfather's house, whose name is Obie. Miriam lives with her grandfather and still had supplies she had been gathering in preparation for her own baby's birth, which never happened. Zaac decides to wait out the storm at Obie's house, and the rainstorm keeps everyone at home, and being in such close quarters, is when the relationship between Miriam and Zaac starts changing. Both are very conflicted about each other and struggling to sort through their feelings. They both battle their feelings for each other, in their thoughts. It's a well-written story, clean, and real. There is a lot of talk about God, or Gott, as the Amish say, and there's a mention about Jesus too, which was very, very good. Miriam and Isaac pray and ask God to guide them, which He does. The characters are strongly developed, and the storyline flows well, one situation into another, quite naturally. The thoughts and conversations are believable and grounded in reality, so it's easy to stay interested in the book. I enjoyed reading the entire book, and I will remember the characters and their struggles for a long time. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes Amish Christian fiction, and who needs a good clean book to read, OR, to give as a gift to someone. Patricia Johns's books would make excellent gifts to those who like reading Amish Christian fiction, or Christian fiction.
some chocolate with a love story and a sweet baby. what more could you ask for.
Miriam has been through so much in her short life, the death of her child and the loss of her husband. Moving on is what she must do.Life still goes on. But finding a baby wasn't what she expected.
Her brother has always been a caring gentleman there.When anyone needs something. Together they take care of what's needed. During this storm.
Feelings have been there, but no one realized them..
Could this be a story for everyone happily ever after?In the end.
Grab a copy and read the sweet story. I've been reading this author for a while and I haven't been disappointed by any story.
I just finished reading this book last night. I actually stayed up late to read it. My sister called me much later than normal, and when I answered the phone, she was like, “Oh my gosh, I just realized how late it is! What are you doing up?” And I said, “I’m reading this really good book!”
So what makes it so good? It was sweet, endearing. It really showed how hard it is to discern what God wants for us in our lives. We have to pay such close attention to the things that are happening to us and going on around us—making sure we’re grasping at the right place at the right time. Without that careful attention, we’re really just following our own path and not God’s. This book showed that so excellently.
As usual, this is a book from my favorite genre: Amish romance. It’s the story of Miriam Yoder, a young widow who lost a baby shortly after her husband’s passing—and her brother-in-law, Isaac Yoder. Not only is Miriam dealing with the loss of her infant, but she is also dealing with the realization that her marriage was not really a happy one. It was something she understood deep down, but hadn’t really expressed out loud.
Isaac, or Zaac as he’s known, is considering leaving the Amish faith and becoming English. On the surface, it’s for a very noble reason, but were the things he was looking at really a pulling from God—or just a way to justify his own wants and desires?
Some things that really stood out to me were Zaac’s tenderness toward Miriam. The sweet thoughts in his mind are almost heartbreaking. Both Miriam and Zaac take care of everyone and every living thing around them without much forethought—it’s just part of who they are.
Miriam’s focus on God, and His love for her and everyone around her, is so good and pure. And yet, she’s not afraid to show Him her anger or ask Him the hard questions. Miriam realizes—although it’s not spelled out or said this way in the book, you certainly pick it up—that you can have those conversations with God. It doesn’t mean you love Him less or that He loves you less. It’s just a conversation with your Heavenly Father.
I don’t know why, but this Amish romance almost made me cry in the epilogue, of all places. It wasn’t something said by Zaac or Miriam. It was something said by Miriam’s Uncle Elmer. It’s something people hear a lot or say a lot, but in the context of the whole book, it really comes out as a sincere and true statement—not just to placate. But… you have to read the book to know all of that.
If you’re not sure the messages you have been receiving are from God—or if you’re dealing with an emotional struggle that feels like it’s never going to go away or become manageable —then you need to read this book.
I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
Miriam thought that she married her true love. But it turned out that Elijah was a bad husband drinking up all their money and running around on her. Miriam couldn’t figure out why Isaac disliked her so much that he tried to talk Elijah out of marrying her. But Isaac was secretly in love with her. And he knew that Elijah wouldn’t be good to her. Elijah was killed in an accident and Miriam miscarried her baby. She went to live with her Grandfather. Miriam was working in a candy store along with Isaac. A bad storm came in and they thought they heard a baby crying. At first they thought that it was the wind until they heard it again. They found a baby abandoned on their doorstep. Isaac told Miriam they would close up the store and he would help her get the baby to her Grandfather’s house. The storm made it very dangerous traveling in the buggy. So when they got to Miriam’s Grandfather’s house Isaac had to stay with them. Miriam was having a hard time trying not to get attached to the baby and caring for it after loosing her baby. Working with Isaac caring for the baby and being in close contact they began to have feelings for one another. If you want to know what happens you need to go get the book and read it! I highly recommend that you do!! 😁
In a world filled with uncertainty there is comfort to be found in a heartfelt read that both soothes the soul and warms the heart. AN AMISH BABY IN HER ARMS is one such story.
In a reversal of roles, it is the calm after the storm that brings forgiveness, understanding and all encompassing love. My heart went out to both Zack and Miriam because their struggles with life, love, faith and humanity are relatable, on so many levels. There comes a time in all of our lives when we question the path we are on and look for ways to improve ourselves and our world. Sometimes the answer is complicated, other times it is simpler than we think. Watching Zaac and Miriam work their way towards a better life with each other based on communication, faith and love made for a beautiful and uplifting read.
Once I started this one, I could not put it down. I’m giving AN AMISH BABY IN HER ARMS the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy.
Amish Chocolate Shop Brides? What a wonderful name for a series. Just settle in and enjoy An Amish Baby in Her Arms, the author's kickoff to this new series. Widow Miriam Yoder grieves not only the loss of her husband, but also her unborn baby. She finds, and cares for, an abandoned baby girl. Isaac Yoder, aka Zaac, Miriam's brother-in-law, helps. But his heart is burdened. How long can he hold in his secrets while helping Miriam care for little Ivy AND work with her at the chocolate shop? There's a big storm in this book, and as the sun's rays break through the physical storm, the Lord's love breaks through the storms in Miriam and Zaac's hearts. Like I said above, settle in. Author Patricia Johns and Amish fiction go together like fresh milk and Amish Shoofly Pie. Like chicken and noodles. This heartfelt and inspiring story is no exception. Plus it has my favorite, an epilogue! I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.
An Amish Baby in Her Arms is Patricia Johns first book in her Amish Chocolate Shop Brides mini series. If you enjoy newborn babies, chocolate, dogs, and kittens, this book is definitely for you!
Miriam Yoder recently lost her husband, Elijah, as well as her first baby. Isaac Yoder, Miriam's brother-in-law, has secretly been in love with Miriam for a long time. Miriam is bound and determined to never depend upon a man again for her welfare. But when a severe rainstorm throws them together for days at Miriam's grandfather's farm, Miriam's feelings for Zaac begin to change. Will they be able to iron out their differences and become a married couple?
This was such a heartwarming story to me, and I especially enjoyed that there was an abandoned kitten in it. Having a newborn baby and chocolates in the story didn't hurt, either!
I was given a complimentary e-pub of this book by the author. All thoughts and opinions herein are strictly my own.
I've really enjoyed this story to the fullest. Poor Miriam. My heart absolutely went out to her. She'd been through much! I loved this story because it's a reminder that we must have patience and a reminder that everything is in God's timing. This author is one of my favorites because her stories are always uplifting and have some wonderful lessons in them. Patience is a virtue but oh sometimes it is so hard!! Especially when ya want something so badly. I should know. Forgiveness is another lesson. That's hard too. I really enjoyed this sweet story and didn't want it to end. I felt like I was in the story with Miriam and Zaac. 5 stars for excellence writing and for keeping me interested all the way through. 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.
I won’t lie; this story was sad in many ways. Loss of a husband. Loss of a baby. Loss of the dream of what marriage could be. Miriam has been through so much and is determined not to be vulnerable again. But often God has different plans for us.
Isaac, or Zaac, has also made plans without consulting God. He cares for his sister-in-law and is rather ashamed of that. And then baby Ivy literally shows up on the doorstep during a storm that keeps them all housebound together.
So much happens in this story and I kept turning the pages quickly as it grabbed my attention. And I wasn’t disappointed in it at all. Joy did come in the morning! If you enjoy Amish fiction do read An Amish Baby In Her Arms. You won’t be disappointed,
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review. All thoughts are my own.
Miriam has had alot of recent heartbreak and broken dreams. During a large storm her brother-in-law Zaac stops by to help, and they end up taking in several strays during the storm-including a baby!
I liked that this was not a conventional Amish relationship story. They discussed things that were important to them, their feelings and fears. They discussed whether living Amish is what they really wanted to do and how to be happy with their life journey and choices.
This story had an interesting storyline and great characters that kept my interest from beginning to end. I really enjoyed this Christian Amish story! The cover of the book is also beautiful with the rainbow signifying hope and peace after a storm and God’s love.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and views expressed are my own.
Miriam and Zaac don't like each other due to their past. Miriam was married to Zaac's brother which turned out to be a very bad match. After her husband's untimely death and during a life-threatening storm, Miriam and Zaac find themselves thrown together. As they are forced to come together to survive the storm, rescue an abandoned baby and take care of her, help Miriam's grandfather and all the other people and animals that God places in their path, things begin to change between them. Is God giving them a second chance? Can they overcome the many obstacles that threaten their happiness? This story is about family, faith, love and second chances. A very good read with wonderful characters.
Miriam Yoder, widow, is reminded of all she lost when a newborn baby is left outside the candy shop where she and Zaak, her brother-in-law, are closing for the day. A terrible storm prompts him to drive baby Ivy and Miriam to her grandfather’s.
The storm worsens. Zaak has no choice but to stay her grandfather’s home to wait it out. He has loved Miriam since before his brother, who hadn’t been good to her, married her. Zaak avoids her as much as possible because she doesn’t like him. Little Ivy brings them together.
This story wasn’t predictable for me. In fact, I wasn’t sure how they’d overcome the challenges between them. I fell in love with characters.
Sweet baby Ivy tugged at my heart. I was anxious to see what happened with her.
A really good Amish fiction story of forgiveness and love and second chances.
Miriam Yoder is a recent widow and has experiencd the loss of her unborn child. She has accepted the fact that she will never marry again. Her marriage was not a very happy time for her. A newborn baby has been left at the candy shop where Miriam and her late husband’s brother Isaac Yoder work. A storm is coming so Miriam decides to take the baby home with her until she can contact Social Services. Isaac had strong feelings for Miriam but he thinks it is wrong and keeps this to himself until the baby causes them to come together to take care of her. Will Miriam change her mind and find love again!
This is definitely a book that stays in your thoughts long after you have finished reading it.
A bad storm, an abandoned baby, a widow, her dead husband's brother, her grandfather and her uncle all deal with issues while waiting out for days together during the major storm.
Miriam and Issac realize that God wants them together in the end.
What a way to start off this new series, can't wait to read the next one.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. The review expressed here is my honest opinion.
Loss, grief, and guilt are difficult emotions to deal with and are emotions that both Miriam and Zaac are struggling with. They've each had their share of things not going as they would have liked, and these have greatly affected their decisions and actions.
Enter a sweet and unexpected baby, whose appearance takes Miriam and Zaac on a journey they didn't see coming as they experience a shift in their relationship. This change is filled with hope, faith, forgiveness, and love, resulting in a story that will deeply touch your heart.
An Amish Baby in Her Arms unfolds at just the right pace and invites the reader to keep turning pages as Miriam’s story goes along. Her growth as a person, as well as her growth in faith, are wonderful to see. It seems trite, but I did laugh and cry, and then cheered as well. I look forward to the next in the series and hope there is an update on their story there as well.
An Amish Baby in Her Arms is centered around a Chocolate shop. I literally devoured this book in two days! I didn’t want to put it down. Patricia Johns pulls you in into her stories and submerses you into the lives of the characters. With Faith, Hope, and overcoming tragedy to Joy, this book will tug at your heart and bring you all the feels. Curl up and enjoy another wonderfully written book which is the first in this series. Can’t wait for the next one.
Loved this sweet Amish love story! The author did a fantastic job as always of brining the characters, their struggles and loss to life and ultimately a happy ending with their faith and love for God! I received a copy of this book from the author, but was not required to leave a positive review. This is my honest opinion of this book.
My favorite Patricia Johns book so far. In this book a young Amish woman and her late husband's brother are trapped together at her family's farm. They are also caring for a baby girl left on their workplaces doorstep.
I love this story. Patricia Johns had me thinking about many things while reading this book. Can not wait to read more in this series. You will love reading this story. You will become hooked on Patricia Johns books like I have.
My rating for this story is 3.5 stars ⭐️. The cover of this book is adorable. This book's storyline was sad 😔. I liked Miriam's character. I felt sorry for Miriam. I liked Zaac's character. I loved ❤️ baby 👶🍼 Ivy. I liked the ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Miriam has lost her husband and not long after she had a miscarriage. She has been through so much heartbreak in such a little time. A big storm comes and Miriam and Isaac who is her brother in law find an abandoned baby. Isaac takes Miriam and the baby home where she stays with her grandfather and her uncle. Isaac has decided to stay there because the weather is so bad. As time goes on things begin to change between Miriam and Isaac. I loved this book it was such a great read. A great page turner.