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The Amish Classics #2
The Matchmaker: An Amish Retelling of Jane Austen's Emma
When Emma’s interference in her friends’ lives backfires, will the consequences be more than she bargained for?
Set in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, The Matchmaker is an Amish retelling of Emma and covers the same issues of love, relationships, and pride within the community.
SERIES DESCRIPTION: The Amish Classics series is a retelling of novels by Jane Austen in a contemporary Amish setting. The main story lines are accurately followed but told within the Amish culture and religion. These stories will introduce readers of Amish romances to these classics, while also being attractive to Jane Austen’s many loyal fans.
Set in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, The Matchmaker is an Amish retelling of Emma and covers the same issues of love, relationships, and pride within the community.
SERIES DESCRIPTION: The Amish Classics series is a retelling of novels by Jane Austen in a contemporary Amish setting. The main story lines are accurately followed but told within the Amish culture and religion. These stories will introduce readers of Amish romances to these classics, while also being attractive to Jane Austen’s many loyal fans.
304 pages, Paperback
First published February 3, 2015
78 people are currently reading
544 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Price
135 books646 followersECPA Christian Fiction Bestseller (June 2014, July 2014)
Amazon Top 100 Author for Books & eBooks (January 2016, September 2013, August 2013, May 2013, April 2013, February 2013, January 2013, December 2012)
-------------------------
The author of over 30 novels, Sarah Price publishes with Realms, an imprint of Charisma House and Waterfall, an imprint of Brilliance Audio.
Her book, An Empty Cup, was #3 on Amazon Top 100 eBooks in January 2016.
Follow her on social media:
Blog:http://www.sarahpriceauthor.com.
Facebook: http://facebook.com/fansofsarahprice.
Instagram: @SarahPriceAuthor
Twitter: @SarahPriceAuthr
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/SarahPrice
FAMILY HERITAGE
During the early 1700s, the Preiss family arrived in America aboard an old sailing vessel called the Patience. The family left Europe, escaping Catholic persecution for their Anabaptist beliefs. Sarah Price comes from a long line of devout Mennonites, including numerous church leaders and ministers throughout the years.
In 1969, Sarah Price was born in Pennsylvania and lived on the land of her ancestors, Johannes Preiss and "King Tammany", otherwise known as Tamanend, a chief of the Lenni Lenape nation in the Delaware Valley.
In the early 1970s, her family moved to Morristown, New Jersey where she still resides with her husband, two children, and assortment of animals.
Ms. Price has advanced degrees in Communication (MA), Marketing (MBA), and Educational Leadership (PhD).
Ms. Price was a former full-time college professor. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, she now writes full-time.
Amazon Top 100 Author for Books & eBooks (January 2016, September 2013, August 2013, May 2013, April 2013, February 2013, January 2013, December 2012)
-------------------------
The author of over 30 novels, Sarah Price publishes with Realms, an imprint of Charisma House and Waterfall, an imprint of Brilliance Audio.
Her book, An Empty Cup, was #3 on Amazon Top 100 eBooks in January 2016.
Follow her on social media:
Blog:http://www.sarahpriceauthor.com.
Facebook: http://facebook.com/fansofsarahprice.
Instagram: @SarahPriceAuthor
Twitter: @SarahPriceAuthr
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/SarahPrice
FAMILY HERITAGE
During the early 1700s, the Preiss family arrived in America aboard an old sailing vessel called the Patience. The family left Europe, escaping Catholic persecution for their Anabaptist beliefs. Sarah Price comes from a long line of devout Mennonites, including numerous church leaders and ministers throughout the years.
In 1969, Sarah Price was born in Pennsylvania and lived on the land of her ancestors, Johannes Preiss and "King Tammany", otherwise known as Tamanend, a chief of the Lenni Lenape nation in the Delaware Valley.
In the early 1970s, her family moved to Morristown, New Jersey where she still resides with her husband, two children, and assortment of animals.
Ms. Price has advanced degrees in Communication (MA), Marketing (MBA), and Educational Leadership (PhD).
Ms. Price was a former full-time college professor. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, she now writes full-time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
June 27, 2020
These are all so stupidly good. Why has no one ever thought of putting an Amish spin on Jane Austen before?!? This spin off of Emma is wonderfully done and so faithful to the book. I really enjoyed this and I can't wait to get the rest in this series. It's a light fluffy read and is such a uniquely satisfying spin on a classic that is truly closer and more faithful than any other adaptation I've read! The summary is Emma. It's just like Emma. There is still bonnets, matchmaking, picnics, weekly visits, and handsome men. All the essentials!
February 11, 2015
The author has done such a great job of combining the basic storyline of Emma into an Amish setting. The way the story is told just makes sense. I really loved that the book retains the same feeling as reading a Jane Austen novel. The depth of emotion, range of characters, and situations that Emma gets herself into kept my attention from page one until the very ending of the story.
Sweet, meddling Emma…when will she learn? She has such a good heart, caring for your aging father and other widows in the community. However, she is a bit stubborn and things get quite mixed up when she begins her matchmaking attempts. Many life lessons are learned by Emma in this wonderful story. I enjoyed her character and appreciated the way that she grew throughout the story. The other characters in the book were similarly well-written. Gideon, the family friend that Emma has known since birth, was the epitome of a strong and wise Amish man in the community. I enjoyed getting to know him in this story and watching his transformation throughout the book, as well.
I thoroughly enjoyed this charming story and look forward to reading the other books in this series.
I would like to thank the author for the complimentary ebook that I received in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog and enter to win a copy of The Matchmaker (giveaway ends on 1/16/15):
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Sweet, meddling Emma…when will she learn? She has such a good heart, caring for your aging father and other widows in the community. However, she is a bit stubborn and things get quite mixed up when she begins her matchmaking attempts. Many life lessons are learned by Emma in this wonderful story. I enjoyed her character and appreciated the way that she grew throughout the story. The other characters in the book were similarly well-written. Gideon, the family friend that Emma has known since birth, was the epitome of a strong and wise Amish man in the community. I enjoyed getting to know him in this story and watching his transformation throughout the book, as well.
I thoroughly enjoyed this charming story and look forward to reading the other books in this series.
I would like to thank the author for the complimentary ebook that I received in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog and enter to win a copy of The Matchmaker (giveaway ends on 1/16/15):
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
September 23, 2018
I never liked Jane Austen's Emma so I applaud this Amish variation ... It was a faithful rendition. I still don't like Emma but she snagged a good husband just like she did a couple of centuries ago.
January 22, 2019
I should save myself some time and just copy and paste one of my old reviews of another Emma retelling. As usual, the Harriet story doesn't translate well. In this case, Emma's objection is that he's a pig farmer and pigs are smelly! And this is one of those TOO faithful adaptations. I was bored waiting for things I knew would happen. And the Emma/Knightley story just wasn't built up enough.
Oh well, I still haven't given up on Emma retellings!
Oh well, I still haven't given up on Emma retellings!
May 22, 2019
Another sound, well planned, well executed, Austen retelling or Amish adaptation. Sarah Price is really talented both in overall writing and conveying with grace a different culture and value system to our "modern" contemporary normal.
I've find that not only is this series top-quality Austenesque (or JAFF), but great comforting and romantic pieces of literature on their own.
That said, The Matchmaker (an Emma adaptation) was well tweaked into Amish culture and viceversa, Amish/Menonite values perform beautifully in synchrony with the plot twists and expectations of an early Regency sensibility. So actions and thought from the original story don't have to be radically changed or shockingly replaced... it all grows and evolves organically here, scenes, characters and their interactions, pauses and climaxes, they are all naturally there, almost as if they were ment to be.
Emma is an independent single daughter who spends time doing charitable deeds and mending other people's business; Gideon (Mr. King/Knightley) is an older Amish business man and family friend. Mr. Elton is not a Rector but the Bishop's son Paul, and so on... in this world making up innocent games to pass an afternoon or collecting verses to keep in a book does not seem childish or silly -- again, it seems natural and very much in character! A buggy ride for the pleasure of someone's company or for suggesting a courtship is very real, and is one of thise things from Austen that come across as strange if converted into a modern setting.
I enjoyed the story, it read as new to me ! Very sweet, with enough depth of feeling. So far I have loved other in the seris as well, so I highly recommend !
I've find that not only is this series top-quality Austenesque (or JAFF), but great comforting and romantic pieces of literature on their own.
That said, The Matchmaker (an Emma adaptation) was well tweaked into Amish culture and viceversa, Amish/Menonite values perform beautifully in synchrony with the plot twists and expectations of an early Regency sensibility. So actions and thought from the original story don't have to be radically changed or shockingly replaced... it all grows and evolves organically here, scenes, characters and their interactions, pauses and climaxes, they are all naturally there, almost as if they were ment to be.
Emma is an independent single daughter who spends time doing charitable deeds and mending other people's business; Gideon (Mr. King/Knightley) is an older Amish business man and family friend. Mr. Elton is not a Rector but the Bishop's son Paul, and so on... in this world making up innocent games to pass an afternoon or collecting verses to keep in a book does not seem childish or silly -- again, it seems natural and very much in character! A buggy ride for the pleasure of someone's company or for suggesting a courtship is very real, and is one of thise things from Austen that come across as strange if converted into a modern setting.
I enjoyed the story, it read as new to me ! Very sweet, with enough depth of feeling. So far I have loved other in the seris as well, so I highly recommend !
August 21, 2016
The matchmaker è il retelling dell'austeniano Emma ambientato nella comunità Amish; secondo, nella serie The Amish classics di Sarah Price, dopo First impressions.
Anche questa volta l'autrice ha fatto un ottimo lavoro nel riproporre un classico del XIX secolo traslando la storia ai giorni nostri, ma in una comunità con usi e costumi così diversi da quelli riconosciuti da noi occidentali. Il risultato è quindi non solo un romanzo divertente, ma anche interessante, in quanto ci permette di guardare più da vicino lo stile di vita Amish.
Leggendo The matchmaker, infatti, ho scoperto che anche in queste comunità vi sono delle differenze sociali ed economiche tra le famiglie (che io credevo invece tutte sullo stesso piano). Come nella storia originale, infatti, Emma, così come Gideon, il corrispettivo di Mr Knightley, sono piuttosto benestanti, mentre l'equivalente di Mr Martin si occupa dell'allevamento dei maiali, e non è visto di buon occhio dalla protagonista, né gli altri personaggi lo considererebbero mai adatto a sposare una ragazza come lei.
Inoltre imperversano i pettegolezzi, che possono influenzare pesantemente la vita di una persona, trattandosi di una comunità così piccola.
La trasposizione della storia è piuttosto fedele all'originale di Jane Austen; inoltre Emma è la mia eroina austeniana preferita e mi ha fatto piacere vederla descritta così bene. Inizialmente ci troviamo di fronte ad una ragazza spensierata, felice, legatissima a suo padre e ben contenta della sua vita, che però comincia a cambiare a partire dal matrimonio della zia / Miss Taylor.
A poco a poco, quel mondo fatato in cui Emma viveva - o credeva di vivere - viene letteralmente capovolto. L'arrivo di Alice / Augusta, ancora più odiosa del personaggio originale, la mette in ombra; i suoi piani riguardanti la vita amorosa dell'amica Hanna si rivelano un fallimento; Gideon è deluso da lei e probabilmente preso da un'altra donna...
L'autrice descrive molto bene questa fase della vita della protagonista, la sua depressione e il fatto di sentire di non avere più un posto nel suo mondo. Il rendersi conto, anzi, che quel mondo non esiste più.
Ma anche qui, tutto ciò servirà a far maturare Emma e a condurla verso il suo lieto fine.
A questo proposito, la storia ci rende partecipi di un matrimonio Amish molto più che il volume precedente, in cui tale cerimonia era solo stata descritta nei suoi caratteri generali.
Il romanzo presenta molte scene emozionanti e credo risulti veramente piacevole a chiunque ami Emma.
Una menzione particolare all'amabilità di Hetty e alla gita a Yoder / Box Hill, sempre dolorosa.
http://iltesorodicarta.blogspot.it/20...
Anche questa volta l'autrice ha fatto un ottimo lavoro nel riproporre un classico del XIX secolo traslando la storia ai giorni nostri, ma in una comunità con usi e costumi così diversi da quelli riconosciuti da noi occidentali. Il risultato è quindi non solo un romanzo divertente, ma anche interessante, in quanto ci permette di guardare più da vicino lo stile di vita Amish.
Leggendo The matchmaker, infatti, ho scoperto che anche in queste comunità vi sono delle differenze sociali ed economiche tra le famiglie (che io credevo invece tutte sullo stesso piano). Come nella storia originale, infatti, Emma, così come Gideon, il corrispettivo di Mr Knightley, sono piuttosto benestanti, mentre l'equivalente di Mr Martin si occupa dell'allevamento dei maiali, e non è visto di buon occhio dalla protagonista, né gli altri personaggi lo considererebbero mai adatto a sposare una ragazza come lei.
Inoltre imperversano i pettegolezzi, che possono influenzare pesantemente la vita di una persona, trattandosi di una comunità così piccola.
La trasposizione della storia è piuttosto fedele all'originale di Jane Austen; inoltre Emma è la mia eroina austeniana preferita e mi ha fatto piacere vederla descritta così bene. Inizialmente ci troviamo di fronte ad una ragazza spensierata, felice, legatissima a suo padre e ben contenta della sua vita, che però comincia a cambiare a partire dal matrimonio della zia / Miss Taylor.
A poco a poco, quel mondo fatato in cui Emma viveva - o credeva di vivere - viene letteralmente capovolto. L'arrivo di Alice / Augusta, ancora più odiosa del personaggio originale, la mette in ombra; i suoi piani riguardanti la vita amorosa dell'amica Hanna si rivelano un fallimento; Gideon è deluso da lei e probabilmente preso da un'altra donna...
L'autrice descrive molto bene questa fase della vita della protagonista, la sua depressione e il fatto di sentire di non avere più un posto nel suo mondo. Il rendersi conto, anzi, che quel mondo non esiste più.
Ma anche qui, tutto ciò servirà a far maturare Emma e a condurla verso il suo lieto fine.
A questo proposito, la storia ci rende partecipi di un matrimonio Amish molto più che il volume precedente, in cui tale cerimonia era solo stata descritta nei suoi caratteri generali.
Il romanzo presenta molte scene emozionanti e credo risulti veramente piacevole a chiunque ami Emma.
Una menzione particolare all'amabilità di Hetty e alla gita a Yoder / Box Hill, sempre dolorosa.
http://iltesorodicarta.blogspot.it/20...
February 6, 2015
I thought that I had read the best Sarah Price book ever, when I read "First Impressions", however , I was mistaken! I believe this new book is THE best, well, until she writes another new one! This author has a very special and different talent. She can remake a Jane Austen tale into one with an Amish setting and Amish characters. Who else could possibly take "Pride and Prejudice" and come up with a believable Amish tale? Now, once again Sarah has succeeded in retelling "Emma" in this new creation, "The Matchmaker". A perfect setting and a very different look at Amish life!!
The main character, Emma, was one who made me angry, made me chuckle, irritated me beyond belief, all in one chapter with her judgmental attitude. At the beginning of the book, I just wanted to shake some sense into this young lady!! She appeared to be a meddling busy body, always involved in someone else's love life, totally ignoring her own well being and happiness. My opinion did change as I read on in the book, thank goodness, or I would have been up in arms throughout the whole story. To me, a good book is one that enables me to identify with at least one character. This book met my qualifications with no problem. Gideon, a close friend of Emma's dad, was one of the few people who could put her in her place and make her think. He was kind, well meaning and showed his care for her by stepping and stopping her from making some REALLY big mistakes. Sarah`s ability to picture and understand the characters is outstanding. I became part of this story!!
The plot moved quickly with unexpected twists and turns withing every chapter. It was believable and realistic. It makes you realize that just because someone lives in an Amish community does not mean that they are exempt from the problems of everyday life. How they deal with them may be different but these individuals are human too. They make mistakes as do we!
I highly recommend this book to those who are tired of the òrdinary, predictable Amish genre. Sarah Price is a writer with great imagination and puts her own twists in her creations.
Definitely a five star book!
This book was provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The main character, Emma, was one who made me angry, made me chuckle, irritated me beyond belief, all in one chapter with her judgmental attitude. At the beginning of the book, I just wanted to shake some sense into this young lady!! She appeared to be a meddling busy body, always involved in someone else's love life, totally ignoring her own well being and happiness. My opinion did change as I read on in the book, thank goodness, or I would have been up in arms throughout the whole story. To me, a good book is one that enables me to identify with at least one character. This book met my qualifications with no problem. Gideon, a close friend of Emma's dad, was one of the few people who could put her in her place and make her think. He was kind, well meaning and showed his care for her by stepping and stopping her from making some REALLY big mistakes. Sarah`s ability to picture and understand the characters is outstanding. I became part of this story!!
The plot moved quickly with unexpected twists and turns withing every chapter. It was believable and realistic. It makes you realize that just because someone lives in an Amish community does not mean that they are exempt from the problems of everyday life. How they deal with them may be different but these individuals are human too. They make mistakes as do we!
I highly recommend this book to those who are tired of the òrdinary, predictable Amish genre. Sarah Price is a writer with great imagination and puts her own twists in her creations.
Definitely a five star book!
This book was provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
February 6, 2015
I just finished reading "The Matchmaker" by Sarah Price. It is a retelling of Jane Austen's "Emma" only Sarah's Price novel is written from an Amish persepective and I am thinking this is really good! My question is who has read Jane Austen? I haven't read any of Jane Austen's books because I thought I wouldn't like them but I read Sarah Price "First Impression" which is based on "Pride and Prejuice" by Jane Austen only Sarah's was Amish and loved it and then I read Jane Austen's version and loved it! So I am wondering why did I think I wouldn't like Jane Austen before, is it because I didn't think I would like the style, maybe the genre " classic" scared me off but then I loved "Gone With The Wind" and it is a classic. Well, with that said I haven't read "Emma" by Jane Austen but it is now on my to be list as well as the other novels by Jane Austen.
"The Matchmaker" by Sarah Price is classic genre with an Amish twist. Emma is determined to never marry but she knows who is the perfect match for her new friend Hannah. At least she thinks she does. Emma means well but her plans aren't what God has planned and hearts are broken! Can they be healed and lives lived as only God planned?
It was fun to read this book and see how Emma grows out of her prejudice ideals and learns to "Let Go and Let God" This is a fun book with plenty of secrets. I challenge you to read "The Matchmaker" and you will become a Sarah Price fan too!
"The Matchmaker" is a five star book!
I was given a pdf file of "The Matchmaker" for my honest review!
"The Matchmaker" by Sarah Price is classic genre with an Amish twist. Emma is determined to never marry but she knows who is the perfect match for her new friend Hannah. At least she thinks she does. Emma means well but her plans aren't what God has planned and hearts are broken! Can they be healed and lives lived as only God planned?
It was fun to read this book and see how Emma grows out of her prejudice ideals and learns to "Let Go and Let God" This is a fun book with plenty of secrets. I challenge you to read "The Matchmaker" and you will become a Sarah Price fan too!
"The Matchmaker" is a five star book!
I was given a pdf file of "The Matchmaker" for my honest review!
August 6, 2015
I like this book but there are a lot of characters to keep up with and it runs a little slow. Love the history and the Amish language.
February 27, 2016
I liked this story.
September 4, 2019
Quite good! Very enjoyable.
June 12, 2019
As a Jane Austen fan, I really enjoyed this Amish version of Emma. For someone who tries to be the epitome of a dutiful daughter - good cook, tidy housekeeper, expert quilter, compassionate visitor to the poor and needy - Emma yet needs to learn humility. And neighbor Gideon King is plenty willing to tutor her on this point! As these two old friends spar, it's evident to the rest of the g'may that love is brewing, but matchmaker Emma is clueless. Price writes with an easy, natural style that makes this timeless romance up to date, "for sure and certain." I found myself flying through chores so I could get back into this book. I have read several other titles by Price, and this book reminds me why she is one of my favorite authors of Amish fiction.
July 25, 2020
The Matchmaker: An Amish Retelling of Jane Austen's Emma #2 The Amish Classics
by Sarah Price
This is an unusual Amish story in that it is a retelling of a Jane Austen novel in a contemporary Amish setting of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. The main character, Emma, considers herself a matchmaker and sets out to find love-matches for the single Amish in her community. Things do not always go as smooth as Emma would like and she faces problems along the way and some unexpected surprises. I am not sure I like this type of setting for an Amish fiction story-line, but found it a bit interesting.
~I won a copy of this book from the author/publisher via Keeping Up With The Amish (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~
by Sarah Price
This is an unusual Amish story in that it is a retelling of a Jane Austen novel in a contemporary Amish setting of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. The main character, Emma, considers herself a matchmaker and sets out to find love-matches for the single Amish in her community. Things do not always go as smooth as Emma would like and she faces problems along the way and some unexpected surprises. I am not sure I like this type of setting for an Amish fiction story-line, but found it a bit interesting.
~I won a copy of this book from the author/publisher via Keeping Up With The Amish (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~
April 19, 2020
I discovered Amish romance novels on holidays in the States one year, and have found them to be interesting and very sweet. A good companion to mainstream romance novels which I also enjoy. This lovely novel was an Amish retelling of Jane Austen's Emma, and was quite well done. There was enough difference in the creation of characters and their stories, and I found the inclusion of the Amish lifestyle to be interesting and well suited to the Emma story. I would look for more Sarah Price novels in the future.
July 29, 2022
Being a fan of Jane Austen, and being a fan of Amish fiction, I am so far enjoying the 'Amish Classics' series.
I liked Emma, though I definitely did shake my head at her actions several times throughout the book. I am glad that she finally understood what it meant to be humble and listen for God's plan rather than her own in the lives of not only herself, but her loved ones.
I also really liked Gideon and thought his part in the book was strong, even if we didn't get to see the 'action' from his point of view.
3.5 stars
I liked Emma, though I definitely did shake my head at her actions several times throughout the book. I am glad that she finally understood what it meant to be humble and listen for God's plan rather than her own in the lives of not only herself, but her loved ones.
I also really liked Gideon and thought his part in the book was strong, even if we didn't get to see the 'action' from his point of view.
3.5 stars
February 24, 2025
thoroughly enjoyable
I thoroughly enjoyed this Amish retelling of Jane Austen’s “Emma.” I have to admit I had never read “Emma” and was unfamiliar with the story. I love Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion and Sense and sensibility but wasn’t sure if I would like Emma; but I really liked the storyline and grew to like the character of Emma. There is humor, as well as drama and I found it amusing and heartfelt. Highly recommend! Mr. King (Knightley) was a great hero and complement to Emma’s heroine :)
I thoroughly enjoyed this Amish retelling of Jane Austen’s “Emma.” I have to admit I had never read “Emma” and was unfamiliar with the story. I love Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion and Sense and sensibility but wasn’t sure if I would like Emma; but I really liked the storyline and grew to like the character of Emma. There is humor, as well as drama and I found it amusing and heartfelt. Highly recommend! Mr. King (Knightley) was a great hero and complement to Emma’s heroine :)
June 19, 2017
I needed a 'retelling' for a book challenge and as I had recently read Emma I thought this might fit the bill. Unfortunately I didn't get very far - it read like fairly uninspired fanfiction, wooden prose and characters 'telling' instead of 'showing'. All fairly mediocre I thought and life's too short even if I do need to find another couple of books for my challenge now!
May 8, 2022
Don't ask me why I read this because I am NOT the target audience, but I like to keep things varied.
1. For some reason Emma was the most likable character in this book? Which might not seem like a problem unless you've actually read Austen's Emma. She wasn't nearly mean enough.
2. The reason this doesn't live up to Austen's spirit is because there's no real element of social satire.
3. "Badly done, Emma." At least this quote was kept. That's nonnegotiable
1. For some reason Emma was the most likable character in this book? Which might not seem like a problem unless you've actually read Austen's Emma. She wasn't nearly mean enough.
2. The reason this doesn't live up to Austen's spirit is because there's no real element of social satire.
3. "Badly done, Emma." At least this quote was kept. That's nonnegotiable
August 4, 2018
Amish when using an English Bible, use the King James version! This writer is so talented, and I hope she will find a good king James Bible and study it. I wrote my books before I understand the principles of this, so I can’t be overly harsh, but I would encourage getting away from the 501(c)(3) leavened church and studying the king James Bible before she writes any further novels.
February 18, 2019
I enjoyed the second book in the Jane Austin adaptation series. The setting, Litiz, PA, is one of my favorite towns and I loved the mentions of the Sharp Shopper. We had a Sharp Shopper where we used to live. Once again the author followed the plot accurately and showed the universality of the story by fitting it into an Amish settings and plain situations.
September 5, 2018
Great read with ups and downs, twists and turns, Sarah Price knows how to keep you engaged in her writings!
November 2, 2018
I enjoyed her take on the P&P re-telling better than this one, but still another enjoyable read from Sarah Price set in the context of a beloved Jane Austen narrative.
February 1, 2019
I loved this book. Even though I had figured out how it would end. I have never read Jane Austen's books but I now definitely want to.
October 3, 2019
I really liked this one too!
June 28, 2020
Less cute and engaging than I'd hoped. Just read (or reread) Emma; the original is much more fun.
December 16, 2020
This is an Amish retelling of Emma, and it has much of the missteps, surprises, and ultimate satisfaction of the original but with Amish cultural twists.
July 23, 2022
3.5 stars
February 10, 2015
This newest book by Sarah Price is so good; I couldn’t put it down, and kept reading. The focus of this is on Emma Weaver, and right from the start I felt myself being she, I literally walked in her shoes.
At first when I met Emma, and she pointed out to a friend some bad points about another person, I was a bit disappointed, and then realized that I might not say anything, but my mind would have the same thoughts. I also find that I am at times judgmental, and often find myself wrong. So Emma and I have a lot of the same traits, no wonder I thought she was a snob!
Emma is also very considerate and caring, she has made a home for her Dad and really takes great care of him. She is also looking out for her elderly neighbors, and often times her visit to them when she knows that their primary caretaker is not home.
There are some very funny happenings here, and I’m sure that you will find a good chuckle, she plays matchmaker, and things don’t seem, on each occasion, to turn out like she planned. Was a bit surprised that one of the characters was able to put together a new match very fast, and was married to another in record time.
We also meet Gideon King, her sister’s husband’s older brother, and he is a dear family friend. Gideon and her Dad seem to spend a lot of time together, and have formed a wonderful friendship. Gideon also seems to be the one who can put Emma in her place, and she does realize how wrong she has been.
Emma has vowed to never marry, she will continue to take care of her Dad, can one of these suitors she has picked out for her friend actually be the one God has chosen for her. We see her in action as she puts men in their place, and out spoken Amish woman.
Come along and enjoy this unusual matchmaking story, Emma’s record doesn’t seem to be very good, but oh how I loved this page-turning read. Enjoy!
I received this book from the Author Sarah Price, and was not required to give a positive review.
At first when I met Emma, and she pointed out to a friend some bad points about another person, I was a bit disappointed, and then realized that I might not say anything, but my mind would have the same thoughts. I also find that I am at times judgmental, and often find myself wrong. So Emma and I have a lot of the same traits, no wonder I thought she was a snob!
Emma is also very considerate and caring, she has made a home for her Dad and really takes great care of him. She is also looking out for her elderly neighbors, and often times her visit to them when she knows that their primary caretaker is not home.
There are some very funny happenings here, and I’m sure that you will find a good chuckle, she plays matchmaker, and things don’t seem, on each occasion, to turn out like she planned. Was a bit surprised that one of the characters was able to put together a new match very fast, and was married to another in record time.
We also meet Gideon King, her sister’s husband’s older brother, and he is a dear family friend. Gideon and her Dad seem to spend a lot of time together, and have formed a wonderful friendship. Gideon also seems to be the one who can put Emma in her place, and she does realize how wrong she has been.
Emma has vowed to never marry, she will continue to take care of her Dad, can one of these suitors she has picked out for her friend actually be the one God has chosen for her. We see her in action as she puts men in their place, and out spoken Amish woman.
Come along and enjoy this unusual matchmaking story, Emma’s record doesn’t seem to be very good, but oh how I loved this page-turning read. Enjoy!
I received this book from the Author Sarah Price, and was not required to give a positive review.
January 30, 2015
In her own distinctive voice, Sarah Price has created a wealth of memorable, delightful characters in The Matchmaker. Readers will love this unique blend of the Amish and Jane Austen's classic tale, Emma -- the story of an opinionated young lady who must learn the hard way that best laid plans may sometimes go awry.
Emma Weaver's heart is in the right place in spite of her meddlesome ways. Just because she has no desire to be burdened down with a husband and children does not mean she cannot help others find their way to wedded bliss. With her smile as her armor and her laughter as her shield, she is content to help the widows in her Amish community and her aged father as well. After all, Emma feels that there is a 'lid for every pot' so to speak (except herself), and it is her place to sort all that out. However, will all of Emma's well-meaning schemes backfire on her?...and does she ever learn that matchmaking is best left in the hands of God!?
To be quite honest with you, before I truly "met" Emma, I wanted to shake her. Filled with pride and a judgmental attitude, I felt that the good she did came from a pious self-righteous opinion of herself. But oh, how she finally endeared herself to me as she evolved throughout the story. Sarah Price portrays the Amish as human...who make mistakes and must own up to them, unlike many other Amish novels that portray them as being "perfect." I laughed out loud at some of Emma's antics and sayings, along with the secondary characters' as well. And I shed a few tears at the satisfying conclusion. With unpredictable twists and turns that Sarah Price is so well known for, and a charming main character that is not your typical Amish heroine -- this harmonious mix of contemporary and classic is truly a "match made" in heaven!
February 5, 2015
Emma's idea of helping others is a rare gift to the elderly Amish women she visits weekly, and she is highly praised for her godly and generous spirit. Devoted to her aging father, Emma decided that marriage is not for her, but her penchant for matchmaking is meddlesome if not calamitous.
I thoroughly enjoyed Emma's zest for life and her positive outlook. There were moments when I'd like to have given her the evil eye, but I perceived Emma as an energetic, enthusiastic young woman whose motives are admirable, for the most part. As for the other situations she creates for herself and others...... well, let's leave it at that.
Set in rural Pennsylvania Amish country, Sarah Price paints a clear and vivid portrait of the Amish community, and the close-knit relationships that the Amish share. Not all is painted as perfect, as the Amish are human and struggle with many of the issues we all share. Very familiar with the Northern Indiana Amish communities, I was easily transported to this Pennsylvania Amish setting, and felt right at home with the author's extensive knowledge regarding the Amish culture.
The characters depicted in "The Matchmaker" are colorful, realistic and very well described. The events throughout this highly enjoyable novel provide a myriad of emotions! I thoroughly enjoyed this unpredictable tale created as an Amish version of Jane Austen's "Emma." A word of warning for those of you about to read this amusing and entertaining book, don't waste your time attempting to sleep. I simply couldn't put the book down! I was thoroughly engrossed until the very last page! Pick up a copy and enjoy!
Disclaimer: I purchased a copy of this book for my own reading pleasure. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed Emma's zest for life and her positive outlook. There were moments when I'd like to have given her the evil eye, but I perceived Emma as an energetic, enthusiastic young woman whose motives are admirable, for the most part. As for the other situations she creates for herself and others...... well, let's leave it at that.
Set in rural Pennsylvania Amish country, Sarah Price paints a clear and vivid portrait of the Amish community, and the close-knit relationships that the Amish share. Not all is painted as perfect, as the Amish are human and struggle with many of the issues we all share. Very familiar with the Northern Indiana Amish communities, I was easily transported to this Pennsylvania Amish setting, and felt right at home with the author's extensive knowledge regarding the Amish culture.
The characters depicted in "The Matchmaker" are colorful, realistic and very well described. The events throughout this highly enjoyable novel provide a myriad of emotions! I thoroughly enjoyed this unpredictable tale created as an Amish version of Jane Austen's "Emma." A word of warning for those of you about to read this amusing and entertaining book, don't waste your time attempting to sleep. I simply couldn't put the book down! I was thoroughly engrossed until the very last page! Pick up a copy and enjoy!
Disclaimer: I purchased a copy of this book for my own reading pleasure. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
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