A Courtship for the Amish Nanny: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance – A Sweet Fake Dating Story Set in a Small Town Amish Community

by Laurel Blount

Could the town’s least romantic bachelor be the man of her dreams?


After years of wanting a husband and family of her own, Amish nanny Trudy Schwartz’s hopes soar with the arrival of a handsome newcomer at the local matchmaker’s home. Looking for a fresh start, the last thing solitary carpenter Eli Mast wants is a wife, though he is grateful for the kind nanny caring for his young niece. But when Eli’s custody of little Leah is in jeopardy, he agrees to a courtship of convenience — except Trudy believes Eli’s intentions are genuine. Will the truth lead them to heartbreak...or will their arrangement blossom into an unexpectedly perfect match?

Mills & Boon Love Inspired — Heartfelt stories that show that faith, forgiveness and hope have the power to lift spirits and change lives.

Genres: Amish Fiction, Love Inspired, Romance

368 pages, Paperback

Published March 31, 2026

About the author

Award-winning author Laurel Blount writes captivating romances full of grit and grace—with characters who’ll walk right off the page and into your heart. She lives on a farm in Georgia with her husband, their four fabulous kids, and an assortment of ridiculously spoiled animals. Connect with her at www.laurelblountbooks.com

Reviews

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book! I am going to need it in print once it releases so I can keep collecting the series! Wow!

Trudy is a hopeless romantic who unfortunately has not met her match. You would think living with the community matchmaker would secure her a husband, but it seems that maybe marriage is not in the cards for her. Until bachelor Eli shows up at the matchmaker's home looking for a bride. But when Trudy is not matched with him and instead he is turned away, hope feels lost. But when his need for a nanny becomes a focus, Trudy becomes hopeful that maybe it is her way to his heart. But Eli has no interest in marriage. However, if a fake courtship can allow him to keep his niece, he will follow through with that. Except Trudy does not know it is fake, and he does not expect real feelings to grow. But when you start a relationship on a lie, can it truly lead to a happily ever after?!

This story was so wonderful! The way these two grew a friendship and started to see the good in the other was just the sweetest thing to experience. I am really excited next for Lydia's story!

If you love Amish romances with a community that has you desiring to move in yourself, this is the book for you!

I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.

[Bella Jensen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Welcome to a series I’m calling, “Michael and Bella choose a book with the silliest title and have a silly time” In this installment, I understand that I am not the target audience. That being said, I’m not convinced the man in this book liked Trudy, let alone women in general. It was not wholesome, it was emotional warfare every time Eli even looked at Trudy.
Also the concept of a “Good Apple Girl” is wildly offensive

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eli and Trudy live in Hickory Springs (this is book 3 in the series) and since this is my first book by Laurel Blount, I feel the need to go back and read books 1 and 2! Trudy lives with matchmaker Susie and is hoping she'll help her make a match but it just hasn't happened yet! Eli and his niece are new to the community and he thought he'd escaped from the meddling bishops who wanted him to marry but it didn't turn out that way! This was the sweetest story and I absolutely loved watching them figure out how to communicate with one another. It was the perfect little romance to read/listen to on a rainy, lazy day.

Now I'm looking forward to reading A Match for the Amish Beekeeper, book 4, which is due to be published in August 2026.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook for A Courtship for the Amish Nanny. I totally enjoyed my day with Eli and Trudy!

Publication date: 31 March 2026

[Heather Pickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

We've returned to the sweet Amish community of Hickory Springs in A Courtship for the Amish Nanny. Trudy Schwartz dreams of a husband and children of her own. She's even rented a room from the local matchmaker. Eli Mast is new to town, looking for a wife, not that he actually wants one. He'll do whatever it takes to keep custody of his young niece, though, including entering a courtship of convenience with his niece's new nanny, Trudy.
Author Laurel Blount paints such a vivid picture of this fake-to-real romance. I could easily picture the beautiful setting. I appreciated the faith thread. I also loved how Trudy and Eli became friends and then fell in love. Plus it has my favorite, an epilogue! I sure hope we get to revisit this town and it's wonderful characters!
My thanks for the complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are entirely my own.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurel Blount has managed again to pull me into another can't-put-down romance!

A Courtship for the Amish Nanny was just as I expected—another fun getaway to Hickory Springs, Tennessee—that had me feeling like I was back home. Susie Raber, the matchmaker, was up to her old tricks again, this time with a very eager Trudy Schwartz and a not so eager Eli Mast. Eli, who never planned to marry, is in search of a wife so he can keep custody of his niece. Trudy, who wants nothing more than to be a wife, not only finds a husband but also a love she could have only dreamed of.

Laurel has a way with characters that bring them to life. I literally can get lost in the pages for hours. This third trip to Hickory Springs was no different. I was carried away until the very last page. And, as usual, I can't wait to go back!

[Evelyn Foreman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare to be swept away to the Hickory Springs community where life on the surface is simple, but sometimes looks can be deceiving. Having pretty much given up any chance of marrying, even going as far as moving in with the matchmaker, Trudy kept that one sliver of hope buried deep within that maybe someone, someday…….Eli on the other hand determined to never take a wife, to be satisfied with raising his sister’s daughter, Leah, and keeping up with his woodworking business. However, he did need a Nany and who better qualified than Trudy? And that’s just what she would remain, a Nany, so he said……. I totally enjoyed this story and love this author’s work as will everyone who opens these pages!

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A COURTSHIP FOR THE AMISH NANNY is a charming romance between an Amish furniture maker, who does not want a wife, and an Amish woman who loves romance novels and dreams of marriage.
Eli Mast is the guardian for Leah, his niece, and the bishops are pressuring him to find a wife. Trudy is afraid that she’ll never marry.
They both seek help from the same matchmaker.
The matchmaker tells Eli that if Trudy is being courted by him, perhaps the other single men in town will suddenly have an interest in her. Eli decides that the bishops might stop pressuring him to get married if they think he’s interested in Trudy.
Eli and Trudy agree to a courtship of convenience. This story is a genuinely delightful read. Plan a day when you can read the whole book. You will not want to put it down.

[JudyAnnLovesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A COURTSHIP FOR THE AMISH NANNY was a pleasure to read. It is a sweet, heartfelt story filled with warmth and faith.

I loved both main characters. Trudy Schwartz is kind and hopeful, longing for a family of her own. Eli Mast, the quiet carpenter, touched my heart with his awkward ways and deep sense of responsibility. Watching him slowly open up to love was truly special. And little Leah added so much charm to the story.

Laurel Blount has a gift for creating heartfelt, tender stories that draw readers in with warmth and sincerity, and this book was no exception. I’m giving A COURTSHIP FOR THE AMISH NANNY the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!

[Debbie Earls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return to Hickory Springs to meet Eli and Trudy in this sweet story. When socially awkward Eli moves to Hickory Springs with his 4 year old niece that he is raising, he needs to find a Nanny to help with Leah's care. Eli meets Trudy who is living with the town matchmaker. Trudy is a woman that longs to be married, have a family of her own and has been praying for a husband. Eli doesn't want to marry. Can Trudy change his mind? This is a sweet story with fun characters. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Rebecca Trump · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook for this novel, A Courtship for the Amish Nanny by Laurel Blount. I was absolutely charmed by this book. It was full of sweet, funny and even awkward moments that had me shaking my head in frustration. But the love story was just precious. And it was set in my beloved Tennessee. Excellent writing Laurel!!

I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Susan Needham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trudy and Eli are the most unlikely of couples. Trudy desperately wants to get married, so much so that she has taken a room at the local matchmaker's. Eli, on the other hand, never wants to get married. But life has a way of changing things. Laurel Blount has done it again. Come read Trudy and Eli's story.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful, Sweet Story

I loved this story by talented Author Laurel Blount and recommend it especially if you enjoy Amish characters! Trudy and Eli had an unusual relationship in the beginning, but it was sweet seeing how their story progressed. A very satisfying ending completed this delightful story. Five stars!

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a touching read with the plot and characters. Eli is new to Hickory Springs and determined to show he is capable of caring for his niece, Leah. Trudy loved children and was glad to assist Eli with her care even though the matchmaker did not believe she should. The story is easy to read with plenty of chuckles and wanting to shake some characters for their impulsive ways and worrying about circumstances beyond their control. The story is filled with humor, twists and turns but most of all faith, hope and God can change lives when others do not believe it is possible. Laurel Blount creativity in stories make readers feel a part and wanting more.

I received an early e-copy of this book from the author. I have expressed my own thoughts without any obligations to write a positive review.
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[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me laugh, tear up a little and smile a lot. The story of Trudy who really wants to get married so she is living with matchmaker Susie Raber is so heart-tugging. Trudy’s self-confidence has been battered, but she is reading romance books and is sure that one day she will find just the right person to be her husband. When carpenter Eli shows up at Susie’s looking for a match for himself, under rather extenuating circumstances, Trudy is interested but Susie warns her that Eli is not the kind of man to want to get married. The story is told with wit, humor and heart and has a well-crafted and charming plot. With Eli mostly tongue-tied and Trudy desperate for love, this is a refreshing tale of two people who are destined for happiness together, if they can just be themselves instead of trying so hard to please others. The characters are lovable and relatable and I especially liked Eli’s roundabout way of communicating and Trudy’s innate sense of what he was really trying to say. This quick read presents a satisfying love story and is a slam dunk five plus star for me.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Ymbear · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful, sweet and put love story! Great plot and loveable characters. I listened to it and it flowed well, great narrator and not too long!

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for the ARC!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read had a hard time getting into it at first but then Wow it really got good I love the story how life is hard for some folks just to communicate and are shy around folks but works out in the end this is a must read

[Linda Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story. I love Amish stories. This is a perfect relaxing read for spring. I received a copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved returning to Hickory Springs and our Amish matchmaker. Laurel Blount never disappoints!

[Christa Ruhnke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written
Loved the story especially the twist at the end

[Posotron · Rating 2 out of 5]

The things you find at walmart

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good book

[Lori Parrish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book! I found myself grinning and laughing out loud throughout the whole story.
Eli is a funny dude. Always worrying about this and that so much that he drove me crazy sometimes.
A lot of repetitiveness. Eli again lol. Which is why I kind of did NOT like him at first
Trudy and Leah were a delight in getting to know.
I simply couldn't put this book down. I finished it late last night.
Blount is a wonderful author whose stories I love so this one was no exception.
Characters that will make you laugh and make you want to knock heads together of course.
Faith, love and hope are the main theme throughout this beautiful story.
In my opinion I think Susie was wrong in her first assessment. I was always taught go give a person a chance to know them first before making assumptions about them.
I loved watching these characters grow into themselves. It was a pleasure reading this story
5 stars for a job well done! For making me laugh and showing how God works things out in His own time
Thanks for the opportunity to read and review. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine
I'm looking forward to her next book!!

[Mandyq · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Man To Keep Her Guessing In Hickory Springs Book 3 of 3

What began as a fake courtship, in quick time became a love so deep, set on a firm foundation of mutual understanding and acceptance of one another's foibles.
This was a delightful read of unexpected and joyful love.
The characters were genuine and loveable. A very "ordinary" couple. (This last sentence will make sense only after reading the novel🤔)
Thank you Ms Blount for this highly entertaining set of 3 novels.
Amanda Stote, Holland On Sea, Essex, UK 2026

[Lisa Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! A courtship for the Amish Nanny book three of the Hickory Springs Amish was definitely a page turner and I didn't want to put it down. 

I loved the amazing rollercoaster of emotions throughout the entire story, watching as Eli and Trudy got to know each other. I found myself feeling their pain with all the unspoken intentions, I laughed out loud so often and may have shed a few happy tears. 

Oh, we can't forget sweet little Leah. I loved her, watching her grow and develop. 

The story was so well written, that I felt like I was there. I was totally invested in how it played out. I wanted more in a good way.

I highly recommend this story; it can be read as a stand-alone, but why when the entire series is just as wonderful. 

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Laurel Blount understands how to create a story that envelops lots of emotions, which include smiles and tears. After years of wanting a husband and family Amish nanny Trudy Schwartz has started to worry that she will never get married even though she rents a room from matchmaker Susie Raber. Susie reminded Trudy being a “Good Apple Girl” was not the worst thing in the world. Seems to the reader that is a subtle way to say spinster! When single Eli Mast moves to Hickory Springs Trudy’s hopes soar but the last thing Eli wants is a wife. He just needs a nanny for his niece. When Eli faces losing custody, a marriage of convenience may be the answer. Will the arrangement blossom into more? I had not heard the phrase “Good Apple Girl” and loved the definition. You will need to read the story to find out!
I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Courtship for the Amish Nanny by Laurel Blount is a sweet story. Trudy loves to read romance novels, and this has given her a rose-colored glasses view of romance. Eli Mast cannot get out a sentence without putting his foot in his mouth. He is raising his niece, Leah, and doing a wonderful job. The last thing Eli wants is a wife, but two bishops believe he needs one. I liked the characters, especially Trudy. Susie, the local matchmaker, is quite clever. It took me a little while to warm up to Eli (he grows on you). The ending left me smiling. A Courtship for the Amish Nanny is the third Hickory Springs Amish book and can be read independently. A Courtship for the Amish Nanny is a cute tale with an eager to marry maedel, an astute matchmaker, a bishop’s pronouncement, a sweet niece, an exasperated woodworker, a friendly family, and hopeful future.

[Brenda Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m never disappointed

The characters are well written and interesting. The story line was interesting and kept me interested. I’m excited for the next story to see who will be the next one to get married.




Next

[Melmo2610 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amish fiction is not a genre I read a ton of but I never miss one of Laurel’s stories! Her newest release is one I absolutely loved. Eli is a bumbling mess and I adored him. It did take me a bit to warm up to him but when I did, he became one of my favorite characters ever. The story was sweet and I could identify with Trudy a bit too. This was a wonderful story!

I received a copy of this book from the Author but I also pre-ordered my own audiobook copy. I was not required to post a positive review and all thoughts are my own.

[Lori Wilen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thanks firstly must go to Laurel for my ARC of this fabulous book. This book was an easy 5 stars to give. I don't think Laurel has ever disappointed me. This was a beautiful story set in our favorite Amish community in Hickory Springs. I loved the main couple and they gave me some true laugh out loud moments and some grab the kleenex quick moments. I absolutely adored Trudy and for the life of me couldn't understand why somebody hadn't snapped her up but I am glad she was single and available for Eli. Leah was cute and it's not a surprise she had some tough moments. She had gone through a lot in her short life. Eli was a true character. Often mistaken as grumpy he really wasn't and was an absolute sweetheart. I have known several men who have said the wrong words a time or two and let the listener think that they meant something entirely different to what they were trying to communicate. Laurel as always painted a beautiful picture of the scenes and scenery with her words and the conversations and banter throughout the book were superbly written. I know Laurel's fans will love this book but, if you are new to this author, please fall in love with her writing as you read this book. I am not a betting person, but I bet once you read one you will have to read more. I highly recommend this cute, wonderfully adorable book and cannot wait to see what Laurel comes up with for us next.

[Linda Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story about Trudy and Eli. I love Amish stories. This is a perfect, relaxing read for spring. I received a copy of this book and all opinions are my own.