Raising his autistic son alone is not the future Noah Beiler ever imagined. But when bright, sunny Lydia Beachey turns up to help, the grumpy widower tries to send her away—despite the deathbed promise she made to his wife. The compassionate teacher forms an instant bond with four-year-old Jacob. And she may be the only person who can help Noah truly connect with the boy he cherishes. But he’s had feelings for sweet Lydia since they were youngies. Will they come to realize that their love deserves a second chance?
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Christina is an author of clean contemporary and historical romances, some with faith-based elements. She also owns and operates Redbud Row Publishing.
But that's not why you came here, is it? You want to know more about Christina.
Christina—just Christina—has no beginning, since she was found in a strange vessel looking like a giant meteorite. She was raised in a small farmhouse in Kansas by Jonathan and Martha Kent, where, once she became a young lady she was swept up in a giant cyclone and carried off to a magical place called Oz. She spent a considerable amount of time unconscious and running from flying monkeys and wicked witches while recovering from a head injury. She eventually woke, but not before dancing on a golden brick road in ruby red shoes with her friends Lion, Scarecrow and Tinman, and discovering that there really is no place like home.
She began penning tales on a steam train shortly after it was held up by Jesse James at her favorite theme park in Kansas City. However, she spent twenty years earning a doctorate in domestication and life before she traveled to New York and applied for a position at the Daily Planet. Of course, domestication skills and big dreams did not qualify her for the job, so she sought out smaller venues for her muse.
And if you believe all of that she has beachfront property on the moon she'll give you for the right price.
How intriguing to read a book about a little Amish Boy named Jacob who has autism and his widowed dad who is struggling to communicate with him. Who better to work with his son and his autism than his late wife’s best friend, Lydia who has experience with special needs children. However, when they were younger, Lydia and Noah had hopes of marrying each other until he married her best friend, Collette, out of the blue with no explanation. Will Lydia find out the secret that Noah and his late wife were hiding from everyone and what affect will it have on their relationship? Will they be able to put aside their past feelings to be able to focus on his son and adapting to his autism? Find out the answers to these questions when you purchase the book. It was so engaging, I did not want to put it down. Christina Rich is a talented author and I recommend all her books. You will not be disappointed.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the author. All words are my own.
Amazing story of a widower trying to do his best raising his autistic so. A old friend wants to help him but can they both forget about the promises and guilt they carry. This story is special to me as I have an autistic grandchild. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
THE AMISH WIDOWER’S DELIMMA by Christina Rich is the magnificent, heart-tugging story of Noah Beiler and Lydia Beachy. As they work together for the betterment of Jacob, Noah’s four-year-old son, they may just find what they both really have been needing – and possibly wanting without realizing it.
After the death of his fraa, Noah had pretty much isolated himself and his autistic son on the farm. It just seemed better than to allowing his son to be open to criticism and rejection, including from his own family. Tending to his son’s needs leaves him exhausted. It’s made it almost impossible to tend to the farm, which has allowed things to go neglected, but he’s determined that he doesn’t need any help. He will do anything for the boy he calls son and loves wholeheartedly.
Lydia once had a crush on Noah until Collette, her best friend, married him. She’s never married and happily content teaching children with special needs. She feels it’s her calling. She has a way to bring them out of their shell, to teach them to communicate and to find their special talents. Lydia was there for Collette, helping any way she could, right up to her death. She’d made a promise to her and she’s regrettably ignored it – until now. She’s determined to fulfill it now by helping both Noah and Jacob, by using her skills. Now she just has to convince Noah to let her.
Will Noah give Lydia a chance to prove what she can do? Will the fact that Jacob immediately takes up with Lydia help change his mind? Will Jacob prove he can communicate if you bother to learn “his” language? Will Noah’s promise to Collette keep him from acting on his feelings for Lydia? How can you go into a marriage keeping secrets? Will Lydia be able to put her feelings for Noah away and concentrate solely on Jacob? Or will it become too hard? Will a hidden message reveal many unanswered questions?
THE AMISH WIDOWER’S DELIMMA is an absolutely amazing book that will grab you heart at the very beginning and take it on a journey of discovery, both for Jacob and for Noah and Lydia. Christina Rich gives us a story of friendship, understanding, never giving up, education, promises, secrets, second chances, forgiveness and romance while weaving it all with a wonderful thread of faith. THE AMISH WIDOWER’S DELIMMA is an amazing FIVE STAR book that I highly recommend to everyone!
A favorite quote – “Regrets over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow are twin thieves that rob us of the moment”.
I received an ARC of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own. #TheAmishWidowersDelimma #ChristinaRich #LoveInspired #InspirationalRomance
Okay, I absolutely adored this! Wow, I truthfully had tears in my eyes by the end, and sweet little Jacob with autism and his story alongside the romance was perfection. I worked 7 years with special needs children, so this was right up my alley.
Noah and Lydia have a past... years ago they both considered courting and a future together, but then, almost as if out of nowhere, Noah married Lydia's friend! Now, years later, he is a widower struggling to find his footing with his son, Jacob, as the Amish community seems to misunderstand his son, leaving him to become a bit reclusive on the farm to keep from the judgment. That is until Lydia continues to ask to help sit with his boy. He doesn't want to open up to the community or her, but he needs help. And forced proximity has the feelings flooding back between them. But Lydia will not be his second choice, and he couldn't marry her even if he wanted to with his late wife's secret holding him back...
This story was so sweet. Noah and Lydia's backstory was a hard one for both of them to overcome, and yet you watch them together and can't help but root for them. And sweet Jacob, as he makes so much growth under Lydia's care, was an added part I loved to the story. Super curious if we will see additional books written with some of these side characters getting a romance? We will see!
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
The Amish Widower’s Dilemma by Christina Rich is the story of Lydia Beachy and her childhood friend, widower Noah Beiler and his autistic son Jacob.
Lydia works at a school with children who have special needs. After the death of his wife, Noah Beiler tours the school and learns of programs that the school offers that will help his son Jacob. Noah is hesitant to let anyone help his son even though he is having a very difficult time since his wife’s death. He needs to learn how to teach his son and cope with his autism. He doesn’t know what to do since the Amish community he is part of seems to think that strict discipline is what Jacob needs. Noah distances himself from his community and his church.
When Noah loses his entire flock of chickens to disease, Lydia Beachy’s family steps up to help him dispose of his chicken coops and build new ones in addition to helping to replenish his flock so he has an income. During this time, Noah agrees to allow Lydia to work with Jacob for a limited time since she is on summer break from her job.
Not only do we see Jacob improve with Lydia’s hard work, but so does Noah and the community sees the good that Lydia does with the boy. Secrets are uncovered and hearts and friendships are mended. This is an amazing story that shows just how much we need others in our lives.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the author. All words are my own.
The Amish Widower's Dilemma by Christina Rich An Uplifting Inspirational Romance
She’s helping his son And healing his heart.
Raising his autistic son alone is not the future Noah Beiler ever imagined. But when bright, sunny Lydia Beachy turns up to help, the grumpy widower tries to send her away—despite the deathbed promise she made to his wife. The compassionate teacher forms an instant bond with four-year-old Jacob. And she may be the only person who can help Noah truly connect with the boy he cherishes. But he’s had feelings for sweet Lydia since they were youngies. Will they come to realize that their love deserves a second chance? My favorite quote is “Give me the summer, Noah,” Lydia pleaded.
Was she the answer to his prayers?
He shifted his weight. “Two weeks.”
Her shoulders sank. “That’s not enough time.”
“It’s what I’m willing to give you.” Any more than that and he might start longing for fellowship with the community again—with her. And he couldn’t subject Jacob to ridicule. I recommend this book. The Amish Widower's Dilemma by Christina Rich is a 5-star book. I am looking forward to reading more books by Christina Rich. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own. From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
This was such a wonderful feel good read that I devoured it. I really really tried savoring but it was impossible! I loved Lydia and Noah! I enjoyed in getting to know them along with Jacob. I especially admired Lydia's patience with Jacob. It couldn't have been easy. I loved how Rich shows that even people with autism can be taught too. This story melted my heart from page one all the way through. My favorite thing is the 2nd chances for love. Sometimes all it takes it time and if it's meant to be it will happen. We cannot leave out faith and forgiveness. I love that this story has its all!! There are times when I wanted to yell at Noah for his stubbornness and grumpiness. But he really wanted to help his son. In my opinion and I have trouble with this myself, it takes great courage to ask and accept help. I love Lydia cause she's a lot like me in pushing people to their limits lol My heart was feeling full and satisfied after I finished it. I was sad to see it end. This will be on my shelf of favorites!
I'm giving this story 5 stars for a job well done! Thanks for the opportunity to read and review. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
I always say I loved what I read and that it touched me, but this one really did, again.
Everything about Noah and Lydia's story was beautiful. Noah, a grumpy widower raising his autistic son Jacob alone, never imagined this would be his life. When sunny, compassionate Lydia Beachy arrives to honor a deathbed promise to his late wife, Noah tries to send her away but Lydia's instant bond with four year old Jacob changes everything.
Now, I'm not usually a fan of miscommunication and there was plenty of it here to varying degrees. But it was all part of the broader story and it fulfilled the truth that God works in mysterious ways. Watching Noah learn to truly connect with the son he cherishes and seeing Lydia's gentle persistence break through his walls, was incredibly moving. The feelings between them, feelings they both carried since they were youngies added depth and sweetness to their journey. This second chance romance was tender, hopeful and full of heart.
Christina Rich delivered a story that reminded me why I love Amish romances so much. Beautiful, touching and absolutely worth your time. I’m giving THE AMISH WIDOWER’S DILEMMA the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!
Noah Beiler is in over his head. He made a promise to his late wife regarding their son Jacob, and that promise keeps him from getting help for Jacob as he deals with his beloved son's developmental issues and autism. His farm is falling to pieces, Jacob is desperately frustrated and unhappy, and the one person who can help Noah is the one woman he truly loved, and who he can't afford to let near him. How can he break his promise to his late wife and Jacob's mother? But how can he keep on going the way he's going?
Lydia always thought she would marry Noah. It was a blow when he married her best friend, Collette, and a double blow when Collette extracted a deathbed promise from Lydia to take care of Noah and Jacob. Can her love for Noah and Jacob overcome the barriers between them?
THE AMISH WIDOWER'S DILEMMA is a thoughtful and charming story, set in an Amish community, of two people trying to do the best they can under very difficult circumstances. Christina Rich weaves the story of Jacob and his challenges in a realistic and optimistic way. This book is labeled as an "uplifting story of faith, forgiveness, and hope,' and it lives up to that label.
The Amish Widower’s Dilemma by Christina Rich is the kind of heartfelt story that wraps around you like a warm quilt. I really enjoyed the author’s warm writing style and the realistic characters she created. Noah’s son, Jacob, is an absolute sweetheart, and I admired Lydia’s patience with him because it is not an easy task. The author portrayed a child with autism with care and accuracy while also showing that children can learn, grow, and thrive with the right support. I also enjoyed the second-chance romance between Lydia and Noah. Everything happens in God’s timing, and that message shines throughout the story. I’ll admit there were moments when I grew frustrated with Noah’s stubbornness and grumpiness, but that made his journey feel even more real. Faith, forgiveness, community, and accepting help are meaningful themes woven into the story. If you enjoy gentle, faith-filled romances with heart, hope, and characters who stay with you, this one is well worth picking up.
I loved reading about Noah Beiler, his autistic son Jacob, and Lydia Beachy. This is a story of sadness, happiness, and forgiveness. Great friends growing up, Lydia had her heart set on Noah, but things didn’t turn out the way she had dreamed about. When her best friend, Collette, announced she was marrying Noah, Lydia was so upset because Collette knew her dreams. When Collette was dying with cancer, Lydia promised her she would help Noah and his son. For several years, she avoided Noah, who was having a hard time raising Jacob, but always thinking of the promise she had made to her best friend on her dying bed made her feel guilty. Noah had promised Collette to never share the secret he and she had about their marriage. He couldn’t tell Lydia this secret, and it had come between them. As he and Lydia became friends again, could he see a future with her?
Lydia and Noah have known each other since childhood. They were friends in school, and by the time they were teenagers Lydia prayed that Noah would want to court her. But instead Noah married Lydia's best friend and they had a baby. Lydia is devastated. But then her friend dies of cancer and she asks Lydia to help Noah with their son. Jacob is autistic and Noah feels like everyone treats them differently because of Jacob's condition. Since Lydia is a teacher she offers to help Jacob and Noah reluctantly agrees. As the summer months go on, Jacob is learning and Lydia starts to fall for Noah again. But Noah has a secret and doesn't feel like he can break his promise to his late wife.
I have read a few of Christina's books now and I absolutely loved this one. It is such a sweet story. It is full of hope and promise and moving forward.
Jacob Beiler is a 4 year old Amish boy, that is autistic. As much as his father Noah wants to help him, he is very limited in understanding autism. Lydia Beachy works in the local school in the special education department working with autistic students. She has learned how to help them communicate and how to teach others to listen to what they do not vocalize. Lydia promised her best friend Collette, Jacob's mom, before she died, that she would help Noah and Jacob out, but she hasn't really kept her word. Now after seeing Noah bring Jacob to the school to enroll him, she wants to help. She wants Noah to give her the whole summer to help Jacob. But Noah, who has had a crush on Lydia, since they were youngies, doesn't want her to help. She must convince him of what is best for Jacob, so he can meet his full potential.
This is one of the best Amish books that I have read. It deals with a child with autism and his dad who doesn't understand him or his ways. Noah is at a loss dealing with Jacob and doesn't understand what God's plan is for them. Lydia who has been in love with Noah since childhood, understands Jacob and can communicate with him. Noah must allow Lydia to teach Jacob how to communicate. Lydia ends up teaching Noah even more. Noah starts to communicate with Jacob and he finds joy. However, he doesn't feel he deserves Lydia or her love, until a letter from his deceased wife turns up and changes everything for the 3 of them.
This was the second book by Christina Rich that I have read and I loved it as much as the first one, if not more. Noah and Lydia were meant for each other but due to circumstances beyond their control they were kept separate from each other. Little Jacob, Noah's son, needed someone to understand him and to help him become more connected to his father and others. Lydia was that someone. Over a short period of time Jacob grew to trust and love Lydia. Eventually, Noah and Lydia were able to forgive themselves and each other. Promises had been made but were disclosed and this led to a HEA for Noah and Lydia. I hope to hear more about the Beiler family in future books.
This is a sweet story about love, faith, friendship and second chances. Wonderful characters that are seeking God's will for their lives. Noah, Lydia and Jacob have many obstacles to overcome. Is it God's will for them to form a family of their own? This was a good read. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
This book meant a lot to me. I worked with special needs children, including those on the autism spectrem. It was well written and my favorite-a happy ending.
The Amish Widower's Dilemma by Christian Rich is such a sweet story filled so many rollercoaster emotions, such as second chances, forgiveness, sadness and most importantly happiness.
I love how you feel like you are part of the story, as you can feel the frustration coming from Noah and Lydia because she wanted to help little Jacob so badly.
This story is so beautifully written to share the real life of a family with a child that is autistic in such a very special way.
A heart tugging story of a lost love that married her best friend. He is now a widower with an autistic son to raise. With Faith, Family and second chances that keeps you turning the pages. Can they put their secrets aside and allow God to guide them? A must on your TBR list for the summer! I received an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest review.