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A Match for the Amish Beekeeper
Sometimes falling in love
Feels like coming home…
After losing her beloved fiancé, Lydia Riehl has supported herself as a beekeeper, with Aent Mattie’s guidance. There’s only one When Mattie passes away, she bequeaths the bees and hives to Lydia, and the house and land to Caleb’s twin brother, Ben King. Ben promised his brother he’d look out for Lydia. When he steps up to repair the house and learns the ins and outs of beekeeping, their friendship deepens into something more. Will these two lonely souls decide to be open to love’s possibilities?
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Hickory Springs Amish
Book 1: The Amish Widower's Surprise
Book 2: Trusting the Amish Farmer
Book 3: A Courtship for the Amish Nanny
Book 4: A Match for the Amish Beekeeper
Feels like coming home…
After losing her beloved fiancé, Lydia Riehl has supported herself as a beekeeper, with Aent Mattie’s guidance. There’s only one When Mattie passes away, she bequeaths the bees and hives to Lydia, and the house and land to Caleb’s twin brother, Ben King. Ben promised his brother he’d look out for Lydia. When he steps up to repair the house and learns the ins and outs of beekeeping, their friendship deepens into something more. Will these two lonely souls decide to be open to love’s possibilities?
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Hickory Springs Amish
Book 1: The Amish Widower's Surprise
Book 2: Trusting the Amish Farmer
Book 3: A Courtship for the Amish Nanny
Book 4: A Match for the Amish Beekeeper
203 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2026
About the author
Laurel Blount
53 books331 followersAward-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
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 1, 2026
Lydia isn’t looking for a husband. After losing her fiancé, Caleb, and later her parents, she has learned to stand on her own through beekeeping. Caleb’s Aunt Mattie left her beloved bees to Lydia, but she left the cottage to Caleb’s twin brother, Ben. Determined to continue the business, Lydia prepares a proposal to convince Ben to let her rent the cottage and keep the apiary running.
Ben left the area after Caleb’s death and built a successful life working with horses, a profession he loves and excels at. He returns home to attend Aunt Mattie’s funeral and is surprised to discover that she left him her cottage and that Lydia is still living there. He’s even more unsettled to learn that Lydia never married after Caleb’s death, especially since he once promised his brother that he would make sure she was cared for.
This was a sweet, low-drama romance. It was enjoyable watching Lydia and Ben develop a genuine friendship before their relationship turned romantic. Although they shared a connection through Caleb, the years had allowed both of them to grow, change, and mature. I always enjoy romances that are built on a solid foundation of friendship, and the time they spent caring for the bees, improving the cottage, and dealing with an unfriendly Englisher helped deepen their bond and gradually move their relationship into something more.
The matchmaking subplot added a fun touch, and it was obvious that a little behind-the-scenes scheming happening. It was charming and brought some lighthearted moments to the story. Overall, this was a warm, comforting romance with likable characters and a satisfying friends-to-lovers journey.
I listened to an audio version narrated by Stina Nielsen and enjoyed the way she brought the characters to life, each distinct and with genuine emotion. Definitely enhanced my enjoyment!
I voluntarily listened to a copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.
Ben left the area after Caleb’s death and built a successful life working with horses, a profession he loves and excels at. He returns home to attend Aunt Mattie’s funeral and is surprised to discover that she left him her cottage and that Lydia is still living there. He’s even more unsettled to learn that Lydia never married after Caleb’s death, especially since he once promised his brother that he would make sure she was cared for.
This was a sweet, low-drama romance. It was enjoyable watching Lydia and Ben develop a genuine friendship before their relationship turned romantic. Although they shared a connection through Caleb, the years had allowed both of them to grow, change, and mature. I always enjoy romances that are built on a solid foundation of friendship, and the time they spent caring for the bees, improving the cottage, and dealing with an unfriendly Englisher helped deepen their bond and gradually move their relationship into something more.
The matchmaking subplot added a fun touch, and it was obvious that a little behind-the-scenes scheming happening. It was charming and brought some lighthearted moments to the story. Overall, this was a warm, comforting romance with likable characters and a satisfying friends-to-lovers journey.
I listened to an audio version narrated by Stina Nielsen and enjoyed the way she brought the characters to life, each distinct and with genuine emotion. Definitely enhanced my enjoyment!
I voluntarily listened to a copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.
August 30, 2026
I have really been enjoying Laurel Blount’s Hickory Springs Amish series. Each story has been sweet, uplifting, and filled with couples who seem perfectly matched. So far, we have met Eben and Lila in
The Amish Widower’s Surprise,
Jeremiah and Anna in
Trusting the Amish Farmer,
and Eli and Trudy in
A Courtship for the Amish Nanny.
This fourth installment brings Ben King and Lydia Riehl together, and I enjoyed their story just as much as the previous ones. There is also a fifth book,
The Amish Mother’s Redemption,
and I can’t wait to read it!
This story was especially sweet because Lydia had once been deeply in love with Caleb King and planned to marry him. Sadly, Caleb died from a serious illness, leaving Lydia heartbroken. Meanwhile, Lydia’s Aunt Mattie has passed away and left her beekeeping business to Lydia. But in a surprising turn of events, Mattie leaves her house to Caleb’s brother, Ben.
Ben had moved away some time ago, but he returns to get the house in order while deciding what he wants to do with the property. As he works on the house, he also becomes involved in Lydia’s beekeeping business. What begins as a practical arrangement gradually becomes something much more personal for both of them.
Both Lydia and Ben are grieving Caleb, which creates an emotional conflict neither of them could have anticipated. Could they really fall in love with each other? I especially appreciated the way Laurel Blount handled the delicate situation of a woman falling in love with her deceased fiancé’s brother. Their relationship is complicated by grief, memories, and the question of whether moving forward means leaving Caleb behind.
Ben also has another reason for wanting to remain close to Lydia. Before Caleb died, he made a promise to his brother that he would look after Lydia and help her find a worthy husband. But what happens when Ben begins to wonder if perhaps he could be that husband?
I am really enjoying this series, and this installment tackles some particularly meaningful themes, including grief, second chances, faith, forgiveness, and learning to open your heart to love again. Lydia and Ben’s story is a beautiful reminder that finding happiness again does not mean forgetting the person you lost.
Many thanks to Harlequin Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
This story was especially sweet because Lydia had once been deeply in love with Caleb King and planned to marry him. Sadly, Caleb died from a serious illness, leaving Lydia heartbroken. Meanwhile, Lydia’s Aunt Mattie has passed away and left her beekeeping business to Lydia. But in a surprising turn of events, Mattie leaves her house to Caleb’s brother, Ben.
Ben had moved away some time ago, but he returns to get the house in order while deciding what he wants to do with the property. As he works on the house, he also becomes involved in Lydia’s beekeeping business. What begins as a practical arrangement gradually becomes something much more personal for both of them.
Both Lydia and Ben are grieving Caleb, which creates an emotional conflict neither of them could have anticipated. Could they really fall in love with each other? I especially appreciated the way Laurel Blount handled the delicate situation of a woman falling in love with her deceased fiancé’s brother. Their relationship is complicated by grief, memories, and the question of whether moving forward means leaving Caleb behind.
Ben also has another reason for wanting to remain close to Lydia. Before Caleb died, he made a promise to his brother that he would look after Lydia and help her find a worthy husband. But what happens when Ben begins to wonder if perhaps he could be that husband?
I am really enjoying this series, and this installment tackles some particularly meaningful themes, including grief, second chances, faith, forgiveness, and learning to open your heart to love again. Lydia and Ben’s story is a beautiful reminder that finding happiness again does not mean forgetting the person you lost.
Many thanks to Harlequin Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
August 29, 2026
This was the sweetest story, and boy, does the matchmaker have her hands full with Lydia!
Lydia has lost her family, her fiancé Caleb, and now Mattie, who she was working and living with. She was left the bees and beehive, and she is determined to turn them into a business she can live off of. The problem is, her home was given to Mattie’s nephew, her late fiancés twin, Ben.
Ben hasn’t been home since Caleb’s death, but now he has to figure out what to do with the home and step up to help Lydia, something he promised his brother he would do. But how? Matchmaking, of course. While he fixes up Lydia’s home, he has her stay with the local matchmaker, hoping she will find a match, get married, and that he will have fulfilled his brother’s wishes.
What he doesn’t expect is to hate Lydia’s matches and start falling for her himself. And while Lydia seems to be falling for him too, could it be because he reminds her so much of Caleb?
This was super sweet. These two went from being totally at odds to slowly finding a rhythm, friendship, and then love! I was totally rooting for these two!
I gave this a 4.5 rounded to a 5!
Lydia has lost her family, her fiancé Caleb, and now Mattie, who she was working and living with. She was left the bees and beehive, and she is determined to turn them into a business she can live off of. The problem is, her home was given to Mattie’s nephew, her late fiancés twin, Ben.
Ben hasn’t been home since Caleb’s death, but now he has to figure out what to do with the home and step up to help Lydia, something he promised his brother he would do. But how? Matchmaking, of course. While he fixes up Lydia’s home, he has her stay with the local matchmaker, hoping she will find a match, get married, and that he will have fulfilled his brother’s wishes.
What he doesn’t expect is to hate Lydia’s matches and start falling for her himself. And while Lydia seems to be falling for him too, could it be because he reminds her so much of Caleb?
This was super sweet. These two went from being totally at odds to slowly finding a rhythm, friendship, and then love! I was totally rooting for these two!
I gave this a 4.5 rounded to a 5!
August 29, 2026
I really enjoyed this sweet Amish romance! Ben returns to his hometown to find his dead twin’s fiancé very much unattached. Trying to fulfil his brother’s dying wish to help her love again, he strikes up a friendship with the hopes of opening her heart to love once again. Such sweet characters and fun beekeeping. I can’t wait to read more from this new to me author!
August 30, 2026
A Match for the Amish Beekeeper by Laurel Blount
A Match for the Amish Beekeeper
An Uplifting Inspirational Romance (Hickory Springs Amish Book 4)
Sometimes falling in love
Feels like coming home…
==========
A Match for the Amish Beekeeper by Laurel Blount
A Match for the Amish Beekeeper
An Uplifting Inspirational Romance (Hickory Springs Amish Book 4)
Sometimes falling in love
Feels like coming home…
After losing her beloved fiancé, Lydia Riehl has supported herself as a beekeeper, with Aent Mattie’s guidance. There’s only one problem: When Mattie passes away, she bequeaths the bees and hives to Lydia, and the house and land to Caleb’s twin brother, Ben King. Ben promised his brother he’d look out for Lydia. When he steps up to repair the house and learns the ins and outs of beekeeping, their friendship deepens into something more. Will these two lonely souls decide to be open to love’s possibilities?
My favorite quote is
He saw her as soon as he reached the crest of the last hill. She was standing just where the bank sloped into the water, the best spot he and Caleb had ever found for pushing in a jon boat. Or it had been, before the wild blackberry bushes had reclaimed it. Her somber black dress and bonnet stood out against their bright green leaves and white blooms. She gazed over the sparkling water, her hands clasped in front of her. She looked much the same as he remembered, a little thinner, maybe. Pretty in a quiet, understated way, sweet-looking—and sad.
I recommend this book.
A Match for the Amish Beekeeper by Laurel Blount
is a 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Laurel Blount.
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.
A Match for the Amish Beekeeper
An Uplifting Inspirational Romance (Hickory Springs Amish Book 4)
Sometimes falling in love
Feels like coming home…
==========
A Match for the Amish Beekeeper by Laurel Blount
A Match for the Amish Beekeeper
An Uplifting Inspirational Romance (Hickory Springs Amish Book 4)
Sometimes falling in love
Feels like coming home…
After losing her beloved fiancé, Lydia Riehl has supported herself as a beekeeper, with Aent Mattie’s guidance. There’s only one problem: When Mattie passes away, she bequeaths the bees and hives to Lydia, and the house and land to Caleb’s twin brother, Ben King. Ben promised his brother he’d look out for Lydia. When he steps up to repair the house and learns the ins and outs of beekeeping, their friendship deepens into something more. Will these two lonely souls decide to be open to love’s possibilities?
My favorite quote is
He saw her as soon as he reached the crest of the last hill. She was standing just where the bank sloped into the water, the best spot he and Caleb had ever found for pushing in a jon boat. Or it had been, before the wild blackberry bushes had reclaimed it. Her somber black dress and bonnet stood out against their bright green leaves and white blooms. She gazed over the sparkling water, her hands clasped in front of her. She looked much the same as he remembered, a little thinner, maybe. Pretty in a quiet, understated way, sweet-looking—and sad.
I recommend this book.
A Match for the Amish Beekeeper by Laurel Blount
is a 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Laurel Blount.
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.
October 23, 2026
What a beautiful storyline. What a sad beginning. And what a special community this is!
Lydia has lost her fiancé (Caleb), and she never got over it… and never wants to fall in love again.
When she also loses her beloved Aunt Mattie, who taught her all about beekeeping and kept her mind busy when she was drowning in sorrow… well, she’s just not sure how she’s going to get through this…
But she comes to find that her aunt left her the beekeeping business. And, she left the home on the land to Ben… who just happens to be Caleb’s twin brother…
She’s not sure how she’s going to survive, or where she will live… but somehow, she needs to make this work!
So she makes a proposition to Ben… she wants to rent the home and a part of the land… to keep the business afloat. He initially wants nothing to do with this. His plan was to come, sell the land, and return to his hometown….
But plans don’t always work out the way you want them to…
And sometimes the guy upstairs has bigger plans for us than we ourselves can ever imagine…
4 1/2 big, bold, bright, beautiful stars for me!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
#AMatchForTheAmishBeekeeper by @LaurelBlount and narrated beautifully by @StinaNielsen.
This one has already been released, so look 👀 for it on shelves now!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @HarlequinAudio and @LoveInspired for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷
Lydia has lost her fiancé (Caleb), and she never got over it… and never wants to fall in love again.
When she also loses her beloved Aunt Mattie, who taught her all about beekeeping and kept her mind busy when she was drowning in sorrow… well, she’s just not sure how she’s going to get through this…
But she comes to find that her aunt left her the beekeeping business. And, she left the home on the land to Ben… who just happens to be Caleb’s twin brother…
She’s not sure how she’s going to survive, or where she will live… but somehow, she needs to make this work!
So she makes a proposition to Ben… she wants to rent the home and a part of the land… to keep the business afloat. He initially wants nothing to do with this. His plan was to come, sell the land, and return to his hometown….
But plans don’t always work out the way you want them to…
And sometimes the guy upstairs has bigger plans for us than we ourselves can ever imagine…
4 1/2 big, bold, bright, beautiful stars for me!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
#AMatchForTheAmishBeekeeper by @LaurelBlount and narrated beautifully by @StinaNielsen.
This one has already been released, so look 👀 for it on shelves now!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @HarlequinAudio and @LoveInspired for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷
September 14, 2026
I really loved A Courtship for the Amish Nanny so I knew I'd enjoy listening to A Match for the Amish Beekeeper by Laurel Blount as well. This is another short but sweet Amish Romance that is so wholesome. I know many ladies at my library who would enjoy this series.
Lydia's fiancé Caleb passed away and all she wants now is to live in peace and take care of her bees. Caleb's twin Ben comes to help around the house and they slowly become more than friends. It was so sweet to watch them open their hearts to one another. If you're a fan of Amish fiction, I highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this audio book. All opinions are my own.
Publication date: 25 August 2026
Lydia's fiancé Caleb passed away and all she wants now is to live in peace and take care of her bees. Caleb's twin Ben comes to help around the house and they slowly become more than friends. It was so sweet to watch them open their hearts to one another. If you're a fan of Amish fiction, I highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this audio book. All opinions are my own.
Publication date: 25 August 2026
September 18, 2026
Sweet Romance
Lydia and Ben's story is beautiful, sweet, and endearing. The grief they'd endured was heart-wrenching, and they each dealt with it differently. However, another loss brings them together. This, along with the help of a matchmaker, some bees, and much more, helps them get to know each other better. Their story beautifully blends healing, faith, second chances, and romance, guaranteed to touch your heart.
Book Quote:
When trouble comes, you have to keep going and trust Gott to give you the strength to deal with it. Getting upset doesn't fix anything. All it does is waste time and energy.
Lydia and Ben's story is beautiful, sweet, and endearing. The grief they'd endured was heart-wrenching, and they each dealt with it differently. However, another loss brings them together. This, along with the help of a matchmaker, some bees, and much more, helps them get to know each other better. Their story beautifully blends healing, faith, second chances, and romance, guaranteed to touch your heart.
Book Quote:
When trouble comes, you have to keep going and trust Gott to give you the strength to deal with it. Getting upset doesn't fix anything. All it does is waste time and energy.
October 1, 2026
Such a sweet romance!
As usual I was drawn in by Laurel’s characters and couldn’t wait to see how she pulled this story together. She never disappoints!
After her fiancé Caleb dies, Lydia Riehl never planned to marry. His brother Ben, though, has a different plan and meets with the matchmaker to find Lydia a husband. Soon though, the matchmaker sets her eyes on Ben as a match for Lydia. As always, the matchmaker—and Laurel—make magic happen and love wins in the end.
The characters, the plot, the ending. All these make you forget these people are not there in Tennessee living out their lives. And I for one can’t wait for another visit!
As usual I was drawn in by Laurel’s characters and couldn’t wait to see how she pulled this story together. She never disappoints!
After her fiancé Caleb dies, Lydia Riehl never planned to marry. His brother Ben, though, has a different plan and meets with the matchmaker to find Lydia a husband. Soon though, the matchmaker sets her eyes on Ben as a match for Lydia. As always, the matchmaker—and Laurel—make magic happen and love wins in the end.
The characters, the plot, the ending. All these make you forget these people are not there in Tennessee living out their lives. And I for one can’t wait for another visit!
August 31, 2026
A Match for the Amish Beekeeper by Laurel Blount. What a wonderful double take second chance romance that everyone will bee buzzing about. Great Narration by Stina Nielsen. Great growth in characters and their struggles with grief over the loss of Caleb. This is the 4th book in this Hickory Springs Amish series. Healing and opening their hearts with the all to knowing matchmaker. Thank you to #NetGalley and # Harlequin Romance for this eArc. This is my honest review. Released Aug 25, 2026
September 12, 2026
Author Laurel Blount is a must read for me; she never disappoints. While A Match for the Amish Beekeeper is book 4 in the Hickory Springs series, it can be read as a stand alone. But don’t do it! Make sure you read all of them. You’ll love them if you enjoy Amish fiction.
Lydia and Ben are both mourning the loss of Caleb. But when Aent Mattie leaves her bees to Lydia and her house to Ben, they’re going to have to work together. If they can. Will they allow time to heal their hearts?
A sweet second chance romance, I highly recommend it.
Lydia and Ben are both mourning the loss of Caleb. But when Aent Mattie leaves her bees to Lydia and her house to Ben, they’re going to have to work together. If they can. Will they allow time to heal their hearts?
A sweet second chance romance, I highly recommend it.
October 22, 2026
Laurel Blount's Amish books are must-reads for me and I'm glad I picked up A Match for the Amish Beekeeper. I liked Lydia and her industrious, independent spirit and how she cared for her bees and also branched out to sell other homemade items. Susie the matchmaker was a good addition to the story. I especially loved the last quarter of the book where Ben wrestles with the idea that he will always be second to his twin brother in Lydia's heart. If you like Amish fiction, I recommend this book!
October 28, 2026
I loved that this story included a beekeeper and farrier with detail in their work, which was interesting and fun to learn. I liked that Lydia had an independent attitude but was still kind and humble. Ben's character still had the mischievous boy in him but time had given him maturity. A new favorite!
September 6, 2026
Written in a way that it could be read as a standalone but may have characters that overlap. She's taken over his aunt's business and home. Unfortunately he now owns it and facing her again may be more than either of them can handle.
Second chances
Overcoming loss
Matchmaking from beyond
Second chances
Overcoming loss
Matchmaking from beyond
September 12, 2026
very good book
September 14, 2026
Pretty good! This was a good quick read and I enjoyed it. I liked the bees
September 16, 2026
This last, stellar installment made me want to reread the entire series! Loved the twists and turns. Adored the characters. Sorry to see it end. Keep writing, Laurel.
October 20, 2026
A Match for the Amish Beekeeper is the fourth book in the Hickory Springs Amish series. It was a good read for me with second chances and faith being two of the story's main themes.
Read
November 1, 2026A sweet story of growth and new love.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews