Ellen Beachey's dreams of being a devoted Amish wife and mother are finally within her reach. But she didn't expect she'd have to choose between two brothers. Golden-haired Micah has a heart filled with adventure and a ready smile. Serious but gentle elder brother Neziah is a devoted and caring father of two. But Ellen and Neziah share a heartbreaking past that might prevent any hope of a future. Ellen never imagined an arranged union as a way to find true love. She wants to be loyal to her family, but she needs to follow her heart…if only she can figure out what it wants.
So if you had to choose between two brothers like Ellen does in this novel, would you pick the younger than you, handsome, funny, devil-may-care one or the more established but broodier one that has two little boys from his first marriage? Oh, and the broodier one just happened to court you years ago! While this sounds like a very light hearted book, it really does go deeper than I make it sound. Yes this is a fun book that gives you a thrill but this book also keeps things within a Christian/Amish perspective. There are several stories and issues going on at the same time and I hope the next two books in this series will touch on them and maybe give us closure to at least one of these loose threads.
Ellen is being coerced (sort of) to make a choice to marry one of two brothers. This is a plan cooked up by Neziah’s and Micah’s father as well as Ellen’s own father. Ellen will think and pray on it for a month and the brother’s have a month to win her over. I found the story-line held my interest to the point that I did not want to put it down to go to sleep – I just wanted to keep reading to see what Ellen would do! Ellen was a nice and strongly written character and the brother’s were written with just enough withheld to keep us guessing as to who would really be the best choice.
I liked being able to put myself in Ellen's shoes and try to think which brother I would choose - I loved the brother she did end up with.
The extra layer of angst with Ellen’s mothers illness was a nice and timely touch and handled with a lot of compassion. I hope we will see what will happen and how the Amish would handle something like this in a future book, novella or short story.
I am not a religious person and sometimes this makes some reader’s of my reviews angry to the point that they comment that I shouldn’t be reviewing Christian books if I am not one. However, what I will tell you is that I love learning about all sorts of religions, different ways of life and other culture’s and that is what I base my review’s on. I love the fact that these books are teaching me about the Plain People and giving me a gentle lesson in Christianity at the same time.
Have any of you ever had a courtship between two brothers at the same time!? I don't think many of us can say that we have.
Have you ever been told that you have one month to decide on a guy that you think you would want to marry? I don't think any of our parents have put us under that kind of pressure. Though I am sure they have put us under pressure to make a decision about something that was important in our lives at one point in time.
Being the only daughter running her father's shop, and in her thirties, what most Amish communities consider an old maide, Ellen Beachey has yet to marry, though she had courted Neziah Shetler. In her defense, her parents are older and they. as a family, have had some things that Ellen felt she was needed to help her parents through.
As summer is slowly coming to a close bringing forth the fall season. Simeon Shelter, Ellen's next door neighbor, finds himself in need of help along the road, which happens to be the same road that Ellen uses to get to her father's shop. Ellen is on her way to work and sees Simeon, she stops to help him. After helping him, Simeon offers Ellen a lift to work and to also talk to her about his proposal.
Simeon Shetler's proposal is for Ellen to choose between his only two sons; adventurous, golden-hair Micah or older and more serious, but gentle natured Neziah, who is caring for two motherless sons of his own. She's been given one month to get to know both brothers, before she's to give her answer of which one she would like to court and then marry, maybe this November.
Will Ellen be able to listen to heart and not the voices of those around her? And the exciting question of all, which one will she choose?!
What an exciting, interesting, and a different spin on Amish romance that Emma Miller has written for us, readers. Emma Miller has added enough detail to make her book come together and flow fluently; that you are not missing anything as you read "The Amish Bride".
We see the limited choices available to women in a farming community. This young woman has been working in a shop, helping her parents on the farm, but now it's decided that she should marry. The neighbouring farm has two available men - one widowed with young sons, one single and mischevious. Both start to court her in the formal Amish tradition.
While nobody will force this girl to marry, her options are few and her freedoms will dwindle if she is reduced to being a household drudge. At the same time we are introduced to a younger girl who left the community but found she could not survive in the city, and is living homeless. At least in the Amish community everyone can have a place. This town in Lancaster County is progressive enough that electricity may be used in the shop, and propane appliances are helping women at home.
Mainly the romance follows the character studies; one man is serious and one merry, both brothers agree that our heroine would be a good catch and she has no reason not to choose either, except being unable to abandon her freedom. Nor is she making herself available to other young men to court. So the attention is fun and flattering. Enjoy.
Imagine waking up one morning, a busy, single woman with aging parents to care for and a business to run and nary a prospect of a suitor on the horizon. In fact, at thirty-three, Ellen's thinking her hope for a family of her own is likely just a dream. But then an odd encounter with her kindly, though somewhat eccentric, neighbour turns her world upside down. He has two unmarried sons. He thinks it's a simple matter for Ellen to pick one!
An outrageous and funny twist to the popular arranged marriage theme -- though it's an arranged courtship instead of an actual marriage. Miller does an excellent job of presenting both Micah and Neziah as personable would-be suitors. In fact, she's downright clever about keeping her readers guessing as to who Ellen might pick though I had a clear favourite from the beginning.
I think the author has also sown the seeds for future books in the series. I love the community Miller has created and there are a few unmarried individuals I'm hoping find their own way towards a happily ever after.
After having read mounds and mounds of Amish Fiction I just no-longer enjoy such a simple story as this. It could be the Love Inspired way I'm not sure; most of these books come across quite cheesy and overly romantic for me. This book just did not have that wow factor. It was more about the romance factor between Neziah and Ellen and very little else. Where are the many faces of wit and humor that I so long for. It was just...boring. I needed more plot; not ridiculous or scandalous but more characters involved; maybe a couple of different story lines. I don't know this just wasn't it. The children got on my nerves also; but that is just nit-picking at this point! Emma Miller is a seasoned writer and I have read other books from her that were packed with engaging story-lines; but this one will not be a keeper. The story would have been more interesting had it been about Simeon and Dinah.
I waited quite a while to receive this book via mail - it was a GOODREADS FIRST READ win - but it was SO VERY worth the wait!!! It was a WONDERFUL story that flowed well and had characters that will live on in my heart for quite some time to come.
I'm THRILLED that I was fortunate enough to win this book via the GOODSREADS FIRST READ program and, if you like heartwarming stories, you should absolutely pick this up!!
This was a cleverly-crafted, delightful story written by one of my new favorite Amish romance authors, Emma Miller.
The story has a lot of humor in it, which I always enjoy; and the feeling tone is pleasant and lighthearted compared to some Amish fiction I've read recently. Some serious issues are addressed, but the main plot is fun and enjoyable.
I borrowed this book from the local public library.
**This book is completely clean in language and content. :0}
This is definitely a light read, but I really enjoyed the story. It was original and refreshing. I loved getting to know both Micah and Neziah and trying to guess which one Ellen would choose. The side plot with Gail was also very interesting, and the way the author used it to reveal both Micah's and Neziah's real character was brilliant.
The Amish Bride is a romance by Emma Miller. It is book 1 in the Lancaster courtships series. It is a love inspired book and has no graphic language, sexual content, or violence. It is set in Lancaster county in Amish Country. Ellen Beachey is thirty three and lives at home with her parents. She has spent her time caring for her Mother and working in a gift shop in town. She has pretty well given up on the idea of being a wife and mother. She is content with her life and rebels in small ways only. One way is with her push scooter which is painted bright green. When no one is in sight, she goes down hills very fast and loves it. As she is going to work on this beautiful day, she comes across their neighbor Simeon Shetler unable to get out of a ditch and with dangers of his horse running off. She coaxes the horse into coming to her and manages to help Simeon back into his buggy. He then asks her to ride with him as he has something to discuss with her. She gets in his buggy and as he takes her to her shop, he tells her he would like for her to marry one of his two sons. It would be the best thing as she would be near her parents as they grow older, and she knows them well. It would be a matter of deciding which one to choose- Matt or Neziah. Matt is a bachelor and is fun and exciting to be around. He has not been baptized in the church but is studying for it. He thinks it is time he settles down with a wife and children. He agrees with his father and sets out to woo Ellen into marriage. That he is several years younger than Ellen makes no difference to him. Neziah is a widower with two young boys to raise. His wife and his mother were killed in an accident three years ago. Now, according to his Father, it is time he found someone to love and to help raise his children. He is the same age as Ellen and long ago, they were almost engaged to be married. Has he changed that much that Ellen can marry him this time? Ellen makes an agreement with her Father to take a month to decide if she would marry either of the boys. During this month, she would see each of them and give them a chance to marry her. If at the end of the month, she decides not to marry either of them, no one would be upset. Will Ellen choose to marry? If so, which of the boys will she choose?
The Amish Bride by Emma Miller Ellen Beachey's dreams of being a devoted Amish wife and mother are finally within her reach. But she didn't expect she'd have to choose between two brothers. Golden-haired Micah has a heart filled with adventure and a ready smile. Serious but gentle elder brother Neziah is a devoted and caring father of two. But Ellen and Neziah share a heartbreaking past that might prevent any hope of a future. Ellen never imagined an arranged union as a way to find true love. She wants to be loyal to her family, but she needs to follow her heart…if only she can figure out what it wants. how did Ellen and Micah meet? where does Ellen work? how did Ellen and Neziah meet? Neziah has two children. are they two girls or two boys? what are their names? how many books in Lancaster Courtships: Life and love in Amish country? do you like the cover for The Amish Bride by Emma Miller? will Ellen and Micah be more than friends? who is your favorite character in this story? And why? will Ellen and Neziah be more than friends? will Ellen choose Micah or Neziah? why does Ellen choose Micah or Neziah? The Amish Bride by Emma Miller is a 5 stars book. I highly recommend reading The Amish Bride by Emma Miller. I am looking forward to reading more books by Emma Miller. more books by Emma Miller. A Match for Addy (Amish Matchmaker, book 1)
Plain Dead (Amish Mystery, book 3)
A Husband for Mari (Amish Matchmaker, book 2)
Hannah's Daughters 1. Courting Ruth 2. Miriam's Heart 3. Anna's Gift 4. Leah's Choice 5. Redeeming Grace 6. Johanna's Bridegroom 7. Rebecca's Christmas Gift 8. Hannah's Courtship I am looking forward to reading the last two book in the series! Lancaster Courtships: Life and love in Amish country
About the Book: Ellen Beachey's dreams of being a devoted Amish wife and mother are finally within her reach. But she didn't expect she'd have to choose between two brothers. Golden-haired Micah has a heart filled with adventure and a ready smile. Serious but gentle elder brother Neziah is a devoted and caring father of two. But Ellen and Neziah share a heartbreaking past that might prevent any hope of a future. Ellen never imagined an arranged union as a way to find true love. She wants to be loyal to her family, but she needs to follow her heart…if only she can figure out what it wants.
My Review: Ellen Beachey is a young woman that I definitely feel sorry for. She has to choose between two guys to marry and she has a month to do it. The guys are both brothers one of which she has had a relationship with in the past.
In this book you will be introduced to yet another way that the Amish handle specific situations involving their unmarried older children. The boys' father decides one day to discuss this with Ellen and it gives her a very tight deadline. Should she follow her heart or honor her family?
This is a very short read, reaching just over 250 pages and it has rich characters and a strong story line.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author.
"The Amish Bride", book 1 in the Lancaster Courtship series by Emma Miller, is a sweet and cozy Amish romance with a twist. It's not just that it is way past time for Ellen Beachy to marry. A wise and witty neighbor, Simon Shetler, suddenly proposes that Ellen marry one of his two sons and she is given a month to make her decision. You really don't know which one she will choose -- handsome blond, fun Micah or Neziah, the more serious widower with 2 children - until the end of the book. Both are unexpectedly interested in courting her for different reasons. And she and Neziah share a past 10 years ago when they dated and things did not work out. What an opportunity for Ellen, who was resigned herself to being a spinster caring for aging parents, to have her own husband and possibly a family, too? It's a little convenient that the brothers' farm adjoins her family's property but sometimes the simplest of plots lead to the best conclusion! Homemade ice cream, pie, outings, a quaint store, loving family, what else can you ask for in an Amish story? I received this book through Goodreads Giveways in exchange for my honest opinion. I hope to read the conclusion of the stories of other characters in the novel in future books in this series!
The Amish Bride was a cute Amish romance. Lots of fun, drama and characters that I enjoyed and would love to see more of the other characters. Clean inspired story of Amish life in Lancaster.
Ellen Beachey works in her family's craft store. She is an only child. She is in her 30's and single. She is a fun, caring and hard worker.
Her next door neighbor a leader in her District ambushed her and told her he has been praying and thinks she should marry one of his two sons. It would be her choice which one.
Micah is good looking and full of fun carefree and a hard worker. He is good with his nephews.
Neziah is a widower with two sons. Who needs a mother. He is serious, hard worker loving father.
Ellen is not sure she should have anyone but agrees to give it a month and pray about it.
It is fun to watch the two brothers try and beat each other too asking Ellen out. I kept on going back and forth who I wanted her with.
After reading The Amish Bride I would read more from Emma Miller in the future.
I was given this ebook to read by Net Galley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give a honest review of The Amish Bride.
I really enjoyed reading this Amish story, and was quickly absorbed as to whom Ellen Beachy would choose to marry. A rather unusual opportunity arises when her neighbor Simon Shetler proposes one of his two sons for her to choose, and she is given a month to make her decision. I found myself rooting for one and then the other, and didn’t know which way she was going to go until near the end of the book. There are a few other maybe romances going on here, and they were not brought to a conclusion, except maybe in my mind as to how I wanted them to end. The main story revolves around Ellen and whom she might choose, and what will happen to the relationship of the one not chosen one to his family? Is this an opportunity for Ellen, whom had resigned herself into being a single woman all her life, she is thirty three, and takes care of her elderly parents. Loved the concept of this story, and in most cultures this wouldn’t be acceptable, but time for a family is quickly running out for Ellen. Pick this one up and you won’t be able to put it down. I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Love Inspired, and was not required to give a positive review.
The Amish Bride is a story of having the choice of choosing between two brothers for possible marriage. Micah is more free spirited and has a bit of a reckless side. While Neziah is more grounded and taking care of his two sons alone after loosing his wife in a tragic accident.
Neziah and Ellen share a past that could hinder their chance at a second chance.
Ellen seems to have made up her mind, but in the end...will everything work out to what she planned was her future?
I enjoyed this book very much, even though it took me a while to read it. It's a uplifting story that is sure to put a smile on your face.
I received this book as a Goodreads First Read in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this romance about an Amish girl being courted by two brothers, the older one who courted her briefly when they were both young and is now widowed with two children, and the younger, fun-loving, good-looking brother who assumes any young woman would choose him over his boring brother. I read many Harlequin romances, some of them about Amish, and enjoyed this one more than most.
The Amish Bride is a wonderful story written by Emma Miller revolving around Amish young woman and her desire to marry and have a family. I absolutely loved this storyline and the characters the author has created to tell this story. I enjoy this authors creative writing style very much.
Ellen Beachy has always dreamed of being a wife and mother but her opportunities seem to be passing her by. She has always felt content to run the families craft store and care for her elderly parents. Then one day out of the blue a lifelong neighbor and family friend extends the possibility of marriage to her. This is where the story takes a very unusual turn. The neighbor offers her the choice between his two sons, Micah who is younger than Ella or Neziah who is close to her age. The problem is that Micah has always been a flirt and dated several girls and Neziah, who has two young sons, was her former fiance. Agreeing to get to know both of these men for a month Ellen thinks she has figured out which one she will choose until her mother gives her some sage advice and now she is totally confused. This story is very entertaining and the contest between the two brothers is harious in many spots.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to Emma Miller for writing such a unique story that held my interest and for her readers enjoyment.
I love this story of Ellen and the family that lives next door. Simeon stops Ellen on morning on her way to work to ask her something big. Simeon lived next door to Ellen and her parents and she grew up with his sons as playmates, she was even engaged to the elder son Neziah at one point but she found him very strict and was so full of life she could not abide by "his" rules for when they were to be wed. Now many years later Neziah is widowed with 2 young sons and is living home with his widowed father and younger brother Micah (who has not joined the church just yet). Simeon wants Ellen to choose one of his sons to marry and that is were the fun begins. Micah is full of fun and would love to marry Ellen and Neziah has never gotten over her! Who will she choose? How did she get in this spot to be courted by 2 men? Loved this story and did not want to put it down.
This book had a lot more depth to it than many of the other Love Inspired novels I've read. I really enjoyed how the author chose to tell Ellen's story, and how I, like Ellen, honestly did not know which of the Shetler brothers would be the best choice for her. I also liked that the romance was definitely a main plot point, but not the only one. Ellen's friendships and the community of Honeysuckle itself played a not insignificant role, and there were several times throughout the book where I found myself so immersed in the cultural aspects of the Amish community that I wonder if the author herself may be (or have been!) Amish. I also appreciated that we briefly met (and heard mention of) the other 2 heroines of this series. I definitely look forward to seeing what's next!
Two men, brothers. One woman. Next door to each other with scheming parents. It's simple. Choose a brother and marry him. Choose the older brother - widowed, with two sons. Former beau. Been there, done that. Or choose the younger brother who is not stoic, who is hose racing, roller coaster riding fun loving. Simple? But what does God lay on ones heart and why does her mother's periods of lucidness come with such clarity?
I wish I would have read the series in order. I always enjoy the building of the personalities of the characters. All three books were good. Unusual because they were written by different authors. I thought this story line was interesting because of Ellen’s confusion of who would be the right choice to marry. I loved the outcome. I can’t say more because I’d spoil it for y’all.
This is one of the best Amish books that I have read. There is great depth to the characters. I felt like I knew them. I anguished with Ellen as she made her decision which brother to choose and was happy with her decision.
This was a fun book about a single Amish girl and 2 brothers. She is told she has to choose one to be her husband. Whom should she choose? Gentle Neziah with 2 sons or Micah who is filled with adventure.
In The Amish Bride, Emma Miller, a young woman, Ellen Beachey it’s presented with a challenge of accepting one of two brothers as her husband. It’s a lovely story about following your heart and God’s will for your life.
I read a book with two novels in one. I really liked The Amish Bride. Ellen is a strong character and although some things are repeated it didn't bother me. Lots of action and enjoyed it.