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The Amish Bachelors #2
An Amish Noel
An Amish Homecoming
Luke Bowman's homecoming is turning Emma Swartzentruber's carefully ordered world upside down. Gone is her rebellious girlhood crush, and in his place is a handsome man who seems committed to serving the community. Luke's even agreed to work for Emma's ill father, whose last wish is to see his daughter wedded to a stable, loving man. But Luke - a man who flirted with the outside world with disastrous consequences - is hardly marriage material for a good Amish woman. Yet this Christmas, when her family is flung into crisis, Emma finds that he may just be the one to capture her heart for good.
Luke Bowman's homecoming is turning Emma Swartzentruber's carefully ordered world upside down. Gone is her rebellious girlhood crush, and in his place is a handsome man who seems committed to serving the community. Luke's even agreed to work for Emma's ill father, whose last wish is to see his daughter wedded to a stable, loving man. But Luke - a man who flirted with the outside world with disastrous consequences - is hardly marriage material for a good Amish woman. Yet this Christmas, when her family is flung into crisis, Emma finds that he may just be the one to capture her heart for good.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 17, 2015
68 people are currently reading
543 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Davids
142 books404 followersI was born and raised in Northcentral Kansas. I'm a farmer's daughter, but I now make my home in the city of Wichita. I'm an RN. Neonatal nursing has been the main focus of my career. What can I say? I love babies. I was invited to the highschool graduation of a baby I took care of. Talk about making me feel old!
In June of 2011 I became a widow after my husband of 36 years and 11 months died from multiple brain tumors. It was a very sad time, but thanks to the three f's, my faith, my family and my friends, life is moving forward. I have four brothers, one daughter and two grandchildren who all work at making me feel loved.
I'm the author of more than 30 books and I'm currently writing a series called The Brides of Amish Country for Love Inspired.
In June of 2011 I became a widow after my husband of 36 years and 11 months died from multiple brain tumors. It was a very sad time, but thanks to the three f's, my faith, my family and my friends, life is moving forward. I have four brothers, one daughter and two grandchildren who all work at making me feel loved.
I'm the author of more than 30 books and I'm currently writing a series called The Brides of Amish Country for Love Inspired.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 56 reviews
December 10, 2015
I did not want AN AMISH NOEL to end. The conversations between Luke and Emma were so heartbreaking at times and I love how Emma realizes that Luke is so much more than his past and the troubles he brought to his family. This story is filled with humor, lost love, forgiveness, and how everyone deserves a second chance. Patricia Davids is going to pull you right in from the very beginning and having you cheering for Emma and Luke. I had a hard time putting this book down as I had to know what was going to happen. AN AMISH NOEL is a fantastic addition to this wonderful series. I can't wait to read to read Timothy's story next. There are five boys in the Bowman family and each one is going to have their own story. I'm growing to really care about this family and I love when an author can do that to me.
March 2, 2017
I enjoyed this new Amish romance from a classy writer. Patricia Davids throws her heart into the characters and settings. This tale follows on from An Amish Harvest with some of the same characters but you don't need to have read that book.
A young man went to the city and his Amish family was scandalised when he was jailed for drug offences. Now cleaned up he is back home on the farm but has lost his chance to be one of the community - and to win the lovely traditional girl on the next farm. But that girl's father has ill health and decides to clear out a lifetime of farmyard junk and build a hardware shop to leave for his son. Maybe a helpful neighbour could make himself useful.
I enjoyed the family dynamics and the debate about installing solar panels. As the Amish celebrate Christmas modestly, a school pageant occupies a great deal of the book; I found myself skipping pages, because it really didn't interest me and felt like padding, but it will interest others. I did enjoy the romance thread.
A young man went to the city and his Amish family was scandalised when he was jailed for drug offences. Now cleaned up he is back home on the farm but has lost his chance to be one of the community - and to win the lovely traditional girl on the next farm. But that girl's father has ill health and decides to clear out a lifetime of farmyard junk and build a hardware shop to leave for his son. Maybe a helpful neighbour could make himself useful.
I enjoyed the family dynamics and the debate about installing solar panels. As the Amish celebrate Christmas modestly, a school pageant occupies a great deal of the book; I found myself skipping pages, because it really didn't interest me and felt like padding, but it will interest others. I did enjoy the romance thread.
November 18, 2015
I've no interest in Amish fiction with this story-line. I wanted a warm and happy feel to this Christmas read; but it was page after page of Emma's and Luke's repetitive doubting. The story focused on Luke once again struggling to remain true to his faith. Is there nothing left to write about in Amish Fiction?
September 24, 2015
An Amish Noel is the next book in the Amish Bachelor series, and this book focus’s on Luke. If you remember Luke from the first book, he carries a lot of guilt and pain; he was responsible for Samuel’s accident. He is also on probation from his time with the English, and is responsible in a way for Timothy going to jail.
Will he be able to turn his life around, and join and live his faith? He is off to a good start when he decides to help his former girlfriend, ah is she, Emma Swartzentruber’s father. Will he be able to face her each day, will she accept that he is working for her Dad, and he sure needs help. Will he influence her teenage brother with the life he lived with the English.
What a wonderful reunion we have with the characters we met in the first book, and we catch up with their lives, and are included in this story. There are a few chuckles and joy found here and there are some very serious moments, and times of fear.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series, and from the author’s hints it is going to be brother Timothy’s life.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Love Inspired, and was not required to give a positive review.
Will he be able to turn his life around, and join and live his faith? He is off to a good start when he decides to help his former girlfriend, ah is she, Emma Swartzentruber’s father. Will he be able to face her each day, will she accept that he is working for her Dad, and he sure needs help. Will he influence her teenage brother with the life he lived with the English.
What a wonderful reunion we have with the characters we met in the first book, and we catch up with their lives, and are included in this story. There are a few chuckles and joy found here and there are some very serious moments, and times of fear.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series, and from the author’s hints it is going to be brother Timothy’s life.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Love Inspired, and was not required to give a positive review.
March 12, 2016
First - isn't that cover pretty? I love Christmasy covers :) I continue to enjoy the Bowman family. And anytime I get to spend some more time with Hannah, I'm a happy camper! Luke and Emma have a profound story, appropriate for one of the most profound holidays of the year. Luke isn't sure he can be trusted with redemption. Emma isn't sure he can either. The journey that Davids walks them down is one that more people need to take. Maybe not literally... HOPEFULLY not literally. But in spirit. In the heart. To have faith that we have been forgiven, set free. To have faith to extend that same forgiveness to others. This was a beautiful and heartwarming story for Christmas.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
November 28, 2015
I love the rich depth in the stories Patricia Davids delivers and this one has a unique hook that reeled me in. Luke's past plays a huge role in his present and has the potential to jeopardize his future...if he lets it. He has to learn to believe in himself so he can have the confidence to put the past behind him for good. While Emma strives to live the same important Amish principle of forgiveness, she finds forgetting is much harder. And sometimes a knee-jerk reaction to judge can interfere with all her good intentions. Davids really knows how to draw her readers in with a complex plot with enough twists and turns to keep things interesting. Throw in some lovely Amish Christmas traditions and you get a heartwarming holiday read.
November 27, 2015
This book is fantastic, Patricia Davids is one of my favorite authors, This book picks up where the first one left off. Luke is trying to make amends for his troubled past. Emma is not sure she can trust him with her heart a second time. I love revisiting the people you meet in other books and patricia does a gret job of keeping the stories connected
December 11, 2022
I enjoyed reading Luke and Emma's story. There was a lot of 'baggage' between the two of them, but once they were each able to let go of what had been holding them back, they were honestly able to seek God's will for their lives, and move forward.
I enjoyed the little glimpse we saw of both Timothy and Lillian and am intrigued as to what will happen in their story.
I enjoyed the little glimpse we saw of both Timothy and Lillian and am intrigued as to what will happen in their story.
January 2, 2016
"Amish Noel" the delightfully romantic and heart-warming story I won through Goodreads/ First Reads comes to life in the Amish community of Bowman's Crossing when Luke Bowman an ex-con and ex-druggie saves Roy Swartzentruber from a watery death after the snowmobile he's riding crashes through the ice of a nearby river. A man guilt-ridden because of his teenage rebellion that not only brought shame and humiliation to his parents but heartbreak to Emma Swartzentruber Roy's sister when he left town and ended up in prison, Luke is determined to make amends, serving the community and making peace with those he loves.
When he shows up at the Swartzentruber's house with Emma's brother, her life is turned upside down especially when their initial meeting turns into a job helping her ill father open his dreamed-of hardware store. As the Christmas season approaches Luke yearns for a second chance at love with the woman he can't forget, but Emma's on the brink of being courted by her father's choice for a husband. This is a story that blends romance with mercy, forgiveness, hope and a message of faith that stirs your heart.
The plot is emotionally-charged as Luke tries to make peace with his past and undo the pain he caused as Emma struggles with her heartbreak and pride trying to keep him at arm's length. As events unfold that have them working together to open her father's hardware store and helping with the children's Christmas program at the local school, their love ignites once again. In a story filled with messages of faith; about learning to trust again; of looking to God for answers; and holding onto hope in your heart when the mind gives up, Patricia Davids has created a powerful and wondrous romance that warms your heart and leads you to believe that love can overcome any obstacle.
The author has perfected characters that breathe life into this story with all their imperfections and failings. Luke Bowman who grew up feeling lost, not knowing his place in a family where his older brother seemed too perfect left the community, losing his pain in drugs until imprisoned. On probation he's determined to turn his life around and make amends for his selfishness. He becomes reliable, steady and hardworking, but is at first unable to win over Emma Swartzentruber who listens to her doubts and holds on to her pride because she's uncertain of his intent. At times Emma can be bossy and brusque, but is also fair-minded and soon falls under Luke's charm with his strong sense of humor and fun-loving nature. Among the other personalities who add passion and energy to the drama, Roy Swartzentruber is the stubborn, headstrong and restless brother; Wayne Hochstetler the old-fashioned, judgemental, but devout and determined suitor; and Zachariah Swartzentruber the kind, loving but sick father.
I loved "Amish Noel" a beautifully written story that reflects the joy and triumph of the season. And I will look for other romances by Patricia Davids in future.
When he shows up at the Swartzentruber's house with Emma's brother, her life is turned upside down especially when their initial meeting turns into a job helping her ill father open his dreamed-of hardware store. As the Christmas season approaches Luke yearns for a second chance at love with the woman he can't forget, but Emma's on the brink of being courted by her father's choice for a husband. This is a story that blends romance with mercy, forgiveness, hope and a message of faith that stirs your heart.
The plot is emotionally-charged as Luke tries to make peace with his past and undo the pain he caused as Emma struggles with her heartbreak and pride trying to keep him at arm's length. As events unfold that have them working together to open her father's hardware store and helping with the children's Christmas program at the local school, their love ignites once again. In a story filled with messages of faith; about learning to trust again; of looking to God for answers; and holding onto hope in your heart when the mind gives up, Patricia Davids has created a powerful and wondrous romance that warms your heart and leads you to believe that love can overcome any obstacle.
The author has perfected characters that breathe life into this story with all their imperfections and failings. Luke Bowman who grew up feeling lost, not knowing his place in a family where his older brother seemed too perfect left the community, losing his pain in drugs until imprisoned. On probation he's determined to turn his life around and make amends for his selfishness. He becomes reliable, steady and hardworking, but is at first unable to win over Emma Swartzentruber who listens to her doubts and holds on to her pride because she's uncertain of his intent. At times Emma can be bossy and brusque, but is also fair-minded and soon falls under Luke's charm with his strong sense of humor and fun-loving nature. Among the other personalities who add passion and energy to the drama, Roy Swartzentruber is the stubborn, headstrong and restless brother; Wayne Hochstetler the old-fashioned, judgemental, but devout and determined suitor; and Zachariah Swartzentruber the kind, loving but sick father.
I loved "Amish Noel" a beautifully written story that reflects the joy and triumph of the season. And I will look for other romances by Patricia Davids in future.
August 10, 2017
"An Amish Noel" by Patricia Davids is the second book in the series, The Amish Bachelors. I absolutely loved "An Amish Noel" and I have to say it's my favorite so far.
Emma Swartzentruber is the oldest of her two brothers in her Amish family. She's been helping her father to raise her brothers, which kind of out her life on hold. But she was kind of forced to not to follow the young man who won her heart so long ago. Does Emma want to find a husband?
Luke Bowman find himself in some trouble as a young man and has paid the price in more ways than one. Returning home on parole in his Amish community, he's questioning what he wants to do with his life. He would like his community to see past his mistakes, but can he forgive himself? Will the girl that won his heart forgive him?
Zachariah Swartzentruber, Emma's father, has news to tell his family. He first wants to make sure his family can make a go of his store.
Roy Swartzentruber is Emma's brother and he is in a hard time of life when a young boy is reaching young manhood. And when to get family to see you as a young man and not a boy. He is also struggling with something else, can his family be enough to help him?
Well, I'm not going to tell you the answers to these questions, you'll have to read "An Amish Noel" to find out. You'll be glad you read the book. I know I am.
I loved this book. Not too many authors have ventured to talk about drugs and the hardship Amish families go through. They are human like us and experience the same hardships we do. Not all Amish families have to same response as this fictional family does, but it is one that happens when given a second chance. We all can be given a second chance if we want to change our lives around and learn from the mistakes.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series. And also other books that Patricia Davids writes.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, in return for an honest review. This review is my own words and no money was exchanged.
Emma Swartzentruber is the oldest of her two brothers in her Amish family. She's been helping her father to raise her brothers, which kind of out her life on hold. But she was kind of forced to not to follow the young man who won her heart so long ago. Does Emma want to find a husband?
Luke Bowman find himself in some trouble as a young man and has paid the price in more ways than one. Returning home on parole in his Amish community, he's questioning what he wants to do with his life. He would like his community to see past his mistakes, but can he forgive himself? Will the girl that won his heart forgive him?
Zachariah Swartzentruber, Emma's father, has news to tell his family. He first wants to make sure his family can make a go of his store.
Roy Swartzentruber is Emma's brother and he is in a hard time of life when a young boy is reaching young manhood. And when to get family to see you as a young man and not a boy. He is also struggling with something else, can his family be enough to help him?
Well, I'm not going to tell you the answers to these questions, you'll have to read "An Amish Noel" to find out. You'll be glad you read the book. I know I am.
I loved this book. Not too many authors have ventured to talk about drugs and the hardship Amish families go through. They are human like us and experience the same hardships we do. Not all Amish families have to same response as this fictional family does, but it is one that happens when given a second chance. We all can be given a second chance if we want to change our lives around and learn from the mistakes.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series. And also other books that Patricia Davids writes.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, in return for an honest review. This review is my own words and no money was exchanged.
October 10, 2015
An Amish Noel is a novel in the Amish Bachelor’s series by Patricia Davids.
Emma Swartzentruber had a well-ordered life. She kept house for her father and two brothers. She made sure meals were on the table, house cleaned, and Roy and Aiden accounted for. Her world had been turned upside down when Luke Bowman had left town when they were teens and refused to take her with him. He then got hooked on drugs and when his brother went to find him, he and Joshua were caught in a drug ring and placed in prison for selling drugs. Although Luke tried his best to get Joshua out of the sentence, since he really was innocent, he failed and to his mind failed his family once again. He had returned home to finish his parole there working for the family. His family forgave him and accepted him back into the family as did the community. He was still not baptized in their church though and that was a concern for all. Emma did her best to stay away from Luke as she was convinced he did not love her at all and wanted nothing to do with her. She claimed to be over him but wasn’t.
When Emma’s father realized he had little time to live, he started making arrangements for Emma and her brothers. He hired Luke to help him finish his hardware store and go through all the junk he had purchased over the years to figure out what could be sold as is and what could be fixed. He also made Emma promise to consider Wayne Hochstetler as a possible husband. He also insisted she not tell her brothers or anyone about his health until after Christmas. He wanted their Christmas to be a happy one.
Emma was devastated by the news her father told her. Their mother was already gone and she definitely didn’t want to lose her father. When she tried to insist she could run the farm with the boys and keep the family together, her father did not listen. Reluctantly, she agreed to give Wayne a chance and to not tell anyone about her father’s health. She knew that having Luke working at the house several days a week would be difficult for her. She was determined to show him she didn’t care either.
Could she keep her heart out of the equation? Did Luke really not care? When his parole was over, would he leave, never to return?
Emma Swartzentruber had a well-ordered life. She kept house for her father and two brothers. She made sure meals were on the table, house cleaned, and Roy and Aiden accounted for. Her world had been turned upside down when Luke Bowman had left town when they were teens and refused to take her with him. He then got hooked on drugs and when his brother went to find him, he and Joshua were caught in a drug ring and placed in prison for selling drugs. Although Luke tried his best to get Joshua out of the sentence, since he really was innocent, he failed and to his mind failed his family once again. He had returned home to finish his parole there working for the family. His family forgave him and accepted him back into the family as did the community. He was still not baptized in their church though and that was a concern for all. Emma did her best to stay away from Luke as she was convinced he did not love her at all and wanted nothing to do with her. She claimed to be over him but wasn’t.
When Emma’s father realized he had little time to live, he started making arrangements for Emma and her brothers. He hired Luke to help him finish his hardware store and go through all the junk he had purchased over the years to figure out what could be sold as is and what could be fixed. He also made Emma promise to consider Wayne Hochstetler as a possible husband. He also insisted she not tell her brothers or anyone about his health until after Christmas. He wanted their Christmas to be a happy one.
Emma was devastated by the news her father told her. Their mother was already gone and she definitely didn’t want to lose her father. When she tried to insist she could run the farm with the boys and keep the family together, her father did not listen. Reluctantly, she agreed to give Wayne a chance and to not tell anyone about her father’s health. She knew that having Luke working at the house several days a week would be difficult for her. She was determined to show him she didn’t care either.
Could she keep her heart out of the equation? Did Luke really not care? When his parole was over, would he leave, never to return?
January 7, 2016
Christmas time in Bowman's Crossing, Ohio is full of many activities.
Emma Schwartzentruber is bus helping take care of her younger brothers Alvin and Roy . She volunteers to help her friend Lillian, the local Amish school teacher, with costumes for the young scholars Christmas play. Emma also finds out her father is very ill. It's his hearts desire to open a hardware store to pass along to his son
Luke Bowman has made many wrong choices in his life. Wanting to leave the Amish life he turns to a life of drugs and has a parole sentence. He returns to his family but he needs to forgive himself for his past mistakes as well as accept the forgiveness of his family and most of all the forgiveness of God. He helps Emma's family with preparing the hardware store.
Emma and Luke share a past of being two teenagers in love. They both wonder if the relationship can ever be rekindled. Emma also needs to learn to forgive her past hurts and learn to trust again. Also she needs to learn to rely on others when needed.
My favorite part of the story was the snowball fight between Emma and Luke.
Will love find a way back between this couple? Luke's family aids in this but Emma also considers her fathers wishes to marry a friends widowed son.
A sweet romance with lots of Christmas joy too!
Emma Schwartzentruber is bus helping take care of her younger brothers Alvin and Roy . She volunteers to help her friend Lillian, the local Amish school teacher, with costumes for the young scholars Christmas play. Emma also finds out her father is very ill. It's his hearts desire to open a hardware store to pass along to his son
Luke Bowman has made many wrong choices in his life. Wanting to leave the Amish life he turns to a life of drugs and has a parole sentence. He returns to his family but he needs to forgive himself for his past mistakes as well as accept the forgiveness of his family and most of all the forgiveness of God. He helps Emma's family with preparing the hardware store.
Emma and Luke share a past of being two teenagers in love. They both wonder if the relationship can ever be rekindled. Emma also needs to learn to forgive her past hurts and learn to trust again. Also she needs to learn to rely on others when needed.
My favorite part of the story was the snowball fight between Emma and Luke.
Will love find a way back between this couple? Luke's family aids in this but Emma also considers her fathers wishes to marry a friends widowed son.
A sweet romance with lots of Christmas joy too!
November 25, 2017
Emma has a hard time even being in the same room as Luke. It wasn't always like this. In fact Luke courted her during their last year of school and in their running around years. But then Luke decided to leave the Amish and turn English.
Emma wanted to go with Luke because she loved him. But he rejected her love and broke her young heart. Things didn't go well for Luke in the English world. He wound up in prison for using and dealing in drugs. Now he's back home with the Amish . A condition of his probation.
He's sorry for the way that he treated Emma and the things he said to her the day he left the Amish so many years ago. He would like to apologize to her, hoping that at least they could be friends. Emma seems cold and indifferent towards him. Can he ever make her understand that he has changed.
I took a while to get into the story. There was excitement in the first Chapter but then I would lose interest for a while. Emma's family had many problems. Her mother had died and she took care of her father and siblings. She had no interest in marriage even though her father tried to arrange a marriage for her.
The story was dragged out longer than I thought it should have been. I gave it four stars because over all I did enjoy it. The ending was very Christmassy and festive. It's part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.
Emma wanted to go with Luke because she loved him. But he rejected her love and broke her young heart. Things didn't go well for Luke in the English world. He wound up in prison for using and dealing in drugs. Now he's back home with the Amish . A condition of his probation.
He's sorry for the way that he treated Emma and the things he said to her the day he left the Amish so many years ago. He would like to apologize to her, hoping that at least they could be friends. Emma seems cold and indifferent towards him. Can he ever make her understand that he has changed.
I took a while to get into the story. There was excitement in the first Chapter but then I would lose interest for a while. Emma's family had many problems. Her mother had died and she took care of her father and siblings. She had no interest in marriage even though her father tried to arrange a marriage for her.
The story was dragged out longer than I thought it should have been. I gave it four stars because over all I did enjoy it. The ending was very Christmassy and festive. It's part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.
December 28, 2015
4 STARS
An Amish Noel was a little different from the average Amish story. Luke Bowman made some real bad choices in his past. He has to learn forgiveness and decide if he wants a Amish lifestyle or go back to English. I admit to liking Luke.
Emma has to learn to forgive and let go of the past too. She is keeping some secrets that are weighing her down. Luke broke her heart when he left and would not take her with him. Now her father wants her to marry a neighbor widower.
I liked seeing Luke being remorseful and trying to change. He is a hard worker.
Lots of drama, Amish life, characters from previous books are back and it is a clean read.
I really cared about Luke & Emma and wanted them to work things out.
Hannah's character is really cute too.
I was given An Amish Noel to read for free by Net Galley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give a honest review of it.
January 1, 2016
This is the second book in the Amish Bachelors series, but not having read the first was able to read and enjoy fully. Good looking, hard working, mistake making Luke returns home to his Amish home where he is to finish off his parole. His return saves the life of one, and turns the life of another, Emma upside down, once more.
As teenagers they had dated and she had almost run off with him, except he forced her to go home to her family.
Enjoy this quick, clean, fun read as we get to share in the lives of both the Bowmans'-Luke's family and of the Swartzentruber's-Emma's family as well as the lives of Emma and Luke.
This is a sweet read so pick it up today so you can sit down with a nice hot cup of tea and enjoy it over the cold months! You'll be glad you did, especially if you love learning about the Amish and enjoying their simpler ways of life.
As teenagers they had dated and she had almost run off with him, except he forced her to go home to her family.
Enjoy this quick, clean, fun read as we get to share in the lives of both the Bowmans'-Luke's family and of the Swartzentruber's-Emma's family as well as the lives of Emma and Luke.
This is a sweet read so pick it up today so you can sit down with a nice hot cup of tea and enjoy it over the cold months! You'll be glad you did, especially if you love learning about the Amish and enjoying their simpler ways of life.
April 22, 2016
Fabulous book to read and fall in love with Patricia's writing style.
Emma though she would never see Luke again let alone have to deal with him after he left and wouldn't let her go with him. Emma finds out that her father is sick and hasn't much time left. Her father wants Luke's help in going through his collection of items to sell and set up in the hardware store that he wants to open. Knowing that Luke will be close has Emma in a predicament. She still loves Luke but is unwilling to tell him much less forgive him. Luke loves Emma but is unwilling to ask forgiveness or profess his love. When Emma's brother runs away from home she finally tells Luke she forgives him and Luke make the decision to stay and join the faith. A delightful story of forgiveness and what prevails after words.
Emma though she would never see Luke again let alone have to deal with him after he left and wouldn't let her go with him. Emma finds out that her father is sick and hasn't much time left. Her father wants Luke's help in going through his collection of items to sell and set up in the hardware store that he wants to open. Knowing that Luke will be close has Emma in a predicament. She still loves Luke but is unwilling to tell him much less forgive him. Luke loves Emma but is unwilling to ask forgiveness or profess his love. When Emma's brother runs away from home she finally tells Luke she forgives him and Luke make the decision to stay and join the faith. A delightful story of forgiveness and what prevails after words.
December 13, 2015
This is the second time I've tried to read and review this book. I managed to get through it the first time, but I didn't get a chance to write my review. I decided to read it a second time to re-fresh my memory before reviewing.
I'm glad I did, because I remembered why I put off writing the review earlier.
This story was not a very festive one, at least not for me. The angst and anger throughout the novel just took away any pleasure to be found at the end. The character's just didn't click with me - Luke and Emma just seemed too angry, too anxious...too something. I just couldn't find it in my heart to connect with them.
ARC supplied by publisher
I'm glad I did, because I remembered why I put off writing the review earlier.
This story was not a very festive one, at least not for me. The angst and anger throughout the novel just took away any pleasure to be found at the end. The character's just didn't click with me - Luke and Emma just seemed too angry, too anxious...too something. I just couldn't find it in my heart to connect with them.
ARC supplied by publisher
January 28, 2016
Author, Patricia Davids has stole a place in my heart...Simply LOVE the way she weaves her stories together! I have kept all of her books so that I can reread them again, one day!
Don't miss out on her relatively new series, THE AMISH BACHELORS! They are easy reading, but just smack full of interesting details! It is very hard for me to pick a favorite book, of hers, because the her AMISH novels have all been 5***** star stories! I don't think you will be disappointed!
Don't miss out on her relatively new series, THE AMISH BACHELORS! They are easy reading, but just smack full of interesting details! It is very hard for me to pick a favorite book, of hers, because the her AMISH novels have all been 5***** star stories! I don't think you will be disappointed!
January 11, 2016
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. Amish Noel is a clean, Christian romance that features the struggle to remain faithful to the Amish community as well as doubts on romance. If you are a fan of Amish romance, this is certainly for you! However, if you like your novels a little spicier (like me), go ahead and skip this one.
December 17, 2015
Enjoyable.
Read
January 12, 2016Miniseries: The Amish Bachelors
January 26, 2016
Interesting. Informative. Seasonal...but that is fine.
Read
January 12, 2016Miniseries: The Amish Bachelors
March 1, 2016
Aahh... Another wonderfully sappy Christmas romance to get lost in.
June 21, 2016
Read this on the kindle
I really enjoyed this one & will look forward to the next one in this series
I really enjoyed this one & will look forward to the next one in this series
November 7, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the two main characters, Emma and Luke. They had a lot of "past" to overcome and it was fun to watch them do that.
November 29, 2022
A mediocre Amish novel with a theme I've already read in another Amish book, earlier this year. There is nothing new under the sun with Amish books, anymore.
I should also add that this is #2 in a series, *BUT* it's the SECOND series in a series of series, which means that there are characters from an entirely different series ("Brides of Amish Country") that you have to keep track of and get ALLLLLLLLL the backstories of, in this one. So when they start talking about police officer Nick who married Mary who rescued so-n-so and is raising such-n-such daughter with who'z-a-what... and you've read book #1 and NONE of that was a thing in there? It's because it was a thing halfway through another EIGHT BOOK series, and you are expected to know it.
Real fair to the reader base, that.
Moving on.
Luke Bowman is an Amish second-born (read: rascal) who gets into drugs (BTDT). It's apparently an Amish thing, and that makes sense, because their parents have sheltered them SO badly that when they encounter real-world hard-hitting topics, they don't know the ramifications. They've never seen a withdrawal or what drugs do to people, as they don't have TV or movies. It's NOT a good way to live, despite the hype from chrischun authors.
He gets set up (c'mon... he was SELLING DRUGS, hello - it isn't a case of "poor Luke") and he goes to prison. Upon his parole, he goes home to finish his time at the family farm. (Apparently off-tether, because electricity? Although that doesn't hold water with the Gov't, hello. Bad writing.) Anyhow, he's guilt-ridden over hurting his family and being a bad boy. But he's glad he broke his sweetie's heart and left her behind before he got HER in trouble, too.
Now he's back. She still loves him. Her daddy's dyin' and wants her to be set-up with a business and husband before he cacks, so he hires Luke to help finish the shop addition on his barn, which brings Luke back around into Emma's life.
The hypocrisy of the Amish is very evident in this one: "Using crosspieces on long poles, they wedged the sheet into position. Luke secured it with screws suing a battery-operated drill. Outside, her father's gasoline generator hummed away as it supplied the electricity for a bank of lights and battery-charging station." and the whole solar panels being evil and forbidden but then okay... because they harness electricity from the sun and not man (nevermind that the panels MADE MY MAN are the ones harnessing the electricity). And the cellphones and driving snowmobiles, and...
But then you have pg 91: "is painting a backdrop of Bethlehem for the children's program too worldly?" (!!!!!) To which Timothy replies, "Not if children paint it." (!?!!?!?!) GAHHH!!!
Even the dogma is so flawed it made me growl. Pg 94: "When you are baptized, every sin will be forgiven." Um, baptism is an outward show of a state of faith. Is she saying that her children are in sin until they're baptized at age 25???? Seriously? And where does the Bible *E.V.E.R* say that shit?!
Pg 94: "[God] only asks that you love Him and obey His commandments." What like not driving a car and shunning people who make different choices than you? Or would those commandments be keeping the seventh day as sabbath as an ordinance for all generations, keeping His seven feasts (which DO NOT include X-mess/christ-mass and Ishtar/easter)? How about eating no unclean foods? Which commandments are actually of Yehovah, again?
And I get where the school *HAS* to find roles for the little girls, so they make angels in the Nativity story female, and shepherds male, but that's seriously unBiblical and sexist, as an aside. That's not even mentioning the fellowshipping of darkness with light that even *IS* X-mess.
The story was well-written. The characters were likeable. There was a lot of angst, though, which overshadowed any meager attempt at making this enjoyable. And I'm not hugely into X-mess stories, anyhow - it's the epitome of hypocrisy, IMHO.
But then, I've read two other books in this ('Amish Bachelors') series, and gave both lower scores than this, so I guess I shouldn't have high hopes as I finish these books and get them the heck out of my to-read pile...
I should also add that this is #2 in a series, *BUT* it's the SECOND series in a series of series, which means that there are characters from an entirely different series ("Brides of Amish Country") that you have to keep track of and get ALLLLLLLLL the backstories of, in this one. So when they start talking about police officer Nick who married Mary who rescued so-n-so and is raising such-n-such daughter with who'z-a-what... and you've read book #1 and NONE of that was a thing in there? It's because it was a thing halfway through another EIGHT BOOK series, and you are expected to know it.
Real fair to the reader base, that.
Moving on.
Luke Bowman is an Amish second-born (read: rascal) who gets into drugs (BTDT). It's apparently an Amish thing, and that makes sense, because their parents have sheltered them SO badly that when they encounter real-world hard-hitting topics, they don't know the ramifications. They've never seen a withdrawal or what drugs do to people, as they don't have TV or movies. It's NOT a good way to live, despite the hype from chrischun authors.
He gets set up (c'mon... he was SELLING DRUGS, hello - it isn't a case of "poor Luke") and he goes to prison. Upon his parole, he goes home to finish his time at the family farm. (Apparently off-tether, because electricity? Although that doesn't hold water with the Gov't, hello. Bad writing.) Anyhow, he's guilt-ridden over hurting his family and being a bad boy. But he's glad he broke his sweetie's heart and left her behind before he got HER in trouble, too.
Now he's back. She still loves him. Her daddy's dyin' and wants her to be set-up with a business and husband before he cacks, so he hires Luke to help finish the shop addition on his barn, which brings Luke back around into Emma's life.
The hypocrisy of the Amish is very evident in this one: "Using crosspieces on long poles, they wedged the sheet into position. Luke secured it with screws suing a battery-operated drill. Outside, her father's gasoline generator hummed away as it supplied the electricity for a bank of lights and battery-charging station." and the whole solar panels being evil and forbidden but then okay... because they harness electricity from the sun and not man (nevermind that the panels MADE MY MAN are the ones harnessing the electricity). And the cellphones and driving snowmobiles, and...
But then you have pg 91: "is painting a backdrop of Bethlehem for the children's program too worldly?" (!!!!!) To which Timothy replies, "Not if children paint it." (!?!!?!?!) GAHHH!!!
Even the dogma is so flawed it made me growl. Pg 94: "When you are baptized, every sin will be forgiven." Um, baptism is an outward show of a state of faith. Is she saying that her children are in sin until they're baptized at age 25???? Seriously? And where does the Bible *E.V.E.R* say that shit?!
Pg 94: "[God] only asks that you love Him and obey His commandments." What like not driving a car and shunning people who make different choices than you? Or would those commandments be keeping the seventh day as sabbath as an ordinance for all generations, keeping His seven feasts (which DO NOT include X-mess/christ-mass and Ishtar/easter)? How about eating no unclean foods? Which commandments are actually of Yehovah, again?
And I get where the school *HAS* to find roles for the little girls, so they make angels in the Nativity story female, and shepherds male, but that's seriously unBiblical and sexist, as an aside. That's not even mentioning the fellowshipping of darkness with light that even *IS* X-mess.
The story was well-written. The characters were likeable. There was a lot of angst, though, which overshadowed any meager attempt at making this enjoyable. And I'm not hugely into X-mess stories, anyhow - it's the epitome of hypocrisy, IMHO.
But then, I've read two other books in this ('Amish Bachelors') series, and gave both lower scores than this, so I guess I shouldn't have high hopes as I finish these books and get them the heck out of my to-read pile...
December 14, 2016
I personally love redemption stories. I love when a hero has made his mistakes and he is struggling to find the inner good, the man he can be. Luke was one of my favorite characters from An Amish Harvest, so I was ecstatic when his story would be next in the Amish Bachelor series. Luke is an ex-convict and drug user, who didn’t know if he would stay with his family in the Amish community or go to be English. However, when he sees that his childhood sweetheart Emma still hasn’t married, the gears start turning.
There is a lot of angst in this book. It’s not overbearing though and it fits perfectly with the struggles of the characters. Emma isn’t whiny and should have her trust issues and worries. Luke has his own doubts about himself and I think it takes a strong man to admit that he’s feeling weak. We all have our moments, and this helps faith and love enter at the perfect moment.
I truly never thought that I would enjoy Amish romances but now I see the draw. I understand why so many women need a good wholesome romance in their lives. Life can get crazy and it’s nice just to take a moment to read a romance that’s set in a simpler way of life with characters that have their flaws and struggles. It’s a nice reminder that we are all the same. We all need family and love to help us through the tough times.
An Amish Harvest is still my favorite but this one is a great second book in the series.
(For more go to sipreadlove.com)
There is a lot of angst in this book. It’s not overbearing though and it fits perfectly with the struggles of the characters. Emma isn’t whiny and should have her trust issues and worries. Luke has his own doubts about himself and I think it takes a strong man to admit that he’s feeling weak. We all have our moments, and this helps faith and love enter at the perfect moment.
I truly never thought that I would enjoy Amish romances but now I see the draw. I understand why so many women need a good wholesome romance in their lives. Life can get crazy and it’s nice just to take a moment to read a romance that’s set in a simpler way of life with characters that have their flaws and struggles. It’s a nice reminder that we are all the same. We all need family and love to help us through the tough times.
An Amish Harvest is still my favorite but this one is a great second book in the series.
(For more go to sipreadlove.com)
January 8, 2023
I have to admit Luke and Emma are not your typical hero and heroine for an Amish romance. He left the Amish, had a drug habit and is recently out of prison. He’s only waiting until his parole is up to leave the Amish community again. Emma is very bitter at his betrayal and during a lot of the book she’s short with him and mean spirited. I enjoyed the lessons of forgiveness God reveals to both characters throughout their story and how it transforms the lives of the Bowman and Swartzentruber families and the Christmas theme as well.
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