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Amish Pie #1
Apple of His Eye
When Rob King, who is courting Tabitha Beiler, must go away for a time to aid his ailing grandfather, he charges his best friend, John Miller, with the care and keeping of the beautiful girl of his heart. John, who has been Rob’s best friend since boyhood, accepts the responsibility with serious intent. But John discovers that it is his own traitorous heart that must be guarded as he finds himself falling hopelessly in love with his best friend’s girl.
As time goes on, Tabitha begins to see the serious differences between Rob and John, and she discovers the meaning of infatuation versus real love. But it is only through her baking that she can speak fully of where her heart now lies.,
How will Tabitha admit her love for John when doing so could mean the loss of a lifelong friendship? And how will the sweetness of a treasured pie recipe reveal a love of tender but unspoken devotion?
As time goes on, Tabitha begins to see the serious differences between Rob and John, and she discovers the meaning of infatuation versus real love. But it is only through her baking that she can speak fully of where her heart now lies.,
How will Tabitha admit her love for John when doing so could mean the loss of a lifelong friendship? And how will the sweetness of a treasured pie recipe reveal a love of tender but unspoken devotion?
- GenresAmish
304 pages, Paperback
Published May 3, 2016
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43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 3, 2017
I would like to thank NetGalley, Charisma House Realms, and Kelly Caldwell for an advanced copy of Apple of His Eye for an honest review.
The first book in the Amish Pie series, friendships are tested when Rob King asks his lifelong friend Joe Miller to watch over Tabitha Beiler whom Rob is courting while he must help his ailing grandfather. A delightful story about two men and one woman who must decide what is the right choice for their happiness. I definitely recommend this book.
The first book in the Amish Pie series, friendships are tested when Rob King asks his lifelong friend Joe Miller to watch over Tabitha Beiler whom Rob is courting while he must help his ailing grandfather. A delightful story about two men and one woman who must decide what is the right choice for their happiness. I definitely recommend this book.
February 16, 2017
Overall, I liked this story. I thought the way the author marked the difference between infatuation and real, soul-deep love was spot-on. I also appreciated the lesson she taught about how lies (even the 'simple' act of allowing someone to believe something that isn't precisely true) can trip us up and cause us heartache.
June 11, 2018
Good, typical, Amish romance novel with a bunch of side stories along with it. When I say typical I don't mean it in a bad way. I mean it in a way like it is refreshing just like other Amish novels.
My only criticism is I wish we had more of Rob's story when he was in Ohio, for reasons I can't say due to spoilers.
I would recommend this. Looking forward to the next book!
My only criticism is I wish we had more of Rob's story when he was in Ohio, for reasons I can't say due to spoilers.
I would recommend this. Looking forward to the next book!
March 2, 2019
This was my 1st time reading this book by Kelly Caldwell and I LOVED IT!!
Loved that it started out about Tabitha and her Aunt Elizabeth, a family who dealt with struggles through out theirs lives BUT In the end it was a happy ending for Tabitha!!!
Nice Plus, Theres an Apple Pie Recipe at the end :D!!
Loved that it started out about Tabitha and her Aunt Elizabeth, a family who dealt with struggles through out theirs lives BUT In the end it was a happy ending for Tabitha!!!
Nice Plus, Theres an Apple Pie Recipe at the end :D!!
February 23, 2019
Wonderful book. Can’t wait to read the second book in the series
Read
July 31, 20191st book I have read by this a author definitely would recommend her.
August 8, 2019
A fun, clean read. I love reading stories based in Amish culture. There were a number of distracting typos, but I enjoyed the story.
October 2, 2020
Kelly Caldwell’s Apple of His Eye is a heart-warming story of faith, family, and renewal. The story will delight fans of Amish fiction and readers who love an endearing romance.
April 25, 2023
Beautiful story!
August 17, 2016
Quite Predictable
I have to first confess that this was the first Amish book I've ever read, and I picked it up out of pure curiosity. I had a little prior knowledge of the culture, customs and religion, but this book was enlightening. There was so much I didn't know! I've always found the Amish culture as a simple one, people living in a simple way in a world where chaos and crisis thrive. Kelly Caldwell presented this culture beautifully, there's a lot that we can learn from such a simple lifestyle.
The culture acts as a sort of backdrop for the story, the context. Though I have to admit I was far more interested in that, don't get me wrong the story had its moments but it's the kind of story we've all heard before. In some ways, this was a good thing because it meant you could enjoy the story for its simplicity, but then it meant the story was hugely predictable.
The main characters were John and Rob. Two best friends, close since birth. Rob is a sort of 'player'-known for being with a bunch of young women in the Amish community. The story starts when Rob declares that he has found the love of his life: nineteen year old Tabithia Beiler. So he makes the decision to court her, as is the custom. This may very well be my favourite custom ever: the Amish propose that courting is to be done at night, and in secret. What a dream! And so romantic. I've been raised in a culture where a couple chooses to either have a chaperone or be deceptive, so you can imagine my preference for this instead.
Anyway, on with the story: Rob learns that his grandfather is gravely ill, and so he asks John to look after his future wife (Tabithia) while he goes away to Ohio. John is happy to help, but he quickly learns that he may actually be attracted to Tabithia himself. And if he uses the situation to his advantage, to court her, he risks losing his best friend. And as of yet, he doesn't know if Tabithia actually likes him. He has obviously gotten himself into quite a situation. I'll leave you wondering just what he does: does he give up his friendship? Or does he give up the girl of his dreams?
This was a sweet story which stressed the beautiful values of the Amish culture, the same values which are common of other cultures: loyalty, sincerity, acceptance. Funnily enough, aside from the predictability, I had no issues with the story- only with the Amish culture. It may be a simple culture where success is measured by happiness, by family, community, and love. But it's a culture with principles that I don't agree with. At its core, it follows a system where women are the housewives, men are the breadwinners. Women live to serve the needs of men, they grow up learning how to fulfil domestic duties: cooking, cleaning...And the men go out to work, and come home to a beautiful meal whenever they ask. I guess it's because I've experience of how a system of this kind works, that I am so repulsed by it. I can't help but feel that both parties are exploited.
Of course the system and culture is not fictional and, was therefore not created by the author. It just meant I couldn't enjoy the book as I otherwise would have. As a history enthusiast, I revel in the knowledge that we are moving forward and while I am fond of some traditions and I can see the beauty in the past- I want to keep moving forward. Traditions like these don't agree with everyone but I do adore the culture in terms of its community spirit, and the harmonic environment. But my adoration ends there. Please do note that these are my own opinions and, I understand that some readers love this sort of book- so do read it, you'll enjoy it. It's written well, and there's a glossary of the Amish words and phrases at the back of the book, so don't feel at all discouraged. That was not at all my intention, nor was it my intent to offend fans of the culture, or the culture itself. I apologise, in any case.
I received this book through NetGalley.
I have to first confess that this was the first Amish book I've ever read, and I picked it up out of pure curiosity. I had a little prior knowledge of the culture, customs and religion, but this book was enlightening. There was so much I didn't know! I've always found the Amish culture as a simple one, people living in a simple way in a world where chaos and crisis thrive. Kelly Caldwell presented this culture beautifully, there's a lot that we can learn from such a simple lifestyle.
The culture acts as a sort of backdrop for the story, the context. Though I have to admit I was far more interested in that, don't get me wrong the story had its moments but it's the kind of story we've all heard before. In some ways, this was a good thing because it meant you could enjoy the story for its simplicity, but then it meant the story was hugely predictable.
The main characters were John and Rob. Two best friends, close since birth. Rob is a sort of 'player'-known for being with a bunch of young women in the Amish community. The story starts when Rob declares that he has found the love of his life: nineteen year old Tabithia Beiler. So he makes the decision to court her, as is the custom. This may very well be my favourite custom ever: the Amish propose that courting is to be done at night, and in secret. What a dream! And so romantic. I've been raised in a culture where a couple chooses to either have a chaperone or be deceptive, so you can imagine my preference for this instead.
Anyway, on with the story: Rob learns that his grandfather is gravely ill, and so he asks John to look after his future wife (Tabithia) while he goes away to Ohio. John is happy to help, but he quickly learns that he may actually be attracted to Tabithia himself. And if he uses the situation to his advantage, to court her, he risks losing his best friend. And as of yet, he doesn't know if Tabithia actually likes him. He has obviously gotten himself into quite a situation. I'll leave you wondering just what he does: does he give up his friendship? Or does he give up the girl of his dreams?
This was a sweet story which stressed the beautiful values of the Amish culture, the same values which are common of other cultures: loyalty, sincerity, acceptance. Funnily enough, aside from the predictability, I had no issues with the story- only with the Amish culture. It may be a simple culture where success is measured by happiness, by family, community, and love. But it's a culture with principles that I don't agree with. At its core, it follows a system where women are the housewives, men are the breadwinners. Women live to serve the needs of men, they grow up learning how to fulfil domestic duties: cooking, cleaning...And the men go out to work, and come home to a beautiful meal whenever they ask. I guess it's because I've experience of how a system of this kind works, that I am so repulsed by it. I can't help but feel that both parties are exploited.
Of course the system and culture is not fictional and, was therefore not created by the author. It just meant I couldn't enjoy the book as I otherwise would have. As a history enthusiast, I revel in the knowledge that we are moving forward and while I am fond of some traditions and I can see the beauty in the past- I want to keep moving forward. Traditions like these don't agree with everyone but I do adore the culture in terms of its community spirit, and the harmonic environment. But my adoration ends there. Please do note that these are my own opinions and, I understand that some readers love this sort of book- so do read it, you'll enjoy it. It's written well, and there's a glossary of the Amish words and phrases at the back of the book, so don't feel at all discouraged. That was not at all my intention, nor was it my intent to offend fans of the culture, or the culture itself. I apologise, in any case.
I received this book through NetGalley.
June 2, 2016
John Miller is doing his best friend a favor and keeping an eye on his best girl while he is called away to tend to family matters. While keeping an eye on Tabby and the lies start piling up to his family and his community he states to realize he might need to protect her from him and he knows he need to protect his heart as well. Tabby is so desperately missing Rob and knows he needs to come home soon so they can work on there new relationship, she wonders why his best friend hears from him but she does not and starts to question if Rob even loves her. With her Uncle making a surprise visit she is forced to hide her true feeling for Rob and for John Miller. But will she finally come clean and tell the man she loves, she loves him or will it be to late and she has lost a friend and caused problems in the community?
I really enjoyed to storyline over all this is a good clean book for all ages. I however did not like the going back and fourth between so many characters, even thought John and Tabitha were the main characters I found it distracting with input from others, there seem to be no transitioning between the characters either. I always enjoy reading the life style of the amish and this book was the same way. I enjoyed the love and hate relationship the author gave with the uncle. I felt there was a lot of seriousness to the book and it could have used some laughed. Overall the book is good for all ages, and is a simple enjoyable read.
Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from the publisher, but this review consists of my honest opinions, not influenced in any way by the author or publisher
I really enjoyed to storyline over all this is a good clean book for all ages. I however did not like the going back and fourth between so many characters, even thought John and Tabitha were the main characters I found it distracting with input from others, there seem to be no transitioning between the characters either. I always enjoy reading the life style of the amish and this book was the same way. I enjoyed the love and hate relationship the author gave with the uncle. I felt there was a lot of seriousness to the book and it could have used some laughed. Overall the book is good for all ages, and is a simple enjoyable read.
Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from the publisher, but this review consists of my honest opinions, not influenced in any way by the author or publisher
July 6, 2016
Apple of His Eye is the first book of Kelly Caldwell`s Amish Pie series. Whenever I read a book by a new author I find I am a little hesitant whether I will like the book. The author grabbed my attention right from the start and kept my interest all thru the book. The characters are described so that you keep that person in your mind whenever they come up in the story.
When Rob ask his best friend from childhood to do a big favor for him and to keep it secret, John is very skeptical about doing it. John finally agrees and things really start getting good. Tabitha Beiler is the young Amish lady that Rob believes he loves and while he needs to go out of town to help his grandfather he fears other young Amish men will try to court her. How can Rob prevent this from happening? Will Rob return to the waiting arms of Tabitha?
There are a couple different mysteries that take place in the story that had me trying to figure them out. The most amazing secret is revealed and what a great way to pull a story together. I loved the mystery of the recipe box and I think other readers will too. This book certainly had a different way find true love.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to review. I am submitting my honest review for a wonderfully written story. I will be watching for the next book to be released! I have given Kelly Caldwell`s, Apple of His Eye, a 5 star rating because this book really meant my expectations. Congratulations on a wonderful book.
When Rob ask his best friend from childhood to do a big favor for him and to keep it secret, John is very skeptical about doing it. John finally agrees and things really start getting good. Tabitha Beiler is the young Amish lady that Rob believes he loves and while he needs to go out of town to help his grandfather he fears other young Amish men will try to court her. How can Rob prevent this from happening? Will Rob return to the waiting arms of Tabitha?
There are a couple different mysteries that take place in the story that had me trying to figure them out. The most amazing secret is revealed and what a great way to pull a story together. I loved the mystery of the recipe box and I think other readers will too. This book certainly had a different way find true love.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to review. I am submitting my honest review for a wonderfully written story. I will be watching for the next book to be released! I have given Kelly Caldwell`s, Apple of His Eye, a 5 star rating because this book really meant my expectations. Congratulations on a wonderful book.
February 17, 2017
another wonderful Amish story with a fabulous apple pie recipe (almost all amish stories have amazing recipes.)
April 14, 2016
Tabitha Beiler has had a hard life, but God provided her with her unmarried aunt to raise her when her parents died. Her life has been happy and she has grown up into a very caring, sweet Amish woman.
Now she believes she has met the love of her life, sweet stolen kisses, and then Rob King is gone, off to tend his sick grandfather. She is devastated and thinks of Rob all the time, of course, being a lovey girl, she is the focus of many young men, and Rob’s friend, John, has vowed to become a guardian to her until he returns.
Now John is carrying a secret, and has vowed to never marry, because of his experience when he was younger and fell in love. He cares a great deal about his friend Rob, and is surprised when Rob tells him he has found the woman he wants to marry, and when he has to go to his grandfather makes him promise to makes sure no one steals his Tabby from him.
This is a quick and interesting read that kept me turning the pages past my bed time, a different type of Amish story and one that was very enjoyable.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Charisma House, and was not required to give a positive review.
Now she believes she has met the love of her life, sweet stolen kisses, and then Rob King is gone, off to tend his sick grandfather. She is devastated and thinks of Rob all the time, of course, being a lovey girl, she is the focus of many young men, and Rob’s friend, John, has vowed to become a guardian to her until he returns.
Now John is carrying a secret, and has vowed to never marry, because of his experience when he was younger and fell in love. He cares a great deal about his friend Rob, and is surprised when Rob tells him he has found the woman he wants to marry, and when he has to go to his grandfather makes him promise to makes sure no one steals his Tabby from him.
This is a quick and interesting read that kept me turning the pages past my bed time, a different type of Amish story and one that was very enjoyable.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Charisma House, and was not required to give a positive review.
August 26, 2016
Wasn't to sure I would like this book but I must say that I am glad that I did. I loved this story of Tabitha, Rob and John. A promise made by John to Rod about looking after Tabby until he returns turns to John having feelings for Tabby. Through the trials and misunderstandings will John and Tabby be together or will Rob return and turn their world upside done.
I loved this story of compromise and love. I found my self wanted to finish the last half of the book quickly to find out what happens and I actually did. Thank you Kelly for a wonderful story that made me laugh, cry and get angry.
I loved this story of compromise and love. I found my self wanted to finish the last half of the book quickly to find out what happens and I actually did. Thank you Kelly for a wonderful story that made me laugh, cry and get angry.
August 6, 2016
Apple of His Eye was the first installment of the Amish Pie series. To me the book was okay and a bit confusing at times.
Three stars
Three stars
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews