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American Mail-Order Brides #2
Willow: Bride of Pennsylvania
When a fire destroys the factory where Willow Miller works, her only choice for a secure future comes through becoming a mail-order bride to ex-Amish, Amos Stoltzfus, and moving to her ancestral home of Pennsylvania. Hope carries her forward into a new life, but guilt over her part in the fire that destroyed the factory threatens to hold her back. Amos Stoltzfus is overjoyed to bring someone as sweet and special as Willow into his life to recapture a sense of family and love that he has been missing. But Amos has a past of his own and unresolved conflict with his neighbor and former best friend, Mark Lapp, that stands in the way of family, happiness, and the community around him. Can Willow help resolve the pain and heal the breach that divides Amos from his community and his culture, or will her troubles stand in the way of her and Amos's happiness?
133 pages, Paperback
Published November 20, 2015
139 people are currently reading
1365 people want to read
About the author
Merry Farmer
290 books1,137 followersUSA Today Bestselling author Merry Farmer lives in suburban Philadelphia with her two cats, Justine and Peter. She has been writing since she was ten years old and realized she didn't have to wait for the teacher to assign a creative writing project to write something. It was the best day of her life. Her books have reached the top of Amazon's charts, and have been named finalists for several prestigious awards, including the RONE Award for indie romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 3, 2022
**review of audio edition**
I thoroughly enjoyed this little story of mail-order bride Willow finding not only her place but her family's place as well. The characters are well developed, and the conflict is well done. The amount of thematic imagery in the climactic scene blew me away and it really worked well with the story being told. As a very closed-door nearly inspire romance, it's not my usual, but I'd still recommend it as a well-written book with engaging characters and a great sense of place. The narration worked well and I appreciated the calm voice of the narrator.
I thoroughly enjoyed this little story of mail-order bride Willow finding not only her place but her family's place as well. The characters are well developed, and the conflict is well done. The amount of thematic imagery in the climactic scene blew me away and it really worked well with the story being told. As a very closed-door nearly inspire romance, it's not my usual, but I'd still recommend it as a well-written book with engaging characters and a great sense of place. The narration worked well and I appreciated the calm voice of the narrator.
May 9, 2017
Audible:I found this book to be a sweet 'mail order bride' story.Set in Lancaster Pa,Willow is looking for a new situation when she sees a man there is looking for a wife.She goes and discovers a man that has shunned his family or vice verse.Through time she hopes to change things.Linda Velwest does a nice job of narrating the innocence of this book.I was provided this book free by the narrator, author or publisher.
July 31, 2018
Nice Little Novella
This is the 2nd story in the American Mail Order Brides series, which has one bride from each of the 50 States. In this story two people that are descendants of the Amish community. It is a wonderful story and I wish the author had chosen to add to the setting she already created by adding more stories.
This is the 2nd story in the American Mail Order Brides series, which has one bride from each of the 50 States. In this story two people that are descendants of the Amish community. It is a wonderful story and I wish the author had chosen to add to the setting she already created by adding more stories.
February 5, 2021
Forgiveness
Amos has been living under a cloud, unable to forgive or forget, can Willow show him that by offering forgiveness he frees his own heart and improves his own life.
A journey of self discovery for both Willow and Amos, this is a sweet love story even when near tragedy strikes. Book two in the American Mail Order Brides series I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Amos has been living under a cloud, unable to forgive or forget, can Willow show him that by offering forgiveness he frees his own heart and improves his own life.
A journey of self discovery for both Willow and Amos, this is a sweet love story even when near tragedy strikes. Book two in the American Mail Order Brides series I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
February 27, 2021
When a fire destroys the factory Willow Miller works at she becomes a mail-order bride to ex-Amish, Amos Stoltzfus. She moves to Pennsylvania. Both have to resolve their past.
I enjoyed this story. Simple, yet with a lot of depth. The characters were realistic, the problems the same. Add in the Amish, and it's great.
I enjoyed this story. Simple, yet with a lot of depth. The characters were realistic, the problems the same. Add in the Amish, and it's great.
February 13, 2023
Finding home
Amos and Willow's story is a beautiful tale of loss, love, forgiveness, and family. I love the concept of this series and how each story is unique, yet they all tie together.
Amos and Willow's story is a beautiful tale of loss, love, forgiveness, and family. I love the concept of this series and how each story is unique, yet they all tie together.
May 26, 2022
What a cute story!
This was a very good storyline and just enough romance to make the story perfect! This is turning into a really good series!
This was a very good storyline and just enough romance to make the story perfect! This is turning into a really good series!
November 29, 2015
Willow: Bride of Pennsylvania (American Mail Order Bride #2)
By: Merry Farmer
4/5 stars
With the fire at the Brown Textiles Mill, many women were left without family to take them in, there were no job prospects and most had very little money saved. They had to live together in groups in order to be able to get by. But the previous manager found the Groom’s Gazette and came up with the idea that the single women could and should become mail-order brides as a way out of their current dire situation.
Willow becomes a mail-order bride to Amos, who is ex-Amish, but still living in “Amish Country” but is not a part of their community. Amos’s family left the church before he had the chance to become baptized into the church. When an Amish family leaves the church, the entire family is shunned and the Amish are forbidden to speak or interact with people who are shunned. Therefor Amos lost all of his childhood friends, and even his family when they decided to move away while he farmed the family plot, leaving him to live a life of loneliness.
Willow believed that she was probably the reason that the factory burned down. She is rather clumsy and thought that it was due to her negligence that the fire was able to start. So she is determined to be extra careful in her new life and is concerned that Amos will send her back if she isn’t careful enough.
I enjoyed this book, except, where there was some tension with some of the Amish, I felt like it never got resolved, because the author didn’t write about it and therefor was just glossed over with the last chapter and epilogue.
By: Merry Farmer
4/5 stars
With the fire at the Brown Textiles Mill, many women were left without family to take them in, there were no job prospects and most had very little money saved. They had to live together in groups in order to be able to get by. But the previous manager found the Groom’s Gazette and came up with the idea that the single women could and should become mail-order brides as a way out of their current dire situation.
Willow becomes a mail-order bride to Amos, who is ex-Amish, but still living in “Amish Country” but is not a part of their community. Amos’s family left the church before he had the chance to become baptized into the church. When an Amish family leaves the church, the entire family is shunned and the Amish are forbidden to speak or interact with people who are shunned. Therefor Amos lost all of his childhood friends, and even his family when they decided to move away while he farmed the family plot, leaving him to live a life of loneliness.
Willow believed that she was probably the reason that the factory burned down. She is rather clumsy and thought that it was due to her negligence that the fire was able to start. So she is determined to be extra careful in her new life and is concerned that Amos will send her back if she isn’t careful enough.
I enjoyed this book, except, where there was some tension with some of the Amish, I felt like it never got resolved, because the author didn’t write about it and therefor was just glossed over with the last chapter and epilogue.
May 8, 2021
Willow: PA (AMOBS Vol 2) — Merry Farmer
I tend not to read novellas as I prefer a full-length tale. But, Willow’s novel was perfectly paced and fitting to end where it did. The characters were intriguing and relatable, and the plot was well fleshed out, again, considering it’s not a full novel.
I loved Willow’s quiet yet insightful nature. Despite worrying over her own past, she comforted and encouraged Amos to confront his troubles. She’s just the kind of woman I’d want to be friends with! Loyal, friendly, down-to-earth, and kind, Willow is one of my favorite heroines.
Amos was also quite the hero! Both noble and tortured in the sense that he seemed realistic and vulnerable. I loved his character and how he treated Willow even through their ups and downs. His sense of character is something I admire and I hope to marry someone who is as loving as he is.
🍉🍊🍍
Hero rating: 4.6 stars
Heroine rating: 4.9 stars
Writing mechanics (literary elements/devices usage included): 4.6 stars
Plot rating: 4.7 stars
Dialogue rating: 4.8 stars
Storytelling rating: 4.7 stars
Story ending rating: 4.8 stars
Sexual tension rating: 4.6 stars
Sex scenes rating: N/A
Sex scenes frequency: 1 stars (not good nor bad, just occurrence rating)
**********************************************
Overall rating: 4.7 stars
Would I recommend this book: Yes.
Would I reread this book: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
I tend not to read novellas as I prefer a full-length tale. But, Willow’s novel was perfectly paced and fitting to end where it did. The characters were intriguing and relatable, and the plot was well fleshed out, again, considering it’s not a full novel.
I loved Willow’s quiet yet insightful nature. Despite worrying over her own past, she comforted and encouraged Amos to confront his troubles. She’s just the kind of woman I’d want to be friends with! Loyal, friendly, down-to-earth, and kind, Willow is one of my favorite heroines.
Amos was also quite the hero! Both noble and tortured in the sense that he seemed realistic and vulnerable. I loved his character and how he treated Willow even through their ups and downs. His sense of character is something I admire and I hope to marry someone who is as loving as he is.
🍉🍊🍍
Hero rating: 4.6 stars
Heroine rating: 4.9 stars
Writing mechanics (literary elements/devices usage included): 4.6 stars
Plot rating: 4.7 stars
Dialogue rating: 4.8 stars
Storytelling rating: 4.7 stars
Story ending rating: 4.8 stars
Sexual tension rating: 4.6 stars
Sex scenes rating: N/A
Sex scenes frequency: 1 stars (not good nor bad, just occurrence rating)
**********************************************
Overall rating: 4.7 stars
Would I recommend this book: Yes.
Would I reread this book: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
April 16, 2016
I was given a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I love mail order bride books, something about marrying at first sight and ending with a happily every after does it for me. Willow, a woman who answers an ad in the Groom Gazette is off to meet her husband to be, Amos. She is running from a past where she thinks her clumsiness has resulted in a fire. She is attracted to Amos for several reason, but to me her biggest reason is his Amish background. Amos is a bachelor searching for someone to fill his lonely life. Willow's arrival causes all kinds of situations, from burning food to befriending those Amos longs to be friendly with. Will his past keep them from falling in love? You can only find out by listening.reading the book. While short, this book has a lot of character with a lot of characters. It is a well thought out storyline and is warm and fuzzy.
Linda Velwest is the perfect voice for a historical mail order bride book. She does a wonderful job.
I love mail order bride books, something about marrying at first sight and ending with a happily every after does it for me. Willow, a woman who answers an ad in the Groom Gazette is off to meet her husband to be, Amos. She is running from a past where she thinks her clumsiness has resulted in a fire. She is attracted to Amos for several reason, but to me her biggest reason is his Amish background. Amos is a bachelor searching for someone to fill his lonely life. Willow's arrival causes all kinds of situations, from burning food to befriending those Amos longs to be friendly with. Will his past keep them from falling in love? You can only find out by listening.reading the book. While short, this book has a lot of character with a lot of characters. It is a well thought out storyline and is warm and fuzzy.
Linda Velwest is the perfect voice for a historical mail order bride book. She does a wonderful job.
May 15, 2016
I enjoyed this sweet story that starts off with Amish roots, moves away from them and then comes back to the Amish in the end. Willow and Amos must confront their pasts in order to make their marriage work. At times sweet, sometimes funny, Merry Farmer does a good job with the story line and characters. Linda Velwest does a very good job portraying the characters. I would recommend this book to anyone loving to read about the Amish life and needs a quick book to read or listen to.
I was given a copy of this audio book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
I was given a copy of this audio book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
January 11, 2016
Story wasn't bad. However, author has a problem with POV in several places and I didn't care for the giving away of the story line in advance. For example, a partially written letter from "Willow" to her friends would appear at the beginning of a chapter and yet the chapter was about whether she'd survive a near drowning... dud, obviously she did before we have a chance to read about it. No anticipation or raising the pulse in this book.
January 23, 2016
This is the second book in this 50 books series, a. collaboration of several authors. All the stories are linked together as the women were all employees of textile mill that burnt to the ground. The fire left many of then destitute and becoming mail order brides seemed the best solution. I enjoyed this book and was glad that it represented an important part of Pennsylvania'a history by sending Willow to an Amish community.
November 20, 2015
Wonderful-gut
Excellent job Merry Farmer. I love Willow and Amos learning how to navigate life and love. Throwing in Amish country and community was just the icing the cake for me. Book 2 was just as much fun as the first and I expect that there won't be a bad story in the whole lot.
Excellent job Merry Farmer. I love Willow and Amos learning how to navigate life and love. Throwing in Amish country and community was just the icing the cake for me. Book 2 was just as much fun as the first and I expect that there won't be a bad story in the whole lot.
January 25, 2016
Not what I expected
I have read lots of Merry Farmer and this was different. It is more reverent, more focused on marriage and life within community than in the physical and emotional relationship between husband and wife. Well done and thanks for something a little bit different.
I have read lots of Merry Farmer and this was different. It is more reverent, more focused on marriage and life within community than in the physical and emotional relationship between husband and wife. Well done and thanks for something a little bit different.
April 15, 2016
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."
Willow and Amos need each other to examine their roots, in order to move on into the future. A sweet story with exciting elements along the way.
The narration was well done. The characters were excellently portrayed.
Willow and Amos need each other to examine their roots, in order to move on into the future. A sweet story with exciting elements along the way.
The narration was well done. The characters were excellently portrayed.
July 23, 2016
I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy this story as I never jumped on the Amish stories train that seemed to be popular a few years ago, but the story was cute, and I enjoyed the story and characters. I liked the action of the ending and it was delivered very well and made me interested in more of these characters story.
November 29, 2015
Fantastic read
I believe this is my first time reading Merry Farmers books but I am definitely going to check out her other books! I loved this story the courage of willow and her trials. I caught myself holding my breath and smiling a lot throughout!
I believe this is my first time reading Merry Farmers books but I am definitely going to check out her other books! I loved this story the courage of willow and her trials. I caught myself holding my breath and smiling a lot throughout!
December 6, 2015
Sweet Story
I have been a fan of Merry Farmer for quite a while. This book was another great read. The story between Willow and Amos was a sweet one. They each needed one another to feel confident in their futures.
I have been a fan of Merry Farmer for quite a while. This book was another great read. The story between Willow and Amos was a sweet one. They each needed one another to feel confident in their futures.
May 13, 2016
Ebook
I love this series. Mailorder brides for each state by several authors, what a great concept. This story combines Amish community and values to the mailorder bride story with such a happy loving ending.
I love this series. Mailorder brides for each state by several authors, what a great concept. This story combines Amish community and values to the mailorder bride story with such a happy loving ending.
July 8, 2017
This series was my first experience with multiple authors working together to write a series on a large scale. I enjoyed every book in the series and found several new authors that I hadn't read before.
November 20, 2015
Great read!!!
What a wonderful book. 2 down 48 more to go. I hope the rest are just as great as this one was. I'm sure they will be they was written by great authors..
What a wonderful book. 2 down 48 more to go. I hope the rest are just as great as this one was. I'm sure they will be they was written by great authors..
December 20, 2015
Such a sweet book! I loved Willow she was wonderful. Amos was strong and stuggled to overcome his past as did Willow.
January 5, 2016
Love this storyline! I've always loved Amish themed stories
Love making people join Amish life is a new twist! Plus a bit of suspense and adventure never hurt a story!
Love making people join Amish life is a new twist! Plus a bit of suspense and adventure never hurt a story!
January 5, 2016
A bit boring. Didn't really see any chemistry. Maybe if they would have included a little more of their romantic/intimate relationship but closed bedroom doors . . .
January 13, 2016
I enjoyed this book. It was interesting to read about the amish community in the late 1800s/early 1900s. A very light read, but with a solid story. I really liked it!
*Won through Goodreads Giveaway
*Won through Goodreads Giveaway
April 22, 2016
Nice story.
June 19, 2016
I loved this book.I am anxious to read the whole series.
November 12, 2016
This was an interesting read for me. The story was different for me because I don't usually read stories about the amish. So it was cool reading about different types of characters.
December 14, 2016
Great story....
The author has done a great job of telling her story. I enjoyed this story about adventure, suspense, and romance that shared a bit of early history with us.
The author has done a great job of telling her story. I enjoyed this story about adventure, suspense, and romance that shared a bit of early history with us.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews