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Lancaster County Weddings #5
Loving Isaac
Second-Chance Romance
Isaac Lapp wants to put his once topsy-turvy life back in order. As he works to rebuild his tattered reputation, his one saving grace is childhood pal Ellen Mast—whom he's starting to see as more than just an old friend. But after his flirtation with an English girl, Ellen doesn't fully trust the boy who's always made her heart leap. And even though Ellen's kindness and beauty are helping him become more confident each day, the lure of the non-Amish world beckons. Isaac must make a choice: a life beyond Happiness, Pennsylvania…or the woman who might just become his forever home.
Isaac Lapp wants to put his once topsy-turvy life back in order. As he works to rebuild his tattered reputation, his one saving grace is childhood pal Ellen Mast—whom he's starting to see as more than just an old friend. But after his flirtation with an English girl, Ellen doesn't fully trust the boy who's always made her heart leap. And even though Ellen's kindness and beauty are helping him become more confident each day, the lure of the non-Amish world beckons. Isaac must make a choice: a life beyond Happiness, Pennsylvania…or the woman who might just become his forever home.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published September 20, 2016
22 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 19, 2018
I don't have an opening quote for this, which is worrisome.
Ellen is Amish, but she wants to work with children who have genetic defects (many of them Amish).
She is in love with Isaac, but he threw her over for an "English" girl at age 15. The English girl was bad and they ended up breaking up, but the damage was done. He and Ellen are no longer friends.
Isaac has a 'dark secret' which consists of him taking the blame for vandalizing a local store - which he did not do. He works for three years, giving all his money to the storeowner to pay for damages. He is shunned and disliked in his community. All of this for something he did not actually do. As a result, he thinks his 'lie' (taking the blame) is a huge sin that mars him in the eyes of God. This makes him have doubts about entering the church.
Let's discuss the problems with this novel.
1.) Ellen is seventeen. I don't enjoy reading books about teenagers. I enjoy reading romance books about adults. This is a personal preference. I like reading about women and men, not girls and boys - when it comes to romance. I like romance between two adult characters.
2.) MENTIONS OF GOD: 34.
3.) And while we are on that topic, let's tackle CHRISTIANITY AND HOW IT IS ADDRESSED here, shall we?
There are varying types of Christians. One type believes everyone is a sinner. Since everyone is a sinner, being a sinner is the norm. Asking for forgiveness and acknowledging your sins means you can be forgiven. Other Christians believe no one should sin ever. They believe it is actually possible to lead a sinless life. This seems to be what Isaac is worried about. He seems to think he is 'unworthy of God' and 'impure' and 'tainting others' because he accepted blame for a crime he didn't commit and is paying for it (financially and socially). He thinks God doesn't love him because of this. He thinks he is not fit to be a Christian because of this.
Which is ridiculous. Everyone fucks up and this isn't even a bad fuck-up - accepting the blame protected his friend, and he stood up and paid for the whole thing - it took three fucking years - and is suffering some degree of social ostracism because of this. It's actually pretty noble, but in his eyes it's this huge sin that dirties him.
Another interesting aspect of the book is when Ellen encourages the actual guilty Amish party to repent and confess.
"It's hurting you not to tell. If you confess and tell the elders that you're sorry, then you'll be forgiven. People won't care that you weren't afraid to speak up. As long as you're sorry and say so."
Ahhahahahahaahaha! What bullshit. I thought it was a sin to lie, Ellen. You know first-hand that that isn't true. Even though Isaac stood up and took the blame, shouldered the responsibility and worked for three whole years to pay off the damages, he is STILL avoided, young people are warned away from him, people don't look him in the eye, people don't talk to him, etc. etc. So don't try to tell this other poor sap that if they 'just confess' everything will be alright. It certainly will NOT. And you know this.
4.) THE PATRIARCHY
Again, with Amish romance novels you are shoved into a harder core patriarchy than you're used to. Of course, the patriarchy is still alive and well, here in the U.S., but Amish subset is worse. At least as it is portrayed in these novels.
Ellen working - or volunteering - at the clinic is completely dependent on hermaster's father's wishes. Not because she is seventeen, but because she should marry and have babies and that is the only thing she should have an interest in. And her father makes all decisions for her, she must obey him.
"God will take care of these children, not you. You, dochter, should worry about finding a husband and having children."
Yes. God will take care of them! Not humans.
And her mom? Well, as a female, she is a non-entity. She must submit to hermaster husband.
"I don't know if that's a gut idea - " Dat began.
"I don't see why you can't go," her mother said at the same time that her father spoke. Mam immediately grew silent. She wouldn't go against her father's wishes.
One, this is terrible writing. It should read 'her husband's wishes' IMO. But you see what I am saying about being a female, having no rights, and having to obey your penis-having master.
And as for whomever Ellen marries? That male will be her new master. Whether he is kinder or more understanding than her father is up to debate, whether he allows her to work outside the home or not - but either way she will be under a man's thumb. And NOT marrying is not a choice in this society according to the books. She can only earn money if her husband gives her permission to earn money, and even if she wants to take a volunteer job - she can't without him saying it is okay.
She can leave the society, but then she will never be able to see her family again. So.
5.) The patriarchy is tied in with OUR HERO. Our hero is unfortunately bossy and controlling. Let's look at some examples.
"Ellen - "
She blinked up at him. "Ja?" Her expression suddenly turned wary.
"You WILL let me drive you home," he said, his voice firm. He wouldn't take no for an answer. - page 32 How unattractive.
"Your forehead's turned a light shade of purple. Is it sore?"
"I'm fine."
"That's not what I asked you." - page 55
Wow, this guy is an asshole.
He didn't like the thought of Ellen out and about on her own. - page 67
...he became angry. She didn't need to go on rumspringa. ... So why would she be so foolish as to place her and her cousin in danger? ... she should have known better and stayed at home, where she belonged. - page 117. This is pretty self-explanatory - know your place. It's at home caring for your husband and children. Not experiencing freedom or enjoying yourself. Being outside of the community without a male presence is just asking to be raped.
He was determined to make sure nothing happened to her in the future - whether or not she liked it. - page 118 Fuck her wishes and stuff like respecting her. Being a man means being in control of her life. FOR HER OWN GOOD.
"When is your appointment?" he asked quietly.
She blushed. "Tomorrow at noon."
"Nay."
She froze. "Nay? You don't think I should go?"
"I think you should go, but you should change your appointment so that I can come with you." - page 166 Bossy and controlling.
"I've decided to make everything YOU do my business." - page 174 You might want to work on your technique. This is creepy and you're scaring her.
She comes to visit him in his barn.
"What are you doing here, Ellen?" He hated that his tone was brisk, disapproving. He wanted her to be here, but he was afraid to hope... to want... to love.
His brusqueness must have struck her silent, for she'd backed away without a word. It's for her own good, he thought. - page 204
Snaps at her like an asshole, makes her feel like shit. But it's 'for her own good.'
After hiding shit from her basically the whole book, she figures out the truth. They clear the air. They start 'courting.' Then something happens and when she asks him about it, he chooses to hide it from her (again) instead of just telling her what's going on. This guy never learns. And it's a terrible start to a relationship. Really someone you don't want to end up married to IMO.
Another key part of the PATRIARCHY/HERO stuff is that whenever Ellen IS on her own outside of the community, she is instantly almost gangraped. This happens twice. Isaac saves her both times. Thus proving that she NEEDS a constant male escort, and that the patriarchy is in place for her own good, restricting her movements is for her own good... you don't want to be raped, do you? Then obey whichever man owns you currently. Because those are just the natural and expected consequences of daring to venture out on your own.
HOW'S THE SEX, CARMEN?
No sex, this is a Christian romance. One brief closed mouth kiss and one forehead kiss.
TL;DR - UGH. Hero is an asshole. The way Amish society is portrayed in this book makes me want to retch. Poor heroine. :( I guess I'm supposed to feel happy she ends up with this guy - I'm not.
ROMANCE CATEGORIES:
Contemporary Romance
Inspirational Romance
Virgin Hero Romance - I'm assuming
Young Adult Romance - Heroine is 17
Amish Romance
He's a Construction Worker, She's a Part-Time Worker at a Clinic for Children with Genetic Defects
Ellen is Amish, but she wants to work with children who have genetic defects (many of them Amish).
She is in love with Isaac, but he threw her over for an "English" girl at age 15. The English girl was bad and they ended up breaking up, but the damage was done. He and Ellen are no longer friends.
Isaac has a 'dark secret' which consists of him taking the blame for vandalizing a local store - which he did not do. He works for three years, giving all his money to the storeowner to pay for damages. He is shunned and disliked in his community. All of this for something he did not actually do. As a result, he thinks his 'lie' (taking the blame) is a huge sin that mars him in the eyes of God. This makes him have doubts about entering the church.
Let's discuss the problems with this novel.
1.) Ellen is seventeen. I don't enjoy reading books about teenagers. I enjoy reading romance books about adults. This is a personal preference. I like reading about women and men, not girls and boys - when it comes to romance. I like romance between two adult characters.
2.) MENTIONS OF GOD: 34.
3.) And while we are on that topic, let's tackle CHRISTIANITY AND HOW IT IS ADDRESSED here, shall we?
There are varying types of Christians. One type believes everyone is a sinner. Since everyone is a sinner, being a sinner is the norm. Asking for forgiveness and acknowledging your sins means you can be forgiven. Other Christians believe no one should sin ever. They believe it is actually possible to lead a sinless life. This seems to be what Isaac is worried about. He seems to think he is 'unworthy of God' and 'impure' and 'tainting others' because he accepted blame for a crime he didn't commit and is paying for it (financially and socially). He thinks God doesn't love him because of this. He thinks he is not fit to be a Christian because of this.
Which is ridiculous. Everyone fucks up and this isn't even a bad fuck-up - accepting the blame protected his friend, and he stood up and paid for the whole thing - it took three fucking years - and is suffering some degree of social ostracism because of this. It's actually pretty noble, but in his eyes it's this huge sin that dirties him.
Another interesting aspect of the book is when Ellen encourages the actual guilty Amish party to repent and confess.
"It's hurting you not to tell. If you confess and tell the elders that you're sorry, then you'll be forgiven. People won't care that you weren't afraid to speak up. As long as you're sorry and say so."
Ahhahahahahaahaha! What bullshit. I thought it was a sin to lie, Ellen. You know first-hand that that isn't true. Even though Isaac stood up and took the blame, shouldered the responsibility and worked for three whole years to pay off the damages, he is STILL avoided, young people are warned away from him, people don't look him in the eye, people don't talk to him, etc. etc. So don't try to tell this other poor sap that if they 'just confess' everything will be alright. It certainly will NOT. And you know this.
4.) THE PATRIARCHY
Again, with Amish romance novels you are shoved into a harder core patriarchy than you're used to. Of course, the patriarchy is still alive and well, here in the U.S., but Amish subset is worse. At least as it is portrayed in these novels.
Ellen working - or volunteering - at the clinic is completely dependent on her
"God will take care of these children, not you. You, dochter, should worry about finding a husband and having children."
Yes. God will take care of them! Not humans.
And her mom? Well, as a female, she is a non-entity. She must submit to her
"I don't know if that's a gut idea - " Dat began.
"I don't see why you can't go," her mother said at the same time that her father spoke. Mam immediately grew silent. She wouldn't go against her father's wishes.
One, this is terrible writing. It should read 'her husband's wishes' IMO. But you see what I am saying about being a female, having no rights, and having to obey your penis-having master.
And as for whomever Ellen marries? That male will be her new master. Whether he is kinder or more understanding than her father is up to debate, whether he allows her to work outside the home or not - but either way she will be under a man's thumb. And NOT marrying is not a choice in this society according to the books. She can only earn money if her husband gives her permission to earn money, and even if she wants to take a volunteer job - she can't without him saying it is okay.
She can leave the society, but then she will never be able to see her family again. So.
5.) The patriarchy is tied in with OUR HERO. Our hero is unfortunately bossy and controlling. Let's look at some examples.
"Ellen - "
She blinked up at him. "Ja?" Her expression suddenly turned wary.
"You WILL let me drive you home," he said, his voice firm. He wouldn't take no for an answer. - page 32 How unattractive.
"Your forehead's turned a light shade of purple. Is it sore?"
"I'm fine."
"That's not what I asked you." - page 55
Wow, this guy is an asshole.
He didn't like the thought of Ellen out and about on her own. - page 67
...he became angry. She didn't need to go on rumspringa. ... So why would she be so foolish as to place her and her cousin in danger? ... she should have known better and stayed at home, where she belonged. - page 117. This is pretty self-explanatory - know your place. It's at home caring for your husband and children. Not experiencing freedom or enjoying yourself. Being outside of the community without a male presence is just asking to be raped.
He was determined to make sure nothing happened to her in the future - whether or not she liked it. - page 118 Fuck her wishes and stuff like respecting her. Being a man means being in control of her life. FOR HER OWN GOOD.
"When is your appointment?" he asked quietly.
She blushed. "Tomorrow at noon."
"Nay."
She froze. "Nay? You don't think I should go?"
"I think you should go, but you should change your appointment so that I can come with you." - page 166 Bossy and controlling.
"I've decided to make everything YOU do my business." - page 174 You might want to work on your technique. This is creepy and you're scaring her.
She comes to visit him in his barn.
"What are you doing here, Ellen?" He hated that his tone was brisk, disapproving. He wanted her to be here, but he was afraid to hope... to want... to love.
His brusqueness must have struck her silent, for she'd backed away without a word. It's for her own good, he thought. - page 204
Snaps at her like an asshole, makes her feel like shit. But it's 'for her own good.'
After hiding shit from her basically the whole book, she figures out the truth. They clear the air. They start 'courting.' Then something happens and when she asks him about it, he chooses to hide it from her (again) instead of just telling her what's going on. This guy never learns. And it's a terrible start to a relationship. Really someone you don't want to end up married to IMO.
Another key part of the PATRIARCHY/HERO stuff is that whenever Ellen IS on her own outside of the community, she is instantly almost gangraped. This happens twice. Isaac saves her both times. Thus proving that she NEEDS a constant male escort, and that the patriarchy is in place for her own good, restricting her movements is for her own good... you don't want to be raped, do you? Then obey whichever man owns you currently. Because those are just the natural and expected consequences of daring to venture out on your own.
HOW'S THE SEX, CARMEN?
No sex, this is a Christian romance. One brief closed mouth kiss and one forehead kiss.
TL;DR - UGH. Hero is an asshole. The way Amish society is portrayed in this book makes me want to retch. Poor heroine. :( I guess I'm supposed to feel happy she ends up with this guy - I'm not.
ROMANCE CATEGORIES:
Contemporary Romance
Inspirational Romance
Virgin Hero Romance - I'm assuming
Young Adult Romance - Heroine is 17
Amish Romance
He's a Construction Worker, She's a Part-Time Worker at a Clinic for Children with Genetic Defects
September 9, 2017
Sweet story and fifth in the Lancaster County Weddings inspirational romance series about an Amish community in Pennsylvania.
October 23, 2016
3 stars
I had some trouble with this book because of the ages of the characters. They were both so young; Ellen was 17, and Isaac was 19 or 20? I don't recall the author ever stating his age. I enjoy reading the Amish books for the strong sense of community, but at times I felt lost with all of the secondary characters (and I've read Kertz's book previously, and I always feel the same way - there are TOO many characters). I had a hard time connecting with either protagonist this time around, though the central redemption story line was well done.
I had some trouble with this book because of the ages of the characters. They were both so young; Ellen was 17, and Isaac was 19 or 20? I don't recall the author ever stating his age. I enjoy reading the Amish books for the strong sense of community, but at times I felt lost with all of the secondary characters (and I've read Kertz's book previously, and I always feel the same way - there are TOO many characters). I had a hard time connecting with either protagonist this time around, though the central redemption story line was well done.
October 19, 2016
Was OK. Got tired of them rehashing the past over & over again. There also seemed to be some continuity problems.
August 26, 2018
Loving Isaac was a book that I could set aside while reading. It’s a cookie cutter Amish romance with too many characters, both Amish and English, that the story seemed disjointed at times. The hero and heroine had to overcome their broken relationship from the past with the hero coming to terms with his own actions of admitting to something he didn’t do to cover for an English friend.
I purchased this book at our library used book sale, thus a review was not required. All thoughts expressed are my own.
I purchased this book at our library used book sale, thus a review was not required. All thoughts expressed are my own.
October 29, 2016
Wow what a story. It is a continuation of the Lancaster County Weddings Series and I feel like a character in the book watching from a distance. I wanted to shake Isaac and make him realize that he had the best thing with Ellen. Things between them turned bad when Issac took up with Nancy an Englisher and a store was vandalized. Isaac took the blame for the damage but he didn't do it. Ellen had always love Isaac and is troubled by him. When finding out Nancy dumped him she has guarded hope that things will get better with them. You must read to find out if the get together or do the move on.
July 17, 2017
This is a novel that serves as a reminder that you cannot live your life only pleasing towards yourself. The further you go down a self-righteous path, the further you drive away all those care about you. Issac Lapp learns this lesson the hard way; however, like with everyone else, God never gave up on him.
April 3, 2017
Is he the biggest pest around or is he the love of your life? Can you forgive him for his running around time? Can your family forgive him? Or do they know that he didn't do all the bad things?
June 5, 2017
Nothing special. Just a sweet, simple story.
November 4, 2017
This book is part of a long series. I felt lost considering I had not read the first 4 books.
July 9, 2024
I had three of the books in the series: #1, #2, and #5. So I decided to read them, anyhow. The first book was 'meh' and banal, the second was slightly moreso, with a few more errors and problem bits, but this? It's darn awful. I'm loathe to think of the steady decline in the two books between that I missed.
This book starts us out with a look at a really not-at-all admirable 'hero' - "She has no idea how determined I can be to get what I want." !!!! Seriously.
And it morphs into THE DUMBEST PLOTLINE IN HISTORY. Isaac is a 'troublemaker' because he hung out with Brad (who is the devil, incarnate)... and he's being blamed for defacing Whittier's store. Which he didn't do - his Amish friend Henry Yoder did it. Why? We don't know. What we do know is that Brad has threatened to kill Henry if he tells anyone he did it. So Isaac steps in and says that HE did it... and apparently that's okay with Brad, even though Isaac is more closely linked to Brad, as he's dating Brad's sister Nancy. At which point the author tells us that Brad's beating Nancy is the reason Henry defaces the building.
Have I mentioned NONE of this makes sense, or matters?! Because a can of paint for $20 would paint over the siding that Henry/Isaac graffiti-ed. Except Isaac has to work THREE YEARS to pay off the damages. R'something... I can't even, at this point.
So Isaac is looked down on the ENTIRE BOOK - by his neighbors, by his community, by Ellen's parents (and a BIG DEAL is made out of how they'll look at his brothers but not at him, and address his brothers and not him)... and then at the end of the book her parents suddenly about face and are all, "Oh, we knew he was innocent all along, we're totally cool with him." !!!!!! WHAT IS THAT?!?!?!
Additionally, the ENTIRE BOOK is Isaac feeling like he's unworthy of Ellen, because he lied about doing the vandalism, which is a sin. So maybe he'll just leave the Amish. But definitely he's going to stay away from Ellen. Except he asks her to walk with him. But that was a mistake, and he's definitely going to stay away from Ellen. Until he asks her to spend the day. But then he's definitely going to stay away from Ellen. Except then he takes her to town, stalks her with Nate, follows her around, asks her to dinner, goes to HER HOUSE for dinner... but believe me, he's *DEFINITELY* going to stay away from Ellen.
((((((((sigh.))))))))
And the stupid is strong in this one. He takes her for ice cream - mint chocolate chip! Then he takes her past the ice cream place to the restaurant (the *ONLY* restaurant), and... wOw, we didn't know they had an ice cream window around the back of the restaurant that we've always gone to. And now - who knew?! - we can have ICE CREAM when we walk out to get something to eat!!!
Then Mary Ruth travels god knows how many miles to stay with the family... ONE DAY. SHE STAYS WITH THEM ONE DAY. They make this huge deal out of how she needs this time away because she's caring for a huge family and is absolutely exhausted and she's this relative they've never met but needs recoup time. And she shows up, the next day she goes to town with Ellen, and the day after that, she's getting in car and going home.
*****WHAT IS THAT?!?!??!??!!*****
The rest of the book is like a running telephone directory. There's the Samuel Lapps who are Fred, Wilma, Barney, Betty, Pebbles, who married Bam-Bam, and are expecting Dino, who live next to the Alta Herbergers, who are Joanie who married Chachi, Laverne who's walking out with Squiggy, Shirley and Lenny, who are related to the Cunninghams whose sons are Richie, Potsy, and Fonz.... GAHHHHHH!!! And we do this at least four times in the book.
And every time they try to have a meaningful conversation? Ellen walks (or runs) away. She hitches rides from town with other Amish. She turns and walks into the house. NOTHING is ever resolved with these two idiots. They drove me bats, I swear. And yes, they're like seventeen and nineteen, so they're immature morons, but it's like the teen stupidity was taken to new heights in this one.
I really loved it when Nate spent the evening teaching Ellen to pump her feet on a swing at the schulhaus, so that she could go higher. ((!!!!!!)) WHAT IS THAT?!?!?!?!
This is SO. NOT. worth it.
And I wish I hadn't wasted time on this book.
This book starts us out with a look at a really not-at-all admirable 'hero' - "She has no idea how determined I can be to get what I want." !!!! Seriously.
And it morphs into THE DUMBEST PLOTLINE IN HISTORY. Isaac is a 'troublemaker' because he hung out with Brad (who is the devil, incarnate)... and he's being blamed for defacing Whittier's store. Which he didn't do - his Amish friend Henry Yoder did it. Why? We don't know. What we do know is that Brad has threatened to kill Henry if he tells anyone he did it. So Isaac steps in and says that HE did it... and apparently that's okay with Brad, even though Isaac is more closely linked to Brad, as he's dating Brad's sister Nancy. At which point the author tells us that Brad's beating Nancy is the reason Henry defaces the building.
Have I mentioned NONE of this makes sense, or matters?! Because a can of paint for $20 would paint over the siding that Henry/Isaac graffiti-ed. Except Isaac has to work THREE YEARS to pay off the damages. R'something... I can't even, at this point.
So Isaac is looked down on the ENTIRE BOOK - by his neighbors, by his community, by Ellen's parents (and a BIG DEAL is made out of how they'll look at his brothers but not at him, and address his brothers and not him)... and then at the end of the book her parents suddenly about face and are all, "Oh, we knew he was innocent all along, we're totally cool with him." !!!!!! WHAT IS THAT?!?!?!
Additionally, the ENTIRE BOOK is Isaac feeling like he's unworthy of Ellen, because he lied about doing the vandalism, which is a sin. So maybe he'll just leave the Amish. But definitely he's going to stay away from Ellen. Except he asks her to walk with him. But that was a mistake, and he's definitely going to stay away from Ellen. Until he asks her to spend the day. But then he's definitely going to stay away from Ellen. Except then he takes her to town, stalks her with Nate, follows her around, asks her to dinner, goes to HER HOUSE for dinner... but believe me, he's *DEFINITELY* going to stay away from Ellen.
((((((((sigh.))))))))
And the stupid is strong in this one. He takes her for ice cream - mint chocolate chip! Then he takes her past the ice cream place to the restaurant (the *ONLY* restaurant), and... wOw, we didn't know they had an ice cream window around the back of the restaurant that we've always gone to. And now - who knew?! - we can have ICE CREAM when we walk out to get something to eat!!!
Then Mary Ruth travels god knows how many miles to stay with the family... ONE DAY. SHE STAYS WITH THEM ONE DAY. They make this huge deal out of how she needs this time away because she's caring for a huge family and is absolutely exhausted and she's this relative they've never met but needs recoup time. And she shows up, the next day she goes to town with Ellen, and the day after that, she's getting in car and going home.
*****WHAT IS THAT?!?!??!??!!*****
The rest of the book is like a running telephone directory. There's the Samuel Lapps who are Fred, Wilma, Barney, Betty, Pebbles, who married Bam-Bam, and are expecting Dino, who live next to the Alta Herbergers, who are Joanie who married Chachi, Laverne who's walking out with Squiggy, Shirley and Lenny, who are related to the Cunninghams whose sons are Richie, Potsy, and Fonz.... GAHHHHHH!!! And we do this at least four times in the book.
And every time they try to have a meaningful conversation? Ellen walks (or runs) away. She hitches rides from town with other Amish. She turns and walks into the house. NOTHING is ever resolved with these two idiots. They drove me bats, I swear. And yes, they're like seventeen and nineteen, so they're immature morons, but it's like the teen stupidity was taken to new heights in this one.
I really loved it when Nate spent the evening teaching Ellen to pump her feet on a swing at the schulhaus, so that she could go higher. ((!!!!!!)) WHAT IS THAT?!?!?!?!
This is SO. NOT. worth it.
And I wish I hadn't wasted time on this book.
October 10, 2019
Loving Isaac is the fifth amazing story written by Rebecca Kertz in her Lancaster County Weddings series. This story is truly about second chances not only in love but in life. The characters are well written and perfect for this story. The story has an underlying mystery that may or may not come out.
Isaac Lapp and Ellen Mast have been friends from a very young age and spent most of their free time together. When Isaac decides to go on his rumspringa he meets a young girl he believes he loves. Also he hangs with some trouble makers which causes him disgrace within his community. When Isaac repeatedly tried to apologize to Ellen she doesn't believe him. However, Isaac is willing to keep trying no matter how long it takes because he wants his friend back. His journey is a long journey but it doesn't look good because Ellen has been devastated.
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 Rebecca Kertz on writing this amazing story of forgiveness for her readers enjoyment.
Isaac Lapp and Ellen Mast have been friends from a very young age and spent most of their free time together. When Isaac decides to go on his rumspringa he meets a young girl he believes he loves. Also he hangs with some trouble makers which causes him disgrace within his community. When Isaac repeatedly tried to apologize to Ellen she doesn't believe him. However, Isaac is willing to keep trying no matter how long it takes because he wants his friend back. His journey is a long journey but it doesn't look good because Ellen has been devastated.
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 Rebecca Kertz on writing this amazing story of forgiveness for her readers enjoyment.
February 19, 2021
I enjoyed this clean Amish Romance, "Loving Isaac". This is one of two stories in this book. I voluntarily chose to review this and I've given it a 4.5* rating. There is a lot of back and forth in feelings and what was right or wrong. Both characters are still growing up and need to build their confidence up. Now on to the other story.
September 24, 2021
This was obviously hard for me to get through. I enjoy Amish fiction but not this one.
December 4, 2025
very good book very good series
Read
October 11, 2016received 4 1/2 stars @ Harlequin.com as of 10/10/2016
Miniseries: Lancaster County Weddings
Miniseries: Lancaster County Weddings
Read
October 1, 2016Miniseries: Lancaster County Weddings
October 10, 2016
Was a good book. Didn't want to put it down. When I did, I couldn't wait to get back to it.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews