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Amish by Accident #1
Englisch on Purpose
Mattie Riehl never expected her life to turn out this way. Raised Mennonite and amongst Amish friends in beautiful Lancaster County, she should be perfectly content, shouldn't she? But something inside beckons her to another world, another life. Can she leave her roots and her friends behind for a world she knows little about? Will she abandon everything, including the God her parents have taught her to follow?
- GenresAmishAmish Fiction
208 pages, Paperback
First published September 3, 2015
53 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Spredemann
74 books213 followersBy the grace of God, USA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer Spredemann began writing professionally as J.E.B. Spredemann in 2012. The acronym J.E.B. stands for Jennifer, Emily, and Brandi. Emily and Brandi are Jennifer's two eldest daughters, and co-authored the Amish Girls Series books, along with A Christmas of Mercy. (Brandi also writes Christian Western Romance under the pen name, Brandi Gabriel.)
You will find Jennifer's Amish-themed books under both Jennifer Spredemann and J.E.B. Spredemann. Jennifer also writes (non-Amish) Christian romance under the pen name Michelynn Christy.
As of 2025, Spredemann has penned over fifty titles, the majority of which are Amish romance.
Readers describe Spredemann's stories as books they "can't put down."
Spredemann strives to tell intriguing stories that touch the hearts of her readers and bring glory to God.
You will find Jennifer's Amish-themed books under both Jennifer Spredemann and J.E.B. Spredemann. Jennifer also writes (non-Amish) Christian romance under the pen name Michelynn Christy.
As of 2025, Spredemann has penned over fifty titles, the majority of which are Amish romance.
Readers describe Spredemann's stories as books they "can't put down."
Spredemann strives to tell intriguing stories that touch the hearts of her readers and bring glory to God.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 13, 2025
Well that was a super quick and short read. I was enjoying it until close to the ending when everything just seemed so rushed. I feel like this needed about 1 or 200 more pages for it to feel like a 'part one' of a series.
June 12, 2020
Short book. Mattie has decided to leave home after having conflict with her father over her behavior. Mattie runs away to live in New York City.
On her first day she meets Richard. Richard protects her from a mugging and then finds her a room to rent with his sister. Richard is smitten with Rachel but is really looking for a someone who loves the Lord. Mattie is done with the Lord. She is doing well and feel she doesn’t need the Lord.
This is a prequel to Amish by Accident.
Can Richard convince Mattie differently.
On her first day she meets Richard. Richard protects her from a mugging and then finds her a room to rent with his sister. Richard is smitten with Rachel but is really looking for a someone who loves the Lord. Mattie is done with the Lord. She is doing well and feel she doesn’t need the Lord.
This is a prequel to Amish by Accident.
Can Richard convince Mattie differently.
August 7, 2017
Short, sweet story of a young women struggling to find herself! She leaves her home and her culture... sick of having "religion" stuffed down her throat! What she finds... when she is able to make her own decisions is amazing! Read the series!!!
July 24, 2017
A cute fast read
February 2, 2019
Short, sweet story. Just enough to get you wrapped up in the characters and their lives.
August 21, 2019
Enjoyed the story. Must be hard to leave your family for a new city.
March 6, 2016
Sometimes I just love a fast read, Life can get busy and I just have a few moments to relax. Although this English on Purpose actually started out slow for me, I'm so glad I stuck with it. I loved how the author J,E.B. Spredeman worked her way through Mattie's problems bit by bit. I also glad to get caught up in quite a different Amish scenario than I'm used to.
I admired the character Mattie for thinking through her decision and finding a way to make it work for her.
I also admired the character Richard for standing up for what he knew was right. Not backing down but hoping not to have to give up.
A good Christian Amish book on a snowy day!
I received this book by the author in exchange for my review.
I admired the character Mattie for thinking through her decision and finding a way to make it work for her.
I also admired the character Richard for standing up for what he knew was right. Not backing down but hoping not to have to give up.
A good Christian Amish book on a snowy day!
I received this book by the author in exchange for my review.
September 6, 2015
Why did Mattie want to be Englisch??? This wonderful story answers the question. Mattie's need to get away was so painful for her. She seemed to be rebellious because how her father treated her. Why did he treat her that way? I believe he was authoritarian with out the hand of love. How hurtful the story is and Mattie's leaving causes much pain. Does Mattie get her happy ever after??? Does she find herself??? Will she succeed in the Englischer world??? You need to read this story to find out. I loved it and found it an eye opening read regarding rebellion. Highly recommend this story.
March 3, 2016
Another great reading from J.E.B. Spredemann. As an Mennonite/Amish romance fiction with a new twist, this story has some unexpected turns. Mattie is not only running from her Mennonite faith causing much hurt to her family, but she's running from God. I like that this author writes with Biblical principles. She has once again given us a well written story with characters of strong personalities. Will Richard help Mattie find her way to God. This book is a good easy read and is
written as a prequel to Amish By Accident. I highly recommend this book and author to those who like the Amish romance genre. I was given a copy for an honest review.
written as a prequel to Amish By Accident. I highly recommend this book and author to those who like the Amish romance genre. I was given a copy for an honest review.
November 17, 2016
Englisch on Purpose: A Prequel to Amish by Accident
: J. E. B. Spredemann
A story of a young woman's journey to discovering what she wants in life. There was sadness and lack of faith to deal with.This is not the sticky, gooey sweet Amish romance. I want to hear the rest of the series.
The narration was well done.The characters were well portrayed. Kay L. Dees reading was way too slow for my taste. I put it on my Kindle and doubled the speed to make it more listenable for me.
"I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator."
: J. E. B. Spredemann
A story of a young woman's journey to discovering what she wants in life. There was sadness and lack of faith to deal with.This is not the sticky, gooey sweet Amish romance. I want to hear the rest of the series.
The narration was well done.The characters were well portrayed. Kay L. Dees reading was way too slow for my taste. I put it on my Kindle and doubled the speed to make it more listenable for me.
"I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator."
October 9, 2015
Mattie decided she had enough of her fathers strict ways in her life. She decides to leave that world
Of Mennonite and go to the big city. The sad part for me, when she open her trunk and she see a bible that her father put there. She says no thanks Dad and shuts the trunk. So happy when she meets this wonderful guy Richard. I was worried what this Character was going to be for her. Richard is the most awesome guy. I am glad God has sent him in Mattie's world for her to see she needs God back in her life.
Of Mennonite and go to the big city. The sad part for me, when she open her trunk and she see a bible that her father put there. She says no thanks Dad and shuts the trunk. So happy when she meets this wonderful guy Richard. I was worried what this Character was going to be for her. Richard is the most awesome guy. I am glad God has sent him in Mattie's world for her to see she needs God back in her life.
September 8, 2015
Mattie wasn't happy with her Mennonite life. She feels like her family are to strict with her. She finally leaves home to follow her dream of going to New York. When she gets there she meets Richard. Watching their friendship change is wonderful. You can feel God working throughout this book.
December 2, 2016
Very very good
This was a very good book I really enjoyed reading this book I really could not put it down I enjoyed it so much would love to read more books from this author.
This was a very good book I really enjoyed reading this book I really could not put it down I enjoyed it so much would love to read more books from this author.
January 21, 2018
English on Purpose is the first book written by J.E.B. Spredemann in her Amizh by Accident series. This is a wonderful story to start out the series. The characters are very likeable and realistic and i enjoyed watching them evolve throughout the story. This book centers around Mattke Reihel and her move to New York City.
Even though Mattie is the main character I really enjoyed the character of Richard. He is kind, loveable, and just what Mattie needs in her life. He is also persistent in his quest to have Mattie know the love of God. Mattie is from a family that knows both Amish and Mennonite relatives in fact one of her grossdawdis is a Bishop in the Amish. So why doesn't Mattie already know the love of God? Follow her journey and that question will be answered.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this amazing book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable review. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that i can highly recommend to all those who love the Amish genre and Mennonite as well. All opinions and statements expressed are strictly my own.
Congratulations to J.E.B.Spredemann for writing another fantastic book for her readers to enjoy. I have already purchased the next book in this series and am anxious to see where the journey will lead.
Even though Mattie is the main character I really enjoyed the character of Richard. He is kind, loveable, and just what Mattie needs in her life. He is also persistent in his quest to have Mattie know the love of God. Mattie is from a family that knows both Amish and Mennonite relatives in fact one of her grossdawdis is a Bishop in the Amish. So why doesn't Mattie already know the love of God? Follow her journey and that question will be answered.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this amazing book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable review. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that i can highly recommend to all those who love the Amish genre and Mennonite as well. All opinions and statements expressed are strictly my own.
Congratulations to J.E.B.Spredemann for writing another fantastic book for her readers to enjoy. I have already purchased the next book in this series and am anxious to see where the journey will lead.
January 21, 2019
Mattie Reihl grew up in Paradise, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in a Mennonite family with many Amish friends and relatives; her dream was to leave and go to New York City and find a new life. She made a decision to be Englisch on Purpose.
Richard Greene rescued Mattie from a mugger, helped her find a safe place to live with his married sister and a job. He is a religious man that has found God. Mattie's attitude is that she is done with religion and wasn't ready to listen to how important it is to Richard for her to share his views and be saved.
Richard has a health scare and Mattie turns to God in prayer for his help for Richard, which leads to a new understanding with Richard. I liked that the people in Mattie's life stuck to their belief in God and how important it is to be true to your values.
Richard Greene rescued Mattie from a mugger, helped her find a safe place to live with his married sister and a job. He is a religious man that has found God. Mattie's attitude is that she is done with religion and wasn't ready to listen to how important it is to Richard for her to share his views and be saved.
Richard has a health scare and Mattie turns to God in prayer for his help for Richard, which leads to a new understanding with Richard. I liked that the people in Mattie's life stuck to their belief in God and how important it is to be true to your values.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews