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Brides of Lost Creek #1
Second Chance Amish Bride
An Amish Nanny
Caring for her late cousin's young kinder is Jessie Miller's duty--even if it means seeing their father again. Years ago, she thought Caleb King might be her husband--until he met her cousin and Jessie's dream was cut short. Laid up with a broken leg and a demanding dairy farm, Caleb needs her. But Caleb wants no woman around...and no reminder of the wife who abandoned her family before her death. Especially since he fears Jessie will throw a wrench in his plan to remain a single dad. She's gentle and kind, and if Caleb isn't careful, she may be just what his little Amish family needs.
Caring for her late cousin's young kinder is Jessie Miller's duty--even if it means seeing their father again. Years ago, she thought Caleb King might be her husband--until he met her cousin and Jessie's dream was cut short. Laid up with a broken leg and a demanding dairy farm, Caleb needs her. But Caleb wants no woman around...and no reminder of the wife who abandoned her family before her death. Especially since he fears Jessie will throw a wrench in his plan to remain a single dad. She's gentle and kind, and if Caleb isn't careful, she may be just what his little Amish family needs.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published August 22, 2017
225 people are currently reading
577 people want to read
About the author
Marta Perry
201 books769 followersMarta Perry is a Pennsylvania-based author of over 35 novels, many of them inspirational romances. She uses her rural Pennsylvania life and her Pennsylvania Dutch heritage in writing her books, especially in her Pleasant Valley Amish series for Berkley Books and her new Amish-set suspense series for HQN Books.
Marta and her husband live in a centuries-old farmhouse in a quiet central Pennsylvania valley. They have three grown children and six beautiful grandchildren, and when she's not busy writing her next book, she's usually trying to keep up with her gardening, baking for church events, or visiting those beautiful grandkids.
Marta and her husband live in a centuries-old farmhouse in a quiet central Pennsylvania valley. They have three grown children and six beautiful grandchildren, and when she's not busy writing her next book, she's usually trying to keep up with her gardening, baking for church events, or visiting those beautiful grandkids.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 38 reviews
March 10, 2023
When Caleb King breaks his leg helping save a neighbor's barn, he, his onkel (uncle), and brother need help with care for Caleb's kinder (children). But he really didn't want his dead wife's cousin to come help. Jessie feels guilt over how her cousin Alice treated her husband and children. Plus, she made a promise to Alice. Both Caleb and Jessie as well as Caleb's six-year-old daughter, all need healing from past and buried hurts, then they might be able to move on into a bright future. This is a sweet and touching story of faith and forgiveness.
August 7, 2018
And then he leaned across the barrier of the wheelchair arm and kissed her.
It was a long, slow kiss, gentle at first but deepening as he felt her response. He inhaled the sweet, feminine scent of her, heard her breathing quicken and felt her lips warm. Her hand touched his nape tentatively, then more surely as she leaned into his kiss. The world seemed to narrow until it encompassed only the two of them.
Jessie comes over to help her cousin's widower, Caleb. He is in a wheelchair with a broken leg. He has two children - Becky, 6 and Timothy, 4.
She met Caleb 10 years ago when he came to visit her farm. They really hit it off. They got along very well, and Jessie was romantically interested in him. But as soon as he saw her beautiful blonde cousin, Alice, he was entranced. He pursues Alice and marries her quickly.
However, Alice is not good wife material. She is unhappy and possibly suffering from Postpartum Depression (and possibly not, who knows) when she abandons her husband and her two children when Timothy is 10 months old. She lives in the English world. But she comes back (two years ago) to die. She finds out she has cancer and lives out her last months on the farm with the husband and children she abandoned and scarred deeply.
So. Caleb is fucked up in the head about women (his mom abandoned him and his brothers, now he and his children were abandoned by Alice). He is also fucking his children up in the head by refusing to mention Alice in his house, never discussing Alice with the children, and acting like Alice was a horrible, garbage woman. I mean, that may have basis in truth - Alice did act wrongly and hurt him and the children - but she was the children's mother, for gosh sake. He's not doing his kids any favors by harboring such festering hatred for his dead wife.
So this is the viper's nest Jessie is plunged into when she arrives at the farm. Caleb is very resentful and hostile to her.
Let's break this down.
1.) Perry is a good author. Let's get that out of the way first. I had a lot of problems with this book, but the writing wasn't something I was complaining about. Perry is creating a poignant story here. She is great at tugging on your heart. She really gets your emotions going. She pays attention to detail. Her skill as an author of Christian romance is not under attack here.
2.) Caleb is an asshole. That's really my main problem with this book. It's a problem the book can't recover from. Being grumpy is one thing, but Caleb is not grumpy. He's an asshole. I don't like the way he treats Jessie. And in case you think he can redeem himself, he can't. Even until the end of the book, even after they decide to be together, he still keeps treating her like trash.
He has a bad temper. He lashes out all the time. Jessie is constantly weighing her words and treading carefully around him because he gets angry easily. That's such a huge turn-off to me. You can't expect me to root for her ending up with this man. Do you want to be married to a guy whom you have to walk on eggshells around for the rest of your life?!!? No, you don't.
Caleb really doesn't have any excuse. Jessie is a wonderful and kind person. She is very patient with him and she is very kind to him and the children. The way he treats her is atrocious, and it doesn't change even after he realizes he is romantically and sexually attracted to her. It's not okay. It's not excusable, I don't care what his dead wife did in the past.
3.) Another idea I want to address is the idea that Jessie is ugly. It's really... sick. Caleb is fucked up IMO.
At least she's nothing at all like Alice was. She's plain, not pretty and flirty. 28
...
She was flushed and smiling, and with her eyes sparkling, she didn't look as plain as he'd thought. 51
...
Pretty. Not beautiful, the way Alice had been when they'd met, but appealing in her own way. 55
...
She had no plans to be married, so the day she'd joined them had been a silent announcement, if any were needed, that she considered herself a spinster.
Not a pretty term, but it was true. She'd given up the idea of marriage a long time ago. 72
A lot of this doesn't make any sense. For one thing: okay, so Jessie isn't as pretty as her cousin Alice. A lot of good that did Caleb. His beautiful wife whom he was so entranced by was a terrible partner and a terrible mother. Why is he still looking for and judging women on their outward appearance? You'd think he would have learned better.
Two, it's begrudging. It's as if Caleb is saying, "Oh, fine. I guess I'll reluctantly take this woman as my wife, even though she's not pretty." Don't do Jessie any favors, fucker. She's too good for you. You don't deserve her. You're fucking trash. Even though you lash out at her, have a terrible temper, hurt her feelings... SHE should be grateful YOU are taking an interest in her?!!?!? Get the fuck out of here with that shit.
Jessie knows she's Caleb's second choice and that he doesn't think she's pretty. That's very hurtful. Seeing a man you were interested in lose all interest in you as soon as he sees your prettier sister/cousin is very damaging. I can't believe she'd think about taking that man back. He's not even apologetic. He's STILL critical of her appearance and compares her looks unfavorably to his dead wife's. WTF?
If I'm reading a romance and I am very sad the woman gets saddled with the 'hero' for life, then you have failed as a romance author. I'm sorry, even though Perry writes a good and poignant story, I can't cheer for these two to end up together. I think it's awful. Poor Jessie. I can't believe this is who she is going to have to deal with for the rest of her life.
Three, what is all this shit about her being a spinster?!?! From what I've read in Amish Christian Fiction, you have no choice to remain single in the Amish community. Everyone is forced to get married and have children. She'd have to have A LOT more 'wrong' with her than having 'plain looks' in order to be considered unmarriagable. EVERYONE is marriageable in the Amish community. Especially someone who is an amazing cleaner, a wonderful cook, and who is skilled with children. She would be a catch. I can't imagine a 'plain face' would make her some sort of reject. It's literally not believable.
4.) She teaches a four-year-old boy how to cook and sew. I honestly thought she was going to get a lot worse blowback from this. Gender roles are strictly enforced in this community. I was surprised she didn't get laid into for this.
TL;DR I just do not understand how authors expect me to root for a woman to end up with an asshole. And Caleb proves he is going to be this way for life. He does not redeem himself or show that he can change and be better. She's hitched to this jerk FOR LIFE. She's going to have to carefully watch what she says and does FOR LIFE because he has a bad temper and a tendency to lash out.
This makes me very sad. Jessie is a kind, hard-working, loving, patient woman and she deserves a lot better than this asshole. I resent the implication that because of her 'plain looks' this is the best she can expect from life. That's total bullshit, especially in this community where marriage is so important, required, and necessary. I'd think she'd have a lot of better options than picking up her dead cousin's bad-tempered husband.
MENTIONS OF GOD: 40. Quite light.
HOW'S THE SEX, CARMEN?
No sex, Christian romance. Some light kissing.
ROMANCE CATEGORIES
Contemporary Romance
Inspirational Romance
Widower Hero
Amish Romance
He's a Farmer, She's a... Amish Women Aren't Allowed to Work for Pay
It was a long, slow kiss, gentle at first but deepening as he felt her response. He inhaled the sweet, feminine scent of her, heard her breathing quicken and felt her lips warm. Her hand touched his nape tentatively, then more surely as she leaned into his kiss. The world seemed to narrow until it encompassed only the two of them.
Jessie comes over to help her cousin's widower, Caleb. He is in a wheelchair with a broken leg. He has two children - Becky, 6 and Timothy, 4.
She met Caleb 10 years ago when he came to visit her farm. They really hit it off. They got along very well, and Jessie was romantically interested in him. But as soon as he saw her beautiful blonde cousin, Alice, he was entranced. He pursues Alice and marries her quickly.
However, Alice is not good wife material. She is unhappy and possibly suffering from Postpartum Depression (and possibly not, who knows) when she abandons her husband and her two children when Timothy is 10 months old. She lives in the English world. But she comes back (two years ago) to die. She finds out she has cancer and lives out her last months on the farm with the husband and children she abandoned and scarred deeply.
So. Caleb is fucked up in the head about women (his mom abandoned him and his brothers, now he and his children were abandoned by Alice). He is also fucking his children up in the head by refusing to mention Alice in his house, never discussing Alice with the children, and acting like Alice was a horrible, garbage woman. I mean, that may have basis in truth - Alice did act wrongly and hurt him and the children - but she was the children's mother, for gosh sake. He's not doing his kids any favors by harboring such festering hatred for his dead wife.
So this is the viper's nest Jessie is plunged into when she arrives at the farm. Caleb is very resentful and hostile to her.
Let's break this down.
1.) Perry is a good author. Let's get that out of the way first. I had a lot of problems with this book, but the writing wasn't something I was complaining about. Perry is creating a poignant story here. She is great at tugging on your heart. She really gets your emotions going. She pays attention to detail. Her skill as an author of Christian romance is not under attack here.
2.) Caleb is an asshole. That's really my main problem with this book. It's a problem the book can't recover from. Being grumpy is one thing, but Caleb is not grumpy. He's an asshole. I don't like the way he treats Jessie. And in case you think he can redeem himself, he can't. Even until the end of the book, even after they decide to be together, he still keeps treating her like trash.
He has a bad temper. He lashes out all the time. Jessie is constantly weighing her words and treading carefully around him because he gets angry easily. That's such a huge turn-off to me. You can't expect me to root for her ending up with this man. Do you want to be married to a guy whom you have to walk on eggshells around for the rest of your life?!!? No, you don't.
Caleb really doesn't have any excuse. Jessie is a wonderful and kind person. She is very patient with him and she is very kind to him and the children. The way he treats her is atrocious, and it doesn't change even after he realizes he is romantically and sexually attracted to her. It's not okay. It's not excusable, I don't care what his dead wife did in the past.
3.) Another idea I want to address is the idea that Jessie is ugly. It's really... sick. Caleb is fucked up IMO.
At least she's nothing at all like Alice was. She's plain, not pretty and flirty. 28
...
She was flushed and smiling, and with her eyes sparkling, she didn't look as plain as he'd thought. 51
...
Pretty. Not beautiful, the way Alice had been when they'd met, but appealing in her own way. 55
...
She had no plans to be married, so the day she'd joined them had been a silent announcement, if any were needed, that she considered herself a spinster.
Not a pretty term, but it was true. She'd given up the idea of marriage a long time ago. 72
A lot of this doesn't make any sense. For one thing: okay, so Jessie isn't as pretty as her cousin Alice. A lot of good that did Caleb. His beautiful wife whom he was so entranced by was a terrible partner and a terrible mother. Why is he still looking for and judging women on their outward appearance? You'd think he would have learned better.
Two, it's begrudging. It's as if Caleb is saying, "Oh, fine. I guess I'll reluctantly take this woman as my wife, even though she's not pretty." Don't do Jessie any favors, fucker. She's too good for you. You don't deserve her. You're fucking trash. Even though you lash out at her, have a terrible temper, hurt her feelings... SHE should be grateful YOU are taking an interest in her?!!?!? Get the fuck out of here with that shit.
Jessie knows she's Caleb's second choice and that he doesn't think she's pretty. That's very hurtful. Seeing a man you were interested in lose all interest in you as soon as he sees your prettier sister/cousin is very damaging. I can't believe she'd think about taking that man back. He's not even apologetic. He's STILL critical of her appearance and compares her looks unfavorably to his dead wife's. WTF?
If I'm reading a romance and I am very sad the woman gets saddled with the 'hero' for life, then you have failed as a romance author. I'm sorry, even though Perry writes a good and poignant story, I can't cheer for these two to end up together. I think it's awful. Poor Jessie. I can't believe this is who she is going to have to deal with for the rest of her life.
Three, what is all this shit about her being a spinster?!?! From what I've read in Amish Christian Fiction, you have no choice to remain single in the Amish community. Everyone is forced to get married and have children. She'd have to have A LOT more 'wrong' with her than having 'plain looks' in order to be considered unmarriagable. EVERYONE is marriageable in the Amish community. Especially someone who is an amazing cleaner, a wonderful cook, and who is skilled with children. She would be a catch. I can't imagine a 'plain face' would make her some sort of reject. It's literally not believable.
4.) She teaches a four-year-old boy how to cook and sew. I honestly thought she was going to get a lot worse blowback from this. Gender roles are strictly enforced in this community. I was surprised she didn't get laid into for this.
TL;DR I just do not understand how authors expect me to root for a woman to end up with an asshole. And Caleb proves he is going to be this way for life. He does not redeem himself or show that he can change and be better. She's hitched to this jerk FOR LIFE. She's going to have to carefully watch what she says and does FOR LIFE because he has a bad temper and a tendency to lash out.
This makes me very sad. Jessie is a kind, hard-working, loving, patient woman and she deserves a lot better than this asshole. I resent the implication that because of her 'plain looks' this is the best she can expect from life. That's total bullshit, especially in this community where marriage is so important, required, and necessary. I'd think she'd have a lot of better options than picking up her dead cousin's bad-tempered husband.
MENTIONS OF GOD: 40. Quite light.
HOW'S THE SEX, CARMEN?
No sex, Christian romance. Some light kissing.
ROMANCE CATEGORIES
Contemporary Romance
Inspirational Romance
Widower Hero
Amish Romance
He's a Farmer, She's a... Amish Women Aren't Allowed to Work for Pay
January 7, 2018
The theme of this story is forgiveness and guilt, and they have compounded so that all have been touched by the hurt.
The author has done a great job of showing just how the lack of forgiveness and keeping a grudge is affecting all of those around you, especially the young and impressionable.
This book does take place in Amish Country, but it could be anywhere, an immature Mom up and leaves her family. Now the people that raised her and the family she left are and have been hurting and each blaming themselves. The ironic part of this Amish family is that it seems that history keeps repeating itself in their home, but why?
Again the same as in all communities, there are those few with loose lips, and it is unexpected here, but does happen. There are some really sad moments here, and it will tear at your heart, then again there are some sweet and cute moments.
This is a read that goes fast, but one that you want to get to the end with for the answers, but them once arrived, there is a sense of loss.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.
The author has done a great job of showing just how the lack of forgiveness and keeping a grudge is affecting all of those around you, especially the young and impressionable.
This book does take place in Amish Country, but it could be anywhere, an immature Mom up and leaves her family. Now the people that raised her and the family she left are and have been hurting and each blaming themselves. The ironic part of this Amish family is that it seems that history keeps repeating itself in their home, but why?
Again the same as in all communities, there are those few with loose lips, and it is unexpected here, but does happen. There are some really sad moments here, and it will tear at your heart, then again there are some sweet and cute moments.
This is a read that goes fast, but one that you want to get to the end with for the answers, but them once arrived, there is a sense of loss.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.
September 13, 2017
Woohoo! A new Amish series by Marta Perry! I am so in for the long haul and thankfully Caleb has two brothers and I'm sure the author can come up with a few more Amish bachelors to keep the series going. :-)
The power of forgiveness is explored in this compelling romance. Both Caleb and Jessie struggle with forgiving the same person though it affects them in different ways. Caleb is on the verge of bitterness, nursing his anger and allowing it to dictate his actions. He doesn't realize that those negative emotions are spilling over into the lives of his innocent children. Jessie has taken on the burden of guilt and tries to make amends in matters that aren't her fault. Two troubled souls with so much hope for a future if they can free themselves from the burdens of the past.
An Amish romance rife with emotion and the hope of happily-ever-after.
The power of forgiveness is explored in this compelling romance. Both Caleb and Jessie struggle with forgiving the same person though it affects them in different ways. Caleb is on the verge of bitterness, nursing his anger and allowing it to dictate his actions. He doesn't realize that those negative emotions are spilling over into the lives of his innocent children. Jessie has taken on the burden of guilt and tries to make amends in matters that aren't her fault. Two troubled souls with so much hope for a future if they can free themselves from the burdens of the past.
An Amish romance rife with emotion and the hope of happily-ever-after.
February 18, 2018
This tale is certainly well written, a reflective romance. I found it a bit too slow, and heavy on the inner deliberations of the characters. But the lifestyle is nicely brought alive.
A young woman arrives from a different Amish community when her relative by marriage, a widower with two young kids, has an accident and needs to be in a wheelchair for a few months. While her housework is certainly needed, her presence is an unwelcome reminder that her cousin, the kids' mother, went away to the city and died. We can predict the romance that follows, and for some folks, that will be all that they want from the read.
The author has written many such romances - some livelier or more suspenseful. The tale is suitable for teens or adults.
I read an e-ARC from Net Galley and Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
A young woman arrives from a different Amish community when her relative by marriage, a widower with two young kids, has an accident and needs to be in a wheelchair for a few months. While her housework is certainly needed, her presence is an unwelcome reminder that her cousin, the kids' mother, went away to the city and died. We can predict the romance that follows, and for some folks, that will be all that they want from the read.
The author has written many such romances - some livelier or more suspenseful. The tale is suitable for teens or adults.
I read an e-ARC from Net Galley and Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
April 30, 2019
Once again author Marta Perry drew me into her book from the first Chapter. I have read the other two books in the Brides of Lost Creek series so I wanted to go back and read Second Chance Bride. This book certainly did not disappoint this reader. The story flowed smoothly as a broken family struggling from past hurts learned to forgive and love again.
It hadn't been easy for sure after Alice had left Caleb and her children Becky and Timothy and headed out into the English world. The family hadn't heard from her until one day she came back into their lives again just as sudden as she had left. This time was different because Alice had come back home to die.
After Alice passed away Caleb struggled with bitterness and an unforgiving heart towards his late wife. Then his neighbors barn caught on fire and Caleb had helped to rescue the livestock from the burning barn. A beam had fell on his leg and trapped him in the blazing barn. Just in time his Amish friends saved him but he was rushed to the hospital where he stayed for a few weeks.
After Caleb's release he had a long recovery ahead of him. Much to his dismay Alice's cousin from Ohio showed up at his home to help the family. She was the last person he wanted there because she reminded him of his late wife and he didn't want to revisit those memories of his past. Jessie wanted to help the family and get to know Alice's children. Caleb's attitude towards her bordered on rudeness. He wanted her out and told her she could only stay a few days. How could Jessie change his mind and get him to allow her to stay. They needed someone to do housekeeping and make meals and the children needed a woman's care. Would Caleb set his bittersweet and poor attitude aside and admit he needed her help.
All readers of Amish Love Inspired books or fans of Amish Fiction or Marta Perry will love this story. I highly recommend it to my Good reads friends.
I borrowed a copy of Second Chance Bride from the Digital Library. A review was not requested. All opinions shared in this review are my own .
It hadn't been easy for sure after Alice had left Caleb and her children Becky and Timothy and headed out into the English world. The family hadn't heard from her until one day she came back into their lives again just as sudden as she had left. This time was different because Alice had come back home to die.
After Alice passed away Caleb struggled with bitterness and an unforgiving heart towards his late wife. Then his neighbors barn caught on fire and Caleb had helped to rescue the livestock from the burning barn. A beam had fell on his leg and trapped him in the blazing barn. Just in time his Amish friends saved him but he was rushed to the hospital where he stayed for a few weeks.
After Caleb's release he had a long recovery ahead of him. Much to his dismay Alice's cousin from Ohio showed up at his home to help the family. She was the last person he wanted there because she reminded him of his late wife and he didn't want to revisit those memories of his past. Jessie wanted to help the family and get to know Alice's children. Caleb's attitude towards her bordered on rudeness. He wanted her out and told her she could only stay a few days. How could Jessie change his mind and get him to allow her to stay. They needed someone to do housekeeping and make meals and the children needed a woman's care. Would Caleb set his bittersweet and poor attitude aside and admit he needed her help.
All readers of Amish Love Inspired books or fans of Amish Fiction or Marta Perry will love this story. I highly recommend it to my Good reads friends.
I borrowed a copy of Second Chance Bride from the Digital Library. A review was not requested. All opinions shared in this review are my own .
September 4, 2017
A thought provoking story about forgiveness and its effects on a person, and those around them.
I have been fascinated by the Amish Love Inspired stories, the culture, the beliefs, the language, I find it intriguing. Second Chance Amish Bride gives a glimpse of the way of living and forgiving. The Amish believe that you are forgiven with the same measure you forgive to others. Something to ponder.
Caleb King is headstrong and prideful. To admit that he needs help is not easy to him, to talk about his late wife and the mistakes she made, and how she broke his heart are too painful still years after. His children are hiding their sorrow and doubts to protect their loving father, there's a lot of healing still needed to happen and wounds that need to be cleaned to be able to mend them.
Jessie Miller has the biggest heart and giving, kind soul. She feels responsible for the action and choices her younger cousin, Caleb's wife, made while alive. Caleb once broke her heart, is there now a chance for a new beginning, forgiveness, and grace for all?
The story is well written with a fluent flow and events changing with a tempo that it holds the interest. All the characters, from the children to the adults, secondary and the primary, were well thought out and had their own temperament and characteristics. It was easy to like them and relate to them. The children were acting a little advanced for their age, I assumed they were years older than the revealed ages, but maybe they grow faster in that element.
I am not sure what I think about the writing in the partially Amish language or writing in any dialect for that matter. If the characters were not speaking English with each other at all, to partially use some terms in the story from the original language isn't then necessary, in my opinion. I think that would be the thing that I could get tired of with these Amish stories if anything.
Learning to forgive, learning to move on, to trust your heart, and daring to open it again to love and embrace the good memories, are some of the lessons Caleb and Jessie have to learn to be able to build a future together.
~ Four Spoons
I have been fascinated by the Amish Love Inspired stories, the culture, the beliefs, the language, I find it intriguing. Second Chance Amish Bride gives a glimpse of the way of living and forgiving. The Amish believe that you are forgiven with the same measure you forgive to others. Something to ponder.
Caleb King is headstrong and prideful. To admit that he needs help is not easy to him, to talk about his late wife and the mistakes she made, and how she broke his heart are too painful still years after. His children are hiding their sorrow and doubts to protect their loving father, there's a lot of healing still needed to happen and wounds that need to be cleaned to be able to mend them.
Jessie Miller has the biggest heart and giving, kind soul. She feels responsible for the action and choices her younger cousin, Caleb's wife, made while alive. Caleb once broke her heart, is there now a chance for a new beginning, forgiveness, and grace for all?
The story is well written with a fluent flow and events changing with a tempo that it holds the interest. All the characters, from the children to the adults, secondary and the primary, were well thought out and had their own temperament and characteristics. It was easy to like them and relate to them. The children were acting a little advanced for their age, I assumed they were years older than the revealed ages, but maybe they grow faster in that element.
I am not sure what I think about the writing in the partially Amish language or writing in any dialect for that matter. If the characters were not speaking English with each other at all, to partially use some terms in the story from the original language isn't then necessary, in my opinion. I think that would be the thing that I could get tired of with these Amish stories if anything.
Learning to forgive, learning to move on, to trust your heart, and daring to open it again to love and embrace the good memories, are some of the lessons Caleb and Jessie have to learn to be able to build a future together.
~ Four Spoons
July 20, 2017
More to follow
February 1, 2019
I'm not quite sure how I feel about this book. Caleb was a bit of a jerk for a long time, I know how hurt he was by his wife leaving but I didn't like how he was treating Jessie. Jessie was a great character and I loved how she had the spirit to help the kids and Caleb. The romance was good, I'm glad it didn't happened too suddenly. I'd be interested to continue with this series.
3.5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
3.5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
January 19, 2018
Years ago, Jessie was in love with Caleb but her pretty young cousin turned up and swept Caleb off his feet and into marriage. The marriage ended tragically but Caleb has his children to care for.
Now Caleb needs help and he has to put aside his pride and let Jessie help him. It’s a second chance for Jessie, though it doesn’t look like either of them will soften enough to let it happen.
And enjoyable story with a satisfactory ending.
I received and ARC from Netgalley for independent review.
Now Caleb needs help and he has to put aside his pride and let Jessie help him. It’s a second chance for Jessie, though it doesn’t look like either of them will soften enough to let it happen.
And enjoyable story with a satisfactory ending.
I received and ARC from Netgalley for independent review.
October 12, 2017
Jessie Miller knows her duty - caring for her younger cousin's children - even though that means clashing with their father, Caleb King. Years ago, Jessie's dreams were dashed when the man she thought was interested in her, chose her cousin instead. She stayed out of things when her cousin ran out on her husband and two young children, feeling that they did not need a reminder of the woman who left them. Then, she receives a letter from that same cousin saying that she has cancer and is returning to her marriage to try and make things right before she dies. She pleads with Jessie to do what she can to show her family, especially her daughter, that she didn't leave because of them. When word reaches Jessie's family that Caleb has had an accident and will be laid up for the foreseeable future, Jessie can't stay away. Can she convince Caleb that she's only there to help, her only desire to make life easier?
Caleb King has wrestled for 3 years with forgiving his young wife for leaving him. He knows that his Amish faith requires it but every time her name or her memory come up, he feels only anger and disgust. Finally out of the hospital following a fire that could have killed him, he wants nothing more than to recuperate in peace. So, why is Jessie Miller on his doorstep? Doesn't she know that her very presence rubs salt into his festering wounds? Caleb relents and gives her 3 days, telling her that's it. As she quietly works to make his house a home again, will he continue to see the wife who left or the woman who would stay with just a tiny bit of encouragement?
Marta Perry never disappoints. Her stories always have a nugget of truth or two to savor long after the book is completed. In this one, there were two for me: Sometimes you have to forgive then forgive again, then forgive again, until one day you realize you don't need to forgive anymore because you no longer have anything to forgive. The other was that everyone likes to feel useful, be they young children or a man with a broken leg. Everyone needs a purpose.
If you like Amish fiction or if you just enjoy a good story, Second Chance Amish Bride would be a good choice! I definitely recommend it!
Caleb King has wrestled for 3 years with forgiving his young wife for leaving him. He knows that his Amish faith requires it but every time her name or her memory come up, he feels only anger and disgust. Finally out of the hospital following a fire that could have killed him, he wants nothing more than to recuperate in peace. So, why is Jessie Miller on his doorstep? Doesn't she know that her very presence rubs salt into his festering wounds? Caleb relents and gives her 3 days, telling her that's it. As she quietly works to make his house a home again, will he continue to see the wife who left or the woman who would stay with just a tiny bit of encouragement?
Marta Perry never disappoints. Her stories always have a nugget of truth or two to savor long after the book is completed. In this one, there were two for me: Sometimes you have to forgive then forgive again, then forgive again, until one day you realize you don't need to forgive anymore because you no longer have anything to forgive. The other was that everyone likes to feel useful, be they young children or a man with a broken leg. Everyone needs a purpose.
If you like Amish fiction or if you just enjoy a good story, Second Chance Amish Bride would be a good choice! I definitely recommend it!
September 24, 2017
Wrong Title, Fantastic Read
Marta Perry has been on the Amish genre scene for a while now. She’s had some really good ones (with Keepers of the Promise series among them.) So when I was given the opportunity to review her newest release, Second Chance Bride, I wondered: Would it be up to par with her other writings? Yes – and then some!
Second Chance Bride tells the story of Amish maedel Jessie Millier. She’s not a spring chicken - she’s in her 30s ! But Jessie is satisfied with her station in life.
Caleb King is wheelchair bound (hopefully temporarily), due to an accident. His wife abandoned him, and then came home to die. He has kids that need a little TLC. When his late wife’s cousin Jessie (yes, that one) arrives at Caleb’s place, he is outraged and wants nothing to do with her. But what can he do? And don’t forget: The Amish Grapevine is alive and well and causing LOTS of drama!
Can Caleb forgive his late wife? Can he get over his bitterness? Will Jessie be able to answer her heart’s cry, and fulfill the wishes of her late cousin? Read and find out!
I was given Second Chance Bride in exchange for my honest review. The characters were complex and the storylines were gripping. My only criticism is the novel’s title, which does not seem to aptly describe the book. That being said, I absolutely love Second Chance Bride, and it is my favorite Marta Perry novel to-date!
Marta Perry has been on the Amish genre scene for a while now. She’s had some really good ones (with Keepers of the Promise series among them.) So when I was given the opportunity to review her newest release, Second Chance Bride, I wondered: Would it be up to par with her other writings? Yes – and then some!
Second Chance Bride tells the story of Amish maedel Jessie Millier. She’s not a spring chicken - she’s in her 30s ! But Jessie is satisfied with her station in life.
Caleb King is wheelchair bound (hopefully temporarily), due to an accident. His wife abandoned him, and then came home to die. He has kids that need a little TLC. When his late wife’s cousin Jessie (yes, that one) arrives at Caleb’s place, he is outraged and wants nothing to do with her. But what can he do? And don’t forget: The Amish Grapevine is alive and well and causing LOTS of drama!
Can Caleb forgive his late wife? Can he get over his bitterness? Will Jessie be able to answer her heart’s cry, and fulfill the wishes of her late cousin? Read and find out!
I was given Second Chance Bride in exchange for my honest review. The characters were complex and the storylines were gripping. My only criticism is the novel’s title, which does not seem to aptly describe the book. That being said, I absolutely love Second Chance Bride, and it is my favorite Marta Perry novel to-date!
March 8, 2019
Second Chance Amish Bride is a heartwarming story written by Marta Perry in her Brides of Lost Creek series. The author has done a terrific job telling this story of heartbreak, loss, forgiveness, and faith. This story shows how important it is to forgive others so bitterness does not take over your heart.
The characters are well developed and told the story remarkably. I enjoyed the journey Jessie had to take as it showed her strengths and weaknesses. Caleb, who was definitely bitter, has a long journey to forgive his late wife but can he forgive her cousin Jessie? The children in this story adds great depth to pain, agony, and the feeling of betrayal. I enjoyed this storyline very much. The cover will draw you in as well.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached by anyone 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 others who enjoy the Amish genre.
Congratulations to Marta Perry for writing such an inspiring story for her readers to enjoy. I look forward to the next book in this series.
The characters are well developed and told the story remarkably. I enjoyed the journey Jessie had to take as it showed her strengths and weaknesses. Caleb, who was definitely bitter, has a long journey to forgive his late wife but can he forgive her cousin Jessie? The children in this story adds great depth to pain, agony, and the feeling of betrayal. I enjoyed this storyline very much. The cover will draw you in as well.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached by anyone 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 others who enjoy the Amish genre.
Congratulations to Marta Perry for writing such an inspiring story for her readers to enjoy. I look forward to the next book in this series.
May 3, 2018
BACK OF THE BOOK BLURB
Caring for her late cousin's young kinder is Jessie Miller's duty---even if it means seeing their father again. Years ago, she thought Caleb King might be her husband---until he met her cousin and Jessie's dream was cut short. Laid up with a broken leg and a demanding dairy farm, Caleb needs her.
But Caleb wants no woman around..and no reminder of the wife who abandoned her family before her death. Especially since he fears Jessie will throw a wrench in his plan to remain a single dad. She's gentle and kind, and if Caleb isn't careful, she may be just what his little Amish family needs.
MY REVIEW
This is going to be a great series, as Marta does a wonderful job of pulling you into the story. She lets you see how strong, determined and full of faith Jessie is. The thing is she needs to forgive herself for her cousin's mistakes, that she couldn't keep her from making, as she is trying to help Caleb not make some mistakes with his children. Yep, a must read!
Caring for her late cousin's young kinder is Jessie Miller's duty---even if it means seeing their father again. Years ago, she thought Caleb King might be her husband---until he met her cousin and Jessie's dream was cut short. Laid up with a broken leg and a demanding dairy farm, Caleb needs her.
But Caleb wants no woman around..and no reminder of the wife who abandoned her family before her death. Especially since he fears Jessie will throw a wrench in his plan to remain a single dad. She's gentle and kind, and if Caleb isn't careful, she may be just what his little Amish family needs.
MY REVIEW
This is going to be a great series, as Marta does a wonderful job of pulling you into the story. She lets you see how strong, determined and full of faith Jessie is. The thing is she needs to forgive herself for her cousin's mistakes, that she couldn't keep her from making, as she is trying to help Caleb not make some mistakes with his children. Yep, a must read!
August 25, 2019
"3 out of 5 stars. An Amish woman (Jessie) tries to make amends for her younger cousin's "wrong doings" by assisting the family in their time of need. In doing so, she opens herself up to being hurt in the process. Will they all make it out okay?
I really wanted to like this novel but all I really felt was meh. It was okay. What kept my interest was..."
Read more of this review and a TEASER here: https://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2019/08/made-grade-brides-of-lost-creek-series.html
I really wanted to like this novel but all I really felt was meh. It was okay. What kept my interest was..."
Read more of this review and a TEASER here: https://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2019/08/made-grade-brides-of-lost-creek-series.html
July 16, 2023
I have to say I did enjoy this story, HOWEVER, I was disappointed & would get lost in the reading, because there were alot of errors in the ebook I read from my library😪.
This is the only reason I gave it a 4 out of 5 rating. I, normally, give all the books I read & enjoy 5 stars, but with the reason above, I just couldn't. I don't blame the author, because I'm sure she has proofreaders, but there were just so many & they would throw you off, to where you had to go back and re-read prior paragraphs to figure out what it meant!
OVERALL, the story was a very good read, though. I found the storyline to be different than normal Amish stories I read. I liked that. Great job with that.
This is the only reason I gave it a 4 out of 5 rating. I, normally, give all the books I read & enjoy 5 stars, but with the reason above, I just couldn't. I don't blame the author, because I'm sure she has proofreaders, but there were just so many & they would throw you off, to where you had to go back and re-read prior paragraphs to figure out what it meant!
OVERALL, the story was a very good read, though. I found the storyline to be different than normal Amish stories I read. I liked that. Great job with that.
December 25, 2017
Second Chance Amish Bride by Marta Perry. Jessie Miller's cousin passed away and left a husband and two children. Caleb King has a cast on his leg and in a wheelchair. Jessie has always loved Caleb before he got married to her cousin. Jessie goes to Caleb's ranch to help take care of the children and help in the house. Jessie has a hard time forgiving his wife. The children are having a hard time dealing with the loss of their mother. Things happen between Caleb and Jessie. A good read.
September 23, 2024
If Marta Perry wrote it, you can be sure it's written well!
I have read many of Marta Perry's books, and I have definitely enjoyed reading each and every one if them. If you love a clean romance book, you will most certainly want to read this book! I have lived close to Amish communities all my life. It is nice to read an Amish romance that accurately presents Amish culture, family dynamics and language accurately.
I have read many of Marta Perry's books, and I have definitely enjoyed reading each and every one if them. If you love a clean romance book, you will most certainly want to read this book! I have lived close to Amish communities all my life. It is nice to read an Amish romance that accurately presents Amish culture, family dynamics and language accurately.
August 20, 2025
Such a good book!
I needed this book about self blame and forgiveness. It took me back to my little sister and my childhood when I was the oldest and expected to keep check on a rebellious little sister. When I was blamed for her actions because I was the oldest and expected to know better. This is about the pain of a man and a women coming to grips with the actions of that younger cousin caused them both. It is a book of healing!
I needed this book about self blame and forgiveness. It took me back to my little sister and my childhood when I was the oldest and expected to keep check on a rebellious little sister. When I was blamed for her actions because I was the oldest and expected to know better. This is about the pain of a man and a women coming to grips with the actions of that younger cousin caused them both. It is a book of healing!
October 1, 2017
I really liked the characters of Jessie and Caleb. They had to learn to forgive themselves along with Caleb's late wife Alice. Forgiving yourself l know is just as hard as forgiving someone else. This book wrote that struggle in a real way.
October 7, 2017
Second Chance Amish Bride is the story of a caring cousin who is willing to drop her life to care for her cousin's children. If you enjoy Amish fiction, you will like this romance. I won my copy of Second Chance Amish Bride in a Goodreads giveaway. This is my honest opinion.
April 12, 2020
An Amish setting with a plot that is an easy read. One that you can put down and pick up again even though throughout there are many questions and a sense of anticipation is built up to find answers. Written well enough to engage the reader with the main character.
August 30, 2017
Lovely Amish romance with a reminder on the importance of forgiveness and letting go of guilt.
September 3, 2017
Very enjoyable. Nice light read for a rainy afternoon.
October 11, 2017
Alway enjoy her books.
December 6, 2017
Lovely Amish romance.
January 10, 2019
Classic Amish story. Warm hearted, good souled, and unselfish culture.
December 9, 2019
A wise, gentle romantic story.
February 9, 2025
Perry has done it again. A wonderful Amish story featuring the pain of forgiveness.
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