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The Amish Bachelors #5
An Unexpected Amish Romance
New beginnings. New job. New love? Amish Bachelors are full of surprises…
After a broken engagement, Helen Zook is embracing her independence—starting with a new job working for carpenter Mark Bowman. Sparks fly as Helen immediately butts heads with her handsome yet gruff boss, whose complicated past makes him hesitant to plant roots in Bowmans Crossing. But Helen’s eccentric aunt and a matchmaking basset hound have their own plans for Helen and Mark’s future…
After a broken engagement, Helen Zook is embracing her independence—starting with a new job working for carpenter Mark Bowman. Sparks fly as Helen immediately butts heads with her handsome yet gruff boss, whose complicated past makes him hesitant to plant roots in Bowmans Crossing. But Helen’s eccentric aunt and a matchmaking basset hound have their own plans for Helen and Mark’s future…
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published February 20, 2018
101 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Davids
142 books406 followersI was born and raised in Northcentral Kansas. I'm a farmer's daughter, but I now make my home in the city of Wichita. I'm an RN. Neonatal nursing has been the main focus of my career. What can I say? I love babies. I was invited to the highschool graduation of a baby I took care of. Talk about making me feel old!
In June of 2011 I became a widow after my husband of 36 years and 11 months died from multiple brain tumors. It was a very sad time, but thanks to the three f's, my faith, my family and my friends, life is moving forward. I have four brothers, one daughter and two grandchildren who all work at making me feel loved.
I'm the author of more than 30 books and I'm currently writing a series called The Brides of Amish Country for Love Inspired.
In June of 2011 I became a widow after my husband of 36 years and 11 months died from multiple brain tumors. It was a very sad time, but thanks to the three f's, my faith, my family and my friends, life is moving forward. I have four brothers, one daughter and two grandchildren who all work at making me feel loved.
I'm the author of more than 30 books and I'm currently writing a series called The Brides of Amish Country for Love Inspired.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
April 17, 2023
In this fun and humorous Amish romance, two independent, impulsive, and determined main characters show us how the best laid plans may not play out as we had hoped. But with a little help along the way, Mark and Helen realize that God’s own master plan is better than any they ever imagined.
November 27, 2018
I don't really have an opening quote for this.
This is a sort of comedy Amish romance novel. Like Anyone But You by Jennifer Crusie in Amish form.
Helen's fiancé throws her over on her wedding day for her sister. Humiliated and hurt, Helen 'runs away' to go live with her batty Aunt Charlotte. Aunt Charlotte has a beloved bloodhound, Clyde, and a pet raccoon: Juliet. She also might be slipping into the early stages of dementia. All of this is played for laughs.
OUR HERO
Mark isn't a man I'm crazy about. He's rude, judgmental, stern. I guess we are supposed to think the chemistry between hot-tempered Helen and pompous, judgmental Mark is funny... but I wouldn't want to date him. He does a lot of mansplaining and doesn't have much of a sense of humor.
OUR HEROINE
Helen. She has a short temper and doesn't think things through. She insinuates that she was a selfish and shallow person in her old life.
Neither of these people sound appealing, but like I said, I'm sure this is Davids's version of a comedy.
You can pull off a male character like this is you have more skill. An example is Cletus from Beard Science by Penny Reid. That's a funny, nuanced, sexy interpretation of a man who at first glimpse might seem a bit hard to turn into a romance hero. But Davids doesn't have the skill to pull off this kind of character.
What else can I say about this book?
ANNOYING CHRISTIANITY
The annoying parts of born-again Christians bleeding over into Amish life in what I'm SURE is an inaccurate way.
For instance, Mark's correspondence with his fiancée for two years. How does he address the letters? Dear Angela? Dearest Angela? No. "To Angela, my sister in Christ." *Carmen gnashes her teeth* I can't BELIEVE this shit.
What about this part where Mark is despairing about Helen not loving him:
"She doesn't love me. Am I so hard to love? What's wrong with me?"
..."Many people love you. Gott loves you. Never doubt that." 197
Okay, what THE FUCK does God loving you have do with this?!?!?!?!! Is that supposed to make him feel better?!?!!?
Mark: "I'm sad. Helen doesn't love me."
Fellow Christian: "But GOD loves you!!!! Isn't that great!!!? :D :D :D :D"
No. Just no. Stop this. How can people EVEN BE LIKE THIS? Do you even listen to yourself?!?!!?!?
Another sad, sad testament to the damaging patriarchy here is this little excerpt:
Why had he given her a peck on the cheek instead? Had she mistaken his intentions? Had the bold way she offered her lips to him disgusted him? 179
Wow, such damaged sexuality. It's amazing to me how women in these books aimed at born-again Christians (Christy Miller, I'm looking at YOU) can be made to feel like a 'slut' when they have never even KISSED a man. It's so, so sad. Extremely depressing how young women are so fucked-up in the head about men and sex before they've even so much as had one kiss on the mouth. Makes me severely depressed. They always think men are going to label them as 'sluts' for just thinking about kissing, or something. And probably men do, because the sexual repression and sexual shame in these communities is no joke. Seriously fucked-up and very unhealthy.
HOW'S THE SEX, CARMEN?
No sex. Two kisses on the cheek, two chaste ones on the mouth.
MENTIONS OF GOD 51. Blissfully light on the God-talk.
TL;DR: If you are looking for a more lighthearted romp through the Amish countryside, this is the book for you. Dotty Aunt Charlotte's conversations and shenanigans are amusing, the match-making bloodhound is charming, and Helen and Mark's comedy of errors in getting together is played for laughs with varying degrees of success.
Mark may grate on you. Helen may grate on you. Individually, I'm not sure I'd want to be friends with either of them. But if you take it as sort of romantic comedy, I think you can enjoy it.
NAMES IN THIS BOOK
ROMANCE CATEGORIES:
Contemporary Romance
Enemies to Lovers - Kind of.
Inspirational Romance
Virgin Hero Romance
Amish Romance
He's a Carpenter, She's a Baker
This is a sort of comedy Amish romance novel. Like Anyone But You by Jennifer Crusie in Amish form.
Helen's fiancé throws her over on her wedding day for her sister. Humiliated and hurt, Helen 'runs away' to go live with her batty Aunt Charlotte. Aunt Charlotte has a beloved bloodhound, Clyde, and a pet raccoon: Juliet. She also might be slipping into the early stages of dementia. All of this is played for laughs.
OUR HERO
Mark isn't a man I'm crazy about. He's rude, judgmental, stern. I guess we are supposed to think the chemistry between hot-tempered Helen and pompous, judgmental Mark is funny... but I wouldn't want to date him. He does a lot of mansplaining and doesn't have much of a sense of humor.
OUR HEROINE
Helen. She has a short temper and doesn't think things through. She insinuates that she was a selfish and shallow person in her old life.
Neither of these people sound appealing, but like I said, I'm sure this is Davids's version of a comedy.
You can pull off a male character like this is you have more skill. An example is Cletus from Beard Science by Penny Reid. That's a funny, nuanced, sexy interpretation of a man who at first glimpse might seem a bit hard to turn into a romance hero. But Davids doesn't have the skill to pull off this kind of character.
What else can I say about this book?
ANNOYING CHRISTIANITY
The annoying parts of born-again Christians bleeding over into Amish life in what I'm SURE is an inaccurate way.
For instance, Mark's correspondence with his fiancée for two years. How does he address the letters? Dear Angela? Dearest Angela? No. "To Angela, my sister in Christ." *Carmen gnashes her teeth* I can't BELIEVE this shit.
What about this part where Mark is despairing about Helen not loving him:
"She doesn't love me. Am I so hard to love? What's wrong with me?"
..."Many people love you. Gott loves you. Never doubt that." 197
Okay, what THE FUCK does God loving you have do with this?!?!?!?!! Is that supposed to make him feel better?!?!!?
Mark: "I'm sad. Helen doesn't love me."
Fellow Christian: "But GOD loves you!!!! Isn't that great!!!? :D :D :D :D"
No. Just no. Stop this. How can people EVEN BE LIKE THIS? Do you even listen to yourself?!?!!?!?
Another sad, sad testament to the damaging patriarchy here is this little excerpt:
Why had he given her a peck on the cheek instead? Had she mistaken his intentions? Had the bold way she offered her lips to him disgusted him? 179
Wow, such damaged sexuality. It's amazing to me how women in these books aimed at born-again Christians (Christy Miller, I'm looking at YOU) can be made to feel like a 'slut' when they have never even KISSED a man. It's so, so sad. Extremely depressing how young women are so fucked-up in the head about men and sex before they've even so much as had one kiss on the mouth. Makes me severely depressed. They always think men are going to label them as 'sluts' for just thinking about kissing, or something. And probably men do, because the sexual repression and sexual shame in these communities is no joke. Seriously fucked-up and very unhealthy.
HOW'S THE SEX, CARMEN?
No sex. Two kisses on the cheek, two chaste ones on the mouth.
MENTIONS OF GOD 51. Blissfully light on the God-talk.
TL;DR: If you are looking for a more lighthearted romp through the Amish countryside, this is the book for you. Dotty Aunt Charlotte's conversations and shenanigans are amusing, the match-making bloodhound is charming, and Helen and Mark's comedy of errors in getting together is played for laughs with varying degrees of success.
Mark may grate on you. Helen may grate on you. Individually, I'm not sure I'd want to be friends with either of them. But if you take it as sort of romantic comedy, I think you can enjoy it.
NAMES IN THIS BOOK
ROMANCE CATEGORIES:
Contemporary Romance
Enemies to Lovers - Kind of.
Inspirational Romance
Virgin Hero Romance
Amish Romance
He's a Carpenter, She's a Baker
March 10, 2018
This is a delightful story of moving on, filled with humour, love and two matchmaking pets - a dog and racoon! After Helen Zook’s fiancé broke their engagement to marry her sister, she was determined not to stay at home so travelled to stay with her Aunt. On the bus she is greeted by Mark Bowman and they have a turbulent exchange - the first of many to come! Although both are Amish, they are also both somewhat truculent, independent and driven. Mark is engaged to someone back in his home community and is staying with his Aunt and Uncle to learn and develop his trade as a carpenter. It is their very imperfections that made these a perfect couple!
The community, the quirky relations and the pets all bring so much to this enjoyable story. It is an uplifting, heartwarming, story involving faith, family and love which I really enjoyed escaping into. It is one that I didn’t want to put down until I’d finished it and I’ll certainly look out for more by this author and in this series in future.
I requested and received a copy of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.
The community, the quirky relations and the pets all bring so much to this enjoyable story. It is an uplifting, heartwarming, story involving faith, family and love which I really enjoyed escaping into. It is one that I didn’t want to put down until I’d finished it and I’ll certainly look out for more by this author and in this series in future.
I requested and received a copy of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.
January 14, 2018
I loved this read, it kept me page-turning and when finished I hated to let go.
We are back in Bowman Corners Ohio, and friends we have previously met are here, but we are drawn immediately to the young woman crying on the bus, and the man who tries to comfort her, we meet Helen and Mark. I have to say the author gave us several different meetings at first, let’s say food and mud puddles to name a few.
We also meet eccentric Aunt Charlotte and her precocious dog and pet raccoon, who work in the matchmaking.
Can a girl with a broken heart and a man with an intended and a plan find a relationship between the two of them? The author puts them together in several different ways, some very unpleasant, but some with a good deal of chuckles!
I can’t wait for more from this author, and want more visits back to Ohio!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.
We are back in Bowman Corners Ohio, and friends we have previously met are here, but we are drawn immediately to the young woman crying on the bus, and the man who tries to comfort her, we meet Helen and Mark. I have to say the author gave us several different meetings at first, let’s say food and mud puddles to name a few.
We also meet eccentric Aunt Charlotte and her precocious dog and pet raccoon, who work in the matchmaking.
Can a girl with a broken heart and a man with an intended and a plan find a relationship between the two of them? The author puts them together in several different ways, some very unpleasant, but some with a good deal of chuckles!
I can’t wait for more from this author, and want more visits back to Ohio!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.
April 4, 2018
A matchmaking bassett hound named Clyde and a raccoon named Juliet...need I say more? Sublime romantic comedy that is so much fun to read you can't stop and it's over before you know it -- but you will still be smiling hours later. I think this might be my favourite book by Patricia Davids yet!
Helen and Mark are a hoot! Poor Helen -- everything that can go wrong does every time she runs into Mark. Literally. Every single time. I laughed so hard my tummy hurt. And Clyde has an unusual way of aiding their non-courtship. He's aided and abetted by Helen's Aenti Charlotte who might not be as dotty as she appears to be.
Lots of laughter and sweet romance make this a super fun read.
Helen and Mark are a hoot! Poor Helen -- everything that can go wrong does every time she runs into Mark. Literally. Every single time. I laughed so hard my tummy hurt. And Clyde has an unusual way of aiding their non-courtship. He's aided and abetted by Helen's Aenti Charlotte who might not be as dotty as she appears to be.
Lots of laughter and sweet romance make this a super fun read.
February 12, 2021
This is the 6th book in the Amish Bachelor series. I loved it. It is a stand alone book but I’m having so much fun reading one after another. When you read them in order you get the full effect of the characters being established and can enjoy them even more. I’m so thankful that I could get the older books from ThriftBooks.com. I don’t read from a tablet at night because it hinders my sleep and bothers my eyes. I love the paperbacks from CBD (Christian Book Distributors) or used book sites. I really like Patricia Davids books.
March 7, 2018
Mark Bowman is learning the furniture trade from his uncle while in Bowman's Crossing. Mark has everything all planned out, he will return home and marry the daughter of his future business partner, when his training is done. But his intended back home wants out of the deal.
When Helen Zook's sister marries the man that Helen had intentions towards, Helen decides to go and stay with her aunt in Bowman's Crossing. Her mischievous aunt get's her a job working for Mark.
Will Helen and Mark be able move past their hurt and see a second chance in each other?
Aunt Charlotte is a different duck, she lives alone with her pet racoon, Juliet, and dog, Clyde. Sometimes Charlotte gets mixed up to hilarious results, and Clyde takes a distinct liking to Mark.
Even though Mark and Helen get off to a rough start, they find that they enjoy working with each other. She tries to help him win back his once intended, and be a good friend to him. Helen comes to appreciate her aunt's different ways, and her strong faith.
I really enjoyed this book, it was surprisingly fun and filled with humor. I loved Aunt Charlotte! I love the way the dialog really brings Helen and Mark's relationship to life, and how Mark and Helen grow in their faith. A wonderful read!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."
When Helen Zook's sister marries the man that Helen had intentions towards, Helen decides to go and stay with her aunt in Bowman's Crossing. Her mischievous aunt get's her a job working for Mark.
Will Helen and Mark be able move past their hurt and see a second chance in each other?
Aunt Charlotte is a different duck, she lives alone with her pet racoon, Juliet, and dog, Clyde. Sometimes Charlotte gets mixed up to hilarious results, and Clyde takes a distinct liking to Mark.
Even though Mark and Helen get off to a rough start, they find that they enjoy working with each other. She tries to help him win back his once intended, and be a good friend to him. Helen comes to appreciate her aunt's different ways, and her strong faith.
I really enjoyed this book, it was surprisingly fun and filled with humor. I loved Aunt Charlotte! I love the way the dialog really brings Helen and Mark's relationship to life, and how Mark and Helen grow in their faith. A wonderful read!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."
February 20, 2018
An inspiring story filled with humor, love, and passion for life. I had a few good laughs with incidents Helen Zook and Mark Bowman got into, accidentally and by being in the wrong place at the wrong time...
Both Helen and Mark are very driven people. They know what they want and they are not afraid to go after it. Even though they are good Amish people, they are not perfect. They have weaknesses, they have need and room for improvement with their personalities, and they recognize this and work on the issues.
Helen and Mark were perfect for each other, even with their imperfections they make a perfect team, a unit, partners, and friends. It was easy to like them, and it was entertaining to watch them fall head over heels in love with each other.
Family and the community always plays an important role in the Love Inspired stories and Helen's quirky aunt with her pets bring lots of smiles to the tale.
Mark's extended family is loving and caring, they are not afraid to say when there is room for correction and development. Their honesty and straight-forwardness are always wrapped in love, inspiring to improve.
An uplifting and heartening story about faith, family, growing to be the best version of yourself, falling in love, and finding your true soulmate.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Both Helen and Mark are very driven people. They know what they want and they are not afraid to go after it. Even though they are good Amish people, they are not perfect. They have weaknesses, they have need and room for improvement with their personalities, and they recognize this and work on the issues.
Helen and Mark were perfect for each other, even with their imperfections they make a perfect team, a unit, partners, and friends. It was easy to like them, and it was entertaining to watch them fall head over heels in love with each other.
Family and the community always plays an important role in the Love Inspired stories and Helen's quirky aunt with her pets bring lots of smiles to the tale.
Mark's extended family is loving and caring, they are not afraid to say when there is room for correction and development. Their honesty and straight-forwardness are always wrapped in love, inspiring to improve.
An uplifting and heartening story about faith, family, growing to be the best version of yourself, falling in love, and finding your true soulmate.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
January 19, 2018
This was a sweet romance between two people who start off badly but somehow things start to change. Both Helen and Mark had past issues to work through and Mark has a fiancée waiting for him back in his hometown.
Helen’s crazy aunt and her dog and pet raccoon play a big part in the romance. Some people probably found that cute but I wasn’t really keen on that aspect.
The romance itself was believable and ended satisfactorily.
April 19, 2018
This book was perfect to pass away a cold and damp spring afternoon. Helen and Mark are brought together by Clyde the matchmaking basset hound. What follows is a pretty simple love story. How Clyde was getting out of the house to visit Mark each night was priceless. Aunt Charlotte is one of the best Amish characters l have read in a long time.
December 21, 2025
Truly a funny, entertaining read.
December 23, 2018
An Unexpected Amish Roamce is the 6th book in The Amish Bachelors series written by Patricia Davids. This book had me laughing all the way through it. There is a comical, matchmaking Blood Hound, a pet racoon, an eccentric older Amish lady, and of course romance. This storyline is amazing.
The characters are very likeable and realistic but some of the things that happen to them is hysterical.
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.
Congratulations to Patricia Davids for writing another fantastic story for her readers to enjoy and I look forward to reading more books from this author in the future.
The characters are very likeable and realistic but some of the things that happen to them is hysterical.
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.
Congratulations to Patricia Davids for writing another fantastic story for her readers to enjoy and I look forward to reading more books from this author in the future.
January 21, 2022
I've read several books by Patricia Davids, including the Brides of Amish Country series. For the most part I really enjoyed each book. However, I found this one to be over the top ridiculous with the pet raccoon and basset hound that wreaks havoc wherever he goes. Also, Aenti Charlotte's antics aren't just eccentric. Some of her shenanigans are just plain rude and even border on dangerous. I think Ms. Davids tried too hard to make the characters and plot humorous, but I didn't get the humor. I did not enjoy this book.
March 29, 2018
If you are looking for a fun Amish read, pick this one up! You won't be sorry.
When Helen Zook loses her fiance to her sister, she runs away from home, heading for her aunt's home in Bowman's Crossing, OH. The first person she meets, on the bus no less, is a rude Amish man who repeatedly pokes his nose into her business just because she's crying.
Arriving at her aunt's home, she finds that rude Amish man is their next door neighbor, Mark Bowman. Not only that, pretty much the only jobs to be had in town have to go through him. As if living with her loony aunt and her pets - a "matchmaking" basset hound and a raccoon - wasn't enough of a trial, now she has to go to him and beg for a job if she ever has a hope of true independence.
What happens when Clyde, the matchmaking dog, decides that Mark is the man for Helen? One disaster after another! But, will their hearts see the humor or will they only see the obstacles between them?
With massive doses of humor, Patricia Davids tells the story of two people who, at first glance, appear to be oil and water. It was so much fun reading about them, and the people surrounding them - many of whom I had already "met" in previous books in the Amish Bachelors series. This one is a keeper!
When Helen Zook loses her fiance to her sister, she runs away from home, heading for her aunt's home in Bowman's Crossing, OH. The first person she meets, on the bus no less, is a rude Amish man who repeatedly pokes his nose into her business just because she's crying.
Arriving at her aunt's home, she finds that rude Amish man is their next door neighbor, Mark Bowman. Not only that, pretty much the only jobs to be had in town have to go through him. As if living with her loony aunt and her pets - a "matchmaking" basset hound and a raccoon - wasn't enough of a trial, now she has to go to him and beg for a job if she ever has a hope of true independence.
What happens when Clyde, the matchmaking dog, decides that Mark is the man for Helen? One disaster after another! But, will their hearts see the humor or will they only see the obstacles between them?
With massive doses of humor, Patricia Davids tells the story of two people who, at first glance, appear to be oil and water. It was so much fun reading about them, and the people surrounding them - many of whom I had already "met" in previous books in the Amish Bachelors series. This one is a keeper!
March 15, 2018
I'm a huge sucker for Amish Romances, seriously, I cannot help but love them, and I also live in the middle of Amish country, so you would think that they would be the norm for me, but when I first moved to America, they were a magical beings to me, and they still manage to hold that sparkle over me, which I get my little fix, reading all this Amish Romances.
The one that stuck out to me lately, has been An Unexpected Amish Romance by Patricia David's, but from reading the blog, to starting the book, there was just something about this story that I loved. The central characters are Helen Book and Mark Bowman; and I have to say, I loved Helen's characters, from the moment she called Mark rude.
I think what I love about this book is that they are more true to life, that they have their little spats, and move on, and because I have never read a Amish Romance, where both main character have been jilted!
The book is short, but sweet, and you will love all the characters of the book, even the crazy dog and the bow wearing pet raccoon!
I give An Unexpected Amish Romance 5 stars
The one that stuck out to me lately, has been An Unexpected Amish Romance by Patricia David's, but from reading the blog, to starting the book, there was just something about this story that I loved. The central characters are Helen Book and Mark Bowman; and I have to say, I loved Helen's characters, from the moment she called Mark rude.
I think what I love about this book is that they are more true to life, that they have their little spats, and move on, and because I have never read a Amish Romance, where both main character have been jilted!
The book is short, but sweet, and you will love all the characters of the book, even the crazy dog and the bow wearing pet raccoon!
I give An Unexpected Amish Romance 5 stars
April 7, 2018
Of all the Amish novels I have read this one has to be the first that literally had me laughing out loud! The story line is great and that little added kick to push it over the top is the addition of Clyde ( a "matchmaking" basset hound ) and Juliet ( a pink collar wearing raccoon ) both are best buds who live with Helen Zooks aunt Charlotte who is a bit odd to say the least. Helen has come to stay with her aunt after her fiancé left her for her sister, thinking she would stay single she soon met Mark Bowman who was staying with his aunt and uncle. Mark is a handsome but serious hard working wood carver. They thanks to Clyde's "matchmaking" spend more and more time together and soon fall in love even though they don't want to admit it...
If you like Amish novels which I have to say Patricia Davids is one of my favorite Amish authors you will love this one!
If you like Amish novels which I have to say Patricia Davids is one of my favorite Amish authors you will love this one!
January 22, 2018
I fell head over heels for this book. Mark and Helen are a match made in heaven. Mark is a pain in the but at first but deep down he is a total sweet heart. The twist was the Helen I had no idea her back story was like because I adored her. I would recommend this book to anyone a sweet read. I can not wait to read Pauls book!!!
March 9, 2018
Sweet
Sweet story of two people with plans for their life but God had a different plan for them. With the help of a dog named Clyde and am eavesdropping Aunt they find they have more in common then they originally thought
Sweet story of two people with plans for their life but God had a different plan for them. With the help of a dog named Clyde and am eavesdropping Aunt they find they have more in common then they originally thought
November 29, 2022
Homigoodness, this was *A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.*!!
See? THIS is what I mean when I say Patricia Davids has the gift to write. She can weave a tale so sweet and enduring, quirky without being ridiculous, fun without being stupid, madcap and magical. She has the ability to REALLY do it right. And this book is evidence of that.
More, there's even ROMANCE in this one. So rare for 'Love, Inspired' books. Oh, there are happy endings, but these books typically don't make my heart flutter the way secular books do - they don't dare get too deeply FEELING, because it wouldn't be chrischun. But Davids manages it, and I fist bump the sky over this one.
Between Helen's semi-crazy Aunt Charlotte, a floppy-flabby basset hound, a racoon with a pink collar and a chain of events poor Helen just can't seem to stop from snowballing right over her in the direction of the strait-laced and uptight boss she hopes to have... it's just DELIGHTFUL to read this.
There were only two complaints I had with this - the first is that on pg 105 Helen says of cellphones "You can't miss what you never had", and on pg 165 she tells Mark that the one thing she misses from her foray-into-all-things-Englisch was her cellphone. Ummmm.....?
Also, there's a distinct lack of *ANYTHING* faith in these people's lives. Yes, they go to church, and insert 'Gott' this and 'Gott' that in their conversations, but they don't LIVE faith. They're more worried about the Amish rules than reflecting Christ. But that's just me and my 'keep-the-inspiration-in-inspirationals' issues.
But it wasn't enough to take anything away from how fantastic this book is. I gave it to my 12yo son to read, and he's already giggling out loud, loving Clyde so much...!
Definitely a keeper!
See? THIS is what I mean when I say Patricia Davids has the gift to write. She can weave a tale so sweet and enduring, quirky without being ridiculous, fun without being stupid, madcap and magical. She has the ability to REALLY do it right. And this book is evidence of that.
More, there's even ROMANCE in this one. So rare for 'Love, Inspired' books. Oh, there are happy endings, but these books typically don't make my heart flutter the way secular books do - they don't dare get too deeply FEELING, because it wouldn't be chrischun. But Davids manages it, and I fist bump the sky over this one.
Between Helen's semi-crazy Aunt Charlotte, a floppy-flabby basset hound, a racoon with a pink collar and a chain of events poor Helen just can't seem to stop from snowballing right over her in the direction of the strait-laced and uptight boss she hopes to have... it's just DELIGHTFUL to read this.
There were only two complaints I had with this - the first is that on pg 105 Helen says of cellphones "You can't miss what you never had", and on pg 165 she tells Mark that the one thing she misses from her foray-into-all-things-Englisch was her cellphone. Ummmm.....?
Also, there's a distinct lack of *ANYTHING* faith in these people's lives. Yes, they go to church, and insert 'Gott' this and 'Gott' that in their conversations, but they don't LIVE faith. They're more worried about the Amish rules than reflecting Christ. But that's just me and my 'keep-the-inspiration-in-inspirationals' issues.
But it wasn't enough to take anything away from how fantastic this book is. I gave it to my 12yo son to read, and he's already giggling out loud, loving Clyde so much...!
Definitely a keeper!
March 20, 2018
An Unexpected Amish Romance is a uniquely humorously romantic story. When have a dog and a raccoon end up as matchmaker's - you know you have a great fun story. Helen had something that typically happens in life and in books and so she has to move on from it. So her Aunt starts to interfere in her life - and who's Aunt who loves them doesn't? On her way to her Aunt's she meets someone on the bus and from that point on they meet in many different situations, some funny some not so much but most touching each others heart. So, what happens here? Will the dog and raccoon win out? All's I know is GOD wins! I just pray I get the honor to read the next book from this author. I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
If you would like to read more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com
If you would like to read more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com
June 29, 2022
At first I was sympathetic towards Helen because I believed that she was the injured party. Turns out that she was the devious person who hurt her sister and caused her parents to worry about her disappearance.
Even knowing the truth, her aunt provided her a roof over her head. When her aunt and her
matchmaking dog were found out, Helen had the nerve to speak so disrespectfully to her?!
Charlotte, Clyde and Juliet made this story worth listening to. Especially the mystery of Juliet's absence.
I appreciate the feature of Alexa reading the Kindle edition....
Even knowing the truth, her aunt provided her a roof over her head. When her aunt and her
matchmaking dog were found out, Helen had the nerve to speak so disrespectfully to her?!
Charlotte, Clyde and Juliet made this story worth listening to. Especially the mystery of Juliet's absence.
I appreciate the feature of Alexa reading the Kindle edition....
June 12, 2020
If you are looking for a sweet, fun book, this is for you!! I have to say, the stars of the book for me are Clyde the dog and Aunt Charlotte! Helen leaves her home after a broken engagement and go to stay with Aunt Charlotte. Aunt Charlotte is eccentric, but has a heart of gold. We see how Helen and Amari’s relationship evolves with help from Clyde and Aunt Charlotte. And she’s much smarter than Helen gives her credit for! This was a quick, pleasant read.
November 4, 2022
This was a fast moving, interesting story. I enjoy learning about the Amish life and greatly respect their ways and their strong beliefs in God. I've been to the Amish country in Pennsylvania and encourage folks to visit.
I liked how Mark and Helen established a friendship before moving on to a romance. Mark had to deal with decisions he had made earlier and Helen had to deal with her past.
I recommend this series.
I liked how Mark and Helen established a friendship before moving on to a romance. Mark had to deal with decisions he had made earlier and Helen had to deal with her past.
I recommend this series.
May 1, 2024
I giggled my way through a fair bit of the beginning of this book. Poor Helen and Mark kept having mishaps whenever they met! It did create not only some humour, but also some tension between the two.
But when they took the time to get to actually *know* each other outside of their initial impressions and prejudices, their friendship bloomed, and it was quite lovely to see. I also appreciated the reminders to trust in God's plans, and not 'lean unto your own understanding'.
But when they took the time to get to actually *know* each other outside of their initial impressions and prejudices, their friendship bloomed, and it was quite lovely to see. I also appreciated the reminders to trust in God's plans, and not 'lean unto your own understanding'.
March 26, 2018
Not the traditional Amish read. They had more modern things that I have seen before, BUT that doesn't take away from the book. A matchmaking aging confused Aunt, dog and pet raccoon, what could go wrong for Helen? Everything, yup mostly everything LOL
I have not read any of the other books in this series, and I don't feel like I missed anything :-)
I have not read any of the other books in this series, and I don't feel like I missed anything :-)
June 6, 2021
I really enjoyed this love-inspired romance. I voluntarily chose to review this story and I've given it a 5* rating. It has a lot to pull you into the story. It has food and pets and dealing with things the Amish way. I never read about a racoon as a pet before. The main characters need to do a little soul searching to find their way. Lots to enjoy in this read.
March 11, 2022
Helen fled from home to a distant relative. When she finally found peace she found True love. Mark bound to another by contract so that he could obtain solid ground so that his siblings would never have to go through what he did finds that he's not alone and that True love is what he should have. He finds Thay with the help of a unruly basset hound.
January 10, 2023
I really enjoyed this comical Amish romance with an elderly Amish woman and her Bassett Hound matchmaking partner in crime. Charlotte and Clyde made me laugh out loud and the added antics of Juliet the raccoon were the perfect foil for grumpy Mark and equally acerbic Helen who spar with each other at every turn. Neither of these characters are looking for love but they’re no match for Clyde, Charlotte and the rest of the delightful Bowman family.
April 4, 2022
In His time
This author has depicted this Amish family in a delightful way. I laughed out loud at several places, especially when Helen seemed to be so accident prone especially around Mark. But Mark has lessons to learn that it is in His time and His plan that matter.
This author has depicted this Amish family in a delightful way. I laughed out loud at several places, especially when Helen seemed to be so accident prone especially around Mark. But Mark has lessons to learn that it is in His time and His plan that matter.
January 11, 2018
I really enjoyed this story and didn't want to put it down. I read the whole story in one day.
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