Katie's Way

Pleasant Valley #5

by Marta Perry

In this compelling novel in the Pleasant Valley series, a woman opens a quilt shop that brings the Amish and the Englisch together--and brings her unexpected challenges...

Hoping for a distraction after a thwarted romance, new arrival Katie Miller sets up shop on Pleasant Valley's Main Street. It's not long before a quilting circle forms and women from both the Amish and Englisch worlds are crafting and socializing together--much to the consternation of the furniture craftsman next door. Caleb Brand has kept to himself since he lost his betrothed under scandalous circumstances, and he could do without all the feminine chatter, not to mention Katie Miller's carefree attitude.

When Katie becomes involved with her Englisch friends in promoting Pennsylvania Dutch Days, some in town appreciate the new business it brings. But others are upset about the flood of outsiders it attracts. When acts of vandalism threaten Katie's shop, she turns to Caleb for comfort and soon a fragile friendship forms. But will Caleb's secret past prevent him from embracing a future with Katie? Or will their fragile romance develop the strength to last a lifetime?

Genres: Amish, Amish Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Romance, Fiction, Historical Fiction

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 1, 2011

About the author

Marta 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.

Reviews

[Shirley Chapel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book as I have all the other books of this series so far, but this one is my favorite. The story held my interest from start to finish. Katie's father has set her up in her own quilt store and paid her lease for the first year. Her teenaged sister Rhoda comes to stay with her for a while to help her in the quilt shop. Business is slow after the shop opens for a time and Katie must find a way to bring in more customers and turn a profit. It doesn't help that the Amish man in the wood working shop next door is unsociable and doesn't seem to like the fact that her shop is there.
Rhoda has come to get away from the rumors and gossip about who she kept company with in her running around years . Much to her dismay the rumors seemed to have followed her there. Katie who was hurt when her best friend back home stole her fiance , wanted to start out fresh in a new town. Seeing her former best friend and her fiance get married made it quite hard for Katie to forgive and forget. Calab who owned the shop next door to Katie's shop is a loner and sticks to himself. He also was engaged but his sweetheart ran away before their wedding date. Now he wants nothing to do with women or courting.
I liked how this story had twists and turns and a bit of a mystery in it. I thought it was very entertaining. Those who like reading Amish books or are a fan of Marta Perry will like this story. It is book five of The Pleasant Valley series however it could be read as a stand alone book. There are several characters included from the previous books so for that reason it would be nice to start out with book one. Either way I highly recommend it.
I borrowed this book from the digital library and was not asked to do a review. I have expressed my truthful opinion of this book .

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book in an excellent series!

[Wulfwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story line held my interest. I loved the characters. One thing I truly appreciated was the way Marta brought both communities together. In a lot of Amish based stories the community tends to be broken between the Amish and the Englisch. Marta acknowledges that but also weaves them together in a very believable way.The romance between Katie and Caleb had a rocky start. Katie was jilted by a man who married her best friend. Caleb was working through having the woman he was to marry leave the community, pregnant, many believed, with his baby. Marta wrote of their feelings and matched it to their actions. It flowed very well. Marta does a wonderful job of weaving all the plots together. None of the plots interfere with the main plot. They are blended in to keep the story moving at a brisk pace. I found I did not want to stop reading this book once I started. It moved along fast enough and held my interest so I was able to read it in one afternoon.
*Full review is on my blog.*
**I was given a copy of this book for review. The opinions expressed are my true feelings. No compensation for this review was received. This review is part of Virtual Tours**

[Mayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her father hopes that a change of towns will help his daughter Katie recover from a broken heart. Her mother thinks a change of towns will help people forget that her younger daughter Rhoda made a bad choice during her rumspringa. Thus Katie and Rhoda are now running Katie’s new quilt shop. Katie has one year to become self-sufficient and make a success of her business. But things go wrong from almost the very start. The man who owns the adjoining business, a woodworking shop, is not happy with a quilt shop next door. In reality, he is not happy at all, nursing a broken heart of his own. His life consists mostly of work, and his unfriendly manner puts off most people. But these two are tied together through happenstance, and not just by the proximity of their shops. They must deal with several problems that come their way, and through adversity, they just might find a common thread that links them together. This well-written tale is a welcome addition to this fine series.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie Miller finds herself moving to Pleasant Valley after her long planned on marriage falls thru. While her parents weren't really happy with her move her father pays the rent for one year allowing her to try and make a go of a quilt shop that she hopes will allow her to become financially secure. Her mother and sister come for the grand opening and Katie learns that her mother wants to leave her sixteen year old sister Rhoda with her to get her away from her wild rumspringa ways back home. Caleb Brand has a furniture shop next door to Katie's newly opened quilt shop and while he isn't overly happy with her being there he tries to make her welcome. But when his young niece Becky comes to work in his store he isn't sure that he wants Becky to become friends with Rhoda because he overheard the conversation about her wild ways. He also has issues from his past that causes him to try and guard his heart from Katie, but it seems God just might have other ideas.

I loved this story. Most Amish women Katie's age are already married and raising children, but Katie is different. When the one she loved married someone else all she could do was leave home to try and start over. Starting over for her meant becoming independent because she figures she will never love anyone else. Caleb Brand is a man who distances himself from most people to keep anyone from getting inside his heart. Rumors from his past haunt him and as much as he tries to guard his heart sometimes the heart has other ideas, especially after that first unplanned kiss between him and Katie. The tension and banter that went on between the two make the story interesting. While I could go on about the relationship between the two the author gave us a few secondary stories that made the plot move along at a brisk pace. From the diverse group of quilters that met in the shop to the plans Katie has to grow her business each facet was interesting. I enjoyed seeing the sisterly bond grow between Katie and Rhoda as well.

While this is the fifth book in Marta Perry's Pleasant Valley series it can easily be read as a stand alone work, for me I have only read a couple of books in the series and had no problems jumping right into this story. The author provides sufficient background information about the characters and town so that I didn't feel lost at all. Overall if you enjoy reading Amish stories with interesting characters, a fast moving plot, and a nice inspirational message then your certainly going to enjoy "Katie's Way."

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely, sweet Amish romance with a message of forgiveness and love – without any preachiness. I enjoyed the quilting classes. They almost made me want to take up the craft :)

There is a bit of conflict (but nothing stressful). In fact, my life probably has a lot more going on – but her character is more appealing! There is a satisfying ending. I’d read more by this author.

Realistic depiction of being responsible for a teen:
Katie couldn’t help the slight exasperation in her voice. Had she been this annoying when she was a teenager? Dealing with Rhoda was sometimes like coping with a tired two-year-old.

Wise words from Bishop Mose when Katie couldn’t understand why she struggled to forget, even after she forgave. He suggested it might be so that God wants her to remember and be thankful:
His smile was very gentle. “When we’ve lived for a while, we look back at our lives. And sometimes we see that the trouble that was very hard at the time brought us gut results in the end. We can’t see the whole pattern of our lives. But God can, and He knows that today’s pain may be a step on the path He has for us, if we just trust.”

Here is a taste of the conflict:
A peaceful scene…It was small wonder that those first settlers who’d crossed the Susquehanna to establish homes here had named it Pleasant Valley.
Pleasant, ja. But envy and malice existed everywhere, even in these peaceful surroundings. Gossiping tongues caused heartache here as in every place where people tried to live together. And someone had slipped in through the night to vandalize other people’s property.

[Jolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katie’s Way

This is the 5th book in the Pleasant Valley series by Marta Perry about a young plain woman, Katie Miller, who came here to help her cousin and decided to stay and open a quilt shop. She left her home because her best friend married her fiancé and the memories were too much for her to contend with when she saw them together. Her younger sister, Rhoda, was having issues with her Rumspringa and her parents sent her to help Katie in her shop. Katie shares an adjoining shop with Caleb Brand, the furniture maker, who was also troubled because of a former relationship. Learn how the two adjust to their pasts and forge ahead with their future.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Katie’s boyfriend leaves her at the alter she moves to another town and opens a quilt store. Her younger sister has had some problems with her running around so comes to live with her. So many rumors and the town is hit by vandalism.

[betty copley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trouble abounds but love makes it ok

Great reading! True to form, the author uses daily life disappointments, fears, and love for each other to bring together an entertaining book. Ready for the next one!

[Jean Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters were believable and made you want to continue reading to see what happened to them throughout the story.

[Deborah J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a latecomer to Amish romance books. Marta Perry does them best so far.

[Di Schlenk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful story in this wonderful series.

[Karen Mcnicol · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can not go wrong with any book by Marta Perry!

[caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

$600 for a quilt 😳 i understand they’re very laboriously made but 😳


For real, I want a bishop mose in my life.

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a thwarted romance, Katie Miller starts over by moving to Pleasant Valley and opening a quilt shop. Soon Amish and Englisch turn the store into a lively spot…to the consternation of Caleb Brand, who crafts furniture next door. Then Katie’s sister joins her, to escape rumors of her wild rumspringa, and Katie feels the burden of responsibility for a restless teenager. Even worse, her efforts to bring more people to Main Street arouse resistance among local businesses. When acts of vandalism threaten Katie’s shop, she turns to Caleb for comfort, and their friendship deepens. But will Caleb’s secret past prevent him from embracing a future with Katie? Or will their fragile romance develop the strength to last a lifetime?

My Review:

What a great story of friendship, second chances and faith in this wonderful addition to the Pleasant Valley series. This is the fifth book in the series, but can be read as a stand alone, although after reading this one, I can't wait to go back and read the previous four in the series.

We find a struggle existing between Katie who finds that running a quilt shop will provide her with the outlet she needs at this time in her life while surviving from a loss of the love of a man she had hoped to marry. So she spends her time trying to forget by piecing together the fabrics that will wrap love around those that purchase them and in doing so, lends to healing her broken heart. Meanwhile Caleb isn't too happy with his business neighbor, Katie even though he tries he best to make her feel welcome. Well you can just imagine where this one will go, but the journey along the way makes it worth reading this one.

I received this book compliments of Pump Up Your Book for my honest review and can't wait to pick up the rest in this series by Marta Perry. In doing so, this one rates 5 out of 5 stars.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie’s Way
Marta Perry
In Marta Perry’s Pleasant Valley series, book 5 she introduces Katie Miller who sets up a quilt shop on the main street in Pleasant Valley, right next door to Caleb Brand’s furniture shop. Oh how he had wished a hardware store would have set up shop next door rather than a group of chattering women!
Katie’s teen sister Rhoda comes to stay under the guise to help Katie with the quilt shop. Really Katie’s parents are concerned about the company Rhoda is keeping. Caleb of course, working next door overhears the conversation with Katie and her mother and is determined to keep his teen niece Becky as far away from Rhoda as possible. The girls hit it off of course and Katie and Caleb must learn to be pleasant with each other. There does seem to be a love/hate relationship between them!
Both Katie and Caleb have past stories to tell, and forgiveness to extend. Will they be able to share with each other to help move on?
I was excited to read a new voice (to me) in Amish fiction. Though this is Marta’s 5th book, it was the first one I had read. I know there is quite a variety of fiction authors who have delved into Amish fiction and I was excited to find a new one to me. Marta’s 6th book in the series will be out this spring.
What I loved about this book
*the true country feel of Pleasant Valley
*the family involvement and support
*Amish culture described and depicted to bring it to life
*I didn’t have to read the previous in the series to be able to know what was happening in this book. It was easily a stand alone.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am always amazed and interested when people move to a new place and the interaction that results with the people in the new town. In this novel although moving into a place where other Amish persons lived it was like being back home in terms of how people gossip many times without knowing the full story of the event. It show how people respond to new commers when they think they know the person and not wanting them to get to close to persons their age. This is what happened to the sister of Katie when her sister came to live with her because of some rumor in the home she left, in addition whe was faced with a town where someone was not happy with changes that happened after she came and opened a shop which was a drawing place for both amish and non-amish women. Loved the ending and the lesson of this story.

[Dawn Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in Marta Perry's Pleasant Valley series. Katie is just starting out in Pleasant Valley and opening her own quilt shop. She must deal with being her teenaged sister's guardian and having vandalism threaten her business while learning how to attract customers and falling in love. Although this is part of the Pleasant Valley series, you can read one without reading the others. It was great to see the previous books' characters in this as well and to see what has happened in their lives since their story or the previous book. To understand all of the characters better, you should read the other books. I like how Marta Perry introduces the next book's character in the previous book.

[Linda Rogde · Rating 4 out of 5]

#5 in this series but the books can stand alone.

Katie comes to Paradise Valley to begin a new life after a painful betrayal by her boyfriend and best friend. When she opens her new quilt shop and shares the store front with Caled Brand's furniture store, things begin to change in both their lives much for the better.

I've read a lot of this type of fiction and this author, Marta Perry is able to capture the flavor and feel of Amish life in her stories. The characters are well developed and approach the challenges of their lives in ways that are consistent with Christian values and in particular the Amish way.

[Tina Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marta Perry has done it again. She just keeps writing the most wonderful stories and keeps the Pleasant Valley series going.

Katie's Way is a sure page turner and the reader wants to read more.
Punny in parts and serious in others, but God helped Marta the whole way through to get the message across.

I sure cant wait to read Hannah's Joy book 6.

[Carolyn E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie's Way is the fifth book in Marta Perry's Pleasant Valley series. I have now read all of the books in the series and loved all of them. I would like to see more in this series, but I suppose all good things must end eventually. Meanwhile, I will be content with reading Marta Perry's other books.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway! I have never read anything by Marta Perry before, but I plan to read more in the future. Marta has a way of making you care about her characters, and she unfolds the story in such a way that it makes you want to keep turning pages until you are finished - even if you have to stay up all night to do it. (I did get 6 hours sleep between starting and finishing the book, I confess.)

[April Suter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katie moves to Pleasant Valley sets up a new quilt shop near Caleb's business. She also has her little sister to help her and Rhoda also becomes friends with Caleb's sister, Becky. Caleb and Katie have some baggage: Katie's boyfriend left her for her best friend and Caleb's girlfriend left the Amish community with a baby. They work together to make Pennsylvania Dutch Days a success and find a few obstacles in the way--could love be something they can share?

334 pages

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie moves to Pleasant Valley to escape the pain of betrayal. Her ex-intended married her best friend. Can she ever truly forgive Eli & Jessica? Will she be able to make a go of the quilt shop she opens in Pleasant Valley? Very captivating. A must read for all Amish fiction readers and others as well.

[Joan Lovemore-hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

The final book in the series. This one was possibly the best. Was it because of the strong references to quilting? Possibly... However I lived the characters of Leah and Rachel in books 1&2. Once again I feel a diagram of how all the characters are connected would be beneficial. I would have gone back to the other books to check relationships, but I had already returned them to the library.

[Sherri Meinke]

this was an excellent book, started off slow, but I read it in 1 day. After it got going I could not put it down. It was not your typical Amish read a lot more interaction with the English which was neat.

[Colette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another very sweet heartwarming story. Kate opens a quilt shop and is beginning to make a life for herself when the town is hit by vandalism. She fears every one will blame her, including the attractive man in the adjoining suite!

[Larisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautiful story of faith, friendship, and second chances in this 5th installment in the Pleasant Valley series.

Marta Perry's characters will have you loving the town of Pleasant Valley and the characters. It's a great read with a lot of heart tugging in the story line.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the Pleasant Valley Series. I really loved this book and currently have book 6 on hold at my local library.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read everything I can get my hands on this is written by Marta Perry= she outdid herself on this book- one of the best Amish novels I have EVER read!!!!