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A Love for Lizzie
Childhood friends joined by a painful past…Can love blossom between them?
After her father falls ill, Lizzie Miller and her family desperately need help to keep the farm going during harvesttime. Neighbor Paul Burkholder is eager to lend a hand—and to court Lizzie. But Paul has a secret that he fears could push Lizzie away. Can they finally heal from a tragedy in their pasts…and open their hearts to each other?
After her father falls ill, Lizzie Miller and her family desperately need help to keep the farm going during harvesttime. Neighbor Paul Burkholder is eager to lend a hand—and to court Lizzie. But Paul has a secret that he fears could push Lizzie away. Can they finally heal from a tragedy in their pasts…and open their hearts to each other?
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published June 18, 2019
About the author
Tracey J. Lyons
15 books141 followersTracey considers herself a small town gal writing small town books. A publisher's Weekly best selling author and an Amazon #1 bestselling historical romance author, Tracey sold her first book on 9/9/99! Tracey’s books have been translated into several languages. Tracey is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Novelists Inc. Her books have been a finalist in the Greater Detroit Booksellers best, New Jersey Golden Leaf and the Reader's Choice awards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 19, 2019
I've already read a historical novel by Tracey and enjoyed it immensely so I was looking forward to reading her first venture for Love Inspired with an Amish book. What a treat this venture is and there is also a delicious cookie recipe to try at the back of the book as well. just love recipes in books I read to try. What fun!
While there were some inaccuracies portrayed in the Amish lifestyle it did not take away from my enjoyment of the book. Hopefully the author will do more research on the Amish before she writes another.
So many people read Amish books because they believe when the see the Amish they have the perfect peaceful lifestyle. Not so they have the same troubles and insecurities as we do.
Lizzie and Paul have known each other since childhood but a tragedy in their pasts has kept them from becoming more than friends. Can secrets be told and the mercy of forgiveness come for this young couple?
Very enjoyable book.
Pub Date 18 Jun 2019
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
While there were some inaccuracies portrayed in the Amish lifestyle it did not take away from my enjoyment of the book. Hopefully the author will do more research on the Amish before she writes another.
So many people read Amish books because they believe when the see the Amish they have the perfect peaceful lifestyle. Not so they have the same troubles and insecurities as we do.
Lizzie and Paul have known each other since childhood but a tragedy in their pasts has kept them from becoming more than friends. Can secrets be told and the mercy of forgiveness come for this young couple?
Very enjoyable book.
Pub Date 18 Jun 2019
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
June 6, 2019
Hats off to this author on writing this Amish romance!! I truly loved the book and it's characters.
I can relate to Lizzie in a few ways especially about being self conscious. I also like Lizzie found that this can take a lot out of you. I guess I'm like Lizzie too that I learn things the hard way!! My goodness!! Til one day the Lord surely opened my eyes and made me see. He made me see things in a whole new way! Nowadays I'm just a little more open minded to see what God has to offer.
I didn't enjoy working in a place with so many close minded people and I felt I had to leave. I'm hoping God will open another way.
I admire Paul's bravery. I love his gentle kind and caring ways and his ability to look past people that want to be so stubborn!! He also has a stubborn streak and I loved how he used that for the good of his family even though we can see where he got that stubborn streak.
This story is about trust but you know what? That is hard to come by these days!! Learning to trust and forgive is hard to do.
I've recently learned to forgive people. I was told that it was more for myself than them if that makes sense. If you don't it can fester inside you and make you a bitter person. I didn't want that.
I'm so glad things worked out for the good in this story. It's why I love to read books like these because it offers hope for those of us in the real world!!
I received a complimentary copy with no compensations received. All opinions are my own
I can relate to Lizzie in a few ways especially about being self conscious. I also like Lizzie found that this can take a lot out of you. I guess I'm like Lizzie too that I learn things the hard way!! My goodness!! Til one day the Lord surely opened my eyes and made me see. He made me see things in a whole new way! Nowadays I'm just a little more open minded to see what God has to offer.
I didn't enjoy working in a place with so many close minded people and I felt I had to leave. I'm hoping God will open another way.
I admire Paul's bravery. I love his gentle kind and caring ways and his ability to look past people that want to be so stubborn!! He also has a stubborn streak and I loved how he used that for the good of his family even though we can see where he got that stubborn streak.
This story is about trust but you know what? That is hard to come by these days!! Learning to trust and forgive is hard to do.
I've recently learned to forgive people. I was told that it was more for myself than them if that makes sense. If you don't it can fester inside you and make you a bitter person. I didn't want that.
I'm so glad things worked out for the good in this story. It's why I love to read books like these because it offers hope for those of us in the real world!!
I received a complimentary copy with no compensations received. All opinions are my own
July 12, 2019
Well, I just don’t think this was the book for me. I could not connect to these characters. Paul and Lizzie couldn’t make up their minds about what they actually felt for each other for most of the book. Lizzie simply frustrated me with her mood swings and stubbornness.
I struggled with inaccuracies that were in this story related to the Amish people and their traditions and I found myself distracted with some inconsistancies in the storyline relating to the timeline of the tragic event of the past.
(2.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
I struggled with inaccuracies that were in this story related to the Amish people and their traditions and I found myself distracted with some inconsistancies in the storyline relating to the timeline of the tragic event of the past.
(2.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
March 14, 2020
A Love for Lizzie is a rewarding Amish novel. This is the first book I have read by Tracey J. Lyons and I enjoyed it. This is Ms. Lyons debut novel for Love Inspired and her first Amish novel as well. I liked her engaging writing style with lovely but realistic characters. Lizzie is twenty years old and prefers to stay on the family farm to avoid strangers who stare at her. When Lizzie was ten years old, an accident took her brother’s life and left her with visible scar. Paul Burkholder is Lizzie’s friend and has been since they were children. Paul would like to court Lizzie, but she keeps pushing him away. Lizzie has not been able to move forward with her life since her brother died and feels that no man would want her because of her outward appearance. Lizzie fails to realize that Paul fell in love with her beautiful inside. It was so sweet when Paul said that Lizzie’s paintings show her inner beauty and strength. I thought A Love for Lizzie was an emotional story. Readers get to join Lizzie on a journey to overcome the past. I like how the community came together to help the Miller family in their time of need and continued to show up each day for them. God has a guiding hand in our lives, and everything happens for a reason as we see in A Love for Lizzie. My favorite quote from A Love for Lizzie is “this day wasn’t my doing—it’s a gift from God”. I did find one discrepancy in the story regarding the death of Lizzie’s brother. At one point, Paul stated he had just arrived when the accident occurred. Later in the story, it states Paul did not arrive until after the incident had happened. Otherwise, A Love for Lizzie was an engaging and satisfying novel. There is a recipe for Double Treat Cookies included (a peanut butter cookie with chocolate chips and peanuts). A Love for Lizzie is an uplifting Amish story with its focus on faith, love and family.
June 10, 2019
Story details were not consistent. In chapter one Paul comes in just as David jumps pulling Lizzie with him. Later in the book, Paul gets to the scene after hearing the bell letting everyone know there is trouble. Amish details are wrong too. People attending weddings or other forms of worship sit men on one side and women on the other. The author has them sitting as families.
August 31, 2019
This is a sweet Amish Romance. The characters each are dealing with their own struggles and pain. While there are a few inaccuracies in the story as far as Amish life goes, it did not effect the story any. There is a strong theme of trust that runs through this story.
A sweet heartwarming tale. If you are a fan of Amish fiction you should consider adding this one to your TBR pile.
A sweet heartwarming tale. If you are a fan of Amish fiction you should consider adding this one to your TBR pile.
June 14, 2019
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
It had been 10 years since Lizzie had lost her brother David in a barn accident. But no matter the amount of time has passed, her family still mourned her brother's death as if it happened yesterday. The accident also left Lizzy with a horrible scar across her face, a scar that kept her home on their Farm so no one would be able to see what she looks like. No one but their neighbor Paul that is. Paul has always been there for her no matter what. Would their spending so much time together cause feelings to happen between the two of them?
This is such a sweet story, despite the hurt and difficult feelings that comes with losing a brother and young child. Paul and Lizzie's life wasn't always easy, because each of their families already had their future planned for them, despite what the two of them wanted for themselves. Since Amish dads like to control their families so strongly, this caused a lot of friction and tension between Paul and Lizzie as well as both of their families. I feel the author deals with this and an exceptional way. Author Tracey Lyons has created a beautiful story of love, forgiveness and Redemption, with realistic characters and their development throughout the story. I just love Paul and Lizzy, and Paul's attitude over the scar on Lizzie's of face was so very heartwarming and that I just cried.
If you love Amish fiction then this is a story that you will love to read. This is a novella, so you will be able to read it and just a few hours. This is also Ms. Lyons' debut novel with love inspired, as well as her first Amish story oh, so you are in for a real treat. And to make the story a little sweeter, there is a recipe for the double treat cookies at the end of the book.
A copy of this book was given to me by the author or publisher. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions here in this review are totally mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
It had been 10 years since Lizzie had lost her brother David in a barn accident. But no matter the amount of time has passed, her family still mourned her brother's death as if it happened yesterday. The accident also left Lizzy with a horrible scar across her face, a scar that kept her home on their Farm so no one would be able to see what she looks like. No one but their neighbor Paul that is. Paul has always been there for her no matter what. Would their spending so much time together cause feelings to happen between the two of them?
This is such a sweet story, despite the hurt and difficult feelings that comes with losing a brother and young child. Paul and Lizzie's life wasn't always easy, because each of their families already had their future planned for them, despite what the two of them wanted for themselves. Since Amish dads like to control their families so strongly, this caused a lot of friction and tension between Paul and Lizzie as well as both of their families. I feel the author deals with this and an exceptional way. Author Tracey Lyons has created a beautiful story of love, forgiveness and Redemption, with realistic characters and their development throughout the story. I just love Paul and Lizzy, and Paul's attitude over the scar on Lizzie's of face was so very heartwarming and that I just cried.
If you love Amish fiction then this is a story that you will love to read. This is a novella, so you will be able to read it and just a few hours. This is also Ms. Lyons' debut novel with love inspired, as well as her first Amish story oh, so you are in for a real treat. And to make the story a little sweeter, there is a recipe for the double treat cookies at the end of the book.
A copy of this book was given to me by the author or publisher. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions here in this review are totally mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
June 29, 2019
About the Book:
In A Love for Lizzie:
Childhood friends joined by a painful past…Can love blossom between them?
After her father falls ill, Lizzie Miller and her family desperately need help to keep the farm going during harvest time. Neighbor Paul Burkholder is eager to lend a hand–and to court Lizzie. But Paul has a secret that he fears could push Lizzie away. Can they finally heal from a tragedy in their pasts…and open their hearts to each other?
My thoughts:
I love a good Amish novel and this one was fabulous. The great mystery in this book is really just a bit of a subplot to the romance. It’s not a mystery novel at all but just wanted to throw that bit in there. Lizzie had a brother who died in a tragic accident. She feels that her father is forever looking down on her and wishing she had died instead of his son.
So Lizzie is looking to marry a man her father will approve who can take over the farm. And that man is not Paul. Paul is a woodworker. He loves what he does enough to risk alienating himself from his own father. He’s not a farmer. So why does Lizzie feel something for him?
Meanwhile, Lizzie has secrets of her own.
Both Paul and Lizzie are stuck in the past with the death of her brother. Can they work through it? Or more importantly, can they work through it together and emerge whole on the other side?
I loved delving into this new Amish fiction romance novel. A Love for Lizzie takes you to a quaint Amish area where everyone knows everyone and their past. Lizzie has both physical and emotional scars from the accident that took her brother’s life. She blames herself and can’t get past that day in her mind. It’s like her life stopped that day and she can only remember the life that was and not the life that is.
Her one escape is a forbidden one that her father must never find out about.
Oooh. It’s a good book! I read it in one sitting. It’s a fast read. No major plot twists or danger. Just a good old fashioned romance. If you want a good book to read right before going to bed this is the one for you. It will give you sweet dreams for sure! Great piece of Amish fiction. Highly recommend.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
In A Love for Lizzie:
Childhood friends joined by a painful past…Can love blossom between them?
After her father falls ill, Lizzie Miller and her family desperately need help to keep the farm going during harvest time. Neighbor Paul Burkholder is eager to lend a hand–and to court Lizzie. But Paul has a secret that he fears could push Lizzie away. Can they finally heal from a tragedy in their pasts…and open their hearts to each other?
My thoughts:
I love a good Amish novel and this one was fabulous. The great mystery in this book is really just a bit of a subplot to the romance. It’s not a mystery novel at all but just wanted to throw that bit in there. Lizzie had a brother who died in a tragic accident. She feels that her father is forever looking down on her and wishing she had died instead of his son.
So Lizzie is looking to marry a man her father will approve who can take over the farm. And that man is not Paul. Paul is a woodworker. He loves what he does enough to risk alienating himself from his own father. He’s not a farmer. So why does Lizzie feel something for him?
Meanwhile, Lizzie has secrets of her own.
Both Paul and Lizzie are stuck in the past with the death of her brother. Can they work through it? Or more importantly, can they work through it together and emerge whole on the other side?
I loved delving into this new Amish fiction romance novel. A Love for Lizzie takes you to a quaint Amish area where everyone knows everyone and their past. Lizzie has both physical and emotional scars from the accident that took her brother’s life. She blames herself and can’t get past that day in her mind. It’s like her life stopped that day and she can only remember the life that was and not the life that is.
Her one escape is a forbidden one that her father must never find out about.
Oooh. It’s a good book! I read it in one sitting. It’s a fast read. No major plot twists or danger. Just a good old fashioned romance. If you want a good book to read right before going to bed this is the one for you. It will give you sweet dreams for sure! Great piece of Amish fiction. Highly recommend.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
October 9, 2020
A Love for Lizzie is such a heartwarming story filled with love of family, friends, and faith written by Tracey J. Lyons. This is my first story by this author and I absolutely love her writing style. Her characters are very likeable and add much to the story. There has been a tragic accident in this story which also leaves a young Amish girl disfigured for life. As Lizzie grows up she finds herself staying within the limits of the family farm and her self confidence practically non-existent. When neighbor and friend Paul Burkholder brings a special gift to Lizzie the story really gets interesting and their special friendship takes a turn. Both Lizzie and Paul need to find forgiveness from each other as well as themselves. The author as done an excellent job bringing this story to life.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others. I will be anticipating more wonderful stories from this author in the future.
Congratulations to Tracy J. Lyons for writing such an inspirational story of healing, forgiveness, and moving forward for the readers enjoyment.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others. I will be anticipating more wonderful stories from this author in the future.
Congratulations to Tracy J. Lyons for writing such an inspirational story of healing, forgiveness, and moving forward for the readers enjoyment.
July 31, 2019
*DISCLAIMER: I received a free e-copy of this book from Netgalley and Just Read Tours, in exchange for my honest review.*
This book was not my personal favorite, but I know there are people who might enjoy it more. If you like reading about the Amish community, you may enjoy this book more than I did. For me, some things in the book bugged me. The two main characters (Lizzie and Paul) were always apologizing for things they had nothing to do with and had no reason to apologize for. It got annoying to read about them feeling guilty for things that weren't their fault. I did, however, think that Lizzie and Paul's friendship blossoming into romance was sweet. In some ways, I saw a parallel to how Jesus sees us, even when we don't see ourselves the same way. The other thing that bugged me was how Lizzie's father talked about and treated his daughter, although that conflict sort of resolved in the end. I feel like it would have been nice to hear an apology from the father. I rate this book 5/5 stars for cleanness; 4/5 stars for characters; 4/5 stars for plot; and a personal rating of 4/5 stars.
This book was not my personal favorite, but I know there are people who might enjoy it more. If you like reading about the Amish community, you may enjoy this book more than I did. For me, some things in the book bugged me. The two main characters (Lizzie and Paul) were always apologizing for things they had nothing to do with and had no reason to apologize for. It got annoying to read about them feeling guilty for things that weren't their fault. I did, however, think that Lizzie and Paul's friendship blossoming into romance was sweet. In some ways, I saw a parallel to how Jesus sees us, even when we don't see ourselves the same way. The other thing that bugged me was how Lizzie's father talked about and treated his daughter, although that conflict sort of resolved in the end. I feel like it would have been nice to hear an apology from the father. I rate this book 5/5 stars for cleanness; 4/5 stars for characters; 4/5 stars for plot; and a personal rating of 4/5 stars.
July 29, 2019
I enjoyed reading this sweet, easy to read Amish romance story. I liked the main character Lizzie and her love for her family and Amish community even with her strained relationship with her dad. I loved reading about how the community comes together to help Lizzie's family and farm after her father becomes ill. It really demonstrates how important community, family and values are to the Amish.
Lizzie and Paul were a great couple to read about and how they helped each other with their personal struggles and encouraging each other to follow their dreams and passions.
I really liked this book and would recommend this quick reading, love inspired Amish romance.
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
Lizzie and Paul were a great couple to read about and how they helped each other with their personal struggles and encouraging each other to follow their dreams and passions.
I really liked this book and would recommend this quick reading, love inspired Amish romance.
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
July 23, 2019
I loved this book!! Great story!! 1st time reading this author!! Will read more of her books!!
June 28, 2019
First time reading Tracey, Excellent book, Loved it read it in 2 hours. Gave it to my mom to read. We love Amish books.
July 29, 2020
A Love for Lizzie is Tracey J. Lyons first Love Inspired story. Even though there were some inconsistencies within the story, Lizzie and Paul’s story will give hope to readers that healing and forgiveness can be found when blaming oneself for a tragic. They both carried guilt since Lizzie’s brother death ten years earlier, since he was Paul’s best friend.
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Paul went above and beyond what a lot of the Amish men were doing when Lizzie’s father fell ill. He also was determined to make his way in life by opening his own furniture store in the village instead of remaining in the family’s business. Paul knew Lizzie had a special talent that was frowned upon; however, he believed selling her work would provide much needed income for the family. Lizzie isolated herself most of the time due to the scars she endured when her brother fell to his death. Will she be able to accept Paul’s suggestion and keep the secret from her father who seemed to despise her at times since his one son had died? There were unexpected twists and turns to the story that will bring a happy ending like Love Inspired books are known for.
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Paul went above and beyond what a lot of the Amish men were doing when Lizzie’s father fell ill. He also was determined to make his way in life by opening his own furniture store in the village instead of remaining in the family’s business. Paul knew Lizzie had a special talent that was frowned upon; however, he believed selling her work would provide much needed income for the family. Lizzie isolated herself most of the time due to the scars she endured when her brother fell to his death. Will she be able to accept Paul’s suggestion and keep the secret from her father who seemed to despise her at times since his one son had died? There were unexpected twists and turns to the story that will bring a happy ending like Love Inspired books are known for.
June 2, 2022
Another 'meh' Amish book from 'Love, Inspired'. I wished I could've liked it more.
Lizzie was in a hay-jumping barn accident as a child, along with her brother (who died in the incident). She lost her memory of the event (until it was convenient to the author to have the memory come back - et voila! There it is!) and she sustained a very polite injury to her face - polite, because like every good chrischun injury, it didn't impede her sight, speech, or facial expressions at all. It's a very neat little 3-inch scar from temple to cheek. It doesn't pull at her eye or mouth, it doesn't cover more than a tiny fraction of her face... but HO.MY. GAWSH....!!! The ugliness!! The horror! I'm not okay with polite scars - they're saccharine and artificial, and a total cheat.
Lizzie is a painter. Which seems like a *BAD* thing, to me - if the Amish don't like photographs because they capture or imitate God's creation, wouldn't a painting do the same? The author tries to pass it off as being 'creative in the same way as a quilt' - but quilts deal in patterns, not likenesses. I had severe trouble with this, too.
Lizzie's dad has a heart attack, but never you fear - he put in a 'phone shanty' on his own property, so they can call 9-1-1. So... basically you can have phones, so long as they're not in your house? How is THAT okay? Isn't that having technology? They also abuse the heck out of Helen, the Englischer neighbor who has a car. So... they can't drive a car, but they can put themselves upon the neighbor to cart them around. How is this better than our way of life, again?
On pg 112, Lyons has them *RECYCLING* plastic water bottles. I can't even IMAGINE them bothering with that...! And the timer on their stove... wouldn't that be electric? And she uses a plastic lid for mixing paints... plastic is a chemical byproduct produced by electricity. I... fail to see how using modern things is eschewing modern things.
This is a 'stupid' book, too. By 'stupid', I mean... "Lizzie realized Paul had been over every single day for weeks"... but she doesn't seem to ever consider the fact that he might *LIKE* her. In fact, it couldn't possibly be that. He makes excuses to be in the kitchen with her, follows her around like a puppy, but she has NO IDEA that he's interested, of course. How could he be? She has a polite scar, hello! And this goes on, and ON, and *ON*... for the majority of the book. Just vacant stupidity. I don't like my heroines to be brainless, like that.
Paul takes Lizzie on a picnic with a chaperone - nevermind that the real Amish allow single people to go out on drives/picnics together unchaperoned, if they're baptized and of an age. The chaperone is 14yo boy who's "running circles around them". I have a 14yo son. Trust me, that's 5yo behavior, not teen behavior. And that boy conveniently 1) doesn't eat/isn't hungry, 2) disappears for the entirety of the picnic 'date' (so what's the point, again?), and 3) never mentions to anyone that she's painting, or she's the artist, even though it has to be unusual to him, and he's never asked to keep it a secret. Because reasons. (((sigh.)))
Meanwhile, Lizzie has a single friend named Sadie who is happy, social, pretty, and has a great sense of humor... and NOBODY in the community is interested in her, even though she's as spinster-headed-ish as Lizzie. Why is that, again...??? There's a Sadie book, too... since I have it, I probably should read that, next, eh? Although at this point, I'm not sure how that'll go.
Anyhow, in this story Paul has to convince Lizzie to love him, because she's got survivor's guilt... but then, so does he. Even though 1) he wasn't there at the time her brother was killed, 2) he had no ability to change the outcome, and 3) it wasn't his idea or anything to hay jump. It's... as grasping and over-dramatized as the horrors of the polite scar.
Paul, by the way, is so tall his head brushes doorways... but we're never told how tall Lizzie is. Only that she has brown hair and blue eyes (her hair with a few lighter streaks)... which later somehow turns to honey-colored hair. Don't ask, I never do. But you'd think there'd be awkwardness with his extreme height (which is mentioned a lot)... but the author conveniently forgets about it whenever romantic scenes are written. Figures.
And there's the parental interference angle, of course. Paul buys another family furniture shop to sell his furniture pieces in - this one in town. GASP, SHOCK, HOW.DARE.YOU...! Like that is a problem? The Amish where I come from would be *ALLLLLLL* about the money two locations would rake in.
And her daddy needs his daughter to marry a farmer to take over his estate, someday, so Paul doesn't fit. Nevermind that as an elderly man who was on the cusp of a heart attack, he was managing the place alone. Pretty sure it was small enough, then, for Paul to manage the chores as a healthy, strapping 20-something. It's not like it's a farm that's making a ton of money - not if Lizzie and Mamas veggies/eggs/jams are a necessary source of income, and they're still financially not doing well.
Lizzie also has a roadside stand where she sells eggs she never once gathers, vegetables, jams, and other things... but she never once spends any time at the stand in the book. She's always off painting or baking or taking walks/drives.
I just... have issues with the story on multiple levels. Enough that I'm not keeping it. There are literally near a hundred Amish books in my pile at the moment. This one wasn't one of the better ones, sadly.
Lizzie was in a hay-jumping barn accident as a child, along with her brother (who died in the incident). She lost her memory of the event (until it was convenient to the author to have the memory come back - et voila! There it is!) and she sustained a very polite injury to her face - polite, because like every good chrischun injury, it didn't impede her sight, speech, or facial expressions at all. It's a very neat little 3-inch scar from temple to cheek. It doesn't pull at her eye or mouth, it doesn't cover more than a tiny fraction of her face... but HO.MY. GAWSH....!!! The ugliness!! The horror! I'm not okay with polite scars - they're saccharine and artificial, and a total cheat.
Lizzie is a painter. Which seems like a *BAD* thing, to me - if the Amish don't like photographs because they capture or imitate God's creation, wouldn't a painting do the same? The author tries to pass it off as being 'creative in the same way as a quilt' - but quilts deal in patterns, not likenesses. I had severe trouble with this, too.
Lizzie's dad has a heart attack, but never you fear - he put in a 'phone shanty' on his own property, so they can call 9-1-1. So... basically you can have phones, so long as they're not in your house? How is THAT okay? Isn't that having technology? They also abuse the heck out of Helen, the Englischer neighbor who has a car. So... they can't drive a car, but they can put themselves upon the neighbor to cart them around. How is this better than our way of life, again?
On pg 112, Lyons has them *RECYCLING* plastic water bottles. I can't even IMAGINE them bothering with that...! And the timer on their stove... wouldn't that be electric? And she uses a plastic lid for mixing paints... plastic is a chemical byproduct produced by electricity. I... fail to see how using modern things is eschewing modern things.
This is a 'stupid' book, too. By 'stupid', I mean... "Lizzie realized Paul had been over every single day for weeks"... but she doesn't seem to ever consider the fact that he might *LIKE* her. In fact, it couldn't possibly be that. He makes excuses to be in the kitchen with her, follows her around like a puppy, but she has NO IDEA that he's interested, of course. How could he be? She has a polite scar, hello! And this goes on, and ON, and *ON*... for the majority of the book. Just vacant stupidity. I don't like my heroines to be brainless, like that.
Paul takes Lizzie on a picnic with a chaperone - nevermind that the real Amish allow single people to go out on drives/picnics together unchaperoned, if they're baptized and of an age. The chaperone is 14yo boy who's "running circles around them". I have a 14yo son. Trust me, that's 5yo behavior, not teen behavior. And that boy conveniently 1) doesn't eat/isn't hungry, 2) disappears for the entirety of the picnic 'date' (so what's the point, again?), and 3) never mentions to anyone that she's painting, or she's the artist, even though it has to be unusual to him, and he's never asked to keep it a secret. Because reasons. (((sigh.)))
Meanwhile, Lizzie has a single friend named Sadie who is happy, social, pretty, and has a great sense of humor... and NOBODY in the community is interested in her, even though she's as spinster-headed-ish as Lizzie. Why is that, again...??? There's a Sadie book, too... since I have it, I probably should read that, next, eh? Although at this point, I'm not sure how that'll go.
Anyhow, in this story Paul has to convince Lizzie to love him, because she's got survivor's guilt... but then, so does he. Even though 1) he wasn't there at the time her brother was killed, 2) he had no ability to change the outcome, and 3) it wasn't his idea or anything to hay jump. It's... as grasping and over-dramatized as the horrors of the polite scar.
Paul, by the way, is so tall his head brushes doorways... but we're never told how tall Lizzie is. Only that she has brown hair and blue eyes (her hair with a few lighter streaks)... which later somehow turns to honey-colored hair. Don't ask, I never do. But you'd think there'd be awkwardness with his extreme height (which is mentioned a lot)... but the author conveniently forgets about it whenever romantic scenes are written. Figures.
And there's the parental interference angle, of course. Paul buys another family furniture shop to sell his furniture pieces in - this one in town. GASP, SHOCK, HOW.DARE.YOU...! Like that is a problem? The Amish where I come from would be *ALLLLLLL* about the money two locations would rake in.
And her daddy needs his daughter to marry a farmer to take over his estate, someday, so Paul doesn't fit. Nevermind that as an elderly man who was on the cusp of a heart attack, he was managing the place alone. Pretty sure it was small enough, then, for Paul to manage the chores as a healthy, strapping 20-something. It's not like it's a farm that's making a ton of money - not if Lizzie and Mamas veggies/eggs/jams are a necessary source of income, and they're still financially not doing well.
Lizzie also has a roadside stand where she sells eggs she never once gathers, vegetables, jams, and other things... but she never once spends any time at the stand in the book. She's always off painting or baking or taking walks/drives.
I just... have issues with the story on multiple levels. Enough that I'm not keeping it. There are literally near a hundred Amish books in my pile at the moment. This one wasn't one of the better ones, sadly.
July 1, 2019
While this wasn’t my favorite book, I did enjoy it somewhat. I did like it, but I did notice the inaccuracies about the Amish lifestyle. I haven’t read anything from this author before. I think that I’m going to giver other books a try.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
August 27, 2019
First Initial Thoughts
Lizzie is a young woman living with her family when her father suddenly falls ill. Their farm is falling apart and losing money. Lizzie secretly paints paintings ever since her brother’s death. She has never gotten over her brother’s death thinking it was slightly her fault. She carries a scar on her face and is afraid that no one will want her because of her disfigurement.
Paul is a young man that secretly has a huge crush on Lizzie. When Lizzie’s father falls ill he immediately helps out on the farm with whatever they need. He also has dreams of building his own furniture business and working with his hands - what he has always wanted to do. Despite the disapproval of his father. I liked Paul. I found him to be forward-thinking. He was always there for Lizzie and I admired that about him.
Setting
Most of us are familiar with Amish living. Tracey made us feel like we were living the simple life along Lizzie with a few modern touches. I also liked that Tracey included non-Amish neighbors in this book. Most people think of Amish living together in one big community but it is becoming more common to have the Amish live with non-Amish in the same neighborhood.
Final Thoughts
I really liked that Tracey touched on the self-doubt of talent. Lizzie did have moments of doubt that anyone would really want to purchase her art or find it attractive. I went through a similar phase when I started my photography. I thought no one would really be interested in my artwork and I would just fade into the sea of the other photographers. While in the back of my mind I knew my photography was good and different from the rest I had the fear of putting myself out there. And I think that is what Lizzie was facing as well.
I also liked that Tracey touched on the need to please those around you by doing what they want you to do. Lizzie wanted to sell her artwork to save her families farm but also wanted to do what her parents wanted to do. Marry someone that would help build her families farm. However, that is not what God has planned for her life and I like that she stood up for herself and her goals in life. It is rare to see this in Amish communities so I appreciated this.
Lizzie and Paul were sweet. I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop. It was sweet and tender and made me smile. Paul, I think help Lizzie heal from her past and realize her God-given talents. While Lizzie inspired and encouraged Paul to start the business he always wanted to.
Overall, this was a really sweet romance that just made me smile throughout!
Would I Recommend?
Yes! This is a book that anyone can read in one afternoon so it’s a great weekend read at the beach or on vacation. The perfect book to read to lift your mood.
**Please note I was sent a copy of this book from the publisher to review. All opinions are my own.
Lizzie is a young woman living with her family when her father suddenly falls ill. Their farm is falling apart and losing money. Lizzie secretly paints paintings ever since her brother’s death. She has never gotten over her brother’s death thinking it was slightly her fault. She carries a scar on her face and is afraid that no one will want her because of her disfigurement.
Paul is a young man that secretly has a huge crush on Lizzie. When Lizzie’s father falls ill he immediately helps out on the farm with whatever they need. He also has dreams of building his own furniture business and working with his hands - what he has always wanted to do. Despite the disapproval of his father. I liked Paul. I found him to be forward-thinking. He was always there for Lizzie and I admired that about him.
Setting
Most of us are familiar with Amish living. Tracey made us feel like we were living the simple life along Lizzie with a few modern touches. I also liked that Tracey included non-Amish neighbors in this book. Most people think of Amish living together in one big community but it is becoming more common to have the Amish live with non-Amish in the same neighborhood.
Final Thoughts
I really liked that Tracey touched on the self-doubt of talent. Lizzie did have moments of doubt that anyone would really want to purchase her art or find it attractive. I went through a similar phase when I started my photography. I thought no one would really be interested in my artwork and I would just fade into the sea of the other photographers. While in the back of my mind I knew my photography was good and different from the rest I had the fear of putting myself out there. And I think that is what Lizzie was facing as well.
I also liked that Tracey touched on the need to please those around you by doing what they want you to do. Lizzie wanted to sell her artwork to save her families farm but also wanted to do what her parents wanted to do. Marry someone that would help build her families farm. However, that is not what God has planned for her life and I like that she stood up for herself and her goals in life. It is rare to see this in Amish communities so I appreciated this.
Lizzie and Paul were sweet. I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop. It was sweet and tender and made me smile. Paul, I think help Lizzie heal from her past and realize her God-given talents. While Lizzie inspired and encouraged Paul to start the business he always wanted to.
Overall, this was a really sweet romance that just made me smile throughout!
Would I Recommend?
Yes! This is a book that anyone can read in one afternoon so it’s a great weekend read at the beach or on vacation. The perfect book to read to lift your mood.
**Please note I was sent a copy of this book from the publisher to review. All opinions are my own.
July 1, 2019
I can see now why this novel is entitled, "A Love for Lizzie." Lizzie Miller needs all the love she can get! This book was a tougher read for me only because of the heartbreaking subject matter and melancholy feel of the book. Carrying the burden of your brothers accidental death while struggling with your own disfigurement and settling for a life of spinsterhood would depress anyone! Sweet, wonderful, faithful Paul is the hope that never gives up on Lizzie and it's this hope that is exactly what Lizzie needs.
Beautifully written with incredible character development and the picturesque imagery of Miller's Crossing, A Love for Lizzie is a sweet tale of love, forgiveness, and strength; and giving your past, and your future, to the Lord.
The ending was gratifying and the aspect I loved the most was the fact that Lizzie was an artist and used this gift as a way to grieve. This reminded me that I have my own artistic talents, and since I am going through a tough time myself, that maybe it's time I used my talents as well. A touching and graceful story.
*I have reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through JustReads Blog Tours and NetGalley. All opinions are completely honest, and my own.
Beautifully written with incredible character development and the picturesque imagery of Miller's Crossing, A Love for Lizzie is a sweet tale of love, forgiveness, and strength; and giving your past, and your future, to the Lord.
The ending was gratifying and the aspect I loved the most was the fact that Lizzie was an artist and used this gift as a way to grieve. This reminded me that I have my own artistic talents, and since I am going through a tough time myself, that maybe it's time I used my talents as well. A touching and graceful story.
*I have reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through JustReads Blog Tours and NetGalley. All opinions are completely honest, and my own.
July 29, 2019
This is a sweet, heart-touching story. From the very beginning of this book, I had empathy for Lizzie. She was not only struggling with the death of her brother, David, but also the disfigurement on her face from the same accident. I was sad for her that her father felt she had to hide her artistic ability, even though that was allowed by their district. I also had great admiration for Paul. He, too, felt some of the guilt of David’s accidental death. Paul has been a strong friend for Lizzie during the years since David’s death, and both where a little bit unsure when that strong friendship began to change into something different. I was hoping all through the book that they’d find their happily-ever-after together.
The author did a good job of showing the strong family ties among the Amish and how that sometimes leads to conflict. Paul wanted to open his own carpentry shop to help his family’s business. Lizzie wanted to sell her artwork to help her family’s finances. There were even conflicting views on their courtship. The drama in the storyline and main characters kept me reading and I so enjoyed this book. I’ll be watching for another Amish book from this author.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The author did a good job of showing the strong family ties among the Amish and how that sometimes leads to conflict. Paul wanted to open his own carpentry shop to help his family’s business. Lizzie wanted to sell her artwork to help her family’s finances. There were even conflicting views on their courtship. The drama in the storyline and main characters kept me reading and I so enjoyed this book. I’ll be watching for another Amish book from this author.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
July 15, 2019
Is she worthy to be loved?
I love to read good Amish novels and this one didn’t disappoint me. I found it an enjoyable, quick read, full of relatable characters. Lizzie, because of an accident that left her scarred her both physically and emotionally, feels that she isn’t worthy of finding love. Can a life-long friendship with Paul turn into something else? Only by learning to trust in their faith and in each other are they able to regain joy. I especially enjoyed watching how Lizzie’s artistic talent was woven into the story, and loved her best friend, the ever happy Sadie. The author explores not only the Amish mentality and strict tenets but how insecurities affect everyday lives.
This is Tracey Lyons’ first novel in the new Love Inspired series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through JustReads Blog Tours and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I love to read good Amish novels and this one didn’t disappoint me. I found it an enjoyable, quick read, full of relatable characters. Lizzie, because of an accident that left her scarred her both physically and emotionally, feels that she isn’t worthy of finding love. Can a life-long friendship with Paul turn into something else? Only by learning to trust in their faith and in each other are they able to regain joy. I especially enjoyed watching how Lizzie’s artistic talent was woven into the story, and loved her best friend, the ever happy Sadie. The author explores not only the Amish mentality and strict tenets but how insecurities affect everyday lives.
This is Tracey Lyons’ first novel in the new Love Inspired series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through JustReads Blog Tours and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
July 22, 2019
Amish Fiction is my favorite Genre to read, so I was excited to read this book!
Lizzie Miller suffered a great loss 10yrs ago when her brother died in an accident. That accident also left Lizzie with a Scar on her face. The Scar made Lizzie feel very self conscious and felt that she would never find her "special someone". Someone to love her as she was and saw in her inner beauty. Well, that "special someone" just might be her next door neighbor, Paul Burkholder. That is, IF Lizzie will allow him into her life and allow the past hurts to be buried. Will the 2 become a couple? Grab the book and find out!
I really enjoyed reading A LOVE for Lizzie. I can understand her self consciousness feelings, as I have those tendencies in different areas of my life. I also love the "quaint" Amish town feeling I get from reading this book. The characters in the book really make the book interesting, even through the twists and turns of the plot!
GREAT BOOK!
Lizzie Miller suffered a great loss 10yrs ago when her brother died in an accident. That accident also left Lizzie with a Scar on her face. The Scar made Lizzie feel very self conscious and felt that she would never find her "special someone". Someone to love her as she was and saw in her inner beauty. Well, that "special someone" just might be her next door neighbor, Paul Burkholder. That is, IF Lizzie will allow him into her life and allow the past hurts to be buried. Will the 2 become a couple? Grab the book and find out!
I really enjoyed reading A LOVE for Lizzie. I can understand her self consciousness feelings, as I have those tendencies in different areas of my life. I also love the "quaint" Amish town feeling I get from reading this book. The characters in the book really make the book interesting, even through the twists and turns of the plot!
GREAT BOOK!
July 28, 2019
One of the books set in Amish country, this tale focuses on Lizzie Miller, who paints in secret, even as she hides her scarred face, convinced she'll never be loved because of how she looks.
A neighbor, Paul Burkholder, has always been her friend and he has his own struggles as he prepares to run his own furniture shop against the wishes of his aging father.
When Paul tells Lizzie she could sell her paintings to help her father keep his farm, she wants to do so, but knows he views artwork as frivolity, not something for his Amish daughter.
But Paul convinces her, sells one painting for her and then the man who wants more of them and Paul's furniture ruins everything when he seeks out LIzzie.
How can these two young people fight their respective fathers and what's in their hearts at the same time?
A neighbor, Paul Burkholder, has always been her friend and he has his own struggles as he prepares to run his own furniture shop against the wishes of his aging father.
When Paul tells Lizzie she could sell her paintings to help her father keep his farm, she wants to do so, but knows he views artwork as frivolity, not something for his Amish daughter.
But Paul convinces her, sells one painting for her and then the man who wants more of them and Paul's furniture ruins everything when he seeks out LIzzie.
How can these two young people fight their respective fathers and what's in their hearts at the same time?
May 3, 2021
After a tragic accident, Lizzie has resolved herself that she may never be married. She leads a sheltered life, rarely leaving the family farm. She blames herself for that tragic fateful day. Paul visits her family for years, as he was a friend of her brother David. Paul also blames himself for that day of tragedy. Years pass by before Paul and Lizzie finally start to think about what really happened all those years ago and start to communicate. Paul wants to make furniture and have his own business, Lizzie loves to paint and draw but keeps it to herself, only Paul knows that she paints. Can these two heal emotionally? Is there a future for them?
The author does a good job of developing the characters and wonderful scenic descriptions. I enjoyed reading this book.
The author does a good job of developing the characters and wonderful scenic descriptions. I enjoyed reading this book.
August 10, 2019
A love for Lizzie is a great Amish Love Inspired novel. No matter how many of them I read, they are all vastly different. The author has done a great job in creating realistic characters. I can definetly understand being self conscious like the main character is.... Both Paul and LIzzie are dealing with pain and struggles. Like so many of us do. God has a way of reminding us to look past our past, look beyond our flaws and reminding us that we are created in HIS image. That makes us worthy of the love he created for us. This was a great sweet Amish story. I look forward to more from the author.
I received a copy of this book through the JustRead blogging program, all thoughts are my own.
I received a copy of this book through the JustRead blogging program, all thoughts are my own.
July 6, 2019
What we know about the Amish is that they are faith filled people, the only thing more important then faith is family. This is a story of both, Lizzie lost her brother to an accident that also scarred her face. She now thinks she is unworthy of love, Paul shows her that is so untrue and that faith in god and love will keep their love strong if she will just give a chance. This is Tracey J. Lyons first Amish novel and I sure hope it isn't her last, she writes with such passion that it comes out in her book!
July 29, 2019
Tracey is a new author for me and I must say that I loved the book. When the 2 main characters can't move on because of the loss of a brother and friend, and each carrying the guilt that they feel they are to blame. Lizzie must learn to let people into her life and thinks her disfigurement causes no one to love or let alone marry her. Paul feels the guilt that he was not there and tries to show Lizzie that he cares for her. By learning to have faith in God and each other they are able to overcome guilt and move on.
You will pleasantly enjoy this book. Thank you Tracy. Amazing!!!!!
You will pleasantly enjoy this book. Thank you Tracy. Amazing!!!!!
December 10, 2019
A sweet, enjoyable story set in Amish country. The story revolves around Lizzie and her friend, both of whom have struggled with guilt for many years for what part they felt they each played in the death of Lizzie's brother years ago. They have to discuss the past and come to terms with it before they can each more forward.
I love Amish fiction and have read a lot of it, as well as non-fiction books about them as well. There are some things in this story that are a bit off in that regard, but nothing that takes away from the enjoyment of the story.
I love Amish fiction and have read a lot of it, as well as non-fiction books about them as well. There are some things in this story that are a bit off in that regard, but nothing that takes away from the enjoyment of the story.
June 16, 2019
This is the 3rd book I have read from this lady and her first Harlequin debut. Folks....just go get it and read it. I absolutely loved it. As the first reviewer for her, I will not do spoilers but will tell you it is a fast read, amazing characters and a really really good book. Tracey I can not wait to see what you come out with next.
January 26, 2025
Lizzie Miller and her friend Paul Burkholder were both devastated by the accident that killed her brother and scared her face. When her father has a heart attack the community rallies around to help their family and Paul is eager to lend a hand and to court Lizzie. Will they heal from the past tragedy and open their hearts to love each other? A very nice Amish romance story.
August 13, 2019
I enjoyed reading A Love for Lizzie by Tracey J Lyons from Love Inspired Suspense. Lyons first foray into the Amish fiction genre, in my opinion, has gone quite well and I look forward to reading more from this talented author.
Lizzie Miller and Paul Burkholder have been friends since childhood. When Lizzie’s father suffers a heart attack, Paul spends his days at the Miller farm, helping out. Along with many others in their Amish community, helping out on the Miller’s farm while Lizzie’s father recuperates is a blessing for a farm that was already struggling.
A shared childhood tragedy fills both Lizzie and Paul with enormous guilt; they both carry scars that seem to hold them back from a happier life. Paul wants to court Lizzie but first he has something he must confess to her, something about that day in her father’s barn, the day that changed their lives forever.
Will the scars from the tragedy that Lizzie carries stop her from being receptive to Paul’s desire to court her? Can the Two childhood friends find love and healing in each other and the God they worship?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Just Read Tours and am not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own, and freely given.
Lizzie Miller and Paul Burkholder have been friends since childhood. When Lizzie’s father suffers a heart attack, Paul spends his days at the Miller farm, helping out. Along with many others in their Amish community, helping out on the Miller’s farm while Lizzie’s father recuperates is a blessing for a farm that was already struggling.
A shared childhood tragedy fills both Lizzie and Paul with enormous guilt; they both carry scars that seem to hold them back from a happier life. Paul wants to court Lizzie but first he has something he must confess to her, something about that day in her father’s barn, the day that changed their lives forever.
Will the scars from the tragedy that Lizzie carries stop her from being receptive to Paul’s desire to court her? Can the Two childhood friends find love and healing in each other and the God they worship?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Just Read Tours and am not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own, and freely given.
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