Among the New-new Order Amish of Oakland, Maryland, children bring precious hope, joy--and sometimes an unexpected second chance at love ... For Amish widower Philip Baker, providing for his family in the wake of his wife's death means back-breaking work and renewed dedication to his faith. Still, his strength can't help him relate to his little son's struggles. It seems a godsend when new doctor Emily White is able to treat Gabe's shyness and fear even as she helps heal him. But no matter how strongly Philip is drawn to the caring Englischer from the city, their differences may be too great to overcome ...
Reeling from her own tragic loss, Emily keeps loneliness at bay through her clinic work. Somehow, though, Gabe and his gentle, sad-eyed father are making her want to risk opening her heart again. But can she find acceptance in their Plain world--and a way to turn their separate lives into a family forever? ...
With the upcoming release of the books in her new Kensington series, bestselling author Loree Lough will have 121 books on the shelves (8,000,000+ copies in circulation). Her writing style has been compared to Nicholas Sparks and Mary Jo Putney, and readers and reviewers often call her “a gifted writer whose stories touch hearts and change lives.”
With a long list of industry awards, it isn't likely this prolific author will ever retire...not even to her cozy li'l cabin in the Allegheny Mountains. She loves to hear from her readers and personally answers every letter sent to http://www.loreelough.com/.
Philip Baker Amish is a young widower with a young son who has heart problems. Gabe his son is a shy four year old. It is hard on Philip raising a sick child by him self and keeping up with his Amish duties. Philip takes Gabe to the clinic where he meets Dr. Emily White who is from England. As the visits to the clinic continue Dr. White helps Gabe deal with his shyness and fear. His father Philip needs help as he is falling in love with Dr. White and see has the same feeling toward Philip. Dr. Emily White is reeling from her own loss and buries herself in her clinical work. She is afraid to let go and face love. Philip and Emily come from different back grounds and up bringing. Can they make this work and become a family. I hope so. Read and see. A great story. You will l love it.
All He’ll Ever Need is book one in the A Little Child Shall Lead Them romance series by Loree Lough.
Gabe is a very smart and precocious 4-yr-old who’s been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Phillip Baker is a New Order Amish widower and father of four-year-old Gabe. Phillip is a refreshing Amish male character because he challenges the traditional Amish rules. Emily White is a dedicated doctor who’s known heartache in the past. She’s torn by her attraction to Phillip, the father of her young patient. Somehow these three must overcome disapproval from their families and communities to find healing for Gabe and love for them all.
Loree Lough chose to write about the Amish from the less traditional viewpoint of the New Order Amish. I found this very interesting. Even though the New Order Amish rules are more relaxed, I think the stance taken by Phillip was too advanced and unrealistic for an Amish man. Phillip’s immediate reaction to Emily was surprising, the Amish are usually more standoffish, especially with Englishers.
Overall, I enjoyed All He’ll Ever Need and rate it 3 out of 5 stars. I recommend this book to readers of chaste Christian romance, especially Amish romance. If you’re adverse to religious themes, this is not the book for you.
My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
- Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review - 2,5 stars. I enjoyed reading “All He’ll Ever Need” and liked the main characters in this clean romance involving an Amish widower and an English doctor, and the little boy whose failing heath leads to the couple meeting. I liked the portrayal of the Amish community and life style and Philip’s dilemmas. Yet, the story seemed more a succession of forced events – the sudden attraction and kissing, Philip thinking more about the female doctor he’s just met than his son’s serious medical condition, everybody noticing and commenting on them being smitten – all happening within a few days. As much as the characters are sweet, endearing people, they also feel a bit hollow, Emily the most with her contrived conversion. Gabe is a precious, darling boy, but was too precocious and articulate for a 4-year old. Finally, I found utterly cruel and of supreme bad taste, the final, simplistic Deus-ex-machina device to get the heroine a free clinic and the couple their HEA. The final episode with Pete was just melodramatic and full of gory details. Other dimensions that made me either roll my eyes or cringe were Alex’s sudden proposition to Emily (and why does a secondary character have POV privilege?) which just left me astonished, it was such a nonsense thing. The ethics meeting seemed a parody.
The author has offered us a very different Amish read, a man who has lost his wife, and is raising his four-year-old son, with the help of his mother. Sounds normal, but Phillip is walking to the beat of his own drum. He is a member of a new order sect, but he pushes his own way to the ultimate, but we see his heart is with being Amish. Enter a difficult time in these characters lives, and little Gabe becomes ill, will he bend to the culture and put all in the hands of God, or receive help that God has provided by way of modern medicine? This makes for a page turning read, and I loved the epilogue. Thank you Loree Lough! I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.
Eh...parts were good and parts were just okay. As another reviewer commented, some parts just felt forced. I had a hard time believing the sudden attraction between Phillip and Emily and an even harder time believing that he would just act on his feelings especially in such a public place and with his son's life on the line.
I didn't like Alex, which I know was the point, but his character didn't really fit with who Emily was. I couldn't picture them together especially given how uncomfortable she was around him. I almost could see him as the inappropriate doctor who kept hitting on her rather than the ex.
The ending was far too sudden and also didn't fit with the story line.
5 stars: 5/5 stars Does love at first sight exist? Even among the Amish? It does for Philip Baker ! I loved this fresh vision of the Amish. I read a lot of Amish fiction and this book shows a new perspective on the New Order Amish and Amish fiction. I couldn't put this book down. I can hardly wait to see what exciting story will come in book two of the series. I received a free digital version of this book from netgalley and Zebra Publishing in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
I read All He’ll Ever Need straight through the first time. I was riveted. I love stories about Amish and the English a lot. Loree Lough as always cuts to the heart of the matter. A sick Amish boy and his father and an English doctor who swears to help him meet under unforeseen circumstances. What happens next is anyone’s guess. This book is beautifully written and I promise will keep you reading to the end.
Amish romance is one of my favorite genres. I like it because I’m guaranteed a clean romance with unnecessary sex scenes and crude language.
Loree Lough has delivered that in the first in a new series. Emily and Phillip’s story is one of heartache, loss, and hope. A story that makes you cry and smile.
My only issue with it was I felt the romance was rushed into way too soon. I wish it had taken more time to develop. Does it hurt the story? No. Does it make me like the story any less? No.
I love the premise behind this series of “a little child shall lead them.” I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Kensington, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
ALL HE’LL EVER NEED by Loree Lough is the first book in the A Little Child Shall Lead Them series. It is the absolutely marvelous story of Gabe Baker, a very lovable four year old little Amish boy who is struggling with major health issues.
Philip Baker, Gabe’s father, has had his share of losses in his life – from his father, brother and even his wife. It has him doubting himself, his way of life and even God. When his son faints and is carried by ambulance to the hospital where he finds out that his son has a major heart problem that at the least needs surgery and at the worse could take his life, it’s like it’s the final blow. He just can’t lose his son too. Can he find the faith to turn to prayer having faith that God has this?
Dr. Emily White becomes not only Gabe’s doctor, but his advocate to see that he gets the best possible care as well as the top surgery, even if it means facing her ex-finance’. She’d thrown herself into her work after their breakup, but there is something about Gabe and his father that touch her heart to its depths that pulls her to them wanting to help any way possible – wanting more.
Sarah, Philip’s mother, moved in tending to their needs and helping with Gabe after Philip’s wife, Rebecca, died when Gabe was quite small. For that he’s been forever grateful, but he’s also had to listen to her belittle him for his non-Amish ways and choices through the years. Taking Gabe to a doctor and having surgery plus his spending time with the Englischer doctor, are more thing to add to her list of things to lecture him about.
Almost from their first meeting, Philip and Emily felt a connection and the feeling of wanting more. With one Amish and the other Englischer, it would never work – would it? Can they both clear their heads of the past for the possibility to move forward? Is it even allowed for the two to explore such possibilities? Will it take a tragedy and a few last words to make them both see that they must fight for being together? But would he become Englischer or could she give up all she’s worked for to become Amish? Could they do it or would the sacrifice on one or the other be too much?
Will Sarah’s heart be softened with the return of her grandson? Can she open her eyes to the goodness of those around her seeing the lengths they go to in order to make her happy? Could she open her heart to Emily?
Will Gabe’s operation give him the one true wish – to run and play with his cousins? Will his words of wisdom touch the hearts of those he loves in a way to revive their faith? Out of the mouths of babes will a child lead them back to faith in God?
Loree Lough weaved faith and love into an amazing story. ALL HE’LL EVER NEED will have you smiling, hoping, anxious, feeling full of faith, and a time or two grabbing the tissue. All while telling a heart tugging story that will have you giving a sigh of happiness when you shut the back cover. Then you will be looking to see how long before HOME TO STAY, the second book in this series, comes out like I did.
Highly recommend ALL HE’LL EVER NEED to anyone that loves a great Christian book with a story that will warm your heart and leave you full of happiness!
All He’ll Ever Need by Loree Lough takes us on a journey to Maryland. Phillip Baker is a widower caring for his four year old son, Gabe. When Gabe collapses, he is taken to Garrett Regional Hospital where Dr. Emily White orders a battery of tests. Phillip has been working among the Englisch since he was fourteen years old and he continues to dress in Englisch clothes while living in his New Order Amish community. Gabe is diagnosed with Bougada syndrome for which he needs surgery. Phillip asks Emily to help him understand Gabe’s disease. Emily and Phillip find themselves drawn to each other despite their differing cultures. Is it possible for them to overcome the objections of their families and friends so they can have a future together?
All He’ll Ever Need by Loree Lough is the first book in A Little Child Lead Them series. Phillip Baker is a unique male Amish character with his Englisch dress and speech. He struggles with the rules of the community. Phillip is more open and friendly than most Amish as we see by his interactions with Emily. Phillip’s attitude comes from working among Englischers from an early age and needing to fit in instead of getting picked on. Phillip’s faith is weak because he does not understand why God let Rebecca die. Dr. Emily White is suffered heartache and understands what Phillip is going through. She also loves Phillip’s adorable son, Gabe. I did feel that the romance progressed at fast pace, but love can happen that way depending on the people and the circumstances. I understood Phillip’s struggles with faith and his community’s rules. Bishop Fisher had certain set ideas for how people should act and behave. He even disapproved of books that Gabe read. I am glad the author provided an epilogue to nicely wrap up the book. All He’ll Ever Need is lovey Amish romance that is a diverting way to spend a couple of hours.
I loved this book. This is certainly a different Amish read and I can relate to Gabe the little boy that is featured in this story. Like him I too had to have heart surgery but I think I was a couple of years younger than him. You see, I had two holes in my heart that needed patched. They patched it but the patches weren't big enough so now I have a slight heart murmur but by the Grace of God I am still going. The mother in this story kind of reminds me of my own mother in law. She can't do something nice without throwing it back into our faces about it. Only difference is she doesnt have a Bishop to talk to like Sarah did. I didn't like Sarah for that reason. Loree is an excellent author. I love the way she can write and at the same time pull you into her stories like this one. I love this one because as I said at the beginning. Gabe. Gabe is a pretty special little boy and he made me relive that part of my life that I apparently had shut out. I love his sweet disposition. Made me want to put my arms around him like Emily did and tell him that everything would be ok. God takes excellent care of us doesn't He? He has me and I thank him everyday. Do you thank God for all He's done for you? My thanks to Netgalley for a complimentary copy. NO compensations were received. All opinions are my own.
Loree is an awesome author. This book really touched my heart. The characters make you feel like you're part of the story. I would recommend this book to anyone.
Philip Baker is a handsome Amish man who has a mind of his own and has experienced a lot of loss. Philip doesn't do things like a "Traditional Amish Man" does. Sometimes we have to listen to our hearts and not worry about what other people may think. Doing things differently isn't always bad. We must always seek God first above everybody else.
Gabe Baker is a precious 4 year old who has a heart defect that keeps him from being like other kids. He loves everybody and always sees the good in people. Philip must go against everything he's been taught in order to help his son.
Emily White is a pretty doctor who doesn't trust easily. She keeps people at arm's length because of a previous relationship. Trust is easy to lose and very hard to get back. If we put our trust in God, He will always be there to help us with our trust issues.
To see if Philip goes against his Amish Faith to get help for Gabe, to see if Gabe finally gets to be a kid, and to see if Emily learns to trust again..... you have to read the book.
This is very much a different kind of Amish story. Phillip is a part of the New Order Amish Community in Pleasant Valley. He meets Dr Emily White when his 4 year old son, Gabe, becomes ill and has to be hospitalized. This is a story of heartache, loss and great love as he deals with his son’s illness and his mother’s old Amish beliefs. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the second book in the series.
Beautifully written! A beautiful story of an Amish widower with a four year old boy that has a serious illness, and the doctor that cares for him. I don't often cry while reading a book, but I cried with this one in the second half of the story. It has trials and troubles along the way, but it has a great ending! Very clean romance! I LOVED it! Definitely will read it again!
In this lovely story by Loree Lough, Phillip Baker is a widower and his son Gabe has been diagnosed with a serious illness. Phillip would do anything for Gabe, He has already suffered unimaginable loss, his wife, father and brother, so losing Gabe would be something far too painful for Phillip. Meanwhile although Amish, he is part of a new order, stretching his Amish beliefs to the limit.
Phillip takes Gabe in for treatment and that is how he meets Dr. Emily White. She falls for Gabe immediately and does whatever she can to help him get well. Not only does Emily care for Gabe, she begins to develop tender feelings towards Phillip. Although Phillip is far more modern than some Amish men, their differences seem insurmountable, especially after Phillip begins to feel much the same way as Emily. First and foremost, Gabe's needs and future must be met. Surgery is definitely on the table, and if successful, this would net Gabe a lot of vitality and a long life.
What a touching story. Not only do we have excellent drama flowing through the pages, but we also have an unlikely romance, family issues and faith that are strong parts of this story. I loved reading this first book in a new series, as well as the second book, Home to Stay.
This touching story kept me very interesting, making this a one-sitting read. While Loree Lough is a new author to me, especially when it comes to meeting New World Amish, I can definitely say that I enjoy her writing style and story delivery.
Phillip is a New Order Amish man raising his four year old little boy, Gabe, with the help of his mother, after the death of his wife. She had always been weak and sickly. Their faith didn't agree with going to doctors and hospitals, which has Phillip struggling with his own faith. He has lost other dearly loved ones in addition to his wife, and wonders if they would have lived had they sought professional medical help. Perhaps an act of rebellion, is why Phillip now dresses Englisch and has worked to rid himself of his accent that the Amish have. Gabe is often pale and tires out easily. After a collapse, Phillip takes him to the hospital where he meets Emily, the physician on duty. After extensive testing, she is able to diagnosis Gabe's condition. She delivers the news to Phillip that Gabe must have a surgery in another town if he wants a chance at life. Phillip's mother is against it. Phillip feels he must do what he believes to be necessary to save his son's life. Phillip grows quite close to the doctor, and even travels with her for Gabe's surgery. While I did enjoy the book, there were elements that were difficult to believe. Phillip seemed to fall for and trust Emily very very quickly, as well as her falling for him. Phillip kissed her very early after meeting her. It just wasn't believable. The ending (which I won't spoil for you) was most unbelievable. But...with the exception of that, the book was well written and kept my attention. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
All He'll Ever Need is truly an inspiring story written by Lorre Lough. This is her first story in her A Little Child Shall Lead them series. I enjoyed all of the characters in this story especially little Gabe. I found myself in years many times throughout this story. The author has done a tremendous job creating this story and just the right characters to tell it.
Gabe is a four year old Amish boy who has just been diagnosed with a very serious heart disorder. With surgery looming for him Gabe's dad struggles with providing permission for treatment. When Gabe's doctor, Emily, convinces Phillip(Gabe's dad) that she has the best surgeon to perform the operation lined up Phillip gives his consent. Emily and Phillip spend an extraordinary amount of time together and develope dealings for each other. This presents a whole different set of complications to the story. The author has done a great job taking her readers on this very heartwarming and heartbreaking story.
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. This is my first story by this author and I look forward to reading many more.
Congratulations to Lorre Lough for writing such an extraordinary story filled with family, faith, love, and loss for her readers enjoyment.
All He’ll Ever Need is an Amish Romance novella by author Loree Lough. It is book one of A Little Child Shall Lead Them series.
The Englishers had formed a stereotypical belief about Gabriel Baker and his dad Philip, New Order Amish. It was commonly thought that the Amish were more concerned about their livestock than their children.
Little four-year-old Gabe needed medical attention, but without insurance, his dad wondered how he would pay for it. Truth be known, Philip had recently become a widower when he had to bury his young wife and he didn’t want to lose Gabe, too.
I learned about a rare medical condition known as the Brugada Syndrome. It’s a condition that causes a disruption of the heart’s normal rhythm causing irregular heartbeats (ventricular arrhythmia). It’s so rare only 5 in 10,000 people have it.
I felt invested in each of the characters, especially Dr. Emily White because of her care for little Gabe. I recommend this series to fans of the Amish.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Loree Lough writes all kinds of fiction, but this Amish fiction that she has written is a great read. All He'll Ever Need tells the story of an Amish widower with a sickly son and an Englisch Doctor with incredible diagnostic knowledge.
When four year old Gabe Baker passes out while he's with his dad, Phillip, at the hardware store, an ambulance is called, and Gabe is taken to the hospital to undergo tests and to find out what is actually wrong with him. Once Emily, the doctor, finds the diagnosis, she makes the arrangements to transfer Gabe to a bigger hospital where another doctor can do the surgery Gabe needs.
The longer Phillip and Emily are together, the closer they become, and the more Phillip's mother objects. Emily is not Amish and that creates a conflict for Phillip's mother.
While Gabe is having his surgery, Emily has to face her past in the face of Alex, the surgeon working on Gabe.
I love books with happy endings, and this one has one of the happiest, in spite of some episodes of sadness in the book. This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and a sliding scale clinic with quality health care.
I want to thank Kensington Books and NetGalley.com for providing the galley I read for this review.
After the death of his wife, a New Order Amish man, Phillip, was raising his four year old son, Gabe, with the help of his own mother. After Gabe collapses one day, Phillip rushes him to the hospital to seek medical attention - attention that is frowned upon by the Amish. Already grappling with his belief system, he will do anything to save his son. At the hospital, he meets Emily, the physician on duty. After extensive testing, the results indicate a serious heart condition. I will not say more about this.
The characters in this book were wonderful. I really loved warm-hearted Emily and her loving brother Pete who were best friends more than siblings. He could see right into her heart. Phillip was very interesting - straddling the fence between the Amish and the English worlds, but such a loving father to Gabe. The attraction between Emily and Phillip was pretty quick, but so special. However, precious Gabe stole the story for me. He was bright, inquisitive, thoughtful and loving, yet he was only four. Oh my gosh, I wanted to adopt him!!! This was unlike any Amish book I have read previously, but I enjoyed it very much. It was just full of emotion!
The best of Amish stories for me is when the English world and the Amish collide. Phillip Baker an Amish father who recently lost his wife, will do anything to keep his son safe. When an illness comes to his son that is life threatening, Emily the lead doctor takes a special liking to this Amish father and son. Living in an Amish community, she knows the wariness of the Amish believe that God is control, however, she was pleased that Phillip took a leap of faith trusting God in the gift of health that he has given to the doctors to heal his son.
Both Phillip and Emily learn much about each other in the short time they journey in the well being of Phillip's son Gabe. With Gabe's trusting attitude, both Phillip and Emily realize that God may have plans for them as well. A sweet romance starting with a father's love for his son growing into a love that he could only hope for.
A Special Thank You to Kensington Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
I very much enjoyed this story by Loree Lough. This is the first Amish book I’ve read that featured the lifestyle of the “New Order Amish”. It was interesting to learn how they combine acceptance of using some modern conveniences with their “old order” religious beliefs, and how they interact with those other Amish orders who still hold to the old ways. But the heart of this story is about Gabe, a young Amish boy who is seriously ill and the relationship that develops between his Amish dad and the English doctor who is treating him. The author did a great job of conveying a range of emotions in this story—love, sadness, hope, sorrow, acceptance—and making me feel as if I really knew the characters in this story. I’ll look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
First, this is a book -- 227 pages so the author has taken the time to flesh out the characters so you get to know them. Second, two you will love are: Gabe the little four-year old boy who is so ill. Bright beyond his years and absolutely adorable. The second is Pete, the brother of the lead female character who is a doctor. Now there is Sarah, Gabe's grandmother who, I think, believes she is an old hen. She pecks non-stop when her son doesn't live and act as Amish as she wants.
There is sadness in this sweet story and a bit of wishful thinking on how it ends. But, heck, don't you want to read a HEA story sometimes?
I found two typos but nothing to reduce the 5 star✨ rating. Yes, I do recommend this one.
I loved this book!!! I listened on Audible and the narrator was great !
I read a lot of Amish fiction but this one was so different! Totally different from the old order O have read!
This book was about the New order Amish! The story is about Gabe a 4 year old little boy who had a heart condition! The story goes from there ! I loved the characters even Philips mom who was still in the Old order ways -
I loved how Loree touched all my emotions , I laughed , I yelled ( lol) cried , was sad and happy! The unexpected turns were not expected !
Overall I loved this book! I didn’t want it to end !
One day, just one day is all it took to read this new release by author Loree Lough. All He’ll Ever Need is the first in the series A Little Child Shall Lead Them.
Set in the Amish community in Oakland, Maryland, Lough pens a heartwarming story about grieving the loss of family members, and how God sets the broken-hearted in new families, even families that are distinctly and culturally different than ones family of origin.
Loree Lough is a prolific author with a knack for storytelling. I highly recommend All He’ll Ever Need!
I was raised in an Amish community. My parents were raised Amish then joined the Mennonites after getting married. Most of my grade school classmates were Amish. While attending college I worked as an orderly on a pediatric ward of a large general hospital. This story of a little boy having serious heart surgery, and having an Amish father who loved him so much just put me back to my growing up days and fostered so many great memories.
Book one in the A Little Child Shall Lead Them series a well written story with a very good storyline. I was not putting this book down until I had finished it. Amish widower Phillip Baker,and his son Gabe who is very sick they meet the new doctor Emily White an Englisher. This story had my emotions all over. I recommend this book. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
All He'll Every Need is such a heartwarming read. Phillip Baker is an Amish man trying to keep his family together ever since the death of his wife. His son is having a hard time adjusting to life with out his mama around, so when a new Dr. names Emily comes into town it is just what Phillip needs. The deep connection these two have is adorable and heartbreaking. The story end with a HEA and it is amazing.
Philip’s son, Gabe, faints and he is rushed to the hospital. Philip lost his wife, Rebecca, and is fearful that he is about to lose their only son. Dr. Emily White is determined to find out what is wrong with Gabe and save him! Emily starts having feelings for her young patient and his father! Philip is also starting to have feelings for his son’s doctor! But how will they get past their differences? Especially since Philip and Gabe are Amish!!
I have always enjoyed this author's books and All He'll Ever Need is no exception. The book is well written with a good plot and well developed and believable characters. If you are a fan of Amish fiction I highly recommend this book. My thanks to the publisher for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.