Shelter from the Storm

North Country Amish #2

by Patricia Davids

Enjoy this wonderful Amish romance from USA Toda y bestselling author Patricia Davids

A marriage of convenience might just be the answer to her prayers…

Secretly pregnant and unwed, Gemma Lapp has a difficult choice—face her Amish community or raise her baby alone. But when a storm strands Gemma in the wilderness with her former crush, Jesse Crump, she knows her secret won’t be safe for long. Gemma can’t imagine trusting a man again…until Jesse proposes a marriage of convenience. Could their arrangement lead to love?

From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness, and hope.

Experience more Amish romance in the rest of the North Country Amish

The Amish Teacher’s Dilemma

A Haven for Christmas

Someone to Trust

Genres: Amish, Romance, Amish Fiction, Love Inspired, Christian, Christian Fiction, Marriage Of Convenience

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 1, 2019

About the author

I was born and raised in Northcentral Kansas. I'm a farmer's daughter, but I now make my home in the city of Wichita. I'm an RN. Neonatal nursing has been the main focus of my career. What can I say? I love babies. I was invited to the highschool graduation of a baby I took care of. Talk about making me feel old!

In June of 2011 I became a widow after my husband of 36 years and 11 months died from multiple brain tumors. It was a very sad time, but thanks to the three f's, my faith, my family and my friends, life is moving forward. I have four brothers, one daughter and two grandchildren who all work at making me feel loved.

I'm the author of more than 30 books and I'm currently writing a series called The Brides of Amish Country for Love Inspired.

Reviews

[Shirley Chapel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelter from the Storm is an appropriate tittle for this Love Inspired book. An Amish lady and an Amish man find shelter from a Blizzard in a broken down half burned cottage in the middle of nowhere. The bad part is that they had a past together that they both would rather forget about. So what are they doing together in the middle of a storm? Consequences bought them together again and they wound up travelling back home to New Covenant Maine together, with an Engliser in his tow truck. As luck would have it they drove into a Northern blizzard and they were forced to take a back road home. They went off the road when a moose ran out on the road in front of them. I'm going to leave you at this point because I want you to buy the book and read it for yourself.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was about forgiveness and making the most of a bad situation. This book was unpredictable with lots of twist and turns. I loved the characters and was drawn into the story from the first chapter. Patricia Davids always gives readers the best in fiction. I can't ever remember a time when I haven't enjoyed her books.
I found Shelter from the Storm to be a meaningful story and I highly recommend it to all readers of Amish Fiction, Christian Fiction and those who read Love Inspired books. You won't be disappointed!
I downloaded a Kindle ebook copy of this book from the Amazon Prime Library. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are mine alone and my truthful thoughts about my reading experience with this book.

[Bethany (Beautifully Bookish Bethany) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shelter from the Storm is a sweet, feel-good Amish romance with a marriage of convenience plot. I wasn't sure what to expect as this isn't my typical genre, but I found myself really enjoying the relationship between Gemma (facing the shame of pregancy as an unmarried woman in a very religious community) and Jesse (a big, kind man and her former teenage crush). They develop a wonderful friendship and he agrees to marry her despite not being the baby's biological father. Gemma is both sassy and kind, dealing with very difficult circumstances, and Jesse is an absolute sweetheart. This is also a lovely recognition of the work done by medical professionals who work with premature babies. CW for high-risk pregnancy and premature birth with complications.

I received an advance review copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Gloria Zachgo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written story that made for an enjoyable read. I felt like the characters were people I’ve known, even though I’m not familiar with the Amish ways.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this little story because of the way the Amish treated Gemma after she came back from Florida. I loved it because they usually shun someone for that kind of transgressions and this community didn't. I instead they showed her love. I liked that.
I snickered at something that was said at the beginning because it was the way she put it. It really wasn't funny because I know how words can hurt. All can be forgiven but mean words like that that can't be forgotten.
I like the theme of forgiveness because it's more for yourself than for the other person although it would be nice if the other person would accept your apology. I have experienced and I've learned that most ppl are too proud to admit they've done wrong. Ive run across this several times and most of the time it's family members. I hate that because sometimes they are the worst. Ppl have said I've done my part but it still doesn't make me feel better you know? I know God has forgiven me because I've asked. Oh well, maybe in time.
I give this book 5 stars because I felt this book was talking to my heart.
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual, Patricia Davids hits the right notes with this new book. She happens to be an excellent author of Amish fiction/romance - she is 'teachy without being preachy'!

This was one of the most unusual stories I've read in the Amish genre but not untypical -a couple thrown into a dangerous situation that pushes them into the correct direction. A marriage that may or may not be of convenience, that naturally turns into something more. A life or death situation.

All of these above buttons are pushed with this novel, and I really ended up at the edge of my seat in parts. Yes, there are one or two inconsistencies-but this is an ARC and I m hoping that these will be changed upon publication.

*ARC supplied by the publisher.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's something about a marriage of convenience story that sends me into a swoony tailspin and this one ticks all the boxes.

Character-driven and emotionally compelling, I was committed from the very first page. Love that Jesse and Gemma have a rather notorious history -- a young woman's crush gone awry, you might say. Harsh words followed by hurt feelings sent Gemma running away to lick her wounds while Jesse stayed put and brooded. :-) A year and a half later and they meet again under impossible circumstances. Love the charged atmosphere that crackles around these two. He's long-suffering and cranky while she's snippy and withdrawn but there's a subtext going on that's at odds with all that grumpiness.

Davids is thoroughly mean to her characters, going to great lengths to torture them (and this reader!) There's angst aplenty and I love the wintry wilderness setting! Nothing like being forced to work together to battle the elements to bring about a truce.

This is the second book in the North Country Amish series and I have to say I love the unique setting. A new Amish settlement in Maine provides lots of scope for the imagination. Can't wait to visit New Covenant again in March 2020 when The Amish Teacher's Dilemma releases.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this second book in the North Country Amish series, Gemma Lapp is returning home from Florida pregnant and unwed. She knows she must face her parents and the church and confess her sins. Gemma is unhappy that she is in this position, but is willing to face the consequences. When she runs into Jesse Crump while traveling back home she cannot believe she is all but rescued by the object of her crush. There was a time when Gemma fancied herself in love with Jesse. Her experiences have changed her now. She would just like to make it home safely.

Jesse has traveled a bit away from home with his English driver Dale while on an equipment sale. Since Gemma has become stranded due to the fact that there is no available bus to take her the last leg of her journey home, Jesse and Dale offer her a ride. However, due to dangerous driving conditions, they are in a car accident. Dale decides to try and walk back to town to get help. Jesse and Gemma stay in the car and try to keep warm. After waiting for hours for Dale, the elements turn severe, they are forced to leave the car and to try and get to the highway. Instead of finding the road, they find an abandoned dilapidated cabin. They stay there until they are able to be rescued.

When Gemma makes it home, she confesses her sins and her condition to her parents, and then to the bishop. Ultimately, her father demands she marries to lessen the shame will bear due to being an unwed mother. Will Jesse be able to step in and marry her for the sake of convenience and give the baby a father? Will their past (and Gemma's crush) lend itself to love and a happy future?

Shelter by the Storm is a wonderful addition to the series. I have read plenty of marriage of convenience books in other romances, but never in Amish fiction. This one was done well and did a fine job of laying the groundwork for what would end up being a satisfying future with the bonds of love for Gemma and Jesse.

Many thanks to Harlequin and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this different Amish read, it was not what I usually find in reading about Plain folks, but from beginning to end the author kept my attention, and kept me guessing.
First, we have danger from a blizzard and cold, I could just see the sled used in the rescue. Then we have the, tongue in cheek, delicious survival food, but such ingenuity, I never would have thought!
We get to see forgiveness, and acceptance, along with some solutions, but the story doesn’t stop there, and we get to meet Hope.
I enjoyed this book, and am looking forward to more from this author.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

Just an FYI...10% of the book is the first chapter of another book (different author).

This is book 1 of this series and a very good beginning. Normally, I can be specific about why a book like this didn't get a 5 star rating. Other than about 50% in, it felt like the author had stepped away for quite some time. Fortunately, the "something's off" feeling went away and it ends well. Yes, I recommend.

A Kindle Unlimited book

[Pam Graber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unmarried and pregnant, two words that shouldn't be in any Amish girl's vocabulary, but these are Gemma Lapp's reality. She has two choices, go home to the support of her family and the possible condemnation of her church, or travel to live with distant relatives and give her baby up for adoption. While neither is a good option, she knows her family loves her and will want what is best for both her and her baby. When her travel plans for the final leg of her journey fall through, she is forced to take a ride from her former crush, Jesse Crump, and the Englisch man, Dale, he works with. Driving into a blizzard, they are stranded when a trip off the beaten path lands them in a snowdrift with no phone reception.
Jesse and Gemma wait with the truck while Dale walks out to the main highway. A leak in the gas tank sends Jesse and Gemma on the hunt for shelter that doesn't threaten to blow up. Finding the partially burned out hulk of a cabin, they find the shelter they need, but how long can they survive with Gemma's injured ankle, and the pregnancy that Jesse doesn't know about?
Once they're found, the problems are just beginning for Gemma, at least. Her dad has just been selected as one of the ministers for their church group. He can't have a daughter who obviously stepped outside her baptismal vows. When he pushes her to marry someone of his choosing, she balks. She had always hoped to marry for love, in spite of her mistakes.
When Gemma originally left for Florida, Jesse was relieved. She'd made a nuisance of herself, throwing herself at him at every turn, culminating in an all-too-public marriage proposal. When he turned her down, her anger and disappointment sent her running. Now she's back and far more mature than the girl who left. When he discovers why she's back, can he step in to be the husband she needs?
Can the respect they felt for each other in the wilderness blossom into a love they have always craved?
I loved this story! Jesse grew up with the same kind of stigma that Gemma's baby will have if she doesn't marry. He's different from other Amishmen - tall where they are short, built like a linebacker - but he values everything about his faith. He's a wonderful hero for Gemma to lean on.
Readers who love Amish fiction, can't go wrong with a Patricia Davids book! I absolutely recommend this!

[Books and Spoons · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspirational, sweet, and even humorous story of new beginnings, new chances, and trusting the Lord's guidance.
I'm fascinated by the Amish lifestyle, their strong sense of community and culture, their unwavering faith in God and in their leaders, as well as the minimalistic way they choose to live. All these aspects are well represented in this story, in the mix of the drama and romance. I was thrilled of the bits of humor the author had inserted into the otherwise so serious matters.
The protagonists were strong characters, who captivated the attention in every scene. Jesse was easy to be admired by his loyalty, the high standard of character he has, he is smart, he is talented, capable, and kind, he is a protector, and in his awkwardness so adorable at times. Gemma was in trouble, and it wasn't the first time, but this time it was more than just escaping the town could fix. She is stubborn, strong-willed, and outspoken, yet she has good intentions and kind heart. She was my crumbling rock in this story, her obstinate sometimes so strong it was frustrating.
From the beautiful scenery to the strong family connections, the community that has your back, and the romance that is budding in the midst of trauma and fear for survival, I enjoyed this tale of second chances and its many stages. A charming and graceful tale of not only survival but triumphing and prevailing against all the odds.
~ Four Spoon

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jesse and Gemma had a rocky past. Her return from Florida connected them once again, but she had matured. When they became lost in a snowstorm survival was Jesse’s primary focus, especially discovering Gemma wasn’t well. Patricia Davids research of wilderness survival was noteworthy as who knew pine bark and parts of cattails were edible. Their humor and remarks to each other made them friends, but could there be more when Jesse learned her secret?

Shelter from the Storm is a romance centered on a marriage of convenience with characters that were realistic even with their flaws. Jesse’s involvement and attachment to Gemma brought moments of tears and applause. I do not want to give anything away, so I’ll just say this is a winsome Love Inspired Amish romance. I’ll look forward to the next book in North Country Amish which is set in a new Amish community in Maine.

[Heather 123 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great, feel good story. It's not unusual to read an Amish romance book where the female character returns home pregnant. What I found different though was Jesse's character. I enjoyed the growth his character showed and the slow developing romance.

** ARC received from Netgalley **

[Matschmomma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story. Well written.

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have your tissues handy. This is an emotional story. It starts out with getting lost in a blizzard, has great characters, and keeps the reader turning pages until the very end!

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marriage of convenience + stranded in a snowstorm + Patricia Davids = one happy me. longer review to follow.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good combination of a second chance romance with an enemies-to-lovers story. Gemma and Jesse have an awkward history. Eighteen months earlier Gemma had made a pest of herself, flirting with Jesse and following him everywhere. Envious of her married friends, she chose Jesse as the most likely candidate for her husband. Jesse wasn't interested. Eight years older than Gemma, with a difficult past, Jesse saw her as spoiled. When Gemma took the untraditional route of suggesting marriage to him, Jesse's response wasn't kind, and Gemma retaliated with harsh words of her own. She then left for Florida, looking for something different than her life in Maine. Now Gemma has returned to Maine with her tail between her legs. The man she thought she loved deserted her when he found out she was pregnant. She heads for home, hoping for understanding and acceptance from her parents, but fearing the worst.

I liked both Jesse and Gemma. Jesse hasn't had an easy life and has a chip on his shoulder because of it. Son of a single mother and a big man, he was bullied through most of his childhood. He tends to be something of a recluse, doesn't talk much, and is insecure about his intelligence. Jesse is also a good man with a kind heart. When he encounters Gemma, stranded and broke, he gets her a motel room and offers her a ride home. He hasn't forgotten the things she said, but he has other things on his mind - namely an auction for some land he wants. Gemma is a changed woman. The spoiled girl who left for Florida has been replaced by one who has learned some hard lessons. Jesse's help makes her remember how horrible she was to him and adds to the stress she feels. Her mind is consumed by thoughts of the future and decisions she has to make.

The trip home doesn't go as expected. A blizzard and a wrecked truck strand them in an isolated area as their driver goes for help. Things are awkward at first as the mistakes of the past come between them. I liked that Gemma made the first overtures by apologizing, though Jesse was a little slow to believe. As the danger of their situation increased, I loved how Jesse stayed cool and calm, eventually taking action to keep them safe. I liked how the forced togetherness gave them the opportunity to clear the air and begin to really get to know each other. I loved how Jesse appreciated Gemma's outspokenness and she his somewhat dry sense of humor. Their teasing was fun to see, especially the parts about tree bark and cattails. Rescue, when it came, brought surprise revelations and changes.

I ached for Gemma and her fears for her future. Her arrival home was painful as she confessed what had happened. Reactions were mixed and left her wondering about the right thing to do. Jesse had decisions to make, as well. He was surprised by his continuing concern for Gemma and confused about what to do. He surprised me with his reaction to her father's offer, and then his offer to Gemma. Both of them struggled with their feelings and their reluctance to tell the other about them. A medical emergency forced them each to face those feelings. Jesse melted my heart with his actions and his overwhelming feelings of love and protectiveness. Gemma's strength and determination were fantastic. I loved seeing how Hope brought them together and ached at how their insecurities preyed on their fears. It took the advice from good friends to help them past those final obstacles. I loved Jesse's big moment at the end. I would have liked an epilogue, but hopefully, they will make appearances in later books.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelter from the Storm by Patricia Davids
Miniseries: North Country Amish
An Amish marriage of convenience
A new North Country Amish novel
Secretly pregnant and unwed, Gemma Lapp has a difficult choice—face her Amish community or raise her baby alone. But when a storm strands Gemma in the wilderness with her former crush, Jesse Crump, she knows her secret won’t be safe for long. Gemma can’t imagine trusting a man again…until Jesse proposes a marriage of convenience. Could their arrangement lead to love?
Shelter from the Storm
This is Gemma Lapp and Jesse Crump's story.
“Are you sure?” Gemma stared at the agent behind the counter in stunned disbelief.
The tall thin man with thick glasses stopped writing in a logbook of some sort and peered at her over the top of his glasses. “Of course I’m sure. I work for the bus company.”
She held up the flyer she had picked up in Boston. “The schedule said there is a bus going to Caribou every day.”
“Look at the small print. There is, until the fifteenth of November. After that, bus service drops to every other day until the fifteenth of April. Today’s bus left two hours ago. Won’t be another one until the day after tomorrow. Next,” he called out, leaning to look around her.
Jesse Crump turned in his seat to get a better look at the Amish woman on the sidewalk waiting to cross the street. She was wearing a black Amish traveling bonnet and a long dark gray cloak. She was pulling a black wheeled suitcase behind her. He couldn’t get a good look at her face. His driver and coworker, Dale Kaufman, pulled ahead when the light changed, and Jesse lost sight of her. There was nothing outward to suggest it was Gemma other than the Amish clothing but something about her, perhaps her small stature, reminded him strongly of the woman he wished he could forget.
Jesse turned around to stare straight ahead. “I thought I saw someone I knew.”
“What’s the matter?” Dale asked, noticing Jesse staring behind them. “Is something wrong with the load?” He slowed the pickup and trailer carrying two large garden sheds.
“That Amish woman waiting to cross the street?”
I highly recommend reading.
Shelter from the Storm by Patricia Davids is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
more books by Patricia
Amish Bachelors
1. An Amish Harvest
2. An Amish Noel
3. His Amish Teacher
4. Their Pretend Amish Courtship
5. An Unexpected Amish Romance
6. His New Amish Family
North Country Amish
1. An Amish Wife for Christmas
2. Shelter from the Storm
3. The Amish Teacher's Dilemma
Amish Cedar Grove
The Wish

[Pamela Pavkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelter from the Storm is a sweet inspiring story written by Patricia David's in her North Country Amish series. I was not only drawn into the story from the first few pages but also the amazing characters. The author has done a remarkable job creating just the right personalities for each character. The storyline has been well thought out and never gets boring.

Gemma Lapp suddenly appears in a nearby town trying to get home to her parents when Jesse Crump has also been stranded in the same town. When they finally meet up their past comes back and rears its ugly head. When Gemma accepts a ride from Dale and Jesse to get her home quicker she had no idea what lay ahead of them. When an accident on the highway forces Dale to take a logging road in the middle of a blizzard to get them home they had no idea they would get stranded. Being forced to set out on foot in the bitter cold and Gemma with a sprained ankle Jesse rigs up a sled of sorts to pull her to safety. Little does Jesse know Gemma is hiding a big secret. When they finally realize they are lost they seek shelter from the blizzard in a partially burnt cabin and the struggle to survive kicks in. During their struggles Gemma and Jesse begin to heal the hurt from the past and become friends. Once they are rescued and Jesse learns Gemma's secret it remains to be seen if their friendship will continue. This is where another storm erupts and Gemma feels so alone. Will Jesse come to her rescue again? This story is filled with friendship, faith, friends, family, but most of all forgiveness.

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.

Congratulations to Patricia David's on writing an emotionally inspiring story for her readers enjoyment.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

SHELTER FROM THE STORM is a sweet Amish romance. Gemma Lapp left Maine for Florida a year ago, and now she is returning to her family and the friends she left behind. She is carrying a secret, a pregnancy out of wedlock and the burden of shame which she feels. On her way back to her parents, she finds the Amish man she had proposed to a year earlier- and been turned down- who offers to help her get back into town. Their journey does not go as planned, and a storm strands them for a few days together.

As they return to the community, they find they are friends. Gemma must now come to terms with her repentance, disappointed parents, and her plans for the baby. She decides to keep the baby, and the Amish man (Jesse) who had turned her down before is becoming more interested in her. However, Gemma must forgive herself before she can really embrace the relationship. With added hardship due to placenta previa, the couple must work/grow together.

With a beautifully slow-building romance, this was a couple easy to cheer for. They were each very understandable and lovely people. The book includes quite a bit after the baby's birth and also does a great job at covering the potential difficulties there. While the book is very clean, the romance is strong, and they are a great couple. This was a delightful read overall. Recommend for anyone looking for a slow-building romance, Amish setting, and pregnancy centered romance.

Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books, on 9/16/19.

Such a sweet story!

I really enjoyed Jesse and Gemma's story! (Though it's a bit disconcerting to find out that the Amish can be just as gossipy and catty as the general population--OMG, that scene after the first Sunday service after Gemma asks for and receives forgiveness? Brutal...though it made me love Jesse even more, because like whoa.) It's a sweet stranded by the storm/friends-to-lovers/marriage of convenience story that ends up really tugging at the reader's heartstrings by the novel's end. Seriously, have a box of tissues handy for the last third or so of the book--it's really something.

Somehow I missed the first book in the series ( An Amish Wife for Christmas ) but this worked just fine as a standalone, too--the remote location of this community (I've been to Maine, but never anywhere near that far north!) has me wanting to read all the books and I was really excited to see in Ms. Davids' author note that she has 8 planned. I can't wait to read them all!

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first time I’ve read a story by Patricia Davids and I enjoyed it. Jesse Crump is a shy man, a man of few words, but many good deeds. After delivering a shed for an Englisch man, he and his friend stop in town for a bite of dinner and some rest. While there, he’s informed of an Amish woman who trapped in town with no means to get back to their Amish community. When Jesse finds out that it’s none other than Gemma Lapp, the young woman who asked him to marry her and he refused the year before. Gemma had left their community soon after, heading down to Florida to get away not only the embarrassment of her refused proposal, but to get away from the cold winters of northern Maine. Now she’s back in town and carrying a big secret. These two people were meant to be together, but Gemma needed to mature before they could finally be together. The writing was very good, I thoroughly enjoyed reading their story, and loved learning the little bit I did about Amish culture. I will definitely look into reading more from this author.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

So to be honest I'm not must of a fan with Amish community characters, never really considered why but many times I find the books tend to be dull. I was giving the book so I figured I'd give the book a fair chance and check it out. With that in mind I found this book pretty good, not something I'd read again but it was pretty good. I liked the characters and seeing their past a bit when it comes to the two and their brief history. Then there's the wondering what going to become of Gemma and her baby since shunning in a things in the Amish community if the main honcho (pastor? boss man?) deems it so. Marriage of convince is a over used plot but still good one if a author can turn it around and make something unique and interesting out of it. The author did take a unique and good take out of it but it's just my personal hang up that made this book just a good book. If you like books that feature the Amish Community then pick it up you'll enjoy it.

[Rhonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to be honest and say that I do not typically like Amish romances. I don't get the Christian community's obsession with them. I tried a few years ago and didn't like them, so they haven't appealed to me since. (It probably doesn't help that I'm not the biggest fan of Christian fiction in general.)

However, I did buy this as an ebook deal after reading a review of it. It didn't sound like a typical story and it intrigued me. Overall, I liked it. It was a very sweet, clean romance. I did think it glossed over to a certain extent how an Amish community would react to a girl getting pregnant when she's not married, but I could be wrong about that. Still, I found myself smiling as I read about the romance between Jesse and Gemma. If you like Amish romances, I think you will really like this one.

[Anna Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gemma proposed to Jesse Crump, and when he turned her down he called her a spoiled baby. She called him "bigger than an ox and dumber than a post".

Neither of them get much better. Jesse is uncommunicative, Gemma is harsh and mouthy. Jesse loves her baby and identifies with it as he was 'illegitimate', too... Gemma isn't sure she even wants it, and disassociates from her the moment she's born.

Yes, they come around to each other, but it's not loving, and it's not inspirational... which is what one would hope for from a 'Love, Inspired' book. Mostly it's a lot of 'well... NOW what?' that has to be sorted out: between them, between her family, in the community... with the elders.

NOT fun.

[Dana Busenbark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who are Gemma and Jesse? Who is Dale? Where are each of them from? How do they know one another? Where do Jesse and Dale live now? Where did Gemma go? This ended up being one heck of a sweet Amish romance story. In this story we get to see about baptisms, moves, returns, a baby, love blossoming, danger (environmental), guilt, sadness, hope, and happiness. I want to read more from this author in the future.

RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.

[Anne-Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was not a fan of this book. The writing style wasn't my favorite; it was choppy and awkward. I don't know why they fell in love with each other; they had no chemistry, and the plot just seemed like a lot of disjointed events. It was also just really depressing. Gemma was always sad, and Jesse was always trying to figure out why. Her disassociation with her baby was also depressing, and resolved quickly, and for no apparent reason. The couple of fun moments they had didn't have much impact on the overall mood of the book. The conflict that separated them towards the end was a contrived plot device that could have been easily been resolved if they had talked to each other for 2 seconds longer.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Overall I liked the book. I've read many of Patricia David's Amish-based books and series, and enjoy various dilemmas the characters go through. There were a couple of inconsistencies, the most prominent being that in the first chapter, Jesse was orphaned at the age of 13, but toward the end of the book he writes down his mother's address for Gemma so she can mail her an invitation. I noticed a couple other editorial errors as well, and sometimes it seemed like one person wrote the first half of the book and someone else wrote the second half. Still, I will continue to read Ms. Davids' Amish romance novels because for the most part, they are fun and engaging.

[Beverly Cvercko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoy this book!!
Gemma and Jesse were the best characters I have read about in a long time. Loved the adventure they went on and everything about this book.
And loved the ending!!!
Ms Davids makes this book actually come alive in your hands, you feel what the characters are feeling with every chapter.
I am so happy to see that there will be more in this series and I will be the first to order each one.
Oh, I wish I had the talent that this writer has in story telling, but since I don't I will enjoy every minute of living thru her eyes!!
Way to go Patricia!!!!!!

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Musings

What a lovely Amish love story. I met Gemma and Jesse in The first book and was intrigued by them. I was glad to have their tale. It was c!eat from the beginning that while they had a lot of obstacles to overcome they were meant to be. Both Gemma and Jesse are endearing characters, I enjoy the character development in each of them. The plot is a unique one and ft beautifully with their love story. I'm so glad I went back to read these other stories since I had the pleasure of reading the next one in advance publication. Happy ☺📚!