The first book in the Hidden Springs Amish romance series from award-winning author Laura V. Hilton. When a series of storms come through town, Grace Lantz is forced to postpone her wedding. All hands are needed for cleanup, but Grace doesn't know where to start--console her special needs sister or find her missing groom. When Zeke Bontrager comes to aid the small community, he finds an overwhelmed Grace, and offers to help. As they work together, sparks fly. But when Grace's groom is found and confesses to a case of cold feet, Grace must decide if the wedding will go on or if she'll take a chance on Zeke.
Award winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five children make their home in Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom and home-schools. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor.
Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (winner of the 2012 Clash of the Titles Award in two categories), and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love (finalist for the 2013 Christian Retail Awards). Surrendered Love and Awakened Love followed by her first Christmas novel, A White Christmas in Webster County, as well as the Amish of Jamesport series, The Snow Globe, The Postcard, and The Birdhouse. Other credits include Swept Away from Abingdon Press’ Quilts of Love series. Laura is contracted for another three book Amish series set in the Jamesport area, with the first book, The Amish Firefighter, planned for April 2016.
She has self-published a Christmas novella, Christmas Mittens.
Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer and blogs for Putting on the New and Seriously Write.
Four and a half stars When a tornado destroys much of the town of Hidden Springs, Illinois a few Amish and Mennonite men from Indiana are sent to help. One of these is Zeke Bontrager, who hopes to redeem himself as in his father’s eyes he never seems to do anything right. This tornado happens on the day that is supposed to be Grace’s wedding to Timothy. She feels responsible for the tornado for she has prayed for the wedding to be put off till she can be sure she wants to marry Timothy. But both Amish families expect it. Strangely though, Timothy has not even come to check on his bride to be. And then they learn that he and his friends are missing. To complicate matters Grace responds to Zeke in a way that she never has to Timothy. But Zeke is only around till after the clean up and the will head home so there is no fixture for them? Or is there? And what do we make of Grace’s special needs sister, Patience, who announces Grace and Zeke will marry? Both Grace and Zeke are likable and easy to empathise with. Patience is a gem with her simple faith and their grandfather with his puns and sense of humour is a delight. There are likable characters and some not so likable. And the faith and prayer and sense of community when disaster happens is a joy. But there are also the judgemental gossips and rumour mongers among the community so very human characters. This is book 1 in a series about Hidden Springs. Yes, this time I actually managed to start at the beginning of a series.😁 The story may be a bit predictable in some ways but it is an enjoyable book that had me thoroughly engaged. I loved the setting and characters and it was a blessing to read. Interesting to learn more of Amish beliefs and practices along the way. Recommended read for those who like stories with a Christian focus and where the characters feel real. I wanted a light book over the Christmas season. This book certainly suited my mood.
A tornado destroys a portion of an Illinois Amish community, leaving families uprooted and facing mammoth destruction. A group of Mennonite and Amish men from Indiana become involved in cleaning up the rubble and assisting in finding lost animals and missing persons, as well as repairing and rebuilding what was lost. Romance is forbidden to those workmen who are there to assist in rebuilding, not to enhance their personal lives. Zeke Bontrager finds it difficult to ignore his host family's daughter, Grace, whose wedding was called off as a result of the storm. Her bridegroom is missing! With the help of the volunteers the Amish community faces loss and destruction as they work hand in hand to find a new normal.
The Amish work ethic is ever present in Hilton's novels, and this strength is abundant in this story as well. Romantic attraction reveals itself as Grace sees a much different type of man in Zeke, so unlike her lost bridegroom, a demanding and cold individual. Loss and heartache reveal themselves in this emotional story, as families attempt to recover from the storm that changed their lives. I was touched by the compassion and love that is shared throughout this novel, and once again am impressed with this author's gift of demonstrating human frailties as well as strengths. The first in the Hidden Springs series, I'm eagerly looking forward to what the future holds for this cast of characters!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. All expressed opinions are honest and my own.
Looking at the cover of this book is a compelling reason to pick it up, and also, I love reads by this author. We are given a story of a young woman, and the book begins on the day of her wedding, and she is having cold feet, wishes she the day weren’t here, and no, she does not have power to control the weather, but a devastating tornado hits Arthur Illinois, and thus help comes from all over, including an Amish community in Indiana. We also get to meet the new arrivals, and especially Zeke, and with a history of his Dad being unhappy with him, he is out to prove himself, or at least stay out of trouble. When sparks fly between Grace, the bride, and Zeke, they know it can never happen, and with death and destruction all over here, there are a lot of pressing problems. Love the wise Grandfather, and the sweet special sister, Patience, and then more disasters happen, more focus is put on loved ones, and we see the love of God and the message of Forgiveness. A don’t miss read that will keep you page-turning!
I received this book through the Publisher Forever, and was not required to give a positive review.
This is the first book in the Hidden Springs Amish Romance series. Let me just say, I know I’m going to love this series already. The book starts off good on page one with Grace and the community dealing with a tornado the day before her wedding. You can tell Grace isn’t excited for her upcoming big day. This book takes you on an emotional roller coaster this community faced from the storm, damages, lost and more.
I enjoyed Zeke & Grace’s blooming friendship and bond. To me, this book was not your typical love story. You have some amazing characters that you will fall in love with.
THE AMISH WEDDING PROMISE by Laura V. Hilton is the first book in the Hidden Springs series. It’s the story of Grace Lantz and Zeke Bontrager.
One evening a cluster of eleven horrible tornadoes and straight line winds sweep through Illinois with at least one tornado hitting Hidden Springs where the Lantz family lives. The next day was to have been Grace’s wedding to Timothy – a day she had been dreading. In the aftermath, they find the barn it was to have been held in and the groom are both missing. Did God answer her prayers and really intervened to stop the wedding?
The Mennonites from Shipshewana, IN are looking for volunteers to go help with clean up and to assistant the residents of Hidden Springs. Zeke and a couple of his friends are among the first to volunteer. Although he went with the idea of improving his image by coming home a hero and showing his father he wasn’t a failure, he proved what a wonderful hard working young man he was by jumping in with both feet to help those in need without question and finding no job to small giving him the respect of the locals.
Almost from the first glance and surely from the sparks when they touched, Grace and Zeke had a connection and feelings for the other from their first meeting. They both also know it’s couldn’t be. After all, she is promised to another (they just have to find him) and his job with the mission was written in quicksand that there would be NO dating while in town.
Zeke seemed to connect with the Lantz family starting when he brought the family dog back home. (Maybe even before - when Grace’s grandfather placed him with the Lantz family during his stay.) He understood the specialness of Patience – Grace’s special needs sister. He was also determined to help Grace find Timothy, even though he didn’t feel he deserved her. He would be there for support her, give her a listening ear and shoulder to cry on, and encouragement to have the courage to speak up to her father and grandfather about her situation. But could he keep is feelings in check or would he be sent home in disgrace for breaking the rules?
Grace knew she was to be submissive. Her mother said it was just cold feet. All the plans have been made. Did she want to find Timothy? What would she do if she did? How could she marry him and spend her life knowing her heart had fallen for a stranger in less than 24 hours?
Laura V. Hilton succeeded in writing a wonderful love story while bringing the inspirational message through that we need to pray to God and place our trust in Him. Through the story she shows that to make change we have to be willing to stand up for ourselves, face our fears and dare to dream. THE AMISH WEDDING PROMISE not only shows all this, but keeps us turning pages hoping for the happily ever after that Grace and Zeke so desperately want and deserve.
I loved Grace’s grandfather. How can you not love his humor in the names he gives his animals and his great judge of character! Though some consider her handicapped, Patience shows how smart she is with her Bible quotes given with such wonderful timing and knowing from the start how right Zeke was for Grace. Everyone, including me, (all but one man) loves Slush - a dog that seemed to talk with his eyes and knows how to smile.
Highly recommend THE AMISH WEDDING PROMISE to anyone that loves a great story that will have running the whole gamut of emotions and leaving you with a happy heart. It’s more than an Amish story and more than a romance. It’s a delightfully inspirational story that I’m sure you will love every bit as much as I did. I know I will be waiting with great anticipation for book number two in this series – THE AMISH SECRET WISH due out in 2020.
The Amish Wedding Promise by Laura V. Hilton is the first novel in the Hidden Springs series. I enjoyed this charming story that contained some wonderful life lessons. Grace Lantz was to be married the day twisters tore through leaving devastation in its wake. Truth be told, Grace is relieved which makes her feel guilty. Zeke Bontrager feels that he can do nothing right in the eyes of his father. He is hoping his time in Hidden Springs, Illinois will allow him to be a hero instead of a failure. I found Grace and Zeke to be developed and relatable characters. They both have issues that are bothering them and, while the tornado was a terrible event, it turns out to be a blessing. There are delightful characters in this story that include Grace’s pun loving grandfather, Grace’s special needs sister, Patience and Slush, the family’s Siberian Husky. I just loved how Slush communicated and expressed emotion. It is wonderful that people volunteer to assist others in need. We see how much that help is needed and appreciated. It was wonderful to see the community come together and help each other. It is a shame that this kindness is not present in all areas around the world. Patience is a young lady with special needs, and it was wonderful to see how patient as well as kind her family is with her as well as Zeke. I especially loved how the characters prayed. There were open about their faith and prayer. Lessons about guilt, forgiveness, standing up for ourselves, gossip, and perception are present. The romance was sweet, and I like how it bloomed. The intimacy extends to a kiss or two but that is it. My favorite phrase from the story was when Grace said, “Chocolate can solve the world’s problems”. There is plenty of humor as well that includes farm animals with witty names. The Amish Wedding Promise is a heartwarming story with a maltreated mailbox, superfluity of sandwiches, impatient Patience, twelve protective brothers, and a groom gone astray.
2I loved this book so much that I finished in a few hours after everyone went to bed. That is my favorite time to read. When all is quiet. Laura V. Hilton is a must read author. I"ve followed her for quite a while now and I try to never miss any of her books. I wasn't disappointed by this wonderful book. It has all new characters and a wonderful plot with wonderful messages. One example is and this story revolves around a verse in the Bible about Jesus calming the storm. I think that this is my favorite Laura book ever because that Jesus called Peter to come to HIm and when Peter took his eyes off of Jesus he cried, " Lord save me!' Jesus reached down and pulled Peter out of the water. I should have written that verse down in my journal but I thought my kindle would save it but it didn't. Never trust technology! Here's one of the quotes from a missionary that came to help a town in trouble. Amish and English alike we all need to be saved. He said" I agree with the missionaries someone said" Salvation is not so widely preached among the Amish, but it's a fact. We need Gott, He's calling for us to come to HIm. " There's this Gott sized hole in each of us that no one can deny, if they are honest." Gracie's grossdaadi was murmmering to himself after he hear some Amish fella saying that he didn't need to worry about salvation." I heartily disagree with that. We all need salvation even the Amish. For they are Gott's people too. I liked Gracie. I kind of felt sorry for her because when any kind of disaster strikes we can lose everything in an instant. I thought she was a very brave young woman. I loved her quiet strength especially with her special needs sister Patience. Not many people would tolerate someone like that. I thought Patience ended up being a pretty cool gal. I like to think that she was Gracie's guardian angel. It's funny how involved you can get in a book especially one that you enjoy and an author you really love. This lady can make me forget about sleep for sure and a few other things along the way!! When I get into one of her books I don't like to be disturbed. I have to stay alert because I don't want to miss any action that might happen!! Well done with this story! Wonderful plot and great character building as well.! I hated to say goodbye to Gracie, Zeke, Patience and yes even Sam and Charlie. Oh and we can't forget Slush the most expressive dog I've ever known!! lol! I had to snicker at some of his antics. It's almost as if he's human lol lol!!! I highly recommend this author!! I'm looking forward to what she might come out with next!!! I love it that we can never guess what God has in store for us!! My thanks to Netgalley for a complimentary of this wonderful book. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.
Laura V. Hilton will attract readers with not only the stunning cover but also the descriptive and enthralling storyline in The Amish Wedding Promise. The setting in a fictional community in Illinois was a treat, since most Amish stories are set in larger Amish communities. Hidden Springs experienced a devastating tornado that delayed a wedding that Grace Lantz had prayed might be stopped. I loved her special needs sister Patience who replied multiple times regarding the situation “Jesus calm the storm” to her and others. Daadi Cliff was another charming character along with the hero and heroine.
Grace Lantz and Ezekiel Bontrager lives are dimensional with all they’ve experienced before they met. Zeke knew he wasn’t allowed to date as a volunteer helping with the recovery but him and Gracie sure seemed to connect. There are pure moments of hilarious laughter with Slush, the dog smiling at Zeke, and twelve brothers being protective. This poignant story is filled with realistic events and dialogue, hidden secrets revealed, letting go and letting God along with plenty of drama, humor, grief, overcoming, finding peace and faith with new beginnings. The unexpected happenings challenged some to admit their flaws and gave hope that God did all things well. The interspersed message of God’s sovereignty, forgiveness, unconditional love, faithfulness and hope will resonant with readers. This is one masterful, winsome, and touching story I highly recommend by Laura V. Hilton. I look forward to the next book in this new series called The Amish Secret Wish.
I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book from the author. I was under no obligation to write a review or compensated in any way. I have expressed my sincere thoughts in this review. Hilton has become one of my favorite authors with the faith message and drama she includes in all her stories.
Grace Lantz’s wedding day is interrupted by a horrible tornado. However, instead of being sad, Grace is relieved. Even so, she can’t understand why her fiancé hasn’t checked on her. On the one hand, Grace wonders if the events are an answer to prayer, but on the other hand, she feels somewhat guilty wondering what has happened to her fiancé. Grace is caring, loving, and dedicated to following God’s will. But right now, the events have muddied the waters and she struggles to find answers about her future.
Enter Ezekiel “Zeke” Bontrager. Zeke is part of a team from Shipshewana that has been sent to help in the aftermath of the tornado. Zeke is also caring, loving, and dedicated to following God’s will. What he knows is that God’s will would be easier if Grace were not in the picture. As Zeke and Grace are drawn to each other, both know that due to Grace’s missing fiancé and a rule that forbids relief workers from dating, they must stay in the friend zone.
As the story continues to unfold, you’ll meet some very special supporting characters (one of which is a funny, temperamental dog) that add a special touch to the story, without overshadowing the main characters. I especially applaud Laura V. Hilton for including Grace’s sister, Patience. It’s not often that a special needs character is included in a story. Ms. Hilton flawlessly portrayed Patience realistically and with all sincerity which made the story that much more endearing.
The Amish Wedding Promise is not just a story of love. It’s a story of trusting God and fully seeking His will, especially when you can’t even imagine what plan and path He has for you. I recommend you read it for yourself. You will thoroughly enjoy it!
****I received a copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.
A very good book. It teaches lessons to all of us about forgiveness, kindness, and that actions do have consequences. I loved this book so much I hated to put it down. I highly recommend it. Will read again and have. When life situations happen to us all whether it be to the Amish or nonAmish people, we must deal with them and how we deal with our problem(s) is what makes us strong, builds character and even if we fail you will find failure is just a stepping stone to your true destination.
"We can't choose whether or not storms come. But we can choose where we stare during the storm." (p 86)
An out-of-the-box Amish romance full of pathos and humour. Love the unique flare Hilton brings to this genre. Not sure quite how to describe it -- a little bit edgy and sometimes unexpected? Anyway, it's refreshing and riveting and I'm a fan. Excited to see this is the first in a new series too! Can't wait for more Hidden Springs novels!
So, before you start in on this read you need to be aware that this is definitely a love-at-first-sight, whirlwind kind of romance. I know some people are not fans of this concept and they might find The Amish Wedding Promise disappointing because of that. Not me. I'm an equal opportunities romance lover. Second Chance, Reunion, Friends to Lovers, Love at First Sight....I love 'em all. So, I was thrilled with Gracie and Zeke's story and MERRILY swooned my way to their happily ever after.
Swoon, being the optimum word. Because -- whoosh -- there are some toe-curling scenes and an air of such desperate yearning for something that seems so impossible. (Happy shivery sigh!) Both Gracie and Zeke grow a lot over the course of a few days. They are tried and tested and forced to face their weaknesses even as they discover their strengths. As they grow in their faith, they also grow closer together.
Hilton doesn't make it easy though. Lots of trouble and strife and plenty of action to keep a reader in a rapid page-turning frenzy!
I'm not much given to romances, but this was given to me by a friend. I actually enjoyed it much more than I expected to. It's fluffy, but there are some good Christian messages that come through nicely. The main characters seem to be charmingly naive in some relationally crucial ways, but they're sweet.
Interestingly, the whole second-guessing of self and constantly feeling like they can never measure up really points up the works righteousness beliefs of the Amish. There's a definite warning in there. Eternal salvation is an utterly free gift of God through His Son Jesus Christ. and we can do absolutely nothing to earn or even contribute to it.
I love this author and the depth of her explanations and development of the characters. This is a new Amish author for me. I can’t even image being forced to marry someone I don’t love especially if I loved someone else. I love grandpa Cliff in the story. He has a wonderful sense of humor. Zeke was great. We all need to examine our hearts and also remember that God is a way maker. I liked the information of how funerals are handled by this Amish group. I can’t wait to read the other two books in this series.
What a wonderful story of what God can do, if we just ask Him. Laura Hilton is a great writer and I love how I can become one of her characters, which this one I was Grace. Oh the ups and downs of life, but with Got in control it all works for the better..
The Amish Wedding Promise is a well written story of a young lady, Gracie, who is to be married to her beau Timothy, when a tornado rips through the community and puts everything on hold. Gracie, who had her doubts for some time now is worried because Timothy hasn't been found. Volunteer, Zeke,promises to help her find him, but he begins having feelings for her as they search. She begins having feelings for Zeke that she has never felt for Timothy, but things are very complicated until a young man, James appears, who looks very much like Timothy, but doesn't act like him. Several complications arise that they must deal with, but Gracie and Zeke work through them to their happy ending. Great story that is fun to read!
Gracie was to be married today.....BUT, a tornado came to their farm and community and the wedding had to be postponed due to the devastation. Gracie wasn't really sure about her marrying her fiance.....she was having what her mother called "cold feet", but what Gracie felt was a sign from God, since she asked God to stop the wedding!! She just didn't think it would be with a tornado!!! Zeke had his own problems....his father felt he had a lot of maturing to do and sent him to the tornado area, to help with whatever was needed. And needed he was!! Gracie had a special needs sister who adored Zeke and the feeling became mutual between them. Go on the journey of trying to find Gracie's fiance, rescuing victims, helping restore the community and along the way finding their true souls. A great book, that I read in an evening and am left looking forward to the next in this series!! Sit back, light a candle, get a warm drink and enjoy every page!!
Living in the shadow of his "perfect" cousin, Vernon, who stole his job and his girl, Zeke felt insignificant and as if his daed was disappointed in him. When the two traveled to Illinois to help the community there recover from tornadoes, he was optimistic about becoming a hero. Yet Vernon was the one to find the missing cows and Zeke was simply given the task of trying to find Gracie's missing fiancé.
I really cared about Zeke and loved the way he interacted with people and animals with such kindness. He had a humility born from his hurts, which showed in all he did. And even when he had a valid reason for blowing up and yelling, he showed kindness and allowed the Lord to work on his behalf instead.
Gracie had spent so many years of her life walking on eggshells to not upset her younger "special needs" sister, Patience, that she held everything inside. Whether she became a people pleaser because of that, or whether she already was, she was so afraid of disappointing others that she felt like she couldn't speak her mind. I was able to relate to her quite well! She was always putting others' needs before her own and needed someone like Zeke to care about her! When her family continued to tell her that her doubts about marrying were just cold feet, she faulted herself for struggling with this.
There was so much I enjoyed about this story. The balance of lighter and heavier matters was perfect. It wasn't so serious to make me sad and the humor was used appropriately and had me laughing often. I loved the punny names of Gracie's family's animals and wanted to hug her grossdaadi! Oh, and Patience was so precious I wanted to take her home with me.
I appreciated how well the author took the theme of Jesus calming the storm and wove it through the story. The lessons Zeke and Gracie learned through that were apt and helpful for all believers to learn and remember. And, as in all her stories, the message of salvation was clearly taught and incorporated in a very natural and engaging manner.
While dealing with domestic and substance abuse was necessary to the story, it was very subtle and handled very tactfully.
I highly recommend this story of hope to all readers who enjoy fiction that both challenges them and makes them laugh.
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
A beautiful story that begins with a tornado and chronicles its destruction to homes and families. It also derails an intended marriage between two Amish members, the intended bride having what everyone told her was “cold feet”. In the aftermath of the storm the bridegroom has disappeared, the bride still having doubts wondering where he is, why he has not checked on her and knowing the doubts are not cold feet.
Help quickly comes from both Mennonite and Amish communities. The rule of no fraternization is absolute yet a growing attachment between a young Amish relief worker and the intended bride is evident as each of them fight this growing attraction.
As the story unfolds we find out that Timothy, the bridegroom is acting out a role to his intended, his and her family and their friends and community. He leads another life kept hidden from everyone.
What is more the young Amish relief worker is making a favorable impression on the local Amish Community. He does every chore asked of him without complaint even if said chore seems a menial one. In other words, he makes himself useful as a relief person should, never taking on airs or ridiculing the work given. He is the antithesis of the bridegroom and the intended brides family is well aware of this and likes him as they have not the bridegroom.
I hesitate to divulge more as I do not wish to spoil the story, its unfolding dramas or the ending. I will say I approve of the methods used, of the family’s ways and actions and how always at the center of everything was their absolute faith in God or as they term Him, Gott.
I felt humbled to read this testimony to the unfailing and absolute trust that always His hand held them all and that His Will prevailed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Grand Central Publishing through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
The Amish Wedding Promise the first outstanding story written by Laura V. Hilton in her new series Hidden Springs. This story is an attention grabber from the first page. The author has done such an incredible job not only developing her story but her characters as well. Each character definitely adds pizzazz to this story. The storyline moves along at such a great pace it is hard to find a place to take a break. The story starts out with such intensity as a tornado envelopes the community of Hidden Springs and brings loss, destruction, and faith into play.
The characters are realistic and likeable. Gracie is a sweet Amish young lady having serious doubts about her upcoming marriage. Patience, Gracie's younger sister with special needs, is like a breathe of fresh air. Zeke is a young Amish man on a mission in several ways. He wants to help a community in need but also prove to his daed that he is not the screw up people believe him to be. I especially loved the insightful Grossdawdi Cliff. He sees and knows more than he lets on and brings great humor to the story. Timothy, Gracie's fiance, is a story all on his own and I really wanted to smack him upside his head. It is evident that the author has taken great pride in developing just the right mix of characters to tell her story.
This story is full of devastation, loss, love, family, and faith. Forgiveness is something that appears throughout the story for so many of the characters. There is just the right mix to to make this an incredible love 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 all readers.
Congratulations to Laura V. Hilton on writing such a moving love story that is also inspiring for her readers enjoyment. I am anxious to read the next story in this series.
Levi Bontrager is a disappointment to his father, who wasted no opportunities to let Levi know. When a tornado rips through another town, Levi volunteers to go with the Mennonite missionary to help with the restoration of the town. The last thing his father said to him was something like, "Don't be a disappointment to me."
Grace Lantz is engaged to be married, although she is having significant doubts about her fiance and about the marriage itself. The day after the tornado, Tim, the fiance, didn't come to check on her to see how she fared and that was just one more doubt about the relationship.
When Levi arrives, he is assigned to stay with the Lantz family. What he doesn't anticipate is being assigned to room with his cousin who doesn't like him at all. The cousin has been reporting Levi's behavior back to Levi's father.
Grace finds her friendship with Levi growing, in spite of the constraints put on Levi for being a member of the restoration group. Grace's father still asks Levi to escort Grace around to check on various people, especially her fiance.
Laura V Hilton writes well researched Amish fiction and her stories are tremendously fun to read. The Amish Wedding Promise is just as fun to read and what's more, it's the beginning of a new series. I can't wait to see who comes next in the series.
Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a conspiring grandfather to help smooth out the path of love.
My thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley.com for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Laura V. Hilton is a new-to-me author. The Amish Wedding Promise is the first of her books I have read, but it will not be my last. Laura writes a very interesting story from the beginning to the end. You really do not want to put the book down.
This book shows how God can take a storm in your life and use it for good.
Grace's wedding day had turned into total Upheaval since the tornado had ripped through their town taking their barn and all the wedding benches with it along with her groom and two of his friends with it. Was Timothy alive somewhere hurt? Did she really want him found since she wasn't even sure she wanted to marry him today anyway?
Zeke Bontrager, his friend, Kiah, and other men from his community left their community in another state to help the tornado victims. There was to be absolutely no dating among the community and the workers. For some strange reason, Zeke was assigned to the Seth Lantz family. This just happens to be Grace's family.
After Zeke was assigned to help Grace find Timothy. This began their great adventure toward each other.
Would Timothy come back? Would Grace find happiness? What about Zeke?
Don't miss this wonderful story.
I was given an ARC by the publisher/author through Netgalley for my honest review.
I like this story it was cute and down to earth. I did however feel like parts of the story did drag on. Without giving much away I wish the main subject or at least it felt like the main subject would have been handled a lot sooner in the book and the secondary situation would have played out sooner so there could be more of that story and less of the other. I loved Zach he felt like wasn’t good enough but he always seemed to keep his head up and keep fighting for what was right. I was not a huge fan of Vernon and I wish we found out more about Jon. I liked Grace a lot to she was reckless, fun, independent and reliable and you could totally feel like you could be friends with her. This book was a good clean read and fun to boot. You can’t go wrong. I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review and have given my honest opinion
It's her wedding day and she has cold feet. Everyone says it's "normal". Grace always dreamt of her wonderful wedding day but she's not feeling right about it. She prays that God will stop the marriage and is her prayer answered in a shocking way as a horrible tornado appears and all signs of her fiance are that he did not survive.
As Zeke comes from Shipshewana to help those who experienced the tornado, he tries to help Grace find her fiance. His feelings for her are strong.
This was a wonderful story! I loved it. It had a really different storyline and I had to keep reading to see the outcome! What is going to happen???? So good! You will love book 1 of this new series! I know I did!
The Amish Wedding Promise was a different kind of story for Laura Hilton, yet it was one I definitely enjoyed and found myself picking up again. And as always happens, when I re-read a novel, I pick up aspects I previously missed. Her characters were extremely well-developed, and Grace, her sister Patience, Zeke, and Grace's grandfather stood out as my favorites. Zeke's patience and kindness with Patience, who has Down Syndrome, are extremely touching. My heart really went out to Grace as she experienced the confusion of searching for her fiancé after the devastating tornado, and the pain of knowing he was not trying to check on her instead. Laura Hilton always weaves a skillful and beautiful story and The Amish Wedding Promise was no exception. I do recommend this highly.
What if a tornado cancelled your wedding, then you learned the groom had disappeared? What a way to start a book! Grace Lantz wasn’t sure she wanted to marry Timothy anyway. Zeke Bontrager comes to the area to help with cleanup and reconstruction, but God may have brought him to the Lantz home for a higher purpose. The story and characters resonate with the reader, and you feel like you’re right there. The tale’s development moves along at a good pace so the lengthy novel doesn’t drag but holds your interest. Surprises jump out too and add to the depth of the book. I liked Grace’s grandfather and his wisdom too. This may be the best I’ve read by the author. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
This author is an amazing storyteller. She is well versed and knowledgeable in regards to the Amish customs. This is new series Hidden Springs Each character we meet are unique. They are like a jigsaw puzzle - you need all of them. The author draws you in within the first couple of pages. She has crafted a flowing storyline. Gracie, is doubting her upcoming marriage. She has a special needs sister, who she has had to walk on egg shells around. Her fiance, Timothy, is stubborn. Gracie, is afraid to speak her mind . There are some heavy topics that are dealt with in this story, but as usual, the author handles them beautifully.
Come on this adventure
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book.
Gracie has some major concerns about marrying Vernon. When she tries to talk with Mamm about them, alk she hears is "it's just cold feet." So when Gracie asks God to stop the wedding, she is shocked when a tornado rips through town, destroys their barn, and Vernon is missing, she feels guilty but relieved. Asia's dad considers him a screwup, so when he is sent to help with recovery, this could be his chance to redeem himself in his Dad's eyes. When sparks start to fly between Gracie and Zeke what will happen, since he has been told absolutely no dating when on this mission? And what will happen if the missing groom is found? A good read!
Goodness, this book went in a way I never expected and kept me reading to see what would happen to who next.
Author Laura Hilton’s story is a great balance of humor and seriousness. It never felt like a light fluffy book, nor did it stay heavy for long, even though some difficult topics were discussed. The characters were very well written and life like, and I really enjoyed getting to know them.
Heartwarming, with lots of brothers and wedding food, I highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Besides cold feet? What else might stop an Amish wedding? Well, a tornado that destroys the barn where the wedding was to take place. Relieved yet feeling guilty for wishing it not to happen was made even worse when her fiance doesn't even show up to see how she survived the storm! When other Amish young men start showing up to assist in the community clean up the story continues. A few hard lessons, a lot of helping friends and a little romance made for a wonderful story. I requested and was gifted a copy through NetGalley, no review was required, my review is voluntary.