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The Amish of Cedar Grove #1
The Wish
When a storm washes out the creek, lonely widow Laura Beth Yoder saves an Englisch man and his infant son. The baby brings sunshine and joy, but his father is full of shadows and secrets.
420 pages, Library Binding
Published September 11, 2019
173 people are currently reading
1255 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Davids
142 books404 followersI 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
April 12, 2019
Ever have one of those books that you don't want to put down and you skip lunch because you can't tear yourself away from it to prepare lunch? Yes, that would be this book.
This is the start of a new series, The Amish of Ceder Grove.
When an ex-Amish man has an accident in a sleepy Kansas Amish town he has no idea how his and his infant son's life would change. Rescuing an Englisher and his boy from a flooding car after the bridge is washed out is not what widow Laura Beth Yoder expects to be doing but she sure can't just let them float away and drown. Laura Beth longs for a child of her own, sadly before her husband's death she wasn't able conceive. Englisher Joshua King is on a mission to promised his wife on her deathbed, deliver their son to her parents so they can raise him. His mission, drop off the baby before getting attached. What he doesn't count on is the accident that causes his car to wash away with his wallet and all his belongings in it. When he is rescued he is so grateful but is it gratefulness or the stirrings of love that make him want to stay anchored in this sleepy little town?
Can't wait to read the next book in this series!
Expected publication: April 30th 2019
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is the start of a new series, The Amish of Ceder Grove.
When an ex-Amish man has an accident in a sleepy Kansas Amish town he has no idea how his and his infant son's life would change. Rescuing an Englisher and his boy from a flooding car after the bridge is washed out is not what widow Laura Beth Yoder expects to be doing but she sure can't just let them float away and drown. Laura Beth longs for a child of her own, sadly before her husband's death she wasn't able conceive. Englisher Joshua King is on a mission to promised his wife on her deathbed, deliver their son to her parents so they can raise him. His mission, drop off the baby before getting attached. What he doesn't count on is the accident that causes his car to wash away with his wallet and all his belongings in it. When he is rescued he is so grateful but is it gratefulness or the stirrings of love that make him want to stay anchored in this sleepy little town?
Can't wait to read the next book in this series!
Expected publication: April 30th 2019
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 24, 2019
Laura Beth Yoder is an Amish widow who loved her husband very much but feels it’s time to move on. She is planning on fixing up her home and farm, selling it to move to Ohio to find a new husband. She needs to make her pumpkin patch bigger to provide the funds for her move with her sister Sarah. THE WISH will have you feeling like you are sitting right there in the room with Laura and Sarah and making faces at Joshua when he gives Laura a hard time.
THE WISH is the first book in the Amish of Cedar Grove series. Laura can be just as stubborn as Joshua and the bantering between the two of them will have you laughing out loud and snorting just like I did. Joshua shows up in Cedar Grove in a strange way. There is a big storm and he mistakenly drives his car into the water with his baby son inside. Sarah hears a loud crash and runs out to investigate. She somehow gets Caleb out of the car and runs back to help Joshua. Joshua agrees to stay on her farm while recovering in the hopes that the water will go down and he can find his car which holds his phone, important papers, and money for Caleb. Joshua is ex Amish who turned his back on his faith as soon as he could run away. He came from a dysfunctional family and never made peace with his past. Laura has dreamed of having a baby to love all of her life.
I did not want THE WISH to end. The conversations between Laura and Joshua were so humorous, and I love how Laura does not allow Joshua’s bitterness to discourage her from taking care of him. This story is filled with humor, lost love, forgiveness, and second chances. I found myself cheering for Laura while she tried to help Joshua heal. Laura’s humor is hysterical and it feeds off of Joshua’s crabbiness. The police investigation that happens will have you holding your breath and flipping the pages like someone on a life or death mission. Patricia Davids is going to pull you right in from the very beginning and have you emotionally invested in Joshua and Laura. I had a hard time putting this book down because I had to know what was going to happen. THE WISH is a fantastic start to a promising series.
THE WISH is the first book in the Amish of Cedar Grove series. Laura can be just as stubborn as Joshua and the bantering between the two of them will have you laughing out loud and snorting just like I did. Joshua shows up in Cedar Grove in a strange way. There is a big storm and he mistakenly drives his car into the water with his baby son inside. Sarah hears a loud crash and runs out to investigate. She somehow gets Caleb out of the car and runs back to help Joshua. Joshua agrees to stay on her farm while recovering in the hopes that the water will go down and he can find his car which holds his phone, important papers, and money for Caleb. Joshua is ex Amish who turned his back on his faith as soon as he could run away. He came from a dysfunctional family and never made peace with his past. Laura has dreamed of having a baby to love all of her life.
I did not want THE WISH to end. The conversations between Laura and Joshua were so humorous, and I love how Laura does not allow Joshua’s bitterness to discourage her from taking care of him. This story is filled with humor, lost love, forgiveness, and second chances. I found myself cheering for Laura while she tried to help Joshua heal. Laura’s humor is hysterical and it feeds off of Joshua’s crabbiness. The police investigation that happens will have you holding your breath and flipping the pages like someone on a life or death mission. Patricia Davids is going to pull you right in from the very beginning and have you emotionally invested in Joshua and Laura. I had a hard time putting this book down because I had to know what was going to happen. THE WISH is a fantastic start to a promising series.
April 6, 2019
When it is said that “God doesn’t make any mistakes”, it sure seems to apply to this story. When it seems that all in life that can go wrong does, and then impossible dreams begin to happen, do you walk away. Now that is the question that will be making you page turn, and sometimes as fast as you can.
We have offered to us a young woman who has the heart desire to become a mother, but the small town she lives in doesn’t have much to offer a widow.
Then the author gives us a troubled young widower whom has made some horrible decisions, in fact he has spent time in jail.
Will a very young baby be the catalyst to bring these two together, or will each go on with the chosen paths they have put their feet on.
I really enjoyed this different Amish story and found that some people are the same no matter where they live.
I received this book through Net Galley and the publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.
We have offered to us a young woman who has the heart desire to become a mother, but the small town she lives in doesn’t have much to offer a widow.
Then the author gives us a troubled young widower whom has made some horrible decisions, in fact he has spent time in jail.
Will a very young baby be the catalyst to bring these two together, or will each go on with the chosen paths they have put their feet on.
I really enjoyed this different Amish story and found that some people are the same no matter where they live.
I received this book through Net Galley and the publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.
December 7, 2019
THE WISH is the first book in the Amish of Cedar Grove series, but I listened to The Hope first. There is no issue reading these books out of order. Laura Beth Yoder is an Amish widow who loved her husband very much but feels it’s time to move on. She is planning on fixing up her home and farm, selling it to move to Ohio to find a new husband, as there is no one in Cedar Grove that interests her. When a storm hits, a stranger driving through the area with is infant son, has an accident right by her farm. Heading over to see if she can help, she rescues both of them just before the car is washed away. Joshua is ex-Amishs, someone who turned his back on his faith at the young age of 17, when he ran away. He came from a dysfunctional family and never made peace with his past. Laura has dreamed of having a baby to love all of her life. Who is this stranger? What is he doing in Cedar Grove? Can this attraction Laura Beth feels toward Joshua and his son Caleb come to anything?
This was a beautiful story that I did not want to end, but also wanted to see how it ended. It evoked a lot of emotions, especially when Laura Beth was honest about her feelings of being a widow, this had me in tears. The relationships between the characters were wonderful. Laura Beth and her sister Sarah had a special relationship having lost their parents and only having each other. Laura Beth was more like a mother to Sarah, and Sarah, a daughter that doesn't always listen. Laura Beth and Joshua had an amazing relationship that grew and developed in a wonderful way. They slowly came to care for one another through looking after Caleb and the farm. Of course both of them felt that the relationship wouldn't work, so didn't want to reveal their feelings to the other. I enjoyed their banter and dialogue as they got to know one another better. This story is filled with humor, lost love, forgiveness, and second chances. I found myself cheering for Laura while she tried to help Joshua heal. Laura Beth is a person that thinks she knows what is best for everyone and that causes some angst, but it all works out. There is humour as well as heartbreak in this story. I loved it and do not hesitate to recommend it to anyone who enjoys romance, Amish stories and second chance love stories. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
This was a beautiful story that I did not want to end, but also wanted to see how it ended. It evoked a lot of emotions, especially when Laura Beth was honest about her feelings of being a widow, this had me in tears. The relationships between the characters were wonderful. Laura Beth and her sister Sarah had a special relationship having lost their parents and only having each other. Laura Beth was more like a mother to Sarah, and Sarah, a daughter that doesn't always listen. Laura Beth and Joshua had an amazing relationship that grew and developed in a wonderful way. They slowly came to care for one another through looking after Caleb and the farm. Of course both of them felt that the relationship wouldn't work, so didn't want to reveal their feelings to the other. I enjoyed their banter and dialogue as they got to know one another better. This story is filled with humor, lost love, forgiveness, and second chances. I found myself cheering for Laura while she tried to help Joshua heal. Laura Beth is a person that thinks she knows what is best for everyone and that causes some angst, but it all works out. There is humour as well as heartbreak in this story. I loved it and do not hesitate to recommend it to anyone who enjoys romance, Amish stories and second chance love stories. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
June 30, 2019
Laura Beth Yoder and her sister Sarah lived by themselves, off the main road, where most of her Amish neighbors lived. To get to their farm they had to travel around curves and up and down hills. Nestled in between two hills was a small bridge that allowed traffic to cross over a small creek. Just beyond that was the driveway that led to the Yoder girls property.
It was late afternoon when the rain started. Laura Beth had been out visiting her best friend and had made it home before the heavy rains started. Before the water in the creek rose up to cover the bridge. As the evening wore on the rain became heavier with the threat of flash flooding. It was then that she heard a different sound than the storm. Standing on her porch she realized it was the horn of a car she was hearing. She knew that meant that someone had tried to drive through the water in the dip of the road and had gone off the bridge.
Running through the rain to the end of her driveway she finds a car half off the bridge and in danger of falling into the swollen creek and being swept away. She looks inside and finds a man unconscious behind the steering wheel. A baby in a infant seat in the back seat cries hysterically and Laura Beth springs into action. She finds a large rock and begins hitting the rear window repeatedly. She can see that water has begun to seep into the car. Can she break into the car in time to rescue the man and the baby before it's too late? Will she have the strength to do what needs to be done before the vehicle is washed away into the swollen creek?
I read a sneak preview of The Wish in the back of another book I recently read. I knew without a doubt that I had to read this book. Once I got into the first Chapter it didn't take long for the action to start. It didn't disappoint this reader and I'm glad that I decided to read this story.
All readers of Amish Fiction , Christian Fiction, and fans of Patricia Davids will love The Wish. I highly recommend it.
I borrowed a copy of The Wish from my local Library. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
It was late afternoon when the rain started. Laura Beth had been out visiting her best friend and had made it home before the heavy rains started. Before the water in the creek rose up to cover the bridge. As the evening wore on the rain became heavier with the threat of flash flooding. It was then that she heard a different sound than the storm. Standing on her porch she realized it was the horn of a car she was hearing. She knew that meant that someone had tried to drive through the water in the dip of the road and had gone off the bridge.
Running through the rain to the end of her driveway she finds a car half off the bridge and in danger of falling into the swollen creek and being swept away. She looks inside and finds a man unconscious behind the steering wheel. A baby in a infant seat in the back seat cries hysterically and Laura Beth springs into action. She finds a large rock and begins hitting the rear window repeatedly. She can see that water has begun to seep into the car. Can she break into the car in time to rescue the man and the baby before it's too late? Will she have the strength to do what needs to be done before the vehicle is washed away into the swollen creek?
I read a sneak preview of The Wish in the back of another book I recently read. I knew without a doubt that I had to read this book. Once I got into the first Chapter it didn't take long for the action to start. It didn't disappoint this reader and I'm glad that I decided to read this story.
All readers of Amish Fiction , Christian Fiction, and fans of Patricia Davids will love The Wish. I highly recommend it.
I borrowed a copy of The Wish from my local Library. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
May 20, 2019
There's something magical about a Patricia Davids story and I'm over-the-moon excited about this new series -- The Amish of Cedar Grove. I'm already in love with this community. Love the unusual setting for an Amish romance and found the differences in this Kansas settlement really interesting (the author provides a 'dear reader' note at the start of the novel explaining unique aspects of the Kansas Amish.)
I fell hard for Joshua even though he made my heart hurt and frayed every last nerve! He's closed-off, grumpy, wary, angst-riddled...prickly as a porcupine at times. But none of that can totally mask the kind, caring, gentle man buried deep inside. Laura Beth sees past the hurt to all that tenderness yearning to surface. And if anyone can turn Joshua's life around it's this determined (aka bossy) Amish widow who has tender yearnings of her own. Davids expertly weaves their love story into the day to day workings of this close Amish community. A beautifully paced, stirring romance that celebrates faith and family and the hope in second chances.
I fell hard for Joshua even though he made my heart hurt and frayed every last nerve! He's closed-off, grumpy, wary, angst-riddled...prickly as a porcupine at times. But none of that can totally mask the kind, caring, gentle man buried deep inside. Laura Beth sees past the hurt to all that tenderness yearning to surface. And if anyone can turn Joshua's life around it's this determined (aka bossy) Amish widow who has tender yearnings of her own. Davids expertly weaves their love story into the day to day workings of this close Amish community. A beautifully paced, stirring romance that celebrates faith and family and the hope in second chances.
February 3, 2019
Read this in 3 hours. Patricia is one of my favorite amish writers. Great stories, always keeps you interested. I love all her books. Great Amish author. Pick up one of her books, you will love them.
April 29, 2019
4.5 stars.
The first installment in The Amish of Cedar Grove series, The Wish by Patricia Davids is a heartwarming novel of redemption, healing and love.
Widow Laura Beth Yoder loved her husband, but she is ready to remarry and hopefully have the family she has long dreamed of. However, there is a serious lack of eligible men to marry in her small community in Kansas so she is making plans to move to Ohio. Laura Beth is hoping that expanding her pumpkin crop will provide her the funds she needs to make repairs to her farm so she can put it up for sale. Her younger sister Sarah and her close friend Abigail Troyer are trying to convince her to stay in Kansas, but Laura Beth remains steadfast in her decision. Will the unexpected arrival of Englischer Joshua King and his four month old son, Caleb, lead her to rethink her plans?
Laura Beth is a resourceful woman with a strong faith. She desperately misses her husband, but she also dreams of having a family. Laura Beth is certain she is making the right choice to move and she will do whatever she needs to do to make this happen. But when she rescues Joshua and Caleb during a storm, she is drawn to the clearly troubled man and she is captivated by his son. Will learning about Joshua's past change how she is beginning to feel about him?
Joshua is a man on a mission when he crosses paths with Laura Beth. He does not deviate from his plans but he does begin to wonder if he is making the right choice. Having never dealt with his dysfunctional childhood, Joshua continues to believe he is not deserving of love. He is also unable to forgive the person who so deeply wronged him. Will Laura Beth's gentle encouragement change his mind about his plans for the future? Will Joshua go against a loved one's wishes?
The Wish is an enthralling novel with a realistic plot and endearing characters. Laura Beth has a big heart but she is occasionally a bit misguided when it comes the people she cares about. Joshua's back story is heart wrenching but watching him discover his worth is very uplifting. The romance between Joshua and Laura Beth is very understated and grows naturally out their friendship. But with one huge obstacle standing in their way, is there any chance for a future together?
This first release in Patricia Davids' The Amish of Cedar Grove series is an engaging story with an idyllic setting, appealing characters and an enjoyable storyline. I absolutely loved and highly recommend this inspiring novel to fans of the genre.
The first installment in The Amish of Cedar Grove series, The Wish by Patricia Davids is a heartwarming novel of redemption, healing and love.
Widow Laura Beth Yoder loved her husband, but she is ready to remarry and hopefully have the family she has long dreamed of. However, there is a serious lack of eligible men to marry in her small community in Kansas so she is making plans to move to Ohio. Laura Beth is hoping that expanding her pumpkin crop will provide her the funds she needs to make repairs to her farm so she can put it up for sale. Her younger sister Sarah and her close friend Abigail Troyer are trying to convince her to stay in Kansas, but Laura Beth remains steadfast in her decision. Will the unexpected arrival of Englischer Joshua King and his four month old son, Caleb, lead her to rethink her plans?
Laura Beth is a resourceful woman with a strong faith. She desperately misses her husband, but she also dreams of having a family. Laura Beth is certain she is making the right choice to move and she will do whatever she needs to do to make this happen. But when she rescues Joshua and Caleb during a storm, she is drawn to the clearly troubled man and she is captivated by his son. Will learning about Joshua's past change how she is beginning to feel about him?
Joshua is a man on a mission when he crosses paths with Laura Beth. He does not deviate from his plans but he does begin to wonder if he is making the right choice. Having never dealt with his dysfunctional childhood, Joshua continues to believe he is not deserving of love. He is also unable to forgive the person who so deeply wronged him. Will Laura Beth's gentle encouragement change his mind about his plans for the future? Will Joshua go against a loved one's wishes?
The Wish is an enthralling novel with a realistic plot and endearing characters. Laura Beth has a big heart but she is occasionally a bit misguided when it comes the people she cares about. Joshua's back story is heart wrenching but watching him discover his worth is very uplifting. The romance between Joshua and Laura Beth is very understated and grows naturally out their friendship. But with one huge obstacle standing in their way, is there any chance for a future together?
This first release in Patricia Davids' The Amish of Cedar Grove series is an engaging story with an idyllic setting, appealing characters and an enjoyable storyline. I absolutely loved and highly recommend this inspiring novel to fans of the genre.
May 6, 2019
Laura Beth is a widow living in a small Amish community with a lack of men, she is widowed but longs for children so she figures moving to Ohio is the right thing to do.
Joshua King is a man who has a checkered past, he left the Amish faith as a teen and married an Amish girl who died of Cancer, now he has to take the son he never knew he had to his in laws he's never met.
Along the way he gets into an accident and is saved by Laura Beth, is this gods will what does he have in store for the two of them.
I loved this book, it did make me want to cry from time to time, it might trigger some people with talk of cancer and carrying a pregnancy instead of getting treatment.
I loved that their was a bit of mystery in Joshua's past though I kind of figured that one out pretty fast. the community of this book is amazing. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good Amish romance.
in full disclosure I was sent this book by Harlequin Publicity team for an honest review.
Joshua King is a man who has a checkered past, he left the Amish faith as a teen and married an Amish girl who died of Cancer, now he has to take the son he never knew he had to his in laws he's never met.
Along the way he gets into an accident and is saved by Laura Beth, is this gods will what does he have in store for the two of them.
I loved this book, it did make me want to cry from time to time, it might trigger some people with talk of cancer and carrying a pregnancy instead of getting treatment.
I loved that their was a bit of mystery in Joshua's past though I kind of figured that one out pretty fast. the community of this book is amazing. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good Amish romance.
in full disclosure I was sent this book by Harlequin Publicity team for an honest review.
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August 19, 2020Oh boy. Well I tried an Amish romance, twice.
The heroine is a childless widow, deciding to sell her farm and move in the hopes of finding a new husband. The hero is on his way to drop of his 4 month old child, at the wishes of his recently passed wife. The two meet when the heroine saves the hero and his baby when he drives into a river.
Ok, so the audiobook was not very good. I sounded like Alexa reading the book for the most part. And then the characters were just odd. I'm sure the author was trying to "drama up" the Amish story line, but it just didn't work for me. The hero was suppose to be this "bad boy" character. He left the Amish church and got married. He was between jobs, so he went to do some work with some friends, but this turned out to be them stealing things and he went to jail for 6 months. His wife left him when he went to work with his friends, and then there was a line of "his friends, well they really weren't very good friends" or something like that idk it felt very after school special.
I just couldn't read anymore, dnf at like chapter 3.
The heroine is a childless widow, deciding to sell her farm and move in the hopes of finding a new husband. The hero is on his way to drop of his 4 month old child, at the wishes of his recently passed wife. The two meet when the heroine saves the hero and his baby when he drives into a river.
Ok, so the audiobook was not very good. I sounded like Alexa reading the book for the most part. And then the characters were just odd. I'm sure the author was trying to "drama up" the Amish story line, but it just didn't work for me. The hero was suppose to be this "bad boy" character. He left the Amish church and got married. He was between jobs, so he went to do some work with some friends, but this turned out to be them stealing things and he went to jail for 6 months. His wife left him when he went to work with his friends, and then there was a line of "his friends, well they really weren't very good friends" or something like that idk it felt very after school special.
I just couldn't read anymore, dnf at like chapter 3.
February 22, 2022
The Wish, by Patricia Davids is a great second chance romance. I simply fell in love with Laura Beth and Sarah, but found myself immersed in Joshua’s story so much, I read this book in one setting. This was a great read with lessons in love, faith, and why we should never judge a book by its cover. Five stars for this sweet imperfect heroine and her determination to see that a good man finds his way home.
May 8, 2019
Davids delivers her trademark warmth and wit once again. Engaging characters leap off the page and into the heart, and readers will quickly embrace quietly-strong Laura Beth Yoder and her somewhat flighty younger sister. Joshua King perhaps takes a bit longer to warm up to, but it makes sense, given his complicated backstory. Their initial meeting is unique, and their relationship progresses uniquely as well, keeping the story from being too predictable. Laura Beth’s yearning for a family is tenderly presented, and Joshua’s internal struggle to do the right thing by his son also tugs at the heart.
December 28, 2018
The Wish is a beautifully written inspirational romance. I loved the plot and the characters. I enjoyed the writing and look forward to reading more books by this author. I received an arc from Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.
April 7, 2019
The Wish by Patricia Davids
The Wish by Patricia Davids is a lovely love story about someone who believes they are unlovable and a community that helps him realize where he needs to be. The Amish Community in Kansas has some different rules than other communities. In this one the Amish are allowed to use tractors and propane to heat and run their appliances.
Into the community of Cedar Grove comes Joshua King and his young son Caleb. A son he is bringing to his dead wife’s relatives to raise. A son he did not know about and believed his son would be safer and rained better by someone other than him.
Laura Beth heard the crash and pulled Joshua and his son from the wreck before the car washed down the river. She and her sister Sarah lived on a small farm and worked hard everyday to make ends meet. Laura Beth falls in love with Caleb and then with Joshua. But Joshua believes that his fate is not to stay and to give up his son.
The Wish is a lovely love story that reminds us second chances and unknown circumstances can change everything so quickly. Patricia David’s book, The Wish, is the first book in a series called “The Amish of Cedar Cove. It is a fast wonderful read.
The Wish by Patricia Davids is a lovely love story about someone who believes they are unlovable and a community that helps him realize where he needs to be. The Amish Community in Kansas has some different rules than other communities. In this one the Amish are allowed to use tractors and propane to heat and run their appliances.
Into the community of Cedar Grove comes Joshua King and his young son Caleb. A son he is bringing to his dead wife’s relatives to raise. A son he did not know about and believed his son would be safer and rained better by someone other than him.
Laura Beth heard the crash and pulled Joshua and his son from the wreck before the car washed down the river. She and her sister Sarah lived on a small farm and worked hard everyday to make ends meet. Laura Beth falls in love with Caleb and then with Joshua. But Joshua believes that his fate is not to stay and to give up his son.
The Wish is a lovely love story that reminds us second chances and unknown circumstances can change everything so quickly. Patricia David’s book, The Wish, is the first book in a series called “The Amish of Cedar Cove. It is a fast wonderful read.
January 25, 2021
Cute story, and a pleasant read.
I would read other books from this author in the future.
I would read other books from this author in the future.
July 21, 2019
This is an interesting and highly enjoyable look at the Amish community of Kansas. Here, the heat of summer means they are allowed to use tractors for farm work; horses could not cope. But they still drive horse and buggy on the roads.
A woman is considering selling her farm to move to a bigger community, since all the bachelors around are relatives and she'd like to marry. Then an outsider arrives, getting stuck due to a storm and flooding. He's got a small child with him. One would think this is the answer to prayers, but this man also has a prison record, so he won't be accepted by the strict Amish.
We see the personal dilemmas and some dramatic moments over the weeks depicted, plus we get a good look at various sides of the locals and their customs. The romance is suitable for any age.
I downloaded an e-ARC from Fresh Fiction and Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
A woman is considering selling her farm to move to a bigger community, since all the bachelors around are relatives and she'd like to marry. Then an outsider arrives, getting stuck due to a storm and flooding. He's got a small child with him. One would think this is the answer to prayers, but this man also has a prison record, so he won't be accepted by the strict Amish.
We see the personal dilemmas and some dramatic moments over the weeks depicted, plus we get a good look at various sides of the locals and their customs. The romance is suitable for any age.
I downloaded an e-ARC from Fresh Fiction and Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
March 13, 2019
I was given an advanced copy of The Wish, by Patricia Davids for an honest review. I loved reading this beautiful love story. When Joshua King and his infant son Caleb nearly lost their lives, Laura Beth Yoder took on the flood waters along with God’s help, and she saved their lives. An Amish woman, longing to be a mother, and a man who longed to be loved, find their lives forever changed and prayers answered.
April 19, 2019
Life is made up of second chances, and those second chances may turn out even better than we imagined they would. This Amish novel is based on heartache, but life has a way of turning things around when we least expect it. Laura Beth and Joshua have suffered extreme loss in their young lives, and although their lifestyles are drastically different, there are commonalities. Characterizations are very well developed, and the descriptive aspects in this book are pictorial. I could easily envision the setting through the author's words.
This book kept my interest, and it was difficult to put down as I was anxious to see what would develop over time. Life isn't easy, and there are no easy answers to the problems encountered in this story. I enjoyed this first book in a new Amish series.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through a contest from Goodreads. All expressed opinions are my own.
This book kept my interest, and it was difficult to put down as I was anxious to see what would develop over time. Life isn't easy, and there are no easy answers to the problems encountered in this story. I enjoyed this first book in a new Amish series.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through a contest from Goodreads. All expressed opinions are my own.
February 5, 2019
The Wish is a well written story with a plot that grabbed me & held my interest.
Laura Beth & Joshua are both widowers. She is especially unfulfilled because she desperately wants children & is planning to sell her Kansas farm to move to a larger Amish community in Ohio.
Joshua has had a difficult life and has a lot of pain from things that happened to him in his childhood.
As they got to know each other, I was really hoping the best for both of them. I loved the book and I was still kept in suspense until the very end.
I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
I did receive an advance copy for an honest review.
Laura Beth & Joshua are both widowers. She is especially unfulfilled because she desperately wants children & is planning to sell her Kansas farm to move to a larger Amish community in Ohio.
Joshua has had a difficult life and has a lot of pain from things that happened to him in his childhood.
As they got to know each other, I was really hoping the best for both of them. I loved the book and I was still kept in suspense until the very end.
I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
I did receive an advance copy for an honest review.
February 12, 2019
The Wish will have you cheering the characters and grieving with them. This story shows us that sometimes things from our past are not as the seem and that the future may be right in front of our eyes. I love the characters of Joshua and Laura Beth and how they must rely on God's forgiveness to move forward.
This review is my opinion and I was under no obligation to leave a positive review. Thank you Patricia for the honor of reading and reviewing your book.
This review is my opinion and I was under no obligation to leave a positive review. Thank you Patricia for the honor of reading and reviewing your book.
February 7, 2019
This was a really sweet story! I loved the depth and wholeness of the characters. I could picture them all and they weren't perfect, which I enjoyed. There were some amazingly sweet moments and some that kept me on the edge of my seat!
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 1, 2018
This is a very well written Amish romance. I really liked the characters and how the story progressed. This book show the Amish life and how one person deals with leaving the Amish life
November 4, 2018
This was a really lovely book. The characters were likeable and I enjoyed reading about them.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
January 1, 2025
I rarely read Amish romance, but every now and again I'll pick one up. I grew up not far from a Mennonite community and I knew people there, so that world does intrigue me. However, knowing some of the stuff the tourists don't see makes it hard for me to understand why someone would almost fetishize it the way some readers seem to.
I read Patricia Davids a couple times for AAR reviews, and I do tend to like her writing. From the author's note in this book, I understand that she lives on the farm in Kansas where she grew up, and she is familiar with the Amish community there. That may in part explain the tone of her writing. She seems to approach her stories as someone with curiosity and respect for her neighbors, rather than idealizing their world.
In this story, we meet Laura Beth Yoder, an Amish widow whose husband died of brain cancer. She is trying to make a go of it on their small farm, where she lives with her younger sister. Given the dearth of eligible young men in her area, she has reluctantly settled on a plan to sell the farm and move close to cousins in Ohio, in the hopes of remarrying and possibly having a family of her own.
Into the midst of this, she finds herself offering refuge to stranded travelers in a storm. Joshua King, himself a widower, is an ex-Amish man with a difficult past. His car was swept away in flood waters, but Laura Beth rescues him and his infant son, Caleb, from the waters. While Joshua is staying with Laura Beth and her sister, he finds himself not only drawn to his kind hostess, but also thinking hard about what is important to him and where he is going in life.
On the one hand, Ms. Davids does tell a warm and often sweet story. However, the romance developed painfully slowly and sometimes felt lost in the pages of farming description and angst over Joshua's past. Most of the romance seemed to consist of lookers-on seeing the leads together and thinking, "Hmm...there's something between Laura Beth and Joshua," though I have to admit that I never felt the chemistry there.
I did like the characters and the various plotlines involving life in Cedar Grove, but since the leads just seemed to go in circles without really coming to life on the page, this ended up being a fairly "meh" read for me. This was my last read of 2024, so hopefully 2025 starts off in more promising fashion.
I read Patricia Davids a couple times for AAR reviews, and I do tend to like her writing. From the author's note in this book, I understand that she lives on the farm in Kansas where she grew up, and she is familiar with the Amish community there. That may in part explain the tone of her writing. She seems to approach her stories as someone with curiosity and respect for her neighbors, rather than idealizing their world.
In this story, we meet Laura Beth Yoder, an Amish widow whose husband died of brain cancer. She is trying to make a go of it on their small farm, where she lives with her younger sister. Given the dearth of eligible young men in her area, she has reluctantly settled on a plan to sell the farm and move close to cousins in Ohio, in the hopes of remarrying and possibly having a family of her own.
Into the midst of this, she finds herself offering refuge to stranded travelers in a storm. Joshua King, himself a widower, is an ex-Amish man with a difficult past. His car was swept away in flood waters, but Laura Beth rescues him and his infant son, Caleb, from the waters. While Joshua is staying with Laura Beth and her sister, he finds himself not only drawn to his kind hostess, but also thinking hard about what is important to him and where he is going in life.
On the one hand, Ms. Davids does tell a warm and often sweet story. However, the romance developed painfully slowly and sometimes felt lost in the pages of farming description and angst over Joshua's past. Most of the romance seemed to consist of lookers-on seeing the leads together and thinking, "Hmm...there's something between Laura Beth and Joshua," though I have to admit that I never felt the chemistry there.
I did like the characters and the various plotlines involving life in Cedar Grove, but since the leads just seemed to go in circles without really coming to life on the page, this ended up being a fairly "meh" read for me. This was my last read of 2024, so hopefully 2025 starts off in more promising fashion.
March 20, 2020
Blurb:
The Wish by Patricia Davids is the first installment in The Amish of Cedar Grove series.
Laura Beth Yoder is a young Amish widow whose dreams of having children were cut short when her husband is diagnosed with a terminal illness.
When Joshua King’s estranged wife declares – on her death bed – that he has a son, Joshua is shocked. In an instant Joshua becomes a father to four-month-old, Caleb. Joshua, an ex-Amish, is a man with a past and believes he cannot care for the infant.
*Spoilers*
I received a free copy of this book at a writer’s conference. Though Christian/Inspirational is not my preferred sub-genre of romance I decided to give the book a try, I was not disappointed.
The Wish is what I call ‘vanilla’ romance as it has no sex scenes. The extent of the physical expression of love/lust was a series of kisses. I was, however, pleasantly surprised to note that the smoldering attraction between the protagonists was tension enough to keep me turning pages.
Laura Beth and Joshua meet when she rescues him and his son from near-drowning. Joshua inevitably feels a deep emotional connection to the woman who risked her life to save them and Laura Beth is instantly smitten with baby Caleb.
The Wish is a heartwarming novel of healing, redemption, and second chances. The story is believable and relatable and the protagonists are memorable characters. I truly wanted Joshua and Laura Beth to have their happy ending.
The Wish is a well-written novel and I highly recommend this Christian/Inspirational novel to fans of the genre. I give The Wish 4.5 stars.
The Wish by Patricia Davids is the first installment in The Amish of Cedar Grove series.
Laura Beth Yoder is a young Amish widow whose dreams of having children were cut short when her husband is diagnosed with a terminal illness.
When Joshua King’s estranged wife declares – on her death bed – that he has a son, Joshua is shocked. In an instant Joshua becomes a father to four-month-old, Caleb. Joshua, an ex-Amish, is a man with a past and believes he cannot care for the infant.
*Spoilers*
I received a free copy of this book at a writer’s conference. Though Christian/Inspirational is not my preferred sub-genre of romance I decided to give the book a try, I was not disappointed.
The Wish is what I call ‘vanilla’ romance as it has no sex scenes. The extent of the physical expression of love/lust was a series of kisses. I was, however, pleasantly surprised to note that the smoldering attraction between the protagonists was tension enough to keep me turning pages.
Laura Beth and Joshua meet when she rescues him and his son from near-drowning. Joshua inevitably feels a deep emotional connection to the woman who risked her life to save them and Laura Beth is instantly smitten with baby Caleb.
The Wish is a heartwarming novel of healing, redemption, and second chances. The story is believable and relatable and the protagonists are memorable characters. I truly wanted Joshua and Laura Beth to have their happy ending.
The Wish is a well-written novel and I highly recommend this Christian/Inspirational novel to fans of the genre. I give The Wish 4.5 stars.
May 9, 2019
Welcome to the Cedar Grove Amish Community
The Wish by Patricia Davids is the first book in The Amish of Cedar Grove series. The setting is not where most Amish settlements are like in Ohio or Pennsylvania, but in Kansas. The book is about Laura Beth, a widow who wants to move to Ohio and look for a new husband and start a family that she never had with her first husband. There are not many eligible men in her community, so moving to Ohio is her only choice until Joshua King came along with his infant son. Joshua left his Amish community when he was young and became English. He was on his way to his son’s grandparents to leave his son with them according to his estranged deceased wife’s wishes. He was almost there when a rainstorm caused a flash flood and the car he was driving ended up in the water only to be saved by Laura Beth. You need to read this book to find out what happened to Laura Beth, Joshua and his son. You won’t be disappointed.
I really enjoyed this book with the different settlement in another state where they drive tractors instead of horse and buggy whenever they can except to Sunday church. I am looking forward to reading more of The Amish of Cedar Grove series. The Hope (book two) is due out November 19, 2019. Patricia Davids is an excellent author with many books under her hat and I highly recommend you all to look her up and read a few or all of her books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review.
The Wish by Patricia Davids is the first book in The Amish of Cedar Grove series. The setting is not where most Amish settlements are like in Ohio or Pennsylvania, but in Kansas. The book is about Laura Beth, a widow who wants to move to Ohio and look for a new husband and start a family that she never had with her first husband. There are not many eligible men in her community, so moving to Ohio is her only choice until Joshua King came along with his infant son. Joshua left his Amish community when he was young and became English. He was on his way to his son’s grandparents to leave his son with them according to his estranged deceased wife’s wishes. He was almost there when a rainstorm caused a flash flood and the car he was driving ended up in the water only to be saved by Laura Beth. You need to read this book to find out what happened to Laura Beth, Joshua and his son. You won’t be disappointed.
I really enjoyed this book with the different settlement in another state where they drive tractors instead of horse and buggy whenever they can except to Sunday church. I am looking forward to reading more of The Amish of Cedar Grove series. The Hope (book two) is due out November 19, 2019. Patricia Davids is an excellent author with many books under her hat and I highly recommend you all to look her up and read a few or all of her books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review.
May 30, 2020
A good happy read
I have enjoyed reading Patricia David’s books before and this story is another one to my list of happy reads
Laura Beth is a faithful Amish widow wishing to get married again and hopefully have a child she can raise. She live with her younger sister Julia. They raise lavenders. LauRa Beth has deCided to sell there family and move to Ohio where there is more potential to meet an Amish man around her age.
One stormy night, she spots lights and a car going toward the bridge that always gets flooded and impassable. She wanders down and sees a car trapped in the flooding waters and does her best to get the man trapped in the car out. He also has an infant boy with him. Joshua and baby Caleb enter her life.
Joshua was in this area for a purpose....Joshua also has a past.
Laura brings them back to her home to get them dried out. The car sinks into the river/ lake.
I couldn’t put this book down. M’s David’s pulls the reader right in and you feel you are standing on the side listening and seeing first had reactions and conversation with all the characters. Laura Beth and Joshua become very real to you. Good book
and definitely a promising new series.
I have enjoyed reading Patricia David’s books before and this story is another one to my list of happy reads
Laura Beth is a faithful Amish widow wishing to get married again and hopefully have a child she can raise. She live with her younger sister Julia. They raise lavenders. LauRa Beth has deCided to sell there family and move to Ohio where there is more potential to meet an Amish man around her age.
One stormy night, she spots lights and a car going toward the bridge that always gets flooded and impassable. She wanders down and sees a car trapped in the flooding waters and does her best to get the man trapped in the car out. He also has an infant boy with him. Joshua and baby Caleb enter her life.
Joshua was in this area for a purpose....Joshua also has a past.
Laura brings them back to her home to get them dried out. The car sinks into the river/ lake.
I couldn’t put this book down. M’s David’s pulls the reader right in and you feel you are standing on the side listening and seeing first had reactions and conversation with all the characters. Laura Beth and Joshua become very real to you. Good book
and definitely a promising new series.
June 1, 2019
This is the first book in the series of The Amish of Cedar Grove by Patricia Davids The Wish
It’s also a new author to me and I can say I’m Excited to read not only the rest of the series but future books by this Author. What do you do when your chances of getting married are slim to non in the community you have not only grown up In but have lived in for your whole life? Laura Beth Yoder feels her only chance to start her own family and have the baby her heart desires is to move across the country and give up everything she has every known, or is it?
Joshua King is fulfilling a promise he made to his estranged wife on her deathbed when an storm altered his path right into the life he left years ago and never looked back and never wanted too, or did he? Now he owe’s his life and his son’s life to Laura Beth, problem is she is Amish and he is English.
This is an amazing book of self discovery, compassion, empathy, faith in what we can’t see but knowing God’s hand is guiding our path. The Author has done an excellent job at drawing you into the characters story in a heartfelt realistic way. It’s a definite read! I can’t wait for book 2
It’s also a new author to me and I can say I’m Excited to read not only the rest of the series but future books by this Author. What do you do when your chances of getting married are slim to non in the community you have not only grown up In but have lived in for your whole life? Laura Beth Yoder feels her only chance to start her own family and have the baby her heart desires is to move across the country and give up everything she has every known, or is it?
Joshua King is fulfilling a promise he made to his estranged wife on her deathbed when an storm altered his path right into the life he left years ago and never looked back and never wanted too, or did he? Now he owe’s his life and his son’s life to Laura Beth, problem is she is Amish and he is English.
This is an amazing book of self discovery, compassion, empathy, faith in what we can’t see but knowing God’s hand is guiding our path. The Author has done an excellent job at drawing you into the characters story in a heartfelt realistic way. It’s a definite read! I can’t wait for book 2
June 17, 2019
Part of the Amish of Cedar Grove series, in whcih widow Laura Beth Yoder decides to sell her lavender and pumpkin farm and move to Ohio to improve her chances of finding love and maybe even a family.
When Englisher Joshua King--with an Amish background no one knows about and he has renounced--crashes his car near her farm, Laura Beth saves him and his 4-month-old son, newly known to him after his estranged wife's death.
What follows is a gradual return to life out of prison and self-imposed loneliness for Joshua and a reawakening of Laura Beth's desire to be a mother when she agrees to care for little Caleb. But as much as she likes Joshua, she can't marry out of her faith and Joshua has no desire to return to how he was raised. What are they to do?
A police investigation brings everything to a head in a dramatic climax that proves the importance of community.
When Englisher Joshua King--with an Amish background no one knows about and he has renounced--crashes his car near her farm, Laura Beth saves him and his 4-month-old son, newly known to him after his estranged wife's death.
What follows is a gradual return to life out of prison and self-imposed loneliness for Joshua and a reawakening of Laura Beth's desire to be a mother when she agrees to care for little Caleb. But as much as she likes Joshua, she can't marry out of her faith and Joshua has no desire to return to how he was raised. What are they to do?
A police investigation brings everything to a head in a dramatic climax that proves the importance of community.
May 1, 2019
Who are Laura Beth and Sarah? What does Laura Beth tell her best friend? After getting home as a big storm has started hitting, what happens? Who are Amy, Joshua, and Caleb? I like Sarah's spunk when she confronts Joshua. She's a spitfire! What does Joshua tell Sarah that surprises her? I enjoyed meeting Julie!! As Joshua and Laura Beth sit and talk to Julie, while Thomas fixes her lawn mower, we learn more about Amy. There were parts of this story that were hard to read because of their ssadness, but the rest of it was incredible! I love to read Amish inspired stories!!
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
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