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The Promise Glen #2
A Springtime Heart
A second chance at love blooms in the quaint Amish community of Promise Glen, from national bestselling author Marta Perry.
Dorcas Beiler's reckless teenage years are far behind her. She's serious and responsible now, and the good people of Promise Glen trust her with the education of their children. But when her first love returns after years of exile from the community, her past comes rushing back. Thomas is the only one who knows her secret, and despite his careless charm and teasing manner, she refuses to let her guard down.
Thomas Fisher has plans. Plans to start a construction company and prove himself a success to all those who doubted him, and plans to find the woman he left behind. His chance comes when he lands the opportunity to rebuild the stable and shed at the community school. He won't be paid for his time, but he'll be able to showcase his abilities...and spend time with Dorcas.
Scenting love in the air, Dorcas's young pupils make excuses to bring them together. As old feelings stir, Dorcas and Thomas wonder whether their first love might also be their last.
Dorcas Beiler's reckless teenage years are far behind her. She's serious and responsible now, and the good people of Promise Glen trust her with the education of their children. But when her first love returns after years of exile from the community, her past comes rushing back. Thomas is the only one who knows her secret, and despite his careless charm and teasing manner, she refuses to let her guard down.
Thomas Fisher has plans. Plans to start a construction company and prove himself a success to all those who doubted him, and plans to find the woman he left behind. His chance comes when he lands the opportunity to rebuild the stable and shed at the community school. He won't be paid for his time, but he'll be able to showcase his abilities...and spend time with Dorcas.
Scenting love in the air, Dorcas's young pupils make excuses to bring them together. As old feelings stir, Dorcas and Thomas wonder whether their first love might also be their last.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 7, 2020
64 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Marta Perry
201 books769 followersMarta Perry is a Pennsylvania-based author of over 35 novels, many of them inspirational romances. She uses her rural Pennsylvania life and her Pennsylvania Dutch heritage in writing her books, especially in her Pleasant Valley Amish series for Berkley Books and her new Amish-set suspense series for HQN Books.
Marta and her husband live in a centuries-old farmhouse in a quiet central Pennsylvania valley. They have three grown children and six beautiful grandchildren, and when she's not busy writing her next book, she's usually trying to keep up with her gardening, baking for church events, or visiting those beautiful grandkids.
Marta and her husband live in a centuries-old farmhouse in a quiet central Pennsylvania valley. They have three grown children and six beautiful grandchildren, and when she's not busy writing her next book, she's usually trying to keep up with her gardening, baking for church events, or visiting those beautiful grandkids.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 6, 2020
This was my first book by Marta Perry, but it definitely won't be the last. A second chance love is one of my favourite tropes in romance and she does it brilliantly!
Dorcas Beiler is a serious and thoughtful teacher, dedicated to her scholars and their progress. She also has a secret she's been keeping since her teenage years. When Thomas Fisher, minister Fisher's son, comes back ome after having spent several years working alongside his uncle in a distant Amish community in Ohio, everybody is quick to remind Dorcas that they used to be great friends. They did and then something happened. One night, coming back from an Englisher party where teenagers drank alcohol and behaved wildly, Thomas got arrested the police. Needless to say, his father was extremely disapponted and ashamed. He sent Thomas away. Now the prodigal son is back, but is his father ready to accept him?
Schoolchildren may think that Dorcas is an old maid. She did put on hold her life to be there for her mother and her brothers after their father's death. Dorcas is also trying to be tactful and understanding with her sister-in-law Betsy who is supposed to take a more active role in running the household, but who is a bit intimidated by her mother-in-law. There are also tender moments when Dorcas holds her little nephew and we get to see how much she would like a family of her own.
Somebody is spreading gossip in their little village of promise Glen and this somebody is out there to close the school. Storms have damaged the building roof and the repairs will cost money, but surely the school board must see that the children are better off staying in their own village? Thomas has a brilliant solution: he will repair the damage for free and this work will allow him to showcase his costruction skills and hopefully get employed by other people. This little project will also mean that he and Dorcas will see each other more. There is nothing untoward in their conversations, but does everybody in the village see it the same way?
With secrets from the past, gossip, happy new mothers, misbehaving siblings that need a bit of guidance, and long-awaited Mud Sale , Paradise Glen is a lively place and a great community full of interesting characters that are mindful of each other's feelings and always willing to help out if necessary. Plus, there is a sweet romance between two former friends who have become more responsible and can appreciate each other's steady trustworthy character much more.
I really enjoyed this story and I hope that Marta Perry continues adding to this series.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Berkley for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
Dorcas Beiler is a serious and thoughtful teacher, dedicated to her scholars and their progress. She also has a secret she's been keeping since her teenage years. When Thomas Fisher, minister Fisher's son, comes back ome after having spent several years working alongside his uncle in a distant Amish community in Ohio, everybody is quick to remind Dorcas that they used to be great friends. They did and then something happened. One night, coming back from an Englisher party where teenagers drank alcohol and behaved wildly, Thomas got arrested the police. Needless to say, his father was extremely disapponted and ashamed. He sent Thomas away. Now the prodigal son is back, but is his father ready to accept him?
Schoolchildren may think that Dorcas is an old maid. She did put on hold her life to be there for her mother and her brothers after their father's death. Dorcas is also trying to be tactful and understanding with her sister-in-law Betsy who is supposed to take a more active role in running the household, but who is a bit intimidated by her mother-in-law. There are also tender moments when Dorcas holds her little nephew and we get to see how much she would like a family of her own.
Somebody is spreading gossip in their little village of promise Glen and this somebody is out there to close the school. Storms have damaged the building roof and the repairs will cost money, but surely the school board must see that the children are better off staying in their own village? Thomas has a brilliant solution: he will repair the damage for free and this work will allow him to showcase his costruction skills and hopefully get employed by other people. This little project will also mean that he and Dorcas will see each other more. There is nothing untoward in their conversations, but does everybody in the village see it the same way?
With secrets from the past, gossip, happy new mothers, misbehaving siblings that need a bit of guidance, and long-awaited Mud Sale , Paradise Glen is a lively place and a great community full of interesting characters that are mindful of each other's feelings and always willing to help out if necessary. Plus, there is a sweet romance between two former friends who have become more responsible and can appreciate each other's steady trustworthy character much more.
I really enjoyed this story and I hope that Marta Perry continues adding to this series.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Berkley for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
January 6, 2025
Dorcas Beiler is a teacher for the children in the school of Promise Glen. The teenage years and the mistakes made then, are a memory that still haunts at times. When Thomas Fisher, her first love, returns after years with his uncle the past comes back to Dorcas. Dorcas feels guilty as Thomas took the blame for her teenage actions and was punished and sent away by his minister father
Now Thomas is back in Promise Glen with plans to start a construction company and prove himself to those who doubt him but especially his father and show them he has changed. Opportunity occurs to rebuild the school stable. Thomas figures it is just the chance he needs to showcase his work, so it doesn’t matter if he does it for free. Plus, he will be able to spend time with Dorcas, but a lot depends on whether his father can forgive him and accept him. And why is someone trying to get Promise Glen school closed and all the children sent to Oak Creek Amish school? How will that affect Dorcas as teacher?
This is book 2 in the series, and I had not read book 1. No worries. I quickly settled in with the characters and the community.
Dorcas and Thomas are interesting characters as are others in the community. Of course, jealousy, self interest, anger, and other issues raise their heads as in any community.
This is a charming book which I really enjoyed. I suggest many other people will enjoy it as well. Always interesting to hear a bit more about Amish communities and their practices. Characters were very believable. This was a nice, light read with characters I cared about.
Now Thomas is back in Promise Glen with plans to start a construction company and prove himself to those who doubt him but especially his father and show them he has changed. Opportunity occurs to rebuild the school stable. Thomas figures it is just the chance he needs to showcase his work, so it doesn’t matter if he does it for free. Plus, he will be able to spend time with Dorcas, but a lot depends on whether his father can forgive him and accept him. And why is someone trying to get Promise Glen school closed and all the children sent to Oak Creek Amish school? How will that affect Dorcas as teacher?
This is book 2 in the series, and I had not read book 1. No worries. I quickly settled in with the characters and the community.
Dorcas and Thomas are interesting characters as are others in the community. Of course, jealousy, self interest, anger, and other issues raise their heads as in any community.
This is a charming book which I really enjoyed. I suggest many other people will enjoy it as well. Always interesting to hear a bit more about Amish communities and their practices. Characters were very believable. This was a nice, light read with characters I cared about.
July 27, 2020
I read the Audio CD of this cook. The cover is different from the printed and ebook versions. I will say I liked the cover of this audio more because I have a thing for red school houses and especially one room school houses with a steeple and bell on the roof. I loved the narrator Stina Nielsen. I loved how she did her voices. I enjoyed every character in this book. I think it was one of Marta Perry's best books. This author never disappoints me and I've been reading her books for years.
A Spring Heart is an Amish Romance story. Dorcus Bieler and Thomas Fisher have known each other since their school years. They had a past together. Thomas was sent away to live with cousins in Ohio because he got in trouble with the law. But there's a secret that his father doesn't know and Thomas is hiding something.
Dorcus is now the school teacher and has gone on with her life. Then just like that Thomas shows up in her life again. He wants to be reunited with his family after having been away from them for eight years.. He hopes to start a construction business with what he learned from his Uncle in Ohio. But in spite of trying to ignore their feelings for each other, left over from years ago, they find their attraction to one another keeps bringing them together. Dorcus knows the secret Thomas is hiding from his Dad, the Amish Minister. Thomas's Brothers and Dad don't seem to want Thomas back home with them. Thomas decides to return home as soon as he finishes the repairs on the school shed and stable. Will he really go back to Ohio when he has special feelings for Dorcus?
All readers of Amish Fiction and fans of Marta Perry will not want to miss this book. It is book two of the Promise Glen series. It can be read as a standalone but some of the characters are left over from book one and for that reason I feel it would be to your advantage to read Book one , Sarah's Gift, first.
I downloaded a Audio CD copy of this book to my Hoopla App. A review wasn't requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
A Spring Heart is an Amish Romance story. Dorcus Bieler and Thomas Fisher have known each other since their school years. They had a past together. Thomas was sent away to live with cousins in Ohio because he got in trouble with the law. But there's a secret that his father doesn't know and Thomas is hiding something.
Dorcus is now the school teacher and has gone on with her life. Then just like that Thomas shows up in her life again. He wants to be reunited with his family after having been away from them for eight years.. He hopes to start a construction business with what he learned from his Uncle in Ohio. But in spite of trying to ignore their feelings for each other, left over from years ago, they find their attraction to one another keeps bringing them together. Dorcus knows the secret Thomas is hiding from his Dad, the Amish Minister. Thomas's Brothers and Dad don't seem to want Thomas back home with them. Thomas decides to return home as soon as he finishes the repairs on the school shed and stable. Will he really go back to Ohio when he has special feelings for Dorcus?
All readers of Amish Fiction and fans of Marta Perry will not want to miss this book. It is book two of the Promise Glen series. It can be read as a standalone but some of the characters are left over from book one and for that reason I feel it would be to your advantage to read Book one , Sarah's Gift, first.
I downloaded a Audio CD copy of this book to my Hoopla App. A review wasn't requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
July 11, 2020
A Springtime Heart is a delightful return to Promise Glen, with occasional glimpses of the characters we grew to love in A Christmas Home and a sweet second chance at love.
Dorcas (whom you may remember as Sarah’s best friend if you read A Christmas Home) is the star of this 2nd installment of the series, and she’s easily likable and genuine-hearted. She’s more serious than Sarah, but being the teacher of Promise Glen’s Amish school doesn’t give her too much time or leeway for being otherwise. (Dorcas being the teacher does mean, however, that we get more adorable moments from the Raber twins!) Her budding romance with Thomas Fisher ended abruptly as teenagers, and with his return to Promise Glen, complicated emotions & regret-filled memories/secrets add even further layers to Dorcas’s character as well as Thomas’s. Just as I did in A Christmas Home, I loved the flaws & strengths of both Dorcas and Thomas, as well as the journeys that brought them to this point. They certainly aren’t perfect people but they’re authentic and realistic, allowing us to personally relate to them even though we ourselves aren’t Amish.
Bottom Line: A Springtime Heart is a breath of fresh air amid the uncertainty and upheaval of real life in our current world. Gently-drawn characters struggle with the same emotions & anxieties as we do and they celebrate the same victories, allowing us to embrace them as friends while we’re together in the pages. Moments of humor mingle with a sweet romance and a solid message, and you’ll close the book with a smile on your face and a lighter heart. This can easily be read as a standalone, if you haven’t already read A Christmas Home (but you’ll want to go back and read it too), and Perry’s writing is smooth and engaging. A great choice for the fans of the author and/or the genre.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
Dorcas (whom you may remember as Sarah’s best friend if you read A Christmas Home) is the star of this 2nd installment of the series, and she’s easily likable and genuine-hearted. She’s more serious than Sarah, but being the teacher of Promise Glen’s Amish school doesn’t give her too much time or leeway for being otherwise. (Dorcas being the teacher does mean, however, that we get more adorable moments from the Raber twins!) Her budding romance with Thomas Fisher ended abruptly as teenagers, and with his return to Promise Glen, complicated emotions & regret-filled memories/secrets add even further layers to Dorcas’s character as well as Thomas’s. Just as I did in A Christmas Home, I loved the flaws & strengths of both Dorcas and Thomas, as well as the journeys that brought them to this point. They certainly aren’t perfect people but they’re authentic and realistic, allowing us to personally relate to them even though we ourselves aren’t Amish.
Bottom Line: A Springtime Heart is a breath of fresh air amid the uncertainty and upheaval of real life in our current world. Gently-drawn characters struggle with the same emotions & anxieties as we do and they celebrate the same victories, allowing us to embrace them as friends while we’re together in the pages. Moments of humor mingle with a sweet romance and a solid message, and you’ll close the book with a smile on your face and a lighter heart. This can easily be read as a standalone, if you haven’t already read A Christmas Home (but you’ll want to go back and read it too), and Perry’s writing is smooth and engaging. A great choice for the fans of the author and/or the genre.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
July 9, 2020
A story of trust and hope
A Springtime Heart deals with the prodigal returning but finding mistrust from his father instead of open arms. My heart broke for Thomas as his brothers and his father treated him with resentment and blame that was not his.
Dorcas had been rebellious in her teenage years and yet, unlike Thomas, and even because of Thomas, the community was none the wiser for it. She still felt guilt over Thomas' disgrace and for not speaking up.
I enjoyed this story of restoration and healed relationships. There was a lot of growth in the characters that was needed - very much! And not just Thomas and Dorcas. Realistically, the issues they faced were many and the people involved were quite human and flawed!
I especially liked the part about the irate neighbor who moved in next to the schoolhouse. The interactions with him and related to him and the resolution was very sweet! It was impressive the way Dorcas handled the matter, and later how Thomas did.
I also really enjoyed the interactions Thomas had with his younger siblings and the way he helped them to see the mistakes they were making in a manner that encouraged them to do right instead of alienating them.
There were so many things going on in the story to keep my attention! Dorcas' position as teacher was being threatened and she didn't know the source. Her sister-in-law seemed unwilling to help around the house and seemed a bit self-centered and certainly overprotective of her new baby. Dorcas' mom was dealing with depression. And Thomas' siblings were ruled with an iron hand by their father.
The author showed how the community dealt with gossip and the spreading of rumors and showed that these things were not acceptable. Honestly, it seems like so many Amish stories just take it for granted one of the characters is the bad gossip and no one treats it as a bad thing. It was refreshing to see the ministers and the bishop actually take action here!
If you enjoy Amish fiction, I recommend A Springtime Heart.
Read my full review at Among the Reads
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 Springtime Heart deals with the prodigal returning but finding mistrust from his father instead of open arms. My heart broke for Thomas as his brothers and his father treated him with resentment and blame that was not his.
Dorcas had been rebellious in her teenage years and yet, unlike Thomas, and even because of Thomas, the community was none the wiser for it. She still felt guilt over Thomas' disgrace and for not speaking up.
I enjoyed this story of restoration and healed relationships. There was a lot of growth in the characters that was needed - very much! And not just Thomas and Dorcas. Realistically, the issues they faced were many and the people involved were quite human and flawed!
I especially liked the part about the irate neighbor who moved in next to the schoolhouse. The interactions with him and related to him and the resolution was very sweet! It was impressive the way Dorcas handled the matter, and later how Thomas did.
I also really enjoyed the interactions Thomas had with his younger siblings and the way he helped them to see the mistakes they were making in a manner that encouraged them to do right instead of alienating them.
There were so many things going on in the story to keep my attention! Dorcas' position as teacher was being threatened and she didn't know the source. Her sister-in-law seemed unwilling to help around the house and seemed a bit self-centered and certainly overprotective of her new baby. Dorcas' mom was dealing with depression. And Thomas' siblings were ruled with an iron hand by their father.
The author showed how the community dealt with gossip and the spreading of rumors and showed that these things were not acceptable. Honestly, it seems like so many Amish stories just take it for granted one of the characters is the bad gossip and no one treats it as a bad thing. It was refreshing to see the ministers and the bishop actually take action here!
If you enjoy Amish fiction, I recommend A Springtime Heart.
Read my full review at Among the Reads
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.
August 9, 2020
Reading a Marta Perry novel puts me in my bookish happy place. She takes her readers back to Promise Glen in this second book in the series. No worries if you haven't read A Christmas Home, each of these books reads well as a standalone though I found it fun to catch up on community gossip and get a glimpse of Sarah and Noah deep in married bliss.
I'm always fascinated any time an author takes me into an Amish schoolhouse so I loved those scenes. Dorcas is a compassionate teacher who loves her scholars, convinced that they will be the only children she'll ever have now that she's an 'old maid at twenty-five.' But then Thomas comes home. And they have a rocky history with some baggage that needs sorting.
Dorcas especially needs work on forgiving herself for the antics of a brash youth. And Thomas serves as a constant reminder of what she hasn't dealt with. Which makes her prickly and standoffish at a time when Thomas really needs a friend. "Grossmammi always said to give your troubles to God and stop fretting. She'd tried so many times. She was pretty good at turning them over, but unfortunately, she promptly picked them up again.' (p 26) Oy, I'm right there with Dorcas on that score! Loved the authenticity of her struggle and the headway she makes through the course of the story.
And Thomas's family! The realistic dynamics of fractured relationships. He's home to mend fences but his austere father is difficult to reach and his siblings' reaction to his return are varied and confusing which just adds more chaos to his simple plan of slipping back into the community as if he'd never left.
A solid cast of secondary characters add additional depth (and drama!) to Thomas's homecoming. Loved the way the author weaves Dorcas and Thomas's story in with the day-to-day life in an Amish settlement. Heartwarming and inspirational. A definite not-to-be-missed for fans of Amish fiction.
I'm always fascinated any time an author takes me into an Amish schoolhouse so I loved those scenes. Dorcas is a compassionate teacher who loves her scholars, convinced that they will be the only children she'll ever have now that she's an 'old maid at twenty-five.' But then Thomas comes home. And they have a rocky history with some baggage that needs sorting.
Dorcas especially needs work on forgiving herself for the antics of a brash youth. And Thomas serves as a constant reminder of what she hasn't dealt with. Which makes her prickly and standoffish at a time when Thomas really needs a friend. "Grossmammi always said to give your troubles to God and stop fretting. She'd tried so many times. She was pretty good at turning them over, but unfortunately, she promptly picked them up again.' (p 26) Oy, I'm right there with Dorcas on that score! Loved the authenticity of her struggle and the headway she makes through the course of the story.
And Thomas's family! The realistic dynamics of fractured relationships. He's home to mend fences but his austere father is difficult to reach and his siblings' reaction to his return are varied and confusing which just adds more chaos to his simple plan of slipping back into the community as if he'd never left.
A solid cast of secondary characters add additional depth (and drama!) to Thomas's homecoming. Loved the way the author weaves Dorcas and Thomas's story in with the day-to-day life in an Amish settlement. Heartwarming and inspirational. A definite not-to-be-missed for fans of Amish fiction.
July 3, 2020
A Springtime Heart by Marta Perry has Dorcas Beiler teaching at Orchard Hill Amish school in Promise Glen, Pennsylvania. Seven years ago, an incident happened that had Dorcas change her ways. Dorcas is surprised when learns that Thomas Fisher has returned to town and intends to stay. Dorcas worries that he will reveal the secret that has been kept hidden these past seven years. She must be on her guard and not give the community any reason to gossip. Thomas Fisher has returned to open his own construction company and the reunite with his family. He would like to renew his friendship with Dorcas, but she acts skittish around him. Thomas gets an opportunity to spend more time with Dorcas when he commits to make repairs on the schoolhouse stable. It will allow people to see his work plus Thomas will get to spend time with Dorcas. Can they overcome the past in order to have a happy future together?
A Springtime Heart by Marta Perry is the 2nd A Promise Glen Novel. It can be read as a standalone. I thought A Springtime Heart was well-written with realistic characters and a lovely setting. I enjoyed returning to Promise Glen, Pennsylvania. I was happy to see Sarah Yoder Raber from A Christmas Home in this story. We get a chance to see how she is doing since she married and became a mother to Noah Raber’s twin boys. I liked the characters in this story. I thought they were realistic with their own insecurities and foibles. There is humor sprinkled throughout mostly from the children’s antics. There are side stories in A Springtime Heart that add complexity and depth to the book. Dorcas’ sister-in-law, Betsy is a new mother living with her in-laws. She has a Martha Stewart type mother (who seems to do everything and does it well) which has caused Betsy’s insecurities. Someone is out to shut down the Orchard Hill Amish school and Dorcas wants to find a way to stop it. She loves teaching and does not want the community to lose its school. Gossip is spreading fast through their community. The latest tidbit could cost Dorcas her job and reputation. There is also a slowly blossoming romance if only one of the parties will stay in town. I enjoyed reading A Springtime Heart. It is a sweet and charming Amish story. I hope we get more books set in Promise Glen. A Springtime Heart is a pleasant Amish tale with growing gossip, shadowy secrets, blooming blossoms, required repairs, a thorny romance, and springtime zeal.
A Springtime Heart by Marta Perry is the 2nd A Promise Glen Novel. It can be read as a standalone. I thought A Springtime Heart was well-written with realistic characters and a lovely setting. I enjoyed returning to Promise Glen, Pennsylvania. I was happy to see Sarah Yoder Raber from A Christmas Home in this story. We get a chance to see how she is doing since she married and became a mother to Noah Raber’s twin boys. I liked the characters in this story. I thought they were realistic with their own insecurities and foibles. There is humor sprinkled throughout mostly from the children’s antics. There are side stories in A Springtime Heart that add complexity and depth to the book. Dorcas’ sister-in-law, Betsy is a new mother living with her in-laws. She has a Martha Stewart type mother (who seems to do everything and does it well) which has caused Betsy’s insecurities. Someone is out to shut down the Orchard Hill Amish school and Dorcas wants to find a way to stop it. She loves teaching and does not want the community to lose its school. Gossip is spreading fast through their community. The latest tidbit could cost Dorcas her job and reputation. There is also a slowly blossoming romance if only one of the parties will stay in town. I enjoyed reading A Springtime Heart. It is a sweet and charming Amish story. I hope we get more books set in Promise Glen. A Springtime Heart is a pleasant Amish tale with growing gossip, shadowy secrets, blooming blossoms, required repairs, a thorny romance, and springtime zeal.
August 7, 2020
A Springtime Heart is a sweet read that's about regrets, hurtful choices that we make and forgiveness which is sometimes the hardest thing for us to do. It's because of the old deceitful pride.
I enjoyed this novel to the fullest and I do love Marta Perry.
I was glad to see a few of the other characters back like Sarah, Noah and the boys Matthew and Mark.
They were my favorites and still are.
Dorcas is my heroine because of the way she handled things in this story. Her kind but firm and caring ways made me wish that all teachers were like her. I loved how Perry has made this character so realistic that I felt her pain come to me from the pages of this book. I couldn't imagine carrying around that kind of guilt from years before. I admire her very much.
Thomas is equally amazing although I know for a fact that forgiveness doesn't come that easy or that quick. I had a falling out with my own father and didn't forgive until years later. He's strong, stalwart, and most of all very very stubborn!
Trust is the main theme of this book. Once you break that trust it's hard to get it back. It's a delicate subject in my opinion.
I've had my trust broken many a time and I'm sure it won't be the last. We are after all human.
I love the Amish view of life and the way the author has portrayed these characters. She's shown us that the Amish really aren't that different from us. Their thoughts, feelings, spreading gossip etc
Gossip can hurt especially the ones we love. Gossip can be devastating. It tends to break up families if we let it. I hate gossip!
And last but not least, here's my favorite "Where ever love leads you must follow." " You'll have to go with him wherever he goes."
"Home she thought snuggling up against him and feeling the strength of his arms around her. Mammi was right. Where they were together that was home.
Home has different meanings for different people but in this case, I think the author just may have hit a home run where this is concerned. There's never a truer word spoken especially when it comes from the heart.
I highly recommend this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review but I did so anyway because I loved this book. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this novel to the fullest and I do love Marta Perry.
I was glad to see a few of the other characters back like Sarah, Noah and the boys Matthew and Mark.
They were my favorites and still are.
Dorcas is my heroine because of the way she handled things in this story. Her kind but firm and caring ways made me wish that all teachers were like her. I loved how Perry has made this character so realistic that I felt her pain come to me from the pages of this book. I couldn't imagine carrying around that kind of guilt from years before. I admire her very much.
Thomas is equally amazing although I know for a fact that forgiveness doesn't come that easy or that quick. I had a falling out with my own father and didn't forgive until years later. He's strong, stalwart, and most of all very very stubborn!
Trust is the main theme of this book. Once you break that trust it's hard to get it back. It's a delicate subject in my opinion.
I've had my trust broken many a time and I'm sure it won't be the last. We are after all human.
I love the Amish view of life and the way the author has portrayed these characters. She's shown us that the Amish really aren't that different from us. Their thoughts, feelings, spreading gossip etc
Gossip can hurt especially the ones we love. Gossip can be devastating. It tends to break up families if we let it. I hate gossip!
And last but not least, here's my favorite "Where ever love leads you must follow." " You'll have to go with him wherever he goes."
"Home she thought snuggling up against him and feeling the strength of his arms around her. Mammi was right. Where they were together that was home.
Home has different meanings for different people but in this case, I think the author just may have hit a home run where this is concerned. There's never a truer word spoken especially when it comes from the heart.
I highly recommend this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review but I did so anyway because I loved this book. All opinions are my own.
June 23, 2020
Welcome back to Promise Glen and a new story that you will soon be page turning to find answers. This book can be read alone, but I was happy to read about past characters and be updated on their lives.
Can we overcome the sins of our past, that is what school teacher Dorcas Beiler must have been thinking when Thomas Fisher returns to town after years away. They had know each other as children, and now we find answers as to why he was away.
We see how one woman's gossip can hurt many, and judging when we don't know all the facts also hurts.
There is a sweet romance blooming here, and chuckles with some of the antics of the children.
As sweet read to get lost in!
I received this book through the Edelweiss and the Publisher Berkley, and was not required to give a positive review.
Can we overcome the sins of our past, that is what school teacher Dorcas Beiler must have been thinking when Thomas Fisher returns to town after years away. They had know each other as children, and now we find answers as to why he was away.
We see how one woman's gossip can hurt many, and judging when we don't know all the facts also hurts.
There is a sweet romance blooming here, and chuckles with some of the antics of the children.
As sweet read to get lost in!
I received this book through the Edelweiss and the Publisher Berkley, and was not required to give a positive review.
October 20, 2020
5 Stars: 5/5 Star Rating
What a sweet, fun story to read! Dorcas and Thomas are easy to love! Love is definitely in the air in this book, even though Thomas and Dorcas seem reluctant to admit it. Dorcas's students see the love and want to help. Will they be successful in their attempts to bring their beloved teacher together with Thomas, or will the chance for marriage be denied?
Read this delightful book to find out!
I received a digital version of this book from netgalley and Berkley Publishing. All opinions expressed are my own.
What a sweet, fun story to read! Dorcas and Thomas are easy to love! Love is definitely in the air in this book, even though Thomas and Dorcas seem reluctant to admit it. Dorcas's students see the love and want to help. Will they be successful in their attempts to bring their beloved teacher together with Thomas, or will the chance for marriage be denied?
Read this delightful book to find out!
I received a digital version of this book from netgalley and Berkley Publishing. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 3, 2022
A Springtime Heart by Marta Perry is Book 2 in A Promise Glen Series
A second chance at love and a change to build relationships is what you will read about in this wonderful book. Can the mistakes we make as a youngster really define our path in life and is it possible to move forward and set another path? Can we rebuild relationships not only with lost friends but with family particularly siblings that we’re so very young and maybe had no time to develop that bond? More important can you hope that trust be restored before you have had enough and move on. Both our main characters in this book will discover that with love lots of hard work and lots of faith they will develop such a lasting bond with those they love and settle into the life God has planned for them. I have come to really enjoy the writing style of Marta Perry, she has a way of crafting her characters so that you feel as if their troubles are normal, natural, and part of everyday life. I really enjoyed this book and am eager to start the last book in this series which is A Harvest of Hope. I hope you too will take a change and pick up a Marta Perry book. The first book in this series is A Christmas Home if your interested in starting there, you won’t be disappointed.
A second chance at love and a change to build relationships is what you will read about in this wonderful book. Can the mistakes we make as a youngster really define our path in life and is it possible to move forward and set another path? Can we rebuild relationships not only with lost friends but with family particularly siblings that we’re so very young and maybe had no time to develop that bond? More important can you hope that trust be restored before you have had enough and move on. Both our main characters in this book will discover that with love lots of hard work and lots of faith they will develop such a lasting bond with those they love and settle into the life God has planned for them. I have come to really enjoy the writing style of Marta Perry, she has a way of crafting her characters so that you feel as if their troubles are normal, natural, and part of everyday life. I really enjoyed this book and am eager to start the last book in this series which is A Harvest of Hope. I hope you too will take a change and pick up a Marta Perry book. The first book in this series is A Christmas Home if your interested in starting there, you won’t be disappointed.
July 7, 2020
I want to read the first book in this series because I enjoyed this one so much. You don’t need to read them in order or at least I didn’t. Thomas and Dorcas were great characters. They were both a little wild in their teen years but then something happened to make them grow up. They reconnected in their mid twenties and learn they still have feelings for each other but they can’t do anything about it until they both resolve some problems. I really loved this book. I received a copy of this book from edelweiss for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
May 21, 2022
I really liked the first book and was looking forward to this one. Sadly it didn't meet my expectations.
I was bored and didn't really believe the chemistry between the two main characters as much. I could see he had feelings for her but not some much the other way around.
Plus part of the synopsis on the back of book hints that the kids help them in their romance when actually it was one kid doing the exact opposite.
For me the book was stressful.
I was bored and didn't really believe the chemistry between the two main characters as much. I could see he had feelings for her but not some much the other way around.
Plus part of the synopsis on the back of book hints that the kids help them in their romance when actually it was one kid doing the exact opposite.
For me the book was stressful.
August 4, 2020
I enjoyed this book as I have her other writings.
I wish I had the minds of these authors to put a story together, but since I don't, I am more than happy to read their books.
I went back and forth with this book wanting things to hurry faster but in the end the book ended just as great as it started.
I have followed this author since the beginning and Love her books.
I wish I had the minds of these authors to put a story together, but since I don't, I am more than happy to read their books.
I went back and forth with this book wanting things to hurry faster but in the end the book ended just as great as it started.
I have followed this author since the beginning and Love her books.
July 13, 2022
A great Amish romance!! Dorcas is a school teacher and has decided to be a old maid! Thomas left 7 years ago after he was arrested at a party! What no one knows was that he helped Dorcas to escape while he got caught! Is Thomas back to tell the truth? Will Dorcas lose her teaching job? Or is Thomas back to redeem his self and find love in the process?
August 14, 2020
This book is typical Marta Perry. The characters seem so real that you start to care for them. The story is good and I was immediately hooked.
August 18, 2020
Great book loved it, read it in 2 hours. Gave it to my mom to read.
January 25, 2021
A nice, pleasant read.
November 19, 2021
BORROWED ON HOOPLA
May 4, 2023
Coming
April 7, 2025
I love Marta’s books!
July 10, 2025
You can’t go wrong with a Marta Perry book. They leave the reader feeling like they just spent a few hours with a good friend.
July 25, 2025
GREAT relaxing read!
July 15, 2020
I enjoy reading Marta Perry's Amish stories, and A Springtime Heart is no exception. She really captures Amish personalities well and I like how she alternates perspectives from Dorcas to Thomas. I hope there are more to come in this series of hers.
I received an advance reader copy from the publisher.
I received an advance reader copy from the publisher.
September 21, 2023
Read my review on RomanceJunkies.com by clicking on the link below. It is also posted in full.
https://romancejunkies.com/reviews/a-...
A SPRINGTIME HEART is the second book in the PROMISE GLEN series, and I look forward to reading the first book, A CHRISTMAS HOME, of which there was an excerpt in the back of the book. Even though I haven’t read book one, I wasn’t lost since there was enough background information given in this story. The book, set in Pennsylvania, held my interest throughout. There were a lot of different story lines that were woven nicely together.
This is an Amish story with a lot of friction and gossip, which was a surprise. Dorcas is the teacher at the community’s Amish school. Her assistant, Anna, is very helpful with the students. When Dorcas’s first love, Thomas, returns home after seven years away with plans to start his own construction business, she’s afraid some secrets may be revealed. He’s hoping for forgiveness from his father and his siblings after being sent away to his relatives in Ohio for so long. Dorcas and Thomas still have an attraction that they had never acted on previously, though romance is in the air.
Dorcas is always trying to help others before herself. She’s kind to the new elderly Englischer neighbor, even though he just wants to be left alone. She’s always there for Thomas especially. The story has a nice flow to it, and I liked the various Amish activities in addition to their language in the book. The inclusion of the Glossary of Pennsylvania Dutch Words and Phrases was an especially nice addition, as well as the soup recipes at the end.
A SPRINGTIME HEART is a heartwarming Amish romance sure to bring a smile to your d
https://romancejunkies.com/reviews/a-...
A SPRINGTIME HEART is the second book in the PROMISE GLEN series, and I look forward to reading the first book, A CHRISTMAS HOME, of which there was an excerpt in the back of the book. Even though I haven’t read book one, I wasn’t lost since there was enough background information given in this story. The book, set in Pennsylvania, held my interest throughout. There were a lot of different story lines that were woven nicely together.
This is an Amish story with a lot of friction and gossip, which was a surprise. Dorcas is the teacher at the community’s Amish school. Her assistant, Anna, is very helpful with the students. When Dorcas’s first love, Thomas, returns home after seven years away with plans to start his own construction business, she’s afraid some secrets may be revealed. He’s hoping for forgiveness from his father and his siblings after being sent away to his relatives in Ohio for so long. Dorcas and Thomas still have an attraction that they had never acted on previously, though romance is in the air.
Dorcas is always trying to help others before herself. She’s kind to the new elderly Englischer neighbor, even though he just wants to be left alone. She’s always there for Thomas especially. The story has a nice flow to it, and I liked the various Amish activities in addition to their language in the book. The inclusion of the Glossary of Pennsylvania Dutch Words and Phrases was an especially nice addition, as well as the soup recipes at the end.
A SPRINGTIME HEART is a heartwarming Amish romance sure to bring a smile to your d
November 24, 2021
A prodigal son returns from another community, in Ohio, where he was dispatched to keep him out of trouble. A young woman doesn't know whether to welcome his return or not. Promise Glen is busy, making the most of spring weather for farming, crafting and building. The Amish hold that a schoolteacher should be an unmarried woman, and at 25, our heroine seems too mature to them not to be settled. Can the prodigal catch her eye, and does he deserve her regard?
I like the way the Amish community is shown as hard working, but in constantly dredging up the past our heroine seems to forgive neither others nor herself. Life is so straightforward, expected and without incident for her, that anything untoward assumes major proportions. I would suggest that in the worldly community, people would have long since moved on with their lives, and that may be why I found no easy connection with our schoolteacher. But I'm all in favour of educators. Having to drop her work just because she got married seems a perfectly valid reason not to marry.
I read an e-ARC from Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
I like the way the Amish community is shown as hard working, but in constantly dredging up the past our heroine seems to forgive neither others nor herself. Life is so straightforward, expected and without incident for her, that anything untoward assumes major proportions. I would suggest that in the worldly community, people would have long since moved on with their lives, and that may be why I found no easy connection with our schoolteacher. But I'm all in favour of educators. Having to drop her work just because she got married seems a perfectly valid reason not to marry.
I read an e-ARC from Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
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