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Hickory Grove #2
The Christmas Courtship
An unexpected perfect match…
An Amish single mother with a secret past…Searching for a fresh start at Christmastime.
Caught up in a scandal in her Amish community, Phoebe Miller moves to her cousin’s farm in Delaware hoping for forgiveness and a second chance. The last thing Phoebe expects is to slowly fall for bachelor Joshua Miller. But Joshua doesn’t know the secret that made her leave her old life behind. Can their blossoming love survive the truth?
An Amish single mother with a secret past…Searching for a fresh start at Christmastime.
Caught up in a scandal in her Amish community, Phoebe Miller moves to her cousin’s farm in Delaware hoping for forgiveness and a second chance. The last thing Phoebe expects is to slowly fall for bachelor Joshua Miller. But Joshua doesn’t know the secret that made her leave her old life behind. Can their blossoming love survive the truth?
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2019
59 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 19, 2020
THE CHRISTMAS COURTSHIP by Emma Miller is the amazingly touching story of Phoebe Miller as she tries to find a place for a new life and a happy home for herself and her son – a second chance.
Sent away by her domineering and often cruel step-father for the disgrace and scandal he perceived she cause the family by giving birth to her son while being unwed, Phoebe is sent to a small Amish community in Delaware to Rosemary Miller’s farm, her mother’s cousin, in the hopes of finding a husband that would accept her, with all her flaws, and her son. She left her son, John-John, in the care of her mother until she could get settled into the community.
Phoebe was met at the bus station by Joshua Miller, Rosemary stepson, who is almost immediately taken with Phoebe. It isn’t long before the feelings start to bloom in the other direction as well. Knowing that Joshua is a couple years younger and never been in a relationship, she just knows she has to be sure in what she does since it will also involve her son. Joshua is patient and willing to move slowly, giving Phoebe all the time she needs.
Getting use to the Miller household it a totally new experience for Phoebe. She’s really never known a loving home where emotions are shown or expressed out loud. Happiness, kindness and love were in very little supply in her growing up years. It takes her a while to take it all in – and she likes how it feels. This is the type of home she wishes for herself and her son.
When Phoebe learns that Joshua doesn’t know about her past sins or her son, she is determined to set the record straight. She doesn’t want to hide her past and refuses to think of her son as a mistake. She has already acknowledged her sins both to God and publically in the church asking forgiveness and sees no reason to hide the facts. Will the truth draw them closer or tear them apart?
Can she find happiness in Hickory Grove? Could she find love again? Can Phoebe hope for a marriage based on love and not convenience? Will her past continue to be held against her? Can her step-father really believe she would give her son away to him? How will she get her son back into the safety of her arms? Is there really hope for true forgiveness and a second chance? Or are they just words people say but didn’t really mean?
THE CHRISTMAS COURTSHIP is an amazing, well-written story of what true forgiveness is and hopes of a second chances. Emma Miller will tug at your heart, in more ways than one, as she tells you about Phoebe’s bad childhood, Phoebe’s dreams of escape that ended when her intendant was killed in an accident leaving her to face the cruel judgment from her family and in the community, and the hope that the trip to Hickory Grove gives Phoebe. But will that hope be short lived? Is there a happily ever after for Phoebe and a father for John-John that he so rightly deserves? You will be quickly turning pages as you read this inspirational book to find the answers. It may even have you reexamining your own thoughts on what true forgiveness is and your willingness to extend someone that second chance.
I most definitely recommend THE CHRISTMAS COURTSHIP to anyone that loves a feel good Christmas story with a message that gives you pause to think of what is really important in life. I LOVED Phoebe’s story and think you will too.
Sent away by her domineering and often cruel step-father for the disgrace and scandal he perceived she cause the family by giving birth to her son while being unwed, Phoebe is sent to a small Amish community in Delaware to Rosemary Miller’s farm, her mother’s cousin, in the hopes of finding a husband that would accept her, with all her flaws, and her son. She left her son, John-John, in the care of her mother until she could get settled into the community.
Phoebe was met at the bus station by Joshua Miller, Rosemary stepson, who is almost immediately taken with Phoebe. It isn’t long before the feelings start to bloom in the other direction as well. Knowing that Joshua is a couple years younger and never been in a relationship, she just knows she has to be sure in what she does since it will also involve her son. Joshua is patient and willing to move slowly, giving Phoebe all the time she needs.
Getting use to the Miller household it a totally new experience for Phoebe. She’s really never known a loving home where emotions are shown or expressed out loud. Happiness, kindness and love were in very little supply in her growing up years. It takes her a while to take it all in – and she likes how it feels. This is the type of home she wishes for herself and her son.
When Phoebe learns that Joshua doesn’t know about her past sins or her son, she is determined to set the record straight. She doesn’t want to hide her past and refuses to think of her son as a mistake. She has already acknowledged her sins both to God and publically in the church asking forgiveness and sees no reason to hide the facts. Will the truth draw them closer or tear them apart?
Can she find happiness in Hickory Grove? Could she find love again? Can Phoebe hope for a marriage based on love and not convenience? Will her past continue to be held against her? Can her step-father really believe she would give her son away to him? How will she get her son back into the safety of her arms? Is there really hope for true forgiveness and a second chance? Or are they just words people say but didn’t really mean?
THE CHRISTMAS COURTSHIP is an amazing, well-written story of what true forgiveness is and hopes of a second chances. Emma Miller will tug at your heart, in more ways than one, as she tells you about Phoebe’s bad childhood, Phoebe’s dreams of escape that ended when her intendant was killed in an accident leaving her to face the cruel judgment from her family and in the community, and the hope that the trip to Hickory Grove gives Phoebe. But will that hope be short lived? Is there a happily ever after for Phoebe and a father for John-John that he so rightly deserves? You will be quickly turning pages as you read this inspirational book to find the answers. It may even have you reexamining your own thoughts on what true forgiveness is and your willingness to extend someone that second chance.
I most definitely recommend THE CHRISTMAS COURTSHIP to anyone that loves a feel good Christmas story with a message that gives you pause to think of what is really important in life. I LOVED Phoebe’s story and think you will too.
November 20, 2020
This is one of the Christmas books that got away last year. I couldn't keep up with all the stunning holiday fare Love Inspired and Love Inspired Suspense offered up so I had to tuck this little beauty away for another holiday season. Well, she's seen the light of day at last and blessed me with her sweet message of forgiveness and the hope of second chances...all while tying my tummy up in knots from angst and belly laughs.
Loved Joshua's gregarious nature, quick wit and penchant for keeping up a running commentary on absolutely everything and anything. "I talk when I'm nervous and when I'm not. I talk when I'm happy and when I'm sad. When I was little my mother used to say that she put me to bed talking and I picked up on the sentence come dawn the next day." (p 16)
Phoebe doesn't know what to make of him at first since since he -- and the entire Miller clan for that matter -- are very different from the repressive environment she is used to. In a chaotic, lively, welcoming way, of course. She has arrived in Hickory Grove looking for a second chance...at life, at love. And, mercy, but Phoebe is deserving for all that and more! To understand why you need to read her story, but be prepared for an emotional onslaught of epic proportions because...gah!!!!! There's a great message within these pages about what forgiveness really means and how judgement doesn't have any part of it.
A heartwarming and hope-fueled Christmas love story.
Loved Joshua's gregarious nature, quick wit and penchant for keeping up a running commentary on absolutely everything and anything. "I talk when I'm nervous and when I'm not. I talk when I'm happy and when I'm sad. When I was little my mother used to say that she put me to bed talking and I picked up on the sentence come dawn the next day." (p 16)
Phoebe doesn't know what to make of him at first since since he -- and the entire Miller clan for that matter -- are very different from the repressive environment she is used to. In a chaotic, lively, welcoming way, of course. She has arrived in Hickory Grove looking for a second chance...at life, at love. And, mercy, but Phoebe is deserving for all that and more! To understand why you need to read her story, but be prepared for an emotional onslaught of epic proportions because...gah!!!!! There's a great message within these pages about what forgiveness really means and how judgement doesn't have any part of it.
A heartwarming and hope-fueled Christmas love story.
January 24, 2020
Fast read, fun, predictable, likeable characters.
November 5, 2019
I really enjoyed this read, and at times I had my heart in my throat that there would be some violence, and in Amish country, but you need to read to see what happens.
A young Amish woman has been sent to another community to find a husband, and why? Well, she has sinned, and been offered forgiveness, but that doesn’t mean that all will live their faith!
This story involves a family that I would love to live with, they genuinely care about one another, and offer kindness and a home to a distant relative.
While the story does take place over the Holidays, keep reading to the second Christmas!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.
A young Amish woman has been sent to another community to find a husband, and why? Well, she has sinned, and been offered forgiveness, but that doesn’t mean that all will live their faith!
This story involves a family that I would love to live with, they genuinely care about one another, and offer kindness and a home to a distant relative.
While the story does take place over the Holidays, keep reading to the second Christmas!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.
January 1, 2020
Emma Miller's books never disappoint the reader, and this one didn't either! It was a fun Amish read that had a plot twist toward the end that made you unsure of the real ending until you nearly finished the book.
September 7, 2021
Phoebe goes to visit her cousins with one thought in mind: to find a husband. But when she finally thinks she might be falling in love, it all falls apart. This well-crafted tale captured my interest from the very beginning. The characters are real and well developed. They learn to accept the path God has chosen, dealing with the problems in that path. The story illustrates that not all Amish are kind, and not all families are loving, just like in the English world. Still, they work through their problems, trusting that God will see them through the rough patches. This well written tale is recommended for readers who enjoy really good Christian fiction.
August 14, 2020
This is a whole new genre for me: Amish Christmas Romances! I enjoyed it very much; it was a delightful distraction during this time of covid quarantine. The time is the present but the place is in Amish country which feels like a completely different world.
November 12, 2019
Very enjoyable overall did tend to drag in a few spots but I breezed through them and loved the ending.
December 2, 2020
A sweet romance book about an Amish woman who falls in love with someone younger. She was sent away because of something that had happened in her past. Love conquered all.
June 9, 2021
It was so well written
November 11, 2023
I loved this story of forgiveness. Emma Miller writes so good. I felt as if I was there in the story looking through a window.
If you like Amish fiction, you will need to find this book.
If you like Amish fiction, you will need to find this book.
gave-up
July 15, 2024I just couldn't get interested in the story or the characters.
December 30, 2020
Not a lot of Christmas or courting despite the title. That being said, it's an enjoyable enough entry into this odd subgenre.
December 22, 2019
I made a video about my experience reading this book.
https://youtu.be/iE4m2RFOeeI
https://youtu.be/iE4m2RFOeeI
November 13, 2019
The Christmas Courtship written by Emma Miller is an amazing book full of love, faith, and forgiveness. The storyline is wonderful and I drawn in from the very beginning and because it moves along at a fast pace it was hard to put down. The author has used well defined characters who tell the story with great emotions.
I loved Joshua instantly is is so forgiving, loving, and strong in his faith. Phoebe is an independent woman who is also strong in her faith. The story of these two great characters will so you that forgiveness truly heals the soul. Phoebe has had a difficult life living with an overbearing stepfather and when her sin becomes known he convinces her mother to send her away. While she is trying to come to grips with a new community her stepfather does something that is unforgivable but Phoebe takes action and sets him straight. This is an amazing love story centered around the Amish and Christmas.
I did not receive a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend. All thoughts and opinions are my honest response.
Congratulations to Emma Miller for writing another fantastic story for her readers enjoyment.
I loved Joshua instantly is is so forgiving, loving, and strong in his faith. Phoebe is an independent woman who is also strong in her faith. The story of these two great characters will so you that forgiveness truly heals the soul. Phoebe has had a difficult life living with an overbearing stepfather and when her sin becomes known he convinces her mother to send her away. While she is trying to come to grips with a new community her stepfather does something that is unforgivable but Phoebe takes action and sets him straight. This is an amazing love story centered around the Amish and Christmas.
I did not receive a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend. All thoughts and opinions are my honest response.
Congratulations to Emma Miller for writing another fantastic story for her readers enjoyment.
January 1, 2020
Mom and I may have been looking to regain the feels from The Honeybee Sisters. This book did not do a bad job of capturing those feels.
The book first of never let misunderstands go to far. (To be fair, mom and I do have a love for romance where the plot point is based on a misunderstanding), but the amount of times it happens to be a staple of plots starts to become a little wary; so, yes, it is very refreshing upon occasion for the plot of a book not to revolve around some hidden secret/misunderstanding. The plot, or Mom should say the climax, was built on the idea of an ideal that was easily changed, but this is a Harlequin book. There is only so many pages the author has to tell your story.
Mom and I loved how the two characters were so sweet to each other. How their relationship so slowly built on such sweet little moments. Mom and me wish that there were a couple extra pages to flesh the story out some more, but other wise is was a well rounded Christmas read.
The book first of never let misunderstands go to far. (To be fair, mom and I do have a love for romance where the plot point is based on a misunderstanding), but the amount of times it happens to be a staple of plots starts to become a little wary; so, yes, it is very refreshing upon occasion for the plot of a book not to revolve around some hidden secret/misunderstanding. The plot, or Mom should say the climax, was built on the idea of an ideal that was easily changed, but this is a Harlequin book. There is only so many pages the author has to tell your story.
Mom and I loved how the two characters were so sweet to each other. How their relationship so slowly built on such sweet little moments. Mom and me wish that there were a couple extra pages to flesh the story out some more, but other wise is was a well rounded Christmas read.
October 26, 2019
Great story line.
November 23, 2019
Even in fiction books you learn something new everyday.
January 3, 2020
Sweet ending.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews