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Hickory Grove #3
A Summer Amish Courtship
Can they be a family for all seasons?
A lonely schoolmaster. A widowed mother.
Will working together be a lesson in love?
After a sudden heartbreaking loss, young widow Abigail Stolz must somehow help her troubled son adjust—even if it means working with Jamie’s stern schoolmaster, Ethan Miller. Much to her surprise, Ethan is actually a sensitive man who is also grieving—and lonely. But will family duty and the past keep them from a chance at happiness together?
A lonely schoolmaster. A widowed mother.
Will working together be a lesson in love?
After a sudden heartbreaking loss, young widow Abigail Stolz must somehow help her troubled son adjust—even if it means working with Jamie’s stern schoolmaster, Ethan Miller. Much to her surprise, Ethan is actually a sensitive man who is also grieving—and lonely. But will family duty and the past keep them from a chance at happiness together?
Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 20, 2020
The character I enjoyed most was Abigail's son Jamie. Even though he was a handful, there were times when he cracked me up. I enjoyed getting to know him as I read through the book. He stole the show and my heart! I can sort of relate to him.
My second favorite is Abigail. Being in two roles can't be easy. I wouldn't want that position thrusted on me for anything! But I guess in these circumstances it couldn't be helped! I admired her so much! She certainly had big shoes to fill and she had the determination and God's help to do it.
I've read this author before and she's very talented! The way she wrote this book I felt like I was one of the supporting characters of course! I wouldn't want the lead role.
Ethan is also an admirable character. I think he's actually pretty cool. He too had some difficulties of his own to deal with. In some ways, I liked how he handles them then again other ways I didn't.
I appreciate stories like these because they're sometimes short, relaxing and sometimes fun.
I finished this one in an hour because I was enjoyed it so much.
I highly recommend this book.
My thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for a copy of this book and I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own
My second favorite is Abigail. Being in two roles can't be easy. I wouldn't want that position thrusted on me for anything! But I guess in these circumstances it couldn't be helped! I admired her so much! She certainly had big shoes to fill and she had the determination and God's help to do it.
I've read this author before and she's very talented! The way she wrote this book I felt like I was one of the supporting characters of course! I wouldn't want the lead role.
Ethan is also an admirable character. I think he's actually pretty cool. He too had some difficulties of his own to deal with. In some ways, I liked how he handles them then again other ways I didn't.
I appreciate stories like these because they're sometimes short, relaxing and sometimes fun.
I finished this one in an hour because I was enjoyed it so much.
I highly recommend this book.
My thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for a copy of this book and I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own
May 6, 2020
Hand me an Emma Miller novel, plunk me down in my reading corner and all is right in my world. :-) This author knows how to spin the kind of tale that'll hold a reader's attention right to the very last word. There's so much heart to her characters that it's easy to love them even when they are frustatingly stubborn. (I'm talking to you, Abigail.) And the way Miller weaves secondary characters (some from her earlier novels) into the story just adds more depth (and a whole lot of fun.) I'm ready to move to Delaware and join the community!
Love a good second chance romance and this one is excellent. Two grieving souls warily moving out of their grief and towards each other. It's not easy. Not with Abigail's recalcitrant son and her guileless mother. It's funny and sad and so very, very hopeful.
I listened to the audible version of this book even though I also have a paperback copy. I couldn't resist sampling Stina Nielsen's narration and once I had, I was hooked. She brings such vibrancy to the characters and really enhanced my 'reading'/listening enjoyment.
Love a good second chance romance and this one is excellent. Two grieving souls warily moving out of their grief and towards each other. It's not easy. Not with Abigail's recalcitrant son and her guileless mother. It's funny and sad and so very, very hopeful.
I listened to the audible version of this book even though I also have a paperback copy. I couldn't resist sampling Stina Nielsen's narration and once I had, I was hooked. She brings such vibrancy to the characters and really enhanced my 'reading'/listening enjoyment.
May 15, 2020
A Summer Amish Courtship is a very inspiring story written by Emma Miller. This story is filled with faith, love, and second chances. The characters are very likeable and realistic. I enjoyed the antics of the young boy and how his mischievousness bring two lonely people together. This story also takes the reader on a journey with a 70 year old Amish lady in the beginning stages of Alzheimer's Disease. The love and laughter throughout this story is wonderful.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others. Emma Miller always writes a truly inspiring story.
Congratulations to Emma Miller on another great story that her readers can enjoy.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others. Emma Miller always writes a truly inspiring story.
Congratulations to Emma Miller on another great story that her readers can enjoy.
April 8, 2020
As we meet the main characters in this book I could almost see Abigail's claws coming out to protect her son, and Ethan was not about to let it go.
These two have so much in common, but will they be able to move on in their lives, so many obstacles are thrown in their way, but what you may think is the problem, may not be!
Abby's son Jamie, at nine is a handful, but he has had so much loss and change in his life, but he actually made me smile, I could just picture him on the back of a cow!
You will see the sparks flying between these two, but will they both open their eyes and accept what is being offered?
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Love Inspired, and was not required to give a positive review.
These two have so much in common, but will they be able to move on in their lives, so many obstacles are thrown in their way, but what you may think is the problem, may not be!
Abby's son Jamie, at nine is a handful, but he has had so much loss and change in his life, but he actually made me smile, I could just picture him on the back of a cow!
You will see the sparks flying between these two, but will they both open their eyes and accept what is being offered?
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Love Inspired, and was not required to give a positive review.
March 12, 2020
This was a typical Amish courtship novel that hits all of the tropes. We have a harried, recent widow with a troubled (bratty) son who just happens to have a reading issue. We have a male teacher (kind of unusual from all of the Amish books I've read) who is also grieving.
they meet, their personalities are disparate but adversity will help them iron things out...until the end when a monkey wrench is thrown into love. However, things will work out (It's a romance for goodness sake!)
*ARC supplied by the publisher.
they meet, their personalities are disparate but adversity will help them iron things out...until the end when a monkey wrench is thrown into love. However, things will work out (It's a romance for goodness sake!)
*ARC supplied by the publisher.
May 17, 2020
I loved this book!! Great story!! 1st book I have read by this author!! Will read more of her books!!
April 8, 2020
Widowed Abigail moves back home with her young son, Jamie, to care for her aging parents. Her son is having trouble adjusting and is in constant trouble with the schoolmaster, Ethan Miller.
Ethan is a kind hearted widower, not nearly as strict as Abigail's son would have her believe. As they work together with Jamie, juggling caring for family, Abigail and Ethan wonder if this could be the start of something new.
Ethan is a kind, sensitive man. He is the oldest of a large family, and loves his job as the local schoolmaster. He is very aware, and cares for his family deeply.
Abigail is very straightforward and tries her best to be the best mother that she can to her son. She is willing to help out, and worries about her aging parents. I liked her honesty with herself as a parent, it isn't easy but she does her best to discipline her son, which I really admired.
Ethan's father is very active in the community and in the lives of his children, encouraging them all to their full potential. I really liked how he supports his children and gives sage advice.
A well told story, heartwarming and I liked how this book featured a male school teacher, which isn't common in Amish fiction. I loved the characters, and how they grow over the course of the book, and I liked how they were older than your typical romance book characters. Highly enjoyable read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Ethan is a kind hearted widower, not nearly as strict as Abigail's son would have her believe. As they work together with Jamie, juggling caring for family, Abigail and Ethan wonder if this could be the start of something new.
Ethan is a kind, sensitive man. He is the oldest of a large family, and loves his job as the local schoolmaster. He is very aware, and cares for his family deeply.
Abigail is very straightforward and tries her best to be the best mother that she can to her son. She is willing to help out, and worries about her aging parents. I liked her honesty with herself as a parent, it isn't easy but she does her best to discipline her son, which I really admired.
Ethan's father is very active in the community and in the lives of his children, encouraging them all to their full potential. I really liked how he supports his children and gives sage advice.
A well told story, heartwarming and I liked how this book featured a male school teacher, which isn't common in Amish fiction. I loved the characters, and how they grow over the course of the book, and I liked how they were older than your typical romance book characters. Highly enjoyable read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 19, 2020
This is a nice story about a young widow and the schoolmaster of an Amish community. They are linked by the widow's son who isn't doing well at school.
The author shows us how very little education the Amish in her story actually get - I am sure it may vary. They are expected to start school at six - I started at four in Ireland - and are not read to at home - I was reading from two - and are drawn out of school in early teens to apprentice or do farmwork - in Ireland you're not allowed to leave before sixteen and most young people expect to take a third level course. I read in a previous Amish story how one young woman barely knew the American states on the map, and we are shown no national or local investment in the school, which reads pretty much like the one where Laura Ingalls Wilder taught. But while this is inexcusable, and leads children not to value their education, in America the cost of third level is a crippling debt for decades, not mentioned in this book.
The characters are enjoyable and relatable and we also get to understand the burden of caring for someone with the early stages of dementia. This generally falls on women so the young mother has a dual caring role. This is an inspirational romance, suitable for any age from teens to adults.
I downloaded an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
The author shows us how very little education the Amish in her story actually get - I am sure it may vary. They are expected to start school at six - I started at four in Ireland - and are not read to at home - I was reading from two - and are drawn out of school in early teens to apprentice or do farmwork - in Ireland you're not allowed to leave before sixteen and most young people expect to take a third level course. I read in a previous Amish story how one young woman barely knew the American states on the map, and we are shown no national or local investment in the school, which reads pretty much like the one where Laura Ingalls Wilder taught. But while this is inexcusable, and leads children not to value their education, in America the cost of third level is a crippling debt for decades, not mentioned in this book.
The characters are enjoyable and relatable and we also get to understand the burden of caring for someone with the early stages of dementia. This generally falls on women so the young mother has a dual caring role. This is an inspirational romance, suitable for any age from teens to adults.
I downloaded an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
April 5, 2020
Suggested Beverage Pairing: Fresh Squeezed Lemonade
Characterization
Ethan Miller is a widowed Amish school teacher from a large Amish family. He still mourns the loss of his late wife. Although single Amish men are typically clean shaven, Ethan has not shaved since he married.
Ethan suddenly finds himself seeing a lot of Abigail. Can he let go of the past to grasp his future?
Abigail Stoltz still mourns the loss of her husband. She has moved herself and her young son to live with her aging parents. Abigail shows depths of grace to her son Jamie as he acts out in all manners not becoming a young Amish boy. The mama bear within her rises to fight when she is confronted by Jamie’s teacher.
Abigail must come to terms with needing help from others to deal with her mother and her son. She struggles to allow others to help even when it means sacrifice for her.
The Plot
When a new student joins Ethan’s classroom, things get a little out of the ordinary. Jamie and his mother, Abigail, have recently moved to town to help out with Abigail’s aging parents. Jamie has lost his father to cancer and seems to be a little undisciplined.
Ethan does what a good teacher does and takes his concerns to Abigail who Ethan hasn’t had good luck with yet. Abigail takes on the stance of mama bear.
With help from Ethan and Abigail’s families, the two find themselves being pushed together and allowed time alone. The unchaperoned time alone is not typical in an Amish community. However, these two seem to find themselves needing each other in some of the most odd situations.
Despite Ethan and Abigail’s individual issues related to their duties to their Amish parents, they continually turn to each other.
This is a typical sweet, Amish read with a grandmother and young boy who both get into all kinds of trouble.
Description (As provided from book blurb)
Try Love Inspired!
Love Inspired takes you on an uplifting journey of faith, forgiveness and hope. Fall in love with stories where faith helps guide you through life’s challenges, and discover the promise of a new beginning.
Can they be a family for all seasons?
A lonely schoolmaster. A widowed mother.
Will working together be a lesson in love?
After a sudden heartbreaking loss, young widow Abigail Stolz must somehow help her troubled son adjust—even if it means working with Jamie’s stern schoolmaster, Ethan Miller. Much to her surprise, Ethan is actually a sensitive man who is also grieving—and lonely. But will family duty and the past keep them from a chance at happiness together?
Available Editions
EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781335488114
PRICE $5.99 (USD)
I received a free copy of this book from the author. Opinions included in this review are mine and mine alone.
#ASummerAmishCourtship #NetGalley
Review will post on 4/5/2020 at www.carrieanntripp.com and will run from there forward.
Characterization
Ethan Miller is a widowed Amish school teacher from a large Amish family. He still mourns the loss of his late wife. Although single Amish men are typically clean shaven, Ethan has not shaved since he married.
Ethan suddenly finds himself seeing a lot of Abigail. Can he let go of the past to grasp his future?
Abigail Stoltz still mourns the loss of her husband. She has moved herself and her young son to live with her aging parents. Abigail shows depths of grace to her son Jamie as he acts out in all manners not becoming a young Amish boy. The mama bear within her rises to fight when she is confronted by Jamie’s teacher.
Abigail must come to terms with needing help from others to deal with her mother and her son. She struggles to allow others to help even when it means sacrifice for her.
The Plot
When a new student joins Ethan’s classroom, things get a little out of the ordinary. Jamie and his mother, Abigail, have recently moved to town to help out with Abigail’s aging parents. Jamie has lost his father to cancer and seems to be a little undisciplined.
Ethan does what a good teacher does and takes his concerns to Abigail who Ethan hasn’t had good luck with yet. Abigail takes on the stance of mama bear.
With help from Ethan and Abigail’s families, the two find themselves being pushed together and allowed time alone. The unchaperoned time alone is not typical in an Amish community. However, these two seem to find themselves needing each other in some of the most odd situations.
Despite Ethan and Abigail’s individual issues related to their duties to their Amish parents, they continually turn to each other.
This is a typical sweet, Amish read with a grandmother and young boy who both get into all kinds of trouble.
Description (As provided from book blurb)
Try Love Inspired!
Love Inspired takes you on an uplifting journey of faith, forgiveness and hope. Fall in love with stories where faith helps guide you through life’s challenges, and discover the promise of a new beginning.
Can they be a family for all seasons?
A lonely schoolmaster. A widowed mother.
Will working together be a lesson in love?
After a sudden heartbreaking loss, young widow Abigail Stolz must somehow help her troubled son adjust—even if it means working with Jamie’s stern schoolmaster, Ethan Miller. Much to her surprise, Ethan is actually a sensitive man who is also grieving—and lonely. But will family duty and the past keep them from a chance at happiness together?
Available Editions
EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781335488114
PRICE $5.99 (USD)
I received a free copy of this book from the author. Opinions included in this review are mine and mine alone.
#ASummerAmishCourtship #NetGalley
Review will post on 4/5/2020 at www.carrieanntripp.com and will run from there forward.
April 21, 2020
4.5 Stars
Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary copy of A Summer Amish Courtship by Emma Miller and for the opportunity to read and review this delightful Amish romance. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.
A Summer Amish Courtship is an enchanting novel with endearing characters and a heartwarming plot. Ms. Miller’s writing style flows well, and the pacing pulled me in and kept me engaged until the end.
Abigail Soltz’s character is that of a concerned mother and young woman still grieving for her husband. She’s a bit too easy on her son and prone to making excuses for her young son. She clashes with the schoolteacher. She soon discovers the teacher is kind and has a wealth of patience.
Ethan Miller is an endearing hero, a young widower who feels his responsibilities to his family keenly. He is determined to learn why Abigail’s son is misbehaving and correct it. When he figures out the young boy can’t read, he offers to tutor him.
The romance between Abigail and Ethan grows from their mutual pain of loss to find out they have growing feelings for each other. It blossoms in a most delightful way, which I found satisfying. I wanted them to find a way to overcome the obstacles standing in their way.
If you enjoy Amish fiction with characters that will touch your heart, when you will love A Summer Amish Courtship as much as I did. I have come to love this genre, and this romance is a fine example of the genre. Happy reading!
Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary copy of A Summer Amish Courtship by Emma Miller and for the opportunity to read and review this delightful Amish romance. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.
A Summer Amish Courtship is an enchanting novel with endearing characters and a heartwarming plot. Ms. Miller’s writing style flows well, and the pacing pulled me in and kept me engaged until the end.
Abigail Soltz’s character is that of a concerned mother and young woman still grieving for her husband. She’s a bit too easy on her son and prone to making excuses for her young son. She clashes with the schoolteacher. She soon discovers the teacher is kind and has a wealth of patience.
Ethan Miller is an endearing hero, a young widower who feels his responsibilities to his family keenly. He is determined to learn why Abigail’s son is misbehaving and correct it. When he figures out the young boy can’t read, he offers to tutor him.
The romance between Abigail and Ethan grows from their mutual pain of loss to find out they have growing feelings for each other. It blossoms in a most delightful way, which I found satisfying. I wanted them to find a way to overcome the obstacles standing in their way.
If you enjoy Amish fiction with characters that will touch your heart, when you will love A Summer Amish Courtship as much as I did. I have come to love this genre, and this romance is a fine example of the genre. Happy reading!
March 28, 2024
Every author seems to have one: a book about a brat. This must be Emma Miller's? Because the son in this book is an ABSOLUTE brat. Oh, of course there are excuses for him: 'Poor boy, his father died. He's just acclimating to a new home/town. He. Can't. Reeeeeeeead!!!!'
There is NEVER an excuse. Truth? He's a spoiled rotten only child whose mom LETS him be an absolute brat.
I have no use for books like this. Or people like that.
Love inspired are supposed to be just that: INSPIRING.
There's nothing inspiring about the mother OR her hellion son.
Also the author seems very confused. She keeps insisting that the eldest son inherits the farm, but that's not how it works with the Amish - everything I've ever read says the youngest inherits. Hrm.
It's really more of the same, anyhow. It's the third 'box social' story I've read, for example. These authors really don't draw on imagination a whole lot. And as for the romance angle... there's a whole lotta nuthin' here to make me swoon, either.
I have STACKS of Amish books.
This one can easily go and not at all be missed.
There is NEVER an excuse. Truth? He's a spoiled rotten only child whose mom LETS him be an absolute brat.
I have no use for books like this. Or people like that.
Love inspired are supposed to be just that: INSPIRING.
There's nothing inspiring about the mother OR her hellion son.
Also the author seems very confused. She keeps insisting that the eldest son inherits the farm, but that's not how it works with the Amish - everything I've ever read says the youngest inherits. Hrm.
It's really more of the same, anyhow. It's the third 'box social' story I've read, for example. These authors really don't draw on imagination a whole lot. And as for the romance angle... there's a whole lotta nuthin' here to make me swoon, either.
I have STACKS of Amish books.
This one can easily go and not at all be missed.
October 14, 2025
This one’s not just another Amish courtship story, it’s grief, grace, and unexpected love all braided together. Abigail’s been widowed for years, raising her son Jamie and convincing herself that heartbreak is safer than hope. Enter Ethan, the widowed schoolteacher who’s about as open to love as a locked barn door.
Watching these two lonely souls circle each other while pretending it’s all for Jamie’s sake? Chef’s kiss. Of course, Jamie’s little rebellion (and his desperate need for a father figure) ends up being the very thing that cracks both adults open. When Abigail finally admits her heart’s still capable of love and Ethan admits he’s terrified of losing again…it’s not fireworks, it’s a quiet sunrise.
Yes, you’ll see the ending coming, they marry, obviously, but it’s the slow healing in between that makes it worth it. A few chapters caught me off guard, (cough…just move to her farm, cough…) but Emma Miller nails the tender truth: sometimes the bravest thing isn’t falling in love again, it’s believing God might still have something beautiful left for you.
Watching these two lonely souls circle each other while pretending it’s all for Jamie’s sake? Chef’s kiss. Of course, Jamie’s little rebellion (and his desperate need for a father figure) ends up being the very thing that cracks both adults open. When Abigail finally admits her heart’s still capable of love and Ethan admits he’s terrified of losing again…it’s not fireworks, it’s a quiet sunrise.
Yes, you’ll see the ending coming, they marry, obviously, but it’s the slow healing in between that makes it worth it. A few chapters caught me off guard, (cough…just move to her farm, cough…) but Emma Miller nails the tender truth: sometimes the bravest thing isn’t falling in love again, it’s believing God might still have something beautiful left for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2020
Who is Ethan? What does he do for a living? Where is he from? Who is Jamie? What do we find him up to at the beginning of the book? Why does Ethan go to see Abigail and what happens? What does Ethan discover about the mischievous little Jamie? What lesson does Ethan learn from his father as to what he has been doing? How does that end up changing things? I really enjoyed seeing some of the unconventional things that happened in this story!
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT from Netgalley FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT from Netgalley FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
September 11, 2023
Abigail’s young son is a handful, but she takes exception when the school teacher points it out to her. But even she must agree with him, eventually. Abigail, a widow, has recently moved with her son to her parents’ home, to help out with her parents’ health challenges, and she feels it has been hard on her son. She makes excuses for his bad behavior, but it is not long before she realizes that the teacher is only wanting to be of help to her and her son. A romance begins to blossom, but is threatened by circumstances they both feel are beyond their control. Or maybe not. It’s a tender story, not without problems, but certainly with solutions, if they only look deep enough. Likable characters in an interesting plot combine for an enjoyable tale of romance.
July 10, 2023
This was a fun read with the antics of young Jamie who was missing his deceased father and long for his old Amish community. Abigail had her hands full with her mother’s declining health, helping her dad and caring for Jamie. Jamie’s teacher seemed to have it in for Jamie until a discovery was made. Will Abigail be able to accept Ethan’s suggestion?
The story is filled with faith, family, longings, overcoming the past and finding new romance for the hero and heroine.
The story is filled with faith, family, longings, overcoming the past and finding new romance for the hero and heroine.
February 26, 2025
A sweet love story with lots of ups and down. I really enjoyed the characters in this book. Mam June reminds me of my own mother, she had dementia also, and I was her sole care giver. Life can be challenging and this book reminds you that love can help you overcome. Ethan and Abigale both lost their spouses and have been hurting ever since. Once they meet each other they have met their soul mates but it takes each of these stubborn people a while to realize it.
May 9, 2020
Ethan and Abbey's courtship felt real to me. Each of them still missing their late spouses neither looking to remarry. Then Abbey's son brings them together and they slowly get to know and fall in love. The fact that they talked about their late spouses with each other made it even more real. Even June with her issues brought some lighter moments to the book.
May 2, 2020
Great story, Great Amish book, Love this Amish author.
May 9, 2020
I loved this story! I would absolutely recommend it, especially to anyone who loves Amish romance fiction.
August 8, 2021
I loved this book!! Great story!! Loved Abigail and Ethan!! Her son could be annoying! 1st book I have read by this author will read more of her books!!
March 2, 2023
Cute story in a good series
June 24, 2023
Very uplifting and inspiring
August 14, 2024
Lovable
September 29, 2025
Nice story.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews