In the picturesque Amish community of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, life's detours may prove the path to true happiness . . .
After a buggy accident when she was a teenager, Anna Flaud was told she would never walk again. Unwilling to be an object of pity, she put aside her dreams of marriage and found purpose as an assistant at a Community Care Center. Now she has a chance to fulfill her dearest wish--motherhood--and adopt three siblings with special needs. Yet the opportunity comes with a condition Anna isn't sure she can meet: finding a husband.
Levi King began working at the center as penance after a careless mistake led to tragedy. Though he's dealing with his own heartbreak, he's drawn to Anna, cheering her on as she strives to regain her mobility. Her quiet determination, her generous heart--these are qualities to cherish in a wife. Still, Anna's plans give him pause. Given his past, Levi hardly trusts himself to care for one child, let alone three. Yet together, perhaps they could forge a family made sturdier by all they've overcome . . .
This is an Amish Fiction, and this is the third book in the Unexpected Amish Blessings series. I love this book, and the characters is so developed. I fall in love with all the characters in this book. All the characters in this book as so much to over come in this book. I love the issues this book covers. This book is well written. I have to say that the beginning starts off slow, but the pace picks up fast. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Zebra) or author (Rachel J. Good) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
Aside from their faith, Anna Flaud and Levi King have something else in common. That is the pain they have experienced in life. Anna's was physical. Levi's was emotional. Can the pair work past their previous hurts and find a love that willl prove to be healing one way or another?
Told she would never walk again after a buggy accident, Anna was resigned that she would never marry, although she had a lot of love to give. Working as an assistant at the Community Care Center helped towards that aim, but when she gets the opportunity to adopt three siblings with special needs, she begins to have hope. There is one catch. She has to have a husband.
Levi is at the Center for entirely different reasons. He was involved in an accident that was due to carelessness and then resulted in a tragedy. Workiong at the Center is helping Levi to deal with his guilt. However, he never expected to fall for gentla Anna. He is there for her as she begins to gain her mobility, but that is as far as he is prepared to go. When he learns of Anna's hopes to adopt - and for them to do it together as husband and wife - this truly gives him pause. That guilt he is experiencing is accompanied by doubt when it comes to caring for children.
Can both Anna and Levi get past their pain, guilt and sadness to forge a way to a future together - for one another and for the three siblings? While there is no doubt that Anna and Levi suit, the pain they feel cuts deep, and this brings way to doubt. Will their faith play a role in both of their lives to give them the strength they need to come together?
What a touching story, and a wonderful addition to an engaging series. I so enjoy Amish fiction and Rachel J. Good's books. This is the sixth book I have read by her and they have all been five star reads. I love the way she writes her characters, giving them real life problems that they find ways to overcome. I am so looking forward to more books buy this fabulous author.
Many thanks to Zebra and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Have you ever pick up a book and spend time admiring the cover? This cover is just too beautiful. The artist or photographer did an excellent job with this book cover.
I am so glad to be reading an Amish novel. I like returning to the Amish community fictionally.
Sweet Anna. I could empathized with her from the first few pages. The author writes so well.
Levi, dear Levi. He won my heart with his personality. I was curious to see the end but I had to be patient and enjoy the pages.
Such a great book.
Themes of adoption, foster care, family, food, love etc were explored heavily here.
5 perfect stars rating. Rachel J. Good has won a spot in my heart among my favourite Amish authors.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.
Whatever happens, God has a purpose. Let go of fears and the need to control the outcome of every situation and instead trust God.
This sweet Amish Romance had several underlying themes that carried the prose. Physical therapy and adoption. Both I have experienced in some degree so it brought a connection for me. It was interesting on the physical therapy as one of the main characters was an apprentice. Anna Flaud is determined to walk again. She is briefly mentioned in the previous book His Pretend Amish Bride. On a promise to Gabriel Kauffman, the boy she was courting and was with at the time of her accident, she promised she would accept his proposal of marriage when she was able to walk across the room into his arms. She did not want pity but a marriage. On her first day of physical therapy with Levi King, she tells him that she is ready do do the hard work of walking again. Levi admires her resolve to walk but also warns her of the reality of the time it will take. Levi is encouraging and helpful with this clients and soon their relationship turns into a good friendship.
Marriage is very important in the Amish community and when Anna is faced that Gabriel is in love with another, she knows she can't hold him to his promise. She than turns to another purpose. Adoption. Levi and Anna relationship slowly deepens and with misunderstanding pulling them apart, they must learn to trust God's timing for his ultimate purpose.
One of the things that I liked about this romance was the adoption aspect. It was very thought out and also brought out how foster children lives can change in terrible circumstances. How faith plays important part of keeping families together and in maturity. Highly recommend.
A Special Thank you to Kensington Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
I loved this story! Anna's ability to rise above her circumstances was amazing! She pushed herself so hard through physical therapy and in every aspect of her life.
It was so special to me too that foster care was presented so well in this book.
The characters of Levi, Anna, Jonah, Assad, Taban and Jamilah will be in my heart for quite some time!
Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc!
His Accidental Amish Family is a beautifully written and sweet story of Anna Flaud, a young Amish girl who had been in an accident seven years ago that caused her to not be able to walk. Or to have children. She moves to her cousin's home and meets Levi King, her new therapist. She wants to walk to Gabriel, her former boyfriend to answer his proposal from seven years ago. She gets to walking, only to find that Gabriel has a new girlfriend, which crushes Anna, so she thinks she will never be married after all.. She gets licensed to take in foster children, and she get three children whose mother has been taken by immigration. She is no longer hurting about Gabriel, but she doesn't know what to do about her new feelings for Levi. She doesn't know that he is just as attracted to her. When circumstances change, and she has an opportunity to adopt the three children, she needs a husband to do so. What will she do? Great story I really enjoyed!
I was really enjoying three quarters of this book, until it became political. We are given a young Amish woman with a devastating spinal injury, and then a young man who blames himself for an accident. These two seem to have a lot in common, and when they meet everything should be perfect, but assumptions are made, and the journey becomes rough. I did love that even with a disability the main character was ready and willing to give to others and live her faith. Also the young man deals with his guilt by teaching others how to prevent and help injuries. The main story was good and kept my attention, but I wish I had known we were including DACA . I received this book through Net Galley and Kensington Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.
Anna is confined to a wheelchair, due to an accident when she was younger. Her cousin Emily asks her to move to Lancaster. Anna wants to walk to her boyfriend Gabe because she told him that’s what she would do in order to marry him. Gabe lives in Lancaster. Anna meets Levi at physical therapy. Sparks fly but there are many obstacles that these two have to overcome. Levi feels guilty about his brother Jonah, who is special needs. I thought the book dragged in some parts. This book talks about having faith and forgiving yourself. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington (Zebra) for the E-ARC. This is my own opinion.
Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review A sweet, clean, easy read with young, likeable characters, “His Accidental Amish Family”, by Rachel J. Good (Kensington Books/Zebra), features a disabled heroine fairly well-adjusted to her condition. The hero, Gabe, is a sweet Beta hero, tortured by a traumatic event in his childhood. Anna seemed very comfortable and apt performing her daily routines and not at all hindered by the disability. The secondary characters, including a group of children, are interesting, yet sometimes feel a bit schematic or too convenient for the story. Jonah, with his challenges and “calming touch”, is an endearing boy, who would make an appealing hero. Miscommunication and misunderstandings often propel the plot forward, and the romantic relationship relies upon gazing, staring into each other’s eyes and “special glances and secret smiles”. I do like stories involving crushes and infatuations but these dimensions monopolize a lot of the narrative and, in the end, the “soul-to-soul bond” seems a bit feeble. The vagueness and omission about Anna’s disability is very frustrating; addressing and explaining, even if briefly, some of the injury’s aspects, should have been dealt with within the story. On the one hand, it’s remarkable that the disability isn’t a hindrance for the heroine, but on the other hand it feels like a blatant void in the story and an important dimension of the character is missing. Some aspects of the rehabilitation process were also confusing for me.
As I was reading this beautiful story it reminded me of my father in law in so many ways and the objects that he had to overcome. Him and Anna are perfect examples of hope and determination not to feel sorry for themselves. Good has brought her specialty to this sweet story. She has shown us that God can work many miracles even in real life! I've seen that with my own eyes! He s for real folks! What I really liked and appreciated was that these characters are realistic and believable with feelings just like us. I love Anna! She's my heroine for many reasons. She's strong and determined. She's got a beautiful personality. I connected with her right away! Little Jonah stole my heart right away too! Especially his excitement at the little things in life. I give this book 5 stars because of the solid writing and the well rounded out characters that brought me such joy from reading about them. The plot was well written of course. It's another reason I love this author's books. She can make you call in love with the characters before you know you did!. And you won't want to out the book down until it's finished. My thanks to Netgalley/Kensington publishers for an excellent read! I highly recommend this book. Y'all will love Anna and Levi
His Accidental Amish Family by Rachel J. Good is the third book in Unexpected Amish Blessings series. It can be read on its own, but you will be missing out on two special novels. Anna Flaud was mentioned briefly in His Pretend Amish Bride. I thought His Accidental Amish Family was well-written with developed characters. The story starts out a little slow, but it soon picks up the pace. I like that this is not a traditional Amish romance. Anna Flaud is a strong woman who works hard to achieve a difficult goal. I like that she did not let disappointment set her back. Anna came up with a new plan that would benefit children in need. Levi has his own demons. He blames himself for a tragic accident and works hard to make amends for what happened. His brother, Jonah is such a sweetheart. Misunderstandings and miscommunications abound. The kids add further depth and interest to the story as well as humor. I like that the characters in the story were realistic. I do wish that we were given more details on Anna’s condition. I believe it would have added more realism to the story. I like that the story addresses the issue of the foster system. We get to see two families making a difference. We also learn that that you never know what God has planned for your life. His Accidental Amish Family is a touching story. I enjoyed reading this special Amish novel which is a lovely addition to the Unexpected Amish Blessings series. His Accidental Amish Family is a heartening tale with confused kids, tiring physical therapy, past promises, agonizing guilt, miscommunication, misunderstandings, and a compulsory mate.
I'm always looking for Amish stories with a fresh perspective so I was excited to discover this gem. A heroine with a disability and a rehab center run by Mennonites plus a heartrending adoption story all wrapped up in a compelling inspirational read.
Rachel J Good is a master at creating emotionally charged blockbuster reads rooted in faith. Themes of forgiveness and trusting in God through impossibly hard times bring extra depth to the story. My heart is full to brimming after taking this journey with Anna and Levi. And I don't mind admitting I shed a tear or two (or a bucketful) at the end. Sniffley sigh. This is the kind of story that sticks with a reader long after the final page is read.
His Accidental Amish Family is the third book in Good’s Unexpected Amish Blessings series. Anna and Gabe were in the previous book, His Pretend Amish Bride, but had a significant place in this book.
Anna’s move to Bird-in-Hand area brought her in contact with Levi King as her therapist. She had one goal in mind and that was to walk in front of Gabe, her former boyfriend before the accident that left her confined to a wheelchair. Levi is drawn to Anna but his past will not allow him to consider marriage and children. I really enjoyed Levi’s twelve year old brother Jonah that had suffered a trauma which affected him for life. There are twists and turns with the characters that made you wonder how they would come together. Will Anna and Levi be able to move forward and find forgiveness, healing of their broken spirit and renewed faith?
Personally having work with foster parents and foster children, I appreciated the way Good’s incorporation of foster children and the issues they face along with the challenges of fostering children was presented. Good’s research of physical therapy sessions and client’s goals and the foster system are well researched. I was surprised by some of the events in the final chapters but it’s realistic even though some are against the way the story went.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC e-book without any obligation to write a positive review. I have expressed my own opinion. I look forward to reading more of Good’s stories in the future.
This was such a good read. I loved the content and information on fostering children by the Amish. Now I want to go back and read the others in this series.
Levi is a physical therapist aide and Anna is his new patient. She wants to learn to walk after having a life changing accident with her old boyfriend, Gabe. He had asked her to marry him, but she wouldn't give him an answer until she could walk across the floor to give him the answer. When Anna is finally able to make the trek to give Gabe his answer and sees that he's in love with another woman.
Anna has had her fair share of adverse circumstances thrown her way. After she sees that Gabe truly loves another, she becomes despondent for a while, but finds that she can have a new purpose in fostering children who need emergency placement. Since she lives in close proximity to her aenti Miriam, who is already certified as a foster parent, Anna's certification comes easily, especially after she gets her CPR and water safety certifications.
Levi and Anna both hold secret guilt that they are able to unburden to each other and both of them are able to admit their feelings for each other. After Anna gets a placement of three refugee children, the mother asks that Anna adopt them, which brings Levi and Anna full circle to marriage.
Rachel J Good has written a sweet book that will touch the hearts of all who read it. There were many tears shed as I read this book. The characters have real flaws and real determination to accomplish what they set out to do. This is a five star book with two thumbs up and a picnic lunch.
Zebra Books and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I have been reading Amish genre for several years. I have to say that this is the best book I have read. There were so many issues in this book that really tugged on my heartstrings. As far as I can remember, this is the first Amish book, out of hundreds I have read, that had me in tears as I read and left me in tears as I shared it with my husband.
You won’t want to miss reading this book as it deals with disabilities, foster care, adoption, broken hearts, children being taken away from their families because of being immigrants, new friends, new love – this book covered so many topics that are relevant to today’s life and issues.
I received a copy of this book from Kensington publishers and NetGalley and was not required to give a review.
I have enjoyed the books in the Unexpected Amish Blessings series, and His Accidental Amish Family was a nice addition to this group of stories. If you read book two, His Pretend Amish Bride, then you know the backstory between Gabe and Anna, which actually overlapped with this book. However, you do not need to have read any other books in the series to read and enjoy His Accidental Amish Family.
This book was a journey for Anna as she worked her way through the final stages of her therapy and actually gained the ability to walk with crutches. Her focus and reason for walking may have been misguided, but it did give her the impetus to reach for that goal. I felt for her as she had to readjust her expectations and learn to lean on God for the direction in her life.
Anna’s love interest, Levi, also had to realize that for many years he had allowed worry and fear to guide him, rather than trust in the Lord. He had quite the journey of his own.
The author did a very good job of showing the challenges and joys of foster parenting. Anna’s true, loving heart was obvious in the way she cared for the children brought to her.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
His Accidental Amish Family, Book 3 of the Unexpected Amish Blessings series, is a well-written, sweet story of triumph over and resilience through adversity. It follows Anna Flaud and Levi King as they both struggle to make peace with painful, consequential events of their pasts and move forward to possible future happiness together. The characters are well-developed and touched my heart; especially the children who are precious. I love Anna’s inspiring strength, determination, and self-sufficiency despite having to use a wheelchair. The plot flows at a steady pace with expressive prose. I appreciate the faith element addressing the spiritual lesson of forgiving yourself and seeking and accepting God’s will and guidance. Ms. Good is a new author to me, and I like her style. As a lover of Amish fiction, I will definitely read her other works. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to teary-eyed end and highly recommend it!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I loved this story of an Amish single woman who no longer could walk after a buggy accident. Because of the struggles of not walking and knowing she could not bear children, Anna helps at a community center and works hard to meet her personal goal to walk again. She meets Levi and he is a loving and wonderful man yet the little misunderstandings and unexpected twists in the story causes them to not feel free to share one another's feelings. It's a wonderful and touching story that will bring joy to your life. And a few tears along the way through life's struggles. It is realistic and easy to relate to, especially for me as a caretaker of those with various special needs.
This is a book I am glad that I have read. Really, really good!
I received an ebook copy of this book from the author and through NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
Strength, determination and love are found in this heartwarming story. Family comes in all sizes and shapes. In this special story, Anna is determined to walk again and raise a family. This story reminds me to never give up and always remember God has a plan. I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required.
Strength, determination and love are found in this heartwarming story by Rachel J. Good. Anna reminds us all to never give up and focus on God's plan not our own in her struggle of not being able to walk and fighting to overcome all obstacles in the way of her goals.
His Accidental Amish Family by Rachel J. Good (Unexpected Amish Blessings Book 3) Life can be surprising, upending the best-laid plans. But as in Rachel J. Good's third Unexpected Amish Blessings romance, even in the wake of tragedy, God's grace and the healing power love can close any wound. In the picturesque Amish community of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, life's detours may prove the path to true happiness... After a buggy accident when she was a teenager, Anna Flaud was told she would never walk again. Unwilling to be an object of pity, she put aside her dreams of marriage and found purpose as an assistant at a Community Care Center. Now she has a chance to fulfill her dearest wish--motherhood--and adopt three siblings with special needs. Yet the opportunity comes with a condition Anna isn't sure she can meet: finding a husband. Levi King began working at the center as penance after a careless mistake led to tragedy. Though he's dealing with his own heartbreak, he's drawn to Anna, cheering her on as she strives to regain her mobility. Her quiet determination, her generous heart--these are qualities to cherish in a wife. Still, Anna's plans give him pause. Given his past, Levi hardly trusts himself to care for one child, let alone three. Yet together, perhaps they could forge a family made sturdier by all they've overcome... This is Anna Flaud and Levi King's story. Anna Flaud wheeled herself down the ramp and to the mailbox out front. The spring sunshine warmed her body but not her heart. Purple crocuses and yellow jonquils lined the walkway. In the flower beds, small green shoots fought for room beside spindly tendrils of onion grass. On days like this, Mamm would be tending her plants, but now weeds sprouted everywhere. The garden missed Mamm’s loving attention as much as Anna did. She still couldn’t believe Mamm was gone. Each day of the past three months had been harder than the one before. Blinking back the moisture blurring her vision, Anna tugged the mailbox open. A pale blue envelope peeked out from between bills and circulars. Anna pulled out the mail, set the blue envelope on top of the others, and shut the box. Her cousin Emily used that color stationery, and the return address of Ronks, PA, confirmed she’d sent this one. Anna hoped Emily’s newsy letter would cheer her. Anna rolled herself back to the lonely house. How she missed Mamm humming as she stirred soup on the stove. After fixing a ham and cheese sandwich, Anna pulled herself up to her spot at the table. If she avoided looking at the empty chair, she could pretend Mamm had joined her. Mamm loved hearing Emily’s updates on the family. Levi King took his brother’s hand and helped Jonah into the Community Care Center on Saturday morning. They stopped by the wall charts hanging in the hall to review his activities for the day. “Can you show me which is your chart?” Levi asked. His twelve-year-old brother ran a finger over the names at the top of each chart. He slid right past his own name. Levi stopped him. “Wait a minute. Did you see ‘Jonah’ in that row?” I highly recommend reading. His Accidental Amish Family by Rachel J. Good is a wonderful well written 5 star book. I am looking forward to reading more books by Rachel J. Good. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
"His Accidental Amish Family" is a feel-good Christian romance by Rachel J. Good. It tells the story of Anna Flaud, a young Amish woman who wants to walk again after 7 years in a wheelchair; and Levi King, her Amish physiotherapist. Two people of the same faith, with parallel issues of self-worth and love for children. They meet, they think they cannot be together, they learn to overcome their issues, they have a happy ending. As expected of this genre, the book deals with the struggle of faith, the concepts of family and gender roles, and the beauty of gentle and “clean” (no physical contact) romance.
Who would enjoy this book "His Accidental Amish Family" is not a book which tries to break new markets or trail blaze messages. Therefore, it has a very defined audience: readers who want a non-sexually explicit heterosexual romance, who like inspirational stories, and who read to spend a few moments of easy escape. It may also attract non-believers curious about religious concepts of courtship.
Who should give it a pass Avoid "His Accidental Amish Family" if you are triggered by characters built around the whole concept of striving to be good, to overcome the obstacles and have love/God heal all wounds. Even more so, this book may be a frustrating experience for people with political agendas of social change. The perpetuation of gender roles, with focus on motherhood as pivotal to female identity; the use of family separation due to immigration as a mere side story to advance the plot; the “salvation” of foreign children through adoption; or the glossing over lack of education, all could be irritating to such audiences.
Conclusions and suggestions Rachel J. Good is an author who has followed and produced variations of this theme in many titles. This expertise is clearly reflected in how easily she presents her characters. On the other hand, that expertise makes His Accidental Amish Family somewhat dull. It is as predictable as the humdrum of daily life. The only elements of surprise are the ones introduced to further the plot (the brother with brain damage, the refugee children, even the main character’s paralysis), mostly because one does not expect to find them connected to Amish life. It would have been nice if they were not so clearly simple elements to serve the plot, as they are very interesting concepts to explore in the context. Sadly, they are not used to their fullest potential.
I have mixed feelings about this book. The first half of it was delightful. I found myself so engrossed in Anna and Levi's story that I nearly forgot about dinner.
First the good:
Anna and Levi were both excellent, well fleshed out characters. It wasn't hard to see what they saw in each other, which is a nice change from novels where I'm honestly not sure what the characters like about the other. Their relationship had it's bumps and misunderstandings, but they weren't dragged on for drama's sake.
The author was vague about Anna's injury, which allowed for enjoyable reading without her disability distracting from the story. There was no reason for us to know more than we did (I personally feel it would have caused me to think more about Anna's disability than was necessary). She was a character who was was disabled, but that was not the entire plot of the book.
Both main characters suffered from guilt over past actions, but the author did not beat us over the head with the fact, trusting that we could remember on our own without constant reminders (a huge pet peeve of mine).
Up until about two thirds of the way through the book, I found part of the back cover description confusing. It was very misleading. Unfortunately, it was that plot twist that made the last third of the book less enjoyable.
That "plot twist" came out of nowhere. It felt very rushed, both in execution and in conclusion. I was disappointed, as up until then the story was very realistic and accurate as regards to foster care. This situation was realistic, but not how rushed it was. Everything happened in a matter of days/months. The author clearly had the knowledge and ability to tell the story properly, I suspect publication requirements stifled this.
The previous situation led to my second and last issue. I was silently praising the author for writing a Christian romance that was honest yet not preachy. That changed immediately after the previously mentioned plot twist. That too was rushed and jammed into the ending. *sigh*
All that being said, I'm still giving the book four stars. I liked it, and I'm sure people who aren't as familiar with the foster care/adoption system wouldn't be as bothered by the end as I was. And ultimately, I would definitely read another book by this author.
An ARC of this book was provided to me for an honest review.
First sentence: Anna Flaud wheeled herself down the ramp and to the mailbox out front. The spring sunshine warmed her body but not her heart. Purple crocuses and yellow jonquils lined the walkway. In the flower beds, small green shoots fought for room beside spindly tendrils of onion grass. On days like this, Mamm would be tending her plants, but now weeds sprouted everywhere.
Premise/plot: Anna Flaud, our determined heroine, works hard toward her goal of learning to walk again. She's promised not to answer a certain marriage proposal until she can walk across the room and give him an answer. (His name is Gabe.) But. It's been years. She's working hard, no question. But will her dream of marriage ever come to pass?
After moving to live with her cousin and her family, she begins rehab at a new facility under the guidance of an Amish man, Levi King. Levi appreciates her determination and positive attitude. In fact, he's never met anyone quite like Anna. She is unforgettable and one of a kind. And perhaps just the kind of woman he needs in his life...
The novel is narrated by both Anna and Levi. Both are positive people who are working to make a difference. In addition to his work at the center, he teaches CPR and water safety classes. Anna, meanwhile, is helping out by taking in foster children. (This is something her aunt does as well.) These two seem made for each other...
My thoughts: Chances are you're thinking this book has a ridiculous title. I agree. I don't know what I'd call it instead--if I was the author or the publisher. But it seems a bit over the top--even for a romance title.
But despite the cover, I ended up LOVE, LOVE, LOVING this one. It was probably one of the more unique Christian romances I've ever read, and definitely one of the most unique Amish romances I've read!
I loved that Anna isn't your traditional heroine. I don't know that I have ever ever ever read a romance novel where the main character is in a wheel chair. Anna's character was genuine--I loved her big, big heart. I loved reading about her foster experiences. And Levi was a sweetie!!! I adored him for Anna. These two had me cheering for the relationship from the start.
I haven't read any Amish stories in many years, although this used to be one of my most favorite genres. I am glad I decided to return to these stories as now I remember why I loved them so much.
Rachel Good's writing is stellar and she weaves a story that just captures your heart. In this one, the main character is a young woman who has overcome great challenges in order to be self-sufficient, despite being in a wheelchair. She lives independently and I love how the story includes this aspect. Anna was injured in a buggy accident as a teenager and she has wrestled with her guilt over the happening of that accident. She set a goal for herself to walk across a room to accept a marriage proposal but it took her 7 years to reach that goal. Just prior to doing so, she meets Levi, her physical therapy assistant, and her feelings for him confuse her and cause her to feel ever more guilt.
When she finds that her fiance has fallen in love with another woman, she is devastated and throws herself into becoming a foster parent instead, all while trying to fight her feelings for Levi. She cannot have children of her own and feels that no one will ever want to marry her due to that.
Levi wrestles with his own feelings of guilt over an accident that happened when he was a child, and for which he believes he was the cause of it. When Levi sees Anna with an infant, he assumes she is married and so he then feels guilty for having feelings for her.
This story shows how people can have misunderstandings that could change their lives without communication, trust and faith. Anna and Levi may have missed a chance for love and happiness if they did not take time to ask questions and find the true answers rather than just accepting their assumptions about the other. But I think what I loved most about the story was how even though it is an Amish story, it shows the intersection between that world and the English world in many ways. The story deals with handicaps, foster care, adoption and even touches on DACA and immigration issues.
This one had me in tears on more than one occasion. Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary copy of His Accidental Amish Family by Rachel J. Good. I agreed to read and review this emotionally charged novel prior to publication. My opinions are my own, and no one has influenced them.
His Accidental Amish Family is a lovely Amish fiction novel with endearing characters and a heartfelt plot. Ms. Good brings her amazing understanding of Amish life to this highly enjoyable tale. She has clearly done her research regarding foster care too. The pacing of this book pulled me in from the start and kept my attention until the end.
Anna Flaud is our heroine, and I fell in love with her from the start. I could feel her pain and guilt over the accident that left her unable to walk. Her willingness to open her home to foster children is amazing since she spends her time in a wheelchair. Her determination to walk is admirable, and her struggle touched me. When she starts to have feelings for the hero, she is cautious after what happened with her ex-fiancée.
Levi King is the Amish hero, and he’s the individual who helps Anna learn to walk again. How he deals with Anna’s impatience during the process is amazing, but he senses guilt behind what drives her, and he understands that since he has guilt over his brother’s disabilities. He shows more emotion than is typical in an Amish man, and it made it much easier to become vested in his character.
The romance doesn’t start at the beginning of the novel since Anna is pushing herself to walk for Gabe, the man who was driving the buggy when the accident happened, but she is fascinated by Levi even before she finds Gabe has fallen in love with another. Through a misunderstanding, Levi believes she’s married and has a baby. Once that is cleared up, the romance grows in a lovely way, and I wanted them to find their happy ending.
If you enjoy Amish romances with character you will love and a plot so poignant it will touch your heart, then you will love His Accidental Amish Family as much as I did. The storyline involving foster children is heart wrenching and made me cry on more than one occasion. I highly recommend this novel if you are looking for a book with more substance. Happy reading!
His Accidental Amish Family by Rachel J. Good is a delightfully heartwarming Amish romance. This third installment in the Unexpected Amish Blessings series can be read as a standalone.
After her mother's death, twenty-four year old Anna Flaud relocates to be closer to her cousin and aunt. She is also hoping to finally fulfill her deepest wish to walk again. She begins therapy at the Community Care Center and she is soon making progress under the watchful eye of Levi King. Anna has a specific reason for working so hard but what will she do if her plans fall through?
Anna is a determined young woman with a strong personality. She is initially a little irritating as she tries to push herself too hard during therapy. Anna enjoys spending time in Levi's company but she remains fixated on a promise she made several years earlier. Once she achieves her goal, Anna nervously confronts her unresolved past. But will the meeting lead to the future she has dreamed of?
Levi has devoted himself to caring for others due to a tragic childhood mistake. In addition to working at the Community Care Center, he also teaches classes at the fire department and he is trained as an EMT. Levi has not given much thought to settling down, but he is quite smitten with Anna. He maintains a professional distance, but Levi is still disappointed when he jumps to an erroneous conclusion.
Levi and Anna are wonderful young adults who have both experienced their fair share of tragedy. They both shoulder the guilt for their respective mistakes and they help each other view their pasts through a more forgiving lens. Anna's conviction about her future holds her back from acting on her growing feelings for Levi. As Levi's situation at home unexpectedly changes, he gives more thought to settling down, but he is afraid of repeating past mistakes.
His Accidental Amish Family is a charming love story with appealing characters and unique storyline. The issues that both Anna and Levi are dealing with are realistic and easy relate to. Anna and Levi are well-drawn characters with all too human failings and relatable strengths. The romance element is understated and grows naturally from Anna and Levi's friendship. Rachel J. Good brings this captivating romance to a sigh-worthy conclusion. Fans of Amish romances will enjoy this latest addition to the Amish Blessings series.