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Joyful River #1
An Amish Homecoming
Author Rosalind Lauer weaves a patchwork quilt of life and love in the Pennsylvania Amish community of Joyful River, where new beginnings and old ways meet with faith, hope, and compassion . . .
Essie Lapp’s birthday is doubly blessed. There’s a delicious meal to savor with her family, and the sweet gift of time spent with her beau, Harlan. Over two years they’ve forged a bond as strong and hopeful as a tree reaching for the sky. To practical-minded Essie, there’s comfort in knowing exactly what her future will bring. Yet Gott has his plan, and it soon turns her family’s world upside down . . .
Essie’s widowed English uncle has brought his troubled teenage daughters back to their mother’s Amish community, convinced it’s the fresh start they need. Essie strives to welcome her cousins, but adapting to plain living won’t be easy, even if the rewards are great. As cultures clash and hearts collide, Essie feels the first stirrings of doubt about Harlan’s commitment to her. Yet as the seasons change, and the heat of summer gives way to crisp, ripe autumn, this homecoming might mean a bountiful beginning . . .
Essie Lapp’s birthday is doubly blessed. There’s a delicious meal to savor with her family, and the sweet gift of time spent with her beau, Harlan. Over two years they’ve forged a bond as strong and hopeful as a tree reaching for the sky. To practical-minded Essie, there’s comfort in knowing exactly what her future will bring. Yet Gott has his plan, and it soon turns her family’s world upside down . . .
Essie’s widowed English uncle has brought his troubled teenage daughters back to their mother’s Amish community, convinced it’s the fresh start they need. Essie strives to welcome her cousins, but adapting to plain living won’t be easy, even if the rewards are great. As cultures clash and hearts collide, Essie feels the first stirrings of doubt about Harlan’s commitment to her. Yet as the seasons change, and the heat of summer gives way to crisp, ripe autumn, this homecoming might mean a bountiful beginning . . .
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2021
37 people are currently reading
502 people want to read
About the author
Rosalind Lauer
19 books102 followersRosalind Lauer grew up in a large family in Maryland and began visiting Lancaster County’s Amish community as a child. Lauer attended Wagner College in New York City and worked as an editor for Simon & Schuster and Harlequin Books. She now lives with her family in Oregon, where she writes in the shade of some towering two-hundred-year-old Douglas fir trees.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 22, 2022
This is an Amish Fiction, and this is the first book in the Joyful River series. This book really shows the difference between the Amish and the English worlds. In this book three troubled teenagers go to live with their Mother's Amish sister house after their Mother passes away. The teenagers Mother leave the Amish community when she was young, so they are English. They have visit their Amish a couple of times before their Mother passes away. This is about the three teenagers finding their way, and their cousin, Essie learning to help them find their way. It took me a little bit to understand the Essie character, but after I got her character the story came more to life. I really enjoyed the story, and it is well-done. If you are looking for a 100% Amish Fiction story then this is not the book for you. This story is more about Amish helping their English family member without trying to change their ways. We follow the teenage girls (The three trouble girls and Essie), so I would say this is Young Adult Amish Fiction book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Zebra Books) or author (Rosalind Lauer) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
February 3, 2021
When you read the description of this book, you see that Miriam is being asked to have her deceased sister’s daughters. Their father is a policeman, and with his wife gone the girls have been going a bit wild. Now, Miriam and her family are Amish, can you imagine the changes in store for these girls?
I loved the title of this read, it resonates in so many of the lives here, of course, I think of the cousins, their mom was Amish, but it also makes me think of Harlan’s mom and her thoughts to move to Ohio.
We are given Essie Lapp’s story, she has been keeping company with Harlan, and is hoping for a fall wedding. There is also a sweet romance with one of the cousins and the milk truck driver, and this leads to a blossoming of a new career.
This is a warm hearted read, not without its problems, but we see people living their faith, although some could use a refresher course.
I’m so glad this is the beginning of a new series, and I am looking forward to a return visit to Joyful River!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Keningston, and was not required to give a positive review.
I loved the title of this read, it resonates in so many of the lives here, of course, I think of the cousins, their mom was Amish, but it also makes me think of Harlan’s mom and her thoughts to move to Ohio.
We are given Essie Lapp’s story, she has been keeping company with Harlan, and is hoping for a fall wedding. There is also a sweet romance with one of the cousins and the milk truck driver, and this leads to a blossoming of a new career.
This is a warm hearted read, not without its problems, but we see people living their faith, although some could use a refresher course.
I’m so glad this is the beginning of a new series, and I am looking forward to a return visit to Joyful River!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Keningston, and was not required to give a positive review.
June 5, 2021
An Amish Homecoming by Rosalind Lauer is the beginning of the Joyful River series. I enjoyed reading this unique Amish novel. We get to see three Englisch young women adapt to living on an Amish farm. Megan, Serena, and Grace are brought to the Lapp’s dairy farm by their father, Sully. Sully’s deceased wife, Sarah was Miriam Lapp’s sister and she passed away from cancer a year ago. The three girls miss their mother and are acting out. Sully is a police officer working the night shift which leaves his daughter’s with too much time unsupervised. Sully needs to work to provide for his children, so he asks Miriam and Alvin Lapp to care for the girls for the next year. An Amish Homecoming allows us to see the differences between an Amish and Englisch world. The three sisters are not forced to be Amish nor give up their individuality. The Lapp family provides a safe, loving home for the three sisters where they can work to overcome their sorrow and be themselves. I thought An Amish Homecoming was well-written with an interesting cast of characters. Essie is the same age as two of her cousins, but she comes across as more responsible and mature. Essie is hoping to marry her beau, Harlan soon. Megan wants to finish high school and attend college while her twin, Serena is unsure of what the future holds for her. Grace, the youngest, misses her home and father. The point-of-view alternates between Miriam, Essie, and Serena. I liked getting to see the different perspectives. Each woman is at a different stage in their life. Reading An Amish Homecoming is a lovely way to wile away an afternoon. An Amish Homecoming is a heartwarming and inspiring story that showcases love, faith, and family.
March 2, 2021
Homecoming is one of those words that conjure up feelings of acceptance and peace. That is what best describes two families coming together. The Lapp family in their Amish faith welcomes their cousins to stay after the death of their mother. Miriam Lapp's sister who broke away from the Amish faith, died of cancer. The girls are going thru a difficult time and their father being a police man in Philly, cannot care for his daughters the way that they need. With the pain they are suffering, each girl has been broken in different ways. The families are two worlds apart but love brings them together.
The narration is done with the oldest English daughter Serena and the daughter of Miriam's, Essie. Each daughter have preconceived ideals about the other but they learn by working together what they have in common. Each girl suffers heartbreak and the support they have and give is a testament to never giving up and acceptance will build a foundation of love, faith and family. This was a feel good book but it also dealt with realities that we all face and how faith can bring strength. Enjoyed getting to these families and how faith keep families together.
A special thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
The narration is done with the oldest English daughter Serena and the daughter of Miriam's, Essie. Each daughter have preconceived ideals about the other but they learn by working together what they have in common. Each girl suffers heartbreak and the support they have and give is a testament to never giving up and acceptance will build a foundation of love, faith and family. This was a feel good book but it also dealt with realities that we all face and how faith can bring strength. Enjoyed getting to these families and how faith keep families together.
A special thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
February 16, 2021
Book One in Author Rosalind Lauer’s new series is set in the fictitious town of Joyful River featuring the Amish of Lancaster County. Essie Lapp, Miriam and Alvin Lapp’s daughter, is celebrating her eighteenth birthday. Miriam is secretly looking forward to wedding plans for Essie and Harlan Yoder, although nothing has been officially announced. Things soon take a major turn when the Lapp family’s English relatives come for an extended stay. Is it possible for two completely different cultures to overcome their differences? I found it inspiring and heartwarming to see how the characters’ faith in God develops when things do not go the way they expected. I look forward to Book Two in this series for an update on the families.
I was given a copy of this book by the author. The opinions are my own.
I was given a copy of this book by the author. The opinions are my own.
June 17, 2021
This was a very pleasant book about how an Amish family's love, faith and sense of community help them and their "English" relatives navigate relationships and challenges. On par with a Hallmark movie, this book is an easy read and while perhaps a bit sappy, overall a lovely read.
February 22, 2021
This story was an enjoyable Amish romance. This story revolved about three Amish teenage girls whose formerly Amish mother had passed away. As their father struggled between his police work and raising 3 girls who definitely needed their mother, he decides to take them to his sister-in-law to stay for a year.
It was a surprise to their Amish family as they suddenly appear. It was a story of learning about one another's cultures and lifestyle. A story of learning to understand, to serve and to help each other when help was needed. It was a story of personal growth and love.
I enjoyed this story, which was sweet, clean and a fun read, with some twists and turns, to remind us that all things are still in God's hands.
I received a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own.
It was a surprise to their Amish family as they suddenly appear. It was a story of learning about one another's cultures and lifestyle. A story of learning to understand, to serve and to help each other when help was needed. It was a story of personal growth and love.
I enjoyed this story, which was sweet, clean and a fun read, with some twists and turns, to remind us that all things are still in God's hands.
I received a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own.
November 29, 2020
I enjoyed this book. I am glad it’s going to be a series. There were other characters that I want to know what else happens in Joyful. Essie has been dating Harlan for awhile and are saving money to buy a house and get married. Unfortunately there are obstacles. In the meantime their three English cousins arrive from Philadelphia. There father Sully is a cop, who was married to Essie’s moms sister. Sully is worried about her daughters, while he works the night shift. There mom had passed away. I loved getting to know the family and how they look out for each other and their community. In this book there are few storylines but are all intertwined. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington books for the E-ARC. This is my own opinion.
January 27, 2021
Goodreads Kindle Copy Win
Essie thought she knew what she wanted in life until her three spirited English cousins arrive on her family farm after their mother passed away. She wanted a simple Amish life and marry her beau who been delaying their union until he feels financially secure.
Essie starts to question her life and her future as she takes on her
cousins less than ideal behavior. Will she be able to find a peace of mind in her choices for her future or will she be wanting more than just a plain life? A delightful read.
Essie thought she knew what she wanted in life until her three spirited English cousins arrive on her family farm after their mother passed away. She wanted a simple Amish life and marry her beau who been delaying their union until he feels financially secure.
Essie starts to question her life and her future as she takes on her
cousins less than ideal behavior. Will she be able to find a peace of mind in her choices for her future or will she be wanting more than just a plain life? A delightful read.
April 20, 2021
I loved this beautiful story by new to me author Rosalind Lauer. I liked that she mixed Amish and nonAmish family together in one home and followed how they each faced their challanges. I liked how they all embraced each others culture and beliefs without trying to change how anyone approached life and religion. I look forward to reading the next book.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
February 26, 2021
4.5 stars.
The first book in the Joyful River series, An Amish Homecoming by Rosalind Lauer is a delightfully charming romance.
Essie Lapp’s eighteenth birthday celebration is interrupted by the arrival of her Uncle Sully and his three teenage daughters, eighteen year old twins Serena and Megan and fifteen year old Grace. He is a policeman who works the evening shift and the girls have been gotten out of hand since the death of their mother. The Lapps welcome the teenagers into their lives but are the girls prepared for life on an Amish farm?
Essie is a quiet, dutiful daughter who is eager to settle down. She is a little frustrated that Harlan is putting off their wedding but she understands his obligation to his mom and sister. Essie and Harlan have been saving up for a place to live and they have recently discovered new ways to bring in extra money. However, just as they are ready to announce their plan to marry, unforeseen circumstances threaten to derail their future together.
After a bit of a rocky beginning, Serena has finally adjusted to life on the Lapp's dairy farm. She has become friends with Scout Tanner and they enjoy a few quiet minutes together almost every day. When he suggests a solution to a problem she is experiencing, they begin spending more time together. With her interest captured by a new hobby, Serena is also falling for Scout. But will she overcome his reluctance to dating?
Megan has settled into living with her aunt and uncle. She is still recovering from a sports injury and she enjoys long walks around the farm. Megan is an excellent student and dedicates herself to her studies. Grace struggles the most with being away from their father, but as the months pass, she becomes much more content with living with her extended family.
An Amish Homecoming is a sweet family-centric novel. The characters are three-dimensional and quite likeable. The setting is richly developed and springs vibrantly to life. With a couple of unexpected conflicts to resolve, Rosalind Lauer brings this heartfelt story to a gratifying conclusion. Readers are sure to enjoy this first installment in the Joyful River series.
The first book in the Joyful River series, An Amish Homecoming by Rosalind Lauer is a delightfully charming romance.
Essie Lapp’s eighteenth birthday celebration is interrupted by the arrival of her Uncle Sully and his three teenage daughters, eighteen year old twins Serena and Megan and fifteen year old Grace. He is a policeman who works the evening shift and the girls have been gotten out of hand since the death of their mother. The Lapps welcome the teenagers into their lives but are the girls prepared for life on an Amish farm?
Essie is a quiet, dutiful daughter who is eager to settle down. She is a little frustrated that Harlan is putting off their wedding but she understands his obligation to his mom and sister. Essie and Harlan have been saving up for a place to live and they have recently discovered new ways to bring in extra money. However, just as they are ready to announce their plan to marry, unforeseen circumstances threaten to derail their future together.
After a bit of a rocky beginning, Serena has finally adjusted to life on the Lapp's dairy farm. She has become friends with Scout Tanner and they enjoy a few quiet minutes together almost every day. When he suggests a solution to a problem she is experiencing, they begin spending more time together. With her interest captured by a new hobby, Serena is also falling for Scout. But will she overcome his reluctance to dating?
Megan has settled into living with her aunt and uncle. She is still recovering from a sports injury and she enjoys long walks around the farm. Megan is an excellent student and dedicates herself to her studies. Grace struggles the most with being away from their father, but as the months pass, she becomes much more content with living with her extended family.
An Amish Homecoming is a sweet family-centric novel. The characters are three-dimensional and quite likeable. The setting is richly developed and springs vibrantly to life. With a couple of unexpected conflicts to resolve, Rosalind Lauer brings this heartfelt story to a gratifying conclusion. Readers are sure to enjoy this first installment in the Joyful River series.
March 13, 2021
An Amish Homecoming by Rosalind Lauer is the beginning of the Joyful River series. I enjoyed reading this unique Amish novel. We get to see three Englisch young women adapt to living on an Amish farm. Megan, Serena, and Grace are brought to the Lapp’s dairy farm by their father, Sully. Sully’s deceased wife, Sarah was Miriam Lapp’s sister and she passed away from cancer a year ago. The three girls miss their mother and are acting out. Sully is a police officer working the night shift which leaves his daughter’s with too much time unsupervised. Sully needs to work to provide for his children, so he asks Miriam and Alvin Lapp to care for the girls for the next year. An Amish Homecoming allows us to see the differences between an Amish and Englisch world. The three sisters are not forced to be Amish nor give up their individuality. The Lapp family provides a safe, loving home for the three sisters where they can work to overcome their sorrow and be themselves. I thought An Amish Homecoming was well-written with an interesting cast of characters. Essie is the same age as two of her cousins, but she comes across as more responsible and mature. Essie is hoping to marry her beau, Harlan soon. Megan wants to finish high school and attend college while her twin, Serena is unsure of what the future holds for her. Grace, the youngest, misses her home and father. The point-of-view alternates between Miriam, Essie, and Serena. I liked getting to see the different perspectives. Each woman is at a different stage in their life. Reading An Amish Homecoming is a lovely way to wile away an afternoon. An Amish Homecoming is a heartwarming and inspiring story that showcases love, faith, and family.
February 23, 2021
Thank you to Kensington Books for allowing me to read an ARC of Rosalind Lauer's new book An Amish Homecoming, through Net Galley, which will be published February 23, 2021,
Rosalind has written her first of a new series that takes place in joyful River Pennsylvania, several hours from Lancaster. An Amish Homecoming is about an Amish family that welcomes English cousins to their home in order for them to get a fresh start after having to cope with their mother's death.
This begins as Esie and Haelan's love store, but this book offers so much more. Can this joint effort bring unity to each family group?
I give this book a 5-star endorsement and encourage you to order yours today.
Opinions are mine and I was not required to give a positive review.
Rosalind has written her first of a new series that takes place in joyful River Pennsylvania, several hours from Lancaster. An Amish Homecoming is about an Amish family that welcomes English cousins to their home in order for them to get a fresh start after having to cope with their mother's death.
This begins as Esie and Haelan's love store, but this book offers so much more. Can this joint effort bring unity to each family group?
I give this book a 5-star endorsement and encourage you to order yours today.
Opinions are mine and I was not required to give a positive review.
November 2, 2020
This author is new to me but I look forward to reading more books by her. This was a heartwarming story with lots going on but it help my interest and I didn't want to put it down once I got into the story.
Essie and Harlan have been courting for a couple of years but Harlan wants to make sure he has enough money saved up before he asks Essie to marry him. His dad had abandoned the family several years ago so he is basically living under that shadow.
At the same time, Essie's English cousins come to live with her family. Their mom had passed away earlier and their dad is a policeman who works nights so he worries about the three girls and some of the habits they are picking up as a result of him being gone so much. So he brings the girls to live with their Amish family in hopes of giving them a fresh start and having a loving family to surround them.
Thank you to the publisher, Zebra Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest and unbiased opinion. I can't wait to read more in this series and more books by this author!
Essie and Harlan have been courting for a couple of years but Harlan wants to make sure he has enough money saved up before he asks Essie to marry him. His dad had abandoned the family several years ago so he is basically living under that shadow.
At the same time, Essie's English cousins come to live with her family. Their mom had passed away earlier and their dad is a policeman who works nights so he worries about the three girls and some of the habits they are picking up as a result of him being gone so much. So he brings the girls to live with their Amish family in hopes of giving them a fresh start and having a loving family to surround them.
Thank you to the publisher, Zebra Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest and unbiased opinion. I can't wait to read more in this series and more books by this author!
October 29, 2020
First time in a long time that I've read a book from this author so I was very glad to get this ARC.
I love Amish fiction for the simplicity of their lifestyle and the inspirational messages the author leaves within.
Each of the characters became very special to me.
Patience was the key word here.
I really admired Essie for that. ( I don't have the patience of job so to speak).
I didn't like Serena at first but by and by I really ended up loving her.
I thought this book was a wonderful and refreshing read after reading some hard core historical fiction.
I loved Essie's whole family and I was reluctant to let them go when the book ended.
Characters like these makes I me think about them long after the book is finished.
I think the person I loved most was Harlan. He's everything in a man that I admired very much.
Kind, loving, caring and patient.
I highly recommend this sweet novel. It has everything to make an excellent read.
My thanks to Netgalley. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I love Amish fiction for the simplicity of their lifestyle and the inspirational messages the author leaves within.
Each of the characters became very special to me.
Patience was the key word here.
I really admired Essie for that. ( I don't have the patience of job so to speak).
I didn't like Serena at first but by and by I really ended up loving her.
I thought this book was a wonderful and refreshing read after reading some hard core historical fiction.
I loved Essie's whole family and I was reluctant to let them go when the book ended.
Characters like these makes I me think about them long after the book is finished.
I think the person I loved most was Harlan. He's everything in a man that I admired very much.
Kind, loving, caring and patient.
I highly recommend this sweet novel. It has everything to make an excellent read.
My thanks to Netgalley. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
August 8, 2022
An Amish Homecoming is an Amish romance by author Rosalind Lauer. An Amish Homecoming is installment #1 of the Joyful River series.
An English father sends his daughters to live with their Amish aunt and her family after their mom dies. Their father worked at night so he couldn’t care for them properly.
The English women had worldly ways and didn’t appreciate the Amish ways. An Amish Homecoming is an emotional read and mentions that one of the English women had become addicted to pain medicine.
An Amish homecoming had a very slow beginning making me want to rate it a 3*. However, by the time I finished it I had decided to rate An Amish Homecoming 4*/5*.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
An English father sends his daughters to live with their Amish aunt and her family after their mom dies. Their father worked at night so he couldn’t care for them properly.
The English women had worldly ways and didn’t appreciate the Amish ways. An Amish Homecoming is an emotional read and mentions that one of the English women had become addicted to pain medicine.
An Amish homecoming had a very slow beginning making me want to rate it a 3*. However, by the time I finished it I had decided to rate An Amish Homecoming 4*/5*.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
November 12, 2020
This is the first book of a new series by the author centered around the Pennsylvania Amish community of Joyful River.
Essie Lapp’s family sees a change in their family dynamics when a widowed English uncle brings his three daughters to live with Essie’s Amish family. The girls find the Amish culture to be very different than they are used to and life changes dramatically for them.
This is an interesting book seeing how the English and Amish cultures differ yet can come together, how love of family an bring changes, and how Essie and her boyfriend, Harlan overcome many obstacles in their relationship.
I recommend this book and look forward to reading future books in this series.
I received a copy of this book from Kensington Publishers and NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
Essie Lapp’s family sees a change in their family dynamics when a widowed English uncle brings his three daughters to live with Essie’s Amish family. The girls find the Amish culture to be very different than they are used to and life changes dramatically for them.
This is an interesting book seeing how the English and Amish cultures differ yet can come together, how love of family an bring changes, and how Essie and her boyfriend, Harlan overcome many obstacles in their relationship.
I recommend this book and look forward to reading future books in this series.
I received a copy of this book from Kensington Publishers and NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
April 10, 2021
This was my first book by Rosalind Lauer and I really enjoyed An Amish Homecoming. It is about an Amish family and the trials they face and what it means to be a community and help each other. Essie is looking forward to her marriage to Harlan and is sure he will propose soon. They are hoping to purchase some land close to their families and build a house. However, an accident seems to push their dreams far away and Essie is heartbroken. Also, her three English cousins, who lost their mother to cancer, come to the farm to stay for a year. So we get to know Serena, Gracie, and Megan as well. As the families learn to trust God for their troubles, they also learn to lean on each other and the people around them. I thought this was a good book. I am hoping for more!
Thanks to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.
#Bookstagram #all_the_pages
Thanks to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.
#Bookstagram #all_the_pages
March 1, 2021
Essie Lapp is turning 18. She looks forward to her quiet content life. Keeping company with Harlan, Essie expects to be wed soon. However, life takes an unexpected turn when her three English cousins come to stay. Her widowed English Uncle thinks that his girls need a fresh start since their mother died. Trying to help them settle in, Essie finds that her ordered life seems to be unraveling. Will she be able to keep on track? Or will her cousins bring an different for her?
I love how this story brings a clash between the Amish and English worlds. Often these worlds collide. This shows that love can bring family together no matter what the problems. I look forward to the next story. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.
I love how this story brings a clash between the Amish and English worlds. Often these worlds collide. This shows that love can bring family together no matter what the problems. I look forward to the next story. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.
March 9, 2021
I loved this beautiful story. I liked the family aspect of this book, especially the way they supported and cared for one another. It was an interesting twist to follow the story of the “English” sisters living with their Amish cousins. I was glad the author chose to have all the family accept each other and not try to change each other’s culture. Essie, (the Amish cousin), and Serena, (the English cousin), represented both ways of life, yet they each respected the other’s opinions and values. Essie and Serena both find that their respective romances don’t always go smoothly, and each relationship takes work. I’m so glad that this is going to be a series, and I look forward to reading the next book.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
May 26, 2021
Thank you to Kensington Books for allowing me to read an ARC of Rosalind Lauer's new book An Amish Homecoming, through Net Galley, which will be published February 23, 2021,
Rosalind has written her first of a new series that takes place in joyful River Pennsylvania, several hours from Lancaster. An Amish Homecoming is about an Amish family that welcomes English cousins to their home in order for them to get a fresh start after having to cope with their mother's death.
This begins as Esie and Haelan's love store, but this book offers so much more. Can this joint effort bring unity to each family group?
I give this book a 5-star endorsement and encourage you to order yours today.
Opinions are mine and I was not required to give a positive review.
Rosalind has written her first of a new series that takes place in joyful River Pennsylvania, several hours from Lancaster. An Amish Homecoming is about an Amish family that welcomes English cousins to their home in order for them to get a fresh start after having to cope with their mother's death.
This begins as Esie and Haelan's love store, but this book offers so much more. Can this joint effort bring unity to each family group?
I give this book a 5-star endorsement and encourage you to order yours today.
Opinions are mine and I was not required to give a positive review.
March 5, 2023
Engaging, moving, and just enough drama
I'm a big fan of the Amish romance genre, but it's been a minute since one really drew me in. This was a fresh and sweet story with the right amount of problems and drama tempered with good ol' faith and love.
The two leading ladies are cousins Essie and Serena. Essie is an Amish girl more than ready for her boyfriend to commit. Serena is a troublesome girl dropped off at the family farm with her sisters by their widowed father.
There's plenty to keep the plot going, from accidents and old wounds and the desperate search for a good dresser. Ms. Lauer touches on some lovely and important themes without too much saccharine, and it's all told well.
Happily will be going for the next novel.
I'm a big fan of the Amish romance genre, but it's been a minute since one really drew me in. This was a fresh and sweet story with the right amount of problems and drama tempered with good ol' faith and love.
The two leading ladies are cousins Essie and Serena. Essie is an Amish girl more than ready for her boyfriend to commit. Serena is a troublesome girl dropped off at the family farm with her sisters by their widowed father.
There's plenty to keep the plot going, from accidents and old wounds and the desperate search for a good dresser. Ms. Lauer touches on some lovely and important themes without too much saccharine, and it's all told well.
Happily will be going for the next novel.
February 9, 2021
First I would like to state that I received this book through the Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank the author for giving me this opportunity and honor in being able to read this book. When I received this book I began reading it at once. I really enjoy the authors writing style, pulls you into the book from the very beginning and you don't want to put the book down. It kept me on the edge of my seat reading from cover to cover. All the characters are very well portrayed though out. When you are finished you wish you weren't. A most wonderful read and I highly recommend this book
January 20, 2021
Interesting story, not entirely believable and with some underdeveloped parts (the resolution to all the conflicts was a little too easy).
It was interesting to see the relationship between the Amish and their English cousins. Although I’m not sure it could happen as it did in real life.
It’s also sad that only one of the cousins got her own story. Maybe that will be for later books? I’d read them.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
It was interesting to see the relationship between the Amish and their English cousins. Although I’m not sure it could happen as it did in real life.
It’s also sad that only one of the cousins got her own story. Maybe that will be for later books? I’d read them.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
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February 14, 2021Thank you Goodreads for the free copy. What a charming book. I'd been hearing a lot about Amish fiction the last couple of years and when I saw this, I wanted to give it a try. It's totally outside of my normal genre. As I don't have experience with this genre I won't rate this. I will say, that I found it quite a lovely read. I enjoyed it.
December 29, 2022
Fantastic book! Wonderful characters and a unique story line. If you enjoy Amish fiction you will like this book. Essie is such a great character- " You work in humble ways, but your love and support hold up so many folks." She's so strong and secure in her faith. She has some tough circumstances but she perseveres and believes that things will work out. A definite must read!
March 23, 2023
Blending the Amish with English we find that there are adjustments as relatives come to stay. M sure it was hard to adjust fir these girls but I loved how the family welcomed them. The story has heartache, joy, forgiveness and in the end a family that loves unconditionally.
I received a copy of this book from Goodreads Early Reader Program. The review is my own opinion.
I received a copy of this book from Goodreads Early Reader Program. The review is my own opinion.
February 27, 2021
Love of Family
The love of family is the theme running all through this book. Harlan and Essie's love for each other. Alvin and Mirriam's love for their children and nieces is all encompassing. If you want a very poignant story, this is the book to enjoy.
The love of family is the theme running all through this book. Harlan and Essie's love for each other. Alvin and Mirriam's love for their children and nieces is all encompassing. If you want a very poignant story, this is the book to enjoy.
March 8, 2021
I received from netgalley, this book is already out sorry I am late for my review. I never read this author's book's before so glad i gave her a chance. I can't wait for more out of her book's. I love the story of Essie Lapp will love to here more out of this series.
I feel there can be more to it.
I feel there can be more to it.
May 24, 2021
This is the first book in a new series by Rosalind Lauer--Joyful River. I really enjoyed it, and Feb of 2022 is a long time to wait for the next installment! If you're an Amish fiction/romance fan, you won't want to miss this book.
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