What do you think?
Rate this book
Her Forbidden Amish Love
Following your heart isn’t always simple…
Choosing between her community…
and the man she still loves.
Five years ago, Hannah Lapp walked away from Gabe Bartel, crushing their dreams of a future together. She couldn’t break her parents’ hearts by marrying a Mennonite man and leaving the Amish community. Now Gabe is back as her town’s new EMT. And Hannah’s heart is on the line all over again, because this time she can’t imagine letting him go…
From Harlequin Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Choosing between her community…
and the man she still loves.
Five years ago, Hannah Lapp walked away from Gabe Bartel, crushing their dreams of a future together. She couldn’t break her parents’ hearts by marrying a Mennonite man and leaving the Amish community. Now Gabe is back as her town’s new EMT. And Hannah’s heart is on the line all over again, because this time she can’t imagine letting him go…
From Harlequin Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2021
55 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Jocelyn McClay
35 books124 followersNew York Times and Publisher's Weekly bestselling author Jocelyn McClay grew up on an Iowa farm, ultimately pursuing a degree in agriculture. She met her husband while weightlifting in a small town - he 'spotted her'. After thirty years in business management, they moved to an acreage in southeastern Missouri to be closer to family when their oldest of three daughters made them grandparents. When not writing, she keeps busy grandparenting, hiking, biking gardening, quilting, knitting and substitute teaching.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 11, 2020
I really enjoyed this well written and entertaining Amish Romance book. I do love second chance romance and especially where the man and woman have been separated for a number of years and are drawn together once again years later. I also loved the characters that were in this story.
Hannah Lap is a sensitive Amish girl who cares very deeply for her parents and her Amish faith. She has been taught all her life to be obedient to her elders and church leaders. She puts her own happiness aside for the the good of the Amish church and her Amish community.
But it wasn't always so. Five years ago while Hannah was on her rumspringa she met Gabe Bartel, a young Mennonite man and they begin to meet together in secret. The two fell in love with each other and planned a future together. But then Hannah's sister, Gail jumped the fence to the English world. This broke her parents hearts and Hannah realized she could not do the same thing to them as her sister had done. Putting her happiness aside she turned her back on Gabe .
Gabe never forgot Hannah and when he seen a job listing for an EMT in Miller's Creek he applied for and got the job. He wanted to win her back and spend his life with her. Hannah too hadn't forgotten Gabe. She had not met an Amish man that she felt drawn to. She was still in love with Gabe after all these years, but he was Mennonite and she was Amish. She wanted to be a good Amish woman and an obedient daughter . She must avoid Gabe and stay away from him. How would he get through to Hannah and win her back again?
I would recommend this book to Amish Fiction fans. Readers of Jocelyn McClay's books will enjoy this story.
I won a early copy of this book in a giveaway from the author. The book is to be released on February 1st, 2021. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Hannah Lap is a sensitive Amish girl who cares very deeply for her parents and her Amish faith. She has been taught all her life to be obedient to her elders and church leaders. She puts her own happiness aside for the the good of the Amish church and her Amish community.
But it wasn't always so. Five years ago while Hannah was on her rumspringa she met Gabe Bartel, a young Mennonite man and they begin to meet together in secret. The two fell in love with each other and planned a future together. But then Hannah's sister, Gail jumped the fence to the English world. This broke her parents hearts and Hannah realized she could not do the same thing to them as her sister had done. Putting her happiness aside she turned her back on Gabe .
Gabe never forgot Hannah and when he seen a job listing for an EMT in Miller's Creek he applied for and got the job. He wanted to win her back and spend his life with her. Hannah too hadn't forgotten Gabe. She had not met an Amish man that she felt drawn to. She was still in love with Gabe after all these years, but he was Mennonite and she was Amish. She wanted to be a good Amish woman and an obedient daughter . She must avoid Gabe and stay away from him. How would he get through to Hannah and win her back again?
I would recommend this book to Amish Fiction fans. Readers of Jocelyn McClay's books will enjoy this story.
I won a early copy of this book in a giveaway from the author. The book is to be released on February 1st, 2021. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
December 31, 2020
Her Forbidden Amish Love captured me from the start. Hannah Lapp is a caring, sweet and obedient young Amish lady with all she does for her family, employer and community. Hannah had secretly dated Gabe Bartel but they had been separated for a few years. Gabe being an EMT accepted a job in Miller’s Creek knowing it could be ended by being grant funded but he wanted to win Hannah back, knowing she was Amish and he was Mennonite.
The scenes are descriptive and dialogues where I felt all the emotions from the freezing cold of the blizzard to the adrenal rush of EMT calls. How will Hannah handle criticism when she volunteers to help raise funds for the local EMT services in Miller’s Creek?
Hannah’s and Gabe’s story is beautifully woven together with drama, affection, a hint of mystery, new respect and understanding of the necessity of using EMT services that Mennonite Gabe could provide if he remained in Miller’s Creek. A lovely ending of letting go and letting God direct lives with faith, love and admiration.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author as a giveaway winner on Facebook without any obligation to write a review. I have expressed my own thoughts. I look forward to reading more books by Jocelyn McClay in the future.
The scenes are descriptive and dialogues where I felt all the emotions from the freezing cold of the blizzard to the adrenal rush of EMT calls. How will Hannah handle criticism when she volunteers to help raise funds for the local EMT services in Miller’s Creek?
Hannah’s and Gabe’s story is beautifully woven together with drama, affection, a hint of mystery, new respect and understanding of the necessity of using EMT services that Mennonite Gabe could provide if he remained in Miller’s Creek. A lovely ending of letting go and letting God direct lives with faith, love and admiration.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author as a giveaway winner on Facebook without any obligation to write a review. I have expressed my own thoughts. I look forward to reading more books by Jocelyn McClay in the future.
December 29, 2020
Yet another delightful story in the Miller's Creek series. Lots of intrigue and a touch of mystery going on as dogs go missing, EMS service is seriously needed a few times, and a blizzard takes place that paralyzes the community. I very much enjoyed the story of Hannah and Gabe reuniting in this beautiful and well written episode. Hannah eventually learns that following her heart may actually mean following God's will. Once again, I can hardly wait for another book to see what the good folks of Miller's Creek are up to next.
March 30, 2021
Her Forbidden Amish Love is a truly heartwarming story written by Jocelyn McClay. This story is filled with faith, love, and hope. The characters are well developed and very likeable. The storyline keeps evolving keeping the readers interest. The author has written a story which reminds us second chances are possible.
Hannah Lapp gave up her chance at love when she walked away from Englisher Gabe Bartel. Now five years later Gabe has return and living directly above the quilt shop where Hannah works. Both realize instantly that their feelings have not changed. The journey these two embark upon is anything but smooth. They carry heartache from the past which causes problems as well. The conclusion to this story is amazing.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response and all opinions are my own. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
Hannah Lapp gave up her chance at love when she walked away from Englisher Gabe Bartel. Now five years later Gabe has return and living directly above the quilt shop where Hannah works. Both realize instantly that their feelings have not changed. The journey these two embark upon is anything but smooth. They carry heartache from the past which causes problems as well. The conclusion to this story is amazing.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response and all opinions are my own. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
April 30, 2021
There is something so delicious about a 'forbidden love' story and this one is a doozy because it's also a second chance romance. Hannah is literally torn between her Amish community and the love of her life. She walked away from Gabe once but can she bring herself to do it again?
This one delivers all the thrills and chills of a complicated love story. I was in torturous ecstasy 'cause I was emotionally pulled apart right along side Hannah and Gabe. Happy sigh. Love it when I get to feel my way through a novel.
And there's so much more going on besides the romance. The EMT angle was really interesting and there's even a bit of mystery. All kinds of wunderbar gutness! :-)
This one delivers all the thrills and chills of a complicated love story. I was in torturous ecstasy 'cause I was emotionally pulled apart right along side Hannah and Gabe. Happy sigh. Love it when I get to feel my way through a novel.
And there's so much more going on besides the romance. The EMT angle was really interesting and there's even a bit of mystery. All kinds of wunderbar gutness! :-)
December 31, 2020
We revisit Miller’s Creek in “Her Forbidden Amish Love”, as we get to know Hannah Lapp and Gabe Bartel.
Hannah fell in love with Gabe years ago, but had to let him go for the sake of her family. Now, Gabe is back as the town’s EMT and, hopefully, for Hannah, too.
I absolutely adored Hannah as she gained courage and confidence as she struggled to follow rules of the Amish community versus following her heart.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Her Forbidden Amish Love” and how Ms. McClay had me pulling for Hannah and Gabe while feeling sympathetic toward Jethro.
I truly hope there are more stories to come about the residents of Miller’s Creek.
Hannah fell in love with Gabe years ago, but had to let him go for the sake of her family. Now, Gabe is back as the town’s EMT and, hopefully, for Hannah, too.
I absolutely adored Hannah as she gained courage and confidence as she struggled to follow rules of the Amish community versus following her heart.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Her Forbidden Amish Love” and how Ms. McClay had me pulling for Hannah and Gabe while feeling sympathetic toward Jethro.
I truly hope there are more stories to come about the residents of Miller’s Creek.
February 24, 2021
This is a story of Hannah and Gabe.
They knew dated and thought they would spend the rest of their lives together.
Hannah's sister left the Amish Community to marry a boy that was not part of the community.
Her sister's leaving caused her parents sadness. Hannah then decided that she could not
marry Gabe who was a mennonite, and hurt her parents again.
Many years past - Gabe was hired on an a EMS in Hannah's town. Their paths crossed once
again. Gabe thought they may have another chance.
The bishop had other ideas for Hannah - namely his son, who had just lost his wife and child in
childbirth.
This is Hannah and Gabe's story.
They knew dated and thought they would spend the rest of their lives together.
Hannah's sister left the Amish Community to marry a boy that was not part of the community.
Her sister's leaving caused her parents sadness. Hannah then decided that she could not
marry Gabe who was a mennonite, and hurt her parents again.
Many years past - Gabe was hired on an a EMS in Hannah's town. Their paths crossed once
again. Gabe thought they may have another chance.
The bishop had other ideas for Hannah - namely his son, who had just lost his wife and child in
childbirth.
This is Hannah and Gabe's story.
February 12, 2021
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I have to admit it will not be the last. I was given this book as a birthday present and once I started it I just could not put it down.
The way she wrote the story makes Hannah an inspiration to us. The other characters were good but her and Gabe were my favorite. I learned alot about the Amish ways in the story.
The way she wrote the story makes Hannah an inspiration to us. The other characters were good but her and Gabe were my favorite. I learned alot about the Amish ways in the story.
February 28, 2021
Her Forbidden Amish Love by Jocelyn McClay
Following your heart isn’t always simple…
Choosing between her community…
and the man she still loves.
Five years ago, Hannah Lapp walked away from Gabe Bartel, crushing their dreams of a future together. She couldn’t break her parents’ hearts by marrying a Mennonite man and leaving the Amish community. Now Gabe is back as her town’s new EMT. And Hannah’s heart is on the line all over again, because this time she can’t imagine letting him go…
This is Hannah Lapp and Gabe Bartel's story.
It was Socks’s soft yip that alerted her. Hannah Lapp looked up from snipping across the dark green material to see her expectant friend, Ruth Schrock, sway as she rose from her seat.
Dropping the scissors, Hannah shot out a helpless hand as Ruth grabbed at the shelf behind her, bolts of fabric slowing her descent as she slid to the floor.
Now the brightly hued material lay about Ruth’s unmoving figure in a kaleidoscope of color.
“Is she having the baby?” Barbara Fastle, the Englisch owner of The Stitch quilt shop, asked as she and Rachel, an Amish customer, hurried from the back of the shop.
“That EMT guy” hastening toward the counter and the portable phone, Barb waggled her hand urgently as if it would assist her in what she was trying to say “—the one they had the grant for.
He rented the apartment upstairs. Moved in this weekend. He’d be the fastest help.
Run up and see if he’s there. If not, I’ll call 911 and get something rolling from out of town, but it’ll be a while before they can get here.”
Jumping to her feet, Hannah rushed toward the rear of the store where an exit opened into a short hallway, her dog Socks at her heels.
I highly recommend reading.
Her Forbidden Amish Love by Jocelyn McClay is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Jocelyn McClay.
Following your heart isn’t always simple…
Choosing between her community…
and the man she still loves.
Five years ago, Hannah Lapp walked away from Gabe Bartel, crushing their dreams of a future together. She couldn’t break her parents’ hearts by marrying a Mennonite man and leaving the Amish community. Now Gabe is back as her town’s new EMT. And Hannah’s heart is on the line all over again, because this time she can’t imagine letting him go…
This is Hannah Lapp and Gabe Bartel's story.
It was Socks’s soft yip that alerted her. Hannah Lapp looked up from snipping across the dark green material to see her expectant friend, Ruth Schrock, sway as she rose from her seat.
Dropping the scissors, Hannah shot out a helpless hand as Ruth grabbed at the shelf behind her, bolts of fabric slowing her descent as she slid to the floor.
Now the brightly hued material lay about Ruth’s unmoving figure in a kaleidoscope of color.
“Is she having the baby?” Barbara Fastle, the Englisch owner of The Stitch quilt shop, asked as she and Rachel, an Amish customer, hurried from the back of the shop.
“That EMT guy” hastening toward the counter and the portable phone, Barb waggled her hand urgently as if it would assist her in what she was trying to say “—the one they had the grant for.
He rented the apartment upstairs. Moved in this weekend. He’d be the fastest help.
Run up and see if he’s there. If not, I’ll call 911 and get something rolling from out of town, but it’ll be a while before they can get here.”
Jumping to her feet, Hannah rushed toward the rear of the store where an exit opened into a short hallway, her dog Socks at her heels.
I highly recommend reading.
Her Forbidden Amish Love by Jocelyn McClay is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Jocelyn McClay.
February 28, 2021
This book is on my keeper shelf!
Hannah, an Amish woman of marrying age, is secretly still in love with a Mennonite man whom she left without explanation several years ago. That Mennonite man, Gabe, left town for several years to heal from that breakup, but is now back in town as the new EMT.
I loved how Gabe tried to woo Hannah in this story. I also appreciated the reason why Hannah left Gabe years before and how difficult that is for her. To make matters worse, Hannah's bishop has selected a match for her and is pressuring her to marry and she's resigned to that, even though her heart belongs to Gabe.
I thought the character's feelings were really well written. I could feel the butterflies when Hannah and Gabe first held hands. I was nervous right along with Hannah when she brought up her fundraising idea at the quilting group. I thought Gabe's feelings toward the bishop's pick for Hannah were vary realistic.
In addition to the relationship between Hannah and Gabe, this book also had a dognapper on the loose, a baby delivery, and some great EMT moments. I thought the epilogue wrapped everything up nicely. I even liked the resolution of the dognapper!
If you like Amish fiction, I think you will really enjoy this book!
Hannah, an Amish woman of marrying age, is secretly still in love with a Mennonite man whom she left without explanation several years ago. That Mennonite man, Gabe, left town for several years to heal from that breakup, but is now back in town as the new EMT.
I loved how Gabe tried to woo Hannah in this story. I also appreciated the reason why Hannah left Gabe years before and how difficult that is for her. To make matters worse, Hannah's bishop has selected a match for her and is pressuring her to marry and she's resigned to that, even though her heart belongs to Gabe.
I thought the character's feelings were really well written. I could feel the butterflies when Hannah and Gabe first held hands. I was nervous right along with Hannah when she brought up her fundraising idea at the quilting group. I thought Gabe's feelings toward the bishop's pick for Hannah were vary realistic.
In addition to the relationship between Hannah and Gabe, this book also had a dognapper on the loose, a baby delivery, and some great EMT moments. I thought the epilogue wrapped everything up nicely. I even liked the resolution of the dognapper!
If you like Amish fiction, I think you will really enjoy this book!
January 3, 2023
I enjoy reading books by Jocelyn McClay and following the lives of her characters in Miller's Creek. The "her" in Her Forbidden Amish Love is 23 year old Hannah Lapp. The man she left five years ago, Gabe Bartel, has returned to become the town's EMT. Unfortunately, the reason for them not to be together still exists. She is Amish and he is Mennonite. Once Hannah is a baptized member of the church, she won't allow herself to marry a Mennonite man and be shunned by her family and community. Gabe's feelings for Hannah haven't changed over the years, and he is hoping to get a second chance with her before it is too late. Due to good writing, we really get to see who Hannah and Gabe really are. They are likable characters and you want to see them get their happily ever after. I look forward to reading more books by Jocelyn McClay.
February 5, 2021
Her Forbidden Amish Love will keep you wondering if Hannah Lapp will choose her Amish community or her love from five years ago, Mennonite Gabe Bartel! I admired Gabe who has returned to the community as an EMT. The author has included a near drowning, a stolen dog, a quilt shop and a blizzard! This is Jocelyn McClay's third book and her best by far! I look forward to her future books! If you like Amish fiction, you don't want to miss Her Forbidden Amish Love. I received a complimentary copy of Her Forbidden Amish Love from the author. This is my honest opinion.
December 27, 2025
Gabe is a Mennonite EMS worker who has come back to Miller Creek to work on establishing an EMS service. He also hopes to reconnect with Hannah, a young Amish woman he has never forgotten. Hannah has always done what others have told her to, without questioning if it is really God's will for her. She has also seen how the community treated her parents when her older sister left the community for a time. Hannah and Gabe still have feelings for each other but her bishop has other ideas for her, presented as "God's will" for her. What will happen?
January 13, 2021
Great read. Love the romance,mixed with Amish life. Introduces new main characters Hannah and Gabe but gives snippets of what is happening with characters from prior books Also an added bonus of CPR training that was accurate. Love the entire book with all the ups and downs. Look forward to the next book from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
February 5, 2021This book portrays the Amish as gossipy, back-biting people who are "ruled" by their bishop. I read quite a bit of Amish fiction and usually enjoy it, but this book was not the usual enjoyable read. At times the story line was a bit disjointed and difficult to follow. It did, however, have a good ending.
July 14, 2025
Love wind out
I enjoyed seeing how listening to God's voice not man's worked things out for Hannah. It was interesting to see how the bishop's wife behaved as opposed to how one would expect her to act
I enjoyed seeing how listening to God's voice not man's worked things out for Hannah. It was interesting to see how the bishop's wife behaved as opposed to how one would expect her to act
January 20, 2021
I like this author a really fun read
February 27, 2021
Excellent book, Loved it. Great story.
Read
September 26, 2021DNF at 35%
November 11, 2021
I absolutely loved this book and the cover is pretty and the title fits in with the story, I loved all the characters.
July 13, 2022
Nice story. Not my favorite Amish love story but still good.
June 23, 2025
very good book
July 7, 2025
Sometimes the forbidden becomes possible!
When the community sees a love bud before them, as much as it seems wrong God allows that love to happen, because He is love.
When the community sees a love bud before them, as much as it seems wrong God allows that love to happen, because He is love.
December 17, 2025
Good Book
It is a very good story about 2 people who cared for each other. They found a way to make it work and be very happy
It is a very good story about 2 people who cared for each other. They found a way to make it work and be very happy
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews