Samuel's Return

The Amish of Southern Maryland #6

by Susan Lantz Simpson

The first scent of blooming flowers, fresh green fields, and invigorating days of sunshine. A Southern Maryland Amish spring bursts with hope, bright promise--and a practical young widow's chance to try love anew...

With two lively daughters, an active newborn, and a huge farm to tend, Lena Troyer has no time for impossible what-ifs. She just can't let herself be distracted by Samuel Mast's unexpected return. Even though her childhood sweetheart became the man she longed to marry, Samuel never saw or wrote Lena again after his family abruptly moved away. Now a widow, Lena is determined to keep Samuel's helpful ways and irresistible good humor at arm's length--no matter how often he's there when she needs him most...

A restless father with a shameful secret was the reason Samuel's many letters never got to Lena. And it's why Samuel can't bring himself to tell Lena the truth--though he's doing everything he can to regain her trust and prove he's worthy of the resourceful woman she's become. But as a rival for his affections complicates matters, Samuel and Lena must somehow put the past to rest--and believe that faith, honesty, and rekindled love will be more than enough to finally build a family together...

Genres: Amish, Amish Fiction, Christian Fiction, Romance

368 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published April 27, 2021

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Susan Lantz Simpson has been writing stories and poetry ever since she penned her first poem at the age of six. She has always loved the magic of words and how they can entertain and enlighten others. Her love of words and books led her to earn a degree in English/Education. She has taught students from Prekindergarten to high school and has also worked as an editor for the federal government. She also holds a degree in nursing and has worked in hospitals and in community health. She writes inspirational stories of love and faith and has published a middle-grade novel (Ginger and the Bully) in addition to her inspirational romances (Plainly Maryland Series and Southern Maryland Amish Romances Series). Her novella, The Christmas Fudge Miracle is included in the USA Today Bestseller Amish Christmas Miracles Collection. She was a finalist in the OCW Cascade fiction contest. She is a member of ACFW. She lives in Maryland and is the mother of two wonderful daughters. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys reading, walking, and doing needlework.

Reviews

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sixth book in the Amish of Southern Maryland series. Though I have read all of the books in the series I do believe the story can be read as a stand alone.
The story is sweet but filled with a whole range of emotions.
Young widowed mother Lena had a first love with Samuel when they were teens, he moved away and they lost touch. Oh he said they would keep in touch, would write letters, etc. but it just didn't happen.
Heartbroken she knew it was time to move on and she marries and becomes the mother of three very young children and is now widowed.
When Samuel returns to town her emotions go into a tailspin. She's still interested in him but she's mad at him for not keeping in contact at the same time.
Lena is a wonderful mother and her children always come first in any situation.
Samuel has a secret, a secret he's ashamed of and it's the reason he had to move away from her when he was younger. He's back now and knows he's doing everything he can to make her trust him again but secrets do have a way of coming to the forefront.
Will she be understanding when she hears his explanation?
This is a wonderful and heartwarming series and I have enjoyed every book in it.

Review on my blog here https://veganbookblogger.wordpress.co...
Pub Date 27 Apr 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful and sweet story!
These kinds of stories are what makes my heart full and satisfied at the end of them.
I've come to love this author's stories very much! They just keep getting better and better!
I was sad when this one came to an end but I can wait to see when she comes out with the next one.
It makes the story much more sweeter
You know, once the trust is broken in a relationship it can be very hard to learn to trust and love that person again. This story melted my heart for that reason.
I most especially enjoyed this because of the 2nd chances at romance.
Can Samuel and Lena learn to overcome the past full of hurts, distrust and give it a whirl again?
I'd like to think so.
Gott does things when we least expect it and I have come to learn to appreciate those things more than ever. Gott is a loving Gott.
Ms. Simpson has done an amazing job with these characters' feelings that I felt them through the pages and I can relate to them as well.
I love when an author can make her stories so realistic that we as readers can sympathize and can make us feel like we are there.
I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.
My thanks to Kensington publishers for a copy of this book.
I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.
Five stars!
Highly recommend
My thanks for a copy of this book.
I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 6th book in “The Amish of Southern Maryland” series. As with the previous books in the series, I feel that Samuel’s Return can be read as a standalone. Though I do recommend reading all the books as they are so amazingly sweet and heartwarming.
I enjoy Amish stories as they are a refreshing change from my normal reads.
Lena is the main character, a widow with 3 young children. As a teenager she was in love with Samuel who ended up moving away and didn’t keep in contact with her. Samuel has his reasons for the loss of contact but getting Lena to listen to him is not easy.
Can Samuel get Lena to trust him again?
I had so many different emotions reading this story......I cried and I laughed. Full of love, forgiveness and taking the steps toward a second chance in life.
Author Susan Lantz Simpson writes in a way that you are drawn into the story along the with the characters.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samuel returns to Maryland after 10 years of being away. When he was a teenager he left with his family but left Lena, a 15 year old girl with a broken heart. 10 years later Lena is a widowed mother of 3.

Samuel wants to reconcile with Lena but her feelings were so hurt by his abandonment. She has a wonderful friend in Rebecca and Atlee who encourage her to confront her feelings.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this touching story that was filled with emotions from one extreme to the other. Susan Lantz Simpson created a superb story about Lena with her strong characteristics to care for her three small children as a young widow. Samuel Mast return to the Southern Maryland Amish community left doubts and questions for Lena, why and how could he just come back after 10 years. The scenes, conversations, thoughts, seeking direction and moving forward had me capture throughout till the end. I didn’t want the story to end.. This tale is filled with struggles, letting go, faith, forgiveness, new beginnings and discovering love never dies.

I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book from the author without any obligation to write a positive review. I have shared my own thoughts. I look forward to reading the next book by Simpson that is set in her beloved Maryland Amish community.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a heartwarming story...complete with plenty of adorable "bopplis" and the powerful theme of second chance love. Lena's struggle to make a life for her children was believable and relatable. This book makes me want to sit down on a shady front porch, rock a baby, and thank God for the blessings in my life!

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Samuel’s Return by Susan Lantz Simpson is the 6th novel in The Amish of Southern Maryland series. It can be read as a standalone. The book has good writing with relatable characters. The book moved along at a steady pace for the most part. There were a couple of slow sections in the middle. I thought Lena’s girls were delightful. They were such sweethearts. I cannot imagine, though, asking a four-year-old to watch after two younger siblings. I see a lot of responsibility in Mary’s future. I loved that we get to see Becky Zook (from The Reconciliation) get married and have her baby. Becky certainly deserves a happy ending as well as Atlee. Bishop Menno was a great character. He is the kind of bishop a community needs (kind, sympathetic, watchful, clever, good sense of humor). I loved his reaction to Sarah and her pies. There is humor scattered throughout that I enjoyed. I laughed often while reading Samuel’s Return. I did find Lena frustrating at times. The way she refused to listen to Samuel and kept running from him. I thought Lena acted immature considering she is a widow with three children (what type of example is she setting for her eldest who is very observant). I also found the story to be predictable. Samuel trying to woo Lena and Lena avoiding Samuel makes for a long book. Plus, we know everything our characters are thinking and feeling. I felt the book needed something else to give it more depth and substance. Samuel’s Return is a sweet Amish tale. I did feel it could have been shortened. Some of the themes in Samuel’s Return are trust, forgiveness, shame, hope, and faith. Another one is trusting God. My favorite phrase from Samuel’s Return is, “People kumm in all shapes and sizes. The Lord Gott made and loves us all.” Samuel’s Return is a charming Amish tale with children’s clatter and chatter, a frolic with friends, a benevolent bishop, pitiful pies, strong storms, and a lasting love.

[Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why would Samuel be surprised that Lena had moved on in the ten years that he had been gone? Did he really expect her to think that he would come back, after all that time? Samuel and Lena were just teenagers the last time they saw each other and made promises for a happily-ever-after. So, when Samuel shows up after ten years Lena is shocked to see him, and not very eager to renew their friendship. He left so abruptly that she no longer trusts him, even if it was his parents who made him move all those years ago.
Lena is now a widower with three small children and is thankful that she has her friend Becky to help her with them. However, when Becky marries and moves out, Lena suddenly realizes how lonely the evenings are. But, that doesn't mean that she is ready to get married or renew things with Samuel.
I enjoyed the story, overall, however, there were a few things that bothered me. Lena's complete disregard of what Samuel had been through, and refusing to allow him to explain, was immature. There are quite a few times that Lena acts younger than her 25 years of age. She expects too much of her children for the age they are, no three-year-old should ever be in charge of watching younger children, which is ridiculous. There were quite a few typos, though slightly distracting, did not detract from the overall story. The story was pretty predictable, but still a cute read. The story flowed smoothly and the dialogue was engaging.
Samuel's Return by Susan Lantz Simpson is the sixth book in The Amish of Maryland series. It can easily be read as a standalone novel. I would recommend Samuel's return to those who love stories about the Amish. I would also recommend it to those who love clean romance novels. Fans of Wanda Brunstetter, Loree Lough, Rachel J. Good, and Kelly Long might also enjoy this book.

[Jeanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samuel Mast has come back to his Amish community in Southern Maryland after 10 years. He left the young girl he so desperately wanted to share a life with. Being only 16, he was to young to marry and had nothing to offer so he went with his family looking forward to the day he would come back. He felt confident that Lena would wait for him but after discovering that his many letters never reached Lena and that she married quickly after her parents died in a terrible accident. Several years later plus 3 young children, she is has suffered another tragedy when her husband suddenly died.

Samuel knows that it won't be easy to win back Lena after so many years. Their experiences and the misunderstandings have changed them. Meeting up again, Samuel sees the girl that he fell in love again but she is more reserved and cautious. With three young children, Lena can't trust Samuel with her heart again. With Samuel proving his love and Lena learning to trust again, they both learn that God can make things new.

A great lesson to learn how trust makes things new. I loved how the story reflected that and how we can overcome fear in love and in trust. Sometimes it's not trusting another but trusting in God and how we can be more like him.

A special thank you to Kensington Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Mindy Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading Simpson's Maryland Amish series.
Samuel's Return is a sweet telling of first loves separated by the unexpected. Widowed, mother of three, Lena Troyer has lost everyone she cared about and the last thing she needed right now, was the returning of her first love. She tries everything to keep the handsome, smart, funny, and patient, Samuel at arms length. If not for everyone around her, including her own children, she might have succeeded too.
10 yrs isn't long enough for a man to simply forget the woman he loves and this time Samuel isn't letting anything come between him and the life he wanted all along.
There are twist and turns, storms and cloudless days, for two people who must find forgiveness before building a future.

[Michelle Rhoden · Rating 5 out of 5]

When she was fifteen years old, Lena Troyer had a crush on Samuel Mast, who was 17, and she had dreams of getting married and raising a family with him. Then out of the blue, Samuel announces that his family is moving. He promises to keep in touch and return to marry her, but 10 years go by and she has yet to hear from him. She is angry and hurt and finally allows herself to quit thinking about him. Lena meets and marries Joseph and is married for a short time when Joseph dies unexpectedly and left her a widower with three young children. One day Samuel moves back to Maryland and happens to see Lena. She recognizes him and goes out of her way to avoid him-all of the old feelings for him that had been laid to rest over the years, washes over her. He finally gets the opportunity to explain why he hadn’t kept in touch, but Lena doesn’t want to hear his excuses and wants him to stay out of her life. Deep down, Lena realizes she still loves him,but her heart won’t let her trust him again for fear he would leave her like before.

Will Samuel be able to rebuild the trust he had with Lena and break down the wall she has built around her heart? Will Lena even let Samuel start a friendship with her because now it’s just not about her, but her 3 children as well who would love to have father figure in their life. Buy the book and find the answers to these questions and more!

I enjoyed this book because it goes through all the emotions and feelings of real life-trust, forgiveness,patience, hurt, disappointment and love. It made it hard to put down.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samuel's Return is a clean, good story I really enjoyed! Lena Troyer is a young woman who is widowed, and things are going well for her until she learns that her first love, Samuel Mast, has moved back to the area. She struggles to forgive him for leaving and not writing to her, as he promised to do. Samuel is most concerned about getting his business started, and winning Lena's affection again. He never meant to hurt Lena, and he did write her, but due to his father taking the letters to prevent them from being mailed, she never received one. Will they be able to even be friends again? Great story!

[Sally Mander · Rating 5 out of 5]

SAMUEL'S RETURN by Susan Lantz Simpson

Lena Troyer lives in Maryland and is an Amish widow with three young children under the age of four. She has in the past, welcomed Becky, a young Amish woman with a complicated past, into their lives. Becky is getting married to Atlee Stouffer soon and her helpful, caring ways will be sorely missed by Lena.

Samuel Mast has a definitive history with Lena Troyer, when they were children, they had pledged themselves to each other and had plans to marry as soon as they would be allowed. Unfortunately, Samuel's father was against this, for his own personal reasons and soon moved their family to parts of the nation, far from Samuel's sweetheart.

Lena is shocked when Samuel returned. She had already made peace (she thought) with herself with the love that she lost when Samuel was forced to move away. He had said he'd return for her, but it took him ten years to fulfill that vow. She is forced to be honest with herself and acknowledge that she still loves Samuel and has to decide what to do about that while protecting her three adorable cherubs.

Samuel loves Lena more than ever, he also loves her captivating children, because they are a part of her. He simply needs to be able to survive the heartache of her constantly pushing him away, because of her being hurt by his long absence.

Highly recommend. Genre: Christian, Amish, romance, standalone, and part of a series.

Sincere thanks to #netgalley for the complimentary copy of #samuelsreturn I was under no obligation to post a review.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is another novel, in Susan Lantz SImpson's series, "The Amish of Maryland". A favorite author of mine, I thoroughly enjoyed this latest novel, centering around perceived deception and forgiveness. Because this is a series, and although not mandatory, it helps to read the books in order. It gives a better background to the characters, in each novel.

What could have been, was not to be and ten years has passed since Lena Troyer had seen her former beau, Samuel Mast. The years have changed many things and many people. Lena is now a widow, with three small children. Thankful for her friend, Becky who moved in and helped Lena weather her storms but the storm still has it's waves. Becky is soon to get married and Lena will be on her own, with three small children to raise and a farm to run.

Samuel Mast left their Maryland community....not by choice but because he had to obey his parents wishes. Although he wrote to Lena, he never got a reply. Misguided assumptions, on both, sides make the turns in the road ahead sharp and twisted.

Lena does not trust Samuel and Samuel must decide if it is worth the pain of rejection, to keep on trying to win Lena's heart.

Sit back, get a nice drink, a warm blanket and a fragrant candle.....enter the pages of this book and enjoy the trip you are about to take....I did!!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, let me say that although this is book six in The Amish of Southern Maryland series, you can read it as a standalone. I haven’t read the other five books and had no trouble following what was happening. I do plan on going back and reading the rest simply because I thoroughly enjoyed this one.

We often think of the Amish communities in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana so I really enjoyed reading about the Amish in Maryland. Author Susan Lantz Simpson did a good job of putting the reader right in the community, describing the countryside and the people.

A story of ups and downs, love lost and found, shame and forgiveness, the thread of hope was woven throughout. Put three adorable children into the story and it becomes extra heartwarming. My only complaint was how it wrapped up; we never learned how the rival reacted. I would have liked that loophole to be closed. But that was a minor detail given that the story itself was very enjoyable and I highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lena is 25, a widow with three young children coping with the help of her Amish community. Then Samuel returns after a 10-year absence. His family left quickly when he was 17 and he had no control. He left behind his one true love – Lena. Now he is back and Lena and her children seem to need his help in dangerous times. Her children love him but she is afraid to trust him. Samuel is advised to give Lena time, but his heart is aching to tell her the truth about their departure and why she never heard from him in a decade.

Susan Lantz Simpson tells their story of love and moving on with compassionate skill. Her ability to take the reader through action scenes vividly adds to the enjoyment of her writing. She also gives the reader a glimpse of what Amish life must be like and takes on difficult themes with grace.

I enjoyed reading her book and found myself smiling often, especially when the young girls were in the scenes. Her characterizations make it easy to visualize and understand each person without over doing the descriptions. Thank you, Susan.

[C Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Kensington Press for allowing me to read an ARC of Samuel’s Return by Susan Lantz Simpson. This was offered through NetGalley and I was not required to give a positive review.

Samuel’s Return is a well written story that holds your attention from beginning to end.

Samuel Mast has been gone for ten long years and has now returned to the Southern Maryland town of his childhood. His hope is that the love of his life, Lena, will accept him back into her life and her heart.

Because of unkept promises it is very unlikely that Lena will ever allow Samuel back into he life, let alone her heart.

Putting the past behind them along with a rival for Samuel’s heart and a ready-made family are just a few of the problems that have to be overcome in order to make this a happily-ever-after story.

This books deserves a 5-star rating. Pre-order yours today for the April 27, 2021 release date.

[Jarm Boccio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lena, now a widow with three children, finds herself gently renewing a romance, much to her dismay, born from a former relationship, but which is cut off by Samuel’s sudden move. He returns, yes, but will Lena find it in her heart to trust him when he seemingly abandoned her ten years ago?
Although I was a bit frustrated with the lack of forward movement in their relationship throughout the book, wanting them to reconcile sooner, I can imagine the distrust Lena would have not knowing Samuel’s full story.
There is a feeling of calm and peace when I read one of Simpson’s Amish novels. Although the Amish live a sheltered life, much is revealed in their daily lives, which brings credence to this unique group. The dance around their courtship culture is fascinating, and sure to keep the reader engaged.

[Pamela Pavkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samuel's Return is the sixth remarkable story written by Susan Lantz Simpson in her Southern Maryland Amish Country series. This story proves that you can go home after years away and be accepted by those you left behind. But when Samuel returns home all he wants is for LenaTroyer to forgive him for leaving her when they were young. Lena doesn't make it easy for Samuel and is determined they will remain friends and nothing more. This story is inspiring in many ways. The author has done an amazing job bringing in characters from previous stories to add more to this story.

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.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read by this author and even though it is book six in the series I was able to read it as a stand-alone. I found it to be sweet and engaging after all who doesn’t love second chance love stories. If you throw in some adorable children and a snarky Amish maiden to give the heroine competition then you can smile and cringe as the story progresses. I loved that Samuel didn’t give up on Lena and sweetly pursued her as it represents to me how God doesn’t give up on us and gently woes us. Samuel has a secret about his family that isn’t revealed until the end which definitely keeps you reading. All in all a good story that is entertaining from the beginning. I would like to read more by this author.
I was blessed to be given this book to read. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

[Leslie McKee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is part of a series, but it can easily stand alone.

I've read other books by this author, and I always enjoy them. Once again, she's crafted a charming story with realistic and relatable characters and scenarios. Many Amish-themed novels take place in Ohio or Pennsylvania, and I like that fact that this one is in Maryland. Vivid detailing makes the reader feel a part of the story.

Themes of love, shame, forgiveness, and hope are woven throughout this tale. The children are endearing. The ending wasn't quite what I expected, as it felt like there were still a few loose ends, but it was an enjoyable story overall.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

[Tish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read. This is a story of trusting and forgiving. The story is about Lena and Samuel. They were teenagers who fell in love. Samuel was older than Lena and not old enough to marry. Samuel's family decided to move away. They both agreed to write till they could marry. After many years of not hearing from Samuel and Lena's parents die she meets a man and marries him. They have three children together. Lena's husband dies and she is left a widow. Samuel moves back and Lena doesn't want anything to do with him. Samuel never married and still loves Lena. Can Lena forgive and listen to Samuel's story. The characters were wonderful and I enjoyed the storyline.

[Mimia The Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Another Amish book. It was a good read with good characters, sweet babies, some funny scenes and some drama, second chances and longing.
It had everything to be highly rated except there was a something that was missing... or rather not very much was missing - we always know what all the characters are thinking and feel so there’s not that mystery part that makes a reader just wanting one more chapter. On the other hand, there are some secrets that are hinted at from the beginning but don’t live up to all the hype when revealed.
All in all, it’s an entertaining read that didn’t work that well for me.

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thoughts: This is a sweet Amish romance set in Maryland about two young lovers who lost each other and then found each other again. But is it too late? Lena no longer trusts Samuel, and Samuel is afraid to tell her the truth about why he left. And all the other young single girls have their kapps set for Samuel. I enjoyed reading this book and the other books in the series so far and recommend it for fans of Amish fiction. You won't be disappointed. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

[melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from the author to write it honest review in the Exchange, I always love her book's, they are alway's so very good. I didn't want to put it down ans didn't want it to end. I love the love story in it. I can't wait for more. that is my honest opinion!
she is one of my favorite author's. I hardly ever have any thing to say bad bout her. she a sweet lady as well. hope you pick up your copy.

[Donna Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful amish romance book. I found the book easy to read, with endearing characters, and compelling issues. Learning to forgive is one of the hardest things to do. A young widow with three small children to raise. A returning long forgotten love, who was supposed to have come back long ago. A young family just beginning their journey in life. This all adds up to a wonderful story by Susan Lantz Simpson~ Samuel's Return.

[Cathy Cermele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved everything about this sweet story and it’s my favorite in this series by Ms. Simpson. Lena Troyer and her adorable children are impossible not to love. Samuel Mast is pretty special, too and I loved the time they spent together. He’s the kind of person you would want in your life, even though Lena was hesitant to let him close to her and I can’t say I blamed her given their past.

Filled with memorable characters, warmth and some pretty funny moments when the young ladies in the community try to win Samuel’s heart, this is a wonderful story. This heartwarming, well-paced novel held my attention from beginning to end.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Cecilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samuel’s Return in the sixth book in Susan Lantz Simpson's “The Amish of Southern Maryland” series. This can be read as a stand alone novel, however, I would recommend reading the entire series if you love this book as much as I did. I would recommend this story to everyone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a well written story, Lena loved Samuel but his family moved away with out notice. now he is back and she is a widow with 3 children. will she give him a chance and does he want a second chance. a very good story. i was given a copy of the book by netgalley but this is an honest review. if you like romance stories and Amish you will want to read the book

[Jean Thurmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's so hard to forgive the past. Or more so forget. But to forge a future one cannot live in the past and not only forgive but have faith with what is now. I love how this story builds on the values and teaches about faith and forgiveness to open up to love and build on one another strengths and giving of one another. The story was inspiring.