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Amish New World #3
What the Heart Wants
The third book in Virginia Wise's sweeping historical Amish New World series unites the heartwarming love story of an Amish romance with a rugged, frontier setting--America's first permanent Amish settlement. There, two devoted sisters must rely on their faith and forge ahead in a difficult new world--only to find that love is a thrilling discovery of its own with the arrival of two brothers to their community.
Outgoing and irrepressible, young Christina has her choice of suitors. But she and her practical-minded older sister, Hilda, have built a thriving life in the rugged Pennsylvania backcountry. Hilda has given up her marriage dreams as foolish--and Christina vows she'll never marry until she finds her sister a husband. So when two handsome newcomers arrive, Christina engages in a bit of secret matchmaking--with disastrous results...
Johan is used to hard work and overcoming obstacles. He's instantly drawn to Christina's lively nature--and agrees with her that his serious brother, Wilhelm, would be perfect for Hilda. But Christina's selfless schemes are keeping her from seeing how much Johan really cares for her. And between mishaps, mistakes, and an unintentional masquerade, Christina and Johan will need to search their hearts to understand themselves, set things right--and embark on a future together...
Outgoing and irrepressible, young Christina has her choice of suitors. But she and her practical-minded older sister, Hilda, have built a thriving life in the rugged Pennsylvania backcountry. Hilda has given up her marriage dreams as foolish--and Christina vows she'll never marry until she finds her sister a husband. So when two handsome newcomers arrive, Christina engages in a bit of secret matchmaking--with disastrous results...
Johan is used to hard work and overcoming obstacles. He's instantly drawn to Christina's lively nature--and agrees with her that his serious brother, Wilhelm, would be perfect for Hilda. But Christina's selfless schemes are keeping her from seeing how much Johan really cares for her. And between mishaps, mistakes, and an unintentional masquerade, Christina and Johan will need to search their hearts to understand themselves, set things right--and embark on a future together...
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 29, 2020
9 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Virginia Wise
48 books69 followersVirginia Wise is a New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of inspirational romance. A romantic at heart, she loves a happily ever after. You might find her wandering Lancaster County's Amish country where she enjoys meeting new people who inspire her heartwarming stories. When she's not writing, Virginia enjoys painting, spending time with family and friends, and taking long walks in the woods. Visit her online at VirginiaWiseBooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 10, 2021
This is a Historical Amish Fiction, and this is the 3rd book in the Amish New World series. I love reading about Amish people just getting to America, but I did not love how the characters acted. I have to say I have not read an Amish Fiction book that was about sisters and bothers that just moved here. I love the historical fiction part of this book, but I did not love the Amish parts because I do not think those where done as well as some other books I have read and they where not a big part of the book. I also did not love the romance parts of this book. Over all I enjoyed parts, but I did not love some, so I think it was just ok. I do not think I would read another book in this series. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Zebra Books) or author (Virginia Wise) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
September 30, 2020
What the Heart Wants is a lovely story that takes place in the first Amish community in America. Johan and his brother Wilhelm have come to the community with Wilhelm's three boys.Wilhelm has been a widower for a few years and doesn't think any woman would be interested in him because his sons are very rowdy. Johan meets Cristina, and she has an older sister, Hilda. They become friends with the two brothers and they start having deeper feelings for each other. Johan asks Cristina to marry him, but in doing so, he botches it really bad, and doesn't know what to do about it. With a lot of confusion and misunderstandings things eventually work out. Great story that's clean and sweet.
November 14, 2020
This is the third book in this series that I have read and enjoyed, stories of the pioneering Amish, and their early lives and settlement in this country.
This is a story about siblings, sister's who raise sheep, and brother's whom have just arrived and looking to put down roots. I loved how each family worked and provided for all of the community, and thus ensure its survival.
This story had me chuckling out loud, read as outgoing Christina tries to teach her sensible sister Hilda how to use her womanly wiles. Then the recipient of those batting eyes is Wilhelm, a bit baffled by the complete change in Hilda! Then we have his bother, Johan with the high opinion of himself, quite the ladies man, and this is the 1700's in very rural Pennsylvania.
I am really enjoying reading about these early settlers of the Amish Community, and looking forward to more!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zebra, and was not required to give a positive review.
This is a story about siblings, sister's who raise sheep, and brother's whom have just arrived and looking to put down roots. I loved how each family worked and provided for all of the community, and thus ensure its survival.
This story had me chuckling out loud, read as outgoing Christina tries to teach her sensible sister Hilda how to use her womanly wiles. Then the recipient of those batting eyes is Wilhelm, a bit baffled by the complete change in Hilda! Then we have his bother, Johan with the high opinion of himself, quite the ladies man, and this is the 1700's in very rural Pennsylvania.
I am really enjoying reading about these early settlers of the Amish Community, and looking forward to more!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zebra, and was not required to give a positive review.
November 13, 2020
I received this book from netgalley. I really loved this story.
I was so excited to get this book wasn't disappointing in it.
I am beginning to love her book's, she may be come w favorite author of mine. I love the character's and the setting's ane the cover and the title
.I hope there will be more to come. I hope there be more to the see's. I feel there could be. my favorite character www Christina!
I was so excited to get this book wasn't disappointing in it.
I am beginning to love her book's, she may be come w favorite author of mine. I love the character's and the setting's ane the cover and the title
.I hope there will be more to come. I hope there be more to the see's. I feel there could be. my favorite character www Christina!
December 10, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, and I am really fond of historical Amish books. The characters were fun and Christina was definitely outgoing and a little bit of a schemer. Loved that.
I loved the frontier type adventure that these Pennsylvanian settlers experienced. I loved their simple life styles, work and ways of survival.
It was an enjoyable book and I hope to read more from this author and this time period. Really fun and entertaining.
I received this book from NetGalley and Zebra Publishing and was not required to give a positive review.
I loved the frontier type adventure that these Pennsylvanian settlers experienced. I loved their simple life styles, work and ways of survival.
It was an enjoyable book and I hope to read more from this author and this time period. Really fun and entertaining.
I received this book from NetGalley and Zebra Publishing and was not required to give a positive review.
December 29, 2020
This is a Historical Amish Fiction, and this is the 3rd book in the Amish New World series. I love reading about Amish people just getting to America, but I did not love how the characters acted. I have to say I have not read an Amish Fiction book that was about sisters and bothers that just moved here. I love the historical fiction part of this book, but I did not love the Amish parts because I do not think those where done as well as some other books I have read and they where not a big part of the book. I also did not love the romance parts of this book. Over all I enjoyed parts, but I did not love some, so I think it was just ok. I do not think I would read another book in this series. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Zebra Books) or author (Virginia Wise) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that. (*)
December 27, 2020
What the Heart Wants
Amish New World Book 3
Virginia Wise
https://www.facebook.com/VirginiaWise...
Release Date 12/29/2020
Publisher Kensington / Zebra Books
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
In this latest novel in Virginia Wise’s enthralling historical saga about America's first Amish settlement, two devoted sisters forge ahead in a difficult new world—only to find that love is a thrilling discovery of its own . . .
Outgoing and irrepressible, young Christina has her choice of suitors. But she and her practical-minded older sister, Hilda, have built a thriving life in the rugged Pennsylvania backcountry. Hilda has given up her marriage dreams as foolish—and Christina vows she’ll never marry until she finds her sister a husband. So when two handsome newcomers arrive, Christina engages in a bit of secret matchmaking—with disastrous results . . .
Johan is used to hard work and overcoming obstacles. He’s instantly drawn to Christina’s lively
nature—and agrees with her that his serious brother, Wilhelm, would be perfect for Hilda. But Christina’s selfless schemes are keeping her from seeing how much Johan really cares for her. And between mishaps, mistakes, and an unintentional masquerade, Christina and Johan will need to search their hearts to understand themselves, set things right—and embark on a future together . . .
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will they be able to untangle their feelings before their stubbornness gets he best of them ...
I have read few books with Amish as main characters recently , yet none set in the past.
In some way this one was closer to the historical romances I usually read.
And while the main romance is told from the point of view of the main couple, there is a second one pushed forward by the main heroes.
The heroes are the younger siblings in two duets of brothers and sisters.
The elderly ones are the serious and more wounded by life than the juniors.
Christina raised by her sister Hilda wants more from life than a roof over her head, she dreams for love and what’s it entail, but only if her serious sister gets her HEA too.
Johan enjoys the sighing and mooning of every young woman upon their first encounter with him. Yet while it is fun to be the vessel of such an adoration, he is not ready to settle. In some way he savors family’s life with his brother William’s brood.
In all, it is an amusing read with all the mishaps and misconceptions befalling on them. The trio of little boys is full of mischiefs and fun.
4 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 not a bit of steam.
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Kensington Books, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Amish New World Book 3
Virginia Wise
https://www.facebook.com/VirginiaWise...
Release Date 12/29/2020
Publisher Kensington / Zebra Books
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
In this latest novel in Virginia Wise’s enthralling historical saga about America's first Amish settlement, two devoted sisters forge ahead in a difficult new world—only to find that love is a thrilling discovery of its own . . .
Outgoing and irrepressible, young Christina has her choice of suitors. But she and her practical-minded older sister, Hilda, have built a thriving life in the rugged Pennsylvania backcountry. Hilda has given up her marriage dreams as foolish—and Christina vows she’ll never marry until she finds her sister a husband. So when two handsome newcomers arrive, Christina engages in a bit of secret matchmaking—with disastrous results . . .
Johan is used to hard work and overcoming obstacles. He’s instantly drawn to Christina’s lively
nature—and agrees with her that his serious brother, Wilhelm, would be perfect for Hilda. But Christina’s selfless schemes are keeping her from seeing how much Johan really cares for her. And between mishaps, mistakes, and an unintentional masquerade, Christina and Johan will need to search their hearts to understand themselves, set things right—and embark on a future together . . .
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will they be able to untangle their feelings before their stubbornness gets he best of them ...
I have read few books with Amish as main characters recently , yet none set in the past.
In some way this one was closer to the historical romances I usually read.
And while the main romance is told from the point of view of the main couple, there is a second one pushed forward by the main heroes.
The heroes are the younger siblings in two duets of brothers and sisters.
The elderly ones are the serious and more wounded by life than the juniors.
Christina raised by her sister Hilda wants more from life than a roof over her head, she dreams for love and what’s it entail, but only if her serious sister gets her HEA too.
Johan enjoys the sighing and mooning of every young woman upon their first encounter with him. Yet while it is fun to be the vessel of such an adoration, he is not ready to settle. In some way he savors family’s life with his brother William’s brood.
In all, it is an amusing read with all the mishaps and misconceptions befalling on them. The trio of little boys is full of mischiefs and fun.
4 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 not a bit of steam.
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Kensington Books, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
January 4, 2021
Life without love was not really living.
The time setting in this Amish romance made it more endearing. With the setting as families and individuals looking for a new beginning, you easily become engaged with the characters. You want them to succeed. You admire their hard work and principals. Christina and her older sister Hilda are all that they have left. Hilda being the eldest sister sacrificed love to be with Christina and settle in Pennsylvania from their old Amish community in Germany. It was interesting to dig in their background. How they survived and how they bounced off each other. Their personalities are complete opposites but they work well together as sisters and friends.
When two brothers come into the community Johan and Wilhelm, Christina is determined to find a spouse for Hilda. She loves her sister and knows that she needs her help to get the attention of Wilhelm. Wilhelm is a single father of 3 boys and he is serious and good natured. Christina also as her eyes on his youngest brother. Johan is life giving and supports his oldest brother.
A good romance has misunderstanding, cat and mouse, (the cat and mouse is also a dog and bear)and a knight and shining armor. I loved the characters and how they developed to be yourself always works better. That character counts and love always wins.
A special thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
The time setting in this Amish romance made it more endearing. With the setting as families and individuals looking for a new beginning, you easily become engaged with the characters. You want them to succeed. You admire their hard work and principals. Christina and her older sister Hilda are all that they have left. Hilda being the eldest sister sacrificed love to be with Christina and settle in Pennsylvania from their old Amish community in Germany. It was interesting to dig in their background. How they survived and how they bounced off each other. Their personalities are complete opposites but they work well together as sisters and friends.
When two brothers come into the community Johan and Wilhelm, Christina is determined to find a spouse for Hilda. She loves her sister and knows that she needs her help to get the attention of Wilhelm. Wilhelm is a single father of 3 boys and he is serious and good natured. Christina also as her eyes on his youngest brother. Johan is life giving and supports his oldest brother.
A good romance has misunderstanding, cat and mouse, (the cat and mouse is also a dog and bear)and a knight and shining armor. I loved the characters and how they developed to be yourself always works better. That character counts and love always wins.
A special thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
January 5, 2023
I know I thought this book was promising when I requested it. Maybe it was the cover? I don't really rembember why I got that first impression.
Well, was I disappointed! This read as a slash of a romcom and contemporary inspirational fiction trying to dress up as Amish historical fiction. And it did not work well. Besides, the main idea of this books and the way characters act is based in the "just follow your heart" philosophy (the title - What the Heart Wants - really should have clued me in) and that's an emphatic no for me.
Since this was an ARC, I wanted to finish it before leaving a review, but I had to skim a bit to be able to reach that last page. By the end, I was just mad at everyone for being so annoying, clueless, and unrealistic.
I don't recommend this book.
I received this book via NetGalley. I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
Well, was I disappointed! This read as a slash of a romcom and contemporary inspirational fiction trying to dress up as Amish historical fiction. And it did not work well. Besides, the main idea of this books and the way characters act is based in the "just follow your heart" philosophy (the title - What the Heart Wants - really should have clued me in) and that's an emphatic no for me.
Since this was an ARC, I wanted to finish it before leaving a review, but I had to skim a bit to be able to reach that last page. By the end, I was just mad at everyone for being so annoying, clueless, and unrealistic.
I don't recommend this book.
I received this book via NetGalley. I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
December 30, 2020
Stories of pioneer Amish are so interesting! I say this because even in today's Amish world there really hasn't been no changes except maybe in the Amish business or maybe just for pleasure.
This is the third installment and I for one really really enjoyed. Yes, there may be places that are slow but that is to be expected.
It picked up towards the middle of the book.
I didn't mind. I learn from these slow places.
I wanted to clap my hands for the characters and yes sometimes even yell at them when something didn't click right away.
But really that is the joy of life. Learning from your mistakes along the way.
Virginia Wise is an excellent story teller and I love how she makes the seem real.
The way she tells about the scenery man, I felt like I was there!! It's another reason I love Amish books.
I am amazed that their lifestyle hasn't changed much down through the years like I said earlier.. I'm fascinated. I know that we can learn a few lessons from them along the way..
I wonder if today's generation would actually survive if something were to happen?
I really enjoyed this book and this is my honest opinion. I was NOT required to write a positive review.
I highly recommend to people who love historical novels.
This is the third installment and I for one really really enjoyed. Yes, there may be places that are slow but that is to be expected.
It picked up towards the middle of the book.
I didn't mind. I learn from these slow places.
I wanted to clap my hands for the characters and yes sometimes even yell at them when something didn't click right away.
But really that is the joy of life. Learning from your mistakes along the way.
Virginia Wise is an excellent story teller and I love how she makes the seem real.
The way she tells about the scenery man, I felt like I was there!! It's another reason I love Amish books.
I am amazed that their lifestyle hasn't changed much down through the years like I said earlier.. I'm fascinated. I know that we can learn a few lessons from them along the way..
I wonder if today's generation would actually survive if something were to happen?
I really enjoyed this book and this is my honest opinion. I was NOT required to write a positive review.
I highly recommend to people who love historical novels.
September 17, 2020
I was looking forward to reading a book about when the Amish came over from Germany and settled here in America. I was looking forward to reading about struggles and triumphs, what they went through, etc. This is not that book. There are vague references to what life was like in Germany compared to the Pennsylvania wild. References to missing certain things in their German village and missing family left behind. However, this is a romance novel. I was hoping it would be a combo, romance along with more historical fiction then what was in this book. I was disappointed. I also thought the book had some more modern ideas and language then what they had and spoke in the mid 1700's.
The book has some minor editing errors like using Maybe instead of Mayhap. Also, I was kind of confused as we didn't know the last names of the main characters but all of a sudden they appeared. In most Amish novels I've noticed the characters refer to each other by 1st and last name. The same is true for this book, however, sisters Hilda and Christina were introduced to fresh off the boat Johan and Wilhelm, no last names were spoken but they knew it automatically I guess? The only other thing I found was a couple of times where one person was talking about a person and the book said the person's name who was speaking instead of who they were speaking of. For example, when Christina is speaking of Hilda, it mentions Hilda's name in 1 sentence and a few sentences later when Christina is still speaking she says Christina instead of Hilda.
So for the most part there were a few editing errors.
But I did find the romance and need to find a husband a little much for this book. I disliked how they said Hilda was on the shelf, because she was over the normal marriageable age. I don't remember them mentioning being on the shelf before in other Amish novels I've read, but it seemed just odd to speak of it that way, however, I don't know for sure if they do say that.
Christina's schemes for getting a husband and for getting Hilda a husband went a little crazy at times. But we often do crazy things for the people we love! But it often seemed Christina's character was only about harebrained schemes to find true love. She did have a tender heart and it is shown throughout the book, but the schemes became a little much for me.
Johan's character was pretty arrogant, and did seem like he was God's gift to women at times, but I did like the transformation of his character from being a self proclaimed bachelor to someone who fell in love. I liked watching that progression. I also liked watching the progression of Hilda's character as she goes from being the hard to please sister, that seems to criticize and "be made of stone," to someone with a soft heart. It was nice to see her through Wilhelm's eyes.
Wilhelm's character we learn a little bit about but he's mainly at the end of one harebrained schemes after another! Poor guy!
I was also surprised by the lack of German words used, most Amish fiction has Pennsylvania Dutch phrases that are German or Dutch. Since this was an early settlement I expected more German throughout, with the translation usually being a sentence or 2 after the word. The only German used was Ja, some clothing references like prayer kappe, and der Herr which I had to look up, it means the Lord. The 1st context it was used it didn't make it clear that it would be referring to God.
To sum it up, this book was ok, it was kind of disappointing because I guess I expected more then an Amish romance novel with harebrained schemes to get 2 sisters married, and more of a historical fiction book of the 1st Amish settlement in America! It is a quick read and is an ok book to read on a rainy afternoon!
Thank you to NetGalley and Zebra Books for the advanced ecopy. I was not paid for my opinion, only to read the book and to give my honest opinion.
The book has some minor editing errors like using Maybe instead of Mayhap. Also, I was kind of confused as we didn't know the last names of the main characters but all of a sudden they appeared. In most Amish novels I've noticed the characters refer to each other by 1st and last name. The same is true for this book, however, sisters Hilda and Christina were introduced to fresh off the boat Johan and Wilhelm, no last names were spoken but they knew it automatically I guess? The only other thing I found was a couple of times where one person was talking about a person and the book said the person's name who was speaking instead of who they were speaking of. For example, when Christina is speaking of Hilda, it mentions Hilda's name in 1 sentence and a few sentences later when Christina is still speaking she says Christina instead of Hilda.
So for the most part there were a few editing errors.
But I did find the romance and need to find a husband a little much for this book. I disliked how they said Hilda was on the shelf, because she was over the normal marriageable age. I don't remember them mentioning being on the shelf before in other Amish novels I've read, but it seemed just odd to speak of it that way, however, I don't know for sure if they do say that.
Christina's schemes for getting a husband and for getting Hilda a husband went a little crazy at times. But we often do crazy things for the people we love! But it often seemed Christina's character was only about harebrained schemes to find true love. She did have a tender heart and it is shown throughout the book, but the schemes became a little much for me.
Johan's character was pretty arrogant, and did seem like he was God's gift to women at times, but I did like the transformation of his character from being a self proclaimed bachelor to someone who fell in love. I liked watching that progression. I also liked watching the progression of Hilda's character as she goes from being the hard to please sister, that seems to criticize and "be made of stone," to someone with a soft heart. It was nice to see her through Wilhelm's eyes.
Wilhelm's character we learn a little bit about but he's mainly at the end of one harebrained schemes after another! Poor guy!
I was also surprised by the lack of German words used, most Amish fiction has Pennsylvania Dutch phrases that are German or Dutch. Since this was an early settlement I expected more German throughout, with the translation usually being a sentence or 2 after the word. The only German used was Ja, some clothing references like prayer kappe, and der Herr which I had to look up, it means the Lord. The 1st context it was used it didn't make it clear that it would be referring to God.
To sum it up, this book was ok, it was kind of disappointing because I guess I expected more then an Amish romance novel with harebrained schemes to get 2 sisters married, and more of a historical fiction book of the 1st Amish settlement in America! It is a quick read and is an ok book to read on a rainy afternoon!
Thank you to NetGalley and Zebra Books for the advanced ecopy. I was not paid for my opinion, only to read the book and to give my honest opinion.
February 21, 2021
Virginia Wise's New World Amish series continues delightfully in What the Heart Wants. The series is based on the first Amish Settlement in America. Each story has told the tale of surviving in a harsh land while finding love. The latest one follows sisters Christina and Hilda. Christina is a dreamer, always wishing for her Prince Charming. When she finds Johan, a newcomer to the settlement, atop her woodpile trying to get away from her dog, she thinks she has finally met him. But, her sister Hilda has given up everything to raise Christina and Christina doesn't want to leave her without Hilda finding love also. Luckily, Johan has a brother. However, in Christina's attempt to get Wilhelm to notice Hilda and vice versa, Johan thinks Christina has fallen for her brother. What ensues is a romantic comedy full of mix-ups and merriment. I have enjoyed all of the stories in Wise's series, and this one was so much fun. And, not only did it have me laughing oud loud in several places, it also reminded me that love cannot be prideful. It must be open and honest. Thanks to #NetGalley for the chance to read this story. I adored it. And thanks to #VirginaWise for sharing her stories with us. #Bookstagram #all_the_pages
December 31, 2020
If you love Amish fiction, please do not miss this sweet and funny story. It was an absolute delight to read.
The main character, Christina, is funny, bubbly, impulsive, caring, and deeply loves her sister, Hilda. She dreams of romance, but living in a rugged, frontier setting in the woods, there aren’t that many Amish suitors available. She has her dream of her ideal future husband, and despite their remote location, she meets him in a most unusual way. Johan is interested in Christina, too, but things don’t go as smoothly as Christina had planned between them. In addition to planning her own romance, Christina decides that Johan’s widowed brother, Wilhelm, would be the perfect match for Hilda. But as is normal for Christina’s well-intentioned schemes, things take a different direction than she imagines they will. This book is heart-warming and you’ll find yourself cheering both Hilda and Christina to each find their happily-ever-after.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The main character, Christina, is funny, bubbly, impulsive, caring, and deeply loves her sister, Hilda. She dreams of romance, but living in a rugged, frontier setting in the woods, there aren’t that many Amish suitors available. She has her dream of her ideal future husband, and despite their remote location, she meets him in a most unusual way. Johan is interested in Christina, too, but things don’t go as smoothly as Christina had planned between them. In addition to planning her own romance, Christina decides that Johan’s widowed brother, Wilhelm, would be the perfect match for Hilda. But as is normal for Christina’s well-intentioned schemes, things take a different direction than she imagines they will. This book is heart-warming and you’ll find yourself cheering both Hilda and Christina to each find their happily-ever-after.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
December 21, 2020
What the Heart Wants by Virginia Wise is a charming historical Amish romance. Although this latest release is the third book in the Amish New World series, it can be read as a standalone.
Thirty-two year old Hilda raised her sister Christina after their parents' deaths. The two eventually emigrate from Germany to the Pennsylvania wilderness where they live with a small group of other Amish families. They share a small cabin and support themselves with their herd of sheep. Hilda bears the weight of responsibility gladly and she always puts work first.
Nineteen year old Christina Dresser is a dreamer whose head is in the clouds a lot of the time. She is a bit flighty and easily distracted. Christina's heart is always in the right place which sometimes lands her in trouble as she tries to ensure her sister's happiness.
Christina is instantly smitten with newcomer Johan Lantz. He, his brother Wilhelm and Wilhelm's rambunctious sons have recently arrived and they working hard to establish their homestead. Johan is a flirt who at twenty-three, is in no hurry to settle down. So when he meets Christina, he is caught off guard by his thoughts of marriage.
Wilhelm is a widower with his hands full with his three energetic sons. While not exactly looking for a new wife, he is not averse to marrying again. But he harbors doubts a woman would be willing to take on him and three young boys.
What the Heart Wants is an enjoyable Amish romance that is slow-paced. The storyline is interesting but readers spend a lot of time in Johan and Christina's heads since the chapters alternate between their viewpoints. They are both immature so there are miscommunications and misunderstandings between them. Virginia Wise brings this heartwarming romance to a gratifying conclusion. Fans of the Amish New World series are sure to love this latest installment.
Thirty-two year old Hilda raised her sister Christina after their parents' deaths. The two eventually emigrate from Germany to the Pennsylvania wilderness where they live with a small group of other Amish families. They share a small cabin and support themselves with their herd of sheep. Hilda bears the weight of responsibility gladly and she always puts work first.
Nineteen year old Christina Dresser is a dreamer whose head is in the clouds a lot of the time. She is a bit flighty and easily distracted. Christina's heart is always in the right place which sometimes lands her in trouble as she tries to ensure her sister's happiness.
Christina is instantly smitten with newcomer Johan Lantz. He, his brother Wilhelm and Wilhelm's rambunctious sons have recently arrived and they working hard to establish their homestead. Johan is a flirt who at twenty-three, is in no hurry to settle down. So when he meets Christina, he is caught off guard by his thoughts of marriage.
Wilhelm is a widower with his hands full with his three energetic sons. While not exactly looking for a new wife, he is not averse to marrying again. But he harbors doubts a woman would be willing to take on him and three young boys.
What the Heart Wants is an enjoyable Amish romance that is slow-paced. The storyline is interesting but readers spend a lot of time in Johan and Christina's heads since the chapters alternate between their viewpoints. They are both immature so there are miscommunications and misunderstandings between them. Virginia Wise brings this heartwarming romance to a gratifying conclusion. Fans of the Amish New World series are sure to love this latest installment.
March 7, 2021
I don't often read historical Amish novels, but I was drawn to this story of 2 sisters, Hilda and Christina, and 2 brothers, Johan and Wilhelm, living in colonial Pennsylvania. Johan is a single father to 3 boys and the more serious of the brothers. Christina is finding herself drawn to Johan, but she has guilt at leaving Hilda.....soooo, she sets about to match Hilda and the widower, Wilhelm. Will this match work? Will Christina be the match for Johan and his boys? Follow the trail of twists and turns, ups and downs, laughter and tears to find out just how life turns out for the four young people and their journey into love!!
Sit back and enjoy this wonderful book that places you in the colonial time period. Let your mind go back to where life was simpler, less stressful and far more funny than you would imagine. The character development draws you into their life predicaments and places a smile on your lips! I look forward to additional novels by this author.
Sit back and enjoy this wonderful book that places you in the colonial time period. Let your mind go back to where life was simpler, less stressful and far more funny than you would imagine. The character development draws you into their life predicaments and places a smile on your lips! I look forward to additional novels by this author.
December 6, 2025
This novel is an Amish fiction story, following Christina and her love interest Johan, as their relationship develops from mutual friendship to courting. In a slight deviation from a romance novel, Christina also attempts to set her spinster sister Hilda up with the widowed father of three sons Wilhelm, who happens to be Johan's older brother.
Regrettably this novel was not for me. It was slow paced, plodding at some areas, and did not create enough drama or tension for me. Some may like this novel, others may have ambivalent opinions.
Regrettably this novel was not for me. It was slow paced, plodding at some areas, and did not create enough drama or tension for me. Some may like this novel, others may have ambivalent opinions.
October 13, 2020
Anybody looking for a light-hearted escape into a cozy community should enjoy reading this third book in the Amish New World series. The setting makes you feel as if you're there in the 18th century and the characters are all people you'd want to know. The romance doesn't feel contrived but is still comforting. Highly recommend!
November 13, 2020
This is definitely not your typical Amish fiction novel. However, you will definitely enjoy reading it and will enjoy the love the blossoms from it. It gives a great window into how people lived during this time. A good read.
October 2, 2020
Holy moly I love this book! It is a fantastic read and if I could give it more stars I would.
November 23, 2020
Absolutely a 10/10 book. I CANNOT wait for more!
March 16, 2021
Book three from Virginia Wise's Amish New World, What the Heart Wants, is a wonderful story. I loved it and am giving it five stars.
May 26, 2024
An easy light read. Sweet double love story. Clean. Overall story predictable but the details are not and well written.
June 16, 2024
Hope she continues with this series. Besides enjoying I learn much
August 1, 2025
very good book very good series
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