She's broken and searching for family. He lost the love of his life. Will this unlikely couple find their happily ever after when they least expect it?
Single mother Kayla Johnson embarks on a journey to Pennsylvania in search of her daughter's biological family. But when a storm forces them to turn in to an abandoned home in a small Amish community, Kayla must come to terms with her past disappointments and her distrust in God.
Amish widower Silas Miller has always dreamed of owning his own property. So when Minister Yoder vacates his home and moves out of state, Silas is thrilled to be caretaker for the Yoder homestead. But when a trespasser finds shelter in the Yoders' house, Silas realizes it's not by accident. When he learns a secret that rocks his world, he must make a decision that will challenge life as he knows it.
Will Silas listen to God's still small voice even if he's asked to give up his dream? Furthermore, can he open his heart to love again?
This unputdownable romance set in Indiana Amish country is the first book in USA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer Spredemann's Amish Country Brides series!
Books in the AMISH COUNTRY BRIDES Series
The Trespasser The Heartbreaker The Charmer The Drifter The Giver The Teacher The Widower The Keeper The Pretender The Arranger (currently titled The Arrangement in the Amish Spring Romance collection, solo book will be available May 2023) The Healer The Newcomer (prequel to the series)
Characters you'll laugh, cry, and fall in love with. Faith-filled Amish love stories set in Indiana from USA TODAY bestselling author Jennifer Spredemann!
By the grace of God, USA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer Spredemann began writing professionally as J.E.B. Spredemann in 2012. The acronym J.E.B. stands for Jennifer, Emily, and Brandi. Emily and Brandi are Jennifer's two eldest daughters, and co-authored the Amish Girls Series books, along with A Christmas of Mercy. (Brandi also writes Christian Western Romance under the pen name, Brandi Gabriel.) You will find Jennifer's Amish-themed books under both Jennifer Spredemann and J.E.B. Spredemann. Jennifer also writes (non-Amish) Christian romance under the pen name Michelynn Christy. As of 2025, Spredemann has penned over fifty titles, the majority of which are Amish romance. Readers describe Spredemann's stories as books they "can't put down." Spredemann strives to tell intriguing stories that touch the hearts of her readers and bring glory to God.
This story is more like the usual Amish tales we are familiar with. First, they have a deep love of, and total respect for God. There is a heartwarming tale below that love, and total gratitude for the unusual circumstances that brought them all together. It is sprinkled with a smattering of Amish words, whose meanings are easy to understand. There are a few totally unexpected developments throughout. Recommended for all ages.
Kayla Johnson and her five year old daughter Bailey have traveled by car from California hoping to reach Pennsylvania. Kayla hoped to find Bailey's father and tell him that he had a daughter. Poor visibility at night,from a terrible storm caused her to get lost in Indiana. Finding a deserted house she decided to hold up there and wait out the storm. It wasn't long before she was discovered however. Would the handsome Amish man, Silas Miller, force Kayla and her young daughter to leave the house and head back out into the storm? Would they be able to stay at least until the next morning ? I thought the book had more physical attraction than I would like to see in Amish Fiction or Christian Fiction. However the story had a good plot to it and the character Silas Miller shared the gospel with his girlfriend, Kayla Johnson. So that pleased this reader as it isn't often that this happens even in Christian fiction. This book is for readers who like Amish Fiction . If you are familiar with Jennifer Spredemann's writing style you will enjoy this book. I purchased a Kindle ebook version of The Trespasser from Amazon. A favorable review was not requested. All opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
“She didn’t understand that Der Herr was the one who healed broken hearts, not the one who broke them.”
The Trespasser is a heartrending story of God’s amazing love for each one despite their view of Him before they accept His forgiveness and love. Kayla and Bailey were lost in a storm with no intentions of remaining when they found shelter in an empty Amish home. The shock Silas received when he checked on Minister Yoder’s property may be more directed by God than coincidental as he sought God for guidance. This story is filled with love, pain, devotion, heartache, faith and strong determination to follow God’s leading even when challenges were presented to Silas. Kayla and Silas had a connection once Kayla shared her secret, but could she find peace and love when God seemed to have abandoned her with no family left except her fun loving daughter, Bailey?
Spredemann intertwined different Amish communities Ordnung and practices along with the Gospel message into this spellbinding story. I was drawn in from the beginning and didn’t stop reading till the end. I would like to see a continuation of these characters in future books as there was an unexpected turn of events.
I received an ARC e-book from the author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. I have expressed my own thoughts for this captivating story.
**Contains Spoilers** Ugh. The main character female was shallow and fickle and not like any mother I have ever known. She let her child sleep alone in a house with a complete stranger. She did not even share the room with her kid? No, she immediately trusts this man because he is attractive.
She drove across the country with no plan. Other than to hopefully find the father of her child after no word for 5 years, To find him solely for child support. Then, she mourns because he died and she could have had a life with him.
Not to worry though, within 2 days she is in love with another man. Who wants to marry her as per "God's will." Good thing as again she had no plan, just towing her child around hoping for the best.
She is angry at God for her mother's death but gets over it quick enough and wants to become Amish to be with the love of her life, the one she met a few days ago. *insert excessive eye rolling here*
But wait! Babydaddy is actually alive! She finds out but decides to hide it from her fiancé because she knows she will not be allowed to marry him. So she hides the truth from him and her elders. The elders of the church she JUST joined. Because it is God's will they get married so obviously lying by omission is also in His plan.
There is nothing cute or sweet about this story. It doesn't even equal romance. It seems more like "passive idiot marries as only option."
For sweet romance in the Amish community, try the Amish Marketplace books by Amy Clipton instead. Much better.
This was a waste and I will not bother with any of this author's other works.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I just finished this sweet little read of a book. I enjoyed it very much and this author certainly make me get a feel good, shivers up your spine feel just because I too have a few of these in my life. The only thing I find fault with it, is that it was too short!! I feel this way because I think Kayla and Silas has more to tell! The message is wonderful and Truth. Sometimes God does orchestrate things as He sees them. For I know the plans I have for you. He certainly does! He often sends people into our lives for a reason. No one knows why. Maybe it's for a second chance or maybe it's just for friendship who knows why. I also loved how the author has weaved and explained the differences in the Amish cultures. I love learning new things. I especially was intrigued by the different colors of buggies belonging to each section as Silas told Kayla. I felt like I was learning right along with Kayla. I was rooting for Kayla the whole entire time! With the Der Herrs and Silas' help and my prayers I was very happy for her. I want to read more of Spredemann's books. I love her style of writing very much. The cover of this book is beautiful! It makes the figure on the cover mysterious and makes you wonder what or who she is going to. Cover goes well with the story. I highly recommend this book. I guarantee you'll learn much! My thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a review. All opinions are my own.
Delightful! Ms. Spredemann's many quotes from The Bible and use of verses helps the reader grow their faith while reading this delightful story about a young couple lead by Silas's strong faith in Gott leading ones life path. Kayla and Silas have a wonderful journey in love and life. I am anxious to read more in this series.
To his was a quick read..Kayla kept asking herself every little thing "will this storm stop, should I go into the house" etc. Maybe not THOSE questions, but she asked a ton of them. I felt like the author just needed to fill in space to make her bok long enough to meet publisher's requirements. I had no problem with the sparks between the 2 main characters, nor with them believing God led Kayla to the Yoder house. By the way, does the name Yoder have to be in every single Amish romance? But I felt myself skipping complete sentences just to get through this book. They were things already discussed & repeated. Kayla's character left a lot to be desired. One minute she doesn't act like becoming Amish will even be a consideration, the next it's a done deal. At least the guy's character (sorry.. forgot his name) considers leaving his family if he must. I did like him & Bailey. She was a doll. The author mentioned she lisped, but none of her words in conversation confirmed it. I know authors of Amish novels want to explain Amish ways, but I felt like the author carried it too far. One conversation was about being excommunicated & it had nothing to do with this story. This story evoked no sympathy or excitement or anguish. I just wanted to finish it. Even the surprise toward the end didn't make me anxious to see what happened.
Loved this book. Amish books are great even for teens. They have love scenes but not sex scenes. They are nice flowing great reads. I really enjoyed this one. Was half way expecting twist toward the end but then thought no not. Great storyline. Romance and little surprised and some talk Ogden God if course because they are Amish.
I usually don't read Amish as much due to how difficult they can be to follow but I believe Jennifer's stories are well written and explainable. This book was great with how the characters meet and how the storyline continues. I enjoyed reading this story and highly recommend it.
The Trespasser is a truly inspiring story written by Jennifer Spredemann in her new series, Amish Country Brides. With this being the lead off story to open the series the author has done an amazing job not only developing just the right collection of characters but also writing a story that will leave the reader wanting more. The storyline moves along at a great pace and will keep your interest until the end of the story. The characters are warm, loving, and devoted to God.
Kayla Johnson and her daughter Bailey are on a road trip to Pennsylvania when a torrential downpour starts making driving difficult. Seeking directions and shelter from the storm Kayla finds herself at an unoccupied house. When caretaker of the house, Silas Miller, arrives he discovers that someone is in the house. Which one was more shocked remains to be seen. This starts a truly endearing story as Kayla reveals who she is. Silas is absolutely certain that Der Herr is leading him on his chosen path but it is not one without difficulties. This amazing story is full of forgiveness, love, and faith as well as a plot twist toward the end. I enjoyed all the references to scripture throughout the story. The author has written another intriguing and inspirational story.
I did accept an arc ebook from this author to read in advance of the release. I was not approached by anyone to post a favorable response just an honest one. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations an amazing story that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to Jennifer Spredemann on writing a truly inspirational book involving the Amish for all readers enjoyment. This book is a positive start to another enjoyable series.
I really enjoyed the pace of this story. It moved right along. I liked the characters and the premise of the story. There were many good details and believable descriptions. It was a very nice story.
This is a very sweet story with many surprises. I especially liked that one part of the storyline was devoted to how one could believe in God and receive Jesus as their Lord.
What an unique story! Single mother Kayla is traveling cross country to find the father of her daughter when a storm forces her off the road to find safety. As she comes upon a house in the middle of nowhere, Kayla hopes the owner will allow her some respite from the storm. Only, no one is home. Kayla and her daughter find the front door unlocked, so they enter the home and rest. Surely, it wouldn't hurt to stay the night to avoid the flooding, thunder and lightning. As they are settling in, Silas enters the home. He's been hired to care for the home while its owner has moved away. Silas insists Kayla and her daughter stay the night in the big house while he offers to sleep in the barn for propriety's sake, but Kayla insists he stay in the house. After all, there are 7 bedrooms--enough to share. Silas is an Amish widow who comes to care for Kayla's and her daughter's wellbeing. Kayla shares her story of how she became pregnant at age 16 in a teenage romance, and tells of the teenaged boy who left afterward, never to be heard from again. She shows Silas the young man's picture, and that's where the story takes on several twists and turns. Will Silas and Kayla fall in love? If so, how can they marry since she's an "Englisch" and he's Amish? Will the community accept her and her "illegitimate" daughter? The twists and turns were unexpected and kept me reading. Kayla's daughter was sweet and loving. God truly works miracles in the middle of our messes!
The Trespasser by Jennifer Spredemann is the first book in a new series Amish Country Brides and just as I expected it was an exceptional read. As I have come to be familiar with Jennifer Spredemann books I look forward to each and every one and I am happy to say you will be as excited with The Trespasser as I was. A heatbroken young mother, a widower and yes God set a scenario that only he(God ) could orchestrate and as you read yes, you will see how his plan unfolds yet again to the amazement of each character as long as he or she believes in the power of his plan. One of the things that I love most about Jennifer’s books is that I not only get a great story line but I get a sneak peek into the vast differences from community to community in the Amish Culture all while keeping to their Communities Ordnung. This book had it all a beautiful romance, a little heartbreak, wonderful scripture, and cultural lessons of a Vast Amish Culture that is so very interesting to learn about. I look forward to the rest of the series and I’m sure you will be as equally happy as I was to read this wonderful book. I was gifted a copy of this book by the Author but I assure you my views are 100% my own. Don’t mis your change to read this wonderful book.
This was an excellent example of God's love for His people regardless of their past. He loves and watches for them.
The characters, Kayla and Bailey Johnson are mother and little daughter, who find themselves in a raging storm in Indiana as they travel to Pennsylvania. Looking for a place to stop and rest from the elements brings them to an empty Amish house. The door is unlocked and in their desperation, they enter and decide to spend the night. All is well, until Amish caretaker, Silas, comes to check on the property during the storm.
The storyline was really engaging. I absolutely loved it. I wanted the book to go on and on, yet at the same time, I wanted to find out what happens so wasn't able to stop till I had finished reading it!
The Christian values that are written into the book are heartwarming and shared real-life experiences that could happen to anyone. This story of second chances was a great example of growth, repentance and moving on past sorrows and trials.
I received an ebook copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own.
This is a sweet story of finding a place to call home. I immediately had sympathy for Kayla and her young daughter. Kayla’s search for home and family seems to be derailed by storms and flooding, yet she finds that even though she thinks God has no use for her, He’s been leading her to exactly where she needs to be. Silas is a great example of extending the love of Christ to others even when they may be “different” from us.
This book has a wonderful storyline. I read the whole book in one setting, as I just couldn’t find a good place to stop reading. My only complaint about this book was that I would have liked for it to have been longer. It works very well in novella length, but I wanted to keep reading about these characters.
I am encouraged after reading this book to remember God’s guidance in my own life and to recognize once again that He’s working all things for my good.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Jennifer Spredemann has done it again, in The Trespasser, a first book in her new series Amish Country Brides. This is a moving Christian novel with unforgettable characters and meaningful scriptural references. In The Trespasser a young mother goes searching for answers. Hard, driving rain forces her to take shelter at an apparently abandoned house OR was it God's plan all along. Her unbelief leads her to think it was coincidence. She meets a godly Amish man who is very concerned for her salvation. He is strangely drawn to this Englisher and wants to help her but knows he should keep his distance. The course of the story takes many turns with God's guidance in every step. You will want to read this book. It comes out February 1, 2020. This is my opinion. Thank you Jennifer Spredemann for the ARC book. #trespasser #amishbook #spredemann
What a lovely story this turned out to be. I love a good clean romance. Perfect palate cleanser from my usual murder mystery books. I have read a few books by this author now and have enjoyed them all. Loved the connection to her Amish by Accident novel. You don’t really need to read it first, but please do. You will enjoy it as well. This story is very much like a fairy tale for childhood. Boy meets girl. He’s a “price” in every way that counts. They fall in love. Everything conspires to keep them apart and then…we’ll you see where I’m going. I recommend this one to all. Even if you’ve never their this genre or this author, please give it a try. I will be reading another of her books soon.
A single mom, Kayla, and her daughter Bailey are driving in pouring rain on a backroad in Indiana. They had to take cover, so found a house that was empty.. until Silas showed up and changed both of their lives. Silas and God changed both Kayla and Bailey, and they both found that God is the one who controls their lives. But there are a few twist and turns in the story as well. This story will keep you wanting to read all day just to see what happens next. It is a wonderful story, and there will be 3 more books in the series,can not wait. I received an ARC book from author Jennifer Spredemann and this review is from my own words.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I enjoyed reading this short story by Jennifer Spredemann. I love how the author entertwines two opposite cultures and people together. Silas is Amish and has a strong faith in God-completely trusting Him. Kayla is not Amish and does not trust or have any use for God at all, but yet they are put together in a situation that causes them to see God's plan unfold for them both. The use of scriptures was an added bonus. This book did not disappoint and I am looking forward to the other books that will follow.
I received an ARC of this book and am not under any obligation to post positive reviews.
A well written story of how God can bring you through any obstacles in your life, by trusting & believing in Him , & praying. This story tells of a young english woman with her young daughter, becoming lost during a torrential rainstorm ,and seeking refuge in a vacant Amish home. As they decide to bed down for the night at this home, an Amish man shows up to check in on the house gutters and finds the woman & daughter inside, trespassing. From this moment on, the story becomes more and more exciting with so many emotions and feelings. Such an incredible story by J.E.B. Spredemann.
Thank you, Jennifer Spredemann for offering a free download of your book, The Trespasser.
Such a delightful story about how a storm brings Silas Miller, an Amish Widow, together with Single mother, Kayla Johnson and her daughter, Bayley.
Together, the embark on a God planned union that could NEVER happen between and Amish man and English woman.
This is the first book in the Amish Country Brides Series and such a beautiful love story that proves God is in control of every aspect of our life if we only allow him to be our guide.
This is a 5-star read you will never forget.
Views are entirely my own, and I was not required to share a positive review.
I am in awe of this book. This book had me hooked from the very first page and I finished it in one day. The characters tugged at my heart strings and made me love them and cheer the on. The book did have a few unexpected turns and I was pleased with the outcome. The book teaches us that God is in control and has a way of bringing others into our lives when we least expect it.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Jennifer Spredemann for an honest review and the opinions are my own. Thank you Jennifer.
I read other reviews, but it's almost like a different book. I really don't like to give bad reviews, but this one needs help
The story line premise should have given a good read, this book didn't do it. Perhaps if it was longer, with better character development, it could have worked. However, too much was unbelievable. Hey, this guy I met yesterday is hot, so i think I'll be Amish! Really? It showed more of a chemistry attraction than a meeting of the physical and soul. Nothing said a true soul conversion, even after rushing through the Baptism process. Nothing about dealing with drastic cultural changes. Just put on a kapp, it's done. And the arrival from the past made it even more unbelievable. Then the guy drove all that way, said hi, was out the door in seconds.
I got this book free as a promotional. I had to skim too much to recommend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Kayla met Josiah when she was sixteen and when he was on his rump spring. She ended up pregnant and he never wrote as he had promised. Years later Kayla tried to find him and she ran into his best friend, who informed her Josiah had drown on that trip. They fell in love with each other and Kayla went through the process of becoming an Amish. Just before the wedding, Josiah shows up wanting to see his child his brother had told him about. What should Kayla do? Read to see her decision.