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Their Surprise Amish Marriage
Might her new husband
be this reluctant bride’s perfect match?
No one in their Amish community thought Rachel Mast would end up with Ben Raber—least of all Rachel! Everyone assumed she’d start a family with his brother, until he broke her heart by leaving the community. Now Rachel’s unexpectedly pregnant and married to a hardworking husband who feels like a stranger. It's not the marriage she hoped for…but can they turn this rocky beginning into a happy ending?
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
be this reluctant bride’s perfect match?
No one in their Amish community thought Rachel Mast would end up with Ben Raber—least of all Rachel! Everyone assumed she’d start a family with his brother, until he broke her heart by leaving the community. Now Rachel’s unexpectedly pregnant and married to a hardworking husband who feels like a stranger. It's not the marriage she hoped for…but can they turn this rocky beginning into a happy ending?
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2021
About the author
Jocelyn McClay
33 books125 followersNew York Times and Publisher's Weekly bestselling author Jocelyn McClay grew up on an Iowa farm, ultimately pursuing a degree in agriculture. She met her husband while weightlifting in a small town - he 'spotted her'. After thirty years in business management, they moved to an acreage in southeastern Missouri to be closer to family when their oldest of three daughters made them grandparents. When not writing, she keeps busy grandparenting, hiking, biking gardening, quilting, knitting and substitute teaching.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 16, 2021
Another visit to the village of Miller’s Creek tells the story of Ben and Rachel and their unlikely marriage. Sometimes sad in the trials they experience and sometimes beautiful as we watch this young couple work out their relationship and come to the realization of their deep love for each other and their precious babies. This one really tugged at my heart. Looking forward to my next visit with the wonderful folks of Miller’s Creek.
June 20, 2025
I never really thought I'd be reading an Amish romance book, but here I am. I thought the plot sounded interesting so I wanted to give it a go. Not a long book, so it took me only a couple of days to finish. And for an Amish book, I feel like I learned more about the community that I wasn't aware of before.
I enjoyed this. I guess it is part of a series, but I don't think it is necessary to read in order. It seems the only benefit is you meet side characters who become bigger characters in future books.
In this book, Jocelyn McClay brings up topics of love, forgiveness, patience, and what it is to have a strong foundation in marriage. I also liked how the author went into different forms of love and how we can picture ourselves in love but it really isn't going to be a lasting love. McClay compares the love to annual and perennial flowers. One will grow bigger and healthier every year and the other is fleeting. Unfortunately our characters do not communicate well with one another which causes a lot of stress. I was a bit frustrated with them, but I was able to understand where they were coming from. If the book had been longer I would have been more frustrated. I think the ending was maybe a little rushed, I would have liked to see how some other things could have resolved, but it wasn't that big of a deal. If you want something quick and sweet, this is a good one. I probably won't read another in the series at the moment, but I was entertained enough to never say never.
I enjoyed this. I guess it is part of a series, but I don't think it is necessary to read in order. It seems the only benefit is you meet side characters who become bigger characters in future books.
In this book, Jocelyn McClay brings up topics of love, forgiveness, patience, and what it is to have a strong foundation in marriage. I also liked how the author went into different forms of love and how we can picture ourselves in love but it really isn't going to be a lasting love. McClay compares the love to annual and perennial flowers. One will grow bigger and healthier every year and the other is fleeting. Unfortunately our characters do not communicate well with one another which causes a lot of stress. I was a bit frustrated with them, but I was able to understand where they were coming from. If the book had been longer I would have been more frustrated. I think the ending was maybe a little rushed, I would have liked to see how some other things could have resolved, but it wasn't that big of a deal. If you want something quick and sweet, this is a good one. I probably won't read another in the series at the moment, but I was entertained enough to never say never.
August 28, 2021
Wow, what a well written and thought out story showing forgiveness, love and overcoming the past. Their Surprise Amish Marriage brought Rachel and Ben together in an unexpected way. Rachel was looking forward to marrying Aaron, Ben’s older brother. With the unfortunate behavior of him leaving Miller’s Creek for the Englisch world she found comfort with Ben that evening. Time proved their actions could not be ignored. With a small wedding, learning to adjust to married life, will Rachel be able to put her feelings aside for Aaron?
This is a touching story that stirred my heartstrings. McClay wrote this in a way that drew me in from the start and I didn’t want the story to end. I cried and smiled as we see the struggles and victories Rachel and Ben had with their unexpected marriage.
I won a complimentary copy of this book from the author through a Facebook group without any obligation to write a review. I have willingly shared my own opinion for this story and loved it more than earlier books by the author.
This is a touching story that stirred my heartstrings. McClay wrote this in a way that drew me in from the start and I didn’t want the story to end. I cried and smiled as we see the struggles and victories Rachel and Ben had with their unexpected marriage.
I won a complimentary copy of this book from the author through a Facebook group without any obligation to write a review. I have willingly shared my own opinion for this story and loved it more than earlier books by the author.
January 24, 2022
Oh my goodness! I loved this story so much. The tension was thick throughout the book, starting from the first few pages, as Rachel tells Ben that she expecting a baby after their one time together. I really felt for these two as they navigated marriage in a very uncertain situation. And, yes, obviously they needed to communicate in order to solve their problems. But they both carried so much uncertainty and fear regarding the way their spouse might react to sharing what was on their hearts.
I did love seeing the way they fell into a life together that was at least routine, if not romantic. And I loved watching as Rachel began to realize that she loved Ben. And, of course, Ben had always loved Rachel. He constantly tried to show her how he cared by his actions, yet she really needed words, too. Once things finally became clear between them, I think that these two characters will have a wonderful future life together, even after the rough start.
I did love seeing the way they fell into a life together that was at least routine, if not romantic. And I loved watching as Rachel began to realize that she loved Ben. And, of course, Ben had always loved Rachel. He constantly tried to show her how he cared by his actions, yet she really needed words, too. Once things finally became clear between them, I think that these two characters will have a wonderful future life together, even after the rough start.
August 31, 2021
This was a sweet story, but the whole time I was reading, I kept saying "Just talk to each other!" I think this book would have had a lot more depth and emotional pull if they had TALKED to each other more when it came to their problems and feelings.
July 24, 2023
First, this reads like part of a series, and like you've missed something. I don't mind series, but TELL ME when it's a series, for the love of Mike. It's aggravating not to know.
Second, I get that the author was playing with the concept of the 'Five Love Languages'. I've read the book on this, and totally get that different people have different love languages. But if Rachel's love language is 'Words of Affirmation', she would be USING THEM, as well as craving them. I know this, because that's my primary love language.
Sure, Ben's love language could be 'Acts of Service', but that would mean that he would be attracted to a hard-working, productive, industrious woman. We don't see that out of Rachel, aside from the usual Amish cooking dinner, gardening and canning. She doesn't tend chickens/goats/rabbits/bees, she doesn't clean the house (he does), she doesn't bake for him or others...
Honestly, I'm not sure WHY he likes her. She's not a strong, brave, outgoing person - when the bull attacks him, she stands there and screams the ENTIRE TIME instead of either trying to help him or trying to distract the bull. She's useless. She's not kind to others, we never read about her going to help her mother or visiting neighbors or anything at all - not even on visiting Sunday. She's not sweet and loving... WHY does Ben want this chick? She sucks .
And the entire story, neither of them *TALK* to each other. At all. 99.99999% of the problems would be solved if he told her he loved her, if she told him she was coming to care for him, if he told her he worried about being a daddy, if she explained mushrooms made her nauseous, etc. It's ridiculous.
More, the first thought she has when the bull comes after Ben the *SECOND* time is, "If he dies, I'll be a widow and can re-marry anybody". WHAT. THE. HECK?!?!?! For a woman who claims to have developed a deep love and appreciation for her husband? That's neither Loving or Inspiring, 'Love, Inspired'!!!
WHAT DOES HE *SEE* IN HER?!?!?!?
How about no. I love the Ben character. I love the scene where he's giddily *NOT* finding mushrooms with her, when he realizes she's covering them up and pretending not to see them. But the rest of the book? It's *REALLY* not good, at all.
I may take a shot at re-writing this into another story. Because I know it can be done MILES away better.
Second, I get that the author was playing with the concept of the 'Five Love Languages'. I've read the book on this, and totally get that different people have different love languages. But if Rachel's love language is 'Words of Affirmation', she would be USING THEM, as well as craving them. I know this, because that's my primary love language.
Sure, Ben's love language could be 'Acts of Service', but that would mean that he would be attracted to a hard-working, productive, industrious woman. We don't see that out of Rachel, aside from the usual Amish cooking dinner, gardening and canning. She doesn't tend chickens/goats/rabbits/bees, she doesn't clean the house (he does), she doesn't bake for him or others...
Honestly, I'm not sure WHY he likes her. She's not a strong, brave, outgoing person - when the bull attacks him, she stands there and screams the ENTIRE TIME instead of either trying to help him or trying to distract the bull. She's useless. She's not kind to others, we never read about her going to help her mother or visiting neighbors or anything at all - not even on visiting Sunday. She's not sweet and loving... WHY does Ben want this chick? She sucks .
And the entire story, neither of them *TALK* to each other. At all. 99.99999% of the problems would be solved if he told her he loved her, if she told him she was coming to care for him, if he told her he worried about being a daddy, if she explained mushrooms made her nauseous, etc. It's ridiculous.
More, the first thought she has when the bull comes after Ben the *SECOND* time is, "If he dies, I'll be a widow and can re-marry anybody". WHAT. THE. HECK?!?!?! For a woman who claims to have developed a deep love and appreciation for her husband? That's neither Loving or Inspiring, 'Love, Inspired'!!!
WHAT DOES HE *SEE* IN HER?!?!?!?
How about no. I love the Ben character. I love the scene where he's giddily *NOT* finding mushrooms with her, when he realizes she's covering them up and pretending not to see them. But the rest of the book? It's *REALLY* not good, at all.
I may take a shot at re-writing this into another story. Because I know it can be done MILES away better.
July 23, 2021
Their Surprise Amish Marriage is a heartwarming inspirational story written by Jocelyn McClay. The author has done a fantastic job telling her story through her strong, loving characters. This story is filled with a sense of loss, hidden love, and a marriage that is difficult. When Rachel Mast finds herself in the family way she is not sure if the father will do the right thing. Rachel was devastated when her fiance up and leaves for the English world. When she seems comfort from his brother things get carried away and now they must confess their sin. As they agree to marry they both realize their union won't be a normal one. Ben has loved Rachel all his life but decides to keep his secret to give Rachel time to adjust. To say their marriage is a rocky one is mild but Rachel seeks advise from her mother and then sets to follow it. As tragedy hits the couple they find themselves being drawn to each other more everyday but neither being brave enough to tell the other. After the birth of their twins Rachel's former beau, Ben's brother Aaron returns and things are even more stressed. Will they be able to come together as a family or will Rachel follow her dream to be with Aaron?
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.
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.
July 12, 2021
What a sweet story! I didn't want to put it down!
Ben and Rachel were both gentle and special people. I wished I could have told them to learn about each other's love languages! They were both doing the best they could to try to make the marriage work. I loved how Ben was doing special things for Rachel and I loved how Rachel was "working" on their marriage. If only they could have read each other's minds.
I thought this was a unique storyline and one I haven't read before in Amish fiction. I enjoyed the midwives in the story and also Rachel's mother. I also thought the addition of another couple who married under the same circumstances was an interesting addition to the story as well. I also thought it was interested to learn a common practice among the Amish after a baby is born.
If you like Amish fiction, I highly recommend this book!
Ben and Rachel were both gentle and special people. I wished I could have told them to learn about each other's love languages! They were both doing the best they could to try to make the marriage work. I loved how Ben was doing special things for Rachel and I loved how Rachel was "working" on their marriage. If only they could have read each other's minds.
I thought this was a unique storyline and one I haven't read before in Amish fiction. I enjoyed the midwives in the story and also Rachel's mother. I also thought the addition of another couple who married under the same circumstances was an interesting addition to the story as well. I also thought it was interested to learn a common practice among the Amish after a baby is born.
If you like Amish fiction, I highly recommend this book!
May 9, 2021
“Their Surprise Amish Marriage” by Jocelyn McClay takes us back to Miller’s Creek and an Amish community that I wish was a real place.
Rachel Mast grew up believing she’d marry one Raber brother, but when circumstances change, she finds herself marrying younger brother, Ben.
Ben Raber has held a secret crush on Rachel for years. Now they are married and he will do anything to make her happy.
At first, their marriage is awkward and filled with silences, but as Rachel and Ben face obstacles within themselves and with each other, their love begins to grow.
Ms. McClay creates characters that you care deeply for, wanting them to find true happiness on their path to a happily-ever-after. Her stories tug at your heart while filling it with hope.
Rachel Mast grew up believing she’d marry one Raber brother, but when circumstances change, she finds herself marrying younger brother, Ben.
Ben Raber has held a secret crush on Rachel for years. Now they are married and he will do anything to make her happy.
At first, their marriage is awkward and filled with silences, but as Rachel and Ben face obstacles within themselves and with each other, their love begins to grow.
Ms. McClay creates characters that you care deeply for, wanting them to find true happiness on their path to a happily-ever-after. Her stories tug at your heart while filling it with hope.
June 6, 2021
Their Surprise Amish Marriage is Jocelyn McClay's best book yet! A moment of offering comfort leads to much more! Rachel learns that Ben's practice of doing things for her is his love language. Circumstances aren't ideal but sometimes things work out for the best. Billy the bull gives lots of excitement to life on the farm! I recommend Their Surprise Amish Marriage to others whether Amish is your usual genre or not. I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. This is my honest opinion.
September 2, 2021
I think this is the first book that I've read by this author, and it was a real treat! Left by her fiance, Aaron, days b/4 their wedding, Rachel Mast is devestated. His brother, Ben, is also saddened by his leaving the community. While Ben and Rachel are consoling each other, things get out of hand, and Rachel gets pregnant. An immediate marriage is necessary. Will these two be able to make this marriage work? There's also a surprise twist at the end, & it's a tale of forgiveness and faith.
October 20, 2026
Cute love story. Gave some insight into the Amish culture. It also shows that temptations are out there for everyone. I loved the relationship that Ben and Rachel were able to establish. I liked how regardless of anything, they were willing to try to work together. That deep down, they had each others best at heart.
I would recommend this story for anyone that likes a sweet closed door love story.
I would recommend this story for anyone that likes a sweet closed door love story.
December 23, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book. Two brothers loving the same girl, only to find out the one she thought
she was going to marry left the community. Then Ben his younger brother loved her for years and
they were married because she got pregnant. The story was sad in some areas but it turned out to
be a wonderful ending.I liked the way the author combined the difference in love.
she was going to marry left the community. Then Ben his younger brother loved her for years and
they were married because she got pregnant. The story was sad in some areas but it turned out to
be a wonderful ending.I liked the way the author combined the difference in love.
July 10, 2023
I have to admit that I had just finished an awesome book before reading this one, and I had trouble getting into it at the start. But after a chapter or so, it got really good and I enjoyed it alot.
Check it out, I think you will be glad that you did.
Check it out, I think you will be glad that you did.
November 5, 2025
THEIR SURPRISE AMISH MARRIAGE was a touching read from start to finish. I enjoyed watching Ben and Rachel’s relationship play out and the very unconventional start that they had made it all the more interesting. This was a read in one sitting romance. TBR and Enjoy!
June 20, 2021
awesome book
February 3, 2024
Another sweet Amish read❣️
February 3, 2024
I enjoyed watching the characters grow. I also enjoyed an Amish book that was not the typical everyone is perfect.
September 11, 2024
It was an easy read ! It was okay !
April 25, 2025
Love a wonderful ending.
July 17, 2025
Pretty predictable, but good story.
April 21, 2026
I don’t usually read Amish romance but this was a cute one.
June 26, 2026
I love a simple sweet and inspiring Amish love story. It was predictable and loveable.
October 28, 2023
A Surprisingly Good Read
I was surprised with the ending okay we all know that these have HEA but I had thought of several different endings
The story itself was a good read but I do wish that instead of thinking it they would say more but I guess that if the story did that it would shorten the story
I would say I can say that I would recommend the book
I was surprised with the ending okay we all know that these have HEA but I had thought of several different endings
The story itself was a good read but I do wish that instead of thinking it they would say more but I guess that if the story did that it would shorten the story
I would say I can say that I would recommend the book
July 1, 2021
Forgiven
This is a true story of forgiveness. The young couple must seek God's goodness and grace and ask to be forgiven of their sin. But can they each receive individual grace and forgiveness as a couple.
This is a true story of forgiveness. The young couple must seek God's goodness and grace and ask to be forgiven of their sin. But can they each receive individual grace and forgiveness as a couple.
July 3, 2021
Wonderful story
Very, very, very good book. Once I started reading, I was sucked in. I couldn't put it down until I finished it.
Very, very, very good book. Once I started reading, I was sucked in. I couldn't put it down until I finished it.
May 3, 2025
very good book
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews