Samuel's Return

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

330 pages, Kindle Edition

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

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lena Troyer has been through so much, she has two young daughters and an infant son, the baby was born after her husband died. Now she is dreading seeing Samuel Mast, the man who broke her teenage heart.

Samuel has finally returned to Maryland, it took him ten years, but things were not in his control. He has purchased some property, and is in the process of opening his blacksmith shop, and you see him hoping to win Lena's heart again.

The old story that can't go home again, well we hope that Samuel is able to.

The author kept my attention, there are tears, and some chuckles, and I wanted to see those desserts that kept appearing!

This book is part of a series, but it can be read alone!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zebra, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samuel’s Return is an Amish romance by author Susan Lantz Simpson. It is installment #6 and is set in southern Maryland.

Samuel Mast was back in Maryland to stay and the setting was just how he remembered. It’s been ten years. Samuel had promised to write Lena but she hadn’t heard from him until he moved back to Maryland. So she married another man.

Lena Troyer was now a widow. Her friend, Becky, moved in with her to help her with the children. Now Becky was married and Lena was alone with her children. Lena’s daughters took an instant liking toward Samuel, but Lena wasn’t ready for a relationship. Especially not a relationship with Samuel.

Samuel was set to make up for lost time, but, he had a secret, a secret he was ashamed of. Was there hope for Samuel and Lena?

I haven’t read the previous installments but read this as a standalone and it worked. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. Susan Lantz Simpson is now on my author watch list. I give Samuel’s Return 5*/5*.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

[D.R. Rosensteel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan Lantz Simpson does it again! I just finished Samuel’s Return and I think it’s one of the best stories I’ve ever read! It pulled up emotions I never knew I had. I was even in tears at one point, which never happened before. I absolutely adored the ending and the way Simpson pulled it all together into something so completely satisfying. I think everyone should read it right now, lol! I can’t wait for Simpson's next book!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return

When Samuel returns to Maryland ten years have passed. He's lived numerous places but he's always considered Maryland home. Lena remembers him well as he took her heart with him upon leaving. But with time many changes happened. Now, a widow, with three children under four she has plenty to keep her busy and she especially doesn't have time for Samuel.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a few previous books from Susan Lantz Simpson's The Amish of Southern Maryland series, and was excited to read the newest addition, Samuel's Return. I liked it and am giving four stars.

[Sharon Rudolph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I loved reading about Lena and Samuel! It was so good to see her open her heart again to trust and to love. I loved the characters!