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Joyful River #2

An Amish Bride

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In Joyful River, Pennsylvania, the faith-filled Amish community lives side by side with the English world, healing problems and overcoming hardship with compassion, love, and abiding trust in Gott's plan. For Sam Lapp, every day spent working on his family's dairy farm is a reminder of Gott's bounty and goodness. And he's found the person he wants to share that life with. Sam remembers the exact moment he stopped seeing Sadie Beiler as just his sister's best friend, and saw instead the graceful, loving woman she's become. If only he had seen it before Sadie began courting someone else . . . When Sadie first caught the eye of a handsome auctioneer, she felt blessed, hopeful that marriage would provide an escape from her troubled home. But as months stretch on without a proposal, Sadie discovers a worrying new side to her beau--and a growing kinship with Sam. Thoughtful, hardworking, kind to his visiting English cousins and to her, Sam shows Sadie that real love is just a stone's throw away. But when an unexpected obstacle forces a separation between them, can steadfast faith make Sadie an Amish bride at last?

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 22, 2022

24 people are currently reading
104 people want to read

About the author

Rosalind Lauer

19 books103 followers
Rosalind Lauer grew up in a large family in Maryland and began visiting Lancaster County’s Amish community as a child. Lauer attended Wagner College in New York City and worked as an editor for Simon & Schuster and Harlequin Books. She now lives with her family in Oregon, where she writes in the shade of some towering two-hundred-year-old Douglas fir trees.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Tina Loves To Read.
3,453 reviews1 follower
November 22, 2022
This is a Young Adult Amish Romance, and this is the second book in the Joyful River Series. I have to say I found the beginning really slow moving and boring. I also had some big problems with how Mark treated Sadie. I also had problems with Sadie jumping for Mark to Sam. There was parts of this book I love so much like the character developed. I also liked there was parts that had some good suspense parts in it. I also loved the last part of this book. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
Profile Image for Kristina Anderson.
4,053 reviews83 followers
February 19, 2022
An Amish Bride by Rosalind Lauer is the second novel in Joyful River series. While An Amish Bride could be read as a standalone, I believe it is best to read An Amish Homecoming first. I thought An Amish Bride was well-written with developed characters. Miriam Lapp is my favorite. She is such a sweet woman who will not hesitate to meddle if it helps those she loves. The story is engaging with a good flow and pacing. We get to know Sadie Beiler and Sam Lapp. Sadie is best friends with Essie Lapp, Sam’s younger sister. Sadie spent her spare time in the Lapp household and considers it her second home. Sam had always seen Sadie as a sister until she blossomed into a beautiful woman. He finds that she is kind, gentle, and compassionate. Sam would like to court Sadie, but he hesitated too long. Sadie is now going with Mark Miller, but Sam is worried because he knows that Mark has a dark side. When Mark goes out of town without telling Sadie, she begins to question their relationship. She spends more time at the Lapp home and finds something unexpected. An Amish Bride is a sweet story. We get to follow the day-to-day life of the Amish. It is amazing how rules differ between church districts. I would have a hard time letting men make decisions for me. The Amish are bound by the rules set forth by the Bishop and the elders. Sadie must follow a ruling of the elders and learns how difficult it is to obey yet remain faithful. We get to catch up with the characters from An Amish Homecoming. They three sisters have been staying with the Lapp family for a year now and have a different perspective than when they arrived. A trip home sheds light on the differences between the two homes. The girls need to make decisions about their future. Isaac, Sam’s cousin, is making some hard decisions. He likes using his medical knowledge to help people and wants to continue doing so in the future. Isaac will need to make a choice between a higher education and being baptized in the Amish faith. I did find the book a little long and I would have liked less repetition. Some details are repeated twice or more. I enjoyed reading An Amish Bride. It is a great diversion from reality. I hope there will be another tale in the Joyful River series. An Amish Bride is a tender tale with a weepy wedding, strep throat sadness, a boorish beau, a firm friend, a disappointing decision, a meddling mother, and a happy house.
377 reviews5 followers
October 25, 2021
Sadie Beiler is Essie Lapp's best friend. She practically grew up in the Lapp household and was great friends with Essie and her brother Sam. Sadie starts to realize at Essie's wedding that Mark, her current beau is not the person she wants to marry. But Mark doesn't want to break it off. In the meantime, Sadie realizes that Sam is actually her heart's desire and Sam already knew she was his. This book is chock full of family, love and God. This is the ideal Amish romance. It is part 2 of a series and I'm looking for part 1 to read. I will be following this author from now on. I highly recommend this book.

I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Michelle Rhoden.
507 reviews17 followers
January 18, 2022
Sadie always spent her time over at her best friend, Essie’s house for several reasons. One being because she felt loved and part of the family and two, to escape her dad and his drunkenness and condescending ways. When Sadie and Mark start courting, Sadie thought that if they got married, that would be one way to get out of her house for good.

Sam, Essie’s brother, soon realizes that not only is Sadie Essie’s best friend, she is no longer a little girl anymore, but has matured into a pretty young lady who has recently caught his eye. Unfortunately, he realizes he is to late to act on his feelings when Sadie starts going out with Mark. Sadie soon finds out that Mark has another side to him-a dark side that he easily hides behind a charming face and smile and now she feels trapped in their relationship.

When Sadie turns to Sam, who see as a big brother, their relationship slowly begins to change. Sadie sees Sam as a compassionate, good hearted young man who treats her with gentleness and respect…something that Mark no longer does. She eventually tries to break things off with Mark which triggers his dark side even more. The author, Rosalind Lauer, does an exceptional job in keeping your interest to find out what will happen next. I highly recommend this book and I don’t think you will be disappointed.

I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley and the Publisher for my honest review and opinion.
Profile Image for Helen.
1,579 reviews74 followers
January 26, 2022
I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I enjoyed this book very much, and I learned a lot about the Amish ways of life. It’s a story about two neighboring families whose children have grown up side-by-side, and some English cousins who come to stay after their mother has passed away. The characters in the book are delightful except for Mark who turns out to have a very dark side. I learned in this book that the bishop’s decision might not always be the best for everyone, and sometimes the innocent people are punished.
The only criticism I have about this book is that I felt that it was too long. While reading it on the Kindle, the time was seven hours and 30 minutes from beginning to end. I felt like several hours could’ve been cut out and that would not have taken away from the plot.
Profile Image for Nicola “Shortbookthyme”.
2,371 reviews135 followers
February 13, 2022
Can Sadie find true love? Sadie ponders this as the one she thinks she loves is not who she thought he was.
The story has some very deep, difficult moments that you normally do not hear about in reading a Amish story. The author does a wonderful job while addressing these topics.
Overall An Amish Bride is a heartwarming story full of love for ones family and trusting in God.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Lori.
1,892 reviews136 followers
February 15, 2022
Patricia Johns has done a fantastic job with this sweet Amish novel.
She's fast becoming one of my favorite authors because she doesn't beat around the bush with the tough subjects of life.
I loved this book for many reasons.
One; I loved the friendship/romance between Sam and Sadie
Two: are the subjects that aren't normally exposed in the life of the Amish.
Three: the simple lifestyle they lead whole also depending on others in the community to help when needed. This is my most favorite thing about the Amish.
My heart went out to these characters and the challenges that were thrown out to them.
Sadie and Sam are pretty awesome in my book.
I really didn't like Mark at all!
This book was definitely a can't put down book. I finished it in one day.
I highly recommend this book.
I would reread again.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Lynda.
1,224 reviews35 followers
November 7, 2021
There are some books you genuinely enjoy reading and “An Amish Bride” was that for this reviewer. Second in the Joyful River series, the story is sprinkled with bits of humor. Most of us were raised with quotes like Birds of a feather flock together. And this story is no different. They just weren’t the ones I heard growing up but were packed with wisdom.

A good book needs good characters that the author develops in such a way that the reader has time to know them. And scenes that are descriptive so we see in our mind’s eye what is happening as we read. Rosalind Lauer, the author, delivers both.

Miriam Lapp is the first person you meet in this story. Mother of Sam Lapp, her oldest child and our leading man, and Essie, his younger sister, who is getting married that day. You will like these characters.

Sam loves his life on the family’s dairy farm. It is his calling. He loves his family and is secretly in love with Sadie Beiler who is Essie’s best friend. Sam is, put simply, a nice guy and a kind considerate man.

Sadie has made the Lapp home her second home. There, she can be herself and does not feel like she is never quite being what her parents expect her to be. There she does not encounter a father who has been drinking. There she feels the love and understanding of a family. And she sees Sam as a brother and a good friend.

Sadie has also been courting Mark Miller. Mark is charismatic, good looking and works with his father as an auctioneer. However, you will see before Sadie does that Mark has two sides to him. And that other side is far from what a caring man should be. Or a beau supposedly in love.

Another great character is Isaac who is Sam’s best friend. Isaac is “on the fence”. He feels called by God to help people medically. And he is attending classes but is more than just aware of the pull between two worlds. He will have to decide soon. I hope to find Isaac as a lead character in a future book in the series.

You will like these people. Well, not Mark, of course. Oh, you may not agree with the premise that marriage seems to be so important in the Amish community. But for the people in this story, it is a key element of their lives.

This is a lovely read that kept pulling me back to my Kindle. There are wonderful sub-plots that just make the book better. Trust me, you will want to read this one.

A thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Kensington Books, for the opportunity to read and review an ARC (advanced reader’s copy) of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

Rating: 5 stars
Cover: Perfect. Once you read the story, you will know why.
Expected publish date: 22 Feb 2022

#AnAmishBride #NetGalley #RosalindLauer
398 reviews7 followers
November 30, 2021
Great character development in this book makes it a very interesting book.

Sadie, the lovely leading lady in this book, must face decisions of a lifetime. Marriage is the ultimate goal of any Amish woman. She has fallen in love with Mark, and thinks he feels the same way about her. She begins to see that he has become very controlling along with having a dark side that is alarming to her.

Sam, the brother of her best friend, Essie, has always been like a brother to her. He begins to see that she is no longer his sister’s little friend and has developed into a beautiful young lady. Their friendship develops, however, many interesting things take place in this triangle.

I enjoyed this book very much and did not want to put it down until I had read the entire book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Kathy .
3,807 reviews3 followers
April 28, 2022
4.5 stars.

An Amish Bride by Rosalind Lauer is a sweet Amish romance with a thought-provoking storyline.

Sadie Bauer and Mark Miller have been courting for quite some time. She hopes he will propose to her soon, but she is discovering things about him that are troubling. Sadie feels obligated to continue the relationship but will an eye-opening Christmas celebration change her mind?

Sam Lapp recently started viewing his sister Essie’s best friend Sadie in a romantic light. After she begins dating Mark, he is afraid he has lost his chance to court her. Sam also knows unsavory information about Mark but he is reluctant to tell Sadie because he does not want to spread gossip. Is his chance to reveal his feelings for her truly gone?

Sam’s Englisch cousins Megan Sullivan and her sisters have been staying with the Lapp family for a few months now. She and her twin sister Serena have adjusted to the drastic change in their lives but their younger sister Lizzie still wants to move back to Philadelphia. Megan and Sam have become close and she hangs out with him and his friends. She is especially drawn to Isaac who is very different than the other Amish people she knows. As they play hockey together, he and Megan begin to grow close but is there any future for them since they are from different worlds?

An Amish Bride is a heartwarming Amish romance with engaging story arcs. The characters are multi-faceted with many of them undergoing tremendous growth as they deal with their respective situations.  Sadie realizes she has made a mistake with Mark, but can she end their relationship?  Sam finds himself in a very unhappy situation as he wonders whether or not he and Sadie will find their way to each other.  The Sullivan sisters' visit with their father in the city is a turning point for them as a family and for Megan and Serena individually.  Isaac is at a crossroad as he makes a decision about his future. With unanticipated complications to overcome, Rosalind Lauer brings this meaningful romance to a gratifying conclusion. Old and new fans of the Joyful River series are sure to enjoy this endearing second installment.
Profile Image for Dali Castillo.
670 reviews18 followers
December 19, 2021
Loved It!

Sadie Beiler and Sam Lapp have been friends for years. However, that begins to change when Sam starts seeing Sadie as more than just his sister's best friend. From that point on, Sam sees Sadie as the person he wants in his future. This is all good and well except that Sadie happens to be courting Mark, and she still sees Sam as her best friend's brother. That is, until one day, she begins to see Sam as more.

Sam and Sadie's journey from friends to more than friends comes with some difficult challenges. While they navigate through their challenges, other characters from the story have their own journeys to navigate. However, the main characters' story remains at the forefront while the secondary characters' stories are intertwined, adding to the story without taking over.

I absolutely loved An Amish Bride! It was sweet, intriguing, and inspiring. It brought up some difficult topics, but the author addressed each one flawlessly. Throughout the story are the messages of faith, love and God's will. Although this is the first book I've read by author Rosalind Lauer, it definitely will not be the last. Check it out for yourself and you'll understand why.

**I received a copy of this book from Kensington Books via NetGalley. All comments and opinions are strictly my own.



Profile Image for C Allen.
488 reviews13 followers
January 18, 2022
Thank you Kensington Books for allowing me to read an ARC of An Amish Bride by Rosalind Lauer through Netgalley. All options are mine, and I was not required to give a positive


Sam and Sadie had grow up together and had been friends forever. All of a sudden, Sam realized Sadie was no longer just his sister’s best friend, but the woman he was falling in love with. The realization came to Sadie about the same time, but there was a problem, Mark. Sadie had been dating him a while now, but no comment had been made on Sadie’s behalf, but Mark had other ideas when Sadie try’s to breakup with Mark, he shows his true colors. Such a dark side.

Rosalind shares with us a story of growing love in the path of unhappiness, distrust, and even abuse. Can love and separation conquer all?

Such a grand story that is developed well and holds your interest from the first word.
Profile Image for Emily Morris.
226 reviews
May 2, 2023
A smart and meandering romance

While my biggest (and likely only) criticism of this novel is how long it took to get to the real meat of the story, I can't fault it for the romance it took to get there. Much like the take of its two leads: Sadie and Sam, doomed to be that guy and his sister's friend, dancing around feelings and a problematic boyfriend. They're a delightful pair and are sure to have their romantic moments.

On the cousin side, Megan takes the lead there as she deals with the bright side of sobriety and a close friendship with Isaac as he ponders leaving the Amish community to pursue medicine.

While it's not exactly "slice of life", Lauer lets her characters take care of the plot for her, for a fresh and enjoyable lead. A little slow-going, but fresh and delightful plenty.
Profile Image for Maureen Timerman.
3,230 reviews490 followers
January 22, 2022
I loved my return visit Joyful River, and I sure wasn't disappointed, what a page-turner.

This book begins with the wedding, and the realization that you don't always see what is right before your eyes, but there is also something that we don't expect in an Amish Community.

There are some tough subjects that the author brings to light, and some hard times for those who want to be together, and we are along as we journey to the truth, and hope for the future.

Now with some still unanswered questions, I am hoping for future reads!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.
811 reviews13 followers
February 28, 2022
Sadie Beiler grew up next to her best friend's family, Essie Lapp. Spending many hours and days there to escape her home, she sees Essie and her brother Sam as family. Sam Lapp works the family farm while wondering if he will ever find love. However he begins to realize that Sadie has grown into quite the young woman. Only one problem, Sadie feels she has found love with another, Mark. When Sadie starts to realize that Mark has a dark side, she turns to Sam for help. Will they find love? Rosalind Lauer depicts aspects of Amish life that are not often seen. I enjoyed reading about real life. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.
Profile Image for Marilyn.
1,268 reviews
November 26, 2024
This book had a slow start for this reader with the story starting with the wedding of the hero’s sister who was best friends to the heroine. The story had dark moments with the treatment Sadie received from Mark who she was dating. Sadie and Sam grew up like brothers and sisters with her being at the Lapp house a lot with her home life. Sam’s mother was a dear with her gentle ways and encouragement for all to see the true picture of situations. What’s going to happen when Sadie and Sam finally realize their childhood friendship has grown into more than that and Mark’s temper flaring out of control?
1,595 reviews17 followers
November 23, 2021
"An Amish Bride" by Rosalind Lauer
Recognizing Real Love !!
This was a compelling read from the very beginning to the very last page of the story… although I was not quite ready for the last page. But it was a good ending. If you like sweet clean intense stories… I think you will like your time with Sam and Sadie and the rest of the characters in this story. A Worthy Read… Happy Reading ! !
NOTE: I received an ARC of this story from the publisher via NetGalley.
This review expresses my honest opinion.

Profile Image for Debra.
100 reviews
February 21, 2022
Who wouldn't want to live in a town called Joyful River, Pennsylvania?! That just sounds so idyllic.....NOT!!! There seems to be a love triangle, in the Amish community, that is surfacing!!
Rosalind Lauer has written an enjoyable story of friendship, lost opportunity and the consequences of secrets kept. Sadie Beiler is being courted by Mark Miller. Mark is not moving forward with the courtship, as he should be and Sadie is becoming worried. Why is he not proposing marriage? Where did he go away to and not tell her?
Sadie is starting to question her relationship with Mark and is unsure what to do.
When did Sadie become so much more than Sam Lapp's sisters friend? It seems like just yesterday that Sadie was like a sister to Sam, but that has changed for Sam. But he's too late, in the game, because Sadie has a suitor. But the more time Sadie spends at the Lapp's, the more Sam is attracted to her.
What to do, what to do.....grab a warm afghan, curl up in your favorite reading chair, light a candle and pour your drink of choice......sit back and enjoy a trip to Joyful River, PA.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher Kensington Books, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for DianeLikesToRead.
672 reviews5 followers
February 28, 2022
Welcome back to Joyful River! This is the second book in the Joyful River series. Sadie Beiler is engaged to a well off Amish man. She’s hoping for a proposal, but Mark Miller isn’t ready to commit. She starts falling her her best friend's brother, Sam Lapp. This love triangle will keep you reading!
There is also a secondary storyline with Sam’s cousin, Meg. Meg is an Englisher. She becomes friendly with Sam’s other cousin Issac. I hope we see more of this couple in upcoming books!
I suggest reading the first book in this series first so you know the backstory of the characters. I want to thank the author, Kensington Books and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
811 reviews13 followers
February 28, 2022
Sadie Beiler grew up next to her best friend's family, Essie Lapp. Spending many hours and days there to escape her home, she sees Essie and her brother Sam as family. Sam Lapp works the family farm while wondering if he will ever find love. However he begins to realize that Sadie has grown into quite the young woman. Only one problem, Sadie feels she has found love with another, Mark. When Sadie starts to realize that Mark has a dark side, she turns to Sam for help. Will they find love? Rosalind Lauer depicts aspects of Amish life that are not often seen. I enjoyed reading about real life. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.
Profile Image for Shelley Marushak Langelaar.
237 reviews3 followers
March 8, 2022
Always a fan of Amish themed fiction and this one did not disappoint. I loved how the characters were written to portray humanness - a lot of Amish fiction portrays the characters as almost flawless. I was able to relate to the humanness of the characters and found the book to touch on several emotions.


I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley and the Publisher for my honest review and opinion.
Profile Image for Sydni.
244 reviews
October 5, 2022
If possible I would give this book 10 stars! Rosalind Lauer is a beautiful storyteller weaving in details and situations like no other. The love of family and friends mixed with heartache and fear take the reader on a roller-coaster ride of emotions. You feel as if you are right there in Joyful River with the Lapps, Beilers, and Millers. If you enjoy Amish Fiction that feels real, you absolutely need to read this incredible story.
339 reviews
February 8, 2023
Great story!

There are multiple layers to this story. I must confess the plot was so good and I was so anxious to see what happens that I skimmed to find out. Then because the writing was so good, I went back to read it. There are not too many characters to follow, but such interesting interactions between them all. Rosalind Lauer is a very enjoyable author. I had a Miriam in my life, she was such a blessing to me.
Profile Image for Brenda.
60 reviews3 followers
November 26, 2023
Wow this was a excellent read so many twist and turns it made you want to keep reading . It wrote about community, love, friendship ,communication and strength. also the faith of God .It did touch on a serious or 2 of problems in life that world is still facing everyday and people need to know there is help out there just have faith . I highly recommend reading this book a totally joy to read . Thank you Rosalind Lauer for sharing your talent of writing for us
32 reviews1 follower
December 31, 2021
Wonderfully written book about faith and true love. Sam has always been the older brother that Sadie never had. Growing up Sadie is his sisters best friend and always at the Lapp house so it’s no wonder she never noticed the feelings Sam has for her. Will he find the courage to tell her how he really feels before she makes a mistake and marries the wrong man?
639 reviews4 followers
December 22, 2022
Sam & Sadie have been friends their entire lives but Sams feeling for er ave changed. Sadie is dating Mark and hopes to become his wife, but things take a dark turn. Sadie realizes she and Mark are not a good match and she as feelings for Sam. Will they find a way or will things implode?
A nice read but I thought a bit slow in spots. I'd read another in the serues.
Profile Image for Jeanette Durkin.
1,577 reviews50 followers
March 22, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! It has a great story and fantastic characters! Sam is my favorite! He's the all American boy, Amish version! He's loving, caring, compassionate and loyal. Sadie is a great character too! I like all of the secondary characters and their stories! Each one is relatable! A definite must read!
Profile Image for melissa.
680 reviews2 followers
February 19, 2022
i really like this book I got it from netgalley and publishers! I hope she writes more! I did not know this was part of a series when I requested and was able to get in to this fast! I could not put it down!
21 reviews
May 18, 2022
I found the beginning very slow, but it was a good story.
Profile Image for Sylvia.
1,578 reviews75 followers
June 17, 2022
I loved this book!! Great story!! First book I have read by this author want to read more of her books!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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