Lydia Stoltzfus is content being a maidal, unwed but happily running an Amish coffee shop. Until her schoolgirl crush returns home and she falls in love…with his timid five-year-old daughter. Widower Simon Fisher has no plans to remarry, especially not his lighthearted former neighbor. But will devotion to a child—and a matchmaking community—show them their future is together?
From Harlequin Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Marta Perry is a Pennsylvania-based author of over 35 novels, many of them inspirational romances. She uses her rural Pennsylvania life and her Pennsylvania Dutch heritage in writing her books, especially in her Pleasant Valley Amish series for Berkley Books and her new Amish-set suspense series for HQN Books.
Marta and her husband live in a centuries-old farmhouse in a quiet central Pennsylvania valley. They have three grown children and six beautiful grandchildren, and when she's not busy writing her next book, she's usually trying to keep up with her gardening, baking for church events, or visiting those beautiful grandkids.
This is one of those books that left me satisfied when the book ended. The story seemed very realistic and I was drawn in from the start. The main characters are a twenty four year old pretty Amish Maidal, a man from her past and a heart broken child. Secondary characters play an important part in the story. Most of the book wraps around an unexpected emergency when heavy rains flood the community of Lost Creek. I thought the story was uplifting when the town's people came to the aid and rescue of their neighbors during the disaster. Light romance helped along by matchmakers added to the story. The ending bought this reader to happy tears. I recommend this book to readers of Amish Fiction and fans of Marta Perry. This is the fifth book of the Brides of Lost Creek series. Although characters from other books in this series are a part of this story I feel it can be read out of order or as a stand alone. I borrowed this book from the local library. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Perry brings depth to Lydia and Simon's emotional struggles, both individually and collectively. Love the way I felt like I knew them right from the start -- not everything, the author still holds back some pertinent stuff -- but enough to cement that alluring reader/hero/heroine bond that makes reading a story so special. I cared about these people (and yes, I should have said characters, but they are that real to me.)
There are light-hearted moments, achingly sweet ones too, especially with Simon's little girl. But Perry managed to get my dander up too, often courtesy of Simon. :-) Ach, but that man can be grouchy as a bear with a sore paw at times and, just like an injured animal, he lashes out. He's always contrite afterwards, though not always unbending. Think emotionally contained and stoic. Until he's not.
And Lydia is a breath of fresh air -- a nice blend of pragmatic and fanciful -- and secure enough in herself that she's not worried about sharing an opinion or two. You can imagine how much that thrills Simon.
Their love story is set in a quaint Amish/Englischer community that's facing some perilous times. Love the way the author weaves the two tumultuous plots together to deliver a breathtaking, sigh-worthy read.
A Secret Amish Crush is a wonderful story written by Marta Perry. Her characters are amazing and likeable. This story is full of faith, hope, and love.
Lydia Stoltzfus is a young Amish lady who is enjoying her life running a coffee shop content with the knowledge that she will not marry. When her schoolgirl crush returns to town following the passing of his wife Lydia is determined not to fall for him again. Simon Fisher is not looking for a new wife and mother for his young daughter. Little Becky is shy and very timid but takes an instant liking to Lydia. Simon tells Lydia straight to the point she is not to talk about Becky's mom but when Becky keeps bringing her up Lydia follows her heart and does so anyway. Can Lydia's devotion to Becky melt Simon's heart or will it cause more strain?
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. Marta Perry has once again delivered a very heartwarming story for her readers enjoyment.
This book was very enjoyable to read. I enjoy this author ever since I discovered her first book. Keep writing Ms. Perry! A must read for Amish book lovers.
Actually it was a pretty good book. Some things could have been a little better written out, but they survived all the way till the END. I imagine that was the quickest, shortest, all of a sudden ending I came across. I sure wasn't expecting it to end then and there, but it did. Oh well. At least it wasn't sad ending. J 😯
I love this series! This is a book about blinded grief and how it can destroy the future if you let it. It is a story of a community that comes together in a time of a natural disaster. A book about the close knit families joined together with love.
This is what happens when I don’t write a review soon ( and I mean REALLY soon) after reading. I’ve read and reviewed 8 books since this one. I do remember I did like this one a lot. So if you are an Amish reader, this is for you.
I really love this story, what attracted me to the book was the cover and the description and the author was a favorite of mine. I think the title fit the story. It such a pretty cover. I can't wait to read more from this author.
I love reading Marta Perry’s stories about the Amish. In this book Simon is still living with grief over the death of his wife. He is determined he will never love someone again enough to marry. Lydia is secretly in love with him and his daughter Becky. I was emotionally engaged with the characters in the book almost immediately, felt their emotions and thoughts, and wanted the best for them. The author also includes the community of both English and Amish and how everyone works together in time of need.
I really enjoyed reading this especially the lighthearted moments when Simon wasn’t being a grouchy bear, but it was fun watching him grow and learn to trust his heart. Lydia was a joy to read and her kindness and acceptance of others was heartwarming, especially how she was able to get Becky to open up. A delightful story with characters you feel are family. Great entertainment. I won a copy of this book. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
An Amish romance featuring a coffee waitress and her first love. I wish there had been more atmospheric scenery and descriptions but the tension between the two characters was complex and engaging.