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An Amish Mail-Order Bride #3
Love in Plain Sight
In the town of Birch Creek where the only danger is getting swept off your feet, Katharine Miller hides the secrets of her past . . . until she meets Ezra Bontrager and is forced to face the greatest risk of all--opening her heart to true love
After fleeing her hometown, Katharine finds peace and anonymity while working at Stoll's Inn and keeping to herself. As long as her guard is up, she can protect herself and others from her past, with the hope that one day her family will forgive her for leaving.
Ezra Bontrager has never shared a love of farming with his brothers and father, and when he takes a job at Stoll's Inn, he quickly finds even more reason to come to work every day. Although he has no intention of marrying anytime soon, Ezra can't help but want to learn more about the quiet and mysterious newcomer who doesn't appear to have come to Birch Creek looking for a husband, as so many have done after the want ad that advertised Birch Creek's many bachelors.
As Katharine and Ezra continue to cross paths, Katharine feels her defenses lower, and Ezra no longer scoffs at the idea of marriage. Just as they start to hope for the future, the past comes roaring back--not just for Katharine and Ezra but for the entire community of Birch Creek. Confronting that past won't be easy, but it brings the opportunity for love and grace to abound.
Praise for Love in Plain Sight
"Katharine Miller has everything she ever wants, until she realizes what she's gotten. Love in Plain Sight is Kathleen Fuller at her best. She shines the spotlight on an unlikely heroine who runs away to find herself...and discovers what true love looks like." --Suzanne Woods Fisher, bestselling author of Mending Fences.
"Kathleen Fuller's emotional and evocative writing draws readers into her complex stories and keeps them cheering for her endearing characters even after the final page." --Patricia Davids, USA TODAY bestselling author
Sweet Amish romance
The third book in the Amish Mail-Order Bride series but can be read in any order
Book One: A Double Dose of Love
Book Two: Matched and Married
Book Three: Love in Plain Sight
Book length: 84,000 words
Includes discussion questions for book clubs
After fleeing her hometown, Katharine finds peace and anonymity while working at Stoll's Inn and keeping to herself. As long as her guard is up, she can protect herself and others from her past, with the hope that one day her family will forgive her for leaving.
Ezra Bontrager has never shared a love of farming with his brothers and father, and when he takes a job at Stoll's Inn, he quickly finds even more reason to come to work every day. Although he has no intention of marrying anytime soon, Ezra can't help but want to learn more about the quiet and mysterious newcomer who doesn't appear to have come to Birch Creek looking for a husband, as so many have done after the want ad that advertised Birch Creek's many bachelors.
As Katharine and Ezra continue to cross paths, Katharine feels her defenses lower, and Ezra no longer scoffs at the idea of marriage. Just as they start to hope for the future, the past comes roaring back--not just for Katharine and Ezra but for the entire community of Birch Creek. Confronting that past won't be easy, but it brings the opportunity for love and grace to abound.
Praise for Love in Plain Sight
"Katharine Miller has everything she ever wants, until she realizes what she's gotten. Love in Plain Sight is Kathleen Fuller at her best. She shines the spotlight on an unlikely heroine who runs away to find herself...and discovers what true love looks like." --Suzanne Woods Fisher, bestselling author of Mending Fences.
"Kathleen Fuller's emotional and evocative writing draws readers into her complex stories and keeps them cheering for her endearing characters even after the final page." --Patricia Davids, USA TODAY bestselling author
Sweet Amish romance
The third book in the Amish Mail-Order Bride series but can be read in any order
Book One: A Double Dose of Love
Book Two: Matched and Married
Book Three: Love in Plain Sight
Book length: 84,000 words
Includes discussion questions for book clubs
336 pages, Paperback
Published May 3, 2022
54 people are currently reading
1734 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Fuller
119 books1,111 followersBest-selling author of Amish fiction. Also a wife, mother, crafter, coffee addict, football fan, and chocolate aficionado.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
May 9, 2022
This is an Amish Romance with a little suspense put in, and This is the third book in the Amish Mail-Order Bride series. I have read and reviewed the other two books in this series before reading this book, but I do feel you can read this book as a standalone book without any problems. I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters in this book. There is some hard to read things in this book because the main character in this book is running away from an abusive fiance. I think this book did a great job showing how someone abusive can hide it, and how far they will go. I loved the storyline in this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Zondervan) or author (Kathleen Fuller) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
April 28, 2022
Love in Plain Sight by Kathleen Fuller is touching story. I thought Love in Plain Sight was well-written with developed, realistic characters. I am glad that the author gave us a character like Katharine Miller. She is overweight (at least in her mind) and suffers from terrible acne. The situation with her fiancé has made her acne worse. When her best friend learns what is happening, she encourages Katharine to escape. Katharine arrives in Birch Creek where she tries to remain invisible. The inn’s handyman, Ezra Bontrager has taken notice of the shy, quiet newcomer with the beautiful smile. The local matchmakers have decided that Ezra and Katharine are perfect for each other and decide to do a little nudging. I like that the author touched on difficult subjects. I thought she handled them very well. I was delighted that Katharine was a basket maker. It is a wonderful art form (combining beauty and function), and I am glad the author had our main character make these pretty baskets. I am glad that we get to catch up with the characters from the previous two books. The storyline involving the disgraced bishop is concluded. The matchmakers, Cevilla and Delilah provide humor. They are quite a pair. I like how they rationalized their meddling. I hope they never stop their matchmaking (even though Cevilla’s husband wants her to leave it in God’s hands). I like the faith messages in this story. The most important is that God does not promise we won’t have continual trials, only that he will be right beside us as we go through them to give us hope, comfort, and mercy. Love in Plain Sight is an emotional story that deals with trust, forgiveness, faith, matchmaking, family, friends, and romance. I loved the epilogue. One of my favorite phrases from Love in Plain Sight is “I’m pointing out that we all have stuff about ourselves we don’t like. Sometimes we can change those things, sometimes we can’t. It’s what’s on the inside that counts, though.” Love in Plain Sight is the third An Amish Mail Order Bride Novel. While you could read Love in Plain Sight as a standalone, I believe it is best to read this series in order. It will allow you to get to know the characters and their storylines. Certain characters carry through all three books (like Delilah, Rhoda, Cevilla, Loren, Robert, Rhoda’s sons). Love in Plain Sight is a poignant tale with an officious fiancé, meddlesome matchmakers, beautiful baskets, an indomitable investigator, a helpful friend, a surprising visitor, and a lasting love.
February 22, 2022
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thank you Zondervan!
I love these books. When it comes to the "formulaic" type of books (romances, crime novels) I tend to find one author I like and read everything they write. For Kathleen Fuller I've considered what it is about her romance novels that I like more than others in the genre, and in this book I realized what it was - her characters.
I love that her Amish series tend to follow different communities and that while there is a general focus on one couple per book, the supporting cast (so to speak) is recurring and makes for wonderful sideplots and rich characterizations. I keep coming back, because I keep enjoying this community of characters.
I thought this was one of her better books and that Katharine was one of her best female leads.
I'm someone who loves the book, and even more the movie, "Sleeping with the enemy", and this was sort of a light version of that. Something about a woman getting the courage to try to leave an abusive man speaks very deeply to me.
Now, why is Katharine one of the best leads? I know that in the present girl power iteration we are all supposed to embrace and love ourselves as we are, and yay for that. But let's be honest, a lot of women do struggle with feeling 'less than', struggling with weight and complexion issues, dealing with poor self-esteem from not being 'the pretty one' who gets easy male attention. Basically, Katharine isn't the typical "oh I had no idea I was beautiful" but stunningly gorgeous lead, she comes across as a rather plain girl whose beauty is there but not obvious, and who got taken advantage of because of her poor self-esteem.
Something about her was just more relatable than with most female leads. She was genuinely vulnerable, and I was really rooting for her to feel better about herself and invested in her well-being.
I also really liked Ezra and enjoyed that he was quite forthcoming about his emotions, rather than spending the whole book trying to avoid them, and just being a good guy all around.
I wasn't as invested in the sideplot, however, I did really like that Fuller started to build it up in the previous book "Matched and Married", which made it feel very satisfying to get a conclusion. The theme of abuse runs heavy through this book, but I enjoyed that it went to the darker place.
I found Simeon quite frightening, though I do wish the conclusion to his story would have been a little bit more elaborate. (Oh, and oh that Galen moment! Gah! When you read it you'll know my frustration.)
The one thing I didn't really enjoy was Charity, I thought she was a bit over the top and needlessly mean, I really, really, hope that we get to read a redemption arc for her in an upcoming book. I hope she gets to mature and become a more positive character. Something about her being only 18 made me flashback to every embarrassing or stupid thing I said or did during my entire high school career (so much for that night's sleep, thanks brain), and I really hope that Fuller takes her flaws and allows her to grow. Perhaps even let her be a love interest in the next book? I guess time will tell.
Thank you Zondervan!
I love these books. When it comes to the "formulaic" type of books (romances, crime novels) I tend to find one author I like and read everything they write. For Kathleen Fuller I've considered what it is about her romance novels that I like more than others in the genre, and in this book I realized what it was - her characters.
I love that her Amish series tend to follow different communities and that while there is a general focus on one couple per book, the supporting cast (so to speak) is recurring and makes for wonderful sideplots and rich characterizations. I keep coming back, because I keep enjoying this community of characters.
I thought this was one of her better books and that Katharine was one of her best female leads.
I'm someone who loves the book, and even more the movie, "Sleeping with the enemy", and this was sort of a light version of that. Something about a woman getting the courage to try to leave an abusive man speaks very deeply to me.
Now, why is Katharine one of the best leads? I know that in the present girl power iteration we are all supposed to embrace and love ourselves as we are, and yay for that. But let's be honest, a lot of women do struggle with feeling 'less than', struggling with weight and complexion issues, dealing with poor self-esteem from not being 'the pretty one' who gets easy male attention. Basically, Katharine isn't the typical "oh I had no idea I was beautiful" but stunningly gorgeous lead, she comes across as a rather plain girl whose beauty is there but not obvious, and who got taken advantage of because of her poor self-esteem.
Something about her was just more relatable than with most female leads. She was genuinely vulnerable, and I was really rooting for her to feel better about herself and invested in her well-being.
I also really liked Ezra and enjoyed that he was quite forthcoming about his emotions, rather than spending the whole book trying to avoid them, and just being a good guy all around.
I wasn't as invested in the sideplot, however, I did really like that Fuller started to build it up in the previous book "Matched and Married", which made it feel very satisfying to get a conclusion. The theme of abuse runs heavy through this book, but I enjoyed that it went to the darker place.
I found Simeon quite frightening, though I do wish the conclusion to his story would have been a little bit more elaborate. (Oh, and oh that Galen moment! Gah! When you read it you'll know my frustration.)
The one thing I didn't really enjoy was Charity, I thought she was a bit over the top and needlessly mean, I really, really, hope that we get to read a redemption arc for her in an upcoming book. I hope she gets to mature and become a more positive character. Something about her being only 18 made me flashback to every embarrassing or stupid thing I said or did during my entire high school career (so much for that night's sleep, thanks brain), and I really hope that Fuller takes her flaws and allows her to grow. Perhaps even let her be a love interest in the next book? I guess time will tell.
May 2, 2022
Loved It!
Love in Plain Sight takes us once again to Birch Creek, an Amish community with the dilemma of too many bachelors and not enough wife candidates. It's also where someone has taken the issue into their own hands by sending out an advertisement in search of young women looking for husbands. The advertisement has been working just fine so far. However, when Katharine Miller arrives in Birch Creek, although others think she's on a husband search, that is actually the furthest thing from her mind. All she wants is peace and quiet and to be left alone which just might be a bit of a challenge if Ezra Bontrager has anything to say about it.
Ezra is just like Katharine in his thoughts about marriage. Unfortunately that idea is a bit of a challenge with the single women, one in particular, that are greatly interested in having him take the marriage plunge. However, Ezra also just wants to be left alone. That is all good and well until he realizes that Katharine is one single woman that has absolutely no interest in him. Although that should make him happy, it actually piques his interest to where he finds himself wanting to spend more time with her.
I was captivated from the very start of the story and absolutely loved it! Katherine Fuller has done a fantastic job of weaving some very sensitive topics into the story. She did so in a way that made me vividly see things through the characters' eyes and feel what the characters were feeling. My heart went out to Katharine, and I loved how she grew and was able to move forward with God's help and the love of those around her. As for Ezra, it was such a joy to watch him and his determination of trying to get to know Katherine better and figure her out. I loved watching their relationship evolve from strangers, to friends, and how it developed into such a special bond between them. Seeing how some well-meaning matchmakers threw in a helping hand to make it happen had me smiling more than once.
Katharine and Ezra's story is a very beautiful one. It is a combination of romance, humor, faith, forgiveness, trust, God's will, and overcoming the past. All of these characteristics made this a truly inspirational story that I highly recommend.
****I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Love in Plain Sight takes us once again to Birch Creek, an Amish community with the dilemma of too many bachelors and not enough wife candidates. It's also where someone has taken the issue into their own hands by sending out an advertisement in search of young women looking for husbands. The advertisement has been working just fine so far. However, when Katharine Miller arrives in Birch Creek, although others think she's on a husband search, that is actually the furthest thing from her mind. All she wants is peace and quiet and to be left alone which just might be a bit of a challenge if Ezra Bontrager has anything to say about it.
Ezra is just like Katharine in his thoughts about marriage. Unfortunately that idea is a bit of a challenge with the single women, one in particular, that are greatly interested in having him take the marriage plunge. However, Ezra also just wants to be left alone. That is all good and well until he realizes that Katharine is one single woman that has absolutely no interest in him. Although that should make him happy, it actually piques his interest to where he finds himself wanting to spend more time with her.
I was captivated from the very start of the story and absolutely loved it! Katherine Fuller has done a fantastic job of weaving some very sensitive topics into the story. She did so in a way that made me vividly see things through the characters' eyes and feel what the characters were feeling. My heart went out to Katharine, and I loved how she grew and was able to move forward with God's help and the love of those around her. As for Ezra, it was such a joy to watch him and his determination of trying to get to know Katherine better and figure her out. I loved watching their relationship evolve from strangers, to friends, and how it developed into such a special bond between them. Seeing how some well-meaning matchmakers threw in a helping hand to make it happen had me smiling more than once.
Katharine and Ezra's story is a very beautiful one. It is a combination of romance, humor, faith, forgiveness, trust, God's will, and overcoming the past. All of these characteristics made this a truly inspirational story that I highly recommend.
****I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 5, 2022
Wow, what a book. So much to unpack in dealing with abuse (physical, emotional, and mental). Katherine is one amazing and tough Amish lady.
I have not read the first two books in the trilogy but will definitely be picking them up.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was wonderful. Her lilting voice keeps you engaged from opening to closing.
I have not read the first two books in the trilogy but will definitely be picking them up.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was wonderful. Her lilting voice keeps you engaged from opening to closing.
January 11, 2022
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Book 3 in An Amish Mail-order Bride Series.
Katherine Miller arrives in Birch Creek with a secret. She wants no one to know where she came from or why she came. Her spirit nearly broken and with little self-esteem until the new handyman, Ezra Bontrager says hello.
Good storyline, one which you're normally not used to reading about but does happen. I enjoyed the the book and how Katherine healed discovering her inner beauty and strength. I didn't care much for a few chapters that brought in extra family to add to the other storyline going on but it did tie up nicely at the end. Looks like there could be another bachelor needing a potential Mail-order Bride in the future.
Katherine Miller arrives in Birch Creek with a secret. She wants no one to know where she came from or why she came. Her spirit nearly broken and with little self-esteem until the new handyman, Ezra Bontrager says hello.
Good storyline, one which you're normally not used to reading about but does happen. I enjoyed the the book and how Katherine healed discovering her inner beauty and strength. I didn't care much for a few chapters that brought in extra family to add to the other storyline going on but it did tie up nicely at the end. Looks like there could be another bachelor needing a potential Mail-order Bride in the future.
December 31, 2021
I loved coming back to Birch Creek and hearing about the previous characters in the series. My heart hurt for Katherine as she had to escape to Birch Creek. I also enjoyed the character of Ezra.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 11, 2022
I have enjoyed this series of the Amish Mail Order Bride. An ad in the Amish Budget Newspaper was for single women to come to Birch Creek for available men. The Amish believe that marriage strengthens communities and lack of available single women in Birch Creek was not helping. No one knows who put the ad in the paper but there are some viable contenders that love to encourage a good match and will the Lord to do so. In this series, you also know the community, the love, and the struggles. One struggle that has been in all 3 books was a family that had gone thru suffering when the father abandoned his family many years ago. Rhoda was abandoned by her abusive husband and has developed a strong friendship with Loren that runs the B&B with this mother. The B&B has also been a strong backdrop to this series as well. To end this series well and possibly bring on a new one.
Katherine Miller has been working at the B&B for over a year with Loren and his mother Delilah. She has kept a secret from the community and is resolved to live a life of loneliness. Delilah only sees opportunity and knows well that we were not meant to be alone. Ezra has been with working with the B&B for a short time. Of course a friendship and a trust builds between Katherine and Ezra.
Trust is a key virtue in this series and it is tangled in abuse. You cannot reconcile abuse and trust together but you can begin in your identity in Christ. I see this journey in Katherine's as she put herself away from the abuse and begin the painstaking journey of seeing God work in her life. It takes patience and trust that is hard to put in words and harder to live out. I have enjoyed this journey of faith and romance!
A special thank you to Zondervan Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review
Katherine Miller has been working at the B&B for over a year with Loren and his mother Delilah. She has kept a secret from the community and is resolved to live a life of loneliness. Delilah only sees opportunity and knows well that we were not meant to be alone. Ezra has been with working with the B&B for a short time. Of course a friendship and a trust builds between Katherine and Ezra.
Trust is a key virtue in this series and it is tangled in abuse. You cannot reconcile abuse and trust together but you can begin in your identity in Christ. I see this journey in Katherine's as she put herself away from the abuse and begin the painstaking journey of seeing God work in her life. It takes patience and trust that is hard to put in words and harder to live out. I have enjoyed this journey of faith and romance!
A special thank you to Zondervan Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review
July 7, 2022
I love getting to know this author's characters- they come to life with personality and I'm always drawn into their story. I loved Ezra's steadfastness in befriending Katherine! She definitely needed someone who wouldn't give up when she put up walls, and she needed a true friend more than anyone. The town matchmakers add humor to the story with their antics as they "help" Ezra and Katherine's relationship. The emotion of the story is real as both Katherine and Rhoda are healing from abusive relationships, growing stronger and finding new perspective. Rhoda and Loren's situation has been a subplot through the series, and it was nice to see the unexpected resolution of their troubles. A wonderful story of healing with a good dose of sweet romance! Loved it!
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
December 9, 2022
I actually ended up listening to this story as an audio book and can definitely recommend it. I enjoyed the narration a lot.
I have read almost all of the books that this author has written which are set in Birch Creek. There are a few different series set there and it has been fun to be able to jump into various stories and see what is happening in the community. You could probably read this book without having read any others and still understand the big issues that certain people in the community were dealing with. However, having read most of the other books set in this location, some moments in this book were very impactful because of what had happened in earlier novels.
Love in Plain Sight dealt with some series topics including verbal and physical abuse, deceit, repentance, forgiveness, and body image. I thought the author handled these topics very well.
I really enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Ezra and Katharine. They were so good for each other and Ezra was such a wonderful contrast to the man that Katharine was hiding from. This story is definitely a good addition to the series.
I think the cover of this book is adorable, yet I feel that the model was not a good representation of Katharine, who perpetually carried extra weight. It is strange to read a story about an overweight heroine while seeing a thin model on the cover.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but also bought my own copy. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
I have read almost all of the books that this author has written which are set in Birch Creek. There are a few different series set there and it has been fun to be able to jump into various stories and see what is happening in the community. You could probably read this book without having read any others and still understand the big issues that certain people in the community were dealing with. However, having read most of the other books set in this location, some moments in this book were very impactful because of what had happened in earlier novels.
Love in Plain Sight dealt with some series topics including verbal and physical abuse, deceit, repentance, forgiveness, and body image. I thought the author handled these topics very well.
I really enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Ezra and Katharine. They were so good for each other and Ezra was such a wonderful contrast to the man that Katharine was hiding from. This story is definitely a good addition to the series.
I think the cover of this book is adorable, yet I feel that the model was not a good representation of Katharine, who perpetually carried extra weight. It is strange to read a story about an overweight heroine while seeing a thin model on the cover.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but also bought my own copy. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
June 20, 2022
This is book three in An Amish Mail-Order Bride series but I was able to read as a stand-alone. I still recognized some characters that were in previous Birch Creek novels. I loved Cevilla and her matchmaking so I was especially glad to revisit her. This book deals with the difficult subject of abuse and as a warning the first chapter can be difficult to read especially if you are an abuse survivor. Even though I am I was glad to see it brought into the open and discussed. Therefore I feel it would make a great book club choice. I definitely can identify with how Katharine tries to keep to herself after fleeing to Birch Creek and I was impressed with Ezra and his patience and kindness with her. He looked beyond the surface and saw her heart. I thought the author did an excellent job with the subject matter. Not just a book for Amish fiction lovers. I need to read the previous books in this series as I feel it would make it even better.
I won a copy of this book from a blog. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
I won a copy of this book from a blog. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
May 2, 2022
This is a sweet Amish romance that also deals with the hard issue of abuse. When Katharine flees to Birch Creek, she's determined to keep to herself. She tries to be invisible but Ezra sees through her defenses to her vulnerabilities. The hard issues of abuse, abandonment, neglect are dealt with gently and wisely. The pain is not glossed over. This book shows there can be forgiveness and hope despite a troubling past.
I liked that Ezra was not focused on external things but saw Katharine's inner beauty. I thought the end reveal was surprising and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series to see what comes of all that. I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Amish fiction. Thank you to Zondervan for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I liked that Ezra was not focused on external things but saw Katharine's inner beauty. I thought the end reveal was surprising and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series to see what comes of all that. I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Amish fiction. Thank you to Zondervan for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
December 12, 2021
One word that comes to mind in describing this book is captivating! I read this book in 2 days because I could not put it down. I love how the author writes about real life issues that happens in many homes today and can often go unnoticed-physical and mental abuse.
Kathleen Fuller incorporated the rebuilding of trust in others, a little bit of matchmaking, seeking forgiveness for wrong doing and being the one who has to do the forgiving when they have been done wrong. I hope the author has a sequel to this story because I want to see what happens with one of the characters.
I highly recommend this book. It will definitely keep your attention. I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and the publisher for my honest review and opinion.
Kathleen Fuller incorporated the rebuilding of trust in others, a little bit of matchmaking, seeking forgiveness for wrong doing and being the one who has to do the forgiving when they have been done wrong. I hope the author has a sequel to this story because I want to see what happens with one of the characters.
I highly recommend this book. It will definitely keep your attention. I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and the publisher for my honest review and opinion.
December 16, 2021
While Love in Plain Sight has two sweet romances in it... between Katharine and Ezra and Rhoda and Loren, you will also find heavier themes such as abuse and forgiveness. Some days I'm in the mood for a quick and easy read and I find that the Amish romances by my favorite authors fit the bill perfectly. I've loved every book by Kathleen Fuller that I've read and will continue to pick up her new books as they come along.
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Publishes 3 May 2022
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Publishes 3 May 2022
January 23, 2022
In this third installment of the Amish Mail Order Bride series, I loved returning to the small Amish town of Birch Creek, Ohio, and reconnecting with the Bontrager family and other Birch Creek friends. This book can be read as a stand-alone; but since it references and features many characters from the first two books, I recommend reading them first. This captivating story features Katharine Miller, who relocates to Birch Creek to escape an abusive relationship. Can Katharine find safety and happiness in her new home, or will her past resurface to threaten her future with Ezra Bontrager? The smoothly flowing plot kept me engaged from beginning to end. The characters are compelling and relatable. I love that the story features a heroine who is, by the world’s standards, “not so beautiful” as she struggles with her weight and complexion. I also enjoyed how the author ties up some loose ends from the last book through the poignant side story that focuses on Rhoda, Loren, and Emmanuel. With themes of forgiveness and redemption, this well-crafted narrative combines light and somber moments to make an enjoyable, satisfying read. Of the first three books of the series, this is my favorite, and I highly recommend it especially for fans of Amish fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 12, 2022
New love and healing in Birch Creek.
Katherine Miller is a kind-hearted young woman who came to Birch Creek for sanctuary away from her painful secrets; not looking for a husband she has slowly made friends in the community. I loved that she had many supportive people in her life that she could call her friends, as well as her budding relationship with Ezra. My heart instantly went out to Katherine, and she is the kind of heroine that you can cheer for all the way through.
The book also picks up some of the story threads from the previous books in the series, like with Rhoda and Loren as they wonder about the future of their relationship. Ezra is a kind and thoughtful young man, and I liked how he always was making sure that Katherine was comfortable and doing alright.
Overall this was a quick, emotional, heartwarming read with strong themes of trusting God, forgiveness, courage and second chances. I loved revisiting familiar faces and meeting new ones, as well as finally solving some mysteries that had been going on in the background for quite some time. An excellent addition to the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Katherine Miller is a kind-hearted young woman who came to Birch Creek for sanctuary away from her painful secrets; not looking for a husband she has slowly made friends in the community. I loved that she had many supportive people in her life that she could call her friends, as well as her budding relationship with Ezra. My heart instantly went out to Katherine, and she is the kind of heroine that you can cheer for all the way through.
The book also picks up some of the story threads from the previous books in the series, like with Rhoda and Loren as they wonder about the future of their relationship. Ezra is a kind and thoughtful young man, and I liked how he always was making sure that Katherine was comfortable and doing alright.
Overall this was a quick, emotional, heartwarming read with strong themes of trusting God, forgiveness, courage and second chances. I loved revisiting familiar faces and meeting new ones, as well as finally solving some mysteries that had been going on in the background for quite some time. An excellent addition to the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 10, 2022
Kathleen Fuller continues to amaze me by the way she reminds us that people are people no matter what their lifestyle seems to describe them. She takes us into the lives of the Amish and shows us that there are things that they go through that others do too.
In this instance it is domestic abuse. There are a couple of different characters that go through this and the story shows it from different angles (in marriage and in dating). Ms. Fuller doesn't sugar coat this nor does she make the story so heavy with it either.
I enjoyed another trip to Birch Creek and look forward to seeing where Katharine and Ezra's story leads as well as that of Loren and Rhoda. Lovely story and wonderful series!
In this instance it is domestic abuse. There are a couple of different characters that go through this and the story shows it from different angles (in marriage and in dating). Ms. Fuller doesn't sugar coat this nor does she make the story so heavy with it either.
I enjoyed another trip to Birch Creek and look forward to seeing where Katharine and Ezra's story leads as well as that of Loren and Rhoda. Lovely story and wonderful series!
December 22, 2021
Kathleen Fuller is definitely becoming one of my favorite Amish authors. I read as many of her books as I can, although I have not had the chance to read the previous books of this particular series. Kathleen Fuller's books never disappoint and this one was so good. It also works as a stand-alone book, if like me, have not read the first two books of the series.
It deals with an abusive fiancé who basically rules Katharine's life. As she speaks to a friend the decision was made for her to leave their town in secret. This is such a captivating book. You will enjoy the book as she continues to forge a new life for herself and hopefully finds happiness. Themes in this book cover abuse and forgiveness. It is well worth your time to read this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
It deals with an abusive fiancé who basically rules Katharine's life. As she speaks to a friend the decision was made for her to leave their town in secret. This is such a captivating book. You will enjoy the book as she continues to forge a new life for herself and hopefully finds happiness. Themes in this book cover abuse and forgiveness. It is well worth your time to read this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
February 8, 2022
Katherine Miller finds her way to the Amish Community of Birch Creek after her friend tells her about an ad for brides. She hopes this will be her opportunity to escape the mess that her life has become. Ezra Bontrager
notices the young woman when he starts working at Stoll's Inn where she is employed.
There is a lot going on in Birch Creek.There's a theme of lying that seems to thread through the stories involving several of the characters. It may seem more noticeable to me because it is an Amish community. In the long run the lies are found out and there are repercussions.
I like the ongoing stories of the Birch Creek Amish including Rhoda, Cevilla, Richard, Delilah and Loren. There is serious drama and moments of humor too. There is good closure for one family story too. I enjoyed this new book in the series and want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for my advanced reader's copy.
notices the young woman when he starts working at Stoll's Inn where she is employed.
There is a lot going on in Birch Creek.There's a theme of lying that seems to thread through the stories involving several of the characters. It may seem more noticeable to me because it is an Amish community. In the long run the lies are found out and there are repercussions.
I like the ongoing stories of the Birch Creek Amish including Rhoda, Cevilla, Richard, Delilah and Loren. There is serious drama and moments of humor too. There is good closure for one family story too. I enjoyed this new book in the series and want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for my advanced reader's copy.
December 16, 2021
An abusive fiancé makes Katharine flee her family home in Wyoming and go to an Amish community in another state. There she meets Ezra, a bachelor with no intention of courting at the moment. Katharine is shy and tries to keep a low profile. The two are part of the same Amish congregation and work at the same Inn and cross paths frequently. This is a nice, feel-good story. This is third in a series and it was fun to see some of the characters from the first two books of the series and also to have a little mystery solved at the end that was with us from the beginning.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
February 8, 2025
February 8, 2025
I just got done reading the Amish of Birch Creek series (A Reluctant Bride, An Unbroken Heart, A Love Made New) this week, and since I knew that this author had other series that took place in Birch Creek, I wondered if there was ever closure to Emmanuel's story—if he ever returned, how long it would be before he did, etc. I read the first book in this series, A Double Dose of Love, back in August and didn't really like it. Then I was reading these books' synopses, and this one's synopsis caught my eye—Birch Creek's past came roaring back? That could only mean one thing...!
I actually liked this book a lot. While I was mainly here for the Emmanuel B-plot (with which I was not disappointed), I also appreciated the A-plot that was advertised on the book—that is, Katharine and Ezra's love story. Both were such sweet, good-hearted people that it was easy to root for them, even when Katharine felt insecure and afraid because of her past with an abusive ex-boyfriend whom she had left behind. I liked how Ezra was up-front, gentle, and encouraging to Katharine instead of going for the lack-of-communication-leads-to-misunderstanding trope. I enjoyed how both of them addressed the fact that they'd been set up by Delilah and Cevilla, but still continued to hang out because they genuinely saw something in each other. I could also relate to Katharine trying to lose weight by not eating. I've done the same thing myself and it always made me miserable.
Since I just got done reading the Amish of Birch Creek series, I knew all of the side-characters and the struggles through which they had gone. I was happy to be with Sol, Irene, Aden, Sadie, and Rhoda again, and I was happy to see that the two couples both have children of their own. However, I can't help but think that someone who picked up this book out of the blue would be extremely confused by all of the characters and not have a single reference point for anything that they were talking about. I don't know how to say this without making it come out all muddled, but the point is that it's very confusing to try to compress what happened in three books nine years ago into vague memories and flashbacks in this one book, especially if some readers haven't read those three books or don't remember what happened.
I was just very pleased with this book and was thoroughly invested in all the characters, which hasn't happened very often lately. It was nice to actually enjoy a book for once.
I just got done reading the Amish of Birch Creek series (A Reluctant Bride, An Unbroken Heart, A Love Made New) this week, and since I knew that this author had other series that took place in Birch Creek, I wondered if there was ever closure to Emmanuel's story—if he ever returned, how long it would be before he did, etc. I read the first book in this series, A Double Dose of Love, back in August and didn't really like it. Then I was reading these books' synopses, and this one's synopsis caught my eye—Birch Creek's past came roaring back? That could only mean one thing...!
I actually liked this book a lot. While I was mainly here for the Emmanuel B-plot (with which I was not disappointed), I also appreciated the A-plot that was advertised on the book—that is, Katharine and Ezra's love story. Both were such sweet, good-hearted people that it was easy to root for them, even when Katharine felt insecure and afraid because of her past with an abusive ex-boyfriend whom she had left behind. I liked how Ezra was up-front, gentle, and encouraging to Katharine instead of going for the lack-of-communication-leads-to-misunderstanding trope. I enjoyed how both of them addressed the fact that they'd been set up by Delilah and Cevilla, but still continued to hang out because they genuinely saw something in each other. I could also relate to Katharine trying to lose weight by not eating. I've done the same thing myself and it always made me miserable.
Since I just got done reading the Amish of Birch Creek series, I knew all of the side-characters and the struggles through which they had gone. I was happy to be with Sol, Irene, Aden, Sadie, and Rhoda again, and I was happy to see that the two couples both have children of their own. However, I can't help but think that someone who picked up this book out of the blue would be extremely confused by all of the characters and not have a single reference point for anything that they were talking about. I don't know how to say this without making it come out all muddled, but the point is that it's very confusing to try to compress what happened in three books nine years ago into vague memories and flashbacks in this one book, especially if some readers haven't read those three books or don't remember what happened.
I was just very pleased with this book and was thoroughly invested in all the characters, which hasn't happened very often lately. It was nice to actually enjoy a book for once.
March 12, 2022
Kathleen Fuller returns her readers to the Amish town of Birch Creek, Ohio, where a tiny ad seeking wives for the town's many bachelors has brought dozens of young women searching for husbands.
Katharine Miller fled to Birch Creek when her fiancé's abuse began to frighten her. Two weeks before her wedding, he nearly broke her hand causing her to run without telling even her parents where she was going. Only her best friend and confidant knows where she truly is, and for her continued safety is keeping the secret - even from her own husband who has been best friends with Katharine's fiancé since they were children. After a year of being in Birch Creek, she has lost most of the weight she gained during her engagement (stress eating) and her acne-riddled skin has cleared up (also stress related.) She has been doing her best to stay in the background, but her employer is Delilah Stoll, a woman who firmly believes in finding matches for the unmarried. When Delilah pushes her to spend time with Ezra Bontrager, can she convince her that she's really happy as she is - unmarried, employed making her baskets, and unnoticed by the men of the community.
Ezra Bontrager's older brothers have happily settled down with their new wives - women who came to town as part of some matchmaker's scheme to marry off the unmarried men of the community. So far, he has managed to avoid these women - most of whom just seem desperate to him - and remain unattached. He's met Delilah's newest employee, Katharine, but she's so shy he can't imagine trying to get to know her. He's never been shy and as the new handyman at Stoll's Inn, he comes in contact with Katharine often. As Delilah begins to throw them together, can they at least find friendship, even if their hearts aren't ready for love?
Ezra has been one of my favorite characters throughout this series. His sense of humor comes out in unusual places (his first encounter with Katharine in the story comes to mind.) Katharine's character is one that readers will feel sympathy for, and will cheer for in the end. I also enjoyed how this book is actually two stories in one. The second story has continued throughout the series, and actually started back in Fuller's Amish of Birch Creek series.
I couldn't put this book down once I started it, so yes, I highly recommend it. Readers who have read the Amish of Birch Creek series, or any of the Amish Mail-Order Brides series should absolutely pick this up.
Katharine Miller fled to Birch Creek when her fiancé's abuse began to frighten her. Two weeks before her wedding, he nearly broke her hand causing her to run without telling even her parents where she was going. Only her best friend and confidant knows where she truly is, and for her continued safety is keeping the secret - even from her own husband who has been best friends with Katharine's fiancé since they were children. After a year of being in Birch Creek, she has lost most of the weight she gained during her engagement (stress eating) and her acne-riddled skin has cleared up (also stress related.) She has been doing her best to stay in the background, but her employer is Delilah Stoll, a woman who firmly believes in finding matches for the unmarried. When Delilah pushes her to spend time with Ezra Bontrager, can she convince her that she's really happy as she is - unmarried, employed making her baskets, and unnoticed by the men of the community.
Ezra Bontrager's older brothers have happily settled down with their new wives - women who came to town as part of some matchmaker's scheme to marry off the unmarried men of the community. So far, he has managed to avoid these women - most of whom just seem desperate to him - and remain unattached. He's met Delilah's newest employee, Katharine, but she's so shy he can't imagine trying to get to know her. He's never been shy and as the new handyman at Stoll's Inn, he comes in contact with Katharine often. As Delilah begins to throw them together, can they at least find friendship, even if their hearts aren't ready for love?
Ezra has been one of my favorite characters throughout this series. His sense of humor comes out in unusual places (his first encounter with Katharine in the story comes to mind.) Katharine's character is one that readers will feel sympathy for, and will cheer for in the end. I also enjoyed how this book is actually two stories in one. The second story has continued throughout the series, and actually started back in Fuller's Amish of Birch Creek series.
I couldn't put this book down once I started it, so yes, I highly recommend it. Readers who have read the Amish of Birch Creek series, or any of the Amish Mail-Order Brides series should absolutely pick this up.
July 11, 2022
Although Love in Plain Sight is an Amish romance, it is not a sugar coated love story. It addresses two cases of physical and verbal abuse in two different Amish communities—how it affected the victims and how they reacted to it. Along the way though, the reader meets some noble and likable characters. They are people with standards, people you would want to meet. The book does not address abuse from a community standpoint, but from an individual one. The abusers have other character flaws or sins that are intertwined with their abuse—a hunger for money and power. They abound in self-interest and don’t care who gets hurt.
The plot is complex as Katharine decides to flee her abusing fiancée and lies to everyone to protect herself and her parents. She is Amish and finds a job at an Amish inn in a distant town where she is surrounded by loving people. One of them was abused by her husband who has been missing for nine years and is presumed dead. The two women recognize the backgrounds they see in each other. It is difficult for both to move on with their lives. Rhoda is still legally married, and Katharine has major self-esteem issues compounded by the stress of never being able to do anything the way her fiancée wants it done. As a result, she gains weight and her acne worsens causing even more criticism from him.
I started the book one evening and couldn’t wait to resume it the next day. The plot moves quickly, and both plot lines have dramatic conclusions. One of the major themes is forgiveness. Another is trusting God to work out things for good.
There is an amusing thread in the story. An ad has appeared in a number of Amish newspapers inviting young Amish women looking for bachelors to come to the little town of Birch Creek. Katharine chooses to “disappear” in that town, not because she wants a husband, but because there will be so many Amish women arriving that no one will question why she is there. The big question locally is the identity of the ad writer, and the surprising answer emerges at the end of the book.
Kathleen Fuller is not a new author, but this book is a first of her works for me. I recommend this book and look forward to reading more in this series and others by this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The plot is complex as Katharine decides to flee her abusing fiancée and lies to everyone to protect herself and her parents. She is Amish and finds a job at an Amish inn in a distant town where she is surrounded by loving people. One of them was abused by her husband who has been missing for nine years and is presumed dead. The two women recognize the backgrounds they see in each other. It is difficult for both to move on with their lives. Rhoda is still legally married, and Katharine has major self-esteem issues compounded by the stress of never being able to do anything the way her fiancée wants it done. As a result, she gains weight and her acne worsens causing even more criticism from him.
I started the book one evening and couldn’t wait to resume it the next day. The plot moves quickly, and both plot lines have dramatic conclusions. One of the major themes is forgiveness. Another is trusting God to work out things for good.
There is an amusing thread in the story. An ad has appeared in a number of Amish newspapers inviting young Amish women looking for bachelors to come to the little town of Birch Creek. Katharine chooses to “disappear” in that town, not because she wants a husband, but because there will be so many Amish women arriving that no one will question why she is there. The big question locally is the identity of the ad writer, and the surprising answer emerges at the end of the book.
Kathleen Fuller is not a new author, but this book is a first of her works for me. I recommend this book and look forward to reading more in this series and others by this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 23, 2022
Although An Amish Mail-Order Bride is a three book series, I chose to only read Love in Plain Sight. Katharine immediately caught my attention due to her weight and acne.
The romance genre, which are mostly written by women for women, have leading characters which are gorgeous with perfect bodies and the villains are ugly, etc. I often find myself rolling my eyes. Kathleen Fuller chose to be more realistic. Thank goodness.
There were two stories being told in this book, Katharine and Ezra and the disgraced, former Bishop Emmanuel and his family. The main story about Katharine and Ezra was what held my attention.
There were a few things that stood out to me...
1) When Katharine needed help, she was presented with it in many unexpected ways, she just had to be receptive of it.
2) I found it fascinating how the author used various characters in the story to act as God's messengers.
3) While many chose to mock Katharine, many others saw past her self-perceived flaws to her true beauty.
4) The villain in this story was charming and ingratiating when he chose to be. He had everyone fooled including his best friend.
5) At first, I was furious with his best friend. It was very interesting to watch his growth in this story.
Love in Plain Sight was incredibly realistic and imparted very important lessons without being preachy, which I appreaciated.
I listened to the audible version of this publication which was narrated by Lauren Berst. I hope that the author and narrator collaborate again in the future. Lauren did a much better job of bringing the characters to life than the other narrators used for the author's Audible publications.
The romance genre, which are mostly written by women for women, have leading characters which are gorgeous with perfect bodies and the villains are ugly, etc. I often find myself rolling my eyes. Kathleen Fuller chose to be more realistic. Thank goodness.
There were two stories being told in this book, Katharine and Ezra and the disgraced, former Bishop Emmanuel and his family. The main story about Katharine and Ezra was what held my attention.
There were a few things that stood out to me...
1) When Katharine needed help, she was presented with it in many unexpected ways, she just had to be receptive of it.
2) I found it fascinating how the author used various characters in the story to act as God's messengers.
3) While many chose to mock Katharine, many others saw past her self-perceived flaws to her true beauty.
4) The villain in this story was charming and ingratiating when he chose to be. He had everyone fooled including his best friend.
5) At first, I was furious with his best friend. It was very interesting to watch his growth in this story.
Love in Plain Sight was incredibly realistic and imparted very important lessons without being preachy, which I appreaciated.
I listened to the audible version of this publication which was narrated by Lauren Berst. I hope that the author and narrator collaborate again in the future. Lauren did a much better job of bringing the characters to life than the other narrators used for the author's Audible publications.
February 20, 2022
It wasn’t until I was finished the book that I found out that it was the third in the series “Mail Order Brides”. I am not sure if it would of been a better read if I had read the first two books, however it was a very good read as a stand-alone. It also has made me search out the previous two books in this series. This was such a different type of Amish themed book for me. Domestic abuse isn’t really a popular theme in Amish novels and I appreciated how the author introduced it in the Amish Culture - with sensitivity as well as not just glossing over it. My heart went out to Katherine and her struggles with appearances and in hiding her abuse. I cheered for her as she had to make some difficult choices to hopefully find healing and to move forward in her life. These choices aren’t easy for any woman but I would imagine even harder for an Amish Woman. Love in Plain Sight isn’t just a story about Katherine as there are mini stories about several other characters in the community. For me the central theme was overcoming and also how forgiveness allows us to move forward in our lives. I would most definitely recommend this novel to others and I rate it a 5/5.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you Zondervan Fiction and the author for allowing me to have this opportunity.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you Zondervan Fiction and the author for allowing me to have this opportunity.
January 5, 2022
Thank you Zondervan Fiction, for allowing me to read and ARC of Love in Plain Sight (An Amish Mail-Order Bride Novel Book 3) by Kathleen Fuller through Netgalley. All opinions are my own, and I was not required to give a positive review.
All of Kathleen’s books in this series are great, but they just get better and better. It is wonderful to be able to revisit friends the town of Birch Creek and catch up with old friends from the first two books and meet new ones.
You really get lost in the story. This book contains a love story of Ezra Bontrager and a Kathleen Miller, who has fled the danger of an abusive fiancé and ended up in Birch Creek working for Stoll’s Inn. Ezra or Kathleen aren’t interested in looking for mates, Ezra is really looking for an escape from farming, and Kathleen just needs a place to works and hide from her past.
In a continuing story, Rhoda and Lorn hit a large stumbling black in their relationship just as they thought they could move forward with their romance only to find the biggest roadblock to their marriage has reappeared.
Both couples must confront a past I order to find a future.
Preorder this 5-star book that will be released May 3, 2022. It is well worth the wait.
#LoveinPlainSight #NetGalley
All of Kathleen’s books in this series are great, but they just get better and better. It is wonderful to be able to revisit friends the town of Birch Creek and catch up with old friends from the first two books and meet new ones.
You really get lost in the story. This book contains a love story of Ezra Bontrager and a Kathleen Miller, who has fled the danger of an abusive fiancé and ended up in Birch Creek working for Stoll’s Inn. Ezra or Kathleen aren’t interested in looking for mates, Ezra is really looking for an escape from farming, and Kathleen just needs a place to works and hide from her past.
In a continuing story, Rhoda and Lorn hit a large stumbling black in their relationship just as they thought they could move forward with their romance only to find the biggest roadblock to their marriage has reappeared.
Both couples must confront a past I order to find a future.
Preorder this 5-star book that will be released May 3, 2022. It is well worth the wait.
#LoveinPlainSight #NetGalley
April 5, 2022
2 – 2.5 stars
Love in Plain Sight
by Kathleen Fuller
TW: Domestic Violence
This was truly the most unique Amish based book I have ever read, and that was not necessarily a good thing. I typically read Amish for the sweet and light of their lives and the ease of reading one of these tyes of books.This one is quite different from the norm of Amish fiction.
Katharine's fiancée Simeon abuses her physically and emotionally while integrating himself into her parents lives. A friend realizes what is happening and helps her to flee to another community to be safe. Katharine has to lie to her family and everyone in Birch Creek in order to stay safe.
I liked Ezra. I liked Katharine, but she was emotionally wore out and her character was difficult to read. I have a hard time reading books dealing with domestic violence, as do many people.
Even the secondary story was a difficult one to read.
The writing is good. The end is left a little open, so I do wonder if there is another book in this series where this situation will continue to play out.
I don't think I will read more of this author. I also do not recommend this book to anyone who struggles reading about these types of issues.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.
Love in Plain Sight
by Kathleen Fuller
TW: Domestic Violence
This was truly the most unique Amish based book I have ever read, and that was not necessarily a good thing. I typically read Amish for the sweet and light of their lives and the ease of reading one of these tyes of books.This one is quite different from the norm of Amish fiction.
Katharine's fiancée Simeon abuses her physically and emotionally while integrating himself into her parents lives. A friend realizes what is happening and helps her to flee to another community to be safe. Katharine has to lie to her family and everyone in Birch Creek in order to stay safe.
I liked Ezra. I liked Katharine, but she was emotionally wore out and her character was difficult to read. I have a hard time reading books dealing with domestic violence, as do many people.
Even the secondary story was a difficult one to read.
The writing is good. The end is left a little open, so I do wonder if there is another book in this series where this situation will continue to play out.
I don't think I will read more of this author. I also do not recommend this book to anyone who struggles reading about these types of issues.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.
April 22, 2022
Do you know that satisfying feeling after a good meal? That is how I felt after reading this book. “Love in Plain Sight” is the third book in the Amish Mail Order Bride series by Kathleen Fuller. You can read this as a stand alone book, but the other books are so good, you will want to read them too!
There are two storylines taking place, and both will keep you reading. Katherine Miller comes to Birch Creek escaping an abusive fiance. Katherine was written as a “real” character, struggling with her physical features. I know many women can relate to her insecurities. Some of the scenes are difficult to read, but it is important to know that within the Amish community, there are also people who behave poorly.
Katherine works at the Stoll Inn with Ezra Bontrager. They slowly build a friendship but Katherine is afraid to let anyone know about her past. This sweet romance also includes resident matchmakers, Delilah Stoll and Cevilla Schlabach. I always enjoy their “meddling”. The other storyline involves The Bishop of Birch Creek. I don’t want to give anything away, but if you have been reading the Birch Creek novels then I think you will be content with the ending.
I want to thank Kathleen Fuller, Zondervan, and Netgalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
There are two storylines taking place, and both will keep you reading. Katherine Miller comes to Birch Creek escaping an abusive fiance. Katherine was written as a “real” character, struggling with her physical features. I know many women can relate to her insecurities. Some of the scenes are difficult to read, but it is important to know that within the Amish community, there are also people who behave poorly.
Katherine works at the Stoll Inn with Ezra Bontrager. They slowly build a friendship but Katherine is afraid to let anyone know about her past. This sweet romance also includes resident matchmakers, Delilah Stoll and Cevilla Schlabach. I always enjoy their “meddling”. The other storyline involves The Bishop of Birch Creek. I don’t want to give anything away, but if you have been reading the Birch Creek novels then I think you will be content with the ending.
I want to thank Kathleen Fuller, Zondervan, and Netgalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
May 9, 2022
Love in Plain Sight by Kathleen Fuller is Book 3 in the Amish Mail Order Bride Series.
This is an extremely good book, but it does deal with a subject that will pull at your heartstrings. I have really enjoyed this series and this book didn’t disappoint either, Can you ever run far enough away to out run your troubles? Can you love again after your trust was broken, and your heart was stomped on?
If you have read the other books in this series than you will love how this book wraps up at least part on the storyline in an heartfelt way, and you will see how true love and compassion along with faith and Forgiveness can really make all the difference in the end.
You will also see how true friendship can make all the difference in one’s, life which for Katharine and Ezra it really does make all the difference in how they move forward on their path.
I look forward the the next book and I hope you pick up this book and read it.
This is an extremely good book, but it does deal with a subject that will pull at your heartstrings. I have really enjoyed this series and this book didn’t disappoint either, Can you ever run far enough away to out run your troubles? Can you love again after your trust was broken, and your heart was stomped on?
If you have read the other books in this series than you will love how this book wraps up at least part on the storyline in an heartfelt way, and you will see how true love and compassion along with faith and Forgiveness can really make all the difference in the end.
You will also see how true friendship can make all the difference in one’s, life which for Katharine and Ezra it really does make all the difference in how they move forward on their path.
I look forward the the next book and I hope you pick up this book and read it.
February 8, 2022
Come back to Birch Creek in Kathleen Fuller's latest novel, Love in Plain Sight. Katharine comes to Birch Creek from Wyoming, where she was lived with her parents. She was engaged to Simeon, who was abusive and hurtful. She fled to Birch Creek, intending to blend in with the other young women searching for husbands, without actually searching for a husband. She gets a job at the Stoll Inn, where she works with Ezra Bontrager. Ezra and she become friends, and, eventually, something more. However, her past is about to catch up to her. And Birch Creek's past will also arrive unexpectedly! I laughed out loud, cried a bit, and smiled through so much of this story! I am so grateful to Kathleen for sharing her stories with us! I can't wait to see what happens next!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read these stories!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read these stories!
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