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Their Make-Believe Match
Their pretend relationship…
Is becoming all too real
Irrepressible Sadie Stolzfus refuses to wed someone who doesn’t understand her. To avoid an arranged marriage, she finds the perfect pretend beau in handsome but heartbroken Isaac Hostettler. Spending time with the unconventional Sadie is helping Isaac avoid matchmaking pressure—and helping him handle a difficult loss. But can they really be sure their convenient courtship isn't the real thing?
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Is becoming all too real
Irrepressible Sadie Stolzfus refuses to wed someone who doesn’t understand her. To avoid an arranged marriage, she finds the perfect pretend beau in handsome but heartbroken Isaac Hostettler. Spending time with the unconventional Sadie is helping Isaac avoid matchmaking pressure—and helping him handle a difficult loss. But can they really be sure their convenient courtship isn't the real thing?
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published July 26, 2022
9 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Stef
11 books24 followersPublisher's Weekly best-selling author Jackie Stef began immersing herself in Amish culture at a young age and wrote her first Amish story at the age of eleven. When she’s not busy writing, she enjoys photographing the countryside, playing with her pets, and exploring the backroads of Lancaster County. She lives in rural Pennsylvania and loves to spend time in nature. Look for her on Facebook at Jackie Stef's Plain & Fancy.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 14, 2022
I discovered Miss Stef years ago after following her social media where she posts photos of Lancaster that capture the beautiful and simple life of Amish culture. She had also posted about her journey of becoming an author, so I knew she had a book in the works! After a time she finally announced the release of her book. I asked her about it months ago and, to my surprise, offered to send me an advanced copy! Of course I took her up on her generous offer! I’ve since read “Their Make-Believe Match” and I have nothing but love for this book! All I can say, because I don’t want to give anything away, is that I was very emotionally invested in the story, but especially with the characters. I felt like I knew these characters, and I really could relate to Sadie! Goodness, I could not put the book down! If you love the Amish lifestyle and romantic stories, you will want to give this book a read! I don’t typically write reviews, but I was so taken with this book I had to leave a review somewhere!
August 24, 2022
Author Jackie Stef’s debut novel is definitely worth reading if you enjoy Amish fiction. An interesting twist with a maedel who is outspoken and goes against the grain, and a young man with deep wounds, Their Make-Believe Match was fun, but goes deeper than that.
This story shows us that God is Healer, even our emotional Healer, as we see Isaac’s situation turn around when God is allowed in. And of course with an unorthodox “spinster” being forced into courtship there is a lot of fun. I recommend it!
This story shows us that God is Healer, even our emotional Healer, as we see Isaac’s situation turn around when God is allowed in. And of course with an unorthodox “spinster” being forced into courtship there is a lot of fun. I recommend it!
June 14, 2024
From the moment Sadie jumped into Isaacs buggy by mistake, she and Isaac have became fast friends. There is no one like Sadie, who while full of youthful joy and energy breathes life into Isaacs days. And short of Sadies twin brother, he is the only man that finds her approach to life as a good thing. There friendship quickly blooms... So when Sadie shares with Isaac that her family are giving her 2 months to start courting or they will arrange it, Isaac steps in. He offers to court her for 6 months. Itll get all the eligible women off his back, and give Sadie time to find someone else. Plus they can spend more time together. But Sadie struggles inwardly with their friendship, desiring to be courted for love. And he struggles with the truth that Sadie is beautiful and would be someone he would court - if it hadn't been for Rebecca his first love. Isaac refuses to make room in his heart for another, so he will settle for this friendship with Sadie. But as their time quickly goes by whats to come of them when the 6 months is over, they "break up" and Sadie is available to be courted again?! And what do they do when it stops feeling fake?
The chemistry between Sadie and Isaac is perfect from the very beginning! I completely enjoyed going on this journey with them! I am ordering all the rest of Jackie's books TODAY!
The chemistry between Sadie and Isaac is perfect from the very beginning! I completely enjoyed going on this journey with them! I am ordering all the rest of Jackie's books TODAY!
June 3, 2022
wonderful book
October 27, 2022
THEIR MAKE-BELIEVE MATCH by Jackie Stef is the fabulously well written story of Sadie Stolzfus and Isaac Hostettler as they find the perfect way to join forces in order to keep all the matchmakers at bay since both are happy being single.
Sadie is content with her life. She’s use to being independent and free to enjoy the simple things of life to which makes her seem to most as childlike. She loves working at the greenhouse tending to the flowers and watching them shine in all their glory. She doesn’t mind helping her mother and sister with the chores, but she’d rather be outside in nature where she could climb a tree or marvel at the fireflies. She’s not interested in finding a husband. However, her parents worry about her future and are determined she needs to get married and settled down. So much so that they are considering matching her up themselves with some eligible bachelor worthy of her. She definitely doesn’t want a loveless marriage!
Isaac recently came to Bird-in-Hand with his mother from Indiana. After his mother witnessed the buggy accident that took his finance, she’s been depressed and hasn’t spoken a word since. He’s brought her to visit her sister and family hoping that her condition will improve. This also makes him the new single guy in town that everyone seems to be looking at as marriage material. All the girls in town seem to have their eye on him and getting together with any of them is the furthest thing from his mind. He refuses to go through the possible heartache and pain of losing someone else he might love and is determined to remain single.
Isaac met Sadie on a rainy day when she mistook his buggy for her friend’s, who was late to pick her up from work, and she climbed in beside him. Although a strange a way to meet someone for the first time, Sadie took an immediate liking to Isaac and could tell he needed a friend. Her cheerfulness and openness made Isaac take an immediate liking to her. They soon became good friends. With the pressures on both of them from family and friends, they soon hatched the idea of having a make-believe match for 6 months just to eliminate all the hassle of dealing with folks. They found that this arrangement worked well for them. As they begin to know more about the other, their friendship bloomed.
Will the move to Bird-in-Hand, prove beneficial for Isaac’s Mom? If she improves, will the family expect him to move back to his hometown to work in partnership with his father when Bird-in-Hand is now where he thinks of as home? Will Isaac find that he is willing to open his heart up again? Will Sadie find that she might like some of the same things the other girls have always talked about? Will they take a chance on losing their friendship to find out? Or will thinking their feelings are only one sides, both keep quiet for fear of losing their best friend? Is it possible for a make believe to turn to true, lifelong love?
THEIR MAKE-BELIEVE MATCH is a book you won’t want to put down once you start reading. Jackie Stef managed to wrap funny antics, sadness and hardships, heart-warming family moments, moments of laughter, and threads of faith all into one fabulous read. Definitely FIVE STAR reading that I highly recommend to anyone!
Sadie is content with her life. She’s use to being independent and free to enjoy the simple things of life to which makes her seem to most as childlike. She loves working at the greenhouse tending to the flowers and watching them shine in all their glory. She doesn’t mind helping her mother and sister with the chores, but she’d rather be outside in nature where she could climb a tree or marvel at the fireflies. She’s not interested in finding a husband. However, her parents worry about her future and are determined she needs to get married and settled down. So much so that they are considering matching her up themselves with some eligible bachelor worthy of her. She definitely doesn’t want a loveless marriage!
Isaac recently came to Bird-in-Hand with his mother from Indiana. After his mother witnessed the buggy accident that took his finance, she’s been depressed and hasn’t spoken a word since. He’s brought her to visit her sister and family hoping that her condition will improve. This also makes him the new single guy in town that everyone seems to be looking at as marriage material. All the girls in town seem to have their eye on him and getting together with any of them is the furthest thing from his mind. He refuses to go through the possible heartache and pain of losing someone else he might love and is determined to remain single.
Isaac met Sadie on a rainy day when she mistook his buggy for her friend’s, who was late to pick her up from work, and she climbed in beside him. Although a strange a way to meet someone for the first time, Sadie took an immediate liking to Isaac and could tell he needed a friend. Her cheerfulness and openness made Isaac take an immediate liking to her. They soon became good friends. With the pressures on both of them from family and friends, they soon hatched the idea of having a make-believe match for 6 months just to eliminate all the hassle of dealing with folks. They found that this arrangement worked well for them. As they begin to know more about the other, their friendship bloomed.
Will the move to Bird-in-Hand, prove beneficial for Isaac’s Mom? If she improves, will the family expect him to move back to his hometown to work in partnership with his father when Bird-in-Hand is now where he thinks of as home? Will Isaac find that he is willing to open his heart up again? Will Sadie find that she might like some of the same things the other girls have always talked about? Will they take a chance on losing their friendship to find out? Or will thinking their feelings are only one sides, both keep quiet for fear of losing their best friend? Is it possible for a make believe to turn to true, lifelong love?
THEIR MAKE-BELIEVE MATCH is a book you won’t want to put down once you start reading. Jackie Stef managed to wrap funny antics, sadness and hardships, heart-warming family moments, moments of laughter, and threads of faith all into one fabulous read. Definitely FIVE STAR reading that I highly recommend to anyone!
March 13, 2023
What a fun book where an uncharacteristic Amish girl Sadie who prefers outdoors and not sewing/cooking thinks she will be alone forever. Her parents want to find a mate for her. She meets Isaac and they decide to have a pretend courtship but end up really enjoying each others company. I loved the character of Isaac’s mom and Sadie’s funny antics. Great read!
January 29, 2023
In the Amish community, Sadie Stolzfus is not a typical young woman but instead, is an outdoor-loving free spirit. Newcomer Isaac Hostettler is still grieving his late fiancee. Sadie is a fun quirky character, full of love and kindness for all. Sadie wants to remain true to herself and be loved for who she is. Isaac is trying to find his way through each day without the love of his life. Both facing pressure to find love, they enter into a courtship in name only. As they spend time together, can they stay "just friends"? Can these two help each other find real, lasting love?
This is a great book that took me through various emotions as I followed the characters through ups and downs. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more by this author.
This is a great book that took me through various emotions as I followed the characters through ups and downs. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more by this author.
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April 16, 2023I don't remember reading any books by this author in the past, but after reading this book, I am sure going to read more of her books. I could not put it down.
Sadie was like a breath of fresh air and Ruth and Isaac were haunted by their past.
Check out the book I think you will enjoy it.
Sadie was like a breath of fresh air and Ruth and Isaac were haunted by their past.
Check out the book I think you will enjoy it.
March 30, 2025
Love how you weaved this story together!
September 30, 2022
Enjoyable and Inspiring
What a wonderfully engaging story! It grabbed me from the very first page and kept me reading to the very end. I couldn't put it down, because I just had to see how Sadie Stolzfus and Isaac Hostettler's story was going to play out. From the moment they met, I knew that their relationship was going to be something special.
Spirited Sadie was such a joy to get to know. I loved how she enjoyed even the smallest things, how she connected her reflections of God's world to life, and to His Word. The way her reflections impacted others was truly touching and inspiring. I also loved seeing both Isaac and Sadie make transitions as they embarked on their "fake" relationship. It made for a very lovely, enjoyable and inspiring story that I highly recommend.
Book Quote:
"After Gott sent the rain to Noah, he put his rainbow int the sky. Don't get caught up in the storm clouds, because there's still hope for something beautiful on the other side of the storm." (p. 72)
What a wonderfully engaging story! It grabbed me from the very first page and kept me reading to the very end. I couldn't put it down, because I just had to see how Sadie Stolzfus and Isaac Hostettler's story was going to play out. From the moment they met, I knew that their relationship was going to be something special.
Spirited Sadie was such a joy to get to know. I loved how she enjoyed even the smallest things, how she connected her reflections of God's world to life, and to His Word. The way her reflections impacted others was truly touching and inspiring. I also loved seeing both Isaac and Sadie make transitions as they embarked on their "fake" relationship. It made for a very lovely, enjoyable and inspiring story that I highly recommend.
Book Quote:
"After Gott sent the rain to Noah, he put his rainbow int the sky. Don't get caught up in the storm clouds, because there's still hope for something beautiful on the other side of the storm." (p. 72)
February 11, 2023
Good Story
Good story. New author for me. Enjoyed this story line and the characters. Different story than some of the others with Isaac’s mother playing a part in healing.
Good story. New author for me. Enjoyed this story line and the characters. Different story than some of the others with Isaac’s mother playing a part in healing.
August 12, 2022
The young men in Sadie's district don't seem to appreciate her "unusually enthusiastic nature" and she's fine with that...mostly...but her parents aren't and they issue an alarming matchmaking ultimatum that strikes fear in Sadie's heart.
Meanwhile, newcomer Isaac is still reeling from a tragic romance and isn't looking for a wife but that doesn't stop the pursuit of marriage minded maidels from making his stay a tad uncomfortable. What's the solution? Fake relationship, that's what, one of my favourite tropes!
A pretend courtship with a 'friends only' agreement is the perfect solution for everyone! And yet irrepressible Sadie works her charm on not only Isaac but his ailing mother as well and pretty soon the line between pretend and real starts to blur.
Such a fun story! And I think this is Jackie Stef's debut. Love the unorthodox heroine -- still Amish but very much an individual. She has a giving heart and sunny disposition (think Amish Pollyanna) and enough enthusiasm to embrace everything Gott has to offer her.
"I know there is hope because Gott allowed the sun to rise today. There's still fresh air to breathe, and the birds haven't stopped singing. Gott is still providing, even when it's difficult to see. Where he provides, there is hope." (p. 61)
In other words, Isaac doesn't stand a chance and watching him heal and learn to love again made for a tremendously entertaining and inspiring read.
Meanwhile, newcomer Isaac is still reeling from a tragic romance and isn't looking for a wife but that doesn't stop the pursuit of marriage minded maidels from making his stay a tad uncomfortable. What's the solution? Fake relationship, that's what, one of my favourite tropes!
A pretend courtship with a 'friends only' agreement is the perfect solution for everyone! And yet irrepressible Sadie works her charm on not only Isaac but his ailing mother as well and pretty soon the line between pretend and real starts to blur.
Such a fun story! And I think this is Jackie Stef's debut. Love the unorthodox heroine -- still Amish but very much an individual. She has a giving heart and sunny disposition (think Amish Pollyanna) and enough enthusiasm to embrace everything Gott has to offer her.
"I know there is hope because Gott allowed the sun to rise today. There's still fresh air to breathe, and the birds haven't stopped singing. Gott is still providing, even when it's difficult to see. Where he provides, there is hope." (p. 61)
In other words, Isaac doesn't stand a chance and watching him heal and learn to love again made for a tremendously entertaining and inspiring read.
September 18, 2022
I loved this story never read any by this author was glad to learn about her and this book.
I couldn't put it down.
I couldn't put it down.
August 7, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! I enjoyed the storyline and I was inspired by Sadie. I liked that Sadie was essentially a "spinster" and her parents were getting ready to arrange a marriage for her. Sadie was passed over by the men in her community because she was a little too spirited and quirky. There was a "meet-cute" which was a little far-fetched, but was just a quick blip in the story. Isaac was determined to keep his heart closed off to love, but it was Sadie's quirks that put a crack in the walls around his heart. I absolutely loved how Sadie related to Isaac's mom! If you like Amish fiction, I highly recommend this book.
June 4, 2024
What a great story. Sadie is so sure she will never find love but accidentally hopping into a stranger’s buggy one rainy day has proved her wrong. Isaac has been in town only a few days when this stranger - woman starts a conversation without looking up, hopping into his buggy. After a few minutes , it seems as if a friendship might just develop.
Love this story! You will not want to miss reading this . I know you will love it as much as I do😀
Love this story! You will not want to miss reading this . I know you will love it as much as I do😀
July 10, 2025
She thinks she will never have a husband or family; he has arrived at his Aunt Mim's house with his mother, who witnessed the death of his fiancee due to an accident. What happens when she mistakes his buggy for that of her girlfriend and charges in before she realizes her mistake is a delightful story of restoration, and seeking the Lord's direction. Don't miss it!
August 9, 2022
Great book I think this is her first book she ever wrote. Great fun fresh story.
August 29, 2022
Loved Sadie and this was such a sweet romance
May 20, 2025
very good book
April 22, 2024
Another book with gushing praise for Tamala and Melissa in the acknowledgements, so *RUN AWAY, RUN AWAY*... except I didn't run away. Even though this is 1) a 2020 or newer book (which means garbage) and 2) it's a *NEW* author (which means not established, and likely not good).
I really should heed all of the red flags.
I have sixteen dog-ears of 'problems' to gripe about in this review, but frankly... it's been weeks since I threw this at a wall, and I just... can't... seem to want to bother with all of the reasons this sucked. It gets tedious.
All I know is that I DNF-ed the thing at pg 68, and it was sixty-eight pages I could easily have skipped and not missed a single jot or tittle of.
And there it is.
I really should heed all of the red flags.
I have sixteen dog-ears of 'problems' to gripe about in this review, but frankly... it's been weeks since I threw this at a wall, and I just... can't... seem to want to bother with all of the reasons this sucked. It gets tedious.
All I know is that I DNF-ed the thing at pg 68, and it was sixty-eight pages I could easily have skipped and not missed a single jot or tittle of.
And there it is.
May 20, 2023
Sadie and Isaac decide to be make-believe beaus, do to the pressure from their families. Can they pull it off or will they be found out? Issacs Mom is in bad shape due to a accident. Will Sadie be the answer to both Isaac and his moms prayers? Must read book by Author Jackie Stef. A+++
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September 3, 2022A very cute, enjoyable story, but poorly written. The author should go back and review what she learned in junior high English class. Some of the poor sentence structure was very distracting.
October 8, 2023
Excellent story from debut author.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews