The Amish Bachelor's Bride

by Pamela Desmond Wright

Marrying in name only…

Could lead to more than they expected  

Single mother Lavinia Simmons’s world is turned upside down when she discovers her late husband gambled away their home. A quick marriage of convenience to bachelor Noem Witzel in return for caring for his niece and nephew is the solution both Lavinia and Noem need. Neither of them is looking for romance. But what if these perfect strangers have other ideas?

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published January 1, 2023

About the author

Pamela Desmond Wright grew up in a small, dusty Texas town. From the time she learned to read, books have been her passion.

A veteran of the e-book revolution of the late '90's, Pamela moved into traditional publishing, writing in the paranormal and adult romance genres for Kensington and NAL/Penguin. Nominated 2 times, she won the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award in 2010. Pamela was also a founder of the scam publishers and agents website, The Write Connection, which was transferred to the SFWA through (then) vice-president A.C. Crispin to become Writer Beware. Her experiences with scam agents and publishers was documented in Professor Jim Fisher's book, Ten Percent of Nothing: The Case of the Literary Agent From Hell.

In 2013, Pam took a break from writing. Unable to shake the story bug, she came back in 2019 with a new focus, fulfilling a promise to write wholesome books readers of all ages could enjoy.

She currently writes Amish romance for Harlequin Love Inspired, crafting heartfelt stories where characters face life’s challenges with courage and grace. No matter how difficult the journey, they always find hope and healing through the power of faith and love.

Reviews

[Ebosereme Nwamu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love!!!

Wow!!! I enjoyed this book. I loved every bit of it. The author has worked her way into my heart and I going to search out her other books to read.

The story was one of the most compelling, inspiring, heart gripping and warming story I've read in a while.

The characters stole my heart. Noem and Lavina's story is one for the history books. I loved their heart, their faith and their love. Their strength was so admirable. I see myself noting tips from them on how to navigate life's difficult battles.

I highly recommend this book. In the characters one is sure to find kin.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

[Harold Cheetham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Pam. Hard to put down once you start to read it. And like it says on the cover "Love can be found in unexpected places."

[Heather Pickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Pamela Desmond Wright brings us back to Humble, Wisconsin in this warm and inspirational story.
Noem Witzel is a hardworking young man, a bachelor living with his dour widower father, saving to be his own boss. When his left-the-Amish sister dies, he suddenly has custody of her two small children, who he hasn’t even met before.
Enter Lavinia Mueller Simmons (you met her brother Abram in Finding Her Amish Home), a recent widow with a toddler daughter. When her husband died, she found she was left penniless after repaying all of his debts…debts he never shared about with her.
The bishop, knowing Noem and Lavinia were friends in their youth, suggests a marriage of convenience. Each has a need the other can fulfill - a stable home for Lavinia and her daughter, and a wonderful helpmate and stepmother for Noem and his two new “youngies”.
But could the Lord (“Gott”) just maybe, possibly change this marriage born of necessity into something more? Can the friendship they had years ago start a path to love?
I read this book start to finish in one day, and you will want to, as well. Plus, it has my favorite…an epilogue!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.

[Lori Wilen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Pamela Wright for my ARC copy of The Amish Bachelor's Bride. This was another 5 star read that I read in one sitting with just bed time in between. We again visit Humble, Wisconsin and meet yet another lovely couple who meet, marry and raise a family under the most extraordinary of circumstances. Pam gave us truly memorable characters who appear extremely real to us. Pam had to have done a great deal of research because this book gives a lot of information about the Amish lifestyle, their rules, etc., for living. All the children are especially precious and I love how Pam gave even the baby a voice...I got a kick out of his Gaaah's and Grrrs...and lots of giggles too. What a wonderful character Noem's father turned out to be. Even at his grouchy best he was a very loveable man. So many ups and downs, moments to smile, moments to cry and all the time wish this couple happiness, love and a successful marriage. All in the beautiful little community of picturesque and scenic Humble Wisconsin. Truly a book not to be missed. If you are a fan of Pamela's books and have read her before you know exactly what I mean. New to the genre and to Pamela? Start here for a treat in Amish culture and a beautiful story. I know you will want to read more Pamela books after experiencing this one. I know I can't wait for her next one.

[Michelle Rhoden · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Noem’s sister Callie who left the Amish, passes away, Noem becomes the guardian of her two children. Lavinia, a widow with a young daughter, has discovered her husband had secrets that caused them to lose everything-even the roof over their heads. When the Bishop approaches them about marrying for convenience, the two of them must make decisions that will affect both families, but will it be for the best? As usual, the author draws you in from page one and keeps your interest throughout the book. I highly recommend this book and found it to be very enjoyable.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Tara Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Amish Bachelor's Bride is a heartwarming story of love, hope and faith. A widowed mother Lavinia Simmons has a sweet, precious toddler named Sophie. After her late husband passes away she finds out he had a gambling addiction. Lavinia didn't know that her late husband had borrowed a large sum of money from the bank. The bank is getting ready to foreclose on the house. Noem Witzel is a bachelor who lives with his dad. He and his father Gabriel become guardians of his late sisters children. Noem has no idea how to care for his niece and nephew. The bishop suggests that the widow and bachelor have a marriage of convince, a ready made family. I truely enjoyed reading this exciting Amish story.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again we get to visit this wonderful small town of Humble, Wisconsin in a new book by Pamela Wright. The Amish Bachelor's Bride is book #2 in this delightful series. This time we get to meet Noem Witzel. Noem's sister has died and has left her two children in his care. He has no wife and only his dad to help. In a moment of desperation, he and Lavinia Simmons wed. She and her daughter have recently had to sell their home after finding out that her late husband owes a lot of gambling debts. Though they hardly know each other, can these two find a way to make a marriage of convenience become a real marriage in every way?
Pamela Wright does it again. She truly immerses you into this amish world she has created in Humble. I've said it before and I'll say it again, she will draw you in by the first sentence. I loved reading about this Amish marriage of convenience. I love how she slips in details about the simple life of The Amish. I also really enjoy reading about the Mueller family. So far we have Abram's and Lavinia's stories. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for stories about the other siblings. At any rate I'd love to read any story about the residents of Humble. Of course, we get an amazing epilogue that made me tear up with happy tears. It's a good one. I think you if you love Amish stories or just clean beautiful stories about people of faith finding love then you'll enjoy this one. I was given a copy by the author, but all opinions are my very own.

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an enjoyable return to the New Order Amish community of Humble, Wisconsin, courtesy of this second book in the Humble Blessings series! This touching marriage of convenience story pulled me in from the start and held me fast to the end. I love the way Lavinia and Noem’s relationship develops as they seek to form a family and provide a stable home for three precious children. The plot moves at a steady pace with a few twists and turns. The characters are relatable and endearing. I especially appreciate the strong, inspiring faith thread that runs throughout the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I think all Amish fiction fans will too. Note: Even though it is the second book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Camille Dayton Fostering.literacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I picked up this book, I couldn’t put it down. It follows the Marriage of Convenience trope, with Noem, an uncle grieving his sister and taking care of her two kids, and Lavinia, a new widow who is grieving the loss of her husband and her trust in him. The book kept me captivated as I read about how they had to work together to combine their families and learn to love each other. Also, Noem’s dad made me laugh. His advice to Noem was always spot on even if it was delivered a bit awkwardly, which made his character all the more loveable.

Thank you to the author and Just Read for the advance copy of the book. A review was not required, and all opinions are my own.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you in advance to the author, Pamela Desmond Wright, for providing a complimentary review copy through her launch team. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.

This is the author’s third book, and no offense to her previous ones, she keeps getting better with each one. This one definitely had a unique twist and I really wanted to read this. And, the cute cover? So sweet!

Despite this being the third book by Wright, it is the second in the Humble Blessings series that takes readers to Wisconsin’s Amish community. Although this can act as a standalone, I do recommend reading the first book – Finding Her Amish Home. Some characters do return from that book (Abram and Maddie).

Wright introduces us to:

👨🏻‍🌾 Noem
👒 Lavinia (actually, she returned from book #1)
👨🏻‍🦳 Gabriel
🧒🏻 Sophie
🧒🏻 Penny
⛪ Bishop Graber

This will have mentions of a gambling addiction, as well as a miscarriage (both happened prior to the beginning of the story).

This begins on a VERY said note – Noem is burying his “shunned” sister Callie while his father and her kids are there. Penny is young and doesn’t understand why her mom can’t come home, Jesse is an infant. Noem takes the kids since their Englisch father doesn’t want them.

This doesn’t set well with his father. The bishop has an idea for Noem – a marriage of convenience with Lavinia who is the recent widow of Josiah.

Gabriel is against it at first, yet Noem and Lavinia really don’t have many options. Gabriel also thinks the kids belong with their father despite knowing how the man left Callie. Lavinia is still plagued by Josiah’s gambling debts.

Lavinia is torn – she is mad at Josiah, but loved him, and doesn’t think she can give her heart to anyone again, let alone Noem.

It’s either live with her siblings or with Noem, and Lavinia chooses her dignity – at least she’d have “her” own home. But, what Noem brings her into – it isn’t in the best shape. In addition, there is Gabriel’s cold and distant attitude towards Lavinia. Noem promises Lavinia they will get their own place as soon as he can.

Gabriel soon warms up to the idea of Lavinia and Noem, even his “grandkids”. He admits having trouble with his faith after losing his wife and then Callie being shunned. This revelation helps his relationship with Lavinia and even helps Noem in “rearranging” his marriage with her.

Noem is offered a sweet deal regarding a repair shop, but it might hamper his and Lavinia’s goal, there’s also a tragedy as well.

But, as usual – these stories have a happily ever after ending, and this packed a surprise at the end as well. I sort of saw it coming, but was DELIGHTED to see it.

I have to admit – this was one of those “over before I realized” it reads, but I wasn’t disappointed in anyway. This was definitely a “fast-paced” but not a “rush-through” type of read. I was barely able to put it down.

There was an “open” plot arc with a guy who’d come by and threatened Noem and Lavinia about Josiah’s debt. I really wanted to know if the debt was “real” and what happened to the leech. So, I hope when the author returns to Humble, we get to find out.

I loved some of the lessons here:

➡️ “The heart has plans, but God establishes the steps”
➡️ “Better to find a solution than cry over the problem”
➡️ “You pray God gives you the patience to get them raised” (I had to laugh at this one due to why Lavinia said it).

The perspective of the “gambling” addiction, especially in the Amish community, was a different plot arc. It is not one that I would expect, given their religious beliefs, though in a way – I don’t doubt it at all.

I gravitated to this because it was “slightly” personal with respect to that.

Between 1985-1991, my mother struggled with gambling. Thankfully, she didn’t gamble away a life savings or a home (we didn’t have one – only lived in apartments) like Josiah did in this story. And, while there were some “kid-friendly” places (with arcades and prize games), it wasn’t all fun for me.

What eventually stopped my mom wasn’t the loss of money, but a broken promise. She had promised me $100 to get something.

I don’t remember what it was, not even to this day. What I remember most of all – the look of shame and disappointment in her face in telling me she gambled the money away. She told me when she picked me up from school. The look of anguish in her face at my disappointment almost did her in, in addition to her own guilt. She was always hoping for “one big payout” – enough for a car or home, better fitting clothes for me, and healthier food choices.

She avoided casinos for a while, but when they offered free check cashing, she went. Many times – there was NO gambling involved. We also did get quite a few rewards – tons of t-shirts (over 2 dozen), free meals, free drinks (beer, wine, or sodas). She did gamble again, but had a set amount, would walk away when it was gone. After 2011, she stopped gambling entirely.

I didn’t develop an addiction at all. I set an amount and when it’s gone – it’s gone. Fun note – I was given two rolls of nickels ($4). I spent $1.25, won $15 – called it a fun time, gave the remainder to my mom. We were only playing to pass time as we were waiting for a bus (we didn’t have a car at the time) and didn’t want to wait in triple digit heat.

Gambling is a HORRIBLE addiction that some cannot understand. One can understand the “chemical” changed through drugs and alcohol, but gambling? It is a bit hard for some to understand. And, I praise Wright for touching it as well as the frighteningly realistic impact it can have.

I am definitely looking forward to her next book in either the Humble Blessings Series or her Texas Amish Brides series. And, fans of hers will definitely want to read this.

Since this is not only a “Christian” based line, but an Amish book, there will be strong messages of faith as it pertains to the characters’ way of life. It isn’t overly preachy in tone though.

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noem and Lavinia both find themselves in unique circumstances that pull them together in a way that neither of them could ever imagine. Both being Amish, and wanting to do the right thing not only for each other but for their respective families, Noem and Lavinia wed out of necessity and not love. What follows is every day life adjusting to this new normal and all the emotions that go along with it.

Both Lavinia and Noem are characters with integrity, something I greatly admire especially when you look at their circumstances. Gabriel, Noem’s widowed father, also lives with the couple, and was a hard pill to swallow for the first part of the novel, but his redemption was one of my favorite transformations out of all the characters, especially when you fully understand the reasoning behind his sour demeanor.

Lavinia freely gives her heart to the children but carefully guards her heart when it comes to Noem, fearful of repeating past mistakes, her past choices haunting her like a ghost. This is something we can all identify with, as many of us are haunted by our past. Pair that with a caring and nurturing spirit, and you have a heroine that your heart can’t help but connect with.

Noem is an upstanding character who wants to do right by his family, and I love seeing a strong male figure that is sure of himself and knows how to take care of his duties. I don’t see many men being able to do what he does, taking on such sudden an incredible burden and doing it all without complaint, and without losing himself in the process. If anything, it made his goodness shine through and made him a better man.

Witnessing the healing in the lives of these wonderful characters was truly a sight to behold. The pace of this novel was perfection, the writing flowing at such a serene tempo, even in the more tense and emotional scenes. I felt such heart in this story, the narrative authentic and true to life, something that grounded and comforted me. Even in fiction it never ceases to amaze me what God can do when we truly give it all up and give it to Him.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, the two main characters show great compassion and unselfishness when they come together to form a new family through a marriage of convenience. Lavinia Simmons finds herself a widow with a young child and no place to live. Noem Witzel becomes the guardian of a young niece and nephew after the unexpected death of his sister. Lavinia and Noem realize the needed help they could provide for each other; and their new life begins with the goal of establishing a secure home for the children. Their expectation was to enjoy a comfortable life as they worked together to raise the children. What they didn’t expect was that as their appreciation for each other turned into friendship, their hearts would begin to change in regards to their marriage.

This is a story of two people who find that even though life brings adversity and sorrow, God can be trusted to take care of His children.
I enjoyed reading this young couple’s story, and thought the author did a great job of sharing it with us.

I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Tanya Grimm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book I've read by author Pamela Desmond Wright and all I can say is she just keeps getting better and better with each one. With each book comes delightful characters, interesting storyline and a deep faith in God, that ties everything together by the end of the book.

This book has a single mother (Livinia Simmons) and a 'newly' single dad (Noem Witzel) that come together to join forces for three little ones that need a set of Godly parents in their lives. Add a grumpy grandfather to the mix, a secret from the past and some turbulence from an outsider, which equals a fascinating story! God weaves a series of changes in each one's life and the outcome is amazing! I laughed, I cried, I absolutely loved this book!

I highly recommend this book, please do not miss this one!

I am on the street team for the author and received a book in exchange for an honest review.

[Janet Nush · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading The Amish Bachelor's Bride by Pamela Desmond Wright. It is the second book in her Humble Blessing Series. It was great to return to Humble, Wisconsin! This is where the Amish community is located that Pamela Desmond Wright has created for the setting of this series. This story is about an Amish marriage of convenience. The two main characters are Lavinia and Noem. I absolutely love the writing style of this author! She captures your attention in the very first chapter and holds it until the very last page! The story line is fantastic and full of surprises as you read! Her characters are realistic. Once you start reading you just can't stop! If you enjoy reading Amish fiction, I guarantee that you will love reading this book!! I can't wait for the next book in this series!!

[Teresa Pollock · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Amish Bachelors Bride is a must read.
Lavina Simmons, a single mom who was betrayed by her now deceased husband and had to sell her home to pay his debtors reconnects with the brother of her friend Cassie who also passed away,
Noem Winzel is a single man that needs help raising his sister's children. Noem and Lavina embark on a marriage of convenience at the suggestion of their Bishop to help each other.
After Lavina's hurt and and Noem trying to raise his kin will they devekop a romance? Pick up your copy of this book as soon as you can to find out. This is a great book Pamela Desmond Wright.

[Bethany Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I'd like to thank Pamela Desmond Wright for the advanced copy of The Amish Bachelor's Bride. This review is my opinion. This is a must read. Will Gabriel's demeanor soften to the new members in his household? Will the marriage of convenience between Noem and Lavina become only a solution to their problems or will it become a true one in every sense of the union that they pledged before God and family?
This is another heartwarming read that you won't want to miss. I couldn't put it down. Get your copy straight from Harlequin on January 1, 2023. Release in stores and Amazon on January 24, 2023.

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed returning to Humble, Wisconsin, to the Amish village that author Pamela Wright has created. Book two in her Humble Blessings series, it can be read as a stand alone but I highly recommend book one, Finding Her Amish Home, because it’s good and introduces us to some of the characters.

A marriage of convenience story, Lavinia and Noem need each other, but they don’t want each other. Both are carrying hurts that need God to heal. The faith thread throughout is inspiring.

A slow to build clean romance, I recommend it if you enjoy Amish Fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book I've read by this author. As she writes each one keeps getting better. We are once again in Humble, Wisconsin for the second book in the series. There is a carry-over of familiar characters from the last book, and we meet some new ones as well.
There are hardships and joys. Good days and bad. Through their strong faith the characters get through. I enjoyed the sense of family helping each other and the redemption.
You never know where or when you may find love. Beautifully told story that will have me looking for more by this author soon.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Ernestine Kaye Haggard · Rating 5 out of 5]

#Pamela Desmond Wright
The Amish Bachelor's Bride
Lavinia Simmons's late husband gambles away their home and her world is turn up side down when she discovers this.Noem Witzel world is turn upside down when his sister Callie Evans who was shunned died and left two small children for him to take care of.Too find out what happens to Lavina and Noem when the Bishop steps in.You need to get this book and Find out what happens to Callie and her daughter ,Noem and his niece and nephew.This book kelpt me glue to it.5 star rating.

[Pat Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book you will travel in your mind to Humble, Wisconsin. Some you will meet are bachelor Noem and widowed Lavinia. Noem becomes the guardian to his niece and nephew after his sister dies. Lavinia is about to lose her home because her late husband had a gambling problem. A marriage of convenience might solve both their problems. Noem needs a mother for the children and Lavinia needs a home. I would love to recommend this story of hope faith and love.

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I read the first chapter in the author's newsletter and it sucked me in to buy the book and I'm glad I did. Lavinia was so inspiring! She made the best of any situation with a good attitude. I loved how Noem tried to woo her from the start of their marriage. I also enjoyed Noem's father's storyline as well as how Lavinia's family rallied around them. If you like Amish fiction, I highly recommend this book.

[Sue Crockett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Single mother Laconia's world turned upside down when she discovers her dead husband gamble their home away and all they had.
Noem Witzel had to take care of his niece and nephew after his sister died.
The bishop has a plan. You need to read the book to find out what happens.
A very good book.

[Marcia]

They say you can't go home again but former Amish woman Florence Schroder learns that yes you can She is alone in a cold blinding snowstorm and finds more than a warn and safe place in the Kestler farm. She finds things are not always as they seem and that not all people are as they appear. See if two wounded hearts and overcome their fear and trust others again.

[Gaylina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this story and I liked these characters. I was glad to read of a more progressive community of Amish. There are a lot of surprises in this book that I enjoyed. Mostly, I enjoyed their faith, hope, forgiveness, trust in God and love!

[SARAH TAYLOR · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Amish Bachelor's Bride by Pamela Desmond Wright ! This is another great book and is the third book this Author has written! As this book has great characters and keeps you turning the pages to see what is going to happen next I highly recommend this book by this Author this is a great book !

[Jennifer McClurkan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A marriage of convenience to blend families. Lavinia Simmons late husband gambled away their home and now she is alone with their daughter. Noem Witzel's sister passed away and now he has custody of her children. A quick marriage of convenience is just the thing, but will they find love?

[David Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Amish Bachelor’s Bride is an excellent book. It weaves a story of how a marriage of convenience deals with how letting go of anger, bitterness and the past can change hearts when they rely on God instead. I recommend The Amish Bachelor’s Bride.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book as all of her books are. Kept my interest and was inspirational.

[Juli Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it I can't wait to read more of her books

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review at: https://paulakrueger.substack.com