The Amish Matchmaking Dilemma

Amish Country Matches #1

by Patricia Johns

They’re not compatible on paper…

But might be the perfect match.

Amish bachelor Mose Klassen knows what he needs in a wife—someone quiet and traditional, the exact opposite of Naomi Peachy. His lifelong stutter has made him reserved, but when his childhood friend volunteers as his speaking tutor, Mose can’t help but be drawn to the outgoing woman. Naomi’s progressive views mean she’ll never make his matchmaker’s list…but could an unexpected match be his perfect fit?

From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Amish Country Matches

Book 1: The Amish Matchmaking Dilemma

Genres: Amish, Love Inspired, Amish Fiction, Romance, Harlequin

209 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 23, 2022

About the author

Publishers Weekly bestselling author Patricia Johns writes sweet romance. She lives in Alberta, Canada with her husband and son.

Sign up for her newsletter: https://bit.ly/35kj3Rn

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Clean Amish Romance, and this is the first book in the Amish Country Matches series. This is a slow moving cute romance. I really loved getting to know these characters. I love seeing Mose learn that he has a lot to give even with his issues. I love seeing Naomi open up and learn that she already loves someone. Mose and Naomi have a great connection, and I loved reading their love story. I cannot wait to read that next book in this series. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Love Inspired) or author (Patricia Johns) 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.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

My blurb …
Mose Klassen wants to be married; Naomi Peachy wants to be married. But each has something that just tends to discourage potential matches. Mose and Naomi were friends as children before his family moved. He is back to his childhood home to find a wife via Naomi’s matchmaking sister, Adel.

But the minute the two meet again, their friendship is as strong as ever. As time goes on, both feel drawn to each other to be more than friends yet … they are SO different. Naomi is a chatterbox, a little “ample”, and a bit too liberal. Mose wishes she was less of the latter but he feels he has a much bigger p-p-p-problem.

Oh, and the last matchmaking — arranged — effort for Naomi was a disaster. Never again!

My review …
Naomi has a few other “flaws” depending on how picky the suitor is. There is her hair which never stays under her capp. It is curly and refuses to stay in a bun. She has a tendency to speak her mind first and think second. (I so identify with her.) She is a great cook and tends to what is nicely called “full-figured”. She has a caring heart and feels that the Amish could give more to the Englishers of what the Amish have. Others do *not* agree.

Patricia Johns is a well-known Amish author. The Amish Matchmaking Dilemma is called “An Uplifting Inspirational Romance” and that is exactly what it is. You can help but like the characters. Mose is an intelligent, caring man who can put his thoughts on paper but they are trapped when he tries to speak. You, the reader, will feel for him and admire Naomi because she totally understands.

The pacing — some might say it’s a little slow but this reviewer never got bored. Most of the story takes place in a two-week period (that’s how long Mose can be away). If rushed, we as readers wouldn’t really “get” the challenges before both the main characters.

This book is such an enjoyable read. It is indeed “an uplifting inspirational romance”. Yes, I recommend it.

I received a complimentary e-ARC copy of The Amish Matchmaking Dilemma via NetGalley from the publisher, HARLEQUIN – Romance (U.S. & Canada), Love Inspired. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Rating: 5 stars
#TheAmishMatchmakingDilemma #NetGalley #PatriciaJohns

Series Amish Country Matches #1
Genre Amish
Pub. Date 23 Aug 2022
Pages 209
Publisher HARLEQUIN – Romance (U.S. & Canada), Love Inspired
Cover Loved this! The woman on the page *is* Naomi.
Rating 5 stars

[Pooja Peravali · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Mose comes to town in search of a wife, the local matchmaker sets him up with his childhood friend Naomi – but only as his speaking tutor, for Mose has a severe stutter. Though the pair feel drawn to each other, they seem too different in their outlooks to ever make a match of it.

I’m not religious. I’m certainly not Christian. But I do enjoy reading a wide variety of books, and considering the popularity of Amish romances, I thought it was a genre worth checking out, though it’s not exactly in my wheelhouse.

I thought this was a good first pick. It was a short and sweet romance, gently paced. I thought that Naomi and Mose were very well-suited, and enjoyed how they renewed their friendship and came to understand that their differences would only help the other person grow. I also enjoyed reading about the close-knit community, and how the characters approach the idea of involving themselves in the Englischer community while still holding fast to the insular nature of the Amish.

However, I did feel that some points were harped upon excessively. For example, there’s a lot of discussion of how Naomi is too liberal in her views (but still a good cook!), how she and Mose are afraid that if they embark on a relationship that it will turn out like the difficult marriage of their friends Leah and Daniel, etc. in a way that felt repetitive. I found myself somewhat annoyed with Mose on occasion too, especially in his impulsive behavior toward Trevor, but I suppose it fit with what we know of his character and he did at least repent of it.

And my ultimate take on Amish romance? I think the jury’s still out. While I enjoyed this book, I’m not sure the setting exerted any particular pull on me. I might try another book or two in the genre, but I don’t know how soon that’ll be.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am loving this author's books but for some reason I just couldn't get connected with this one.
Maybe because of some repetitive phrases that were in the book? Idk but it sure was a slow start. About a third of the way I decided to go ahead and finish it. I'm kind of glad I did.
I always like to see the outcome.
I've really wanted to knock these character's heads together at least a couple of times.
I really did admire Naomi's goal though. Her spirit was something I especially admired.
I found myself rooting for her for that if nothing else.
Yes I'm glad Mose hung in there too.
God really does bless ppl who serve or want to serve Him. God does things in His timing always. Not ours.
( I heard this in a sermon this morning).
The Amish are a fascinating people. I love their way of life. So simple but yet they work hard for it. I get that. But one reference that was said in this book I definitely didn't like.
It was referred to as some Englishers are lazy! NOT ALL OF US! Some of us live from paycheck to paycheck. Our way of life isn't ways easy either. It's just what some of us choose to do with it. Most work hard for their living.
I think that's why I didn't like this particular book now that I thought about it.
Cost of inflation is high. Some of need the help and can't get it. It's definitely hard out here.
Yes I agree the Amish help each other. I love that idea but I can guarantee that not all Amish really want to help deep down.
I'm sorry but I'm giving this one 3 stars just for that particular phrase and I'm being honest here.
My thanks for a copy of this book I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Jasmine (Jazzie) [Jesus Loves You!!] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rtc!

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this read, and wanted to continue in these great character's lives. Sometimes we really do not see what is in front of our eyes.
The author gives us two life long friends, Naomi and Mose, friends as children, and separated by miles, are reunited and both are looking for a spouse of their own. Naomi is an outspoken Amish woman, and leans a bit liberal in her views, whereas Mose is a shy conservative, and deals with a disability. Can these two opposites rekindle their friendship and help each other as these look for their respective partners?
There are a couple of other stories within this read, and answers do come for one of them, and I would love to know how the other comes out?
A book to get lost in, and I'm looking for more by this author!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Amish Matchmaking Dilemma is a sweet clean story of Naomi, a talkative woman that has somewhat liberal views compared to her more conservative friends and family members. She doesn't know if she will ever find a husband because of that. Soon though, she finds out an old friend is in town, her dearest friend from childhood, Mose. Mose has come to help his uncle and to find a wife through the matchmaker, who happens to be Naomi's sister, Adele. Naomi is asked to help her old friend with his speech, since he has always endured a stuttering problem. As they work together, their feelings for each other deepen more than ever. Great story!

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Amish Matchmaking Dilemma by Patricia Johns is a sweet story. I enjoyed getting to know Mose and Naomi. They are two people who are opposites, but they enjoy each other’s company. They were friends as children and are getting a chance to reconnect. Mose Klassen is in town to fill in for his uncle who takes tourists on tours of Amish businesses in a buggy. He is also hoping that the matchmaker, Adel can find him a wife. The only problem is that Mose stutters. He has had the problem his whole life. Naomi is the one person he is able to talk to without as much difficulty. Adel is hoping Naomi can help Mose become more comfortable talking to women. Naomi is an outspoken individual with a liberal viewpoint while Mose is quiet and conservative. Despite their differences, they are drawn to each other. I thought the story moved along at a gentle pace. The book takes place over the two weeks that Mose is in town. The Amish Matchmaking Dilemma is the first book in the Amish Country Matches series. I like that we get to catch up with Adel and Jake from The Amish Matchmaker’s Choice (you do not need to read this book first). I enjoyed reading this uplifting story. We get to see that despite a person’s “flaws” there is a match for them. Naomi tends to speak before she thinks, has curly red hair that does not like to be tamed, has liberal views, an excellent cook, and is a full-figured woman. Mose is a smart, quiet man who is conservative. Mose’s stutter makes his difficult for him to voice his thoughts, but he can express them in written form. I like that the story is not rushed. If it moved too quickly, we would not understand the couple’s differences and see the challenges that Naomi and Mose face. There is repetition of details (like Mose’s stutter, Naomi’s red hair). I thought the ending was sweet. The faith element was well-done. We see that Naomi and Mose are people of deep faith. They believe that God will direct or guide them. The author shows us Amish values and how their faith is shown in everything they do. I enjoyed The Amish Matchmaking Dilemma. I am looking forward to reading the next Amish Country Matches novel. The Amish Matchmaking Dilemma is a satisfying story with a stutter snag, a chatty Kathy, a teen trouble, delectable delights, tourist trips, and a matchmaking conundrum.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! I was not expecting this book to be what it was. It was hard not to like Mose and his stutter. I was so sympathetic to him the entire book. I hadn't ever considered what that must be like, to have that kind of a struggle to speak, but I think it was presented very well in this book. Naomi was a lovable character, as well. She wasn't such a headstrong character that I kept thinking, "Why did you do that?!" throughout the story. No, she was someone who I truly wanted to find her match. The story progresses at a great pace. Humor was found at times, and the tone was never overly serious. All around, this was a book I did not want to put down.
For a couple reasons, I think the Amish community in this book is different than most other Amish books I've read. One of those reasons is found with Naomi and her desire to not block out the English from their world so much. She believed that in order to truly show them Christ, they needed to be shown the world of the Amish by allowing them to take more of a part in their way of life (for example, by offering classes on basket weaving/quilting/baking, as well as allowing at risk youth to work on their farms). Her ideas made perfect sense, yet I don't believe there are many Amish in reality who have such views. Still, I found Naomi's beliefs to be refreshing. Another difference I saw was in the bishop. He was very forgiving of everyone and their faults, and while I always encourage forgiveness, I don't believe bishops are typically that lenient with their congregation. SPOILER: the way the bishop seemingly thought there was no sin to be repented of with Claire having a child out of wedlock- and then encouraging her to get back together with the father after he had abandoned her for three years- was not very realistic to me. That is just my personal opinion, and that part of the plot did not ruin the story in any way.
Overall, this book was a wonderful read. I give it 4/5 stars. Recommended!

[Jeanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes opposites could bring out the best in each other when God was involved. And what if, more than just involved, God was at the very center? Could two opposite people bring out the brightest and best in each other?

I have been reading these series and have enjoyed them. How surprising that a matchmaking dilemma could bring out very important issues that are important in relationships and being a Christian. Naomi's sister is the community official matchmaker for the community. It is a very important job that she takes seriously. However, Naomi had a bad experience with a matchmaking that did not work out. It left her questioning herself. Naomi is what you call a progressive Amish. She says what she thinks, she wants to minister to the English, and she is somewhat excitable. Mose and Naomi had known each other when they were children and had been best friends until he moved to Ohio. Mose also has a stutter problem that it makes it hard to communicate. He does write for the Budget and is knows the bible well. He comes back to his old community to be matched up with a quiet, good Amish woman. He has conflicting emotions when he sees and spends time with Naomi. Naomi is helping him with his stuttering problem. She too has conflicting emotions seeing Mose again.

Several things that I gleamed from this is the value of opposites. Some issues come up with ministering to English youth that the Amish community is wary about. The why of this is important in keeping what they believe valued. I understand the concept of leaven more clearly. Safeguarding your heart or reining your heart is important. Trusting someone to help you with that and you with them makes a marriage work.

A special thank you to Harlequin and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Anna Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a problem. If you tell me that a character has a stutter? I have to read E.v.E.R.Y. s.I.n.g.l.E. t.H.I.n.G. that he says with at stutter. And it takes F.o.R.e.V.e.R... and drives. me. up. the. wall. NOT. Kidding.

This guy can't speak without stuttering. And the author cheats a lot, because if she didn't, the book would be six thousand pages long, and you're supposed to just *imagine* (insert sparklies) that he's speaking with a stutter. I don't know how other people do that (or if they bother)... but it drove me to distraction.

The problem I have with this is that Mose *MOSTLY* doesn't say what he's thinking, because it would take too long. Which means he's NOT a good candidate to be a father, as he's not even teaching Timothy (friend's son) things, and explains not a whole lotta anything. That's not gonna raise godly, patient men, hello. I have ISSUES with this.

Don't get me wrong. I wanted to like this book. But...

And the other thing is that there is *NO WAY* the Amish would ever consider doing work programs for at-risk Englischers. I lived in Amish country ten years - they wouldn't even let my three year old play Little People with their children at an auction, hello. It was horrible. They're NOT the kind, benevolent, caring people these authors make them out to be.

My cousin went Plain for three years. ((It was a poser Amish group - don't get me started.)) Yes, they dressed the part, had the cows, no electricity, buggies, etc... but even the woman he married in the group shrugged at me and said, "We just do it for the sake of being different. I honestly don't even know WHAT we believe."))

I... am just a *little* jaded about these people.

[Dali Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting and Enjoyable

What do you get when you have two people that want the same thing for their futures, are great friends, but are completely different in just about everything else? What you get is a wonderful uplifting and enjoyable story that is sure to capture your heart.

Mose Klassen and Naomi Peachy were great childhood friends. Now, as they reconnect, they pick up right where they left off. Not much has changed with them. Mose still deals with his stutter and Naomi still deals with her mouth that often works faster than her brain. Naomi has always understood Mose's struggle and has always been helpful and compassionate. Mose is comfortable with Naomi and is able to be himself with her. When Mose seeks a matchmaker to help him find a wife, Naomi again steps in to help him. This time is different though, and as they spend more time together, their friendship begins to turn into something deeper.

Naomi and Mose's journey will touch your heart. It is filled with moments that will take you on an emotional journey. You will laugh, let out a breath of frustration, sigh with the sweetness, and be impacted in your faith in God and His will. When it's all said and done, you'll have a smile on your face as you say, "Wow! That was a great story!"

[Nyla Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Amish Matchmaking Dilemma by author Patricia Johns is a Christian Amish novel. This sweet romance is Book One in the Amish Country Matches series. This is a slow moving cute romance. This is the story of Mose and Naomi. Both of these characters were relatable and realistic. I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. The romance was sweet and a bit slow, but it was nicely written. I enjoy Amish books as well as matchmaking ones so this was very interesting to me. I would recommend it to lovers of Amish fiction. It gets a 4 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Net Galley, but these are my honest words.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blessed with an ARC copy of this by Netgalley and Harlequin romance. In a time when the world is so dark and heavy, novels like this one help recanted my focus on the meaning and value of life. There is joy, love, loss, and happiness within this novel. Patricia Johns does a really good job of ensuring that readers get to know the characters, and builds a beautiful story around them and their Amish values. I am definitely going to seek out more Patricia Johns novels. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for good, clean, Christian fiction.

[Nancy Luebke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this Love-Inspired, romance. I bought this from a local store and I voluntarily chose to review this story. I've given it a 5* rating. It did seem to have a bit going on and it kept coming back to the hero who stuttered. There were a lot of things worked around the differences of Amish and the English, which is just plane ole Americans. While this was commented on, a matchmaker was at work. A lot of back and forth on these topics, in conversations and thoughts. We all know what we want in life, sometimes we need to compromise.

[Clara Moran · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a sweet book. I loved Mose’s sweet character against Naomi’s more “liberal” Amish ways. They both love each other but are afraid of the consequences from marriage because of their different personalities. Naomi has a rich faith and so does Mose but with different perspectives on how to show God’s love for others. I thought this book was not too predictable and a page turner. I wish I would have read “The Amish Matchmaker’s Choice” first since it’s a series and I didn’t realize that until after reading this book.

[Anna Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a wonderful read, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. I so deeply identified with Naomi and Mose was such a sweetheart of a man!! I don’t even know how to fully express all of the aspects of this book that I enjoyed, but what I loved most is the fact that I felt so seen as I read this book. The obstacles that Naomi faced as someone in her 30s, still being single, and the complex emotions that come with it, the author so beautifully captured every feeling that comes with waiting so long & trying to keep hope.

[Karen Mcnicol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Love books set in the Amish community and I think Patricia Johns is one of the best authors for this genre! I do also love her other books as well, I must say. I find I sink into her books once I start them and only surface for reasons beyond my control! lol. I really enjoy them and I always pre order them.

[Tara Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this Amish book it's one I will read over and over I love how Naomi loves Mose even with his stutter Naomi has a good heart helping Trevor he's considered a at risk young man and she gives him work this is a must read Patrica John's book it's really awesome

[Jennifer McClurkan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book about the Amish. A good love story. Mode goes back to Redemption to have a matchmaker find him a wife. While there he runs into a childhood friend Naomi who he has help make conversation to help hos stutter. The two are very different..

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I especially enjoyed reading about the two former childhood playmates who grow close to each other as adults. They struggle with different personalities and cultural expectations when they consider being each other's mates.

[Kaye Wingo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book

[Harlequin Books]

Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Amish & Mennonite, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Amish Country Matches (Book #1)

[Harlequin Books]

Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Amish & Mennonite, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Amish Country Matches (Book #1)

[Tambra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, Patricia is one of my go to Amish authors, bought read everything she writes. Great story.

[Peggy Zukowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

I love the whole some quality of Amish books and the stories life in the community invoke. You will enjoy!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought it was very good, will be interesting to read the rest of the series!!

[Verna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book!

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book dealt with characters, flawed and imperfect, that through life events realized we all need Him to show us the way. It was a great read!

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good 1st story in new series. Start of new series from Redemption’s Amish Legacies book 6.