Love Finds You in Paradise, Pennsylvania

by Loree Lough

For as long as anyone can remember, tourists have flocked to the quaint
town of Paradise, Pennsylvania, where Amish buggies are as common as shops selling
handcrafted goods. But to attorney Julia Spencer this town is anything but a paradise. Raised in foster homes, Julia has succeeded in life only through steely determination and independence. The close-knit Amish people are a mystery to her, but local veterinarian Simon Thomas knows them well and is fiercely protective of their simple ways, which are increasingly threatened by the outside world.
When Julia agrees to defend a local teenager charged in a case involving an Amish boy, she
and Simon find themselves on opposite sides of an intense and emotional legal battle. Just when it seems they will never understand one another, God has something to teach them both about the power of forgiveness…and the joys to be found in Paradise.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Amish, Christian, Contemporary, Christian Romance, Adult

316 pages, Paperback

First published March 31, 2009

About the author

With the upcoming release of the books in her new Kensington series, bestselling author Loree Lough will have 121 books on the shelves (8,000,000+ copies in circulation). Her writing style has been compared to Nicholas Sparks and Mary Jo Putney, and readers and reviewers often call her “a gifted writer whose stories touch hearts and change lives.”

With a long list of industry awards, it isn't likely this prolific author will ever retire...not even to her cozy li'l cabin in the Allegheny Mountains. She loves to hear from her readers and personally answers every letter sent to http://www.loreelough.com/.

Visit http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B000APRS7S to see some of Loree's available titles.

Reviews

[Loree Lough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it fair to give your own book five stars?

[Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first experience with a Loree Lough novel, and I was looking forward to diving into another one of the Love Finds You titles. I can honestly say that of all the ones I've read in this series, this one is by far the most poignant and deep, and I'm still constantly thinking about it many days later.

Julia and Simon are two characters who have had dark tragedies in their pasts, and neither are expecting to find love. What starts as a simple friendship from a joint interest in the local wolf sanctuary, turns into a beautiful romance. Both Julie and Simon are great friends with a local Amish family, and both are inspired by the youngest child in the family. However, when tragedy strikes this family, Simon and Julia find themselves at odds, and neither know how to move past the hurt feelings and the deep hole that losing each other has caused.

Told in both Julia and Simon's viewpoints, Love Finds You in Paradise, Pennsylvania, is a heart wrenching, emotional story that truly reminds us all that no matter what may come our way, God always has a master plan and we need to be willing to trust Him with it no matter what. I truly admired the deep faith that is demonstrated by the Amish community in this beautiful story, and I loved how much of an impact that has on both Simon and Julia's doubts. I also appreciated how authentically and realistically the grief process is portrayed. Grieving rarely works on the same timeline for everyone, and I thought the author did a fantastic job of portraying that.

This book is definitely one I recommending reading with a box of tissues nearby, as it truly made me ugly cry, but I honestly really enjoyed it, and I look forward to hopefully reading more books from this author in the future.

Final Rating: 4/5.

[Lana Voynich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Loree Lough has a great style that's easy and fun to read. Even though her books are inspirational Christian fiction, her style isn't overbearing and doesn't appear to be proselytizing. When I first read one of her inspirational books, I was nervous because I didn't expect to like it, but while religion is an important part of her stories, there is still a story beyond that which is intriguing and captivating.

I can't wait for Loree's next book to come out.

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

IMHO this was the best Love Finds You that I have read so far. The storyline even though it was somewhat predictable was very well done, and there were some very poignant moments. The interplay between the Amish Grunden family and Englishers Julia and Simon emphasized their commonalities even through their differences. The emphasis on grace, mercy and second chances for all of the characters threaded itself throughout the story.

[Haley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I thought this was a really cute book. It's not amazing by any means, but it kept me entertained. My only real complaint is that I found countless grammar errors and typos. It got a bit annoying at times, but I get the impression that this is from an author who writes books incredibly quickly (she has 60 listed on Goodreads). I've come to expect that from those types of books.

It is a Christian book, but it was much less preachy than most of the Christian fiction I've read in the past. Religion is a big part of the characters' lives (especially the Amish characters), but for the most part it just felt as if that was a part of the characters. I didn't feel as if I was being preached at like I have while reading so many other Christian books.

I really enjoyed the fact that there were Amish characters and that the two main characters volunteered at a wolf sanctuary. They both made the book a bit more interesting. I've always been fascinated by the Amish way of life, and I absolutely adore wolves.

I definitely recommend this book if you want a quick read that's cute and romantic.

http://hmweasley-blog.blogspot.com/20...

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia and Simon are both trying to over come things from their past in order to move forward with a retlationship. I was suprised at all the drama and action in this romance I was moved to tears twice as I read, once so hard I had to put it down. The characters are people you like and you want everything to work out.

[Natalie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm sad to report that this is the only Love Finds You book that I've had to force myself to finish. The love story was contrived, the Amish element was forced, and the dialogue was amazingly sappy. I've read (and enjoyed) almost all of the books from this series, and this is the only one I'd advise people to avoid.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am with Christina's comment. I enjoyed reading this book . For Loree is such sweet author does writes a good heartsong, love inspired books . I recommend to christians should read it. even for the teens too!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a VERY WONDERFUL book. Couldn't put it down and wanted to know how it all happens. Just when you think the book was going to wrap up some new twist came in. Can't wait to read more from this series.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Finds You in Paradise, Pennsylvania by Loree Lough

I enjoyed reading attorney Julia Spencer and veterinarian Simon Thomas’s story; especially the setting of the story-line, Paradise, Pennsylvania. As I read I can picture the area as I live in Maryland not far from the Pennsylvania boarder and visit Lancaster County, Pennsylvania often. I love to shop the Amish shops and eat in their restaurants. Julia and Simon have had struggles in their past that have shaped who they are now. But will they allow God to teach them about forgiveness, His trust and unwavering love in all areas of their lives? I especially appreciate the faith elements in the story-line and the characters lives. Wolves are my youngest son’s favorite wild animal, so the wolf sanctuary is especially interesting. I enjoy reading the bit of history of Paradise, Pennsylvania Loree includes in the book. A heartwarming story.

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had potential but lacked it.

Just a note, there is a lot of death in this.

Julia was annoying at first with her back and forth.

Simon was fine but I really didn't like what he said about people who see shrinks. Mental illness is not something to scoff about. I thought, well maybe there is a reason why he said that for the story. No it was just there. Makes me wonder if that was the author's opinion coming through?

Chracter development was there but it was written HOW they got there. Like Julia struggles with God. Then all of a sudden she's doing a Bible study. How did we get from point a to point b? A couple scenes could have been taken out, or shortened, to make character development better.

It just seemed there were some things thrown in with not much to them. Like the wolf sanctuary. It was in the beginning and then nothing till later.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a tough review to write. While I did like the interplay between Simon and Julia as they got to know each other, and the friendship with the Gunderson family that encouraged each of them to trust in God's will, there were other parts of the novel that did not 'work' for me.
Without giving spoilers, there was one major plot point with regards to Julia's work that was simply not something that would ever have been allowed, let alone practically forced upon her.
And I need to give a content warning. There is a pivotal scene in the storyline which is quite violent. While it was done with as much grace as I think it could have been given the circumstances, it was shocking and horrifying to read.
2.75 stars

[Salinn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Neither loved or hated... It was ok

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story about what sounds like an adorable town and forgiveness in all forms.

[Doreen Nicolet]

Didn't like.

[Sandi Schmidt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was well written but just way too sad for me. Characters were portrayed in great detail.

[⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm · Rating 1 out of 5]

The first time I read this book, I found it very slow to get through, which is saying something, since I have enjoyed many of the books in this series. Much of this book felt like a "getting to know you stage", in the form of small talk between Julia and Simon, but never progressing beyond that point. It didn't seem like they were building a relationship, more like they see each other and are instantly in love with one another.

The Amish story line felt like it was thrown in there, as there were really only visits to the main character's Amish friends. Except for the problem at the end of the book with the Amish child being killed, I really wouldn't call this an Amish book or even give it credit for providing a view into Amish life.

I wound up hating Simon by the end of the book, because he was acting so childish about his loss. Julia was only doing her job and he persecuted her for it. I wouldn't have taken him back after it was all said and done either!

Overall, this was a horrible read for me. There were several times I almost quit reading it. There was several themes that I really wish could have and would have been expanded upon, like the wolf sanctuary, which for volunteers visit twice and really don't help when they are there. The Amish theme was another that needed expanded or worked on, to make the book much more interesting. I've had a lot of problems with the author's work in the past, but I think I will be avoiding her in the future.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have really liked the "Love Finds You" series...but not this book. Almost the whole book is small talk between the two main characters Julia and Simon. I really saw no building in their relationship...they see each other and are instantly in love. No real relationship development except the "small talk" jr high relationship development (you hang up...no you hang up...ok on the count of three we'll both hang up...are you still there, yeah). The Amish story line was sort of there...if you count the visits to their friends...but really except the problems at the end of the book with the Amish child being killed...I really wouldn't call this a novel about the Amish or even give it real credit for providing a view into Amish life.

I gave this a 2 stars because by the end of the book, it finally started getting interesting (with the death of the Amish boy), but even with that the story really didn't build to anything in the end.

Overall, this was a less than mediocre book. There were several times I almost quit reading it. There were several themes that could have really been expanded (the wolf sanctuary...which for voluteers visit twice and really don't help when they are there...and the Amish theme) to make the book much more interesting.

[Anne Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever I get a book by Loree Lough, I know it's going to be good. This story about a young woman attorney and a widowed veterinarian, both heart-wounded and unwilling to take a chance on love, is typical for Loree--well-written and engrossing.

Julia Spencer loves going to the wolf refuge and communing with the friendlier wolves. That's where Simon Thomas first encounters the prettiest woman he's seen since his wife died. While visiting his four-legged patients, he introduces himself.

The rest should take all of about twenty-five pages, but the path of love is not allowed to run smoothly in a novel, but they have mutual friends who will help them through: an Amish couple with a delightful little boy. There will be insurmountable obstacles to overcome and tragedy to storm their paths.

I think you will really enjoy these obstacles. You will need to purchase the book to help them through.

[Tina Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Love Finds You in Paradise, Pennsylvania was a first read for me that was written by Loree Lough.

I loved it because Loree Lough detail with words drew her readers into the book no matter the emotion that was happening in the book.

[Melaniegurnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed love finds you in paradise quite a lot. I thought Lorre did a good job meshing the Englisher characters with the local Amish and created a heart touching love story. Each character has endured heartache and loss, and struggle to see if a relationship will work. I thought that this was going to be an average love story where something happens to put their love at risk, and then they eventually have their happy ending, but, the event that took place I never expected and left me in tears. I felt the book was easy to read and it helped me imagine what life would be like in Parsdise.

[Teresa Snyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really torn between a 4 star rating and a 5 star rating. Even though there was a sad part to the book it had a happy ending. I suppose the only reason I didn't give it a 5 star rating was a lack of chemistry between Simon and Julia. Not sure chemistry is the right word, but there was something missing. Don't misunderstand my comment. It's a really good book - especially the last 60 - 70 pages.

[T.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book. Finished it today. I like how it explored different levels of forgiveness. Forgiving others is easy. Forgiving ourselves and learning to accept that the past is the past is really the hardest thing to do. We all deal with that dilemma at some point in our lives. I am not normally an Amish fiction reader type. This one was more contemporary because the Amish part wasn't the complete center of the story. Still worth the read.

[Betty Strohecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Attorney Julia Spencer finds herself in the heart of Amish country where she meets a local veterinarian who has many friends among the Amish. Through him she is introduced to them and their lifestyle. Just as she is beginning to feel comfortable and a sense of belonging, she must take a case involving an Amish child that challenges her beliefs about justice and could affect her future. This is an emotional and heartrending story that will touch your soul.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is one of the better contemporary "Love Finds You In . . ." books. The conflict that needed to be resolved is one I had not thought much about: How do Christian defense attorneys deal with being required by their boss to defend a client whom they know is guilty, but still deserves the right of representation by a lawyer? The book ends up dealing with it pretty well, I thought. This story is set in Amish country, but the two main characters are not Amish.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the last of the books from this series from my Mom. I think this is one of my favorites. The young woman in this story is friends with an Amish family and falls in love with the local vet. Her job as a defense attorney brings her to a bad case involving an accident in which the young son of her Amish friends is killed. The story is a quick read.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

It isn't often that I find a novel that completely blindsides me but this one did. I was not prepared for a plot twist that completely stunned me! It turned this light-hearted romance into something much more serious. I can't say anything more without giving it away, but have a box of tissues handy when you start reading!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me laugh and cry. It was a very enjoyable read.

[Guitargirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

i liked it... the crime wasn't as big as i would have liked though

[Sandy Duke · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable easy read.