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The Amish Spinster's Dilemma: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance
In lending a hand…
Will she give away her heart?
For as long as she can remember, spinster Emma Beiler has secretly loved her neighbor. Though Thomas Reihl is long widowed, Emma still keeps her distance. But when an Englisch granddaughter unexpectedly lands on his doorstep, he is clearly out of his depth. Will Emma decide to step in and show him that he needs to live—and love—again?
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Will she give away her heart?
For as long as she can remember, spinster Emma Beiler has secretly loved her neighbor. Though Thomas Reihl is long widowed, Emma still keeps her distance. But when an Englisch granddaughter unexpectedly lands on his doorstep, he is clearly out of his depth. Will Emma decide to step in and show him that he needs to live—and love—again?
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
- GenresLove InspiredAmish
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published May 23, 2023
15 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Jocelyn McClay
35 books126 followersNew York Times and Publisher's Weekly bestselling author Jocelyn McClay grew up on an Iowa farm, ultimately pursuing a degree in agriculture. She met her husband while weightlifting in a small town - he 'spotted her'. After thirty years in business management, they moved to an acreage in southeastern Missouri to be closer to family when their oldest of three daughters made them grandparents. When not writing, she keeps busy grandparenting, hiking, biking gardening, quilting, knitting and substitute teaching.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 21, 2025
I loved this story. It was easy to read with great characters. I especially enjoyed the grand daughter. This is a great book for those who enjoy Amish romance fiction. I’ve had this book for a while and I’m glad to have a chance to read it now.
April 23, 2023
“The Amish Spinster’s Dilemma” by Jocelyn McClay features hatmaker Emma Bieler and blacksmith Thomas Riehl.
Emma and Thomas have been neighbors for years, though they rarely see each other. With the sudden appearance of Thomas’s granddaughter, Emma and Thomas are thrown together more often.
Thomas, long-widowed, has to come to terms with unexpected feelings toward Emma while Emma has to decide if she wants to let down walls that she erected years ago.
Oh, how I loved this book! Not only is it filled with heartwarming moments, it made me laugh out loud several times.
Ms. McClay is such a talented writer. She creates such wonderful characters and gives us insight into the Amish life.
If you’re looking for Amish romance or a new-to-you author, definitely read “The Amish Spinster’s Dilemma” and follow-up by reading the other books in the Miller’s Creek series.
Emma and Thomas have been neighbors for years, though they rarely see each other. With the sudden appearance of Thomas’s granddaughter, Emma and Thomas are thrown together more often.
Thomas, long-widowed, has to come to terms with unexpected feelings toward Emma while Emma has to decide if she wants to let down walls that she erected years ago.
Oh, how I loved this book! Not only is it filled with heartwarming moments, it made me laugh out loud several times.
Ms. McClay is such a talented writer. She creates such wonderful characters and gives us insight into the Amish life.
If you’re looking for Amish romance or a new-to-you author, definitely read “The Amish Spinster’s Dilemma” and follow-up by reading the other books in the Miller’s Creek series.
August 15, 2023
Emma longed for a life where she was first in other's eyes. Ms. McClay has written one of her most heart-tugging novels to date. Have you ever felt that you were 'unseen' or 'not enough'? Emma struggles with those concepts on her way to realizing she's made in His image and perfect. Enjoy the novel and remember that you are someone's first choice!
June 29, 2025
very good book
July 27, 2025
The Amish Spinster’s Dilemma is a very fun read. Adjusting to change can be difficult for anyone and when one factors in the feelings of others, it can be almost impossible.
June 1, 2025
This was so exciting to read and had funny moments added.❤️🥰🥰❤️
June 9, 2023
The Miller’s Creek series is one of my very, very favorite Amish series that I have ever read. There are a couple of books in the series, that I have yet to read, but I need to remedy that. However, I have read five books in this series and absolutely love this community! And don’t worry if you haven’t read any of the books, you can hop in and enjoy the stories on their own as stand alone books, as well.
It was such a joy to read about Emma finally finding her happily ever after. She has shown up as a side character in previous stories and is a spinster, along with her twin sister. We discover in her story that she has loved a man all of her life who has never looked at her in the same way. Their journey to finding love together is not an easy path and I could feel every yearning and heartache that Emma experienced as she tentatively opened her heart to the possibility of love with Thomas, after years of pushing those feelings aside as best she could.
I also felt the heartache that Thomas experienced as he struggled to claw himself out of the grief that had held him captive for four years. I loved seeing him finally begin to embrace life again and hope for more, both with romantic love, as well as love for the granddaughter that he didn’t know he had.
The author did a wonderful job of creating relationships and interactions in this story. It felt like Emma, Thomas, and his granddaughter, Cilla, were real people. I also loved that Susannah and Jethro had a couple of cameos in this novel. They are a favorite couple of mine.
When I closed this book, I immediately wished I could open it and begin reading it for the first time again. I enjoyed it that much.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
It was such a joy to read about Emma finally finding her happily ever after. She has shown up as a side character in previous stories and is a spinster, along with her twin sister. We discover in her story that she has loved a man all of her life who has never looked at her in the same way. Their journey to finding love together is not an easy path and I could feel every yearning and heartache that Emma experienced as she tentatively opened her heart to the possibility of love with Thomas, after years of pushing those feelings aside as best she could.
I also felt the heartache that Thomas experienced as he struggled to claw himself out of the grief that had held him captive for four years. I loved seeing him finally begin to embrace life again and hope for more, both with romantic love, as well as love for the granddaughter that he didn’t know he had.
The author did a wonderful job of creating relationships and interactions in this story. It felt like Emma, Thomas, and his granddaughter, Cilla, were real people. I also loved that Susannah and Jethro had a couple of cameos in this novel. They are a favorite couple of mine.
When I closed this book, I immediately wished I could open it and begin reading it for the first time again. I enjoyed it that much.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
May 15, 2023
The Amish Spinster’s Dilemma is a beautiful second chance at love filled with humor and heartfelt moments. Author Jocelyn McClay penned a delightful tale between widower Thomas Reihl and spinster Emma Beiler. Add in an Englisch granddaughter antics and love to explore over to Emma’s place brought moments of laughter, tears, heart beats increasing with the twists and turns when dangerous situations arose.
The characters are true to life, descriptive scenery for Miller’s Creek and happenings gave way to a tale that I couldn’t stop reading. I felt, smelled, saw and heard all the happenings transpiring between the characters. I could see Emma stitching her hats at her home while watching for Cilla to see what her next adventure might include. The change in chemistry between Thomas and Emma gave way to more smiles and tears.
I highly recommend The Amish Spinster’s Dilemma to fans of older characters finding a fresh love despite feelings and heartbreaks of the past.
I received a complimentary copy of this book without any obligation to write a review. I have expressed my own thoughts.
The characters are true to life, descriptive scenery for Miller’s Creek and happenings gave way to a tale that I couldn’t stop reading. I felt, smelled, saw and heard all the happenings transpiring between the characters. I could see Emma stitching her hats at her home while watching for Cilla to see what her next adventure might include. The change in chemistry between Thomas and Emma gave way to more smiles and tears.
I highly recommend The Amish Spinster’s Dilemma to fans of older characters finding a fresh love despite feelings and heartbreaks of the past.
I received a complimentary copy of this book without any obligation to write a review. I have expressed my own thoughts.
April 12, 2023
Author Jocelyn McClay does it again. This time with an older set, which I appreciated.
In this story of second chances, Emma and Thomas are good friends who deny any feelings for each other because both loved Thomas’ wife. Emma is ready to help anyone, to laugh, and to live life fully. Thomas is a great guy who is a bit of a curmudgeon but I liked him. Shocked when an unknown granddaughter shows up, it was interesting to watch him learn to care about her. So real to life, I’d love to have a cup of coffee with them and chat for a while.
McClay gives us good descriptions of the area where they live in Miller’s Creek. In fact, I’m sure I could hear the creek skipping over the stones. But even that creek had a surprise for us.
If you enjoy a story with surprises, that is heartwarming, and full of wonderful people, then I recommend reading The Amish Spinster’s Dilemma. And now I’m eagerly awaiting the next book…the next Miller’s Creek romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
In this story of second chances, Emma and Thomas are good friends who deny any feelings for each other because both loved Thomas’ wife. Emma is ready to help anyone, to laugh, and to live life fully. Thomas is a great guy who is a bit of a curmudgeon but I liked him. Shocked when an unknown granddaughter shows up, it was interesting to watch him learn to care about her. So real to life, I’d love to have a cup of coffee with them and chat for a while.
McClay gives us good descriptions of the area where they live in Miller’s Creek. In fact, I’m sure I could hear the creek skipping over the stones. But even that creek had a surprise for us.
If you enjoy a story with surprises, that is heartwarming, and full of wonderful people, then I recommend reading The Amish Spinster’s Dilemma. And now I’m eagerly awaiting the next book…the next Miller’s Creek romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
June 21, 2023
Just What the Doctor Ordered
When he is unexpectedly tasked with taking on his English granddaughter, widowed Thomas Reihl finds himself completely out of his element with no clue about how to handle his new situation. When his granddaughter begins a friendship with his neighbor Emma Beiler, he again finds himself with no clue of how to handle the situation. Little does he know that his precocious matchmaking granddaughter and Emma are just what the doctor ordered to finally help heal his grief stricken heart.
This sweet and inspirational story is a must read for sure. The wonderful characters feel so realistic that they draw you right into the story. Their story will take you through feelings of love, joy, and heartache, but it will also leave you with feelings of hope at the prospect of new beginnings and second chances. It is definitely a story you won't want to miss.
When he is unexpectedly tasked with taking on his English granddaughter, widowed Thomas Reihl finds himself completely out of his element with no clue about how to handle his new situation. When his granddaughter begins a friendship with his neighbor Emma Beiler, he again finds himself with no clue of how to handle the situation. Little does he know that his precocious matchmaking granddaughter and Emma are just what the doctor ordered to finally help heal his grief stricken heart.
This sweet and inspirational story is a must read for sure. The wonderful characters feel so realistic that they draw you right into the story. Their story will take you through feelings of love, joy, and heartache, but it will also leave you with feelings of hope at the prospect of new beginnings and second chances. It is definitely a story you won't want to miss.
June 19, 2023
Emma is a spinster Amish woman who has loved one man almost all her life.... except this one man was married to her best friend. She promised her BFF Priscilla that she would look after Thomas when she died, and Emma does that. She makes him meals and cleans the house for him. Thomas's granddaughter Cilla shows up at his house after her mother dies and Thomas is beside himself. How can he take care of this Englischer granddaughter? Cilla quickly makes friends with Emma, who can cook, unlike her grandfather. When a falling out happens between Emma and Thomas, Cilla decides to take matters into her own hands.
This story was good and I liked the interaction between the characters, especially Cilla. However, Thomas needed a "Gibbs' Slap" on the back of the head. How could he not see what was right in front of him the whole time?
This story was good and I liked the interaction between the characters, especially Cilla. However, Thomas needed a "Gibbs' Slap" on the back of the head. How could he not see what was right in front of him the whole time?
April 17, 2023
A very well-written, interesting tale of unrequited love, second chances, a surprise grandchild, a grieving widower, and an old maid is a must-read.
In her mid-forties, Emma has loved her longtime neighbor, Thomas, from afar. It has been several years since Thomas lost the love of his life. Suddenly, he is responsible for a granddaughter he had never met. Emma could help him if he would let her. Will they be able to overcome obstacles to form a family?
This story is a fascinating journey through the ups and downs/ins and outside of two mature adults figuring out what they want and need at this stage of their lives. I was drawn into the action and interaction making up this book. I highly recommend reading this inspiring book.
In her mid-forties, Emma has loved her longtime neighbor, Thomas, from afar. It has been several years since Thomas lost the love of his life. Suddenly, he is responsible for a granddaughter he had never met. Emma could help him if he would let her. Will they be able to overcome obstacles to form a family?
This story is a fascinating journey through the ups and downs/ins and outside of two mature adults figuring out what they want and need at this stage of their lives. I was drawn into the action and interaction making up this book. I highly recommend reading this inspiring book.
May 18, 2023
Enjoy traveling back to Miller's Creek and spending time with hatmaker, Emily Beiler! I especially enjoyed Cilla, the granddaughter of neighbor, Thomas Reihl. Widower Thomas doesn't know what to do with his Englisch granddaughter who has come to live with him after her mother's death! Emily who has secretly loved Thomas since they were young and Cilla hit it off from the start. Cilla turns into a good matchmaker! Each of Jocelyn McClay's books get better! You won't want to miss The Amish Spinster's Dilemma! I received a complimentary advance copy of the book. This is my honest opinion.
May 5, 2023
A heartwarming story of a second chance at love for widower Thomas Reihl. His neighbor Emma Beiler has been secretly in love with Thomas for years but has kept her distance.
Thomas has shown no interest in another woman since the death of his beloved wife. When Thomas’s unknown 10 year old granddaughter comes to visit it becomes apparent that she is an amateur matchmaker for Grandpa and Emma.
I truly enjoyed how this sweet story unfolds. Jocelyn McClay writes such beautiful descriptive stories! Once again, I can hardly wait to read the next adventure in the Miller’s Creek series.
Thomas has shown no interest in another woman since the death of his beloved wife. When Thomas’s unknown 10 year old granddaughter comes to visit it becomes apparent that she is an amateur matchmaker for Grandpa and Emma.
I truly enjoyed how this sweet story unfolds. Jocelyn McClay writes such beautiful descriptive stories! Once again, I can hardly wait to read the next adventure in the Miller’s Creek series.
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May 26, 2023This was a very good story By Jocelyn McClay, the granddaughter comes to stay with her grandfather and things start happening, reminding me of some of the things that happen in Jennifer beckstrand books, the ending was so good, if you havent read it yet, pick up a copy, you will be hooked from first page,
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2023
As long as she can remember Emma Beiler has loved her neighbor. Eventhough Thomas Riehl is long widowed she keeps her distance which is easy until Thomas's unknown English granddaughter has to move in with him. Emma takes the girl under her wing and they become friends.
April 9, 2023
wonderful book
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews