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Bluebird Hills #2
The Secret Amish Admirer
This could be her one chance
To win his heart…
For years, Eliza Zook has been content to love Gabriel King from afar. But when an injury forces him off the farm and into the Amish gift shop alongside Eliza, she has no idea how to act around her secret crush. Working side by side, it seems that opposites really do attract…but can the single mother convince the rebel that he’s worthy of love?
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
To win his heart…
For years, Eliza Zook has been content to love Gabriel King from afar. But when an injury forces him off the farm and into the Amish gift shop alongside Eliza, she has no idea how to act around her secret crush. Working side by side, it seems that opposites really do attract…but can the single mother convince the rebel that he’s worthy of love?
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
- GenresAmish
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2023
About the author
Virginia Wise
50 books72 followersVirginia Wise is a New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of inspirational romance. A romantic at heart, she loves a happily ever after. You might find her wandering Lancaster County's Amish country where she enjoys meeting new people who inspire her heartwarming stories. When she's not writing, Virginia enjoys painting, spending time with family and friends, and taking long walks in the woods. Visit her online at VirginiaWiseBooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
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March 26, 2023This was a very moving book, Gabriel didnt think he was worthy of Eliza attention., Eliza didnt have confidence in her self, And her Mom Lovina is so strict, at the end of the Story Eliza stands up for herself, And Wins Gabriel heart., it was very good Amish Story., I give it a 5 Star Review., Looking for the next book in this series.
March 13, 2023
It had a much different ending than I thought it would
May 18, 2024
A very touching story of hope ,forgiveness & finding love. I loved reading about Eliza Zook and Gabriel King. I know you will too.😀
March 18, 2026
love always heals
The story line was great, one held captive by her mother’s judgemental approval, with another broken by his father’s expectations. I loved the way the story brought the two together, slowly revealing their characters to one another, and realizing they had come to know & trust one another. Although it was a bit of turmoil between, I loved the way they’ve ending closed this good story, but I was disappointed that this story left me with questions like: did father realize his ways of error toward his son, maybe change his farm plans, and also where were Eliza & Gabriel going to live since Aunt Mary’s was small, & her mother’s house, after all the issues, surely was not appropriate? Just needed closure, but still recommend this book.
The story line was great, one held captive by her mother’s judgemental approval, with another broken by his father’s expectations. I loved the way the story brought the two together, slowly revealing their characters to one another, and realizing they had come to know & trust one another. Although it was a bit of turmoil between, I loved the way they’ve ending closed this good story, but I was disappointed that this story left me with questions like: did father realize his ways of error toward his son, maybe change his farm plans, and also where were Eliza & Gabriel going to live since Aunt Mary’s was small, & her mother’s house, after all the issues, surely was not appropriate? Just needed closure, but still recommend this book.
April 17, 2023
Virginia Wise has written another wonderful book in her Bluebird Hill Series. The Secret Amish Admirer is the second book in this series. It is well written and an enjoyable read! You will fall in love with characters Eliza and Gabriel. The author has a style of writing that captures your attention in the very first chapter and holds it until the very last page. The story is filled with surprises and once you start reading it, you just can't stop! If you love reading Amish fiction, I guarantee you will love reading this book! I look forward to reading the next book in this series!
September 5, 2023
A read that leaves you smiling!
I usually purchase books written by authors with which I am familiar. So glad I purchased this one though! I enjoyed watching the relationships grow, the wisdom and counsel of side characters, like Viola, and the innocent love and acceptance of Priss and Simon. Looking forward to more Ms. Wise! Thank you.
I usually purchase books written by authors with which I am familiar. So glad I purchased this one though! I enjoyed watching the relationships grow, the wisdom and counsel of side characters, like Viola, and the innocent love and acceptance of Priss and Simon. Looking forward to more Ms. Wise! Thank you.
February 24, 2024
This is a very good book about Eliza Zook who has been content to love Gabriel King from afar. But when an injury forces him off the farm and into the gift shop with her, she has no idea how to act around her secret crush.
October 8, 2023
Love this book
January 18, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved it!! I actually read the Larger Print version, and it had 283 pages.
June 17, 2025
very very good book
September 10, 2025
Virginia Wise writes beautiful storylines and characters we can relate to. Could not put it down!
March 5, 2026
second in series for me
I enjoyed the book before this one as well as this one. Simple faith with a little love thrown in. Hoping there’s another book in the series.
I enjoyed the book before this one as well as this one. Simple faith with a little love thrown in. Hoping there’s another book in the series.
May 28, 2025
I can’t explain how exciting this story is. I NEVER stay up until 4 in the morning but I did to finish this one!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
August 13, 2025
I love this story because the main character believes the man is out of her league but nothing could be further from the truth. My personal love story is like that.
March 19, 2024
THE SECRET AMISH ADMIRER by Virginia Wise is the fascinating story of Eliza Zook and Gabriel King.
Eliza had always been the one to follow the rules. With a domineering mother who expects perfection, it’s not been easy. Feeling she can do nothing right, she often felt as if she’d lost herself while trying to be please her mamm. One thing she’s never doubted was her faith. She even skipped rumspringa and joined the church instead. With bottle cap glasses, being shy and always feeling inadequate, she’s really never had much of a social life - especially now. When her sister jumped the fence leaving behind her daughter, Eliza became the Priss’ mother.
Gabriel upbringing was hard. With a dadd who never saw anything but his flaws and mistakes, he’d often taken the rath of his dadd’s displeasure. He grew up thinking he was unworthy. Even after moving to live with his aunt Mary, his dadd’s much younger sister, he’d given up trying to prove them all wrong, but rather let them believe their ideas of him and his rebellious spirit on occasion giving more fuel for the fire so to speak. Having stretched out his rumspringa with no thoughts yet of joining the church, many, including his aunt, wondered if he was going to jump the fence and become Englisch. Gabriel often wondered that himself.
When an accident caused Eliza to work alongside her secret crush instead of admiring him from afar, will she be able to keep her feelings a secret? Will working with Eliza in his employer's shop have him realizing that she isn’t Ms. Perfect he’d always thought her to be. Could she possibly see him for more than the opinion of all the others? But in his heart, he knows he’s unworthy of someone as special as her. Can Gabriel get Eliza to see herself as he sees her – someone beautiful on the outside as much as she is on the inside? Do opposites attract or could it be that they aren’t so different after all? After learning about his dadd, his younger years and getting to know him by working side by side with him, can Eliza convince Gabriel that she doesn’t see him as his reputation represents, but rather the man he truly is? But is she worthy of his attention? It is possible that two people so ideal for each other may really bring to life the saying “there are none so blind as those who will not see”? Will it take the mutual love for one little girl and the honest words of a child to open their eyes? Can Priss’ wishes come true!
THE SECRET AMISH ADMIRER is a book that once you start you just have to keep reading to see what happens. It will have you wishing for true love as you read about being misjudged, rumors, being hurt, living up to expectations, family, community – the bad and the good, willingness to open oneself up to another, love, hope and dreams. Virginia Wise weaves it all in a wonderful thread of faith that binds the story together while leaving you with a big sigh and a heart filled with happiness by the last page. Most definitely a FIVE STAR book that I highly recommend to everyone! You will not be disappointed.
I receive a copy of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#TheSecretAmishAdmirer #VirginiaWise #LoveInspiredRomance #AmishRomance
Eliza had always been the one to follow the rules. With a domineering mother who expects perfection, it’s not been easy. Feeling she can do nothing right, she often felt as if she’d lost herself while trying to be please her mamm. One thing she’s never doubted was her faith. She even skipped rumspringa and joined the church instead. With bottle cap glasses, being shy and always feeling inadequate, she’s really never had much of a social life - especially now. When her sister jumped the fence leaving behind her daughter, Eliza became the Priss’ mother.
Gabriel upbringing was hard. With a dadd who never saw anything but his flaws and mistakes, he’d often taken the rath of his dadd’s displeasure. He grew up thinking he was unworthy. Even after moving to live with his aunt Mary, his dadd’s much younger sister, he’d given up trying to prove them all wrong, but rather let them believe their ideas of him and his rebellious spirit on occasion giving more fuel for the fire so to speak. Having stretched out his rumspringa with no thoughts yet of joining the church, many, including his aunt, wondered if he was going to jump the fence and become Englisch. Gabriel often wondered that himself.
When an accident caused Eliza to work alongside her secret crush instead of admiring him from afar, will she be able to keep her feelings a secret? Will working with Eliza in his employer's shop have him realizing that she isn’t Ms. Perfect he’d always thought her to be. Could she possibly see him for more than the opinion of all the others? But in his heart, he knows he’s unworthy of someone as special as her. Can Gabriel get Eliza to see herself as he sees her – someone beautiful on the outside as much as she is on the inside? Do opposites attract or could it be that they aren’t so different after all? After learning about his dadd, his younger years and getting to know him by working side by side with him, can Eliza convince Gabriel that she doesn’t see him as his reputation represents, but rather the man he truly is? But is she worthy of his attention? It is possible that two people so ideal for each other may really bring to life the saying “there are none so blind as those who will not see”? Will it take the mutual love for one little girl and the honest words of a child to open their eyes? Can Priss’ wishes come true!
THE SECRET AMISH ADMIRER is a book that once you start you just have to keep reading to see what happens. It will have you wishing for true love as you read about being misjudged, rumors, being hurt, living up to expectations, family, community – the bad and the good, willingness to open oneself up to another, love, hope and dreams. Virginia Wise weaves it all in a wonderful thread of faith that binds the story together while leaving you with a big sigh and a heart filled with happiness by the last page. Most definitely a FIVE STAR book that I highly recommend to everyone! You will not be disappointed.
I receive a copy of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#TheSecretAmishAdmirer #VirginiaWise #LoveInspiredRomance #AmishRomance
May 30, 2023
Beautiful Story
At first glance Eliza Zook and Gabriel King are as different as night and day. Yes, they’ve known each other for years, but they don’t really know each other. However, as they work together, they get to a deeper level of knowing and understanding each other. In doing so, they find that each one struggles with a deep seeded issue which is the key to much of the way they deal with things. This discovery impacts not just their relationship, but also some family relationships.
While I was cheering for Eliza and Gabriel, I was beyond frustrated with one character. I could not embrace the why behind the actions and behaviors. The effects those actions had on Eliza and Gabriel had me frustrated more than once. However, Gabriel in his wisdom made some very insightful comments that spoke to this type of behavior. Those comments held a very deep and true message, not just in the story, but in real life. They also changed my feelings of frustration to feelings of hope, especially for Eliza and Gabriel.
When you put it all together, The Secret Amish Admirer is a wonderful story of love and faith. Add to that some great words of wisdom that are woven in and you have a beautiful story that is a definite must read.
Book Quote:
God can find us anywhere,…,but you’ll never see that if your back is turned.
At first glance Eliza Zook and Gabriel King are as different as night and day. Yes, they’ve known each other for years, but they don’t really know each other. However, as they work together, they get to a deeper level of knowing and understanding each other. In doing so, they find that each one struggles with a deep seeded issue which is the key to much of the way they deal with things. This discovery impacts not just their relationship, but also some family relationships.
While I was cheering for Eliza and Gabriel, I was beyond frustrated with one character. I could not embrace the why behind the actions and behaviors. The effects those actions had on Eliza and Gabriel had me frustrated more than once. However, Gabriel in his wisdom made some very insightful comments that spoke to this type of behavior. Those comments held a very deep and true message, not just in the story, but in real life. They also changed my feelings of frustration to feelings of hope, especially for Eliza and Gabriel.
When you put it all together, The Secret Amish Admirer is a wonderful story of love and faith. Add to that some great words of wisdom that are woven in and you have a beautiful story that is a definite must read.
Book Quote:
God can find us anywhere,…,but you’ll never see that if your back is turned.
July 23, 2023
Wow I received this as a winner of a give away . I have never read any of her books before . So this is a new author for me .
This is great read , she had you drawn in the story by page 2 in the first chapter . Very interesting story line with great twists . I felt bad for Eliza to be under her moms control of what another sibling did in the pass. I am glad she gave herself the right to speak up and let her feeling out and be heard .
A wonderful story of love ,faith, community , family , good commutation and gossip is evil . .
I couldn't put this book down it held your interest to the very end . I read it in one day . Thank you for sharing your talents with us Virginia Wise
This is great read , she had you drawn in the story by page 2 in the first chapter . Very interesting story line with great twists . I felt bad for Eliza to be under her moms control of what another sibling did in the pass. I am glad she gave herself the right to speak up and let her feeling out and be heard .
A wonderful story of love ,faith, community , family , good commutation and gossip is evil . .
I couldn't put this book down it held your interest to the very end . I read it in one day . Thank you for sharing your talents with us Virginia Wise
March 31, 2023
Elizabeth Zook has had a crush on Gabriel King for years. She knows that she would never gave a chance with him. Gabriel is very handsome and all the girls throw themselves at him.
Eliza thinks that no one will ever think of her as being attractive. She wears glasses and speaks her mind before thinking first.
Gabriel feels he is not good enough. He feels like he doesn't fit in with the Amish. After injuring his foot he has to work inside with Eliza.
This is a wonderful story about beauty being what is on the inside, not always what's on the outside.
I highly recommend reading this delightful story.
Eliza thinks that no one will ever think of her as being attractive. She wears glasses and speaks her mind before thinking first.
Gabriel feels he is not good enough. He feels like he doesn't fit in with the Amish. After injuring his foot he has to work inside with Eliza.
This is a wonderful story about beauty being what is on the inside, not always what's on the outside.
I highly recommend reading this delightful story.
May 3, 2023
Eliza was gazing out in the field on her way to her job at the Miller farm store. She spies Gabriel King, the boy she has had a secret crush on forever. She sees him get tangled in the reins of a horse and saw him being dragged. She ran to help him. He is a bit of a bad boy and she knows she should not get mixed up with him.
This book was a really good read and I think you will enjoy it as well.
This book was a really good read and I think you will enjoy it as well.
May 11, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Secret Amish Admirer by Virginia Wise. It was a sweet story of a young man who believed most everyone thought the worst of him and the young woman who had secretly admired him for a long time. Despite that, she didn’t feel that he would have any interest in her. Without giving away too much, I have to say I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more books by Virginia Wise.
June 11, 2024
4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this book. Both Eliza and Gabriel had issues to work through which were done nicely in the story. I loved watching Gabriel realize that the traits that people didn't like Eliza were the very traits that were drawing Gabriel to her. Priss is a great side character and adds to the story. If you like Amish fiction, I recommend this book!
May 27, 2023
A sweet story with well developed characters. Loving from a distance and low self esteem give Gabriel and Eliza challenges to over come on their way to each other. Can it work? And how? Read to find out!
April 13, 2023
Enjoyed this book
April 16, 2023
Really good story between Eliza and Gabriel. I loved they were able to finally realize that they could work out what they wanted and needed to do for each other.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews