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Lizzie Searches For Love #2
When Strawberries Bloom
New love and even more questions enter Lizzie Glick's life in When Strawberries Bloom, the second novel in this series written by an Amish writer and based on true life experiences. Lizzie's dream of teaching school has finally come true. She loves the brand-new school building, the sound of the children singing, and the independence she has in the classroom. Even the occasionally unruly boys can't ruin the excitement she feels each morning when she starts the school day. But at home things are in turmoil again. What do Dat's sudden health problems mean for the future of their farm? And what about Lizzie's future? Emma and Mandy are so certain that Joshua and John are their perfect matches, but Lizzie doesn't know what to think about Stephen and how he might fit into her life. What will Lizzie decide? Will she continue to teach school? Or will she give up that dream so that her wish for marriage and a family can come true? Stephen says he loves her, but Lizzie isn't sure he really understands her. Can she hope to find anyone within her Amish community who loves her bright mind, her ever-active imagination, her competitive spirit and her stormy humor?
Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Arcade, Yucca, and Good Books imprints, are proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in fiction—novels, novellas, political and medical thrillers, comedy, satire, historical fiction, romance, erotic and love stories, mystery, classic literature, folklore and mythology, literary classics including Shakespeare, Dumas, Wilde, Cather, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.
Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Arcade, Yucca, and Good Books imprints, are proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in fiction—novels, novellas, political and medical thrillers, comedy, satire, historical fiction, romance, erotic and love stories, mystery, classic literature, folklore and mythology, literary classics including Shakespeare, Dumas, Wilde, Cather, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.
297 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2010
68 people are currently reading
470 people want to read
About the author
Linda Byler
84 books226 followersLinda Byler grew up Amish and is an active member of the Amish church today. Growing up, Linda Byler loved to read and write. In fact, she still does. She is well known within the Amish community as a columnist for a weekly Amish newspaper. Linda and her husband, their children and grandchildren live in central Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
November 22, 2017
Lizzie is finally growing up. 😊
December 19, 2013
Like it's sequel (Running Around), I found this book a good read, but I found the typos distracting.
I like the fact that Linda Byler is Amish and can use her insider knowledge to write authentic Amish stories. I have given up on Amish romance novels written by anyone who didn't grow up Amish. It is impossible to "get it right" unless someone has lived the life.
I like the fact that Linda Byler is Amish and can use her insider knowledge to write authentic Amish stories. I have given up on Amish romance novels written by anyone who didn't grow up Amish. It is impossible to "get it right" unless someone has lived the life.
May 2, 2025
This is the second book in a trilogy. Lizzie, at 17, becomes a teacher. Later she starts dating Stephen and wrestles in what it means to be in love and what it would mean to be married.
The book is easy reading. I can see why many people enjoy this series of novels. I didn't.
As a former teacher, Lizzie is not qualified to be a real teacher. Her school seems to be a glorified Sunday school.
I am not a romance fan.
The book is easy reading. I can see why many people enjoy this series of novels. I didn't.
As a former teacher, Lizzie is not qualified to be a real teacher. Her school seems to be a glorified Sunday school.
I am not a romance fan.
April 26, 2022
This was the first book I ever read of Linda Byler and it's where I fell in love with her writing style. Authentic Amish fiction you can't put down.
November 26, 2015
Okay, I may not have been reading about that Lizzie...but, I sure felt like I was!
The main character in this book was very emotional and overly dramatic; I have a feeling such a character may not appeal to adults, though teens may empathize with her.
Seriously, this felt like a cross between Beverly Lewis and a Disney Channel Original Movie.
Score: 3/5
September 17, 2013
The first book in this series seemed to be okay for a younger audience. This one is more teen to adult.
February 7, 2015
This is my fav book out of the whole series. It has a great cliffhanger and the story is really good in general. Those who enjoy Christian (and particularly Amish) fiction will like this book! :)
September 6, 2017
I have a somewhat morbid fascination with Amish romance as a genre, and when I ran across the first book in this series, I was intrigued by the fact that the author is actually Amish (a rarity in this oversaturated category). I was not at all impressed with the book on a technical level, but it was nevertheless interesting to see a depiction of Amish life from an insider's perspective.
The second book in the series is much the same as the first. The writing really isn't very good — the dialogue is stilted and unnatural, and the narration is uneven and sometimes almost juvenile. There's a little bit more attention paid to plot here — some use of foreshadowing, a bit more judicious handling of flashbacks — but it still reads in many places like a list of things that happened, rather than a cohesive narrative. And Lizzie as a character is still much more annoying than I'll usually tolerate. Her "rebellious" moods come off as unpredictable and unreasonable, which are not sympathetic qualities in a narrator. (Then again, if I were staring down the barrel of a lifetime of dudes bossing me around, I'd probably be a little cranky, too.)
So why did I read it? Well, again, it's an insider's look at Amish life, which I still find absolutely fascinating. It's a fast, non-challenging, low-stakes read, which is nice when I'm stressed. And honestly, despite her annoying tendencies, I'm curious to see what will become of Lizzie in the end. So yes, I'll probably pick up the third book eventually, too.
The second book in the series is much the same as the first. The writing really isn't very good — the dialogue is stilted and unnatural, and the narration is uneven and sometimes almost juvenile. There's a little bit more attention paid to plot here — some use of foreshadowing, a bit more judicious handling of flashbacks — but it still reads in many places like a list of things that happened, rather than a cohesive narrative. And Lizzie as a character is still much more annoying than I'll usually tolerate. Her "rebellious" moods come off as unpredictable and unreasonable, which are not sympathetic qualities in a narrator. (Then again, if I were staring down the barrel of a lifetime of dudes bossing me around, I'd probably be a little cranky, too.)
So why did I read it? Well, again, it's an insider's look at Amish life, which I still find absolutely fascinating. It's a fast, non-challenging, low-stakes read, which is nice when I'm stressed. And honestly, despite her annoying tendencies, I'm curious to see what will become of Lizzie in the end. So yes, I'll probably pick up the third book eventually, too.
September 19, 2022
This is the second book in the Lizzie Searches for Love series by Old Order Amish member Linda Byler. Like the first book, it seems more for a YA audience, but I appreciate reading about living Amish by someone who actually does it. Sweetly innocent, Lizzie does seem to finally find someone special in this book. I will admit that Lizzie's childlike actions and attitude do get on my nerves after a while. She is a teacher and 18 years old, but she acts so much like a 12-year old. The overall story is good though. Perhaps her innocence is because of her sheltered life, which I can understand.
May 28, 2023
Lizzie might be one of the most unlikeable characters I have read in quite a long time - she is flighty, excceptionally jealous of anyone's happiness other than her own, and given to petty rages over the slightest fault she finds with others. I found myself hoping that Stephen would tell her he found another girl when he was away, and that he only wanted to be friends with her...not nice, I know, but this girl was utterly clueless and utterly devoid of charm or redeeming characteristics that I could see. Waste of time, IMO.
October 1, 2021
Lizzie continues to rebel against God, their way of life, and just her life in general. Emma marries and is happy with her marriage, husband & new baby. Lizzie takes a job as the school teacher, which she loves, but her rebellion makes her unhappy. By the end of the book Lizzie is starting to get a clue but she is still irritating and I just wanted to smack her upside the head!! The story is good but Lizzie needs an attitude adjustment.
July 13, 2023
Heartwarming
Wonderful and exciting to see that Lizzie struggles with the same things others her age would. The story is very well written and easy to read. I love to read things by this author. She is amazing in the way she lets the story flow and leaves readers not knowing what is going to happen next.
Wonderful and exciting to see that Lizzie struggles with the same things others her age would. The story is very well written and easy to read. I love to read things by this author. She is amazing in the way she lets the story flow and leaves readers not knowing what is going to happen next.
February 15, 2022
I didn't realize this was part of a series but had no major issues understanding or keeping up. Story was good. I couldn't relate to the main character too much so she annoyed me enough that I'd rather not read the others. I do enjoy reading Amish stories though. The culture fascinates me.
Want to read
February 27, 2021excellent
May 3, 2021
I enjoyed this one better than the first! Lizzie is still fairly annoying, but she’s growing out of it a little.
Read
November 7, 2021Always enjoy a clean Amish story. This was fun because the character Lizzie is a teacher!
August 16, 2022
I love all Amish books. Life in simpler times. And I like that she includes recipes after each book. I want to find Meadow Tea now.
January 16, 2023
Lizzie’s is a spoiled brat! Plain and simple. She is so dramatic and she only has 3 moods: anger, crying, and pouting. That’s it. Everything has to be about her and she plays the pity card a lot.
June 29, 2023
A cute little story. I can relate to Lizzie, seldom getting it right but trying hard to figure it all out.
April 23, 2025
A wonderful coming to life story.
October 28, 2025
The young girls, especially Lizzie, are spoiled and insecure. Unlikeable charachters.
March 9, 2017
I enjoyed the book but I think the ending gave it 3 versus 4 stars. About 4 chapters before the end I thought it was the ending, but then it dragged it out a bit. Nice story about young love in an Amish community.
November 11, 2010
When Strawberries Bloom is the second book in the Lizzie Searches for Love series by Linda Byler.
In this book our main character Lizzie seems a bit more mature, we don't hear nearly as much about the things that she hates. Instead she is seventeen and really wants to become the next schoolteacher at the Mennonite school where she had been a student and her siblings still attend. She knows that she would be a great teacher, but she isn't sure what the school board will think, could they possibly give her a chance to prove herself?
Lizzie has always been a worrier and now her dad's health is in question, he has been having some issues with his eyesight and and his health in general is failing some. She becomes worried about what will happen if he can no longer run the farm, her younger brother, Jason, has been taking on more of the responsibilities of the farm but with him not being quite 16 there is no way that he can do it alone. If the health issues with her dad are as serious as she thinks, will they be able to earn a living from the farm?
Emma, Lizzie's older sister becomes engaged and married in this book and Lizzie still hasn't had a date, even though Stephen has shown some interest in her, she just can't seem to figure out the dating thing, will she ever marry or is she destined to become an old maid?
I really felt like this book was much better written, even though the story doesn't always flow as smoothly as it could, with time lines sometimes being a bit confusing, it still was a very enjoyable read. I really felt as if Lizzie had matured quite a bit from the last book, although she still sometimes reverts back to her rebellious ways, once she realizes that her biggest problem is not listening to and submitting to God's will, she starts getting control of her temper. Without giving to much away I felt that there was one issue that was totally left hanging, when she slaps a child at school, I was sure that there would be repercussions from that, but it wasn't dealt with at all, it was like once she told her mom, it was forgotten.
The author includes several more fantabulous recipes in this book as well, and also includes a glossary for the Amish words used in the book. This book really shouldn't be read unless you have read the first in the series, because I think a reader may feel lost with some of the things going on. Even though this is a book is written more for pre-teens and teens, I really enjoyed reading it and can't wait to read the next book in the series titled Big Decisions, due out March 2011.
Even though I was provided a review copy by FSB media, thanks Julie, it in no way influenced my opinion of this book!
In this book our main character Lizzie seems a bit more mature, we don't hear nearly as much about the things that she hates. Instead she is seventeen and really wants to become the next schoolteacher at the Mennonite school where she had been a student and her siblings still attend. She knows that she would be a great teacher, but she isn't sure what the school board will think, could they possibly give her a chance to prove herself?
Lizzie has always been a worrier and now her dad's health is in question, he has been having some issues with his eyesight and and his health in general is failing some. She becomes worried about what will happen if he can no longer run the farm, her younger brother, Jason, has been taking on more of the responsibilities of the farm but with him not being quite 16 there is no way that he can do it alone. If the health issues with her dad are as serious as she thinks, will they be able to earn a living from the farm?
Emma, Lizzie's older sister becomes engaged and married in this book and Lizzie still hasn't had a date, even though Stephen has shown some interest in her, she just can't seem to figure out the dating thing, will she ever marry or is she destined to become an old maid?
I really felt like this book was much better written, even though the story doesn't always flow as smoothly as it could, with time lines sometimes being a bit confusing, it still was a very enjoyable read. I really felt as if Lizzie had matured quite a bit from the last book, although she still sometimes reverts back to her rebellious ways, once she realizes that her biggest problem is not listening to and submitting to God's will, she starts getting control of her temper. Without giving to much away I felt that there was one issue that was totally left hanging, when she slaps a child at school, I was sure that there would be repercussions from that, but it wasn't dealt with at all, it was like once she told her mom, it was forgotten.
The author includes several more fantabulous recipes in this book as well, and also includes a glossary for the Amish words used in the book. This book really shouldn't be read unless you have read the first in the series, because I think a reader may feel lost with some of the things going on. Even though this is a book is written more for pre-teens and teens, I really enjoyed reading it and can't wait to read the next book in the series titled Big Decisions, due out March 2011.
Even though I was provided a review copy by FSB media, thanks Julie, it in no way influenced my opinion of this book!
November 12, 2010
This is the second book in the Lizzie Searches For Love series.
Running Around (And Such) wasn't my favorite.
I decided to read When Strawberries Bloom anyway as I had been graciously sent both books by FSB Media.
I have to say, I enjoyed When Strawberries Bloom much more!
Four out of five stars!
When Strawberries Bloom picks up right where Running Around (And Such) picks up. Lizzie is still searching for the right man, but is much more mature in this novel than she was in the previous one.
Lizzie still struggles with liking one guy who always turns out to like a different girl. She still compares herself to her older sister, Emma, and feels a bit inferior. And now that her younger sister, Mandy, is old enough to run around too she begins to feel inferior to Mandy, when Mandy gets asked out right away.
Lizzie decides to do her own thing, and takes up a position as teacher in the Amish/Mennonite school, which she is very excited about. She also finds out that Stephen has always liked her, but she is not ready to commit to a relationship with him. Stephen is struggling so much with liking her that he decides to leave for many months to go up north while Lizzie makes up her mind about Stephen.
Will Lizzie fall in love with Stephen or is there a reason she just isn't interested? Will Emma finally get proposed to and get married? What will happen with Mandy now that she is old enough to run around? Will Lizzie ever get married, or is her life better spent as a teacher permanently since she has no desire to ever marry? And what is responsible for these mysterious symptoms that Lizzie's father is experiencing?
Read When Strawberries Bloom for the next part of Lizzie's story.
I have to admit this book was much better than the last. While Lizzie still throws fits at time, and is still overly immature for a 17-year-old young woman, she is much more tolerable overall. She whines and complains a lot less which makes her more likeable and makes me actually want to be on her side. However, as I said, I still find her an immature character especially for her age.
I think this was a vast improvement on the last book, but still qualifies more as juvenile fiction. The plot develops more and lags a lot less, which made it so much easier for me to get through.
I definitely will be reading the third book in the series, Big Decisions, when it comes out next year.
If you made it through Running Around (And Such) I recommend that you try When Strawberries Bloom.
Running Around (And Such) wasn't my favorite.
I decided to read When Strawberries Bloom anyway as I had been graciously sent both books by FSB Media.
I have to say, I enjoyed When Strawberries Bloom much more!
Four out of five stars!
When Strawberries Bloom picks up right where Running Around (And Such) picks up. Lizzie is still searching for the right man, but is much more mature in this novel than she was in the previous one.
Lizzie still struggles with liking one guy who always turns out to like a different girl. She still compares herself to her older sister, Emma, and feels a bit inferior. And now that her younger sister, Mandy, is old enough to run around too she begins to feel inferior to Mandy, when Mandy gets asked out right away.
Lizzie decides to do her own thing, and takes up a position as teacher in the Amish/Mennonite school, which she is very excited about. She also finds out that Stephen has always liked her, but she is not ready to commit to a relationship with him. Stephen is struggling so much with liking her that he decides to leave for many months to go up north while Lizzie makes up her mind about Stephen.
Will Lizzie fall in love with Stephen or is there a reason she just isn't interested? Will Emma finally get proposed to and get married? What will happen with Mandy now that she is old enough to run around? Will Lizzie ever get married, or is her life better spent as a teacher permanently since she has no desire to ever marry? And what is responsible for these mysterious symptoms that Lizzie's father is experiencing?
Read When Strawberries Bloom for the next part of Lizzie's story.
I have to admit this book was much better than the last. While Lizzie still throws fits at time, and is still overly immature for a 17-year-old young woman, she is much more tolerable overall. She whines and complains a lot less which makes her more likeable and makes me actually want to be on her side. However, as I said, I still find her an immature character especially for her age.
I think this was a vast improvement on the last book, but still qualifies more as juvenile fiction. The plot develops more and lags a lot less, which made it so much easier for me to get through.
I definitely will be reading the third book in the series, Big Decisions, when it comes out next year.
If you made it through Running Around (And Such) I recommend that you try When Strawberries Bloom.
July 21, 2012
Title: WHEN STRAWBERRIES BLOOM
Author: Linda Byler
Publisher: Good Books
September 2010
ISBN: 978-1-56148-699-1
Genre: Inspirational/Amish
Lizzie Glick has a dream of teaching school, and now her dream has finally come true. The Amish school teacher is getting married, and the board has approached her about taking the position.
But at home, life is in turmoil. Dat is having some health problems. Lizzie’s sisters Emma and Mandy have found their life’s mates, and the man Lizzie likes asks another girl to be his girl. Not only that, but a man Lizzie considers only a friend declares his love in one breath, then that he’s leaving in the next.
With these kinds of problems, what’s a girl to do? Will she find a man to truly love her? Or will teaching school be the answer for awhile?
WHEN STRAWBERRIES BLOOM is the second book in Ms. Byler’s Lizzie Searches for Love series. It has a lot of telling in it, and is kind of jumping around from past to present back to past, so it’s choppy and jarring, but the idea behind it is good.
Ms. Byler is an Amish woman so she has first hand knowledge of Amish life. The story telling is not the greatest, but the premise is good, and it is interesting. I will probably read the third book to see what happens with Lizzie. Readers of Amish fiction will want to read WHEN STRAWBERRIES BLOOM. There are lots of delicious sounding recipies included. $13.99. 276 pages. 3.5 stars.
Author: Linda Byler
Publisher: Good Books
September 2010
ISBN: 978-1-56148-699-1
Genre: Inspirational/Amish
Lizzie Glick has a dream of teaching school, and now her dream has finally come true. The Amish school teacher is getting married, and the board has approached her about taking the position.
But at home, life is in turmoil. Dat is having some health problems. Lizzie’s sisters Emma and Mandy have found their life’s mates, and the man Lizzie likes asks another girl to be his girl. Not only that, but a man Lizzie considers only a friend declares his love in one breath, then that he’s leaving in the next.
With these kinds of problems, what’s a girl to do? Will she find a man to truly love her? Or will teaching school be the answer for awhile?
WHEN STRAWBERRIES BLOOM is the second book in Ms. Byler’s Lizzie Searches for Love series. It has a lot of telling in it, and is kind of jumping around from past to present back to past, so it’s choppy and jarring, but the idea behind it is good.
Ms. Byler is an Amish woman so she has first hand knowledge of Amish life. The story telling is not the greatest, but the premise is good, and it is interesting. I will probably read the third book to see what happens with Lizzie. Readers of Amish fiction will want to read WHEN STRAWBERRIES BLOOM. There are lots of delicious sounding recipies included. $13.99. 276 pages. 3.5 stars.
November 11, 2010
This is the second book in the Lizzie Searches for Love series. Lizzie becomes a school teacher like she has always wanted. Her sister Emma becomes a member of the church and gets married. This has Lizzie questioning love, life and faith. Since Lizzie is a little older in this book than in Running Around (And Such), this book focuses on becoming a young woman. She questions God's will, the meaning of scriptures and the true meaning of love.
I love the attention to details that Ms. Byler provided in this book. She described the wedding and Amish customs with precise details. I think I have learned more about the Amish community by reading her books. I am looking forward to reading the third and final book in this series called Big Decisions which is scheduled to be released in March 2011.
I love the attention to details that Ms. Byler provided in this book. She described the wedding and Amish customs with precise details. I think I have learned more about the Amish community by reading her books. I am looking forward to reading the third and final book in this series called Big Decisions which is scheduled to be released in March 2011.
November 29, 2010
This is the second book in the Lizzie Searches for Love series. You should definitely start by reading Linda Byler’s first installment, Running Around (And Such). The second book was just as much fun as the first, although I think the series title is a bit misleading. Lizzie is not so much searching for love as she is searching for her own self-identity.
While reading When Strawberries Bloom, I found myself able to relate to Lizzie on many occasions. She has so much trouble understanding why she can’t just have simple aspirations and an easy life like her sisters. I can’t wait for the third installment to find out if Lizzie can finally stop battling her inner self and really find true love.
While reading When Strawberries Bloom, I found myself able to relate to Lizzie on many occasions. She has so much trouble understanding why she can’t just have simple aspirations and an easy life like her sisters. I can’t wait for the third installment to find out if Lizzie can finally stop battling her inner self and really find true love.
April 14, 2012
This book didn't really start out as a favorite, I again some how got a middle book in the series and even though the story stands alone I feel like I am missing something. I got the first book and the last on the way just so I can feel acomplished. This is not an Amish author that I can say I have read before the style is very simple and easy to follow. I was introduced to a fun charector Lizzie who reminds me a bit too much about myself. This book gives you a good dose of a wife's submission, what it means and how it should look. Personally I like Lizzie's view on the second part of the famous passage in the bible and that is the husband is supposed to give his life to his wife and if he did that then we as wives should always get our way. A women can dream, can't she?
May 1, 2013
The second book in the Lizzie Searches for Love trilogy deals with Lizzie growing up. She's teaching school now and dealing with her father's failing health. She is also questioning her feelings for Stephen. Is he the one God wants her to be with? Is she the right person for a relationship? Is she growing up?
I enjoyed this book better than the first. It felt more Amish. With Lizzie growing up she has the same worries and concerns, but they're coming at her and she's dealing with them in more mature ways. She's also finding out a lot about herself. Her sisters find their husbands and it leads Lizzie to wondering if she will ever have that kind of love herself.
I enjoyed this book better than the first. It felt more Amish. With Lizzie growing up she has the same worries and concerns, but they're coming at her and she's dealing with them in more mature ways. She's also finding out a lot about herself. Her sisters find their husbands and it leads Lizzie to wondering if she will ever have that kind of love herself.
December 3, 2013
I think the strengths of this book were it had lots of good detail. Some of the weaknesses of this book were that the author wrote the same thing over again, but she did not do that much. I think the author wrote clearly and most of the words she chose were powerful and beautiful. Why I really liked this book was because the woman who was the main person dream was to become and teacher. That's also my dream too. I would recommend this book to a classmate if they like mystery and kind of adventure because has that. This book was not boring and the author made you feel like you were in the book most of the.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews