Sarah Price

I give inspirational romance a lot of crap, especially the Amish ones because they so often tend to be formulaic, boring, and preachy, but I will admit... I kinda dug this one! Honestly! When my friend told me there were Amish fairy tale spin offs I laughed. It sounded so dumb, bizarre even! So I went into this book expecting it to be awful, and admittedly I didn't fall in love with it right away, but once I got into the story, I was hooked. Belle lives with her father and two useless show more sisters. When they find out that they are going to lose the farm because their father hasn't been paying the mortgage all hope seems gone; they will be destitute and homeless. The town recluse, Adam, a man disfigured from a fire, buys up the farm and Belle tries to plead with him to save their home. He tells her the only way he'll let her family have the farm back is if she agrees to marry him and bear him a child. Against her better judgement she does, because she loves her family and wants the best for them. She knows nothing about this man, other than what her little Amish community has gossiped about him and his beast-like looks. Can they make this marriage work? Can she tame the beast and save her family? Cheesy, but super readable. I'll be reading the next in the series! show less

“Just one speck of dust can blind an eye.”

A rather fascinating story that explores the idea of love and marriage, duty and faith.
Belle's father has driven the family finances into dun territory with his investments in continual failed schemes. At last it seems his 'griller' invention might be a way to break through. Alas his bad luck or serious miscalculation continues. The family is left destitute.
Their property is bought by Adam Herschberger, the local recluse who has withdrawn from show more the Amish society due to people's responses to his scarred face. Many call him The Beast--as Belle notes, hardly the godly action of a faith community.
Belle goes to Adam to see if she can be his housekeeper in exchange for the family being able to continue to live in the house.
Instead Adam offers her marriage.
The story of Belle coming to the belief that God has called her to marry Adam, the many tribulations she must face as she tries all she can to make this marriage work are extraordinary.
A intricate look at relationships and the communities they are part of.
The look into Amish customs adds an extra level of interest.
Bible versus are scattered throughout the story, all having a relevant place consistent with the action, illuminating the moment.
A very special and appealing love story with a difference.

A NetGalley ARC show less

I just can't hate this series. Try as I might to despise Amish fiction, this adorable, quirky, and wholesome little Amish fairy tale series has warmed my cold black heart. I just love it! Ella is the second in the series and is loosely based on the Cinderella fairy tale. Complete with the cruel stepmother, rude stepsisters, and playful mice it has a few interesting takes as well, instead of a glass slipper there is a pie contest, there is "magic," the fairy godmother is a kind lady in the show more congregation, etc. It's disgustingly wholesome and clean and I still loved it. I can't wait to read Sadie, the Amish take on Snow White and I hope there are more in this series! show less

The Amish Cookie Club is a cute Amish romance novel. I enjoyed the four main characters who gather together every other week at Edna Esh’s to bake cookies for their respective church districts to be enjoyed after the worship meal. Their children are grown up, but they are still causing problems for the women. Edna suggests that they come up with a plan for each child starting with Myrna Bontrager, Verna’s daughter. Myrna is outspoken with certain ideas and a whiz at organizing. show more Unfortunately, her employers have not appreciated her skills including her own father. When Edna hears that Ezekiel Riehl needs someone to take care of his home and kids, it seems like the perfect place for Myrna. And a mother can always hope that romance might blossom. I liked Myrna with her zest for organization and planning. She certainly has her hands full with four children to watch, a house to clean, laundry, gardening, canning, and cooking (wears me out just thinking about all the chores). Cookies are a recurrent theme throughout the book and the ladies soon find themselves making more cookies after being cornered by the bishop’s wife. There are recipes at the end too! My favorite lines from The Amish Cookie Club is “. . .we can’t change the past. Only try to do better tomorrow.” I enjoyed reading the engaging The Amish Cookie Club. It is a light-hearted story that will have you laughing and craving cookies. show less