Rosanna's Gift (with two #reviews!!)

Rosanna's Gift 

Mass Market Paperback – ebook, audio, audio CD

December 31, 2019

by Susan Lantz Simpson (Author)

Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages

Publisher: Zebra 

ISBN-13: 978-1420149807

In Southern Maryland’s serene Amish country, one young woman’s life is changed by an unexpected request . . .
 
“She’s yours.” Until now, Rosanna Mast’s hopes for the future have all revolved around handsome Henry Zook. But when a young Englisch girl places her newborn daughter in Rosanna’s arms and utters those words, shock quickly turns to fierce, protective devotion. Between helping her midwife mamm and caring for her own siblings, Rosanna has plenty of experience with babies. And who wouldn’t love a sweet-natured boppli like little Mollie? Yet to her dismay, Henry has no intention of ever taking on another man’s child. Instead, it is steady, thoughtful Paul Hertzler who becomes Rosanna’s staunch supporter.
 
Paul knows he should have acted sooner on his feelings for Rosanna. Now, as her dream of adopting Mollie meets unexpected hurdles, he sees a way to help. Rosanna would do anything to keep baby Mollie—perhaps even agree to marriage. But will Rosanna continue to hold him at arm’s length, or see that he longs to offer her the love and family she deserves?

My thoughts (Reviewed by Marilyn):  Rosanna’s Gift is a tender refreshing story that drew me in from the beginning. It’s truly a heartwarming love of a young mother who gave her child up for adoption knowing her past and what the future held for her. Rosanna assisted her midwife mother and had the sweetest spirit, compassion for others and willing to do whatever it took to serve others. The unexpected surprise she received was a blessing that brought moments of joy but yet pain with the unexpected twists and turns of events and hearing unkind words. Paul was supportive of Rosanna and doted on little Mollie whenever he was around whether at church or their home. When a possible confrontation about the adoption of Mollie arose Paul became more expressive with his feelings and thoughts.

This story is filled with an underlying love that only God could have orchestrated as individuals waited on him for their future. There’s plenty of action, vivid description of the Maryland Amish, characters to charm and others that needed to be put in their place, a strong family connection for the hero and heroine, romance, faith and God’s love for each one. I highly recommend this book and advise readers to have a box of tissues handy. I look forward to reading more of Susan Lantz Simpson books in the future. I’ve never been disappointed with any of her stories set in Maryland Amish community.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the author and was under no obligation to write a positive review. I have expressed my own sincere thoughts. 

My  thoughts (LVH):  I love Paul. When I first opened the book and met Henry, ooooh he made me mad. I thought the author would have to do a lot of work to redeem him. I mean honestly Amish use English midwives  -- and English use Amish ones. Ask me how I know. And then Paul entered the scene and my heart melted. I read the back cover at that point and was so happy to see he was the hero.

The author had her work cut out for her to make the plot believable, but she succeeded. Roseanna was a sweet character and she and Sarah were so confused by Jane's attitude about her newborn. I kind of understand -- a scared unmarried teen girl with no support... At least she chose life, right? The Amish and many conservative Christians believe children are a gift.

ROSEANNA'S GIFT is a very sweet romance between a man and a woman and a child. Fans of Ms. Susan Lantz Simpson or of Amish fiction will want to read this story set in Maryland.

I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

y