A Little Bit of Charm

Title: A LITTLE BIT OF CHARM

Author: Mary Ellis

Publisher: Harvest House

September 2013

ISBN:  978-0736938686

Genre  Amish Romance

Series: New Beginnings series

Rachel King has always wanted to work with horses, but when her handsome boss sweeps her off her feet, she starts to doubt everything in life, including her Amish faith. Horse breeder and trainer, Jake Brady dreams of winning the Kentucky Derby with his new colt. But how much is he willing to risk for a chance at fame and fortune? A Little Bit of Charm--a story about making choices that will last a lifetime. 

A LITTLE BIT OF CHARM is the third book in Ms. Ellis’ New Beginnings series. Fans of Amish fiction will want to read Living in Harmony and Love Comes to Paradise to find out how the two oldest girls found love and settled in a new location, finding new careers and making adjustments to different life-styles in different Amish settlements.

I enjoyed getting to know Rachel and Jake, and how they work with horses. I don’t know much about the racing world, but I do know Kentucky is the perfect setting for this book as it is full of beautiful horses, farms, and race tracks.

There is a subplot regarding polio in this story that didn’t really seem to fit in with Rachel and Jake’s romance, but it was interesting to see the responses people had to vaccinations and why as the health worker made her rounds.

If you like Amish fiction, in this series, Ms. Ellis takes us to different communities in the country—from Maine, to Missouri, to Kentucky. I enjoyed “traveling” to these different locals and learning more about their differences.  

The story was quiet, unassuming, and didn’t demand attention. If you want a peaceful sort of book to read over the course of several days, Ms. Ellis’ A LITTLE BIT OF CHARM is perfect.

4 stars. Available in paperback, hardcover,  and ebook. 352 pages.