Amish Brides 

Paperback, ebook, hardcover

May 30, 2017

by Jennifer Beckstrand, Molly Jebber, Amy Lillard

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Kensington 
• ISBN-13: 978-1496711632

Under bright blue skies, wedding bells ring—fulfilling sweet dreams, impossible wishes, and joyous new beginnings . . .

THE RELUCTANT GROOM

Jennifer Beckstrand

Spirited Suvie Newswenger has three marriage proposals—but not from the man she truly loves. No matter how lonely widower Aaron Beachy is, he seems determined to stay that way forever. Now, with help from his matchmaking great-grandparents, Suvie will do whatever it takes to rekindle Aaron’s hope—and spark happiness for a lifetime.

My thoughts: I absolutely love Ms. Beckstrand's romantic comedies set in Amish country. This one includes everyone's favorite grandparents Anna and Feltie. I love how they are willing to help Suvie when she goes to them to ask for their help winning their grandson Aaron's heart. Aaron is heartbroken and determined to stay in his grief and he resists it all, but there is no saying what a determined woman might accomplish with a crocheted dishrag and a change of breakfast cereal. A great story that is laugh out loud funny at times. 5 stars. 

JOSHUA’S BRIDE

Molly Jebber

Madeline Lehman fears her fiancé’s family will never accept her because of her rebellious sister. She’s postponed her wedding to Joshua Stutzman until they see the truth. But when Maddie adopts her sister’s abandoned baby, can she and Joshua find a way to unite their families through forgiveness as well as love?

My thoughts: All to often people are judged by their adult children's (or siblings) behavior, no one taking into account that person's freewill. This is a story of the Lehman's paying that steep price when their oldest daughter decided to leave the Amish and live a life of sin (even according to Englischer's standards!) I had to admire how sweet and kind Madeline was to those who were rude and hateful to her and Joshua for standing steadfast in his love. Some unexpected twists were included. The story was more told than shown so unfortunately I did skim a lot, but still a sweet story. 3 stars. 

A SUMMER WEDDING IN PARADISE

Amy Lillard

Reba Schmucker longs to be a bride. And she knows her mischievous nieces just wanted to help when they “chose” Abel Weaver for her. But he’s the last man in the world she’d ever marry. There’s no way her independence and his stubbornness could ever get along—unless a sudden crisis somehow leads to understanding . . . and love.

My thoughts: A cute story about a girl trying to reinvent herself to be the girl she thinks she should be for a man. Her brother is getting married and the handyman he hired has these beyond wonderful dimples. But she's too bright, too loud, too... everything to attract a good Amish man. So she tries to be something she's not. Sad that girls do that to impress a man, but we all have at one point or another.  A SUMMER WEDDING IN PARADISE had a few funny moments and the three little matchmakers are darling. 4 stars

I enjoyed AMISH BRIDES as a whole and enjoyed reading a couple authors that I have read very little of.  If you like any of these three authors's books OR if you haven't read any of them before but you love Amish fiction, you'll likely enjoy reading AMISH BRIDES. "I was provided a free copy off Netgalley. All opinions are my own."

About the authors:  

Jennifer Beckstrand is the RITA nominated and award-winning author of the Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series. She loves writing about the plain Amish life and the antics of Anna and Felty Helmuth. She and her husband have been married for thirty-one years, and she has four daughters, two sons, and four adorable grandchildren--whom she spoils rotten. Readers can visit her website at www.jenniferbeckstrand.com.

Molly Jebber enjoys writing stories about Amish history and their culture. She’s a Women’s Christian Connection motivational speaker and enjoys meeting new people. She loves God, her family and friends, sunshine, swimming and traveling to the Amish communities. Creating historical Amish characters and throwing them into difficult situations and joyous times has been challenging and fun for her. Readers can visit her website at www.mollyjebber.com.

Amy Lillard won the 2013 Carol Award for her first Amish romance Saving Gideon. She was also a Maggie Awards finalist. Born and bred in Mississippi, she now lives with her husband and son in Oklahoma. Visit her at amywritesromance.com.