Matters of the Heart (Amish Calling) by Kelly Irvin

 

Matters of the Heart 

(Amish Calling) 

July 16, 2024

by Kelly Irvin (Author)

He's the community's jokester auctioneer. She's the serious caregiver for her siblings who also works at the local plant nursery. What future could they have together?

Declan Miller has always had feelings for Bethel King. Back when they were in school, she was the smartest girl in the class and, in his opinion, by far the prettiest. Now the two of them are in their twenties and while the attraction is still there, Declan is as hesitant as ever to let Bethel know how he feels. His corny jokes and wisecracks cover a heart that's afraid of rejection.

Bethel can't deny Declan is nice, funny, hardworking, and pleasing to the eye--a perfect match if you asked any Plain girl in the area. But marrying Bethel would also mean marrying into her family. Two of her younger brothers have a rare form of muscular dystrophy, and her sister Claire is now showing signs of having it as well. Fiercely loyal and nurturing, Bethel has promised herself her siblings will always come first. With a good chance that she carries the gene and could pass it on to her children, Bethel has tried to convince herself marriage and family just aren't in the cards for her.

When a devastating diagnosis of his own turns Declan's world upside down, he looks to Bethel for understanding, compassion, and a realistic outlook. As they share their dreams and fears and grow together in faith, a bond begins to develop between them. Perhaps their combination of optimistic extrovert and thoughtful introvert really isn't such a bad thing--perhaps it's actually a part of God's beautiful design.

Marilyn's thoughts:   

 

Irvin penned a heart touching read with Matters of the Heart. I was caught up with the characters, family businesses, medical diagnoses of serious illnesses and disabilities. This story is true to life where I cried, laughed and applauded with the primary and secondary characters. The romance is slowly built knowing the challenges that a union would bring but with their faith in God, they discovered what resting and trusting God for the future really met.

I appreciate the personal message Irvin included as I could feel how she wrote this story from her heart with inspiration from her Heavenly Father despite her own health issues.