The Heart's Bidding (Amish Calling) by Kelly Irvin

 

The Heart's Bidding 

(Amish Calling) 

August 1, 2023

by Kelly Irvin (Author)

Together, schoolteacher Rachelle Lapp and auctioneer Toby Miller must face their hardest battle yet: trusting God’s plan for their uncertain future.

At twenty-nine, auctioneer Toby Miller is a notorious bachelor. But his job keeps him on the road for months out of the year, and he knows no Plain woman could want a marriage that would force her to live and raise children alone. Thankfully, Toby’s content to dedicate his life to the family business, especially now that his grandfather is retiring. So why does his heart keep longing for something—or more specifically, someone—he can’t have?

Rachelle Lapp has already turned down two marriage proposals. Neither promised a future that would bring her more joy than her job as a teacher to Amish children with developmental disabilities, including her brother, Jonah, and Toby’s sister, Sadie. But when the parents’ committee votes to send her students to the English schools, where they will have access to many more resources, Rachelle finds herself out of a job. She’s forced to decide between pursuing her calling far from home and staying near to the man she can’t get off her mind.

As their families matchmake, Toby and Rachelle realize their jobs may not be all that’s holding them back from a future together. They both must learn not only to trust each other, but also trust God’s plans for them. But do those plans involve a lifetime together or them going their separate ways?

• Sweet and thoughtful Amish romance
• First in the Amish Calling series
• Book length: 102,000 words
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs

Marilyn's thoughts: The Heart’s Bidding is a touching story with a faith message and difficult decisions needing to be made for the Amish community “Special Needs Children.” Rachelle’s love for teaching these special children was admirable with Irvin portraying her with full of compassion, passion for teaching and seeing the positives in each one. Toby loved being an auctioneer but struggled with taking a wife when his job was on the road half of the year.

With Rachelle and Toby both having a sibling considered special need, their lives crossed multiple times, but some matchmaking was being made by loved ones. I appreciate the professions of these wonderful characters and their determination in wanting the best. The twists and turns with unexpected events of loved ones made this a remarkable read that everyone needs to read.

I look forward to the next book in the series. Kelly Irvin creates heartwarming stories even with difficult topics and brings out a gentle faith message for all to lean on.