In The Reluctant Groom by Jennifer Beckstrand, we get to hang out once again with two of my very favorite people – Anna and Felty Helmuth. Y’all know about my crush on these two adorable octogenarians and they are in rare form (which for them is normal) in this latest visit to Huckleberry Hill. I do have to argue with them on one point though. Throughout the story, they are quite troubled (hilariously so) by the unromantic nature of their great-grandson’s choice of breakfast cereal. Yet, this line in context – “I like you much better than bran flakes.” – had me reaching for my swooning fan. Also – the kisses. Whew. Keep your own swooning fan handy. (5 stars)

Joshua’s Bride by Molly Jebber is a sweet story of two young people preparing for a wedding in spite of opposition from the groom’s family. Madeline’s rebellious sister hurt Joshua’s brother, so as far as his family is concerned nothing good can ever come from associating with her family. The problem is that Joshua and Madeline want to do more than associate. They want to get married. This novella is a poignant picture of how bitterness destroys – and how love rebuilds. The unnatural dialogue (more than a bit of info-dumping) does prove distracting but if you can get past that you’re in for genuine characters and a heartfelt story. (3 stars)

Amy Lillard’s A Summer Wedding in Paradise rounds out the mix with a fun heroine, an important message, and three adorable matchmakers. Reba and Abel and their catastrophic meet-cute – and the continued way fate and Reba’s nieces keep throwing them together – is well written and funny without straying into slapstick or sappiness. As a heroine, Reba is layered and heartwarming and I think nearly every female can relate to her insecurities. This is adorable and romantic and full of great characters! (4 stars)

Bottom Line: The Amish Brides collection by Jennifer Beckstrand, Molly Jebber, and Amy Lillard is a sweet group of stories that ranges from humorous to heartfelt. This is perfect for a take-along on your summer travels as well as a chance to get a taste for each author’s style. Some great kisses plus a few giggles divided by three meaningful messages equals the only kind of math I enjoy!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

Amish Brides contains three stories by Jennifer Beckstrand, Molly Jebber and Amy Lillard. The Reluctant Groom by Jennifer Beckstrand is set in Bonduel with Anna and Felty Helmuth. Suvie Newswenger visits Anna to request her assistance. Suvie has fallen for their great-grandson, Aaron Beachy who has yet to get over the loss of his wife three years prior. Anna and Felty are happy to assist Suvie with her request. The threesome set out one morning with a casserole (prepared by Anna), petunias and a knitted item. Is there a chance for this match or will Anna’s matchmaking streak come to an end? 5 stars

Joshua’s Bride by Molly Jebber takes us back to 1885 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Joshua Stutzman proposes to Madeline Lehman and she gladly accepts. Unfortunately, Joshua’s parents are unhappy with the match thanks to Madeline’s sister, Catherine who left the community and ended her relationship with Nathaniel, Joshua’s brother. One day Madeline hears a baby outside and finds one on the doorstep with Catherine running away. Catherine does not want the child nor does she know the father’s identity. Joshua accepts the baby in their life, but his family is incensed. The added tension affects Joshua’s relationship with his parents and brother. Madeline does not wish to come between Joshua and his family, so she calls off their wedding. What will it take for the Stutzman’s to realize the Madeline is not Catherine? 4 stars

A Summer Wedding in Paradise by Amy Lillard is set in Paradise, Pennsylvania. Reba Schmucker is on her way to the schoolhouse when a carriage with a runaway horse forces her into a wet, muddy ditch. Reba ends up filthy, dripping and with an injured ankle. She arrives at the schoolhouse to find out the driver is the repairman, Abel Weaver. Reba’s nieces want her to be happy like their father who is getting married thanks to their matchmaking efforts. The three girls decide to fix Reba up with Abel. Abel and Reba start spending time together, and Reba starts wearing boring clothes instead of her vibrant toned dresses to be more appealing. Will the girl’s matchmaking effort pay off? 4 stars

Amish Brides contains three well-written stories that are entertaining to read. My favorite story is The Reluctant Groom. I love Anna and Felty Helmuth (great characters) and their antics. I giggled frequently while reading it, and I was left with a happy feeling when I finished The Reluctant Groom. Joshua’s Bride is a well-constructed story that is more serious than The Reluctant Groom. It is about not judging others based on their family members. It shows us the importance of love, forgiveness, the power of prayer, faith and believing in God’s will. In Amy Lillard’s A Summer Wedding in Paradise, I liked Reba Schmucker. She is a sassy, independent woman who loved bright, bold colors and pushing boundaries. The story has a good message. It reminds us to be ourselves which can be hard to remember in our society. The little girls were adorable and their capers provided me with some chuckles. The Christian element is light yet powerful. Amish Brides contains three inviting novels that I give 4.5 out of 5 stars.

All three stories are wonderfully written and very enjoyable. I have found a new author to start reading in Amy Lillard.

My favorite of the three stories is The Reluctant Groom by Jennifer Beckstrand, of course, as we venture back to Huckleberry Hill. How can you stay away from Anna and Felty? I think we all wish we had them in our lives at one time. Suvie is quite a pip and is a prefect friend for quirky Anna. With those two in charge you never know what is going to happen. Tighten your seat belts because you are in for a ride!

In Joshua's Bride by Molly Jeber, I was able to visit with the Amish of the 1800's which is not something I do very often. Your heart will go the sweetest of highs and the saddest of lows as Madeline tries to love her fiancé's family as they despise her at every turn.

Finally, in A Summer Wedding in Paradise by Amy Lillard we join feisty, independent Reba as she becomes the teacher for the last few weeks of school. A mishap that leaves her breathless is not just because she lands in the muddy ditch. It is a case of "those dastardly dimples". (My favorite line in the entire book). Will Reba succumb to the dimples or will she be able to wipe them right off Abel's face?

This book is perfect for the summer nights that you only have a few minutes here and there to read due to kids ball schedules, camps and etc. as the chapters are short and the stories are as well. Also a great book to wean your way into the Amish reading world if you have not done so.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for a free ARC for me to read and post a review based on my own honest opinion.

A collection of novellas with love being discovered for one another individual. Each tale is characteristic of the author's writing style. Joshua’s Bride, by Molly Jebber, was my favorite tale in this series with the message of restoration, forgiveness and God’s love.

The Reluctant Groom connects readers once again with Anna and Felty Helmuth, the great grandparents’ matchmakers on Huckleberry Hill. This was another cute tale by Jennifer Beckstrand with Anna and Felty assistance to awake their grandson, Aaron Beachy, to life and love once again. Suvie Newswenger isn’t the best cook but she did work hard at the grain store. Will Suvie’s determination to spruce up Aaron’s yard and talk about his deceased wife be enough to open him up to see life in a new way?

Joshua’s Bride by Molly Jebber grabbed me from the start. I enjoyed the historical setting for this tale. Madeline Lehman is struggling with how she and her dad are accepted in their community currently. She’s engaged to be married to Joshua Stutzman; however, his family does not believe she is good enough for him. Madeline’s sister, Catherine, was going to marry Joshua’s brother, Nathaniel, but she left for outside world. Joshua knew deep in his heart, Madeline was to be his wife. She had a beautiful spirit with her giving nature and empathy shown toward all, no matter how unpleasant, rude and hearing other gossip about her. With Madeline agreeing to raise Catherine’s child when she left the infant on the Lehman’s porch, the gossip only increased. What events will show the community members and the Stutzman’s family the loving and compassionate Madeline? Will members find true forgiveness for their actions and be able to move forward with the Bishop’s messages? Joshua’s Bride is a beautiful story that shows each family member is their own unique individual, forgiveness, redemption, God’s love and grace when truly relying upon Him.

A Summer Wedding in Paradise by Amy Lillard is a lighthearted tale of finding love. Reba was unsure of herself filling in as a teacher for her soon to be sister-in-law. When Abel Weaver’s buggy is out of control and she is plunged into a muddy ditch it only adds to her frustration. Abel had moved to the area after being jilted by his fiancé. Reba’s three little nieces were set to make their Aunt Reba happy. They just knew Abel would be the one to do this. What mischievous endeavors will happen to create laughter and just maybe romance?

I received an e-book copy of this from NetGalley as part of the Celebrate Lit tour with Molly Jebber. I was not required to write a positive review, but have expressed my honest thoughts.

Amish Brides is a delightful collection of novellas by three gifted authors. Romance abounds in Amish communities and these captivating stories tell about three young couples and their trip to the altar. Each story is unique in their settings and plots and the characters are fun to get to know. With lots of humor and fast-paced action, these tales are quick reads and enjoyable. The Reluctant Groom by Jennifer Beckstrand has a great-grandmother who loves to be a matchmaker and now it is her recently widowed great-grandson who needs her help. And she has found just the girl. Armed with almost non-existent petunias, hand made dishrags and Mammi's famous (for a reason) jalapeño banana bread, Suvie sets her sights on Aaron. Will Suvie's bossiness (one of her most endearing qualities!) and persistence be just the thing to break through those memories that made it impossible for Aaron to 'move on'? Or would he listen to his former mother-in-law and continue to wallow in his grief? Would this be Mammi's first matchmaking failure?
In the second novella of the collection, Joshua's Bride by Molly Jebber, readers find Madeline and Joshua, in love and all ready to set the date for the wedding. BUT then his parents and brother voice their disapproval. Madeline's family has issues and she is just not the right one for him. Will her sister's choice to leave the Amish faith destroy Madeline's happiness? Choosing to follow God's will, the engagement is broken. Joshua never gives up faith but it surely looks hopeless. Lots of tension and twists to the plot keep the pages turning in this story. Will Joshua's family find redeeming qualities in Madeline or will they give up their dreams of a life together?
In the last of the three stories, A Summer Wedding in Paradise by Amy Lillard, Reba wears too bright dresses and has a tendency to speak her mind. She finds herself forced off the path into a mud-puddle by a run-away horse and buggy. Some buggy driver Abel was...no sense of community or responsibility. How in the world would these two ever match up? With Madeline's three eager young nieces, who helped find a bride for their widowed father, on the matchmaking path again and Abel's dastardly dimples, the plot thickens! Reba begins to conform to what others might think is a model wife. Will that help? What if she has already blown it? Abel wasn't really in the market for anything more serious than casual friends, right? But those now not-so-dastardly dimples. Reba is apparently destined to be an old maid! Will the nieces meddling lead these two to the altar?
Amish Brides, a collection of three great stories by three wonderful authors, makes for an enjoyable read especially for readers who cannot get enough of romance and Amish life.

Three delightful stories of love lost and love found. I enjoyed all three stories.

1. The Reluctant Groom by Jennifer Beckstrand
I was excited to return to characters I have loved in her previous books.

Anna and Felty were up to it again. Suvie wanted their help to find a groom. Aaron, their grandson, needed help to begin living again. Anna and Felty knew what it would take to bring the two of them together.

2. Joshua's Bride by Molly Jenner
Joshua and Madeline had a date for their wedding. But his parents were against it. Would the wedding occur with their disapproval? Neither gave up hope that they would change their minds.

3. A Summer Wedding in Paradise by Amy Lillard
Aunt Reba needed a husband. Her three nieces were in a mission. They knew exactly who they had in mind - Abel. But were Reba and Abel ready for what her nieces had in store? Reba learned a valuable lesson. She had to be true to herself and stop trying to be someone she's not.

All three of these stories were delightful and inspiring. All three women in these stories had the family support they needed when times were difficult. They had the love of GOD in their lives and they knew with prayer that they could survive anything.

Love, love, love this collection!

First off let me start off by saying I just love the light summery colors and the layout of the cover. A summer breezy fun read! 3 quick read but complete stories by some of today's top Amish writing authors. Love is not always easy to come by for some of these characters but there are strong heroines and caring heroes who end up with their ideal life mate. I hope to see these characters again in longer full lengthbooks. Very enjoyable wedding stories.
Pub Date 30 May 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

Amish Brides

Jennifer Beckstrand,
Molly Jebber
Amy Lillard

Genre: Amish
Released: May 30, 2017

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📝REVIEW📝

"Amish Brides" by Jennifer Beckstrand, Molly Jebber, and Amy Lillard

~~ A Collection of Novellas ~~

I truly enjoyed this set of novellas. They were fun, sweet, sassy, and just wonderful light-hearted reads.

Rating: 3.9
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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"The Reluctant Groom" by Jennifer Beckstrand

What a cute and funny novella. I loved how the elders, Anna and Felty, have this desire and matchmaking ability to bring certain young ones together in a pairing that always seems to work.

In this case, Suvie, has decided she has fallen in love with Aaron, the great grandson to Anna and Felty. The problem is, Aaron is a widower and has spent his last three years in great misery so that his late wife Mary, will know that he has always loved her and never stopped doing so.

Suvie is a happy go lucky person, who likes to talk, and seems to find fun in almost everything she does, thus Anna and Felty have their work cut out for them.

Suvie has decided that if she does things around the house and yard that honor who Mary was and always keep her memory alive in a good way, she can win Aaron's love. Then she takes him out on the town little by little to show him things he has been missing.

Her plan almost works until his mother-in-law comes by. She is moored in her grief even more than Aaron ever was and she reminds him what is important: never stop remembering Mary.

Suvie has lost Aaron back to his grief. But Anna and Felty are not done. And Aaron begins to see that he misses Suvie. And that he can always remember and honor Mary, but in a positive way. So now Aaron has to win Suvie back, and she is not as willing to be with Aaron as she once was. But for Anna and Felty she will go with them to see Aaron one last time. The question is, did the three do enough to bring Suvie and Aaron together or did he lose her forever?

I enjoyed this light hearted novella. It was a good change of pace. There was humor and grief, fun and sadness, and a great cast of characters.

I did feel it could have been shortened just a bit. And be prepared for the overuse of wunderbarr. 😊 Aside from that, it is an enjoyable read.

Rating: 3.6
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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"Joshua's Bride" by Molly Jebber

Molly Jebber has written a sweet novella about friendship, love, family, perseverance, and forgiveness.

I liked the characters and felt that all of them were well developed. They were all relatable to the reader and interesting in their own way. The plot was well refined and showed the many complexities of family, how misguided perceptions can often lead to feelings of hurt and division.

I did feel the author could have condensed the novella a bit, as at times it seemed repetitive. I also felt as if it was written in such a simple style through about chapter five, that it was meant for an audience of youth as versus adults.

I enjoyed the way the author included many of the Pennsylvania Dutch Amish language throughout the novel and in a manner it was clear to the reader what the words meant, particularly if they have never an Amish based novel before.

This was a fun and enjoyable read definitely worth any readers time.

Rating: 3.7
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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"A Summer Wedding in Paradise" by Amy Lillard

This novella was my favorite of the three. It was fast paced, engaging, and had a few side plots mixed in with the main one to add a little something extra.

Both the storyline and the characters were realistic and definitely something the reader could easily feel they were a part of. While the story revolves around Reba, there are so many other characters within and around her, it doesn't feel as if she is an isolated or the only main character. That would include her three nieces who the reader can't help but fall in love with. They are sweet and adorable, but as matchmakers... often the way they go about things isn't the best way.

A fun, enjoyable and delightful novella definitely worth reading when you want a short and lighthearted read.

Rating: 4.5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

The Reluctant Groom:
Annie encouraged matches , she felt young men she be married before they made nuisances of themselves. Ester told Annie it wasn’t her responsibility and Annie told her daughter who else would make the matches if she didn’t Annie’s husband Telly said “ if t wasn’t for your mamm half of Berduel would still be single”. Then Suvie came to Annie’s house and said she needed help finding a husband. Suvie said she couldn’t cook and that’s why she needed Annie’s help as every man wanted his wife to be able to cook, Suvie had three proposals but she wants to care/love the man not marry someone she cringes at when they are in the same room. Then Suvie said she had fallen in love with their great grandson Aaron Beachy.
Joshua’s Bride:
Madeline was happy whenever she was with Joshua and Joshua had just proposed and Joshua’s brother Nathaniel had fallen in love with Madeline’s sister Catherine but Catherine had left Nathaniel and the Amish without saying a word. So Joshua’s parents had not wanted Joshua to propose as they were afraid Madeline would also leave and break Joshua’s heart. But Joshua went ahead and asked the Bishop to marry them in June. The Bishop agreed after talking to Joshua for a few minutes. Then Catherine came back long enough to drop her daughter off to Madeline without even naming her as she didn’t want to be attached to the baby. Knowing Joshua’s family’s disdain would be even worse now Madeline broke the engagement even though it broke her and Joshua’s heart she now had to raise Ruthie as her father and her had named the baby after Madeline and Catherine’s mother. Mary would die an old maid who still loved Joshua.
A Summer Wedding In Paradise:
Reba was replacing the teacher as she was getting ready to marry;s Reba;s brother. Reba got up late this morning and then and to top it off her brother liked to play tricks on Reba and took the dress she put out to wear outside all night and it had rained all night. And Reba was behind on her laundry so Reba touched up a dress she had wore a couple of days earlier. Then she had to leave to walk to the school. Then A buggy was approaching quickly and the man had no control of his horse and ran Reba off the road and she fell into a ditch now she was covered in mud and gook and had badly hurt her ankle and Reba could barely walk on it. Reba got to the school and sent her oldest niece to get a dress for her to change into. There was a stranger at the school to do some repairs especially on the roof when it rained as it leaked. Then it turned at the man at the school was the one who ran her off the road. Then it turns out Reba’s ankle was broken and she wasn’t ready to forgive the man Abel was also do some work for her brother.
I really loved the first two stories and liked the third one a lot but it left you hanging a little on a couple of things. But the stories were all really good . The plots were good. I think everyone can pretty much find at the very least one of the stories to ;like a lot. These stories are well written, I loved the characters and the ins and outs of the stories and I recommend.

This book is comprised of three novellas by Jennifer Beckstrand, Molly Jebber and Amy Lillard.

As in her Honey Bee series, Jennifer had me laughing throughout A Reluctant Groom. Anna Helmuth’s daughter Esther didn’t think her mother should be playing matchmaker for the youth in their district. She thought her too old and she thought it was unrespectable. Anna is a hoot!

Joshua’s Bride is a story of two people wanting to marry and Joshua’s family upsetting the cart. Joshua Stutzman loved Madeline Lehman with all his heart. His brother Nathaniel had loved her sister Catherine but she left the faith to become English. The Stutzman family, with the exception of Joshua, held that against the entire Lehman family. As if that wasn’t enough, Catherine comes home with a baby, gives the baby girl to Madeline and leaves again.

A Summer Wedding in Paradise had me laughing too. Reba Schmucker is filling in as school teacher because teacher Bernice Yoder was marrying her widowed brother Jess. While walking to school one day, already running late, a buggy with an out of control horse came barreling down the road. A car was coming from the opposite direction. To keep from getting hit, she dove into the muddy ditch.

She was expecting a repairman to come do some work on the school but, she didn’t expect him to be the driver of the buggy! Her three nieces were so successful in matching up their father and Bernice they decided it was time for Aunt Reba to be happy too. They set about to match her with Abel the repairman.

I enjoyed reading all three of these stories. I enjoyed the antics of Anna & the little Schmucker girls. Reading Joshua and Madeline’s story was a bit sadder but you didn’t want to put it down because you wanted to see how things turned out for them.

How did things turn out in all the stories? Was Anna successful in the matchmaking or did she cave to Esther and give it up? Did Joshua’s family ever accept Madeline and the baby? What of Reba Schmucker? Did her nieces interfere in her life?

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

As soon as I turned the cover I knew I was in for a delightful treat, and while I tried to hold back and savor, I couldn’t stop page turning.
THE RELUCTANT GROOM
Jennifer Beckstrand
I have just finished reading “Returning To Huckleberry Hill” and as always I started to miss the beloved Grandparent’s Annie and Felty, and low and behold they are back here. This time one of their great grandsons is hurting, it has been three years since his beloved Mary passed away, and he is still grieving like it was yesterday.
Along comes spunky Suvie, she has had her eye on him, and she gets Annie and Felty’s help with Aaron, and of course our Anne is willing to make some delicious meals for her grandson.
Watch as Suvie starts to bring Aaron back to life, but will he continue on the road of the living, or as Mary’s mother wants, stay in mourning?
There are so many cute parts of this book, I wanted more, and Annie and Felty have a lot more grand’s in need.

Joshua’s Bride goes back to the early Amish settlement in Pennsylvania, and though the Amish are much more strict in their beliefs, this group seems very severe.
Joshua is madly in love with Madeline, but because her sister went English she is being judged by her sister’s actions. It is almost liked she is being shunned, but hasn’t done anything wrong.
She is one amazing woman, and Joshua may have trouble getting her to marry him, she doesn’t want to go against his parents. Wait and see what happens, and it is going to warm your heart.

The last story A SUMMER WEDDING IN PARADISE is so sweet and enjoyable, and we get a word fashion show by teacher Reba. We also see this girl in one bit of a mess when she shows up at her school, she was run off the road, now she was walking, and landed in a ditch full of water. She now has mud all over her, dripping water, and is limping, and then the deed doer shows up at the school to fix the roof.
Abel Weaver is in for a treat when Reba’s nieces are at it again in their matchmaking, and we get a front seat, and be ready for a few chuckles. Things do start looking up for this pair, but then an old love reappears, ugh.
Now you are going to have to pick up this book to find the answers, and they are all here. Enjoy!!
I received this book through Net Galley and Kensington Books, and was not required to give a positive review.

Amish Brides is a trio of stories that will warm the reader's heart. All three are similar but different, having themes in common. They are light hearted and highly amusing reads. Matchmaking can happen whether you are eight or eighty! I really enjoyed this trio of feel-good reads.
The Reluctant Groom by Jennifer Beckstrand is a delightful tale to begin this collection. It is full of humour, laughter and love. Matchmaking by an elderly grandparent certainly warms the heart. "All young men should be married before they make nuisances of themselves." Reminiscent of the opening of Pride And Prejudice. It is also a study in grief. Grief that threatens to overwhelm. Grief that causes more guilt than happy memories. "I feel guilty even enjoying this cheese because Mary can't." We need to be happy because the person lived and not sad because they died. The Reluctant Groom was a wonderful, warm read that made the reader feel good.
Joshua's Bride by Molly Jebber is a wonderful Amish tale about love, forgiveness and helping your neighbour. There are also the themes of prejudice and grudges. "Don't let her destroy your life by carrying a grudge." Bad choices by a family member lead to others being shunned. God's grace, plans and forgiveness are far greater than ours. A beautiful tale of love and redemption.
A Summer Wedding In Paradise by Amy Lillard is an absolutely delightful read. It is warm, welcoming and highly amusing. The reader really 'felt' included in the action as comprehensive descriptions meant a 'walk' through the story rather than just reading it. The three young girls were delightful in both their innocence and their creative matchmaking skills. I chortled my way through the action. The story had themes of healing and identity. We all need to be free to be the person God created us to be. The wonderful family feel to the story really warmed my heart. The perfect end to a fabulous trio of tales.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

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."

What a amazing book, 3 great authors in one place telling 3 wonderful stories .you'll really enjoy this book. ...it was so good. I couldn't put it down. I high recommend this book. Five stars for sure ..

Jennifer Beckstrand, Molly Jebber, Amy Lillard have joined together to create a collection of three novellas of Amish Brides.

Jennifer has added another story to her Huckleberry Hill series.

Molly's contribution describes the love of a young Amish maed who is not accepted by her fiance's family because her sister jumped the fence.

Amy's novella, to me, was the best. She related a story of a spinster maed who longs to be married, but it takes a few mishaps and the machinations of her nieces to get her bu to notice her.

All in all, this collection is great to read to fill an afternoon and the stories are heartwarming. This is a five star book with two thumbs up, and a slice of homemade apple pie.

My thanks to Kensington Books for allowing me to read and review this book.

Three stories and three terrific authors of Amish romance. Each story is unique and well written. If you enjoy good clean romance I recommend Amish Brides.

Amish Brides is a collection of three Amish stories by three different authors. The stories include:
The Reluctant Groom by Jennifer Beckstrand
Joshua's Bride by Molly Jebber
A Summer Wedding in Paradise by Amy Lillard
I enjoyed all three stories. My favorite is probably Molly Jebber's Joshua's Bride. I recommend this book for those who love sweet Amish short stories.
Four stars

Great little lazy-summer-afternoon read! The stories are perfect for one long sitting, preferably with a glass of sweet tea, and are what you'd expect from this series. They are wholesome, full of life and its struggles, but always with a happy outcome at the end. My favorite story was the one by one of my new favorite authors, but that's not to say that the other two stories were not good. This particular one just happened to spin off of another book I had just completed.

Amish Brides is a delightful anthology/collection of stories by three of my favorite authors in the Amish genre. This was a charming read that I was sad to have come to an end! In Jennifer beckstrand's story, readers are treated with a return to Huckleberry Hill, and the charming matchmaking antics of the elderly Anna and Felty. I love reading about Anna and Felty! Suvie, a young Amish lady, who is still hoping to be married in her late twenties, seeks Anna and Felty's assistance in helping Aaron Beachy, a young brooding widower, take notice of Suvie. Aaron is grieving his young wife's passing three years after her death, and having a hard time with well intentioned family who think he should "move on". Suvie draws him out by her comments in which she shows him she understands his need to talk about his late wife. Suvie finds clever ways to get Aaron out of his house, running errands, enjoying the simplest activities of gardening, picnics, helping others etc. Aaron begins to feel guilty that he is able to laugh again thanks to Suvie.
In Molly Jebber's story, readers are treated to a look back at Amish life in Lancaster County over a hundred years ago- as Molly Jebber is a gifted writer of historical Amish romance. Madeline and Joshua are engaged, and Madeline is excited about planning their wedding and becoming Joshua's wife, as they clearly adore each other Yet they face a serious obstacle- Joshua's parents and brother are deeply opposed to Joshua marrying Madeline, as her sister Catherine created a scandal when she left the Amish and broke Nathaniels (Joshua's brother) heart. Joshua's parents believe Madeline will one day follow her sisters footsteps. They act politely on the surface toward Madeline and her father, yet are very unforgiving of Madeline and her father for her sisters' "sins".
When Catherine briefly returns to town, to leave her newborn child in Madeline's care this only further deepens Joshua's parents animosity. Madeline begins to seriously question whether marrying Joshua is wise, as she doesn't want him having to choose between her and his parents. Then, a farming accident that injures Joshua's father, acts as a catalyst in potentially bringing the families together. What will happen? I invite readers to find out!
In Amy Lillard's novella, readers are re introduced to Jess Shmucker and his three adorable yet mischievous daughters. They believe they succeeded in matchmaking their former teacher with their widowed father, who are now days away from marriage. The girls now have their sights set on matching up their beloved aunt Reba with a mysterious newcomer to town, Abel- who is working as a handyman to repair the school and Jess's house. Reba is quite resistant to their efforts, and initially very mis trusting of Abel. However, as Reba and Abel are repeatedly brought in contact with each other, a grudging friendship and chemistry begin to occur. Will her nieces succeed in matchmaking yet again? I highly recommend this collection!

These are three of my favorite Amish authors! The stories were each different and unique. All very entertaining and such that you didn't want to stop reading till the end.

I love Jennifer Beckstrand's humor in her story, using the wonderful matchmaker characters of her Huckleberry Hill series.
I enjoyed Molly Jebber's contribution, Joshua's Bride, which brought in a historical Amish story from the 1880's which gives a more earlier time period with it's views and feelings. I loved how this story had a great theme of healing and forgiving and learning to accept people for themselves and not those who surround their lives.

Amy Lillard's A Summer in Paradise, starts out with a bang, literally as Reba finds herself in a bad way after nearly being hit by a passing buggy. And finding herself the subject of a match-making plan which is definitely not wanted.

Loved these three in a nicely combined book. Great stories for any Amish reader. You will love these.

I received an ebook copy from NetGalley for my honest review, which I have given. All thoughts are my own.