This book will show you that God places people in your life that you least expect. For Leah and for Jamie will they find a comprise and rely on faith..

Amy Lillard weaves an uplifting tale of the triumph of love after loss. The story reveals the unbreakable bonds of family.

Looking forward to reading Amy Lillard's new book "A Love for Leah".

Amy Lillard has a way with words that gets you hooked to the story and for you to not want to put the book down. Plus her messages are uplifting.

I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have never read works by Amy Lillard before. This was quite a treat. “A Love for Leah” was set in Pontotoc, Mississippi. Leah Gingerich is a Mennonite woman who is taking care of her teenage nephew so that her sister, Hannah can go through the steps of re-joining the Amish community in order to re-marry after losing her first husband who as an Englischer. Leah has opened a second-hand store in town. The store has a section in the back of the store where Amish people can come and either donate or receive clothing items as needed. Since Leah was never a member of the Amish church, she is able to spend time with her family often. While doing this, she meets Jamie and his nephew, Peter. Jamie and Peter are in search of healing after tragedy. Leah is there to offer friendship and advice while fighting her feelings for Jamie. She also introduces her to her Mennonite church where Jamie sees the truth of God’s word, accepts Christ as his Savior and leaves his Amish way of life. Leah has fought a relationship with Jamie because she does not want to ask him to leave his Amish faith. She knows what this will mean and what potential hardships leaving the Amish faith may bring.
This story is a wonderful picture of God’s love and guidance in our lives. Leah’s family is very supportive and giving. Leah follows God’s leading and shows Jamie the truth and Jamie chooses to follow Christ and marry Leah and legally adopt Peter.
I very much enjoyed this book and the different perspective on Amish, Mennonite and English characters alike. I cannot wait to read more books by Amy Lillard! Great Job!

A Love for Leah by Amy Lillard is the second book in The Amish of Pontotoc series. Leah Gingerich is opening Twice Blessed, a secondhand store on Main Street in Pontotoc, Mississippi. Leah is an independent Mennonite woman with forward thinking ideas. Jamie Stoltzfus and his nephew, Peter have moved into a cabin on the Gingerich property. Peter lost his parents and baby sister in a house fire six months prior and has not spoken since that day. Jamie is a traditional and stubborn Amish man who has certain ideas on how to live life and raise his nephew. Leah and Jamie clash from the moment they meet and somehow, they keep finding themselves together (I believe there is some matchmaking taking place). Despite wanting to avoid Jamie, Leah feels that God is calling her to help Peter and Jamie. Unfortunately, while Peter enjoys spending time with Leah, Jamie does not want her assistance. Leah is not going to let that stop her. But will a blast from Jamie’s past ruin their chances? Can this unlikely duo find common ground?

A Love for Leah is the second book in The Amish of Pontotoc, and I recommend reading the series in order. It will provide you with a better understanding of the characters, their background, the town, etc. Leah is the twin sister of Hannah whom we met in A Home for Hannah. She is present throughout A Love for Leah. Leah is an independent and strong minded woman who cares for her nephew, Brandon. I like the bond between Leah and Brandon as well as their interactions. It is good that Leah is strong willed because she pushes Jamie to do what is best for Peter. God finds a way to help those in need. With Deborah King (Jamie’s ex-fiancé), the author created a character that readers will love to dislike. She is annoying and full of herself. I thought the story was nicely written and it had gentle pacing. I had trouble, though, getting into A Love for Leah and it failed to hold my attention. While it is a cute Amish romance, I found it to be expected. The story could have used editing to tighten it up and it desperately needed to be shortened (way too long). Some of the Christian themes present are having faith, staying hopeful, and the power of prayer. We get to see the importance of being close to family, having good friends, and allowing love into our lives. I like that we get to see some of the differences between the Amish and Mennonite faith. My rating for A Love for Leah is 3 out of 5 stars. A Love for Leah is an uplifting Amish romance that will leave you with a good feeling in your heart and a smile on your face.

Amy Lillard has written another captivating story set in the small Amish community of Pontotoc, Mississippi. This is the second novel in this series, but it works well as a stand alone book. I instantly connected with the characters in this book. Leah and Jamie’s story includes heartache and regret, but both are moving forward to make a fresh start. Leah’s desire is to serve her community and her family. Jamie’s focus is helping his young nephew adjust to the loss of his parents. As their relationship grows, they face the difficulty of resolving their religious differences, as Leah is Mennonite and Jamie is Amish. I was invested in this story from the beginning and kept reading to see if they could find a way to reconcile their beliefs and be able to marry. I loved the character of Leah, and am hoping that she plays a part in future books in this series.

A.clean, sweet story with no foul language or embarrassing scenes to mar the story. Amy Lillard’s fans will love this series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This story was great! It is the second book in the Amish of Pontatoc series, yet I think that it could be read as a stand alone novel if desired. I definitely enjoyed returning to this interesting family. The author did a great job of keeping me wondering throughout most of the story as to how she would pull everything together in the end.

I appreciated these main characters and the way the author delved into the differences between the Amish and the Mennonite faiths. It was very interesting to view the two religions through the minds of the main characters, who had both been born and raised Amish.

I liked Jamie and Leah a lot. It was fun to see how they heatedly clashed for much of the first half of the book, revealing feelings that ran deeper than they realized. Jamie’s character was so interesting to read about, as he began to open to new ideas that he at first viewed as too liberal.

This was such a great story and I highly recommend it and book one of the series, A Home for Hannah, to fans of Amish fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

A Love For Leah is a idealistic, jam-packed, fabulous, decisive, elaborate book. You have a woman who was raised Amish but went Englisch. because she got married - something happened - dreadful happened - Then one day she was tried to be matchmaked to Thomas and he wants to prove that she isn't the one for him but something happens - guess what - well you might be right - but I am not going to tell you.... you have to find out for yourselves....this story is told like a delightful journey for the two of them. It is adventurous and admirable how the two of themselves how they handle themselves. The author did an admiral job in showing how two people grow in love - starting off with the pre-conceived notion of not to get attached but then they gradually fall in love through the right way - friendship.. Awesome job Ms. Lillard - as usual. I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all the opinions expressed in this review are all my own..

Great Amish read. Book 2 in the series by Amy Lillard. I read book 1 before starting "A Love for Leah" and was glad I had. This book COULD stand on its own, but makes SO much more sense reading it after book 1 in the series as the story continues with the different family members. Great read! I look forward to reading more by this author.

Amy Lillard is back with the second installment in the Amish of Pontotoc series. In this book, we get to know Leah better. Leah is the twin sister of Hannah whom we met in the first book in the series. Leah is a headstrong character who butts heads with Jamie Stoltzfus, an equally headstrong character who is caring for his nephew Peter. Will these two headstrong people be enemies, friends, or more?

I found this book to be a quick read. I really enjoyed getting to know Leah better and I found her to be an interesting character. When her sister left the Amish years ago Leah went with her. Now both have returned and Hannah is going to join the Amish church. Leah is now a Mennonite and insists she can't join the Amish church. This causes problems because there is an attraction to Jamie, who is Amish. Leah leads an independent life although she is caring for Hannah's son, Brandon. I really liked the relationship between this aunt and nephew. They have a strong bond that shows through the pages and some of my favorite parts of the book include these two and their banter with each other.

Now, as much as I liked most of the characters in the book there is one I disliked with a passion. Deborah King, Jamie's ex-fiancee. I disliked her from the moment she set foot in Pontotoc and the more I knew of her the more I disliked her. At times I wanted to jump into the story and run her out of town. Seeing as how that's not possible I just had to deal with this Nellie Olson-like character. She did add to the story though and she's a fine example of Amy's ability as an author to create a wide range of characters so I didn't totally hate her, just strongly disliked, Perhaps despised, even.

I really enjoyed the storyline of this book and the focus on the differences between the Amish and Mennonites. This story is by no means a history of the two religions but delves into the differences between the two groups and how it plays in the lives of the two main characters and how they feel they can/can't be a couple due to their different religions. There is a lot of emotion in the book as well and I enjoyed it all from the easy banter between characters to the more emotional scenes with Peter, a little boy who can't find his words.

While this book is second in the series I suppose it could be read as a standalone. I would recommend reading the first book before this one though as to have an understanding of all the characters and the events that have brought them to where they are now. I'm excited to read the next book in this series to see how these characters are doing and to meet new ones! This is definitely a book for the keeper shelf.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.

I loved this second book of this series. This was very interesting to see how she showered how someone left the Amish to become English and then to become Mennonite. The author really shows how Leah and Jamie work things out. She also does well in showing how Peter is helped also. I did not want to put this book down. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Leah left her Amish upbringing, along with her twin sister. Leah later became Mennonite, while her sister, Hannah, wishes to return to the Amish faith. Leah is more independent and has a store in town where some of the Amish sells their things. She has a room in the back where the Amish can take clothing, at no charge, and return clothing they no longer have need of. She still loves the Amish, but feels her faith has grown in the Mennonite faith. She also enjoys having a car. I did enjoy learning the differences between the Amish and Mennonites. Most interesting.
Leah often butts heads with her Amish neighbor, Jamie. Jamie moved to Pontotoc with his young nephew, Peter, after an accident that took the family of Peter. Peter hasn't spoken following the fire that killed his family. Jamie feels the move to a new place may be just what Peter needs. He feels pressured to have Peter speaking soon, as he made a deal with Peter's parents that if he wasn't talking by a certain time, he would go live with them in a houseful of children. Jamie doesn't feel this is in Peter's best interests. He is doing the best he knows to do for the young boy.
Meanwhile, Leah and Peter begin to feel an attraction to each other, but why pursue it when they are of different faiths and neither wishes to leave their faith.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Kensington Books through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

This is the second book in the Amish of Pontotoc series. Amy Lillard really knows how to write a book that keeps my attention. A beautiful inspirational story that has heartbreak in it but before the story ends it becomes heartwarming. Lillard gives us a real sense of the Amish, they like us are not perfect but with faith,hope,prayer and God's wisdom mistakes are forgiven and wrongs are turned around with understanding and compassion. This book gave me a beautiful sense of well being and inspired me to want to do better in life. Readers of Amish fiction will really enjoy this inspiring and hope filled journey.
Pub Date 31 Jul 2018
I received a complimentary copy from the author/ NetGalley through Kensington Books. All opinions expressed are my own.

A love for Leah

This is not a mystery book but to me it was a mystery if Leah was going to change back to Amish or if Jamie was going to change to Mennonite or if they would not get together at all. Of course you will have to read the book to find out. This is part of a series where the first book was about Hannah who is Leah twin sister. They are completely different stories but it is best to read both. I always love books with children in it, besides Brandon who is living with Leah who is Hannah teenage son there is Peter who is very young and been through a lot with losing his family. Peter does not want to talk. Jamie is his uncle and is caring for Peter. I loved the dog story part in the book. Also loved how the cousins got together, reminded me of when I was growing up and we got together with our cousins. I received an advanced copy of the book from NetGalley through the publisher. I was not required to write an positive review.

Amish born but a practicing Mennonite, Leah has returned to her hometown of Pontotoc, MS to help raise her sister Hannah's son and open her second hand store to help English and Amish alike. She does not expect to fall for newcomer Jamie, who is very set in his Amish ways. While he learns how to raise his nephew and help him overcome the effects of a devastating fire, he finds himself being frustrated and intrigued by Leah. Can they find a way to meet in the middle and follow their hearts?

A Love for Leah can be read as a stand alone novel in the series but my suggestion is to read the first novel, A Home for Hannah, first. I found myself re-reading pages to completely understand what was happening and the dynamic between Leah, Hannah and Hannah's teenage son.

Leah is a great strong female main character. She is not afraid to voice her opinions and stand her ground. The bad side of her being so strong is she is a bit stubborn at times and cuts her nose off in spite her face. Maybe some thinking before spouting off would help her have a little more tact.

This is my first Amish book set in Mississippi and I am ready to visit again. The first book in the series has already been put on my TBR list and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Kensington Books through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

Amy Lillard takes us back to the Amish in Pontotoc, Mississippi and to the Gingerich family. This book is book two in the series and follows the life of Leah, Hannah's twin sister from book one.
Leah has left the Amish faith and has become Mennonite. Even though she feels she has made the right decision, she sometimes wavers in her choice wondering if she did the right thing. Jamie Stoltzfus and his nephew, new arrivals to Pontotoc, enter Leah life bringing with them more anger, hurt, and need than Leah wants to deal with. Leah tries to help but emotions always seem to get in the way.
A Love for Leah takes a good look at faith, compatibility, persistence, and the ability to take a risk. The characters are likeable with well defined personailty traits. The role of family is another shining star in this book. The Gingerich family's love for one anothers as well as others is evident. I really enjoyed this book and found it as fast read since I couldn't put it down. Look for it at your local bookstore today!

Leah was coming h0ome. It always felt the same, like a roller coaster with no restraints. Even after all this time. Brandon is Leah’s fifteen year old nephew and he pointed to the buggy parked to one side. He had only been in Amish country a short while but he could tell the difference in each individual buggy. Leah is about to open Twice Blessed- a second hand shop. She set there for a moment and soaked it all in: being home, the up and coming grand opening of her store and life. Leah had a twin sister Hannah. Hannah hugged her and it felt so good. Hannah had decided to try the English world and everything had changed. But now after fifteen years things were getting back to normal. Their mother Eunice seemed to always be on the lookout for lost souls and Leah figured the two males- a man and a child fit in that category. Next year Hannah was marrying Aaron Zach and become a mother of three kids that she already adored. Leah ahd traveled to far away places, other countries to build shelters for the poor, repair schools and tell people about Jesus. She got the need to help her fellow man from her mother. Then at dinner Leah found out the child was Jamie’s nephew Peter. There was worry in Jamie’s eyes. Peter hadn’t talked since the accident. Something about Peter touched Leah’s heart- the haunted look on his face. The shadows that deepened his eyes as if he had seen to much for his young age. Peter had been in a house fire that had taken his parents and baby sister Ellie’s life. Peter had been in the hospital for a couple of months after the fire. Jamie looked at Leah with a bit of censure in his eyes and he said “ You’re Mennonite.” A lot of people felt the Mennonites were Amish that couldn’t cut it but that wasn’t true. Leah had been fighting that exact stereotype since she joined the Mennonite church. Leah waited to see what Jamie was going to say next. Leah wanted to try to reach Peter but Jamie thought she may be too worldly as he was Old Time Amish. Jamie and Leah are attracted to each other but won’t acknowledge it. Then Jamie’s ex girlfriend Deborah shows up and she is trying to convince Jamie to come back to his old home and marry her. Leah feel jealous.
I liked this book a lot. I advise you read the books in this series in order so you have a smooth read. I loved how the author showed the Mennonite and Amish religious beliefs. The author shows the differences as well as the similarities. But both are based in faith and the loved of God and obeying God. I loved the twists and turns . I liked the plot and pace a lot. I got a little frustrated with Jamie and Leah and the constant mention of their different religions. I wish this could have been a little longer I liked the characters and the ins and outs, and twists and turns of this book and I recommend.

Leah's story is very heartwarming. Her love for people shone through her words and deeds. Brandon's love for his aunt was touching. Jamie's love and concern for his nephew spoke volumes. The differences between the Amish and Mennonites were emphasized in a non-judgemental way. Looking forward to the next book -- maybe Gracie will find her husband. Highly recommended!

Amy Lillard is a fantastic author and I thoroughly enjoyed her newest book, A Love for Leah. The book is well written with believable characters. Enjoyed the plot and the Mississippi setting. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my ARC. This is my unbiased review.

We return to Pontotoc, Mississippi in book two of the Amish of Pontotoc series by Amy Lillard. In A Love for Leah we return to the lives of the Gingerich sisters. Leah has returned to Pontotoc but she is not there to rejoin the church. She has joined the Mennonite church and really feels like she belongs.
Jamie, a single Amish man, has recently moved to Pontotoc with his nephew who has recently overcome a devastating house fire where he was the only survivor. I really admired this character. It is great to see a strong Christian lead that has a tender heart and a longing to follow God’s call. I also loved little Peter and my heart broke for the trauma and turmoil that a young boy was going through.
I liked the interaction between Leah and Jamie. They are both strong characters that are not afraid to speak their mind and air their beliefs. It was interesting to really hear the differences between the two faiths laid out the way Leah did.
I loved how Amy continued to talk about faith throughout the novel. I especially liked how one character questioned their faith and if they had enough. It really hits home with readers as we have all questioned our faith and our patience to wait upon the Lord.
I really liked how Leah’s church got together to share the love of God by painting rocks and placing them around town. This new craze has sweep the country and it was refreshing to see how someone could use something so simple to spread God’s Word and love.
I did wish that there was a little more to the story. I wouldn’t have minded reading a longer novel to get a little more detail at the end. All in all, though, it was a great book that I felt could be a stand alone novel but would go better if you read the first book in the series, A Home for Hannah.
I received a copy of this novel from netgalley.com and Kensington Books in return for my honest review.