I think this is a debut novel and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed.
Two of my favorite genres are Amish and historical fiction, so of course I enjoyed this novel.

It is the beginning of a series, but I haven’t read any of the others in the series, so I’m not sure what direction the author will take her characters in, I’m assuming it will be interesting and will make the readers happy.
I received a copy through the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Debut author Virginia Wise has written a story about the Amish taking place in America's first Amish settlement in 1737 in Pennsylvania. Greta Scholtz lost her father on the perilous voyage over on the Charming Nancy she is now living in this rural Pennsylvania area with an older widow woman. The other Amish aim to see Greta married with a man to take care of her since winter will be settling in soon. Widower Jacob Miller recently lost his wife and baby. He does his duty helping out at the neighboring farm Greta lives at doing manual labor chores not suitable for women but he tells himself that is all he is doing. He tells himself he is not interested in pure of heart Greta with a singing voice like an angel. One thing Greta and Jacob can agree on is they can't agree on anything. Between Greta's cow constantly eating Jacob's kitchen garden and Greta ending up in the mud and being pretty clumsy the story had parts that were unrealistic but it made for a good laugh out loud chuckle. Will Jacob admit it's time to let love bloom anew with Greta or will his heart be swayed by beautiful but wordly Amish newcomer Catrina? Looking forward to more books in this series.
Pub Date 18 Dec 2018
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Kensington Books through NetGalley. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.

Where the Heart Takes You is a good beginning to Virginia Wise's Amish New World series. I look forward to book two. I give this one three and a half stars.

This was my first book by Virginia Wise and I really enjoyed it! I am looking forward to reading more by her! Where the Heart Takes You is the story of Greta and Jacob, two Amish people living in the first Amish settlement in Pennsylvania. As the only young, single people in the settlement, the others are pushing them towards each other, hoping for a relationship to form. However, Jacob has recently lost his wife and young son and is not sure he wants to open his heart again. Greta is looking for love but is sure that Jacob could never love someone like her. She is messy and burns the bread when she cooks it and she is also rather impetuous. However, they are just starting to notice the others good traits when a new girl arrives. Beautiful Catrina quickly sets her sights on handsome Jacob and Greta finds herself giving up. Can the two of them find each other again? This is a sweet story of hope and faith. It also throws in a few reminders about the people that God expects us to become in Him. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Amish fiction, particularly with a historical twist. I received a free copy of this story from NetGalley for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

This book was quite enjoyable to read and the author did a wonderful job describing all of the hardships the first Amish settlers in the New World had to face in 1737. These hardy souls lost plenty of relatives on the ship during the journey from Germany but in their practical and plain way, the Amish people always overcome adversity. My only frustration was that it took forever for Greta and Jacob to overcome their prideful ways and admit that they had fallen in love with each other! I read a complimentary copy of this book provided by Kensington Books through NetGalley and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.

In the years before the Revolutionary War, a group of people migrated to western Pennsylvania. Greta Scholtz was one of the emigres and one of many who lost family members on the ocean crossing. She is living with a widow and helping her out in her cabin. In the next cabin lives Jacob Miller. At first he's very stand-offish and closed off to the community. The elders of the community come to Greta and Jacob to try to marry them to each other. At first, both are very resistant to the idea. When Greta wants to adopt two young orphans, Jacob seems to be her only choice. But as she gets to know him. . .

Virginia Wise has written an historical Amish novel and gives us a peek into the Amish world pre-industrial revolution. She makes her characters relatable, believable, and sometimes spoiled. Her setting is appropriate to the novel, the times, and the situation. This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and precocious twins to keep you entertained.

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

UGH... this story should be renamed to drama filled new world.

And that's not something usually said about Amish books LOL

The premise of the book was really good. It was interesting to read how the "community" was started and how everyone was escaping their homes to come there. However, about half way through with the introduction of a new family and someone competing for Jacob's attention, you lost me. That's when the book took a turn and became drama filled. It was like being in high school all over again. He was looking at her, spending time with her, she was prettier.... blah blah blah.

Lose the drama

** ARC received from Netgalley **

4 stars
I really enjoyed this book. I have read many Amish books but I haven't read any historical Amish fiction. It was a surprise to like this book as much as I did. The characters are believable and likeable. The writing is superior. I will most certainly read the next book in this lovely new series.
I highly recommend this book to any who likes historical fiction or Amish fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley an the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

I couldn't finish this book. It was very predictable, and I had a very hard time getting into the story. I don't like leaving negative reviews, but I just couldn't get through this one.

I enjoyed reading Greta and Jacob’s story. The time period is different from most Amish stories, and that adds interest to the storyline: After Greta’s father passes away, Greta needs to find an Amish husband to help provide for her as the community settles into their new world. The problem is that Greta and Jacob are the only young people of marriageable age, and neither are sure at first that they want to be husband and wife. Their story is a sweet one with lots of ups and downs as they both do battle with their pride.

Greta is a delightful character. She’s impulsive, spunky, and caring. She is the opposite of Jacob, who is stern and methodical. The author did a great job playing their personalities off each other. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

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

The author has set this book in the 1730’s Pennsylvania and a founding settlement Amish Community, and we experience it first hand through the eyes of a recent [Charming Nancy] survivor, Greta Scholtz. Life is very basic, and all are trying to survive and have put their faith in God.
We also meet Jacob Miller, a grieving widower, who is not interested in another woman.
I loved this book, and the words flew of the pages, and when it ended I felt a loss. Never thought about how they cooked bread, a communal oven, wow! What we take for granted!
There are a few chuckles here, especially playing the pig pen, and then there are several scary times, but in all I have a good visit here, and hope for more!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington Books, and was not required to give a positive review.

Where the Heart Takes You is the beginning of a new historical romance series by noted author, Virginia Wise. The main characters, Greta and Jacob , are members of a small Amish group newly settled in the New World. They traveled from Germany to Pennsylvania in the early 1700’s to escape religious persecution. Jacob and his wife arrive in America with the first group of Amish settlers.... Like most Amish books I loved this one too... the words in this one just flowed so easily!

What a fun new series by an author that I'm not familiar with. This historical novel takes place in the 1700's as the Amish having fled from persecution settle in Pennsylvania. Greta is such a wholesome character, always thinking of others, but still wondering about her future. The Amish elders try to pressure Greta into marrying Jacob, a grieving widower but beautiful Catrina arrives to complicate matters. There are humorous parts to the story that will endear Greta to the readers. I loved learning about the Amish way of life as they struggled to clear the land and settle. This novel portrayed the Amish much differently than others that I've read. Recommended!

Wonderful Christian based story. Loved the romance between the two main characters. Highly recommended if you enjoy learning about historical Amish life.

Where the Heart Takes You is the beginning of a new historical romance series by noted author, Virginia Wise. The main characters, Greta Scholtz and Jacob Miller, are members of a small Amish group newly settled in the New World. They traveled from Germany to Pennsylvania in the early 1700’s to escape religious persecution. Jacob and his wife arrive in America with the first group of Amish settlers. Unfortunately, his wife dies tragically, and he retreats from society. Greta, who traveled with the second group, arrives with a set of fraternal twins whose parents died during the sea voyage, but without her father, who also didn’t survive the crossing. Despite their personal demons and the loss each has suffered, a romance develops between the two, but their bond is tested by their community and by an unexpected rival for Jacob’s love.

Virginia Wise masterfully describes the scenery. She takes you directly to untamed America. The background scenery almost becomes another character and is intricately woven into the story. Greta, in particular, finds herself at odds with the surroundings, often in a completely hilarious way. This is one of my favorite aspects of the book.

The characterization is superb. I appreciate that the characters are well-developed and evoke emotional responses. Oblivious characters tend to drive me crazy, so I sometimes found myself talking out loud in outrage. Jacob’s tendency to be blunt and hurtful in his rejection of Greta’s affection was a negative aspect for me, but an inspirational them radiates throughout the novel: inner beauty is preferable to outer beauty.

Where the Heart Takes You is beautifully written. Even though this is a chaste Christian novel, it’s not short on romance. The author strikes the right balance between religion and romance, and adds just the right amount of adventure. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend this novel to anyone who is a fan of chaste and/or historical romance. If you are opposed to religious themes, this is not the book for you.

My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

This is a beautiful example of inspirational, historical fiction. The one thing that sticks with me the most is the descriptive imagery. The author does such a great job of laying out the details, both good and bad, that you feel you're right in the setting. The characters have several struggles to overcome in this new world, but they learn that by relying on God and each other, nothing is insurmountable. If you're a fan of historical fiction, Amish or not, you'll enjoy this one.