Member Reviews
One book that will pull you in from the start and have you wanting to read to the end in one day. Grace learns to lean on others for help when she always used to being the one doing everything. Elijah learns that what he thought happened in the past was not what really happened and how it caused him to deny himself finding love. When he learns that Grace needs help he is there to offer assistance and step outside of his comfort zone. There is humor and sadness in the story too.
This was such a great Amish fiction story! Love, forgiveness, tragedy, blessings…all in one sweet story. I cried towards the end of the book because I could just feel the characters emotions thru the story. I loved seeing Elijah and his dad transform throughout the book, and Elijah and Grace’s friendship blossom.
This story is a “Love and Promises” Book 3 and I hope there will be more stories in this series so I can read more about their families and the main characters in town.
I really enjoyed this story! Easy to read, great characters and story line. I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
What a nice continuation of the LOVE AND PROMISES series. THE AMISH WIDOW’S RESCUE is the third book in the series, and it held my interest from the first page to the last. It was nice to reunite with characters we’ve met before, but this is definitely Grace and Elijah’s story. She’s recently widowed and found out she’s also pregnant with her third child. Her young children, Levi and Libby, already keep her hopping. Plus she has a thriving jam business and a farm to run too, complete with cows to milk and eggs to collect.
There’s an instant attraction when Grace and Elijah meet, but she’s in a period of mourning and he’s got his hands full caring for his daed (dad) and their farm. They’ve been neighbors for years, but their paths don’t cross. He decides to do the neighborly thing and help out with the milking and the collection of eggs on her farm against his daed’s wishes. His mom deserted them and fled years ago, taking his baby sister. They haven’t been heard from since. Elijah is off all women as a result and never plans to marry or even date.
Amish life as well as some Englischer is woven throughout, and you get a feel for their beliefs. The story has a nice flow to it and a lovely happily ever after. The epilogue takes place six months after the story ends, but there wasn’t the buildup to it that I expected and it almost seemed to jump the gun.
I can’t wait to return to Lancaster, PA, a place I hope to visit someday, to meet up with the characters we’ve met before and new ones who may come to town! The children were a nice addition to the story, and the cover was spot on!
Ms. Good is an author I’ve recently found. I look forward to reading many more of her books, no matter what the series. I love her stories and how family, the community, and the church play an important role.
I rated the book 4.5 stars but rounded to 5 stars on this site and others.
A story full of hurt, struggle, and love. A good example of how finding the right person can change your outlook on life. Never give up on believing in love.
Although this is book 3 in the series it is able to be read as a stand-alone. All three books are good, clean Christian reads that can be read from teenager to great-grandmas. Religion is a strong theme but scripture and sermons are not heavy in the reading.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
When Grace Fisher suddenly and unexpectedly becomes a widow shortly after finding out she is expecting her third child she is not sure how she will continue her jam business, the only way the she has to support her growing family. Elijah her neighbor does what any Amish neighbor would do in the same situation, he takes over her hard chores so that she can mourn and focus on her children. Grace’s children grow to love Elijah,but he holds them at arm’s length. Grace and Elijah both struggle with scars from their past. Can they move beyond the past to see what the future can hold for them,or will they be trapped by the past?
The Amish Widow’s Rescue is the third book in the Love and Promises Series, however you can read it as a standalone novel as it only gives a glimpse at most of the characters in the previous books. Rachel L Good, the author creates characters that are so easy to relate with and grow to love. I love that this isn’t just a cookie cutter Amish romance, this book contains struggles and mysteries that keep me turning the pages and leave me wanting more. I love the mysteries and was shocked at a few turns the story took. The only thing that I would change in this book would be to have another novel to follow it!
I received an advanced copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
The Amish Widow’s Rescue by Rachel J. Good is book three in her Love and Promises series. Though part of a series, this is a standalone novel. I have read one of the books and I had no problem following along. I love reading anything that this author puts out. I know that with her books they will be clean, wholesome, with well written characters and a unique story line. In this story we meet Grace Fisher. She is newly widowed and pregnant. She is determined to make it on her own. She has a jam business. Elijah Beiler is kind of reclusive. However he has always admired Grace. But I really liked his character. Will they find love? Read this story to find out. The author has done a really good job with her characters for this series.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for sending me a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own
My Thoughts:
I’m a fan of Amish fiction and am always willing and happy to check out a new book or author. This book was wonderful. Rachel J. Good writes with a knowledge of what is done and what isn’t while weaving a story that keeps you spellbound.
This book is perfect to read while you’re relaxing in the bath or before bed. There’s nothing too scary or daring in here that will impact your sleep. Though there were some unexpected twists and turns that made it even better and more amazing!
Grace is widowed from a husband that really only made life more difficult for her and the children. Two children here and one on the way though no one knows yet. He was mean with his mouth and with his hands if you got within reach. She knew he had health issues and partly blames herself for not getting him help but also partly feels relief and then guilt for the relief.
Even before her husband passed Grace brought in the money to support their family through her jam business. She worked during naps and when the children slept to get it all done in her small kitchen all while her husband made remarks from his chair in the other room.
Now she knows she’s going to have to do more to support them and keep the farm going too. She’s overwhelmed with it all.
Neighbor Beiler to the rescue! Elijah and Grace have not really spent any time together. They’ve been neighbors in the direct sense of living next to the other but not in the friendliness department. Both families have kept to themselves and neither Grace and her crew or Elijah and his father have been attending Sunday services.
After Elijah watches the children while Grace goes with her husband on that ambulance ride the children take to him. He’s the male figure they always wanted but never had. How can he protect his heart from these children and the memories they stir? Can he protect it from their mother as well? Or more importantly does he need to?
Great story. Few small plot twists that just make it better. Highly recommend as a quick read.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
In this romance of second chances, pregnant and recently widowed, Grace Fisher is determined to provide for her family on her own. Thankfully, her jam business is popular in her Amish community, but it's difficult keeping up with her work, her farm chores, and her two mischievous children. Then her children begin to idolizing their neighbor, Elijah Beiler, the handsome farmer who is kind and generous. Yet he seems intent on holding Grace and her little ones at a distance...Elijah has always admired his neighbor, Grace, so he can’t stand by while she struggles to support her family. Offering to take over her farm duties, Elijah is determined to help while remaining detached. He knows all too well that love only leads to heartbreak. Yet the more time he spends with Grace and her children, the harder he finds it to leave each day. But can Elijah overcome past hurts and open his heart to this ready-made family? Will he risk his heart for a perfect family?
I received an ARC copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. I so much enjoy reading Amish books and this one did not disappoint. Grace lost her husband in the very beginning of the book. She was devastated and did not know how she would provide for two children and one on the way and continue to sell her jam. This book had romance, some humor and sadness all in one. But I do enjoyed the main character and her strength to carry on everyday with God by her side and friends and family to help.
A very well written inspirational romance. I enjoyed the plot and the characters. As always Ms Good has delivered another great book. I recommend to fans who enjoy Amish romance. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my digital arc. This is an unbiased review.
This was a cute story about a more independent Amish woman than we read in traditional Amish books. I could feel Grace's struggle of trying to do everything on her own even before her husband passes away suddenly.
I wish the author would have spent a little more time developing the marriage issues before Grace is left a widow. I think that would have gone a long way to help the reader understand why she was so resistant to accepting help. Instead it's repeated over and over again that she doesn't like others to help. But if we had seen more of her marriage, we as the reader might understand that better.
** ARC received from Netgalley **
The Amish Widow's Rescue is book 3 in the Love and Promises series. It is fine to read as a stand alone bit I think you will want to read the whole series. This is a lovely story full of emotion. The characters are well developed and the writing flows well. I have read many amish fiction stories and Rachel Good has never disappointed me with her work. Thank you netgalley for gifting me a copy of an arc, the review is my honest opinion.
I often don’t care for Amish fiction by Rachel has changed my perspective. I enjoy her books because she puts together plots that are never dull and have interesting twists.
Something happened in Elijah’s past that makes him want to distance himself from the children yet he keeps finding himself drawn to Grace’s children.
Grace’s marriage was not what she hoped for and she doesn’t hope for anything more in the future.
I enjoyed this story and seeing where characters from previous books are as well.
Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer.
A copy of this book was given to me through the Celebrate Lit Team. All opinions are my own.
A feel good book of a neighbor helping another in their time of need. Have you ever had a neighbor go out of their way to help you? Have you ever offered help to a neighbor or friend? It doesn't cost anything to make a difference in someone's life.
A kind word, a hug, a smile can make all the difference. Grace had a family to care of as well as her jam business. Elijah stepped in to help. He rescued Grace in more ways than one.
I think it is important to remember to accept help when it is offered. We are not weak when we accept assistance. We pray asking for GOD's hand in our lives...for his assistance.
Elijah and Grace both needed to be rescued. And with GOD's help....they were.
I received this free to review from Celebrate Lit.
This is the story about a widow who is raising 2 children and has her own jam business to make ends meet. Her strength and courage are admirable, but everyone needs a helping hand sometimes. She finds that in her niece who has struggles of her own after giving up a baby for adoption at a young age. And she finds that helping hand from an Amish neighbor who has his owns struggles with his past. Together they help one another heal from the past and build a future together. A beautiful story of friendship and love.
#TheAmishWidowsRescue #NetGalley
What a story of second chances! Her husband dies and she has two children and one on the way. She is struggling to make ends meet by working hard in her Jam business and taking care of two children while pregnant… she is one strong and busy lady! I really enjoyed how the neighbor stepped up to help where he could and the relationship that develops between them. Wonderful story.
I was gifted a copy, my review was required. My review is voluntary.
Grace's story is touching. Her marriage had not turned out as she had dreamed and she struggled with providing for her children. She was gentle, kind, and independent. The way she continued to honor her dead husband despite his cruel treatment of her and the children was admirable.
Elijah had his own struggles and was determined not to put himself in a situation that would result in heartbreak. His reasons for not trusting women were deeply ingrained in him. Yet he was kind and determined to help the lovely widow. I loved the way he was willing to spend so much time and work so hard to help her.
One of Elijah's major shortcomings was in judging Grace based on scanty evidence and his preconceived ideas based on his deep hurts. He never gave her a chance to explain herself. This was, of course, prompted by his own experiences and he viewed her through the cloudy lens of his hurtful memories.
My favorite part of the story is the budding relationship between Elijah and the fatherless, three-year-old, Levi. The manner in which their love and friendship grew was heartwarming. Levi was everything a precocious young boy should be, full of energy, zeal, and love. His instant love for Elijah and the way he wanted to spend as much time "pwaying" with him as possible made me smile.
As author Rachel J. Good tackles the issues of grief, abandonment, and forgiveness, she introduces a completely unexpected twist, which added some drama to the mix. Grace's niece, Miriam, who was introduced in rather a big way in The Amish Midwife's Secret, returns and has a major role in helping Miriam learn to manage the house and her business. It was so fun seeing the teenager show wisdom and shrewd business acumen.
Some unresolved hurts will most likely to pave the way for the next book in the Love and Promises series. Being as the main conflict was resolved satisfactorily, this should not deter you from reading. Instead, it will whet your appetite for more!
I don't think I have read many Amish stories that deal with widowhood. This story was a nice change of pace and captured the realism of being a widow. It also reminds us that the Amish face problems and tragedies just like the English do. Grace has been in a marriage that was unhappy and abusive. She never told anyone how difficult her marriage was and I wondered if she was ashamed or afraid to say anything. When her husband suddenly passes away, her world is turned upside down.
Grace has her hands full with two small children, a jam making business and running the farm. I was fascinated by all the work it takes to make jam, can it and sell it. It was not easy but Grace did her best. There was evidence that she didn't like anyone to help her and maybe because she had always done everything herself. Her inability to accept help was something she needed to work on. I thought right away it was her pride. If she asked for help, would it look like she was weak?
Living next door to Grace, he knew she was struggling but for some reason he had it in his head that Grace was ignoring her children and concentrating on her jam business more. The ugliness of judgment was alive in Elijah and he needed to change his way of thinking. Being abandoned as a child has caused him to judge mothers and be a bit standoffish around them. I loved how Elijah stepped up and helped Grace doing chores and watching her children. His heart began to soften towards Grace and it was nice to see him admit he had judged her wrongly.
Although the main story is about Grace and Elijah, I don't want to forget to mention a sweet little boy named Levi. He is such a loving child and hungry for attention from a father figure. The author does a great job of slowly showing how Levi and Elijah bonded. It was good for Elijah to open his heart and experience how much love a child can give. Their time together was special and I loved how easy Levi took to Elijah.
There is a lot more to the story but I don't want to spoil anything. I loved the surprises the author had in the story and how forgiveness was a big part of the emotional journey the characters took. Have you ever had a neighbor help you out without asking for anything in return? When is the last time you reached out to your neighbor and offered a helping hand? I loved the theme of loving your neighbor as yourself. Sometimes we forget everyone around us and only focus on our own problems. Let this story remind you to reach out and help someone out. Don't allow pride to consume you and always love and forgive unconditionally.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate. Lit and Netgalley. The review is my own opinion.
Rachel Good spins another compelling Amish story in book three of the Love and Promises series, “The Amish Widow’s Rescue”. Having read book two, it was nice to see a brief appearance by Leah in this latest installment, which helps connect the stories and increases the overall cohesiveness. “The Amish Widow’s Rescue” made a deeper impression on me because of the main character Grace’s plight and her children. Grace must overcome the unexpected passing of her domineering husband while running her jam business and caring for her two little ones, a daunting task made all the more so by the fact that she is pregnant with her third child. As she moves forward, she learns the power of second chances.
One of this book’s many strengths lies in demonstrating that everyone wrestles with similar issues, even the Amish. Grace finds it very difficult to accept help, which is something that so many of us struggle with. We want to be capable and independent, but the truth of the matter is that God created us for community, and He does not expect or want us to face life alone. We need to not only accept Him into our hearts, but also be willing to allow others to help us when the need arises. And we should do the same for them, following Elijah Beiler’s example in this novel to help widows and orphans in their distress. Furthermore, another point that is made several times throughout the narrative is the importance of going to God first and foremost with our problems rather than trying to fix them ourselves or immediately taking them to someone else.
Miriam is my favorite character. She struggles with her own heartache and jealousy during her aunt Grace’s pregnancy, and although she steps back at times, ultimately she proves to be a selfless teenager. Her former period of rebellion proves advantageous to the present circumstances, illustrating how the Lord works all things together for good. Both Miriam and Elijah grapple with their own past trauma and its lingering effects, but healing comes in unpredictable ways. Seemingly impossible situations attest to the powerful working of God in hearts and minds, giving evidence of His endless grace and mercy and of how He continually rescues us. An intriguing plot combining past and present events and a laudable attention to detail make “The Amish Widow’s Rescue” a touching story that resonates with emotion.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
Grace Fisher is newly widowed and she's trying to keep hearth and home together, paying bills, taking care of the children, making jam to sell, and taking care of her farm, all the while being pregnant with child number three. It's not an easy job, but someone had to do it.
Elijah Beiler lives next door and helps his father with their farm and when he can takes care of Grace's farm. He observes Grace doing so many things, he wonders why she doesn't just take care of her children. He feels that's she's too concerned with her business to the detriment of her children.
Rachel J Good has built a story around prejudices and incomplete understanding, and the ability of two people to overcome those blocks in their relationship. It's truly a five star book, two thumbs up, and a jar of Amish made jam.
My thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley.com for allowing me to read and review this book.