Member Reviews

Loved reading this book. Amazing story and the characters lend to the charm of this book. I would highly recommend this book. You would not be disappointed.

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Beth Wiseman is a master storyteller, as once again proven in her newest book, "An Unlikely Match", Book Two in "The Amish Inn Series", taking place at The Peony Inn in Indiana. This novel is classed as Amish Fiction, however it is far from the norm for this genre! The Amish meet Hollywood.... just how different is that!! If you are looking for just the regular Amish genre of girl meets boy then this book is not for you!

Beth has used her unique talent of including the most unexpected events and subjects in a way that captures the reader’s interest and makes you at once become part of the characters’ lives! All of the characters are descibed so vividly and realistically that you easily identify with them. This author has a special talent in adding humour in her stories with the many unusual, quirky personalities . I have to say that I loved both Esther and Lizzie, who took the problems of the world in their rather inept hands.



The plot moved quickly with many twists and turns, keeping the reader totally engaged. How can an Amish girl be so attracted to a handsome, rich Englischer? Would it ever work?? Can Lizzie and Esther influence the final decision??

This book is one that I will be rereading again and again. Definitely a five star book!!



This book was supplied by NetGalley. The opinions and thoughts expressed are honest and my own.

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Talk about holding your interest from beginning to end, that's exactly what Beth Wiseman did!!
In "A Picture of Love", two senior sisters who love to play matchmaker have their hands full, not only with the couple they are trying to bring together, but also with the occupant that lives in one of the structures on their land.

The intertwining of humor and seriousness mixed with a tiny bit of mystery and light romance made this book just right. Beth writes an impressive story that speaks to the heart of the reader.

Overall I really look forward to the next book in this series by Beth Wiseman, "An Unlikely Match".

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, no monetary exchange, only agreement was that I write an honest review of my own words. This is my review in my own words.

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This is an Amish book, and it is the first book in the Amish Inn series. All the characters are really developed, and I loved that the Amish sisters fights so much. This book made me happy and laugh. There was parts I wish was better developed, but I loved the storyline. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Zondervan) or author (Beth Wiseman) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

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I listened to this one, and there were many giggle-worthy moments. Lizzie and her ill-fitting dentures provided endless entertainment, but when she lost them and found Naomi's cat playing hockey with them, that was probably the funniest scene in the book.

Naomi Byler lives and works at the Peony Inn, owned by sisters Esther and Lizzie, who think of her as the granddaughter they never had. Since her fiancé, Thomas, walked out on their engagement to pursue someone else, she's sure she will never fall in love again, and resists every matchmaking trick the sisters try. When handsome Amos Lantz and his mother come to stay while they attend a family wedding, she isn't surprised when the sisters redouble their efforts to make her notice him. What does surprise her is the friendship that develops between them.

Amos lost his own fiancée to cancer just a year ago. Still grieving her loss, he doesn't expect to ever fall for another woman. In Naomi, he recognizes a kindred spirit, someone who is also grieving a great loss. Since neither one of them is looking to fall in love with anyone, what can be the harm in friendship? When he discovers that Naomi is a gifted painter, he can't resist the pull to paint with her. As they spend time together, Amos begins to realize that his broken heart is mending in her presence, but will Thomas' return show Naomi that her heart has also healed, and not in the way she expected?

Readers of Amish romance will enjoy this story. I know I did!

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A Picture of Love, Book 1 in the Amish Inn Novels series, is an entertaining, heartwarming read. Ms. Wiseman with her excellent storytelling skills has penned a narrative with a perfect combination of endearing, delightful characters; laugh-out-loud humor; sweet romance; and inspiring faith. The character driven plot flows steadily with a few surprises along the way. The main romantic element of the story focuses on the relationship between two young people, Naomi and Amos, who both have no desire for romance and a shared passion for painting; however, the side story of 70ish widow Esther and Grumpy Gus hinting at a possible romance adds enjoyment to the read. I hope Book 2 returns us to the Peony Inn to see what matchmakers Esther and Lizzie are up to next and to continue the story of Esther and Gus. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in the review are completely by own.

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I was excited that Beth Wiseman had a new series releasing and could not get my hands on the first installment, A Picture of Love. I was far from being disappointed. It is getting five stars from me.

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A Picture of Love is the first book of Beth Wiseman's new series, The Amish Inn Novels. The book starts by introducing readers to the owners of the inn; elderly sisters Esther and Lizzie. Personally, I loved them both and thoroughly enjoyed getting to "know" them (as well as their neighbours) alongside the main characters, Naomi and Amos. The book focuses on Naomi and Amos and we watch them bond and fall in love over their shared love for painting. I beautiful read. Would highly recommend it to others.

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A Picture of Love by Beth Wiseman is the first in her new series. I have quite happily read every book that Wiseman has printed and was excited to read this one as well. I am glad to report that it did not disappoint. In fact, I was upset I had to put it down as it was so late and I was so sleepy. The story follows Naomi, a young lady who works at the Peony Inn with Esther and Lizzie, two older women who are like family to her. Naomi nurses a broken heart, hurt by her her fiancé who had left her with no explanation. Amos is a visitor at the inn with his mother. He also experienced heart-ache when his fiancé died the year before due to cancer. The two of them form a friendship and find solace in painting the sunset together during Amos' time at the inn. It is looking like the two of them may find hope for a future together when Naomi's ex returns, upending her thoughts and emotions. The story also focuses on Esther, who is having health issues and is trying to trust God for the outcome. A renter on their land, Gus, takes her to her appointments. As the two get to know each other more, Esther realizes that Gus' grumpiness is a cover for the pain he has experienced. Can she be a friend to him like he is becoming to her?
One of my favorite things about Wiseman's books is her ability to express the love of God and Biblical themes throughout. This book is no exception. We see God's love shining through, as well as themes of forgiveness and hope. I highly recommend and can't wait for more adventures at Peony Inn. Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book. #APictureofLove #Bookstagram #all_the_pages

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This is a beautiful story of finding hope and love after coming through heartbreak and tragedy. Naomi and Thomas were both reluctant and afraid to love again, and turn to each other as a source of strength and comfort. Both of their stories were compelling, and I wasn’t quite sure that they would find their happiness together. Lizzie and Esther made me smile, and it was fun watching Esther try to keep Lizzie in line and not speaking everything that came to her mind. There’s much love and compassion in this story, and a good reminder to be kind to everyone, even those who don’t seem to deserve it.

This is a compelling story and I could not read this book fast enough. Beth Wiseman is a wonderful author, and she did an excellent job in creating these characters and their Amish community.

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

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Naomi is sure that all she wants is for the love of her life Thomas to come back to her. That is until she meets Amos who is grieving for his girlfriend who passed away. They find many things in common and become friends along the way. The owners of the Inn, Esther and Lizzie, where Naomi works and Amos is a visitor with his mother, are delightful. Especially the relationship between Esther and neighbor. This is a great book.

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Entertaining and Inspirational

Author Beth Wiseman has crafted such a wonderful story! It was entertaining and inspirational. I loved the main characters, Naomi and Amos. Although they have each suffered a loss, their situations aren't the same. Regardless, they are both experiencing some of the same feeling of letting go and moving forward. However, in doing so, neither is wanting to venture into another relationship, or so they thought. Naomi and Amos begin a friendship that slowly shifts in a way that catches each of them off guard.

Ms. Wiseman flawlessly takes us through the main characters' story while including some very lovable characters Enter LIzzie, Esther and Gus. These characters added an extra special touch to the story.which added much to the story without taking the spotlight away from Naomi and Amos.. The story had me laughing, holding my breath and sighing as I read. This is a beautiful, entertaining and inspiring book that you won't want to miss.

*****I received a complimentary copy of A Picture of Love through the publisher and NetGalley, and I was under no obligation to leave a positive review. All comments and opinions are my own.

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This was such a good book! I loved all of the characters but especially Lizzie and Esther. I loved the humor throughout and the second chance romance. I’m glad that this is the first in a series as I look forward to the next installment.
Many thanks to Zondervan Fiction and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

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Delightful read, and charming characters.

Naomi works at the Peony Inn for two sisters who are like family to her, she has been burned in love before but when a man who shares her appreciation for art comes to lend a hand at the inn she finds herself rethinking everything.

Lizzie and Esther are two widowed sisters who run an inn together, and dabble in matchmaking. I loved their sisterly squabbles and teasing, and they were my favorite characters of the book. Lizzie's spirited ways made me laugh, and I admired Esther's determination and compassion.

This is a fast read, set in a charming Amish community, with fun larger than life characters. I loved how Amos and Naomi got to know each other through a shared hobby, and both were able to open up to each other as they got to know each other. One of my favorite relationships in this book though was the burgeoning friendship between Gus and Esther, with all their bargaining and bickering.

Overall, a highly enjoyable read, with engaging characters, dialogue, strong themes of friendship and forgiveness. I can't wait to visit the Peony Inn again soon!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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A pleasant book to read. Beth Wiseman has introduced characters a reader can relate to.

Naomi and Amos understand the heartbreak the other is feeling. Naomi's fiancé broke off their engagement without a proper explanation, and Amos' fiancé passed away. Neither are willing nor ready to open their hearts to heartbreak again. Instead, they decide to be friends and paint together. Something they both enjoy.

However, as they paint they realize the feelings they refuse to admit that can lead to them healing. Once they do they find in one another a person they can be happy with. But when Naomi's former fiancé returns things hit detour. With the help of to elderly sisters these two figure out the love they have been missing and deserve.

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A Picture of Love by Beth Wiseman is the debut of The Amish Inn Novels. This was an entertaining Amish story. I found it to be well-written with the story moving along at a steady pace. The characters are developed and lively. Lizzie and Esther are a hoot. I just love the widowed sisters who know each other’s foibles and bicker frequently. They are as opposite as two sisters can be (remind me of my sister and myself). Neither one had children and they consider Naomi Byler a granddaughter. They care for her dearly and want to see her happy again. There are some things Lizzie would love to do to Thomas, Naomi’s ex-fiancé. When Amos arrives, the sisters notice how he looks at Naomi. The sisters decide to give the pair a little push (sometimes a shove) towards love. There are a couple of side stories in A Picture of Love. Esther is having some physical symptoms that have her worried. As much as she dislikes doctor’s, Esther knows she must bite the bullet. Esther gets help from their grumpy renter, Gus Owens. She works a deal out for his help. Lizzie cannot stand Gus Owens. Lizzie and Gus trade verbal barbs quite often (they are hilarious). It turns out that Gus has a daughter he has not seen in over thirty years. She has decided to visit, so Gus wants to spruce up his appearance (it needs it). Mary and John Lapp rent the Dawdi Haus on the property. They have been married five years and unable to conceive. It has begun to affect their marriage. The Thomas situation left me with a few questions that I wish had been answered. I loved the humor in the story. I liked that A Picture of Love was not a traditional Amish romance. I laughed often while reading this amusing tale especially the scene with Lizzie and the kitten. Lizzie provided several laugh-out-loud moments for me. I liked that in A Picture of Love we get to see that you never know what God has in store for you. A Picture of Love is a story of forgiveness, second chances, faith, God’s timing, and love. This was a delightful and engaging story, and I am eager to read the next book in The Amish Inn Novels. A Picture of Love is a diverting Amish story with picture painting, merry matchmaking, pie payment, a cute kitten, hair help, and sister shenanigans.

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A Picture of Love is the first book of Beth Wiseman's new series, The Amish Inn Novels. The book starts by introducing readers to the owners of the inn; elderly sisters Esther and Lizzie. Personally, I loved them both and thoroughly enjoyed getting to "know" them (as well as their neighbours) alongside the main characters, Naomi and Amos.

A cook at the inn, Naomi, is learning to live with the deaths of her parents and the loss of the man she had planned to marry. When Amos, who is also dealing with heartbreak, comes to the inn for a wedding, both Naomi and he begin to open their hearts to love once more. A mutual love for painting helps them get to know each other better, but can they overcome the meddling of their friends and family? Will Naomi's ex-fiance interfere in her new love story?

If you enjoy a good Amish romance, you won't want to miss A Picture of Love.

*I received a complimentary copy of A Picture of Love through the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.

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How do you mend a broken heart? Naomi Byler is mending a broken heart when her fiancé suddenly left 4 months ago. Not giving a reason for the breakup. All she knows is she can't love again. With both her parents passed, she now lives with two colorful Amish sisters who run a bed and breakfast. They look to Naomi as their own granddaughter and want the best for her. They have made some hilarious attempts for Naomi to find love again. God is on their side when Amos and his mother are visiting for an Amish wedding. Amos is suffering from a different broken heart, he lost a beloved to cancer.

The two open up to each other because they have laid the out their hearts that they cannot love again. This act frees them up to really know each other. They both find out that they share a passion for painting and discover a deeper sense of being known and seen. Just when they begin to draw closer to each other, Naomi fiancé comes back. Feelings becomes misunderstood until their love of painting shows them the way.

The characters were very endearing. An honesty of our worst feelings and fears. I enjoyed getting to know these characters and how they overcame their pain. One of the best from Beth Wiseman

A special thank you to Zondervan and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

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Naomi Byler has many things to be thankful for. She loves her job cooking meals for the guests at The Peony Inn. And she dearly loves her employers, sisters Esther and Lizzie. The feeling is mutual, as they love Naomi like the granddaughter they never had.
Naomi was engaged to Thomas when he suddenly broke things off and moved away. She's not sure her heart will ever recover and secretly hopes he'll realize his mistake and come back to her.
Esther and Lizzie are quite the matchmakers with some successes, so it's no surprise when Amos and his mother stay at the Inn while in town for a wedding, that the sisters (especially Lizzie) begins to get ideas. But, Amos is suffering from his own broken heart as his fiancee' died. He, like Naomi, feels he cannot love again.
Naomi and Amos both share a love for painting, but neither have painted in some time. Once discovering this about each other, they decide to meet close to sunset to paint a scene. The sisters are giddy with delight, although Naomi tells them she and Amos are only friends.
This was a very lovely story. I loved the characters. Lizzie and her false teeth was hilarious! Grumpy Gus is a character I couldn't help but love and have compassion for. Loved the part about being locked in the basement!
I was given an advanced copy by the publisher, Zondervan and Netgalley. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

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This is a fun story to read with sweet loving characters and a grumpy older man, Gus, who resided in a cabin near the Peony Inn. Lizzie, Esther and Naomi are always busy with their activities and keeping things going at the inn. Lizzie and Esther had long loving marriages and want their sweet employee Naomi to find her love after being jilted.
When Amos and his mother stay at the inn they believe Amos is just the one for Naomi. Naomi and Amos both are recovering from their broken hearts but find a connection with their love to paint landscapes. The matchmaking schemes by Esther and Lizzie along with unexpected friendship building between Esther and Gus made this a pleasure to read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Zondervan, through NetGalley and was under no obligation to write a positive review. I have shared my own opinion.

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