This was a brilliant read and is being featured on my blog for my quick star reviews feature, which I have created on my blog so I can catch up with all the books I have read and therefore review.
See www.chellsandbooks.wordpress.com.

A quick and easy read that kind of left me underwhelmed to be honest. Not the usual kind of romance that I usually read so maybe that's why I just didn't connect with this one. Overall it was just ok.

An enjoyable romance. Read in one sitting and enjoyed.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first of Karen Ann Hopkins books I have read, and it had me pleasantly surprised.
Katie and Rowan live next door to one another in a small farm town in Indiana. Although they are the same age, they certainly lead very different lives.
Katie's father hires Rowan to work on their farm, and whilst doing so, Rowan finds himself becoming more and more attracted to Katie. But with her being English and him being Amish, he knows it could never possibly work. When the attraction becomes too much, they end up sharing a kiss. As soon as Katie's dad finds out, he fires Rowan immediately, and despite them living beside one another, they will then not see each other for years.
Then, in their early twenties, Katie's dad passes away, and she soon finds herself being drawn back towards Rowan, but will it ever work out for them?.

This was a well written, beautiful story that really intrigued me from the start. I thought the characters were unique and well structured, and that the story itself had a good pace throughout.
An enjoyable read.

Willow Creek tells the love story between Katie, a farm girl, and Rowan, an Amish boy who worked for her father.

It felt a little young adult for me at frst but I think that was intentional to keep the amish innocence about the story.

It was enjoyable but predictable

Katie and rowan work together with the horses. He is sent away by katie's father after a kiss. I liked the dialogue and descriptions. I loved the characters. Years later her father had a afraid and the ranch is about to close.i liked rowan.

There were things I really liked about this book and things I didn’t.

First off - I was expecting a clean read, typically Amish books are, and this is not one of them. This falls more into the romance genre than Christian genre. I tried to skip through some scenes as best as I could, and there were times I missed some important dialogue by doing so.

I liked the premise of his world vs hers and the forbidden love aspect. How many times have we longed for something we couldn’t have?

At first I was really annoyed by how they treated each other and how they seemed to blow up at each other and overreact and once the author reminded me a couple of times that they were only 22, I dawned on me this was a maturity issue. Once I recognised that, I was able to move on past the annoyance for the most part.

I didn’t really like Katie much through the first ¾ of the book. It seemed like Rowan was doing all the giving and she was doing all of the taking. There didn’t seem to be much of an acknowledgement that Rowan was contemplating giving up his entire life for her. I liked his chapters the best.

I wish there had been more dialogue between them, delving deeper into who they are and more into the issues they faced as a couple and less focus on their attraction to each other.

I’m curious if there will be a sequel to this for Rebecca. I wasn't sure what to think about her character. I’m not sure how I liked how her mental illness (depression) was portrayed. I’m not sure if she was completely depressed and felt hopeless or if she was just being manipulative and based on what the author wrote, I’m not sure if she knew either.

Love defies all odds!

I LOVED this book by Karen Ann Hopkins. I have always had a soft spot for Amish fiction. However, Not all authors can write a 5 star Amish novel. DO NOT pass this book up. This book is a 5 star read for me and if I could give it a higher rating I would. I was immediately drawn to the book and bonus points that it was written in the same state I live in. For that reason, I think I better related to the book. I quickly found myself googling Karen Ann Hopkins for future reads, because I simply could not get enough of this book!

Katie and Rowan are neighbors in a small farm town in Indiana. Even though they were neighbors and the same age of 16 both Katie and Rowan lived very different lives. Even though They both loved horses and lived on a farm, Katie was English and Rowan was Amish.

Katie's Father hires Rowan to help around the farm. Rowan quickly finds him self attracted to Katie, But with different cultures he knew it would never work. Then, came the sparks. a kiss was shared and that was it. Katie's dad found out and fired Rowan. Even though Katie and Rowan were neighbors, They would not see each other for years. Now in their early 20's and with her dad's passing, Katie finds her self drawn back to Rowan. Will their forbidden attraction spark into more than a kiss?

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

An entertaining and well written romance of forbidden love. Great plot and character dynamics. I highly recommend this book. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.

A wonderful heartfelt, sweet romance of forbidden love and second chances. 


I loved the chemistry between Rowan and Katie and there changing relationship was beautifully written. 

I also loved Rebecca's story and felt there was more to be told and more to be explored about there parents past love triangle.


Having read Willow Creek I felt it could become a series. Fingers crossed it does and can't wait to read the authors other books.


This is the first book I have read by Karen Ann Hopkins and I loved it.


ThankYou to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the approval in return for an honest review and Netgalley.

I loved Karen Ann Hopkins's Crossroads duology, so when I saw this romance I had to read it. There were some similarities between with the forbidden romance with an Amish man. This author does a great job with the forbidden romance theme. I also enjoyed the side plot involving Rowan's sister Rebecca. I did think that Katie's mother's change of heart about some things at one point in the book came off as a bit too abrupt, but overall I enjoyed this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book.

I have no problem with a synopsis that is vague or mysterious - one that leaves you with questions about what you’re going to be reading.

What I do have a problem with is a misleading one - one that tells you one thing, but entirely different things happen. The first part of the synopsis for Willow Creek seems like it was written by someone who didn’t even read the prologue: the heroine’s life wasn’t saved in a storm (she needed help, but her life wasn’t in danger), she didn’t kiss the hero (he kissed her), and saying they were lovers is a gross exaggeration - they had hardly even spoken to each other and kissed only once before the heroine’s father caught them together.

These discrepancies probably shouldn’t bother me. BUT...they do. And to start off a book kinda cranky because of a synopsis that is inaccurate is not a good thing.

Anyway...moving on.

Sixteen year old Rowan was hired by neighbor Charlie to help train his horses and spent six months doing his best to not pay any attention to Katie, Charlie’s sixteen year old daughter. When Charlie catches Rowan kissing Katie, he banishes Rowan from the farm.

Six years later, Charlie has died in a car accident and Katie is facing a dire financial situation. She turns to the one person who might be able to train all the horses in time for them to be sold so they can save her home and farm.

When Rowan arrives to train the horses, his attraction to Katie is alive and as strong as it ever was. And Katie, despite doing her best to forget the boy who captured her heart after one kiss, still longs to be with Rowan. But Rowan is Amish and a relationship between them wouldn’t be accepted by Rowan’s family or community.

The problem with these characters (in my opinion, for whatever that’s worth) is that they are young - 22 years old - and behave like it. They spend half the book mad at each other because they keep making out after letting their hormones take over. We get lots and lots of repeated inner monologue about how they can’t be together because he’s Amish and she’s English.

This story could have been far more compelling if it showed more relationship development (on an emotional level, not just the physical) and Katie and Rowan focused on the consequences of them being together, instead of constantly getting angry and jealous. They truly did come from different worlds and that is a legitimate reason to have conflict. I would have liked to see Katie spend time in selfless contemplation, realizing what it would mean for Rowan to leave his community, or maybe even consider (GASP) whether or not she could become Amish. All this couple did was make things more difficult for themselves because of their behavior. Which...I know...is probably not unrealistic for two people who are 22 years old. But for this reader it just caused frustration.

Yet, things weren’t all bad with this book. I’ve been DNFing left and right this past month - not sure if it’s the books I’m reading, my mood, or a combo of both. Whatever the deal, I was interested enough in this story to finish it in just a couple nights. So that’s a good thing!

* thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter Harper Collins UK for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

“Willow Creek” by Karen Ann Hopkins follows Katie Colter. Katie’s family owns a horse farm and her family hires a local Amish boy to help train the horses. After being caught in a forbidden kiss, her parents banish Rowan away. Now years later, Katie’s father has passed away and the farm is struggling. Katie strikes a deal with Rowan to train the horses, but is there something more there? Or are they both living in the romance idea of a childhood kiss?

Amish books are not typically my book of choice, but this book was an interesting mix of Amish and English life. Rowan brings one perspective and Katie brings another, so the miscommunication and breakdowns are fully viewed from both perspectives. It’s interesting to see who is willing to give up their world for love and why or why not.

I felt like this book was a pleasant surprise. It was a slow burn that repeatedly left me questioning what would happen next with the relationship. With such a back and forth of emotion it makes you question which route would be easier or which route would be worth the risk.

Overall, I was wrapped up in this brilliant world. I gave the book 4 stars and would definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a slow burn romance.

The cover has a really warm inviting cover and makes you want to know more about the couple sat at the waters edge. I’d say it would make me pick it up from a bookstore shelf to take a look at the blurb. Being totally honest I have read other books by this author so I would always check out anything she released too!

The book begins with a prologue and a young girl called Katie Porter taking a tumble from her horse during a storm. As she is attempting to calm her horse a young man approaches to help called Rowan Coblentz, he works at her parent’s farm/horse business, Katie has a serious crush on Rowan the handsome looking Amish boy even though he has always been quite stand-off-ish towards her. So, Katie doesn’t really want to accept any help from him but ends up having to do so as Rowan has her ride his horse back to the farm and he takes her still slightly skittish horse. When they arrive back at the barn, they share a moment and end up kissing, then Charlie walks in on them and sacks Rowan on the spot, telling him to never come back.

Then the actual book begins and is set 6 years later, Charlie Porter is in a car crash with the woman he is cheating on his wife, Anne with. The woman lives and Charlie dies leaving wife Anne, and daughter Katie alone on the farm/horse business. Charlie has also left them with a lot of debt, behind in payments etc. Katie has hurt her arm and is unable to break the new horses in time for the auction. Katie knows that the horses need to bring a decent price if they want to hold onto their home. Katie calls the Coblentz farm and speaks to Rowan, offering him the job of getting the horses ready for sale. This fits in with Rowans need to earn some extra money to help his sister Rebecca. To say Rebecca isn’t fond of the Amish way of life is an understatement. Her dream is to be an artist and live the English way. Rowan is worried for his sister though agrees to help her leave with some money to get started in a new life with. Others have left the Amish and most fail, but Rebecca is determined to leave and show she can survive as an English person. Rebecca doesn’t eat much, and tries to keep her head down, she is a loner but others in the Amish community do not include her so she really is a lonely figure in this book. Rebecca however is very astute and more or less tells Rowan to choose wisely when his time comes.

Of course, old feelings soon re-emerge between Katie and Rowan, just when things look to be going well between them Katies mum Anne tells her about the Amish man she herself dated and how it broke her heart before she married Charlie. It was a mixture of sadness and irony that at first made it look like history could possibly repeat itself. Consequently, this sets Katie in the mindset that Rowan just wants some sort of fling before he settles for a quiet Amish wife and family. There are misunderstandings on both side, and that’s all I am going to say really, you honestly need to read this book!! Things soon become even more complicated for Rowan when the Bishops own daughter, Miriam sets her sights on him becoming her husband.

My favourite characters were of course Katie, Rowan, Rebecca and Nathaniel. I adored how Katie could be so naïve and mushy over Rowan one minute, yet at the same time be a confident, powerful business woman the next. Rowan really reminded me of Noah a character from Karen Ann Hopkins Temptation series. I had mixed feelings throughout the book on Rebecca, I wanted her to be happy which for her meant leaving the Amish, however I worried something really bad would happen if she did leave. I immediately fell in love with Nathaniel, Rowan’s younger brother, there’s a specific scene nearer the end of the book where he runs up and hugs his older brother despite the probability of being punished for doing so. Another great moment happens at the horse sale between Anne and Katie concerning the sale of Remington.

My first thoughts upon finishing reading this book were that this was another amazing book about Amish & English love. Wonder if we will hear more from this world? Perhaps about Rebecca? Rowan reminded me of Noah, the innocence, determination & passion of the Amish men that fall in love with English women ....

To sum up I absolutely adored cosying up and reading this book. I thought the book felt like a quick read with chapters from the point of views of Katie and Rowan. I am really looking forward to more from this series, I hadn’t realised how much I had missed reading about Amish/English love. I still find the Amish culture and way of living fascinating.

I received a complimentary copy of Willow Creek in exchange for an honest review. This was my first time reading a novel involving an Amish character. It was a fascinating read, and had me wondering several times where this relationship would go.

Katie was not my favorite character, and I'm not sure why Rowan thought it would be worthwhile to pursue her given all of the sacrifices he would need to make if he wanted to be with Katie. Overall, I was glad I read this book and would recommend it to friends and family.

Rowan an Amish boy works with horses for a man called Charlie. Charlie has a daughter named Katie who he has warned Rowan to stay away from, though he likes her he listens to his boss and stays away.
Katie has been looking at Rowan since he arrived and doesn't understand why he ignores her. One night during a storm the sparks fly with a first kiss, unfortunately dear old dad interrupts and fires Rowan.

Years later the farm is in trouble, her dad is dead and in order to keep from loosing everything the horses need to be trained and sold. Reenter Rowan who can hopefully train them well enough to get the big money. Will romance bloom or will they long from afar?

Oh how I love anything Amish, mix that with a romance and I'm sold. This book had my emotions all over the place, the will they won't they, the possible shunning, rebellion and worry over family. I need a book with Rowans sister Rebecca ASAP!

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher/ author for a copy to review.

WARNING this book is not a Christian book. This book does talk about God and yes has amish but would definitely not fall under a clean read. There is sexual content in this book. The story was ok, not for me. The story is a strong read it deals with death, affairs, drugs and mental health, for some people everyday life, so I will so that it was very life like. I did like Rowan he had such a big heart and he wanted what was best for those he loved. He also wanted to do what his heart wanted. I liked Katie but she was also a hot mess and in some moments she came off very mature then came off as a spoiled child. Over all the story was an ok read this book was a quick read

Willow Creek by Karen Ann Hopkins is a touching story of a forbidden love between an Amish man and an "English" woman. It is fraught with guilt, disappointment, and change as Rowan and Katie navigate their romance. Rowan's sister, Rebecca is also a major part of the story as she struggles with depression in a society that does not recognize such and prescribes Bible study as a solution. She is spiraling into alcohol, drugs, and sex as Rowan and Katie struggle to help her. Roam struggle mightily with his conscience as he tries to forget Katie and court an Amish girl. It turns out there is ancient history within the families as well. It is a heart-wrenching story.

Katie is a modern woman who has just lost her father and is struggling with her mother who has MS and is adjusting to the death of her husband. She is working two jobs to keep them afloat and her desperation shows as she recruits Rowan to train her horses so they can be sold, and potentially pull them from looming financial catastrophe. It is a courageous move as they have a history, but she sees no alternative. She is a well-written character who makes not demands on Rowan but is always there for him. Rowan is a good-looking man who earns his muscle from hard work, not hours in the gym. He is intelligent and respectful of his parents and his community. He wants to do they right thing; he just doesn't always know what that is. It is a good story. One for a lazy Sunday afternoon. I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free ARC of Willow Creek by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #willowcreek

The reader is first introduced to Katie and Rowan when they share their first kiss at the tender age of sixteen. Unfortunately, Katie’s father catches the pair and orders Rowan never to return.

The two teens go their separate ways, but years later, when Katie’s father dies, she needs Rowan’s assistance to help save her family farm.

The spark between Katie and Rowan never died, and their feelings for one another once again bubble to the surface. But the relationship is complicated with Katie being English and Rowan Amish.

The only way for them to be together is for one of them to make a complete lifestyle change. But which one will it be? And what will they have to sacrifice for it to happen?

‘Willow Creek’ is categorized as Romance/Women’s Fiction, but the characters' mannerisms and behaviors suggest that they fall into the New Adult group.

Early on, the names Rebecca and Abe are used, and as an avid ‘Breaking Amish’ lover (US T.V series), it threw me a bit. I kept imagining the characters from the T.V show. Anyone who is not familiar with the series won’t have the same issue as I did.

This novel is a slow burn romance, and the author did a great job making me wait for any action between the pair. When the first sex scene finally came around, I was hoping it would be told more from Rowan’s perspective. Katie is not a virgin, but Rowan is. It would have been the perfect opportunity to express his internal conflict when having unprotected sex while unmarried and living an Amish lifestyle.

There comes the point when both characters consider dating other people, and I thought that this plot point was going to cause more drama than it did. I wanted to see more friction between Rowan and the Bishop after Rowan gives him the impression that he is courting his daughter.

I also felt like there was unfinished business with Rowan’s sister Rebecca. Perhaps she will get a story of her own.

Overall it was an okay story, but it hasn’t deterred me from reading another Karen Anne Hopkins book in the future.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own*

Thank you, Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter.

This was a decent steady paced romance. I was pulled in right from the prologue.
Since this is categorized as romance/women’s fiction, I was expecting the characters to be a little older than 22 when they get reunited. It felt more like a young adult/new adult novel.
Other than that, I thought this was good. Nothing surprising or special. Just a good heartwarming story about family and love and sacrifice.

I’ve always enjoyed books surrounding the Amish. I love seeing how each author interprets their thoughts and traditions. I really like when an author makes me question what I think is right and wrong. The grey areas, if you will. I thought Rowans character was great for this. Especially surrounding Rebecca’s situation. This is a sign of good writing. Letting us see a different way of thinking and getting our brains working. Great job.

The relationship was a nice slow burn as they each worked through their own internal issues. The changing point of view style of writing worked well. I liked seeing into both their heads.

Overall, a great balance of sweet and heavy subject matter. I will most likely be picking up another novel by Karen Ann Hopkins.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.