Member Reviews
Karen Ann Hopkins encapsulate the true meaning of the word love in this incredible book Willow Creek.
Rowan is Amish, devoted to his family and community yet the beauty of an English woman he met as teenager has caught his eye.
Katie isn't sure she can trust her feelings - she knows she could never became Amish.
These issues seem insurmountable.
Tried reading this book. But wasn't for me. Hopefully someone else will enjoy this book more.. happy reading
I would like to give a big thank you to author Karen Ann Hopkins, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for a free
e-book of this book in exchange for an honest review. What drew me to this book initial was the forbidden romance of this story. I have always been fascinated with the Amish. The characters drew me into their world right away. While early on in the book I knew the main couple were going to get together, it was still an enjoyable journey to take with them. I loved how much they really were meant to be together despite their differences in cultures. Like all couples that faced impossible choices, I believe the author did a wonderful job making the characters out to be mature and willing to ask the hard questions no matter the fear of the answers might bring. The pacing of this book was well done. I did not really feel bored at any point of the story. I was able to finish this book pretty satisfied except for Rebecca's story arc was kinda left unfinished. I would have liked to see how the sister turned out a couple of years down the road. Maybe Rebecca will get her own book sometime in the future. Overall, I would recommend this book to those who love Amish romance books. I look forward to reading more books by this author,
Katie and Rowan meet as young teens. Rowan lives in an Amish settlement nearby. Katie is devastated when her father forbids them to have contact with each other. Years later they meet up again. Circumstances have changed, but will the attraction from years ago still be there? Can one of them give up their lifestyle to be with the other?
A cute story of faith, friendships, family and second chances.
Thanks to netgalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for the arc
I always know when I read a book by Karen Ann Hopkins, I will be drawn into a story that keeps me engaged from beginning to end. This was no exception.
Katie Porter and Rowan Coblentz shared a moment with they were sixteen. When Katie's Father saw what as happening, he fired Rowan from his casual job helping with his horses and Katie no longer had anything to do with Rowan.
Six years later circumstances have changed for Katie and she finds she has to call on Rowan to help train her horses for sale otherwise they will lose their family farm.
The six years have been good to both Katie Rowan, she has grown more beautiful and Rowan has become a man. The attraction is still there for both of them but for this situation to work, they must keep their distance, they certainly cannot act on their attraction, especially as Katie is and English and Rowan is Amish.
Thoroughly enjoyable book, the characters were strong and lovable and the HEA was very welcome.
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Katie Porter’s first kiss, at the tender age of sixteen, was with Rowan Coblentz. Rowan was an Amish teen who was working on her father’s ranch, but her father ordered him to stay away. Rowan knew that there could be nothing between him and Katie, but he was entranced with her from the very first. Years later, Katie’s father is dead and they are in jeopardy of losing the ranch. Her only hope is to have Rowan train the horses for sale, but will he agree? Katie has never forgotten the feelings she had for Rowan and having him back on the ranch has made her realize how much she still cares for him. Rowan knows that any relationship with her could mean being shunned by his family. Can he give up his family and faith for Katie? A pleasant romance about young love and second chances. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
Told alternately by Katie and Rowan, this is a love story about two people from different cultures whose parents also faced the same decisions. Rowan is Amish, Katie is English. His father loved her mother but didn't feel he could leave their community. Now, though, Katie's father, who hired Rowan when they were teens to help out on their farm, has died and Katie's overwhelmed. She hires Rowan to help train her horses. They might have been each other's first kiss as teens but they are adults now and have to look at things from an adult perspective-to be together, one of them must make a total lifestyle change. No spoilers from me! Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. It's a good read with sympathetic characters; you'll definitely have an opinion about what they should do.
Katie and Rowan had a spark from the first time they laid eyes on each other. The two come from opposite upbringings and had parents who were pushing them apart. Katie’s mom and Rowan’s dad were the beginning of this pairs love circle. Growing up, Rowan’s dad was unable to leave the Amish community to be with Katie’s mom. It seems fitting that the family history repeats itself in this heart warming love story.
When Katie’s father dies unexpectedly, she is faced with tough decisions to save the family ranch. She swallows her pride and asks a local Amish boy, Rowan for help training colts to sell at an upcoming auction. This Amish boy had Katie’s heart fluttering for years and she haven’t even seen him or spoken to him in the same amount of time.
Rowan has an ability to train horses like no one around. His skills allows him an opportunity to win the heart of a girl he’s been dreaming of for years. He readily accepts her offer for the extra cash and extra time around his soon to be girl.
This story was so fun to read. I was rooting for the pair (even though you know they will be together before you hit chapter 2) throughout the whole book. I kept waiting for them to finally give into their feelings for each other.
I do wish there was more closure with Rowan’s sister Rebecca and family. I think there could have been a bit less build up to the proposal and pages given to a “5 years later.” I really enjoyed the two perspective writing so you could get some of the feelings from both Rowan and Katie. Overall, this was a sweet read with just enough lust to keep you reading. 4/5 stars for me.
One love. Two different worlds.
Willow Creek tells the love story between Katie, a farm girl, and Rowan, an Amish boy who worked for her father.
Rowan and Katie first met when they were sixteen and were infatuated with one another. But her father found them out and expelled the boy from their property.
Years later, her father recently deceased, Rowan returns to Katie's ranch to help train some horses and save her property.
Aww, the beauty of young love!
This book was such a sweet read. Rowan and Katie were so profoundly connected by disposition and love, but so far apart culturally. It was beautiful to see them dealing with the gaps and slowly building the bridges.
The story is also full of horses, and although I must confess I only rode a horse once or twice in my entire life, I just love them. They are so intelligent and sensitive.
This is my first time reading an Amish romance, and it was so fascinating to learn more about their way of life.
I can't imagine how hard it must be for someone to leave everything and everyone they know. To have to choose between family and romantic love. What an impossible decision it must be.
I read this book in one sitting. Simply lovely!
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*This review will be posted on https://lureviewsbooks.com on 10/22/2020*
My first book by this author, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The very first chapter drew me in, and each chapter built on that interest. I didn’t have time to read straight through, but every time I had a few minutes, I picked it up and read on. I really wanted to know how this relationship was going to work out. Katie and Rowan are both admirable, like able and interesting characters, but other characters and their story add even more depth. I also enjoyed the small detailed descriptions that make the reader see and feel the atmosphere of the story. Overall, the book made me want to look for other works by this author. Well done!
This is a well written book that holds your attention. Katie and Rowan's is full of emotions and will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. The author's words brings the book to life and it was a joy to read. I look forward to reading more books by this author. Thank you HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Rowan and Katie may be neighbors but their worlds couldn’t be further apart! Rowan is Amish and proud to live that life, it’s everything he’s ever wanted... except for Katie.
Katie is happy to live her life, she’s struggling with her dads recent death and the fact that he left her and her mom in debt, for that reason she needs Rowans help.
Katie is very attracted to Rowan, but she know it can never be.
This book is told alternating between Rowan and Katie’s points of view and told from two different perspectives, which I found very interesting, I kept wondering which one would make the sacrifice to give up everything they have ever known or would walking away from each other be the ultimate sacrifice.
I enjoyed this book and the two perspectives it gave.
While this is my first book by this author, it won’t be my last !
This was an enjoyable read for me! I’ve always been fascinated by the Amish, and this was the first book I’ve read involving main characters who are Amish. The plot progresses fairly quickly, and there are no moments that drag. I read the whole thing in two days, both because it flowed quickly and because I wanted to know what happens. I *love* the choice to alternate chapters between the two main characters. It was fascinating to see each one’s point of view. There were several thought provoking moments where I considered the main characters’ dilemmas with community, religion, unity, and love. It was interesting to ponder those subjects in light of today’s cultural divisions throughout the world.
I would have liked to see more character development, but I think a sequel could provide for that, perhaps focusing on some of the other characters in the story.
I would have also liked a follow up on where some characters ended up, but I realize leaving some questions unanswered may have been intentional. And maybe that’s another reason for a sequel!
The story starts in 2014 when Katie and Rowan were 16. Rowan, an Amish boy, was hired by Charlie Porter to tend his horses. He owed Rowan's father a favour. He was hired but was warned to stay away from his daughter Katie.
Katie was out riding when a storm hit. Her horse was spooked and Katie fell off. Rowan, who had largely ignored her up untill that point, came to help her.
Back home Katie had cut her arm and Rowan bandaged her up. They kissed, it was Katie's first kiss. They were caught by her father who sent him away. As he left, he never turned back and Katie vowed she never wanted to see him again.
The story picks up again in 2020. With her father now dead and in need of help Katie gets in touch with Rowan to ask for his help. She's warned off Amish men by her mother, but will love find a way?
A beautiful love story. I enjoyed reading about the Amish community and felt it was written sensitively. I enjoyed the slow pace of the 'will they, won't they'. It's quite sad at times. There are some sweet, tender moments and some funny parts. A lovely balance of emotions. I enjoyed the book. It captured my attention. The characters were very likeable. I would read more by this author.
Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Katie's life was saved many years ago by an amish boy name rowan. When they started dating, Katie's father found out and made him leave. After her father passes away, Kate seeks Roman's help with the farm. I enjoyed the chemistry between Katie and Rowan.