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.

Such an enjoyable story by Laurie Stroup Smith. It definitely held my attention as I anxiously waited to see what would happen next. The story deals with Lydia Byler and the decisions and mistakes she made and had to deal with. I had never heard of a pocket quilt before starting this series. I like this idea because I think it would make a comforting gift for someone who needs comforting a simple pick me up burst of encouragement.

All words and opinions are my own and I was given this complimentary book from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review.

This is a new author to me and I really enjoyed her writing!



This was a sweet story as Lydia moves to Pinecraft to help the owner of a bed and breakfast recover from an injury. Of course, Lydia has a past but she is reacquainted with her friend Wesley and the reader is left to wonder whether he can continue the relationship despite the past secrets.



I enjoyed that she made a quilt for Theo and included letters and scripture verses in the pockets.



Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

Five years after an unexpected pregnancy forces Lydia Byler to make difficult decisions, she is offered a job helping Birdie Miller manage her bed and breakfast in Pinecraft. Single, shunned, and desperate for a fresh start, Lydia agrees to relocate and reunites with the handsome Wesley Hochstetler.

Wesley has only ever had eyes for Lydia. Though their paths have crossed many times over the years, they never discussed the possibility of spending forever together. When she moves to town, he believes it’s God’s will for them to pursue a romantic relationship. But he doesn’t know about her pregnancy or the adoption that followed.

Inspired by a letter from the child’s adoptive parents, Lydia sews a pocket quilt for the boy. She learns he and his family will soon visit Pinecraft, and the burden of her secret becomes too much to bear. The truth comes to light, straining her bond with Wesley.

Gift yourself a copy, because you'll probably read the whole thing in one sitting.

this was a different story for Amish followers. It has more Englisher in it which made the characters more.
Lydia and Wesley were a good couple to read about. She had lots to get thru and he was patient and allowed her time. Their friends were a great add on for this storyline.

Thank you Vinspire Publishing for allowing me to read Pockets of Peace by Laurie Stroup Smith. Laurie is a new to me author.

Absolutely lovely story told in a wonderful way. Once you start, you do not want to put it down. I found myself cheering for Lydia Byler and Wesley Hochstetler to get together.

Due to an unexpected pregnancy 5 years earlier, Lydia decided to relocate in Pinecraft. Wesley was sure this was a sign from God that finally, they sew to be together. He is unaware of the pregnancy and the adoption that followed. Will this secret harm their happily ever after?

You must read this 5-star addiction to this series. I was not required to give a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

i have really been enjoying this series by new writer Laurie Stroup Smith- especially as her books are placed in one of my favorite areas of Florida- Sarasota. It's always a pleasure to read stories that take places in settings familiar to the reader. In Pockets of Peace, I was touched by Lydia's internal struggles as she strived to make a new life for herself in Pinecraft, and to rekindle her relationship with Wesley while still holding her secret of having given her child up for adoption. Pockets of Peace deals a lot with forgiveness, which is a central part of the Amish belief system. It was heartwarming to read of both Lydia's and Wesley's struggles with forgiveness, and to read how Lydia deals with the angst of missing the child she gave up. I highly recommend this beautiful novel. And I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this story.

What a lovely book! Such a beautiful conclusion to the series.
Forgiveness and believing in Gods love for everyone.
If you are looking for a sweet Amish series, you may want to think about adding The Pocket Quilt series to your tbr list!
May thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions and thoughts expressed are my own.

Reviewed in Canada on May 24, 2022
Laurie Stroup has very quickly become one of my favourite authors of Amish fictionl. She has a unique stoirytelling talent that keeps one engaged in her story, from beginning to end. I was immediately drawn into the lives of Lydia, Wesley and Birdie , walking along side them in their journey of life , feeling their every challenge, hurt and joy. The characters were so vividly described that a reader can easily identify with them.

The sensitive topic of adoption was dealt with such understanding and care. This is so close to my heart, as we adopted our daughter. The decisions being made by Lydia hit close to home. Her confusion and broken heart were felt as if she was my best friend. Keeping the birth of a baby and the adoption a secret was dealt with in an extremely delicate and caring manner.

As a quilter, the idea of a Pocket Quilt appealed to me and left me with the desire to make more of them. I have made one for a cancer victim , however, now I feel that it is even more important to give others the gift of love .

I highly recommend this book to all readers, not just to those who love Amish fiction. It is unique in its tackling of delicate subjects. Although it can be read as a stand alone, I would suggest you read the first two in this series. The characters appear in all of the books. It becomes a meeting of old friends as you read.

A five star book!!!

Don't miss it!!

The feelings and thoughts expressed are honest and my own, I received this an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the author.

I read at least one of the books in this series by Laurie Stroup Smith, and I truly enjoyed it. This one was a quick read but didn't hold the same enjoyment for me.

Lydia Byler gave birth five years ago under rather unpleasant circumstances. She felt she had no other alternative but to give her baby up for adoption to a couple who were really good friends. In the intervening five years, she was not living at home and was working in another friend's hardware store.

When the opportunity came for Lydia to go to Pinecrest. Florida, to help another friend with her bed and breakfast while she recovered from a knee replacement, Lydia jumped at the chance. For the last five years, she's been in a long-distance relationship with Wesley Hochstetler. Wesley is thrilled at being able to renew his relationship with Lydia. The only thing is that Wesley doesn't know about Lydia's son.

Again, Laurie used the romance novel formula, but this time it seemed too abrupt. It is not a long novel to read, and it has its fun moments, but it's not as good as the other one. It is easy to read in one sitting, and there are a few familiar characters to make the reading seem like settling in with a great friend. Four stars

Vinspire provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

This is the first book I’ve read from Laurie Stroup Smith, but it won’t be the last.

We’ve all been through hard times in our lives, so Lydia’s story is one we can all relate to. Lydia is still working through some traumatic events that have caused her life to completely change forever. Reading her story and followinf along with her as she discovers her new normal while learning to lean on and trust in God really touched my heart. This book is a great, uplifting read with wonderful characters and a beautiful story.

Pockets of Peace by Laurie Stroup Smith is a heartwarming Amish tale. It is the third book in The Pocket Quilt series. Each book in this charming series can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading each book in this engaging series. We travel to Pinecraft, Florida where Lydia Byler is hoping for a fresh start. She gave up a baby boy for adoption five years ago and the memories still haunt her. Lydia gets to reconnect with Wesley Hockstetler to whom she has been attracted for many years. Wesley, though, is not aware of her situation. Lydia learns that her son’s adoptive parents are coming to Pinecraft and that he has been asking questions about her. She is inspired to create a pocket quilt for him using material from her maternity dresses. Lydia includes notes for the boy that she hopes will answer any questions he asks. Lydia worries what will happen with Wesley when her secret is exposed. I thought Pockets of Peace was well-written with realistic characters and situations. I liked getting to know Lydia, Wesley, Birdie, Noelle, Luke, Roxie, and the other characters. I enjoyed the authors beautiful descriptions of Pinecraft. Her vivid word imagery brought the area alive for me. Pinecraft to be a unique community where Amish and Mennonite live and work. Bicycles are the main mode of transportation (no place to keep horses in Pinecraft). Adoption and the pocket quilt are two of the themes in the story. There are touching scenes with Lydia writing the notes and making the quilt. I liked how Lydia helped out at the local women’s shelter and the way the author handled the topic of domestic abuse. I loved little Roxie. I liked seeing Lydia get to know Roxie and help her plus her mother. Pockets of Peace is a poignant Amish tale that provided a special conclusion to the series. I am sorry to see The Pocket Quilt series come to an end. Pockets of Peace is a special Amish tale with an unplanned pregnancy, beautiful beaches, a shameful secret, indulgent ice cream, a beloved boy, a precious pocket quilt, and powerful prayers.

This is a beautifully written book that is full of emotions. Wesley and Lydia's story is heartwarming read that holds your attention from the first page until the last. Once you start reading it you don't want to put it down. Loved it and highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy from Vinspire Publishing via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.