Cute Amish romance with attitude

I thoroughly enjoyed The Amish Matchmaker by Amy Lillard. It is the first of her books that I have read and certainly won't be the last. Even though this is book 2 of a series, go ahead and read it, no unexplained dangling plot elements from the first book. This is not great fiction. It is a feel-good romance of the Amish genre, but with a bit of difference; the characters are a bit older and have more complex life situations. This book is a quick read, perfect for stormy days (looking at you hurricane Fiona!)

Thanks you to the publisher who lent me a time-constrained e-arc via Netgalley. This review is optional and my own opinion.

I loved this Amish romance. I felt that this was a bit different from most Amish romances. I loved Astrid, Imogene, Jesse and Ira. I loved that most of the characters were in their thirties. This book was witty and fun. I did not want to put the book down. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

What happens when you ask an Amish romance author to be your matchmaker? With 10 year old twin boys Imogene just can’t do it alone anymore. She asks Astrid to find her a match. Astrid has the perfect man in mind. Ira Bontrager. She enlists the help of her brother Jesse to bring her perfect match together. Oh, did I mention that this is also the answer to her writers block? Except that when everything goes as planned Astrid isn’t sure it such a perfect idea after all! A fun read.

This was a cute little story. I have to say that I didn’t really connect with any of the characters in the novel. I looked forward to them eventually figuring out who they should be with and finding their happily-ever-afters, but just didn’t feel romantic tension between the pairings.

I did enjoy the premise of the story and enjoyed the various outings that Jesse, Astrid, Imogene, and Ira went on. I went back and forth regarding my feelings toward the twin boys. At times I was appalled at the way they were behaving and other times I understood that behavior.

Although the characters in this story didn’t end up being ones that I felt a connection with, I still enjoyed the fun storyline.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This is a lighthearted story based on Amish members of 2 nearby communities. I read a lot of Lillard’s work and this shows the same deft hand that she has with Plain communities and modernity. I knew where the book was going from the first chapter but it didn’t make it less enjoyable. It’s a fun breezy read.

I would say that the Astrid character was a little too close to Kappy King, the protagonist of a different series. The humor and pragmatism just kept that connection too close for me. This book doesn’t harp on the religious angle but focuses on day to day life. I enjoyed it.

Astrid Kauffman is Amish and a romance writer with writer’s block who, when the opportunity presented itself, also became a matchmaker. The opportunity was Imogene Yoder, a widow with twin boys. The man Astrid picks for Imogene is one she would pick for herself and the plot thickens …

My review …
To put it bluntly, I did not like this book. Okay, maybe I’m picky but I like my Amish characters to have names that “sound” right. Astrid!!! Really?? Then Imogene …

The two little boys. “Rambunctious” is what the description calls them. I call them out of control and not in a cute way. I found it hard to like Imogene even a little bit. She let her boys run over her, ignoring her completely. Imogene would cry and wring her hands & lock herself in the bathroom. I could almost hear her whining.

For me, Astrid’s character was more interested in making a match for Imogene than doing so in a Godly manner. Her use of a church service that isn’t in her district just to “bump” Imogene into her selected man rubbed this reviewer the wrong way.

By this time in the book, I had lost complete interest. So, no, I cannot recommend “The Amish Matchmaker” by Amy Lillard.

I received a complimentary e-ARC copy of “The Amish Matchmaker” via NetGalley from the publisher, Kensington Books, Zebra. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Rating: 2 stars
#TheAmishMatchmaker #NetGalley

What can be more fun than twin boys who are misbehaving and Astrid having been mistaken as an Amish matchmaker. One story that has twists and turns along with humor.
I was given an advanced reader copy by the author and I am under no obligation to give a positive review.

This was such a cute story! I just loved it. The characters were all so engaging. And it was a book that once you started, you kept right on reading. It was such a fun book. The book took right off from the beginning to end. No dull moments as Astrid becomes the matchmaker for Imogene, a widow with twin boys who needs a husband and father to help her. Astrid is a romance writer and is surprised at Imogene's request to help her find her match. But she's right on the job!
I loved the storyline, love, friendships and a few laughs along the way. It was a really enjoyable tale and I loved the humor when confusion hits! I loved the characters of the twin boys, Mattie and Mahlon who helped to add humor and a little chaos to the story. All in all, this book is a sure winner for all who love Amish fiction. Can't wait for book 3!

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

Bringing a new perspective to an Amish woman's role, The Amish Matchmaker expands the boundaries. Astrid Kauffman tests the traditions by writing romance books. During a bout of writer's block, Astrid agrees to help Imogene Yoder find a love match. Can anything good come from this mission? Throw in two rambunctious but precocious twin boys, Astrid has her hands full. When things go a little to array, Astrid must decide if the best match is really the best.
I love how the characters in here were true to life. The twins added the fun but innocent factor to the story. The story holds one attention until the end. I highly recommend this book and series. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

Delightful

Yes, Astrid Kaufman really is a romance writer, but she is most definitely not a matchmaker. However, when Imogene Yoder seeks Astrid out for her matchmaking skills, Astrid neglects to correct her error. Instead, she takes on the matchmaking job thinking that it will help her get over her writer's block. Astrid's decision leads to some very interesting events as she targets a widower that she feels would be Imogene's perfect match. Ah, but the course of true love never did run smoothly, and such is the case with Astrid's matchmaking. While her matchmaking skills did not make for a smooth course, they definitely made for some very entertaining and surprising events, making this a delightful story that you are sure to enjoy.

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions and comments are strictly my own.

This book is a wonderful read! It's a heartwarming fun Amish romance that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy from Kensington Books, Zebra via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This book started out so good. An amish romance author playing matchmaker. Sounds good right and newish. But the book took a different turn than I expected. It was entertaining, the romance was as always very sweet. But nothing new if i am allowed to say it. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest

From one of my favorite genres comes a heartwarming Amish tale. Amy does such a wonderful job and I really do love her style of writing. I called this heartwarming because that's just what this is. It's about love, family and learning life's lessons along the way. Yes, there's some places that made me snicker along the way too. One phrase stood out to me and it is a gentle reminder that God is in control always and sometimes it take a hard lesson to learn like it did for Astrid although in a way it was funny. But, life is funny sometimes too. But only because it wasn't how God planned it. It was how we planned it not Him. I loved this book because it was interesting in how things turned out. Lillard has a way of doing that for her readers. She keeps you glued to the book until the story is finished. I loved every minute of it. Especially Mattie and Mahlon. They are what made this story. So adorable and mischievous. 5 stars for an awesome story and writing. It's a story that I highly recommend My thanks for a copy if this book I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Amish romance writer, Astrid Kauffman, is suffering writer’s block. When Imogene Yoder knocks on her door thinking Astrid is the local Amish Matchmaker, Astrid realizes this is the perfect opportunity for a new storyline, so she goes along with the ruse. Yes, she is in over her head, but the adventure will keep you turning pages and at times laughing at the antics of Imogene Yoder’s ten-year-old twin boys, Matthew and Mahlon. They are rambunctious but their little hearts are in the right place. Author Amy Lillard writes with a unique style, a special sense of humor and is hands on when it comes to researching the Amish way of life. I recommend you add this to your stash!
I received a complimentary copy from Net Galley. The opinions are my own.

I am a big fan of Amish fiction, especially when I need something light and heartwarming to escape into. This is my first title by Amy Lillard, but it will not be my last. First of all, I love her style of writing. Her voice really shines through in an upbeat, charming manner, which really helps draw the reader into the story. The characters- I felt way more invested into Imogene's romance. Astrid's character was developed, but her love story felt a little forced, taking a backburner to Imogene and her adorable boys. I needed more detail and moments between Astrid and Ira to really understand why and how the conclusion came to be. It fell flat for me and I hated that because it had so much potential, especially paired with Imogene's story. Overall, I loved this charming read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC! All opinions expressed are my own.

I really enjoyed this read, it quickly became a page turner, loved how Amish Romance writer Astrid Kauffman mistakenly becomes, or I should say tries to be a matchmaker.

As the read evolved, I did figure out how the story was heading, but the journey for answers is is great, and I was surprised how everything worked out.

Be ready for some cuteness with Imogene's twin, mischievous, delightful sons, and catalyst to a new family!

Now this is the second book in this series, but it is really a stand alone, you will not be lost.

I am really looking for more from this author, and another great read!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.

2 -2.5 stars
I usually love Amy Lillard books. This one was just okay. I go into these books knowing it going to be a “happily ever after” story, but I at least want it to entertain me and give me a little pause onto what is going to happen next. This book just did not do any of that. Lillard was so transparent how this would all end. The Amish Matchmaker is good enough and if this is the type of book you are looking for, you will enjoy it. I typically do, just not this book.


I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.

Readers who love Amish fiction will enjoy this story. It's rather predictable but the characters are well crafted and likeable. Second chances at love for all even when unexpected. The twins were quite the handful! Enjoyable!

This is a fun story filled with multiple characters, twists and turns, adorable twin boys that are clever and strong willed plus unexpected romance happening. Lillard has a way of creating unique plots with this one being exactly that. The unexpected events often found the twins taking center stage with their antics, plus surprises, humor and new beginnings for all.

Thank you to the publisher Kensington/Zebra books and NetGalley for an ARC of this story without any obligation to write a positive review. I have shared my own thoughts.

Fun with a twist. Astrid, Imogene, Jesse, Ira, Mahlon, and Mattie are wonderful and fun characters. Reading this story is a joyful read. Expect the unexpected. Two sets of twins and the tricks begin and add a set of twin puppies, lots of scheming, friendships, love, and a twist... Who could ask for more. I was blessed with an advanced copy of this book to read and give my honest review and I have not been disappointed. Thank You Amy Lillard, I truly enjoyed this book.