This is a second chance romance that was a joy to read. Eliza and Levi's story is a heartwarming read that is full of forgiveness and learning to trust again. If you enjoy Amish romance, you will love 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 is the second book in this series, and yes, they can be read alone, we do have recurring characters. This is Levi and Eliza's story, life long friends, but when something happens and Levi leaves, now there is need of forgiveness.
When the story begins, Levi has returned to his Shadow Lake community upon the death of his dad, can he go home again?
This story does deal with forgiveness, but it also has a lot of compassion, and deals with health issues, along with relationships, and then how our own minds perceive things!
I loved how Elsa's mom talks her daughter into making a forgiveness quilt, and thus we have the title of this read, but also maybe a path to help these two friends.
We could all take lessons from this Amish community and how they rally around those in need.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.

This is a sweet story. Not exactly my taste. The story moved very slow to me. I was drawn to it from the title and honestly did not understand it was an Amish story. (Looking back, I do not see how I did not realize that!) I found it interesting, but would probably not continue to read this genre. If you enjoy books centered with an Amish theme, I am sure you will love this book.

Thank you to Kensington Books, Zebra and NetGalley for allowing me to read the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.

"The Forgiving Quilt" by Lenora Worth
Zebra
November 29, 2022
10-1420152475

The Amish community of Shadow Lake, located near Lake Erie, Pennsylvania, is the setting for book #2 in the Shadow Lake series. When Eliza King breaks her leg after falling off a ladder in the barn, she is laid up for weeks. Wearing a cast and in constant pain, she is frustrated she isn't able to attend to her animals on the family farm. On a visit to her English doctor, she gets a recommendation for a young man in town who is an experienced farrier looking for part-time work. Jonah, Eliza's brother-in-law, handles most of the duties, but he cannot manage everything on his own, so Eliza and her mother agree to have this man come for an interview.

Though Eliza can no longer perform laborious tasks, she continues to visit her favorite horses, where she finds solitude and peace. Imagine her surprise when the man slotted to work for them is none other than Levi Lapp. She and Levi were close as teenagers and Eliza often wondered about a future with him, but one night at age 17, when Levi kissed her passionately, Eliza got caught up in the passion and was fearful they'd get carried away. She rushed home to report he had taken advantage of her, and not long after her frightening experience, he left town. Did he leave because of her? Did she tarnish his name? She doesn't know, but she surprisingly misses him, though she will never forgive him, believing he acted inappropriately.

Now, after several years, he's back. His father passed away and his mother is not well, so he has returned home to care for his family and their farm. When he spots Eliza in the barn, he is hesitant. She gasps and orders him to leave, but Jonah insists they give him a two-week trial and if things don't work out, he will go. He is experienced in caring for animals, and his help is greatly needed, so they can't turn him away.

Eliza wants no part of him and is distressed. She loves spending her time with her horses, but now she won't, with him in attendance. She understands they need someone, but why does it have to be him? She is angry and frightened, but still, the sight of the handsome young man gets her heart racing.

Meanwhile, Levi is ashamed of his actions when he was young, but he was infatuated with Eliza, and upon seeing her now, he realizes those feelings never waned. While Eliza does her best to keep her distance from him, he knows he must apologize to her and set things straight. Even after all this time, he still is in love with her and wants to make up for his transgressions. As they are pulled together time and time again, the old spark rekindles.

Eliza's mind is in turmoil. She too, still has feelings for him, but how can this be? After he came on to her so eagerly, how can she feel desire for him? She confides in her two sisters and her mother; they insist she and Levi clear the air. Her "mamm" also recommends she design a quilt, which could work toward her forgiving him. Eliza dislikes quilting and would much rather spend time with her animals or reading in the apple orchard, but she agrees. Each of the squares she designs signifies moments Levi and she spend together as they work toward reconciling. And they both are surprised their old feelings are renewed.

Somewhat implausible these days is that a virtuous kiss between two teens would cause such hoopla, but the Amish are naïve and chaste, so in their upbringing, a kiss may be seen as forbidden. However, the way this is portrayed in this book is as though their kissing went much further, which is possibly an apt portrayal of how they are raised in this regard. Their principles seem heartening considering the ways of youngsters today who show little concern for propriety.

Will Eliza forgive Levi, and can they reignite the feelings they once held? Eliza realizes she would like nothing more than to spend her life with Levi, but when his mother offers a confidential proposal to her, can she comply? And what if Levi finds out? Will he go along? As the two mend fences, Eliza hates keeping secrets from him, and if he knew, would he reject her after they've finally come to accept each other? Many questions are answered in "The Forgiving Quilt."

3.5 stars

This is the second installment in the Shadow Lake series, and it would be best to read them in order, as this picks up where the first book ended. That way, the reader will gain a better appreciation for the story and the carryover characters. A key theme is forgiveness, and I love how the author tied that to the quilt. Fans of Amish stories, or sweet romances, will enjoy this book.

The Forgiving Quilt by Lenora Worth is book two in her Shadow Lake series. I have not read the first book and it in no way detracted from this book.

Eliza King and Levi Lapp grew up together and dated for a while before Levi left the Amish community. Now he has returned and is working for Eliza’s family. Can the two of them become friends again? Could they rekindle their romance?

The main focus of this novel was forgiveness and turning away from the bitterness of your past. As a lover of Amish fiction, I enjoyed this second chance Amish romance.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this in return for my honest review.

As always, Lenora Worth had written another delightful book. She incorporates spiritual words that make you think and realize God is in control. She also talks about forgiveness and second chances. The Memory Quilt is the first book in the series and I recommend reading it first before this one because some of the characters make a reappearance in this book.

All words and opinions are my own. I was given a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest opinion.

I thought The Forgiving Quilt was a sweet and delightful Amish story. I am giving it four and a half stars. I would love to read more by Lenora Worth in the future.

Eliza King is taking care of the horses among other jobs at the family hotel when she gets injured and has to take some time to recuperate. Her brother-in-law hires Levi Lapp to work in the stables in her place. Levi is someone Eliza knew when she was younger and he has just returned to the area. There is a spark there but some old hurts and resentments. This is a great continuation of a series about the King sisters and their family's historic inn. I am enjoying this series and look forward to the next installment.

I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my own honest opinion.

The Forgiving Quilt by Lenora Worth is her second addition to the Shadow Lake series. Release date is November 29, 2022. Thank you Kensington Books, Zebra for allowing me to read an advance copy of the book. I was not required to give a positive review.

Eliza King and Levi Lapp had been friends since childhood. Everything was fine until Levi tried to advance their friendship too quickly. Because of this Levi left the community for a while and has now returned.

Levi needs a job to help support his family and the only job available is at the King’s stable. Needless to say Eliza is very taken back when Levi appears back in her life.

I am very impressed with the way Leona uses this story to explain the true lesson of forgiveness. We are quickly shown that forgiveness is a two-way street and show how a quilt can help you express your true feelings.

This is a well thought out and well written book that any Amish fiction lover will enjoy.

Pre Order your Copt of this 5-star book today.

I loved this second chance Amish Romance . The characters captured my heart and I thought the story was entertaining. I was quickly drawn into the book and enjoyed the story line. The main point of the story was about forgiveness and turning away from bitterness about the past. Amish fiction has always been one of my favorite genres and this book didn’t disappoint. It was an easy to read book and had a nice ending.

Eliza King and Levi Lapp grew up together and attended the same school. When they were teens they dated until Levi tried to take advantage of Eliza and she broke up with him. Levi eventually left the community without even saying goodbye to Eliza. Years later when his father dies he returns home and decides to stay to help his mother and younger siblings. In need of work he applies for a job working at Eliza’s family Inn horse stable. She doesn’t want him there but her brother-in-law has already hired him. Eliza usually works in the stables with the horses but an injury has forced her to take a sick leave. They’re short handed and really need Levi and his knowledge of horses but Eliza doesn’t intend to make things easy for him. Levi has apologized for his actions on that long ago night but she’s not going to forgive and forget that easily. After what he tried to do when they courted years ago can she really trust him now ?

I recommend this book to readers of Amish Fiction and to fans of the Author. This is book two of the Shadow Lake Inspirational Romance series by Lenora Worth. I recommend that book one The Memory Quilt be read before this book because the story continues from where the first book stopped. Most of the characters that were in book one are a part of this book also.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are my own.

#TheForgivingQuilt#NetGalley

I have a huge weakness for Amish novels. It doesn't matter who they are by or whether they are a series. I love this novel and love that the main character was able to step aside from her own pride and hire her nemesis from high school. This decision allowed her to focus on her own recovery and leads to providing Levi with a second chance! Definitely recommend this read!

Thank you to Netgalley for the ability to read this as an ARC.