My thoughts: Sometimes love comes softly, catching you by surprise. That was the case in THE PROMISE OF EASTER. Anna pretty much hated Matthew for killing her brother, but she didn't know the whole story. As Matthew helps out her family, she realizes he was not the man she thought he was. A good lesson on forgiveness and the way Amish celebrate Easter, and a sweet Amish romance. A couple recipes are included. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

The Promise of Easter by Marta Perry, book five in her Promise Glen series, is an inspiring and heartwarming tale of forgiveness and holiday celebrations in the Amish community. Matthew King has returned home to Promise Glen after an extended absence, feeling a bit like the prodigal son with the shadow of his best friend’s death still looming over his shoulder. While most everyone welcomes him back with open arms, Anna Stoltzfus still blames him for her brother’s tragic accident. The more time they spend together, however, the more he desperately wants her forgiveness; and her love. Anna and Matthew were wonderful and caring people who had to let go of the hurts and obstacles keeping them apart. As the story progresses, those feelings and stirrings of hope that the first signs of spring as well as Easter bring; that promise of new life and restoration can be found between the lines. Not only for Matthew and Anna but also for another family hurting and in need of grace.

Ms. Perry wrote a wonderfully sweet and moving story that had me feeling all the emotions; smiling, tearing up, crying of heartbreak, and the handling of mental well-being. The message of love, faith, and forgiveness stood strong; making this sweet and inspirational read one I could not put down, drawing me in, making me forget it was fiction. I highly recommend The Promise of Easter to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Marta Perry’s books are always a delightful way to spend an afternoon or a weekend, and The Promise of Easter is no exception. I especially love this Promise Glen setting, which we’ve had the joy of visiting on the pages for several books in the Amish Holiday series and The Promise Glen series just before it. There’s something so cozy about Promise Glen and, even though the community is not without its problems or sins, relatable characters and heartwarming plots abound nonetheless. Don’t worry, though, if you haven’t read the others; it works just fine as a standalone title.

Matthew King has returned home to Promise Glen after an extended absence, and he feels a bit like the prodigal son with the shadow of his best friend’s death still looming over his shoulder. And while most everyone welcomes him back with open arms, Anna Stoltzfus still blames him for her brother’s tragic accident. The more time they spend together, however, the more he desperately wants her forgiveness – and her love. I really enjoyed meeting Anna and Matthew. Their characters were nicely layered, and while they had obstacles (both internal and external) to work through it was never overly dramatic. Instead, as readers move through these pages, they will feel the same stirrings of hope that the first signs of Spring bring to us – the promise of new life and restoration lingering between the lines. Not only for Matt and Anna but also for a hurting little family in need of grace.

Bottom Line: The Promise of Easter addresses several meaningful themes, including survivor’s guilt, PTSD, depression, faith and forgiveness. Yet Perry does this with a tender touch, never making the tone too heavy or the solutions too trite. Readers will fall in love with Matt, Anna, their families and their community, and you’ll close the book with a smile in your heart. An uplifting romance set during a season when new life, grace, and redemption are contemplated and celebrated. Looking forward to book 3!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

This book is a perfect definition of snuggles. It was one cozy, enjoyable and a perfect contemporary holiday romance that I couldn’t seem to get enough of. It was a sweet story, that very handled the topic of mental well-being. I loved the characters. Along with that, the word-building and pacing was simply marvellous.

The Promise of Easter is another sweet entry in Marta Perry's Promise Glen series. I really appreciate how she incorporates mental health issues within the Amish community. I really enjoyed it!