This if the first book I’ve read by this author and I completely fell in love with the storyline.
The characters were well developed, the story was nicely paced. I can’t wait to read more from this author.


My thanks for a complimentary copy of this book.

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie

This is the first novel that I have read by this author, and it won’t be the last! Faith Kemp invited me into this sweet Amish romance from the beginning, and I was happy to stay in Charity Creek, Indiana throughout. Each of the characters are defined well through their actions, expressions, and conversations. The descriptions of Faith, especially, then Mercy and Daniel, were so excellent, I could feel what Faith had experienced. Third in a series, each one focuses on a different person, so each can be read as standalones.

Faith returned to her parents’ home after several years of searching for her twin sister, Mercy, who had run away. Amish teens have a period of time of before they are baptized and become members of their church when they see some of the world outside their Amish district. They might have non-Amish friends, dress as non-Amish teens do, have a cell phone, and some will even get a car. This is their opportunity to learn about the English/ outside world before becoming a member of the church and settling down with an Amish spouse. Faith was always content living in community with other Amish people. Her twin sister, Mercy, was not. Mercy left, and her family didn’t know where she went.

Faith was determined to find Mercy and bring her home. She never gave up her Amish garb or beliefs, and lived the Amish life to the best of her ability, including not using electricity in rooms she rented, while seeking her sister. She followed every lead she could; when running low on funds, she would get another job and work until saving enough money to continue searching.

When she found Mercy, her twin was living far from the values they were raised with. She was working two jobs to pay all the bills while her boyfriend played video games. Faith rented a room nearby, and would go clean her apartment as well as work so Mercy could rest. After Mercy gave birth to her baby girl, Faith took the little one, who she named Rose, back home. The sisters had agreed that it was the best thing for Rose considering her boyfriend didn’t care for babies and Faith adored little ones. It wasn’t easy, as several Amish women speculated that Rose was really Faith’s baby. Anyone who knew the sisters for any length of time believed Faith, but there was still much whispering and gossip bandied about.

Daniel, whose family lives on the next farm, had a crush on Faith long before she left to find Mercy. They began talking with each other for the first time since her return. When they want to get to know each other better, neither are sure how the other one feels and several things happened.

Shortly before Faith returned, her parents made plans to sell the farm, but didn’t tell her when she returned. Malachi, the new owner, arrived. She panicked, wondering how she could make enough money to support herself and Rose. The new owner would allow her parents to spend the rest of their lives in the small grandparents’ house on the property. In their correspondence with Malachi, they told him about Faith. He is looking for an Amish wife. She always wanted to be a wife and mother, but hoped to choose her husband. Her parents want her to consider Malachi. What could she tell Daniel?

Then, what Faith had hoped and prayed about over five years, happened. Mercy came home, but not to become Amish or marry an Amish man. She wanted her precious little girl who Faith had been raising for close to a year.

Full of family drama, faith, and emotions, this novel is captivating and satisfying in every way. The characters are very well depicted through words, actions, hopes and dreams. While I don’t typically read romance novels, I do appreciate Amish fiction and enjoyed getting to know these young women, Daniel, and Malachi. Each is unique, and Faith in particular was very courageous to leave the sheltered community she loved to find her twin and bring her baby home to raise.

I like how the author explained some of the Amish practices as it was very helpful. While the list of Pennsylvania Dutch words in the back were helpful, there were several words not included. Overall, this is an excellent novel, especially for those who appreciate Amish novels, sweet romance, and family drama, and I highly recommend it.

The Gift of Faith may be mainly about Faith Kemp, but it’s Baby Rosie who is the star of this sweet Amish romance. Her giggles and smiles and attachment to Daniel Kanagy were always adorable whenever she was in a scene. Her Aunt Faith moved heaven and earth to begin raising her when her mother (Faith’s twin sister) was locked into her own bad decisions, and the bond between Faith and Rosie is so sweet. As an aunt myself, I really loved watching them together. However, it’s the bond between mother and daughter – no matter how long they’ve been apart – that really tugged at my heart. Faith’s emotional struggle over letting Mercy be the mom to Rosie that she should have been from the start – the kind that Faith has been to Rosie – also engaged my own emotions, and I really liked how the author handled it.

Faith is the kind of character who will put everyone else ahead of herself, allowing people like her twin sister and even her parents to take advantage of her for the sake of what she thinks the greater good requires. Not out of insecurity but rather out of her love for them, and I have to admit that I could relate to Faith a little bit on this as well. She’s the kind of friend everyone wants… but also the kind that nobody really pays attention to, taking for granted that she will be there, helping, because that’s what she does. This is partly what makes Daniel such a perfect match for her – because he values Faith for who she is and wants to be the support for her that she is being for everyone else. I loved this about Daniel’s character so much, and I loved them together. I do wish they had communicated a bit better with each other, to avoid misunderstandings, but what’s a romance novel without these obstacles to happily-ever-after, right?

Bottom Line: The Gift of Faith, though it’s the third book in Kristen McKanagh’s series, can easily be read as a standalone, and readers will fall in love with Faith, Daniel, and of course baby Rosie. The characters are warm, the plot engaging, and the theme relatable to our everyday lives, and McKanagh does a good job of taking readers through a range of emotions – from frustration to empathy to joy. Fans of Charlotte Hubbard or Susan Lantz Simpson will likely enjoy this series as well.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

This story kept me reading to find out what was going to happen next! I loved the way Daniel went out of his way to help Faith. I also loved how good he was with baby Rose.

I was frustrated that these two continually jumped to conclusions or made decisions with only partial facts. Simple conversations, asking a question, or making a clarifying statement now and then would have solved a lot of heartache. However, it would have also made for a short story instead of a novel! So, even though I kept wanting the two main characters to speak their feelings, the fact that they didn’t added some great tension to the story.

The novel had a good faith message, however, I was a bit surprised when the Lord’s name was taken in vain by a side character once and another time when there was a curse word uttered by a stranger.

Overall, I enjoyed this Amish tale and reading something from a new to me author.

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

Another book about the Kanagy boys. I love that family! If you haven’t read book one, The Gift of Hope, and book two, The Gift of Joy, I heartily recommend you do.

I stayed fully involved in this story from beginning to end. Main characters Faith and Daniel are very well developed and true to life. Both are dealing with issues; they are drawn together in spite of themselves. Once friends, can they rebuild that friendship and work together? Secondary characters include sister Mercy who jumped the fence, and a new character looking for a farm and a wife. Will he find one?

A story of second and even third chances, family, and faith, if you enjoy Amish fiction you’ll want to read The Gift of Faith.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

The Gift of Faith by Kristen McKanagh, book three in her Unexpected Love series, tugs at your heart, holding you hostage until the very last page; a story I could not put down. Faith Knapp has returned home in Charity Creek Indiana after finally finding her twin sister Mercy who had run away. Faith arrived bringing Mercy's baby with her, to raise while her sister straightens out her life. Faith's main focus is baby Rose; as taking care of her has given her purpose and resolve. Faith reestablishes her friendship with Daniel Kanagy, a friendship that brings them together, blooming into a mutual trust and support for each other. As their friendship deepens, challenging and unexpected situations rise up. Mercy’s arrival affects everyone and everything. Faith is overwhelmed with many emotions: Rose her niece, the feelings she has for Daniel, and her sister. She is trying to figure out G-d's will for her within the community; a progression of testing faith, and whether or not she will sacrifice her happiness for her sister. Some of the situations are painful, and some involve difficult decisions, but all will require a reliance on faith and trust in G-d. This was a beautiful story of forgiveness, love for a sister, a sweet baby, and two people who loved each other.

Ms. Kanagh wrote a wonderfully sweet and moving story that had me feeling all the emotions; smiling, tearing up, crying of heartbreak, and frustration with some of the characters. The message of love, faith, and forgiveness stood strong; making this sweet and inspiration read one I could not put down, draw me in, making me forget it was fiction. I highly recommend The Gift of Faith to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Sweet Amish romance set in Charity Creek, Indiana by a new to me author.

After searching for her twin sister Mercy for years, Faith returns home with Mercy's child Rose. Judgment is harsh in her community even though Rose isn't Faith's child.

Shy and reserved Daniel is a breath of fresh air as he clearly doesn't harbor ill will as a first reaction. Instead, he has an open and welcoming perspective. My favorite quote in the novel is his:

"Then again, he found most people took their cues from those around them, rather then deciding on the best behavior for themselves."

At times, Faith and Daniel made me want to shake them. If they would only communicate their feelings, their journey could have been easier. Their chosen vocations were interesting...bee keeping and flower arranging.

Enjoyable Amish romance novel. I would definitely read other novels by the author.

What a beautifully written story. This is a heartwarming story that is full of emotions, once you start reading it you don't want to stop. It's a sweet romance full of forgiveness and God's grace. I recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Amish fiction.
I received a complimentary copy from Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Faith Knapp has returned home in Charity Creek Indiana after finding her twin sister Mercy who had run away. Faith has come home with Mercy's baby to raise while Mercy gets her life straight. Faith's main focus is on Rose. Taking care of her has given her purpose and resolve. Daniel who is childhood friend and a neighbor is taken with Faith. He has kept his feelings to himself but knows that Faith needs a friend more than him declaring his love for her. Faith has similar feelings but she knows she can't act on them. Their emotions and friendship grows in Daniel helping Faith with her flower business and Faith taking an interest in his bee business. Everything changes when Mercy comes home. Is she home to take away Rose or did God send her home as a prodigal?

Faith is dealing with many emotions. Rose her niece, the feelings she has for Daniel, and her sister. She is also trying to figure out God's will for her in the community. It was a progression of testing faith. What is faith? How it plays with decisions and relationships. It was a tear jerker for me because with faith there is sacrifice. Usually the sacrifice is painful but with sacrifice done in love, beauty comes from the pain. It was beautiful story of love for a sister, a sweet baby, and two people that loved each other. A favorite one for me this year.

A special thank you to Berkley Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

The Gift of Faith is a gift that kept giving throughout this read! It became a page turner for me, knowing what I wanted to happen! This is a story of sweet romance, often from afar, but it is also a story of forgiveness and going home.
I loved the faith shown by some of the characters, while others were not living their faith, as we are immersed in Amish culture.
The old you can't go home again, when a wayward sister comes back, can she conform to the requirements her faith requires? This is actually her twin sister's story, a young woman who has been there her whole life for her sister, including taking care and raising her infant.
Faith renews her aquaintance with Daniel, and soon there is an attraction blooming, but will Faith sacrifice her happiness for her sister? Well, you will soon be looking for answers, and they come, but will they be what you were hoping for?
When the last page was turned, I wanted more!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Berkley, and was not required to give a positive review.