Oh my goodness, what a story! Kelly Irvin always does a tremendous job riding her stories, But this one is one of the best of the best.
The Heart’s Bunding is Rachel and Toby‘s story. Toby Miller works in his family’s auction business, and Rachel teaches special Need children in their hometown school. Because they both have siblings with disabilities one would naturally assume they are drawn together by circumstances. Although this is true, each has their own reasons for not being willing to trust their heart to love.

Every character in this book is unique, and you are drawn to them each in a special way as you watch them grow throughout the story. They are so well developed that many times you forget you are reading a story, and these people are only real in your imagination.

The plot of the story is so interesting that you cannot wait until the next page but in no way, are you ready for the story to end. The store never lags, and you never lose interest in what you’re reading. The message is unforgettable.

On August 1, 2023, This book will be released and you will be able to enjoy the story also.
Thank you, Zondervan For allowing me to read an ARC, of this book. I recommend this five star read to everyone who enjoys Amish fiction. Opinions are my own, and I was not required to give a positive review.

Deeply Touched My Heart

Sometimes you read a book that just leaves you in awe of how deeply it touches your heart. Such is the case with Kelly Irvin’s The Heart’s Bidding.

First, you have Rachelle Lapp and Toby Miller. Each one has suffered through relationship issues in the past that have somewhat clouded their feelings on the subject of love and trust.They’ve also had situations in their work and families that weighed heavily on them and in turn had them facing some difficult decisions. All of this caused them to have some reservations which had an impact on their growing feelings for each other and their possible future. Following their journey completely tugged at my heart strings.

Next you have a wonderful cast of secondary characters, some of which were very special. This is a topic that doesn’t show up very often in this type of story. However, it is very clear that the author researched the topic extensively. The way she flawlessly detailed the characters’ dialogues, actions and reactions was so spot on that it made them feel like they were real.

Lastly there is another topic that rarely shows up in this type of story. That topic is about adults who never had their educational needs properly addressed in childhood and how it impacts them in adulthood. This too was depicted in such a realistic way that it deeply touched my heart.

Author Kelly Irvin has once again written a story that draws you in completely and touches your heart is a special way. It is one of love, hope, faith, trust and following God’s plan. It is a truly heartfelt story that I highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.

I have loved every book I have read of Kelly’s, and this one was no exception. I recommend this book to everyone. I was provided a copy by Netgalley but the opinions are mine.

We don't object to education. Our grandparents and their grandparents fought for the right to have our own schools and to end our formal education at the eighth grade because we want to preserve our way of life. There's a difference, in our opinion between book learning and education that teaches wisdom and values. We will allow you to teach reading, writing, math, but our concern is that they not learn your worldly values. ...To much formal education leads to arrogance and loss of humility... the teaching of evolutionary biology and sex education runs counter to our religious beliefs. ..To much exposure to your values will lead our children away from their faith. Our ancestors fought hard-even to death for the freedom to preserve our faith and way of life.

Amish teacher Rachelle loved teaching the young children of her community. With a little brother with a down syndrome and a few others in the community with disabilities, she loved watching those in her charge learn and that God is good. I was very drawn to this part of the story because it was so black and white and education now has become so gray. With education becoming so political and polarized, this was so refreshing. There of course is so much more to Rachelle's story. Toby Miller being one. An auctioneer by trade which is unusual by the Amish so it was a different take on Amish romance.

Toby and Rachelle grew up in the same community but they seem to be more aware of each other when Rachelle youngest brother wandered to a auction where Toby was doing his work using her brother Jonah as a prop. Not sitting well for her, she rebuked Toby for drawing attention to himself using her brother. Sometimes in situations like this, you need a match maker to smooth things out and reveal another side. Toby always admired Rachelle and the way she loved on her students. Especially his youngest sister Sadie who too had learning disabilities but looked at life with the attitude of life is great! Sadie and Jonah were best friends and brought a spiritual light to this romance. Both Toby and Rachelle had reasons for not finding spouses but very carefully they began to see each other in that way. They both had suffered set backs in their jobs however, it was learning experience in their faith and each other. I loved their story.

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

This was simply one of the best Amish fiction books I have read in a while! I'm a teacher, so I could totally relate to Rachelle and her heart for children, teaching, and learning. The kids were so adorable- I loved Sadie and Jonah.. The chemistry between Toby and Rachelle was so evident throughout the pages. Such a tender, heartfelt, joyful, inspiring Amish Christian read. I devoured it!
Thanks to #NetGalley and #Zondervan Fiction for the ARC.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Sweet Amish Romance at its very best. Kelly Irvin writes a heart felt story about an Amish School teacher who teaches students with developmental disabilities in an Amish class room. I found her book to be realistic and definitely an original in Amish fiction. The Author blended romance into the story when a busy auctioneer takes notice of the pretty school teacher. This is a faith filled story that drew me in till the last page. In this life we all have good and bad things that happen to us and the characters of this book also had good and bad times when unpredictable things became a part of their lives.

Rachelle Lapp teaches special education to developmental and disabled Amish students. She loves her students and is gifted special education. When the parents committee of the Lee’s Gulch Amish school decides to send out the Special students to an English school where they can get occupational teaching Rachelle’s future looks uncertain. Should she apply for a teaching position at another school or give up teaching altogether.

Toby Miller is an Auctioneer for his family’s successful auction business. Toby and his brothers and Dad are always away from home and on the road going from town to town wherever Business takes them. Toby is too busy to marry and settle down and what woman would want a man who is never at home. Then he meets pretty Rachelle Lapp and she turns his head and makes his heart beat. Would she agree to let an auctioneer who is on the road five months out of the year court her? It seems that his family wants to be matchmakers when it comes to Toby and Rachelle. Would he be setting himself up for a broken heart if he became more than a friend with Rachelle?

I recommend this book to readers of Amish Fiction and Christian Fiction. This is the first book of Kelly Irvin’s new Amish Calling series. The Hearts Bidding is scheduled to be released on 8/1/23

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#TheHeartsBidding#NetGalley

Tender. Humorous. Amish. Romantic. A great combo of adjectives to describe this story. I also like the sensitivity used in having some children, and even adults, with learning disabilities included as characters in this book as it can give enlightenment to any caring person who wishes greater understanding in relating to people with such challenges in life. Among the Amish they are affectionally called, "special" and feature throughout the unfolding narrative.

The relationship between Toby and Rachelle keeps them, and incidently the reader, on a teeter-totter of quizzical dynamics. Will they, or will they not, get it together?

A 4-Star rating from me.

~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

June 2023

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

I found the start to the Amish Calling series by Kelly Irvin, The Heart's Bidding, to be a good and sweet piece of Amish fiction. Four and a half stars.

3.5 stars
A wonderful Christian mystery. I had not read this book before, but apparently it is a re-release and has been updated. Kelly Irvin is one of my favorite authors and this book is why. Action packed and very hard to put down!

The first book in Kelly Irvin’s newest series will leave you smiling and ready for more! The Heart’s Bidding is the story of Rachelle and Toby. Toby is an auctioneer on the road for six months out of the year. He believes no woman will want to be in a relationship like that. Rachelle is a teacher for special needs students in their Amish district. But the children will be going to an English school and she is at loose ends. The sparks are flying between the two, but both are afraid of what may come. Can they work together and trust God to show them His perfect plan? A delightful story with a message of hope and trust, you won’t want to miss it!

The Heart’s Bidding is my first Kelly Irvin, but it won’t be my last. I very much enjoyed reading this Amish story. Rachelle’s teaching job that she loves is at an end, and she may have to take a job in a neighboring community. Toby and his family run an Amish Auctioneering company which keeps him away from home for a good portion of the year. Through quite a few difficult circumstances and troubles, Toby and Rachelle try to figure out if God’s plan for them includes them being together.

I enjoyed the main storyline of Toby and Rachelle’s relationship, although Toby’s stubbornness did get a little aggravating. I also really enjoyed the supporting storyline of Toby’s sister Layla’s relationship with the new guy in the community as well as her ability and desire to fill an unconventional job for an Amish female. Toby and Rachelle both also had younger siblings with developmental disabilities, which was another great storyline in the book.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading Amish fiction. And I will be checking out more Kelly Irvin stories for myself in the future.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I so enjoyed reading about Tom and Rachelle’s lives. It started with learning about Tom’s family auction business and the intricate work that had to be done to keep the business alive and well. When grandpa announces his retirement it unearths some different issues that had never been issues before . In the Amish community things are done a certain way and roles based on gender and order of birth are very prominent in their lives . Tom worries that being away from home for months at a time (due to his auction business ) would be too much for a wife and yet in the back of his mind and heart he yearns for love and companionship. Rachelle enters in. She is an amazing teacher who has dreams of her own and none include Tom until she starts to know him. This books reminds us all that God is in charge of our lives and although sometimes it appears that nothing can be resolved or a relationship couldn’t work with God everything is in possible . This book discusses an interesting topic : those with intellectual and learning disabilities who are Amish and how the entire Amish community work together to help them to help them rise to their potential . It really fascinated me and made me want to learn more.
As a bonus as part of this book Micah and Layla (Tom’s sister ) story begins . I’m excited to read more of their journey.
I enjoyed reading Tom and Rachelles story about finding love and finding where God wanted them and who He wanted them to be with. Beautiful story .

Thank you for the free copy I received from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review .

Loved the story of Toby and Rachelle and how they advocate so well for their siblings who have intellectual disabilities. It was interesting to think how the Amish would differ in how they value children with different abilities. Jonah and Sadie were such sweet kids who had such a love for life and those who were their friends and family.

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

When I see that Kelky Irwin has released another book, my reading heart gives a little cheer because I know it will be a great read! The Heart's Bidding did not disappoint. It has such interesting characters. I loved the inclusion of children with special needs, and how the Amish cherished them. It was interesting to watch Toby and Rachelle develop a relationship together after going through painful prior courting experiences.

This is a love story, but not what you think, it's the love and acceptance of everyone.

We are given a girl whose heart loves teaching, and her job is teaching the children with special needs. Rachelle Lapp is a young Amish woman, and is one of 13 children, with a brother being special. She has a gift, and we watch her students bloom under her guidance.

We also meet Toby, a traveling auctioneer, he also has a special needs sister, and these two, Rachelle and Toby and thrown together by matchmaking parents, siblings, and community.

This is a page turner, and a heart warming read, yes, there are ups and downs, but this is a Faith based story, and I loved it!

Now I can't wait for the next book in this series!

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

Toby and Rachelle are just starting a relationship. But there are problems. Toby is away a lot for his family's auction business. And Rachelle just found out that she is soon to lose her teaching job which means she may have to move to another town for work. Can they make it work out? Sweet Amish romance

It's been a long while since I read a book by this author and I really, really liked it. This is book one in the her Amish Calling series. Twenty nine year old Tody Miller works for his families auction company. He travels a lot throughout the year, which has kept him basically the forever bachelor. He thinks no Amish maidel would understand his long stretches away from home that would keep him from being the husband and father he would want to be.
Rachelle Lapp, is a teacher who works with the developmentally challenged students. Both Toby and Rachelle have a siblings that she teaches. She finds herself out of a job when the school board decides to send those students to public school due to better available resources. Both families try a bit of matchmaking but it will take more than that for these two to come together. This is one of those books you keep reading til it's done. Love how well the author tied in the complexities Autism. They are such beatiful, delightful children.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

What a sweet and wonderful read!
Irvin has once again brought wonderful characters to life with realistic challenges that life's journey threw at them along the way.
I didn't want this story to end.
I loved the friendship that was portrayed through Toby and Rachelle.
There were a few times that I wanted to scream at the characters, especially
Toby.. Oh my goodness! that man was
so stubborn, I feel like and selfish. But overall, he's a good guy.
He just needed to let God in and let Him steer Toby in the right direction. Same with Rachelle. However, she is determined to be helpful in any way she can. That's why I like her.
Some tough subjects and wonderful inspirational messages that go along with the subjects.
This was a great read and one that I couldn't put down. I highly recommend it! 5 stars for some excellent writing and a job well done!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
5 stars for a job well done!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own

This was a cute story mostly about kids and how that adapted learning how to deal with school. It was a great book about having faith I'm school. The characters were good too.this book was approved by netgalley and the publisher for me to read and review

Kelly Irvin has done it again. The Hearts Bidding is an absolutely wonderful, sweet love-story between Rachel Lapp and Toby Miller.

The Hearts bidding is a perfectly put together easy read, well-paced, thoughtfully written and one that you won’t want to put down.

I personally can’t wait for the next book to come out! 😉

Rating: 5 Stars
Release Date: August 1, 2023
I received complimentary ARC copy of this story from its publisher and author (Thank you!! I loved being a part of this book) via NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion, I was in no way required to give a positive review.