Hattie is determined to make Christian happy once again, but the situations she finds herself in are just hysterical. Plus it seems everyone knows about this secret bet except for Christian! In WHEN HATTIE FINDS LOVE I loved Hattie and Christian, the primary characters, but also fell in love with all of the secondary characters. Every one of them has an important part to play in this heart warming story and even though I wanted to reach in and shake some sense into one or two of them every now and then, they all weaseled their way into my heart. This story is so funny and I found myself giggling out loud many many times. My emotions were all over the place and I was even reaching for the tissues quite a few times. Christian and Hattie are both hiding painful pasts and are afraid of being exposed at any moment. Will they learn to forgive themselves and begin to live again?

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Fresh Fiction and Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

You can read my full review at http://www.freshfiction.com soon.

Widowed Hattie Schrock makes a simple bet with her sister Elsie that she can change Christian Beachy sad demeanor. Well, it seemed simple when she made the bet to scrub pots for a year. A lively story whom charators are mostly widowed. Hattie belongs to the ladies group and Christian, also a widower belongs to his all male community group. When the ladies decide to host a Sadie Hawkins fund raiser, Hattie sees this as her opportunity to help Christian smile more. When awkardness changes to interests both find themselves in a friendship that could possibly be a little more.
Enjoyable story!

When Hattie Finds Love by Amy Lillard takes us back to Paradise Valley where Hattie Schrock makes a bet with her cousin, Elsie. Hattie is always smiling and has a positive outlook. She has noticed that Christian Beachy has a continual frown and is perpetually grumpy. Hattie only has a short amount of time to turn Christian’s frown upside down. When Hattie Finds Love is easy to read. I like Amy Lillard’s friendly writing style. I quickly found myself drawn into the story. Hattie is a woman with a sunny disposition. She is a likeable and relatable character. Hattie and her cousin, Elsie, have lived together a long time. They are competitive. Elsie enjoys goading Hattie (it is a good thing that Hattie is not a violent person). Of course, I would not want to wash those big copper vats for a year either (the bet). Christian has a different personality from Hattie. Circumstances and grief can change a person. When you do the same tasks day after day, you can find yourself in a rut. I found myself rooting for Christian. I also wanted to see Hattie win the bet. I laughed often while reading this cute tale. I had to chuckle each time Christian wondered about the identity of Sadie Hawkins (he evidently never read Li’l Abner). I like that the author included pickleball I enjoyed catching up with the other ladies of the Whoopie Pie Widow’s Club. While When Hattie Finds Love is the fourth book in the Paradise Valley series, it can be read as a standalone (it is a charming series). When Hattie Finds Love is about family, friendship, self-discovery, second chances, and faith. The descriptions of the tasty treats (whoopie pies, unique popcorn flavors, and more) will have your mouth watering (except the pickle flavored popcorn). When Hattie Finds Love is a sweet story with an abnormal bet, a grumpy Gus, a Sadie Hawkins happening, a whoopie pie rivalry, curious popcorn flavors, a gossipy sister, and a second chance.

A Delightful Story

Hattie and Christian's story was such a delight to read! It was so enjoyable and had me smiling and laughing throughout. However, it also had me experiencing moments of true frustration with the behaviors of some of the characters. That wonderful combination, though, of smiles and frustrations kept me turning pages to see how it would all work out.

That being said, the fun, romance and frustrations aren't the only things that makes this story so special. It's also special because of the lesson that is included. It teaches us how important it is to not make assumptions or depend on how things look on the surface. Get to know the real story, and you may be surprised to find that what you discovered and what you assumed are miles apart.

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

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.

Thoroughly and completely enjoyed this book.

It stayed with me long after I finished and very few books do that nowadays .

I loved the story, characters, plot, setting and the way Amy Lillard wove it all together to create a beautiful story. Thank you for a great read.

Highly recommend.

Again Amy Lillard takes us to revisit Paradise Valley, Missouri, and the Whoopie Pie Widow's club in her soon to be released book, When Hattie Finds Love.

We are introduced to cousins, Hattie and Elsie who run the town’s popcorn shop. Elsie wants to make a bet on the town grouch, Christian Beachy, that Hattie can't make him smile or be happy. In her competitive nature, Hattie sets out to prove Elsie wrong.

The story is Humorous and at the same time emotional. You find yourself laughing out loud andm then disappointed in something one of the characters does. Each character is well developed and you become friends with each one in a special way.

The plot is realistic and you sometimes forget the situation isn’t real.

I highly recommend the book.

Thank you Kensington Books for allowing me to read the ARC. I was not required to give a positive review.

Much to the chagrin of her family and friends, Hattie Schrock lives a very optimistic life. With the help of the widow's club, she and her cousin Elsie have built a thriving business and a life in Paradise Valley. Her only downfall is her competitive nature. When Elsie challenges Hattie to help the most grumpy man in the valley become happier, Hattie may just have bit off more than she can chew. Christian Beachy lives a simple life. He is dedicated to his duty as a Christian man, but when he starts spending time with Hattie, her infectious love of life and adventure shows him a different view. However, once the secret gets our, will Hattie be able to convince Christian that her love for him is real? This is one not to miss. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

Amy Lillard writes such tender, heartfelt Amish romances. I absolutely loved Hattie and Christian together and individually as characters. This whole series focuses on second love romances- finding that love "past your prime" well after death of spouses. Even the conflict at the end (which we knew was coming) was handled maturely (well, after a bit of separation). Compelling, sweet and definitely worthy of a cozy fall read. Actually, I'd say its a must read for any fan of the "amish romance" genre of fiction.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #Kingston books for the ARC.

When Hattie Finds Love is another story about the beloved Whoopie Pie Widow's club by Amy Lillard. Hattie is a positive, upbeat, and very smiley person. When her cousin and fellow popcorn shop owner, Elsie, bets that Hattie can't make canttankerous appearing Christian to smile, the adventure begins! Will Hattie win the bet, or will she be scrubbing the big kettles they use at the popcorn ship for the next year? Is Christian really as grumpy as he seems? Read this charming story to find out! Release date is Nov 28.

I really enjooyed this story and liked the connection of characters from previous stories in this series. I'd suggest reading the other stories in the series before reading this one.

Thanks to #NetGalley for the e ARC of this book. All opinions expressed herein are strictly my own.

#WhenHattieFindsLove #NetGalley

This is a sweet mid life romance by Lillard. She has a lovely way of writing Plain people as people first, with all the personality and foibles of the rest of us. Her characters can be irritating, vain and selfish. This story focuses on Hattie, a widow and Christian, a widower. There is a slow burn to their romance. It’s a quick and cheerful read. I would say that many women who use head coverings wear a helmet when biking so that’s a small misstep in the narrative. Very satisfying story from a great writer.

When Hattie Finds Love by Amy Lillard
Heartwarming Amish romance set in Missouri
(Paradise Valley Book 4)
In this uplifting inspirational romance series, award-winning author Amy Lillard unites a “Widows Club” of women who share solace, friendship, faith—and mouthwatering Whoopie Pies—in the Amish community of Paradise Valley, Missouri. Will appeal to fans of Charlotte Hubbard, Molly Jebber, Susan Lantz Simpson, and Kelly Long.
Hattie Schrock’s lively optimism makes her the Widows Club’s most outgoing member. The circle has helped her through widowhood—and in building a thriving popcorn shop with her cousin. So when Elsie bets Hattie that she can’t help Paradise Valley’s most cantankerous man learn to be happier, Hattie tackles the challenge head-on. But what can she do when she finds Christian Beachy is far more complicated—and appealing—than she thought?
Christian lives his faith through hard work, supporting his overbearing sister, and growing the Valley’s best vegetables. After all, a good Amish man should be dedicated to duty. Yet suddenly, Hattie’s warm-hearted attentions and knack for unexpected adventures is showing him life can be so much more—especially if Hattie can share it with him. But when he discovers her wager, can she and the Widows Club ever convince him that her growing love is the real thing—and that risking together forever will be the sweetest, most fulfilling chance of all?
This is Christian Beach and Hattie Schrock's story.
Christian nodded toward the step where she sat. “Do you mind?”
Hattie scooched over closer to the wall and patted the wood next to her.
He came closer, eased down on the step, brushing against her leg as he did so.
Really, the staircase was too narrow for two large adults to sit there. Unlike her, Christian wasn’t chubby; he was just solid, thick, and broad.
“You’re upset with me,” he said. He was sitting a hair’s breadth away, and she could feel the rumble of his words as his shoulder touched hers.
They had sat this close together in the buggy. Maybe not quite this close, but near enough. Yet there was something a little more intimate about sitting on this step while a party raged in a nearby room. And they weren’t in a buggy.
“If you can’t trust God with pickle jars, how can you trust Him with money?”
Elsie harrumphed.
“You know you could use a little positivity in your life,” Hattie said.
I recommend this book..
When Hattie Finds Love by Amy Lillard is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
You will love this book. Story of faith, hope and second chances.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Amy Lillard.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.

This is the fourth book in the Paradise Valley books. Hattie has a happy go lucky attitude always has a smile and thinks life is as good as you make it..So when her cousin Elsie wants to make a bet on Christian Beachy that Hattie can't make him smile or be happy she feels like she's up for the challenge. Little does she know just how hard that challenge will be. Having lost his wife Christian feels his life is fine being faithful to the church, working hard and carrying for his sister. But as he and Hattie begin spending more time together and neither are looking for love again they each discover they enjoy each others company. Go on the adventure with Hattie and Christian as they find out just maybe love isn't finished with them. This was a fun book, I enjoyed alot.
I was given this book to read by netgalley, the review is my own honest opinion.
#whenhattiefindslove #NetGalley #Kensingtonbooks #Christian romance #amishfiction #amylillard

Just as the adage tells us that we can’t judge a book by its cover, we also can’t judge people by the look on their face.

Hattie Shrock was certain Christian Beachy was grumpy and miserable because he never smiled. She set out to change that and see him smile once and for all. Of course, she also had an ulterior motive. Her cousin, Elsie made a bet with her and if Hattie lost, it meant scrubbing the big copper vats for a year that they used at work.

Another lessen Hattie learned is that she should have been up front with Christian from the start. Things got rocky when he found out about the bet.

Did Hattie win or lose the bet? Of course, from the title, we know that Hattie found love. Read the adventures on the path to love that she and Christian went on.

It is time to revisit Paradise Valley, Missouri, where the Whoopie Pie Widows’ Club is known for award winning whoopie pies as well as trying to correct the Amish community’s struggles. Author Amy Lillard writes authentic Amish fiction due to her research and familiarity with the Amish. What started as a wager between sisters to make Christian Beachey smile turns into a warm friendship between Hattie Schrock and Christian. Is it possible after both have lost spouses to find love again? I recommend all in this series. Each is stand-alone and inspirational, so why miss out!
I received a complimentary copy from Net Galley and the publisher. The opinions are my own.

Having read the first three books in the Paradise Valley series by Amy Lillard, I was excited to read When Hattie Finds Love. Although part of a series, it is easily read as a stand-alone story. It was enjoyable to once again read about the Whoopie Pie Widows Club and the community of friends and neighbors who seem to know everyone else's business. On a bet, will Hattie be able to make cranky Christian learn to be happier? I enjoyed watching their relationship blossom and grow. Delightful humor and a sweet romance, with a thread of faith kept my interest high. Readers who enjoy uplifting Amish romance stories will not want to miss this one. I'm looking forward to reading more books from this author. I read a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.

Cherese Akhavein's review Oct 09, 2023 · edit
it was amazing

When Hattie Finds Love book 4 in the Paradise Valley Series by Amy Lillard
This book will remind you to not take things as face value as everything and everyone is not as it/ they appear.
It will bring to life that what one may seem to be like could and in some cases be so different than we thought.
Hattie and Christians story is a wonderful journey in discovery, a life lesson that will pull at your heart, and show that love can come softly a second time when one least expects it. I loved every page of this book. I was gifted a copy but all opinions are mine and I’m happy to be able to recommend this book.

Not only is the cover of this book cute but the story is too. Humorous and at the same time emotional. I loved the easy flow of the story and was immediately drawn into the book. Characters of previous books in the series made their way into this story and some new characters were introduced to readers. I thought the book was unique, entertaining, romantic and kept my interest until the last page. The ending was beautiful . This is one of the best books I’ve read this year and definitely the best in this series.

Hattie Schrock and her cousin Elsie Miller own a pop corn shop in Paradise Valley Missouri. Christian Beachy grows vegetables and has a successful produce business with a wide customer base. The only thing is that Christian never smiles and seems rather grouchy most of the time. Hattie always smiles and seems very happy. Elsie and Hattie wonder what it would take to get Christian to smile. Elsie challenges Hattie to try to change Christian into a smiling positive man. The bet is on between the two cousins and if Hattie succeeds in changing him than Elsie will clean the popcorn vats for one year but if Hattie fails to make Christian smile than she will have to do the task for one year. Hattie needs to spend time with Christian in order to try and influence him with her positive demeanor. What she doesn’t count on is Romance.

I recommend this book to readers of Amish Fiction and to fans of Amy Lillard. When Hattie Finds Love is book four of the Paradise Valley series. I recommend that the books be read in the order they were written in order to get the most out of this story. This book is scheduled to be released on 11/28/23.


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

#WhenHattieFindsLove #NetGalley

This is a sweet Amish romance centering around widow, Hattie, and widower, Christian. Neither of them had any aspiration of being attracted to someone or fall in love.

Hattie, a very happy person, is trying to see if she can get Christian, who never smiles and always seems to be grumpy to change and at least smile. There are some comical moments in the book, making it a very enjoyable book to read.

It was nice to read a book that featured the older generation. I received a copy of this book from Kensington and NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

When Hattie Finds Love ( Paradise Valley #4 )
Amy Lillard
When Hattie Finds Love is the Fourth book in the series Paradise Valley. I really loved this story and the main characters are Hattie and Christian. Both are in their older years and both have loved and lost before. Second chances, easy and quick to read, a bet , a grouchy man who never smiles, and an Amish woman who is out going and a member of the Widow’s club. I found myself laughing at these two and cheering them on. A very sweet and clean romance. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

When Hattie Finds Love is another great story from Amy Lillard. I always look forward to her books because they don’t disappoint. Hattie and her cousin Elsie’s relationship made me laugh, they seem more like siblings than cousins. I also liked Christian’s character and found myself rooting for him not to be the town grouch anymore. Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington for giving me the opportunity to review this sweet Amish novel. I look forward to the next one!