Amish fiction readers will love this second book in the Heart of the Amish series. Although predictable, this story is a sweet and relaxing. I loved Ruth, her faith and her ability to provide for herself after her husband's death. I liked the way the author dealt with the Bishop's granddaughter by letting others speak up to instruct her, The characters are likeable and interesting. Looking forward to the next book. Recommended.

Ruth's Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne, book two in the Heart of the Amish series, is full of faith, hope, supportive friends, and romance. Ruth Helmuth, a widow, has been managing her profitable goat farm alone since her husband passed away a year ago. Bishop Troyer, bishop of her Amish community is pressuring her to sell her farm to another family, who would make better use of the space; as he doesn’t believe she can manage it by herself. Ruth ends up pursuing several money-making opportunities with the help of her friend Jonas Hershberger, a widower. Jonas, father to 4-year-old Abigail, is in need of a larger place to house his growing business and Ruth’s big red barn may be just the answer. While working together, running business ideas by each other, and spending time together, an unexpected attraction simmers between Ruth and Jonas. Before exploring or admitting their feelings, Ruth needs to share a secret with him, while Jonas, cautious about allowing someone new getting close to his young daughter, needs to give her a chance. Fortunately G-d’s plan involves giving this stubborn pair a little help in the form of: a wise, elderly friend, a quirky orange kitten, and a smart little girl who takes one look at Ruth and decides she would make her the perfect new mother!

I enjoyed this story as it touches all of the emotions: joy, sadness, surprise, and even anger at the bishop’s conniving granddaughter. I highly recommend Ruth's Ginger Snap Surprise to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

“Ruth's Ginger Snap Surprise” by debut author Anne Blackburne is a sweet, heartwarming story with elements of love, resilience, and faith within an Amish community. The story revolves around Ruth and Jonas, both widowed and facing challenges in their lives.

Ruth is independent and resilient. As she strives to maintain her farm, she is determined to defy the community’s expectations. Jonas is running a business and raising his daughter, Abigail after his own loss. As they navigate grief, opportunities arise and lead them to solace and love in each other.

There is a balance of joy and sadness, so I appreciate the inclusion of humor and sentimentality. Most of all, I love the central themes of overcoming grief, finding love, and trusting in God’s plan in this story of second chances.

First Line: “Just stop blowing for one minute and I’ll be done!” Ruth Helmuth spoke around a wooden clothespin clenched in her teeth, the wind nearly whipping the damp, snowy-white apron out of her hands as she secured it to the line.
Series: The Heart of the Amish book 2
Genre: Amish Romance
Author: Anne Blackburne
Page Count: 256

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.

Now and again a book comes along that makes you lie in bed and refuse to get up until you have read the very last page. This is one such book. I could not put it down.
I love Amish fiction and Anne Blackburne brings a fresh, new voice to this genre. Ruth and Jonas have both lost spouses. They are working to navigate a relationship while learning to trust each other.
This is an amazing debut novel and I am looking forward to more books by Anne Blackburne. “Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise” is the second book in The Heart of the Amish series. It can be read as a stand alone novel, but I recommend reading the first book because it is so good!
Many thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#RuthsGingerSnapSurprise #AnneBlackburne #AmishFiction #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook2023 #ILoveBooks #bookreview #bookreviewer #IHaveNoShelfControl #fiction #Amish #ChristianFiction

Ruth Helmuth has worked hard since her husband's untimely passing to hold onto her farm and life. She has followed the rules of her community and never been rude. However, when her Bishop decides she should give up her farm and her lively hood just so another family could use it, Ruth decides to branch out and show him that she can do it alone. Enter, Jonas Hershberger and his little girl, Abigail, who need more space. Jonas's business has surpassed the room he has in his present building. Meeting Ruth might just be the ticket. Helping one another out, Ruth and Jonas soon find a mutual attraction. Will these two independent souls find love? With the help of a wise older friend, a little yellow kitten and a mischievous little girls, Love just might find a way. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

Ruth never expected to own a cat. Let alone it's living in her house! She also didn't know if she would ever get over the loss of her husband.

Jonas is running his business and raising his little girl, Abigail. Thank goodness, his sister helps him out as he has learned that this isn't easy.

Both lost their spouses. Both working hard to make a living. At times, both were lonely. Neither expected anything to change in the future.

An enjoyable story by a brand new author. I was quite impressed with Ruth in maintaining her composure with the Bishop. She didn't do as well with Jonas.



Congratulations Ann Blackburne! Great book. I look forward to future releases. Great cover.

Ann Blackburne is making her writing debut by presenting her first published book, and second book inThe Heart of the Amish Series, also including, The Flower Quilter by Mindy Steele
The Quilt Room Secret by Lisa Jones Baker. Each book could be read as a standalone, but whole series is wonderful.

This is Ruth Helmuth, Jonas Hershberger and daughter Abigail's story.
Ruth is a young widow trying to run a large far by herself. Jonas is a widower with a precious 4 year old daughter. Jonas is the owner of a basket weaving business that is busting at the seams.

The plot is interesting and well developed. It keeps you turning the pages as you continue your journey through the story.

The characters are well developed and you feel they are REAL.

The overall theme is living through faith day by day.

Blackburne should be added to your TBR list.

I would rate this as a 4.5, just because there were some small things that didn’t ring true to Amish. Example, Jonas looked at his watch. Not sure Amish wear watches.

Thank you Barbour Publishing, Barbour Fiction for allowing me to read this book. All views expressed are my own, and I was not required to give a positive review.

Ruth's Ginger Snap Surprise
by Anne Blackburne

Ann Blackburne is making her writing debut by presenting her first published book, and second book inThe Heart of the Amish Series, also including, The Flower Quilter by Mindy Steele
The Quilt Room Secret by Lisa Jones Baker. Each book could be read as a standalone, but whole series is wonderful.

This is Ruth Helmuth, Jonas Hershberger and daughter Abigail's story.
Ruth is a young widow trying to run a large far by herself. Jonas is a widower with a precious 4 year old daughter. Jonas is the owner of a basket weaving business that is busting at the seams.

The plot is interesting and well developed. It keeps you turning the pages as you continue your journey through the story.

The characters are well developed and you feel they are REAL.

The overall theme is living through faith day by day.

Blackburne should be added to your TBR list.

I would rate this as a 4.5, just because there were some small things that didn’t ring true to Amish. Example, Jonas looked at his watch. Not sure Amish wear watches.

Thank you Barbour Publishing, Barbour Fiction for allowing me to read this book. All views expressed are my own, and I was not required to give a positive review.


#RuthsGingerSnapSurprise #NetGalley

Ruth Helmuth is a widow and works hard to keep her property. She raises goats, selling milk, lotion, and soap. Ruth ensures that the farm and household is ran well.

The bishop suggests that Ruth gives up her property to a family who can "make better use of the space." Ruth is upset by this suggestion.

Jonas Hershberger is a widower and is the father of a lovely four year old daughter. Jonas needs a larger place to live, as his business is growing. Ruth's farm may be the right size.

These two individuals must decide if they will work together to each reach their goals while overcoming grief and trusting in God.

This is a second chance romance.

Delightful Story

I never know what to expect when I come across a new author. However, once I saw the cover of the book and read the blurb, I knew I just had to give it a try. Needless to say, I was not disappointed.

This is such a delightful story! I love it when characters have a history, share a commonality and then find themselves seeing each other in a different light. While those are the CliffsNotes of the story of Ruth and Jonas, there is so much more. Everything that weaves their story together is sometimes funny, sometimes infuriating, sometimes sentimental, sometimes thought provoking and so much more. The romance is tender, the characters are great (well, almost all of them are), and what's not to love about some very cute kittens.

Overcoming grief is not an easy task, but if we keep our faith and trust in God, He will make a way through it. Just how He did that for Ruth and Jonas is what will keep you glued to the pages to find out, and trust me, you won't be disappointed.

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

It's great to discover new authors but it's even better when they offer a fresh voice in one of your favorite genres. Debut author Anne Blackburne shares a story with wonderful characters, a sweet romance, and a strong faith message, but it also includes doubt and conflict. Young widow Ruth Helmuth may be forced to leave her family farm unless she can convince the Amish bishop that she's capable of managing it by herself. Will she have to leave the home that's been in her family for many years, the place that's perfect for her goats and an adorable kitten named Ginger Snap?

I was fully engaged in this story of second chances and starting over. I found myself cheering for Ruth and hoping that she would achieve her happily ever after. And, without giving any spoilers, there is a fantastic epilogue. Believe me, you're in for a treat!

I recommend Ruth's Ginger Snap Surprise to all who enjoy Amish fiction. It's the second book in the Heart of the Amish series but it can be considered a standalone.

I was gifted with an advance copy of this book by the author, and I am providing my honest review of this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.

Amish romance is my go to gonre when I need a pick me up. I haven't read any books by Anne Blackburne, but when I read the synopsis this book seemed to be my style.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story and it really brought me out of my funk. If you enjoy Amish romance you will enjoy this one.

Recommend.

Ruth's Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne
(The Heart of the Amish)
Ruth Defies Authority to Hold on to her Family Farm
Full of faith, hope, and romance, this new series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.
Ruth Helmuth has never been rude in her life; trust her to choose the bishop of her Amish community for her first time!
Ruth has worked hard to keep body and soul together since her husband, Levi’s, death. She tends her herd of goats, making her living from the milk and fiber she gets from them, all while running a farm and household by herself—and very competently, thank you! How could she imagine the bishop suggesting she should give it all up to another family, who will “make better use of the space”?
Enter widower Jonas Hershberger, owner of a pair of adorable dimples and father of a charming 4-year-old daughter. Jonas is in need of a larger place to house his growing business. Ruth’s big red barn may be just the ticket. Little Abigail is in need of a new mother. Ruth might be just the ticket there, too!
Can two independent souls learn to work together for their mutual good? And will they be willing to explore what grows between them? Or will Ruth’s fear over her “big secret” and Jonas’s caution about allowing someone new to get close to his young daughter, kill their love before it has a chance to grow?
Luckily for both of them, God’s plan involves the stubborn pair getting a little help in the form of a wise, elderly friend; a quirky orange kitten; and a smart little girl who takes one look at Ruth and decides she would make her the perfect new mother!
This is Ruth Helmuth, Jonas Hershberger and daughter Abigail's story.
The cold breeze caused the skirts of her long purple dress to billow around her ankles as she hurried back toward the warm house she’d shared with her husband, Levi, until his death nearly one year ago.
But before she could climb the steps into her cozy kitchen with its glowing woodstove, a buggy turned into her driveway.
“Now, who could that be?” Ruth squinted against the morning sun still riding low in the eastern sky.
Her two Great Pyrenees dogs jumped up from where they’d been lying in the brown winter grass and barked a warning.
“Wolke, Heftig, go guard the goats.” With a final half-hearted woof from Wolke, the pair took off toward the barn.
He nodded, casting a slightly apprehensive glance toward the barn. “Well, I have something to discuss with you, Ruth, if you have a few minutes?”
She sagged against the doorframe. She hadn’t even considered that the elders might think she should give up her farm.
“That’s a fine, big barn you have, Ruth. I imagine you house your goats and other livestock there?”
She nodded. “Ja, down on the first floor. I don’t use the top floor for much since Levi … passed.”
His young daughter, Abigail, was waiting for him at home—four years old and a handful for a widower like himself. His eyes grew fierce when he thought about how he’d had to defend his right to raise his own child when Viola had died shortly after giving birth to the tiny little girl, fading before his eyes and gone before an ambulance could be summoned. There had been some who’d thought a lone man had no business raising a baby on his own and that he should give her up to some childless Amish couple.
I recommend this book..
Ruth's Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
You will love this book. Story of faith ,hope and love .
I am looking forward to reading more books by Anne Blackburne .
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
The Heart of the Amish Series Also Includes:
The Flower Quilter by Mindy Steele
The Quilt Room Secret by Lisa Jones Baker
Courting the Amish Bishop by Mindy Steele
Mary’s Calico Hope by Anne Blackburne

I was given an e copy of this book, to give my honest opinion, the following is my honest opinion.
Anne Blackburne is a new author to me. I also did not read the other books in this series called The Heart of the Amish Series, I do not feel it took away from this book Ruth's Ginger Snap Surprise.
I enjoyed this heartwarming, encouraging and inspirational book.

This is a book about two people who have lost their spouses and having to face some challenges that may result from that.
Ruth has been tending her goats in her huge barn, her farm and household alone since the passing of her husband Levi. By selling goats, goat milk, goat fiber etc she has been doing pretty well on her own, but the bishop thinks otherwise.
Jonas has been raising his 4 years old daughter and running his business with the help of his sister after the death of his wife 4 years ago. Jonas' business is flourishing but he needs more space, but is his 4 year old daughter flourishing without a mother? Ruth may be the answer to both, but what are God's plans?

Amish widow Ruth is surprised when her bishop asks her to sell her farm to another member of their community looking to expand. The farm has been in her family for generations and she uses in raising her goats and creating her goat milk's soaps, lotions and candles. Widower Jonas and father of a cute four-year old daughter is having trouble with space in his growing basket business. After hearing about the pressure on Ruth to sell and careful consideration, Jonas suggests that he rent part of her large barn for storage. I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. This is a new author for me and I'm adding her to my TBR list. This is a sweet slow growing romance since both of them are still grieving their deceased spouses. They both are hardworking and put a lot of thought into their business and their growing relationship. Jonas's daughter, her recipes, kittens, a pushy bishop and his grandfather all add to the story.

Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise is my first book by this author, and I really enjoyed the story. Ruth is a widow who has been managing her profitable goat farm alone since her husband passed away. The Bishop of Ruth’s Amish community is pressuring her to sell her farm because he thinks she can’t manage it by herself. Ruth ends up pursuing several money-making opportunities with the help of her friend Jonas who is a widower.

It is very refreshing to read an Amish story that breaks away from the usual story lines of those types of books. This story was very entertaining with interesting plot lines and a few unusual twists. The author did a great job with her characters as well. I really felt like I got to know Ruth and Jonas, as well as Jonas’s daughter Abigail. This story touches all of the emotions – joy, sadness, surprise, and even anger at the bishop’s conniving granddaughter. Overall, the story was very well written.

I really enjoyed this story, and I definitely recommend it to anyone who likes Christian fiction or Amish stories. I will definitely be looking for more stories by this author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A great book, makes you wish you were there! Happy for Ruth And Jonas! If you love a good Amish story this one is a great read!

This is a new author to me and I thoroughly enjoyed this story – beginning to end. What drew me to this book was the fact she raised goats. Reminded me of a great friend who loves stories about goats and it made reading the story that much more enjoyable. Great characters, I felt as though I was part of the community with Ruth. This story captured my attention and kept me reading. I didn’t have a chance to read the first book, but will be reading that one too. I hope there will be more in this series. I love this author’s style.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was under no obligation to review it. All opinions are mine.

I've adored reading Amish fiction for many years, so I'm always impressed when I stumble upon a truly original story within this genre, that feels unlike anything I've ever read before. Ruth's Ginger Snap Surprise was wholesome, heartwarming, and a truly original story that kept me engaged from start to finish.

I went into this one without having read the first book in the series, but I didn't end up feeling like I missed out on anything, as each title can be read as a stand alone. Ruth is a young widow who's recently been pressured by her Bishop to give up her family farm, since he assumes it's too much work for a young woman on her own. Instead she's determined to find a way to keep the beloved family farm that's come to mean so much to her, and one of her creative ideas includes renting her barn to widower Jonas Hershberger for his basket weaving business. Only she didn't expect to see sparks starting to fly between the young widower and herself. Add into the mix that Jonas's precious daughter plays a prominent part in the story, and the title and much of the story itself focuses around the adorable kitten that Ruth is gifted by her elderly friend, and this one pretty much has the perfect combination of all of my favorite things rolled into one beautiful story.

I ended up loving this one even more than I expected to, and I enjoyed that it's set during the Christmas season. I had a hard time wanting to put this own down once I started it, and I'm hoping to read more from this author in the future.

If you love heartwarming Amish Fiction and/or sweet and clean romances, then this one might just be for you.

Final Rating: 5/5.

Thanks so much to Barbour Fiction for allowing me to advance read and review this title!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Barbour) via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.

This was an easy read and a sweet story. The characters were enjoyable to read about and it was nice to read about the main characters persevering despite the losses in their lives. I particularly enjoyed little Abigail. Such a fun little girl and I could only imagine the adventures she had with Alaska and Ginger Snap.



Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own. I will post on netgalley and the blog within 30 days of publication date

Ruth's Giner Snap Surprisee is the fourth book in The Heart of the Amish series, but it's the first book by Anne Blackburne in the series. And it's my first time reading a book by this author.

Ruth Helmuth lost her husband about a year ago, and since then, she's been running the farm with her goats by herself. When the Bishop comes to her farm to offer his hand in marriage, as well as to line up a buyer for her farm, she's flabberghasted! Enter Jonas Hershberger, a widower with an adorable 4 year-old daughter who owns and runs an expanding barrel business. Will they be able to combine forces to make Ruth's farm even more viable? And will their friendship develop into something else?

This was a delightful read for me, with great characters. There were many times that I could've wrung the Biship's granddaughter's neck with her impudent, rude ways. The cover was what really drew me in at first, with the ginger kitten on it, as I'm a big feline lover! I'm definitely interested in reading more books by this author! If you're an Amish fiction fan, you won't want to miss this book!

A big thanks to Barbour Publishing and Net Galley for an advanced e-pub of this book. All opinions expressed herein are strictly my own.

#RuthsGingerSnapSurprise #NetGalley