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

This author is new to me. The story centres around an Amish community with several main characters. Ruth is a young widow who lost her husband Levi a year ago and is pressured by the bishop to sell her family farm to a family who plans to have a big family - unlike Ruth who is childless. Ruth is not only grappling with the loss of her husband but having to fend off the decisions made by the "elder in the community" for the good of all concerned and do the right thing and sell her farm. This farm has been in Ruth’s family for generations.

The other main character is Jonas, also a widower, with a sweet four-year-old daughter named Abigail whom he is raising with the help of his sister and her husband. He runs a basket weaving business which employs several members of the community.

Such a rewarding story with a community that believes in helping each other (most of the time) and lives in close proximity to each other.

I would recommend this sweet, slow burn love story with wonderful characters, along with some not so nice characters - the bishop's very pushy granddaughter comes to mind. It kept me engaged from start to finish and I hope this review helps you decide to read it too.

I received a copy of this romance as a gift through NetGalley and the author and this is my honest and voluntary review.

This is a nice debut novel for Anne Blackburne. I liked the detail about life in an Amish community. The romance between Ruth and Jonas is sweet, and Ruth's kitten, two big dogs, and goats make for some cute moments. If you enjoy Amish romances, you won't be disappointed.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

This book is about love, second chances, family and happily ever after. Ruth is a young, childless widower who has several successful businesses on her family's farm. Jonas is a young widower with a 4 year old daughter, Abigail. Jonas has a successful basket business that is outgrowing his barn. Ruth has a large barn with an empty loft. They strike up a deal for Jonas to move his basket business into Ruth's barn loft. The unexpected happens. Read this book to see if they end up together and if they do, will they be blessed with children? I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

Ruth’s Gingersnap Surprise is a great story of loving after tragedy and surprises along
the way. Ruth is a Widow at a young age; she and Levi never had children and she
assumes it was her fault. Jonas list his wife in childbirth and now has a four year old,
Abigail who he is raising with the help of his sister and housekeeper. He has a booming basket making business that us outgrowing the space in his small barn. He decides to rent space in Ruth’s larger barn as they become friends. Will it lead to second love for both of them as they explore God’s will for their lives?
Well written and lots of twists and turns and unexpected surprises as Ruth and Jonas figure out what’s next for them and Abigail. I enjoyed it very much. I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest
review.

***** I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

What a lovely Amish romance. When a widow is being pushed off her farm an a widower steps in a little romance begins.

I love the addition of the kittens and how it ties parts of the story together. I also love the bishop’s snooty granddaughter and how she is constantly sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong.

Such a fun read. I highly recommend

4 stars
Ruth's Ginger Snap Surprise
Anne Blackburne
Absolutely charming. I truly enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down. I loved Ruth and her desire to take care of herself after the death of her husband while staying within her Amish faith and on her family farm. I'm not much of a cat person, but the addition of them to this story was very sweet.

This is the second book in this series, but I read it with no problems as it is a separate story within the same community and some I believe overlapping characters such as Lydia and Bishop Troyer. I have not previously rad Anne Blackburne before; but I will most definitely be looking for more of her books. I thoroughly enjoy reading heartwarming Amish fiction and finding a new author as well!.


I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.

Ruth's Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne is a truly exceptional and heartwarming Amish romance. This was my first encounter with Blackburne's work, and it instantly secured her a spot on my "must-read" list. The book is a breath of fresh air, reminding us to keep the faith day by day -- making it a must-read for fans of Amish romance and those seeking a story that warms the heart.

This story masterfully captures the yearning of a young Amish woman for independence and the hurdles she encounters along the way. A neighbor and widowed father, Jonas Hershberger, enters the scene. Their paths intersect when Jonas rents the upper part of Ruth's barn for his basket-making business, setting the stage for a heartwarming and enchanting tale. The rich character development and compelling storyline make this book a truly delightful and engaging read.

Anne Blackburne's storytelling talent shines through in this book, her very first published book. The characters are a joy to discover. The novel is filled with heartwarming moments and a dose of humor. Blackburne's writing is vivid and relatable, allowing you to immerse yourself in this uplifting and inspiring tale.

While there are some typical elements of Amish romance, the book offers a fresh and delightful take on the genre.

I received an audiobook ARC of Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise from its publisher Barbour Publishing, Barbour Fiction via NetGalley. I am neither obligated to write a positive review nor compensated for doing so. What you have just read reflects my genuine assessment and heartfelt notions of this refreshing and lovely novel.

I must wait until November 1 (30 days until this book is published) to post my review everywhere. I will update the links attached to this review at that time.

This is my first book of Anne Blackburne. She will be in my must read list.The book is like sunshine after the rain. But darkness is a hard time to live threw.But this book was a great reminder to always keep the faith.I felt like I was living it with Ruth.
I was gifted a ARC by the author but it's my own opinion

Ruth Helmuth's husband Levi dies and she is determined to run the farm on her own raising her goats. The bishop wants her to sell the farm and marry him. This is a beautiful story of a young Amish woman wanting to be independent. Jonas Hershberger is a widower trying to raise his 4 year old daughter on his own with help from his sister. When Jonas needs more room for his basket business he rents the top of Ruth's barn. This is such a cute story. Love the characters and the storyline, .. A delightful read. This is the first book I read of this author but will be looking for more.

Description ~ i.e., the Blurb …
You will like Ruth Helmuth immediately. A widow and just a sweetheart of a person who has worked very hard to keep the farm going since her husband’s death. This woman is an entrepreneur. And then there is the well-meaning bishop who is a well-meaning soul, but — oh my, he jumps to conclusions and creates more than one embarrassing moment for Ruth.

Add a cutie-pie little girl named Abigail who lives with her widow father Jonas Hershberger. Now you can see what is expected to happen, but it’s a delightful story getting there.

My review …
First, the “Ginger Snap” in the title doesn’t end up being a cookie. But don’t look for this reviewer to reveal who or what “Ginger Snap” is. I’ll let you enjoy the surprise.

The author, Anne Blackburne, does a lovely job in writing her first Amish story and, I believe, her first published work. “Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise is part of the multi-author series, “The Heart of the Amish“. Her second book (also part of the series) is already well underway.

I only had one thing to fuss about in the book — the meal after church where the men and women eat together. Now, this is not an Old Order Amish community but it’s not that progressive either.

Other than that this book is so enjoyable to read. So nice to have a new Amish author too. You’ll be entertained by multiple people. I found these three my favs besides Ruth and Jonas: little Abigail, the “old” bishop, and an Amish “hussy” named Evelyn who just happens to be the bishop’s granddaughter. Yep, I recommend “Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise“. Some recipes at the end too.

I received a complimentary DRC (digital review copy) of “Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise” via NetGalley from the publisher, Barbour Publishing, Barbour Fiction. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Rating: 4.5 stars rounded to 5 stars for sites that cannot display fractions
Cover: Perfect.
Series (multi-author): The Heart of the Amish
Pages: Unknown at time of review
Publish Date: 1 Dec 2023
#RuthsGingerSnapSurprise #NetGalley #AnneBlackburne

This is a new to me author and I enjoyed the antics of the characters. It was well written, kept me entertained and made me want to keep reading. This is a new to me author and did not disappoint.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All words are my own.

I had not heard of this author before, but decided to take a chance.

This was a fun read, containing all the elements that make up an Amish romance book. The addition of the kitten added a playfulness to the plot, which was a commonly used one, especially in Amish romance.

A clean, quick read, this book was easily finished in under an hour.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for my honest opinions.

I absolutely adored this book 100%!
This new to me author has done an incredible job of pulling me into Ruth and Jonas's story from the beginning.
Ruth is such a sweetheart. I loved her from the get-go.
Grief is never a good thing and takes a while to heal and to go on living even though it's hard. Grief and missing someone can strike at any time.
I miss my mom all the time. Life isn't the same without your loved ones.
At first, I was appalled at the Bishop, and then I began to laugh because the way he timed it, that was terrible!
I definitely didn't like his daughter, Eleanor. I thought she was rather rude and jealous.
But anyway, there's a sweet kitten involved that made me smile
Lydia is a wonderful character and my favorite! I love her words of wisdom, and she's a good friend to Ruth.
I feel like she's my friend too.
I liked Jonas well enough but I thought he was rather pushy about what he wanted. I won't say nothing more as I don't want to give it away.
The book has such a cute cover, too.
This book will also make you drool to the point you'll want to reach through the pages and pull out a treat or eat dinner with our friends.
I can't wait to see what she writes next. I hope she does! I really loved and enjoyed this story.
5 stars for a well written story. I highly recommend it.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

My review of Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne
This is my first book by this author and I can say I’m really looking forward to many more books by her. Ruth Helmuth and Jonas Hershberger’s story will put a smile on your face, it’s well written and makes you feel part of the story line.
We all have either meet or had someone in our life that character Evelyn Troyer will remind you of.
Coming through heartache is always difficult, however if you keep your faith and realize everything in life is God’s plan you will always come through with a deeper faith and understanding. As you read this storyline Ruth and Jonas will prove that even the darkest of times turn into brighter days.
I was gifted a advanced copy of this book by the author and I’m providing my honest opinion and review.

What an impact on her life a visit from her Bishop makes on Ruth Helmuth, and a series of changes that radically change everything!

I really loved this read, it was a page tuner that I didn't want to end!

From unusual proposals, to delight kittens, sweet toddlers, and add in a bit of romance and we have an awesome book!

Be sure to read the epilogue at the end!

I'll be looking for more by this author!

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

This is the first time I have read from this author and it was so good that I didn’t want to put it down. If you love Amish books like I do then you will want to pick up a copy for yourself or someone else.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for my honest review.

This is one book that will have you laughing and shaking your head from the first chapter. Anne Blackburne is a new author for me and I must say I can not wait to read more of her books. The characters make you feel like you are part of the story and the story is by far one of my favorites.

I was given an ARC copy of this book and I am under no obligation to leave a positive review.

You will not be disappointed with this book.

Ruth Helmuth had been a widow for a year, then she got a surprise visit from Bishop Troyer, he complimented her on her cinnamon rolls and coffee, then he made a comment about the size of her farm, that a young married Amishman could use it for his family as Ruth was a single woman and did not need that much room! He also mentioned that she could marry him even though he was 30 years her senior and her farm was special to her as it was passed down from her grandmother.
Ruth politely let him go and said she was not ready to remarry and went out to her barn where she had 3 kinds of goats, there were about 30 pregnant females and Ruth had cheesemaking equipment and she made soap too!
Then Ruth started getting visits from her friends, Jonas Hershberger a widower with his own business and after him Lydia, who brought an orange kitten in a basket to keep Ruth company indoors.
Jonas decided to ask Ruth if he could rent her upper barn to store his inventory and he was drawn to Ruth's pleasant manner and asked her about her business.
But there is a new girl in the neighborhood....

I received an advance copy as a gift.
The book is superbly written. The story flow like water along a brook. Rooting for Ruth to make the right choices for herself and not was expected.
Choices are hard for women when especially they are widow.
If men would really open their eyes and see women can and are strong and not necessarily need a man to step in.
The interactions between the characters had me wishing I was part of the story as an English neighbor next door.
The surprise at the end of the story was sweet and enduring and reminded me that sometimes English connection to technology sometimes can ruin something as sweet as this surprise was.
I'm hoping so many more will enjoy this book as much as I had the privilege to read it. It would make a great gift for friends who are into reading Amish stories.
I'm looking forward to more books to come out from this story