Good book with an interesting storyline. Not at all what I was expecting.
The two main characters were strong but still had weaknesses that they worked through with each other and
with God's help.
I would recommend this book.
Thank you to NetGalley for the Arc.

This is a really good book. It centers around a topic that isn't often discussed in Amish books. Genetic disabilities in children and adults in The Amish community. Declan and Bethel have known each other since childhood. Bethel has 3 siblings that have a rare form of muscular dystrophy. Bethel is concerned that any children she may have will be afflicted with this disease. Declan is an auctioneer. A profession that he has wanted to do with his father and brothers since he was a child. Declan's voice becomes hoarse. Testing shows that he has cancer on his vocal cords. Will cancer rob him of his career or will he be healed? Bethel and Declan have many fears regarding the health concerns of Bethel's family and Declan's health. Can they trust in God for their future? Are they a good match? Can they have faith that God wants them to be married and start a family? Read this book to see what the outcome is. I highly recommend this book. It's very interesting. I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

I read a lot of books. I enjoy audio, physical, and e-books. As long as I can absorb it, I’m down for it. Let me just say: every year for the past two years, my favorite book has been a Kelly Irvin book. And here she did it again! Matters of the Heart is simply excellent. I love how she weaves truth and hope into her characters lives. I love that at the end of her books, I’m reminded of a God who loves us, who has a plan for us, and who promises goodness to His children. Declan and Bethel have a special story about taking chances on love and the future, even when it doesn’t look like you expected it to. Do yourself a favor: go and read it. Read all of her books. You won’t be disappointed!

Matters of the Heart is the second book in Kelly Irvin’s series, Amish Calling. Please take time to read the author’s words before you begin the book. They appear right after the “Amish glossary” which has more than the usual entries.

This series explores developmental as well as intellectual disabilities as seen from an Amish point of view. Ms. Irvin writes with a special feel for these things because, as she explains, “First know that I’m a Christian writer living with a disability.”

Key Characters:
— Declan Miller. Amish auctioneer. Hardworking, funny, and good-looking. Tells corny jokes. Like most people his age, he takes his health for granted.
–– Bethel King. young Amish woman. Smart, pretty, Healthy.
— The Miller family runs a successful auction business and Declan is great at the job.
— The King family is loving but two of Bethel’s brothers have a rare form of muscular dystrophy and her sister is beginning to show signs she may have it as well.

Declan & Bethel — their private thoughts:
— Declan has been attracted to Bethel since they were in school. But he is hesitant to say anything. Her family carries a devastating illness.
— Bethel made a promise to herself that her sibling would always come first. She also knows she also carries the gene and could pass it on to her children. Bethel has set aside marriage and a family are not possible for her.

AND THEN Declan’s world ceases as he knows it. And needs Bethel for compassion plus a realistic view of the future.

This book makes you feel something. Or it should. The story is poignant. Realistic. Sad. And wonderful. As Declan, Bethel, and their families face the medical and emotional challenges God’s love is beautifully handled by the author. Reading Matters of the Heart educated this reviewer on what it is like to handle a serious illness both as the person having it and for those who love them.

One might think this is a downer of a story. It isn’t. It *really* isn’t. It’s a special story told by one who has ‘walked the walk’. I highly recommend this book and appreciate the author even more for letting us gain a glimpse into this world.

I received a complimentary DRC (digital review copy) of Matters of the Heart via NetGalley from the publisher, Zondervan Fiction | Zondervan. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Rating: 5 stars
Series: Amish Calling, #2
Cover: Pretty. Similar to book #1 which will make them eye-catching in a display.
Pages: Unknown at the time of review but probably about the same length as book #1 which was 382.
Publish Date: NetGalley has 10 July 2024; Amazon has 1 August 2024.
#MattersoftheHeart #NetGalley #KellyIrvin

Bethel King and Declan Miller have been friends since school. However, each was always reluctant to tell how they really felt. Bethel stresses over marrying because she could carry the gene that would disable her children. Declan is scared to show his true feelings because of rejection. When circumstances change, will Declan and Bethel put aside their worries? Genectic disabilities are a realistic part of Amish lives. Often times though they are not a subject that is covered in Amish fiction. Kelly Irvin not only tackles this delicate subject but conquers it. I enjoyed reading this book. I plan to go back and read the first book. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

Matters of the Heart by Kelly Irvin is book two in the Amish Calling series. If you haven’t read her first book in the series, The Hearts Bidding you really must.

Matters of the heart is truly a wonderful example of putting your faith in God an truly believing he will carry you through whatever journey you have to make.

You would think that Bethel King and Declan Miller would just naturally be drawn together since each had siblings with genetic abnormalities that are sometimes prevalent in Amish communities, but there is a hesitation from Declan to let Bethel know his feelings.

Every character in this book is unique, and you are drawn to them each in a special way as you watch them develop throughout the story. They are so well introduced 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 to turn the next page. You will not be ready for the story to end. The story never lags, and you never lose interest in what you’re reading.
Kelly has such a unique way of educating us to new disease found in the Amish community that we may be totally unaware exist. That is why Kelly Irvin is truly a compassionate and unique author.

I highly recommend this 5-star book. Release day is July 16, 2024. I was given and ARC by the publisher, Zondervan, but was not required to give a positive review.

I adore Amish romance books, and being transported into Amish country.

This series is different from your standard Amish romances, as the main theme is genetic disabilities as a result of the Amish closely intermarrying. An interesting basis for a romance series, the author addressed it very respectfully.

The characters were engaging and the plot well-paced. The dialogue however, was a bit hit and miss. There was a lot of internal monologing and telling not showing.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in return for my honest review.

A different type of Amish story, but there is so much truth in it. The Amish do celebrate life, a gift from God, and each individual is cherished, no matter their disability.

This is a story of love, both family and romantic. Friendship that builds to a relationship, and questioning whether the inherited disabilities are to big a price. A story of living ones faith, as we all should do, but this is a read that highlights the obstacles that are thrown at young couples, but the author does a wonderful job of weaving this page tuner together!

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

This is a sweet romance that deals with long-time friendship between Bethel and Declan. The book deals with love, faith and compassion.

They have both been attracted to each other since their school days. Now as single adults, they still have that attraction, however, life seems to keep them apart.

Bethel feels she must always remain with her family to help care for her two brothers who have a rare form of muscular dystrophy, as well as a sister showing symptoms. Declan, becomes seriously ill and feels he can no longer offer a normal life to Bethel or any woman. Is there any way they can grow together and create a life in spite of these devastating illnesses in their lives?

I highly recommend this book. You will not want to put it down until you live through these emotions with the characters and see how the book ends.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan and Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Book 2 of the Amish Calling series, I do recommend reading book 1, The Heart’s Bidding. It’s really good and is about the same community.


Bethel is sure she’s meant to stay single and help take care of her siblings that are dealing with muscular dystrophy. She also feels guilty that she’s healthy. Declan is dealing with his own health issues. Can they work things out and become more than friends? Can they come to terms with the fact that life happens to everyone?


I appreciate that Irvin wasn’t afraid to talk about the challenges the Amish face. She didn’t beat around the bush, but gave explanations and hope.


A sweet story told with compassion. A clean romance where none was expected. I highly recommend Matters of the Heart.


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

When I requested this book from Netgalley I didn’t realize it was part of a series. So of course I had to go read the first book The Heart’s Bidding before reading Matters of the Heart. The Amish way of life has always interested me and this book kept my interest. I loved living through the challenges that
Declan and Bethel were faced with and seeing were they would lead. Can’t wait to read more of these families in another book.
Thank you Netgalley and Zondervan for a wonderful read!

Matters of the Heart is a sweet story where Bethel and Declan learn to deal with and lean on each other through hard times bought on by health issues and physical handicaps caused by family genes. As they grow close, feelings begin to form that they both try to deny.

This is such a compassionate story with real life issues and shows how the Amish community sticks together and helps each other out in hard times.

Kelly Irvin is an awesome writer who does a great job writing about the hard things. I highly recommend this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Zondervan for allowing me to review this ARC!

This is an amazing book! I absolutely love Amish fiction! I like how the writer deals with difficult issues by reminding the reader to rest in God! It's so encouraging and inspiring!

I enjoyed getting to know Bethel and Declan! Their sweet romance is truly heartwarming! I liked how some of the characters used humor to stave off anxiety and worry. Bart is a favorite! His wisdom and willingness to listen show that he's God's instrument!

This book can seem a little heavy because it deals with illness, but illness is a fact of life. The author's openness to her own struggles is very relatable. I will definitely be reading more of her books!

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Zondervan via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Kelly Irvin tackles the subject of families dealing with serious disabilities head-on in her Amish novel, Matters of the Heart. We are introduced to Bethel King, the eldest daughter in a family dealing with multiple children who have been afflicted with the genetically transmitted LMGD – a terrible, crippling muscle-wasting disease. Bethel’s younger brothers are afflicted and her sister is showing symptoms. She spends much of her time helping her parents deal with her wheelchair-bound brothers and also works at a plant nursery to earn money to help with medical expenses. Declan Miller a delightfully funny young man whose dream is to be an auctioneer for his family has had a crush on her since they were in grade school.

Although Bethel is attracted to Declan she feels she shouldn’t marry because of the possibility of passing on the gene for LMGD and because she feels she will have to take care of her brothers and sister, and will have no time for family. When Declan, himself comes down with a potentially serious illness, things become even more difficult for the couple.

Kelly navigates her story deftly through the incredibly serious obstacles and illustrates how important faith and reliance on God can be during difficult circumstances. She doesn’t shy away from looking at suffering and how the Amish deal with it. It is a sweet and compelling story.

I received an advance reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary opinion,

It was so good to be back with these characters. Bethel and Declan felt like family by the end of the story and the reader wants to cheer them on through their highs and lows. The kids in these books are so sweet and you can feel the joy that radiates from them.

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

This story is about Bethel, her family has been through alot her two brothers has a hereditary disease and her younger sister. Bethel works hard to help her mom with all the extra work, she always has told herself she will be there for her family and marriage isn't for her. Declan Miller has always been a jokester and liked Bethel since they were in school. But he gets a diagnosis of his own causing him to wonder how he could ever have a relationship. Bethel and Declan have to learn to trust God for their lives and decide if they could have a life together.. I was given this book by Netgalley and wasn't required to leave a review.
#Netgalley #KellyIrvin #Amishfiction

The cover of this book caught my eye the first time I seen it. Now that I’ve read the story I feel that it was very realistic and meaningful. It tugged at my heartstrings. The story reminded me of the old saying “When it rains it pours.” This book focuses on two Amish families who went through some very hard times bought on by health issues and physical handicaps caused by family genes. But when things get tough the Amish stick together and help one another.
In spite of hard times a new romance becomes part of the story and there are a few matchmakers who want to get the young couple together. The main focus is the Miller and the King family. They are facing some serious and heartbreaking challenges. There are sad times and happy times. This book was definitely a page turner. The ending was beautiful. The main point of the book is that God wanted the characters to “ Rest in Him”.
I recommend this book to readers of Amish romance fiction and fans of Author Kelly Irvin. Though this book is part of a series it can be read as a standalone. Matters of the Heart is scheduled to be released on 7/16/24.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#MattersoftheHeart #NetGalley

As always I enjoyed this novel from this author that I finished just now.
Loved every minute of it.
I learned quite a few things that I haven't heard of. How interesting and sad at the same time.
I really enjoyed Bethel and Declan's banter and getting to know them better.
They are really and truly two very special people even though I found myself shaking my head at them several times! But, I guess there wouldn't be a story there if it weren't for some of the repetitiveness. Although I did get aggravated at times with it.
I still found myself however; cheering them on because I knew that they were a perfect match for each other.
They just had to discover that for themselves. Yes, their journey was hard but they were awesome enough people to handle it.
I feel that God doesn't put more on your shoulders than you can handle at a time.
Their story will have you in tears at times and rejoicing with them in others.
This is what I enjoy about Amish novels. It's why it's my favorite genre.
I am still giving this story 5 amazing stars for a well written story.
I highly recommend it!
My thanks to Netgalley and Zondervan for a wonderful read! I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

“Gott is gracious. He is merciful. He is omnipotent. Most of all, He is always gut. I will cling to that notion, come what may.”
“Rest in Me.”
I love books that take me back to Amish country, one of my absolute favorite places. This series is unique in that its main theme is genetic disabilities as a result of the Amish closely intermarrying. I knew that certain diseases are prevalent among the Amish, but few fiction books mention it, preferring the romanticized version of this simple lifestyle. But I appreciated the author addressing it head on in a very respectful way. A simple life does not mean an easy one, but the characters in this book view all life as a blessing and rely on God to meet their needs. It is an attitude we should all aspire to.
I deducted a star because the dialogue throughout was quite choppy. A character would ask a question or make a statement, a page or two of background or thoughts would follow, then another character would reply. By then I had forgotten what the reply was in reference to and would have to flip back to refresh my memory. There were also times I was not sure which character was speaking. It all made the dialogue difficult to follow most times.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and read through it in a couple of days. For a refreshingly honest trip to Amish country, I recommend it. You do not have to read book one first, but it is helpful to get the background before reading book 2. I look forward to more in this series.
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from NetGalley and Zondervan Fiction. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What happens when two different personalities get together as friends only? A lovely, sweet storyline with two characters who have obstacles they must learn to deal with. As they draw upon each other for strength, patience and understanding, a closeness begins to form that they both try and deny. Such a compassionate story with real life issues. Kelly Irvin is an awesome writer and I always get excited when I see a new book of hers getting released. I highly recommend this book.

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