Matters of the Heart by Kelly Irvin
(Amish Calling)

Book 2 of 2: Amish Calling
He's the community's jokester auctioneer. She's the serious caregiver for her siblings who also works at the local plant nursery. What future could they have together?
Declan Miller has always had feelings for Bethel King. Back when they were in school, she was the smartest girl in the class and, in his opinion, by far the prettiest. Now the two of them are in their twenties and while the attraction is still there, Declan is as hesitant as ever to let Bethel know how he feels. His corny jokes and wisecracks cover a heart that's afraid of rejection.
Bethel can't deny Declan is nice, funny, hardworking, and pleasing to the eye--a perfect match if you asked any Plain girl in the area. But marrying Bethel would also mean marrying into her family. Two of her younger brothers have a rare form of muscular dystrophy, and her sister Claire is now showing signs of having it as well. Fiercely loyal and nurturing, Bethel has promised herself her siblings will always come first. With a good chance that she carries the gene and could pass it on to her children, Bethel has tried to convince herself marriage and family just aren't in the cards for her.
When a devastating diagnosis of his own turns Declan's world upside down, he looks to Bethel for understanding, compassion, and a realistic outlook. As they share their dreams and fears and grow together in faith, a bond begins to develop between them. Perhaps their combination of optimistic extrovert and thoughtful introvert really isn't such a bad thing--perhaps it's actually a part of God's beautiful design.
This is Declan Miller and Bethel King's Story.
Robbie from his chair.” Bethel went to her mother. She took the stack of bowls from her. “She dropped her bowl of oatmeal this morning.”

“Gott provides.” Her expression was stoic, but Mom’s voice quivered. “I’d hoped Claire was getting too old to be affected, but Gott’s will be done.”

Even with her fourteenth birthday coming up next week, Claire wasn’t too old. This form of LGMD was as unpredictable as it was vicious. Bethel could cite all the symptoms. They all could. They’d watched them consume Judah and Robbie. They still watched and waited to see if Enos, Liam, and Melinda would be spared. ...

When a devastating diagnosis of his own turns Declan's world upside down, he looks to Bethel for understanding, compassion, and a realistic outlook. As they share their dreams and fears and grow together in faith, a bond begins to develop between them. Perhaps their combination of optimistic extrovert and thoughtful introvert really isn't such a bad thing--perhaps it's actually a part of God's beautiful design.
This is Declan Miller and Bethel King's Story.
He switched to Pennsylvania Dutch. “Let’s give the Hershbergers a great send-off to Pinecraft. You know what a buggy like this should go for.”And then back to English. “This excellent piece of workmanship has headlights, taillights, warning lights, and running lights. In addition to the bench seat in front, it has two smaller flat seats in the back and plenty of storage. Nice green carpet in the interior, a dashboard made of inlaid pine with a roomy glove compartment, and two cupholders. I’d be tempted to bid on it myself, if I had a wife and kids. Maybe this buggy would be just the thing to get a woman to finally say yes to me.”
“You have to ask her out first, hanswascht!”

I recommend this book.
Matters of the Heart by Kelly Irvin is a 4 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Kelly Irvin .
I received a complimentary copy of the book and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions are my own.
Book 2 of 2
Amish Calling

I enjoyed reading this series with the Miller family of Amish auctioneers. It's been interesting to learn about this type of career for the Amish. The Millers are a sweet family with a great sense of humor too.
I want to thank the author, Zondervan and NetGalley for my advanced reader's copy of this very special book. This is my reaction to, and opinion of, the book.
Declan Miller loves to host an auction. It is his dream job as he follows in his grandfather and father's footsteps with his brothers. He thoroughly enjoys joking around. Now something may threaten his dream and maybe his very life. It's no joke.
Bethel King is a very serious young woman. Her family deals with the challenges of an incurable illness, a rare form of muscular dystrophy. She helps as a caregiver to her siblings who have been disabled from the disease. She also works at a local nursery to help her parents with finances.
These characters and secondary characters feel like real people. They have strengths and weaknesses. As they get life altering diagnoses and slowly start to consider what it all means, they react in different ways. Some struggle with their faith and the Amish way of being told to believe that everything is God's will.
This story touches my heart in many ways. Kelly Irvin writes with knowledge of how a person and family feels when dealing with the challenges and heartache of a serious medical condition. This means so much to me as I have had a lot of these questions and feelings living with two diseases that can only be managed but not cured. One of my dearest friends had the diagnosis of a rare form of muscular dystrophy while in nursing school when we were teens. A book like this is wonderful. I can understand the questions that a lot of us ask when our lives are changed drastically. I believe that it takes a person on this journey to understand and convey the feelings to others.
In a place where we give a book a 1 to 5 rating, I want to give this book a 10. This is a lovely romance which is surrounded by a story that is reflective of real life. If you are challenged with medical problems, have a friend dealing with chronic disease this is a story I would recommend. You are not alone in the thoughts, questions and maybe even anger. We are all human. If you want a little insight into what others live with, this story represents.
Thank you, Kelly.

Beautiful

There is so much I want to say about this story that I don't even know where to begin. I guess I should start with the fact that author Kelly Irvin has clearly done plenty of research and accompanied it with her insight. There is so much depth to her characters, making them so true to life. Her writing makes your heart completely go out to the characters and feel what they're feeling and dealing with.

Although Bethel and Declan have known each other since they were children, they've been more like acquaintances than anything else. I loved how their relationship began changing. I thought I knew where it was going. But, oh boy, was I mistaken when a complete curve ball came out of nowhere and things took off in another direction.

This amazing story is absolutely beautiful! There are difficult moments where faith waivers and worry rears its ugly head. But there are also moments where faith shines through even stronger than before. It is a mixture of joy, sadness, faith, hope, and love. This combination results in a beautiful and impactful story that will deeply touch your heart, especially when you are reminded to "rest in Gott."

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

Matters of the Heart was so sweet and I absolutely love these families that Kelly Irvin has created. Bethel and Declan went through so much and struggled with their feelings as they dealt with family health issues. The ending was wonderful though and I ended a little teary-eyed.

I'm looking forward to book 3 that is about Declan's shy brother Elijah. Kelly Irvin is always a must-read for me!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 16 July 2024

"Rest in me" its words that God tells us we should do... and yet it is SO hard when life seems to feel so unfair.

He's the jokester and auctioneer. She's the serious florist. But together they offer eachother strength. Bethel has a life that is filled with caring for her siblings, a disease that will likely be passed down to any children she has. Declan is training to be a traveling auctioneer until a health scare threatens his whole livelihood. He wants a family, wants a future ... but who would want to marry a man that isn't healthy and now his career is up in the air? She wants to settle down, fall in love, marry and have a family of her own. But her life is spent helping with her siblings and working to help pay for their medical bills. Plus, who wants to marry a woman who is destined to pass down this disease?

Neither feel themselves worthy for courting the other, but it doesn't change how they feel for each other. But what future do they have if he's always fighting an illness, and she's destine to pass down this disease to her children?

Is a future together possible and worth the risks?!

This was a sweet, sweet story. The chemistry, love and respect between Declan and Bethel is so perfect. And you understand their dilemma and yet, you are rooting for them the whole time. This is very much a story of blooming where you are planted. And how perfectly fitting for the two people working at the nursery! In this season of life, in this moment.. you don't stop living because fear. You hand your future over to God and you live fully in the present, your faith/trust in God bringing HIM glory.

Wonderful story! So glad I was blessed to read it.

Thank you to Netgalley & Zondervan for this early copy for review, it is all my own opinion.

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.