The Heart's Bidding

Kelly Irvin has done it again. The Hearts Bidding is an absolutely wonderful, sweet love-story between Rachel Lapp and Toby Miller.

The Hearts bidding is a perfectly put together easy read, well-paced, thoughtfully written and one that you won’t want to put down.

I personally can’t wait for the next book to come out! 😉

Rating: 5 Stars
Release Date: August 1, 2023
I received complimentary ARC copy of this story from its publisher and author (Thank you!! I loved being a part of this book) via NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion, I was in no way required to give a positive review.

What a sweet and wonderful read!
Irvin has once again brought wonderful characters to life with realistic challenges that life's journey threw at them along the way.
I didn't want this story to end.
I loved the friendship that was portrayed through Toby and Rachelle.
There were a few times that I wanted to scream at the characters, especially
Toby.. Oh my goodness! that man was
so stubborn, I feel like and selfish. But overall, he's a good guy.
He just needed to let God in and let Him steer Toby in the right direction. Same with Rachelle. However, she is determined to be helpful in any way she can. That's why I like her.
Some tough subjects and wonderful inspirational messages that go along with the subjects.
This was a great read and one that I couldn't put down. I highly recommend it! 5 stars for some excellent writing and a job well done!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
5 stars for a job well done!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own

It's been a long while since I read a book by this author and I really, really liked it. This is book one in the her Amish Calling series. Twenty nine year old Tody Miller works for his families auction company. He travels a lot throughout the year, which has kept him basically the forever bachelor. He thinks no Amish maidel would understand his long stretches away from home that would keep him from being the husband and father he would want to be.
Rachelle Lapp, is a teacher who works with the developmentally challenged students. Both Toby and Rachelle have a siblings that she teaches. She finds herself out of a job when the school board decides to send those students to public school due to better available resources. Both families try a bit of matchmaking but it will take more than that for these two to come together. This is one of those books you keep reading til it's done. Love how well the author tied in the complexities Autism. They are such beatiful, delightful children.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a love story, but not what you think, it's the love and acceptance of everyone.

We are given a girl whose heart loves teaching, and her job is teaching the children with special needs. Rachelle Lapp is a young Amish woman, and is one of 13 children, with a brother being special. She has a gift, and we watch her students bloom under her guidance.

We also meet Toby, a traveling auctioneer, he also has a special needs sister, and these two, Rachelle and Toby and thrown together by matchmaking parents, siblings, and community.

This is a page turner, and a heart warming read, yes, there are ups and downs, but this is a Faith based story, and I loved it!

Now I can't wait for the next book in this series!

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

When I see that Kelky Irwin has released another book, my reading heart gives a little cheer because I know it will be a great read! The Heart's Bidding did not disappoint. It has such interesting characters. I loved the inclusion of children with special needs, and how the Amish cherished them. It was interesting to watch Toby and Rachelle develop a relationship together after going through painful prior courting experiences.

Loved the story of Toby and Rachelle and how they advocate so well for their siblings who have intellectual disabilities. It was interesting to think how the Amish would differ in how they value children with different abilities. Jonah and Sadie were such sweet kids who had such a love for life and those who were their friends and family.

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

I so enjoyed reading about Tom and Rachelle’s lives. It started with learning about Tom’s family auction business and the intricate work that had to be done to keep the business alive and well. When grandpa announces his retirement it unearths some different issues that had never been issues before . In the Amish community things are done a certain way and roles based on gender and order of birth are very prominent in their lives . Tom worries that being away from home for months at a time (due to his auction business ) would be too much for a wife and yet in the back of his mind and heart he yearns for love and companionship. Rachelle enters in. She is an amazing teacher who has dreams of her own and none include Tom until she starts to know him. This books reminds us all that God is in charge of our lives and although sometimes it appears that nothing can be resolved or a relationship couldn’t work with God everything is in possible . This book discusses an interesting topic : those with intellectual and learning disabilities who are Amish and how the entire Amish community work together to help them to help them rise to their potential . It really fascinated me and made me want to learn more.
As a bonus as part of this book Micah and Layla (Tom’s sister ) story begins . I’m excited to read more of their journey.
I enjoyed reading Tom and Rachelles story about finding love and finding where God wanted them and who He wanted them to be with. Beautiful story .

Thank you for the free copy I received from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review .

The Heart’s Bidding is my first Kelly Irvin, but it won’t be my last. I very much enjoyed reading this Amish story. Rachelle’s teaching job that she loves is at an end, and she may have to take a job in a neighboring community. Toby and his family run an Amish Auctioneering company which keeps him away from home for a good portion of the year. Through quite a few difficult circumstances and troubles, Toby and Rachelle try to figure out if God’s plan for them includes them being together.

I enjoyed the main storyline of Toby and Rachelle’s relationship, although Toby’s stubbornness did get a little aggravating. I also really enjoyed the supporting storyline of Toby’s sister Layla’s relationship with the new guy in the community as well as her ability and desire to fill an unconventional job for an Amish female. Toby and Rachelle both also had younger siblings with developmental disabilities, which was another great storyline in the book.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading Amish fiction. And I will be checking out more Kelly Irvin stories for myself in the future.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The first book in Kelly Irvin’s newest series will leave you smiling and ready for more! The Heart’s Bidding is the story of Rachelle and Toby. Toby is an auctioneer on the road for six months out of the year. He believes no woman will want to be in a relationship like that. Rachelle is a teacher for special needs students in their Amish district. But the children will be going to an English school and she is at loose ends. The sparks are flying between the two, but both are afraid of what may come. Can they work together and trust God to show them His perfect plan? A delightful story with a message of hope and trust, you won’t want to miss it!

This was a cute story mostly about kids and how that adapted learning how to deal with school. It was a great book about having faith I'm school. The characters were good too.this book was approved by netgalley and the publisher for me to read and review

I always enjoy reading Amish books and this was no exception! The story between Rachelle and Toby was wonderful. Taking care of their siblings, Jonah and Sadie, was a wonderful heartfelt addition to the story. I will definitely read more in this series. Thanks to Zondervan and Netgalley for the advanced copy.

Rachelle Lapp teaches in an Amish school and also helps her family. She loves working with handicapped children and feels too drawn to that calling to worry about getting married and making a family. She has her own little brother in her class as well as the little sister of Toby Miller. Toby is an auctioneer that spends half his time on the road doing auctions. When he was younger his girlfriend broke up with him because she thought it would be too much trouble taking care of everyting at home when he was on the road so he has not even pursued finding another match because he doesn't want to put that on someone else. When the elders decide to let the handicapped kids go to the English school in town, Rachelle's job is terminated. Both she and Toby have concerns about their siblings going to the bigger school. The two are drawn together in a mutual conviction that they need to follow God's plan for their futures.

I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my own honest opinion.

Rachel Lapp is an Amish school teacher. Rachel teaches Amish children who have disabilities. Rachel has a brother Jonah who is down syndrome. Toby Miller is a 29-year-old auctioneer he never married because of his occupation. Toby did not feel that any woman would marry him and want to be alone raising his children while he was on the road. Toby has a sister Sadie who Rachel teaches due to her down syndrome. When the Amish school decides to send their children with disabilities to an English school who has more resources to help the children then their Amish school has this brings Rachel and Toby together. This was a beautiful book about trusting God and allowing God to show you what is best for you all.

I enjoyed reading Rachelle and Toby’s story as they both struggle with the idea of being married-each for different reasons. I love how the author involved children with special needs and the struggles they deal with when dealing with educational learning and ways of teaching. I recommend this book for a heart warming read.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book given to me by Zondervan and NetGalley for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this book about the Amish. I’m sure the patrons at our small library will as well.
Thank you Net Galley.

Sweet Amish Romance at its very best. Kelly Irvin writes a heart felt story about an Amish School teacher who teaches students with developmental disabilities in an Amish class room. I found her book to be realistic and definitely an original in Amish fiction. The Author blended romance into the story when a busy auctioneer takes notice of the pretty school teacher. This is a faith filled story that drew me in till the last page. In this life we all have good and bad things that happen to us and the characters of this book also had good and bad times when unpredictable things became a part of their lives.

Rachelle Lapp teaches special education to developmental and disabled Amish students. She loves her students and is gifted special education. When the parents committee of the Lee’s Gulch Amish school decides to send out the Special students to an English school where they can get occupational teaching Rachelle’s future looks uncertain. Should she apply for a teaching position at another school or give up teaching altogether.

Toby Miller is an Auctioneer for his family’s successful auction business. Toby and his brothers and Dad are always away from home and on the road going from town to town wherever Business takes them. Toby is too busy to marry and settle down and what woman would want a man who is never at home. Then he meets pretty Rachelle Lapp and she turns his head and makes his heart beat. Would she agree to let an auctioneer who is on the road five months out of the year court her? It seems that his family wants to be matchmakers when it comes to Toby and Rachelle. Would he be setting himself up for a broken heart if he became more than a friend with Rachelle?

I recommend this book to readers of Amish Fiction and Christian Fiction. This is the first book of Kelly Irvin’s new Amish Calling series. The Hearts Bidding is scheduled to be released on 8/1/23

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#TheHeartsBidding#NetGalley

This was simply one of the best Amish fiction books I have read in a while! I'm a teacher, so I could totally relate to Rachelle and her heart for children, teaching, and learning. The kids were so adorable- I loved Sadie and Jonah.. The chemistry between Toby and Rachelle was so evident throughout the pages. Such a tender, heartfelt, joyful, inspiring Amish Christian read. I devoured it!
Thanks to #NetGalley and #Zondervan Fiction for the ARC.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

We don't object to education. Our grandparents and their grandparents fought for the right to have our own schools and to end our formal education at the eighth grade because we want to preserve our way of life. There's a difference, in our opinion between book learning and education that teaches wisdom and values. We will allow you to teach reading, writing, math, but our concern is that they not learn your worldly values. ...To much formal education leads to arrogance and loss of humility... the teaching of evolutionary biology and sex education runs counter to our religious beliefs. ..To much exposure to your values will lead our children away from their faith. Our ancestors fought hard-even to death for the freedom to preserve our faith and way of life.

Amish teacher Rachelle loved teaching the young children of her community. With a little brother with a down syndrome and a few others in the community with disabilities, she loved watching those in her charge learn and that God is good. I was very drawn to this part of the story because it was so black and white and education now has become so gray. With education becoming so political and polarized, this was so refreshing. There of course is so much more to Rachelle's story. Toby Miller being one. An auctioneer by trade which is unusual by the Amish so it was a different take on Amish romance.

Toby and Rachelle grew up in the same community but they seem to be more aware of each other when Rachelle youngest brother wandered to a auction where Toby was doing his work using her brother Jonah as a prop. Not sitting well for her, she rebuked Toby for drawing attention to himself using her brother. Sometimes in situations like this, you need a match maker to smooth things out and reveal another side. Toby always admired Rachelle and the way she loved on her students. Especially his youngest sister Sadie who too had learning disabilities but looked at life with the attitude of life is great! Sadie and Jonah were best friends and brought a spiritual light to this romance. Both Toby and Rachelle had reasons for not finding spouses but very carefully they began to see each other in that way. They both had suffered set backs in their jobs however, it was learning experience in their faith and each other. I loved their story.

A special thank you to Zondervan Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

I have loved every book I have read of Kelly’s, and this one was no exception. I recommend this book to everyone. I was provided a copy by Netgalley but the opinions are mine.

Deeply Touched My Heart

Sometimes you read a book that just leaves you in awe of how deeply it touches your heart. Such is the case with Kelly Irvin’s The Heart’s Bidding.

First, you have Rachelle Lapp and Toby Miller. Each one has suffered through relationship issues in the past that have somewhat clouded their feelings on the subject of love and trust.They’ve also had situations in their work and families that weighed heavily on them and in turn had them facing some difficult decisions. All of this caused them to have some reservations which had an impact on their growing feelings for each other and their possible future. Following their journey completely tugged at my heart strings.

Next you have a wonderful cast of secondary characters, some of which were very special. This is a topic that doesn’t show up very often in this type of story. However, it is very clear that the author researched the topic extensively. The way she flawlessly detailed the characters’ dialogues, actions and reactions was so spot on that it made them feel like they were real.

Lastly there is another topic that rarely shows up in this type of story. That topic is about adults who never had their educational needs properly addressed in childhood and how it impacts them in adulthood. This too was depicted in such a realistic way that it deeply touched my heart.

Author Kelly Irvin has once again written a story that draws you in completely and touches your heart is a special way. It is one of love, hope, faith, trust and following God’s plan. It is a truly heartfelt story that I highly recommend.

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

Oh my goodness, what a story! Kelly Irvin always does a tremendous job riding her stories, But this one is one of the best of the best.
The Heart’s Bunding is Rachel and Toby‘s story. Toby Miller works in his family’s auction business, and Rachel teaches special Need children in their hometown school. Because they both have siblings with disabilities one would naturally assume they are drawn together by circumstances. Although this is true, each has their own reasons for not being willing to trust their heart to love.

Every character in this book is unique, and you are drawn to them each in a special way as you watch them grow throughout the story. They are so well developed 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 until the next page but in no way, are you ready for the story to end. The store never lags, and you never lose interest in what you’re reading. The message is unforgettable.

On August 1, 2023, This book will be released and you will be able to enjoy the story also.
Thank you, Zondervan For allowing me to read an ARC, of this book. I recommend this five star read to everyone who enjoys Amish fiction. Opinions are my own, and I was not required to give a positive review.

Toby is getting a lot of pressure from his mother to find a wife. Toby is an auctioneer in his family auction business and travels 6 months of the year. Toby has a gift of words in his profession, but not with Rachelle, the woman who has caught his attention. Rachelle works with the 'special' children of her community. Rachelle loves the children and working with them. She is at a crossroads when the parents decide to send the children to an 'English' school which offers additional services instead. Toby and Rachelle draw together, but Toby isn't sure Rachelle would welcome courtship from him. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I love that this story deals with different subjects (i.e. auctioneering and 'special' children) than are normally written about in Amish stories. I also love that Toby and Rachelle are warm and loving people who are struggling with big changes in their lives. Toby's little sister Sadie stole my life and her friendship with Rachelle's brother Jonah is precious. There is also a nice secondary romance dealing with love after heartbreak. I look forward to the next book in this series.

I enjoyed this book very much. It was definitely a romance but, the back story of the special needs children was addressed with compassion and an awareness that there are special circumstances concerning education. The romance involved 2 separate couples with hurts in their past that they needed to overcome. The growth of the characters was a joy to see develop.

The Heart’s Bidding was the first in the new series by Kelly Irvin, The Amish Calling series. I love all of Ms. Irvin’s books, but this series has an added touch of the heart. I fell in love with Sadie and Jonah from the moment I was introduced to them. They were each so different and the author portrayed them so well. Rachelle was an amazing teacher and I fell in love with her character. Toby took a little getting used to, but I loved Micah. Each person had hurts they needed to overcome and each coupling (pairing) complimented each other. The story felt very realistic and the people were written so well they could have been my best friends. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.

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

This is a wonderful book and a great start to a new series. It's a clean sweet romance with wonderful characters and just the right amount of conflict to keep you turning the pages. I enjoyed everything about this heartwarming story and look forward to the next book in this series.
I received a complimentary copy from Zondervan Fiction via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Toby works with the men in his family as auctioneers. They travel for their jobs and are gone much of the time. Toby feels he is destined to remain single as the one woman he thought he loved, very hatefully told him no woman would want to marry a man who was gone so much of the time. Yes, his mother and grandmother did it, but, her words haunt him.
Rachelle teachers in the Amish schoolhouse. She longs to be a wife and mother, but does love her job. She teaches the children who have academic and social challenges. The Amish call these children, 'special,' and indeed, they are. Jonah and Sadie are such sweet little children and full of joy in spite of their disabilities.
It has been decided the 'special' children will be going to the English school as that school can meet some of their needs better, as well as being a financial help. Rachelle is devastated, as is her little brother Jonah. Whatever is she to do if she cannot teach? How will the 'special' children understand the big change in their lives?
Such a lovely story with great characters and a happy ending.
I was given an advanced ecopy by the publisher, Zondervan through Netgalley. I was under no obligation to write a positive reviews.

I’ll cut to the chase. 5 stars! I loved this story because we got to see the community’s heart for their special children. How all come together to love and care for them. Author Kelly Irvin did a great job getting this across. She also touched on learning disabilities in adults; how it’s not shameful and can be overcome.

Both Toby and Rachelle are well developed, very likable characters. I’d love to meet them. And both love children and understand them. It was fun to “watch” them grow and change as God was allowed to work in them.

If you like Amish fiction with not only challenges but a lot of hope, then I highly recommend The Heart’s Bidding.

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

THE HEART’S BIDDING is such a sweet story. Rachelle doesn’t want to leave her community, but she just might not have a choice. She is a special education teacher and the school board has decided that her school children will be going to the English school in the fall.

The Amish Calling series seems like the perfect new series for me and THE HEART’S BIDDING is exactly why. All of the characters from this story are fantastic. Rachelle comes from a big family and her salary helps with the bills. How can she not leave her family forr a different teaching position? She has to help them. She is really struggling with the way her life is headed. She didn’t know that her life would get even better once she starts confiding in Toby Miller. These two people helped each other grow. I did not want to put this book down.

THE HEART’S BIDDING Is a tough read because you can only imagine how Rachelle and Toby are struggling with their decisions they must make. Toby wants a family, someone to come home to. He loves his job as an auctioneer but knows for his Fra being home alone for long stretches of time, is a very hard life. Toby isn’t married for that reason alone. How can he ask someone to go through that? THE HEART’S BIDDING is another in-depth and insightful story by one of my favorite Amish fiction authors.

My emotions were all over the place as they always are reading a Kelly Irvin story and I’m excited to read the next book in this series. I loved how Ms. Irvin made me feel all of the anxiety and tension that the characters were dealing with. Besides all of that, there is also romance, forgiveness, and healing. A perfect way to spend the day on the couch with your favorite beverage, lost in the pages of a heart tugging but beautiful story.

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

I absolutely loved this story. The characters walked off the page and made me care what happened to them.

When Rachelle Lapp gets the news that her "special" students would be attending the English school in the fall, she is devastated. She is a gifted teacher who knows and loves each of the children in her care, and her salary also helps her family of 16 function. At 23, she has already turned down two marriage proposals, neither of which felt like the right thing for her. While her parents hope that she will find someone to marry if she isn't teaching, Rachelle hopes to find another position, even if it takes her away from her home community. She knows her skills are needed, somewhere, but she doesn't know if she can really leave her family, especially her little brother, Jonah, who is one of her special students.

Toby Miller is an auctioneer, a highly unusual occupation among the Amish for two reasons. One, he has to use an electronic sound system to be heard, and two, the job calls attention to him, makes him stand out, which the Amish generally frown upon. He's gone from home six months out of the year as part of the family auction business begun by his grandfather, which was never a problem until he wanted to court a girl. Shattered by the reaction of the first girl he courted to his absences, he has reached the "old" age of 29 without giving his heart away again. When he calls Rachelle's little brothers onto the stage with him at an auction, he earns her wrath but he also finds a woman that interests him. Fear has kept him from pursuing relationships before, but is it possible that Rachelle is different from other Amish girls?

Toby and Rachelle have an almost immediate connection/attraction to one another, but both have been burned by love in the past. Can they get past their current "comfort zones" to find the love that both their families want for them?

I really felt for these two. They know that marriage is expected for each of them, but Toby is well past the age when men normally marry and Rachelle feels called to teach, something she can't do as an Amish wife. Toby's fear of disappointing yet another young woman has him locked in indecision. He wants a home and family, but is afraid to offer his heart to anyone after the first girl he dated stomped all over it. He knows his job and how much he is away will make life difficult for a wife, but his father and grandfather both managed. Why not him?

Readers who enjoy Amish sweet romance will love The Heart's Bidding. There is humor to go with all the angst, and the characters make you hope for a sequel. It reads very quickly, too.

The Heart's Bidding by Kelly Irvin, book one in the Amish Calling series, is a faith filled story sweet, heartwarming story about trusting G-d and allowing G-d to show you what is best for you all. A story that drew me, not letting go until the last page.

Rachelle Lapp teaches special education to developmental and disabled Amish students, especially her brother Jonah who has developmental and learning disabilities. She loves her students and is gifted teaching in this area of education. When the parents committee of the Lee’s Gulch Amish School decides to send their Special Ed students to an English school, where they can get occupational teaching, Rachelle’s future looks uncertain. Her choices are to either apply for a teaching position at another school, possibly far from home, or give up teaching altogether; neither of which make her happy.

Toby Miller is an Auctioneer for his family’s successful auction business. Toby, his brothers and Dad are always away from home and on the road going from town to town wherever business takes them. Toby is too busy to marry and settle down; what woman would want a man who is never at home. Toby did not feel that any woman would marry him and want to be alone raising his children while he was on the road. Then he meets pretty Rachelle Lapp who turns his head and makes his heart beat. Rachel teaches Toby’s sister, Sadie, who has Down syndrome. Together, Toby and Rachelle advocate for their siblings who have learning disabilities. Toby wonders if he could be more than a friend to Rachelle; if she would welcome an auctioneer, who is on the road five months out of the year, court her. There are some matchmakers trying to help Toby and Rachelle come together; his family and their siblings, Jonah and Sadie.

Ms. Irvin wrote a wonderful, heartfelt, sweet, and moving story that had me reflecting on how he Amish would differ in how they value children with different abilities; especially developmental disabilities. Jonah and Sadie were such sweet kids who had such a love for life and those who were their friends and family. In this life we all have good and bad things that happen to us and in this story the characters also had good and bad times when unpredictable things became a part of their lives. I highly recommend The Heart's Bidding to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

This is a fantastic novel, showing two families with special needs children. I loved how the author told this story with love and compassion.

Filled with faith, love and terrific writing, this is one book I highly recommended.

I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley. Opinions are my own.

This is a contemporary novel, set in the Amish area of Virginia. It focuses on a school teacher at an Amish school with a heart for special needs children. The Amish community chooses to move those same children to the public school as they can obtain more services there. The teacher is torn about the opportunity / challenge.
On the other side of the story, we meet a 30-year old Amish bachelor whose family runs an auctioneer business. This family has been granted some exceptions to traditional Amish choices because they need phones, computers and vehicles for their business. He is a bachelor because his is convinced that no woman would want to tolerate his travel schedule due to the business.
I thought it was a unique story and I appreciated the tenderness with which the author handled the telling of the special needs children.

Loved reading this novel, I would definitely recommend it, great writing style. Her books never disappoint!

A heartfelt and inspirational story. It grabbed me from the first page.
Manythanks to Zondervan Fiction and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Heart's Bidding by Kelly Irvin
The Heart's Bidding (Amish Calling #1)
by Kelly Irvin (Goodreads Author)
983488
Susan F's review Jul 14, 2023 ·



I loved this book. The two main characters, Toby Miller, an auctioneer and Rachelle Lapp, a schoolteacher who works with special needs children, are excellent characters. I want to thank the publisher Zondervan and NetGalley for my copy of the book. This is my own personal opinion about the it.
I like that this is a new series which depicts the lives of a family that operate an Amish auction business. The information about that lifestyle is interesting. Toby is very devoted to his family, especially his special needs sibling. Rachelle loves teaching and is devoted to the children, including her own brother. The children are portrayed very well with their various challenges. Both adults seriously seek God's will to the point that Toby feels he should never marry, and Rachelle is determined she is to be a teacher and will spend her life doing so. They both face challenges, doubts about God's will and changes in their lives. This is very well written with serious moments, humor and touches of romance. I look forward to the other books in the series.

The Heart’s Bidding

by Kelly Irvin

Although this book is an Amish romance, its strongest theme is the acceptance and education of children who are labelled as different, educationally challenged, developmentally delayed, disabled, mentally or physically handicapped, or as the Amish prefer to call them “special.” They see these children as gifts from God. In The Heart’s Bidding, Rachelle is a dedicated teacher, but as a Plain (Amish) woman she knows that although she loves teaching and has a talent in that area, her future will be to get married and have children. When the governing educational committee in her community decide that the special children should be transported daily to a town that offers more specialized services than the little community has available and at no cost to the Amish, Rachelle finds her last day of teaching coming more quickly than she could have imagined or desired.

Toby is a handsome bachelor who has been hurt in a past experience in courting and is haunted by the thought that no woman would want to be married to an auctioneer who spends many days and months on the road crisscrossing 5 states. Could an attraction between Toby and Rachelle come to anything? Both of their mothers would like to see it happen and have to be reminded to rein in their matchmaking. Both Toby and Rachelle have special siblings and common love and understanding for them.

There are other plot threads within this book about the large Amish families, the head of a family business stepping down, and an adult with dyslexia that has never been addressed. If you are interested in the Amish way of life and how both education and technology are addressed on an everyday level, this would be a good book to read. It gives the reader a different point of view from an author who is sensitive to both Amish and English cultures. The many children in the book provide both humor and excitement. In particular Jonah, Rachelle’s little brother, and Sadie, Toby’s little sister, both of whom will need lifelong support, will make you smile and tug on your heartstrings.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Rating: 5/5

Category: Religion, Romance,

Notes: 1. The author includes a listing of characters by family and a glossary of Amish/Pennsylvania Dutch words at the beginning. She ends with author’s notes and discussion questions.
2. #1 in the series The Amish Calling. There are two in the series available now and one more that will be published in January 2025. All have characters who deal with disabilities of various types.

Publication: August 1, 2023—Zondervan Publishing

Memorable Lines:

Plain women liked their appliances the way some English women loved their jewelry or a roomy SUV for carting around their children—all two of them.

Their education was intended to help them be successful in their Plain communities, to be hard workers and good people, with the skills they would need to sustain to work with their families, to thrive, but to do so in a godly way.

“Sadie’s soul is innocent. It always will be.” Rachelle sought out the little girl. She found her on a swing, her legs pumping, her head thrown back, laughter spilling from her lips. “She knows what is gut and right and fair. Nothing will change that.” “Do you really believe that?” “Gott made her special. I believe His plan is for us to learn as much from her as she learns from us—more really.”

Loved reading this book. Amazing story and the characters lend to the charm of this book. I would highly recommend this book. You would not be disappointed.