Pretty good story. Fast read. A bit inaccurate for Amish religious practices, but what does that really matter?!
Carole J. (PianoLady357) reviewed The Amish Marriage Bargain (Love Inspired, No 1256) on + 157 more book reviews
I enjoyed The Amish Marriage Bargain by an author who is new to me, Marie E. Bast. For a Love Inspired book, there's more character depth and layering than I would have expected, adding richness to this marriage-of-convenience story. The narrative flows steadily and the small Iowa Amish community is vividly conveyed.
May and Thad are appealing, hard working, and honorable lead characters, thrust into a difficult situation that, although I knew things would eventually work out, captured my attention as I journeyed with them. And what a situation they find themselves in! May had dated and been in love with Thad in the past, only to be jilted when he married her sister, April, instead. Upon April's death, Thad inherited the family farm where May is living temporarily as she helps care for his precious daughter, Leah.
As the story opens, May is faced with an important decision â accept her aunt's offer to work in her Indiana bakery or marry Thad. âShe wanted to be Leah's mamm, and Thad came along as baggage.â The author did a good job of keeping me engaged as she slowly peeled back layers throughout the story.
Another aspect to the story that I enjoyed was the struggle of small dairy farmers to survive in light of government USDA regulations. It was fun to see May's creative side kick into high gear as she came up with the idea of making cheese as a way to save their family farm. I also enjoyed her interaction with the Amish bishop, who had certainly met his match in May.
On a spiritual level, the story highlights the difference â and difficulty â between the mental process of forgiving because the church's teaching commands it vs. letting go and forgiving from the heart, and that's something readers can all relate to.
I enjoyed The Amish Marriage Bargain and look forward to more stories from Marie E. Bast. Recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
May and Thad are appealing, hard working, and honorable lead characters, thrust into a difficult situation that, although I knew things would eventually work out, captured my attention as I journeyed with them. And what a situation they find themselves in! May had dated and been in love with Thad in the past, only to be jilted when he married her sister, April, instead. Upon April's death, Thad inherited the family farm where May is living temporarily as she helps care for his precious daughter, Leah.
As the story opens, May is faced with an important decision â accept her aunt's offer to work in her Indiana bakery or marry Thad. âShe wanted to be Leah's mamm, and Thad came along as baggage.â The author did a good job of keeping me engaged as she slowly peeled back layers throughout the story.
Another aspect to the story that I enjoyed was the struggle of small dairy farmers to survive in light of government USDA regulations. It was fun to see May's creative side kick into high gear as she came up with the idea of making cheese as a way to save their family farm. I also enjoyed her interaction with the Amish bishop, who had certainly met his match in May.
On a spiritual level, the story highlights the difference â and difficulty â between the mental process of forgiving because the church's teaching commands it vs. letting go and forgiving from the heart, and that's something readers can all relate to.
I enjoyed The Amish Marriage Bargain and look forward to more stories from Marie E. Bast. Recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Kristina A. reviewed The Amish Marriage Bargain (Love Inspired, No 1256) on + 1528 more book reviews
The Amish Marriage Bargain by Marie E. Bast takes readers on a journey to Washington County, Iowa. May Bender has been carrying for her niece, Leah along with her brother-in-law, Thad Hochstetler since the death of her sister, April a year prior. It has been difficult since Thad broke her heart when he stopped courting her and married April. May now has an opportunity to work with her aunt in Indiana and she will inherit the business. It will be hard, though, to leave Leah who she loves so dearly. Then she learns that her family farm is in dire financial straits and there is a chance that Thad will lose it. Thad needs May, but, for her to stay living there, May will have to marry the man who broke her heart. Can they reach a bargain that will keep May's safe from heartbreak? The Amish marriage Bargain is a sweet story. I like Marie E. Bast's conversational writing style. It engages the reader and draws them into the book. I could understand May's feelings toward Thad and her current situation. She is angry, frustrated, and heartbroken. May ends up taking care of the man she lost, but the bright spot of her life is her niece, Leah. May knows that she must forgive Thad and she tells him that she does. However, it takes time to feel the forgiveness in your mind and in your heart. I admit that I was surprised in the story that May and Thad slept in the same house at night since they are both single and there is no chaperone. The story would have been more realistic if Thad had slept in the Dawdi haus. Thad knows how May feels about him and it hurts his heart. He had reasons for his actions, but Thad feels he cannot share them with May. Thad's mother, Gretchen is a critical woman who seems to find fault with May's work. I enjoyed how that storyline played out. Thad and May marry for convenience and you could feel the tension between the pair. Thad hopes to change May's feelings for him which will take time and a whole lot of patience. I assumed that May and Thad slept in separate rooms after they wed, but it was never addressed. I wish the author had added this element to the story. I like how the story developed and the revelations May uncovers. I enjoyed reading this heartwarming and inspiring story. The Amish Marriage Bargain is a touching story about second chances and forgiveness.
