- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 352; Kindle Edition - File Size: 909 KB | Expected Release Date: August 1, 2014 | Publisher: Harvest House Publishers | Obtained: NetGalley"The Amish Blacksmith" [The Men of Lancaster County Series, Book 2] by Mindy Starns Clark & Susan Meissner
Authors' Book Description : New from bestselling authors Mindy Starns Clark and Susan Meissner, "The Amish Blacksmith" (Book 2 in The Men of Lancaster County series) explores the men of an Amish community in Lancaster County, how their Amish beliefs play out in their unique roles, and the women who change their lives.
Apprenticed blacksmith Jake Miller is skeptical of Priscilla Kinsinger’s innate ability to soothe troubled horses, especially when he has own ideas on how to calm them. Six years earlier, Priscilla’s mother died in an awful accident at home, and Priscilla’s grief over losing her mother was so intense that she was sent to live with relatives in Indiana. She has just returned to Lancaster County.
Not that her homecoming matters to Jake, who is interested in courting lighthearted Amanda Shetler. But Jake’s boss is Priscilla’s uncle, and when the man asks Jake to help his niece reconnect with community life, he has no choice but to do just that. Surprisingly, he finds himself slowly drawn to the beautiful but emotionally wounded Priscilla.
Jake then determines to prove to her that it’s not her fault her mother died, but what he discovers will challenge everything they both believe about the depth of love and the breadth of forgiveness.
My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars. A heartwarming novel about an Amish blacksmith who feels he has everything he ever dreamed of and is on the path that God wants him to be on, that is until a girl--now woman--from his past shows up and throws his beliefs into question. Jake & Priscilla are a great pair. Together they are able to challenge each other into becoming who they are meant to be without fear of being mocked for being different then the norm.
I truly enjoyed this novel. For being a single POV, from Jake's perspective, I really liked how the reader enters his world in a way that makes you feel like you're a part of his life while feeling like it's a diary of sorts too. In addition, it was intriguing to watch how both Priscilla & Jake grow, as well as trying to solve the mystery that is Priscilla throughout this novel. At times though this novel was to slow for me and was hard for me to understand why Jake acted so dense. Yet, I'm happy with how everything plays out in the end.
I recommend this novel and series to anyone fond of Amish and/or Christian romances!
-- On a side note --
I never read book one of this series and I never got lost, as this one is enough of a standalone novel that I didn't felt left out.
Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :
Authors' Series Extras : Mindy's research and learn more about the Amish | Mindy and several other authors regularly blog about the Amish | The Amish Groom - Overview & Trailer
Book Teaser(s) :
"I'm sure the horses will remember you," I offered, once again trying to ease an awkward moment. "I mean, the ones that were here back then."
In response, Priscilla gave me a look I could only describe as curious. "Think so?"
For a moment, it almost felt like the old Priscilla and the old Jake, just talking about horses as usual, as if not a day had passed.
"Of course. You spent enough time with them."
"Ya," she replied, her expression growing unreadable. "So did you." ~ within PART ONE : Chapter 2
Leaning forward, I propped my elbows on the fence and placed on foot on the lower rail. "So how come I'm not allowed to go near your horse, but you can use mine as your own personal party date?"
She smiled, though I couldn't quite tell if it was meant for me or for Willow. "It's not my fault your horse if a far better conversationalist than anyone I've met at this party thus far."
"I thought you told me animals can't talk."
"Exactly."
I chuckled. ~ within PART ONE : Chapter 12
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Mindy & Susan, then please check out their websites: Mindy's website & Susan's website.
