Kristina Anderson
Magdelena’s Choice by Molly Jebber is the fifth novel in the An Amish Charm Bakery series. Each book in An Amish Charm Bakery series can be read as a standalone. If you read them in order, it will allow you to become immersed in Charm and the lives of the ladies who work at the bakery. I thought Magdelena’s Choice contained good writing, and the story moved along at a steady pace. I like the characters in the story. I thought they were realistic, and their attitudes suited the time period. We get to meet Abram and Annie Hook who have just moved to Charm. Toby and Magdelena befriend the couple. We get to catch up with the characters from the other four novels in the series. I thought this was a clean, sweet Amish romance. I was not a fan of the repetition. Certain details are repeated over and over. I liked the issues raised in Magdelena’s Choice. Sometimes you need to be patient and wait for God’s timing. In the meantime, you must pray and continue to do good works. Charity Beachy was a delight. She is such a precocious child. She certainly knows who she wants to marry when she is old enough. I thought Charity and Peter were adorable together. I like how people supported Magdelena and Toby. It can be hard to be obedient when you want to follow your heart. The delicious items at the bakery will have your mouth watering. You will find yourself craving whoopie pies and snickerdoodles. Magdelena’s Choice is a charming Amish tale with scrumptious pastries, a clever and crafty Charity, an insistent suitor, a forceful father, compassionate mates, and a firm faith.
Dali Castillo
A Charming Story Magdelena's Choice is a charming story of love, forgiveness, God's will, and even a bit of intrigue. Magdelena Beachy and Toby Schlabach love each other, but there are situations beyond their control and people with different ideas of who Magdelena should be with. As a result, these situations and people are creating bumps in the road for Magdelena and Toby, thus making their journey a very painful. one. So many times I just felt great sad for them, but their relationship was so sweet and caring that other times I found myself smiling, rooting for them and cheering them on. It was an emotional roller coaster for sure, but that's part of what made it a very delightful and charming story. I recommend you read it for yourself. You won't be disappointed. **I received a copy of the book from Kensington Books, via NetGalley. All opinions and comments are strictly my own.
Sonja Nishimoto
Magdelena is the daughter of a wealthy rancher who wants her to marry a man that can provide for her in the way he has throughout her life. Magdelena's beau is not in her father's plan for her. But Magdelena is determined to be with Toby, until her father arranges a match for her that fits his plans for her. This story takes place in 1914. This is a really engaging story and I was caught up in it right away. What is Magdelena going to do, follow her heart or her father's choice for her? Going against her father, will cause her serious consequences and she needs to choose. Either way, there are things to lose. Toby is working hard to find favor with Magdelena's father, but is it enough? I have not read the earlier books in the series, but felt that it was fine as a stand-alone, also. But that said, I wouldn't mind reading the previous books, if they are as enjoyable as this one. I received a complimentary ebook from the author and NetGalley and was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts are my own.