Jasmyn Novachek
Pinecraft, FL isn't your typical Amish community. They are a little less strict, a little more outgoing, and a lot more involved with the Englisch world. But, they still hold all the basic beliefs of the Amish - love, charity, simple living. Lovina moved to Pinecraft with her family because the air would help her father's lung and breathing issues. But the area is so full of women, that Lovina's mother has almost given up hope that her daughters will find a respectful eligible bachelor - but that's OK with Lovina. She isn't all that interested in finding a husband - she wants to open a pie shop. There are several people in the community touched by Lovina's dream. Lovina, her mother, the handsome Noah Yoder, a reporter. I would even say that the whole community learned a lesson on determination, following God's will, and not judging others by watching this strong young woman. I really loved how she stuck to her Amish beliefs and found a way to work them into the world around her. Never compromising on the important issues, but also willing to listen to what others had to say. But, on to the romance. Noah isn't what most in the community would call an ideal candidate for a husband. Having caused some major trouble a few years back when he was younger, many in the community seem to shun him. Noah is trying so hard to find a place for himself and the teenagers (also having gotten into trouble) that he brought with him. He wants to teach them a skill and show them how wonderful the Amish community can be. Made with Love was a really great story - and I loved that it was a lot different than most of the traditional Amish romances I've read. I've added the rest of the series to my TBR, and they sound amazing! **I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**
1 person found this review helpful
Kristina Anderson
Made with Love by Tricia Goyer and Sherry Gore is a sweet Amish fiction novel. Lovina has dreamed of owning her own pie shop for years. She is obsessed with pies and her dreams for her shop. Then one morning she finds the right location for her shop. She immediately contacts her banker friend. While viewing the location she meets Noah. Noah Yoder has moved from Arcola, Illinois to Pinecraft, Florida with his nephew, Mose and two his Mose’s friends. Noah is hoping to give the boys a second chance. Mose was heading down the wrong path and Noah wants to help him (as well as Atlee and Gerald). Noah does construction projects with the help of the boys and also salvages items. He gives items that have been thrown out a new life. Noah offers to do the remodel for Lovina’s pie shop in exchange for the items in the warehouse. Lovina has enough money saved up to purchase the property, but she will need additional funds to remodel the building and install the necessary equipment. Lovina can only get a loan from the bank if her father agrees to cosign. Her father, John, goes one step further by agreeing to give her the money. Lovina and Noah start work immediately on the pie shop. Lovina’s mother, Anna is not happy about the pie shop and refuses to talk about it. Anna keeps pushing Thomas Chupp (a man helping get his parents settled into Pinecraft) at Lovina (which does not bode well for the four younger daughters and their dreams). Lovina is not interested in Thomas much to the displeasure of her mother. Noah and Lovina spend a lot of time together renovating the shop. But Noah needs to tell Lovina about his past (the incident that happened five years previously while on rumspringa) before the two of them can move forward. Will Me, Myself, and Pie (Lovina’s name for the shop) become a reality? What will happen between Lovina and Noah? Do you think Anna will ever understand Lovina’s dream? Made with Love was a cute story. It is a little bit heavy on scripture (comes across preachy at times). I give Made with Love (which I thought would have made a better name for the pie shop) 4 out of 5 stars. I like the setting (I actually live about an hour and a half away from Pinecraft) and the characters. The writing is good, but the pace is a little slow. I also did not like the letters from Anna to her friend, Rachel. Most of the time they were not essential to the story. Overall, I did enjoy the book and I am glad that I read it. Since there are four other daughters, I have a feeling we are going to have more books. I received a complimentary copy of Made with Love from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own.
V Brandon
Lovina loves baking pies for people to enjoy. Her dream was to open a pie shop. Noah recently moved to Pinecraft with three troubled teens. His dream is to help the teens learn a trade and become responsible members of the community. Words of wisdom, life struggles and God's love guide the characters; "When fear knocks at the door, send Faith to answer." The recipes included add charm, flavor & appeal! Received book free for honest review.
