An Unexpected Amish Proposal

Rachel J. Good

Mar 2021 · Surprised by Love Book 1 · Zebra Books

About this ebook

Sometimes love is found in the most unexpected places—as three blessed men will discover in Rachel J. Good’s heartwarming Amish romance series, set in a bustling Pennsylvania community . . .
 
When an organic farm causes rents to skyrocket at the Valley Green Farmer’s Market, Fern Blauch’s family baked goods stand is driven to the edge of eviction. . . . Until a mysterious temporary reprieve. Fern is confused when she discovers the benefactor is barbecued chicken stand owner—and her longtime crush—Gideon Hartzler. She’s grateful, but pridefully tells him she intends to pay him back. If only she can find a new place to sell her wares . . .
 
To stay competitive, and help as many others as he can, Gideon expands his stand to provide full meals—including dessert. That’s where Fern comes in. As the two work long hours, side-by-side, business booms—and so does their attraction. Still, the demands of caring for aging parents and struggling relatives cause them to hide any feelings beyond friendship. But as new challenges emerge and Gideon and Fern turn more deeply to their faith, and to each other, will love find a place at their table?
 

Ratings and reviews

An Unexpected Amish Proposal by Rachel J. Good is the debut of the Surprised by Love series. I enjoyed reading this entertaining Amish novel. It contains a delightful cast of characters from Fern to Aiden to Mrs. Vandenburg. I like the diverse cast of characters. There are not just warmhearted characters that you will love. The mean-spirited owner of the market who is only interested in money, the grumpy Nick who owns the candy stall, Nick’s son who is going through a rebellious phase, and Nettie, Gideon’s sister-in-law, who wants more than a brotherly relationship with him. Gideon Hartzler is a strong character. He is a man who has taken on a heavy load that has him sacrificing a personal life. Gideon has liked Fern since they were children, but his obligations keep him from courting her. He also has a secret that is weighing him down. Fern is a good balance to Gideon. She has a kind, thoughtful woman with a big heart. Fern is also a wonderful baker who makes cinnamon rolls that Gideon just loves to eat. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters. The dialogue was realistic especially between Nick and Aiden (an angsty teen with a hot headed, grumpy father). Mrs. Vandenburg is a delight. She is a forceful woman who wants to help others. I hope we see more of her in the other books in the series. The Valley Green Farmer’s Market is the central location of the book. The stall owners know each other and some of them have had stalls since the market began. There are regular customers who expect their favorite shops to be there with the items they are used to acquiring especially candy and baked goods. Forgiveness and prayer are the two dominant Christian themes. It is important to not only forgive others but yourself. An Unexpected Amish Proposal is more than a romance. There are a couple of storylines happening at the same time. I like how it all came together into one engaging Amish tale. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. An Unexpected Amish Proposal is feel-good Amish story with scrumptious cinnamon rolls, market stall mayhem, revenue problems, a needy in-law, and succulent chicken.

About the author

USA Today bestselling author RACHEL J. GOOD writes life-changing, heart-tugging novels of faith, hope, and forgiveness. She grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for her Amish novels. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events. Rachel has several Amish series, including Surprised by Love, Unexpected Amish Blessings, Surprised by Love, Love & Promises, and Sisters & Friends as well as stories in many anthologies.