Providence brings together a mismatched family, and all three may have been given a second chance for love. Only love may never have had such a tough job.
Lydia Miller is an anomaly among her Amish people—a single woman in her 30s, running her own store, determined to forge a life on her own. But when Joel Yoder comes into town to sell his property, Lydia suddenly finds all of her hopes and dreams crumbling around her—and a new opportunity placed in her lap.
Joel has his own problems. Recently jilted by his fiancée, Joel has seen his own dreams of moving to a newly established Amish community begin to falter. The new community welcomes married couples only. With his dreams quickly slipping from his fingers, Joel suddenly sees the only option he thinks he has: a marriage of convenience for both of them.
As the new couple begins life in a new world, they are even more surprised when a foster child in need of a home finds her way to them. Yet what will happen when the English world and the Amish world collide?
Advance Praise for Forever Home
Forever Home ranks as one of the very best Amish love stories I’ve ever read. Amy Grochowski takes this genre of fiction in an enticing new direction. Her writing is—quite simply—fabulous. I could not put it down. If you love a writer who draws you into her story world and won’t let you go until the happily ever after—Amy’s the one for you.
Laurel Blount, award winning author of The Hope Valley series
I love everything about Forever Home—the characters, the relationships, the vivid imagery, and the refreshing plot twists. Not only is it a compelling love story, but author Amy Grochowski has thoughtfully interwoven the redemptive truth of God’s love and forgiveness. I was drawn further into the story with each page and at the end, found myself hoping for a sequel!
Dr. Shannon Warden, counselor, professor, and co-author with Dr. Gary Chapman of The DIY Guide to Building a Family That Lasts
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My Review:
I was interested in reading this Amish story because of the beautiful setting of Prince Edward Island. (I learned from the author’s notes that the Amish have recently started to build a community there.) Although it was the setting that first drew me to read the book, I found that the storyline was absorbing and that the characters had depth to them.
Lydia and Joel agree to a marriage of convenience, and after their marriage Lydia moves to the new farm that Joel is establishing on PEI. They both have secrets that they are keeping from each other; but both decided to share them later when their marriage is more established. However, the heart of this story revolves around Samy, the little four year old girl who has autism. She’s an English child who has been orphaned. Lydia and Joel take her into their home as a foster child; quickly come to love her; and want to adopt her. The question becomes as to whether Lydia’s secret past will impact both the adoption and their marriage. Lydia and Joel have much to learn about each other, but as their faith grows stronger, they begin to trust that God will grant them the desires of their hearts.
This is a beautifully written story. I liked the pacing of the storyline. The author took time to let the events build in the story and the ending was not rushed. I’m hoping there’s another book in this series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
About Amy Grochowski
Amy’s deep appreciation for the Amish faith and way of life stems from six years of living and working with a Beachy Amish family, as well as her own Anabaptist roots. Her debut novel, Forever Home, was a pre-published winner of Romance Writers of America’s Maggie Award and a semi-finalist in ACFW’s Genesis Contest. She is a member of ACFW and Word Weavers Int’l.
Amy spent her childhood in Melbourne, Australia, where her parents worked as church planters. After returning to the States, the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia became home. Her real life romance began on a travel nursing assignment to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where she met her husband, David.
After a nursing career of more than twenty years, Amy is now fulfilling her long-awaited dream career as an author of inspirational romance. She is also a full-time homeschool mom for her two boys, one of whom has Autism Spectrum Disorder and lives with her family in the bustling foothills of North Carolina.