“In this uplifting inspirational romance series, award-winning author Amy Lillard unites a “Widows Club” of women who share solace, friendship, faith—and mouthwatering Whoopie Pies—in the Amish community of Paradise Valley, Missouri. This book will appeal to fans of Charlotte Hubbard, Molly Jebber, Susan Lantz Simpson, and Kelly Long.
At the heart of a Missouri Amish community, a circle of caring friends—the Widows’ Club of Paradise Valley—sees each other through life’s storms, in this uplifting series from award-winning author Amy Lillard . . . Joy Lehman has pressed on faithfully since losing her husband, raising their children and running a thriving bakery alone. Even caring for her oldest son, Johnny—seriously injured after a fall—has not shaken her fierce independence. Johnny will walk again, she’s sure. Until then, a meeting of the Widows’ Club at her home makes it clear that Joy must consider some costly renovations. Her brother-in-law, Uriah, is happy to provide the lumber and the labor—if Joy will accept his help. Uriah understands family challenges—he’s a widower himself, and father to four daughters. Yet he can see that Joy’s struggle lies deeper than house repairs, in learning to accept an altered future for her son. As Uriah’s daughters begin helping in the bakery, and Joy and Uriah’s bond grows deeper, a new possibility glows bright—the unexpected happiness that lies in embracing one strong, united family, filled with support and love . . . “
“Readers will delight in this sweet love story and stay hungry for the next installment.” –Publishers Weekly on “Marry Me, Millie”
Purchase a copy here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6D4FKVJ?_bbid=125101270&tag=individualbookpagesite-20
My Review:
The main character in this book, Joy Lehman, is not a young adult, but the mother of several children. After the tragic loss of her husband, Joy started her own business and found success with her bakery. But another serious complication enters Joy’s family life, and she finds herself being pushed to new limits. As her brother-in-law, Uriah, steps up to help her, Joy’s view of the future takes on a completely new view. Uriah himself has been a widower for several years and truly wishes to help Joy’s family. As the two find themselves drawn to each other, Joy’s desire to keep her hard-won independence is also the thing that keeps them apart. But neither Joy nor Uriah understand that the children on both sides of the family have their own plans for them, and their scheming makes this book a delight to read.
I loved reading all the ways that the children in this book came up with to bring Joy and Uriah together. Joy’s own story is heart-touching, but the kids’ plans adds some humor to the book. We not only come to know Joy and Uriah in this story, but we get to know the children, too.
There’s a faith theme of allowing God to work in our lives in His own timing that’s a good reminder to trust Him with each and every day. I love this book and am hoping that we’ll see these characters again in future additions to this series.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
About Amy Lillard
Amy loves nothing more than a good book. Except for her family…and maybe homemade tacos…and nail polish. But reading and writing are definitely high on the list.
Born and bred in Mississippi, Amy is a transplanted Southern Belle who now lives in Oklahoma with her deputy husband, their genius son, two spoiled cats, and one very lazy beagle. Oh, and don’t forget the stray kitty that has taken up residence on her front porch. ^..^
When she’s not creating quirky characters and happy endings, she’s chauffeuring her prodigy to guitar lessons, orchestra concerts and baseball practice. She has a variety of hobbies, but her favorite is whatever gets her out of housework.
Amy also writes contemporary romances under the pen name Amie Louellen.
An award winning author, Amy is a member of RWA and ACFW. She loves to hear from readers. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, Google+, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest. For links to the various sites, check her website: www.amylillardbooks.com.