"An Unlikely Amish Match" offers a view of Amish life that differs from some of the "sweet" Amish romance novels. When Micah enters the Goshen, Indiana Amish community, he brings along some unusual and unique ways of living the Amish lifestyle. Susannah, the bishop's daughter, could not be more different from Micah, as she sticks closely to the rules of the Ordnung. When the two meet, sparks fly! What starts out as a challenge becomes much more than companionship. However, Micah shows his true colors of strength and integrity when trouble comes calling.

This novel deals with themes of illness, rebellion, change, and crime; at the same time, characters exhibit courage, insight, trust, energy, and liveliness. The Christian message is present but not preachy. Characters are described in just the right amount of detail to give readers a mental picture of them. Readers who seek a change of pace in an Amish romance will enjoy this story of a very unlikely Amish match.

I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own. ( )

Thank you in advance to the author, Vannetta Chapman, as well as JustRead Publicity Tours for providing a complimentary copy to review. A positive review was NOT required, and all words are my own.

Not only is Amish Romance a fairly new genre to me (this is the second Amish romance book I’ve read); but the author, Vannetta Chapman, is new to me as well. In addition to writing Amish fiction; the author also writes:

* Amish Cozy Mysteries (these I would LOVE to find out more about)
* Romantic Suspense (one of my FAVORITE genres)
* Contemporary Romance (another favorite)
* Christian Dystopian

As far as the book …

Eagle-eyed readers and fans of Harlequin’s lines (any of them), will notice the cover change. With the other series, the logos were reduced and markings were placed on the left side. This series got a more simplified “banner” and looks like a blue spine color. In months past I saw red, pink, maroon, green, and blue spines. So, I guess this is a move to make a more standard color for the series.

Anyone who has read my blog, or knows me, knows I don’t read Amish fiction. I don’t dislike the genre; I just haven’t read much of it. My only encounter with Amish romance (or rather romantic suspense) was Witness (1985) with Harrison Ford. My how that barn dance scene stands out. And, yes there was some controversy with the film.

Anyway …

Right off the idea of a “bad Amish boy” has me interested! And, after getting to know Susannah and why she was the way she was – my heart broke for her. The idea of pretending to date Micah to keep him away from the other girls was adorable. Already this book mixes humor, sadness, and a bit of fun together.

It is part of the “Indiana Amish Brides” series, though it completely acts as a standalone, so you don’t have to read the other four books. I might go looking for them down the road though.

There is such a conflicting honesty about this one – and, we learn that from Micah. He has an “Englisch” (not a typo, they spell it that way) phone and wants to connect to the Englisch world, but does enjoy the simplicity of his Amish life/roots. He is a rebel because he doesn’t understand certain things or why they are in place. Nor does he feel there should be the rules. He is also not “committed” to the faith, whereas Susannah is.

Micah’s grandparents are very strict and in one scene this is shown by his grandfather (daddi).

Susannah has little to no interest in getting married, partly because of her medical past. This is the second Love Inspired (with even a Heartwarming one in there) book that deals with “CANCER”. As much as I hate adding a spoiler, those who are fighting it or knows someone who is might appreciate the warning.

She does act like she is damaged goods, but yet isn’t treated as such by the majority of people she is around. She also has the common fear of a relapse.

Amish language is used. The author appears to use what looks like a cross of Pennsylvania Dutch and perhaps another one mixed. As my grandmother’s family once settled in Pennsylvania Dutch country (which explains a spelling in their surname), I guess I inherited some ability to understand and be familiar with Pennsylvania Dutch. Given the content of the sentence – it was easy to figure out who was being referred to and what was being said, and almost the pronunciation as thought I could hear it.

Despite Susannah being the front character, I really enjoyed Micah’s journey more. I enjoyed watching how he matured and after a tragedy he stepped right up to “be a man”. It also broke my heart to see how his grandparents, particularly his daddi, treated him. However, I am sure that as an Englischer looking in, it would seem strange, if not cruel. So, I have to remember to keep the context when I am reading.

Even though this was a “Love Inspired” book, and Susannah’s father was the bishop, I found this was lighter on the faith presentation than usual L.I books. That didn’t bother me one way or the other.

As with most of the Harlequin books I’ve read (Love Inspired, Love Inspired Suspense, Heartwarming, and Intrigue); this was hard to put down. I was halfway into this one, and almost dozing off to sleep before I could summon the willpower to put it down. Needless to say that the writer’s style was one that allowed the story to progress naturally and keep me (the reader) interested – perhaps too much.

This book was an absolute delight, and definitely made me see Amish romance in a new way. ( )

The author gives us a story of an Amish man who is not wanting to leave his faith, but really not ready to embrace it either. He is sent from his home in Maine to live with his Grandparents in Indiana, with the hopes he will grow up, and at 25 is he running out of time.
I liked the character of Micah, and even if he is still sewing his wild oats, he seems to have a good heart.
We also are offered a young woman who has not had an easy time, she has dealt with a hard time in her young life, but has persevered and love how she goes about her journey, and being the Bishops daughter she does a good job.
Can these two opposites get together? Will Micah’s grandfather accept him as he is? This is a read that will make you think, and be careful and don’t get too comfortable there are some wild obstacles that appear!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin. and was not required to give a positive review ( )

An Unlikely Amish Match by Vannetta Chapman is the fifth book in the Indiana Amish Brides series. Each book in the series can be read on its own. I thought the characters were developed and realistic. I like Vannetta Chapman’s engaging writing style. I was drawn right into the story and just wanted to keep reading to the end. Micah Fisher is twenty-five and has been spoiled by his seven older sisters. He is a rebel with a cocky attitude. Micah is also a hard worker and a quick learner. Susannah told her friend that Micah is “trouble wrapped up in suspenders.” Susannah’s cancer matured her giving her a serious personality. She follows the rules, does her chores, watches her younger twin sisters (they are a handful) and makes beautiful quilts. Micah and Susannah are complete opposites which leads to some humorous and playful moments. I thought it was clever when Micah came up with a way for them to fish at night. There are also some tender scenes that will touch your heart. One of my favorite scenes is when Susannah tells Micah about her cancer and not being able to have children. I like how faith is incorporated into the story. God directs our paths and he puts certain people in our life for a reason. His ways are not our ways. God’s love, forgiveness and prayer are featured Christian elements. We also see that each day is precious, and we should not waste a moment. There is a preview of The Amish Widow’s Hope by Marta Perry at the end of the book. I enjoyed reading An Unlikely Amish Match. I love it when a story leaves me with a smile on my face when I finish it. An Unlikely Amish match is an uplifting story with lively twins, an enterprising Amishman, an earnest maidel, a stubborn grandfather, a compassionate bishop, and surprising situations. ( )