Jo Ann Brown (1)

A Hope for Healing by Jo Ann Brown is a poignant and engaging story. I was immediately drawn into the book. I thought the story was well-written with realistic, friendly characters. I enjoyed getting to know Rosemary Mishler and Gideon Wingard. Both Rosemary and Gideon are trying to avoid the local matchmakers. Gideon knows his large, gregarious family means well. Rosemary is still grieving the loss of her husband and is not ready to marry again (if ever). When a little Englisch girl is left in Rosemary’s kitchen, Rosemary learns that her husband had secrets. I enjoyed the surprises in the story. It kept things interesting. Some of them are good and will warm your heart while others will astonish you. I like how Gideon and Rosemary kept getting thrown together. A Hope for Healing is the fourth book in Secrets of Bliss Valley series. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. I enjoyed the humor sprinkled throughout the story. A Hope for Healing has romance, forgiveness, family, new beginnings, a touch of mystery, and faith. We also get a glimpse of everyday Amish life. A Hope for Healing is a touching Amish tale with well-meaning matchmakers, a quiet child, a startling revelation, a cryptic past, beautiful leatherwork, and a cheerful future.… (altro)

This read pulled me in and didn't let go until I finished the epilogue! A read that will tug at your heartstrings, and smile at the antics at the young one dropped on Rosemary's doorstop, well, actually kitchen. The journey to the kitchen is a story of its own, and it is so sad for such a little girl. Rosemary is reeling from sudden death of her husband when a young Amish man is at her door asking about renting a building.

Gideon is tired of his well meaning family, and he has lots of women in his home, his mom, two grandmothers, aunties and sisters, all who want to marry him off, he wants a breather from them and his Bishop.

There are so many surprises here, some not good, but others will make you smile, and warm you, there are updates from the previous books, but this can be read alone, but the other books are so good!

There is forgiveness, sweet romance, new beginnings, and in some ways retribution, along with every day Amish life!

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

Now a widow, Naomi’s marriage was not a happy one, but she kept that unhappiness a secret. She soon learns that her mother was also good at keeping secrets, especially one that directly affects Naomi. To add to her unsettled life, she discovers that her father’s hired help is a man who made her life a misery growing up. He has changed, but she refuses to trust anyone now. An abandoned baby on his doorstep begins to draw these damaged people together. It’s quite a tale, more than just a romance, and deals with some serious issues in a kind and thoughtful manner. Well written with likable characters, this story will very much appeal to readers of Amish fiction.… (altro)