Near Christmas Tillie Gingerich returns to her Pontotoc County, Mississippi Amish home without the father of her soon-to-be-born child. She followed Melvin to Columbus when he left the Amish, working in a day care while he followed his dream to work with engines. She knew she wanted her child to grow up in the Amish country rather than the English world. Her dream, however, is impossible unless Melvin returns and marries her. She faces excommunication and shunning. Levi Yoder wanted nothing more than to hibernate after his wife and unborn child died a few months earlier. His sister Mims tries to help him, but he retreats more and more. Although much of the plot seems predictable, I felt connected to the characters and wanted the best for Tillie and her child. I wanted the Christmas miracle I knew would happen. I knew a specific death must take place for the miracle to take place so that did not catch me by surprise. I received this book through a GoodReads giveaway. While a review was not required, one is appreciated. ( )

Tillie is so in love with Melvin that she leaves her Amish home to go with him to the English world as Melvin follows his dream of working on motors and such. Melvin loves the English way of life, abandoning the edicts he grew up obeying. Money is tight and the couple is struggling. Not married, Tillie finds herself very much pregnant, and feeling neglected by Melvin, she returns home. But she knows she can’t stay there unless Melvin marries her, and he didn’t follow her home. Finally, too upset to stay in the celebratory home of relatives having a get together, she walks out in a storm, gets caught unawares by worse weather, and seeks shelter in a barn. The owner, himself a new widower who lost his life wife and unborn child, offers her shelter in his home. Tillie goes into labor during one of the worst ice storms in recent memory. Churned up emotions must be acknowledged and dealt with in this fascinating story. Well written with good character development, this story will capture your interest and warm your heart. ( )

An Amish Husband for Tillie by Amy Lillard is the 4th novel in Amish of Pontotoc series. I recommend reading the series in order. This will allow you understand the sisters’ stories. I was eager to read Tillie’s tale. I found this emotional story to be well-written with steady pacing. The characters are realistic and developed. I was happy to that Tillie’s large family was included and that we get to catch up with her sisters from the previous three books (Leah, Hannah, and Gracie). Tillie Gingerich is scared to return home after taking off for the English world with Melvin Yoder. We get to experience her fears and uncertainties. Tillie knows the rules of the community, but she wants to spend Christmas with her family. Her baby is due in less than a month which has her longing for the comfort of home and family. I thought the author did a wonderful job at expressing Tillie’s emotions and thoughts. Amy Lillard does the same for Levi Yoder who is devastated when his pregnant wife dies unexpectedly. Levi goes from happy husband and expectant father to a widower. The approaching holidays are not helping his mood nor the caring ladies of the community who drop by with food. I could feel Levi’s grief and how overwhelming it is to him. I could relate to his feelings regarding the holiday season. I did not understand the bishop’s decision regarding Tillie considering that she was not a baptized member. I know it is fiction, but I found the situation harsh. I wanted to give that bishop a piece of my mind. I just loved Levi’s sister, Mims. She is a force to be reckoned with when she is on a mission. You can tell how much she loves her brother. An Amish Husband for Tillie is a moving and inspiring story. We see that God’s plan for our life may not be our plan. We never know what he has in mind for our lives. The story deals with love, faith, forgiveness, acceptance, trust, compassion, and second chances. Everyone deserves a second chance. An Amish Husband for Tillie is a touching and encouraging holiday story that will tug on your heartstrings. ( )

This story is so well written that I read it in one day. Tillie is somewhat spontaneous and I think it has caught up to her. She leaves her Amish life to follow her boyfriend only to realize she has made a big mistake. I love how important her family and faith is. Returning home pregnant is a little scary for Tillie. After all she knows the community will gossip and make her feel uncomfortable.

Tillie’s family welcomes her home and shows her love without question. I loved the feeling of unconditional love that Tillie felt has she snuggled in her old room that first night home. I worried what the Bishop would say to Tillie. His sharp words stung like a bee that continues to cause pain. I wanted to wrap Tillie in my arms and tell her that her family would never shun her. I don’t think I could ever shun one of my children.

Levi is a welcome addition to the story. He is dealing with the loss of his wife and unborn baby. His sister means well but he wanted to just stay locked in his house and pray the pain would go away. I loved how Tillie and Levi share a miracle one night that reminds me a little of the birth of Jesus. It had to be so hard for Levi as he witnessed the birth of a child. I could feel his tears form in his eyes as the precious gift from God was delivered.

I loved when the baby’s father came back into the picture. Melvin wasn’t exactly a bad person, yet he didn’t embrace coming back to the Amish ways. His presence brings tension and concern to many. The story is very emotional and has a big surprise I didn’t see coming. Who will Emily end up with? Will Levi win her heart or will Melvin whisk her back to the English world?

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion. ( )

This author has never failed to please me with one of her books and I love this one also. This was not a normal Amish romance but one that had a bit more meat to the story. Tillie comes back pregnant to her Amish home but having never married. She wants to stay but because of the rules she won’t be able to. This made me laugh and cry. I did not want to put this book down. This delved a bit deeper into some rules that some Amish groups have. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )