Another spring reminds the Amish of Cedar Creek, Missouri, that for everything there is a season.
Zanna Lambright is finally marrying Jonny Ropp, and friends and family have come from far and wide to celebrate. Among them is young widow Rosemary Yutzy, mother of toddler Katie, whose husband was tragically killed last fall. With a willing heart Rosemary has taken over care of her in-law’s family and continued to run a baked goods business from home, but privately she still mourns her lost Joe…and is unprepared for the changes that are coming…
Rosemary’s father-in-law wants to merge his lamb-raising business with Matt Lambright’s—a move that will require the Yutzys to relocate from their nearby town to Cedar Creek. Moreoever, it will bring Rosemary into constant contact with Matt, who is making no secret of his romantic interest in her. The challenges of contemplating a future unlike any she expected are overwhelming for Rosemary. And although Matt is strong and kind, his courtship is so persistent, she often wants to run the other way. As Rosemary struggles to see beyond her immediate joys and sorrows, will she embrace the outpouring of welcome and support from the people of Cedar Creek…and accept this new chance to open her heart to a more abundant life?
- ISBN-13: 9780451237972
- Publisher: Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated
- Publication date: 11/6/2012
- Pages: 304
- Series: Home at Cedar Creek Series
Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christianbook.com
About Author
I’ve called Missouri home for most of my life, and most folks don’t realize that several Old Older Amish and Mennonite communities make their home here, as well. The rolling pastureland, woods, and small towns along county highways make a wonderful setting for Plain populations—and for stories about them, too! While Jamesport, Missouri is the largest Old Order Amish settlement west of the Mississippi River, other communities have also found the affordable farm land ideal for raising crops, livestock, and running the small family-owned businesses that support their families.
Like my heroine, Miriam Lantz, of my new Seasons of the Heart series, I love to feed people—to share my hearth and home. I bake bread and goodies and I love to try new recipes. I put up jars and jars of green beans, tomatoes, beets and other veggies every summer. All my adult life, I’ve been a deacon, a dedicated church musician and choir member, and we hosted a potluck group in our home for more than twenty years.
Like Abby Lambright, heroine of my new Home at Cedar Creek series, I consider it a personal mission to be a listener and a peacemaker—to heal broken hearts and wounded souls. Faith and family, farming and frugality matter to me: like Abby, I sew and enjoy fabric arts—I made my wedding dress and the one Mom wore, too, when I married into an Iowa farm family more than thirty-five years ago! When I’m not writing, I crochet and sew, and I love to travel.
I recently moved to Minnesota when my husband got a wonderful new job, so now he and I and our border collie, Ramona, are exploring our new state and making new friends.
Naomi's website: http://www.naomikingauthor.com/
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/NaomiC.King
WHAT’S COOKIN’ AT THE SWEET SEASONS BAKERY CAFÉ? Click here for some yummy recipes.
My Thoughts
This book starts out where book one left off, which is at Zanna Lambright and Jonny Ropp's marriage ceremony and celebration with family and friends. This newlyweds act as matchmakers pairing up young Amish men and women in hopes of the possibility of the couples will be a good match that would end up in courting leading to marriage.
Two such couples stand out from the rest. Abby Lambright and James Graber were both surprised to be paired up for dinner by the bride and groom. Then Matt Lambright and Emma Graber were paired up which surprised Matt and was wishful thinking for Emma. Especially since Matt had not taken his eyes off Rosemary Yutzy the beautiful young widow that was leading around her three year old daughter. Matt was sure this was love at first sight. The only problem was that Rosemary was still in love with her deceased husband. No matter how hard she tried to discourage Matt refused to back away. He had even found he had a tenderness in his heart for her child.
The Good Shepherd was mentioned many time in this book. One man in particular appeared to walk the walk of a good shepherd.
The story is mainly focused on these two couples and their pursuit to happiness and their faith in God to lead them at this important time in their lives. There are many obstacle to overcome, family members to think of and their goals as far as their business and livelihoods. For instance, Abbey has her sewing business and working in the mercantile with her brother Sam. James has his Carriage/Buggy building business that keeps him very busy. Not to mention his parents that need a lot of care. Then Matt has sheep that need constant care. Then Rosemary bakes and sells pies to local stores and bakeries. She also has a house to run for her father-in-law and to care for her young sister-in-law.
The author put this story and these couples together like a quilt with so many intricate pieces to even count. When she got the pieces all laid out and put together, it was a beautiful story to behold. She created her characters to have faith in God along with the wisdom to trust God with their prayers. Part of that wisdom was to follow the advice of their church leaders when challenges arose. The author had to have had a lot of wisdom and faith in God herself to have written such an endearing story.
I rated this 5 out of 5.
Disclosure
I received a free copy of this book from Penguin Group/Pump Up Your Book Publicity Tours for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.
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