I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by CelebrateLit, NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
The Amish Teacher's Gift by Rachel J. Good Series: Love and Promises #1
Published by Grand Central Publishing on April 24th 2018
Genres: Amish & Mennonite, Christian, Clean & Wholesome, Contemporary, Contemporary Women, Fiction, Romance
Pages: 384
Source: CelebrateLit, NetGalley
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"The Amish Teacher's Gift might have been the first book I've read by Rachel J. Good, but it won't be my last." -Shelley Shepard Gray, New York Times bestselling author A Teacher's LoveWidower Josiah Yoder wants to be a good father. But it's not easy with a deaf young son who doesn't understand why his mamm isn't coming home. At a loss, Josiah enrolls Nathan in a special-needs school and is relieved to see his son immediately comforted by his new teacher, a woman whose sweet charm and gentle smile just might be the balm they both need. With seven siblings to care for, Ada Rupp wasn't sure she wanted to take on teaching, too. But the moment she holds Nathan in her arms, she realizes she'll do all she can to help this lost little boy. Plus, it gives her a chance to spend more time with Josiah. Falling for a man in mourning may be against the rules, but his quiet strength is the support Ada never knew she needed. And, together, they could have the loving family she'd always hoped for.The Love & Promises series: The Amish Teacher's GiftThe Amish Midwife's SecretThe Amish Widow's Rescue
Having read a novella or two by Rachel J. Good, I hadn’t yet poured into a full novel. Until now. Having gotten to know the author through social media and mutual friends I felt like I knew her heart and couldn’t wait to read this book. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, I mean have you seen the heavy topics I’ve chosen to tackle these last few weeks?!? It was a perfect time to settle in with something a little lighter, a little cozier, and definitely lower on the intensity scale. This book fit that bill perfectly, though I can’t say that some of my reactions weren’t a little intense, but not in a bad way.
Let’s talk Gibbs’ Smack prize winners. Ada and Josiah take the cake. While not quite insta-love their attraction and chemistry is pretty instant. But then comes the self-doubt, the oh he’s married, oh I’m in mourning, oh he doesn’t feel the way I do, oh she’s too good for me, junk. All junk. Let’s face it, it’s real. As real as human nature and emotions can be conveyed on the page. I just get a little bogged down in it, as it runs from Chapter 1 on. I think the bigger frustration though was the complete miscommunications as only partial things were understood yet they closed themselves (OK she was the worst to be honest) down to full communication. Something we are all guilty of at one time or another, and honestly just as frustrating in real life as it is in book life. I’d like to throw a special glare at the bishop’s wife. She was just rude. Sorry, I felt like she was hateful and finger-pointing.
The other small thing was the heavy-handed hints about Ada’s dad. They were necessary and lead to greater information (that helped to explain the bishop’s wife – Betty – but doesn’t excuse her hatefulness!) but I was so tempted to skip ahead and find out what all this shrouded information was related too. Don’t do that! I promise it’s worth it. All that aside I truly fell into this book and it read entirely too quickly. Such developed characters (though I still don’t have a handle on most of Ada’s siblings as they were in the background) and a heartfelt story line. I enjoy Rachel’s writing style and she builds a world I can sink into and relate too. And please, someone put that Betty in her place in a future book. I can’t wait to read Leah’s story (Ada’s bestie) and also see how Ada and Josiah fare in the future with an insta-family of 8!
About Rachel J. Good
Rachel J. Good grew up near Lancaster, PA, the setting for many of her Amish novels. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends special time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events. Rachel is the author of several Amish series, including Sisters & Friends (Charisma), Love & Promises (Grand Central), and two books in the Hearts of Amish Country series (Annie’s Book Club). In addition, she has two Amish Quilts Coloring Books as well as stories in several anthologies, including Springs of Love.
Looking forward to reading this great new book The Teacher’s Gift by Rachel Good
Hi, Patricia! Thanks for stopping by! Hope you enjoy the book!
Thanks so much for hosting me on your blog! I really appreciate it. Many blessings!