A Family for Gracie by Amy Lillard is book three in her Amish of Pontotoc series. Though part of a series, this novel reads well as a standalone.
Gracie Glick is a 26-yr-old self-proclaimed Amish spinster who takes care of everyone around her, often going from home to home helping, especially family. She wants her own family more than anything else. Her dreams of a home and family of her own lead her to boldly propose to Matthew Byler, a recently widowed member of the community.
Matthew Byler has five children young children to care for, one of whom appears to hate him. Working to provide for his family while caring for his home and children is slowly driving him insane. Matthew needs but doesn’t want a wife. He reluctantly agrees to Gracie’s proposal.
Following his wife’s death, Matthew promised himself he would never love or marry another woman. He has broken his vow to never remarry for the sake of his children, who desperately need a Mamm (mother). He doesn’t want more children and thinks he has communicated this to Gracie but she misunderstands and thinks he just wants to take it slow. Gracie is devastated when she finally realizes that Matthew doesn’t want more children and expected a marriage of convenience. Will Matthew and Gracie be able to overcome their preconceived notions and build a real marriage and family?
A Family for Gracie is a beautiful Christian romance. Lillard confronts an important issue often downplayed in traditional society, and is hardly ever considered in Amish communities. Her characters are sincere and relatable. The story is interesting and easy to follow. The overriding theme of “God’s will” is compelling. This novel is inspirational and I truly enjoyed it. I give it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to all readers of chaste romance, especially Amish romance. If you don’t enjoy novels with religious themes, this is not the book for you.
My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
Publication Date: July 30, 2019
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