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The Courtships of Lancaster County #2
Adoring Addie
When Addie Cramer’s mutter and daed decide Phillip Eicher is the man for her to marry, they claim she must honor them by obeying their wishes. But then she falls in love with Jonathan Mosier–part of the family with whom the Cramers have a long-held grudge.
With the help of others in her community who long to see the quarrel healed, Jonathan and Addie struggle to continue their relationship against both sets of parents’ wishes. But when one of Addie’s vengeful brothers harms a member of the Mosier family, Jonathan intervenes and is banished from Lancaster County.
A distraught Addie determines to find the true reason for the grudge between the two families, hoping to tear down the animosity of the past. Can their love for each other bridge the divide between their families? Or are they destined to remain apart forever?
With the help of others in her community who long to see the quarrel healed, Jonathan and Addie struggle to continue their relationship against both sets of parents’ wishes. But when one of Addie’s vengeful brothers harms a member of the Mosier family, Jonathan intervenes and is banished from Lancaster County.
A distraught Addie determines to find the true reason for the grudge between the two families, hoping to tear down the animosity of the past. Can their love for each other bridge the divide between their families? Or are they destined to remain apart forever?
352 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2013
57 people are currently reading
839 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Gould
78 books598 followersLeslie Gould is the #1 bestselling and Christy Award-winning author of fifty novels. She received her MFA in 2009 and has taught writing on the university level. Leslie enjoys traveling, hiking, and history. She and her husband, Peter, are the parents of four adult children and two grandbabies. Visit her at http://www.lesliegould.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
July 19, 2013
Addie Cramer's family is intent on her marrying Phillip Eicher, the Amish bishop's son, but Addie lacks any feelings beyond friendship for the young man. Her parents are persistent that she marry Phillip in honor and obedience to them, but Addie's head is turned by another man. Jonathan Mosier's family has moved back to Lancaster County after living in another Amish community for several years. Upon meeting Jonathan, Addie's senses are heightened and she knows she's in love. Jonathan shares her attraction but their lives become chaotic because of their attraction. The Cramers and Mosiers have held a longstanding grudge against one another, and both families are unwilling to forgive and forget. Addie is forbidden to see Jonathan which only adds bitterness and despair to her unhappiness. An Amish Romeo and Juliet, Jonathan and Addie do everything in their power to overcome the unforgiving feelings that still have a hold on their families.
Leslie Gould has penned another beautiful Amish love tale, a facsimile to the well-known story of Romeo and Juliet, a story of obedience and compromise. Written with multiple levels and several diverse characters, the author has combined these elements into a well-told and successful novel. Numerous emotions are characterized, and examples of mental health issues, including depression, anger and alcoholism are depicted in an open and direct style. Forgiveness is the archetype the Amish manifest in their beliefs, and is at the core of this well-written story. I previously read and thoroughly enjoyed Courting Cate, and this second book in The Courtships of Lancaster County is no disappointment! I look forward to the sequel in this series.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are mine, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
Leslie Gould has penned another beautiful Amish love tale, a facsimile to the well-known story of Romeo and Juliet, a story of obedience and compromise. Written with multiple levels and several diverse characters, the author has combined these elements into a well-told and successful novel. Numerous emotions are characterized, and examples of mental health issues, including depression, anger and alcoholism are depicted in an open and direct style. Forgiveness is the archetype the Amish manifest in their beliefs, and is at the core of this well-written story. I previously read and thoroughly enjoyed Courting Cate, and this second book in The Courtships of Lancaster County is no disappointment! I look forward to the sequel in this series.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are mine, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
March 1, 2014
Simply amazing!!! I LOVED this book and I LOVE Leslie!!! She is a fabulous writer! I love this Amish rendition of Romeo and Juliet even more than Shakespeare's original! I have loved this whole series' concept from the very beginning and enjoy the way Leslie weaves Shakespeare's classics in Amish settings! Cate, Bob, Pete, Betsy, Mervin, Martin, etc. from Courting Cate make reappearances in this sequel and help throughout the story. I love how this book plays out. From the beginning I enjoyed how Leslie had the characters fall in love slower. Yes it could still be considered "love at first sight" and yes they do fall in love the first day, but it felt like it had enough time to develop instead of just glimpsing each other and BAM! they're in love! LOL! All of the characters are wonderful! And Leslie does a fantastic job of expressing the frustrating aspects of Addie's parents attempting to force her to marry someone she doesn't love! I even love Jonathan more than the original Romeo! His Faith and passion made me fall in love with him right along with Addie! :D Some of my favorite scenes from the play appear in there own ways; such as the party scene where they meet. And I really have come to love the first person way Leslie writes in; it made me feel closer with Addie and more involved with what she goes through. The only grammatical thing that I personally don't like is the He when referring to The Lord isn't capitalized, but I digress! From great twists to a fantastic end I love this book through and through! I can't wait to read Minding Molly!!!
Songs: "How Great Thou Art" Carrie Underwood, "'Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus" by Alan Jackson, and while all the lyrics of this song may not match this book overall it does and I just love this song! :) "Overcomer" by Mandisa
Songs may change in the future.
Revelations 21:5
~ASC
*I received this Book from Bethany House because I was interested in it and wanted to review it this in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings. ~ASC
Songs: "How Great Thou Art" Carrie Underwood, "'Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus" by Alan Jackson, and while all the lyrics of this song may not match this book overall it does and I just love this song! :) "Overcomer" by Mandisa
Songs may change in the future.
Revelations 21:5
~ASC
*I received this Book from Bethany House because I was interested in it and wanted to review it this in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings. ~ASC
January 17, 2021
I had very strong reactions to this book. Addie's parents were completely awful. The ending was extremely rushed and very unrealistic. I wish more time was spent on the mending and less on a silly, senseless feud. No child should have to endure being treated the way Addie was.
June 12, 2013
Adoring Addie is book #2 in series "The Courtship of Lancaster County"
by Leslie Gould
There was bitterness between the Cramers and Mosiers for as long as anyone remembered...Why??? No one would talk about this so it continued until...
Adalaide Cramer and Jonathan Mosier became friends and then wanted to become more then friends, they decided enough was enough and they would try to end the bitterness once and for all..Do you think two young people can undo what has been happening for many years in the community?
Addie's folks want her to marry Philip the son of the Bishop of their community and he too had decided they would be a good match for one another. He seemed to always be around.
Addie has brothers older then she and some younger but she was the only daughter of her parents and much work was put on her as her mother spent a lifetime it seemed in depression. Addie's aunt lived with them and was some help with the chores but the mother was always busy writing list and supervising it seemed.
I felt like Addie was always working and helping others and seemed to have little time for herself so when a young man (Jonathan) came into the community and started paying attention to her she was smitten from the start. His caring heart touched hers from the beginning. When the family found out he was a Mosier she was told to stay away from him and they seemed to double their efforts to have her marry Phillip.
Jonathan and Addie want to reconcile the two families, will their love be enough to keep them together or will long held secrets ruin their chance at happiness???
I received this book from Bethany House publishers to read and review, I give my honest thoughts here.
by Leslie Gould
There was bitterness between the Cramers and Mosiers for as long as anyone remembered...Why??? No one would talk about this so it continued until...
Adalaide Cramer and Jonathan Mosier became friends and then wanted to become more then friends, they decided enough was enough and they would try to end the bitterness once and for all..Do you think two young people can undo what has been happening for many years in the community?
Addie's folks want her to marry Philip the son of the Bishop of their community and he too had decided they would be a good match for one another. He seemed to always be around.
Addie has brothers older then she and some younger but she was the only daughter of her parents and much work was put on her as her mother spent a lifetime it seemed in depression. Addie's aunt lived with them and was some help with the chores but the mother was always busy writing list and supervising it seemed.
I felt like Addie was always working and helping others and seemed to have little time for herself so when a young man (Jonathan) came into the community and started paying attention to her she was smitten from the start. His caring heart touched hers from the beginning. When the family found out he was a Mosier she was told to stay away from him and they seemed to double their efforts to have her marry Phillip.
Jonathan and Addie want to reconcile the two families, will their love be enough to keep them together or will long held secrets ruin their chance at happiness???
I received this book from Bethany House publishers to read and review, I give my honest thoughts here.
March 7, 2014
Title: ADORING ADDIE
Author: Leslie Goard
Publisher: Bethany House
May 2013
ISBN: 978-0764210327
Genre: Amish
Not Since Romeo and Juliet Has a Couple Faced Odds This Long
The Cramers and Mosiers have been angry with each other for as long as anyone can remember. Things had cooled to a simmer...until Addie Cramer and Jonathan Mosier fell head over heels for each other. Now old tensions are renewed, and Addie's parents insist she marry stolid and uninspiring Phillip Eicher.
Distraught at a future apart, the two decide their best hope is to reconcile the two families...but that means digging into the past to see what tore them apart. Will their love be enough to keep them together or will long-held secrets ruin their chance at happiness?
ADORING ADDIE is the second book in The Courtships of Lancaster County series. It easily stands alone, but fans will want to read Courting Cate, the first book in the series.
Okay, in my opinion, Courting Cate was better. This story was rather flat, no sparks, but plenty of family arguments (which I get more than enough of with a couple of my own children). I was kind of amused by some things—such as a frog hopping into a kettle of spaghetti sauce—and bothered by other things.
This is a retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and there is a death-feel at the end (kudos to the author for pulling that off). This is definitely not one of my favorite Amish books. 3 stars. $14.99. 352 pages.
Author: Leslie Goard
Publisher: Bethany House
May 2013
ISBN: 978-0764210327
Genre: Amish
Not Since Romeo and Juliet Has a Couple Faced Odds This Long
The Cramers and Mosiers have been angry with each other for as long as anyone can remember. Things had cooled to a simmer...until Addie Cramer and Jonathan Mosier fell head over heels for each other. Now old tensions are renewed, and Addie's parents insist she marry stolid and uninspiring Phillip Eicher.
Distraught at a future apart, the two decide their best hope is to reconcile the two families...but that means digging into the past to see what tore them apart. Will their love be enough to keep them together or will long-held secrets ruin their chance at happiness?
ADORING ADDIE is the second book in The Courtships of Lancaster County series. It easily stands alone, but fans will want to read Courting Cate, the first book in the series.
Okay, in my opinion, Courting Cate was better. This story was rather flat, no sparks, but plenty of family arguments (which I get more than enough of with a couple of my own children). I was kind of amused by some things—such as a frog hopping into a kettle of spaghetti sauce—and bothered by other things.
This is a retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and there is a death-feel at the end (kudos to the author for pulling that off). This is definitely not one of my favorite Amish books. 3 stars. $14.99. 352 pages.
May 3, 2013
Addie Cramer has a tough row to hoe. Literally. As the only girl in a family of boys, she’s expected to do the cooking, cleaning, gardening, and laundry. Her overweight mother spends her days writing chore lists for Addie.
If all that weren’t enough, her parents expect her to marry Phillip Eicher, a staid young man who is considered a “good catch” in their Amish community.
Although she has huge doubts, Addie is swept along in their plans until she meets Jonathan Mosier at a farmer’s market. He has all of the caring qualities that Phillip lacks, and it doesn’t hurt that he’s handsome, to boot. Unfortunately, the Mosiers and the Cramers are feuding. Both sets of parents refuse to consider the match. Addie and Jonathan are at a loss unless they can bring their two families together.
I enjoyed Leslie Gould’s take on this timeless story. Her plot and characterizations lift Adoring Addie from a sweet Amish romance to a contemporary novel about dysfunctional families. Their story could take place anywhere, not just in Lancaster County.
I give Adoring Addie two thumbs up!
My thanks to the author and Bethany House for providing my review copy.
If all that weren’t enough, her parents expect her to marry Phillip Eicher, a staid young man who is considered a “good catch” in their Amish community.
Although she has huge doubts, Addie is swept along in their plans until she meets Jonathan Mosier at a farmer’s market. He has all of the caring qualities that Phillip lacks, and it doesn’t hurt that he’s handsome, to boot. Unfortunately, the Mosiers and the Cramers are feuding. Both sets of parents refuse to consider the match. Addie and Jonathan are at a loss unless they can bring their two families together.
I enjoyed Leslie Gould’s take on this timeless story. Her plot and characterizations lift Adoring Addie from a sweet Amish romance to a contemporary novel about dysfunctional families. Their story could take place anywhere, not just in Lancaster County.
I give Adoring Addie two thumbs up!
My thanks to the author and Bethany House for providing my review copy.
July 20, 2013
I really didn't think I was going to be able to get into this book because there are so many characters in the beginning. Then as I kept reading they started to sort themselves out and the book really got interesting. In fact I couldn't put the book down until I finished it - in one sitting! It was that captivating. I just had to find out how it all worked out.
My favorite character was Addie. Once she decided she knew what she wanted she wasn't afraid to speak her mind. Nineteen years old and completely used by her parents. As the only daughter it was her job to take care of her mother and do everything her father told her to do. That was until they planned the rest of her life and would not listen to her about what she wanted. Did she know what she wanted? Yes she did but the family was determined she was going to have what they wanted. At what cost?
The story line had a Romeo & Juliet, Hatfield's & McCoy's feel to it but was very well done by the author. I was engaged the whole time and the characters were well rounded and explained. I really enjoy books that complete the story and this one did that. I highly recommend it!
My favorite character was Addie. Once she decided she knew what she wanted she wasn't afraid to speak her mind. Nineteen years old and completely used by her parents. As the only daughter it was her job to take care of her mother and do everything her father told her to do. That was until they planned the rest of her life and would not listen to her about what she wanted. Did she know what she wanted? Yes she did but the family was determined she was going to have what they wanted. At what cost?
The story line had a Romeo & Juliet, Hatfield's & McCoy's feel to it but was very well done by the author. I was engaged the whole time and the characters were well rounded and explained. I really enjoy books that complete the story and this one did that. I highly recommend it!
April 25, 2013
Do you remember reading Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet"? And do you remember how hard it was to read with his way of wording scenes? You want to read the simple version of Leslie Gould's "Adoring Addie".
The Cramers and the Mosiers have been angry for so long can any one remember why? Addie Cramer is the only girl in a household with six brothers. She's hard working, obedient, honors her parents, and does everything to please them. Jonathan Mosier's family is returning back to Lancaster County. He is the only son of a farmer and is a very skilled carpenter.
Addie and Jonathan fall head over heals for each other. They decide to reconcile the two families . . . but in doing so means they need to find what tore the families apart. Will their love survive the challenges that await? Will the angry go too far? Will someone get hurt?
I received "Adoring Addie" for free in exchange for an honest review.
I could not put this book down it was that inviting. I got to the end and I wanted more.
The Cramers and the Mosiers have been angry for so long can any one remember why? Addie Cramer is the only girl in a household with six brothers. She's hard working, obedient, honors her parents, and does everything to please them. Jonathan Mosier's family is returning back to Lancaster County. He is the only son of a farmer and is a very skilled carpenter.
Addie and Jonathan fall head over heals for each other. They decide to reconcile the two families . . . but in doing so means they need to find what tore the families apart. Will their love survive the challenges that await? Will the angry go too far? Will someone get hurt?
I received "Adoring Addie" for free in exchange for an honest review.
I could not put this book down it was that inviting. I got to the end and I wanted more.
March 5, 2014
I finished reading Addoring Addie last night. Your best book yet! I was on pins and neddles the last hundred pages or so! The story of Adelaide “Addie” and Jonathan’s undeniable love for one another. A love that neither family can stand the thought of! They try to do anything to keep the two of them apart!
Addie has to deal with the demands of her family and being the only girl. So much is put on her with the cooking, cleaning, laundry and helping to take care of her little brothers. There is her Aenti Nell who is there to help out and try to help Addie when she can.
There has been a family feud for years that has kept these families apart. No body wants to talk about the feud to Addie. She fights for her right to be courted by Jonathan.
Her family is trying to force her into a courtship and marriage to Phillip, someone she doesn’t love. Cant she get through to Phillip that she doesn’t love him.
So she can be with her one true love Jonathan.
The wood worker with such a God given talent.
This is a must read if you love Amish fiction!
I give this book 5 stars!
Addie has to deal with the demands of her family and being the only girl. So much is put on her with the cooking, cleaning, laundry and helping to take care of her little brothers. There is her Aenti Nell who is there to help out and try to help Addie when she can.
There has been a family feud for years that has kept these families apart. No body wants to talk about the feud to Addie. She fights for her right to be courted by Jonathan.
Her family is trying to force her into a courtship and marriage to Phillip, someone she doesn’t love. Cant she get through to Phillip that she doesn’t love him.
So she can be with her one true love Jonathan.
The wood worker with such a God given talent.
This is a must read if you love Amish fiction!
I give this book 5 stars!
May 22, 2013
Wow!!! Adoring Addie was great! It is the second in a series. The first was Courting Cate, also a favorite of mine. But I have to say that I liked this one even better...and that is saying something. The author has done a wonderful job and the story is a retelling (based on) Romeo and Juliet. I am happy to report that the ending is not the same as the classic.
The characters are so sweet and believable and their love is so true. They have so many obstacles to overcome. I have found that Leslie Gould is very good at creating characters that you love, as well as very unlikeable characters to play the adversarial roles. Makes for some great story telling. I highly recommend this book for fans of Amish romance and Christian romance. The book can stand alone, however, I think it is even better if you know the other characters from the first book, Courting Cate, which is based on Taming of the Shrew.
I was blessed to receive this book in a contest and was under no obligation to offer a review. However, I am very happily reviewing this book and recommend it highly.
The characters are so sweet and believable and their love is so true. They have so many obstacles to overcome. I have found that Leslie Gould is very good at creating characters that you love, as well as very unlikeable characters to play the adversarial roles. Makes for some great story telling. I highly recommend this book for fans of Amish romance and Christian romance. The book can stand alone, however, I think it is even better if you know the other characters from the first book, Courting Cate, which is based on Taming of the Shrew.
I was blessed to receive this book in a contest and was under no obligation to offer a review. However, I am very happily reviewing this book and recommend it highly.
September 18, 2013
A Great Read About Relationships!
Addie Cramer’s parents makes life for her quite unbearable at times. Having a nasty mean brother doesn’t help either. This book bothered me as I read about the unfairness in overlooking what the boys in the family get away with while keeping a firm hand on their daughter who in my opinion works hard and gets very little appreciation for it.
Addie’s parents have a certain young man picked out for her to marry but she doesn’t love him. Addie has her heart set on another young man. Is it her duty as a daughter to obey them when her heart belongs to someone else?
Will Addie get her heart’s desire? Can there be healing? Will truth prevail and forgiveness take place?
This is the second book I’ve read by author Leslie Gould and I’m looking forward to reading her next book in this series. If you haven’t read Courting Cate, the first book in this series, I urge you to do so before reading Adoring Addie.
Addie Cramer’s parents makes life for her quite unbearable at times. Having a nasty mean brother doesn’t help either. This book bothered me as I read about the unfairness in overlooking what the boys in the family get away with while keeping a firm hand on their daughter who in my opinion works hard and gets very little appreciation for it.
Addie’s parents have a certain young man picked out for her to marry but she doesn’t love him. Addie has her heart set on another young man. Is it her duty as a daughter to obey them when her heart belongs to someone else?
Will Addie get her heart’s desire? Can there be healing? Will truth prevail and forgiveness take place?
This is the second book I’ve read by author Leslie Gould and I’m looking forward to reading her next book in this series. If you haven’t read Courting Cate, the first book in this series, I urge you to do so before reading Adoring Addie.
April 15, 2013
This is the second book in the series and like the first I loved it and it frustrated me at the same time.
There was a lot of reference to Cate from the first book but in a random way.
Addie is the only girl in her family and is being promised to Phillip, Addie doesn't want to marry Phillip, she falls in love at first sight with Jonathan. Jonathan and Addie families have had a feud going to for years and years .
There was a lot of reference to Cate from the first book but in a random way.
Addie is the only girl in her family and is being promised to Phillip, Addie doesn't want to marry Phillip, she falls in love at first sight with Jonathan. Jonathan and Addie families have had a feud going to for years and years .
September 24, 2016
2 stars. It started out okay, but quickly went down hill. A lot of unrealistic events and ridiculous feelings and reactions happened in this book.
By the time I was 200 pages in I was so ready to be done. I just wanted to see how it ended and ended up skimming the past hundred or so pages.
It was definitely too long page wise. It would have been much better as less than 200 pages than almost 400. I'm going to try and finish the series, but it will be a while before I pick up the next one.
By the time I was 200 pages in I was so ready to be done. I just wanted to see how it ended and ended up skimming the past hundred or so pages.
It was definitely too long page wise. It would have been much better as less than 200 pages than almost 400. I'm going to try and finish the series, but it will be a while before I pick up the next one.
September 18, 2013
An absolutely adorable novel! Gould has a fantastic story-telling ability that truly is inspiring. I would definitely recommend!
Darcee Kraus
Mckinleyville, CA
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BlassGlass
Darcee Kraus
Mckinleyville, CA
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BlassGlass
February 14, 2016
I am absolutely loving this series. Loving all the characters and story lines. Can't wait to start the next book.
May 1, 2022
This Summary/Review was copied from other sources and is used only as a reminder of what the book was about for my personal interest. Any Personal Notations are for my recollection only.
**
There was bitterness between the Cramers and Mosiers for as long as anyone remembered...Why??? No one would talk about this so it continued until...
Adalaide Cramer and Jonathan Mosier became friends and then wanted to become more then friends, they decided enough was enough and they would try to end the bitterness once and for all..Do you think two young people can undo what has been happening for many years in the community?
Addie's folks want her to marry Philip the son of the Bishop of their community and he too had decided they would be a good match for one another. He seemed to always be around.
Addie has brothers older then she and some younger but she was the only daughter of her parents and much work was put on her as her mother spent a lifetime it seemed in depression. Addie's aunt lived with them and was some help with the chores but the mother was always busy writing list and supervising it seemed.
I felt like Addie was always working and helping others and seemed to have little time for herself so when a young man (Jonathan) came into the community and started paying attention to her she was smitten from the start. His caring heart touched hers from the beginning. When the family found out he was a Mosier she was told to stay away from him and they seemed to double their efforts to have her marry Phillip.
Jonathan and Addie want to reconcile the two families, will their love be enough to keep them together or will long held secrets ruin their chance at happiness???
**
The story of Adelaide “Addie” and Jonathan’s undeniable love for one another. A love that neither family can stand the thought of! They try to do anything to keep the two of them apart!
Addie has to deal with the demands of her family and being the only girl. So much is put on her with the cooking, cleaning, laundry and helping to take care of her little brothers. There is her Aenti Nell who is there to help out and try to help Addie when she can.
There has been a family feud for years that has kept these families apart. No body wants to talk about the feud to Addie. She fights for her right to be courted by Jonathan.
Her family is trying to force her into a courtship and marriage to Phillip, someone she doesn’t love. Cant she get through to Phillip that she doesn’t love him.
So she can be with her one true love Jonathan.
The wood worker with such a God given talent.
**
**
There was bitterness between the Cramers and Mosiers for as long as anyone remembered...Why??? No one would talk about this so it continued until...
Adalaide Cramer and Jonathan Mosier became friends and then wanted to become more then friends, they decided enough was enough and they would try to end the bitterness once and for all..Do you think two young people can undo what has been happening for many years in the community?
Addie's folks want her to marry Philip the son of the Bishop of their community and he too had decided they would be a good match for one another. He seemed to always be around.
Addie has brothers older then she and some younger but she was the only daughter of her parents and much work was put on her as her mother spent a lifetime it seemed in depression. Addie's aunt lived with them and was some help with the chores but the mother was always busy writing list and supervising it seemed.
I felt like Addie was always working and helping others and seemed to have little time for herself so when a young man (Jonathan) came into the community and started paying attention to her she was smitten from the start. His caring heart touched hers from the beginning. When the family found out he was a Mosier she was told to stay away from him and they seemed to double their efforts to have her marry Phillip.
Jonathan and Addie want to reconcile the two families, will their love be enough to keep them together or will long held secrets ruin their chance at happiness???
**
The story of Adelaide “Addie” and Jonathan’s undeniable love for one another. A love that neither family can stand the thought of! They try to do anything to keep the two of them apart!
Addie has to deal with the demands of her family and being the only girl. So much is put on her with the cooking, cleaning, laundry and helping to take care of her little brothers. There is her Aenti Nell who is there to help out and try to help Addie when she can.
There has been a family feud for years that has kept these families apart. No body wants to talk about the feud to Addie. She fights for her right to be courted by Jonathan.
Her family is trying to force her into a courtship and marriage to Phillip, someone she doesn’t love. Cant she get through to Phillip that she doesn’t love him.
So she can be with her one true love Jonathan.
The wood worker with such a God given talent.
**
October 26, 2024
October 26, 2024
I really wanted to like this book a lot more than I did.
This book takes place in Paradise, Pennsylvania, in Lancaster County. That appears to be a popular setting for Amish books. I read another book earlier this year (well, some of it) that also took place in Paradise—The Preacher's Daughter—and I couldn't help but notice the differences between how the place is described and how the characters act. In The Preacher's Daughter, Paradise is a beautiful farming community where the Amish characters have a bit of a rougher dialect, saying "ain't so" (isn't that right?) a lot, but have a good standing with each other. That book was boring, yeah, and I ended up DNFing it and giving it one star, but it at least did a good job making the setting seem real.
In this book, Paradise feels like any other place in the world. I didn't get a good feel for the setting. That's probably because the characters didn't, well, act Amish, if you catch my drift. As far as I can tell, the Amish detest pride and preach forgiveness, honesty, and nonviolence, yet a lot of the Amish characters do the exact opposite of this in Adoring Addie. There is a LOT of lying, deceit, and sneaking around in this book. Timothy is a drinker and is just plain malicious. The Cramer and Mosier families hate each other for... some reason (unknown to a lot of the characters). Timothy is also physically aggressive when the Amish aren't supposed to hurt others. In The Preacher's Daughter, Annie is only twenty years old and fears that she will be asked to leave the community soon because she hasn't joined the church, and she still lives at home and is as Amish as anyone else. Yet in Adoring Addie, Timothy and Addie's other older brothers are in their upper twenties, living in a trailer and driving cars and going to parties (rather frequently—which I thought the Amish didn't allow?), and they haven't been asked to leave the community despite their obvious breaking of the Ordnung. Am I supposed to believe that?
Aside from the problem that I had believing the setting, this book suffers from an overabundance of characters. There were SO many characters and I often couldn't remember who was related to whom. A cast list honestly would have been really nice. Just off of the top of my head, I can think of Addie, Joe-Joe, Billy, Timothy, Danny, George, Samuel, Mutter, Daed, Aenti Nell, Molly, Maggie, Hannah, Aenti Pauline, Onkel Bob, Nan, Cate, Pete, Robbie, Mervin, Martin, Philip, Bishop Eicher, his wife, Mammi Gladys... It made my head spin.
I also didn't like the writing very much. I like first person past tense, but Addie just came off as flat to me. And I didn't like Jonathan. He was overly saccharine and didn't feel like a real person.
Final verdict: unbelievable setting, unbelievable characters, too many characters, and flat writing.
I really wanted to like this book a lot more than I did.
This book takes place in Paradise, Pennsylvania, in Lancaster County. That appears to be a popular setting for Amish books. I read another book earlier this year (well, some of it) that also took place in Paradise—The Preacher's Daughter—and I couldn't help but notice the differences between how the place is described and how the characters act. In The Preacher's Daughter, Paradise is a beautiful farming community where the Amish characters have a bit of a rougher dialect, saying "ain't so" (isn't that right?) a lot, but have a good standing with each other. That book was boring, yeah, and I ended up DNFing it and giving it one star, but it at least did a good job making the setting seem real.
In this book, Paradise feels like any other place in the world. I didn't get a good feel for the setting. That's probably because the characters didn't, well, act Amish, if you catch my drift. As far as I can tell, the Amish detest pride and preach forgiveness, honesty, and nonviolence, yet a lot of the Amish characters do the exact opposite of this in Adoring Addie. There is a LOT of lying, deceit, and sneaking around in this book. Timothy is a drinker and is just plain malicious. The Cramer and Mosier families hate each other for... some reason (unknown to a lot of the characters). Timothy is also physically aggressive when the Amish aren't supposed to hurt others. In The Preacher's Daughter, Annie is only twenty years old and fears that she will be asked to leave the community soon because she hasn't joined the church, and she still lives at home and is as Amish as anyone else. Yet in Adoring Addie, Timothy and Addie's other older brothers are in their upper twenties, living in a trailer and driving cars and going to parties (rather frequently—which I thought the Amish didn't allow?), and they haven't been asked to leave the community despite their obvious breaking of the Ordnung. Am I supposed to believe that?
Aside from the problem that I had believing the setting, this book suffers from an overabundance of characters. There were SO many characters and I often couldn't remember who was related to whom. A cast list honestly would have been really nice. Just off of the top of my head, I can think of Addie, Joe-Joe, Billy, Timothy, Danny, George, Samuel, Mutter, Daed, Aenti Nell, Molly, Maggie, Hannah, Aenti Pauline, Onkel Bob, Nan, Cate, Pete, Robbie, Mervin, Martin, Philip, Bishop Eicher, his wife, Mammi Gladys... It made my head spin.
I also didn't like the writing very much. I like first person past tense, but Addie just came off as flat to me. And I didn't like Jonathan. He was overly saccharine and didn't feel like a real person.
Final verdict: unbelievable setting, unbelievable characters, too many characters, and flat writing.
May 8, 2013
The only girl in a family of boys, Addie Cramer has long been saddled with the brunt of the housework and childcare, due to her mother’s bad knee. But worse than continuous laundry and cooking are the expectations Addie’s parents have placed on her. Although her older brothers are having a wild running around time, driving cars and attending parties, Addie is expected to settle down and marry a good Amish man—and they have their heart set on Philip Eicher, the Bishop’s son. Addie will admit that Philip is a nice man, but despite all the time they spend together, she knows she could never love him. But Addie longs to escape her parents’ farm and have some independence. Is marrying Philip the only way to achieve this?
Before Addie is forced to settle for a marriage of convenience, she runs into a newcomer to Lancaster County—Jonathan Mosier. The Cramers and Mosiers have long had a family feud that has kept them from interacting with each other. Despite asking both her parents and her aunt, no one will explain what the original cause of the feud is. Addie isn’t going to let an unexplainable, twenty-five-year-old dispute stop her from enjoying life—especially when a chance encounter with Jonathan causes her to wonder if he might be her ticket off the farm, not Philip. But can they convince their families to set aside their differences and allow them to be happy together? Or will this feud be far harder to break than either of them expected?
As with the first book in the series, Courting Cate, the Shakespearean play upon which this plot is based isn’t one that I’m overly familiar with. Most people in the Western world will have heard of Romeo and Juliet, but I’m afraid my knowledge is limited to the 1996 film with Leonardo DiCaprio. I was intrigued to see how Leslie would manage to adapt the play into a romance novel with a happy ending, given that Romeo and Juliet end up dead by the end of the play. I’m not sure why people tote this play as being one of the best love stories of all time, to be entirely honest. But thankfully, the ending to this novel was not so tragic.
You don’t have to have read the original play in order to enjoy Adoring Addie, but I did enjoy some of the references—the balcony outside Addie’s bedroom and her father’s nickname of “Cap”. The ending (which I don’t want to spoil for any potential readers) impressed me, retaining some of the aspects of the conclusion to Romeo and Juliet without, obviously, both the hero and heroine ending up dead. The only aspect which I thought could have been improved upon was the way in which Addie and Jonathan fall in love. I know that the idea of love at first sight is in keeping with the original play, but I struggled to believe that Addie and Jonathan could feel so strong about each other after knowing each other for a few hours. I could overlook the improbability of a long-lasting family grudge or a balcony on an Amish house, but I’m afraid that I wasn’t convinced by the strength of Addie’s love for Jonathan after such a short period of time. I know that I’m not the only romance reader who isn’t a fan of love at first sight in any context. This didn’t completely spoil my enjoyment of this novel, but I did feel that this was one aspect of the story that could have been altered from the original text to better fit a modern context.
I initially struggled with how cruel Addie’s family members were towards her and the Mosiers, and I was worried that they might come across as caricatures with no real motivations. But as the story developed, I came to appreciate the truth in Leslie’s depiction of how a grudge can cause bitterness and resentment that breaks a family apart. I’ve never experienced a family feud, but I have witnessed the hurt that can result in a family when one member insists on fostering a grudge. Other members of the family are forced to either go along with it, so as not to be alienated, or try to ignore the situation as best they can, as Addie does. It’s not easy being in Addie’s position, when you disagree with a parent’s treatment of someone, and I hurt alongside her as she bore the brunt of her parents’ and siblings’ bitterness and resentment for daring to go against their wishes.
I was pleasantly surprised when the larger story about the Cramer family was expanded to examine some of the reasons behind certain characters’ behaviours and actions. Hannah’s melancholy, Timothy’s drinking and Addie’s mother’s selfishness were all explored as the story developed into a discussion about mental illness. Hannah’s—Addie’s cousin—story was the one that probably touched me the most, because I know first-hand how difficult it is for family members to acknowledge teenage depression. I commend Leslie for tackling a topic that is often overlooked or dismissed as simply teenage moodiness or rebellion. I hadn’t heard about having a genetic disposition towards depression before, so this was an interesting concept to learn about. I was also pleased with the way Timothy’s—Addie’s older brother—story evolved, regarding his drinking and rebellion. It’s very easy to look down on someone for getting drunk without wondering why they feel the need to drink that much.
I did wish that Addie’s mother’s story had been explored more. She was the cruelest character in the entire book, and although we later learn about the guilt that has caused her to act this way, it felt like this part of the story was wrapped up too easily. Her change of heart felt too swift and painless to be real. Courting Cate had a similar ending, with two characters who had teased Cate throughout her life apologising and changing their ways at the drop of a hat, and Cate forgiving them just as easily. I know that the Amish are famous for the way they embrace forgiveness, but given the context of this story, it felt like Addie’s mother’s change of heart happened a bit too quickly.
Despite the implausibility of a large part of this story, it did include a lot of realism. Some Amish novels present the lifestyle in a romanticised fashion, but Adoring Addie didn’t fall into that trap. It portrayed the Amish as flawed human beings who feel jealousy and argue with their relatives, who struggle with illness and get bored of housework. Having Addie’s older brothers drive cars, live in a run-down trailer and attend wild parties definitely helped with the realism, as well as the struggles of the parents to deal with their teenagers’ behaviour. Small details like Addie cooking spaghetti and taco salad, and her younger brothers playing with toy bows and arrows made her family feel just like any other—except for giant family feud, of course!
Although I struggled with a few aspects of this story, Adoring Addie was a thoroughly enjoyable novel and a great addition to Leslie’s Courtships of Lancaster County series. Even if you’re not a fan of Shakespeare or love at first sight romances, I encourage fans of Amish fiction to check out this series. Leslie Gould definitely brings something refreshing and new to the genre, and I hope she’s here to stay.
Review title provided by Bethany House.
Before Addie is forced to settle for a marriage of convenience, she runs into a newcomer to Lancaster County—Jonathan Mosier. The Cramers and Mosiers have long had a family feud that has kept them from interacting with each other. Despite asking both her parents and her aunt, no one will explain what the original cause of the feud is. Addie isn’t going to let an unexplainable, twenty-five-year-old dispute stop her from enjoying life—especially when a chance encounter with Jonathan causes her to wonder if he might be her ticket off the farm, not Philip. But can they convince their families to set aside their differences and allow them to be happy together? Or will this feud be far harder to break than either of them expected?
As with the first book in the series, Courting Cate, the Shakespearean play upon which this plot is based isn’t one that I’m overly familiar with. Most people in the Western world will have heard of Romeo and Juliet, but I’m afraid my knowledge is limited to the 1996 film with Leonardo DiCaprio. I was intrigued to see how Leslie would manage to adapt the play into a romance novel with a happy ending, given that Romeo and Juliet end up dead by the end of the play. I’m not sure why people tote this play as being one of the best love stories of all time, to be entirely honest. But thankfully, the ending to this novel was not so tragic.
You don’t have to have read the original play in order to enjoy Adoring Addie, but I did enjoy some of the references—the balcony outside Addie’s bedroom and her father’s nickname of “Cap”. The ending (which I don’t want to spoil for any potential readers) impressed me, retaining some of the aspects of the conclusion to Romeo and Juliet without, obviously, both the hero and heroine ending up dead. The only aspect which I thought could have been improved upon was the way in which Addie and Jonathan fall in love. I know that the idea of love at first sight is in keeping with the original play, but I struggled to believe that Addie and Jonathan could feel so strong about each other after knowing each other for a few hours. I could overlook the improbability of a long-lasting family grudge or a balcony on an Amish house, but I’m afraid that I wasn’t convinced by the strength of Addie’s love for Jonathan after such a short period of time. I know that I’m not the only romance reader who isn’t a fan of love at first sight in any context. This didn’t completely spoil my enjoyment of this novel, but I did feel that this was one aspect of the story that could have been altered from the original text to better fit a modern context.
I initially struggled with how cruel Addie’s family members were towards her and the Mosiers, and I was worried that they might come across as caricatures with no real motivations. But as the story developed, I came to appreciate the truth in Leslie’s depiction of how a grudge can cause bitterness and resentment that breaks a family apart. I’ve never experienced a family feud, but I have witnessed the hurt that can result in a family when one member insists on fostering a grudge. Other members of the family are forced to either go along with it, so as not to be alienated, or try to ignore the situation as best they can, as Addie does. It’s not easy being in Addie’s position, when you disagree with a parent’s treatment of someone, and I hurt alongside her as she bore the brunt of her parents’ and siblings’ bitterness and resentment for daring to go against their wishes.
I was pleasantly surprised when the larger story about the Cramer family was expanded to examine some of the reasons behind certain characters’ behaviours and actions. Hannah’s melancholy, Timothy’s drinking and Addie’s mother’s selfishness were all explored as the story developed into a discussion about mental illness. Hannah’s—Addie’s cousin—story was the one that probably touched me the most, because I know first-hand how difficult it is for family members to acknowledge teenage depression. I commend Leslie for tackling a topic that is often overlooked or dismissed as simply teenage moodiness or rebellion. I hadn’t heard about having a genetic disposition towards depression before, so this was an interesting concept to learn about. I was also pleased with the way Timothy’s—Addie’s older brother—story evolved, regarding his drinking and rebellion. It’s very easy to look down on someone for getting drunk without wondering why they feel the need to drink that much.
I did wish that Addie’s mother’s story had been explored more. She was the cruelest character in the entire book, and although we later learn about the guilt that has caused her to act this way, it felt like this part of the story was wrapped up too easily. Her change of heart felt too swift and painless to be real. Courting Cate had a similar ending, with two characters who had teased Cate throughout her life apologising and changing their ways at the drop of a hat, and Cate forgiving them just as easily. I know that the Amish are famous for the way they embrace forgiveness, but given the context of this story, it felt like Addie’s mother’s change of heart happened a bit too quickly.
Despite the implausibility of a large part of this story, it did include a lot of realism. Some Amish novels present the lifestyle in a romanticised fashion, but Adoring Addie didn’t fall into that trap. It portrayed the Amish as flawed human beings who feel jealousy and argue with their relatives, who struggle with illness and get bored of housework. Having Addie’s older brothers drive cars, live in a run-down trailer and attend wild parties definitely helped with the realism, as well as the struggles of the parents to deal with their teenagers’ behaviour. Small details like Addie cooking spaghetti and taco salad, and her younger brothers playing with toy bows and arrows made her family feel just like any other—except for giant family feud, of course!
Although I struggled with a few aspects of this story, Adoring Addie was a thoroughly enjoyable novel and a great addition to Leslie’s Courtships of Lancaster County series. Even if you’re not a fan of Shakespeare or love at first sight romances, I encourage fans of Amish fiction to check out this series. Leslie Gould definitely brings something refreshing and new to the genre, and I hope she’s here to stay.
Review title provided by Bethany House.
May 27, 2022
Addies parents seemed to want her to marry Phillip and thought they’d be a good match I’m sure they wanted what they thought was best. Most important though is does Addie love him and want to marry him?
Addie has older brothers but it seems like she takes on a role of doing most things around the house as her mother seems depressed. Addie seems to have little time for her friends and other things outside of going to church and household chores. Though Addie's aunt lives with them and also helped with the chores while her mum seems to always be writing lists and supervising people.
Johnathan came into the community and started paying attention to her Addie who liked him from the start because he is caring. But as he was a Moiser she was told to stay away form him. There was bitterness between the Cramers and Mosiers for as long as anyone remembered that no one would talk about and continued until Adalaide Cramer and Jonathan Mosier became friends and then wanted to court. The bitterness seems a bit childish that it would keep the two apart but I was glad when they decided to work through things.
I loved this story and felt the ending finished all too soon, it was a good read and I enjoyed hearing about Addie and her family. It is difficult when family members struggle with depression. I loved what a good loyal friend Addie was to Hannah.
Addie has older brothers but it seems like she takes on a role of doing most things around the house as her mother seems depressed. Addie seems to have little time for her friends and other things outside of going to church and household chores. Though Addie's aunt lives with them and also helped with the chores while her mum seems to always be writing lists and supervising people.
Johnathan came into the community and started paying attention to her Addie who liked him from the start because he is caring. But as he was a Moiser she was told to stay away form him. There was bitterness between the Cramers and Mosiers for as long as anyone remembered that no one would talk about and continued until Adalaide Cramer and Jonathan Mosier became friends and then wanted to court. The bitterness seems a bit childish that it would keep the two apart but I was glad when they decided to work through things.
I loved this story and felt the ending finished all too soon, it was a good read and I enjoyed hearing about Addie and her family. It is difficult when family members struggle with depression. I loved what a good loyal friend Addie was to Hannah.
April 21, 2025
I was very disappointed in this book. First, the feud between families, aren’t Amish supposed to practice forgiveness? A generations-long family feud between two extended families seemed out of character and most unrealistic.
I hated the way that Addie was treated by her parents. Her mother especially treated her like servant. Addie was definitely unappreciated by her family.
When the cause of the feud was finally revealed it was ridiculous and petty.
When her parents planned to have her marry someone she didn’t love i was hoping she would just leave home. But the story got ridiculous after that.
I enjoy Amish fiction but if this has been the first book I had ever read I probably wouldn’t have read another.
The ending was ridiculous.
I hated the way that Addie was treated by her parents. Her mother especially treated her like servant. Addie was definitely unappreciated by her family.
When the cause of the feud was finally revealed it was ridiculous and petty.
When her parents planned to have her marry someone she didn’t love i was hoping she would just leave home. But the story got ridiculous after that.
I enjoy Amish fiction but if this has been the first book I had ever read I probably wouldn’t have read another.
The ending was ridiculous.
March 1, 2018
Book 2 in the series The Courtship of Landncaster County by Leslie Gould Adoring Addie
An Amish spin on Romeo and Juliet and is a wonderful one at that, it’s just a Pain fun book to read you will not want to put it down just as in book 1 when odds are stacked against you and there is no where else to turn you either get stronger in your faith or weaker in your own strength. Addie has a up hill battle to travel but with the help of Jonathan together they will find a path to bring to families together and at the same time build a road toward their own happiness. This is a very good read.
An Amish spin on Romeo and Juliet and is a wonderful one at that, it’s just a Pain fun book to read you will not want to put it down just as in book 1 when odds are stacked against you and there is no where else to turn you either get stronger in your faith or weaker in your own strength. Addie has a up hill battle to travel but with the help of Jonathan together they will find a path to bring to families together and at the same time build a road toward their own happiness. This is a very good read.
August 16, 2020
Between two and three stars. Much like in Courting Cate, this was a frustrating read in that everyone who was supposed to love Addie best and be on her team were the ones treating her the worst—some really abominably. I guess it made for a good juxtaposition for how well and thoughtfully Jonathan cared for her and listened to her and fought for her, but mostly all that unkindness/maliciousness just made me sick to my stomach. I did like the mental illness discussion, largely pertaining to depression, as well as encouraging marital and individual counseling when problems come up.
April 25, 2022
I love all Amish Books. This is another great read! Addie's parents have their heart set on Addie marrying someone completely wrong for her, but in their eyes he is the perfect catch. Addie meets a nice young man from Big Valley. They immediately hit it off. They adore each other, but there is a big problem. They have had a Rift with the family he is from for many years. Someting happens between the families and Philips dad makes them go back to Big Valley. Will Addie be forced to marry Philip after all?
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June 19, 2024When Addie Cramer’s mutter and daed decide Phillip Eicher is the man for her to marry, they claim she must honor them by obeying their wishes. But then she falls in love with Jonathan Mosier–part of the family with whom the Cramers have a long-held grudge.
With the help of others in her community who long to see the quarrel healed, Jonathan and Addie struggle to continue their relationship against both sets of parents’ wishes. But when one of Addie’s vengeful brothers harms a member of the Mosier family, Jonathan intervenes and is banished from Lancaster County
With the help of others in her community who long to see the quarrel healed, Jonathan and Addie struggle to continue their relationship against both sets of parents’ wishes. But when one of Addie’s vengeful brothers harms a member of the Mosier family, Jonathan intervenes and is banished from Lancaster County
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2022
This was a pretty good book. I liked the main character and the setting.
Addie grows up knowing that there is an unspoken feud between her family and the Mosier family. Out of the blue a cousin, Jonathan comes to visit and Addie finds herself draw to him. They carry on a secret romance all while Philip thinks he's courting Addie. She must help the families find peace and love for herself. Will she and Jonathan get a chance at love? Read the book to find out!!
Addie grows up knowing that there is an unspoken feud between her family and the Mosier family. Out of the blue a cousin, Jonathan comes to visit and Addie finds herself draw to him. They carry on a secret romance all while Philip thinks he's courting Addie. She must help the families find peace and love for herself. Will she and Jonathan get a chance at love? Read the book to find out!!
March 14, 2021
Feuding and fighting, finding a mate, honoring our parents run through this second Courtships of Lancaster County series. Also, the topics of depression and anxiety are touched on as a sidelight. Addie is the main character deciding what path she wishes to take in choose a mate and traits she should be looking for this husband.
April 11, 2022
I really liked Addie and Jonathon, but could not STAND her family and Phillip. I cringe when I think of parents pushing their girls into marrying who THEY want, not even considering the daughter's happiness. I might have given 5 stars if so many characters hadn't been so horrible, which really detracted from my enjoyment.
June 13, 2017
This book was very cleverly written and frankly has the ending that Romeo and Juliet should have had. I really like the Amish twist Chinese Shakespearean tails. I also like the Christ centered plots while still having a very good storyline that was interesting.
September 21, 2019
A great book! I listened on audible and thought it was great ! A little slow at first but I loved how the characters weren’t all sweet ! I also liked how the author touched on issues such as depression and disagreements! A great book ! Looking forward to the next one !
May 9, 2020
I really enjoyed this one. I so related to Addie. Throughout life an individual has to stand up and say.....Hey, I have feelings and thoughts of my own. it doesn't matter what your background is, you have to become what you feel in your heart.
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