The Amish Nanny

Brides of Amish Country #11

by Patricia Davids

A Family In Need

A reclusive Amish logger, Ethan Gingerich is more comfortable around his draft horses than the orphaned niece and nephews he's taken in. Yet he's determined to provide the children with a good, loving home. The little ones, including a defiant eight-year-old, need a proper nanny. But when Ethan hires shy Amishwoman Clara Barkman, he never expects her temporary position to have such a lasting hold on all of them. Now this man of few words must convince Clara she's found her forever home and family.

Brides of Amish Country: Finding true love in the land of the Plain People.

Genres: Amish, Love Inspired, Romance, Christian Fiction, Amish Fiction, Contemporary, Fiction

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

I was born and raised in Northcentral Kansas. I'm a farmer's daughter, but I now make my home in the city of Wichita. I'm an RN. Neonatal nursing has been the main focus of my career. What can I say? I love babies. I was invited to the highschool graduation of a baby I took care of. Talk about making me feel old!

In June of 2011 I became a widow after my husband of 36 years and 11 months died from multiple brain tumors. It was a very sad time, but thanks to the three f's, my faith, my family and my friends, life is moving forward. I have four brothers, one daughter and two grandchildren who all work at making me feel loved.

I'm the author of more than 30 books and I'm currently writing a series called The Brides of Amish Country for Love Inspired.

Reviews

[Simona · Rating 3 out of 5]

Never thought I'd read a clean romance but here we are. The relationship between nanny and children was great. Few moments of non-passionate romance buliding up the love between h and H were good. It was mild in everything from plot to angst.

I am though curious to read about an amish nanny to an English widower.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS

I like Brides of Amish Country series. I have read about half of them and some day would not reading the ones I have missed so far.
I really enjoyed the characters. Children steal your heart. Both Ethan and Clara have been hurt in their past and don't plan to fall in love and marry. There are familiar characters for those who have been reading this series. It can stand alone fine.

Ethan Gingerrich lost his brother and his wife to a storm. He brought his 2 nephews and niece to live with him. He is a logger. He can't work that job with children around him. He has his hands full.

Clara Barkman character we met in Shepard's Bride. She is oldest of four girls. Her uncle raised them after their parents died. He beat them and did not treat them right. She was being forced to marry a mean way older man to protect her sisters. They got a way from him. She never wants to marry now. She wants to be a teacher till they decide she takes the job as a nanny.

Lily is around 3 Amos 4 and Micah 8 when they come to live with there Uncle Ethan. Micah has lots of anger issues. He did not want the kids broken up so he agreed to take them, but he is not prepared to be a father. Lily and Amos take to Clare right off. They are all grieving.

Clara likes taking care of the children and Ethan's house. She got so close to the children right away too.

This is a cute clean Amish story. It is a fast read. There is plenty of action, drama as they all heal from their pasts.

I was given this ebook to read and in return agreed to give honest review of it. Received it from Net Galley and Harlequin.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once burned twice shy sure applies to this story, and in particular to Ethan Gingerich, and his outlook on taking a wife. In away it also applies to shy and horribly abused Clara Barkman, no child should have to live under the conditions that she and her sisters endured.
Now things have changed and God has answered her prayers, they are living a happy life with her Grandfather. Each of the girls is moving on with their lives and one is on track to be married soon. Clara has set her hopes of becoming the new teacher at the local Amish school, and is one of four candidates for the job.
In a horrible turn of events Ethan is now the Uncle/Father to his brothers three children, when their parents are tragically killed. See how he takes care of these children and being a bachelor and his logging job. One can guess with the title of the book, but you will never see what happens here and how these children act. Some of their antics will shock you, and others will have you really laughing, but don’t miss this sweet read.
I really enjoyed this fast paced Amish read, and it brought to light that all cultures have some hidden dealings that no one wants to know about, swept under the rug, and hard to bring out in the open.
I received this book through the publisher Love Inspired and Net Galley, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Barkman sisters are back and this time it is Clara's story that held me spellbound. I gobbled this one up in an afternoon, it was that good. Loved the blend of humour and drama and the stilted romance. I say stilted because poor Ethan is truly out of his element and that makes for fun reading!

Also appreciate the fact that the author understands that even shy, retiring maidels can be heroines in their own right. Clara isn't your typical heroine. Not only is she shy, but she's fearful about many things. Situations in her past have fed those fears, but she has nurtured them until they've grown out of proportion. Watching her find her inner strength and develop into a woman of courage makes for a moving inspirational read.

My thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for my review copy of this book.

[Harlequin Books]

"Abuse and PTSD are not typically addressed in Amish-themed novels, but Davids does it impressively. It is well researched and educates the reader on Amish logging practices" (RT Book Reviews). 4 stars

Miniseries: Brides of Amish Country

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Amish Nanny by Patricia Davids
Ethan Gingerrich lost his brother and his wife to a storm. He brought his 2 nephews and niece to live with him. He is a logger. He can't work that job with children around him. He has his hands full.

Clara Barkman character we met in Shepard's Bride. She is oldest of four girls. Her uncle raised them after their parents died. He beat them and did not treat them right. She was being forced to marry a mean way older man to protect her sisters. They got a way from him. She never wants to marry now. She wants to be a teacher till they decide she takes the job as a nanny.

Lily is around 3 Amos 4 and Micah 8 when they come to live with there Uncle Ethan. Micah has lots of anger issues. He did not want the kids broken up so he agreed to take them, but he is not prepared to be a father. Lily and Amos take to Clare right off. They are all grieving.

Clara likes taking care of the children and Ethan's house. She got so close to the children right away too.
Will Ethan find a Nanny to care for the three children?
Do Ethan and clara become more than friends?
If you are familiar with the Brides of Amish County series , which book is the most interesting and why?
The Amish Nanny by Patricia Davids is a wonderful well written 5 stars book.
I am looking forward to reading more books Patricia Davids.

An Amish Christmas Journey (Love Inspired\Brides of Amish Country) by Patricia Davids

The Shepherd's Bride (Brides of Amish County Book 9) by Patricia Davids

Plain Admirer (Love Inspired LP) by Patricia Davids

The Doctor's Blessing (Brides of Amish County Book 2) by Patricia Davids

Amish Christmas Joy (Brides of Amish County Book 8) by Patricia Davids

[Andrea Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I fall a little more in love with Hope Springs with each book. The Amish Nanny sees Clara Barkman finding love. If you are following the series, her character was introduced in The Shepherd's Bride, which was her sister Lizzie's story.

I loved that book, but The Amish Nanny is even better.

I'm a sucker for books with young children, especially those in need of some extra TLC, and Micha, Amos and Lily are all in need of that, having lost both of their parents tragically.

Ethan is trying to be a good guardian to his young nieces and nephews, but as a single guy, he's in over his head. That's where Clara comes in.

It is easy to see the chemistry between these two, and Clara's connection to the children is marvelous. However, both Ethan and Clara have fears from their past that are keeping them from being happy together.

There's quite a few things that help them overcome these fears, but one is almost a tragedy, that really added a little bit of drama to an otherwise sweet romance.

I loved Ethan's backstory, with his brother and his ex. They really shaped the man he has become. We learn a little more about Clara as well, but if you read the previous book, you'll know what her demons are. We also get an idea of what might be in store for one of the other Barkman sisters.

I always look forward to Patricia's books and this one was really fantastic.

[Jess O. (From Jess to You) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"4.5 out of 5 stars!! Three Amish children, loose their parents in a freak lightening accident, move into their Uncle's home and with the help of their Amish nanny they become a family again. It's a sweet story about redemption, love, and the meaning of family."

Read more of this review and a teaser here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2014/06/feasted-on-brides-of-amish-country.html

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this book in the large print. I really enjoy this author's books. This one was no exception. The characters were both struggling with forgiveness issues, and both seemed to allow the hurt and regrets of the past interfere with a possible future relationship. Love inspired books are often guaranteed to have a good ending. More the better to me - real life isn't always so kind. All the main characters (including 3 children) were alive to me and I thoroughly enjoyed the read.

[Jess O. (From Jess to You) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"4.5 out of 5 stars!! Three Amish children, loose their parents in a freak lightening accident, move into their Uncle's home and with the help of their Amish nanny they become a family again. It's a sweet story about redemption, love, and the meaning of family."

Read more of this review and a teaser here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot...

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet light read. The writing was a little repetitive; some of the same thoughts were brought up repeatedly throughout. The story might have been a little too simple. I think the story needed more community interaction besides just focusing on finding love. This was a clean read with God at the forefront. I just missed depth of humor and character. It was just okay for me.

[Anna Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say that this may be my favorite, hands down, of the PDavids books I've read. And I have *A LOT* of them. It's even slightly better than the alpaca one that I'd really liked (and had my husband and sons read), before. So that's saying something.

Clara has issues. She was nearly trampled by a horse, then beaten by an uncle, given to a man for marriage who was as abusive, escaped on her wedding day, and made her way to a safe community. She sees a family like hers - an uncle taking in kids, and she's terrified that the big man is going to beat the kids, so she sneaks around, observing, just in case. Because she doesn't want anyone else to suffer the way she did.

Ethan is a bachelor who's brother/SIL just got killed by a lightning strike (?!?!?! ←okay, that's just laughable, but... 'Love Inspired'. Whatevs. Rolling eyes over here, but it's par for this course). He has inherited their kids, and wants to keep them together, but doesn't know how to 'parent' children, and these kids are acting out due to grief and unfamiliar places/rules, so he's... flummoxed.

Clara becomes attached, and you see the happily ever after coming a mile away, but the journey there is really well done. Davids characters are always a delight, and slightly different from each other. I really liked Clara, and Ethan - especially at the end, with the big climax and his declaration. ((I always complain that LI books cannot manage to sustain a long-enough, passionate enough declaration, and this is no different, but it's better than most.))

Anyhow, definitely worth picking up. Very good story.

[Pamela Pavkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Amish Nanny is the 11th fantastic story written by Patricia Davids in her Brides of Amish Country series. This story is so heartwarming and full of love. I enjoyed this story immensely.

When Ethan Gingerich becomes an instant daad to his niece and nephews he discovers that life can be very challenging. When his oldest nephew finds himself in trouble with his neighbor Ethan realizes that he cannot do it all. When Clara Barkman takes an interestin the children, Ethan offers her a position of being a Nanny. Clara is resistant to this offer since there is no love loss between these two. Clara's journey is not without drama especially with the 8 year old boy who makes it his mission to send Clara on her way. The children are so realistic and loveable. This is definitely an adventure you won't want to miss.

I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached by anyone to post a favorable review. Ienjoyed this story so much that I rated it with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.

Congratulations to Patricia Davids for writing another fantastic story for her readers to enjoy and I look forward to reading the next book in this amazing series.

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Amish Nanny was, when first written, a unique approach to an Amish Romance, as it tacked the subject of abuse and PTSD in the Amish community, and not the idyllic picture Amish Romances tend to project, so if you are looking for an Amish world and story that is through rose-colored specs, this book is not for you.

As a child Clara Barkman was horribly abused and she swore she would not allow that to happen to another child, which completely goes against the Amish faith that she was a part of, and that is how Clara met Ethan Gingerich, when she suspected him of hurting his niece and nephew, which she realized shortly after meeting him was untrue, but what was true that logger Ethan need someone to take care of the children while he worked, which is where Clara came in…Now I'm not going to tell you the rest of the story, as I hope you will rush out and read it, to find out more.

The writing is smooth, the characters are well developed, and the plot was paced, but totally enjoyable.

I give The Amish Nanny 4 stars

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Amish Nanny was, when first written, a unique approach to an Amish Romance, as it tacked the subject of abuse and PTSD in the Amish community, and not the idyllic picture Amish Romances tend to project, so if you are looking for an Amish world and story that is through rose-colored specs, this book is not for you.

As a child Clara Barkman was horribly abused and she swore she would not allow that to happen to another child, which completely goes against the Amish faith that she was a part of, and that is how Clara met Ethan Gingerich, when she suspected him of hurting his niece and nephew, which she realized shortly after meeting him was untrue, but what was true that logger Ethan need someone to take care of the children while he worked, which is where Clara came in…Now I'm not going to tell you the rest of the story, as I hope you will rush out and read it, to find out more.

The writing is smooth, the characters are well developed, and the plot was paced, but totally enjoyable.

I give The Amish Nanny 4 stars

[Karen Mcnicol · Rating 5 out of 5]

The "Amish Nanny" is part of the "Brides of Amish Country" series. Patricia Davids is one of the top Amish fiction writers, her stories grab you and keep you until you get to the last page. I love this story of Ethan, a bachelor who is raising his three orphan niece and nephew's who hires Clara Barkman to be their Nanny after they get into some mischief and he realizes he can not leave them alone as much as he has been. With Clara in his house all is neat, orderly and suddenly fun to come home to. They both have things in their pasts they have to work through and you will enjoy it as they do. This story is witty, wise and oh so good.

[Ed Zirkwitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christian romance set in the Amish rural community near Hope Springs, Ohio in what appears to be a modern setting. Clara and Ethan, both young adults, have each broken family upbringing; past baggage leaving them untrusting of ever wanting to fall in love again. Ethan has agreed to raise the 3 young children of his deceased one year younger brother-brother and sister-in-law were killed together. Clara has escaped an abusive relationship, taking along three younger sisters. Both Clara and Ethan must come to grips with their past dark secrets and fears and do so trusting in their faith in God.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Ethan and Clara’s story because of her budding relationship with his family and the myriad antics (both good and questionable) of his young niece and nephews. Clara’s rapport with the children leads to some comical adventures but it’s Clara’s empathy with the grieving children who have recently lost both parents that touched me the most. Both Ethan and Clara have painful pasts that affect their choices and decisions but they are able to overcome their fears in time through their Amish faith which is one of the main reasons I read Amish fiction. In our continuously changing world the simple lives of these wholesome and religious characters is very appealing.

[Dali Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

I've enjoyed every book in the Brides of Amish Country series, and The Amish Nanny is no exception. I loved getting to know Clara and Ethan. My heart ached for what they had each gone through in the past and how those experiences impacted their growing relationship. Trust, forgiveness, romance and a few pranks by some little people are just a few of the things that made this such a great story.

Book Quote: God’s plan for us is much larger than we can see, but His love is always with us.”

[Karen Emmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve recently been introduced to The Brides of Amish Country series and have enjoyed reading each and everyone book. One night I read through two and half books and couldn’t wait to begin the next one. I would highly recommend this series to readers who enjoy uplifting stories of people who face challenging situations in life and overcome them with their Faith in God and help others along the way.

[Logan Streondj · Rating 4 out of 5]

A romance between a nanny/teacher and lumberjack that adopted three children.
It was an alright glimpse into the Amish life. It seems confusing to me how secretive all the Amish characters are about their emotions in most of the books I've read.
I don't think there is a biblical basis for it, so it seems very odd.

[Arthur Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Amish Nanny

From the 1st book in this series to the last, the authors written words are all about how God works in the many ways to unraveling and untangling the mess we make. Our lives are just like the sheep that the Wooly Old man owns and manages. Ps 23 directly speaks directly about these man-made issues and how the great Shepard directs and shows us His way.

[Dr.Diana Brevan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I love this series, she is an amazing author her books are difficult to put down,you want 5o continue to reading them. I am so happy my library read program delivered her books for my monthly read.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet story! Nicely written, it tells of two broken people that God brings to be neighbors & friends: Clara and Ethan, who is raising his brother’s 3 children after his brother and sister-in-law are killed by lightening.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short and sweet book. It was an easy read with very little, if any angst.

[Gay Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of the Brides of Amish Country, this Amish nanny is one of my favorite characters in the series.

[Trish Welsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book!!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down.

[PottWab Regional Library]

A

[Jess H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this