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Men of Lancaster County #3
Season Of The Witch
This story is set in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, but it features a new couple and can be read as a stand-alone in the Men of Lancaster County series.
Elijah fled his grandfather's house one fateful night, choosing to leave the Amish order rather than submit to the old man's commands. He finds refuge at Pig bottom Farm, a rescue run by a fellow ex-Amish, Samuel, and his husband. Elijah prays Samuel never finds out who he really is--a brujah, or practitioner of Amish folk magic, and grandson of the most powerful brujah in Lancaster County. Such practice is forbidden among the Amish, and Samuel would surely want nothing to do with him.
Jon has been a farmhand at Pig Bottom Farm for two years, ever since he left his home in Louisiana and the tragedy that happened there. He doesn’t like people, and he resents having a homeless nineteen-year-old hanging around, no matter how beguiling and mysterious the 'kid' may be. When Jon begins to find signs around the farm that remind him of the folk magic he grew up with, he knows Elijah is not the innocent farm boy he pretends to be.
Elijah left the Amish, but he can't escape the spiritual gifts that are in his blood. Some will want to use his power, some will fear it, and one will be compelled to love and protect him. When bad brujah come, Elijah must risk everything to save the family that cast him out.
This story features faith healing, Amish folk magic, a feisty Cajun farmhand, lots of pigs and other rescued farm animals, enemies-to-lovers, found family, fate, and a happily ever after.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2025
44 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
Eli Easton
70 books2,807 followersHaving been, at various times and under different names, a minister’s daughter, a computer programmer, the author of paranormal mysteries, a game designer, an organic farmer, an avid hiker, and a profound sleeper, Eli is happily embarking on yet another incarnation as a m/m romance author.
As an addicted reader of such, she is tinkled pink when an author manages to combine literary merit, vast stores of humor, melting hotness and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, three bulldogs, three cows and six chickens. All of them (except for the husband) are female, hence explaining the naked men that have taken up residence in her latest fiction writing.
Her website in www.elieaston.com
You can email her at eli@elieaston.com
COMING SOON:
See what's in the pipeline here: http://elieaston.com/work-in-progress/
As an addicted reader of such, she is tinkled pink when an author manages to combine literary merit, vast stores of humor, melting hotness and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, three bulldogs, three cows and six chickens. All of them (except for the husband) are female, hence explaining the naked men that have taken up residence in her latest fiction writing.
Her website in www.elieaston.com
You can email her at eli@elieaston.com
COMING SOON:
See what's in the pipeline here: http://elieaston.com/work-in-progress/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
March 30, 2025
Eli Easton has been writing MM romance for about as long as I've been reading it, which is to say a damn long time, and she's one of the good ones. She cares about her readers, her craft, and her characters. Easton's book are always thoughtful and well edited. Season of the Witch is no different.
While this book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend the first two Men of Lancaster County books, especially Tender Mercies, Samuel and Eddie's story.
Jon and Elijah both find themselves at Eddie and Sam's animal sanctuary, Pig Bottom Farm. By the time Elijah arrives, cold and half-starved, Jon has been taking care of the animals for two years. He doesn't need help and doesn't want an assistant. He's curt, bordering on rude, and keeps Elijah at arm's length.
I loved the farm and all the animals, but the most interesting aspect of the story is that Elijah, who was raised Amish and studied under his grandfather, is an experienced braucherei, a spiritual healer. He's terrified of using his powers to serve evil and just wants to help people.
This is very much a slow burn story. Elijah longs for Jon, but Jon tells himself Elijah is too young (19 to Jon's 28), too naive, too innocent. Elijah is none of those things, but he waits patiently for Jon to figure it out.
The men share a first kiss at 70%. Two more muted scenes of sexual exploration follow, but don't go in expecting hot & heavy; that's not Easton's style.
The issue I had is that Jon is aloof because he's heartbroken after the tragic death of his partner, Trish. Jon is gay, but Trish was special. I felt like this somewhat dramatic backstory was unnecessary and got in the way of Jon and Elijah's chemistry.
Tropes: age gap, hurt/comfort, folk magic, homophobia/shunning, family, supernatural element, HEA.
While this book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend the first two Men of Lancaster County books, especially Tender Mercies, Samuel and Eddie's story.
Jon and Elijah both find themselves at Eddie and Sam's animal sanctuary, Pig Bottom Farm. By the time Elijah arrives, cold and half-starved, Jon has been taking care of the animals for two years. He doesn't need help and doesn't want an assistant. He's curt, bordering on rude, and keeps Elijah at arm's length.
I loved the farm and all the animals, but the most interesting aspect of the story is that Elijah, who was raised Amish and studied under his grandfather, is an experienced braucherei, a spiritual healer. He's terrified of using his powers to serve evil and just wants to help people.
This is very much a slow burn story. Elijah longs for Jon, but Jon tells himself Elijah is too young (19 to Jon's 28), too naive, too innocent. Elijah is none of those things, but he waits patiently for Jon to figure it out.
The men share a first kiss at 70%. Two more muted scenes of sexual exploration follow, but don't go in expecting hot & heavy; that's not Easton's style.
The issue I had is that Jon is aloof because he's heartbroken after the tragic death of his partner, Trish. Jon is gay, but Trish was special. I felt like this somewhat dramatic backstory was unnecessary and got in the way of Jon and Elijah's chemistry.
Tropes: age gap, hurt/comfort, folk magic, homophobia/shunning, family, supernatural element, HEA.
March 23, 2025
The voice in Elijah's head said, clear as day, This one's for you.
Elijah comes to Pig Bottom Farm after being shunned by his Amish grandfather for being gay and meets Jon, a farmhand who just wants to be left to himself to nurse his broken heart. Season of the Witch is a slow burn, small age gap, hurt/comfort story about healing and learning to trust yourself. Jon and Elijah are very different people raised in very different circumstances, but share some startling similarities. Both are healing from past traumas: Jon has been lost since his girlfriend Trish died, and Elijah is homeless and adjusting to a whole new world away from his Amish upbringing and family. The two also share an understanding of non-traditional healing methods, Elijah is a braucher and Jon's family has a history of healing with remedies and herbs that helps him understand Elijah's gifts.
There's just something about Eli Easton's writing for me. I'm not usually a fan of slow burn books or hurt/comfort but I'm such a fan of Eli's that I thoroughly enjoyed the book anyway. Season of the Witch can be read as a standalone but you'll see some familiar faces from book 2, which is also quite good. Book 1 will always be my absolute favourite... I've reread it many times. I like this whole series- Eli writes characters who you can't help but root for. There are so many sweet moments in the book where I had tears in my eyes. I loved Elijah and Jon's paths to moving on from their pasts, the cute animals on the farm and the braucherei storyline. I did feel as though pacing of the chemistry between the MCs was lacking for me. I don't mean in a slow-burn way... the amount of spice in the book felt right, and shoehorning in a few sex scenes would've been inauthentic for the characters. It took Jon longer to want to acknowledge his feelings than Elijah, and once he did I was hoping for a little more obvious demonstration of them. Elijah was so sure so quickly that I was impatient for Jon to catch up :).
Rating: 4
Angst: 3.5/5
Steam: 1/5
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review
March 25, 2025
I cannot explain how much joy I felt when Eli announced a new book was coming. And while I wondered how my high expectations were going to impact my experience actually reading the book, I'm happy to say my nostalgia didn't steer me astray.
This book has the deep feelings and complex human connections that drew me in to Eli's books from the beginning, mixed with the interesting elements of the less known faith healers of the Amish world. Granted, I know little about the Amish outside of what I've learned while reading queer fiction, but I'm always curious and interested in knowing more about others.
And as a couple, Jon and Elijah were a pleasure to read. Each with their own complex backstory and baggage to carry, they learn to lessen their loads and walk together in such a nice, progressive and delightful way. It was a joy to read. I would happily read again, and I hardly ever reread books
This book has the deep feelings and complex human connections that drew me in to Eli's books from the beginning, mixed with the interesting elements of the less known faith healers of the Amish world. Granted, I know little about the Amish outside of what I've learned while reading queer fiction, but I'm always curious and interested in knowing more about others.
And as a couple, Jon and Elijah were a pleasure to read. Each with their own complex backstory and baggage to carry, they learn to lessen their loads and walk together in such a nice, progressive and delightful way. It was a joy to read. I would happily read again, and I hardly ever reread books
March 28, 2025
Season of the Witch is the third book in the ‘Men of Lancaster County’ series. It stars Elijah, an Amish braucher, and Jon, a farmhand. This is told in third person from Elijah and Jon’s povs.
First the cover. It has a different look compared to the first two older ones in the series. This appears to be a drawn cover, whereas the other two are blended photos. I wonder if the author plans on changing the other covers to match this one’s style?
The blurb does a good job of describing the plot so I won’t go over it that much. Elijah has been banished from his community, and has tried hard to keep from practicing his healing arts, and folk magic. He was taught by his grandfather and the Amish are spooked by their abilities. When Elijah moves onto Pig Bottom Farm he tries very hard to not help the animals or other people when they are ill, but Elijah is compassionate, and helping and healing is his calling in life. The story is a mystery of sorts with Elijah hiding his abilities from the people on the farm, but slowly his skills are revealed, not to the happiness of everyone. The plot also involves Jon, how he wasn’t friendly to Elijah at first because of Jon’s own issues, but how he opened up and let Elijah into his heart. This is about Elijah a sheltered young man, despite his deep knowledge of things most have no inkling about, growing up emotionally and expanding his horizons about his abilities, and the ‘English’ world.
I loved this book. It was intense, but not so much in an action-adventure type of way, even though there are two catastrophes that change how people viewed Elijah, and how he viewed himself. It’s more an emotional roller coaster as Jon works at overcoming his fear and opening his heart again, and Elijah having faith in himself and his abilities after his religion and people made him feel ashamed for who he was. Personally, I think Elijah was already shunned when he was living with the Amish community because of who his grandfather was, and Elijah’s apprenticeship with him. The terrible part was the cruel banishment without being prepared for the outside world. It was like living in a cult that didn’t care if you died once you left. I wonder how true that is in real life? How many Amish kids die because of banishment. At least non-Amish kids even if they leave home, have some idea of what to expect from modern life because they live in it and usually have friends to help.
I liked both Jon and Elijah. Jon was grumpy, but softened as he and Elijah grew closer. Elijah was quiet and afraid people would chase him away once they found out he was a braucher. He had many metaphysical skills like viewing the future, and hearing voices that guided him. Those abilities also made Elijah scared of who he was. He wanted to help; he wasn’t afraid of hard work. He was wary about how everyone would feel about him being an Amish braucher because brauchers were feared. His grandfather warned him about using his gifts for evil, and that made Elijah suppress his abilities once he was out in the world. That was until he met Jon’s aunt, who was also a healer. She encouraged him and helped explain how she viewed healing, which helped Elijah. I liked her character also. I could believe in Jon and Elijah as a couple.
This is the first book in the series that I’ve read and I didn’t feel lost. Book Two is about the couple who own the farm and I may read that one next even though I also have Book One. I definitely recommend Season of the Witch, and give this a solid 5 Stars.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest and unbiased review.
First the cover. It has a different look compared to the first two older ones in the series. This appears to be a drawn cover, whereas the other two are blended photos. I wonder if the author plans on changing the other covers to match this one’s style?
The blurb does a good job of describing the plot so I won’t go over it that much. Elijah has been banished from his community, and has tried hard to keep from practicing his healing arts, and folk magic. He was taught by his grandfather and the Amish are spooked by their abilities. When Elijah moves onto Pig Bottom Farm he tries very hard to not help the animals or other people when they are ill, but Elijah is compassionate, and helping and healing is his calling in life. The story is a mystery of sorts with Elijah hiding his abilities from the people on the farm, but slowly his skills are revealed, not to the happiness of everyone. The plot also involves Jon, how he wasn’t friendly to Elijah at first because of Jon’s own issues, but how he opened up and let Elijah into his heart. This is about Elijah a sheltered young man, despite his deep knowledge of things most have no inkling about, growing up emotionally and expanding his horizons about his abilities, and the ‘English’ world.
I loved this book. It was intense, but not so much in an action-adventure type of way, even though there are two catastrophes that change how people viewed Elijah, and how he viewed himself. It’s more an emotional roller coaster as Jon works at overcoming his fear and opening his heart again, and Elijah having faith in himself and his abilities after his religion and people made him feel ashamed for who he was. Personally, I think Elijah was already shunned when he was living with the Amish community because of who his grandfather was, and Elijah’s apprenticeship with him. The terrible part was the cruel banishment without being prepared for the outside world. It was like living in a cult that didn’t care if you died once you left. I wonder how true that is in real life? How many Amish kids die because of banishment. At least non-Amish kids even if they leave home, have some idea of what to expect from modern life because they live in it and usually have friends to help.
I liked both Jon and Elijah. Jon was grumpy, but softened as he and Elijah grew closer. Elijah was quiet and afraid people would chase him away once they found out he was a braucher. He had many metaphysical skills like viewing the future, and hearing voices that guided him. Those abilities also made Elijah scared of who he was. He wanted to help; he wasn’t afraid of hard work. He was wary about how everyone would feel about him being an Amish braucher because brauchers were feared. His grandfather warned him about using his gifts for evil, and that made Elijah suppress his abilities once he was out in the world. That was until he met Jon’s aunt, who was also a healer. She encouraged him and helped explain how she viewed healing, which helped Elijah. I liked her character also. I could believe in Jon and Elijah as a couple.
This is the first book in the series that I’ve read and I didn’t feel lost. Book Two is about the couple who own the farm and I may read that one next even though I also have Book One. I definitely recommend Season of the Witch, and give this a solid 5 Stars.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest and unbiased review.
May 11, 2025
B / 4 stars
Eli Easton returns to rural Pennsylvania for a new book (the third) in her Men of Lancaster County series, and a heartfelt, age-gap romance between two wounded men who need to heal and learn to trust themselves. Season of the Witch is full of the complex emotions and connections and feelings that continue to draw me to this author’s work, and it once again centres a character who is struggling, in some way, to reconcile the faith he was brought up in with his desire to live an authentic life as a gay man. There’s also an interesting sub-plot centred around the braucherei, the alternative/faith/spiritual healers of the Amish community which, I confess, I’d never heard of until now. (Who says romance novels can’t be educational?)
When he was just five-years-old, Elijah Schultz - thirteenth child of sixteen and the seventh son - was identified as having a special gift for healing by his Dawdi, his grandfather. Since then, he’s studied the braucherei with his Dawdi, learning how to help people who are sick or in pain through the power of God. When he’s nineteen, Elijah is caught in flagrante with his married lover and given an ultimatum. Sins of the flesh open the way for Satan to get a foothold in his soul and corrupt his abilities, so either he will submit to a beating and then marry the girl chosen for him or he will be cast out of the community and separated from his family forever.
Elijah has known this moment was coming since he was eight years old because he saw it in a vision – and knows what his choice will be, if only he can be strong enough to carry it out. He doesn’t believe that wanting love is wrong or that loving someone is a sin, and knows he can’t live for braucherei alone. He packs his meagre possessions and leaves.
Samuel and Eddie (from book two, Tender Mercies) are now happily married, and in addition to running their animal sanctuary, they also run a Youth Rescue hotline. A late-night call to this finds them heading to town to search for a boy they’re told has been sleeping rough behind a store. It’s bitterly cold and they fear for his life as they look through the garbage bins out back, but their search seems fruitless until Samuel, who used to be Amish, speaks softly in German – and hears a reply in the same language. He and Eddie take Elijah back home with them and offer him food, shelter and work at the farm (even though they both know there won’t actually be a lot for him to do that isn’t already taken care of by their farmhand, Jon). But Samuel was in a similar situation to Elijah not so long ago – cast out of his home and community – and isn’t about to just send Elijah on his way the next day with nowhere to go and no real way forward.
Jon Bruneau, originally from Louisiana, moved to Pig Bottom Farm after the tragic death of his girlfriend in a car accident. Even though it’s been a couple of years since it happened, he still has nightmares and still feels numb, like he’s dead inside. He enjoys working with the animals at the farm but mostly keeps himself to himself and lives quietly in his small apartment in a converted garage on the grounds. When Samuel tells him about Elijah, Jon isn’t very pleased; he doesn’t need any help with the work and doesn’t like the idea of his routine being disrupted, but Samuel is the boss at the end of the day, so he has to accept Elijah is going to be around for a while. Although he doesn’t have to like it.
Jon and Elijah are very different people from very different backgrounds, but they have more in common than they realise at first. They’ve both experienced traumatic events they need to heal from – Jon has been adrift since his girlfriend died and Elijah is stuggling to adapt to a whole new way of life since losing his home and family – and both have knowledge of alternative healing methods, Elijah as a braucher and Jon through his Aunt Jolie, who uses herbs and plants and traditional remedies to help the sick back at home. Although not a healer himself, this does help Jon to understand Elijah’s gift and encourage him not to dismiss it or be afraid of using it.
Their romance is very much a slow-burn, which feels exactly right given the circumstances, and they share some very sweet moments together and with the animals on the farm. Elijah knows right away that Jon is the one for him:
- but Jon takes a while to catch up because he’s more reluctant to accept that his frozen heart is starting to defrost, and that perhaps he can fall in love again after all. I enjoyed seeing them both slowly moving on and towards each other, the emphasis on the emotional connection developing between them. I have to say that their chemistry is warm rather than hot, but again, it works in the context of the story.
As in the other books in the series, the author writes about Amish life thoughtfully, and I like that she uses Elijah’s somewhat different speech pattern, with its occasional German word or phrase, to show that he comes from a very different background to the “English” around him. The detail given about the braucherei practices is interesting and adds a unique quality to the story, and Elijah’s inner conflict over whether he should be using his gifts is really well done; he knows Samuel is wary of braucherei and doesn’t want to upset him, but he longs to be able to help those in pain – and those two things aren’t easily reconciled.
There’s a small but strongly-written secondary cast, including Samuel and Eddie, and Jon’s Aunt Jolie, who takes to Elijah straight away and encourages him to find other ways to use his healing talents.
Season of the Witch is a sweet and charming hurt/comfort romance with a fascinating background, likeable, well-drawn characters - and cute animals. The first book, A Second Harvest , remains my favourite of the Men of Lancaster County series, but this one is a good runner-up.
Eli Easton returns to rural Pennsylvania for a new book (the third) in her Men of Lancaster County series, and a heartfelt, age-gap romance between two wounded men who need to heal and learn to trust themselves. Season of the Witch is full of the complex emotions and connections and feelings that continue to draw me to this author’s work, and it once again centres a character who is struggling, in some way, to reconcile the faith he was brought up in with his desire to live an authentic life as a gay man. There’s also an interesting sub-plot centred around the braucherei, the alternative/faith/spiritual healers of the Amish community which, I confess, I’d never heard of until now. (Who says romance novels can’t be educational?)
When he was just five-years-old, Elijah Schultz - thirteenth child of sixteen and the seventh son - was identified as having a special gift for healing by his Dawdi, his grandfather. Since then, he’s studied the braucherei with his Dawdi, learning how to help people who are sick or in pain through the power of God. When he’s nineteen, Elijah is caught in flagrante with his married lover and given an ultimatum. Sins of the flesh open the way for Satan to get a foothold in his soul and corrupt his abilities, so either he will submit to a beating and then marry the girl chosen for him or he will be cast out of the community and separated from his family forever.
Elijah has known this moment was coming since he was eight years old because he saw it in a vision – and knows what his choice will be, if only he can be strong enough to carry it out. He doesn’t believe that wanting love is wrong or that loving someone is a sin, and knows he can’t live for braucherei alone. He packs his meagre possessions and leaves.
Samuel and Eddie (from book two, Tender Mercies) are now happily married, and in addition to running their animal sanctuary, they also run a Youth Rescue hotline. A late-night call to this finds them heading to town to search for a boy they’re told has been sleeping rough behind a store. It’s bitterly cold and they fear for his life as they look through the garbage bins out back, but their search seems fruitless until Samuel, who used to be Amish, speaks softly in German – and hears a reply in the same language. He and Eddie take Elijah back home with them and offer him food, shelter and work at the farm (even though they both know there won’t actually be a lot for him to do that isn’t already taken care of by their farmhand, Jon). But Samuel was in a similar situation to Elijah not so long ago – cast out of his home and community – and isn’t about to just send Elijah on his way the next day with nowhere to go and no real way forward.
Jon Bruneau, originally from Louisiana, moved to Pig Bottom Farm after the tragic death of his girlfriend in a car accident. Even though it’s been a couple of years since it happened, he still has nightmares and still feels numb, like he’s dead inside. He enjoys working with the animals at the farm but mostly keeps himself to himself and lives quietly in his small apartment in a converted garage on the grounds. When Samuel tells him about Elijah, Jon isn’t very pleased; he doesn’t need any help with the work and doesn’t like the idea of his routine being disrupted, but Samuel is the boss at the end of the day, so he has to accept Elijah is going to be around for a while. Although he doesn’t have to like it.
Jon and Elijah are very different people from very different backgrounds, but they have more in common than they realise at first. They’ve both experienced traumatic events they need to heal from – Jon has been adrift since his girlfriend died and Elijah is stuggling to adapt to a whole new way of life since losing his home and family – and both have knowledge of alternative healing methods, Elijah as a braucher and Jon through his Aunt Jolie, who uses herbs and plants and traditional remedies to help the sick back at home. Although not a healer himself, this does help Jon to understand Elijah’s gift and encourage him not to dismiss it or be afraid of using it.
Their romance is very much a slow-burn, which feels exactly right given the circumstances, and they share some very sweet moments together and with the animals on the farm. Elijah knows right away that Jon is the one for him:
The voice in Elijah's head said, clear as day, This one's for you.
- but Jon takes a while to catch up because he’s more reluctant to accept that his frozen heart is starting to defrost, and that perhaps he can fall in love again after all. I enjoyed seeing them both slowly moving on and towards each other, the emphasis on the emotional connection developing between them. I have to say that their chemistry is warm rather than hot, but again, it works in the context of the story.
As in the other books in the series, the author writes about Amish life thoughtfully, and I like that she uses Elijah’s somewhat different speech pattern, with its occasional German word or phrase, to show that he comes from a very different background to the “English” around him. The detail given about the braucherei practices is interesting and adds a unique quality to the story, and Elijah’s inner conflict over whether he should be using his gifts is really well done; he knows Samuel is wary of braucherei and doesn’t want to upset him, but he longs to be able to help those in pain – and those two things aren’t easily reconciled.
There’s a small but strongly-written secondary cast, including Samuel and Eddie, and Jon’s Aunt Jolie, who takes to Elijah straight away and encourages him to find other ways to use his healing talents.
Season of the Witch is a sweet and charming hurt/comfort romance with a fascinating background, likeable, well-drawn characters - and cute animals. The first book, A Second Harvest , remains my favourite of the Men of Lancaster County series, but this one is a good runner-up.
April 3, 2025
Loved the story.
Elijah is Amish and has several gifts that people are afraid of but more than that, Elijah wants to help people. Unfortunately, his grandfather discovers Elijah and a married man together and gives Elijah an ultimatum. Elijah is shunned and has to leave. The owners of Pig Bottom Farm save him one night and he begins a new life at Pig Bottom Farm. Jon is a grump of a handyman at Pig Bottom Farm but there's something about Elijah that draws him towards him. Jon has some baggage but that will soon leave him.
Elijah is Amish and has several gifts that people are afraid of but more than that, Elijah wants to help people. Unfortunately, his grandfather discovers Elijah and a married man together and gives Elijah an ultimatum. Elijah is shunned and has to leave. The owners of Pig Bottom Farm save him one night and he begins a new life at Pig Bottom Farm. Jon is a grump of a handyman at Pig Bottom Farm but there's something about Elijah that draws him towards him. Jon has some baggage but that will soon leave him.
April 20, 2025
3.5 stars
I was a little anxious with the prologue as it opened with Elijah being dismissed because he was caught with another man. But I was glad that Samuel and Eddie (from Tender Mercies found him ... and that Elijah found a new life at the Rescue Animal Farm. I found the braucher practice to be interesting too.
Clearly this was more of Elijah's story ... it was HIS life from Amish young man to be accepted in the "English" world while still practicting his power. Yes, there was romance with Jon, but I felt like it was less important than Elijah's maturing up.
I was a little anxious with the prologue as it opened with Elijah being dismissed because he was caught with another man. But I was glad that Samuel and Eddie (from Tender Mercies found him ... and that Elijah found a new life at the Rescue Animal Farm. I found the braucher practice to be interesting too.
Clearly this was more of Elijah's story ... it was HIS life from Amish young man to be accepted in the "English" world while still practicting his power. Yes, there was romance with Jon, but I felt like it was less important than Elijah's maturing up.
March 31, 2025
I should have probably DNF this as I ended up not liking it that much. This is all on me, but the magic aspect just threw me off and I hated everything about it. I wanted the struggles to be about being shunned from the Amish but all I got was a messy story that made no sense to me.
I did not care for the romance side of it either. I don't mind a slow burn, in fact I am a sucker for it, and I don't really need spice as I am more into character development, but I felt no connection between the characters. I also thought that their relationship happened quite fast in the timeline and I think Elijah should have had more time to explore the world around him. The writing was superb though but I expected nothing less from this author.
I did not care for the romance side of it either. I don't mind a slow burn, in fact I am a sucker for it, and I don't really need spice as I am more into character development, but I felt no connection between the characters. I also thought that their relationship happened quite fast in the timeline and I think Elijah should have had more time to explore the world around him. The writing was superb though but I expected nothing less from this author.
September 21, 2025
Beautifully written x
I adore Eli Easton's writing, and was so excited to receive an ARC of this one.
Season of the Witch is a beautiful tale of a young man cast out of his home, due to his being gay. Elijah is a young Braucherei, gifted with the traditional healing arts, bound by the strict customs of his people. He is lost in the new world he finds himself in, after being shunned by his family for being gay.
What shines in this story is the author's respectful portrayal of Amish life. The details of Braucherei practices are written with sensitivity, and the internal conflicts Elijah faces are deeply moving. The slow burn romance between Elijah and Jon is handled with a tender touch, emphasising the emotional connection that blossoms between them. Elijah knows immediately that Jon is for him:
The voice in Elijah's head, said as clear as day, 'This one's for you.'
However, Jon is more reluctant to accept his feelings for Elijah (no spoilers!), and it takes nearly losing him to give in to his feelings. I loved Elijah's growth as a character, I found it both believable and satisfying. Jon and the other secondary characters are also well written, I loved the respect they had for one another, and their beliefs, this being a key part of the story.
I was so absorbed in the book that I didn't even notice the time go by. The romance is gentle and heartfelt, focusing on the growth of Elijah, and also the connection between Elijah and Jon. I enjoyed reading about the Braucherei, the traditional folk healing, I thought it added a unique and fascinating layer to the story, you indeed learn something new every day. It's a story that will stay with me, and it really made me think. I like that in a book.
I adore Eli Easton's writing, and was so excited to receive an ARC of this one.
Season of the Witch is a beautiful tale of a young man cast out of his home, due to his being gay. Elijah is a young Braucherei, gifted with the traditional healing arts, bound by the strict customs of his people. He is lost in the new world he finds himself in, after being shunned by his family for being gay.
What shines in this story is the author's respectful portrayal of Amish life. The details of Braucherei practices are written with sensitivity, and the internal conflicts Elijah faces are deeply moving. The slow burn romance between Elijah and Jon is handled with a tender touch, emphasising the emotional connection that blossoms between them. Elijah knows immediately that Jon is for him:
The voice in Elijah's head, said as clear as day, 'This one's for you.'
However, Jon is more reluctant to accept his feelings for Elijah (no spoilers!), and it takes nearly losing him to give in to his feelings. I loved Elijah's growth as a character, I found it both believable and satisfying. Jon and the other secondary characters are also well written, I loved the respect they had for one another, and their beliefs, this being a key part of the story.
I was so absorbed in the book that I didn't even notice the time go by. The romance is gentle and heartfelt, focusing on the growth of Elijah, and also the connection between Elijah and Jon. I enjoyed reading about the Braucherei, the traditional folk healing, I thought it added a unique and fascinating layer to the story, you indeed learn something new every day. It's a story that will stay with me, and it really made me think. I like that in a book.
April 4, 2025
Jon and Elijah
Eli Easton always writes stories in a way that pulls me in quickly and gets me invested, and this was no different. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Jon and Elijah.
'Season of the Witch' could be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend the first two books in the 'Men of Lancaster County' series, especially 'Tender Mercies,' Samuel and Eddie's story, to truly connect with the characters.
Eli Easton always writes stories in a way that pulls me in quickly and gets me invested, and this was no different. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Jon and Elijah.
'Season of the Witch' could be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend the first two books in the 'Men of Lancaster County' series, especially 'Tender Mercies,' Samuel and Eddie's story, to truly connect with the characters.
April 13, 2025
4+
Między napisaniem drugiej a trzeciej części serii minęło 8 lat. Przyznam, że trochę się bałam, co w tej ostatniej będzie. Czy Eli Easton nie ulegnie presji i obecnej durnej modzie, aby wcisnąć tyle seksu, ile się tylko da, a historię i bohaterów wyrzucić na margines, bo tak naprawdę tylko przeszkadzają...
Ale NIE!!! Nie dała się i nie uległa 🤗 Chwała jej za to 💙
Fantastycznie było wrócić do sanktuarium dla zwierząt Samuela i Eddiego. I poznać dwóch jej nowych pracowników - Jona, który pracuje tam od dwóch lat i który niewiele mówi, ale kocha wszystkie zwierzaki, które tam są oraz Elijaha - kolejnego młodego, byłego Amisza, który został uratowany przez Sama i Eddiego pewnej zimnej nocy z kontenera na śmieci, w którym usiłował się ogrzać i przetrwać mróz.
Tym razem mamy również pewien element magiczny, bo Elijah od piątego roku życia był szkolny przez swojego dziadka na brauchera (chyba tak to będzie po polsku) - kogoś, kto według Amiszów dzięki woli Bożej ma dar, dzięki któremu może uzdrawiać, pomagać i ulżyć w bólu innym. Widzi aury, kolory ludzi oraz miejsca na ciele, które są przyczyną ich bólu - fizycznego czy psychicznego. Ale wg dziadka Elijah tylko Ci, którzy żyją zgodnie z wolą i przykazaniami Bożymi, mogą być braucherem. A Elijah jest gejem. To grzech niemalże śmiertelny, który go dyskwalifikuje nie tylko jako Amisza, ale też jako brauchera. 19-latek odchodzi ze wspólnoty z bólem serca, ale sam...
Eli Easton tka swoją historię, przedstawia bohaterów, zawiązuje między nimi nić porozumienia, przyjaźń, pozwala im się wzajemnie poznać i zrozumieć. Nie leci na łeb, na szyję do łóżka. Tym razem to seks jest tutaj marginalny i nie mogłam być bardziej szczęśliwa z tego powodu, bo dzięki temu świetnie mi się czytało. Bo było o czym 😊
W dalszym ciągu uważam, że najlepsza był część pierwsza w serii, ale ta wiele nie odbiega od niej i jest niezmiernie udaną kontynuacją. W obecnym zalewie porno udających historię, ta książka jest jak wzięcie głębokiego oddechu świeżego powietrza po przebywaniu przez dłuższy czas w zatęchłym pomieszczeniu 🤗
Między napisaniem drugiej a trzeciej części serii minęło 8 lat. Przyznam, że trochę się bałam, co w tej ostatniej będzie. Czy Eli Easton nie ulegnie presji i obecnej durnej modzie, aby wcisnąć tyle seksu, ile się tylko da, a historię i bohaterów wyrzucić na margines, bo tak naprawdę tylko przeszkadzają...
Ale NIE!!! Nie dała się i nie uległa 🤗 Chwała jej za to 💙
Fantastycznie było wrócić do sanktuarium dla zwierząt Samuela i Eddiego. I poznać dwóch jej nowych pracowników - Jona, który pracuje tam od dwóch lat i który niewiele mówi, ale kocha wszystkie zwierzaki, które tam są oraz Elijaha - kolejnego młodego, byłego Amisza, który został uratowany przez Sama i Eddiego pewnej zimnej nocy z kontenera na śmieci, w którym usiłował się ogrzać i przetrwać mróz.
Tym razem mamy również pewien element magiczny, bo Elijah od piątego roku życia był szkolny przez swojego dziadka na brauchera (chyba tak to będzie po polsku) - kogoś, kto według Amiszów dzięki woli Bożej ma dar, dzięki któremu może uzdrawiać, pomagać i ulżyć w bólu innym. Widzi aury, kolory ludzi oraz miejsca na ciele, które są przyczyną ich bólu - fizycznego czy psychicznego. Ale wg dziadka Elijah tylko Ci, którzy żyją zgodnie z wolą i przykazaniami Bożymi, mogą być braucherem. A Elijah jest gejem. To grzech niemalże śmiertelny, który go dyskwalifikuje nie tylko jako Amisza, ale też jako brauchera. 19-latek odchodzi ze wspólnoty z bólem serca, ale sam...
Eli Easton tka swoją historię, przedstawia bohaterów, zawiązuje między nimi nić porozumienia, przyjaźń, pozwala im się wzajemnie poznać i zrozumieć. Nie leci na łeb, na szyję do łóżka. Tym razem to seks jest tutaj marginalny i nie mogłam być bardziej szczęśliwa z tego powodu, bo dzięki temu świetnie mi się czytało. Bo było o czym 😊
W dalszym ciągu uważam, że najlepsza był część pierwsza w serii, ale ta wiele nie odbiega od niej i jest niezmiernie udaną kontynuacją. W obecnym zalewie porno udających historię, ta książka jest jak wzięcie głębokiego oddechu świeżego powietrza po przebywaniu przez dłuższy czas w zatęchłym pomieszczeniu 🤗
April 13, 2025
Great story.
September 8, 2025
This was more of a 3.5? Rounding down because I just felt like I wanted more of Elijah and Jon spending time together on-page? Idk there wasn't enough of them getting to know each other imo :(
December 28, 2025
ARC review
I loved this book. It was cute and emotional.
Elijah was shunned from his family and he was trying to find his place in the world. And lo and behold he found a new family that loved him no matter what. And he didn't have to change who he was for them.
Jon had a suffered a great loss and he didn't want to love another person again. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't deny that his feelings for Elijah were growing every day.
They made such a cute couple and they needed each other to move on and be better
I loved this book. It was cute and emotional.
Elijah was shunned from his family and he was trying to find his place in the world. And lo and behold he found a new family that loved him no matter what. And he didn't have to change who he was for them.
Jon had a suffered a great loss and he didn't want to love another person again. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't deny that his feelings for Elijah were growing every day.
They made such a cute couple and they needed each other to move on and be better
April 17, 2025
To me, it's the weakest book in the series. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore the general idea for this story, just not the execution. I do appreciate Mrs Easton for bringing freshness and originality to the genre with shaping her interests and passion into the plot, especially when these days it's often pushed to the sidelines for the sake of steam, whatsoever. But here, the romance felt forced and chaotic: Elijah was a wonderfully shaped character while Jon - underdeveloped, flat, acting bizarre. Honestly, the romance subplot could've been left out entirely. For me, the story of Elijah being a braucher, finding home and his place, as well as revisiting old pals Eddie and Sam - that lplot itself was strong enough without the romance. A beautiful friendship or one final hopeful-to-be-more scene with Jon and Elijah could've worked better for me.
Read
March 30, 2025Season of The Witch is book 3 in the Men of Lancaster County series by Eli Easton.
While this book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend the first two Men of Lancaster County books, especially Tender Mercies, Samuel and Eddie's story.
This story is about Elijah, an Amish gay man who he is forced to make a choice between the Amish way of live and his own feelings and happiness.
I absolutely loved this tale and learned of things I knew nothing about from the Amish culture. Eli Easton's books are always a satisfying read for me, and I soaked up every morsel of this story and wish for more from this series.
While this book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend the first two Men of Lancaster County books, especially Tender Mercies, Samuel and Eddie's story.
This story is about Elijah, an Amish gay man who he is forced to make a choice between the Amish way of live and his own feelings and happiness.
I absolutely loved this tale and learned of things I knew nothing about from the Amish culture. Eli Easton's books are always a satisfying read for me, and I soaked up every morsel of this story and wish for more from this series.
March 27, 2025
Eli Easton has been a personal favorite ever since her first book release. This series, Men of Lancaster County, is as refreshing as a breath of fresh air. The setting is contemporary rural life in Pennsylvania, my home state, and covers issues unique to those who are both Amish or Mennonite and gay. This story adds a fresh look at healing touch, the gift of foresight, brauchers (practitioners of Amish folk magic), and the joy of found family. Needless to say, I very much enjoyed reading every page.
Nineteen-year-old Elijah is forced to leave his home, his family, and his culture when faced with his Dawdi’s wrath upon discovery of his grandson with another man. Now homeless, without funds or shelter in a freezing autumn cold snap, he’s rescued when a tip from a Good Samaritan brings Eddie and Samuel, from book two: Tender Mercies, to search for an apparently homeless youth in an alley behind a restaurant in town. They find Elijah and convince him to come to Pig Bottom Farm, their home for rescued farm animals. When he’s assigned to help Jon, their full-time worker, Elijah takes one look and knows he’s found the man he will spend his life with. Convincing Jon will be another matter, however.
Jon wants no part of humans or the “kid” he’s put in charge of. Give him animals any day. No complications. No heartbreak. No losing his lover to tragedy as he did in Louisiana before he came north. His nightmares and the grief he still felt from the tragedy two years before were hard to shake and being alone was his comfort and, he thought, his destiny.
At this point, early in the book, I realized I was fully invested in these two men. Eli Easton has a way of painting characters to quickly become three-dimensional people I want to be friends with. Within the first few chapters, the strength and determination of a young man who was raised in a culture totally different from those surrounding him shone through. Elijah’s gift of healing, coupled with his open heart and strong backbone, helped him survive in this new world of “the English.”
The author brought these men and their stories to life. Added to their time together, their emotional growth and journey toward friendship, was a revisit with Samuel and Eddie, a history of braucherei folk magic, a look at the family Elijah was forced to leave and the effects of his banishment on others in his family, a holiday season on the farm (both Thanksgiving and Christmas) and a surprise visit from Jon’s aunt who is a practitioner of Cajun folk magic. I loved Aunt Jolie, a wonderful secondary character!
There’s plenty of action in this book: Elijah’s revisit to his home when a nightmare about his grandfather urges him back, an injury for one of the others on the farm, a new avenue for Elijah’s future, and, of course, plenty of piglet visits. Romance? Why, yes, there is romance, once the pigheaded Jon (pun intended) gets over his age-gap phobia (eight years) and realizes his heart is healing. And there’s an abundance of hope in here, most especially hope for a happily ever after for Jon and Elijah. Memorable characters who fall in love are my jam and this one is five stars worth, for sure.
Note: I received a copy of the ARC through Gay Romance Reviews. This review is my honest opinion.
Nineteen-year-old Elijah is forced to leave his home, his family, and his culture when faced with his Dawdi’s wrath upon discovery of his grandson with another man. Now homeless, without funds or shelter in a freezing autumn cold snap, he’s rescued when a tip from a Good Samaritan brings Eddie and Samuel, from book two: Tender Mercies, to search for an apparently homeless youth in an alley behind a restaurant in town. They find Elijah and convince him to come to Pig Bottom Farm, their home for rescued farm animals. When he’s assigned to help Jon, their full-time worker, Elijah takes one look and knows he’s found the man he will spend his life with. Convincing Jon will be another matter, however.
Jon wants no part of humans or the “kid” he’s put in charge of. Give him animals any day. No complications. No heartbreak. No losing his lover to tragedy as he did in Louisiana before he came north. His nightmares and the grief he still felt from the tragedy two years before were hard to shake and being alone was his comfort and, he thought, his destiny.
At this point, early in the book, I realized I was fully invested in these two men. Eli Easton has a way of painting characters to quickly become three-dimensional people I want to be friends with. Within the first few chapters, the strength and determination of a young man who was raised in a culture totally different from those surrounding him shone through. Elijah’s gift of healing, coupled with his open heart and strong backbone, helped him survive in this new world of “the English.”
The author brought these men and their stories to life. Added to their time together, their emotional growth and journey toward friendship, was a revisit with Samuel and Eddie, a history of braucherei folk magic, a look at the family Elijah was forced to leave and the effects of his banishment on others in his family, a holiday season on the farm (both Thanksgiving and Christmas) and a surprise visit from Jon’s aunt who is a practitioner of Cajun folk magic. I loved Aunt Jolie, a wonderful secondary character!
There’s plenty of action in this book: Elijah’s revisit to his home when a nightmare about his grandfather urges him back, an injury for one of the others on the farm, a new avenue for Elijah’s future, and, of course, plenty of piglet visits. Romance? Why, yes, there is romance, once the pigheaded Jon (pun intended) gets over his age-gap phobia (eight years) and realizes his heart is healing. And there’s an abundance of hope in here, most especially hope for a happily ever after for Jon and Elijah. Memorable characters who fall in love are my jam and this one is five stars worth, for sure.
Note: I received a copy of the ARC through Gay Romance Reviews. This review is my honest opinion.
April 1, 2025
Atmospheric Amish drama with romance, set on an animal rescue farm in PA. I enjoyed it a lot, though wish the development of the romance had been more balanced.
Elijah is a braucher, a practitioner of Amish folk magic who has visions and unique sensitivities, including an ability to read auras to help heal and lessen pain. He’s cast out of his family and people for being gay and winds up homeless, freezing in an unusually cold October, and taken in by two farmers, one of whom is also former Amish, Samuel, and Eddie, the vegan “English” farm owner. (ICYDK, the Amish call anyone non-Amish, English.)
Jon is the permanent farmhand, and having a strange, waiflike young Amish man thrust into his workday upsets his routine of work and numbness. He’s lived through great loss and isn’t interested in moving on, and passes his days with work and the animals, and little interaction that he doesn’t seek out. Elijah isn’t welcome, but Jon's soon inured to having the strange man shadow him around the farm.
There are mystical plot threads that stem from Elijah’s true sight and ability, some danger from those who would use Elijah for ill, but mostly it’s a charming “thrown together” story filled with adorable animals, farm life and the events the farm holds to raise money to keep going, plus Elijah finding his feet, finding acceptance, and coming to realize that everything he’s been taught isn’t necessarily true and must be reframed in the context of what he’s learning now, after being taken in by this gay married couple and falling hard for a man whose heart, he can clearly see, is pained and gray.
The story feels imbalanced on the romance front; there isn’t much development of romance until about 75%, and then it’s a rush. Some seeds are there with the two men interacting all along, but earlier clear beats of awareness/advance and retreat would have helped; when the relationship does move forward and get physical, it seems abrupt, and the acknowledgement of attraction rather than just wariness comes a bit from nowhere on Jon’s part, despite Elijah’s senses guiding him that way all along. The danger is resolved rather neatly, and Elijah’s temporary reunion with family who need him morphs quickly into him finding a potential career that seems to fix any lingering hurt and doubts overly easily. But overall, I enjoyed reading this book a lot, felt immersed in the world, and will go back and read the first two in the series (different MCs, including the story of the two farm owners here).
I adored Jon’s aunt as a secondary character, though was a bit miffed/laughing at the idea that a woman in her early 50s would be considered “old” as far as ability to put in hard work on a farm goes.
HEA, sort of unwanted-encumbrance to eventual lovers. Magical sight/prescience/unique otherworldly abilities. Wonderful farm setting, and to this very much layperson, authentic rep for the Amish. Safe for me; the book opens just after Elijah was caught with his married lover, but nothing was shown or harped on; no OM drama at all. Recommended.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
Elijah is a braucher, a practitioner of Amish folk magic who has visions and unique sensitivities, including an ability to read auras to help heal and lessen pain. He’s cast out of his family and people for being gay and winds up homeless, freezing in an unusually cold October, and taken in by two farmers, one of whom is also former Amish, Samuel, and Eddie, the vegan “English” farm owner. (ICYDK, the Amish call anyone non-Amish, English.)
Jon is the permanent farmhand, and having a strange, waiflike young Amish man thrust into his workday upsets his routine of work and numbness. He’s lived through great loss and isn’t interested in moving on, and passes his days with work and the animals, and little interaction that he doesn’t seek out. Elijah isn’t welcome, but Jon's soon inured to having the strange man shadow him around the farm.
There are mystical plot threads that stem from Elijah’s true sight and ability, some danger from those who would use Elijah for ill, but mostly it’s a charming “thrown together” story filled with adorable animals, farm life and the events the farm holds to raise money to keep going, plus Elijah finding his feet, finding acceptance, and coming to realize that everything he’s been taught isn’t necessarily true and must be reframed in the context of what he’s learning now, after being taken in by this gay married couple and falling hard for a man whose heart, he can clearly see, is pained and gray.
The story feels imbalanced on the romance front; there isn’t much development of romance until about 75%, and then it’s a rush. Some seeds are there with the two men interacting all along, but earlier clear beats of awareness/advance and retreat would have helped; when the relationship does move forward and get physical, it seems abrupt, and the acknowledgement of attraction rather than just wariness comes a bit from nowhere on Jon’s part, despite Elijah’s senses guiding him that way all along. The danger is resolved rather neatly, and Elijah’s temporary reunion with family who need him morphs quickly into him finding a potential career that seems to fix any lingering hurt and doubts overly easily. But overall, I enjoyed reading this book a lot, felt immersed in the world, and will go back and read the first two in the series (different MCs, including the story of the two farm owners here).
I adored Jon’s aunt as a secondary character, though was a bit miffed/laughing at the idea that a woman in her early 50s would be considered “old” as far as ability to put in hard work on a farm goes.
HEA, sort of unwanted-encumbrance to eventual lovers. Magical sight/prescience/unique otherworldly abilities. Wonderful farm setting, and to this very much layperson, authentic rep for the Amish. Safe for me; the book opens just after Elijah was caught with his married lover, but nothing was shown or harped on; no OM drama at all. Recommended.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
March 31, 2025
3.5 stars rated up. It’s been a while since I read an Eli Easton, having skipped both her Lake Prophet mysteries and most of the Hot Cannolis series as not being my cuppa, so it was nice to read something set in a previous series. I’d only read the first one of the Lancaster books and didn’t think I remembered it well, but it came back reasonably clearly and it was fun to return to the animal rescue farm.
The characters were lovely, especially Elijah, whom I just wanted to hug a lot. Found family is my drug of choice and this did not disappoint. The vibes at the farm in general were cosy and warm without being saccharine, and the autumnal feel of it all fit the mood beautifully.
The romance itself is slow burn, with strong chemistry but not a lot of steam. Personally I found that a bit of a let-down because I know Easton gives good smut, and since these two sparked really well, I would have liked to see more of that on page, but that’s just my preference.
As per the author’s warning/heads-up, there is a fair amount of woo-woo in this, Elijah being ex-Amish and a practitioner of Braucherei, a type of Amish spiritual healing practice combined with herbal remedies. I’d been wary of this but enjoyed it quite a lot – it was a unique plot element that fit the overall atmosphere and it seems like the author did her research well.
A few niggles:
-I know Pennsylvania Deitsch is quite different from modern German, so I found the bits of German included in the dialogue a bit questionable – some of it was just plain misspelled rather than archaic/Deitsch, and some of it is just straight-up modern German, which seems unlikely. Granted, I don’t know how difficult it would be to find an Amish native speaker to check the Deitsch in your queer romance, lol. Minor thing, really.
-Author's intro has an "enemies-to-lovers" thrown in, which is laughably untrue. There isn't even the slightest bit of enmity between these two. Jon is not a massive people person and takes a while to warm up, that's literally it. That's the "enemies." Authors, stop doing this!
-Overly meddling family is a pet peeve of mine, and unfortunately Aunt Jolie fell into that category for me. I know she was there to present Elijah with a positive lived experience of folk magic/spiritual whatever, but she rubbed me the wrong way, especially when she goes on preaching about how harmful pills are and how “plants have no side effects” (LOL). In a post-Covid world, I have less patience than ever for BS of that ilk.
-Jon’s past trauma was questionable at best. Just seemed like kind of a bizarre choice that wasn’t needed at all.
Other than that, this was warm and fuzzy and sweet.
The characters were lovely, especially Elijah, whom I just wanted to hug a lot. Found family is my drug of choice and this did not disappoint. The vibes at the farm in general were cosy and warm without being saccharine, and the autumnal feel of it all fit the mood beautifully.
The romance itself is slow burn, with strong chemistry but not a lot of steam. Personally I found that a bit of a let-down because I know Easton gives good smut, and since these two sparked really well, I would have liked to see more of that on page, but that’s just my preference.
As per the author’s warning/heads-up, there is a fair amount of woo-woo in this, Elijah being ex-Amish and a practitioner of Braucherei, a type of Amish spiritual healing practice combined with herbal remedies. I’d been wary of this but enjoyed it quite a lot – it was a unique plot element that fit the overall atmosphere and it seems like the author did her research well.
A few niggles:
-I know Pennsylvania Deitsch is quite different from modern German, so I found the bits of German included in the dialogue a bit questionable – some of it was just plain misspelled rather than archaic/Deitsch, and some of it is just straight-up modern German, which seems unlikely. Granted, I don’t know how difficult it would be to find an Amish native speaker to check the Deitsch in your queer romance, lol. Minor thing, really.
-Author's intro has an "enemies-to-lovers" thrown in, which is laughably untrue. There isn't even the slightest bit of enmity between these two. Jon is not a massive people person and takes a while to warm up, that's literally it. That's the "enemies." Authors, stop doing this!
-Overly meddling family is a pet peeve of mine, and unfortunately Aunt Jolie fell into that category for me. I know she was there to present Elijah with a positive lived experience of folk magic/spiritual whatever, but she rubbed me the wrong way, especially when she goes on preaching about how harmful pills are and how “plants have no side effects” (LOL). In a post-Covid world, I have less patience than ever for BS of that ilk.
-Jon’s past trauma was questionable at best. Just seemed like kind of a bizarre choice that wasn’t needed at all.
Other than that, this was warm and fuzzy and sweet.
August 12, 2025
3.5 stars.
I always like to begin my reviews of Eli Easton’s books by saying I am a huge fan. She wrote the saga of my beloved Gabriel, which in many ways changed my life, so her work will always hold a special place in my heart.
This is the third book in the Men of Lancaster County series. It can technically be read as a standalone, but I wouldn’t recommend it for those who haven’t read Tender Mercies (book two), where we get the story of Samuel, Eddie, and Pig Bottom Farm—the central setting for this book.
Elijah, a nineteen-year-old Amish man, is forced to leave his home, family, and community when his Dawdi discovers him with another man. Penniless and without shelter on a freezing night, he is rescued by Samuel, who runs an informal support network for young people in need, and brought to Pig Bottom Farm.
There, Elijah meets Jon, the farm’s permanent worker. Jon, still grieving a great personal loss, has no interest in connecting with anyone—especially the fragile newcomer disrupting his routine.
At first, I thought the story would follow a more traditional romance structure, but that isn’t the main focus here. Elijah is a braucher, a practitioner of Amish folk magic, gifted with visions and the ability to read auras to heal and ease pain. The plot leans heavily into a mystical narrative centered on his visions, the threats from those who might use his gifts for harm, and his journey toward self-acceptance—reframing everything he was taught through the lens of his new life.
Because of that focus, the romance between Elijah and Jon takes a back seat. It unfolds slowly until around the 70% mark, and then wraps up too quickly. Jon’s backstory felt underdeveloped, and his emotional reserve made it hard for me to believe fully in his love for Elijah. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel much chemistry between them.
But Pig Bottom Farm? I adore it. The descriptions of its charity events were so vivid I could imagine myself there. Samuel remains my favorite character, and the animals never failed to make me smile. If you enjoy the cozy, heartwarming atmosphere of a working animal sanctuary, this book delivers that beautifully.
Samuel really should share his bread recipe with us, don’t you think?
Visit The Cat Reads blog for a full review.
I always like to begin my reviews of Eli Easton’s books by saying I am a huge fan. She wrote the saga of my beloved Gabriel, which in many ways changed my life, so her work will always hold a special place in my heart.
This is the third book in the Men of Lancaster County series. It can technically be read as a standalone, but I wouldn’t recommend it for those who haven’t read Tender Mercies (book two), where we get the story of Samuel, Eddie, and Pig Bottom Farm—the central setting for this book.
Elijah, a nineteen-year-old Amish man, is forced to leave his home, family, and community when his Dawdi discovers him with another man. Penniless and without shelter on a freezing night, he is rescued by Samuel, who runs an informal support network for young people in need, and brought to Pig Bottom Farm.
There, Elijah meets Jon, the farm’s permanent worker. Jon, still grieving a great personal loss, has no interest in connecting with anyone—especially the fragile newcomer disrupting his routine.
At first, I thought the story would follow a more traditional romance structure, but that isn’t the main focus here. Elijah is a braucher, a practitioner of Amish folk magic, gifted with visions and the ability to read auras to heal and ease pain. The plot leans heavily into a mystical narrative centered on his visions, the threats from those who might use his gifts for harm, and his journey toward self-acceptance—reframing everything he was taught through the lens of his new life.
Because of that focus, the romance between Elijah and Jon takes a back seat. It unfolds slowly until around the 70% mark, and then wraps up too quickly. Jon’s backstory felt underdeveloped, and his emotional reserve made it hard for me to believe fully in his love for Elijah. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel much chemistry between them.
But Pig Bottom Farm? I adore it. The descriptions of its charity events were so vivid I could imagine myself there. Samuel remains my favorite character, and the animals never failed to make me smile. If you enjoy the cozy, heartwarming atmosphere of a working animal sanctuary, this book delivers that beautifully.
Samuel really should share his bread recipe with us, don’t you think?
Visit The Cat Reads blog for a full review.
March 23, 2025
MY OPINION: I was happy to see this book take us right back to Pig Bottom Farm, where Eddie and Samuel lived. Having met them in book two, I felt comfortable knowing about the farm and what they stood for. I feel like you might lose something if you didn’t read book one because there were a lot of details not explained in book three, but with that said, it can stand alone.
There was a lot about it that was similar to book two: a young (nineteen) Amish man escapes persecution getting shunned because he is gay. Elijah is a type of faith healer who stirs up fear in the secondary character Samuel (the ex-Amish from book one). With Samuel and Jon (more about him in a minute) Elijah has to battle whether his power is a gift or something he should never use. The same battle rages within his soul. There are a lot of sweet interactions with the sanctuary animals, which has taken quite a positive turn since book two. Elijah is a guest but works for them, getting some pocket money and a place to live. They become a nice group of people who are happy with their lives and each other.
This takes us to the romance. There is a grumpy-ish, maybe just introverted man recovering from a loss but finds himself attracted to the young man. There is a nine-year age gap, plus they work together, and he might not be recovered from the loss. These two dance around each other but do find a way into each other’s hearts without being a couple. They simply work together and fall for each other. Ultimately they find their HEA, but it was only because of a few drinks and Elijah making clear he felt something too.
It’s a very nice story with some good characters. There are two spice scenes that are not graphic, so if you like avoiding the spicy, this is a great book. I enjoyed the story and am glad I read it. Pick it up if you like a nice story with some good guys and lots of critters.
There was a lot about it that was similar to book two: a young (nineteen) Amish man escapes persecution getting shunned because he is gay. Elijah is a type of faith healer who stirs up fear in the secondary character Samuel (the ex-Amish from book one). With Samuel and Jon (more about him in a minute) Elijah has to battle whether his power is a gift or something he should never use. The same battle rages within his soul. There are a lot of sweet interactions with the sanctuary animals, which has taken quite a positive turn since book two. Elijah is a guest but works for them, getting some pocket money and a place to live. They become a nice group of people who are happy with their lives and each other.
This takes us to the romance. There is a grumpy-ish, maybe just introverted man recovering from a loss but finds himself attracted to the young man. There is a nine-year age gap, plus they work together, and he might not be recovered from the loss. These two dance around each other but do find a way into each other’s hearts without being a couple. They simply work together and fall for each other. Ultimately they find their HEA, but it was only because of a few drinks and Elijah making clear he felt something too.
It’s a very nice story with some good characters. There are two spice scenes that are not graphic, so if you like avoiding the spicy, this is a great book. I enjoyed the story and am glad I read it. Pick it up if you like a nice story with some good guys and lots of critters.
May 15, 2025
I was browsing for something to read and checking up on authors that I’ve read and enjoyed in the past and that’s how I stumbled upon Eli Easton’s new release,
Season of the Witch
. This book is the third entry in the Men of Lancaster County series which I hadn’t thought bout for some time but was delighted to see had made a return. Elijah flees his grandfather’s house, choosing to leave the Amish order rather than submit to the man’s order that he never act upon his homosexual desires. He’s taken in by Samuel and Eddie at Pig’s Bottom Farm and offered a place to stay in exchange for some work. Elijah’s presence irks the other farmhand, Jon, who can’t decide if he’s annoyed or infatuated with the newcomer.
Poor little Elijah! It was difficult not to instantly fall in love with his character. There are a few more mystical elements in this book than I remember being in the other previous two, and while I was taken by surprise, I quite liked them. It gave me greater appreciation for his character, and it added a deeper layer to his backstory that differentiates it from Samuel’s. Jon took a little longer to grow on me, but once I discovered his backstory I was entirely sold on his character.
I think what I enjoyed the most about Season of the Witch is the pacing. Easton is a total pro at this and, although some scenarios in the story may have felt a bit implausible, everything developed very naturally. The relationship between Elijah and Jon isn’t rushed and it wouldn’t make sense for either character to progress romantically any more quickly than they did. This was a sweet read and a great reminder to go back and check out the other two novels in the series again.
Poor little Elijah! It was difficult not to instantly fall in love with his character. There are a few more mystical elements in this book than I remember being in the other previous two, and while I was taken by surprise, I quite liked them. It gave me greater appreciation for his character, and it added a deeper layer to his backstory that differentiates it from Samuel’s. Jon took a little longer to grow on me, but once I discovered his backstory I was entirely sold on his character.
I think what I enjoyed the most about Season of the Witch is the pacing. Easton is a total pro at this and, although some scenarios in the story may have felt a bit implausible, everything developed very naturally. The relationship between Elijah and Jon isn’t rushed and it wouldn’t make sense for either character to progress romantically any more quickly than they did. This was a sweet read and a great reminder to go back and check out the other two novels in the series again.
March 28, 2025
Book: Season of the Witch (Men of Lancaster County, book 3)
Author: Eli Easton
Overall: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
Storyline: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Character:👑👑👑👑/5
Side characters:👏👏👏👏👏/5
Angst: 👻/5
Spice: 🌶/5
Re-Read: Yes
Season of the Witch is the third book in the “Men of Lancaster County” series. It’s a feel good, light and heartwarming story about faith, found family and finding happiness.
This story is about Elijah, an Amish gay man who he is forced to make a choice between the Amish way of live and his own feelings and happiness.
Elijah finds refuge at Pig bottom Farm after being shunned by his Amish grandfather for being gay and meets John a farmhand who just wants to be left alone to nurse his broken heart. Elijha and Jon are very different people, both are healing from past traumas. These two share an understanding on non-traditional healing methods, Elijha with is Bruja and Jon has a history with his family about herbs and other remedies. This helps Jon understand Elijah’s special gifts better than other people could.
This book is for readers who like a real good story with a HEA, but don’t like trigger heavy books with a lot of sex scenes.
Eli Easton writes heartwarming books, where the main characters steal the show.
Tropes:
Workplace, enemies to lovers, found family, animals, feel good, magic, farmer, hurt/comfort.
Plus:
✨ Save read
✨ Low angst
✨ No third act break up
✨ Amazing side character: Jon’s aunt Jolie (you will love her)
✨ Interesting Amish Folk Magic
✨ Returning side characters Samuel and Eddie (book 2)
✨ Story is just long enough without dragging
Author: Eli Easton
Overall: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
Storyline: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Character:👑👑👑👑/5
Side characters:👏👏👏👏👏/5
Angst: 👻/5
Spice: 🌶/5
Re-Read: Yes
Season of the Witch is the third book in the “Men of Lancaster County” series. It’s a feel good, light and heartwarming story about faith, found family and finding happiness.
This story is about Elijah, an Amish gay man who he is forced to make a choice between the Amish way of live and his own feelings and happiness.
Elijah finds refuge at Pig bottom Farm after being shunned by his Amish grandfather for being gay and meets John a farmhand who just wants to be left alone to nurse his broken heart. Elijha and Jon are very different people, both are healing from past traumas. These two share an understanding on non-traditional healing methods, Elijha with is Bruja and Jon has a history with his family about herbs and other remedies. This helps Jon understand Elijah’s special gifts better than other people could.
This book is for readers who like a real good story with a HEA, but don’t like trigger heavy books with a lot of sex scenes.
Eli Easton writes heartwarming books, where the main characters steal the show.
Tropes:
Workplace, enemies to lovers, found family, animals, feel good, magic, farmer, hurt/comfort.
Plus:
✨ Save read
✨ Low angst
✨ No third act break up
✨ Amazing side character: Jon’s aunt Jolie (you will love her)
✨ Interesting Amish Folk Magic
✨ Returning side characters Samuel and Eddie (book 2)
✨ Story is just long enough without dragging
March 20, 2025
4.5 stars...
Elijah was a special member of his Amish clan. His grandfather knows his secret because he is the same. But when Elijah goes against his grandfather's demands he is shunned. Leaving found him very vulnerable and luckily he is discovered in a trash bin surrounded by bags in freezing temperature by Eddie and Samuel the owners of Pig Bottom Farm. They had been alerted by someone who was afraid Elijah was out in the elements and knew these men would be able to help him due to Samuel's Amish upbringing. Life on the farm is different and soon Elijah is retreating to what he knows best.
Jon has been working with Samuel and Eddie for some time. They have a routine and he does not like change but now there is a new person on the farm. Not trying to be mean to Elijah, but Jon has a feeling about him. When he finds one of the injured pot bellied pigs has a strange substance on its wound he needs to get to the bottom of it, he may realize had been right all along. But what are these feelings he feels for Elijah?
Will Jon have to protect Elijah? Will Elijah run, to protect the farm from danger? How will Sam and Eddie feel about Elijah once his secret is out? Can Jon's family be the balm to settle Elijah? Will Elijah ever see his family again? Will they accept him back?
Really love this series so much....
Elijah was a special member of his Amish clan. His grandfather knows his secret because he is the same. But when Elijah goes against his grandfather's demands he is shunned. Leaving found him very vulnerable and luckily he is discovered in a trash bin surrounded by bags in freezing temperature by Eddie and Samuel the owners of Pig Bottom Farm. They had been alerted by someone who was afraid Elijah was out in the elements and knew these men would be able to help him due to Samuel's Amish upbringing. Life on the farm is different and soon Elijah is retreating to what he knows best.
Jon has been working with Samuel and Eddie for some time. They have a routine and he does not like change but now there is a new person on the farm. Not trying to be mean to Elijah, but Jon has a feeling about him. When he finds one of the injured pot bellied pigs has a strange substance on its wound he needs to get to the bottom of it, he may realize had been right all along. But what are these feelings he feels for Elijah?
Will Jon have to protect Elijah? Will Elijah run, to protect the farm from danger? How will Sam and Eddie feel about Elijah once his secret is out? Can Jon's family be the balm to settle Elijah? Will Elijah ever see his family again? Will they accept him back?
Really love this series so much....
March 21, 2025
I like many of Eli’s books, and I love some. This is definitely a ‘love’ book that I’ll be rereading. Elijah and Jon have been wounded by those closest to them, though their responses have been vastly different. Elijah has come to Pig Bottom Farm as a rescue himself, determined to earn his place. Jon arrived a while ago and mostly has kept to himself, afraid to risk his heart again. They both desperately need the family they don’t really realize they’ve landed in, but gradually their hearts open to the world and to each other.
The characters are well drawn, particularly Elijah (whom we get to know better than Jon, I feel). The dialogue is good, reminding the reader that Elijah and Samuel come from a very different background than their ‘English’ men but without being hokey or patronizing. The healing and belief in God that is so much a part of Elijah’s life and personality are treated with respect by author and fellow characters alike, which really put me at ease and built my trust that Eli was going to built a happy ever after that fit into Elijah’s world view, rather than having him “reform” or “educated” into a foreign existence. And ultimately there is so much growth going on in both men, I just found it an incredibly satisfying story. I could barely put it down, honestly.
The characters are well drawn, particularly Elijah (whom we get to know better than Jon, I feel). The dialogue is good, reminding the reader that Elijah and Samuel come from a very different background than their ‘English’ men but without being hokey or patronizing. The healing and belief in God that is so much a part of Elijah’s life and personality are treated with respect by author and fellow characters alike, which really put me at ease and built my trust that Eli was going to built a happy ever after that fit into Elijah’s world view, rather than having him “reform” or “educated” into a foreign existence. And ultimately there is so much growth going on in both men, I just found it an incredibly satisfying story. I could barely put it down, honestly.
April 1, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Season of the Witch is the third book in Eli Easton’s Men of Lancaster County series. The first two books were released in 2016 and 2017, so it has been quite a while in between stories, but I had no trouble settling back into this world. The blurb indicates this is a standalone, but it does tie in with book two, Tender Mercies, which is Samuel and Eddie’s book and also takes place on Pig Bottom Farm. Samuel and Eddie are prominent side characters here, as they own the farm where the guys work and Elijah lives with them, and they appear often in the story (Samuel even has a POV chapter). I think you could follow along with this new relationship if you start here, but just be aware this is still fairly connected to the second book.
Overall, I really enjoyed being back in this Lancaster County world and am happy to see Easton adding another installment to the series. If you have enjoyed the first two books, I think you will find this one to be appealing as well. And new readers who are looking for a sweet, warm story will find much to enjoy here.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Season of the Witch is the third book in Eli Easton’s Men of Lancaster County series. The first two books were released in 2016 and 2017, so it has been quite a while in between stories, but I had no trouble settling back into this world. The blurb indicates this is a standalone, but it does tie in with book two, Tender Mercies, which is Samuel and Eddie’s book and also takes place on Pig Bottom Farm. Samuel and Eddie are prominent side characters here, as they own the farm where the guys work and Elijah lives with them, and they appear often in the story (Samuel even has a POV chapter). I think you could follow along with this new relationship if you start here, but just be aware this is still fairly connected to the second book.
Overall, I really enjoyed being back in this Lancaster County world and am happy to see Easton adding another installment to the series. If you have enjoyed the first two books, I think you will find this one to be appealing as well. And new readers who are looking for a sweet, warm story will find much to enjoy here.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
April 7, 2025
I read the first one in this series years ago when it first released, and enjoyed revisiting Lancaster County with Elijah and Jon’s story. I loved how they slowly got to know each other, with their friendship turning deeper into love. I liked how the story is told through a series of time jumps, with each chapter being a vignette of sorts, before everything comes together at the end.
I liked how Jon and Elijah come from different worlds, and are both getting over past events. I loved the glimpse into Amish life, and moving forward from that, yet not. Elijah’s brujah abilities are interesting and add another layer to the story.
The supporting cast is wonderful. I haven’t read Samuel and Eddie’s story yet – that’s next! – so enjoyed getting to know them in this one. I love Jon’s aunt Jolie, and how she does what’s needed and helps out.
The setting feels like its own character, and lends a beautiful backdrop to the story. The animals definitely have their own personalities too. I liked how it was juxtaposed with the threat of the bad brujahs and the Elijah’s relationship with his grandfather.
The epilogue is a lovely glimpse into their future, and the perfect conclusion to the story.
I liked how Jon and Elijah come from different worlds, and are both getting over past events. I loved the glimpse into Amish life, and moving forward from that, yet not. Elijah’s brujah abilities are interesting and add another layer to the story.
The supporting cast is wonderful. I haven’t read Samuel and Eddie’s story yet – that’s next! – so enjoyed getting to know them in this one. I love Jon’s aunt Jolie, and how she does what’s needed and helps out.
The setting feels like its own character, and lends a beautiful backdrop to the story. The animals definitely have their own personalities too. I liked how it was juxtaposed with the threat of the bad brujahs and the Elijah’s relationship with his grandfather.
The epilogue is a lovely glimpse into their future, and the perfect conclusion to the story.
April 6, 2025
Beautiful
Elijah is a beautiful soul who has been lifted with the ability to help heal others.
He learned this from a young age being taught by his grandfather.
Unfortunately, the Amish community see his gifts as dark and evil.
He's never truly felt comfortable or wanted with them.
His grandfather has also discovered he's attracted to men which is considered a sin so he's shunned and cast out.
He leaves, having faith that he'll see true love and happiness in his future.
Initially he's homeless but quickly he meets Samuel and Eddie who run an animal sanctuary and Samuel is also Amish and has been cast out.
They help young people who have had to leave the community.
Elijah is fearful at first, they seem to good to be true and have what he wants, a loving family.
Jon is their employee and he's very closed off because he's had to overcome a horrible situation.
Jon wants nothing to do with Elijah but slowly he breaks down Jon's walls and makes him feel alive again.
There's a paranormal twist to the story and I was absolutely fascinated with it.
Elijah is a beautiful soul who has been lifted with the ability to help heal others.
He learned this from a young age being taught by his grandfather.
Unfortunately, the Amish community see his gifts as dark and evil.
He's never truly felt comfortable or wanted with them.
His grandfather has also discovered he's attracted to men which is considered a sin so he's shunned and cast out.
He leaves, having faith that he'll see true love and happiness in his future.
Initially he's homeless but quickly he meets Samuel and Eddie who run an animal sanctuary and Samuel is also Amish and has been cast out.
They help young people who have had to leave the community.
Elijah is fearful at first, they seem to good to be true and have what he wants, a loving family.
Jon is their employee and he's very closed off because he's had to overcome a horrible situation.
Jon wants nothing to do with Elijah but slowly he breaks down Jon's walls and makes him feel alive again.
There's a paranormal twist to the story and I was absolutely fascinated with it.
March 31, 2025
This is charming, if perhaps a bit obvious at times. I was a bit confused by some parts (like, how does Elijah know how to drive? can a hospice really hire an energy healer?), and the burn is slow, very slow. But the care Easton takes in her writing is clear. And, for all that I don't love "let me give you 20 metaphors while the characters have sex"-style sex scenes, these two characters are possibly the best candidates for doing that style of sex scene that I've seen in a while:
“It was twilight on the bayou, and it was the smell of green things growing at a monstrous pace in the summer rains. It was damp earth, and things that scuttled when you moved logs, and cinnamon candy apples eaten under fireworks on the 4th of July."
Yeah.
Oh, and goddamn, I miss home. (I am from Lancaster County, and I haven't visited for 2 years.) Thanks for bringing me back to the land of roly-poly hills and country roads, Ms. Easton.
“It was twilight on the bayou, and it was the smell of green things growing at a monstrous pace in the summer rains. It was damp earth, and things that scuttled when you moved logs, and cinnamon candy apples eaten under fireworks on the 4th of July."
Yeah.
Oh, and goddamn, I miss home. (I am from Lancaster County, and I haven't visited for 2 years.) Thanks for bringing me back to the land of roly-poly hills and country roads, Ms. Easton.
April 7, 2025
Interesting character study featuring two characters damaged from emotional trauma. Jon is a farmhand at Pig Bottom Farm, an animal sanctuary, and is living a half life of sorts when Elijah, a young Amish man, is thrown out of his home and is taken in by Samuel and Eddie, the owners of the farm.
Both Jon and Elijah embark on a journey of emotional healing as they slowly come to know one another, each slowly tearing down the walls built between them. Both characters are interesting and depicted well, with some fascinating detours examining Elijah's braucherie leanings, a kind of Amish mysticism. Samuel and Eddie lend a helping hand to the couple, as well as Jon's Aunt Jolie, a Cajun mystic herself.
It's a quiet book but an emotional one, especially the depictions of Elijah and his struggles to channel his gifts for helping people. All in all, an enjoyable book, with a few leanings into paranormal of sorts, from Easton. It's good to see her back.
Both Jon and Elijah embark on a journey of emotional healing as they slowly come to know one another, each slowly tearing down the walls built between them. Both characters are interesting and depicted well, with some fascinating detours examining Elijah's braucherie leanings, a kind of Amish mysticism. Samuel and Eddie lend a helping hand to the couple, as well as Jon's Aunt Jolie, a Cajun mystic herself.
It's a quiet book but an emotional one, especially the depictions of Elijah and his struggles to channel his gifts for helping people. All in all, an enjoyable book, with a few leanings into paranormal of sorts, from Easton. It's good to see her back.
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