For Sure and Certain I Do NOT Love Henry Yoder: An Amish Hockey Rom-Com

by Jennifer Spredemann, Brandi Gabriel

ELLIE
Henry Yoder has been a thorn in my flesh since fourth grade. I can't stand him.
No matter that he's my brother's best friend.
No matter that all the young women in our community swoon every time he's out on the hockey pond.
No matter that he has mesmerizing eyes a girl could get lost in. (Oh no, did I admit that out loud?) Scratch that.
No matter that he relentlessly pursues me no matter how many times I turn him down.
Henry Yoder is bad news.
But when I accidentally ride home with him from a singing...and accidentally kiss him, I know I'm in big trouble.
HENRY
I admit that I tricked Ellie Petersheim into a buggy ride, and I have the bruises on my back to prove it. Don't ask.
But, somehow, during the tumultuous evening, I manage to kiss Ellie. And get this. She kisses me back. Jah, she said it was just a natural reaction, but my gut is telling me that deep down inside, she might like me just a smidgen. And it's that smidgen that gives me hope.
But apparently, I've committed some type of unforgivable sin in the past to make Ellie despise me. And I have no clue what it is. Elijah doesn't even know.
Eli's been my best friend since the beginning of time. Hockey teammates on the pond. We're thick as thieves. But now he's convinced I've done something to his sister and is breathing threats and flinging hockey pucks at my head.
All I know is that I need forgiveness for something before I can make Ellie fall in love with me and we can ride off into the sunset together.

Genres: Amish, Amish Fiction

296 pages, Paperback

Published April 3, 2025

About the author

By the grace of God, USA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer Spredemann began writing professionally as J.E.B. Spredemann in 2012. The acronym J.E.B. stands for Jennifer, Emily, and Brandi. Emily and Brandi are Jennifer's two eldest daughters, and co-authored the Amish Girls Series books, along with A Christmas of Mercy. (Brandi also writes Christian Western Romance under the pen name, Brandi Gabriel.)
You will find Jennifer's Amish-themed books under both Jennifer Spredemann and J.E.B. Spredemann. Jennifer also writes (non-Amish) Christian romance under the pen name Michelynn Christy.
As of 2025, Spredemann has penned over fifty titles, the majority of which are Amish romance.
Readers describe Spredemann's stories as books they "can't put down."
Spredemann strives to tell intriguing stories that touch the hearts of her readers and bring glory to God.

Reviews

[♥Milica♥]

Amish hockey romance 👁️👄👁️ I'm intrigued

[Connie Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness....For sure and for certain I do love this book! Totally delightful. I had a difficult time getting to read this book ..e-reader was not playing friendly. Finally I had the pleasure of reading without fighting. This book is a reason to read...pure enjoyment! Ellie and Henry are the cutest, sweetest, lovable couple I have read in a long time. Such a great summer escape read! Thank you Jennifer Spredemann and Brandi Gabriel for this wonderful book.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aah my Amish loving heart was so excited to come across this fabulous story. I mean AmishxHockey how can you go wrong. I loved that this story was anything but predictable. The kisses had more heat than you usually find in an Amish story, and the open discussion on boundaries and know the limit physically was so refreshing and felt much more real life than other stories I have read. I loved how the story moved between the Amish world and the modern world. It was a real delight. I had a smile on my face from chapter 2 onward. Henry is just so adorable and loveable.
For anyone who loves an Amish story you won't be disappointed with this. If Amish isn't your thing I'd still say read it, it is just as good as any contemporary clean romance on the market today!

[MICHEL VERNER · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Sure & for certain. Was an amazing read book. Good read. Rooting for him. It’s funny what can make you hate someone.I couldn’t put it down. I was rushing through things just so I could read. Jennifer Spredman this is definitely one of my favorite books!

[Christina S · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet and captivating book, such a quick and easy read , I found myself smiling as I read it and just enjoying this Amish rom-com to pieces.

Don't hesitate to pick up this book and enjoy a little fun romance 💖

[Patricia A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read right from the start. This book is so much fun and whimsical. The characters are well thought out. You feel like you are a part of the story. There is even hockey as part of the story as well as one of my favorites desserts whoopie pies. I loved reading about Henry and Ellie and their journey into forgiveness and letting go of the past. Eli and Ivy are interesting characters as well and hope to see more of them and Henry and Ellie. I loved reading it and had a hard time putting it down. I’m looking forward to their stories continuing.

I was gifted an arc copy but this is my honest opinion and was not required to write a review..

[Michelle Rhoden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who would have thought hockey and the Amish would make a delightful book? Authors Jennifer Spredemann and Brandi Gabriel bring this story full circle with their amazing writing. Each character, Ellie and Henry, has their moments in the spotlight as they describe their feelings about each other, especially when Ellie tries to convince herself she will not fall in love with Henry. Such a fun book and I was sorry to see it end. I am looking forward to reading the next book by these authors to see what they have in store with us.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the authors. All words are my own.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

For Sure and Certain I Do Not Love Henry Yoder by Jennifer Spredemann
ELLIE
Henry Yoder has been a thorn in my flesh since fourth grade. I can't stand him.
No matter that he's my brother's best friend.
No matter that all the young women in our community swoon every time he's out on the hockey pond.
No matter that he has mesmerizing eyes a girl could get lost in. (Oh no, did I admit that out loud?) Scratch that.
No matter that he relentlessly pursues me no matter how many times I turn him down.
Henry Yoder is bad news.
But when I accidentally ride home with him from a singing...and accidentally kiss him, I know I'm in big trouble.
HENRY
I admit that I tricked Ellie Petersheim into a buggy ride, and I have the bruises on my back to prove it. Don't ask.
But, somehow, during the tumultuous evening, I manage to kiss Ellie. And get this. She kisses me back. Jah, she said it was just a natural reaction, but my gut is telling me that deep down inside, she might like me just a smidgen. And it's that smidgen that gives me hope.
But apparently, I've committed some type of unforgivable sin in the past to make Ellie despise me. And I have no clue what it is. Elijah doesn't even know.
Eli's been my best friend since the beginning of time. Hockey teammates on the pond. We're thick as thieves. But now he's convinced I've done something to his sister and is breathing threats and flinging hockey pucks at my head.
All I know is that I need forgiveness for something before I can make Ellie fall in love with me and we can ride off into the sunset together.
This is Ellie Petersheim's story.
This is Elijah Petersheim's story.
This is Henry Yoder's story.
My brother Elijah pulls me into the hallway of the Grabers’ home, a scowl on his face. “One of these days, you should just go with him.” “Not on his life.” I move to the side, but Elijah blocks my way. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, Mary and Lizzie need me on the team. ”He stops me with a hand on my shoulder. “What should I tell him?” “Same as the last seven times he asked. No.”“Kummon, Ellie. Won’t you give him just one chance? One. That’s it. He’s going to keep asking until you say yes.
HENRY I admit that I’ve had a crush on Ellie Petersheim for as long as I can remember. I also admit that I probably should have chosen someone easier to get. Because Ellie Petersheim is tough as nails. But, working in construction, nails just happen to be my specialty. And I love a good challenge. I’m not even sure why she doesn’t like me. All the other girls seem to like me just fine. But maybe that’s why I like Ellie so much. She’s not just like the other girls. She has a mind of her own.
For Sure and Certain I Do Not Love Henry Yoder by Jennifer Spredemann is a 4 star book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.

[Lori Wilen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ach! For Sure and Certain I DO Love Henry Yoder and Ellie too. I gave this adorable book 5 stars. I rarely crush on a book main character but Henry Yoder certainly has me close. I absolutely loved everything about this book. The characters, the story, the location. Everything was perfect. I really liked the combination of the Ice Hockey with the Amish. What a great idea. I love hockey romances and I love everything Amish so this book was perfect for me. As always, Jennifer wrote this with the same energy and flare that are in all her books. I certainly did laugh out loud on many occasions but I was touched and shed a tear a time or two. Some of those kisses....were wow! A little spicier than normal for Amish fiction but perfectly understandable. I thank Brandi Gabriel for the collaboration with you Jennifer. I am so glad that it did not lose your writing style. Such a cute book. There are not enough adjectives to describe how much fun this was to read. I am definitely going to recommend this to everybody and I believe for sure and certain that this book is going to top the charts. Thank you Jennifer for always writing such amazing books and never ever disappointing me.

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book, I can said that “I for sure and certain love Ellie Petersheim and Henry Yoder”, the two main characters in this book.
This is a light-hearted book that’s going to have you smiling and
cheering for this sweet couple to find their happily-ever-after. This book also has a thread of faith, hope, and love that runs throughout the story as Ellie’s family faces difficulties that could change everything for Ellie and Henry.

If you wonder how an Amish theme can blend together with a hockey theme, authors Jennifer Spredemann and Brandi Gabriel make it work seamlessly in an unexpected way. You’ll love the way that Henry plans to make Ellie fall in love with him, and it’s the unexpected things along the way that make the story of Henry and Ellie so much fun. (One note: There is some kissing in this clean and sweet story, but it’s all handled appropriately.)

I’m not sure if this is a stand-alone novel, but I’d love to read further adventures that involve Henry and Ellie.

I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.

[JudyAnnLovesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

For sure and certain I loved Ellie and Henry’s love story!

This book was everything I love to see in a romance read! It was funny (so funny) and sweet (so sweet) and it was uplifting in a way only Amish romances can be. I read this one in one uninterrupted sitting because nothing could stop me from enjoying every single one of Ellie and John’s interactions.

I adored her. She was a bit of a grump and I loved that about her because she came by it naturally and it was fun to see her get all ruffled up over her feelings. He was the absolute best. So charming and sexy (Yup, I said it - this Amish man was sexy - in a sweet way) and possessive over the woman he loved. When Henry got all growly over Ellie, I was done for. It was so hot (Yup, I said it - this clean romance was one of the sexiest stories I’ve read - in a sweet way). Together these two made me smile.

I cannot recommend this romance enough! FOR SURE AND CERTAIN I DO NOT LOVE HENRY YODER is a must read romance, I’m giving it the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!

[Grace Powers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reading an ARC of For Sure and Certain I Do NOT Love Henry Yoder by Jennifer Spredemann and Brandi Gabriel.

This book is absolutely precious and such a delightful escape into a sweet and fun romance!

Packed full of adorable and fun banter, we are taken through the love story of young Ellie and Henry. This story explores themes of love, forgiveness, and faith. With lively action beats and bright interiority, readers follow along with our two protagonists as they wrestle with a shared history, mutual attraction, and the obstacles that hold them apart. One of my favorite aspects of the book was Henry’s relentless, determined pursuit of Ellie - at all costs, no matter who knew it!

Despite the levity of the RomCom genre, which this novel fully delivers on, there are a few surprising layers to the story that help provide emotional depth to Ellie, Henry, and other members of their family and community!

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a light, flirty, and fun romance that will be sure to put a smile on your face.

[C Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without a doubt, For Sure and Certain I Do Not Love Henry Yoder by Jennifer Spredemann with Brandi Gabriel is one of the cutest and enjoyable books I have read in a long time.

The title grabs you from the beginning and with the excellent characters and interesting storyline, you can’t wait to read what’s next. At the same time, you wish the story would go on forever.

Ellie and Henry are just the cutest couple.

The authors have a very special way of narrating the story. Emphasis is given to each character’s side of the story, which adds interest to the story, so you see the story unfold from different points of view.

I was given and ARC by the author, but all views are expressed are mine. I was not required to give a positive review.

This is truly a 5-star read. Order yours today. I can’t wait for the next one in this series.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

For Sure and Certain I Do Not Love Henry Yoder by Jennifer Spredemann with Brandi Gabriel is a lighthearted and amusing Amish romance. The story is told from Ellie and Henry’s point of view. Ellie is still upset with Henry over an incident that happened when she was in the fourth grade. Henry, though, has no idea why Ellie keeps refusing to ride home in his courting buggy after the youth events. While Ellie may be upset with Henry, she is still attracted to him. I liked Henry Yoder who is a kind, thoughtful, hard-working man. I felt for Ellie’s family who had more than their than share of medical issues. The story felt like it was for a younger audience (tweens and teens). There is kissing and talk about wanting to go further, but otherwise it is a clean rom com. For Sure and Certain I Do Not Love Henry Yoder is a cute and comical tale with a stolen lunch, a go between brother, whipping up whoopie pies, stitching together, keen kisses, and a hat trick with the biscuit.

[Sunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute book and I am so lucky to have had a chance to read it! It is Ellie and Henry's story and yes, Ellie does not love Henry Yoder, but how does he feel about Ellie? She holds a grudge from grade-school years and she is sure that the older version of Henry has never changed! The book is a sweet story of Henry's feelings for Ellie and his hopes to win her heart. But that is not at all what Ellie wants and there are definitely things that are obstacles in winning Ellie's heart and hand. But you will see that God's hand is in our life's paths and such is the case in this book. I recommend this sweet story and the beginning of a new Amish series.
I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Amy Fields · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a pretty big Amish fiction fan, and I get excited when there is a new twist in the genre.

Jennifer Spredemann and Brandi Gabriel provided that twist with a rom-com. The book is a light, easy read with plenty of funny moments. I enjoyed the light-hearted scenes and the romance. Henry Yoder was a well thought out character and my favorite in the book.

Who this book may be for: People who enjoy good, fun rom-coms, someone looking for a light read, and people who enjoy twists on traditional Amish stories.

Who may not like the book: People who want a more traditional Amish fiction story (Don't worry, Jennifer has plenty of those available), people who don't like rom-coms.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and can't wait for the second one to come out!

[Cherese Akhavein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just a fun feel good book, it a book that lets you totally relax and engulf yourself in Henry’s and Ellie’s story. Your heart will break for Ellie and her family and yet you see the deep love they have and just how special it is when you hold true to your faith knowing God has a plan. Henry is a special young man willing to stay his course also knowing God’s plan will lead him to his life’s desire. I was gifted a copy of this book but in no way asked to leave a review. I’m so happy I can and encourage you all to take a break and pick up this book. As always Happy Reading

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a change of pace for Amish fiction. I loved how it goes back and forth between Ellie's prospective to Henry's. Humor, grudges, hockey and revelations entwined in this story you will not be disappointed including having hockey in an Amish story. So well written.
I received an ARC copy of the book and I am under no obligation to give a positive review.
I highly recommend this book

[Sherry Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Amish story! I feel love with Ellie and Henry right from the beginning! There is laughter, definitely a surprises I didn’t see coming, and heartfelt moments. The An Amish Hockey Rom-Com first book in the series has me definitely looking forward to more!!!

[☆Laura☆]

No fue para mi.

La razón por la que Millie odiaba a Henry fue una tonteria.

Se supone que Henry ha estado enamorado de Millie por años, pero eso no le impidio estar con otras.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read!

I can’t tell you how much I loved this book from the beginning to the end! Funny and sweet! Warmed my heart the entire time and I couldn’t put it down! Run don’t walk and get this book! You won’t be disappointed!!

[Karon Walton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and sweet story!