Regrets from the past could lead to a chance for redemption…
After a terrifying break-in, widowed dressmaker Isla Stohl finds herself leaning on town sheriff Evan Miller. Sixteen years ago, Evan chose a law enforcement career over her and their Texas Amish community, and now he’s determined to make amends. Evan vows to keep Isla and her two children safe, but old feelings begin to arise once more. As he’s drawn back to his heritage and faith, he must decide if he can leave behind the life he built for himself in the Englisch world for the woman he’s never been able to let go of.
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Pamela Desmond Wright grew up in a small, dusty Texas town. From the time she learned to read, books have been her passion.
A veteran of the e-book revolution of the late '90's, Pamela moved into traditional publishing, writing in the paranormal and adult romance genres for Kensington and NAL/Penguin. Nominated 2 times, she won the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award in 2010. Pamela was also a founder of the scam publishers and agents website, The Write Connection, which was transferred to the SFWA through (then) vice-president A.C. Crispin to become Writer Beware. Her experiences with scam agents and publishers was documented in Professor Jim Fisher's book, Ten Percent of Nothing: The Case of the Literary Agent From Hell.
In 2013, Pam took a break from writing. Unable to shake the story bug, she came back in 2019 with a new focus, fulfilling a promise to write wholesome books readers of all ages could enjoy.
She currently writes Amish romance for Harlequin Love Inspired, crafting heartfelt stories where characters face life’s challenges with courage and grace. No matter how difficult the journey, they always find hope and healing through the power of faith and love.
This book was amazing! I could not step away and found myself sneaking time to read it whenever I could. The ending was shocking and really edged this book into the fringes of suspense.
Isla's tremendous faith, despite facing blow after blow, is inspirational. After so many things kept happening to her, she was left nearly destitute with two small children. This is an example that many of us could use. But she did have her struggles! Especially when it came to her growing feelings for Evan. He was now an Englisher. But I suppose the heart wants what the heart wants.
Evan is a character to love. His desire to help others in the English world through law enforcement is strong. In some ways, it is not far removed from his upbringing in the Amish community, which emphasized helping others within the community. The way they go about it is entirely different.
I enjoyed the fact that this is a more progressive Amish community. Some did have cell phones for emergencies or work. The Bishop is open to discussing non-traditional careers within the Amish community. Even if those careers require education beyond the eighth grade.
Obviously, if you love Amish romance, this is a must-read. You should also pick this one up if you enjoy romance and a touch of suspense (whether you read Amish romance or not). You won't want to put it down!
I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
An Amish Widow’s Hope by Pamela Desmond Wright. I didn’t want to put it down! This is Isla and Evan’s story of lost love, redemption, Faith and second chances. Sheriff Evan left his Amish faith and comes face to face with his old girlfriend widowed Isla when a break in happens at her house. “I won’t die in fear. Gott will protect us. If not in this world, then in the one to come.” Settle in, you won’t want to miss this sweet Christian romance. Thank you to Pamela Desmond Wright for this Arc. This is my honest review.
An Amish Widow’s Hope is yet another inspiring addition to Pamela Desmond Wright’s Texas Amish Bride collection. I feel so invested in the lives of the Schroeder sisters and the community of Burr Oak because they feel like old friends!
The story opens with sheriff Evan Miller responding to a call of a break-in at a home in the Amish community he grew up in. Arriving on the scene, he soon discovers the home belongs to recently widowed Isla Bruhn, a girl he once knew and loved before making the difficult decision to leave the Amish community and its way of life. His choice to become a police officer meant also leaving his family, friends, and the woman he intended to marry behind. Bitterness, pain and shame took the place of all he once held near and dear.
Isla has suffered terribly since she last spoke with Evan years ago. The painful feelings of rejection and abandonment that initially filled her heart slowly gave way to the desire to live and love again, and she eventually found happiness and belonging with Owen Bruhn, Evan‘s best friend. Together, they built a family filled with love and simple purpose until Owen became ill and was taken from them too soon. Isla has struggled to provide for her family in the months since Owen‘s passing, and this break-in has stripped her of her entire savings and sense of security. Although Isla is left feeling vulnerable, her faith and persistence, help her to remain hopeful.
Old feelings and sweet memories began to resurface in both Evan and Isla upon suddenly being face-to-face once again, feelings that must be pushed away due to their current circumstances. But will they be able to leave the past in the past? It seems as if their lives have crossed paths again at a time when possibility abounds.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who believes in love and second chances. These common themes in the stories of the Schroeder sisters give us hope that even though we all make mistakes, forgiveness can often be found if you just ask for it.
An Amish Widow’s Hope is a lovely story that will soothe your heart when the world feels harsh and unforgiving. One of my favorite quotes from the book says: “It was a reminder that even in the wake of misfortune, there were still decent folks who would come to the aid of others.” And isn’t that just the kind of hope and inspiration we can all use?
An Amish Widow’s Hope was such an inspiring and uplifting read! Faith, forgiveness and second chances.
Sixteen years ago, Evan chose law enforcement over his Amish heritage and community. Now, widow Isla Bruhn is the victim of a terrifying break-in and Sherif Evan Miller is the one to respond to the call. He vows to keep Isla and her children safe, but old feelings start to creep back in. As he spends time with Isla, he is drawn back to his faith and his roots. Will Evan leave the Englisch life he has built for the woman he never got over?
Even though both Evan and Isla are struggling in their own ways, I love seeing Isla lean on her faith to help her and her children get through some really tough times and Evan face his past head-on, own up to mistakes of the past and grow in his faith. I loved seeing the relationships between all the characters develop and grow. Watching both Evan and Isla overcome their past and find their way back to each other is just beautiful. I absolutely love that Evan and Isla get their second chance. They both deserve it!
I highly recommend An Amish Widow’s Hope, especially if you love a journey of faith, second chances and redemption!
Thank you to the author for the copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
Cute animals?!✅️ second chance at love?!✅️ a twist I didn't see coming?!✅️ This is another wonderful addition to the Texas Amish Bride Series! (This is book 5 but can be read alone!) Evan and Isla's compelling love story pulled on my heartstrings in so many ways, including all the animals!😉 I also really loved Evan's character development throughout the story but I have to be honest, so many of the characters and growth that I was rooting for them all! *I was sent this book to read and review!*
An Amish Widow's Hope by Pamela Desmond Wright is a wonderful faith-based story of second chances, life after loss, redemption, love, real life struggles and is full of emotions, and a mystery that kept you guessing until the very end.
I loved the characters especially Aunt Hazel, Stewart the raccoon and Hambone the pig.
I would recommend this next book in the Texas Amish Bride Collection.
What a powerful story! This book is so much more than a second chance romance, it’s a beautiful story of redemption and forgiveness. When Evan walked away from his Amish community years ago, he never explained why, leaving everyone confused and hurt. He always assumed his family was angry at him...but in truth, he was never truly shunned, and the door back to his faith was always open. Life as an Englischer had taken its toll, and the losses he carried made him feel too far from God and from the people he loved.
Now his job (as Law enforcement) brings him home again and straight back into Isla’s life. She’s now a widowed mother doing her best to provide for her family. When a break-in puts Isla and her children in danger, Evan is pulled into the mystery surrounding the threats, as well as back toward his former faith and the woman he never stopped caring about. But returning means facing his past, rebuilding broken relationships, and deciding if he’s finally ready to commit to the Amish life, AND to Isla...for good. But all of that is only possible if he can find out who is behind the threats to the Amish community, why, and he has to find a way to keep them all safe!
The suspense (and mystery) kept me turning pages, but the emotional journey is what really stayed with me. Isla’s strength and steady faith were inspiring, I could use her faith and prayers at times. She struggled so much and yet continued with patience and prayer. And Evan’s struggle to come home again felt so real...how he believed he would be welcomed, and how he ended up being received were so different, and I feel like that is similar to the story of the believer as well. God welcomes us with open arms... but we need to desire to turn back to him first. Both of their stories made this such a hopeful and heartfelt read.
I gave this book 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
The author (Pamela D. Wright) has a unique style of writing and one that I enjoy thoroughly. I especially like the way she draws you in from the very first page, easily getting to know each of the characters.
Isla Stohl and Evan Miller had a former relationship from many yrs ago, becoming very much in love and planning on getting married until Evan's family tragedy persuades him to choose the English world and go into law enforcement. By doing so, Isla ultimately marries another man later on from the Amish community with whom she has two children. Her husband has passed away, and she is desperately trying to make ends meet and take care of her household, when a break-in brings her face to face with none other than Evan Miller, the Sheriff, who is looking into the matter.
The mystery of who is behind the break-in brings them constantly together and I didn't even figure out who was behind it all like I usually do.
Over time, they both realize they are still in love with each other but have many obstacles to overcome. Evan needs to find a way to forgive himself for the family tragedy that he feels responsible for and turn his life completely around. Isla has very deep-rooted faith that God will see her through all the ups and downs that life throws her way. Evan, through a series of events, eventually finds his way back to God, the church and her.
I also liked the secondary characters, especially his aunt Hazel, who rescues critters and keeps them as pets. The pig and the raccoon become an endearing part of the storyline.
I highly recommend this book!
I have read most everything author Pamela D. Wright has written, being on her street team, I am required to write an honest review in exchange for an ARC (advanced reader copy).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I love this quote from this story "The Lord's always there, she said (Isla) gently. " Even when you feel far away, He's still waiting for you to come back." " Walking the Lord's path is never easy. We all struggle with it. But sometimes reconnecting with what we've lost can help us find the way forward. So true! We need only to ask but a lot of times that's extremely hard because we're a proud people. I loved this book! It was funny, sad, hopeful and full of family dynamics. It also has two funny animal characters thatI fell in love with immediately. They made me laugh. Wright has done a wonderful job in making this story realistic. She shows us that tomorrow's never promised. Take each day as it comes which is what poor Evan's trying to do. I didn't like Jonah. I don't like his ways. Glad he's a secondary character. Isla is a wonderful supporting character as well but I like how she's flawed in this story as we are in real life. I've really enjoyed getting to know Evan and Isla. I kept rooting for them all the way until the end! Isla did say a few things that kinda bothered me but I realized later she was telling the truth. Sometimes truth does hurt. Im giving this story 5 stars for a job well done! I was kept interested in the mystery part. Wright did excellent with that part. I was kept guessing all the way through. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine
This story was really good! I loved the second chance at love aspect. Seeing Evan and Isla reconnect and grow close during this book was so sweet. But add in the reality of their situations, with Evan having left the Amish world as a teenager to work in law enforcement and Isla having felt as if he left not only the community but also her, and there was definitely strain between them as they first interacted.
I really felt for both of these characters. Isla and her children had been through so much with the death of her husband and then, now, a break in. And Evan carried some heavy burdens that he was working hard to overcome. He struggled with his worth and with trying to decide if he wanted to remain in the English world.
The connection between these two felt very authentic making this an enjoyable story to read.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Who would break in to an Amish widow’s home and steal all of the money she had in the world and then steal the small amount saved by her children. Isla Stohl is not able to answer that question, nor is the Englisher sheriff Evan Miller. Evan had been Isla’s first love before he went English and became the sheriff. Isla had married his best friend and now she was a widow with two small children to support with her sewing. Evan had been trying to solve a series of thefts in the small Amish community, without any luck. As he is drawn into trying to help Isla get back on her feet and trying to solve the break-ins, he is discovering that he still has strong feelings for her and is also currently discovering his feelings of doubt about his job. The question is if at the end of the day will he be more drawn to his past and Isla or his current life as sheriff?
An Amish Widow’s Hope by Pamela Desmond Wright presents a thoughtfully crafted and encouraging narrative. The character development of Isla and Evan is well executed, with each facing distinct personal challenges. The portrayal of Isla drawing upon her faith to address the trauma of a break-in and theft is particularly notable. The depiction realistically reflects the difficulty individuals may experience in regaining a sense of security following such incidents. I loved Aunt Hazel, Stewart the raccoon, and Hambone the pig (love the name). The story explores themes such as hope, faith, redemption, love, family, mercy, and the concept of second chances. Additionally, the element of mystery was particularly engaging. An Amish Widow’s Hope is a heartfelt tale with a bad break-in, cute kids, an animated aunt, a Hambone in the bedroom, grief and guilt, finding faith, and a second chance at romance.
This is another marvelous Amish book by this author that had me reading well into the night. There are some admiring characters and fun loving pets to read about in this enriching story. I enjoyed reading about Isla, her children, and how they struggle to survive after loved ones have passed away. Isla's ex-boyfriend Evan seems to stick around more especially after his auntie kind of pushes them towards each other in unpredictable ways. Aunt Hazel and her astonishing pets are unforgettable too. If you like reading books that involve having beliefs in faith, hope, forgiveness, and trusting one another than you'll also love this book just as much as I did!
*Thanks to this author for allowing me to read her book in exchange for my honest opinion/review. All thoughts expressed here are my own.
What a wonderful 5 star read this book was for me. Thank you to Pamela Desmond Wright for my ARC of this book. Honestly, there was nothing I didn't like about this book. Everything about it was lovely. Yes it was a little dark but during those dark times Pamela wrote this so beautifully that it was still inspiring and uplifting. Wonderful characters who proved that if you have faith and believe then things will work out how they are supposed to. To see the transformation in the male MC due to love and a renewed devotion was inspiring to say the least. Prayer was the answer for the characters in this book and should be for many of us. I so enjoyed the relationships in this book...mother and son, male MC and boy, brothers, sisters, aunts and parents all coming together because they allowed the Lord into their lives and got the forgiveness and blessing to carry on. I loved everything about this and I cannot wait to read the next book that Pamela has in store for us. I highly recommend this book and hope others get the feelings of joy that I did.
Absolutely adorable animals Hambone the pig and Stewart the raccoon are two of my very favorite chacters!! I have read several books by Ms. Wright and have loved each and everyone. An Amish Widows Hope has definitely become a new favorite of mine!! I will definitely be rereading it. A terrifying break in reconnects sheriff Evan Miller and widow Isla Stohl. This sheriff wants to protect her and her children. A very sweet, second chances, small town, emotional story that tugged at my heartstrings!! This author knows how to make you feel as if you're part of the story, feeling the characters emotions!! I highly recommend reading this heartwarming Christian story. I was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
This is a sweet story about Isla and Evan. They have been friends since childhood but then Evan leaves the Amish community crushing Isla. Isla went on to marry Owen and had 2 children. After Owen passes from cancer, Evan comes back to the community to protect the Amish and English alike as a police officer. Isla and Evan restart their friendship, but have a lot of obstacles to overcome since Evan is living English and Isla is Amish. What will it take to change Evan's perspective? Will they be able to overcome their differences and have a family that they both dream about? This is a very sweet story. It's about reconciliation, faith, love and second chances. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
An Amish Widow's Hope by Pamela Desmond Wright is an inspiring story that kept my interest from beginning to end.
As the book begins, Widow Isla Stohl had her home broken into and her savings robbed. Sheriff Evan Miller, who was once Isla's beau, is on the case and determined to find the culprit.
After his sister was killed in a car and buggy crash, Evan walked away from the Amish in his pain and became a law enforcement officer as a younger man. However, as he searches for Isla's robber, he gets shot in the process. Then he is put on leave while the shooting is in review, which leaves him with a lot of time to think. Will he make some changes in his life?
I enjoyed An Amish Widow's Hope. I thought the story was well-written. There are themes of mercy and redemption through the story. It is also a story with relationship issues, romance, and mystery mixed with the Amish faith and simple values.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.
Widow Isla Stohl is terrified for herself and her children after a break-in. Sheriff Evan Miller is the man who broke her heart over 15 years earlier, leaving the Amish for a career in law enforcement in the "Englisch world". Part of the Amish way of life is helping each other, and that never left Evan. He's determined to help Isla. Her faith during these tribulations is inspiring. The growing feelings, and the challenges that brings, between Isla and Evan are captivating. If you have not read a Pamela Desmond Wright book, get thee to the bookstore or library immediately. Her writing is heartwarming, emotional, touching, and just...pure. You will NOT be able to put An Amish Widow's Hope (or any other book by her) down. Plus it has my favorite, an epilogue!
This might be a final book of a series, but I read this without reading any of the other books. I had no problem reading this and I enjoyed every page.
Isla lost her husband and now someone had just broke into her home. She was devastated. Police were called and her lost love walks in her home. Oh my goodness, Evan is the town sheriff and he's carrying a gun.
Isla and Evan are both lost. Isla is trying to raise her family after her husband died. David has lost his way from the simple life he left years ago.
GOD has the answers. Isla knew to hold on to her faith. Evan wasn't too sure how he could turn things around. GOD is a waster of none.
An Amish Widows Hope by Pamela Desmond Wright is amazing to say the least. I love the suspense shared throughout the story. You will not want to put it down.
You will love the characters, Isla and Evan. Ms. Wright has a wonderful way of developing characters to lead you through the story.
The pot is interesting and is great reading if you believe in the idea of second chances. It is interesting to see a community that is a little more progressive.
I highly recommend this story and its emphasis on growing faith
Thank you Pamela Desmond Wright for allowing me to read thihis ARC. It is a 5-star read.
All opinions are my own, and I was not required to give a positive review.
I received this book as an ARC with no expectations of a positive review. I love the story of Isla an Amish widow and Sherrif Evan Miller. Evan had been born Amish, but left the Amish community to be a police officer. Isla had been in love with Evan when he left the Amish ways behind him. Now Isla comes face to face with Evan when her home is broke into. She returns home to find the intruder running out her back door. Join Isla and Evan as they work through their past as this theft is not isolated. Evan tries to keep his community safe as well as working to put this person behind bars who is bringing fear to his community.
AN AMISH WIDOW’S HOPE by Pamela Desmond Wright Release Date January 27, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. One of my favorite tropes is second chances. And that’s just what this one was.
Evan Miller left the Amish way of life 16 years earlier after the death of his sister. He also left behind the love of his life.
Here we are 16 years later when sheriff Evan Miller answers a call in the Amish community of a house break-in. And it just so happens to be the widow of his best friend and the love of his life.
Pamela really did a great job on this one. It’s a short read a quick read and one that I could not put down!
With the sleepy town of Burr Oaks becoming the target for robbery, in particular the Amish community, Sheriff Evan Miller determined to find the thief and bring him to justice. Risking his very life in pursuit, had him re-evaluating his life choices, questioning his faith, his profession and his long held love for the widow, Isla. Would the Amish accept him back into the community? Could he give up his career he’d worked so hard for? So many questions, so many choices, but only one answer, God, who waited with open arms to welcome him back. A sweet, inspirational story sure to capture the heart of the reader!
This was an inspiring story about Isla, a widowed dressmaker, and Evan Miller, the town sheriff. They shared a past until Evan left the Amish community and started being English. Unfortunately, a break-in occurs at Isla's house and they meet again. Evan feels responsible for Isla and her children and begins to question his leaving the Amish. After being shot, Evan decides he needs to rejoin his Amish community. Evan and Isla become a couple and eventually they have their HEA. I really enjoyed meeting Isla, Evan and the children, Olivia and Joel. Tante Hazel was a fun addition to the family.
This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. It was hard to lay down. The characters were easy to relate to. Isla has two children, Olivia and Owen. Evan had grown up in the Amish community but left after his little sister was killed in a buggy accident and became a sheriff. The pet pig and the raccoon add some lively antics to the story. There is some suspense to help you keep turning the pages. I definitely recommend this book.
Another excellent book. I adored Isla and Evan's story and had a hard time putting it down. I enjoyed reading as Isla and Evan found their way back to one another after she was robbed. Evan also had to find his way back to God, the Church and the Amish way of life if he wanted to truly be with Isla and it wasn't easy for him but his love for Isla and determination to work his way back to God helped him every step of the way. I definitely give this book five stars.
This Amish story explores themes of forgiveness, love, and second chances.
Follow Isla Stohl, a widow with two young children, as she struggles to make ends meet after a robbery. The arrival of Evan Miller, the sheriff and a past love, leads him to re-examine his decision to leave the Amish community years earlier.
A 5 Star read. Would have given a higher star if I was able to. Don’t miss this read if you love Amish stories of love and second chances.
Intruding fear breaks into the night, but anchored faith is what answers the door.
An Amish Widow’s Hope by Pamela Desmond Wright carries the quiet strength of Amish faith … steady work, shared burdens, patient endurance, communal discernment, prayers offered when fear has no easy answer. The pages feel shaped by obedience rather than urgency.
This is a story where faith is practiced in ordinary hours. Where loss is acknowledged, not hurried past. Where forgiveness takes time and courage, and returning to God means humility, not comfort. The community breathes with discernment, and the path forward is treated as something to be weighed carefully before the Lord.
There is tension, and there is risk, yet neither overshadows the heart of the story. Hope remains present as trust anchored in God’s faithfulness, a steady reminder that even after loss, God still writes redemption into lives willing to listen.
This line spoke by Bishop Clark settles into the heart of the story and remains: “In Romans, it says if you declare with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord, you will be saved. But it’s not just the words. It’s about surrender. True surrender. It starts with accepting Christ into your life, opening yourself to His will.” This powerful truth echoes through every choice, every moment of obedience this wonderful story holds.
I received a digital version of this book as a member of the launch team from the author. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
I really enjoyed reading this book. There is a break in at Isla Stohl's home. She is very scared along with her children. When the sheriff arrives, she notices who it is, It's Evan Miller. They have past between them before Evan left the community. As time goes on will they be able to look past things and how they were? I highly recommend this book. It's so good such a page turner, one you won't want to put down.