More Than Friendship

Wells Landing Quilting Circle #1

by Amy Lillard

Love is worth every challenge.Woven deeply into the Amish community of Wells Landing, Oklahoma, a women’s quilting circle is a place to share everything from recipes to hopes and dreams, especially when love is in the air...The youngest member of the quilting circle, Clara Rose Yutzy has her whole life ahead of her. And it’s just beginning, with plans for a wedding to her longtime beau, Thomas Lapp. Everything is falling into place, which is why Clara Rose resolutely ignores her newly warm feelings for her best friend, Obidiah Brennaman. There’s never been a hint of romance between them, and no reason to pay attention to such nonsense now...Steady, sturdy Obie feels differently. He’s never thought too hard about his future, but the news that Clara Rose is about to be married is strangely unsettling. Convincing Clara Rose to take another look at their friendship may not be easy, but Obie is certain God intends for them to be together. He’ll do whatever he must to make Clara Rose see how much he loves her, and with the Lord’s help, before it’s too late...Praise for Amy Lillard“An inspirational story of romance, faith, and trust…will appeal to fans of Wanda Brunstetter and Beverly Lewis.” —Library Journal on Caroline’s Secret“Amy Lillard writes her Amish stories with the respect they are due.” —RT Book Reviews

Genres: Amish, Christian Fiction

85 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 23, 2016

About the author

I'm a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.

I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I've retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I'm from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son--a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!

I love homemade tacos, nail polish, and romance novels--not necessarily in that order. I'm a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I'm shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.

I believe that God is love. I guess that's why I adore romances.

I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I'm a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that's me June Cleaver with a laptop.

I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twlight series (I'll get to it or I won't, either way I'm good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I'm alone on this last one, and again, I'm good with it.)

Favorite movies--(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940's movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven't seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn's and Audrey's.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Than Friendship

Amy Lillard


MORE THAN FRIENDSHIP is the first book in the Wells Landing Quilting Circle series. Wells Landing Oklahoma is a quiet and peaceful small town and it is where we find Clara Rose preparing to marry Thomas Lapp. The only problem is that her very best friend, Obie keeps telling her she can't marry Thomas. He can't give her a reason why, but insists it will be the biggest mistake of her life. She goes to her Grandmother for advice but she is speaking in riddles as well. Five weeks until her wedding and Clara Rose believe God sent Thomas to be her husband. Not everyone else believes that though.


Clara thought she knew what happiness was and what a good marriage was supposed to be like. Boy does she have a lot to learn. She always assumed she and Thomas were meant to be married and that it was Gods plan for them. Now, she finds herself distracted from those thoughts and questioning herself. You wont be able to help yourself by feeling for Thomas and Clara as Clara tries to figure out what God has in mind for her. Obie has been her friend since they were children and she loves him deeply but not in a husband way, only as a best friend. Or so she thinks. MORE THAN FRIENDSHIP is a quick read filled with faith, love, lots of laughs, and friendship. Can Clara remain best friends with Obie after she marries Thomas?


Once I finished MORE THAN FRIENDSHIP I wanted more. I can't wait to continue with this wonderful and heart warming series by Amy Lillard. Amy's books always make me happy and leave me with a peaceful feeling. Once I started reading MORE THAN FRIENDSHIP I had a hard time putting it down as I had to know what was going to happen with Thomas and Clara and if Clara would ever see what was right in front of her. Would she and Obie be able to remain friends? Would she be happy marrying Thomas? I'm looking forward to meeting more of the women in the quilting circle as well as more members of Wells Landing.


ARC received from Netgalley for an honest review.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this sweet novella! Just as with other stories that I have read by this author, More Than Friendship flowed so smoothly and kept me turning pages quickly to see what happened next.

The reader views things from Clara’s perspective. I found that this worked very well for the story. It helped to really enhance the feeling of confusion about the decision that Clara must make.

Sweet Clara. She had such ideas for what marriage was supposed to be and thought she knew who God had sent for her. Obie’s pronouncement that he had a bad feeling about the wedding and that she should call it off sent things into a tailspin for Clara. I loved watching her work through her concerns, ideas, and notions of what life would be like for everyone once she married Thomas.

This is a short and sweet tale, yet I felt that the story and characters were nicely complete by the conclusion. More Than Friendship is the first book in The Quilting Circle series and ties in with the author’s Wells Landing series. I look forward to reading more in both of these book series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You can't marry Thomas Lapp," he said again,
as if those simple words explained it all.
"Why not?" Clara Rose shot back.
Her words echoed in the alcove of trees where they stood.
He shook his head and took her hands into his.
"I have a bad feeling about this. Just don't marry him, Clara Rose. Promise me."

Amy Lillard has written a quick-to-read fun and sweet novella to accompany the Wells Landing series, but the best part is learning more about quilting circles as the Amish ladies do their best sharing over the quilting frame. Clara Rose Yutzy is preparing for her upcoming marriage to Thomas Lapp and can hardly wait for the day they stand before the bishop to repeat their vows. Clara's best friend, Obie, has other ideas though. He is determined to convince her not to marry Thomas Lapp! Clara is very confused and seeks the advice of her grandmother who urges her to think about it and she will surely figure out what Obie means.

Talk about throwing a monkey wrench into a girl's plans! Obie surely does that! He is persistent too. This novella is such fun that I couldn't help but feel sympathy for Clara and Thomas as well as Obie as they all try to move on with their lives. I have always wanted to attend a quilting party and this was such fun to see what goes on at one. I wish my family had grown up doing quiltings. My own mom completed one quilt on her quilting frame using a quilt-top that my grandmother had made for them before her death.

I rated this novella 5 stars and will be eagerly watching for the next one in the series.
I received a copy of this novella from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Diana Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review
More than Friendship
By Amy Lillard

I just love Amy's books. If you haven't read any of her books pick this one up and I just know you will jump right in there and want more. Her book leave you wanting more. Wonderful well written characters that you will just fall in love with and want to make a part of your family!! You will want to stay with this book keeps you turning the pages.
Love story between friends! Growing up together Clara and Thomas are pretty much expected to marry. Clara finally promise to marry him. She has always thought they would he be a good man to raise a family with. But things are being said at the quilting bee that upsets her to whether she should marry him or not. What could be going on with Thomas? And who is Obadiah Brenneman? Pick this novella up I just know you want the answer to those questions!!

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this quick read from Amy Lillard. It was fun to go back for a quick visit with the folks of Wells Landing, Oklahoma.

This novella has everything I expect from an Amy Lillard story. Characters I like, a good story, and wonderful descriptions made me feel as if I were part of the story. This story was easy to get interested in and moved at a quick pace; keeping me turning the pages as quickly as possible.

If you're looking for a good yet quick read then grab your favorite beverage and this book. You'll be glad you did!

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Than Friendship is a heartwarming and most delightful novella from Amy Lillard with her Wells Landing setting. I was in the moment with the quilting circle ladies and Clara Rose Yutzy, the youngest member of the group. After all, she was getting married to Thomas Lapp in a few weeks. During the refreshment time for the quilting ladies, Obidiah Brennaman came to see Clara Rose. He was determined he had to speak to her privately and would take her home while they talk.

Clara Rose and Obie had been the best of friends with Obie expressing he did not feel good about Clara Rose's upcoming marriage to Thomas Lapp. She continues with her wedding plans; however, Obie continues to interfere. Thomas questioned Clara Rose about her relationship with Obie as he should be her best friend with their upcoming wedding. Will this triangle of relationships be resolved when Thomas and Clara Rose are married? Order your copy today to see what happens--you will not be disappointed. Amy Lillard's books are a pleasure to read and readers will be in the moment with the characters.

This is a fast paced, action packed novella with the members of Wells Landing, which readers have fallen in love with while reading Amy Lillard's Wells Landing series. More than Friendship is filled with love, laughter, faith, determination and disappointments. The characters are well developed and they each have their own characteristics that will cause readers to fall in love with them. I did not want to stop reading till the last page.

I rated this novella 5 stars and am looking forward to book 4 in the Wells Landing series, Just Plain Sadie, along with the next novella in the Quilting Circle series. I received an e-book from Netgalley for my honest review and appreciate the opportunity to read an advance edition of More Than Friendship.

[Tina Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy Lillard has written another Amish love story from her Amish community of Wells Landing, Oklahoma. Here we are attending an Amish quilting circle of widows, a few married, and of courting age. An Amish quilting circle is the next thing to the Amish grapevine, but an Amish quilting circle is also for sharing, family information, recipes, tips, and advice, all done while quilting.

In "More Than Friendship," we meet the youngest quilter Clara Rose Yutzy, who is the only Amish girl in her community to have two best friends that are males, her beau Thomas Lapp and longtime friend Obidiah Brennaman.

With Clara Rose's wedding to Thomas just weeks away, everyone -including Obidiah- keep asking her if she is sure Thomas is the right man for her to marry. Do they know something Clara Rose does not?

This is one book you will not want to put down. Amy Lillard keeps you one the edge of your seat till the very end with "More Than Friendship". I loved this story; that once I reached the end, I was looking for more. I look forward to reading more books written by Amy in the future.



I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, in return for an honest review. This review is my own words and no money was exchanged.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy reading Amy Lillard's Amish novels and novellas. As she has mentioned in the above paragraph, "More Than Friendship- The Quilting Circle #1 is a spin off of the ladies in the sewing circle mentioned in the "Wells Landing Series".

Here is a quote from the book and since it sums up the entire novella, I am going to include it in this review as it isn't a spoiler alert, "This was supposed to be the happiest time of her life, and yet every night she prayed for peace and understanding and understanding and peace."

This novella is full of surprises and turns that makes this reader think "I am glad that just happened"

I haven't read the last two books in the Wells Landing stories but after reading "More Than Friendship" (though it isn't part of the series, it mentions characters from the book) I want to move them up to the top of my to be read list. I have to be honest and say I am most anxious to read "Just Plain Sadie" the 4th book because Sadie was my grandma's name. I know the spotlight is on the novella "More Than Friendship" but I encourage you to read all 5 books.

Can a girl and a boy remain best friends after the girl marries? That is the question that Clara and Obie face in this new novella! I know the answer at least for Clara and Obie! If you read " More Than Friendship" you will know the answer also and I know you want to know the answer!

I was given an copy by Netgallery for my honest review and the opinions are my own!

I have given "More Than Friendship" five stars.

[Dali Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

In More Than a Friend, Amy Lillard brings us back to Wells Landing, Oklahoma, where she introduces us to some new characters while reconnecting us with others. One of the new characters is Clara Rose Yutzy, a young woman who is soon to marry Thomas Lapp. Clara is excited about her upcoming wedding until her best friend, Obidiah Brennaman, tells her he has a bad feeling about it. This announcement doesn’t sit well with Clara, and she can’t understand why Obie would say such a thing. Obie offers no reason for what he said, but continues telling her he has bad feelings about the upcoming marriage. While Clara and Obie have been the best of friends forever, Obie’s declaration ends up causing a bit of a strain on their relationship as well as her relationship with Thomas. What is Clara to do?

More Than a Friend is not just a lovely, sweet romance, but also a story of faith, friendship, determination, and sacrifice, thus making it a very enjoyable and worthwhile read.

*****I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and viewpoints are my own.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than Friendship is a quick novella written to accompany the Wells Landing series. I have only read a couple of the books in the series, but it was easy to read this novella as a stand alone. I plan to return to Wells Landing and read the remainder of the books.

Clara Rose Yutzy is engaged to her best friend Thomas Lapp. However, her real best friend since childhood begins to question if Thomas is the right man for Clara. Obie doesn't feel that Thomas is right for Clara but cannot give her an exact reason why. With things rocky between both she and Obie and she and Thomas, Clara is very confused even as she continues to plan her wedding. Why is every one questioning if her loyalty to Thomas is strong and real? Why is Obie so afraid things will change after her marriage? Will she figure it all out in time?

I was glad to meet Clara and the other woman of the quilting circle. Seeing how the characters interacted with one another. I look forward to meeting more members of the circle and more members of the Wells Landing community.

[Sunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this very enjoyable novella by Amy Lillard. She is an excellent author and I have enjoyed all the books that I have read of hers. Although this one was of a shorter length it seemed to me that the characters were well developed and that the story flowed at a good speed.

Clara Rose was looking forward to her upcoming marriage to Thomas Lapp. There was only one thing standing in her way, her best friend, Obie. Obie and Clara had been best friends forever. So why would he now oppose their marriage in such a way?

By marrying Thomas, it seemed to Clara that would be losing her best friend.

I enjoyed this read very much. I loved the characters, the story line and events in the lives of Clara, Thomas and Obie. I highly recommend this book to fans of Amish fiction.

It's a sweet romance with some twists and turns.

I received an ebook copy of this book for the author for my honest review, which I have given.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy Lillard has brought us back to Wells Landing, Oklahoma and there is soon to be a wedding of Clara Rose Yutzy and Thomas Lapp. You will feel the magic in the air, and see the hopes and dreams of this young couple.
All of a sudden at the quilting circle meeting the unthinkable happens when a friend shows up and upsets the Clara Rose, by stating that they have a bad feeling about her marrying Thomas. Can you imagine the thoughts that would go through your mind? Is he seeing someone else, hanging out in place he shouldn’t, all kinds of thoughts.
You will need to pick this one up to find out what this is all about and if she will find out in time what is wrong, being on cloud nine and then crashing to the floor, and for what?
This is one really quick read, and you won’t want to miss this one!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zebra, and was not required to give a positive review

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy Lillard takes us back to the Amish country with this Christian Romance book, More Than Friendship. I loved feeling apart of the Amish quilting bee as the woman expressed their deepest feelings and hardships. Scenes played out in my mind with her wonderful descriptions from the horses to the countryside.

My favorite character was Obidiah who decided to make it known he wanted more than just friendship with Clara Rose. Even though it might be too late he was determined to change her mind.

This book made me realize we need to try even though the situation may look hopeless.

I have to say the first part of the story kept me turning pages. Then all of sudden it was over too soon for me. I wish it would have played out just a little more because I could have stayed much longer in Amish country.

I was given this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Rosemary Foley · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Than Friendship is a sweet novella by Amy Lillard. Clara Rose Yutsy is marrying Thomas and is so looking forward to the wedding. Suddenly, out of a clear blue sky, her best friend Obie tells her she can’t marry Thomas because he has a bad feeling. Thinking he’s worried their friendship will change after she is married, she tries to find out why he feels that way and change his mind. Things do change, which is worrying Clara Rose, she feels like she has to choose between her fiancé and her best friend.
You will love being back in Wells landing, Oklahoma and meeting these folks. You will go through so many emotions with Clara Rose, Thomas and Obie as the wedding gets closer. Tension and love are just a couple of emotions that run rampant in More Than Friends. You won’t want to put it down, just keep reading !!

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

More Than Friendship by Amy Lillard is a nice, short story. Clara Rose Yutzy has agreed to marry Thomas. Her wedding is in six weeks. But her best friend Obie (Obadiah Brenneman) asks her not to marry him. Obie tells her that he has a bad feeling, but will not give her more details. Obie is in love with Clara Rose, but Clara Rose needs to discover this for herself. Will Clara Rose go ahead with her wedding and marry Thomas?

More Than Friendship was enjoyable to read. It is well-written and easy to read. I enjoyed the characters and the setting of Wells Landing, Oklahoma. I give More Than Friendship 4 out of 5 stars. More Than Friendship can be read in just a couple of hours (it is a short story). I look forward to reading the next book by Amy Lillard.

I received a complimentary copy of More Than Friendship from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Julie Zimmett · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I enjoyed the story for the close family relationships that are often present in Amish fiction, I felt that there were times the story could have resolved sooner- Obie was never very clear in why he didn't want Clara Rose marrying Thomas- he just simply continued saying "he had a bad feeling". However, I did enjoy all the conversations the ladies shared during their quilting circle, and also the exchanges between her and her grandmother. It reminded me of the very close and special relationship I shared with my grandmother. I do recommend this story for any avid readers of Amish fiction.

[Anne Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clara Rose is just months away from marrying her beau, Thomas Lapp but all of a sudden her best friend, Obidiah Brennaman, tells her she cannot marry Thomas. When Clara Rose ask why Obie cannot tell her the true answer. What will Clara Rose do? Will she chose to follow her heart and choose Thomas or will she choose the person she has known forever as her best friend?

This was such a great book! It was the kind of book you don't want to put down. If you like Amish stories then this is one that you want to pick up for sure!

I received this book from NetGalley for my honest review.

[Linda Ortiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clara Rose is torn between her fiancee and best friend when her best friend, Obie tells her she cannot marry her fiancee, Thomas. I could not put the book down. I had to find out if she married Thomas, or did Sherbrooke Obie. I received an ebook from Netgalley.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love is........

Hard to understand sometimes. You believe one way , this man is for me, but maybe you've missed the one person right close to you! God does work in mysterious ways. Loved Oboe and Clara Rose story.
Can't wait to read Sadie' s story soon!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

More Than Friendship is a pretty good short story. I had it read in no time. Looking forward to more by this author.
4 stars.

[Connie Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than friendsip

What a refreshing novella about friendship and love. Amy Lillard takes us back to Wells Landing to learn Love and Friendship are the key to happiness.

[Janka H. · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

This one is a sweet and naive take about friends and lovers. I appreciate the sweetness and some lovely messages, yet the silliness of the grown-up people here is too much for me to take it seriously.

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable and quick read that once again immerses us in Wells Landing with the Amish families we've come to love through the Wells Landing books. The book was fast paced at only eighty-five pages and tugged at my heartstrings since Clara Rose was marrying Thomas without any real feelings for him.

More Than Friendship is an appropriate title since it alludes that Clara Rose and Obie are more than best friends or are they? They definitely have a problem communicating about feelings and he definitely doesn't want her to marry Thomas. But where do they go from there especially since her wedding day is rapidly approaching?

There are family and friends, quilting, get-togethers, the church, confusion, sadness, fear, tears, love, laughter, happiness and lots of prayers. The "fancy" Amish make an appearance which is a new term that I remember from book three in this series that I've previously read, More Than a Marriage. There was a happily ever after in the offing but the book ended too abruptly for me.

I look forward to reading many more books written by Lillard since she's one of my favorite authors and I love her heartwarming tales. Next up for me is the second book in the Quilting Circle novella series, More Than a Promise, and I can't wait to see who will be front and center in that story!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author soooo much!! She's a fantastic writer and loves putting her characters through life changing events to show us that not all seems like it should be.
I love reading her books too because her characters are flawed just like we are in real life.
I enjoyed this too because the main character Clara is not too fond of life changing events ( sorry not really the word I was looking for) and that sense I feel that she is like me in a lot of ways.
Clara is a sweetheart and quiet. I felt like she was the sister I never had.
I enjoyed the plot because it was well written and realistic. Well done!!
The supporting characters were easy to make friends with as well!!
I love Amy's books and try never to miss one!! This author is wonderful!!
I highly recommended!
My thanks to Netgalley. No compensations were received and all opinions are my own!

[SplkdancerReviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet Amish romance... clean and focused on the emotional rollercoaster of love, marriage and when your best friend becomes more than that...
cute novella with some quilting mentions.

[Monica Willyard Moen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short, sweet Amish romance.

[Pamela Pavkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Than a Friendship is the second book written by Amy Lillard in her Quilting Circle Novella A series. I enjoyed this book very much. I loved the character Clara Rose because she was a strong, loving, and steadfast young lady. She had made a promise to marry Thomas but her lifelong best friend, Obie, declares his love for her only days before her marriage. Sticking by her faithful promise Clara Rose turns Obie away.

This starts a journey full of love and regrets but how does it all turnout? What does Clara Rose's family and friends say when she starts acting out of character? Will Clara Rose listen to them?

This was a quick read but very enjoyable. I loved the characters and the storyline.

I was not given a complimentary copy of this eBook to read and review. All opinions and statements are strictly my own. I have rated this book with five stars for a good addition to her series.

Congratulations to Amy Lillard for a wonderful eBook and I will be reading the third book soon! I would recommend this book to all those who enjoy inspirational Amish books.

[Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clara always thought God sent Thomas to be her husband. She has been looking forward to their wedding day. Obie her best friend tries to tell her she is making a mistake in marrying Thomas but won't say why. Clara doesn't love Obie like she thinks a wife should but could she be wrong? Can Clara remain best friends with Obie after she marries Thomas?

The author leaves you wanting more after you finish. Love and friendship go hand in hand and she doesn't disappoint the reader. You will not want to put this read down.

[Christa · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Than Friendship,” by Amy Lillard was a very enjoyable read! Clara Rose Yutzy is preparing to be married to Thomas Lapp in six short weeks. Her best friend, Obadiah “Obie” Brenneman tells her not to marry Thomas because he has a bad feeling about it. Will she listen to her best friend’s advice or will she follow through with her marriage, something she has always looked forward to? This novella can easily be read in one sitting, it’s so good you won’t want to put it down!

[Andrea Woodard · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than Friendship

Very interesting storyline. I really enjoyed reading. Can't wait till next book comes out. Hope it's soon. Thank you. EAsy to collow