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Lancaster County Weddings #4
Elijah and the Widow
The Widow's Second Chance
Martha King has been a widow for only a few months, but already the community wants her to remarry. But after her childless marriage, she isn't in a rush to give her heart to another man—until Elijah Lapp. The handsome—and younger—Eli hires on at Martha's farm to earn extra money to fund his dream of owning a carriage shop. But the more time Eli spends with Martha, the more he realizes his life should also include a wife. Can Eli convince the Amish beauty to overcome their age difference and accept a future with him?
Martha King has been a widow for only a few months, but already the community wants her to remarry. But after her childless marriage, she isn't in a rush to give her heart to another man—until Elijah Lapp. The handsome—and younger—Eli hires on at Martha's farm to earn extra money to fund his dream of owning a carriage shop. But the more time Eli spends with Martha, the more he realizes his life should also include a wife. Can Eli convince the Amish beauty to overcome their age difference and accept a future with him?
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 15, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 11, 2022
This is a Clean Amish Romance, and this is the fourth book in the Lancaster County Weddings series. I really loved the characters in this book. I also found this story to be sweet and cute. I loved that both the main characters keep saying they do not want to get married or be will anyone because they have been hurt in the past. I really liked that they could find someone that shows them not everyone will hurt you. Great and fun read.
May 15, 2016
4.5 stars
Elijah and the Widow is a very sweet romance about a young widow who is given a second (or third, if you count the guy who dumped her so he could leave the Amish faith), chance at love. Martha has been trying to maintain the farm since her husband's unexpected death, but finally realizes that she needs help. Elijah and his large family, as well as members of her small community, charge to the rescue, first by planting crops, and then by making repairs to her house. Her husband, Ike, had become disappointed when Martha failed to become pregnant (because, as we all know, it's always the woman's fault when there is a problem with fertility! Ike was a jerk), and turned his attention away from his wife. The house was neglected, but with the emotion distance between them, Martha couldn't coerce him to work on the house.
The relationship between Elijah and Martha develops slowly, just a glance here and there or a short conversation while he's working on the house. Martha is attracted to Eli, but after being burned by love twice, resolves to ignore the sparks between them. She is also seven years older, an impossible gap she feels is too large. Eli is very popular with the younger women in the community, and surely he will become tired of her.
Eli wants to open a carriage repair shop, and has spent most of his young life saving for this goal. When he realizes how clever and hard working Martha is, he decides he will let her know that he wants to court her. First, though, he has to have a way to support a family. Unexpected obstacles derail both their plans for the future, but with the help of family, friends, and each other, they work through them.
This was just a nice read. There are no villains or jealous exes, just people struggling to do what's best and working to have a comfortable lives. Internal struggle is the name of the game. If I have any complaints about the book, it's that there are so many characters that is some times gets confusing. This was a nice find and I'll probably read more by the author.
Elijah and the Widow is a very sweet romance about a young widow who is given a second (or third, if you count the guy who dumped her so he could leave the Amish faith), chance at love. Martha has been trying to maintain the farm since her husband's unexpected death, but finally realizes that she needs help. Elijah and his large family, as well as members of her small community, charge to the rescue, first by planting crops, and then by making repairs to her house. Her husband, Ike, had become disappointed when Martha failed to become pregnant (because, as we all know, it's always the woman's fault when there is a problem with fertility! Ike was a jerk), and turned his attention away from his wife. The house was neglected, but with the emotion distance between them, Martha couldn't coerce him to work on the house.
The relationship between Elijah and Martha develops slowly, just a glance here and there or a short conversation while he's working on the house. Martha is attracted to Eli, but after being burned by love twice, resolves to ignore the sparks between them. She is also seven years older, an impossible gap she feels is too large. Eli is very popular with the younger women in the community, and surely he will become tired of her.
Eli wants to open a carriage repair shop, and has spent most of his young life saving for this goal. When he realizes how clever and hard working Martha is, he decides he will let her know that he wants to court her. First, though, he has to have a way to support a family. Unexpected obstacles derail both their plans for the future, but with the help of family, friends, and each other, they work through them.
This was just a nice read. There are no villains or jealous exes, just people struggling to do what's best and working to have a comfortable lives. Internal struggle is the name of the game. If I have any complaints about the book, it's that there are so many characters that is some times gets confusing. This was a nice find and I'll probably read more by the author.
October 9, 2019
Elijah and the Widow is the fourth amazing book written by Rebecca Kertz in her Lancaster Weddings series. This is truly a wonderful love story. I really enjoyed the characters and their stories.
Martha King is a widow and still grieving when she meets Elijah Lapp. She really considers him a handsome young man but isn't willing to put her heart out there again. Elijah on the other hand is smitten almost instantly. They both have dreams but they don't think they will come together. Constantly being thrown together not only gives them time to get to know each other slowly but also builds a common respect for each other. Then Elijah does the most selfless act of love and Martha is kept in the dark. Or is she? Their journey is one to admire but Martha stays steadfast that her heart will not be broken a third time. This story moves at a remarkable pace and really keeps the readers interest. I was drawn into this story from the very beginning and remained interested throughout the entire story.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a fantastic story that I can highly recommend to other readers.
Congratulations to Rebecca Kertz on writing such a heartwarming story of love, faith, and second chances for her readers enjoyment.
Martha King is a widow and still grieving when she meets Elijah Lapp. She really considers him a handsome young man but isn't willing to put her heart out there again. Elijah on the other hand is smitten almost instantly. They both have dreams but they don't think they will come together. Constantly being thrown together not only gives them time to get to know each other slowly but also builds a common respect for each other. Then Elijah does the most selfless act of love and Martha is kept in the dark. Or is she? Their journey is one to admire but Martha stays steadfast that her heart will not be broken a third time. This story moves at a remarkable pace and really keeps the readers interest. I was drawn into this story from the very beginning and remained interested throughout the entire story.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a fantastic story that I can highly recommend to other readers.
Congratulations to Rebecca Kertz on writing such a heartwarming story of love, faith, and second chances for her readers enjoyment.
March 3, 2016
Lancaster County Weddings, book "Elijah and the Widow". by Rebecca Kertz
I love to read amish stories and have not read much of this author.
A community of wonderful people and the families with many children...this will lead to many weddings so I was glad to see that Rebecca has chosen to write of the men in the Lapp family.
This first I have chosen when I spied it at the thrift shoppe is of Elijah Lapp.
Martha King is a widow and has an old rambling house that needs some TLC. Martha knows the Lapp men are men of many talants and when she decides to have some work done,they are chosen to help.
Martha and her husband had a strained marriage after she did not bear a child soon enough for him ,so though she mourns his early death, she is not heart broken.
Having the young men working close by -she soon knows there is a desire she should not have with Elijah,he is younger and she has not been a widow very long.
I enjoyed reading this book and seeing them become closer and how they both tried to fight the attraction and caring.
I liked this story of Rebecca's so well that I quickly checked the other amish ones with this family out of the library so I could read more of the story.
I love to read amish stories and have not read much of this author.
A community of wonderful people and the families with many children...this will lead to many weddings so I was glad to see that Rebecca has chosen to write of the men in the Lapp family.
This first I have chosen when I spied it at the thrift shoppe is of Elijah Lapp.
Martha King is a widow and has an old rambling house that needs some TLC. Martha knows the Lapp men are men of many talants and when she decides to have some work done,they are chosen to help.
Martha and her husband had a strained marriage after she did not bear a child soon enough for him ,so though she mourns his early death, she is not heart broken.
Having the young men working close by -she soon knows there is a desire she should not have with Elijah,he is younger and she has not been a widow very long.
I enjoyed reading this book and seeing them become closer and how they both tried to fight the attraction and caring.
I liked this story of Rebecca's so well that I quickly checked the other amish ones with this family out of the library so I could read more of the story.
October 30, 2016
What a sweet Amish romance that takes place in Happiness, Pennsylvania.
I enjoyed getting to know Martha King and Eli Lapp and see how their friendship turned into romance.
Martha King is a widow who's husband Ike died of a heart attack. She is left with a large farm and its upkeep. She had many past memories that she must deal with. Her first beau left her and the Amish faith. She feels she didn't please Ike when she didn't bear a child even though their marriage was shaky at best.
When Martha hires the Lapp brothers to do repairs on her house she is drawn to Eli Lapp. Eli, however, is seven years younger than her and Martha doesn't think she should take a chance on love for the third time since her heart was broken before.
Lessons are learned when Martha experiences a great tragedy in her life. She sees that its important to let other help you just as much as you have helped them. She sees a sense of strong community and faith. Eli (Elijah) shows Martha what truly sacrificial love is.
This is a wonderful Amish romance that will be enjoyed by those who love this genre.
I enjoyed getting to know Martha King and Eli Lapp and see how their friendship turned into romance.
Martha King is a widow who's husband Ike died of a heart attack. She is left with a large farm and its upkeep. She had many past memories that she must deal with. Her first beau left her and the Amish faith. She feels she didn't please Ike when she didn't bear a child even though their marriage was shaky at best.
When Martha hires the Lapp brothers to do repairs on her house she is drawn to Eli Lapp. Eli, however, is seven years younger than her and Martha doesn't think she should take a chance on love for the third time since her heart was broken before.
Lessons are learned when Martha experiences a great tragedy in her life. She sees that its important to let other help you just as much as you have helped them. She sees a sense of strong community and faith. Eli (Elijah) shows Martha what truly sacrificial love is.
This is a wonderful Amish romance that will be enjoyed by those who love this genre.
May 18, 2020
This is the 4rth book in the series Lancaster County Weddings. I really enjoyed this series and reading about each couple in this book was like reading about family. Sit down and enjoy this story of Elijah and Martha, its about friendship, trust and love.
February 3, 2020
This was such a great story! Simply a wonderful romance with great characters. Made me happy to read it!
December 2, 2018
I've not read previous books in the Lancaster County Weddings series and I found it hard to keep the large cast of supporting characters straight--trying to figure out who was related to whom etc.
I do admire that the Amish community works together to help its own. They'll hold fundraisers or donate time etc. So even though the Lapps charge Martha King some for the work they do, I'm betting they didn't charge full price.
I was confused by Ike King taking out such a large loan for farm equipment. I thought most Amish preferred not to go into debt for most things. But then again, he didn't expect to die, so maybe he thought he'd be able to make the payments and thought it was a good investment--though he apparently neglected the house in order to buy the farm equipment so . . .
I grew tired of Martha and Eli having reasons why they couldn't love each other. It was okay at first, but after a bit, it seemed like they just needed to admit their feelings to each other and move forward. Also, Eli seems to project feelings onto Martha such as "she's not yet over Ike" instead of just asking her if it were so. Then again, most men seem clueless so . . .
I do admire that the Amish community works together to help its own. They'll hold fundraisers or donate time etc. So even though the Lapps charge Martha King some for the work they do, I'm betting they didn't charge full price.
I was confused by Ike King taking out such a large loan for farm equipment. I thought most Amish preferred not to go into debt for most things. But then again, he didn't expect to die, so maybe he thought he'd be able to make the payments and thought it was a good investment--though he apparently neglected the house in order to buy the farm equipment so . . .
I grew tired of Martha and Eli having reasons why they couldn't love each other. It was okay at first, but after a bit, it seemed like they just needed to admit their feelings to each other and move forward. Also, Eli seems to project feelings onto Martha such as "she's not yet over Ike" instead of just asking her if it were so. Then again, most men seem clueless so . . .
June 29, 2017
Rebecca Kertz knows created a sweet story that will keep readers attentive to small details that can be powerful in winning someone’s heart. Martha King and Elijah Lapp both had their struggles to overcome, especially Martha being left as a widow and receiving shocking news about her late husband. The events that transpired throughout this story were realistic with sacrifices being made to win another’s heart. What will Martha, Elijah and others within Happiness, Lancaster County have to overcome before they see the love, compassion and connection of their lives?
June 21, 2020
Elijah and the Widow
I chose this rating because every once and a while it would lose my interest because she couldn't love him or he thought she wasn't ready to love him. Back and forth, kind of the same thing. But it had a good ending and I love amish books.
I chose this rating because every once and a while it would lose my interest because she couldn't love him or he thought she wasn't ready to love him. Back and forth, kind of the same thing. But it had a good ending and I love amish books.
November 9, 2021
It’s rare that I give a 5 star to anything, but this book earned it.
This made me want to be where they were, living among them, living as they do.
I’ll say no more, you need to read it for yourself.
This made me want to be where they were, living among them, living as they do.
I’ll say no more, you need to read it for yourself.
February 23, 2018
I like the love inspired books. They are a fast read, but the content is always good. I had never read anything by Rebecca Kertz. I will from now on.
May 6, 2020
My favorite Rebecca Kertz. I absolutely loved the story about an older, widowed Amish woman who meets and marries a much younger Amish man.
August 14, 2021
Such a good book!! Would recommend to anyone who loves Amish Fiction or wants to begin to read them.
October 6, 2024
It's a very sweet story about finding love unexpectedly. I enjoyed it.
December 3, 2025
very good book
June 14, 2016
Elijah And The Widow a Lancaster County Weddings series by Rebecca Kertz. Martha King is a widow. Her first Amish boyfriend just up and left her. She married. They didn't have children right away and he was not happy. He put the house up to get a loan to buy big fancy farm equipment. Rebecca didn't know this. He never told her before he died. The outside of the house needed a lot of work. Rebecca hired the Lapp men to fix up things around the house. Elijah Lapp took an interest in Rebecca. Rebecca didn't want to get involved with another man since the first two left her. Plus she is seven years older than Elijah. Rebecca's barn is hit by lightening. They have a auction to raise money to rebuild the barn and to pay off the loan for the machine. Elijah gave her money he had been saving without her knowing about it. Rebecca sells her farm to give Elijah back his money to start a new business. A romance is there.
February 27, 2016
Loved the book....so much kindness! Rebecca Kertz, along with a few others, has such a knack for writing an interesting book!
Light enough, simple enough, and yet complicated enough, to catch my interest from the beginning to the very end! Stories that most can identify with, and yet filled with and overpowering "BE YE KIND" .....
Wish I lived in Amish Country sometimes, where they live through complicated tragedies, persecution from outsiders, trials, hard work, and all kind of problems, yet LOVE of GOD & community remain most important.
Light enough, simple enough, and yet complicated enough, to catch my interest from the beginning to the very end! Stories that most can identify with, and yet filled with and overpowering "BE YE KIND" .....
Wish I lived in Amish Country sometimes, where they live through complicated tragedies, persecution from outsiders, trials, hard work, and all kind of problems, yet LOVE of GOD & community remain most important.
June 10, 2016
This book will make you want to keep reading. I loved the story line behind this book. Elijah decides to help Martha to fix her home and make repairs. While doing this he starts to fall in love with Martha but is not sure how to tell her. Meanwhile Martha is dealing with the same thing. Will they finally get together or not. Read to find out. You will not be disappointed.
April 14, 2016
The story of a young widow, Martha King and a young Amish man who wishes to start a carriage shop. Eli uses Martha's barn for his shop and helps her out...both their lives are enriched with their kindness to each other.
April 4, 2016
Loved this book. Great story about overcoming past hurts.
Read
April 3, 2016Miniseries: Lancaster County Weddings
October 3, 2016
I am enjoying this series.
Read
April 3, 2016Miniseries: Lancaster County Weddings
Read
July 21, 2017very good.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews