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The Amish Matchmaker #3
A Beau for Katie
The Housekeeper's Surprise Match
Agreeing to work for two weeks as a housekeeper to help a family in need seems like a good idea to Katie Byler. But when Katie sees the handsome, young—and single—Freeman Kemp for the first time, she wonders what she's gotten herself into. Freeman may be considered a catch, but the stubborn young man is driving strong-willed Katie to distraction. When the two of them decide to play matchmaker for Freeman's elderly uncle, though, their feud takes a different turn. The spark between them is strong, but can Katie and Freeman reach common ground to find their happily-ever-after?
Agreeing to work for two weeks as a housekeeper to help a family in need seems like a good idea to Katie Byler. But when Katie sees the handsome, young—and single—Freeman Kemp for the first time, she wonders what she's gotten herself into. Freeman may be considered a catch, but the stubborn young man is driving strong-willed Katie to distraction. When the two of them decide to play matchmaker for Freeman's elderly uncle, though, their feud takes a different turn. The spark between them is strong, but can Katie and Freeman reach common ground to find their happily-ever-after?
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published July 19, 2016
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August 1, 2018
Men were supposed to stick together.
Well, this book was filled with disgusting patriarchy shit. And by the end I had to admit that both leads were idiots.
First, I would like to say Miller isn't a boring author - she is engaging and writes characters who seem lifelike. I want to start out on a positive and I want to assure people that it isn't her writing (as in words-strung-together) that is shit here. It's the content that's shit. As in ideas, concepts, actions.
Let's get to it.
Katie is sent over to Freeman's house to help him while he recovers from a broken femur.
PROBLEM NUMBER ONE: THE PATRIARCHY
Sigh. It's really bad in this book. REALLY bad.
First off, Freeman has some psychological issues stemming from 'being a man' and 'masculinity' and being 'The Boss.' This adds ugliness to an already very ugly patriarchal system.
He's thirty-five, and even though he should be secure in his masculinity: he has a job which he is very good at, he loves animals and rescues them, he takes care of his elder relatives... he has a bug up his butt about people not giving him the respect he deserves.
This is partly a personality problem - I mean he's 35 years old! - but it's also a huge consequence of setting up this kind of strict patriarchal society. He's not a 'man' in the eyes of society until he gets married and produces children. So even though he owns property, has a great job that he excels at, takes care of his shit, and cares for animals... he's not a man. Because he doesn't have a wife and children.
This is a very damaging and fucked-up system. His elderly uncle, for instance, still calls him 'boy.' He's 35. THIRTY-FIVE. And he just has to take it and bristle because in the eyes of the patriarchy he IS a boy until he takes a wife and produces children.
He also has this 'thing' about respect. Like a Rodney Dangerfield thing, except he's not joking.
I don't need to tell you that this is a toxic combination. It's not as if Freeman is 'evil.' But his brainwashing by the patriarchy combined with his insecurity about his masculinity makes him weak. It means he's fragile, sensitive, and has a hair-trigger temper about people who don't treat him as Boss enough.
Not to mention that the patriarchy teaches you to despise women and see them as less valuable than men.
It was Katie's unnatural nature that made her less than what a proper woman should be. She was too quick to question a man's judgment, and too set in her own ways. 65
The main issue of this book is how Katie - his love interest - threatens his fragile masculinity. She tends to voice her own opinion. And if she sees a better way of doing things, she speaks up about it.
To me, this sounds normal. To Freeman, it's an affront to everything he believes in.
Let me be clear: Katie is a hard worker. She works from sunup to sundown without complaint. She cleans house like a champion. She cooks amazing, delicious meals. And she does all of this without a single complaint.
But that's not good enough! She also must be able to do all this AND take direction from Freeman. If he wants her to scrub the floors a certain way (the right way!) or has an opinion on how she should can vegetables, she must obey him.
No matter how many times she and other women bring up the fact that this is 'women's work' and he LITERALLY has no idea what the fuck he is talking about, he considers it 'disrespectful' if she doesn't employ his ideas on how she does housework.
He's a walking, breathing mansplain.
And he feels JUSTIFIED in this because he's been taught since birth that men are in charge, men control everything, women are submissive, it's natural for a woman to be obedient and silent, blah blah blah blah.
And, because this is the patriarchy, women just laugh it off. "Oh, you know how men are!" they say.
Here's Katie:
And she'd found with her father and brothers that small steps worked best with men. You had to make them think ideas were their own. Otherwise, they tended to balk and turn mulish. 47
She can't simply tell Freeman to get dressed and shave. That would be considered 'bossy.' And bossy women are shrews. They will either be beaten or they will die old maids - which in this society means you are basically shit. Being married and being a parent is EVERYTHING.
Instead, she has to cajole, coax and manipulate him into doing basic human actions. And she has to make him think it was his idea, because if he thought he was doing something that was her idea he'd flip his lid. o.O This is honestly so terrifying, not gonna lie.
This just so disgusting.
Here's Freeman's grandmother:
"Men do hate having women show them how to do something easier," Ivy said. "I'm afraid it's born in them. In some ways, I don't believe any of them ever grow up. They're like little boys in grownup clothing." She chuckled. "They never get past the age of wanting a woman to take care of them and clean up after them." 61
What. The Fuck. What a disgusting way to view males. So. In case you think patriarchy hurts only females, let's be clear: the book / this society is LITERALLY saying "Men are children who can't do shit. They can't take care of themselves. They can't clean or cook or be taught to clean or cook. They are like little babies. They throw temper tantrums when they don't get their way - so you'd better not anger them! But they are not smart enough to make their own decisions."
Yet men are in charge of EVERYTHING. Women aren't allowed to lead, preach, be elders in church, make any decisions in the marriage, 'disobey' their husbands wishes, earn money without their husband's permission... but men are also considered basically bad-tempered infants.
This is a completely true interpretation of this kind of belief, and sums up the patriarchy well - the problem is that Miller is holding up and glorifying this kind of toxicity instead of pointing out its flaws.
Of course it's complete bullshit. I refuse to believe men and women can't interact like normal human beings. Just because I am a woman and "John" is a man doesn't mean I can't understand John, empathize with him, or share basic interests with him. We are both human beings. This book - and patriarchy in general - acts like men and women are two alien beings from completely different planets who need special manuals to interact with each other. Which is frankly bullshit.
Sure, it might be difficult to empathize with menstrual cramps if you are a man or understand what childbirth is like, and a woman might be unfamiliar with the humiliation of unwanted erections, etc. etc. but basically human beings are going to have much more in common than not. And creating artificial gender roles and then ruthlessly enforcing them is not doing anyone any favors.
"Men can't cook!! Men can't CLEAN THINGS. Women can't WORK FOR MONEY." It's hard to believe how anyone doesn't see this as damaging. Freeman's grandmother is talking about a man-baby SHE CREATED. She tells Katie "that's just how men are, from birth" but really she TAUGHT her grandson to expect females to cater to his every whim, take care of all his needs, and accept his orders and opinions as law. SHE did that. The society she RAISED him in did that. Men aren't naturally 'child-like' and 'mulish' and unable to take criticism from people who don't wear pants, they are TAUGHT to be this way.
Anyway, that's my main beef with this book. My biggest problem. Instead of challenging his ideas and beliefs about women, Miller has Katie actually begin ASKING Freeman for advice on how to leash herself and curb herself and tamp down her 'opinions' and 'bossy nature.' She wants to be appealing to men, so she has to learn how to be a perfectslave wife. As we've covered before, being good at cooking, cleaning, caring for children, a hard worker who never complains, and beautiful AREN'T ENOUGH. She also has to learn to keep her fucking mouth shut, respect her husband and know her place. He's happy to guide her and teach her how to be better, of course.
MY SECOND PROBLEM: KATIE Even though I liked Katie a lot more than I liked Freeman, I eventually had to admit that she was also a fucking idiot. She tends to lose her temper and make rash decisions. She blows things out of proportion a lot. Compared to Freeman, she's great, but even I have to admit she's got problems when viewed on her own. She makes some choices in this novel that were very cringe-inducing.
I can't see these two having a good marriage. They are NOT complementary towards each other. Actually, they are probably one of the more volatile couples I've seen roped together. And I don't mean volatile in a 'sexual chemistry' way. They are a powder keg and a match. I think the best case scenario is that they will fight and fight and fight and fight. Worst case scenario... I don't even want to go there, but it involves violence.
MENTIONS OF GOD: 33
HOW'S THE SEX, CARMEN?
No sex, this is Christian romance. Some light kissing. Katie initiates a kiss, then apologizes for acting 'inappropriately.' >.< This is so, so sad. It reminds me of Christy Miller - a series that deeply depressed me.
TL;DR A good illustration on how disgusting the patriarchy and how it damages absolutely everyone involved. A match made in hell.
ROMANCE CATEGORIES:
Animal Lovers' Romance - Freeman loves animals and rescues all sorts of strays in this book. Dogs, cats, birds... he adores animals and cares for them.
Contemporary Romance
Inspirational Romance
Virgin Hero Romance
Amish Romance
He's a Miller, She's a... nothing. As dictated by her society, her only job is to be wife/mother/help.
Well, this book was filled with disgusting patriarchy shit. And by the end I had to admit that both leads were idiots.
First, I would like to say Miller isn't a boring author - she is engaging and writes characters who seem lifelike. I want to start out on a positive and I want to assure people that it isn't her writing (as in words-strung-together) that is shit here. It's the content that's shit. As in ideas, concepts, actions.
Let's get to it.
Katie is sent over to Freeman's house to help him while he recovers from a broken femur.
PROBLEM NUMBER ONE: THE PATRIARCHY
Sigh. It's really bad in this book. REALLY bad.
First off, Freeman has some psychological issues stemming from 'being a man' and 'masculinity' and being 'The Boss.' This adds ugliness to an already very ugly patriarchal system.
He's thirty-five, and even though he should be secure in his masculinity: he has a job which he is very good at, he loves animals and rescues them, he takes care of his elder relatives... he has a bug up his butt about people not giving him the respect he deserves.
This is partly a personality problem - I mean he's 35 years old! - but it's also a huge consequence of setting up this kind of strict patriarchal society. He's not a 'man' in the eyes of society until he gets married and produces children. So even though he owns property, has a great job that he excels at, takes care of his shit, and cares for animals... he's not a man. Because he doesn't have a wife and children.
This is a very damaging and fucked-up system. His elderly uncle, for instance, still calls him 'boy.' He's 35. THIRTY-FIVE. And he just has to take it and bristle because in the eyes of the patriarchy he IS a boy until he takes a wife and produces children.
He also has this 'thing' about respect. Like a Rodney Dangerfield thing, except he's not joking.
I don't need to tell you that this is a toxic combination. It's not as if Freeman is 'evil.' But his brainwashing by the patriarchy combined with his insecurity about his masculinity makes him weak. It means he's fragile, sensitive, and has a hair-trigger temper about people who don't treat him as Boss enough.
Not to mention that the patriarchy teaches you to despise women and see them as less valuable than men.
It was Katie's unnatural nature that made her less than what a proper woman should be. She was too quick to question a man's judgment, and too set in her own ways. 65
The main issue of this book is how Katie - his love interest - threatens his fragile masculinity. She tends to voice her own opinion. And if she sees a better way of doing things, she speaks up about it.
To me, this sounds normal. To Freeman, it's an affront to everything he believes in.
Let me be clear: Katie is a hard worker. She works from sunup to sundown without complaint. She cleans house like a champion. She cooks amazing, delicious meals. And she does all of this without a single complaint.
But that's not good enough! She also must be able to do all this AND take direction from Freeman. If he wants her to scrub the floors a certain way (the right way!) or has an opinion on how she should can vegetables, she must obey him.
No matter how many times she and other women bring up the fact that this is 'women's work' and he LITERALLY has no idea what the fuck he is talking about, he considers it 'disrespectful' if she doesn't employ his ideas on how she does housework.
He's a walking, breathing mansplain.
And he feels JUSTIFIED in this because he's been taught since birth that men are in charge, men control everything, women are submissive, it's natural for a woman to be obedient and silent, blah blah blah blah.
And, because this is the patriarchy, women just laugh it off. "Oh, you know how men are!" they say.
Here's Katie:
And she'd found with her father and brothers that small steps worked best with men. You had to make them think ideas were their own. Otherwise, they tended to balk and turn mulish. 47
She can't simply tell Freeman to get dressed and shave. That would be considered 'bossy.' And bossy women are shrews. They will either be beaten or they will die old maids - which in this society means you are basically shit. Being married and being a parent is EVERYTHING.
Instead, she has to cajole, coax and manipulate him into doing basic human actions. And she has to make him think it was his idea, because if he thought he was doing something that was her idea he'd flip his lid. o.O This is honestly so terrifying, not gonna lie.
This just so disgusting.
Here's Freeman's grandmother:
"Men do hate having women show them how to do something easier," Ivy said. "I'm afraid it's born in them. In some ways, I don't believe any of them ever grow up. They're like little boys in grownup clothing." She chuckled. "They never get past the age of wanting a woman to take care of them and clean up after them." 61
What. The Fuck. What a disgusting way to view males. So. In case you think patriarchy hurts only females, let's be clear: the book / this society is LITERALLY saying "Men are children who can't do shit. They can't take care of themselves. They can't clean or cook or be taught to clean or cook. They are like little babies. They throw temper tantrums when they don't get their way - so you'd better not anger them! But they are not smart enough to make their own decisions."
Yet men are in charge of EVERYTHING. Women aren't allowed to lead, preach, be elders in church, make any decisions in the marriage, 'disobey' their husbands wishes, earn money without their husband's permission... but men are also considered basically bad-tempered infants.
This is a completely true interpretation of this kind of belief, and sums up the patriarchy well - the problem is that Miller is holding up and glorifying this kind of toxicity instead of pointing out its flaws.
Of course it's complete bullshit. I refuse to believe men and women can't interact like normal human beings. Just because I am a woman and "John" is a man doesn't mean I can't understand John, empathize with him, or share basic interests with him. We are both human beings. This book - and patriarchy in general - acts like men and women are two alien beings from completely different planets who need special manuals to interact with each other. Which is frankly bullshit.
Sure, it might be difficult to empathize with menstrual cramps if you are a man or understand what childbirth is like, and a woman might be unfamiliar with the humiliation of unwanted erections, etc. etc. but basically human beings are going to have much more in common than not. And creating artificial gender roles and then ruthlessly enforcing them is not doing anyone any favors.
"Men can't cook!! Men can't CLEAN THINGS. Women can't WORK FOR MONEY." It's hard to believe how anyone doesn't see this as damaging. Freeman's grandmother is talking about a man-baby SHE CREATED. She tells Katie "that's just how men are, from birth" but really she TAUGHT her grandson to expect females to cater to his every whim, take care of all his needs, and accept his orders and opinions as law. SHE did that. The society she RAISED him in did that. Men aren't naturally 'child-like' and 'mulish' and unable to take criticism from people who don't wear pants, they are TAUGHT to be this way.
Anyway, that's my main beef with this book. My biggest problem. Instead of challenging his ideas and beliefs about women, Miller has Katie actually begin ASKING Freeman for advice on how to leash herself and curb herself and tamp down her 'opinions' and 'bossy nature.' She wants to be appealing to men, so she has to learn how to be a perfect
MY SECOND PROBLEM: KATIE Even though I liked Katie a lot more than I liked Freeman, I eventually had to admit that she was also a fucking idiot. She tends to lose her temper and make rash decisions. She blows things out of proportion a lot. Compared to Freeman, she's great, but even I have to admit she's got problems when viewed on her own. She makes some choices in this novel that were very cringe-inducing.
I can't see these two having a good marriage. They are NOT complementary towards each other. Actually, they are probably one of the more volatile couples I've seen roped together. And I don't mean volatile in a 'sexual chemistry' way. They are a powder keg and a match. I think the best case scenario is that they will fight and fight and fight and fight. Worst case scenario... I don't even want to go there, but it involves violence.
MENTIONS OF GOD: 33
HOW'S THE SEX, CARMEN?
No sex, this is Christian romance. Some light kissing. Katie initiates a kiss, then apologizes for acting 'inappropriately.' >.< This is so, so sad. It reminds me of Christy Miller - a series that deeply depressed me.
TL;DR A good illustration on how disgusting the patriarchy and how it damages absolutely everyone involved. A match made in hell.
ROMANCE CATEGORIES:
Animal Lovers' Romance - Freeman loves animals and rescues all sorts of strays in this book. Dogs, cats, birds... he adores animals and cares for them.
Contemporary Romance
Inspirational Romance
Virgin Hero Romance
Amish Romance
He's a Miller, She's a... nothing. As dictated by her society, her only job is to be wife/mother/help.
July 18, 2016
http://booksandchat.blogspot.com/
Emma Miller does it again, in my opinion. This is the perfect (for me) gentle romance that has a message, the perfect book that doesn’t push religion in your face even though it is an Amish/Christian romance. I am not a Christian, but I love these books because it makes the Amish belief so palatable to me.
However, had I not kept reading this book, I would have never have thought that these two could ever fall in love. I was tempted to give up after only reading a quarter of this book, because both of these characters were irritating. Actually I think they reminded myself of me and that is what most likely caused me to b e less than happy with this book.
I’m glad I persevered, since both finally came to see that they were both wrong and could both use a bit of a refresher on how to ‘manage’ others!
But the end proves that Sara ALWAYS knows what she is doing!
ARC supplied by publisher
Emma Miller does it again, in my opinion. This is the perfect (for me) gentle romance that has a message, the perfect book that doesn’t push religion in your face even though it is an Amish/Christian romance. I am not a Christian, but I love these books because it makes the Amish belief so palatable to me.
However, had I not kept reading this book, I would have never have thought that these two could ever fall in love. I was tempted to give up after only reading a quarter of this book, because both of these characters were irritating. Actually I think they reminded myself of me and that is what most likely caused me to b e less than happy with this book.
I’m glad I persevered, since both finally came to see that they were both wrong and could both use a bit of a refresher on how to ‘manage’ others!
But the end proves that Sara ALWAYS knows what she is doing!
ARC supplied by publisher
June 30, 2019
Katie Byler and Freeman Kemp had their own agenda on everything, thus they butted heads when Katie went to work for Freeman at the request of his Uncle Jehu, who was blind. Sara, the matchmaker, had a part in Katie having the job with Uncle Jehu and Freeman’s grandmother delighted. They were more appreciative of Katie being present than Freeman, except he agreed her cooking was better than eating the same foods over and over his grandmother made. There were some unexpected moments that gave a new perspective to Katie and Freeman in how they viewed each other. However watch out! There was a near disaster along with another marriage proposal that brought a wonderful ending to the story.
This was a used book I found at a store, thus a review was not necessarily; however, I’ve shared my own opinion.
This was a used book I found at a store, thus a review was not necessarily; however, I’ve shared my own opinion.
July 13, 2016
As the book opens Katie Byler is heading to Freeman Kemp’s home, actually Sara the Matchmaker is taking her. Now Katie lives with Sara and certainly is not interested in a match with bossy Freeman, and I chuckled as they arrive with Freeman inside as an invalid, with a broken leg, and having the same opinion of Katie, anyone but her!
Oil and vinegar, but maybe not, and Katie goes about her job, and what a job of cleaning up a two bachelor home, but she tackles it and she gets stubborn Freeman cleaned up too.
As her time there seems to go fast and about to end, the two may have made more than a not liking one another connection. I loved reading this and could just picture the happenings, both young and older relationships, yes more than one love connection!
I received this book through Net Galley and Love Inspired Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.
Oil and vinegar, but maybe not, and Katie goes about her job, and what a job of cleaning up a two bachelor home, but she tackles it and she gets stubborn Freeman cleaned up too.
As her time there seems to go fast and about to end, the two may have made more than a not liking one another connection. I loved reading this and could just picture the happenings, both young and older relationships, yes more than one love connection!
I received this book through Net Galley and Love Inspired Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.
December 25, 2018
This has been my favorite of the series, at least so far. It was fun reading the interactions between Katie and Freeman, what with Freeman being stuck in a bed and hating it. The way Katie handled the situation was great and it was nice seeing them both grow into better people.
August 7, 2016
Not my favorite by Emma Miller but it was okay. I think this Matchmaker series for me lacks the community feel and involvement that I'm looking for in Amish fiction. I did enjoy Jehu and Ivy and maybe they needed a little side story to keep it from getting too bogged down with Freeman and Katie and that emotion feel going back and forth for too long!
July 20, 2023
A cross between "The Taming of the Shrew" and "The Quiet Man", this is a book about two hard-headed, obnoxious people making life miserable for each other. He's a crotchety old bachelor who was raised an only child (read: spoiled) and wants his way - ALWAYS. She's a 'shrew' (←author's word), always sniping about things and demanding people do everything HER way, because her ideas are obviously better than yours.
They DESERVE each other. They're awful.
There's NOTHING loving or inspiring about this 'Love, Inspired' novel.
More, the author puts it off as the two of them playing matchmaker to his paternal uncle/maternal grandmother, but they really don't do anything to that end, aside from recommend he accompany her on a trip to the store, once. So... misrepresentation, there.
And while this is a continuation of the "Hannah's Daughters" series, as well as the "Amish Matchmaker" series, it moves outside of Seven Poplars while... not moving outside of Seven Poplars. The author is a hot mess where continuity is concerned. We're told Freeman grew up with Charley Byler and Eli Lapp... except Eli grew up in Pennsylvania and didn't show up until HD #1, so that's not true. And if Freeman's mill is in Charlie's school/church district, why does he go to a different church? Pastor Dan isn't one of Seven Poplar's preachers.
More, in the last book (AM#2), James Hostetler is a thin, shorter, graceful man. In this book he magically got to be a tall man (pg 32). ?!!? At the beginning of the book, Eli is his 'old friend', but when he runs off to catch the train at the end, he tosses his horse's reins at 'the young men who work in the chair shop', asking them to take the horse back to the mill for him, later - like he doesn't know Eli (WHO WORKS THERE).
We're told that Katie's completely overhauling his dirty and disgusting house (complete with three swallows' nests, tons of build-up in the windowsills, stuff that hasn't been moved/cleaned in years)... Except that doesn't jive, because in an Amish community, church rotates between the members' homes, and the women all pitch in to clean a place before the service is held there. Freeman's house would be on rotation, so IT WOULDN'T BE PRACTICALLY DERELICT the way the author is putting it out to be.
I'd also like to know why - a man who's only ever been a stone-ground flour miller - is able to hand-craft a beautiful bed with bluebirds and sheaves of wheat on it, like a master carver. Emma Miller obviously has released all grasp on reality with her series and just writes whatever the heck she wants instead of keeping track of her characters, storylines, and details.
The whole thing with Jakob the new blacksmith who was joining their community was ridiculous, too. Ellie - who's always been super kind and sweet and logical - goes off on this HUGE tirade because he's a little person like her. But then it gets stupid, because she insists she'd never marry someone outside of her faith. HELLO, if he's a BLACKSMITH joining their AMISH community, he *IS* of their faith!!! GAHHH!!!!
This isn't a good book. And I'm not even touching the patriarchy complaints others have (who obviously can't put themselves into lifestyles/scenarios outside their ken). Even with that aside? This thing was sub-par and badly done. It was constant sniping and harping and being bratty.
Skip it. You'll be happier.
They DESERVE each other. They're awful.
There's NOTHING loving or inspiring about this 'Love, Inspired' novel.
More, the author puts it off as the two of them playing matchmaker to his paternal uncle/maternal grandmother, but they really don't do anything to that end, aside from recommend he accompany her on a trip to the store, once. So... misrepresentation, there.
And while this is a continuation of the "Hannah's Daughters" series, as well as the "Amish Matchmaker" series, it moves outside of Seven Poplars while... not moving outside of Seven Poplars. The author is a hot mess where continuity is concerned. We're told Freeman grew up with Charley Byler and Eli Lapp... except Eli grew up in Pennsylvania and didn't show up until HD #1, so that's not true. And if Freeman's mill is in Charlie's school/church district, why does he go to a different church? Pastor Dan isn't one of Seven Poplar's preachers.
More, in the last book (AM#2), James Hostetler is a thin, shorter, graceful man. In this book he magically got to be a tall man (pg 32). ?!!? At the beginning of the book, Eli is his 'old friend', but when he runs off to catch the train at the end, he tosses his horse's reins at 'the young men who work in the chair shop', asking them to take the horse back to the mill for him, later - like he doesn't know Eli (WHO WORKS THERE).
We're told that Katie's completely overhauling his dirty and disgusting house (complete with three swallows' nests, tons of build-up in the windowsills, stuff that hasn't been moved/cleaned in years)... Except that doesn't jive, because in an Amish community, church rotates between the members' homes, and the women all pitch in to clean a place before the service is held there. Freeman's house would be on rotation, so IT WOULDN'T BE PRACTICALLY DERELICT the way the author is putting it out to be.
I'd also like to know why - a man who's only ever been a stone-ground flour miller - is able to hand-craft a beautiful bed with bluebirds and sheaves of wheat on it, like a master carver. Emma Miller obviously has released all grasp on reality with her series and just writes whatever the heck she wants instead of keeping track of her characters, storylines, and details.
The whole thing with Jakob the new blacksmith who was joining their community was ridiculous, too. Ellie - who's always been super kind and sweet and logical - goes off on this HUGE tirade because he's a little person like her. But then it gets stupid, because she insists she'd never marry someone outside of her faith. HELLO, if he's a BLACKSMITH joining their AMISH community, he *IS* of their faith!!! GAHHH!!!!
This isn't a good book. And I'm not even touching the patriarchy complaints others have (who obviously can't put themselves into lifestyles/scenarios outside their ken). Even with that aside? This thing was sub-par and badly done. It was constant sniping and harping and being bratty.
Skip it. You'll be happier.
December 14, 2016
A Beau for Katie teaches us that we have misconceptions about others. Katie and Freeman learn this several times throughout the book. Katie didn't like Freeman but becomes a housekeeper after Freeman breaks his leg. Parts of the story are funny and parts are sad. Katie and Freeman finally realize that they are in love with each other and Freeman asks Katie to be his Frau. A few days before the wedding he shows her a bedroom set that is a wedding gift for her. She finds out that is was a previous wedding gift for another girl who married another. Furious Katie leaves and decides to leave for Kentucky. After realizing that he was wrong Freeman finds out that Katie had left that morning to catch a train. Will he reach her in time to convince her to stay. Read to find out.
July 24, 2022
This is the 1st book I read by Emma Miller. I enjoyed this book's storyline. This story made me laugh 😂. I really liked the Christian ✝️ theme in this story. I really liked Kate's character. I really Freeman's character. I really liked the ending.
August 21, 2017
loved this series
January 31, 2018
Lovely Amish love story.
July 31, 2018
Always entertaining.
March 31, 2023
Amazing detail on Amish life. Simple love story and yet takes you to imagine beautiful landscapes and the simplicity of Amish ways..loved this book
August 15, 2016
This is the third book in The Amish Matchmakers Series. I do love Amish stories and I love stories of matchmakers so this one was a great read. This story is well written, heart-warming, and full of faith. I loved the characters.
Katie Byler agrees to become a housekeeper for a bachelor that had been injured by a bull. The man was too sure of himself and to strong willed but his grossmama and his blind uncle Jehu lived with him and they needed her help. It didn't enter her mind that the matchmaker was the one who set up this job. The timing was perfect since his brother had recently married and brought his wife home. They needed time alone so she would work there for two weeks. Unable to find a husband Katie has hired the matchmaker to broker a marriage with a former school mate now living in Florida. Sarah has another plan
Freeman Kemp took over the mill years ago. He is a strong man and lives his life as he sees fit. He was so busy he was able to keep from taking a wife. Now he is injured and unable to do anything so his uncle hires a housekeeper. They didn't need a housekeeper especially not the strong willed, outspoken Katie Byler. He needs a biddable woman, one that does exactly what he tells her. Katie goes right to work. He has to admit she worked hard, the house looks great, and her meals are much better than the oatmeal his grossmama fed them twice a day.
A journey of two strong willed people trying to have their own way but as sparks fly they are drawn to each other. God has a plan for these two. He has a plan for you too and its far greater than you ever dreamed. Give Him your heart and trust him. Have faith in God and watch Him work.
Katie Byler agrees to become a housekeeper for a bachelor that had been injured by a bull. The man was too sure of himself and to strong willed but his grossmama and his blind uncle Jehu lived with him and they needed her help. It didn't enter her mind that the matchmaker was the one who set up this job. The timing was perfect since his brother had recently married and brought his wife home. They needed time alone so she would work there for two weeks. Unable to find a husband Katie has hired the matchmaker to broker a marriage with a former school mate now living in Florida. Sarah has another plan
Freeman Kemp took over the mill years ago. He is a strong man and lives his life as he sees fit. He was so busy he was able to keep from taking a wife. Now he is injured and unable to do anything so his uncle hires a housekeeper. They didn't need a housekeeper especially not the strong willed, outspoken Katie Byler. He needs a biddable woman, one that does exactly what he tells her. Katie goes right to work. He has to admit she worked hard, the house looks great, and her meals are much better than the oatmeal his grossmama fed them twice a day.
A journey of two strong willed people trying to have their own way but as sparks fly they are drawn to each other. God has a plan for these two. He has a plan for you too and its far greater than you ever dreamed. Give Him your heart and trust him. Have faith in God and watch Him work.
June 18, 2016
4 STARS
I liked Katie Byler she is a strong willed, hard worker and all around nice person. She is not afraid to speak her mind when she believes she knows best.
Freeman Kemp always believes he knows what is best and doesn't like to be told different especially by a female. He is a hard worker. He runs the family stone ground mill since he was 21 when his parents died. He takes care of his blind Uncle and his grandma.
Freeman had a bad accident and broke his leg. His uncle hired the Matchmaker to find someone to clean there house and cook while he is laid up. He does not want help especially from Katie.
This is a charming clean read. Lots of drama between Katie and Freeman when both think there way is right. Lots of Amish way of life. I also like the secondary characters.
I would love to read more books by Emma Miller especially the Amish Matchmaker series.
I was given this ebook to read by NetGalley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give a honest review of A Beau for Katie.
I liked Katie Byler she is a strong willed, hard worker and all around nice person. She is not afraid to speak her mind when she believes she knows best.
Freeman Kemp always believes he knows what is best and doesn't like to be told different especially by a female. He is a hard worker. He runs the family stone ground mill since he was 21 when his parents died. He takes care of his blind Uncle and his grandma.
Freeman had a bad accident and broke his leg. His uncle hired the Matchmaker to find someone to clean there house and cook while he is laid up. He does not want help especially from Katie.
This is a charming clean read. Lots of drama between Katie and Freeman when both think there way is right. Lots of Amish way of life. I also like the secondary characters.
I would love to read more books by Emma Miller especially the Amish Matchmaker series.
I was given this ebook to read by NetGalley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give a honest review of A Beau for Katie.
August 23, 2016
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I absolutely love Amish fiction and really enjoyed reading A Beau For Katie. I'm not exactly sure that it 100% follows the Amish culture, but it was still a great read. Ms. Miller is an excellent storyteller who has developed great characters and knows how to keep a story going, but like I said, some things made me blink as I felt that they were more Englisch in nature than Amish.
As someone who is also obstinate, bossy, and not afraid of expressing that her way is the best way, I absolutely ADORE Katie and feel that she was absolutely one of the best female leads I've read about in recent memory. Freeman amused me as he was just as obstinate and bossy as Katie is (and there were a few times I wanted to strangle him, especially towards the end of the book)!
Uncle Jehu and Grossmammi Ivy were a great addition to the story and I hope that there will be a book about them in the future, as well as Sara (an Amish matchmaker! I didn't know that there was such a thing) and Ellie.
I absolutely love Amish fiction and really enjoyed reading A Beau For Katie. I'm not exactly sure that it 100% follows the Amish culture, but it was still a great read. Ms. Miller is an excellent storyteller who has developed great characters and knows how to keep a story going, but like I said, some things made me blink as I felt that they were more Englisch in nature than Amish.
As someone who is also obstinate, bossy, and not afraid of expressing that her way is the best way, I absolutely ADORE Katie and feel that she was absolutely one of the best female leads I've read about in recent memory. Freeman amused me as he was just as obstinate and bossy as Katie is (and there were a few times I wanted to strangle him, especially towards the end of the book)!
Uncle Jehu and Grossmammi Ivy were a great addition to the story and I hope that there will be a book about them in the future, as well as Sara (an Amish matchmaker! I didn't know that there was such a thing) and Ellie.
September 11, 2016
Emma Miller has a gift for creating believable characters and plots that bring them together! Bring in Sara Yoder, matchmaker and you know sparks will fly between Katie Byler and Freeman Kemp. The subplots of other family members, especially the uncle and grandmother are fluid and special. Looking forward to reading other stories in "The Amish Matchmaker" series. Who's next?!
Read
August 6, 2016"Katie is a wily, strong-willed woman, which creates some interesting scenes between her and Freeman. The characters overall, as well as the storyline, feel authentic" (4 stars @ RT Book Reviews).
Miniseries: The Amish Matchmaker
Miniseries: The Amish Matchmaker
August 4, 2016
I read this on the Kindle
This is the 3rd in the Amish Matchmaker series while they are a series each one can be stand alone as they tell of a couple with this being no different two people very much alike & butt heads
It was a nice read & did enjoy it
This is the 3rd in the Amish Matchmaker series while they are a series each one can be stand alone as they tell of a couple with this being no different two people very much alike & butt heads
It was a nice read & did enjoy it
November 17, 2016
This was such an excellent book, Katie has a mind of her own but so does Freeman, Freeman believes woman should mind their manners and their men, all while keeping quiet. Sparks fly. I really enjoyed this book and the side story was just as good.
Read
July 31, 2016received 4 stars @ RT Book Reviews
Miniseries: The Amish Matchmaker
Miniseries: The Amish Matchmaker
August 7, 2016
Strong willed Katie Byler good worker falls in love with Freeman who just broke his leg. After several twists and turns they end up getting married. Well done Emma Miller!!
September 19, 2016
Good book!
October 12, 2016
This was a sweet, sweet story.
My first by Emma Miller but I imagine I will be reading more.
It was a unique story line, and I enjoyed it!
My first by Emma Miller but I imagine I will be reading more.
It was a unique story line, and I enjoyed it!
October 23, 2016
Maybe a little more. Utterly predictable, but very, very sweet.
July 10, 2017
The ending seemed a bit quick but the story was great.
April 1, 2017
Great read
I have this book 5 stars because it kept you interested from page 1 to the end. It was a book I didn't want to put down. I love all the characters and how characters from her other books reappear through out.I highly recommend to everyone.
I have this book 5 stars because it kept you interested from page 1 to the end. It was a book I didn't want to put down. I love all the characters and how characters from her other books reappear through out.I highly recommend to everyone.
November 15, 2017
A Beau for Katie is the third book written by Emma Miller in her The Amish Matchmaker series. In this book we are taken back to Seven Poplars and to Sara's house once again. We are quickly reacquainted with characters from the previous books but we also meet Katie Byler, Freeman Kemp, Ivy Freeman's grandmother, and Uncle Jehu. The characters are strong, witty, and loving. Katie was my favorite because she sounds alot like me.
When the story starts Freeman has been injured by a bull and is suffering with a broken thigh bone. Confined to his bed the housework and cooking is really suffering so Uncle Jehu has gone behind Freeman's back and hired a housekeeper for two weeks. Freeman is not thrilled but consents for her to come so he doesn't have to eat anymore oatmeal. Katie has had a run in with Freeman in the past but she goes to Freeman's house anyway. When Katie arrives Freeman has a buddy fit and tries to refuse Katie's help. What does Katie do to convince him to let her work? Will the clash between them settle down so they can at least be cordial to each other or does Katie manage to cause more friction?
The storyline is very enjoyable and the sub storyline is very heartwarming. How many couples will Wed in this book or will Katie and Freeman remain just good friends? This is a fast read because the story will keep you flipping pages just to experience what happens next.
I was not given an advanced complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I have rated this book with five stars for such a heartwarming story filled with love, faith, and humor. highly recommend this book to all those who love the Amish genre and romance. All opinions and statements expressed are strictly my own.
Congratulations to Emma Miller on once again writing and releasing another outstanding story for her readers. I will be anticipating more books from this author in the future.
When the story starts Freeman has been injured by a bull and is suffering with a broken thigh bone. Confined to his bed the housework and cooking is really suffering so Uncle Jehu has gone behind Freeman's back and hired a housekeeper for two weeks. Freeman is not thrilled but consents for her to come so he doesn't have to eat anymore oatmeal. Katie has had a run in with Freeman in the past but she goes to Freeman's house anyway. When Katie arrives Freeman has a buddy fit and tries to refuse Katie's help. What does Katie do to convince him to let her work? Will the clash between them settle down so they can at least be cordial to each other or does Katie manage to cause more friction?
The storyline is very enjoyable and the sub storyline is very heartwarming. How many couples will Wed in this book or will Katie and Freeman remain just good friends? This is a fast read because the story will keep you flipping pages just to experience what happens next.
I was not given an advanced complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I have rated this book with five stars for such a heartwarming story filled with love, faith, and humor. highly recommend this book to all those who love the Amish genre and romance. All opinions and statements expressed are strictly my own.
Congratulations to Emma Miller on once again writing and releasing another outstanding story for her readers. I will be anticipating more books from this author in the future.
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