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Women of Lancaster County #1
A Secret Amish Love
A Forbidden Romance
Nell Stoltzfus has always valued her independence--but with her father insisting she marry, she's feeling the pressure to figure out her future. A decision that is further complicated when she falls for English veterinarian James Pierce. Nell knows her romantic feelings for James are forbidden in her Amish community. Yet the connection they share only seems to grow deeper when she starts working at his clinic. As Nell's father urges her to choose an Amish husband, she finds herself torn between devotion to her family and her heart's only wish. Can Nell turn her secret love for James into a happy ending?
Nell Stoltzfus has always valued her independence--but with her father insisting she marry, she's feeling the pressure to figure out her future. A decision that is further complicated when she falls for English veterinarian James Pierce. Nell knows her romantic feelings for James are forbidden in her Amish community. Yet the connection they share only seems to grow deeper when she starts working at his clinic. As Nell's father urges her to choose an Amish husband, she finds herself torn between devotion to her family and her heart's only wish. Can Nell turn her secret love for James into a happy ending?
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published June 20, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 5, 2018
Tragic, fucked-up story about the patriarchy. Don't have an opening quote for this.
Nell, an Amish woman, had a secret English love five years ago. No one knew about him, not even her family. She was going to marry him. But he was killed when he was hit by a drunk driver.
In her despair, she was baptized into the Amish faith. Even though she would have happily left the Amish community to marry her love, Michael. Now she has met another Englischer she's secretly falling in love with. He is a gentle veterinarian named James.
My biggest hope was that Nell would leave her Amish community to marry the veterinarian (James) and live happily ever after. Unfortunately, that's not what happens. James gives up everything to become Amish, in a tragic, horrifying turn of events.
There's a lot to complain about here.
Nell is 24, so her father wants her to get married and start popping out babies. You are not able to be single in the Amish community. You must marry and have children. There's no choice not to do this.
No one in her family knows about her secret love affair with Michael when she was 19. And if they did, they still wouldn't give a fuck. She has to marry. Doesn't matter if she loves the man or not.
Her father has gotten impatient with her. He orders her to get married or he will choose a husband for her. He's got an eye on a man in his sixties.
I know what you are thinking. What kind of person plots to marry off their daughter (24) to a man in his sixties?!?!!? He must be an asshole, right? Well, Kertz seems to believe that Nell's father is a kind, lenient, caring father. Yeah, it's like she honestly believes that shit.
Which brings me to my next point: animals. So, the Amish believe animals are soulless and put on Earth to serve man. They don't love animals or cherish them. I mean, we all know about Amish puppy mills, am I right? Because Nell loves and cares for animals, she is seen as soft in the head. Her father warns her that the man who marries her might not feel the same about animals, and he might demand she give up all pets and she may not be happy with how he treats animals on his property. Of course, she has no say because she will become her husband's property and obedient slave upon marriage. And she HAS to get married.
It's probably at least part of the reason she's sexually and romantically attracted to the veterinarian. He cares for animals and doesn't see her as weak for caring about animals.
In case you think the patriarchy might be horrible for women, but completely wonderful to men, let me give you this example: Nell is ordered to marry a man whose wife died LAST NIGHT. Literally she is not even buried yet and they are being ordered to wed. He has a two-year-old son who needs a mother - because men cannot cook or clean in this society, so when their wife dies they are helpless and unable to do basic things like prepare food. Even though (hopefully) he loved his wife and is grieving her, he is ordered to marry a stranger the next day. For his own good and the good of his child. FUCK loving someone or having time to get over your wife's death, am I right? Horrible for Nell and horrible for this poor widower.
MENTIONS OF GOD: 53, relatively light for this sub-sub-genre.
HOW'S THE SEX, CARMEN?
No sex, this is Christian romance fiction. A few kisses.
I have to say, though, to Kertz's credit - Nell and James are sexually attracted to each other. Kertz does not pretend that being a Christian stops you from being turned-on. Many Christian authors do pretend this. But you know that James and Nell want each other sexually. Very rare in this sub-sub-genre, even though there is no sex in here.
TL;DR Even though most will interpret this as a romantic story with a happy ending, I see it as a tragedy with a horrifying ending. What a perfect reason to leave the Amish community and be happy and work. She would gain a husband, a job, and freedom from at least the Amish form of patriarchy all in one fell swoop.
Unfortunately, Kertz goes in the opposite direction and horrifyingly has James join the Amish community. WHY. FOR FUCK'S SAKE. WHY. :(
ROMANCE CATEGORIES:
Animal Lovers' Romance
Contemporary Romance
Inspirational Romance
Virgin Hero Romance - I'm guessing, I have no way of truly knowing
Amish Romance
He's a Veterinarian, She's a... Amish Women Aren't Allowed To Work for Pay
Nell, an Amish woman, had a secret English love five years ago. No one knew about him, not even her family. She was going to marry him. But he was killed when he was hit by a drunk driver.
In her despair, she was baptized into the Amish faith. Even though she would have happily left the Amish community to marry her love, Michael. Now she has met another Englischer she's secretly falling in love with. He is a gentle veterinarian named James.
My biggest hope was that Nell would leave her Amish community to marry the veterinarian (James) and live happily ever after. Unfortunately, that's not what happens. James gives up everything to become Amish, in a tragic, horrifying turn of events.
There's a lot to complain about here.
Nell is 24, so her father wants her to get married and start popping out babies. You are not able to be single in the Amish community. You must marry and have children. There's no choice not to do this.
No one in her family knows about her secret love affair with Michael when she was 19. And if they did, they still wouldn't give a fuck. She has to marry. Doesn't matter if she loves the man or not.
Her father has gotten impatient with her. He orders her to get married or he will choose a husband for her. He's got an eye on a man in his sixties.
I know what you are thinking. What kind of person plots to marry off their daughter (24) to a man in his sixties?!?!!? He must be an asshole, right? Well, Kertz seems to believe that Nell's father is a kind, lenient, caring father. Yeah, it's like she honestly believes that shit.
Which brings me to my next point: animals. So, the Amish believe animals are soulless and put on Earth to serve man. They don't love animals or cherish them. I mean, we all know about Amish puppy mills, am I right? Because Nell loves and cares for animals, she is seen as soft in the head. Her father warns her that the man who marries her might not feel the same about animals, and he might demand she give up all pets and she may not be happy with how he treats animals on his property. Of course, she has no say because she will become her husband's property and obedient slave upon marriage. And she HAS to get married.
It's probably at least part of the reason she's sexually and romantically attracted to the veterinarian. He cares for animals and doesn't see her as weak for caring about animals.
In case you think the patriarchy might be horrible for women, but completely wonderful to men, let me give you this example: Nell is ordered to marry a man whose wife died LAST NIGHT. Literally she is not even buried yet and they are being ordered to wed. He has a two-year-old son who needs a mother - because men cannot cook or clean in this society, so when their wife dies they are helpless and unable to do basic things like prepare food. Even though (hopefully) he loved his wife and is grieving her, he is ordered to marry a stranger the next day. For his own good and the good of his child. FUCK loving someone or having time to get over your wife's death, am I right? Horrible for Nell and horrible for this poor widower.
MENTIONS OF GOD: 53, relatively light for this sub-sub-genre.
HOW'S THE SEX, CARMEN?
No sex, this is Christian romance fiction. A few kisses.
I have to say, though, to Kertz's credit - Nell and James are sexually attracted to each other. Kertz does not pretend that being a Christian stops you from being turned-on. Many Christian authors do pretend this. But you know that James and Nell want each other sexually. Very rare in this sub-sub-genre, even though there is no sex in here.
TL;DR Even though most will interpret this as a romantic story with a happy ending, I see it as a tragedy with a horrifying ending. What a perfect reason to leave the Amish community and be happy and work. She would gain a husband, a job, and freedom from at least the Amish form of patriarchy all in one fell swoop.
Unfortunately, Kertz goes in the opposite direction and horrifyingly has James join the Amish community. WHY. FOR FUCK'S SAKE. WHY. :(
ROMANCE CATEGORIES:
Animal Lovers' Romance
Contemporary Romance
Inspirational Romance
Virgin Hero Romance - I'm guessing, I have no way of truly knowing
Amish Romance
He's a Veterinarian, She's a... Amish Women Aren't Allowed To Work for Pay
June 28, 2017
This was a really fun Amish fiction read that kept you on the edge of your seat waiting to find out how the main conflict of Amish versus English would play out. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoy this genre.
August 22, 2020
I really admire the characteristics of Nell and James in this story. There were plenty of surprises that made it a delightful read. I enjoyed how the hero and heroine both loved animals. I appreciate the understanding and acceptance his step-dad gave him showing that the Amish are ordinary individuals and not hard core like so many Englishers see them to be.
October 13, 2019
A Secret Amish Love is the first story written by Rebecca Kertz in her Women of Lancaster County series. This story is one I really enjoyed because of the involvement of many animal lovers. The characters are very well defined and very interesting. I was drawn into this story from the very beginning and because of its fast pace I remained interested until the conclusion.
The author has told a heartbreaking and heartwarming story of animal abuse that shows the power of forgiveness. The love story that she developed is simply amazing. However, the outcome may surprise you.
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 because of authors ability to bring to light the change a single person can make in a community.
Congratulations to Rebecca Kertz on writing another fantastic story for her readers enjoyment.
The author has told a heartbreaking and heartwarming story of animal abuse that shows the power of forgiveness. The love story that she developed is simply amazing. However, the outcome may surprise you.
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 because of authors ability to bring to light the change a single person can make in a community.
Congratulations to Rebecca Kertz on writing another fantastic story for her readers enjoyment.
August 23, 2017
What a delightful story line. I love the strong will of Nell but also see the vulnerability too. James is a amazing character who has pushed himself since his fathers death. Nell's and James's strong attraction is held at bay because Nell is a member of the church and James is an Englisher. Will they come together or will their relationship be doomed. Book one in the Women of Lancaster County is amazing. Cant wait til the next book or books.
June 14, 2020
Forbidden Love,
This is my first book by this author, and I'm hooked. I can't wait to read many more of her books. The only think I didn't care was Nell's father. He was pushy, controlling, and without feelings. Great book!
This is my first book by this author, and I'm hooked. I can't wait to read many more of her books. The only think I didn't care was Nell's father. He was pushy, controlling, and without feelings. Great book!
August 23, 2024
I enjoyed this story.The strong attraction between Nell & James seem to bring excitement to the story. James as an "Englisher" and Veterinarian keep my attention just didn't care for the farther much .
May 10, 2017
I love reading about the Amish and their way of life.
June 16, 2017
A Secret Amish Love by Rebecca Kertz
Loved this book and held my interest right from the beginning. I love reading Amish romance.
Loved this book and held my interest right from the beginning. I love reading Amish romance.
January 6, 2018
Loved it!! Wish the story didn't end!
March 26, 2023
First book in *THIS* series, but this series is a continuation of ANOTHER series, so you're going to have at least nine couples and their backstories referred to that you have no idea about. This does NOT make it easy on us as readers.
Nell is the oldest girl in an Amish family, but instead of being mother's helper (as most eldest Amish girls are), Kertz tells us that Nell is the animal lover and spends all of her time with the livestock and her pets. What pets are these, you ask? A new-to-her puppy. Oh, and she gets a kitten halfway thru the story. So... if she's 24 and she's *JUST* getting pets, how can this girl have all of these 'animals' that she loves? She doesn't . You're expected to take Kertz's word for it, with absolutely no evidence. BAD WRITING.
And it goes ON and ON, too. "You spend too much time with your animals". "I know you love your critters..." WHAT. CRITTERS?!?!?!??! She has a puppy and a kitten obtained IN THIS BOOK!!! GAHHHH!!!!
Heck, I have more animals as an Englisch country-dweller (goats, bees, rabbits, ducks, chickens, dog, six guinea pigs, fish) than this girl has - but she "loves her animals". What. E.V.E.R.
She goes to the vet with the new-to-her puppy that she saw thrown out of a moving car, and falls head over heels for an 'Englisch' veteranarian, James. Except James is not exactly Englisch - his mother was Amish, left to marry an Englischer (his dad), then returned to the church and re-became Amish after his death, taking James and his siblings with her to the Amish life.
James refuses to embrace the lifestyle change, wanting to be a vet like his father was before him... so he's never baptized into the Amish faith. Which means he's *NOT* shunned, and can 1) visit his family all he likes, 2) attend services and gatherings, and 3) join the faith at any time.
So this whole *FORBIDDEN LOVE* thing is a stretch - it's not like he's not familiar with her ways, dressing like the Amish on weekends, going to church and gatherings with her, etc. And it's not like it's this HUGE revelation, that he *CAN* have Nell, by simply joining the faith, in the end... but Kertz acts like it is. It's... overblown and anti-climatic.
The 'Daddy-making-her-marry-an-older-man' thing isn't what other reviewers are saying it is. He wants her to marry their bishop, who likely *ISN'T* that much older, as he has a 2yo little boy. We aren't told, because Kertz isn't one for a whole lot of description, fleshing out of her stories, or actual plot writing. Which, in case it's not clear, isn't a compliment.
The writing is shallow and juvenile. It's also very confused - for example, on pg 29 Kertz has Nell's family going to the Mast house for visiting Sunday, where James and his family also show up, because the family are friends. But then on pg 131 Kertz has James shocked that his sisters know Nell and her sisters. What the farts?!?!?
Pg 137 they have a confrontation about how they can't be together because he's Englisch and she's Amish... and then on pg 145 we're told Nell has to have a confrontation with James about how he's English and she's Amish, so they can't be together. GAHHHHHH!!!! We already *DID* this!!!!
Then James' accident. He breaks a collarbone, bruises his face up on an airbag (?!) Both my husband and I have been in an accident with airbags deployed, and neither one of us had two black eyes and a bruised/swollen nose so... what the heck?! As to the collarbone, a broken collarbone requires the arm to be stabilized in a sling to keep movement to a minimum for 6-8 weeks, but apparently Kertz felt that the broken collarbone merely meant that he can't get in or out of chairs without help (!?!?!? WHAT IS THAT?!?!?!)... and no sling needed, as he's fully able to use that arm/shoulder.
((((sigh.)))) Research, people. It takes NO time to look up treatments, hello...
So no. This is *NOT* a keeper.
I did not enjoy it. It's not worth the time to read.
And I'm really sorry about that, because it could've been good.
Nell is the oldest girl in an Amish family, but instead of being mother's helper (as most eldest Amish girls are), Kertz tells us that Nell is the animal lover and spends all of her time with the livestock and her pets. What pets are these, you ask? A new-to-her puppy. Oh, and she gets a kitten halfway thru the story. So... if she's 24 and she's *JUST* getting pets, how can this girl have all of these 'animals' that she loves? She doesn't . You're expected to take Kertz's word for it, with absolutely no evidence. BAD WRITING.
And it goes ON and ON, too. "You spend too much time with your animals". "I know you love your critters..." WHAT. CRITTERS?!?!?!??! She has a puppy and a kitten obtained IN THIS BOOK!!! GAHHHH!!!!
Heck, I have more animals as an Englisch country-dweller (goats, bees, rabbits, ducks, chickens, dog, six guinea pigs, fish) than this girl has - but she "loves her animals". What. E.V.E.R.
She goes to the vet with the new-to-her puppy that she saw thrown out of a moving car, and falls head over heels for an 'Englisch' veteranarian, James. Except James is not exactly Englisch - his mother was Amish, left to marry an Englischer (his dad), then returned to the church and re-became Amish after his death, taking James and his siblings with her to the Amish life.
James refuses to embrace the lifestyle change, wanting to be a vet like his father was before him... so he's never baptized into the Amish faith. Which means he's *NOT* shunned, and can 1) visit his family all he likes, 2) attend services and gatherings, and 3) join the faith at any time.
So this whole *FORBIDDEN LOVE* thing is a stretch - it's not like he's not familiar with her ways, dressing like the Amish on weekends, going to church and gatherings with her, etc. And it's not like it's this HUGE revelation, that he *CAN* have Nell, by simply joining the faith, in the end... but Kertz acts like it is. It's... overblown and anti-climatic.
The 'Daddy-making-her-marry-an-older-man' thing isn't what other reviewers are saying it is. He wants her to marry their bishop, who likely *ISN'T* that much older, as he has a 2yo little boy. We aren't told, because Kertz isn't one for a whole lot of description, fleshing out of her stories, or actual plot writing. Which, in case it's not clear, isn't a compliment.
The writing is shallow and juvenile. It's also very confused - for example, on pg 29 Kertz has Nell's family going to the Mast house for visiting Sunday, where James and his family also show up, because the family are friends. But then on pg 131 Kertz has James shocked that his sisters know Nell and her sisters. What the farts?!?!?
Pg 137 they have a confrontation about how they can't be together because he's Englisch and she's Amish... and then on pg 145 we're told Nell has to have a confrontation with James about how he's English and she's Amish, so they can't be together. GAHHHHHH!!!! We already *DID* this!!!!
Then James' accident. He breaks a collarbone, bruises his face up on an airbag (?!) Both my husband and I have been in an accident with airbags deployed, and neither one of us had two black eyes and a bruised/swollen nose so... what the heck?! As to the collarbone, a broken collarbone requires the arm to be stabilized in a sling to keep movement to a minimum for 6-8 weeks, but apparently Kertz felt that the broken collarbone merely meant that he can't get in or out of chairs without help (!?!?!? WHAT IS THAT?!?!?!)... and no sling needed, as he's fully able to use that arm/shoulder.
((((sigh.)))) Research, people. It takes NO time to look up treatments, hello...
So no. This is *NOT* a keeper.
I did not enjoy it. It's not worth the time to read.
And I'm really sorry about that, because it could've been good.
March 12, 2021
I'm baffled by any part of this seeming to be romantic, other than James being willing to do what it took to be with Nell. The fact that Nell would choose to stay in a community that values her so poorly and degrades her at every opportunity is horrible and yet sadly admired by other readers.
Nell's love of animals is looked down upon and she is reminded that she will have to grow up and stop caring for them at some point. The one sister she confides in, about her past, brushes her off. She is hassled every few days about marriage as if the contributions she makes in her own home are worthless. Nell's father is all too ready to force her to marry first a 60 year old man, followed by a man whose wife has died a mere 12 hours earlier. Yet, her father is seen as compassionate and loving and claims he values her happiness. No one questions these practices because cult mentality is strong.
The conversation amongst the characters is choppy and stilted. I can't tell how much of that is meant to be "accurate" and how much of it is just poor writing. Nell's sisters are harsh with her and all families interact with each other like they are casual acquaintances seeing each other at the grocery store. The only personality we get in their conversing is when the author tells us they are laughing. Apparently show, don't tell isn't a consideration here.
In a horrifying moment James returns to the Amish community, giving up everything he has worked for. The book makes no mention of him becoming more religious and it appears that he is only doing it to marry Nell. How he can see how miserable she is and want to keep her in that environment is beyond me. I hope their children fare better in the future.
Lastly, the author has a habit of stating things and never coming back to them. She also places the characters into situations without explaining how they got there in the first place. It is confusing and leaves lots of other dangling plot lines.
Overall I wouldn't read it again. There are plenty of other Amish romance books with more depth of character, less repeated story lines, and written in more entertaining manners.
Nell's love of animals is looked down upon and she is reminded that she will have to grow up and stop caring for them at some point. The one sister she confides in, about her past, brushes her off. She is hassled every few days about marriage as if the contributions she makes in her own home are worthless. Nell's father is all too ready to force her to marry first a 60 year old man, followed by a man whose wife has died a mere 12 hours earlier. Yet, her father is seen as compassionate and loving and claims he values her happiness. No one questions these practices because cult mentality is strong.
The conversation amongst the characters is choppy and stilted. I can't tell how much of that is meant to be "accurate" and how much of it is just poor writing. Nell's sisters are harsh with her and all families interact with each other like they are casual acquaintances seeing each other at the grocery store. The only personality we get in their conversing is when the author tells us they are laughing. Apparently show, don't tell isn't a consideration here.
In a horrifying moment James returns to the Amish community, giving up everything he has worked for. The book makes no mention of him becoming more religious and it appears that he is only doing it to marry Nell. How he can see how miserable she is and want to keep her in that environment is beyond me. I hope their children fare better in the future.
Lastly, the author has a habit of stating things and never coming back to them. She also places the characters into situations without explaining how they got there in the first place. It is confusing and leaves lots of other dangling plot lines.
Overall I wouldn't read it again. There are plenty of other Amish romance books with more depth of character, less repeated story lines, and written in more entertaining manners.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2017
This book was okay. The whole three more days,two days of working at the animal clinic got boring fast. I also found the sisters in this book very harsh and quick to point out again and again "He's English".
January 21, 2020
This is a sweet Amish romance where rescuing injured animals is a prominent theme. From what I can tell, the Amish community in this book is new order, not old order.
April 19, 2024
Not terrible but com'on, you can't introduce conflict with no follow. So much focus on being Amish but very little sights of the culture.
June 6, 2025
Another sweet Amish read, book 1 of 3 in series.
December 5, 2025
very good book
January 28, 2026
I loved ❤️ this book's storyline. I loved ❤️ the Christian ✝️ theme in this story. I loved ❤️ Nell's character. I loved ❤️ James's character. I loved ❤️ the ending. Awesome job Ms. Kertz.
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July 1, 2017Miniseries: Women of Lancaster County
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July 1, 2017Miniseries: Women of Lancaster County
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews