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Colorado Amish Courtships #1
Runaway Amish Bride
His Amish bride arrives…but he never proposed!
Surprises await in Colorado Amish Courtships
Widower Jakob Fisher isn’t interested in remarrying, even to pretty Abigail Miller. But thanks to his daed ’s meddling, Abby’s sitting in his Colorado farmhouse, expecting to be wed. While Jakob can’t offer marriage, he can give Abby a job caring for his young children. But when he starts to fall for her, could Abby make Jakob’s familye happy and whole once again?
Surprises await in Colorado Amish Courtships
Widower Jakob Fisher isn’t interested in remarrying, even to pretty Abigail Miller. But thanks to his daed ’s meddling, Abby’s sitting in his Colorado farmhouse, expecting to be wed. While Jakob can’t offer marriage, he can give Abby a job caring for his young children. But when he starts to fall for her, could Abby make Jakob’s familye happy and whole once again?
368 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2018
46 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Leigh Bale
60 books107 followersLeigh Bale is Publisher's Weekly best selling author. She won the prestigious RWA Golden Heart in 2006 and was a finalist for the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, the Write Touch Reader's Award and the Bookseller's Best Award. She is the daughter of a retired U.S. forest ranger, holds a B.A. in History with honors and loves spending time with family, weeding the garden with her dog Sophie, and watching the little sagebrush lizards that live in her rock flowerbeds. You can reach Leigh at www.LeighBale.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 15, 2021
As family, memories, love, and longing entangle into fraught relationships, faith, patience, and understanding persevere to build new, lasting friendships and a loving family.
I appreciate the gentle lessons that Love Inspired books impart. Some are direct and to the point, while others are more subtly shared, but all remind me of the qualities I wish to embrace and embody. I found this to be a refreshing and self-reflective read which prompted me to be more contemplative of my own character. It’s a feel-good read that enters your heart and fills you with a desire to do and be better yourself.
I appreciate the gentle lessons that Love Inspired books impart. Some are direct and to the point, while others are more subtly shared, but all remind me of the qualities I wish to embrace and embody. I found this to be a refreshing and self-reflective read which prompted me to be more contemplative of my own character. It’s a feel-good read that enters your heart and fills you with a desire to do and be better yourself.
July 6, 2018
Runaway Amish bride, well kind of, but not quite, especially as you quickly turn the pages, and not all is as it appears.
The author touches on some tough subjects here, and we meet them head on with putting faces to how people deal with grief, especially children. One little boy was naughty, but you will chuckle on how this young fellow deals with what he perceives as a threat to his deceased mom. Poor Abby!
We also put a face to abuse, both physical and mental, and how to deal with someone that has had that happened to them, all the while wondering how such evil could exist in supposedly Godly people?
Will warn you that once you turn the first page you will not be able to put the book down, it is a real compelling read.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.
The author touches on some tough subjects here, and we meet them head on with putting faces to how people deal with grief, especially children. One little boy was naughty, but you will chuckle on how this young fellow deals with what he perceives as a threat to his deceased mom. Poor Abby!
We also put a face to abuse, both physical and mental, and how to deal with someone that has had that happened to them, all the while wondering how such evil could exist in supposedly Godly people?
Will warn you that once you turn the first page you will not be able to put the book down, it is a real compelling read.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.
July 19, 2018
This was a sweet story and one that actually includes issues that non-Amish usually face.
As you can tell by the synopsis Jakob has lost his wife and child within the last year, he has also recently lost his father who had made arrangements without Jakob's knowledge to set up a marriage with Abby who has come from Ohio to Colorado to get married to Jakob. (wow that was a heck of a sentence!). Well, things don't go as planned and as per the usual plot line -Jakob doesn't feel that he can ever love again and Abby won't marry unless she is loved and comes first.
While this is a religious book it is not overly so if you are looking for a 'clean' and sweet romance this will hit the right buttons for you.
The only issue I had is that I wasn't sure if the research on the Amish was as careful as it should have been -I (in all of my Amish reading) have never heard of an Amish sect that worked on a Sunday and that includes the women cooking. They (in the books I have read) have always had cold meals that were prepared ahead of the Sabbath.
*ARC supplied by the publisher.
As you can tell by the synopsis Jakob has lost his wife and child within the last year, he has also recently lost his father who had made arrangements without Jakob's knowledge to set up a marriage with Abby who has come from Ohio to Colorado to get married to Jakob. (wow that was a heck of a sentence!). Well, things don't go as planned and as per the usual plot line -Jakob doesn't feel that he can ever love again and Abby won't marry unless she is loved and comes first.
While this is a religious book it is not overly so if you are looking for a 'clean' and sweet romance this will hit the right buttons for you.
The only issue I had is that I wasn't sure if the research on the Amish was as careful as it should have been -I (in all of my Amish reading) have never heard of an Amish sect that worked on a Sunday and that includes the women cooking. They (in the books I have read) have always had cold meals that were prepared ahead of the Sabbath.
*ARC supplied by the publisher.
July 19, 2018
This was a sweet story and one that actually includes issues that non-Amish usually face.
As you can tell by the synopsis Jakob has lost his wife and child within the last year, he has also recently lost his father who had made arrangements without Jakob's knowledge to set up a marriage with Abby who has come from Ohio to Colorado to get married to Jakob. (wow that was a heck of a sentence!). Well, things don't go as planned and as per the usual plot line -Jakob doesn't feel that he can ever love again and Abby won't marry unless she is loved and comes first.
While this is a religious book it is not overly so if you are looking for a 'clean' and sweet romance this will hit the right buttons for you.
The only issue I had is that I wasn't sure if the research on the Amish was as careful as it should have been -I (in all of my Amish reading) have never heard of an Amish sect that worked on a Sunday and that includes the women cooking. They (in the books I have read) have always had cold meals that were prepared ahead of the Sabbath.
*ARC supplied by the publisher.
As you can tell by the synopsis Jakob has lost his wife and child within the last year, he has also recently lost his father who had made arrangements without Jakob's knowledge to set up a marriage with Abby who has come from Ohio to Colorado to get married to Jakob. (wow that was a heck of a sentence!). Well, things don't go as planned and as per the usual plot line -Jakob doesn't feel that he can ever love again and Abby won't marry unless she is loved and comes first.
While this is a religious book it is not overly so if you are looking for a 'clean' and sweet romance this will hit the right buttons for you.
The only issue I had is that I wasn't sure if the research on the Amish was as careful as it should have been -I (in all of my Amish reading) have never heard of an Amish sect that worked on a Sunday and that includes the women cooking. They (in the books I have read) have always had cold meals that were prepared ahead of the Sabbath.
*ARC supplied by the publisher.
April 1, 2022
I've read a Leigh Bale book before, and really liked it (four stars!), so when I found another in my stack of 'to-read's, I picked this up, anticipating a good read. This was NOT a good read.
In this book, Abby Miller is an abused Amish girl. When I say 'abused', I mean scars all over her back from being lashed, cowering when any man comes near to her, always having to be facing any males in proximity to her, in order to keep her eye on them. Her father beat her, and then her brother beat her.
This is UN. BELIEVABLE. Amish are peaceful, non-violent people. All she'd have to do is show her back to the elders, and they'd remove her from the situation. It's beyond obvious that this woman was tortured as a child/young girl. Considering things, I'm surprised she didn't take off for the Englisch during her rumspringa - even the 'heathen' believers would be better than being beaten. But no. She stays until she's in her TWENTIES with her family. That would never happen.
There is *one* man she isn't afraid of. Jakob Fischer stood up to her brother and saved her from a whipping in the fields once when she was eight (!!) - WHY WAS NOBODY ADDRESSING THIS PROBLEM, if it was visibly happening in public?!?!? Shouldn't this have been investigated?!
Anyhow, Jakob moved to Colorado, got married, had kids, his wife died in childbirth (along with the baby), and he's widowed, now. So his dad writes back to Ohio on behalf of his son and arranges a marriage between him and Abby. Then promptly dies before Abby arrives OR he tells his son what he's done. Because reasons.
Jakob is furious - he's not ready to marry again. He's devoted to a corpse, totally and utterly. But he has to be kind, because all Amish are (*cough*), so he invites her to live in the house with his mom and kids while he lives in the dawdi haus with his grandfather. Because his mom is old and tired. Except he's in his late twenties and the firstborn, which would make his mom 48-ish... but she's written up like she's pushing seventy and short of breath and elderly and overcome with... baking. Ummm???
Anyhow, it's just until Abby finds a guy to marry in Colorado... because the Bishop assures her that even though Jakob won't marry her, there are a TON of single men and not enough women to go around in the growing Colorado settlement. Except later we're told that because Jakob rejected her and she rejects Martin, there "are few other options". (Pg 142). Riiiight.
Anyhow, the characterization of Abby is absolutely conflicted. Mostly because Bale has never been physically abused. There is NO WAY that Abby would be putting on a brave face directly after any sort of conflict. She'd cower and lick wounds. She wouldn't bounce right back like sunshine - she'd berate herself and turn inwards to protect herself. When she burns the pies, she would see it as an absolute failure and sign that she deserved punishment, and even when it didn't come, she would NOT be able to let it go and la-ti-da along, directly afterwards. And that's what Abby does. Pg 62 she simply gives them a smile and let's it go. Not. Even.
Pg 71, she tries to guilt Reuben for his pranks on her, a la Maria von Trapp... that's NOT how the Amish would behave. If 'it's between me and Reuben', she wouldn't bring it up at the table and rub his nose in it. That's not how ANY Amish woman would behave, let alone a whupped one. She would feel the sting of his animosity and let it fester at her. She wouldn't play mind games - she's not in any emotional condition to do so, remember?
Pg 80, Ruby's dress rips on the way to church service. In Amish culture, services are held at people's homes... there would be thread at their destination. Naomi would never go on and on about turning around and going home. It was weird, contrived, and had no point. Worse, when they arrive, they're all about introducing Abby to people, and NOT about fixing the dress for the little girl. What the heck?!
Pg 83, Bale says that the unmarried men are unshaven. I thought they were clean-shaven until they married, and then grew in beards?
Bale also doesn't know what kind of horses they've got, either. On pg 55 she says Jakob's plowing with Percherons - I had to go look them up. They're a French draft horse, a mix of Dutch and Spanish draft horses developed in France. But the rest of the book, she says Jakob plows with Belgian drafts. Belgium-bred horses aren't are a far cry from the French Percheron, so... what the heck?!
Speaking of animals, I'm *STILL* trying to figure out how a cow kicks Abby in the shoulder while she's sitting BESIDE it, milking it...?
The animosity between Reuben and Abby is forced, too. Okay, at first he hates her... because he overhears that she was supposed to marry his dad, but his dad says NEVER going to happen, so... obviously that means the kid is going to hate her - because she's NOT going to be his new mom. R'something. Anyhow, he terrorizes her, and is treated sweetly by her (an abused girl who would take it ALL to heart and NOT try to 'train him with love', hello). But then by Pg 122 Reuben and her begin to work together, they come to a truce, they're friendly and functioning as a team, seeding in the fields... and then Bale seems to - out of NOWHERE- decide Reuben hates her again. For no good reason on pg 148. I could see a return to animosity when she goes in his drawers, later... but this made no sense.
Speaking of, Abby goes in Reuben's room, gets in his stuff, delivers a Sunday school lesson of luvv, goes downstairs past a rustling noise (Jakob), and when he goes downstairs after the coast is clear and heads outside, Abby is gardening and has full baskets of green beans and lettuce. WHEN did she have time for that, if she was doing laundry and putting away clothes, three minutes ago, upstairs?
Pg 202. "No one had ever gone out of the way to plan a buggy ride with her. Martin didn't count, because she told him no several times." Wait, what?! Just because she said no doesn't negate his having planned a buggy ride with her! ARGH!
Anyhow, obviously I had more than a few problems with this book. Jakob wasn't likeable. Reuben wasn't likeable. Honestly? Abby wasn't likeable - she wasn't wounded enough for a person beaten within an inch of her life for TWENTY YEARS. Her behaviors didn't fit with that of a person abused to that level. She didn't self-loathe, and she would, believe you me. She also didn't see herself as unworthy, and she definitely would've done that, too.
So no. Just no.
In this book, Abby Miller is an abused Amish girl. When I say 'abused', I mean scars all over her back from being lashed, cowering when any man comes near to her, always having to be facing any males in proximity to her, in order to keep her eye on them. Her father beat her, and then her brother beat her.
This is UN. BELIEVABLE. Amish are peaceful, non-violent people. All she'd have to do is show her back to the elders, and they'd remove her from the situation. It's beyond obvious that this woman was tortured as a child/young girl. Considering things, I'm surprised she didn't take off for the Englisch during her rumspringa - even the 'heathen' believers would be better than being beaten. But no. She stays until she's in her TWENTIES with her family. That would never happen.
There is *one* man she isn't afraid of. Jakob Fischer stood up to her brother and saved her from a whipping in the fields once when she was eight (!!) - WHY WAS NOBODY ADDRESSING THIS PROBLEM, if it was visibly happening in public?!?!? Shouldn't this have been investigated?!
Anyhow, Jakob moved to Colorado, got married, had kids, his wife died in childbirth (along with the baby), and he's widowed, now. So his dad writes back to Ohio on behalf of his son and arranges a marriage between him and Abby. Then promptly dies before Abby arrives OR he tells his son what he's done. Because reasons.
Jakob is furious - he's not ready to marry again. He's devoted to a corpse, totally and utterly. But he has to be kind, because all Amish are (*cough*), so he invites her to live in the house with his mom and kids while he lives in the dawdi haus with his grandfather. Because his mom is old and tired. Except he's in his late twenties and the firstborn, which would make his mom 48-ish... but she's written up like she's pushing seventy and short of breath and elderly and overcome with... baking. Ummm???
Anyhow, it's just until Abby finds a guy to marry in Colorado... because the Bishop assures her that even though Jakob won't marry her, there are a TON of single men and not enough women to go around in the growing Colorado settlement. Except later we're told that because Jakob rejected her and she rejects Martin, there "are few other options". (Pg 142). Riiiight.
Anyhow, the characterization of Abby is absolutely conflicted. Mostly because Bale has never been physically abused. There is NO WAY that Abby would be putting on a brave face directly after any sort of conflict. She'd cower and lick wounds. She wouldn't bounce right back like sunshine - she'd berate herself and turn inwards to protect herself. When she burns the pies, she would see it as an absolute failure and sign that she deserved punishment, and even when it didn't come, she would NOT be able to let it go and la-ti-da along, directly afterwards. And that's what Abby does. Pg 62 she simply gives them a smile and let's it go. Not. Even.
Pg 71, she tries to guilt Reuben for his pranks on her, a la Maria von Trapp... that's NOT how the Amish would behave. If 'it's between me and Reuben', she wouldn't bring it up at the table and rub his nose in it. That's not how ANY Amish woman would behave, let alone a whupped one. She would feel the sting of his animosity and let it fester at her. She wouldn't play mind games - she's not in any emotional condition to do so, remember?
Pg 80, Ruby's dress rips on the way to church service. In Amish culture, services are held at people's homes... there would be thread at their destination. Naomi would never go on and on about turning around and going home. It was weird, contrived, and had no point. Worse, when they arrive, they're all about introducing Abby to people, and NOT about fixing the dress for the little girl. What the heck?!
Pg 83, Bale says that the unmarried men are unshaven. I thought they were clean-shaven until they married, and then grew in beards?
Bale also doesn't know what kind of horses they've got, either. On pg 55 she says Jakob's plowing with Percherons - I had to go look them up. They're a French draft horse, a mix of Dutch and Spanish draft horses developed in France. But the rest of the book, she says Jakob plows with Belgian drafts. Belgium-bred horses aren't are a far cry from the French Percheron, so... what the heck?!
Speaking of animals, I'm *STILL* trying to figure out how a cow kicks Abby in the shoulder while she's sitting BESIDE it, milking it...?
The animosity between Reuben and Abby is forced, too. Okay, at first he hates her... because he overhears that she was supposed to marry his dad, but his dad says NEVER going to happen, so... obviously that means the kid is going to hate her - because she's NOT going to be his new mom. R'something. Anyhow, he terrorizes her, and is treated sweetly by her (an abused girl who would take it ALL to heart and NOT try to 'train him with love', hello). But then by Pg 122 Reuben and her begin to work together, they come to a truce, they're friendly and functioning as a team, seeding in the fields... and then Bale seems to - out of NOWHERE- decide Reuben hates her again. For no good reason on pg 148. I could see a return to animosity when she goes in his drawers, later... but this made no sense.
Speaking of, Abby goes in Reuben's room, gets in his stuff, delivers a Sunday school lesson of luvv, goes downstairs past a rustling noise (Jakob), and when he goes downstairs after the coast is clear and heads outside, Abby is gardening and has full baskets of green beans and lettuce. WHEN did she have time for that, if she was doing laundry and putting away clothes, three minutes ago, upstairs?
Pg 202. "No one had ever gone out of the way to plan a buggy ride with her. Martin didn't count, because she told him no several times." Wait, what?! Just because she said no doesn't negate his having planned a buggy ride with her! ARGH!
Anyhow, obviously I had more than a few problems with this book. Jakob wasn't likeable. Reuben wasn't likeable. Honestly? Abby wasn't likeable - she wasn't wounded enough for a person beaten within an inch of her life for TWENTY YEARS. Her behaviors didn't fit with that of a person abused to that level. She didn't self-loathe, and she would, believe you me. She also didn't see herself as unworthy, and she definitely would've done that, too.
So no. Just no.
December 6, 2022
Not a bad book, but it was one of those where the author was trying to force the character into a certain mold and the character just didn't want to go there. I'm hoping that the author finds her rhythm in the next book.
May 25, 2021
There were cats. There was Amish. This book cost $0.50 and I couldn't resist.
July 26, 2018
This book was hard for me to put aside. This is an intense story. Abby's character felt so 'real'and I was immediately drawn in to her situation. I like that she is a compassionate person despite being abused and misused for the greater part of her life. She is an endearing person as she looks and takes a huge risk just to have a family of her own. The trip she takes and the welcome she has just starts the book off with a powerful hook. The characters of Jakob, his grandfather, mother and children give variety to the story. This is a family caught in mourning. It's a wonderful story that shows that God will cradle you during great loss and open new doors if you are willing to accept change and let go of fear. This is also a tasteful story that shows that a person can rise above living with horrendous abuse and choose to be loving, forgiving and better than the terrible person or persons who have caused pain and fear. I like having Amish based stories that reflect life that is more reasonable than all sweetness and light. This is true to reality.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC of this book.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC of this book.
August 7, 2018
Jakob Fisher has had three huge losses within the last year - his wife, his unborn son and his father, all taken too soon. When an acquaintance from his youth shows up on his doorstep claiming that his father sent for her to be his wife, he can't wrap his head or his heart around the idea. What in the world was his dad thinking??
Abby Miller has gladly left the home she knows for the promise of a home where she would know kindness. The man she has traveled from Ohio to Colorado for is the only person who ever stood up for her, and she remembers him as a hero. Can she make a home for herself as she cares for his two children?
This was a powerful story. Abby and Jakob have a history but can they have a future, too?
This book kept me turning pages far into the night. I absolutely recommend it!
Abby Miller has gladly left the home she knows for the promise of a home where she would know kindness. The man she has traveled from Ohio to Colorado for is the only person who ever stood up for her, and she remembers him as a hero. Can she make a home for herself as she cares for his two children?
This was a powerful story. Abby and Jakob have a history but can they have a future, too?
This book kept me turning pages far into the night. I absolutely recommend it!
July 3, 2018
Leigh Bale captivated me with this Amish Romance I felt the love and faith from beginning to end. I felt a great connection to Abby she is such a beautiful character and Jakkob my heart broke for him he just needed to open his eyes and see god wanted him to have happiness in his life! An amazing read!
September 30, 2018
A lovely novella! I love the Love Inspired line and I adore Amish stories and this is the best of both worlds! This 4 star novella is filled with loving characters and beautifully written by a new to me author. If you are looking for a story filled with hope, love and understanding, look no further! Well done, Ms. Bale!
February 29, 2020
My Thoughts on Runaway Amish Bride:
This was a fun book. It read quickly. The characters were well developed and I really loved getting to know them. It covers something that you don't often see within Amish books. And that is abuse. Here our main female character has led a hard life of abuse at the hands of first her father and then also her brother. In a community where submission is taught and men are in charge until a woman marries and shes under her husband she doesn't have many options except to marry and hope her husband is a good and kind man.
Abigail knows and trusts Jakob and gladly accepts his dad's offer to come out and marry him now that his first wife has passed away and he needs a helpmeet. Somewhere between sending the letter and Abigail's arrival though things go south. Jakob's dad dies and he forgot to mention to his son what he'd done.
Jakob is not ready to marry and makes that clear. While he and Abigail enjoy each other's company neither wants to marry for anything less than love and neither wants to be hurt again. So what happens when Abigail's brother writes and says she must come home since she didn't get married?
Will Abigail go back to her abusive brother or will she and Jakob discover a love?
Great read. Highly recommend it.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
This was a fun book. It read quickly. The characters were well developed and I really loved getting to know them. It covers something that you don't often see within Amish books. And that is abuse. Here our main female character has led a hard life of abuse at the hands of first her father and then also her brother. In a community where submission is taught and men are in charge until a woman marries and shes under her husband she doesn't have many options except to marry and hope her husband is a good and kind man.
Abigail knows and trusts Jakob and gladly accepts his dad's offer to come out and marry him now that his first wife has passed away and he needs a helpmeet. Somewhere between sending the letter and Abigail's arrival though things go south. Jakob's dad dies and he forgot to mention to his son what he'd done.
Jakob is not ready to marry and makes that clear. While he and Abigail enjoy each other's company neither wants to marry for anything less than love and neither wants to be hurt again. So what happens when Abigail's brother writes and says she must come home since she didn't get married?
Will Abigail go back to her abusive brother or will she and Jakob discover a love?
Great read. Highly recommend it.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
September 2, 2018
Who is Abigail (Abby)? Who is Simon to her? Where is she from? What is her life like there? What causes her to travel to Colorado? She is met at the station and taken to Jakob's farm. Who is he? How do they know one another? Why is she taken there specifically? Who are Rueben and Ruby? What are each of them like? How does it affect Abby's time in Colorado? What does Abby do that starts things changing? What letter does Bishop Yoder get in the mail? What transpires because of this letter? Read and see! God knows that this story truly hit home from me and turned me into a basketcase for a few minutes after I finished reading. It also became a bit healing for me, allowing me to understand some things about myself that I had never truly thought about with my own past. Maybe one day, I will be as lucky as Abby and Jakob.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
March 2, 2019
Runaway Amish Bride is the first book written by Leigh Bale in her new series. This is the first book I have read from this author and I really enjoyed her writing style. The storyline caught my interest from the first page. I remained interested throughout the entire story. I also liked the cover it is very eye catching.
The characters are well developed and told this story remarkable. I really liked the children in this story and how they interacted with their dad, grandma, and great grandpa.
I didn't receive a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached by anyone to post a favorable review. I rated this fantastic story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others. I look forward to reading more books from this author in the future.
Congratulations to Leigh Bale on writing an outstanding story for readers to enjoy.
The characters are well developed and told this story remarkable. I really liked the children in this story and how they interacted with their dad, grandma, and great grandpa.
I didn't receive a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached by anyone to post a favorable review. I rated this fantastic story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others. I look forward to reading more books from this author in the future.
Congratulations to Leigh Bale on writing an outstanding story for readers to enjoy.
July 22, 2021
This story tugs at your heart. If you have been or know someone that has been abused, you'll cheer our heroine on toward her recovery. If you've suffered a huge loss or know someone who has and is dealing with grief, you'll understand and sympathize with this family's fight to overcome. Combining all those life hardships , Ms. Bale has portrayed a wonderful story of growth and love for her readers! I will warn you that this book will need some hankies, at times, when you read it as it pulls hard on your heart strings.
August 16, 2023
Poor poor Abigail, she has a very rough life. Her growing up years are very bad, I am surprised she survived. Grrr I could really do some damage to her father and brother.
She thinks she has found a solution to her problems, when she goes to marry Jakob, but he is unaware his father set it up before he died.
Jakob still loves his dead wife and his son is very angry at Abigail for coming.
The title runaway amishbride really only pertains to the beginning and end. I found it an interesting book, alternating between anger at her family and exasperation at her and Jakob.
She thinks she has found a solution to her problems, when she goes to marry Jakob, but he is unaware his father set it up before he died.
Jakob still loves his dead wife and his son is very angry at Abigail for coming.
The title runaway amishbride really only pertains to the beginning and end. I found it an interesting book, alternating between anger at her family and exasperation at her and Jakob.
July 23, 2018
2.5 stars
I enjoy Amish-themed novels, so I was glad to have the chance to review this one. While enjoyable, it does have a slower pace than many I’ve read, which made it hard to stay fully engaged. The author tackles issues not often found in this genre (such as physical and emotional abuse).
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
I enjoy Amish-themed novels, so I was glad to have the chance to review this one. While enjoyable, it does have a slower pace than many I’ve read, which made it hard to stay fully engaged. The author tackles issues not often found in this genre (such as physical and emotional abuse).
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
February 14, 2019
Runaway Amish Bride is truly a feel good read. I finished reading with a huge smile on my face and a few tears as well. These are characters that I truly liked and would love to read more about them in another book.
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.
August 16, 2024
I enjoyed this safe romance novel between a widowed Amish man and a spinster. Add to the mix, a rebellious seven-year-old boy who insists on disliking the young woman and we have a fun and sometimes annoying plot.
July 21, 2018
This was a great Amish book. This was the first one that I read by Leigh. I love Amish books. Cant wait to share with my mom and my best friend.
May 24, 2019
I wish I could give 10 stars. I have never had a book touch me so much. It was so related to my life. Made me realize that God has plans for me. Thank you.
May 5, 2021
I absolutely love Amish novels! They are definitely my guilty pleasure.
March 5, 2024
Brilliant story
August 10, 2024
Runaway Amish Bride
Loved the story. Kept my attention from the first page to the last Recommend it to anyone who enjoys a godly love story
Loved the story. Kept my attention from the first page to the last Recommend it to anyone who enjoys a godly love story
August 12, 2024
Uplifting Story
Loved the characters ! Loved their story and the way God was with each of them each step of the way as they trusted our God!
Loved the characters ! Loved their story and the way God was with each of them each step of the way as they trusted our God!
February 19, 2025
refreshing
This was a refreshing book filled with a great plot and uplifting ending. I recommend it to all readers. Can't wait to start second book.
This was a refreshing book filled with a great plot and uplifting ending. I recommend it to all readers. Can't wait to start second book.
May 15, 2025
very good book
July 15, 2021
I was originally thinking of this as plotless but inoffensive, but the more I think about it the more it concerns me that nobody in the book ever thinks Abby should have any agency. Over and over again, her options are reduced to 1) get married to someone, whether she cares for them or not, or 2) go back to her extremely abusive brother. Granted, she is not living in a system that encourages women to go forth and be independent, but, oh gosh. The men (aka the people with power) who do know what her family situation is are only willing to offer marriage as a solution, and the men who don't know also don't make any effort to investigate why she might not want to go home. Sets a rather dangerous precedent, doesn't it?
Read
August 2, 2018Miniseries: Colorado Amish Courtships
Read
August 2, 2018Miniseries: Colorado Amish Courtships
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