The Reconciliation

The Amish of Southern Maryland #3

by Susan Lantz Simpson

Winter in Southern Maryland's Amish country brings brisk winds, crisp snow, and evenings spent nestled by a warm fireside. For one prodigal daughter, it may also bring a new beginning . . .

On her baptismal day, Rebecca Zook ran from the church, leaving her stunned Amish community behind. She only wanted to see something of Gott's vast world, but city life didn't turn out as planned. Tricked into a sham marriage, Becky has come home humbled, wiser . . . and pregnant. Her mamm and daed are welcoming, and helping an overburdened young widow gives Becky a new sense of purpose. But after creating such scandal, Becky feels unworthy of a loving husband--let alone a wunderbaar man like Atlee Stauffer.

Atlee knows Becky's situation--and understands why his mother advises him to be careful. Still, this once flighty, flirty girl has become a thoughtful, kind young woman. He's drawn to Becky like a magnet to a nail. One day, he hopes to build a family with her. But first, he must convince her wary, troubled heart to accept forgiveness and love . . .

Genres: Amish, Romance

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published February 26, 2019

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Susan Lantz Simpson has been writing stories and poetry ever since she penned her first poem at the age of six. She has always loved the magic of words and how they can entertain and enlighten others. Her love of words and books led her to earn a degree in English/Education. She has taught students from Prekindergarten to high school and has also worked as an editor for the federal government. She also holds a degree in nursing and has worked in hospitals and in community health. She writes inspirational stories of love and faith and has published a middle-grade novel (Ginger and the Bully) in addition to her inspirational romances (Plainly Maryland Series and Southern Maryland Amish Romances Series). Her novella, The Christmas Fudge Miracle is included in the USA Today Bestseller Amish Christmas Miracles Collection. She was a finalist in the OCW Cascade fiction contest. She is a member of ACFW. She lives in Maryland and is the mother of two wonderful daughters. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys reading, walking, and doing needlework.

Reviews

[Kelsie Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Reconciliation an inspirational Amish novel by Susan Lantz Simpson. This is the first novel I have read by this author, but I was not disappointed. Ms. Simpson obviously knows her craft.

Rebecca (Becky) Zook ran from her Amish community on the day of her church baptism. She left her Maryland home for the bright lights of New York City. She finds out how truly naive she is after she’s tricked into a fake marriage and becomes pregnant. Becky returns home dejected, afraid and expecting to be ostracized.

Atlee Stauffer remembers the Becky Zook that left Maryland months ago, and doesn’t expect to fall for the new Becky. The Becky who no longer flirts with every guy in sight. The Becky who volunteers to help a young widow in the community. Atlee falls for the new Becky, now all he has to do is convince her that she cares for him as much as he cares for her.

The scenery is well imagined. The characters are rich. The story is somewhat unusual for an Amish novel but all the still sweeter for it.

As a lover of Amish fiction, I always expect to enjoy an Amish story. However, being a lover of the genre also means I know when I’ve read a good Amish story. This is a great story. I rate The Reconciliation 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to all lovers of Christian romance. If religious themes are not to your liking, move on to the next book.

My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE RECONCILIATION is a very sweet Amish romance. It was so nice seeing how Becky grew up and changed since she was first introduced in a previous book and dear Atlee was just as sweet as sweet could be. I couldn't help but fall in love with him.



THE RECONCILIATION is the third book in Ms. Simpson's series, but it does stand alone. Fans will also want to read The Promise and The Mending though.



If you love Amish romances you will not want to miss THE RECONCILIATION.



I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good story! I really enjoyed watching Atlee show how much he cared for Becky in all the things he did. It was also very clear that Becky had changed a lot from the girl who was selfish and always flirting from the past.

This is the first book that I have read by this author and definitely the only book that I have read in this series. So, even though The Reconciliation is part of a series, it is easily read as a stand alone novel, too.

(4.5 stars)

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has to be one of my favorite Amish series. We met these characters in previous books and their stories continue here. Set in beautiful Southern Maryland this winter is a time for reconciliation.
Becky previously was a bubbly,flirty girl ready to join the church but at the last moment doesn't. After being sheltered her entire life she wants to experience life so she runs off to explore life in New York. Life doesn't always turn out the way we plan, it sure doesn't for Becky. After a sham wedding leaves her seeing life as a wiser more mature person she humbly comes home. Will the community accept her? After what she's been through she especially doesn't feel worthy of love from a friend that hopes to take it to have a strong relationship with her. I loved seeing Becky's maturity in this book as she grows in God's love. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Pub Date 26 Feb 2019. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the author. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

For by Grace we are saved. Isn't that wonderful! I sure think so! What a wonderful message in this book.
For Becky Zook this was a hard lesson for her to understand. But really not so hard. She just had to open her heart. I feel that I am a lot like her. Too stubborn for my own good at times. I'm too proud to ask for help or I can do it myself. Becky thought she didn't need anyone's help because she made too many mistakes or wasn't good enough. Those are my thoughts as well at times.
Bless Atlee. He is such a good man. His Faith and patience are much stronger than mine and Becky's. Atlee stuck by Becky and never gave up on her. Now that is what I call a very determined man!!
Fear is our biggest enemy. I have this a lot. Fear is what keeps us from moving on. Just what Satan wants us to do.
I'm glad that Becky was finally able to let go and trust God's judgement and ways. Just learn to trust and believe and then will surely fall into place.
Lena was a wonderful supporting character. She was just what Becky needed. I would love to have her for a big sister myself. Someone that I can tell things to that won't go blabbing to others.
I'd like to shake Fannie until her test rattles. She reminds me of someone at my work.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. No compensations were received and all opinions are my honest opinion.
I recommend this book very strongly

[Mary Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each time I start reading an Amish fiction novel, I’m prepared to escape into the lives of those God-fearing, family-oriented, industrious people. I’m hoping for accurate details, a true respect for the Amish culture, and a plot that draws me into their world and keeps me there until the end. With Susan Lantz Simpson’s The Reconciliation, I received all that and more. I learned much about the Amish of southern Maryland through Susan’s richly drawn, multi-dimensional characters. I fell in love with her earnest hero, Atlee, and felt Rebecca’s shame in the pit of my stomach. Not many authors can capture the humility of the Amish, but Susan Lantz Simpson portrayed it beautifully in The Reconciliation.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Reconciliation by Susan Lantz Simpson has us shivering during a cold January in St. Mary’s County, Maryland. Rebecca “Becky” Zook is returning home after running away to New York City six months ago. Becky learned that her marriage to Vinny was not real after confiding in him that she was pregnant and then found his friends standing over his dead body. Thankfully, Becky’s parents welcome her home as does Bishop Lapp. Lena Troyer is a widow with two little girls and a third child on the way. Becky offers to help the overwhelmed woman and, in the process, obtains a dear friend as well as a new vocation. Atlee Stauffer offers to be Becky’s friend and be a kind, listening ear. He has noticed that her time away has changed Becky and he is drawn to her despite his family’s warning. Becky enjoys spending time with Atlee, but she feels unworthy of a good man. Atlee will need to slowly win Becky’s trust and convince her she is deserving of forgiveness and love.

The Reconciliation is the third book in a series set in Southern Maryland by Susan Lantz Simpson (The Promise and The Mending). Becky Yoder was about to be baptized when she bolted and disappeared to New York City. Becky used to a flirtatious and fun young woman. Her experiences in the big city have changed her and she comes home a different woman. Becky feels she is unworthy of happiness and a good man after the trouble she caused her family. Atlee notices the change in Becky along with how she spends her time alone. He befriends her to help her and finds himself falling in love. Atlee needs to work past Becky’s defenses to show her that she merits grace and being loved. The Reconciliation is a sweet, heartwarming Amish romance. It shows people that we can be forgiven for our mistakes. We need to learn from our missteps and move forward. While The Reconciliation can be read as a standalone, I found it helpful to have read the other books in this series. I enjoyed the casual writing style which made The Reconciliation easy to read. There is kissing and hugging only in the story which makes it a nice, clean romance. The Reconciliation is a heartfelt Amish love story with good Christian morals and valuable life lessons.

[Pamela Pavkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Reconciliation is third amazing book written by Susan Lantz Simpson in her Southern Maryland'sAmish Country series. This book continues on with a few previous characters but is based aroun the character of Rebecca Zook and Atlee Stauffer. These two characters are well developed and tell an intriguing story. I was capture by this story from the prologue.

Becky is a very scared young Amish girl returning to her home and community without the assurance she would be welcomed. She has many secrets to reveal and is unsure as to whether she will be believed. Atlee has also had his share of difficulties within the community but has turned it all around. Will Atlee beable to help Becky through her journey returning to the community? The author has written a remarkable job creating this story full of regrets, mistakes, forgiveness, love, and faith.

I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached by anyone to post a favorable review. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others who enjoy the Amish genre.

Congratulations to Susan Lantz Simpson for delivering another amazing story for her readers to enjoy. I look forward to more amazing stories from this author in the future.

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan Lantz Simpson is a talented author and knows how to write authentic Amish fiction. This story about Becky Zook’s return to her Amish community was heart-tugging. Becky had a true desire to return home, seek forgiveness, and reconcile with the family members she had wounded. I appreciated her humbleness as she sought to make things right with her family and community. Atlee wants to make Becky his wife and care for her baby as his own, but Becky has a difficult time forgiving herself for all the hurt she caused and believes she’s not good enough for Atlee. It’s not until she understands and accepts God’s love and forgiveness that she finds she can look forward to the blessings that God has for her in the future.

This is a sweet, clean story with no foul language. If you love Amish fiction, I highly recommend this book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[June Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story! I found this book on the 'New Books' shelf when I was at the local public library recently. I had not read a book written by this author previously, but since I love Amish fiction I decided to check this one out and read it. I'm so glad I did . . .

The main characters were likable and found themselves in real-life difficult situations with fears and worries like the rest of us experience as we make our way down the path of life.

There was lots of good-natured humor and banter between the characters, and the themes of friendship, commitment, and loyalty shone through brightly.

I look forward to reading more of this author's books in the near future.

Highly-recommended for fans of Amish romance, Amish fiction, historical fiction, Christian fiction, Christian romance, and clean fiction/romance.

-----------

This book is completely clean in language and content. :0}

[Heather 123 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow...talk about unexpected! I read a previous book by this author and didn't like it at all so I didn't have high expectations going into this book but decided to give it a chance.

Unlike the first book, the female character's concerns and worries are warranted. We have a young Amish woman who finds herself having a baby outside of marriage which of course is not something that is typically done in this community. Her concerns aren't exaggerated like in the first book.

I loved Atlee's character and how he strove to prove himself to Rebecca.

** ARC received from Netgalley **

[Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner · Rating 3 out of 5]

While The Reconciliation is the third book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone novel. I have read the sixth book and now this one and I do not feel like I have missed anything.

Quick random review:

plot-driven
the synopsis gives major highlights
quick read
MC feels unworthy of love
predictable
sweet

Overall, a nice story to lose yourself in for a few hours.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Reconciliation will take readers to an Amish community in Southern Maryland. This story is heartbreaking initially with the events that happened to Rebecca while away, but a wonderful ending with individuals finding God’s forgiveness, trusting others, giving of self and so much more. The characters are realistic with their own flaws to over come.

This book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the entire series—The Promise and The Mending. I received this book from a friend to read and have shared my own thoughts, even though a review was not required.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well written book. You can feel all of the emotions and see all of the scenery in your mind, it feels like you are there. This book hooked me on the first page and I finished it in one sitting. I really enjoyed reading it. Thank you Kensington Books Zebra via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. This is my honest opinion of this book. I highly recommend this book.

[Cindi Burleson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading The Reconciliation by Susan Lantz Simpson. It is an amazing story of forgiveness the way it should be. There were a couple of times that I wanted the book to move a little faster toward the solution but the end was worth the wait! I would recommend this book to anyone who has made an error in judgement, ended up with some major consequences and learned about resilience and, most of all, the true forgiveness of God! This book was provided to me at no cost for the purpose of providing an honest review.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
The Reconciliation by Susan Lantz Simpson is fantastic Amish read. The storyline is different than other Amish books I have read, perhaps that is why I loved it so much! I instantly connected with the characters. The plot line is Amish; however, anyone Amish or not will be able to relate to these issues Becky, Atlee and Lena face.
This is the first book I have read by Simpson, but it will not be the last! She writes characters that are true to life, who struggle with their faith, their future and question whether the choices they make are correct.
I highly recommend this book. As an added bonus, there is no swearing or sex, so the book is readable by anyone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The views given are my own. #TheReconciliation #NetGalley #KensingtonBooks

[Patricia Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet romance I found hard to put down. I really identified with Rebecca. She left home to see the world and it did not treat her kindly. Now, like the prodigal, she's coming back, and she's pregnant and has to face her community. What surprises her is she doesn't see "I-told-you-so" in everyone's eyes. But that doesn't keep her from feeling ashamed. I enjoyed watching Rebecca grow from a self-centered flirtatious girl to a caring young woman.

Atlee Stauffer is every woman's dream. He is kind and caring and willing to stand up to his family and friends when he realizes he's falling in love with Rebecca. But it isn't his friends he has to convince. Rebecca believes he deserves someone better than she is.

I really enjoyed the easy friendship they share at the beginning and their banter back and forth. This is a sweet romance with teachable moments. I think if you enjoy watching two characters grow toward what God wants us to be, you will enjoy The Reconciliation.

I received a copy of the book and I didn't have to write a review, but I enjoyed the story so much I wanted to.

[Susan Faloon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Becky was a notorious flirt in the Amish community. She is now back at home after disappearing and breaking her parent's hearts. Atlee was a jokester who enjoyed pulling innocent pranks on his family and friends. He had steered clear of the silly young woman. As a more mature man Atlee can see that Rebecca is in need of a friend, someone she can talk to now that she is back. His kind heart draws him to her as she tried to show the community that she has changed. She wants to reconcile with her family and needs to reconcile with God.
This is a sweet story with interesting characters. As a reader of Susan Lantz Simpson I recognize characters from her other books. It was enjoyable to see Atlee and Becky develop a true friendship in this story. Lena is an excellent source of faith and friendship in the story. This is a story of faith, reconciliation and forgiveness. I enjoy the author's books. Her characters have realistic weaknesses and strengths.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced reader's copy. This is my own opinion of the book.

[Kitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never read any of her books before, but this popped up in the "new books" list at my work so naturally I snapped it up.

I really felt for Becky, I think we've all been there at times being young and confused and not knowing where we're going in life. But it was surprising to see she ran away from everything she'd known and went so far away. What a jerk that guy was that took advantage of her, making her think he cared and duping her about the marriage. I was worried her family might shun her for coming back pregnant, thankfully that was not the case.

Atlee was so persistent, and she was trying to be so noble in rejecting him not to cause a scandal, and I cheered when she finally realized she did love him and want to be with him. I do wish we could have seen their wedding and the birth of her own little one though!

Also: Lena and her girls were the CUTEST, I could read a whole novel about them too I think.

[Mary Hake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story of redemption features Rebecca Zook, who ran from her Amish community on the day she should have been baptized. Realizing life in New York City was not what she wanted, she returns home but struggles with whether she will be accepted. She’s sure no man will ever want her now, even though she’s ready to settle down and join the church. The novel is very character driven as we see Rebecca’s growth and setbacks. Will she ever find love and be part of a happy family? I enjoyed the story, but I did feel some of the repetitious thoughts and dialogue could be cut. The situation and people in the book seem realistic. It’s not just your typical sweet Amish story. The book can stand alone, but the ones before it in the series fill in events of the past. I received a book from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series, and yes, they can be read alone, there are some recurring characters here, and you will be quickly drawn into the story.
When Becky Zook ran out and away from her baptism it was because of the “grass is always greener” and sadly such a lesson for her. We get to be with her as she returns to her community, and wonder as she does if she can go home again.
This is a story of leaving childhood behind and embracing adulthood, and we see transformations in the for of love fellow man.
Surprises happen here, and there are some sad happenings, along with welcoming new little ones into the fold.
A don’t miss life lesson read.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zebra, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Norma Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Ms. Simpson has written a charming book about the gentle Amish people. The characters are well-developed and engaging.

Rebecca Zook is a young Amish girl who ran away from her home in Maryland to experience life in New York City. She is naive enough to believe that everyone is as good as the people in her Amish community. Things don’t go well for Rebecca. Rebecca returns to her home pregnant and feeling unworthy to be loved. Her family and friends forgive her for her recklessness, but she can’t forgive herself.

I enjoyed reading The Reconciliation and look forward to reading more from this author.

[Tish · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a enjoyable Amish book about forgiveness.. Rebecca Zook ran out of the church the day of her baptism. She left the Amish and ran to New York. There she met Vinny who conned her into a marriage that she believed was true. When she became pregnant he told her to get rid of the baby. She ran out of there apartment with a broken heart. When she returned she found her husband dead of a overdose of drugs. Frightened and confused she boarded a bus back home. She did not know if her family would except her back. This is a beautiful written story of a young Amish girl who made a mistake and had to forgive herself before she could reach out to others for Love.

[Jarm Boccio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Becky’s poor choices in life separate her from the safety of her Amish Community. Now, humiliated, she returns in repentance, desirous to make amends and resume her life. But can she forgive herself? And open her heart to the one who loves her, stains and all?
This is a sweet story of community, sincerity, friendship and of course, reconciliation. I felt totally immersed in the Amish community and culture as we follow Becky’s story. And the Pennsylvania Dutch expressions sprinkled here and there added to the charm of this novel — a gentle romance!

[Arthea Billingsley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book, but I thought it was longer than it needed to be, some things I thought were not needed and added nothing to the story except lengthened it. Some things I thought a bit uncomfortable, one being at the clothes line where he seemed to practically be on her, I was thinking back up or off, goodness.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Atlee

Fun loving, jokester, Atlee becomes enamored with Becky. But Becky ran away on her baptismal day to New York and in her quest to see something beyond her plain community was severely taken advantage of. But now d
she has returned and can she be forgiven, but more importantly can she forgive herself?

[Tammy Bernadt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. There was 2 chapters out of 36 that lose my interest.
What wonderful Charcters of Rebecca Zook. Love how she helped and stayed with a mother in need. ❤️❤️. Atlee what a guy ❤️.

[Carole Groves · Rating 5 out of 5]

A romance based largely on a value system

I usually am not looking for romance novel, but this was a romance with its base 8n values and the positive impact of living a faith based life, caring, helping, and sacrificing for others.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the sweet and clean Amish story, The Reconciliation. I am giving it three and a half stars.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. This was a cute Amish book with a happily ever after. I enjoyed it!