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The Amish Baker's Rival
He’s more than just her competition…
She’ll do anything to protect her bakery…
no matter the cost to her heart.
Amish baker Mary Brenneman is furious when handsome Englischer Noah Miller opens up a bakery right across from hers. Now she must win a local baking contest just to stay in business—and beat know-it-all Noah. But somewhere along the way, Noah and Mary’s kitchen wars are quickly warming into something more…
She’ll do anything to protect her bakery…
no matter the cost to her heart.
Amish baker Mary Brenneman is furious when handsome Englischer Noah Miller opens up a bakery right across from hers. Now she must win a local baking contest just to stay in business—and beat know-it-all Noah. But somewhere along the way, Noah and Mary’s kitchen wars are quickly warming into something more…
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published December 29, 2020
20 people are currently reading
1253 people want to read
About the author
Marie E. Bast
11 books175 followersMARIE E. BAST is the Publishers Weekly Bestselling Author of The Amish Baker Rival, The Amish Marriage Bargain and The Amish Baker. The Amish Baker's Rival was a finalist in the 2021 The Carla Contest and The Amish Baker was a 2020 finalist in the Book Buyers Best Contest. The Perfect Client was a first place 2015 contemporary winner of the Ignite the Flame Contest. Her stories whisper words of hope, healing, and forgiveness through complex characters and twisting plots. Her books are sold all over the U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland and Australia. She has published short stories and poetry in book compilations to include: Chicken Soup for the Soul.
She holds a B.A., an M.B.A., and an M.A. in General Theology. When she's not writing, she's walking, golfing or gardening. She loves to bake and enjoys her homemade rolls and bread way too much.
She holds a B.A., an M.B.A., and an M.A. in General Theology. When she's not writing, she's walking, golfing or gardening. She loves to bake and enjoys her homemade rolls and bread way too much.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 10, 2021
This is an Amish Fiction/Clean Romance. This is where an Englischer Noah Miller that his family was Amish a while back, and he wants to find out more about his Amish family. He opens a bakery near an Amish Bakery ran by Mary's Bakery. Of course Mary and Noah falls in love, but the small twists and turns in this book was very good. Of course the author dropped things about the twists and turns before they comes up, but I think they where done very well. The book made me want to keep reading. I love the drama in this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Love Inspired) or author (Marie E. Bast) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
January 1, 2021
The Amish Baker’s Rival by Marie E. Bast is a heartwarming Amish novel. Rival bakers, a baking contest with a large prize, and man wanting to learn about his grandparents make for an entertaining story. I thought the story was well-written with steady pacing. It contains good characters with little Emily stealing the show. We get to see the characters develop as the book progresses. The rivalry between Noah and Mary provided a great way for the characters to interact. The romance slowly builds throughout the book which I like. This is a nice clean, wholesome story. Noah wants to find out about his Amish roots and Mary assists him. The information is slowly dispersed throughout the story. It kept me turning the pages because I wanted the full story regarding the Miller family. Reading The Amish Baker’s Rival is a delightful way to spend an afternoon. I enjoyed reading this lighthearted Amish tale and I appreciated the epilogue which nicely wrapped up the book. I look forward to reading Marie E. Bast’s next Amish story. The Amish Baker’s Rival is a meet-cute Amish tale with bountiful baked goods, contest competitiveness, a sizable prize, a bothered bishop, a grumpy grandfather, and two tenacious bakers.
December 24, 2020
First off I want to thank the author for making me hungry
Luckily I read this while doing Christmas baking so I had things to nibble on but my waistline may not thank me for it :)
My mind was filled with so many tasty baking treats while reading this I couldn't help myself though.
Once again we are traveling to Washington County,Iowa to become entwined in the Brenneman family's lives again. At twenty years old Mary manages the Sweet Delights bakeshop for her stepmother. All is going well until the empty shop in town across the street is leased by a young man, Noah Miller. He has opened a bakery/cafe there. Noah is an Englisher, his parents were Amish but left the faith during their rumspringa and never joined and their children were raised English.
Competition is not what Mary needs and she's worried when she visits his shop and realizes he has more and better items than her and they are very tasty too.
Now in the middle of all this it's announced there is a baking contest and the prize will be a windfall for Mary if she wins she'll be able to remodel her bakery and add new baking products thus drawing in more customers.
The bishop sees them spending a lot of time together and warns her she could be disciplined by the church.
Very charming and delightful book. I have really enjoyed reading this author's books and do be sure to try the recipe for Emily's Peanut Butter Bars in the back of the book. I will definitely be making it they really sound tasty. You can't beat the chocolate and peanut butter combination.
Expected publication: December 29th 2020 by Love Inspired
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Luckily I read this while doing Christmas baking so I had things to nibble on but my waistline may not thank me for it :)
My mind was filled with so many tasty baking treats while reading this I couldn't help myself though.
Once again we are traveling to Washington County,Iowa to become entwined in the Brenneman family's lives again. At twenty years old Mary manages the Sweet Delights bakeshop for her stepmother. All is going well until the empty shop in town across the street is leased by a young man, Noah Miller. He has opened a bakery/cafe there. Noah is an Englisher, his parents were Amish but left the faith during their rumspringa and never joined and their children were raised English.
Competition is not what Mary needs and she's worried when she visits his shop and realizes he has more and better items than her and they are very tasty too.
Now in the middle of all this it's announced there is a baking contest and the prize will be a windfall for Mary if she wins she'll be able to remodel her bakery and add new baking products thus drawing in more customers.
The bishop sees them spending a lot of time together and warns her she could be disciplined by the church.
Very charming and delightful book. I have really enjoyed reading this author's books and do be sure to try the recipe for Emily's Peanut Butter Bars in the back of the book. I will definitely be making it they really sound tasty. You can't beat the chocolate and peanut butter combination.
Expected publication: December 29th 2020 by Love Inspired
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
April 4, 2023
This was a sweet, innocent romance.
November 27, 2020
When a new Bakery Plus store moves across the street from Mary Brenneman's families long owned Amish bakery, thoughts of survival run through Mary's head, how can she make a profit?
As I was reading this I really liked the character of Noah Miller, and could see he was seeking family. He didn't even know what to expect as he began his journey, with first building his store, and then finding the grandparents he has never met.
I could almost figure out what was going to happen, but the author gave me several surprises I did not see coming.
This was a very enjoyable read, and I would love to continue on here with the lives of these people!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Love Inspired, and was not required to give a positive review.
As I was reading this I really liked the character of Noah Miller, and could see he was seeking family. He didn't even know what to expect as he began his journey, with first building his store, and then finding the grandparents he has never met.
I could almost figure out what was going to happen, but the author gave me several surprises I did not see coming.
This was a very enjoyable read, and I would love to continue on here with the lives of these people!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Love Inspired, and was not required to give a positive review.
December 18, 2020
The Amish Baker Rival, by Marie E. Mast, is a Love Inspired Inspirational Romance story set in modern day Iowa. Mary her running her step-mother's bakery when a new store opens across the street with a bakery. She tries so many new things to try to keep the bakery going. Just as she has work completed to add new appliances her bakery burns down.
Noah lost his parents and knows he has relatives in the area. So he moves there with his two sisters and starts a second store and bakery. He means no harm to Mary's bakery and when her's burns, he offers her use of his kitchen.
Every year there is a baking competition and this year the stakes are so much higher than normal. Both Mary and Noah are struggling and winning would help them a lot.
I loved this story. It is quick and easy to read. The writing is so clear and detailed I could almost taste the baked goods. The main characters are caring, generous people. The story gives a glimpse into the lives of the Amish and their community. I especially enjoyed how helpful the members of the Amish community were. They gave of their time to help rebuild the bakery after it burned. It is easy to see that even though Noah's parents left the community, they raised their children similar to Amish.
I received a copy of this story from the author, this is my honest review.
Noah lost his parents and knows he has relatives in the area. So he moves there with his two sisters and starts a second store and bakery. He means no harm to Mary's bakery and when her's burns, he offers her use of his kitchen.
Every year there is a baking competition and this year the stakes are so much higher than normal. Both Mary and Noah are struggling and winning would help them a lot.
I loved this story. It is quick and easy to read. The writing is so clear and detailed I could almost taste the baked goods. The main characters are caring, generous people. The story gives a glimpse into the lives of the Amish and their community. I especially enjoyed how helpful the members of the Amish community were. They gave of their time to help rebuild the bakery after it burned. It is easy to see that even though Noah's parents left the community, they raised their children similar to Amish.
I received a copy of this story from the author, this is my honest review.
November 19, 2022
The first 85% of the book I absolutely loved! I loved the banter between the bakers and enjoyed getting to know all the other characters. The relationship/friendship developed slowly throughout the story but there was enough going on to keep the reader engaged.
But then it was as if the author his the number of pages they wanted - and the ending was rushed.
There was just an epilogue. No real ending. No discussion on what the transition was like. No discussion on everyone’s reaction to the transition. Simple questions remained unanswered: how did the transition happen? What did it mean for the businesses? For the family members? For the community? How did the younger sister react?
Very disappointing
Arc received from netgalley
But then it was as if the author his the number of pages they wanted - and the ending was rushed.
There was just an epilogue. No real ending. No discussion on what the transition was like. No discussion on everyone’s reaction to the transition. Simple questions remained unanswered: how did the transition happen? What did it mean for the businesses? For the family members? For the community? How did the younger sister react?
Very disappointing
Arc received from netgalley
January 13, 2023
A sweet Amish romance, rival business owners find themselves competing against each other in a highly publicized competition.
A fun, quick read, with enemies-to-lovers, in a small Iowa community. This was a nice quick read, though a bit more on the predictable side. I liked how Mary and Noah were able to find common ground through their love of family and baking.
Overall, this was a quick read, with good themes of reconnecting with family, as well as friendship and forgiveness.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 3, 2022
Who are Mary and Noah? Where are they each from? How do they meet? Who are Jenni, Emily, Seth, and Ethan? What I learned as I read the story had me unable to stop reading. There was a bit of mystery. In this romance story. Old order Amish beliefs coupled with the inability to forgive and allow strangers into the midst made this an interesting read. What happens when Emily is at Sweet Delights one day? Who comes in, what do they say to her? Why does Mary have to get permission to bake? What does the Mayor do tand what does Mary do or not do that gets her in hot water with the Bishop and Gmay? This truly was a sweet read and very unexpected. Read to find out what happens at the festival. Enjoy the story. I liked it a lot.
January 11, 2021
I just finished reading The Amish Baker's Rival by Marie Bast and ended the final word of the story with a huge smile on my face and a warmth in my heart. I cannot express enough how delightful I found this story. The characters were brought to life so richly and vividly, that I quickly and easily found myself feeling as though I truly knew them. There was such a great chemistry between the main characters, not only with one another, but with the reader as well. The setting of the story was such a thrill because I lived in the Kalona/Iowa City area for 20 years, so it was such a delight to revisit the area!
This is the first story that I have read by Marie Bast and I cannot wait to read more. Filled with friendship, trust, Faith and family, this was a true delight to read. The Baker's Rival is the perfect treasure to snuggle up with, with a blanket and warm drink and let yourself travel to Kalona, IA and meet these unforgettable characters!
This is the first story that I have read by Marie Bast and I cannot wait to read more. Filled with friendship, trust, Faith and family, this was a true delight to read. The Baker's Rival is the perfect treasure to snuggle up with, with a blanket and warm drink and let yourself travel to Kalona, IA and meet these unforgettable characters!
March 14, 2022
A quick Amish romance filled with strong characters. An Englisher opening a store with a bakery brought determination for Mary Brenneman to keep her step-mother’s bakery going by incorporating new items. Noah Miller didn’t mean to cause decrease sales for Sweets Delights. A bakery contest during the Kalona Fall Apple Festival was want Mary needed to have funds to expand. But the multiple twists and turns was more than anticipated. There was a motive for Noah to move to Washington County. Will he find answers along with an opportunity at romance?
I received this book in a group giveaway without any obligation to write a review. I have shared my own opinion.
I received this book in a group giveaway without any obligation to write a review. I have shared my own opinion.
December 1, 2020
This year has been so unsettling that I've lost my ability to calm down and read a couple of times. When I try to read nothing catches my interest yet I feel lost without a book in my hands. What really helps me get out of my book slumps is reading a light and fluffy romance - you know, boy meets girl and after a few problems they live happily after. We all know that real life doesn't always work out that way but it's still fun and relaxing to dream about it.
The Amish Baker's Rival is the book that got me out of my last reading slump. The characters are well written and it's easy to get invested in their struggles to get married. The story was fun to read with a few twists and turns to keep it interesting. Overall, it was a great book.
Mary is an Amish baker who runs the Sweet Delights bakery. The townspeople all love her baking and she has a steady stream of customers until a new grocery and deli opens across the road. AND the owner, Noah, is a baker and provides some great pastries. Mary is afraid that she'll lose customers to Noah and will lose her business. She decides to enter a local baking contest to win $10,000 by baking the best apple desert. She thinks she has a chance to win until she finds out that Noah is entering the contest too. The two are rivals and both interested in keeping their business up and running but the more time they spend together, the more they begin to care about each other. The main problem is that he is not Amish. They both have big decisions and changes to make in their lives if they want to have a romance. Will they be able to make changes or will their differences keep them apart? Read this fun book to find out!
The Amish Baker's Rival is the book that got me out of my last reading slump. The characters are well written and it's easy to get invested in their struggles to get married. The story was fun to read with a few twists and turns to keep it interesting. Overall, it was a great book.
Mary is an Amish baker who runs the Sweet Delights bakery. The townspeople all love her baking and she has a steady stream of customers until a new grocery and deli opens across the road. AND the owner, Noah, is a baker and provides some great pastries. Mary is afraid that she'll lose customers to Noah and will lose her business. She decides to enter a local baking contest to win $10,000 by baking the best apple desert. She thinks she has a chance to win until she finds out that Noah is entering the contest too. The two are rivals and both interested in keeping their business up and running but the more time they spend together, the more they begin to care about each other. The main problem is that he is not Amish. They both have big decisions and changes to make in their lives if they want to have a romance. Will they be able to make changes or will their differences keep them apart? Read this fun book to find out!
December 23, 2020
The Amish Baker's Rival is a sweet clean romance and one I enjoyed. It looks like it is part of a series, but worked fine as a stand alone. Noah and Mary were really cute together as the went up against each other in a baking contest. I did like Noah and how he was basically raised in a sort of hybrid of Amish and modern values. It made his decision in the end a bit more believable. I was definitely rooting for the couple to realize that they were meant for each other. I enjoyed the rest of the cast of characters immensely. It's a quick romance and a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.
January 1, 2021
Easy book to read to start off a year of reading.
December 10, 2020
This book was so good i did not want to put it down until I finished it. Everyone must read it
Want to read
November 19, 2020Reading this little book made my heart happy.
The drama in this sweet book was awesome and it kept my attention the whole way through.
I finished in an hour.
At first I didn't like Bishop Yoder.
(But after awhile I found out that Mary's mamm was right lol) !
For certain reasons but then I quickly figured out who was behind it and he is the one that messed things up
This author has pulled everything together nicely and the book isn't too preachy. It has some nice inspirational themes about forgiveness and love and obedience to the Lord.
God does have a plan for each and every one now of us. He places us where we are supposed to be for now. Just like Mary and Noah in the story.
I enjoyed this delightful little book and I'm sure you will too!
I recommend this book.
My thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin publishers for this book.
I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
The drama in this sweet book was awesome and it kept my attention the whole way through.
I finished in an hour.
At first I didn't like Bishop Yoder.
(But after awhile I found out that Mary's mamm was right lol) !
For certain reasons but then I quickly figured out who was behind it and he is the one that messed things up
This author has pulled everything together nicely and the book isn't too preachy. It has some nice inspirational themes about forgiveness and love and obedience to the Lord.
God does have a plan for each and every one now of us. He places us where we are supposed to be for now. Just like Mary and Noah in the story.
I enjoyed this delightful little book and I'm sure you will too!
I recommend this book.
My thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin publishers for this book.
I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
December 17, 2020
She has the most popular bakery in town. He is the competition who opens his shop directly across the street. They both are determined to ensure their own business succeeds. But will their rivalry keep them apart or will their hearts draw them together? Find out in Marie E. Bast’s The Amish Baker's Rival.
Mary Brenneman may not have gone to culinary school, but the Amish baker is renowned for her huge cookies, decadent pies and over-the-top cupcakes. The fact that Kalona is a small community and her shop has always been the only bakery in town is beside the point.
Then Englischer Noah Miller moves to town from Iowa City with his two sisters, Jenny and Emily. In the wake of their parents’ deaths, they arrive in the hopes of locating the extended family they’d never known growing up… and to open Miller’s Farm-Fresh Grocery, Delicatessen and Bakery directly across the street from Mary’s shop!
Even though tourists regularly visit Kalona to visit the Amish, neither Mary nor Noah believe the town is big enough to support both their businesses. So in an effort to attract more customers, they both enter the local Fall Apple Festival baking contest and are instant rivals.
There’s just one thing that can spoil a perfectly good competition, however, and that’s the fact that both Mary and Noah are drawn to one another. He likes her sassy demeanor and wholesome good looks, and she admires how nice and handsome he is with his five o’clock shadow. And even if they weren’t rivals, they’re still from completely different worlds! Can they ever find their way toward one another? Or is there just too much keeping them apart? You’ll have to read the book to find out!
I’ve only read a handful of Amish stories in the past, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Bast does a wonderful job capturing the attitudes, history, faith, and mentality of a small town steeped in the Amish culture. Having lived in Ohio—and honeymooned in Amish country—I felt transported right back to some of the towns Heather and I visited over the years, although I’ve never been to Iowa. (And yes, the baked goods are just as delicious as the author describes them!) So the author captured my imagination immediately with her setting for this story.
Still, it is the way Bast writes her characters that is most enchanting. She gives each of them unique challenges, from Mary’s broken heart after being jilted by her fiancé and Noah losing both his parents to Jenny and Emily starting school for the very first time after being homeschooled their entire lives. Bast uses their circumstances to remind us that change isn’t always bad, sometimes it just offers us new opportunities. She celebrates her characters’ humanity, and shows us the beauty of acceptance, proving that true friendships can be forged with people different from ourselves.
If you love stories by authors like Cindy Woodsmall, Marta Perry, and Linda Castillo, you should definitely give Marie E. Bast a try. The Amish Baker’s Rival is a story that will inspire you, comfort you, and leave you smiling. It may also leave your stomach growling and give you a serious case of the munchies, but that’s what your local bakery is for. Still, just in case you can’t make it out, Bast has you covered and provides you with a recipe for Emily’s Peanut Butter Bars at the back of the book. Happy reading!
As originally published at JathanandHeather.com
Mary Brenneman may not have gone to culinary school, but the Amish baker is renowned for her huge cookies, decadent pies and over-the-top cupcakes. The fact that Kalona is a small community and her shop has always been the only bakery in town is beside the point.
Then Englischer Noah Miller moves to town from Iowa City with his two sisters, Jenny and Emily. In the wake of their parents’ deaths, they arrive in the hopes of locating the extended family they’d never known growing up… and to open Miller’s Farm-Fresh Grocery, Delicatessen and Bakery directly across the street from Mary’s shop!
Even though tourists regularly visit Kalona to visit the Amish, neither Mary nor Noah believe the town is big enough to support both their businesses. So in an effort to attract more customers, they both enter the local Fall Apple Festival baking contest and are instant rivals.
There’s just one thing that can spoil a perfectly good competition, however, and that’s the fact that both Mary and Noah are drawn to one another. He likes her sassy demeanor and wholesome good looks, and she admires how nice and handsome he is with his five o’clock shadow. And even if they weren’t rivals, they’re still from completely different worlds! Can they ever find their way toward one another? Or is there just too much keeping them apart? You’ll have to read the book to find out!
I’ve only read a handful of Amish stories in the past, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Bast does a wonderful job capturing the attitudes, history, faith, and mentality of a small town steeped in the Amish culture. Having lived in Ohio—and honeymooned in Amish country—I felt transported right back to some of the towns Heather and I visited over the years, although I’ve never been to Iowa. (And yes, the baked goods are just as delicious as the author describes them!) So the author captured my imagination immediately with her setting for this story.
Still, it is the way Bast writes her characters that is most enchanting. She gives each of them unique challenges, from Mary’s broken heart after being jilted by her fiancé and Noah losing both his parents to Jenny and Emily starting school for the very first time after being homeschooled their entire lives. Bast uses their circumstances to remind us that change isn’t always bad, sometimes it just offers us new opportunities. She celebrates her characters’ humanity, and shows us the beauty of acceptance, proving that true friendships can be forged with people different from ourselves.
If you love stories by authors like Cindy Woodsmall, Marta Perry, and Linda Castillo, you should definitely give Marie E. Bast a try. The Amish Baker’s Rival is a story that will inspire you, comfort you, and leave you smiling. It may also leave your stomach growling and give you a serious case of the munchies, but that’s what your local bakery is for. Still, just in case you can’t make it out, Bast has you covered and provides you with a recipe for Emily’s Peanut Butter Bars at the back of the book. Happy reading!
As originally published at JathanandHeather.com
January 5, 2021
The Amish Baker’s Rival is a delightfully sweet novel that I devoured quickly over this weekend.
Mary Brenneman is a young Amish woman running her stepmother’s bakery, Amish Sweet Delights. Finances are tight after medical bills for her twin sisters’ birth. Her heart is also still broken from being left at the alter a year before by a man who decided he no longer wanted to be Amish. Handsome Englischer Noah Miller arrives in the small town and opens a grocery, deli, and bakery directly across the street. How can one small town support two bakeries?
The annual fall festival is hosting a bakery contest with a $20,000 prize that is attracting bakers from across the country. Noah and Mary both compete with the thought that if either one wins, they will be the baker that survives. As they practice their recipes and get to know each other better, they realize there may be more there than just being rivals. Who will win the contest and can an Amish woman and Englischer man have a future together?
I greatly enjoyed this sweet romance. I love to bake and enjoyed the discussion of baking and the inner workings of a bakery. I also really liked the story of Noah and his siblings returning to town to connect with their Amish grandparents. It was interesting learning about Amish customs and beliefs. The characters were well written. I learned at the end this was part of a series, but it is very much a standalone novel.
I also enjoyed the baking contest. My Grandma Arlt was an apple pie baking champion in our small town and my Mom has won as well. My Dad bakes excellent desserts, but the title has eluded him. I don’t know if my home town has had any baking contests for a while. I’d like to be in one myself!
Overall, The Amish Baker’s Rival is an excellent inspiration romance that was a true delight to read.
Book Source: A signed copy from author Marie E. Bast as part of the TLC Book Tour. Thank-you!
This review was first posted on my page at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2021...
Mary Brenneman is a young Amish woman running her stepmother’s bakery, Amish Sweet Delights. Finances are tight after medical bills for her twin sisters’ birth. Her heart is also still broken from being left at the alter a year before by a man who decided he no longer wanted to be Amish. Handsome Englischer Noah Miller arrives in the small town and opens a grocery, deli, and bakery directly across the street. How can one small town support two bakeries?
The annual fall festival is hosting a bakery contest with a $20,000 prize that is attracting bakers from across the country. Noah and Mary both compete with the thought that if either one wins, they will be the baker that survives. As they practice their recipes and get to know each other better, they realize there may be more there than just being rivals. Who will win the contest and can an Amish woman and Englischer man have a future together?
I greatly enjoyed this sweet romance. I love to bake and enjoyed the discussion of baking and the inner workings of a bakery. I also really liked the story of Noah and his siblings returning to town to connect with their Amish grandparents. It was interesting learning about Amish customs and beliefs. The characters were well written. I learned at the end this was part of a series, but it is very much a standalone novel.
I also enjoyed the baking contest. My Grandma Arlt was an apple pie baking champion in our small town and my Mom has won as well. My Dad bakes excellent desserts, but the title has eluded him. I don’t know if my home town has had any baking contests for a while. I’d like to be in one myself!
Overall, The Amish Baker’s Rival is an excellent inspiration romance that was a true delight to read.
Book Source: A signed copy from author Marie E. Bast as part of the TLC Book Tour. Thank-you!
This review was first posted on my page at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2021...
December 25, 2020
The Amish Baker's Rival
By Marie E. Bast
He's more than just
her competition...
Mary Brenneman's life is the bakery she's taken over from her stepmother. When a new shop opens up across the street that threatens the Amish Sweet Delights' Bakery she is determined to meet and defeat her rival. But Noah Miller's shop has it all and it is sure to take some of the Sweet Delights' customers, customers they can't afford to lose if they hope to stay open. Mary only sees one way to recapture her customers' attention, win the upcoming Kalona Fall Apple Festival baking contest. Not only would it get the bakery more regional attention the prize money could be used for the improvements Mary wants to implement.
Noah Miller's move to Kalona was more than just opening his new business but to also connect with the family he's never met. What he didn't count on was the competing bakery across the street and the feisty Amish baker who runs it. A baker who is more than a little competitive for Kalona's clientele. As Mary and Noah vie for the bake-off and Kalona they find they are drawn to one another, but Amish and Englisch just won't work.
The Amish Baker's Rival is a meet-cute read that is perfect for your favorite cozy corner (with a cookie or two) and a long afternoon of reading. At just a little more than 200 pages, this is an easy book in which to escape for a few hours. But be forewarned with all the tasty treats these two are offering you just may want to make an excursion into the kitchen for your own baking experience. And there is a recipe in the back of the book to enjoy. This book most definitely fits the Love Inspired Inspirational Romance brand and it is a clean, gentle read perfect for any age.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
By Marie E. Bast
He's more than just
her competition...
Mary Brenneman's life is the bakery she's taken over from her stepmother. When a new shop opens up across the street that threatens the Amish Sweet Delights' Bakery she is determined to meet and defeat her rival. But Noah Miller's shop has it all and it is sure to take some of the Sweet Delights' customers, customers they can't afford to lose if they hope to stay open. Mary only sees one way to recapture her customers' attention, win the upcoming Kalona Fall Apple Festival baking contest. Not only would it get the bakery more regional attention the prize money could be used for the improvements Mary wants to implement.
Noah Miller's move to Kalona was more than just opening his new business but to also connect with the family he's never met. What he didn't count on was the competing bakery across the street and the feisty Amish baker who runs it. A baker who is more than a little competitive for Kalona's clientele. As Mary and Noah vie for the bake-off and Kalona they find they are drawn to one another, but Amish and Englisch just won't work.
The Amish Baker's Rival is a meet-cute read that is perfect for your favorite cozy corner (with a cookie or two) and a long afternoon of reading. At just a little more than 200 pages, this is an easy book in which to escape for a few hours. But be forewarned with all the tasty treats these two are offering you just may want to make an excursion into the kitchen for your own baking experience. And there is a recipe in the back of the book to enjoy. This book most definitely fits the Love Inspired Inspirational Romance brand and it is a clean, gentle read perfect for any age.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
December 18, 2020
Sometimes a little sweetness is just what you want when you pick up a novel. I know when I read an Amish novel I am in for tidy tale of family, community and love. Yes most of them have an overarching religious theme but even this cynical atheist can enjoy the stories for what they are; tales of kindness and love with a morality play at their center. Sometimes it’s just what a reader needs as a brain cleanser, ya know?
In this story we meet Mary who runs the bakery in her town. She is getting over a broken heart as the man she thought she was meant to be married to has left the faith and her. When a big supermarket open across from her that offers baked good she is concerned for her livelihood. But as she gets to know the man who owns the store – and his sister – she finds herself feeling things she should not feel for an outsider.
Noah wants to find his roots which is why he is opening his store where it is but little does he know he is finding so much more than his family’s past. As he gets to know Mary and the rest of the community he finds what has been missing in his life. But will he be able to fit in?
This was a fast and very satisfying Amish story. I do so enjoy novels of this ilk as they are a gentle read and take to a very calm place. The characters are gentle and the romance is sweet. Of course the fact that this one has baking involved certainly didn’t hurt in holding my interest. There is a recipe at the end for Peanut Butter Bars that I will try in the near future – it looks delightful.
If you are looking for a very pleasant, quick read with sweet characters this will be the book for you.
In this story we meet Mary who runs the bakery in her town. She is getting over a broken heart as the man she thought she was meant to be married to has left the faith and her. When a big supermarket open across from her that offers baked good she is concerned for her livelihood. But as she gets to know the man who owns the store – and his sister – she finds herself feeling things she should not feel for an outsider.
Noah wants to find his roots which is why he is opening his store where it is but little does he know he is finding so much more than his family’s past. As he gets to know Mary and the rest of the community he finds what has been missing in his life. But will he be able to fit in?
This was a fast and very satisfying Amish story. I do so enjoy novels of this ilk as they are a gentle read and take to a very calm place. The characters are gentle and the romance is sweet. Of course the fact that this one has baking involved certainly didn’t hurt in holding my interest. There is a recipe at the end for Peanut Butter Bars that I will try in the near future – it looks delightful.
If you are looking for a very pleasant, quick read with sweet characters this will be the book for you.
November 20, 2020
From the beginning, Bast hooks her readers and reels them in with rival characters Mary Brenneman and Noah Miller.
Feisty Mary owns Sweet Delights bakery in a small Amish town. Concerned with expanding her business to keep it afloat, she looks out the window at the brown paper covering the windows of a new business across the street. The sign attached, Opening Soon, enhances Mary’s worries concerning her declining business.
Noah, an Englischer, and owner of the new business, Millers’ Farm-fresh Grocery, Deli, and Bakery, is her new competition. Can the small-town support two bakeries?
Mary is leery of Englischers after being dumped the night before her wedding with Seth when he left her to join the Englischs world. Later Seth repents and returns, wanting to take up with Mary where they left off. Seth broke her heart. Can she ever trust an Englischer again?
With her business tapering off, she has to do something creative, and it will take money to expand her business with more customer seating and cappuccino and espresso machines. Mary enters a baking contest that causes media coverage of her and Noah's rivalry and the bishop’s disapproval.
While Mary struggles to keep her business going, Noah has his own struggles between the Amish and the Englisch world. Although raised Amish, he lived in the Englisch world. He struggles with the death of his parents and the reason they left the Amish Community.
More twists and turns keep the readers engaged in this page-turner. I recommend The Amish Bakers Rival.
Feisty Mary owns Sweet Delights bakery in a small Amish town. Concerned with expanding her business to keep it afloat, she looks out the window at the brown paper covering the windows of a new business across the street. The sign attached, Opening Soon, enhances Mary’s worries concerning her declining business.
Noah, an Englischer, and owner of the new business, Millers’ Farm-fresh Grocery, Deli, and Bakery, is her new competition. Can the small-town support two bakeries?
Mary is leery of Englischers after being dumped the night before her wedding with Seth when he left her to join the Englischs world. Later Seth repents and returns, wanting to take up with Mary where they left off. Seth broke her heart. Can she ever trust an Englischer again?
With her business tapering off, she has to do something creative, and it will take money to expand her business with more customer seating and cappuccino and espresso machines. Mary enters a baking contest that causes media coverage of her and Noah's rivalry and the bishop’s disapproval.
While Mary struggles to keep her business going, Noah has his own struggles between the Amish and the Englisch world. Although raised Amish, he lived in the Englisch world. He struggles with the death of his parents and the reason they left the Amish Community.
More twists and turns keep the readers engaged in this page-turner. I recommend The Amish Bakers Rival.
January 10, 2021
The Amish Baker's Rival is a wonderful story written by Marie E. Bast. This story is filled with friendship, family, love, and forgiveness. I simply adored the characters and they are very likeable. The storyline keeps the reader guessing what will happen next and there is also a bit of mystery woven into the story.
Mary Brennemann is her small towns only bakery but change is in the making. When Mary realizes newcomer Noah Miller is opening more than a grocery store things become very tense between them. Mary wants to expand her bakery's menus but with very limited funds she decides to enter the fall apple festival baking contest to win $10,000 but she is unaware that Noah has entered the contest as well. This is where the real rivalry begins. Through a series of events and a devastating fire Mary feels defeated until Noah steps in and does the unexpected. Who wins the contest is for the reader to discover but the outcome may surprise you. I absolutely loved this story and look forward to the next one.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response and all opinions expressed are my own. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to Marie E. Bast for writing another inspiring story for her readers enjoyment.
Mary Brennemann is her small towns only bakery but change is in the making. When Mary realizes newcomer Noah Miller is opening more than a grocery store things become very tense between them. Mary wants to expand her bakery's menus but with very limited funds she decides to enter the fall apple festival baking contest to win $10,000 but she is unaware that Noah has entered the contest as well. This is where the real rivalry begins. Through a series of events and a devastating fire Mary feels defeated until Noah steps in and does the unexpected. Who wins the contest is for the reader to discover but the outcome may surprise you. I absolutely loved this story and look forward to the next one.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response and all opinions expressed are my own. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to Marie E. Bast for writing another inspiring story for her readers enjoyment.
November 13, 2020
The Amish Baker's Rival by Marie E. Bast is a delightful story, well told and nicely written. Mary Benneman's bakery is feeling the squeeze from on-line bakeries and convenient stores selling fresh baked goods. When her sales keep falling, she decides to enter a baking contest, hoping to win the prize money and more customers.
Now, an Englischer Noah Miller opens a bakery right across the street from hers. She's suspicious of Englisch men ever since her Amish fiance broke their engagement to go live in the Englisch world. But even though her business is dwindling, Mary eventually warms up to Noah's friendly and cute ways. That is, until she starts to like Noah a little too much and tries to keep her distance. However, her plan to stay away from him doesn't last long when they both enter the local baking contest. Working sise by side on their recipes brings them closer and closer together until they both have to make a decision. Disclosure: I received a copy of this book through NetGalley from the publisher for my fair and honest opinion.
Now, an Englischer Noah Miller opens a bakery right across the street from hers. She's suspicious of Englisch men ever since her Amish fiance broke their engagement to go live in the Englisch world. But even though her business is dwindling, Mary eventually warms up to Noah's friendly and cute ways. That is, until she starts to like Noah a little too much and tries to keep her distance. However, her plan to stay away from him doesn't last long when they both enter the local baking contest. Working sise by side on their recipes brings them closer and closer together until they both have to make a decision. Disclosure: I received a copy of this book through NetGalley from the publisher for my fair and honest opinion.
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November 20, 2020I have met my next favorite book! "The Amish Baker's Rival," by Marie E. Bast, is an absolutely "wunderbaar" love story! The author has captured the life of the Amish community. If you are looking for a pure love story in these times where there seems to be nothing sacred or pure, "The Amish Baker," and this second book in the series, "The Amish Baker's Rival," is just what you will want to read. There is no profanity or explicit scenes and it remains a "page-turner." I was smiling when I finished reading the last page. The story is filled with all types of twists and turns. There are moments when you gasp and pray all will work out. John 15:13 states "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." A true love story is told in "The Amish Baker's Rival."
I wonder if the author can bake like Mary? I could smell the fresh aroma of baked goods as I turned the pages and longed for a taste. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
I wonder if the author can bake like Mary? I could smell the fresh aroma of baked goods as I turned the pages and longed for a taste. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 10, 2021
So overall I did enjoy this. But I did have some issues with it.
One, this is a sequel to The Amish Baker. I didn't know this because Goodreads didnt say it like they ususally say when a book is part of a series. But the note in the bwck of the book makes it clear. Yes you can read this as a standalone, especially considering the book takes place many years after the first. I just wish I had that information.
Two, I wasn't too crazy about Noah at first. But he did get better. Part of the story is him trying to find his family. When he does, he it too eager calling them grandma/pa, aunt, uncle, whatever. If I just met my family I would take it slow. I didn't find it believeable. There was also too much family dynamics and drama with his family too. It was confusing and after a whike I stopped caring.
Too many characters.
Got bored here and there. It probably didn't help I was reading more than one book at a time while reading this.
I know it sounds like I have a lot of negatives with this book but it is good. It's average and I recommed.
One, this is a sequel to The Amish Baker. I didn't know this because Goodreads didnt say it like they ususally say when a book is part of a series. But the note in the bwck of the book makes it clear. Yes you can read this as a standalone, especially considering the book takes place many years after the first. I just wish I had that information.
Two, I wasn't too crazy about Noah at first. But he did get better. Part of the story is him trying to find his family. When he does, he it too eager calling them grandma/pa, aunt, uncle, whatever. If I just met my family I would take it slow. I didn't find it believeable. There was also too much family dynamics and drama with his family too. It was confusing and after a whike I stopped caring.
Too many characters.
Got bored here and there. It probably didn't help I was reading more than one book at a time while reading this.
I know it sounds like I have a lot of negatives with this book but it is good. It's average and I recommed.
September 1, 2022
The Amish Baker’s Rival is an Amish romance by author Marie E. Bast.
Mary Brenneman owned and operated the Amish Sweet Delights shop. Noah owned and operated the new store in town, Farm-Fresh Grocery, and Deli. Noah was a good-looking English guy but he was Mary’s rival. Could the two be friends, or maybe something more? They both entered the fall baking contest.
The Amish Baker’s Rival is a great read. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Mary and Noah. The book delves into forgiveness, which is always a plus for me. If the reader is looking for a clean-wholesome story I recommend The Amish Baker’s Rival.
I give The Amish Baker’s Rival 4*/5*
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Mary Brenneman owned and operated the Amish Sweet Delights shop. Noah owned and operated the new store in town, Farm-Fresh Grocery, and Deli. Noah was a good-looking English guy but he was Mary’s rival. Could the two be friends, or maybe something more? They both entered the fall baking contest.
The Amish Baker’s Rival is a great read. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Mary and Noah. The book delves into forgiveness, which is always a plus for me. If the reader is looking for a clean-wholesome story I recommend The Amish Baker’s Rival.
I give The Amish Baker’s Rival 4*/5*
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
November 21, 2020
I enjoy writing about Amish and I enjoy baking so it was a real pleasure to write both The Amish Baker and The Amish Baker's Rival. The Amish lifestyle looks so easy on the outside, but like everyone else, they have their challenges in their life that cause them to make hard decisions. In The Amish Baker, Sarah, Mary's step-mother runs the bakery, but in The Amish Baker's Rival, Mary has taken over running the bakery. With online bakeries and convenient stores selling baked goods, the bakery is suffering in sales and revenue. Now when Noah Miller, an Englischer opens up a farm-fresh grocery, delicatessen and bakery right across the street, Mary must work hard to save her bakery. While Mary and Noah's professional lives clash, their constant contact brings them together in a relationship that could spell trouble. With their kitchen wars warming into something more...will they listen to their heads or to their hearts. I hope you enjoy reading the story as much as I enjoyed writing it.
April 5, 2021
The Amish Baker's Rival, written by Marie E. Bast, is a charming Love Inspired Amish romance story. An easy afternoon read, the book left me with a smile on my face. Mary manages her family's Amish bakery and is shocked to find a rival eatery opening up across the street. Englischer Noah brings his second deli/bakery to Kalona, Iowa. But can this small town support two similar businesses? Mary and Noah are about to find out as they compete against each other in the annual baking contest. Wonderful characters, twists and turns to the plot with several interesting developments kept my attention. And then the dilemma of Mary being Amish and Noah, an Englischer and their growing attraction to each other--how would the author solve that one? Readers who enjoy stories about the Amish community and sweet romances will not want to miss this one. I won a copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
December 28, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up.
I’ve read Amish fiction before, but if you’ve never tried it this is a great place to start. It’s a sweet story that can be read in a day or so. It’s an easy read that I found engaging. Noah has ties to the Amish, but his parents left the community before he was born. Now that his parents have passed, he and his sisters have come to this small town in Iowa to try to find their Amish family. The main characters Mary and Noah were likable and the baking contest was a cute plot line. I loved all of the baking descriptions and details as well as the inspirational message. As Mary’s and Noah’s feelings for each other grew, I wasn’t sure how there would be a happy ending, but the author brought it all together nicely. There’s even a recipe at the end.
I received a free ebook to review via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’ve read Amish fiction before, but if you’ve never tried it this is a great place to start. It’s a sweet story that can be read in a day or so. It’s an easy read that I found engaging. Noah has ties to the Amish, but his parents left the community before he was born. Now that his parents have passed, he and his sisters have come to this small town in Iowa to try to find their Amish family. The main characters Mary and Noah were likable and the baking contest was a cute plot line. I loved all of the baking descriptions and details as well as the inspirational message. As Mary’s and Noah’s feelings for each other grew, I wasn’t sure how there would be a happy ending, but the author brought it all together nicely. There’s even a recipe at the end.
I received a free ebook to review via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 29, 2020
I really liked this sweet read about baking rivals. Amish vs Englischer brings us the story of a baking war that will make you hungry, so be forewarned.
Author Marie Bast returns us to the Brenneman family and introduces us to Noah, a charming store owner. Her characters are well developed and fun. I was a bit surprised at the spunk Mary shows, as the things she does are not typical for Amish women, but I enjoyed her personality and her drive. Yet is what she’s striving for God’s plan for her life?
The lesson throughout of caring for others and looking out for them was good to see develop between rivals. Family and friends are important to the Amish community and they will do anything to help. Such a heartwarming view of God’s love.
There were some surprises along the way, keeping me reading to see what would happen next. If you enjoy Amish fiction you’ll enjoy The Amish Baker’s Rival.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Author Marie Bast returns us to the Brenneman family and introduces us to Noah, a charming store owner. Her characters are well developed and fun. I was a bit surprised at the spunk Mary shows, as the things she does are not typical for Amish women, but I enjoyed her personality and her drive. Yet is what she’s striving for God’s plan for her life?
The lesson throughout of caring for others and looking out for them was good to see develop between rivals. Family and friends are important to the Amish community and they will do anything to help. Such a heartwarming view of God’s love.
There were some surprises along the way, keeping me reading to see what would happen next. If you enjoy Amish fiction you’ll enjoy The Amish Baker’s Rival.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
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