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Tompkins Mill #2
Mending Hearts
In this emotional Amish romance, a young couple will discover that healing from heartbreak takes two.
Miriam Bowman was devastated when her fiance was killed in a logging incident. In the years since the tragedy, she finds it impossible to enter into a new relationship for fear of it coming to a disastrous end. So she works at her quilt shop in town and stays away from anything that would risk her heart. As least until David Miller comes back home to take a second chance at the Amish way of life.
David feels responsible for the logging incident that killed his friend and Miriam's betrothed, and his life has been corrupted by guilt. That guilt only worsens when he and Miriam begin to spend time together after his return, and they begin to have feelings for each other. David might just be the man Miriam has been afraid of finding, one she could fall in love with. And Miriam is the only one who can truly forgive David for his perceived misdeeds. In order to risk their hearts and find the love they've been missing, David and Miriam will have to open them to each other.
Miriam Bowman was devastated when her fiance was killed in a logging incident. In the years since the tragedy, she finds it impossible to enter into a new relationship for fear of it coming to a disastrous end. So she works at her quilt shop in town and stays away from anything that would risk her heart. As least until David Miller comes back home to take a second chance at the Amish way of life.
David feels responsible for the logging incident that killed his friend and Miriam's betrothed, and his life has been corrupted by guilt. That guilt only worsens when he and Miriam begin to spend time together after his return, and they begin to have feelings for each other. David might just be the man Miriam has been afraid of finding, one she could fall in love with. And Miriam is the only one who can truly forgive David for his perceived misdeeds. In order to risk their hearts and find the love they've been missing, David and Miriam will have to open them to each other.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 9, 2021
3 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Janice Kay Johnson
293 books193 followersJanice Kay Johnson is the author of over a hundred books for children and adults. Her first four published romance novels were coauthored with her mother, also a writer who has since published mysteries and children's books on her own. These were "sweet" romance novels, the author hastens to add; she isn't sure they'd have felt comfortable coauthoring passionate love scenes!
Janice graduated from Whitman College with a B.A. in history and then received a master's degree in library science from the University of Washington. She was a branch librarian for a public library system until she began selling her own writing.
She has written six novels for young adults and one picture book for the read-aloud crowd. Rosamund was the outgrowth of all those hours spent reading to her own daughters, and of her passion for growing old roses. Two more of her favorite books were historical novels she wrote for Tor/Forge. The research was pure indulgence for someone who set out intending to be a historian!
Janice is divorced and has raised her two daughters in a small, rural town north of Seattle, Washington. She's an active volunteer and board member for Purrfect Pals, a no-kill cat shelter, and foster kittens often enliven a household that already includes a few more cats than she wants to admit to!
Janice loves writing books about both love and family — about the way generations connect and the power our earliest experiences have on us throughout life. Her Superromance novels are frequent finalists for Romance Writers of America RITA® awards. Along with her books for Harlequin, Janice has written the Cape Trouble series of romantic suspense novels, and is about to launch a new series, Desperation Creek, set in rural eastern Oregon.
Janice graduated from Whitman College with a B.A. in history and then received a master's degree in library science from the University of Washington. She was a branch librarian for a public library system until she began selling her own writing.
She has written six novels for young adults and one picture book for the read-aloud crowd. Rosamund was the outgrowth of all those hours spent reading to her own daughters, and of her passion for growing old roses. Two more of her favorite books were historical novels she wrote for Tor/Forge. The research was pure indulgence for someone who set out intending to be a historian!
Janice is divorced and has raised her two daughters in a small, rural town north of Seattle, Washington. She's an active volunteer and board member for Purrfect Pals, a no-kill cat shelter, and foster kittens often enliven a household that already includes a few more cats than she wants to admit to!
Janice loves writing books about both love and family — about the way generations connect and the power our earliest experiences have on us throughout life. Her Superromance novels are frequent finalists for Romance Writers of America RITA® awards. Along with her books for Harlequin, Janice has written the Cape Trouble series of romantic suspense novels, and is about to launch a new series, Desperation Creek, set in rural eastern Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 21, 2021
After reading Turning Home, I was really excited that Miriam’s story would be next in Mending Hearts. Something in me connected with something in her while reading her brother’s story and, even though we have little in common, I somehow felt she was a kindred spirit nonetheless. (Side note: You don’t have to read Turning Home to enjoy Mending Hearts – it works fine as a standalone – but I think you’ll appreciate the characters & community more if you have.)
Both Miriam and David built walls around their hearts after Levi (Miriam’s boyfriend & David’s best friend/business partner) died. Guilt drove David away from their community after Levi’s tragic death, guilt over his feelings for Miriam – his best friend’s girl. Miriam had her own share of guilt and secret heartbreak, and she closed herself off from any other marriage prospects, resigned to be a spinster. But now David is back and living right next door … and, while she only had eyes for Levi back then, Miriam certainly notices David now! And I can’t say I blame her – he is quite swoony and seems to be a great kisser too! 😉
I really liked David’s character – aside from the swoon factor & kissing skills, he is handsome and kind, loves his family, loves God, loves animals, owns up to his flaws & struggles, and is also not afraid to tease when it gets a smile from the woman he loves. Miriam herself has a big heart and a warm spirit. She often shows wisdom beyond her years, and she is just the kind of heroine you’d want to be friends with in real life. I also appreciated that Johnson skillfully creates interactions for David & Miriam that remind readers that, though they are initially united by tragedy and loss, they have much more than that in common.
Bottom Line: Mending Hearts by Janice Kay Johnson is the perfect follow-up to Turning Home, while also standing solidly on its own as a sweet romance and setting the stage for book three (Gideon’s story – YAY!). David & Miriam are delightful to watch fall in love, and I very much liked getting to spend time with them on the pages. I enjoy the community of Tompkins Mill – the Amish and the Englisch and the ones who straddle both worlds a bit – and I especially love how the theme of each book involves some form of returning home, to the community, to the faith, to something (or someone) you’ve been waiting for your whole life. This gives the already compelling characters even more depth & layers to be explored and keeps readers invested in the outcome. Highly recommended for fans of Laura V. Hilton, Cindy Woodsmall, Laura Bradford and Shelley Shepard Gray!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
Both Miriam and David built walls around their hearts after Levi (Miriam’s boyfriend & David’s best friend/business partner) died. Guilt drove David away from their community after Levi’s tragic death, guilt over his feelings for Miriam – his best friend’s girl. Miriam had her own share of guilt and secret heartbreak, and she closed herself off from any other marriage prospects, resigned to be a spinster. But now David is back and living right next door … and, while she only had eyes for Levi back then, Miriam certainly notices David now! And I can’t say I blame her – he is quite swoony and seems to be a great kisser too! 😉
I really liked David’s character – aside from the swoon factor & kissing skills, he is handsome and kind, loves his family, loves God, loves animals, owns up to his flaws & struggles, and is also not afraid to tease when it gets a smile from the woman he loves. Miriam herself has a big heart and a warm spirit. She often shows wisdom beyond her years, and she is just the kind of heroine you’d want to be friends with in real life. I also appreciated that Johnson skillfully creates interactions for David & Miriam that remind readers that, though they are initially united by tragedy and loss, they have much more than that in common.
Bottom Line: Mending Hearts by Janice Kay Johnson is the perfect follow-up to Turning Home, while also standing solidly on its own as a sweet romance and setting the stage for book three (Gideon’s story – YAY!). David & Miriam are delightful to watch fall in love, and I very much liked getting to spend time with them on the pages. I enjoy the community of Tompkins Mill – the Amish and the Englisch and the ones who straddle both worlds a bit – and I especially love how the theme of each book involves some form of returning home, to the community, to the faith, to something (or someone) you’ve been waiting for your whole life. This gives the already compelling characters even more depth & layers to be explored and keeps readers invested in the outcome. Highly recommended for fans of Laura V. Hilton, Cindy Woodsmall, Laura Bradford and Shelley Shepard Gray!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
February 19, 2021
Mending Hearts by Janice Kay Johnson is the 2nd A Tompkin’s Mill Novel. It can be read as a standalone for those who have not read Turning Home. I thought Mending Hearts was well-written with developed characters. I like that we get to catch up with the characters from Turning Home. David Miller and Miriam Bowman both feel guilt over the death of Levi. Both of them need to come to terms with Levi’s death plus forgive themselves. It is the only way they can move forward with their lives. We see Miriam and David struggle with the guilt and loss of faith. I like that we get to know Miriam and David as well as their families and community. I like how the people in the community help each other. If someone has a need, they are there to assist (whether they want it or not). I thought Mending Hearts was an emotional novel about love, forgiveness, family, faith, and second chances. I like the drama in the second half of the book. It added another level of depth to the story. We get to see Miriam and David struggling with their faith. They are both having difficulty turning their troubles over to God and relying on Him. I did find the pace of Mending Hearts to be a little slow at time plus there is repetition. I also thought the story was a little long. These small issues aside, I enjoyed Mending Hearts. I especially loved the puppies (they sounded adorable) and Copper, the horse David was training. Mending Hearts is a heartwarming Amish tale with buggy rides, barn raising, quality quilts, fixing fences, disquieting guilt, and a special someone.
February 23, 2021
For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. Therefore, whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light. Would it possible to have peace without confessing his fear?
After six years David is back to the Amish community he grew up in. After his best friend's Levi's death he had left. The pain was just to great for him to stay and face. With the death of Uncle and the farm that he has inherited, David wants peace that the Amish community brings. He is determined to set things right with Levi's mother and Levi's fiancé Miriam. Upon Miriam seeing David, the old feelings come back that she thought were laid to rest.
Miriam and David with the help of Miriam's family make way for healing. Both of them deal with the guilt of Levi's death and unresolved relationships. Their attraction to each other is careful at best and offers them the space to resolve past issues. They are both suppressed from the past that they cannot move to the future. How many times do relationships do that? Just as Miriam and David put much on their own shoulders confession brings a renewal of hope.
A special thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
After six years David is back to the Amish community he grew up in. After his best friend's Levi's death he had left. The pain was just to great for him to stay and face. With the death of Uncle and the farm that he has inherited, David wants peace that the Amish community brings. He is determined to set things right with Levi's mother and Levi's fiancé Miriam. Upon Miriam seeing David, the old feelings come back that she thought were laid to rest.
Miriam and David with the help of Miriam's family make way for healing. Both of them deal with the guilt of Levi's death and unresolved relationships. Their attraction to each other is careful at best and offers them the space to resolve past issues. They are both suppressed from the past that they cannot move to the future. How many times do relationships do that? Just as Miriam and David put much on their own shoulders confession brings a renewal of hope.
A special thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
January 30, 2021
This is the second book in this series that I have read and enjoyed, there are some recurring characters, but this can be read alone.
We have a kind Amish man, David Miller, who is trying to work out of the guilt he feels after the death of his best friend and business partner. He even went so far as to leave his family and faith. Circumstances and the missing of his faith bring him back. Will he be accepted and forgiven?
We also meet Miriam Bowman, a young woman who wanted to marry Levi, David's business partner, and is now David's neighbor. Can she finally come to terms with Levi's death, and most of all live her faith and give forgiveness.
I loved being with these kind people, they are there for each other, and take care of their widows, as we see, even if they don't want help.
You find them always giving baskets of food, and their time to help one another. David is ready to help all those who need him, but can he help himself.
I was quickly absorbed in this story and community, and hope that we have more books coming!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Berkley, and was not required to give a positive review.
We have a kind Amish man, David Miller, who is trying to work out of the guilt he feels after the death of his best friend and business partner. He even went so far as to leave his family and faith. Circumstances and the missing of his faith bring him back. Will he be accepted and forgiven?
We also meet Miriam Bowman, a young woman who wanted to marry Levi, David's business partner, and is now David's neighbor. Can she finally come to terms with Levi's death, and most of all live her faith and give forgiveness.
I loved being with these kind people, they are there for each other, and take care of their widows, as we see, even if they don't want help.
You find them always giving baskets of food, and their time to help one another. David is ready to help all those who need him, but can he help himself.
I was quickly absorbed in this story and community, and hope that we have more books coming!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Berkley, and was not required to give a positive review.
April 11, 2021
Miriam captured my interest in Turning Home, the first book in Janice Kay Johnson's Tompkins Hill series, so I was crazy excited to get my hands on a copy of her story! (Thank you, public library, for your committment to keeping current with Amish fiction!) Now, though this is the second book in a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. Mind you, book one is so amazing you'll want to read it too. :-)
The theme of this series seems to be homecomings and I love the layered depths that brings in both faith and personal relationships, In Mending Hearts, it's David who has returned to his Amish roots after sojourning among the Englisch in an attempt to run away from his grief and guilt. Of course, that worked about as well as you'd expect and his aching heart has led him home again. His is a beautiful redemptive story and I felt every emotional nuance.
Miriam and David are connected by tragedy but there is so much more in store for them if they can only put the past behind them. That's particularly difficult for David but Miriam's loving, giving nature is up to the challenge. Sweet romance with a sizzling dose of toe-curls ensue.
Love the community Johnson has created and the way she deftly weaves interesting Amish facts throughout the story. And I adore the stellar cast of supporting characters -- like Bishop Amos who I'd love to have on speed dial for all my life crisis moments! :-)
Thankfully, there are more Tomkin's Mill novels to come and -- eeeeeppppp! -- Finding Hope is coming out in June and it looks absolutely amazing! Can't wait!
The theme of this series seems to be homecomings and I love the layered depths that brings in both faith and personal relationships, In Mending Hearts, it's David who has returned to his Amish roots after sojourning among the Englisch in an attempt to run away from his grief and guilt. Of course, that worked about as well as you'd expect and his aching heart has led him home again. His is a beautiful redemptive story and I felt every emotional nuance.
Miriam and David are connected by tragedy but there is so much more in store for them if they can only put the past behind them. That's particularly difficult for David but Miriam's loving, giving nature is up to the challenge. Sweet romance with a sizzling dose of toe-curls ensue.
Love the community Johnson has created and the way she deftly weaves interesting Amish facts throughout the story. And I adore the stellar cast of supporting characters -- like Bishop Amos who I'd love to have on speed dial for all my life crisis moments! :-)
Thankfully, there are more Tomkin's Mill novels to come and -- eeeeeppppp! -- Finding Hope is coming out in June and it looks absolutely amazing! Can't wait!
February 24, 2021
This is a lovely, thoughtful story about two Amish young people who blame themselves for a tragedy that occurred six years earlier. In that logging accident, Miriam Bowman lost her fiancé, Levi, who was also David Miller’s best friend. Both handled their hurt in a different manner: Miriam closed her heart to love and marriage; David left the Amish community to attempt to escape his guilt about the accident and the pain he felt he caused his community. But when David returns to the Amish community at Tompkin’s Mill, both David and Miriam began to realize that they can have a bright future together, if they can find the courage and faith to claim it.
I thought this author did an excellent job in creating characters that were compelling and which quickly drew me into the book. I had empathy for both Miriam and Levi and I enjoyed reading their story. I missed reading the first book in this series. But after reading this one, I’m looking forward to reading that one and the other books that will be coming along in this series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I thought this author did an excellent job in creating characters that were compelling and which quickly drew me into the book. I had empathy for both Miriam and Levi and I enjoyed reading their story. I missed reading the first book in this series. But after reading this one, I’m looking forward to reading that one and the other books that will be coming along in this series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
February 17, 2021
Mending Hearts by Janice Kay Johnson is an endearing Amish romance that deals with true to life issues. Although this newest release is the second installment in the Tompkins Mill series, it can be read as a standalone.
After several years living Englisch, David Miller is ready to return to his family and faith. He has recently inherited a farm and he has decided on a career path that is very different than the one he had before leaving. David’s maam and daad welcome him home with open arms, but David knows the steps he must take to be part of their church community. His neighbors, the Bowman family, eagerly invite him into their home. David is grateful for the opportunity to spend time with them, but how will he feel when he sees Miriam Bowman again?
Having lost the man she hoped to one day marry, Miriam has yet to find another man to love so she is resigned to spinsterhood. She loves her job at the local quilting shop and she continues living with her parents. With David now a part of her life, she begins to view him much differently than when she was younger. Realizing her feelings for him are deepening, Miriam cannot help but wonder if love and marriage might not be as far out of reach as she believes. But will their shared past and Levi’s death prevent them from sharing a future together?
David’s life with the Englisch was not without its fair share of problems. But he is ready to put that life behind him and embrace his Amish faith and community. David begins working with the Bishop right away in order to seek forgiveness for his mistakes. But he is reluctant to confess the one thing that troubles him the most. Will David be able to truly move on since he has not completely forgiven himself?
Mending Hearts is an emotionally compelling novel of forgiveness and love. Miriam is a kind-hearted and loving young woman. David is a compassionate man who struggles to let go of lingering guilt. Both are devoutly faithful but Miriam is better at accepting God’s will. Miriam and David are a wonderful couple but their path to happiness is not assured. With some late in the story conflict, Janice Kay Johnson brings this charming romance to a heartfelt conclusion. Old and new fans of the Tompkins Mill series are going to love this newest installment.
After several years living Englisch, David Miller is ready to return to his family and faith. He has recently inherited a farm and he has decided on a career path that is very different than the one he had before leaving. David’s maam and daad welcome him home with open arms, but David knows the steps he must take to be part of their church community. His neighbors, the Bowman family, eagerly invite him into their home. David is grateful for the opportunity to spend time with them, but how will he feel when he sees Miriam Bowman again?
Having lost the man she hoped to one day marry, Miriam has yet to find another man to love so she is resigned to spinsterhood. She loves her job at the local quilting shop and she continues living with her parents. With David now a part of her life, she begins to view him much differently than when she was younger. Realizing her feelings for him are deepening, Miriam cannot help but wonder if love and marriage might not be as far out of reach as she believes. But will their shared past and Levi’s death prevent them from sharing a future together?
David’s life with the Englisch was not without its fair share of problems. But he is ready to put that life behind him and embrace his Amish faith and community. David begins working with the Bishop right away in order to seek forgiveness for his mistakes. But he is reluctant to confess the one thing that troubles him the most. Will David be able to truly move on since he has not completely forgiven himself?
Mending Hearts is an emotionally compelling novel of forgiveness and love. Miriam is a kind-hearted and loving young woman. David is a compassionate man who struggles to let go of lingering guilt. Both are devoutly faithful but Miriam is better at accepting God’s will. Miriam and David are a wonderful couple but their path to happiness is not assured. With some late in the story conflict, Janice Kay Johnson brings this charming romance to a heartfelt conclusion. Old and new fans of the Tompkins Mill series are going to love this newest installment.
August 1, 2021
Mending Hearts is the second heartwarming book written by Janice Kay Johnson in her Tompkin's Mill series. The characters are very likeable and make this story come to life. The readers have become aquatinted with Miriam Bowman in the first book of this series and now we get to hear her personal story which is filled with great loss and how she deals with it. Miriam had been courting the love of her life when he is suddenly killed in a freak logging accident. Thinking after six years she has moved on from her loss she is suddenly faced with secrets from the past. Miriam is dedicated to her family, friends, and faith and is known for her kind heart and willingness to help others but this is all put to the test when David Miller returns to Tompkin's Mill after leaving the community believing he is responsible for the death of Levi. The journey Miriam and David take to try to heal is filled with pain for many reasons. When David's secret is finally revealed is Miriam ready to hear it and deal with it. The author has done an amazing job telling this story that is filled with love, forgiveness, and finally acceptance. The emotions run high in this story and tissues are a must.
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.
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.
February 23, 2021
This book was not for me. I felt for a good portion of the book the story dragged and I found it hard to get into the story over all. I will say just over half way through the author did throw a twist into the story but as quickly as is was there it was over with. I did not read any of the first story but I loved Julie and her brother oh my what sweet souls. I really also like Miriam what she faced in the story could have knocked any one to their knees but she just seemed so strong and stubborn nothing was going to knock her over. The story was a clean read and suitable for most. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 18, 2024
Sweet romance, and I like how both had to deal with their respective pasts with Levi in order to move forward.
February 23, 2021
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