The Inn at Harts Haven

The Matchmakers of Harts Haven #1

by Patricia Davids

“Patricia writes with heart, integrity and hope. Her stories both entertain and edify—the perfect combination.” —Kim Vogel Sawyer, award-winning and bestselling author

In this close-knit Amish community, she’ll hide in plain sight…

Pregnant and desperate, Victoria Worthington runs to the only place that’s ever felt safe. For years she’s been controlled, first by her crime-boss father, then by her ex-boyfriend. Donning a hand-sewn dress, a kapp and a new name, she escapes as Abby Martin to the Amish community of Harts Haven, where she spent happy summers with her grandparents. Taking a job as a maid at the local inn, Abby plans to repair her grandparents’ abandoned house and build a new life for her baby.

Since a tragedy took his family, contractor Joseph Troyer has traveled from one Amish town to another, refusing to let anyone get close. Not that it stops the inn’s elderly, eccentric owner, Rose, from doing some matchmaking while Joe renovates her kitchen. Though Abby is more outspoken than any Amish woman he knows, something draws him to her—and to the secrets she’s hiding.

Taken under Rose’s wing, Abby begins to find her place at last. But even here there’s no hiding from the past. Only by facing it with courage, faith and the unexpected gift of love can this haven become the home she’s longed for.

The Matchmakers of Harts Haven

Book 1: The Inn at Harts Haven

Genres: Amish, Romance, Amish Fiction, Contemporary, Fiction, Suspense, Mystery

384 pages, Paperback

Published January 4, 2022

About the author

I was born and raised in Northcentral Kansas. I'm a farmer's daughter, but I now make my home in the city of Wichita. I'm an RN. Neonatal nursing has been the main focus of my career. What can I say? I love babies. I was invited to the highschool graduation of a baby I took care of. Talk about making me feel old!

In June of 2011 I became a widow after my husband of 36 years and 11 months died from multiple brain tumors. It was a very sad time, but thanks to the three f's, my faith, my family and my friends, life is moving forward. I have four brothers, one daughter and two grandchildren who all work at making me feel loved.

I'm the author of more than 30 books and I'm currently writing a series called The Brides of Amish Country for Love Inspired.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an Amish Romantic Suspense, and this is the first book in The Matchmakers of Harts Haven series. I love the mix of Amish, Romance, and Suspense in this book. There are some really great and funny characters in this book. There was a twist at the ending of this book, but I did guess it. I love how the ending unfolded. The romance was cute and sweet. The suspense in this book was light, but it was through out the book. I really enjoyed the characters in this book and watching the two main characters slowly opening up to each other. I got pulled into this story, and I could not put it down. I stayed up late to finish this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Harlequin) or author (Jodie Bailey) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very different Amish romantic suspense,
A story of mobsters and escaping when everything is tense!
Victoria Abigail Worthington is pregnant and scared
She running from her crime-boss father as quickly as she dared.
Going to where she spent summers with her gran
Doing her best to stay as safe as she can.

Her Mum rejected her parents' Amish ways
But made sure that her child experienced it on summer days.
Her Mum's death and that of her grandparents, too,
Meant her controlling father then chose what she should do.
She daren't stay with him or her ex-boyfriend
Instead escaping to safety is what she intends.

Taking a job as a maid at the Inn at Harts Haven
Gives her the sense of safety and love that she's craved
But unless she thwarts her father's search for her then
He'll return her into his controlling care once again.
Can she stay safe and protect the other folk too?
She'll try her best and do all she can do.

Get ready for a matchmaker, who is friendly and cares
Along with a contractor who no longer dares.
Whilst learning more of the Amish ways,
Getting her grandparents' home ready for her stays,
Birdwatching and joining the Amish community, too
Assuming a new identity as Abby Martin she'll do.

This story is one that's full of suspense and fears
But also has laughter, hopes and joyful tears.
With courage and faith and good community support, too
It is amazing just what you can do!
And with brilliant folk like Rose in your life
You'll have support to overcome any strife!

For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
I throughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first in a new series -- The Matchmakers of Harts Haven -- offers a classic Amish setting and a few unexpected twists. First, we have an up and coming inn owned by three Amish widows including one rapscallion matchmaker. Rose alone is worth the read! With equal measures of charm and cunning, her antics are both hilarious and groan-out-loud worthy. So much fun. Unless you are Abby and Joe. :-)

Rose sets the stage for tons of romantical angst as she constantly throws our hero and heroine together but they aren't having any of it. Joe isn't over a severe trauma that has left him unwilling to commit to stay in one community, let alone settle down as a husband. And Abby, well, she's harbouring a whole lot of secrets and her mind is more on survival than courting.

On the surface -- this premise shouldn't work. How realistic is it to think that an Englischer could seamlessly blend in with an Amish community? I'm happy to report that Davids has given careful thought to every aspect and makes the scenario not only plausible but easily relatable too. Especially as she slowly reveals more character back story. I especially appreciated the way faith is woven throughout.

I wouldn't define this as a full out mystery, but there certainly is some as well as an air of real danger which brings an extra thrill to an already delightful story.

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Meghan Kelly who did a great job of bringing distinctive voices to each character. A real pleasure to listen to.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victoria Worthington has escaped her controlling, dangerous father and duplicitous boyfriend. Victoria is pregnant and she wants to protect her unborn child from them. She heads to the one place she felt happy and safe. Her grandparents lived in Harts Haven and Victoria spent her summers with them until they passed away when she was fourteen. Victoria dons Amish clothing and changes her name to Abby Martin. She gets a position at Harts Haven Inn thanks to co-owner Rose Yoder. The Harts Haven Inn has yet to open because it is being remodeled by Joseph Troyer. Rose likes to play matchmaker. She believes Joseph and Abby are a perfect match. Neither party is interested in a relationship, but that does not deter Rose. Rose manages to finagle the two together quite often. Joseph and Abby soon become friends. There is potential for more between them, but Joseph does not know Abby’s secrets. The past soon comes knocking and Abby’s new friends work to keep her safe. Will Abby get the future she has dreamed of, or will her father win once again? The Inn at Harts Haven by Patricia Davids is a special Amish novel. I was instantly drawn into the debut of The Matchmakers of Harts Haven. It is a well-written novel with steady pacing and developed characters. I enjoyed getting to know Victoria, Joseph, Rose, Susanna, Grace, and the others. I just loved Rose Yoder. She is a delightful character. Rose is a kindhearted woman who added humor to the story. It was great to visit Harts Haven and get to know the warmhearted people who live there. The suspense added depth and intrigue to the story. It had me quickly turning the pages so I could find out how the story would turn out. I would have liked a more complete wrap-up regarding the father. I laughed often while reading this story thanks to Rose. The Inn at Harts Haven is an enjoyable tale (I was sorry for it to end). This is my favorite book by Patricia Davids. The author combined suspense, romance, and faith with relatable, kind characters into a charming creation. I am eager for the next book in this series. The Inn at Harts Haven is an appealing Amish tale with an outspoken outsider, a kind carpenter, a meddling matchmaker, a dangerous dad, a scruffy farmhouse, and a caring community.

[Book Nerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a fan of the Amish lit genre or just enjoy a good clean romance, you will enjoy The Inn at Hart’s Haven.

At first I was a little skeptical of the storyline, the details of Victoria’s English past seemed larger than life, but I was soon past that and just enjoying the story of two people overcoming their personal tragedies and falling in love.

This was a good light read that left me a happy feeling each time I picked it up. While I don’t normally choose a romance for any thrills, the bit of suspense added in made for a pleasant twist on an often predictable genre. Davids develops loveable characters and transports the reader to Harts Haven, where life is a bit simpler, neighbours support one another, and good triumphs over evil.

Fans of the genre will be sure to add this series to their TBR pile. I will definitely order book 2 when it comes out!

Thanks to Goodreads Giveaway & HNQ books for a free copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review!

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was immerse into Victoria’s story from the start when she’s escaping her childhood home and abusive boyfriend. She loved her childhood memories of spending time with her Amish grandparents and felt safe there. Her arrival in Harts Haven gave her a new sense of finally belonging. Meeting Rose at the inn gave her support and love that she hadn’t received for years. Add in Joseph Troyer who doing renovations at the inn and Rose sees a match between two hurting souls. This book is not the typical Amish fiction as it’s filled with depth, mystery, romance, gangsters, and plenty of unexpected twists and turns for Abby, Joseph and the residents. I look forward to the next book in this series to see who Rose to trying to match up next.

I won a copy of this book from the author in a Facebook giveaway. I was under no obligation to write a review but have shared my own opinion.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Inn at Harts Haven is a romantic suspense Amish Fiction story. Victoria Worthington remembers that her happiest days were at her grandparents' farm in the Amish community of Harts Haven. When her mother died, she never went again, being raised by her father, a crime-boss. He has kept her hostage giving her no money and keeping her inheritance from her grandparents under his control. She is engaged to his right hand man, who impregnated her to get her dad to allow him to marry her. Now that he has physically abused her, she is on the run. She has disguised herself as a young Amish woman, Abby Martin and been hired to work as a maid at the local inn. Contractor Joseph Troyer has traveled from one Amish town to another, not allowing anyone to get close to him due to his grief and guilt of losing his family in a tragedy. Joe has been hired to renovate the kitchen at the inn, but Rose, one of the owners and an elderly eccentric woman has matchmaking in mind. Taken under Rose's wing and with Joe helping her out, she may find that her place is in Harts Haven.

This was a great story with suspense, danger, humour, friendship, family, romance and finding your place. Abby just wants to be happy, and is trying hard to fit in at the inn. Joe finds her attitude unusual with her outspokenness and independence. As they get to know each other, they finally open up and share their backgrounds and baggage. I loved Rose. She seemed like she might have dementia, but I think she was putting on an act to get away with her outlandish acts while matchmaking. As Abby learned about Rose's relationship with her grandmother, she became close to her. Of course her father and fiancé weren't just going to let her leave, and there is a lot of action and danger later in the story. I enjoyed this book and hope to read the rest in the series.

[Jeanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different Amish Romance than what I have read before. Abby is running from the English world. Her mother had married an Englisher and was shunned by her parents and Amish Community however, Abby remembers the simple times of faith, love and family visiting her grandparents in Kansas. Abby story starts in a frantic. She is on a bus going East in Kansas City. She has made careful plans to escape her father's emotional abuse and run away to the Amish community that she remembers that her grandparents once lived. She is alone now. Her mother and grandparents have died and she knows the only chance she has in life is start over Amish. She ends up at Harts Haven Inn where she is embraced by the women who run the Amish Inn. They are currently remodeling it with the help of Joseph who is running from his own past. An young Amish man that has forced himself to isolation until he meets Abby.

An attraction strikes up. They both mirror a hurt and a longing that they find in each other. They both must face their past in order to have a future together. With the help of Harts Haven and how the Lord makes a way, they also have the best gift of all. A faith that passes all understanding.

A special thank you to Harlequin and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very happy to receive this book.
I waited a long time for it but it was oh so worth it!
I have enjoyed this book to the fullest.
I didn't want to put the book down because of all the twists and turns that kept me entertained and made me fall in love with all of the people in this book.
This Author does a amazing job of describing a favorite scene that I could picture everything that is going on.
I learned a few things about birds and maybe someday I can do it too.
Abby is special in my book. Her huge personality says it all. I wish I was like her in more ways than one.
She made me laugh in a few scenes too.
Abby is a work in progress just like we all are.
5 stars for a well written story.
A story that I couldn't put down because it kept calling me to finish it in one afternoon.
I highly recommend this book.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Carolyn Vandine West · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book in this series can’t wait for the next one. This Amish book introduces a touchy subject. A young girl pregnant and trying to escape a bad situation, she flees to an area she always felt safe. As a child she visited with her grandparents who were Amish. She has not been living as Amish because of her mother’s shunning and death when “Abby” was young. There were a few stretches in the plot, but it was quite interesting and kept you guessing what was going to happen.

I was gifted a paperback copy of the book. I don’t know if from a Goodreads giveaway or not since I can’t access this list on mobile. It came with a bookmark from Book Depository. I was going to gift this to my local library but I love it so much and would love to keep in my personal collection. So I haven’t decided yet.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is about a young woman named Victoria who is being controlled by her father who is trying to keep her locked up and make the courts think she is mentally ill so he can keep control of property her Amish grandparents left her.She goes to the community where the property is located and pretends to be Amish to fit in and hide.She changes her name to Abby and gets a job at an Amish Inn.She meets a young man named Joe who is remodeling the Inn and they become friends. They are both hiding secrets when they fall in love.Will this relationship work out and will her father catch up with her?This was very good!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very excited to win a copy of this book as a Goodreads give away! And it did not disappoint. It was very different from any other Amish book I have ever read. I loved the widows who will run Harts Haven Inn, especially funny, wise Rose, who fancies herself a matchmaker. Abby and Joe both have secrets that made them an interesting potential match, and there is a mystery wrapped up in the bargain. Now how long will I have to wait to read the next book in the series? Because I don’t want to leave these new friends behind!

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Description:
Victoria Worthington escapes her father’s “prison” and goes to Harts Haven, home of her deceased Amish grandparents. Pregnant and justifiably scared, she finds acceptance at the Inn by Rose. The Inn’s kitchen is being remodeled by Joseph Troyer who is running from her past. Her father will stop at nothing to find her and if he does, she will disappear.

Review:
What a fun book to read when Rose is being … well, Rose. You’ll love her. She considers herself a matchmaker and you can guess what she does. But how she does it — you won’t believe. Frankly, she’s a hoot. And also, just a loving character. Then there are the bird watchers who are often at the Inn where Abigail (you’ll have to read the book to find out how Victoria becomes Abigail) is now a maid.

Patricia Davids, author, also deftly handles Abigail’s reasons for keeping much of her situation private. And Abby’s father — he is every bit as bad as you can imagine. You’ll enjoy one of the early scenes when Abigail yells out the window at Joseph.

For me, I must genuinely like the characters … as well as having a desire that the bad guys are found out and meet their demise. I know when I wish the characters were real — that I could meet them in person — that it is 'gonna' be a good read. The Inn at Harts Haven is a *good read*.

The pacing — knowing the father has unlimited means to find her and has no problem “removing” anyone that gets in his way — builds and builds until that moment.

Yes, if you love Amish genre books, this goes from your “To Read” list to your “MUST Read” list.

I received a complimentary e-ARC copy of "The Inn at Harts Haven" via NetGalley from the publisher, HARLEQUIN – Romance (U.S. & Canada), HQN. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

#TheInnAtHartsHaven #NetGalley #PatriciaDavids

Title: The Inn at Harts Haven
Series: The Matchmakers of Harts Haven #1
Author: Patricia Davids
Genre: Amish
Publisher: HARLEQUIN – Romance (U.S. & Canada), HQN
Release Date: January 4, 2022
Format: Kindle (read), Audiobook
Pages: 333
Source: NetGalley
Cover: Lovely and completely in tune with the story.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it offered a bit of suspense, and sweet romance.
This Amish community seems to embrace newcomers, and folds them into their lives. We meet the ladies that have, or are trying, to open an inn, and sweet Rose who seems to have a calling as a matchmaker!
The author has woven a page tuner story of a young woman, Abigail Martin [her new name], and her journey to flee the horror of her life, and hopes to rekindle the happy times as a youngster spent with her Amish grandparents. We also meet a young man, Joseph Troyer, who seems to have lost everything, and the last thing he wants to do is fall in love.
I am glad I picked this one up, and looking forward to the next read in this series!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Danielle Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Inn at Harts Haven by Patricia Davids is an unusual twist on the Amish fiction genre. Yet, I am impressed by her writing and plot. The characters drove the story. They were the most interesting group of characters that I have ever met. The young female was part Amish die to her mother's family. I loved how close she was to her maternal grandparents and the woman she turned out to be. The story had a suspense edge to it but otherwise, it was still a typical Amish novel. I love the faith, courage, and culture of the Amish lifestyle. Patricia David's brings it to life in her book. The Amish just like any other people suffer the same things we do. It is how we deal with those issues that makes it so different. Overall, I highly recommend this new release to all fans of Amy Clipston and Beth Wiseman.

I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.

[Kate Vale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another in the Matchmakers of Harts Haven series, in which Victoria (aka Abby) runs from her abusive father and the man she was supposed to marry after she becomes pregnant. But where can she go to protect her unborn child? To her late grandmother's farm, but it is no longer the pristine Amish comfort she recalled.

Instead, she hires on as a maid at a nearby inn and encounters the contractor making repairs in the kitchen.

Joe Troyer isn't interested in the matchmaking efforts of the inn's owner, nor is Abby, but that doesn't stop Rose's plans for them. Unfortunately, Abby's father finds her just about the time she's convinced that she can make a life for herself in Harts Haven. Now what's she going to do when he threatens to hide her in an insane asylum in Mexico and hurts her new friends if she doesn't go with him?

[Marjorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victoria Worthington is kept a prisoner by her father as he tells everyone she is mentally ill. She escapes and goes to her Amish grandparents home. They have died but she wants to make it a happy place again. She gets a job at an inn as a maid. There she meets Joseph Troyer, an Amish carpenter, who is remodeling the kitchen of the inn.

This was a great book about learning to trust, communicating with others, and realizing your strengths.

This author was a new one for me. I enjoyed this book.

[Jeanette Durkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good book. I like the characters, the setting and the story line.
Victoria is pregnant and desperate to get away from her abusive father and boyfriend. She decides to "hide" out in an Amish community where she had spent summers with her grandparents.
Joseph is running from his past. He is the contractor working at the Inn where Victoria gets a job being a maid. Throw in a matchmaker and the story builds from there. This book has it all. Read it. You won't be disappointed!

[Jennifer McClurkan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've given this book 4 stars because it is a real good read and resonates with me because i have mental illness. The book was about a young woman who ran away from her evil father to live in an Amish community. Her name is Abby and in the Amish community she gets a job working as a maid in an inn where she meets Rose, Grace, Susanna and Joe. Joe is making repairs to the inn.

[Holli McGuffey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great storyline! I really enjoy amish books. I listened to this one on audiobook, and I wish the narrator had more knowledge about the culture and language.

Examples: Denki/Danki should be pronounced like (dane-ke) not dingy.

Kaap sounds like (cop), not cap.

Other than that, it was a lovely book.

[Chanover55 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abby has to escape her father and makes it to Hart's Haven, a place she was happy as a child. Joe is working at the inn doing a remodel job. Both have secrets they are running from but with the help of Grace, Susanna & Rose they just might be able to trust a what God has in store for them. Loved the story!

[Renz Nikka De Gula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first romance book I've read as an adult, and I'd say it was a beautiful introduction to the genre. I loved watching Abby and Joe's relationship grow and watch them slowly fall in love. I think the way Victor came in was abrupt and reminded me of cheesy dramas, where the villain is there just to be a villain, but I truly did love this story!

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. It was a nice story, but I’m not one for romance novels. It wasn’t very eventful, until the very end. My neighbors are Amish. I have a hard time seeing them anything like the characters in this book. Thank you, goodreads , for the ARC.

[Mandyq · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Inn of Matchmaking

Beautifully layered characters.
A well written story with depth and unexpected twists and turns.
Highly enjoyable!
I can't wait for Patricia David's to finish the next in line of this Hart's Haven series.
Yes GOTT IS GOOT!

[melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love her books, I love her covers and the title and the character, my favorite characters is Abby and Joe and Rose.
I didn't like Abby father at all. I am sure most people who read this story will understand my reasons.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mysterious frau

I really enjoyed reading this adventure. Abby needs to be a part of a community as her life has been so tragic as has Joe's life. Rose is so determined to bring them together and this unusual cast of Amish, Mennonite and English are a big help.

[HTP Books]

Categories
Wholesome Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Religious Fiction, Amish & Mennonite
Miniseries
The Matchmakers of Harts Haven (Book #1)

[Laura Bandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really really good. It reminded me of Enna Burning.

[Tambra · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say about Patricia Davids she has been my one go to Amish other as well. Every book she writes you are drawn into the book and its great characters and stories.

[Richard Burrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read

Touching, amusing and at times exciting plot. The characters come alive in this very well written Amish Romance. I highly recommend it.