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Their Unpredictable Path
Falling for each other
could ruin everything…
Despite pressure from his parents, shy, stuttering widower Jethro Weaver does not want to remarry and has hatched the perfect plan—a fake courtship with an unsuitable partner. His senior by a decade, widow Susannah Mast has had enough of unwanted suitors and reluctantly agrees to Jethro’s scheme. But what happens when their fake relationship turns into something real?
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
could ruin everything…
Despite pressure from his parents, shy, stuttering widower Jethro Weaver does not want to remarry and has hatched the perfect plan—a fake courtship with an unsuitable partner. His senior by a decade, widow Susannah Mast has had enough of unwanted suitors and reluctantly agrees to Jethro’s scheme. But what happens when their fake relationship turns into something real?
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
207 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 11, 2025
26 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Jocelyn McClay
36 books122 followersNew York Times and Publisher's Weekly bestselling author Jocelyn McClay grew up on an Iowa farm, ultimately pursuing a degree in agriculture. She met her husband while weightlifting in a small town - he 'spotted her'. After thirty years in business management, they moved to an acreage in southeastern Missouri to be closer to family when their oldest of three daughters made them grandparents. When not writing, she keeps busy grandparenting, hiking, biking gardening, quilting, knitting and substitute teaching.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 18, 2022
What a wonderful and unique Amish story. I immediately liked Jethro and Susannah. I had met these characters previously in earlier books in the series, yet I know that I could have picked this book up without having read any of the other books and been able to easily enjoy it as a stand alone novel.
It was so nice to get to know Jethro and Susannah in their own book. Both had been married before to people who were not love matches for them. Their history together was an interesting one as Susannah was about ten years older than Jethro, had known him since he was born, and even served as his babysitter when he was a young child. Jethro’s idea that they pretend to enter into a courtship together definitely came as a surprise to Susannah.
I loved the way these two interacted as they spent time together. Jethro’s stutter and the scar from his cleft lip and palate surgeries didn’t matter to Susannah and it showed in the way they were together. I loved watching as real feelings and attraction grew between these two and my heart hurt for them as it seemed they might not get a chance at a life together.
This novel was captivating from start to finish and the Miller’s Creek series is one that I am really enjoying. I have read three of the five books so far in the series and I like that readers can jump in and read each book independently, while also having a community and characters that overlap throughout the stories.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
It was so nice to get to know Jethro and Susannah in their own book. Both had been married before to people who were not love matches for them. Their history together was an interesting one as Susannah was about ten years older than Jethro, had known him since he was born, and even served as his babysitter when he was a young child. Jethro’s idea that they pretend to enter into a courtship together definitely came as a surprise to Susannah.
I loved the way these two interacted as they spent time together. Jethro’s stutter and the scar from his cleft lip and palate surgeries didn’t matter to Susannah and it showed in the way they were together. I loved watching as real feelings and attraction grew between these two and my heart hurt for them as it seemed they might not get a chance at a life together.
This novel was captivating from start to finish and the Miller’s Creek series is one that I am really enjoying. I have read three of the five books so far in the series and I like that readers can jump in and read each book independently, while also having a community and characters that overlap throughout the stories.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
January 19, 2022
This is a heartwarming tale filled with dimensional strong willed characters, scenes, faith and romance along with humor. Jethro Weaver and Susannah Mast’s plan to fake a courtship to please his Bishop father was their only answer it appeared. Jethro had a stuttering problem that had prevented him asking girls out plus told to marry without love previously. Susannah was busy caring for her farm and children without a desire to remarry. With Jethro spending more time at her farm helping her their lives changed along with her children’s perspective of their neighbor. The unanticipated happenings brought smiles, humor, romance, and renewed faith that God cared about their heartaches from the past.
Jocelyn McClay knows how to weave a story that will sweep readers into the characters’ lives as if they were family. I found myself applauding Jethro and Susannah as their unpredictable path turned corners that was unforeseen for both of them and others. Their story is filled with faith, hope, and love that was amazing from the start to the end.
Thank you to the author for an early copy of this astonishing story. I was not required to write a positive review but have expressed my own opinion. I look forward to reading more books by this author as they are released.
Jocelyn McClay knows how to weave a story that will sweep readers into the characters’ lives as if they were family. I found myself applauding Jethro and Susannah as their unpredictable path turned corners that was unforeseen for both of them and others. Their story is filled with faith, hope, and love that was amazing from the start to the end.
Thank you to the author for an early copy of this astonishing story. I was not required to write a positive review but have expressed my own opinion. I look forward to reading more books by this author as they are released.
January 10, 2022
“Their Unpredictable Path” by Jocelyn McClay is delightful and heartwarming.
Jethro Weaver, the bishop’s son, has always done what his family asks of him, but now he wants to be able to decide what is right for him and for his life. And to do that he offers a fake courtship to the woman he’s always trusted, Susannah Mast.
Susannah is strong and independent and works hard taking care of her farm. She agrees to Jethro’s plan because she wants to stop all the suitors from visiting because if she marries again, she wants to because she’s in love.
Jethro is the type of character who pulls at your heartstrings and Susannah is the type who you’ll admire. Add in some humor and you’ve got a 5-star read.
I absolutely loved Jethro and Susannah and their “unpredictable path” to happiness.
Jethro Weaver, the bishop’s son, has always done what his family asks of him, but now he wants to be able to decide what is right for him and for his life. And to do that he offers a fake courtship to the woman he’s always trusted, Susannah Mast.
Susannah is strong and independent and works hard taking care of her farm. She agrees to Jethro’s plan because she wants to stop all the suitors from visiting because if she marries again, she wants to because she’s in love.
Jethro is the type of character who pulls at your heartstrings and Susannah is the type who you’ll admire. Add in some humor and you’ve got a 5-star read.
I absolutely loved Jethro and Susannah and their “unpredictable path” to happiness.
January 8, 2022
Jethro, a young Amish man, made a brief appearance in an earlier Millers Creek story. Jethro was born with a cleft lip and pallet and his life thus far has been filled with continuous disappointment, particularly in love and romance.
Susannah is ten years older than Jethro. She too has been disappointed in love and has found no interest in the suitors sent her way. What begins as a joke and a pretend courtship between Jethro and Susannah may very well turn in to something more. Their romance really touched my heart.
Once again, Jocelyn McClay has given us a wonderful, heartwarming story. I look forward to her next book and visiting again with the folks of Millers Creek.
Susannah is ten years older than Jethro. She too has been disappointed in love and has found no interest in the suitors sent her way. What begins as a joke and a pretend courtship between Jethro and Susannah may very well turn in to something more. Their romance really touched my heart.
Once again, Jocelyn McClay has given us a wonderful, heartwarming story. I look forward to her next book and visiting again with the folks of Millers Creek.
January 4, 2022
Awesome book
June 2, 2022
I loved this book!! Great story!! I want to read more books by this author!!
May 13, 2023
Their Unpredictable Path by Jocelyn McClay is book #5 in the Miller's Creek series. Bishop's son Jethro Weaver is a widower after his wife and baby have died. He's being pressured by his dad & mom to start courting again and remarry. Jethro doesn't want to get married at all. He cooks up a scheme with fellow widower Susannah Mast. She's quite a bit older (his senior by 10 years) and is also getting pressured by the bishop to start courting again. Jethro comes up with a plan. They can fake court each other and that way potential suitors will look elsewhere. Susannah reluctantly agrees to the plan and it works. In fact it works too well. So well that both Jethro & Susannah might want to make this fake courtship into a real courtship.
I loved this story so much. It was so unique. Jethro was born with a clef lip and palette which was corrected by surgeries years ago, but he still suffers from a stutter. He genuinely likes/loves Susannah an older woman who is nearing the age of her child bearing years. Most likely she won't be able to give Jethro another baby. It was refreshing to read about their love story. It also has an epilogue which of course makes me happy. This is my 2nd book of Jocelyn's and I think this is a great series from the two books that I've read. I need to read the other 3. I hope you will take a chance on this delightful story and see all the complications that arise when a younger amish man pursues an older amish woman.
I loved this story so much. It was so unique. Jethro was born with a clef lip and palette which was corrected by surgeries years ago, but he still suffers from a stutter. He genuinely likes/loves Susannah an older woman who is nearing the age of her child bearing years. Most likely she won't be able to give Jethro another baby. It was refreshing to read about their love story. It also has an epilogue which of course makes me happy. This is my 2nd book of Jocelyn's and I think this is a great series from the two books that I've read. I need to read the other 3. I hope you will take a chance on this delightful story and see all the complications that arise when a younger amish man pursues an older amish woman.
May 17, 2023
First of all, I don't read a ton of Amish fiction. I enjoyed the break from my everyday life to enjoy a simpler time. I definitely cheered for the characters and their relationship. I haven't read the earlier books in the series, so maybe that would've connected me to the characters of Jethro's parents better. His mother didn't feel super consistent, which made it difficult to but into.
I enjoyed a peek into Amish culture, especially the aspects that don't reverberate with modern culture (i.e. not allowing men to have mustaches and the life-long dread of being the community's minister!)
I'm interested in reading about Susannah's daughter and her hasty marriage! :)
I enjoyed a peek into Amish culture, especially the aspects that don't reverberate with modern culture (i.e. not allowing men to have mustaches and the life-long dread of being the community's minister!)
I'm interested in reading about Susannah's daughter and her hasty marriage! :)
January 26, 2022
Jocelyn McClay's writing improves with every book! I thoroughly enjoyed Their Unpredictable Path as widower Jethro attempts to escape his parents' conniving to get him to remarry. Jethro is a sweet man who has let his parents rule his life long enough! Widower Susannah Mast is ten years older than Jethro, used to babysit him, has a reputation as a terrible cook and knows any man just wants her farm. You will enjoy reading about this fake courtship. I received a complimentary copy of Their Unpredictable Path from author, Jocelyn McClay. This is my honest opinion.
February 11, 2022
What a perfect title for this heartwarming story! Author Jocelyn McClay writes a story full of unexpected twists and turns that will leave you wanting more.
Wonderful characters, well rounded and true to life, I absolutely loved Jethro. Life has been hard on him and he’s ready to give up and settle. He just wants to be left alone. Susannah agrees. Just leave her alone. Can they successfully hide from the Bishop?
I highly recommend this story of hope and second chances!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Wonderful characters, well rounded and true to life, I absolutely loved Jethro. Life has been hard on him and he’s ready to give up and settle. He just wants to be left alone. Susannah agrees. Just leave her alone. Can they successfully hide from the Bishop?
I highly recommend this story of hope and second chances!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
May 2, 2022
Their Unpredictable Path is a very heartwarming story written by Jocelyn McClay. The characters are very likeable even though they are deceiving their friends and family. The reason for their deceit is understandable and makes for a very interesting read. I enjoyed the storyline and the outcome.
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 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 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.
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March 5, 2022Their Unpredictable Path is well titled. Jethro Weaver and Susannah Mast are both widowed and being pressured by Jethro's church bishop father to remarry. They are attracted to each other but face several challenges including Susannah's 10 year age older.
An enjoyable read as you root for these two and feel their anguish.
An enjoyable read as you root for these two and feel their anguish.
June 10, 2023
This novel features a couple who forms a partnership of pretense but ends up with more than they bargained for. It's well-written and sweeps readers up into the drama. The characters make you care about them and what happens—they seem so real. You can’t help but long for everything to turn out well in this endearing tale. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
July 18, 2022
Book Quote:
"Everyone seems t-to have an opinion on what is gut for m-me. Like I'm incapable of d-dealing for m-myself." His voice was hoarse. Jethro swallowed against the ache in his throat. "I thought you were gut for m-me. B-but apparently I'm not gut for you. Or m-maybe just not gut enough."
"Everyone seems t-to have an opinion on what is gut for m-me. Like I'm incapable of d-dealing for m-myself." His voice was hoarse. Jethro swallowed against the ache in his throat. "I thought you were gut for m-me. B-but apparently I'm not gut for you. Or m-maybe just not gut enough."
October 30, 2022
Truly a unique and enjoyable romance! The older heroine was a different twist, as was the hero who stuttered. The glimpse into the Amish lifestyle was charming. The characters were engaging and the romance sweet. Definitely a good story!
March 1, 2022
Great book, Great story.
November 23, 2024
Amish romance.
March 27, 2022
Oh, So Good
Such a romantic story … I loved the characters … While family and community are important to the Amish, in this story, the old adage that people will be people … whether Englisher or Amish … is true, so both our good and bad human character traits are on display. Dangerous situations arise and are overcome by faith and the warm character traits we’ve come to expect from Amish characters in the books we read.
So good.
Such a romantic story … I loved the characters … While family and community are important to the Amish, in this story, the old adage that people will be people … whether Englisher or Amish … is true, so both our good and bad human character traits are on display. Dangerous situations arise and are overcome by faith and the warm character traits we’ve come to expect from Amish characters in the books we read.
So good.
March 9, 2022
Ageless
When two widowed people don't want to marry again, they make a pact to fake a relationship. But the bishop and his wife highly disagree with the relationship. Afterall, she's much older and he's their son.
When two widowed people don't want to marry again, they make a pact to fake a relationship. But the bishop and his wife highly disagree with the relationship. Afterall, she's much older and he's their son.
May 3, 2024
A Good Read
I really enjoyed this book, but not I disliked Jethro's mum she was too pushy & judgemental
Susannah & Jethro start a fake courtship but each are wishing it was real
I won't say more as I would be giving the story away
Well worth reading 📚
I really enjoyed this book, but not I disliked Jethro's mum she was too pushy & judgemental
Susannah & Jethro start a fake courtship but each are wishing it was real
I won't say more as I would be giving the story away
Well worth reading 📚
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews