She’s an Amish beauty with a love of reading and writing. He’s a reclusive, scarred military hero who won’t let anyone in. Can true love really be enough?
On her way home from the bookstore, Belle’s buggy crashes in front of the old mansion that everyone else avoids, of all places.
Though she just moved to Unity, Maine, she's already heard the rumors of the vicious beast of a man who lives there, tormented by tragedies of his past.
But Belle’s not afraid of monsters.
What she finds inside the mansion is not a monster, but a man. Scarred both physiologically and physically by the horrors of military combat, Cole’s burned and disfigured face tells the story of all he lost to the war in a devastating explosion.
He's been hiding from the world ever since.
After Cole ends up hiring her as his housekeeper and caretaker for his firecracker of a grandmother, Belle can’t help her curiosity as she wonders what exactly Cole does in his office all day.
Why is Cole's office so off-limits to Belle? What is he hiding in there?
An old and mysterious hand-written letter, a sweet dog named Rose, buried regrets, and their mutual love of books will either bring them closer or tear them apart, but only if Cole can lower his guard and let someone in again.
I think Sarah Price's Amish retellings are immensely better written and plotted and follow the tales' themes much better as well. Whilst this book may appeal to the Clean and/or Christian Romance audience, it didn't work for me because I didn't find it thematically very B&B and the romantic plot was rather a tad too cloying for my tastes, plus the characters can get preachy at times. And also, I think the titles of the retellings in this series show a bit of a lack of creativity, as they're simply Amish (insert title of the tale) that are merely descriptive; you could as well just have entitled them "A retelling of (insert tale)" and left the same impression of little effort put into it.
The Amish Beauty and the Beast, by Ashley Emma, is book two in the Amish Fairytale series. Belle has recently moved to Unity, Maine to live with relatives. She has heard about the monster, Cole, that lives in the mansion. But when she get's lost going home from the book store, her buggy has an accident near his home. What she finds is a gentle caring man who was severely scarred in the military. He hires her to help care for his grandmother and his home. This is by far one of the best books I have read recently. It is a good clean romance with so many good messages hidden in it. The story is a good reminder to not to listen to gossip ,to communicate better and to work on relationships. It also touches on struggles people have from issues in their past as well as disability and moving forward. I especially loved the gentle touches of the the dog and the rose in the story. I just love how strong Cole's grandmother is and the love the two share.I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Belle had recently moved into her aunt and uncle's home. The sole survivor of her Amish family, the recent loss still haunted her. One day, she looses her way and ends up at the large manor on a hill that overlooks the Amish community. She'd heard the owner referred to as "the Beast." She thought it was childish silliness. Cole had been battling his war damaged body for years. He had made himself a recluse, living with his precious grandmother in the inherited house that had been his father's. He feared the reaction of the public to his scared face and assumed bitter rejection and humiliation. When Belle arrives at his door, he and his grandmother had just lost the cook/housekeeper and were seriously in need of another. Belle's sparkling personality and assurance that she could cook well and had been cleaning homes with her mother, then alone for several families in her old hometown were all it took for Cole to hire her on the spot. A tender story of two young people who've endured great loss but had wonderful people surround them with love in the aftermath. Don't miss out on this lovely book!
Coming into this, I knew that I was going to struggle with it, but I did my best to keep an open mind as I went through this. But... oh boy. I’m not entirely sure where to begin.
This is a true BatB retelling. It follows that formula to a T. Belle is part of the Amish community, she likes to read and is older than the average unmarried individual in her community. Cole is a recluse who doesn’t want to let anyone in after an accident that left him scared. When they meet, Belle seems to be the only one who could break down his walls.
This one really wasn’t my cup of tea. The Christian aspect played a part in it, but the writing was another part that I struggled with. Both Cole and Belle struggled with what had happened in their past. They both had horribly traumatic experiences, but the emotion behind those experiences wasn’t there for me. It felt oddly brushed off and glazed over and that really bothered me.
I also enjoyed Claire and Belle’s relationship more than I ever enjoyed Belle and Cole’s. There was so much more to that one than the actual romance for me.
Belle is older than the average unmarried Amish in her community at 25. Everyone wants her to get married, and "they" have chosen the man she should marry. She lives with her aunt after she lost all of of her siblings and her parents at the same time. Her pastimes include reading books. She has a craving for all the books by a certain author, and the bookseller keeps her supplied with the newest offering. One day, there is an accident, and she ends up on the doorstep of a recluse, who was injured severely and is now he is left without a cook who also be a caretaker for his ailing family member. And Belle can cook and keep house. He has certain things that she is not to change, one being his office and the garden that is attached to the house.
What a fantastic book! Ashley Emma did a wonderful job of rewriting "Beauty and the Beast" from the Amish side! Belle, an Amish girl living with her aunt and uncle in Unity, Maine, has suffered the loss of her parents and siblings. Things in Unity, Maine are not exactly like they were from her former community, and she is unsure whether she really wants to join their church and continue to be Amish or leave it all behind. She's heard the stories of the "beast" from younger Amish in the community and a warning to not go near the mansion at the top of the hill. But is this "beast" what the community rumors say he is? This is a true love story, sweet and touching. It will keep you reading until the end!
It is so refreshing to read a book without cuss words and not avoiding, but including, God in people's lives. Cole is a total recluse because of physical war scars, living with his grandmother harboring many fears. Belle is a beautiful Amish young lady and has nightmares also, but for a totally different reason. Was it simply fate or God's direction that put Belle in the housekeeper position for Cole and his grandmother Claire? Their lives are polar opposites, but the three of them mesh together like a nice fitting glove. But.... so many things threaten a happily ever after. Fears, tears, and other people seem determined to destroy their friendship.
I loved this book and all the characters very much. Cole and Belle were both trapped by their own versions of survivor's guilt, but they were able to help each other heal. I got a lump in my throat (always a sign of a good book) when Cole was telling Belle about his experiences in Afghanistan with Echo, his military dog. Claire was by far my favorite character because she may be elderly, but she's definitely feisty! I wasn't too thrilled with Aunt Greta because even though she thought she was doing what was best for Belle, she came across as selfish and had an incredible amount of tunnel vision. I enjoyed both this and Amish Snow White and can't wait to read Amish Princess and the Pauper.
You know it's good when you finish with tears in your eyes...
Ashley Emma won my attention and never lost it. Each character was interesting from the start, drawing me into their lives as I wondered why they are the way they are and what they'd do next. Even the subtle hints about Beauty and the Beast were never overplayed. They were just so delightful that they made me smile. I also noted how the spiritual overtones of the book honored The Source without ever getting preachy, and her wise words made me think about how I treat others... Needless to say, I think the world would have a "happier ending" if more folks read this wonderful story!
This was such a good book! I wasn't sure how it would be since the first one in the series wasn't as good as I'd hoped, but it was a novella so that might be the reason. I'm so glad I gave the author another shot.
I truly enjoyed the Amish components and the way it resembled the classic fairy tale mentioned in the title while being its own story. There are themes of love, healing, family, friendship, faith and forgiveness, both of self and others. I chose this book to fulfill this month's challenge for my online book club.
It can be read as a standalone book but has characters from the first book in the series for continuity. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I received an ARC to review: Ashley captures the essence of 'Beauty and the Best' in every way, with clever parallels and such a deeply moving, emotional tale. Cole and Belle have each endured such heartwrenching trauma in their lives, and the painful memories and guilt they bear is like a ton of weight they carry. A beautiful spin on a well-known, timeless fairy-tale, where God's restoration, leading, and healing, breathe new life and draw attention to the real "happy ever after" that we can only find in God.
I really enjoyed this take off the classic tale. Belle is a beautiful young Amish woman that has had some very devastating times in her life. She is having a difficult time deciding whether she wants to live the Amish lifestyle not because she doesn't believe but because there are things in her life that may not jive with the Amish. Cole has also had difficulties that have made him a recluse. These two main characters become good friends and we have a delightful story. Along with the other friends they discover they both love books. I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is my own opinion of a sweet and emotional book.
Great book, cool story, not a waste of time to read. Get it.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I like the fact that it was a happy ending for a person that was severely injured in the military. Without going into major details, it did address the reality of post traumatic stress disorder. And there are definitely people in the Christian community that need more education concerning this. This book is an enjoyable read yet somewhat of an eye-opener. It is also something that is a rather simple read that even teenagers would enjoy reading.
This is remarkable, thank you for this book. I am honored to be blessed in reading your stories. This book totally captivated me, I am so very pleased at how you show the love of the Wonderful Father our Creator. Bella & Cole are an inspiration, that when there is something so strong on our hearts, that is a calling to bring glory to the kingdom as well as happiness to us. While blessing others. I find it amazing that you are blessed in sharing this in your stories. Thank you for sharing your gift.
This book started out slow but the more I read it the better it became and from then on it was hard to stop . This was a story of a young Amish woman who had lost her parents and her siblings in a murdering rage by two drunk men. Cole Henderson was a young man who had served in the war in Afghanistan and on his last tour he was caught in an ambush and explosion and lost most of his men as well as his dog. This is my review and mine alone Norma Gorrill
From the title we already know the plot, the heroes and villains, well perhaps only a minor villain but the Amish twist made the book more interesting. Belle is without doubt a lovely young lady and was always destined to meet her favourite author, etc, etc and Grandmother was well written. My one criticism was the letter found in a second hand book, too predictable, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment. The first story in the series, Amish Snow White was also a good read so I'm looking forward to the third in the series, but November seems too long to wait.
I read Amish Aladdlin by Ashley Emma through the kindle Unlimited Program. A new twist on a beloved fairy tail. A setting completely different from the orginal fairy tale. Jasmine is Amish. Aladdin is English has served in the military is homeless and a thief. Can these two people ever come together and have a happy ever after. All things are possible with God. Two people from very different world come together. A new twist on a favorite fairy tale, in my opinion was a very enjoyable read. I was rooting for Aladdin all through out the reading of the book. Well done!
I loved this retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Belle is a mid twenty year old Amish woman living with her aunt and uncle after the murders of her parents and siblings. Known as the beast by the Amish children and teens of the community, Cole is an injured former Marine who lives in isolation with his grandmother, Claire. After a buggy accident and a chance meeting, Belle becomes housekeeper of the manor and companion to Claire. A few editing problems (words left out) but an enjoyable read. I jyst bought the next book in the series!
Was looking for a different Amish book and found it!
Going into this book I knew it would be based on the Beauty and the Beast Fairytale and of course it is, and all the hooks are there: the scary beast, the red roses dying, the chipped cup, but along with that you do have the Amish. I think the book was done really well, but I did give the book only four stars because this book also included a story line about sex trafficking which I felt didn’t belong in this book (IMHO).
This was another great read for me, It was way better than the first book in this series with good character development and a story plot that parallels my favorite fairy tale Beauty and the Beast. I enjoyed it so much I read it very quickly, can't wait to pass this one on to my mom. It also has characters from the previous books which I enjoy. It is nice to have familiar characters return. I enjoyed this book from start to finish! Ashley Emma is an author to watch out for!
Truly a good readable, stress free, and relaxation book. It is a book that makes you want to read all of it, but you take your time doing it. Ashley Emma is a very good story teller by taking the readers through all their emotions of laughing, thinking, crying, fear, shame, anger, and then happiness. I really like to see this kind of story telling, exactly my kind of reading. J 😁
Wow! This is a wonderful story. An Amish lady, 26 year old Bella, wanted or find work. Parents had died, been killed by intruders, and she went to live with her aunt and uncle. Circumstances led her to the mansion up the hill. There she met Cole and his grandmother Claire. Cole lived a Reclusive life , but his grandmother needs help and a companion. He hired Belle to come and work for them. This story will melt your and make you wish for more. I hope you enjoy this s much as I have.
This is the 2nd book in "The Amish Fairytale) series, I am really enjoying this series! From the book-Amish Beauty and the Beast- "Belle took a sip of tea from the old, chipped tea cup that Claire had given to Belle shortly before she died. When they were at home, Belle refused to drink tea from anything else, as it reminded her of Claire’s love and wisdom, and the fact that value remained even in what seemed broken and damaged."
Belle is torn between getting baptized into the church, following the steps her family wants, and leaving the Amish community to fulfill her dreams, marrying the man she loves… Enjoy this story based on the classic fairytale, though you might wonder when the beast is not exactly who you expect him to be ☺.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What an excellent story. We each have our own trials and scars and it an be difficult to share them with the world. Sharing opens doors to new people and new experiences. It allows us to grow in our experiences and our faith. This story presented the gains for all when we share our lives with others.
Oh my! It ended so quickly. I really like reading your books. They grab me from start and hold me to the end I love the characters and feel as though I know each one personally. Like Belle I can't wait for the time I can read. It's my time to get lost in what comes next. Love it start to finish.
This book has all my requirements for a great read. It's t made me laugh,not made me cry and I didn,t want to put it down.I don't find to many books like this one. The author grand you in the beginning and you don't let go. Do yourself a big favor and try this book. It's a wonderful read
A beautiful older than usual Amish maiden loves to read books. She has a buggy accident near the home of a disfigured man the community calls the beast. He needs a housekeeper and cook and someone to care for his grandmother. A friendship develops between the three people. I always enjoy Ashley Emma's writing.
Wow‼️These fairytale stories have been such a surprise for me. Ashley Emma has a wonderful gift for combining story, inspiration and dialogue into a warm romantic gift for her reader. Also entertaining is the way she stays true to each fairytale in such contemporary ways. I particularly loved this story.