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Return of the Monarchs
From a bestselling and award-winning author who has sold over 2.5 million books.
Janelle Herron isn't interested in having a boyfriend. She wears black clothes, dark makeup, and sees herself metaphorically as a caterpillar who hopes to transform into a butterfly someday. She hopes that she will grow into a vision of herself that she can live with, and she has her reasons—reasons that only her parents are aware of—but that doesn't include having a romantic relationship. But when she sees a handsome Amish man being harassed by bullies, she gets involved and becomes friends with Thomas Schrock. He's safe. They can never be together romantically because he's Amish.
Thomas Schrock is intrigued—and a little embarrassed—when a Goth-looking young English woman intervenes in a one-sided fight Thomas is about to be lured into by three bullies. Janelle is spunky, brave, and might even be pretty behind all the dark makeup she wears. She is easy to talk to, fun to be around, and as they spend more time together, he begins to understand some of the reasons she dresses the way she does. But as Janelle and Thomas's feelings begin to lean toward romance, Janelle holds tightly to a secret she has no plans to share. Her plan is to stay on course and leave for college at the end of the summer.
But will a magical meadow filled with monarchs and a little divine intervention turn things around for Janelle? Will she finally share her secret with Thomas and become the butterfly she's always wanted to be?
For fans of Beverly Lewis, Wanda Brunstetter, Kelly Irvin, and Tricia Goyer.
Janelle Herron isn't interested in having a boyfriend. She wears black clothes, dark makeup, and sees herself metaphorically as a caterpillar who hopes to transform into a butterfly someday. She hopes that she will grow into a vision of herself that she can live with, and she has her reasons—reasons that only her parents are aware of—but that doesn't include having a romantic relationship. But when she sees a handsome Amish man being harassed by bullies, she gets involved and becomes friends with Thomas Schrock. He's safe. They can never be together romantically because he's Amish.
Thomas Schrock is intrigued—and a little embarrassed—when a Goth-looking young English woman intervenes in a one-sided fight Thomas is about to be lured into by three bullies. Janelle is spunky, brave, and might even be pretty behind all the dark makeup she wears. She is easy to talk to, fun to be around, and as they spend more time together, he begins to understand some of the reasons she dresses the way she does. But as Janelle and Thomas's feelings begin to lean toward romance, Janelle holds tightly to a secret she has no plans to share. Her plan is to stay on course and leave for college at the end of the summer.
But will a magical meadow filled with monarchs and a little divine intervention turn things around for Janelle? Will she finally share her secret with Thomas and become the butterfly she's always wanted to be?
For fans of Beverly Lewis, Wanda Brunstetter, Kelly Irvin, and Tricia Goyer.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2023
344 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Beth Wiseman
137 books1,417 followers"I wish I had the time to review books and chat with you here, but my writing deadlines just don't allow it. Please like my Fans of Beth Wiseman Page on Facebook where I try to post any news and interact with readers."
Beth is the best-selling and award winning author of the Daughters of the Promise series - Plain Perfect, Plain Pursuit, Plain Promise, Plain Paradise, and Plain Proposal. She is contracted with HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Her other series--the Land of Canaan Novels--begins with Seek Me With All Your Heart, then The Wonder of Your Love and now, His Love Endures Forever. Seek Me With All Your Heart is the first Amish fiction book selected as a Women of Faith novel in 2011. Beth has also written three contemporary Christian fiction novels, Need You Now published in 2012 and The House That Love Built in 2013. In The Promise, (2014) Beth jumps way outside the box. This story takes readers far away from Amish Country and small Texas towns to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. Inspired by a true story, Beth believes this is the book she’s been working toward for a long time. 2015 brings Beth back to the Pennsylvania Amish with her new series, Amish Secrets. She is currently working on book #2 following much success with book #1, Her Brother's Keeper.
You can also follow Beth on Twitter: @BethWiseman
Beth is the best-selling and award winning author of the Daughters of the Promise series - Plain Perfect, Plain Pursuit, Plain Promise, Plain Paradise, and Plain Proposal. She is contracted with HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Her other series--the Land of Canaan Novels--begins with Seek Me With All Your Heart, then The Wonder of Your Love and now, His Love Endures Forever. Seek Me With All Your Heart is the first Amish fiction book selected as a Women of Faith novel in 2011. Beth has also written three contemporary Christian fiction novels, Need You Now published in 2012 and The House That Love Built in 2013. In The Promise, (2014) Beth jumps way outside the box. This story takes readers far away from Amish Country and small Texas towns to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. Inspired by a true story, Beth believes this is the book she’s been working toward for a long time. 2015 brings Beth back to the Pennsylvania Amish with her new series, Amish Secrets. She is currently working on book #2 following much success with book #1, Her Brother's Keeper.
You can also follow Beth on Twitter: @BethWiseman
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 13, 2024
I read this novella because it is nominated for a Carol Award. What a great find!
The two main characters both feel rejected by society in some way. Their friendship is such a blessing for both of them. Love the title.
Set in Indiana.
The two main characters both feel rejected by society in some way. Their friendship is such a blessing for both of them. Love the title.
Set in Indiana.
December 6, 2023
What a beautiful, heartwarming story that touched my heart. It may be a small, quick read but it will pull you into Janelle and Thomas lives and leave you breathless. I wish it was longer just because of the sheer beauty of the written words but Ms Wiseman was able to give a complete and satisfying ending. I loved that it was different and captured my attention from the beginning and the inclusion of monarchs made it more special to me, as I love watching them. The author was so descriptive I could envision them in flight. I also was pleased that Amish recipes were included at the end.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. The honest review and opinions were my own and were not required.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. The honest review and opinions were my own and were not required.
August 17, 2023
Janelle and the butterflies
Janelle knew her life was a mess but a young man was her saving Grace. Thomas was an Amish guy who was walking by her parents store when Janelle spotted him through the window of the store. English guys were bulling him. After that day Janelle would give Thomas rides home. When summer ended she left for college. Thomas had fallen in love with her.
Janelle knew her life was a mess but a young man was her saving Grace. Thomas was an Amish guy who was walking by her parents store when Janelle spotted him through the window of the store. English guys were bulling him. After that day Janelle would give Thomas rides home. When summer ended she left for college. Thomas had fallen in love with her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2023
Beth Wiseman delivers a wonderfully written novella about transformation. From Janelle's transformation to the transformation of the monarchs, the storyline is really tied into each other. Her writing makes you feel like you are amongst the pages, in the middle of the scenes as they transpire. How I wish I could see a field of monarchs as shared in her novella. What a sight that must be! And watching a person transform for the better is such a blessing too. She shares the ups and downs every day people go through, and everyone can relate to that. A quick read and wonderfully told story.
July 17, 2024
"People shine from the inside, and I want to be friends with those who can see my light beyond my outward appearance.”
"Janelle was happy to have a new friend, and no matter how dreamily he looked at her, that was all they could be. Friends. If Thomas Schrock knew everything about her, he’d run away. He was also Amish, and she wasn’t—a secondary circumstance that wouldn’t ever be up for consideration."
Okay, I randomly came across this book when it was offered for free on Amazon. I was in between books and decided I'd read this one since it was short. I don't think I realized what I was getting myself into. This book was the most beautiful story! I am in tears this morning as I finished the last few pages. It's very much a romance, a forbidden one at that, but it's also about personal growth and spiritual growth as well and wow...it was just a life changing read for me. For me... I feel like I just fully related to Janelles character. She is misunderstood, judged outwardly, while she was still growing inwardly and spiritually. The way people saw her, and the way God would see her, we know are two different things. And then alongside her transformation and her metamorphosis as a person we have this loving, kind, godly gentleman in Thomas. Who is just so patient with her and just sees the true her under all of her layers (literally) and just wow! It's a short story so I don't want to give too much away. But on top of that at the end you'll be blessed with recipes, and I totally plan to make them SOON!
You have to read this book! At under 200 pages. Plus recipes included... it's perfect!
"Janelle was happy to have a new friend, and no matter how dreamily he looked at her, that was all they could be. Friends. If Thomas Schrock knew everything about her, he’d run away. He was also Amish, and she wasn’t—a secondary circumstance that wouldn’t ever be up for consideration."
Okay, I randomly came across this book when it was offered for free on Amazon. I was in between books and decided I'd read this one since it was short. I don't think I realized what I was getting myself into. This book was the most beautiful story! I am in tears this morning as I finished the last few pages. It's very much a romance, a forbidden one at that, but it's also about personal growth and spiritual growth as well and wow...it was just a life changing read for me. For me... I feel like I just fully related to Janelles character. She is misunderstood, judged outwardly, while she was still growing inwardly and spiritually. The way people saw her, and the way God would see her, we know are two different things. And then alongside her transformation and her metamorphosis as a person we have this loving, kind, godly gentleman in Thomas. Who is just so patient with her and just sees the true her under all of her layers (literally) and just wow! It's a short story so I don't want to give too much away. But on top of that at the end you'll be blessed with recipes, and I totally plan to make them SOON!
You have to read this book! At under 200 pages. Plus recipes included... it's perfect!
August 1, 2024
Return of the Monarchs
by Beth Wiseman
Beth Wiseman’s Return of the Monarchs, is awesome addition to your Amish library.
Janelle Herron is an Englisher living with her mom and dad in the Amish community of Montgomery, Indiana. Having no real close friends, and wearing black clothing to help hide her past. She was not really to put herself out there until she befriends an Amish man who was being bullied by three English bullies.
As Janelle and Thomas Schrock become better acquainted, their friendship grows. Both know there is no hope for anything but friendship.
Can a magical meadow of wildflowers and monarch butterflies help them find a path to love?
Wonderful story. Plot is believable and characters are realistic.
The author offered a free download of the book, but I was not ask for a positive review. It is my opinion that this is a 5-star book.
by Beth Wiseman
Beth Wiseman’s Return of the Monarchs, is awesome addition to your Amish library.
Janelle Herron is an Englisher living with her mom and dad in the Amish community of Montgomery, Indiana. Having no real close friends, and wearing black clothing to help hide her past. She was not really to put herself out there until she befriends an Amish man who was being bullied by three English bullies.
As Janelle and Thomas Schrock become better acquainted, their friendship grows. Both know there is no hope for anything but friendship.
Can a magical meadow of wildflowers and monarch butterflies help them find a path to love?
Wonderful story. Plot is believable and characters are realistic.
The author offered a free download of the book, but I was not ask for a positive review. It is my opinion that this is a 5-star book.
October 12, 2023
Sweet story of personal growth
Janelle is a young woman with scars that run deep into her heart and soul. As she befriends a young Amish man, Thomas, God uses their blossoming romance to begin her healing.
I enjoyed seeing them grow, though wish there could have been more time reading how healing heart wounds grew faith in the months that followed. As with many romance novels, jumping from admitting love to married and settled misses out on watching spiritual growth together. I wanted to see Janelle and Thomas work though self forgiveness and also choose life changes through faith growth.
This is my first reading of Beth Wiseman's work and I already plan follow her and read more!
Janelle is a young woman with scars that run deep into her heart and soul. As she befriends a young Amish man, Thomas, God uses their blossoming romance to begin her healing.
I enjoyed seeing them grow, though wish there could have been more time reading how healing heart wounds grew faith in the months that followed. As with many romance novels, jumping from admitting love to married and settled misses out on watching spiritual growth together. I wanted to see Janelle and Thomas work though self forgiveness and also choose life changes through faith growth.
This is my first reading of Beth Wiseman's work and I already plan follow her and read more!
January 21, 2024
This was such a sweet and heart touching story. It was short but it was not rushed despite all the activity and soul searching. I loved it. I believe that each of us have a butterfly inside ready to shed their layers of skin just like Janelle in this story.
Janelle a sweet girl with such pain inside because of her appearance. And Thomas a Amish young man searching his own heart. They find each other despite their differences in many ways. But find their kinder spirits if you may and bloom a beautiful relationship of friendship. And each open up their hearts to God.
Is a story that can be visited when you are down and find peace and hope.
Janelle a sweet girl with such pain inside because of her appearance. And Thomas a Amish young man searching his own heart. They find each other despite their differences in many ways. But find their kinder spirits if you may and bloom a beautiful relationship of friendship. And each open up their hearts to God.
Is a story that can be visited when you are down and find peace and hope.
April 28, 2025
Thomas is an Amish man who was recently in an accident. The town bully, along with his friends, makes it their business to harass Thomas every chance they get. One day a young woman sees what is happening,steps out of her mother's store, and gives Brian the bully a piece of her mind. Thus sta it's a friendship that seems doomed from the start, an Amish man ans an Englischer girl, but it is? A nice short story.
August 17, 2023
Return of the Monarch’s
This was a really cool book which kept me wondering whether Janelle and Thomas would ever be able to establish a relationship other than friendship. I’m so glad things were worked out in the end. I would though have liked to hear more about their courtship into marriage. Excellent book!!!
This was a really cool book which kept me wondering whether Janelle and Thomas would ever be able to establish a relationship other than friendship. I’m so glad things were worked out in the end. I would though have liked to hear more about their courtship into marriage. Excellent book!!!
August 27, 2024
Beautiful
Wonderful story about young love, family, and redemption. Janelle is self conscious about her body because a house fire burned her badly. The butterfly meadow transforms her and gives her a mission that will change her life. Thomas is the young Amish man who falls in love with her, scars and all.
Wonderful story about young love, family, and redemption. Janelle is self conscious about her body because a house fire burned her badly. The butterfly meadow transforms her and gives her a mission that will change her life. Thomas is the young Amish man who falls in love with her, scars and all.
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December 11, 2024Thomas was getting bully by 3 non Amish boys, when across the street Janelle saw what was happening.So she came out and helped Thomas.They became friends. Although Janelle wasn't amish
they starting hanging out .And with that you have too read this book if you enjoy Amish romance at it's best.Wish I could give more then5stars.
they starting hanging out .And with that you have too read this book if you enjoy Amish romance at it's best.Wish I could give more then5stars.
September 10, 2023
becoming a butterfly
I highly recommend this story. I think many people think they are not beautiful, or not good enough to be loved as they are. God sends just the right one to do it. Sometimes that person may seem to be our opposite. Very well done!!!
I highly recommend this story. I think many people think they are not beautiful, or not good enough to be loved as they are. God sends just the right one to do it. Sometimes that person may seem to be our opposite. Very well done!!!
November 6, 2023
A beautiful coming of age story
This is a beautiful coming of age story. From darkly dressed to blue jeans and a bright re shirt, the female character transforms through Thomas's love and devotion.
This is a beautiful coming of age story. From darkly dressed to blue jeans and a bright re shirt, the female character transforms through Thomas's love and devotion.
February 23, 2024
Different and delightful
A lovely story of a good Amish young man, and an Englisher girl ... emotially and physically marred. Only God could orchestrate a solution. I loved the butterflies.
A lovely story of a good Amish young man, and an Englisher girl ... emotially and physically marred. Only God could orchestrate a solution. I loved the butterflies.
July 20, 2024
delightful read
The characters in this book seemed so real. I felt like I could have met them and had great conversations with each of them. I loved the compassion shown by both sets of parents. I didn’t want the story to end.
The characters in this book seemed so real. I felt like I could have met them and had great conversations with each of them. I loved the compassion shown by both sets of parents. I didn’t want the story to end.
September 30, 2024
A wonderful story of love and acceptance. Janelle and Thomas find each other, first in friendship, and then with love. Thomas accepts Janelle for who she is inside and through the butterflies, teaches her to accept herself. Love Beth Wise man's writing!
March 16, 2025
I was just going to start reading this book, and then take a break before finishing it. However, it was so special I just kept reading until I was done! I loved the characters, the romance, and the focus on what true love really is.
November 24, 2023
Fantastic book
March 30, 2024
Beautiful love story.
August 17, 2024
Characters were real like
Excellent story! Real life characters! God answers prayers!* Worth the read! This story is a feel good story that shows the presence of God!
Excellent story! Real life characters! God answers prayers!* Worth the read! This story is a feel good story that shows the presence of God!
August 19, 2024
Good, wholesome story.
September 27, 2024
Sweet romance
The story is a sweet romance with a great ending. Quick and easy read. I will be reading this author again.
The story is a sweet romance with a great ending. Quick and easy read. I will be reading this author again.
October 1, 2024
What a sweet story!
November 18, 2024
The Butterfly Emerges
What A beautiful story. Unusual but very well told. It proves that beauty is in the eye of the beholder!
What A beautiful story. Unusual but very well told. It proves that beauty is in the eye of the beholder!
June 7, 2025
A nice Amish romance novella.
August 11, 2025
If only I could be so lucky.
August 23, 2025
A beautiful love story!
September 13, 2025
very very good book
September 19, 2024
Oh my goodness. A true hidden gem. 5 stars ⭐️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews