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Amish of Marigold #2
The Proposal Plot
A headstrong young businesswoman. An unlucky-in-love bachelor. And the chaperoning assignment that keeps pushing them together.
For someone so strong-willed and certain, Ella Yoder has never been more unsure of her life. It's been a year since she convinced her father to move with her and her younger sister Junia to Marigold, Ohio, to open E and J Grocery. Ella's got a keen eye for running a business and has big dreams to expand. But her plans are stalled because Junia refuses to lift a finger at the store--or listen to her about anything.
Nelson Bontranger knows one thing for creating his own artisan deli meats is his passion. Well, maybe one other he's sworn off women forever. After two bouts of heartbreak, he's not willing to open up himself to a third. When he eyes his own butcher shop next to E and J Grocery in Marigold, he's surprised to learn that Ella has had her eye on the property for some time. He doesn't trust this stubborn, pushy young woman--and for her, the feeling is mutual.
Against their wishes, Ella and Nelson's paths continue to cross when Nelson's nephew Malachi falls head over heels for Junia. Nelson and Ella are brought together to keep the lovebirds in check, but somewhere along the line, their frustration turns to something altogether more pleasant. But they will both need to come to terms with past pain before they can find their future happiness.
For someone so strong-willed and certain, Ella Yoder has never been more unsure of her life. It's been a year since she convinced her father to move with her and her younger sister Junia to Marigold, Ohio, to open E and J Grocery. Ella's got a keen eye for running a business and has big dreams to expand. But her plans are stalled because Junia refuses to lift a finger at the store--or listen to her about anything.
Nelson Bontranger knows one thing for creating his own artisan deli meats is his passion. Well, maybe one other he's sworn off women forever. After two bouts of heartbreak, he's not willing to open up himself to a third. When he eyes his own butcher shop next to E and J Grocery in Marigold, he's surprised to learn that Ella has had her eye on the property for some time. He doesn't trust this stubborn, pushy young woman--and for her, the feeling is mutual.
Against their wishes, Ella and Nelson's paths continue to cross when Nelson's nephew Malachi falls head over heels for Junia. Nelson and Ella are brought together to keep the lovebirds in check, but somewhere along the line, their frustration turns to something altogether more pleasant. But they will both need to come to terms with past pain before they can find their future happiness.
320 pages, Paperback
Published May 7, 2024
24 people are currently reading
2074 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Fuller
118 books1,099 followersBest-selling author of Amish fiction. Also a wife, mother, crafter, coffee addict, football fan, and chocolate aficionado.
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June 16, 2024
The Proposal Plot was the first book that I had the pleasure of reading by author, Kathleen Fuller. Over the last few years I have found myself drawn more and more to books that had to do with the Amish community. I was impressed with Kathleen Fuller’s ability to create very relatable characters that by themselves possessed flaws, different backgrounds, and problems but collectively were easily adaptable to making The Proposal Plot work for me. It had some funny, laugh out loud moments as well as some that made me want to jump into the story and shake a character or two. I enjoyed reading about the quaint and simple life of the Amish and Kathleen Fuller was able to capture their essence in The Proposal Plot. It was paced just right, had enough drama, confrontations, decision making and choices throughout to make The Proposal Plot a very satisfying read for me.
Nelson Bontrager, a young Amish man, was down in his luck when it came to the romance department. He had recently found himself head over heels in love with two different women over a short period of time. Nelson had found himself rejected by both women for different reasons but the disappointment and hurt was the same. All Nelson had ever wanted was to be able to find a woman that wanted to marry him. He then saw himself working on the family farm. Nelson was so distraught after the second rejection that he made himself a promise to swear off women, romance and marriage altogether. An opportunity arose where Nelson was taught how to become a butcher. He embraced the opportunity and discovered that he was very good at it. Nelson was at the point where he was exploring the possibility of opening his own shop. He learned that an abandoned warehouse was available in a place called Marigold, Ohio. Nelson had family close by so he made arrangements to see the property. His nephew, Malachi, accompanied him.
The warehouse that Nelson was interested in was right next door to the E and J grocery store that was owned by Ella’s and Junia’s father, Barnabas Yoder. Ella’s and Junia’s mother had died a few years ago and Ella had talked her father into moving to Marigold, Ohio and purchasing the grocery store. The store was doing fairly well. Ella seemed to have a good sense of how to manage the store and make it profitable. She had began coaxing her father to consider buying the warehouse to expand their business. When Ella discovered that someone else was interested in buying the warehouse her first reaction was to try and discourage the sale. Ella seemed to know no boundaries. She barged into the warehouse, invaded Nelson’s space and proceeded to try and talk him out of buying the warehouse. Needless to say, Ella and Nelson got off to a very shaky and turbulent start. They could not have made a worse first impression on each other if they had tried. The opposite was true of Nelson’s nephew and Ella’s younger sister, Junia. When Junia came to the warehouse to get Ella, she was immediately smitten with Malachi and he with her. Despite all of Ella’s efforts to persuade Nelson that he shouldn’t buy the warehouse, he ended up purchasing it. Even though Ella and Nelson went out of their way to avoid each other, they were continually thrown together. Can first impressions be wrong and altered? How will Ella and Nelson learn how to navigate this new path they were traveling on?
I enjoyed how Ella’s and Nelson’s characters transformed and grew throughout The Proposal Plot. Ella started off as a very bossy, opinionated and impulsive young woman with a low self esteem when it came to her chances of finding a man that could love her. She was very smart and adapted to the role of running a business easily. Nelson, on the other hand, had built so many walls around him so he would not be hurt again. He was not sure how to go about starting a business and was not readily able to seek help.
Ella’s sister, Junia, was lazy, spoiled and tried to get away with doing the least amount of work she could get away with. She was always shirking her responsibilities and putting more of her share of the work load on Ella’s shoulders. Both sisters felt a lot of resentment towards each other. They were constantly complaining about each other and arguing over everything. Their dad, Barnabas, lacked the ability to handle their outbursts and strained relationship. After loosing his wife and becoming a widower, Barnabas lost sight how to discipline his own daughters. Barnabas had entrusted those responsibilities to his sisters for a long while. After his wife’s death, he and his daughters had moved in with Barnabas’s sisters and he allowed them to take charge of his daughters. Now that Barnabas and his daughters were on their own again he knew that he had to take charge, but how? Who could help him learn how to step into that role again?
There was another character that I really liked in The Proposal Plot. Her name was Wendy. She was not Amish. Wendy had been living in New York City where she had been an attorney in a high powered law office. When Wendy’s aging mother needed more care, it was the perfect opportunity for Wendy to leave New York City and her affluent clients behind. Wendy was becoming disillusioned with her own life as she knew it. She moved in with her mother and opened her own office right outside of Marigold. Would Wendy find happiness in Marigold? Could she embrace the life her Amish neighbors lived as her own? Was romance in the cards for Wendy as well?
I really enjoyed getting to know the people of Marigold, Ohio. If you enjoy stories about the Amish people that possesses a touch of romance, then I believe that you will enjoy The Proposal Plot by Kathleen Fuller. I hope to read more books by her in the future. The audiobook that I listened to was very well narrated by Lauren Berst. I highly recommend the audiobook of The Proposal Plot.
Thank you to HarperCollins Christian Publishing for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of The Proposal Plot An Amish of Marigold Novel by Kathleen Fuller through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Nelson Bontrager, a young Amish man, was down in his luck when it came to the romance department. He had recently found himself head over heels in love with two different women over a short period of time. Nelson had found himself rejected by both women for different reasons but the disappointment and hurt was the same. All Nelson had ever wanted was to be able to find a woman that wanted to marry him. He then saw himself working on the family farm. Nelson was so distraught after the second rejection that he made himself a promise to swear off women, romance and marriage altogether. An opportunity arose where Nelson was taught how to become a butcher. He embraced the opportunity and discovered that he was very good at it. Nelson was at the point where he was exploring the possibility of opening his own shop. He learned that an abandoned warehouse was available in a place called Marigold, Ohio. Nelson had family close by so he made arrangements to see the property. His nephew, Malachi, accompanied him.
The warehouse that Nelson was interested in was right next door to the E and J grocery store that was owned by Ella’s and Junia’s father, Barnabas Yoder. Ella’s and Junia’s mother had died a few years ago and Ella had talked her father into moving to Marigold, Ohio and purchasing the grocery store. The store was doing fairly well. Ella seemed to have a good sense of how to manage the store and make it profitable. She had began coaxing her father to consider buying the warehouse to expand their business. When Ella discovered that someone else was interested in buying the warehouse her first reaction was to try and discourage the sale. Ella seemed to know no boundaries. She barged into the warehouse, invaded Nelson’s space and proceeded to try and talk him out of buying the warehouse. Needless to say, Ella and Nelson got off to a very shaky and turbulent start. They could not have made a worse first impression on each other if they had tried. The opposite was true of Nelson’s nephew and Ella’s younger sister, Junia. When Junia came to the warehouse to get Ella, she was immediately smitten with Malachi and he with her. Despite all of Ella’s efforts to persuade Nelson that he shouldn’t buy the warehouse, he ended up purchasing it. Even though Ella and Nelson went out of their way to avoid each other, they were continually thrown together. Can first impressions be wrong and altered? How will Ella and Nelson learn how to navigate this new path they were traveling on?
I enjoyed how Ella’s and Nelson’s characters transformed and grew throughout The Proposal Plot. Ella started off as a very bossy, opinionated and impulsive young woman with a low self esteem when it came to her chances of finding a man that could love her. She was very smart and adapted to the role of running a business easily. Nelson, on the other hand, had built so many walls around him so he would not be hurt again. He was not sure how to go about starting a business and was not readily able to seek help.
Ella’s sister, Junia, was lazy, spoiled and tried to get away with doing the least amount of work she could get away with. She was always shirking her responsibilities and putting more of her share of the work load on Ella’s shoulders. Both sisters felt a lot of resentment towards each other. They were constantly complaining about each other and arguing over everything. Their dad, Barnabas, lacked the ability to handle their outbursts and strained relationship. After loosing his wife and becoming a widower, Barnabas lost sight how to discipline his own daughters. Barnabas had entrusted those responsibilities to his sisters for a long while. After his wife’s death, he and his daughters had moved in with Barnabas’s sisters and he allowed them to take charge of his daughters. Now that Barnabas and his daughters were on their own again he knew that he had to take charge, but how? Who could help him learn how to step into that role again?
There was another character that I really liked in The Proposal Plot. Her name was Wendy. She was not Amish. Wendy had been living in New York City where she had been an attorney in a high powered law office. When Wendy’s aging mother needed more care, it was the perfect opportunity for Wendy to leave New York City and her affluent clients behind. Wendy was becoming disillusioned with her own life as she knew it. She moved in with her mother and opened her own office right outside of Marigold. Would Wendy find happiness in Marigold? Could she embrace the life her Amish neighbors lived as her own? Was romance in the cards for Wendy as well?
I really enjoyed getting to know the people of Marigold, Ohio. If you enjoy stories about the Amish people that possesses a touch of romance, then I believe that you will enjoy The Proposal Plot by Kathleen Fuller. I hope to read more books by her in the future. The audiobook that I listened to was very well narrated by Lauren Berst. I highly recommend the audiobook of The Proposal Plot.
Thank you to HarperCollins Christian Publishing for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of The Proposal Plot An Amish of Marigold Novel by Kathleen Fuller through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 26, 2024
The story starts with Nelson Bontrager who is about to propose … and then …
Ella Yoder has a problem. She has several — the man who is about to purchase the empty warehouse next to the family store, the warehouse Ella had planned to use for expansion. Her sister, Junia. And Ella was tired. Tired of having to do everything. No wonder she was bossy; she had to be or nothing got done. Her daed saw Junia shirk her duties. At the store. At home. And he did nothing.
And yes, the man interested in the warehouse is Nelson. He and his nephew Malachi are viewing it and Ella marches — no, better word — barges in asking if they are the new owners. And the fur starts to fly. After what happened to Nelson, he was not receptive to any woman, especially one like Ella. And who follows Ella into the empty building minutes later, her sister Junia. and Malachi’s mouth drops open and he starts drooling. Okay, okay. Ms. Fuller didn’t write that but if it was a cartoon that’s what Malachi would look like.
One more major character, an Englisher woman, a lawyer. A big city lawyer. New York City no less. Her name is Wendy Pearson; she moved to Marigold to care for her mother. I found her very interesting and hope Ms. Fuller writes another book with Wendy as the lead. Wendy finds she doesn’t miss NYC at all and the laid-back atmosphere of Marigold and the Amish community is calming.
When I start a new book, I want to like the main character or characters. The author has to make me care about them. Well, with The Proposal Plot, I didn’t like Ella much. That business of her flying into the warehouse uninvited and asking a question not very politely didn’t sit well with me. Junia I wanted to take out behind the shed and give her a good spanking. Spoiled brat. I do not like spoiled brats. Don’t like wimpy men either and Ella & Junia’s father, Barnabas, was a wimp. He let Junia get by with just about anything and said nothing. I think the first character I DID like was Wendy. Fortunately, she appeared at 6%.
The story starts to evolve. To change just as people do when things happen. Junia gets just as sappy about Malachi as he is with her and I chuckled my way through several passages where Ella is in the vicinity of the love birds and — well, you gotta smile at the scenes. I had to feel for Ella — she was being worked to death and like all of us … when we are bone-tired, we are not at our best. That’s when the attributes that we hope most people don’t notice — come out. And Ella’s does but I could understand why.
Barnabas grew on me too. I began to like the man. Malachi and Junia are slurpy, sloppy, in love to the point of ad nauseam. And Wendy seems to have found peace. The reader will like her mother too.
I loved that her mother’s favorite restaurant was Panchos. Brought back fond memories of eating at Pancho’s Mexican Buffet which is NOT where Wendy and her mother come for Taco Tuesdays.
There was one thing that made Nelson abnormal in my book. He doesn’t like chocolate. What!!! Now that is weird. Plain weird. But he does like gooseberry pie. My mother would make this pie and it was delicious. That combination of sweet and sour. Maybe even better with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. Then, I think almost everything tastes better with ice cream. Or chocolate.
So, I ended up loving this book. I hardly could put it down the last 40%. This is book two of “An Amish of Marigold” series. I also reviewed the first book, The Courtship Plan, but didn’t like it nearly as much as I did this one. A core underlying element of this story is coming close to God. The reader will feel it most with Wendy. Rating: 5 stars.
I received a complimentary DRC (digital review copy) of The Proposal Plot via NetGalley from the publisher, Zondervan Fiction | Zondervan. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Rating: 5 stars
Series: An Amish of Marigold, #2
Cover: Good. Matches book #1 which will make them eye-catching in a display.
Pages: Unknown at the time of review but probably about the same length as book #1 which was 320.
Publish Date: 7 May 2024
#TheProposalPlot #NetGalley #KathleenFuller
Ella Yoder has a problem. She has several — the man who is about to purchase the empty warehouse next to the family store, the warehouse Ella had planned to use for expansion. Her sister, Junia. And Ella was tired. Tired of having to do everything. No wonder she was bossy; she had to be or nothing got done. Her daed saw Junia shirk her duties. At the store. At home. And he did nothing.
And yes, the man interested in the warehouse is Nelson. He and his nephew Malachi are viewing it and Ella marches — no, better word — barges in asking if they are the new owners. And the fur starts to fly. After what happened to Nelson, he was not receptive to any woman, especially one like Ella. And who follows Ella into the empty building minutes later, her sister Junia. and Malachi’s mouth drops open and he starts drooling. Okay, okay. Ms. Fuller didn’t write that but if it was a cartoon that’s what Malachi would look like.
One more major character, an Englisher woman, a lawyer. A big city lawyer. New York City no less. Her name is Wendy Pearson; she moved to Marigold to care for her mother. I found her very interesting and hope Ms. Fuller writes another book with Wendy as the lead. Wendy finds she doesn’t miss NYC at all and the laid-back atmosphere of Marigold and the Amish community is calming.
When I start a new book, I want to like the main character or characters. The author has to make me care about them. Well, with The Proposal Plot, I didn’t like Ella much. That business of her flying into the warehouse uninvited and asking a question not very politely didn’t sit well with me. Junia I wanted to take out behind the shed and give her a good spanking. Spoiled brat. I do not like spoiled brats. Don’t like wimpy men either and Ella & Junia’s father, Barnabas, was a wimp. He let Junia get by with just about anything and said nothing. I think the first character I DID like was Wendy. Fortunately, she appeared at 6%.
The story starts to evolve. To change just as people do when things happen. Junia gets just as sappy about Malachi as he is with her and I chuckled my way through several passages where Ella is in the vicinity of the love birds and — well, you gotta smile at the scenes. I had to feel for Ella — she was being worked to death and like all of us … when we are bone-tired, we are not at our best. That’s when the attributes that we hope most people don’t notice — come out. And Ella’s does but I could understand why.
Barnabas grew on me too. I began to like the man. Malachi and Junia are slurpy, sloppy, in love to the point of ad nauseam. And Wendy seems to have found peace. The reader will like her mother too.
I loved that her mother’s favorite restaurant was Panchos. Brought back fond memories of eating at Pancho’s Mexican Buffet which is NOT where Wendy and her mother come for Taco Tuesdays.
There was one thing that made Nelson abnormal in my book. He doesn’t like chocolate. What!!! Now that is weird. Plain weird. But he does like gooseberry pie. My mother would make this pie and it was delicious. That combination of sweet and sour. Maybe even better with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. Then, I think almost everything tastes better with ice cream. Or chocolate.
So, I ended up loving this book. I hardly could put it down the last 40%. This is book two of “An Amish of Marigold” series. I also reviewed the first book, The Courtship Plan, but didn’t like it nearly as much as I did this one. A core underlying element of this story is coming close to God. The reader will feel it most with Wendy. Rating: 5 stars.
I received a complimentary DRC (digital review copy) of The Proposal Plot via NetGalley from the publisher, Zondervan Fiction | Zondervan. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Rating: 5 stars
Series: An Amish of Marigold, #2
Cover: Good. Matches book #1 which will make them eye-catching in a display.
Pages: Unknown at the time of review but probably about the same length as book #1 which was 320.
Publish Date: 7 May 2024
#TheProposalPlot #NetGalley #KathleenFuller
May 3, 2024
Amish fiction is one of the biggest sellers in Christian fiction. I always see them in the best seller lists. I understand the attraction. It just fascinates me the way the Amish lives. It's so simple and yet hard, too. This book by Kathleen Fuller is a romance with three different couples who find their happily ever after. I enjoyed the family dynamics with polar opposite personalities and how they interacted with each other. I feel my favorite of the characters was Wendy. Kathleen Fuller is one of my favorite authors, and this book reflected why she is. I listened to this book, and the narrator did a wonderful job. I enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone who reads Amish fiction.
April 24, 2024
The Proposal Plot is a cute Amish romance. Nelson is finding it hard to trust women again after his hard times with love. Ella is dealing with family troubles with a sister who is not pulling her weight around their business and home. Love blossoms in three couples. Also the faith content was great. Jesus was mentioned which does not happen in all Amish books. I enjoyed reading this book. I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in trade for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.
July 29, 2024
The Proposal Plot is the second book in Kathleen Fuller's Amish of Marigold series. I had no trouble reading this one as a standalone.
I'm glad I tried this story. I enjoy romances where people come from different walks of life, and Fuller does a nice job building a relationship between Nelson and Ella. There are also some well done scenes with interesting family drama within several families.
I enjoyed the narrator, Lauren Berst. Berst does a good job finding a unique voice for each of this varried cast of characters. Nicely done.
an audiobook copy of The Proposal Plot was provided by HarperCollins Christian Publishing | Zondervan Fiction, via NetGalley, for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
I'm glad I tried this story. I enjoy romances where people come from different walks of life, and Fuller does a nice job building a relationship between Nelson and Ella. There are also some well done scenes with interesting family drama within several families.
I enjoyed the narrator, Lauren Berst. Berst does a good job finding a unique voice for each of this varried cast of characters. Nicely done.
an audiobook copy of The Proposal Plot was provided by HarperCollins Christian Publishing | Zondervan Fiction, via NetGalley, for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
December 8, 2023
First sewing, now cooking, and in a few months, she would start her new garden. She grinned. Now this is the way to live.
☕📚
This is a new release for May 7, 2024, by Kathleen Fuller.
I’ve read my fair share of Amish storylines and this one differed from the others. In past novels, these communities were never portrayed as perfect. Still, this main character’s attitude was really something. Ella was very hard to love with her bossy, often rude ways. Although she did have a heart of gold, it was hidden by her annoying attitude. I was concerned (haha).
Hang in there, though!
The realistic family drama was fantastic - both among Amish and Englishers. There were so many facets to each family’s dynamic. I could picture each group of people in their homes and as they went about their daily lives.
It was very interesting.
There is one scene where things get a bit, um, physical between two Amish sisters (not violently), and it was hilarious. Come to think of it, I laughed a lot throughout this book - which is not typical for me to do while reading romance.
WHAT’S THERE TO LOVE? I read A LOT. Can I say how much I adore it when authors can convey settings, personalities, and worlds so that it feels easy? Does that make sense? Some writing styles interrupt the flow because the wording seems complicated - like the book is trying too hard. You know? And to me, that makes reading fiction not as enjoyable. This book was not that way. The banter between one couple is pretty darn good. The scenes and dialogue flowed well and I looked forward to each reading session.
Oh, and the book cover is adorable.
ANY CAUSE FOR PAUSE? I will say there’s a lot of romance and talk of feelings, physical included (but not in a spicy way at all). I appreciated the way physical emotions were portrayed as natural, not bad, and yet as Christians, they wanted to approach them in the right, Godly way. For instance, there’s a scene where one “well-built” male character takes his shirt off and another instance where a couple is kissing and she ends up in his lap. The way these are handled is fantastic. This was a super clean romance book which I appreciate so much.
CONSIDER READING IF… you want super clean, VERY realistic romance storylines among Amish AND English characters, who are all very believable, flawed people whose lives aren’t always pretty, but real. And if you want to see interaction between the two groups with deep topics, conversations, and transformations on both sides. 😀
MY RATING 🌟🌟🌟🌟4 out of 5 stars. This releases on May 7, 2024.
☕📚 Thanks to Zondervan Fiction, the author, and NetGalley. I received a complimentary ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. ☕📚
This is a new release for May 7, 2024, by Kathleen Fuller.
I’ve read my fair share of Amish storylines and this one differed from the others. In past novels, these communities were never portrayed as perfect. Still, this main character’s attitude was really something. Ella was very hard to love with her bossy, often rude ways. Although she did have a heart of gold, it was hidden by her annoying attitude. I was concerned (haha).
Hang in there, though!
The realistic family drama was fantastic - both among Amish and Englishers. There were so many facets to each family’s dynamic. I could picture each group of people in their homes and as they went about their daily lives.
It was very interesting.
There is one scene where things get a bit, um, physical between two Amish sisters (not violently), and it was hilarious. Come to think of it, I laughed a lot throughout this book - which is not typical for me to do while reading romance.
WHAT’S THERE TO LOVE? I read A LOT. Can I say how much I adore it when authors can convey settings, personalities, and worlds so that it feels easy? Does that make sense? Some writing styles interrupt the flow because the wording seems complicated - like the book is trying too hard. You know? And to me, that makes reading fiction not as enjoyable. This book was not that way. The banter between one couple is pretty darn good. The scenes and dialogue flowed well and I looked forward to each reading session.
Oh, and the book cover is adorable.
ANY CAUSE FOR PAUSE? I will say there’s a lot of romance and talk of feelings, physical included (but not in a spicy way at all). I appreciated the way physical emotions were portrayed as natural, not bad, and yet as Christians, they wanted to approach them in the right, Godly way. For instance, there’s a scene where one “well-built” male character takes his shirt off and another instance where a couple is kissing and she ends up in his lap. The way these are handled is fantastic. This was a super clean romance book which I appreciate so much.
CONSIDER READING IF… you want super clean, VERY realistic romance storylines among Amish AND English characters, who are all very believable, flawed people whose lives aren’t always pretty, but real. And if you want to see interaction between the two groups with deep topics, conversations, and transformations on both sides. 😀
MY RATING 🌟🌟🌟🌟4 out of 5 stars. This releases on May 7, 2024.
☕📚 Thanks to Zondervan Fiction, the author, and NetGalley. I received a complimentary ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. ☕📚
May 29, 2024
Another Amish great book! Ella, Junia , and their father have recently moved to Marigold and opened a grocery store. The sisters have a hard time getting along, and it is compounded by the fact that Ella is very bossy. The building next-door to them is vacant and when it is bought by Nelson, Ella is attracted to him. I really like Wendy who helped mediate the conflicts the sisters were having.
April 21, 2024
A Pure Delight
Author Kathleen Fuller is a master at helping the reader completely get to know the characters. and the Proposal Plot is no exception. She introduces us to some wonderful characters, both main and secondary, with such varying personalities that it makes you wonder how in the world their relationships will ever mesh. And yet, it always works out in the most entertaining of ways.
Ella absolutely annoyed me to no end. Her take-charge, bossy attitude, along with her justification of both, had me feeling some type of way, and I could not fathom how she would ever redeem herself. However, she did in fact manage to do so, which helped me change my mind about her. Nelson, on the other hand, was my favorite. He had me sympathizing with his feelings, struggles, and insecurities, and I wanted to see him overcome everything. With their night and day personalities, I found myself laughing and smiling on more than one occasion as I watched these two interact. Add in the contributions of the secondary characters, along with some unexpected twists and turns of events, and you are left with a very entertaining story of love, faith, and new beginnings that is a pure delight to read.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.
Author Kathleen Fuller is a master at helping the reader completely get to know the characters. and the Proposal Plot is no exception. She introduces us to some wonderful characters, both main and secondary, with such varying personalities that it makes you wonder how in the world their relationships will ever mesh. And yet, it always works out in the most entertaining of ways.
Ella absolutely annoyed me to no end. Her take-charge, bossy attitude, along with her justification of both, had me feeling some type of way, and I could not fathom how she would ever redeem herself. However, she did in fact manage to do so, which helped me change my mind about her. Nelson, on the other hand, was my favorite. He had me sympathizing with his feelings, struggles, and insecurities, and I wanted to see him overcome everything. With their night and day personalities, I found myself laughing and smiling on more than one occasion as I watched these two interact. Add in the contributions of the secondary characters, along with some unexpected twists and turns of events, and you are left with a very entertaining story of love, faith, and new beginnings that is a pure delight to read.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.
April 22, 2024
*****I received this audiobook free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I am a huge fan of Amish romance books. After I finished this audiobook I felt like awwwwww! It was SO sweet. I absolutely loved the sisters and how snarky they were to each other. Such sn enjoyable listen! A great book!
I am a huge fan of Amish romance books. After I finished this audiobook I felt like awwwwww! It was SO sweet. I absolutely loved the sisters and how snarky they were to each other. Such sn enjoyable listen! A great book!
November 22, 2023
I really enjoy reading books by this author. The characters and the plot are always enjoyable. Sometimes the reader can figure out what might happen at the end but it is still fun to see how the story progresses. Barnabas, Wendy, Ella and Nelson were my favorite characters.
Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
April 27, 2025
The Proposal Plot is the second book in the Amish of Marigold series and I liked it more than the first one. It's been a year since Ella Yoder convinced her father to move the family to Marigold, Ohio to open E and J Grocery. Her younger sister, Junia is angry and doesn't want to move, but has no choice but to go with the family. Ella is a great business woman and plans to expand the business by purchasing the building next door, but when Nelson Bontranger expresses desire to buy the building to open a butcher shop, she supports him. She is a bit bossy and tried to tell him what he needs to do, which causes bad feelings. Meanwhile, Junia is lazy, and does very little to help at home or at the story, causing friction in the family. It takes awhile for Nelson and Ella to realize they can support one another, but dealing with Junia is another matter all together.
This series seems to have maedels that are not good marriage material in the traditional Amish way. They are often pushy, socially awkward, not necessarily wanting to get married and wanting more than just being a wife and mother. Ella fits this bill at the beginning of the story, but can she change? Nelson is also not looking to get involved with anyone. He is busy trying to get his business off the ground and really has no idea how to go about it. He has had bad luck with romance and that is one of the reasons he wants to move to Marigold and start his own business. I enjoyed getting to know Nelson and the Yoder family. I felt bad for Ella's and Junia's father, he had no idea how to deal with his daughters. There is a bit of a romance for him as well, when he meets the daughter of a neighbour who is in Marigold taking a break from her busy life as a lawyer. The characters are relatable and their problems are ones that any family might have to deal with. I enjoyed seeing Ella and Nelson deal with their emerging feelings, as well as Junia finally growing up and accepting responsibilities in the family. A nice, clean, sweet Amish romance with just enough humour to keep me smiling. Lauren Berst does a nice job with the narration of the audiobook. I enjoy her pleasant voice and the tone and expression she puts into the story. She doesn't use a lot of voices, but the story is still enjoyable to listen to.
This series seems to have maedels that are not good marriage material in the traditional Amish way. They are often pushy, socially awkward, not necessarily wanting to get married and wanting more than just being a wife and mother. Ella fits this bill at the beginning of the story, but can she change? Nelson is also not looking to get involved with anyone. He is busy trying to get his business off the ground and really has no idea how to go about it. He has had bad luck with romance and that is one of the reasons he wants to move to Marigold and start his own business. I enjoyed getting to know Nelson and the Yoder family. I felt bad for Ella's and Junia's father, he had no idea how to deal with his daughters. There is a bit of a romance for him as well, when he meets the daughter of a neighbour who is in Marigold taking a break from her busy life as a lawyer. The characters are relatable and their problems are ones that any family might have to deal with. I enjoyed seeing Ella and Nelson deal with their emerging feelings, as well as Junia finally growing up and accepting responsibilities in the family. A nice, clean, sweet Amish romance with just enough humour to keep me smiling. Lauren Berst does a nice job with the narration of the audiobook. I enjoy her pleasant voice and the tone and expression she puts into the story. She doesn't use a lot of voices, but the story is still enjoyable to listen to.
May 21, 2024
I can always count on Fuller to deliver a clean Amish romance that is anything but predictable and boring - plenty of relatable relationship difficulties along with the central romance.
October 3, 2025
A fun love story where God is working
January 2, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
In "The Proposal Plot" by Kathleen Fuller, readers are treated to a charming tale of love, family dynamics, and unexpected connections in the quaint town of Marigold, Ohio. The story unfolds as headstrong businesswoman Ella Yoder finds herself entangled with the determined and unlucky-in-love bachelor, Nelson Bontranger, through an unforeseen chaperoning assignment. As Ella strives to expand her grocery business, she must contend with her younger sister's reluctance to contribute, while Nelson is focused on realizing his passion for artisan deli meats.
Fuller skillfully weaves a narrative that explores the complexities of family, ambition, and the resilience of the human heart. The clash of strong personalities between Ella and Nelson creates a delightful tension that evolves into an unexpected connection. The reluctant partnership to chaperone Nelson's nephew and Ella's sister leads to amusing and heartwarming moments, highlighting the author's knack for infusing humor into the storyline.
"The Proposal Plot" stands out for its well-developed characters and the exploration of themes such as past heartbreak, forgiveness, and the possibility of second chances. As Ella and Nelson navigate the challenges of love and family, readers are drawn into a world filled with warmth and genuine emotion. Kathleen Fuller's storytelling shines, capturing the essence of small-town life and the intricacies of relationships.
With its engaging plot, relatable characters, and a perfect blend of humor and heart, "The Proposal Plot" is a delightful read for fans of contemporary romance. Kathleen Fuller delivers a four-star experience, making this novel a compelling addition to the genre.
In "The Proposal Plot" by Kathleen Fuller, readers are treated to a charming tale of love, family dynamics, and unexpected connections in the quaint town of Marigold, Ohio. The story unfolds as headstrong businesswoman Ella Yoder finds herself entangled with the determined and unlucky-in-love bachelor, Nelson Bontranger, through an unforeseen chaperoning assignment. As Ella strives to expand her grocery business, she must contend with her younger sister's reluctance to contribute, while Nelson is focused on realizing his passion for artisan deli meats.
Fuller skillfully weaves a narrative that explores the complexities of family, ambition, and the resilience of the human heart. The clash of strong personalities between Ella and Nelson creates a delightful tension that evolves into an unexpected connection. The reluctant partnership to chaperone Nelson's nephew and Ella's sister leads to amusing and heartwarming moments, highlighting the author's knack for infusing humor into the storyline.
"The Proposal Plot" stands out for its well-developed characters and the exploration of themes such as past heartbreak, forgiveness, and the possibility of second chances. As Ella and Nelson navigate the challenges of love and family, readers are drawn into a world filled with warmth and genuine emotion. Kathleen Fuller's storytelling shines, capturing the essence of small-town life and the intricacies of relationships.
With its engaging plot, relatable characters, and a perfect blend of humor and heart, "The Proposal Plot" is a delightful read for fans of contemporary romance. Kathleen Fuller delivers a four-star experience, making this novel a compelling addition to the genre.
February 22, 2024
Kathleen Fuller has written an engaging and fun novel that weaves three romances seamlessly into the plot. Nelson Bontrager is buying a building next to a grocery store run by the bossy Ella, her flighty sister Junia and their father. Nelson has been previously very unlucky in love and has sworn off marriage forever. Ella has been told she isn’t marriage material and Junia is boy crazy particularly for Nelson’s nephew Malachi. The girls are fighting bitterly over everything, their father is beside himself and retired lawyer Wendy Pearson offers to help with some family counseling. Sparks fly and ignite and Ella and Nelson are forced to chaperone Junia and Malachi and of course, find themselves attracted to each other.
It’s a fun story with lots going on but a book that will keep you turning the pages into the wee hours. Fuller also fills the novel with lovely descriptions of quaint locations and luscious home cooked meals.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am freely offering my honest opinion.
It’s a fun story with lots going on but a book that will keep you turning the pages into the wee hours. Fuller also fills the novel with lovely descriptions of quaint locations and luscious home cooked meals.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am freely offering my honest opinion.
January 17, 2024
Wow, this author has done it again, a book you can't put down. Ella Yoder convinces her father to move to buy a grocery store in Marigold, Ohio. Junia, her younger sister who is the complete opposite of her overly confident, businss minded sister really didn't want to move. Nelson Bontranger is an artisian butcher, who just so happens to need a change of scenary after getting jilted a second time visits his family near Marigold. He buys the building nextdoor to the grocery store that Ella has had her eye one for expansion. Miss Know-it-all Ella keeps crossing paths with Nelson who has sworn off women. Nelson's nephew Malichi meets Junia and both are overly smitten. When family asks Nelson to chaparone, he and Ella are forced to contend with each other. Can they both look beyond their short sightedness and see each other in a different way?
I received a complimentary copy of this book, opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 7, 2024
The Proposal plot by Kathleen Fuller
(An Amish of Marigold Novel)
A headstrong young businesswoman. An unlucky-in-love bachelor. And the chaperoning assignment that keeps pushing them together.
For someone so strong-willed and certain, Ella Yoder has never been more unsure of her life. It's been a year since she convinced her father to move with her and her younger sister Junia to Marigold, Ohio, to open E and J Grocery. Ella's got a keen eye for running a business and has big dreams to expand. But her plans are stalled because Junia refuses to lift a finger at the store--or listen to her about anything.
Nelson Bontranger knows one thing for sure: creating his own artisan deli meats is his passion. Well, maybe one other thing: he's sworn off women forever. After two bouts of heartbreak, he's not willing to open up himself to a third. When he eyes his own butcher shop next to E and J Grocery in Marigold, he's surprised to learn that Ella has had her eye on the property for some time. He doesn't trust this stubborn, pushy young woman--and for her, the feeling is mutual.
Against their wishes, Ella and Nelson's paths continue to cross when Nelson's nephew Malachi falls head over heels for Junia. Nelson and Ella are brought together to keep the lovebirds in check, but somewhere along the line, their frustration turns to something altogether more pleasant. But they will both need to come to terms with past pain before they can find their future happiness.
This is Ella Yoder,sister Junia and father's story.
This is Nelson Bontranger and nephew Malachi Chupp's story.
I can’t believe it’s been nearly a year since we moved from Lancaster to Marigold. And what a year it’s been! Dad and I have been working hard to make our grocery store a success after we took it over from the Burkholders, and thankfully our efforts have paid off. Some days there’s more business than we can handle! I even mentioned to Dad that we should find out who owns the empty building next door and see if it’s for sale so we could expand.
I also wish he’d do something about Junia. She’s not pulling her fair share—no surprise there either—but he won’t say anything to her. She keeps complaining about being homesick for Lancaster, but that’s not an excuse to shirk her job and chores, and it’s driving me ab im kopp. She’s not the only one who’s missing home.
Nelson shoved his hands into the pockets of his jacket and looked around the empty room. His brother Jesse, who had moved to Marigold almost a year and a half ago, told him about this place and encouraged him to check it out. But as had been his habit for more than a year now, he wondered if he was doing the right thing.
Malachi nodded. His straw hat was pushed back from his head—wavy dark-blond hair curled around the bottoms of his ears. “Agreed. But nothing wrong with hard work, ya?”
I recommend this book.
The Proposal plot by by Kathleen Fuller is a 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Kathleen Fuller.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
(An Amish of Marigold Novel)
A headstrong young businesswoman. An unlucky-in-love bachelor. And the chaperoning assignment that keeps pushing them together.
For someone so strong-willed and certain, Ella Yoder has never been more unsure of her life. It's been a year since she convinced her father to move with her and her younger sister Junia to Marigold, Ohio, to open E and J Grocery. Ella's got a keen eye for running a business and has big dreams to expand. But her plans are stalled because Junia refuses to lift a finger at the store--or listen to her about anything.
Nelson Bontranger knows one thing for sure: creating his own artisan deli meats is his passion. Well, maybe one other thing: he's sworn off women forever. After two bouts of heartbreak, he's not willing to open up himself to a third. When he eyes his own butcher shop next to E and J Grocery in Marigold, he's surprised to learn that Ella has had her eye on the property for some time. He doesn't trust this stubborn, pushy young woman--and for her, the feeling is mutual.
Against their wishes, Ella and Nelson's paths continue to cross when Nelson's nephew Malachi falls head over heels for Junia. Nelson and Ella are brought together to keep the lovebirds in check, but somewhere along the line, their frustration turns to something altogether more pleasant. But they will both need to come to terms with past pain before they can find their future happiness.
This is Ella Yoder,sister Junia and father's story.
This is Nelson Bontranger and nephew Malachi Chupp's story.
I can’t believe it’s been nearly a year since we moved from Lancaster to Marigold. And what a year it’s been! Dad and I have been working hard to make our grocery store a success after we took it over from the Burkholders, and thankfully our efforts have paid off. Some days there’s more business than we can handle! I even mentioned to Dad that we should find out who owns the empty building next door and see if it’s for sale so we could expand.
I also wish he’d do something about Junia. She’s not pulling her fair share—no surprise there either—but he won’t say anything to her. She keeps complaining about being homesick for Lancaster, but that’s not an excuse to shirk her job and chores, and it’s driving me ab im kopp. She’s not the only one who’s missing home.
Nelson shoved his hands into the pockets of his jacket and looked around the empty room. His brother Jesse, who had moved to Marigold almost a year and a half ago, told him about this place and encouraged him to check it out. But as had been his habit for more than a year now, he wondered if he was doing the right thing.
Malachi nodded. His straw hat was pushed back from his head—wavy dark-blond hair curled around the bottoms of his ears. “Agreed. But nothing wrong with hard work, ya?”
I recommend this book.
The Proposal plot by by Kathleen Fuller is a 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Kathleen Fuller.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
August 20, 2025
Books that focus on the Amish are generally clean and wholesome because they are a reflection of Amish faith and beliefs. The Proposal Plot is no exception, but that doesn’t mean that every character is a model of good behavior, kindness, and self-control. There is plenty of room for these characters to grow. Nelson Bontrager has been hurt in wooing two different women and has sworn off women altogether. Ella Yoder has been raised to believe she is not pretty and not “marriage material” because she is bossy and argumentative. The two clash from their first meeting. Ella’s spoiled sister Junia, however, falls head over heels in love with Nelson’s slightly younger nephew, Malachi. The girls’ dad, the widower Barnabas, owns E&J’s Grocery store and is caught in the middle between his two constantly warring daughters.
Wendy, a successful New York City lawyer, needs some distance from the career ladder she has been climbing so she moves temporarily to Marigold, Ohio, and opens an office in a nearby small town. She lives with and becomes a caregiver for her aging, diabetic mother. Wendy is talented at mediation and can afford to accept only cases she chooses and work the hours convenient to her.
This story is a roller coaster of emotions and conflict as there are love/hate relationships throughout the book. There is also a conundrum for one of the characters as she tries to sort out her attraction to Barnabas versus her attraction to the Amish faith. Learning about the backgrounds of all these characters and watching them sort through their feelings makes for an interesting and enjoyable read and a breath of fresh air from the daily news cycle.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Wendy, a successful New York City lawyer, needs some distance from the career ladder she has been climbing so she moves temporarily to Marigold, Ohio, and opens an office in a nearby small town. She lives with and becomes a caregiver for her aging, diabetic mother. Wendy is talented at mediation and can afford to accept only cases she chooses and work the hours convenient to her.
This story is a roller coaster of emotions and conflict as there are love/hate relationships throughout the book. There is also a conundrum for one of the characters as she tries to sort out her attraction to Barnabas versus her attraction to the Amish faith. Learning about the backgrounds of all these characters and watching them sort through their feelings makes for an interesting and enjoyable read and a breath of fresh air from the daily news cycle.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 4, 2024
The Prosposal Plot by Kathleen Fuller, book two of An Amish of Marigold series, is an inspiring and heartwarming second chance tale dealing with loneliness, jealousy, love, mistakes, forgiveness, and faith. Nelson Bontrager, an artesian butcher, is buying the building next door to a grocery store run by business minded bossy Ella Yoder, her flighty sister Junia and their father Barnabas. Nelson is finding it hard to trust women again after his hard times with love. Ella is dealing with family troubles; especially her sister who is not pulling her weight around their business and home. Nelson has been very unlucky in love and has sworn off marriage forever. Ella has been told she isn’t marriage material while Junia is boy crazy, especially for Nelson’s nephew Malachi. The girls are fighting bitterly over everything, their father is beside himself and customer, retired lawyer Wendy Pearson offers to help with some family mediating. Sparks fly and ignite as Ella and Nelson are forced to chaperone Junia and Malachi. The more time they spend together, the more attracted to each other they become.
Ms Fuller wrote a heartwarming romance with three different couples who find their happily ever after. The family dynamics with polar opposite personalities and how they interacted with each other leaving you to wonder how they would be able to get their relationships to work; yet somehow they work out in the most entertaining of ways. With some unexpected twists and turns of events, and you are left with a very entertaining story of love, faith, and new beginnings that is a pure delight to read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#NetGalley # Zondervan
Ms Fuller wrote a heartwarming romance with three different couples who find their happily ever after. The family dynamics with polar opposite personalities and how they interacted with each other leaving you to wonder how they would be able to get their relationships to work; yet somehow they work out in the most entertaining of ways. With some unexpected twists and turns of events, and you are left with a very entertaining story of love, faith, and new beginnings that is a pure delight to read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#NetGalley # Zondervan
May 1, 2024
Thank you to netgalley & Zondervan Fiction for the advanced reader copy of this audiobook!
Summary:
A year ago, Ella convinced her father and sister to move to the community of Marigold, and since then her relationship with her younger sister, Junia has been rough. It’s not like Junia & Ella had the best relationship before, but things have gotten so much worse since the move. Ella also has dreams of expanding their family's grocery store, but neither her father nor sister supports that move. Then comes Nelson Bontrager, who has sworn off love after having his heart broken one too many times. He has bought the warehouse next to their grocery store The very warehouse Ella wanted to expand to, so of course she has issues with him on the spot. But then Junia falls in love with Nelson’s nephew and as much as they try to avoid each other, they keep being drawn together to chaperone Ella’s sister & Nelson’s nephew. And the more time they spend together, the more they realize they may have misjudged each other.
Thoughts:
It has been a while since I have picked up an Amish romance, so I am really glad I got the opportunity to listen to this book. Although Ella & Junia did drive me a little crazy, I still fell in love with all the characters almost immediately. I was confused about the introduction of the Englischer, Wendy, but her introduction soon made sense. Nelson & Ella were both incredibly stubborn to the point I was certain they would never see that they were perfect for each other. There were a lot of love stories going on, but it wasn’t overwhelming and I was rooting for each couple to get their happy ever after. This was a great lighthearted Amish romance.
Summary:
A year ago, Ella convinced her father and sister to move to the community of Marigold, and since then her relationship with her younger sister, Junia has been rough. It’s not like Junia & Ella had the best relationship before, but things have gotten so much worse since the move. Ella also has dreams of expanding their family's grocery store, but neither her father nor sister supports that move. Then comes Nelson Bontrager, who has sworn off love after having his heart broken one too many times. He has bought the warehouse next to their grocery store The very warehouse Ella wanted to expand to, so of course she has issues with him on the spot. But then Junia falls in love with Nelson’s nephew and as much as they try to avoid each other, they keep being drawn together to chaperone Ella’s sister & Nelson’s nephew. And the more time they spend together, the more they realize they may have misjudged each other.
Thoughts:
It has been a while since I have picked up an Amish romance, so I am really glad I got the opportunity to listen to this book. Although Ella & Junia did drive me a little crazy, I still fell in love with all the characters almost immediately. I was confused about the introduction of the Englischer, Wendy, but her introduction soon made sense. Nelson & Ella were both incredibly stubborn to the point I was certain they would never see that they were perfect for each other. There were a lot of love stories going on, but it wasn’t overwhelming and I was rooting for each couple to get their happy ever after. This was a great lighthearted Amish romance.
June 24, 2025
Ella and her family run a store in Marigold. Nelson wants to create a butchering business, but Ella has been wanting to buy the building that he wants to buy for his business. The two of them butt heads. Nelson is annoyed by this woman because she is so stubborn and outspoken. He also is done with falling in love since he had been rejected by two women, he thought he was in love with before. Ella has been told she is not marriage material. She just wants to work hard. She also wishes her sister Junia would work hard. Junia seems to just get her own way all the time.
Junia sees Nelson's nephew Malachi and instantly believes she is in love with him. What makes this worse is Malachi also thinks he is in love with Junia. Ella and Nelson feel they are over their heads. The two of them do whatever they can to make sure those two slow down. This means that as much as they butt heads, they have to see one another often. Ella also wants to help Nelson out with understanding how to run a business. Ella is very bossy in Nelson's opinion.
I will say that early on in this book, I was annoyed by Ella. She gets better though. I also was annoyed by Nelson. I suppose that was the whole point. I was also annoyed by Junia. It is hard to read a book that has annoying characters! What saved it is that the character Wendy, who was briefly mentioned in the first book, has more of a story in this book. She really has a lovely quality about her. I do think her story is extremely unlikely though. I tried to keep in mind that she is a fictional character, and anything is possible in fiction, I suppose.
Junia sees Nelson's nephew Malachi and instantly believes she is in love with him. What makes this worse is Malachi also thinks he is in love with Junia. Ella and Nelson feel they are over their heads. The two of them do whatever they can to make sure those two slow down. This means that as much as they butt heads, they have to see one another often. Ella also wants to help Nelson out with understanding how to run a business. Ella is very bossy in Nelson's opinion.
I will say that early on in this book, I was annoyed by Ella. She gets better though. I also was annoyed by Nelson. I suppose that was the whole point. I was also annoyed by Junia. It is hard to read a book that has annoying characters! What saved it is that the character Wendy, who was briefly mentioned in the first book, has more of a story in this book. She really has a lovely quality about her. I do think her story is extremely unlikely though. I tried to keep in mind that she is a fictional character, and anything is possible in fiction, I suppose.
April 30, 2024
I have really enjoyed this series. However, this took a different turn in that it was not a matchmaking plot but how an unsuspecting couple came together. Ella Yoder was all about her family's grocery store. Unfortunately, her sister Junia did not. She was about having fun, enjoying people, and not worrying about the details like her sister. Nobody could do it right anyways but Ella so why bother. We all have experienced people like that in our life or maybe we are one of those people. That kind of relationship always ends up with tension and nothing resolved. Ella begins to change when she is confronted by Nelson Bontranger. Maybe it's because Nelson is not in the market for a wife because of his past heart ache. He is focusing on his dream of owning his butcher shop adjacent to Ella's family store. Their first meeting did not go well. Ella is very straight forward and Nelson has his own prejudice. It could be a re-telling of Pride and Prejudice because there is a little bit of both with Nelson. The pride of not letting his heart love and prejudice because all women are alike. Both of those only lead to lost love and loneliness.
A fun romance with a little bit of family issues that need to be resolved. Loved the characters and how the progressed in learning about themselves.
A special thank you to Zondervan Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
A fun romance with a little bit of family issues that need to be resolved. Loved the characters and how the progressed in learning about themselves.
A special thank you to Zondervan Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
April 12, 2024
This was a sweet Amish Romance novel that I have rated against the specific genre and sub genre. It is definitely a clean beach type read but it had one sub plat that had a bit of meat to it.
I want to thank NetGalley and Harper Collins audio for the audio arc of this title.
The narrator was great. She read at a great pace and did give enough of the Amish linguistic touches to certain words to set the mood without sounding mocking as some audio books can come off in this space.
I really enjoyed the outside perspective of Wendi as she explored the faith and lifestyle of the Amish.
There were some parts that slowed down as I listened where I disconnected from the story in the first half of the book but after the midway point it really picks up and you want to keep listening to find out what happens.
So if you like clean romances that also happen to have a connection to God then this is a nice sweet read.
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
I want to thank NetGalley and Harper Collins audio for the audio arc of this title.
The narrator was great. She read at a great pace and did give enough of the Amish linguistic touches to certain words to set the mood without sounding mocking as some audio books can come off in this space.
I really enjoyed the outside perspective of Wendi as she explored the faith and lifestyle of the Amish.
There were some parts that slowed down as I listened where I disconnected from the story in the first half of the book but after the midway point it really picks up and you want to keep listening to find out what happens.
So if you like clean romances that also happen to have a connection to God then this is a nice sweet read.
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
April 16, 2024
Book Title: The Proposal Plot
Series: Amish of Marigold Book #2
Author: Kathleen Fuller
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Lauren Berst
Publisher: Harper Collins Christian Publishing – Zondervan Fiction
Genre: Amish
Pub Date: May 7, 2024
My Rating: 3.2 Stars
Pages: 320
I do love a good Amish story. Kathleen Fuller has written over a hundred and this is my first- How have I not read any before this?
In this story is based in quaint town of Marigold, Ohio. Our protagonist is the headstrong businesswoman Ella Yoder; she and her father and younger sister Junia run a grocery story.
Nelson Bontrager is buying a building next door. Junia is pleased with this as she is interested in Nelson’s nephew Malachi.
Things are getting a bit out of control at the Yoder home and Dad decides Ella and Nelson need to chaperone Junia and Malachi.
Things get complicated as to who loves who and who wants to make who jealous!
Enjoyable light read.
Want to thank NetGalley and Harper Collins Publishing- Zondervan Fiction for this early audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 7, 2024.
Series: Amish of Marigold Book #2
Author: Kathleen Fuller
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Lauren Berst
Publisher: Harper Collins Christian Publishing – Zondervan Fiction
Genre: Amish
Pub Date: May 7, 2024
My Rating: 3.2 Stars
Pages: 320
I do love a good Amish story. Kathleen Fuller has written over a hundred and this is my first- How have I not read any before this?
In this story is based in quaint town of Marigold, Ohio. Our protagonist is the headstrong businesswoman Ella Yoder; she and her father and younger sister Junia run a grocery story.
Nelson Bontrager is buying a building next door. Junia is pleased with this as she is interested in Nelson’s nephew Malachi.
Things are getting a bit out of control at the Yoder home and Dad decides Ella and Nelson need to chaperone Junia and Malachi.
Things get complicated as to who loves who and who wants to make who jealous!
Enjoyable light read.
Want to thank NetGalley and Harper Collins Publishing- Zondervan Fiction for this early audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 7, 2024.
March 20, 2024
The Proposal Plot by Kathleen Fuller is definitely another winner. It is due for release, May, 7, 2024.
Kathleen Fuller has such a unique style in the way she pulls her characters together and make them your new best friends. She intwines three romances seamlessly, Ella Yoder and Nelson Bontranger who take an instant dislike for each other and I really enjoyed being able to watch their story evolve while we also enjoyed the secondary relationships between Barnabas and Wendy and Junia and Malachi.
Characters were well developed. I really like Ella with her strong bossy ways. Junia, not so much. She acted too spoiled and entitled, while Nelson is a really nice guy that has been disappointing one too many times.
The Plot was seamless and made an interesting storyline.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan, and was not required to give a positive review. 5 stars all the way.
Kathleen Fuller has such a unique style in the way she pulls her characters together and make them your new best friends. She intwines three romances seamlessly, Ella Yoder and Nelson Bontranger who take an instant dislike for each other and I really enjoyed being able to watch their story evolve while we also enjoyed the secondary relationships between Barnabas and Wendy and Junia and Malachi.
Characters were well developed. I really like Ella with her strong bossy ways. Junia, not so much. She acted too spoiled and entitled, while Nelson is a really nice guy that has been disappointing one too many times.
The Plot was seamless and made an interesting storyline.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan, and was not required to give a positive review. 5 stars all the way.
April 13, 2024
The Proposal Plot by Kathleen Fuller is an engaging Amish story. I thought the story was well- written with developed, realistic characters. I especially thought the author captured the bickering sisters (I have a sister who is the opposite of me in many ways and we squabbled often as kids). I liked Ella with her head for business and her bossy ways (I have been told that I am a “bit” bossy). I understood why Ella was frustrated with Junia (who got away with doing the bare minimum). There is plenty going on in the story with three romances, bickering sisters, and two businesses. It was interesting learning about an artisan butcher and how he creates his deli meats. The Proposal Plot delves into the themes of family, forgiveness, love, sibling rivalry, and second chances. I liked the humor in the story, and I actually laughed out loud a time or two. The Proposal Plot is the second An Amish Marigold Novel. It can be read as a standalone for those who have not read The Courtship Plan. I enjoyed visiting Marigold, Ohio again and I look forward to stopping by again soon.
May 12, 2024
Book 2 in the Amish of Marigold, Matters of the Heart can be read as a stand alone but I do recommend book 1, The Courtship Plan. It’s a good book and takes place in the same small town.
Goodness, what a lot of mistrust and assuming these characters are dealing with; both Nelson and Ella. A few times I wanted to shake each of them, then I would feel bad for them. And both are dealing with heartbreak. Will they ever get it all together??
Then there’s Malachi and Junia. Falling in love but immature. Will they ever grow up?
Sisters who can’t get along, a father who can’t stand up for himself, guys who don’t know what they want. Seriously, it was a good book full of forgiveness and personal growth. A fun read that goes to the heart of the matter, I recommend it if you enjoy Amish fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Goodness, what a lot of mistrust and assuming these characters are dealing with; both Nelson and Ella. A few times I wanted to shake each of them, then I would feel bad for them. And both are dealing with heartbreak. Will they ever get it all together??
Then there’s Malachi and Junia. Falling in love but immature. Will they ever grow up?
Sisters who can’t get along, a father who can’t stand up for himself, guys who don’t know what they want. Seriously, it was a good book full of forgiveness and personal growth. A fun read that goes to the heart of the matter, I recommend it if you enjoy Amish fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
June 12, 2024
Thanks to #Zondervan Fiction #Zondervan for providing an advance reading copy in exchange for my honest review.
Kathleen Fuller is a good writer for both character and description. The characters have more depth than is usual for characters in a romance. The setting is also well drawn -- a town of Marigold, down the street from Birch Creek, another fictional place where she has set series books.
I read them for the cozy feel and the guaranteed happy ending, and I expect you do as well. No point in talking about cultural appropriation or the oft used trope of someone converting to the Amish way of life, which is unusual outside of books. This is a better than average series read, and you'll like the characters, and hope they make cameo appearances in new books in this series.
Enjoy
Kathleen Fuller is a good writer for both character and description. The characters have more depth than is usual for characters in a romance. The setting is also well drawn -- a town of Marigold, down the street from Birch Creek, another fictional place where she has set series books.
I read them for the cozy feel and the guaranteed happy ending, and I expect you do as well. No point in talking about cultural appropriation or the oft used trope of someone converting to the Amish way of life, which is unusual outside of books. This is a better than average series read, and you'll like the characters, and hope they make cameo appearances in new books in this series.
Enjoy
April 22, 2024
This is a really good read with many enjoyable characters. Ella and her dad, Barnabas, and sister, Junia, purchase a store and move to a different community after her mother passes away. Nelson and his family live in this community. Ella and Nelson become acquainted but don't like each other. Ella can be a bit bossy because her dad has allowed her to be in charge of a lot of things. She has a lot of responsibility. Junia meets Nelson's nephew, Malachi, and falls hard for him. Barnabas meets an Englisher and they become fast friends. There are many twists and turns with each of these relationships. You'll need to read this book to see how things turn out. It's an enjoyable read. I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
May 24, 2024
I actually enjoyed this book. If you like Amish Romance check this book out. It seems more like a real story to me.
Ella Yoder and her dad and sister are running a grocery store in Marigold. Ella has become pretty bossy since her mother died. She sees that someone is looking at the adjoining building and butts her nose in since she has hopes to expand there. Nelson Bontranger is thinking of opening a butcher shop in Marigold and is looking at a building to purchase when Ella barges in. He gets frustrated with her bossiness and almost decides not to build there. Then his cousin "Falls in love" with Ella's sister. Nelson has been hurt in love and is avoiding women and wants his cousin to go slow. What will happen?
Ella Yoder and her dad and sister are running a grocery store in Marigold. Ella has become pretty bossy since her mother died. She sees that someone is looking at the adjoining building and butts her nose in since she has hopes to expand there. Nelson Bontranger is thinking of opening a butcher shop in Marigold and is looking at a building to purchase when Ella barges in. He gets frustrated with her bossiness and almost decides not to build there. Then his cousin "Falls in love" with Ella's sister. Nelson has been hurt in love and is avoiding women and wants his cousin to go slow. What will happen?
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