Pennsylvania Patchwork (Legacy of Lancaster #2) in David C Cook

Jun 25, 2013 Amanda Stephan rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2013

Esther, a repentant prodigal daughter returns to her Amish family hoping to find forgiveness and healing for a past she cannot change. To a faith she left behind. Holly, her daughter, who was raised not knowing much of anything about her mother's family, is enthralled to be welcomed into her Amish grandmother's open arms and she's excited to finally have an extended family. Once a city girl, can Holly find peace and contentment with a simple life? And will Zach, her Mennonite fiance be all he's ...more

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Aug 09, 2013 Wanda rated it really liked it

Favorite Scene:

"Nee. Don't ya see? Zach's putting these ideas in your head so you'll steer clear of me. He's afraid you'll decide you prefer the Amish life to his."

Holly would never become Amish," Zach said.

"That's not what I hear." Armin tossed the grass away. "Nathaniel told me she wore his daughter's dress and apron, and even figured out how to secure the pins. And he said she relies on her computer less and less."

"We don't have internet up at my grandma's," I said. But Armin was speaking the Favorite Scene:

"Nee. Don't ya see? Zach's putting these ideas in your head so you'll steer clear of me. He's afraid you'll decide you prefer the Amish life to his."

Holly would never become Amish," Zach said.

"That's not what I hear." Armin tossed the grass away. "Nathaniel told me she wore his daughter's dress and apron, and even figured out how to secure the pins. And he said she relies on her computer less and less."

"We don't have internet up at my grandma's," I said. But Armin was speaking the truth. And I'd neglected to put on makeup today. Not to mention, I'd all but given up driving.

"She loves riding in the buggy," Armin said. "I can tell that. 'Tis plain as the pout on your face, but you're too dickkeppich—thick-headed—to see."

"How do you know so much about my future wife?"

"You ain't married yet, Zach..."

Synopsis:

After finding out about her Amish heritage that had long been hidden, Holly Fisher abd her mother, Esther, move from Seattle to Pennsylvania so she can get to know her "new" family and the Amish lifestyle. Once there, things aren't quite as simple as they seem. Holly finds she loves the Amish life and takes pleasure in the simple things, eventually forgetting the lack of modern conveniences. The local Veteranarian, Zach Flemming soon sweeps her off her feet. Holly thinks she knows what her heart wants until she meets a local Amish man. Armin King makes Holly's determination to marry Zach waver and she constantly finds herself second guessing what her heart wants. When an old friend from Seattle shows up at her door asking for her hand in marriage, Holly is shocked. Amidst her indecisions about her love life, Holly is struggling with her grandmother's failing health and a surprise package from her deceased father. Who will Holly choose and what lifestyle will she be happy with?

I always love Amish Fiction. There is just something about the close relationship the Amish share with God and their readiness to forgive that draws me. Pennsylvania Patchwork made me experience this feeling all over again. The scenes were so descriptive I felt like I was there enjoying the Amish countryside. I must say I was rooting for one of Holly's suitors in particular. While they all had things about them I loved and admired, one stood out among the rest for me. I won't give out any spoilers but I am looking forward to Book three so I can follow the rest of the story. Kate Lloyd wrote a thoroughly enjoyable story that kept me turning the page to find out more. While you don't have to read book one to follow along with what's happening, you will want to after reading this book. If you like Amish Fiction, you'll love Pennsylvania Patchwork.

**I received this book free from the publisher through The Book Club Network for my honest opinion** ...more

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Jul 29, 2013 Cindi rated it really liked it

Shelves: owned-books, r-r, amish

Holly Fisher was raised in the suburbs of Seattle by her mother, Esther. What Holly finds out is that Esther had been keeping her Amish family a secret. When they move back to Amish country to take care of Holly's grandmother, Holly seems to adjust rather well and finds herself getting engaged to a Mennonite veterinarian.

While I enjoyed this story, I found it to be a little difficult to follow especially in the beginning. (Maybe this was partially because I did not read the first book in the ser ...more

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Aug 28, 2013 Deborah rated it it was amazing

ONE HEART. TWO LOVES. ONE CHOICE.

Seattle native Holly Fisher is smitten by Lancaster County, its simplicity and her long lost relatives. In the sequel to bestselling Leaving Lancaster, Holly embraces the Amish culture, learning to slow down to see what - and who – really matters.

Meeting the family that her mother had kept hidden from her, Holly comes face to face with her real life and blood legacy. She also falls for the charming Zach, a handsome Mennonite veterinarian who is everything she’s e ONE HEART. TWO LOVES. ONE CHOICE.

Seattle native Holly Fisher is smitten by Lancaster County, its simplicity and her long lost relatives. In the sequel to bestselling Leaving Lancaster, Holly embraces the Amish culture, learning to slow down to see what - and who – really matters.

Meeting the family that her mother had kept hidden from her, Holly comes face to face with her real life and blood legacy. She also falls for the charming Zach, a handsome Mennonite veterinarian who is everything she’s ever wanted in a husband: confident, kind, successful, and authentic. And Zach proposes marriage. Is this too soon? Is this the right choice? Mother and Amish grandmother think she’s rushing into too much of a lifestyle change. Holly is in love with Zach and that precludes everything. Until she meets an attractive Amish man. And an old suitor shows up.

Pennsylvania Patchwork is the moving, richly told story of one woman’s heart, her faith and trust, and the choices she makes. Never easy, but one choice can change your destiny.

My Review:

My initial impression of Holly as a character in Leaving Lancaster was not a very good one. For a woman her age, she is self-centered and selfish, and has no backbone whatsoever. In this novel, she makes a complete turn-around that is rather confusing. I understand she wants to connect with her family and be a part of that family, but she goes from an Englisher mentality, to complete openness about the Amish life and ways.

While that sounds like criticism for Lloyd's work and this novel, the elements of Holly's emotions and actions as a character is the reason why I loved this book. So many Amish novels out there portray their characters as people with a problem/situation, and of course it gets solved within the course of the book. In this book, Holly's personality is akin to someone in their teens, but I found her to be a more realistic character to real life than the storybook characters that run rampant in our Christian Amish Fiction genre.

Overall, the book was an excellent sequel, and has all the ups and downs expected when someone from a completely different world and upbringing attempts to change their life. Very good reading, and I promise it is well worth the read. ...more

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Apr 13, 2013 Jasmine rated it really liked it

A sweet Amish story with some far-reaching secrets...

Pennsylvania Patchwork isn't quite your typical Amish romance. Instead of focusing on a young Amish, usually girl, who has to decide if she will leave her community or stick with the Amish faith this book features 3 generations of women in different places in their lives.
(Mommy) Anna has never left her Amish faith and wants nothing more than to see her daughter and granddaughter join the church as well. She is also starting to have some healt A sweet Amish story with some far-reaching secrets...

Pennsylvania Patchwork isn't quite your typical Amish romance. Instead of focusing on a young Amish, usually girl, who has to decide if she will leave her community or stick with the Amish faith this book features 3 generations of women in different places in their lives.
(Mommy) Anna has never left her Amish faith and wants nothing more than to see her daughter and granddaughter join the church as well. She is also starting to have some health problems that concern her loved ones.
Esther was raised Amish but left as a young woman to marry the former Amish boy she loved. After many years in the Englisch world - and some secrets, she has returned to the church and will soon be marrying Amish man Nathaniel.
Holly is in her 30's and still lives with her family. Until recently she had no idea about her Amish heritage and she now has to decide whether she wants to join the Amish church or continue as an Englischer. AND she has to choose between three, very different, but good men.

I hadn't had a chance to read the first book in this trilogy yet and after reading Pennsylvania Patchwork I would love to do so. In many ways this book can be read as a standalone but I think some references would make more sense with the background of Leaving Lancaster.

Since I was new to Kate Lloyd's work I didn't really know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised to find a story that did have many of the elements familiar to readers of Amish fiction but also some different twists in the plot-line that made this book an interesting and fun read. This book through some expected and also unexpected curves to the story that kept me reading through a couple of spots that lagged a little. In some ways the ending seemed a little rushed but for the most part it really wasn't, the resolutions for Esther's and Holly's romances were quick but very good.

Pennsylvania Patchwork is enjoyable read for lovers of Amish fiction and those that enjoy a good story about a simpler life - one that has the odd habit of becoming complicated at times.

(I received this book from the Publisher through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.) ...more

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Apr 11, 2013 Diana Montgomery rated it it was amazing

Pennsylvania Patchwork
By: Kate Lloyd

I don’t believe I have read a book of Kate’s that I didn’t like. Great stories well written. If you like Amish books you will love this one. Pennsylvania Patchwork is the sequel to Leaving Lancaster.
Story of Holly Fisher finding family and love. Like a patchwork quilt the pieces have to be sewn together. Meeting a family she never knew falling in love with Zach a Mennonite Vet. Thinking Zach is everything she wants in a husband then from her pass enters a Ami ...more

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Sep 01, 2017 Margaret Fraleigh rated it it was amazing

Shelves: kate-lloyd

This is the first book by this author that I have read.

This story takes place in an Amish community. The characters Mamm (grandmother); Esther (daughter) and Holly (granddaughter).

We read about Esther and her love for Nathaniel; Holly and her suitors Zach, Armin and Larry.

So much uncertainty but through their faith in the Lord they manage to learn to love and forgive.

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Jun 12, 2013 Mary rated it really liked it

This book is filled with adventure and drama LOTS of drama. Although I did not read the previous book which is Leaving Lancaster I did understand Pennsylvania Patchwork as it gives a brief summary of the previous book. Anna reminds me of my grandfather who sadly deals with Alzheimer's but hardly wants to see a doctor. It seems as if the characters don't practice what they preach. This book surely will impulse you to resolve your issues with past relationships so you can carry on and obtain bette ...more

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