Really good book, about Ruth whos husband has died and she lives on their farm raising goats. The bishop thinks she should sell but she doesn't want to let her family home go. So she meets Jonas who has a business making baskets he needs a bigger building and wants to rent her big barn. Can they make it work, her goats on the ground floor of the barn and his basket business above on the second part of the barn. It's a fun book, with interesting characters throughout the book.

I enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed and likeable. The writing flowed well. The editing was well done. There were a few scenes that weren’t needed but all in all an enjoyable read. Best of all there was an epilogue. I don’t care for writers that try to finish a book in two paragraphs after building up tension for the entire book. The reader needs a gradual finish. This book excelled in this area. Many writers can take a lesson from Anne Blackburne.

Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise is a fun debut novel for this author that is sweet and you’ll love reading it as well! This is the quintessential sweet Amish romance. You’ve got Ruth who is very independent which isn’t the norm for Amish women. But she’s a widow who is able to run her farm and her business on her own.

And then the bishop suggests she change. That someone else might benefit from her farm and her home. But Ruth isn’t ready to give up what she has.

Jonas is also a widow and has a successful business that he needs a larger space for. He also has a sweet and precocious daughter while Ruth never had children and just has her goats, dog, and new cat.

Can the two get to know each other and come up with a solution that will help them both? And what should they do with the interfering bishop?

Great novel from a debut author. I loved getting to know the characters. The book read quickly and I definitely would read it again or another book by this author.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

A sweet, heartwarming Amish story by a new to me author. I was very impressed with Ruth and how she, a thirty something widow, was very self sufficient. She had several money making chores with new ideas coming to her all along. Although I believe he had good intentions, I did not like the way her bishop was trying to force her to do things she had no mind to do. Jonas, who had lost his wife in childbirth, finds himself being pulled into Ruth’s “gravitational field”. His young daughter becomes friends with Ruth and is attracted to her new kitten Ginger Snap. She was so adorable, especially when she was trying to get her dad to let her get a kitten too.
This novel had all the “feels” and was hard to put down once I finished the last page. I would love to see more books from this author written about the people in this community. Maybe the bishop would finally find his own bride closer to his age?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review.

This is such a sweet, enjoyable story. Of course, any story including a cat is my kind of story. (My daughter would agree!) I enjoyed reading how Ruth and Jonas prayed about any decision which needed to be made. I look forward to reading Anne's next book! If you enjoy sweet stories set in an Amish community, you will want to read this one.

This book is part of the Heart of the Amish series. Excellently written to make you not want to put it down until the end.

Centering around young widow, Ruth, and young widower, Jonas, and his young daughter, Abigail, we see how this status affects their daily lives. The Bishop presses Ruth to sell her large farm but she defies him and makes it a very full and useful place. Jonas rents the upstairs of the barn, which also gives him the opportunity to see Ruth everyday. There are many loveable characters in this book, some comical and surprising events throughout the book.

Will Ruth and Jonas have a second chance at love in spite of their hesitations?

I highly recommend this book to those enjoying the Amish genre. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

A great new Amish read. Both main characters have lost their spouses. Jonas has a precocious young daughter, and Ruth was never able to have children. Life pushes them together, and they could help each other out, but is that God’s plan for their future? Then the bishop’s granddaughter pushes her way into the community and sets her sights on Levi. This endearing tale quickly draws the reader in and makes them care about these realistic characters. The story offers some circumstances a bit different than typical Amish novels and drops you into an engaging story world to hang out in for a while. The book contains plenty of twists and troubles, making readers wonder how everything will ever all come out right. And the cookie title also is the name given to Ruth’s new kitten. This new author will be one to look for in the future. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

I thought this was a cute story. I loved how cats were involved in helping Ruth and Jonas to get together. I liked how both Jonas and Ruth had lost spouses so they understood each other and I liked how they helped each other work through moving forward and finding love again. I liked some of the secondary characters and their matchmaking efforts. I thought the story was well written with lovable characters.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise is written by Anne Blackburne. This is the first book that I have read by this author, and it will not be my last. This book is well written with an engaging storyline. This book is part of the Heart of the Amish Series, but can be read as a stand alone.
Ruth has worked hard to keep body and soul together since her husband, Levi’s, death. She tends her herd of goats, making her living from the milk and fiber she gets from them, all while running a farm and household by herself. She was never able to have kids - and when she meets fellow widower, Jonas Hershberger and his adorable daughter, her heart melts.
Can the two of them work together? What will happen when the bishop’s granddaughter sets her sights on Jonas?
Ruth is very relatable. She is determined and she had some similar things in her life that I have in mine. I love the orange kitten on the cover. I recently also have gotten an orange kitten, Grover. I loved the kitten throughout the story. She also has two Great Pyrenees that protect the goats, and I have one also.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book -all thoughts are my own.

As an avid reader, I loved having the opportunity to read Anne Blackburne’s debut novel, Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise. As a true labor of love - a dream the author describes as being 30 years in the waiting - this book is a great read if you’re looking for a happily-ever-after story to get lost in on a long winter’s night. Not to mention two big dogs, a cat, and a few goats (clearly you see why I loved it now!). The ending was a bit predictable, but also made it perfect for an easy read, without any unnecessary drama. It is the first novel in a series she is working on, and I can’t wait to read the rest of them! (I received a digital copy of this book for free from Celebrate Lit and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.)

Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne is part of the Heart of the Amish series. This is a series of Amish stories written by different authors. This is an enjoyable story of Ruth and Jonas. They have both lost their spouses and are being given a second chance at love. I enjoyed reading this nice story of neighborly friendship that grows into much more and enjoyed seeing how the two would react. I found Jonas’s daughter to be a cute part of the story. The addition of the house cats also makes for fun reading. This story gives the reminder of importance of prayer and how God answers the prayers. When the Bishop tries pushing Ruth into selling her family farm, many opportunities present themselves to give her a reason to stay. I enjoy the strength she has and how she is open to new things.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

Ruth's Ginger Snap Surprise is the second installment from the multi author series, The Heart of the Amish. This contribution is from new to me author, Anne Blackburne. I enjoyed this sweet and delightful romance. I loved getting to know Ruth and Jonas and seeing the two interact with one another. I wanted to see what would become of them and sweet little Abigail. A good and entertaining book to read.

I am giving Ruth's Ginger Snap Surprise four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean Amish romance. I am looking forward to continuing The Heart of the Amish series, Lisa Jones Baker’s The Quilt Room Secret. I would, also, would love to read more from the talented Anne Blackburne.

I received a paperback copy of Anne Blackburne’s Ruth's Ginger Snap Surprise from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Ruth and Jonas have both lost their spouses. She needs a reason to keep her large family farm. His young daughter needs a mother. They find more than convenience in each other, they find a second chance at love. I loved Ruth’s strength and the silliness between the two. It’s a sweet story. All the recipes at the end of the book are wonderful too!

I enjoyed getting to know Ruth and Jonas. They had a fun way with each other. Evelyn was a surprise to me. I don't picture Amish people being as outspoken and vixen-like as she was but I suppose there are all kinds of personalities in the Amish community just like everywhere else.

It was interesting seeing the Bishop trying to maneuver things around. That was also a surprise to me. I appreciated that he came to understand and appreciate Ruth better towards the end.

This is a pretty lighthearted read for the most part. It was enjoyable. Thank you to Barbour Fiction for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed Ruth's Gingersnap Surprise by Anne Blackburne I really liked the characters and the setting. There is a lot going on in the story. And lots of characters to keep track of. The story moves from scene to scene quickly. I especially enjoyed the Bishop and his granddaughter. If you like Amish fiction and are an animal lover, you will like this book. Thanks to the publisher Barbour and netgalley for the complementary copy in exchange for my honest opinions

This is a new to me author and quite often I am willing to give these authors a try. This is how I find some great reads. I am glad I tried this new author. Though not at the writing level of some of the more established authors who write Amish fiction I still enjoyed the story. The presentation was easy to follow along with, the plot, nothing out of the ordinary that I haven't seen in other Amish books, but it was a fun story. When you add in kittens, big friendly guard dogs, and mischievous goats I don't think you can go wrong. Ruth Helmuth, a childless widow has a nice farm, outbuildings and a dawdi house attached to her house. She uses all of these though to raise her goats and make her goat milk products, including soaps and lotions. When the bishop comes for a visit, he believes she should sell her farm to a man from the community who needs the prime property to expand his business. The bishop also believes she should remarry and quickly. She is pretty shocked when he makes her an offer, he thinks she won't be able to pass up. A widowed neighbor man with a young daughter starts helping her with chores around her farm and they become close. When he sees how takes she is with his daughter he knows she'd be the perfect mother for her but is that all he is interested in her for? It was fun seeing the interaction with her neighbor's daughter and Ruth's kitten. She is a fun and spunky little girl. I will be reading more by this author.

Pub Date 01 Dec 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Part of the Heart of the Amish series, each book is a standalone by some of our favorite authors of Amish fiction. Ruth’s ginger Snap Surprise happens to be author Anne Blackburne’s debut novel and she is definitely going to become a favorite.

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know spunky Ruth Helmuth, who is dealing with loss and struggling to keep her family farm. And then there’s our hero, Jonas Hershberger who is also dealing with loss, and his adorable daughter, Abigail. Add in Ruth’s elderly friend and lots of kittens and you have the makings of a fun, heartwarming story. I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne

Summary:
Ruth Defies Authority to Hold on to her Family Farm
Full of faith, hope, and romance, this new series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.

Ruth Helmuth has never been rude in her life; trust her to choose the bishop of her Amish community for her first time!

Ruth has worked hard to keep body and soul together since her husband, Levi’s, death. She tends her herd of goats, making her living from the milk and fiber she gets from them, all while running a farm and household by herself—and very competently, thank you! How could she imagine the bishop suggesting she should give it all up to another family, who will “make better use of the space”?

Enter widower Jonas Hershberger, owner of a pair of adorable dimples and father of a charming 4-year-old daughter. Jonas is in need of a larger place to house his growing business. Ruth’s big red barn may be just the ticket. Little Abigail is in need of a new mother. Ruth might be just the ticket there, too!

Can two independent souls learn to work together for their mutual good? And will they be willing to explore what grows between them? Or will Ruth’s fear over her “big secret” and Jonas’s caution about allowing someone new to get close to his young daughter, kill their love before it has a chance to grow?

Luckily for both of them, God’s plan involves the stubborn pair getting a little help in the form of a wise, elderly friend; a quirky orange kitten; and a smart little girl who takes one look at Ruth and decides she would make her the perfect new mother!

Review: 5-Star
This is one of those page-turners which you can’t put down so you read from cover to cover in one sitting. The flow, the editing along with the character development is spot on. I don’t know what else to say. The characters felt real, and the way the emotions were captured was brilliantly done as I could feel each emotion and they were spot-on. I will most definitely read other books written by this Author and I’ll let all my friends who enjoy this type of book know that this is a must-read.

I received this book from NetGalley for my honest review

Amish romances are a new thing for me. I discovered I enjoy reading them and 𝗥𝗨𝗧𝗛’𝗦 𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗡𝗔𝗣 𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗘 was a treat to read. Simply put, this book is adorable and just as sweet as its title implies!

Ruth, Jonas and Abigail will warm your heart and watching the three of them develop a bond and form a family was extremely satisfying. I started and finished this book in one delightful sitting. I’m giving it the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!

Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne is a sweet story. I thought the book was well-written with realistic, developed characters. I enjoyed getting to know Ruth Helmuth, Jonas Hershberger, and little Abigail Hershberger. I could not believe that Ruth’s bishop, Abram Troyer suggested that she sell her family farm, which held many memories for her, because she lived alone. The bishop felt a family could make better use of the large house and property. Ruth is a good businesswoman. She has her herd of wily goats. Ruth uses their milk and fiber. She comes up with other ways to utilize the property and earn money. I liked learning about Jonas and his sister’s basket business. Their baskets sounded lovely, especially the Christmas baskets. You can feel that faith is a part of the character’s daily lives. They pray to God for guidance and assistance. They know that He will provide in His own time. I enjoyed the humor sprinkled through the story. The kitten that Ruth receives from her dear friend, Lydia Coblentz, provides many lighthearted moments. Lydia knew what she was doing when she gifted the ginger kitten to Ruth. A couple of Ruth’s friends also received kittens. Lydia is an insightful woman. Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise may be the second book in The Heart of the Amish series, but it can be read as a standalone. I especially enjoyed the heartwarming ending. I finished Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise with a smile on my face.