Cover Image: Courting an Amish Bishop

Courting an Amish Bishop

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Mindy Steel has again brought us a very unique look into the Amish community. This time, a holistic Doc Stella Schmuck is ask to tend to Bishop Simon Graber's son and the Cherry Grove community that had been invaded by a bad flu bug. Although she was not from the community, she fit in well and soon became important to the community.

We are able to see Simon in a different light than just a Bishop, and Stella as the lovely person who deserves to be loved. It is good to see God given opportunities for second chances.

The characters are well developed and very realistic. Although the book could be read as a standalone, if you have read others in this series, you will see small threads of the series woven throughout. The plot and whole storyline is well developed.

It is always an honor to read anything written by Mindy Steel, because she writes so well. This book is another great one to add to you collection of her outstanding books.

I highly recommend this 5-star books.

Thank you Barbour Publishing, for allowing me to read an advance copy. I was not required to give a positive review.

Was this review helpful?

Loved reading the inspirational and awesome romance story. Bishop Simon needs a doctor and contacts Doc Stella for his teenage son and other people in the community, and Simon is surprised by his growing feelings for Stella. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read riveting love story by the amazing author, Mindy Steele.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book it is nice to read a story about older Amish finding love when they feel they no longer can. Tragedy struck both parties in different ways leaving them to feel they would never find love. It is all in God’s plans.

Was this review helpful?

Overall, I liked this book - I've actually already recommended it to a friend. I loved that this book had so much depth (a lot more than "typical" Amish novels), such as the plot points about a difficult family background, losing family members, and letting go of grief and anger. It was wonderful to see the character development as the plot moved along. People do have broken pasts, they experience grief and sadness, and I appreciate that this author chose to address those subjects and show the characters moving on instead of brushing past them or ignoring them completely. It made the story a lot more relatable.

Stella's independent but soft personality was very likable, and I was glad she stayed that way throughout the story, especially at the end.

The few problems I had with this book were minor. I would have liked an epilogue l. I thought the plot point of Stella wearing Lizzy's old clothes was a bit odd. Why had they kept Simon's dead wife's clothes for 12 years? That seemed strange to me - I thought the purpose of Stella wearing them would lead to some discussion or mention of her filling Lizzy's shoes (literally and figuratively), but that wasn't the case.

There were some discrepancies with names throughout the story - Carl's son was referred to as both Zach and Jake, which was confusing.

I also would have liked to see Stella's family improve. I know the book wasn't about them, but it would have been nice for Stella to be able to reconcile with her parents and brothers and have them apologize to her. I felt that plot point could have been tied up better.

Was this review helpful?

This is the fourth book in the series Heart of the Amish. Stella Schmuck is known as the Amish doctor she is well known for her herbal teas. Stella had a hard life until she was raised by her Grandparents. They died and left her the tiny home in Walnut Grove. When Bishop Graber's son gets sick with the flu his sister tells him about the doctor and he goes to bring her to see his son and the people of the town that are sick. This is a beautiful story of finding love again. I love Mindy Steele books and was glad to read for a honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This was a fun read, although, there are really sad parts, and yet, life goes on!

Stella Schmucker is an Amish healer and when the nearby Amish community has flu out of control, she is called upon by their bishop to help.

I can just picture the bishop picking Stella up in his small buggy and she getting in with her dog! Not a dog lover, Simon Graber, needs Stella!

I also love that Simon's mother and his son love the dog! Stella is about to help those in need, some don't want her, but others need her!

Then we have the attraction between Stella and Simon, one has suffered a terrible loss, the other has been terribly hurt, can they forge a relationship?

I loved how everything worked out, but it is a bumpy road for answers!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.

Was this review helpful?

Courting an Amish Bishop by phenomenal storyteller Mindy Steele is a captivating Christian Amish book. This is Book 4 in the Heart of the Amish Series, but it could easily be read as a stand alone. It is absolutely wonderful

The characters are expertly crafted and are believable. They have a depth to them and their personalities shine. I wanted to be penpals with some of them! The conversations sounded authentic and were some of my favorite parts of the book.

I enjoyed the author’s style of writing. The pace is even and her words engaging. It was easy to become invested in the characters and their lives. There were some twists and turns, drama, romance, animals, suspense, and interesting details. The herbal and natural remedies were fascinating. I learned a few things while reading.

Life and Christian lessons were abundant in this delightful tale. I adored that the main characters were a bit older and not the usual age of courting couples. They had struggles and some chuckles. This was a true page turner to see what was going to happen next. It all made for a charming story.

I highly recommend this novel. It is a bit different from most of the Amish books that I have read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I highly recommend this excellent book. It gets a 5 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Barbour Publishing and NetGalley, but these are my honest words. #CourtinganAmishBishop

Was this review helpful?

Courting an Amish Bishop is a well written Amish romance.. easy to read and an entertaining plot. I recommend this book. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and this is my unbiased review..

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing.for this book.

Amish romances are one of my go to reads when I want to relax and chill out. I was drawn to this book by the synopsis and cover photo. The author is a new one for me, but based on the cover and synopsis, decided to give the book a try. I am so glad I did.

I thoroughlybenjoyed the story and the escape to the Amish world. I recommend this book for all readers who enjoy Amis romance.

Recommend.

Was this review helpful?

From Lena to Stella,
“A worthy livelihood, indeed. Much to keep one awful busy. Best you remember there is much to life, and it’s not all work.” no truer quote than this one and it sums up how life should be.
I loved every minute of this book! I couldn't put it down and only finished it just now.
Stella's back story is interesting and heartbreaking indeed. She's my favorite person in the whole story. I love her big ol heart and I appreciated in how she put others' needs before her own. She's also afraid of one thing and it's the very same thing I'm afraid of but more nervous than anything now. It's a challenge for sure for both me and Stella.
I didn't care much for Simon. He reminds me a few people I know in real life. Too secretive and closed off. Grief sure doesn’t help at all. But he's too serious in my opinion.
Here's another quote
For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing right than for doing wrong.

Was this review helpful?

Courting an Amish Bishop is about love, moving forward and not letting your past hold you back from a future that is waiting for you.

Stella Schmucker, the doctor in the Amish town of Walnut Ridge, Kentucky, had a rough childhood and only knew the love of a family when her grandparents took her in and cared for her. Learning from her grandmother on the use of herbs and teas to treat various ailments and illnesses, Stella continues to treat the community in her grandparent’s old home. She is also the local midwife.

During a bad outbreak of the flu in Cherry Grove, the next town over, the local bishop, Simon Graber travels to Walnut Ridge to get help from the local doctor. It is here that the two meet, although Stella is unaware that Simon is the bishop of Cherry Grove. Stella, always one to put others before her own needs, is happy to help and goes with Simon to treat his 16-year-old son, Michael first before seeing to the rest of the sick in the community.

A freak storm destroys Stella’s grandparent’s home, and she is unable to return until it is rebuilt. This offers Simon the opportunity to give Stella a temporary home, staying with his mother until her home is rebuilt, giving both the opportunity to get to know one another.

These two are perfect for each other in their willingness to always put their community’s needs before their own and serve with such joy. There were several moments when I was hoping Simon would get a move on and propose to Stella as (almost) everyone could see they were perfect for each other! It takes both nearly losing the each to finally come clean and admit their feelings and have their HEA.

Mindy Steele is an author I plan to read more from! A wonderfully written story that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I received this book an ARC from NetGalley and the publishers and submit my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This is book 4 of the series – Heart of the Amish. Young widower and Bishop of an Old Order Amish community, Simon Graber, is so busy with his work and Bishop duties, that he has given no thought to developing a relationship. His wife and two childrens death has him concentrating on his remaining teenage son, Michael.

An illness has spread through the community and not having anyone to give medical care, he travels to the next community to get help from Stella Schmucker who offers her knowledge of herbs to heal the sick.

Stella becomes friends with so many people in Cherry Grove yet causes much gossip among the people since she is single and so is the Bishop. Could this become a relationship as so many things is going on? Both have been so busy with their lives and work, they have given no though to a new relationship. Could this be a second chance in their lives for love?

This is a very delightful book, keeping you in suspense as so many events occur in the book. You will want to add this to your to be read list. I highly recommend this book. Thanks to Barbour and NetGalley for this copy.

Was this review helpful?

Amish Bishop Simon is a widower with no plans to remarry. Stella has never married and now thinks that she to old. But fate has other ideas for these two. Lovely story. Wonderful characters.

Was this review helpful?

A good book of the bishop which is a widow, and when his son becomes very sick he seeks out the "doc" that uses herbs, flowers etc to help heal . Neither are looking for a relationship but circumstance bring them together and they find out life sometimes has other plans. I was given this book to read by netgalley. #courtinganamishbishop #netgalley #mindysteele #amishbooks #Barbourpublishing #Theheartoftheamish

Was this review helpful?

Amish Fiction is my favorite genre because I enjoy the simplicity of the lifestyle they live. Each time I read an Amish book I learn more about why they live as they do. In Courting an Amish Bishop I got to learn about how some Amish people turn to herbs for medicinal purposes. Stella Schmucker, one of the main characters in this story, had the gift of knowing about herbs and weeds and which ones could be used for different health issues . She knew how to use herbs, flowers and weeds like Chicory to make coffee or to make Lavender Tea. I thought this story was well researched and very interesting.
Stella’s character touched my heart.
Stella didn’t have a happy childhood. She was the only girl in a family of rambunctious boys. After her boyfriend left her for another Amish girl Stella left her home in Ohio and moved to Walnut Ridge Kentucky. She lived with her grandparents and learned from them all that she knew about herbs. After her grandparents death Stella inherited their old house near a high clift. She lived her life alone making her herbal blends and treating sick folks. She also helped to deliver babies for the Amish women.Then one day a handsome stranger came to her home needing her to come to his community to help people who were sick from a new flu that was making its rounds in Cherry Grove Kentucky. Bishop Simon Graber is the second main character of this book and he is a widower and father to 16 year old Michael Graber. He’s not looking for another woman in his life but he can’t help but notice the pretty Stella Schmucker whose last name means loves to cuddle. Simon is very busy with the duties of an Amish bishop. He hasn’t the time for romance or so he tells himself but still he can’t help staring at the beautiful Amish Dok that has come to help his community get through this flu virus.
I recommend this book to readers of Amish Romance Fiction , women’s Fiction and Christian Fiction. This is book four of the Heart of the Amish series but can be read as a standalone. Courting an Amish Bishop is scheduled to be released on 4/1/24.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
#CourtinganAmishBishop#NetGalley

Was this review helpful?

In Courting an Amish Bishop, Mindy Steele has created a sweet story of love and second chances. I enjoyed reading about a couple that was not young, but rather middle age, each enjoying serving their community but thinking there is no chance left for the lives they wished they had. But God offers them a life they never expected, if they are willing to step out of their comfort zones and take it. I also loved Stella and what a unique individual she is, which is especially difficult for an Amish person who does not fit expectations. It was a good reminder to be who God created each of us to be, and not be concerned with what others think. Another enjoyable, easy read by this talented author.
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from NetGalley and Barbour Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This book is full of love, and second chances. It really showcases the everyday faith the characters have, the way they put their trust in God, no matter where He leads.

I adore Amish romance books, and Mindy is fast becoming a favourite author of this genre.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in return for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book. I can't praise it enough. It warmed my soul and left me wanting more Stella. I have been waiting for a book that brought holistic care in a good light. I drank so much tea enjoying this book. Mindy Steele out did herself again. Patiently waiting for more....

Was this review helpful?

I always get excited when I see Mindy Steele is coming out with a new book. She is a wonderful author who knows how to engage her readers from page 1 and keep them there until the end. This book did not disappoint and I really liked that the storyline involved a Bishop as a main character. It made the book unique and enjoyable.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All words are my own.

Was this review helpful?

A nice and easy Amish romance read. Stella and Simon make a good couple, and found this one hard to put down. Would highly recommend.

Was this review helpful?