As I've learned to expect, a beautifully written and fun read. Davids writes wonderfully believable stories with flawed but truly good heroes and heroines

Such a sweet story!

I really enjoyed Jesse and Gemma's story! (Though it's a bit disconcerting to find out that the Amish can be just as gossipy and catty as the general population--OMG, that scene after the first Sunday service after Gemma asks for and receives forgiveness? Brutal...though it made me love Jesse even more, because like whoa.) It's a sweet stranded by the storm/friends-to-lovers/marriage of convenience story that ends up really tugging at the reader's heartstrings by the novel's end. Seriously, have a box of tissues handy for the last third or so of the book--it's really something.

Somehow I missed the first book in the series ( An Amish Wife for Christmas ) but this worked just fine as a standalone, too--the remote location of this community (I've been to Maine, but never anywhere near that far north!) has me wanting to read all the books and I was really excited to see in Ms. Davids' author note that she has 8 planned. I can't wait to read them all!

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

In this second book in the North Country Amish series, Gemma Lapp is returning home from Florida pregnant and unwed. She knows she must face her parents and the church and confess her sins. Gemma is unhappy that she is in this position, but is willing to face the consequences. When she runs into Jesse Crump while traveling back home she cannot believe she is all but rescued by the object of her crush. There was a time when Gemma fancied herself in love with Jesse. Her experiences have changed her now. She would just like to make it home safely.

Jesse has traveled a bit away from home with his English driver Dale while on an equipment sale. Since Gemma has become stranded due to the fact that there is no available bus to take her the last leg of her journey home, Jesse and Dale offer her a ride. However, due to dangerous driving conditions, they are in a car accident. Dale decides to try and walk back to town to get help. Jesse and Gemma stay in the car and try to keep warm. After waiting for hours for Dale, the elements turn severe, they are forced to leave the car and to try and get to the highway. Instead of finding the road, they find an abandoned dilapidated cabin. They stay there until they are able to be rescued.

When Gemma makes it home, she confesses her sins and her condition to her parents, and then to the bishop. Ultimately, her father demands she marries to lessen the shame will bear due to being an unwed mother. Will Jesse be able to step in and marry her for the sake of convenience and give the baby a father? Will their past (and Gemma's crush) lend itself to love and a happy future?

Shelter by the Storm is a wonderful addition to the series. I have read plenty of marriage of convenience books in other romances, but never in Amish fiction. This one was done well and did a fine job of laying the groundwork for what would end up being a satisfying future with the bonds of love for Gemma and Jesse.

Many thanks to Harlequin and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

This is not normally something I would read but since it was a free book I figured I should check it out. It was a sweet read that wraps up nicely, just like you would want. Very Hallmark which is great to read sometimes!

Who are Gemma and Jesse? Who is Dale? Where are each of them from? How do they know one another? Where do Jesse and Dale live now? Where did Gemma go? This ended up being one heck of a sweet Amish romance story. In this story we get to see about baptisms, moves, returns, a baby, love blossoming, danger (environmental), guilt, sadness, hope, and happiness. I want to read more from this author in the future.

RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.

This was the first time I’ve read a story by Patricia Davids and I enjoyed it. Jesse Crump is a shy man, a man of few words, but many good deeds. After delivering a shed for an Englisch man, he and his friend stop in town for a bite of dinner and some rest. While there, he’s informed of an Amish woman who trapped in town with no means to get back to their Amish community. When Jesse finds out that it’s none other than Gemma Lapp, the young woman who asked him to marry her and he refused the year before. Gemma had left their community soon after, heading down to Florida to get away not only the embarrassment of her refused proposal, but to get away from the cold winters of northern Maine. Now she’s back in town and carrying a big secret. These two people were meant to be together, but Gemma needed to mature before they could finally be together. The writing was very good, I thoroughly enjoyed reading their story, and loved learning the little bit I did about Amish culture. I will definitely look into reading more from this author.

Shelter from the Storm is the second book in the North Country Amish series by Patricia Davids. A sweet, feel-good romance that is sure to sweep you off your feet. While this is part of the North Country Amish series, it can easily be read as a standalone novel. Shelter from the Storm is a lovely read full of hope and love.

SHELTER FROM THE STORM is a sweet Amish romance. Gemma Lapp left Maine for Florida a year ago, and now she is returning to her family and the friends she left behind. She is carrying a secret, a pregnancy out of wedlock and the burden of shame which she feels. On her way back to her parents, she finds the Amish man she had proposed to a year earlier- and been turned down- who offers to help her get back into town. Their journey does not go as planned, and a storm strands them for a few days together.

As they return to the community, they find they are friends. Gemma must now come to terms with her repentance, disappointed parents, and her plans for the baby. She decides to keep the baby, and the Amish man (Jesse) who had turned her down before is becoming more interested in her. However, Gemma must forgive herself before she can really embrace the relationship. With added hardship due to placenta previa, the couple must work/grow together.

With a beautifully slow-building romance, this was a couple easy to cheer for. They were each very understandable and lovely people. The book includes quite a bit after the baby's birth and also does a great job at covering the potential difficulties there. While the book is very clean, the romance is strong, and they are a great couple. This was a delightful read overall. Recommend for anyone looking for a slow-building romance, Amish setting, and pregnancy centered romance.

Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

An unwed, secretly pregnant Amish woman. How much more unpredictable can you get!?!? Gemma was in a bind, and one disaster after another followed her home. Jesse and Gemma had to fight to survive during the storm. I loved it.

I was not expecting anything that happened after that. I love this small community, and enjoyed seeing it grow. I can't wait for more in this series.

I enjoyed this little story because of the way the Amish treated Gemma after she came back from Florida. I loved it because they usually shun someone for that kind of transgressions and this community didn't. I instead they showed her love. I liked that.
I snickered at something that was said at the beginning because it was the way she put it. It really wasn't funny because I know how words can hurt. All can be forgiven but mean words like that that can't be forgotten.
I like the theme of forgiveness because it's more for yourself than for the other person although it would be nice if the other person would accept your apology. I have experienced and I've learned that most ppl are too proud to admit they've done wrong. Ive run across this several times and most of the time it's family members. I hate that because sometimes they are the worst. Ppl have said I've done my part but it still doesn't make me feel better you know? I know God has forgiven me because I've asked. Oh well, maybe in time.
I give this book 5 stars because I felt this book was talking to my heart.
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.

So to be honest I'm not must of a fan with Amish community characters, never really considered why but many times I find the books tend to be dull. I was giving the book so I figured I'd give the book a fair chance and check it out. With that in mind I found this book pretty good, not something I'd read again but it was pretty good. I liked the characters and seeing their past a bit when it comes to the two and their brief history. Then there's the wondering what going to become of Gemma and her baby since shunning in a things in the Amish community if the main honcho (pastor? boss man?) deems it so. Marriage of convince is a over used plot but still good one if a author can turn it around and make something unique and interesting out of it. The author did take a unique and good take out of it but it's just my personal hang up that made this book just a good book. If you like books that feature the Amish Community then pick it up you'll enjoy it.

Unmarried and pregnant, two words that shouldn't be in any Amish girl's vocabulary, but these are Gemma Lapp's reality. She has two choices, go home to the support of her family and the possible condemnation of her church, or travel to live with distant relatives and give her baby up for adoption. While neither is a good option, she knows her family loves her and will want what is best for both her and her baby. When her travel plans for the final leg of her journey fall through, she is forced to take a ride from her former crush, Jesse Crump, and the Englisch man, Dale, he works with. Driving into a blizzard, they are stranded when a trip off the beaten path lands them in a snowdrift with no phone reception.
Jesse and Gemma wait with the truck while Dale walks out to the main highway. A leak in the gas tank sends Jesse and Gemma on the hunt for shelter that doesn't threaten to blow up. Finding the partially burned out hulk of a cabin, they find the shelter they need, but how long can they survive with Gemma's injured ankle, and the pregnancy that Jesse doesn't know about?
Once they're found, the problems are just beginning for Gemma, at least. Her dad has just been selected as one of the ministers for their church group. He can't have a daughter who obviously stepped outside her baptismal vows. When he pushes her to marry someone of his choosing, she balks. She had always hoped to marry for love, in spite of her mistakes.
When Gemma originally left for Florida, Jesse was relieved. She'd made a nuisance of herself, throwing herself at him at every turn, culminating in an all-too-public marriage proposal. When he turned her down, her anger and disappointment sent her running. Now she's back and far more mature than the girl who left. When he discovers why she's back, can he step in to be the husband she needs?
Can the respect they felt for each other in the wilderness blossom into a love they have always craved?
I loved this story! Jesse grew up with the same kind of stigma that Gemma's baby will have if she doesn't marry. He's different from other Amishmen - tall where they are short, built like a linebacker - but he values everything about his faith. He's a wonderful hero for Gemma to lean on.
Readers who love Amish fiction, can't go wrong with a Patricia Davids book! I absolutely recommend this!

A great, feel good story. It's not unusual to read an Amish romance book where the female character returns home pregnant. What I found different though was Jesse's character. I enjoyed the growth his character showed and the slow developing romance.

** ARC received from Netgalley **

An inspirational, sweet, and even humorous story of new beginnings, new chances, and trusting the Lord's guidance.
I'm fascinated by the Amish lifestyle, their strong sense of community and culture, their unwavering faith in God and in their leaders, as well as the minimalistic way they choose to live. All these aspects are well represented in this story, in the mix of the drama and romance. I was thrilled of the bits of humor the author had inserted into the otherwise so serious matters.
The protagonists were strong characters, who captivated the attention in every scene. Jesse was easy to be admired by his loyalty, the high standard of character he has, he is smart, he is talented, capable, and kind, he is a protector, and in his awkwardness so adorable at times. Gemma was in trouble, and it wasn't the first time, but this time it was more than just escaping the town could fix. She is stubborn, strong-willed, and outspoken, yet she has good intentions and kind heart. She was my crumbling rock in this story, her obstinate sometimes so strong it was frustrating.
From the beautiful scenery to the strong family connections, the community that has your back, and the romance that is budding in the midst of trauma and fear for survival, I enjoyed this tale of second chances and its many stages. A charming and graceful tale of not only survival but triumphing and prevailing against all the odds.
~ Four Spoon

Shelter from the Storm is a sweet, feel-good Amish romance with a marriage of convenience plot. I wasn't sure what to expect as this isn't my typical genre, but I found myself really enjoying the relationship between Gemma (facing the shame of pregancy as an unmarried woman in a very religious community) and Jesse (a big, kind man and her former teenage crush). They develop a wonderful friendship and he agrees to marry her despite not being the baby's biological father. Gemma is both sassy and kind, dealing with very difficult circumstances, and Jesse is an absolute sweetheart. This is also a lovely recognition of the work done by medical professionals who work with premature babies. CW for high-risk pregnancy and premature birth with complications.

I received an advance review copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Pregnant and alone, Gemma Lapp returns from Florida to face her family, she finds herself stranded in a snowstorm with her former crush Jesse Crump. She spoke harsh words to Jesse before she left, and he never returned her affections. But as they spend time together a camaraderie of sorts forms and Jesse offers a marriage of convenience.



Can their marriage of convenience turn into lasting love?



Gemma and Jesse both have scars and misgivings from the past to overcome as they work to make the best of living in a small new Amish community in Maine.



Jesse is a strong man, used to working with his hands, he has written off marriage as there are few prospects in their small community and he has never really felt that he fit in. He doesn't know the right thing to say and often chooses to stay silent, but when he does say something it's important, he has a strong faith and is a man of his word. I admired how Jesse gives Gemma another chance.



Gemma grows up a lot over the course of the story, as she faces the consequences of her decisions and comes to see what a kind, wonderful man that Jesse is.



Overall, a sweet heartwarming romance, full of faith, and the family that we choose. I love how both Jesse and Gemma get to know each other, there is good dialogue and interaction throughout. A highly enjoyable read!



I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Good combination of a second chance romance with an enemies-to-lovers story. Gemma and Jesse have an awkward history. Eighteen months earlier Gemma had made a pest of herself, flirting with Jesse and following him everywhere. Envious of her married friends, she chose Jesse as the most likely candidate for her husband. Jesse wasn't interested. Eight years older than Gemma, with a difficult past, Jesse saw her as spoiled. When Gemma took the untraditional route of suggesting marriage to him, Jesse's response wasn't kind, and Gemma retaliated with harsh words of her own. She then left for Florida, looking for something different than her life in Maine. Now Gemma has returned to Maine with her tail between her legs. The man she thought she loved deserted her when he found out she was pregnant. She heads for home, hoping for understanding and acceptance from her parents, but fearing the worst.

I liked both Jesse and Gemma. Jesse hasn't had an easy life and has a chip on his shoulder because of it. Son of a single mother and a big man, he was bullied through most of his childhood. He tends to be something of a recluse, doesn't talk much, and is insecure about his intelligence. Jesse is also a good man with a kind heart. When he encounters Gemma, stranded and broke, he gets her a motel room and offers her a ride home. He hasn't forgotten the things she said, but he has other things on his mind - namely an auction for some land he wants. Gemma is a changed woman. The spoiled girl who left for Florida has been replaced by one who has learned some hard lessons. Jesse's help makes her remember how horrible she was to him and adds to the stress she feels. Her mind is consumed by thoughts of the future and decisions she has to make.

The trip home doesn't go as expected. A blizzard and a wrecked truck strand them in an isolated area as their driver goes for help. Things are awkward at first as the mistakes of the past come between them. I liked that Gemma made the first overtures by apologizing, though Jesse was a little slow to believe. As the danger of their situation increased, I loved how Jesse stayed cool and calm, eventually taking action to keep them safe. I liked how the forced togetherness gave them the opportunity to clear the air and begin to really get to know each other. I loved how Jesse appreciated Gemma's outspokenness and she his somewhat dry sense of humor. Their teasing was fun to see, especially the parts about tree bark and cattails. Rescue, when it came, brought surprise revelations and changes.

I ached for Gemma and her fears for her future. Her arrival home was painful as she confessed what had happened. Reactions were mixed and left her wondering about the right thing to do. Jesse had decisions to make, as well. He was surprised by his continuing concern for Gemma and confused about what to do. He surprised me with his reaction to her father's offer, and then his offer to Gemma. Both of them struggled with their feelings and their reluctance to tell the other about them. A medical emergency forced them each to face those feelings. Jesse melted my heart with his actions and his overwhelming feelings of love and protectiveness. Gemma's strength and determination were fantastic. I loved seeing how Hope brought them together and ached at how their insecurities preyed on their fears. It took the advice from good friends to help them past those final obstacles. I loved Jesse's big moment at the end. I would have liked an epilogue, but hopefully, they will make appearances in later books.

I enjoyed this different Amish read, it was not what I usually find in reading about Plain folks, but from beginning to end the author kept my attention, and kept me guessing.
First, we have danger from a blizzard and cold, I could just see the sled used in the rescue. Then we have the, tongue in cheek, delicious survival food, but such ingenuity, I never would have thought!
We get to see forgiveness, and acceptance, along with some solutions, but the story doesn’t stop there, and we get to meet Hope.
I enjoyed this book, and am looking forward to more from this author.

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

As usual, Patricia Davids hits the right notes with this new book. She happens to be an excellent author of Amish fiction/romance - she is 'teachy without being preachy'!

This was one of the most unusual stories I've read in the Amish genre but not untypical -a couple thrown into a dangerous situation that pushes them into the correct direction. A marriage that may or may not be of convenience, that naturally turns into something more. A life or death situation.

All of these above buttons are pushed with this novel, and I really ended up at the edge of my seat in parts. Yes, there are one or two inconsistencies-but this is an ARC and I m hoping that these will be changed upon publication.

*ARC supplied by the publisher.

What a sweet story! Jesse may have felt as if he were too big and clumsy, but he made the perfect Amish hero for Gemma. Gemma knew she had made major mistakes in her life, but her commitment to her baby and her recommitment to her Amish faith helped her to grow into a caring woman centered on being the wife and mother she needs to be. I liked this Amish community and look forward reading more about them in future books.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.