Beautiful Story

Grace is a giver. She looks to the needs of others rather than taking care of her own needs. She knows that she wants a husband and a family, but doesn't feel she has a chance to get either. So, Gracie keeps coasting along as usual, until she does the most impulsive thing she could ever do. She proposes to Matthew Byler, a widower with five children, hence a husband and family, what she always wanted. However, there is just one more thing Gracie wants. She wants a child of her own. This becomes an issue when Matthew announces that he doesn't want any more children. And therewith lies the problem. Will Matthew and Gracie be able to move beyond this stumbling block?
Amy Lillard does a wonderful job taking us into the lives of Gracie and Matthew. There is romance, there is sadness, and there is pain. But there is also faith, joy and love making this a beautiful story that you are sure to enjoy.

A Family for Gracie was a faith filled book with so much love and greatness. I love Amy Lillard can not give me any book I wouldnt like. This is amazing!

"He knew all too well that he could make all the plans he wanted, but God was in charge of all his steps" Matthew thouht.
And with 4 small children, 1 baby daughter, her wife dead for 4 months, he sure has his hands full, and he doesn't make no more day-plans.
Gracie is a young woman, nice and attentive to the people in need, eager to have a family to her own, because she is an orfan.
Wonderful characters, very well written, haunting and realistic story, I recommend it.
Thanks to author, Kensington Publishing, Netgalley.

Love it!!! I really felt for Gracie as she struggled to make the best of a fake and sad marriage. This book deals with suicide, marriage, and relationships. I don't think I've ever read an Amish book quite like it. I found that refreshing. I was highly intrigued by the characters as I read the story. Gracie and her sisters also have an interesting business which will delight readers and stir the senses.

I received a digital version of this book from netgalley and Zebra Publishing in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

A Family for Gracie is a beautiful story about forgiveness, acceptance and a second chance love; We start the story with Gracie Glick, who is a 26-year-old spinster (by Amish standards) who has a servants heart and does as much as she can for people in need, but when she saw widower Matthew Byler struggling with his children, she saw a chance to help. But soon that changed into a chance to have her own family, so Gracie became bold and asked him to marry her.

For Matthew, his marriage to Gracie is not going to be a conventional one, as the pain and grief at the loss of his first wife and the raising his 5 children has taken a toll on Matthew and he doesn't want any more children, which devastates Gracie and to decide if they should continue together or apart.

This is my first Amish of Pontotoc book I have read, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying the book or understanding the character's predicament. Gracie is such a sweet girl who only wants what everyone else has, a family of her own. Matthew struggle with his first wife's death and his guilt towards his children. I have to say that I love the complexity of this story, it is so unlike the Amish romances I have read before, but I certainly will start the series from the beginning as I thoroughly enjoyed book three.

This an a very enjoyable book. Amy Lillard once again has written a great book. It is easy to read and as always is a good family book with some romance and just a little touch of drama.

Oh my goodness I think this just might be my favorite book in this series! First of all, Gracie is so shy and yet so forward with Matthew! I know it's in the book blurb, but it still caught me off guard. Here's the other thing about Gracie - she is such a strong person. Do I totally agree with her reasons for marrying Matthew? No. BUT there's a point in the story where I wasn't sure how she was going to continue in the relationship because of something that happens between her and Matthew. And Gracie just got up the next day and went about her business. I loved her character!

The heart of the story though, in my opinion, is the growth in Matthew. He so desperately needed to make peace with his wife's passing, and Lillard gives you little pieces of that story here and there, at just the right pace. I was flabbergasted when Matthew revealed to Gracie the truth behind his wife's death - but loved how Lillard weaved it into the story afterwards. It's something important that I think readers need to understand that Amish are not exempt from. It is certainly a topic that deserves more information in the world - and you'll find out why I feel this way if you read the story (sorry no spoilers!).

All in all, this was a fantastic read that I devoured in one day. I've been waiting for Gracie's story for awhile, and Lillard did not disappoint! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love this book. I love that Gracie reached out and asked for a man's hand in marriage and created the family she craved. Could not put it down!

Gracie is always helping anyone in anyway she can. She has lost all of her immediate family. She does have her aunt and cousins. It is her hearts dream to have a family of her own. Her plans are to have that with Matthew and his children. He has lost is wife and is left with five children to raise 4 boys and an infant daughter. His boys keep him on his toes and the baby cries a lot. Gracie like a lot of the community are providing meals for him and his children. She proposes they marry so she can help him raise his children. Matthew thinks this not such a great idea, until one of the kids get hurt while he is trying to work. He decides the idea isn't so crazy . Gracie gets the family she ask for but it is not what she expected. A husband who keep his distance. This book touches on post partum depression, grief and challenges of marriage. It gives the reader a view of the fears and how it affects the spouse. Matthew didn't understand his late wife's depression and it has affected life in may ways. Gracie has brought a fresh view and helps him and his children heal.

My Rating: 4.5

Gracie Glick is everybody's everything. She goes over and above to make everyone happy. She realizes that she wants her own happiness. Her own life. Her own family. However, in her Amish community, there just are not a lot of men available, at least none that could possibly offer what Gracie needs.

Grace does something very impulsive. She proposes to Matthew Byler. He is a recent widower with five young children. Not only can Gracie get the family she's dreamed of, she can have a child of her very own.

While Matthew cannot believe he will have help with his children - a new mother for them - he has no intention of ever having another child. All he wants is for his children and farm to be cared for, even though he is unaware that he will soon be breaking Gracie's heart.

This is the third book in Amy Lillard's series, and it is just as touching, just as compelling as the first two. This story is more about children and family than the other two books were. It was very sweet to see how Gracie connected with the children, and also how the children bonded with her and with the rest of her family.

Matthew's story and reasons were indeed heartbreaking and I shed more than a few tears. This story, in fact, touched on a very serious issue. Even so, it became a story of hope, and of course, faith.

For an incredible experience, be sure to grab the first two books in this series, A Home for Hannah and A Love for Leah. Each story is a delight. This is a strong family series and readers of this genre will be more than happy to have indulged.

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

A Family for Gracie is the third book in the Amish of Pontotoc series which is set in Mississippi. It's a wonderful continuation with characters we've met before whom had a role in the story plus new ones added. This is Matthew and Gracie's story and it held my interest from the first page to the last.

Matthew is widowed after his wife died a few months after their fifth child and only daughter was born. He's distraught trying to care for the children, run his farm, put food on the table and everything else needed to run a home. It doesn't help that he doesn't have any support from their families since they had moved here from Ohio only a short time before. With five children, ages 7 and under, he needs all the help he can get and luckily he gets it from neighbors and church members. Imagine his surprise when a neighbor, Gracie, proposes marriage to him. Unfortunately once he warms to the idea they have totally different visions of what their marriage would entail, or do they?

It was fun watching the antics of the children and all the mischief they got into. Henry, at five years old, was accident prone and had one injury after another and none that just a bandaid would cure! It was interesting to watch Matthew and Gracie's interactions but also theirs with the children and hers with her cousins and aunt. The baby Grace, at a few months old, seemed to do nothing but scream and cry. There were definitely some laugh out loud moments along with some cringes but lots of love and ultimately romantic love. The scenic descriptions as well as those of the food made me feel that I was there.

It was heartbreaking to watch the half step forward and two or three back that Matthew and Gracie seemed to take. They had trouble communicating and one always misinterpreted what the other was saying or meant. His dead wife, Beth, was mentioned throughout the story which was a nice touch since she is the birth mother of the children. There are heartwarming moments along with unexpected heartwrenching ones as well. The story had some twists and turns and nice closure with the epilogue. I look forward to reading more in this series since there's at least Tillie's story waiting to be told.

Ms. Lillard has fast become one of my favorite authors of Amish stories. No matter where she sets them I feel right at home as each story and series unfolds. I can't wait to read what she writes next and not only in this series.

I am a fan of Amish stories and have been eagerly awaiting Gracie's story in this series. I was not disappointed. This story of stepping out in faith is very inspirational. I loved everything about it. Thank you netgalley for gifting me an ARC. The opinions are my own thoughts.

I really liked this third book in Amy Lillard’s Amish of Pontotoc series, A Family for Gracie. I was happy to see a story about Gracie, because we learned so much about her in the first two books! In this story, Gracie proposes to Matthew Byler, a young widow with four boys and an infant daughter. Not only is this unusual for Amish women, it is strange because Gracie and Matthew barely know each other. At first, Matthew is taken aback but the more that he struggles with his five children, the more he sees the sense in her idea. However, Matthew is harboring guilt and secrets from his first marriage. Will he be able to be the husband Gracie needs. And will Gracie be able to trust God’s plan for her life, especially when it doesn’t look like her own plan. I loved that this story focused so much on trusting God, even when it is hard, even when we don’t understand what He is doing. We still trust Him, and even if we get it wrong sometimes, He never does. If you’re a fan of Amish or inspirational fiction, you won’t want to miss this one! I received a free copy of this story from NetGalley for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

This is the first book I have read in this series and I loved it so much, I will definitely start with the first. The author has written a novel so mesmerizing that I could not stop reading. She writes about subjects that can cause tension in daily Amish life. I highly recommend it.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Very inspirational. Now I have to go back and read 1 & 2.
I would recommend this book.
Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

A Family for Gracie is the third novel in the Amish of Pontotoc series. It can easily be read as a standalone if you have not read the other books in this series. I thought A Family for Gracie was a sweet, expressive story. It is well-written with engaging characters and a lovely setting. Gracie has numerous relatives, but she wants her own family. She longs for a husband and children. Matthew is a widower with five children. Gracie knows little about Matthew except he is eligible and needs a wife. This makes for an intriguing story as we watch Matthew and Gracie adjust to their new life. Matthew’s children provide humor especially Henry, the mischievous one. Henry and his brothers’ antics had me chuckling. Marriage is hard work, but it is even more challenging when two people do not know each other and there is a lack of communication. Then add in five children who are grieving and confused (their mother is gone and now they have a new woman taking charge). Baby Grace cried constantly because she missed her mother. There are endless chores especially with so many people in one house. I felt for the wee little tike who experienced such loss so early in her little life. Amy Lillard deftly deals with difficult topics (depression for example). She handled them with grace and compassion. Forgiveness, guilt, and depression are a couple of topics addressed. We see the importance of prayer and having a strong faith in God. I liked that I could feel the character’s emotions and I appreciated the epilogue at the end. I was happy that Leah and Hannah were back in this story so we can see how they are doing. That pair also provided some lighthearted moments. Aunt Eunice While the ending is expected, A Family for Gracie is a lovely, heartfelt novel. A Family for Gracie has mischievous munchkins, kind cousins, a chaotic home, a boisterous pup, a benevolent bishop, and a marriage full of possibilities.

I loved this story!
Such a wonderful book about stepping out in faith and having the courage to do something you believe is right. Grace and Matthew's story is one of learning to trust and to have patience. I truly enjoyed the interaction between the characters, and the setting of this book. I do wish that the ending had been a bit more drawn out as I felt that their feelings happen rather abruptly. Otherwise a great book, and I look forward to reading more by this author. I give this book a four out of five stars.
I volunteered to read this book from Kensington Books in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.

She got a lot more than she bargained for...

I've been waiting for A Family For Gracie since Gracie was first introduced. She was the girl always helping others and wanting nothing more than a family of her own to care for. She seemed lonely and even a bit neglected by her relatives. I was beyond curious about what kind of story she would get. I was actually a bit surprised at the direction, marriage of convenience, that Amy Lillard took. But, it was perfect for Gracie, the storyline allowed her to shine, well, at least as much as an Amish girl can sparkle.

As with every other Amy Lillard book that I've read, I sincerely enjoyed A Family For Gracie. I quickly became emotionally invested in the lives of the characters. Seriously, there were several times I wanted to knock some sense into Matthew's head! Totally not an Amish reaction, I know. The kids were adorable, especially the little scamp Henry, and I couldn't help but laugh at their antics. For anyone that has read the story all I'll have to say is "chicken and ducklings."

Humorous and poignant moments are expertly blended into a lovely, and original, Amish romance that tugs at the heart.

(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)

Amy Lillard's newest release, A Family for Gracie is a must-read! This book is the third book in the Amish of Pontotoc series.
One day Gracie Glick goes over to Matthew Byler's house with a casserole in her hand and proposes to him. Recently widowed with five children, Gracie knows he needs a wife and she desperately needs a husband and a family. Gracie is twenty-six and she realizes Matthew is her only hope, unless she wants to move away to another Amish community. Matthew agrees, but will a real relationship ever develop between these two? Is this really the plan God has for their future? You will definitely want to read this book to find out the rest of Gracie and Matthew's story.
The author really brings the characters to life in this book. They experience circumstances that we can relate to including guilt, depression, anger, frustration, hope, faith and love.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley and have given my honest opinion.

This was such a sweet book. I read it in a day and I am so glad I did! The desire for Gracie to have her own family was strong enough she boldly proposed to a widower........a very grumpy one at that. But Gracie saw right through that grumpy exterior to expose a "gentle giant" within. Her patience and unwavering kindness as a new mother to all of his children begins to unravel his stoney heart.
Fans of May Lillard will not be disappointed in this new book, and I believe she will gain many more fans!

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