Some of this story was a slight stretch. You had to ignore some things that didn’t make sense. For example, witness protection but without a new name? Witness protection who sends details about the case via postal mail? Witness protection with no contact with anyone?

I also expected a little more to come from the case. But it just ended quickly and quietly.

Overall though it was a good story. It was interesting to learn about the process to become Amish

Arc received from netgalley

Another great read by a great author !!
This author never disappoints in either her characters or her storylines. The plot of this book held my attention throughout the entire book !!

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An Amish story with a twist! Those words best describe "The Amish Newcomer." Leah goes to live with an Amish family after she witnesses a crime and becomes part of the witness protection program. However, Leah never expects to become an integral part of the Amish community, finding a use for her journalism skills and gaining a family and a faith. Although the road is not easy, Leah emerges as a strong character, and perhaps finds a kindred spirit in Isaac.

Characters in this novel are likeable and realistic. The Amish community setting provides a fitting background for Leah's journey of self-discovery. The message of Christian faith is overt and plays an integral role in the story.
Readers will also enjoy the contrasts between the Amish community and the Los Angeles community in which Leah lived and worked. This is a clean novel, with no explicit violence, intimate adult situations, or strong language. I hope the author continues to write about these characters, as this was a very fine entrance into the world of Amish-based fiction.

I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

The Amish Newcomer by Patrice Lewis is unique Amish novel. We get to see an Englischer adapt to living in an Amish home. It is an uphill battle for Leah who is used to keeping abreast of the news and reporting it. She is unused to doing domestic chores without the aid of modern conveniences. Leah is also dealing with the loss of her career thanks to the scar inflicted by a gang member. She has no idea how long she will be living with the Byler’s. I thought An Amish Newcomer was well-written and an engaging novel. It was a quick read and hard to put down. I am amazed at how much work it takes to run an Amish home. The family in this story make most of their own food. We see sustainable living at its finest. It was fun watching the worldly Leah at awe of an Amish home and all the hard work. She felt inferior because she did not know how to accomplish tasks that a twelve-year-old easily accomplished. Isaac Sommer was an interesting character. A man who lived in the Englisch world for a time, but he returned to his Amish roots. He created a magazine for Plain people that has wide distribution. This Amish tale has developed characters and good plotlines. I liked the Christian messages in the story especially about discovering what is important in life. I liked how the Amish looked past Leah’s scar to see the person inside as they did with one of the Byler daughters. Our world would be a better place if this philosophy is widely followed. I liked how the relationship between Isaac and Leah slowly developed. I also enjoyed seeing the changes in Leah. I look forward to reading Patrice Lewis’ next Amish novel when it comes out in the spring. The Amish Newcomer is an uplifting Amish novel with continuous domestic chores, woodworking woes, curious children, computer conundrum, and God’s generous gifts.

The Amish Newcomer is one of those books that was exactly what I needed when I needed it. When I started, I expected more suspense, considering how Leah comes to be in the Amish community. As it turns out, that wasn't really a big part of the story - it's primarily the vehicle for getting her there. So, rather than finding a suspenseful story, it turned out to be uplifting and thoroughly engaging. The faith of the Amish comes through and is almost a tangible thing, especially if you believe as I do. The romance blooms slowly, and I really enjoyed Leah becoming part of the community. Patrice Lewis paints a picture with her words that drew me in to this world she's created and held on tight. The book is very well written, the characters are engaging, and the story is entertaining. It's one of those books that just makes you smile, and we could all use some of that right now.

Title: The Amish Newcomer
Author: Patrice Lewis
Genre: Romance, Christian
Rating: 4.0 out of 5

Can a modern city girl ever become one of the Plain People?
She needed a safe place to hide. Instead, she found a place to call home.
Television journalist Leah Porte never imagined her career would end with her witnessing a murder. Now she’s temporarily living among the Amish in witness protection. Instead of feeling alone and adrift, Leah is warmly welcomed by the close-knit community—and Amish bachelor Isaac Sommer. But caught between two very different worlds, choosing love would mean leaving her big city life behind forever.
This was a sweet, uplifting read. The difference between Leah’s previous life and her life with the Amish made for an interesting premise, one I cannot imagine going through. Solid writing here and a lovely community made this a wonderful comfort read.
Patrice Lewis lives in North Idaho. The Amish Newcomer is her newest novel.
(Galley courtesy of Harlequin/Love Inspired in exchange for an honest review.)

Who is Leah Porte? Where is she from? Where is she at and why? Who are Edith, Amos, Sarah, Ivan, Isaac, Rachel, and Eliza? What do we learn about why she is there? I could picture what Leah was seeing in the workshop in my mind. Reading about the gathering at the Millers had me tearing up when Leah had a moment of clarity after catching a firefly. Made me miss seeing and catching them myself. They are not found or seen where I live now. This story was one of the most interesting Amish Romance stories I have read. I highly recommend it. This is a book I will enjoy re-reading.

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

Leah Porte is a television news reporter that witnesses a brutal murder and is now in witness protection living with an Amish family. Everything about the Amish lifestyle is different than how she was raised. It is such a change to go from a celebrity living in Los Angeles, to living on a farm in the Amish countryside with the Yoder family. This may be the biggest challenge she has ever had to face. Having a handsome friend of the family always around makes it even more of a challenge.

Isaac Sommer is back living with his family in the Amish countryside after living away from their lifestyle for a few years. He is helping his aging mother and the Yoder family. His dream is to have a wife and a family and continue to live a quiet life devoted to God. What he does not count on is the spunky independent woman who has come to live with the Yoder’s who catches his eye.

Patrice Lewis wrote a brilliant story of family, faith, and community. This was not only a beautiful story of the journey of Leah, but the book educated the reader about what life is like in an Amish community. As I was reading the book, I reflected on what a simpler lifestyle would be like. One without technology and social pressure. It really made me stop and think. This is one of the best books I have read this year, one that touched my heart and soul. Thank you so much to the author Patrice Lewis, Harlequin Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book to review. It was fabulous! All opinions expressed for this review are unbiased and entirely my own.

When Leah, an ex TV journalist enters an Amish community, it's a complete life change for her.

Amish life is eyeopening for the Englischer and the challenges of living in the community are good and bad just like life itself.

When she meets Isaac she may get more than she bargained for. Or will they get on? will she get used to Amish life or will she want to return to her old life while searching for a new job?

Thanks to Patrice Lewis and Harlequin Love Inspired for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

5 stars.

After the witness of a murder, Leah Porte, a TV journalist takes refuge among a community of conservative Amish people.

Leah finds her whole life upturned in but a few moments, she cannot go back to her old life because of the public nature of her job. She is challenged by the simpler ways of the Amish, and intrigued by furniture maker, Isaac Sommers. I admired her ready to help attitude and how she is open to learning and trying new things.

An enjoyable read, with a wonderful community of people who make Leah feel welcome. Though at times it felt like parts of this book were written for someone who has never read an Amish book before. Isaac is a caring and thoughtful hero. This is a pleasant and heartwarming read for fans of Amish fiction.

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

The Amish forged through their strong ties with each other. They didn't compete, they cooperated. They didn't tear town, they built up. They had community.

Leah Porte is in the Witness Protection Program. She had witnessed a brutal murder while on the job as a reporter in Los Angeles. Now her life in in danger. She has been put in an Amish community living with the Bylers in Pikeville, Ohio. The Bylers have six children and another on the way. Amos and Edith welcome Leah into their family and know Leah's background. Leah knows some of the Amish lifestyle but living with the Bylers she learns so much more about sustainable living and faith. She also learns about love in community.

Leah wonders about the Amish lifestyle and how they can be happy without the conveniences of the English world but as she experiences the plain life she experiences the beauty of a life not hurried, a meal that was planted, canned, and shared with. How work brings family together and how gratitude changes everything. The Byler's farm hand Isaac has more in common with Leah and challenges Leah in faith.

I loved how the prose taught you about the simple faith of the Amish and why it is so hard for the English to become Amish. The Amish is such a lifestyle of faith, hard work and gratitude and how the pull of the English world keeps us from God's blessing.

A special thank you to Harlequin and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

A heartfelt, warm, and sweet tale of an urban city woman escaping a dire situation in LA to the Amish community where she learns new ways to look at life, about faith in God, and falls so adorably in love with the neighbor.
This story had such a welcoming inclusive vibe, it was truly a pleasure to read and experience. The community was helpful, kind, and considerate, they embraced Leah Porte, took her in, and taught her their ways, as she requested and wanted to learn more.
I loved Leah's development in this story as she gains an understanding of Amish ways she learns about her self as well. For the first time, she truly hears about God and is intrigued, wanting more. Leah is easy to like, she is smart and kind and considerate and assimilates so easily into the new culture and ways of the Amish. She yearns to know more, to understand, and as she does she accepts the simple ways herself.
The romance with Isaac is a delightfully precious slow process, yet the feels they have for each other are real, believable, and on a strong foundation.
A solid, admirable tale of searching for meaning, learning to trust, to have faith, to love, and live your life's purpose.
~ Four Spoons

This is a very quick and entertaining book! The premise is that a former newscaster from LA is in witness protection, and the U.S. Marshalls hide her with an Amish family. Dressing like the Amish is not a big problem for Leah, but learning the Amish way of life was a bit of a challenge. Much of the book reads like a primer about the Amish lifestyle and religious beliefs and I found it all very interesting. The characters were believable and likable as well as presented realistically for that culture. My favorite character was a young woman named Rachel who had physical problems but who tackled life with zest and wisdom. The plot also includes drama, conflict and a romantic interest between Leah and a young Amish man named Isaac who is devoted to his faith. Both of them know that for her to have a relationship with him would be almost impossible since she is “Englisch” and he tried that world and returned to his Amish life. I really enjoyed the descriptions of how the Amish do things like laundry and healthcare, things that we take modern conveniences for granted. I learned more about reading this book than I thought possible and was entertained as I read it. Fans of light, clean romance will enjoy this book and the light that it sheds on a group of people who live a different kind of life.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Leah Porte is a television journalist who was critically injured by a ruthless gang while reported on a story. They left the job undone, and the only way for her to stay alive is to become part of the Witness Protection Program. The Marshall's decided to hide Leah among the Amish. As it is, Leah's injuries mean she could never face the camera again, but she must now give up her life as English, for as long as it takes. What will it take not only for her to fit in as Plain, and for how long?

She lands in Pikeville, Ohio and is taken in by Edith and Amos's loving family. Edith is more than kind to Leah, helping her to change her appearance and to learn their ways. Leah cannot help but feel drawn to the tight-knit and loving community. When she meets Isaac Somer, they realize that they have quite a bit in common, especially as during his rumspringa Isaac spent time among the English and has adapted several of those ways to Amish culture once returning.

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

I loved the unusual storyline of this book. I also thought the author did a good job with the pacing of the story as Leah finds her place as an Englisher living in an Amish community. The author also did an excellent job of showing the reader how the everyday routine and work of an Amish household appeared to a young lady whose whole world has revolved around city living and technology, rather than country farm living. I liked that Leah was always respectful of the Amish and determined to fit into the community as best she could. But the most touching part of the book or me was Leah’s journey of coming to faith in God and His provision in her life. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I’ll be looking forward to her next book.

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

This book was much different than the usual Amish romance that I am used to. I must admit that I did love it because of that fact. The idea of an Englisher hiding out with the Amish and falling in love with God, the culture, and a man was different for me. You see, I am not a believer, and I enjoy Amish books because of the culture, and any book that 'pushes' religion down my throat is not one I enjoy. This book had a lot to do with questioning faith and came close to pushing but never crossed that line.


The ending was a tad rushed, but you can clearly see why. I also was a little concerned that the author did not find a way to incorporate the criminals into the story, or at least let us know just what happens to them in the end.

*ARC supplied by the publisher and the author.

This was a very quick read, I basically read it in one day, not wanting to put it down. There was a very interesting plotline to this story. Leah witnessed a brutal double murder and was in danger of being murdered herself. She had already escaped with her life after she was viciously attacked with a knife, so her story of recuperating from a serious car accident was easily believed. Ending up in an Amish Community was an interesting twist on an Englischer ending up living with the Amish. Leah was a wonderful character. She did not want to be a burden on the Byler family, so she pitched in and learned much about the Amish ways. While assimilating with the family, their faith also slowly took root and she found herself believing in God for the first time. She was smart, yet felt inferior which was a bit fun seeing her wide-eyed interest in all the Amish ways to complete chores. Isaac, a neighbour who was helping Ivan in his word-working shop, found himself drawn to Leah almost immediately. I enjoyed the slow developing relationship between these two. The other members of the Byler family played an important role in the story and I also enjoyed how they accepted Leah and helped her become the person she ends up being at the end of the book. This was a sweet, interesting story. It has great character development, nice plotlines and a wonderful Christian message about finding what is important in life. If you enjoy Amish Romance, then I definitely recommend this story to you.

Thanks #netgalley @harlequinbooks for a complimentary e ARC of #theamishnewcomer upon my request. All opinions in this review are my own.

Because of dire circumstances, an English city girl finds herself living in an Amish community with an Amish family. A former television reporter whose career is suddenly jeopardized when she inadvertently witnesses a murder, Leah is living in witness protection without a phone (and its access to 24 hour news) and adjusting to a different culture. Even though Leah is an outsider and is lonely for her friends, routines, and lifestyle, she is warmly welcomed in the Amish community. As she begins to adapt and feel useful, she also develops a friendship and fondness for an Amish bachelor, Isaac.

The Amish Newcomer is inspirational (uplit) and definitely told from a Christian perspective. The foundation of the Amish community and culture is strongly religious. I feel like the author does a good job here explaining their lifestyle choices as they are integrated with their beliefs. Like all stories, this represents one experience in the Amish culture. It doesn’t seem like the author is an Amish “own voices’ author (although she has practiced and written about self-reliance and preparedness for over 24 years), so I would be interested in reading reviews or reading from other Amish perspectives. The straight forward writing, one timeline, and one point of view help this to be a fast-reading experience. I finished in one day. It’s an engaging and lovely “uplit” and inspirational read.

Leah is a likable character who overcomes a challenging situation. She finds some answers to questions about life that she might not have realized she had. She is conscientious, responsible, innovative, kind, and compassionate.

Thoughtful and poignant themes include faith, a self-sustaining lifestyle, the simple life, family, community, and second chances.

I’m enthusiastically recommending The Amish Newcomer for fans of Christian fiction, for readers who are looking for a light and uplifting story, and for those who love a gently brewing romance (completely closed door). Readers who have a background with the Amish community or are curious to learn more might especially enjoy this.

It's hard to believe this is the author's Love Inspired debut! I've read a number of Amish stories, and this is one of my favorites 🙂

It's easy to love Leah, and you can't help but cheer her on. Her growth is inspiring, and the story overall is heartwarming. There's a depth to the characters, particularly as Leah learns that her new community (Amish) see beyond her physical scars and look at her instead. (An important reminder for everyone!) Many Englishers have heard of the sense of community in the Amish world, and Lewis does a wonderful job of showing that in her book. It's touching to see people pull together, help each other when needed without expecting something in return, and being kind-hearted ... all of which are often lacking in today's society.

Lewis accurately depicts the Amish lifestyle, which is sometimes romanticized as a "simple life." It's clear that the truth is far different, as Leah realizes just how hard the Amish work ... and she comes to appreciate and embrace that.

I look forward to reading upcoming books from this author.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.