I was excited that Beth Wiseman had a new series releasing and could not get my hands on the first installment, A Picture of Love. I was far from being disappointed. It is getting five stars from me.

A Picture of Love is the first book of Beth Wiseman's new series, The Amish Inn Novels. The book starts by introducing readers to the owners of the inn; elderly sisters Esther and Lizzie. Personally, I loved them both and thoroughly enjoyed getting to "know" them (as well as their neighbours) alongside the main characters, Naomi and Amos. The book focuses on Naomi and Amos and we watch them bond and fall in love over their shared love for painting. I beautiful read. Would highly recommend it to others.

A Picture of Love by Beth Wiseman is the first in her new series. I have quite happily read every book that Wiseman has printed and was excited to read this one as well. I am glad to report that it did not disappoint. In fact, I was upset I had to put it down as it was so late and I was so sleepy. The story follows Naomi, a young lady who works at the Peony Inn with Esther and Lizzie, two older women who are like family to her. Naomi nurses a broken heart, hurt by her her fiancé who had left her with no explanation. Amos is a visitor at the inn with his mother. He also experienced heart-ache when his fiancé died the year before due to cancer. The two of them form a friendship and find solace in painting the sunset together during Amos' time at the inn. It is looking like the two of them may find hope for a future together when Naomi's ex returns, upending her thoughts and emotions. The story also focuses on Esther, who is having health issues and is trying to trust God for the outcome. A renter on their land, Gus, takes her to her appointments. As the two get to know each other more, Esther realizes that Gus' grumpiness is a cover for the pain he has experienced. Can she be a friend to him like he is becoming to her?
One of my favorite things about Wiseman's books is her ability to express the love of God and Biblical themes throughout. This book is no exception. We see God's love shining through, as well as themes of forgiveness and hope. I highly recommend and can't wait for more adventures at Peony Inn. Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book. #APictureofLove #Bookstagram #all_the_pages

This is a beautiful story of finding hope and love after coming through heartbreak and tragedy.  Naomi and Thomas were both reluctant and afraid to love again, and turn to each other as a source of strength and comfort.  Both of their stories  were compelling, and I wasn’t quite sure that they would find their happiness together.  Lizzie and Esther made me smile, and it was fun watching Esther try to keep Lizzie in line and not speaking everything that came to her mind.   There’s much love and compassion in this story, and a good reminder to be kind to everyone, even those who don’t seem to deserve it.

 This is a compelling story and I could  not read this book fast enough.  Beth Wiseman is a wonderful author, and she did an excellent job in creating these characters and their Amish community.

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

Naomi is sure that all she wants is for the love of her life Thomas to come back to her.  That is until she meets Amos who is grieving for his girlfriend who passed away.  They find many things in common and become friends along the way.  The owners of the Inn, Esther and Lizzie, where Naomi works and Amos is a visitor with his mother, are delightful.  Especially the relationship between Esther and neighbor.  This is a great book.

Entertaining and Inspirational

Author Beth Wiseman has crafted such a wonderful story!  It was entertaining and inspirational.  I loved the main characters, Naomi and Amos.  Although they have each suffered a loss, their situations aren't the same.  Regardless, they are both experiencing some of the same feeling of letting go and moving forward.  However, in doing so, neither is wanting to venture into another relationship, or so they thought.  Naomi and Amos begin a friendship that slowly shifts in a way that catches each of them off guard.  

Ms. Wiseman flawlessly takes us through the main characters' story while including some very lovable characters Enter LIzzie, Esther and Gus.  These characters added an extra special touch to the story.which added much to the story without taking the spotlight away from Naomi and Amos..  The story had me laughing, holding my breath and sighing as I read.  This is a beautiful, entertaining and inspiring book that you won't want to miss.  

*****I received a complimentary copy of A Picture of Love through the publisher and NetGalley, and I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.  All comments and opinions are my own.

This was such a good book! I loved all of the characters but especially Lizzie and Esther.  I loved the humor throughout and the second chance romance.  I’m glad that this is the first in a series as I look forward to the next installment.  
Many thanks to Zondervan Fiction and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Delightful read, and charming characters. 

Naomi works at the Peony Inn for two sisters who are like family to her, she has been burned in love before but when a man who shares her appreciation for art comes to lend a hand at the inn she finds herself rethinking everything. 

Lizzie and Esther are two widowed sisters who run an inn together, and dabble in matchmaking. I loved their sisterly squabbles and teasing, and they were my favorite characters of the book. Lizzie's spirited ways made me laugh, and I admired Esther's determination and compassion. 

This is a fast read, set in a charming Amish community, with fun larger than life characters. I loved how Amos and Naomi got to know each other through a shared hobby, and both were able to open up to each other as they got to know each other. One of my favorite relationships in this book though was the burgeoning friendship between Gus and Esther, with all their bargaining and bickering. 

Overall, a highly enjoyable read, with engaging characters, dialogue, strong themes of friendship and forgiveness. I can't wait to visit the Peony Inn again soon!

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

A pleasant book to read. Beth Wiseman has introduced characters a reader can relate to. 

Naomi and Amos understand the heartbreak the other is feeling. Naomi's fiancé broke off their engagement without a proper explanation, and Amos' fiancé passed away. Neither are willing nor ready to open their hearts to heartbreak again. Instead, they decide to be friends and paint together. Something they both enjoy.

However, as they paint they realize the feelings they refuse to admit that can lead to them healing. Once they do they find in one another a person they can be happy with. But when Naomi's former fiancé returns things hit  detour. With the help of to elderly sisters these two figure out the love they have been missing and deserve.

A Picture of Love by Beth Wiseman is the debut of The Amish Inn Novels.  This was an entertaining Amish story.  I found it to be well-written with the story moving along at a steady pace.  The characters are developed and lively.  Lizzie and Esther are a hoot.  I just love the widowed sisters who know each other’s foibles and bicker frequently.  They are as opposite as two sisters can be (remind me of my sister and myself).  Neither one had children and they consider Naomi Byler a granddaughter.  They care for her dearly and want to see her happy again.  There are some things Lizzie would love to do to Thomas, Naomi’s ex-fiancé.  When Amos arrives, the sisters notice how he looks at Naomi.  The sisters decide to give the pair a little push (sometimes a shove) towards love. There are a couple of side stories in A Picture of Love.  Esther is having some physical symptoms that have her worried. As much as she dislikes doctor’s, Esther knows she must bite the bullet.  Esther gets help from their grumpy renter, Gus Owens.  She works a deal out for his help.  Lizzie cannot stand Gus Owens.  Lizzie and Gus trade verbal barbs quite often (they are hilarious).  It turns out that Gus has a daughter he has not seen in over thirty years.  She has decided to visit, so Gus wants to spruce up his appearance (it needs it).    Mary and John Lapp rent the Dawdi Haus on the property.  They have been married five years and unable to conceive.  It has begun to affect their marriage. The Thomas situation left me with a few questions that I wish had been answered.  I loved the humor in the story.  I liked that A Picture of Love was not a traditional Amish romance.   I laughed often while reading this amusing tale especially the scene with Lizzie and the kitten.  Lizzie provided several laugh-out-loud moments for me.  I liked that in A Picture of Love we get to see that you never know what God has in store for you.   A Picture of Love is a story of forgiveness, second chances, faith, God’s timing, and love.  This was a delightful and engaging story, and I am eager to read the next book in The Amish Inn Novels.  A Picture of Love is a diverting Amish story with picture painting, merry matchmaking, pie payment, a cute kitten, hair help, and sister shenanigans.

A Picture of Love is the first book of Beth Wiseman's new series, The Amish Inn Novels. The book starts by introducing readers to the owners of the inn; elderly sisters Esther and Lizzie. Personally, I loved them both and thoroughly enjoyed getting to "know" them (as well as their neighbours) alongside the main characters, Naomi and Amos. 

A cook at the inn, Naomi, is learning to live with the deaths of her parents and the loss of the man she had planned to marry. When Amos, who is also dealing with heartbreak, comes to the inn for a wedding, both Naomi and he begin to open their hearts to love once more. A mutual love for painting helps them get to know each other better, but can they overcome the meddling of their friends and family? Will Naomi's ex-fiance interfere in her new love story?

If you enjoy a good Amish romance, you won't want to miss A Picture of Love. 

*I received a complimentary copy of A Picture of Love through the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.

How do you mend a broken heart? Naomi Byler is mending a broken heart when her fiancé suddenly left 4 months ago. Not giving a reason for the breakup. All she knows is she can't love again. With both her parents passed, she now lives with two colorful Amish sisters who run a bed and breakfast. They look to Naomi as their own granddaughter and want the best for her. They have made some hilarious attempts for Naomi to find love again. God is on their side when Amos and his mother are visiting for an Amish wedding. Amos is suffering from a different broken heart, he lost a beloved to cancer.

The two open up to each other because they have laid the out their hearts that they cannot love again. This act frees them up to really know each other. They both find out that they share a passion for painting and discover a deeper sense of being known and seen. Just when they begin to draw closer to each other, Naomi fiancé comes back. Feelings becomes misunderstood until their love of painting shows them the way.

The characters were very endearing. An honesty of our worst feelings and fears. I enjoyed getting to know these characters and how they overcame their pain. One of the best from Beth Wiseman

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

Naomi Byler has many things to be thankful for. She loves her job cooking meals for the guests at The Peony Inn. And she dearly loves her employers, sisters Esther and Lizzie. The feeling is mutual, as they love Naomi like the granddaughter they never had.
Naomi was engaged to Thomas when he suddenly broke things off and moved away. She's not sure her heart will ever recover and secretly hopes he'll realize his mistake and come back to her.
Esther and Lizzie are quite the matchmakers with some successes, so it's no surprise when Amos and his mother stay at the Inn while in town for a wedding, that the sisters (especially Lizzie) begins to get ideas. But, Amos is suffering from his own broken heart as his fiancee' died. He, like Naomi, feels he cannot love again.
Naomi and Amos both share a love for painting, but neither have painted in some time. Once discovering this about each other, they decide to meet close to sunset to paint a scene. The sisters are giddy with delight, although Naomi tells them she and Amos are only friends.
This was a very lovely story. I loved the characters. Lizzie and her false teeth was hilarious! Grumpy Gus is a character I couldn't help but love and have compassion for. Loved the part about being locked in the basement!
I was given an advanced copy by the publisher, Zondervan and Netgalley. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

This is a fun story to read with sweet loving characters and a grumpy older man, Gus, who resided in a cabin near the Peony Inn. Lizzie, Esther and Naomi are always busy with their activities and keeping things going at the inn. Lizzie and Esther had long loving marriages and want their sweet employee Naomi to find her love after being jilted. 
When Amos and his mother stay at the inn they believe Amos is just the one for Naomi. Naomi and Amos both are recovering from their broken hearts but find a connection with their love to paint landscapes. The matchmaking schemes by Esther and Lizzie along with unexpected friendship building between Esther and Gus made this a pleasure to read. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Zondervan, through NetGalley and was under no obligation to write a positive review.  I have shared my own opinion.

What a delightful read! I am still laughing at the antics the two sisters pulled during this novel.

The book focuses on the trials and tribulations of love Naomi has experienced but the true winners are the sweet elderly sisters, Esther and Lizzie, that Naomi works for at the sisters' inn. They are a hoot. I absolutely adore how Wiseman made them so real. Yes, they are Amish and believe in turning the other cheek and being mild but we all know that sometimes you just have to express yourself. Lizzie will have you rolling on the floor laughing when she spars with Grumpy Gus who in turn thinks she is the grumpy one. Plus, her teeth debacles!

Gus, a tenant on the sisters' property, shows his tender side with Esther during her medical scare. I really hope we get to learn more about him in future books. I don't think he wants to be as grumpy as he appears.

This is a must-read for Amish fiction/romance fans. You will want to gobble it up as quick as the Thanksgiving turkey. A clean read that will leave you smiling and holding your tummy from the laughing.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Zondervan, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

The book is a lovely look at forgiveness, love, healing broken hearts and finding a way to move past hurt. The faith element in the story is just the right amount to show that God always has a plan for us. He wants to heal our hearts and wipe away our tears. He loves us unconditionally and wants a relationship with each of u Something we can all be Thankful for… Lisa

Oh my goodness. I can already tell this is going to be a wonderful series and I can’t wait for book two!
 
Author Beth Wiseman writes a story that will keep you laughing and will tug at your heart strings. It might even get your ire up, as it did with me at times. But I read it as quickly as I could, partly to see what sisters Esther and Lizzie would do next. Throw in a rapscallion for a neighbor as well as an errant boyfriend and you have a recipe for trouble.
 
If you enjoy Amish fiction then I highly recommend this book. Full of hope, faith, and humor I thoroughly enjoyed it.
 
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

Once again, Beth Wiseman has hit one out of the park!! We follow Naomi Byler and her vow to never love again....well, at least she trys, after her betrothed , Thomas, has called off their engagement. This act of betrayal was so devastating to Naomi,  that she carries the pain long after Thomas has started dating another. But, life must go on and Naomi fills her days at the Peony Inn, as the chef and girl of all trades. She shares her days with the Zook sisters....Esther and Lizzie....who are like surrogate grandmothers....and we all know, just how loving and intrusive grandmothers can be!!

Enter Amos Lantz and his mother, to the Inn, to attend a wedding, in the area. Amos and Naomi find that they have much more in common than just their Amish faith. They have both sworn off of romance and vow to be each other's  "port in the storm" of the wedding festivities.  

The days of Amos and Naomi are soothing balm to each other's torn heart. However, the unexpected happens and Thomas, the wayward fiance, returns home and again turns his sights on Naomi. 

Sit back, get a warm drink, a nice candle and a soft blanket and enjoy the journey, to see which direction Naomi will go. Excellent read with unexpected turns and laughs along the way!!

Sweet and thoughtful

Another sweet and thoughtful story from Beth Wiseman that you will certainly enjoy. I wonder whether the selection of the release day is deliberate; I certainly need to stay calm and read a good book! 

Thank you to the publisher who lent me a time limited e-arc via netgalley. This review is optional and my own opinion.

A Picture of Love by Beth Wiseman 
(The Amish Inn Novels Book 1)
Both of them have vowed from the bottom of their broken hearts never to love again. 
Sweet Naomi Byler cooks meals for the guests at The Peony Inn, where Amish sisters and owners of the inn Esther and Lizzie love her like a granddaughter. She’s as happy there as a young woman can be, considering that her fiancé, Thomas, has left her to court someone else. She knows she’ll get over the love of her life in due time, but she assumes marriage will never be a part of her future.
Amos Lantz and his mother are guests at the inn, visiting town for a cousin’s wedding. Attending a wedding is the last thing Amos wants to do since his own fiancée, Sarah, died tragically just a year ago.
Naomi and Amos understand each other’s grief and become quick friends when they discover their mutual love of painting. As the two begin to paint through their sadness together, Esther and Lizzie play matchmaker—a risky move with the potential to backfire. And when Thomas makes an unexpected return intending to win back Naomi, she realizes she no longer knows her own heart.
In this new Amish series from bestselling and award-winning novelist Beth Wiseman, true love takes root in the deepest of wounds.
This is Naomi Byler and Amos Lantz's story.
This is Esther and Lizzie Zook's story.
The Peony Inn, where Amish sisters and owners of the inn are Esther and Lizzie.
Naomi Byler applied for the position of housekeeper and cook, and Esther and Lizzie were excited for her to live in the spare room they’d set up for such a person.
More importantly, Naomi was a young woman nursing a broken heart and had sworn off men. Esther and her sister couldn’t let that continue. Lizzie was as crazy as a rabid coyote and often took things to the extreme, but Esther tolerated her sister’s over-the-top antics. Sometimes young people just needed a little coaxing to find true love.
The sisters had each lived their own love stories. Esther was married to her beloved Joe Zook for fifty-two years before he passed. Lizzie had shared her life with Rueben Glick for fifty-one years.
No one should miss out on the blessing of true love. Especially Naomi Byler.
They heard a car pull into the driveway, and Esther made her way to the window. “It’s Anna Mae Lantz and her son, Amos. They’re here for Suzanne and Isaiah’s wedding on Thursday.”
Lizzie shuffled to the window and pressed her nose to the glass. “We don’t know them, do we?”
“Nee. Distant cousins of Isaiah’s, I think. Anna Mae told me on the phone that they’d be hiring a driver to pick them up from the bus station. They’re planning to stay through the weekend.”
I highly recommend reading.
A Picture of Love by Beth Wiseman is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Beth Wiseman.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.