Member Reviews
A lovely story, with hope, grief, and love oozing out of each page! Great characters that are clearly defined and likeable. My one gripe is Lizzie's teeth! 47 references to false teeth which I found totally unnecessary and irrelevant to the story. They weren't even funny scenes in my opinion! |
This was a lovely sweet Amish book. It is the first in a new series called The Amish Inn Novels. I, for sure, will be continuing with this series. It is really good. The storyline ran smoothly and simply and kind of made me feel as though this was "real life" Amish. It felt comfortable and real. Sometimes I found myself wanting to laugh a bit at the characters and yet there are serious moments. I love Lizzie and her "teeth". I love how the ladies tried to match make and meddle into the lives of Naomi and Amos. There are a few twists as things are in real life as well. I love the Bed and Breakfast theme and the humor and love that are shown throughout. A good book! Definitely will be watching for the next book of this series! I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Zondervan Publishing. All thoughts are my own. |
I think this has to be my favorite story of all time from this author. The emotions can be felt throughout the book and love is definitely in the air. Oh how I loved to reconnect with Lizzie and Esther again. These two sisters are quite remarkable. They have the biggest hearts and so want to help Naomi find love again. I laughed at their shenanigans which gave the story a feel of happiness. The love they have for Naomi is evident and even tell her they think of her as their granddaughter. I want to be part of their family and be surrounded by women like Esther and Lizzie. Naomi is such a sweet person which upset me knowing someone broke her heart. Naomi does her job everyday at the inn but you can see sadness on her face. It was nice to see how Esther and Lizzie encouraged Naomi not to give up on love. I couldn’t wait to see what was in store for Naomi. Amos is at the inn with his mother for a wedding but could it be that God brought him there for another reason? But there is a glance, a moment in time that Amos and Naomi’s eyes meet. That one glance had me squealing with glee. Their interest in painting helps them start to become friends. I loved reading how they would meet and paint together. The saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” kept coming to my mind as they shared their art with each other. The loneliness, hurt and pain was expressed by both and with it brought a sense of comfort. A painting can tell so much about a person and makes them vulnerable. That is exactly why I love this author so much. She is able to write a story where emotions pop off the pages and penetrate your heart. I have to mention Grumpy Old Gus. The poor man is so lonely that he hides behind his anger so no one will know how much he wants to be accepted. His story filled me with tears and I so wanted him to turn to God to heal his heart. It was nice to see Esther reach out to him and I was very intrigued with their unlikely friendship. Gus is someone I hope to read more about. Sometimes love is right there in front of you and you don’t even realize it. I have hopes that we will hear more about Gus and a certain woman in an upcoming book. 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 us. I found these beautiful words in the story and will end my review with it. “Sometimes a fresh start is the best way to move forward. And sometimes fixing what is broken is worth it.” I received a copy of this book from the author and Zondervan. The review is my own opinion. |
MegAnn M, Reviewer
I was given this book to read on NetGalley and also because I am an ARC reader for Beth Wiseman. I found the messages and story line both enjoyable and uplifting. We are introduced to Naomi Byler who is working for two woman who have become her surrogate grandmothers. She is trying to heal from a broken heart as her fiance Thomas suddenly up and leaves town without a word of why the relationship is off. Naomi runs a B&B for the two sisters and throws herself into her work. When a woman and her son come for a wedding they stay at the Peony Inn and Naomi finds herself drawn to Amos. Amos on the other hand is healing from a broken heart as his fiance died before the wedding. Neither of these characters are in a place where they are wanting a relationship with anyone. BUT, God does not always work in our timeline but his own. The feelings between the two grow and they begin to realize that they do care for each other.... Then, like so many things in life a situation happens that may destroy their hope of ever having a happy life together. During the whole story we laugh, cry and try to think of ways that the sisters can bring these two together. There are also many characters who weave their lives in and out of Naomi's life. Beth's stories are so deep in lessons that we all can learn. Do we hold on to the past and hope that things might work out or do we leave the past behind so that we can move into a future with a better outlook for us. The saying is "when God closes a door he opens a window" but are we strong enough to let the good come through and follow his lead. This is a truly remarkable story and one that everyone should read. |
🌿🌺🌿The story is very simple yet outstanding. The characters and their narration is so well portrayed that even simple incidences are told beautifully and effortlessly. I thank @netgalley, @zondervan and @bethwisemanauthor for providing me advance copy ❤ 🌿🌺🌿This is an Amish book. Esther is matured and sensible woman and her sister Lizzie is too vocal and fiesty. Both sisters own the Bed&Breakfast Inn and share a great bond with each other despite their contrast nature and have good banter always. 🌿🌺🌿Naomi just being victim of heart break with Thomas finds solace in those sisters as family and soon empathises their guest Amos after knowing his fiancée died earlier due to cancer. She enjoys his acquaintance since she got to know he is not looking for any suitable match just like her feeling no pressure of hooking up. 🌿🌺🌿Gus is an old grumpy soul staying next door cottage who cribs all the time and hates Lizzie. He gradually becomes likable showing mild affection in his behaviour because of Esther who is very patient & graceful. 🌿🌺🌿In retrospect the story was perfect. There are feel good factors-painting, love, humour, hesitation, portrayal of Amish & Christian cultures, hopes and retrieval in alluring and honest writing style. The picture of love is indeed beautiful 🖼 ❤ |
Maureen T, Reviewer
I enjoyed being lost in this book, time had no meaning, I needed answers. We are at the Peony Inn run by widowed sisters, Esther and Lizzie, and a young woman they have taken under their wing and made a part of their family, Naomi. Enter guests at the Inn, and our widowed sisters radar goes up and the start match making. Now Naomi is nursing a broken heart, she was so close to being married when, well, and then Amos comes with his heart in shreds, no he wasn't left at the altar, his finance died. If the sister's have their way these two will forge a relationship but, the wayward groom returns. There is also Grumpy Gus, and he does use colorful language, but I'm looking forward to learning more about him in this new series. You don't want to miss this series, I can't wait for the next book! I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan and was not required to give a positive review. |
4.5 stars. The first installment in The Amish Inn Novels series, A Picture of Love by Beth Wiseman is a heartwarming novel of healing, faith and love. Naomi Byler lives and works at The Peony Inn, a B&B owned by two widowed sisters, Esther Zook and Lizzie Glick. The sisters love Naomi like a granddaughter and they want the best for her. Which is why they decide to do a little matchmaking when Amos Lantz and his mamm stay at their inn while in town for a wedding. Neither Naomi nor Amos is interested in a relationship, but they are enjoying their unexpected friendship. Just as signs of romance between to bloom, Naomi’s former fiancé Thomas returns with hopes of a reconciliation. Is Naomi willing to give Thomas a second chance? Naomi is a warm-hearted and compassionate young woman. She is still trying to understand why Thomas ended their engagement and left town. Naomi is drawn to Amos as soon as they meet, but since her heart still belongs to Thomas, she is not looking for another relationship. She dearly loves Esther and Lizzie but she is frustrated by their recent matchmaking attempts. Naomi is firm when she asks them not to interfere but will the well-intentioned sisters honor her wishes? Amos is still mourning the loss of his fiancée and he is dreading attending the wedding. He is quite observant and he notices the lingering shadows in Naomi’s eyes. They decide to support each other at the upcoming wedding and they are surprisingly comfortable in each other’s presence. Amos is taken off guard at his disappointment he will soon be leaving Naomi to return home. After a little scheming by his mamm, Lizzie and Esther, Amos remains in town while taking care of some work around the inn. He and Naomi continue spending time together and they soon bond over their love of painting. Amos is a little shocked when he realizes his feelings towards Noami are deepening, but he is uncertain if she wants more than friendship. Naomi is also experiencing a sudden awareness of her own changing emotions but Thomas’s sudden reappearance provides an opportunity for a reunion. But after suddenly abandoning her months earlier, can she trust him with her heart again? And, most importantly, what will Naomi do about her feelings for Amos? A Picture of Love is a charming Amish romance that is heartfelt and engaging. Amos and Naomi are delightful characters that are easy to love. Esther and Lizzie are quite entertaining and a secondary story arc involving one of the sisters adds unexpected depth to the storyline. With a slight misunderstanding between Amos and Naomi providing unexpected tension, Beth Wiseman brings this endearing romance to a sigh-worthy conclusion. This first installment in The Amish Inn Novels series will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. |
I loved this story! Such a sweet love story that evolves over trials and situations. There were times I also found myself laughing out loud! You continue to wonder how it will end and my even find yourself going back to the sweet spots to re-read them! ❤️❤️❤️ |
This is an Amish book, and it is the first book in the Amish Inn series. All the characters are really developed, and I loved that the Amish sisters fights so much. This book made me happy and laugh. There was parts I wish was better developed, but I loved the storyline. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Zondervan) or author (Beth Wiseman) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that. This book is schedule to be release on November 3-2020. |
A sweet, clean story of Naomi Byler, who meets Amos Lantz, and both of them begin a friendship as brokenhearted people with sad stories to tell. Naomi was engaged to Thomas, who left her and their Amish community, without looking back. Naomi was of course devastated. Amos had been engaged to Sarah, but she had cancer and died. So neither one was looking for a romantic relationship, which made their friendship grow easily.and quickly. Then Thomas returns, adding confusion to the mix. Naomi takes him back for a while, but she can't find a way to trust him again. The two ladies she works for are not related to her, but they love her like a granddaughter, and they get mixed into the relationship between Naomi and Amos, which causes some humorous situations. Great book! |
Now, this book was all shades of amazing. Some parts will make you cry, others will make you laugh so much your cheeks will hurt. The sisters! Esther and Lizzie! My God! These women were just so lovely. I loved their heart! Esther was the quiet, sensible one, Lizzie, the outgoing, and fiesty one. They both complemented each other. I loved the beautiful work they did with their mother's house, providing hospitality and a place of love and rest for others. They had the good of everyone they met at heart and that endeared them to my heart. Naomi and Amos! Thier broken hearts could be felt from the pages of the book and it was that same that brought them together. I admired the gentleman Amos was. I loved the place and role Naomi filled in the hearts and lives of everyone around her and her courage to move forward to the beautiful things God had for her. Gus! Now, this character was a piece of wor!. His story wasn't told in full but I was sad for the man he had become. Knowing that it was some crude life experience that made him into who he became. I greatly admired Esther's grace with him. In so many ways she illustrated how to live with and treat difficult people with grace and love. This story has found a place in my heart. I loved the way the lives of the characters was interwoven together. I loved the grace, love, redemption and second chances I read about in the book. The Author did a fantastic job. I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and this is my honest opinion. |
I love a B&B setting, and this story had so much emotion packed into the daily routine of the inn. I think having the innkeepers be parent figures without really being parents was a wise choice - the women could be just nosy enough, meddle just enough, and opine just enough when it came to a young woman who they loved but who was also a capable adult herself! I also enjoyed all the cooking and inn-prepping. So fun. |
A Picture of Love by Beth Wiseman. Beth Wiseman has done it again! I have read A Beautiful Arrangement by Beth and I didn’t hesitate to request for another of her newest book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Esther and Lizzie are such two dears! Naomi and Amos, two characters who gave up on love. Their stories were so emotional and the book had the power for you to be patient while you read and dig deeper into the plot. Another favourite genre of mine is the Amish Christian Fiction genre. I just don’t know how to turn the other side whenever I see an Amish novel. The themes in this book are so educating. I won’t stop emphasising on the Amish food. I love how much preparation goes towards a meal whether it is simple or for large gatherings. If I ever go to an Amish community, the first thing I will order is an Apple pie. I have noticed how common it is in my Amish novels. I love the book. I highly recommend it for lovers of second chances. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are mine. |
An Amish woman who had her heart broken and an Amish man who lost his wife find a connection through a shared love of painting. Naomi meets Amos when he comes to stay at the inn she works at while reluctantly attending a wedding she is also reluctantly attending. They become friendly when they discover they both love to paint, and plan to be each other's "out" at the wedding if things get to be too much. Naomi's employers, sister Esther and LIzzie see a chance at romance and are determined to put the pair together, but what will happen when Naomi's ex shows back up wanting a second chance? This is a warm story of romance and second chances with some great characters that fans of the genre will love.. |
Sheila J, Reviewer
I am Beth Wiseman fan from way back. I love a good Amish novel and was excited.to find this new series. I loved the characters and the setting. The B&B is a charming and I would love to spend a night there. The story is heartwarming and charming. I am looking forward the more books in the series. I recommend this book. |
Carolyn B, Reviewer
A Picture of Love, Book 1 in the Amish Inn Novels series, is an entertaining, heartwarming read. Ms. Wiseman with her excellent storytelling skills has penned a narrative with a perfect combination of endearing, delightful characters; laugh-out-loud humor; sweet romance; and inspiring faith. The character driven plot flows steadily with a few surprises along the way. The main romantic element of the story focuses on the relationship between two young people, Lizzie and Amos, who both have no desire for romance and a shared passion for painting; however, the side story of 70ish widow Esther and Grumpy Gus hinting at a possible romance adds enjoyment to the read. I hope Book 2 returns us to the Peony Inn to see what matchmakers Esther and Lizzie are up to next and to continue the story of Esther and Gus. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in the review are completely by own. |
Laura K, Reviewer
This was a great book to read. I enjoyed how both Amos and Naomi used painting as a start to their friendship. The characters of Lizzie, Esther and Gus were super memorable as well. Definitely a great read! Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc! |
Sherry G, Reviewer
A delightful new series by the author! I can’t wait to read the future books. We are introduced to Esther and Lizzie, elderly sisters who run The Peony Inn. Their niece, Naomi, who they have “adopted” lives with them, doing the cooking for the inn. We also meet the grumpy man, “Grumpy” Gus, who lives on the property, and Thomas, Naomi’s former fiancé, who canceled their engagement and left town. Guests who visit the inn for a wedding, Amos Lantz and his mother, play a big part in this book. Amos lost his fiancé to cancer and really had no desire to attend a wedding, as he is still nursing a broken heart. He and Naomi share the stories of their broken hearts and learn they have a common love of painting. They both have vowed to never become involved in another relationship and feel they can become friends without worrying about it developing into anything more. Fun reading with many fun interactions, along with heart-wrenching interactions between all these different characters makes for very enjoyable reading that I didn’t want to put down until I had completely finished the book. I highly recommend this book to all. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. |
Kaye T, Reviewer
A fun and easy read. Both Naomi and Amos have had tragic romance pasts, and swore they would not love again. Famous last words. With the help of widowed sisters, who can't help playing matchmakers, the result is inevitable. Really enjoyed this one, and had a hard time putting it down. Would highly recommend this author and book. |
This was a great book. It's cozy and heartwarming and really fun. I really liked all the characters, and I was excited to learn that it's the first in a series. I look forward to reading the rest of the series! |








