Greed. Lies. Jealousy. Theft. Family conflict. Vandalism. Amish characters.

If you did a double take just now or thought ‘one of these things is not like the others’ then you have only been reading a very small subset of Amish fiction. In Rachel J. Good’s An Unexpected Amish Proposal, there’s all kinds of drama going on at the Valley Green Farmer’s Market and in the lives of the people who frequent it. At the same time, however, the two main characters – Gideon and Fern – are people of integrity and compassion whose faith affects their daily decisions and interactions. So we still get the wholesome feel of Amish fiction but it’s certainly not boring either!

I really liked Gideon and the different layers to his character. He’s still wrestling with grief and guilt over the death of his brother and struggling under the weight of the responsibilities his brother left unsettled. He’s also kind and generous, and he bends over backwards to help people he cares about … including Fern, for whom he’s carried a torch since childhood (and she, for him). They are so sweet around each other, their feelings obvious to everyone except the two of them. Enter the hilarious and feisty Mrs. Vandenburg who’s part matchmaker, part fairy godmother, and part purse whomper. I adored her character (she reminded me of my late grandmother), so I’m eager to hopefully spend more time with her in this series.

Bottom Line: In An Unexpected Amish Proposal by Rachel J. Good, readers are treated to a smorgasbord of compelling layers from the characters to the plot (and subplots). Gideon and Fern are relatable and engaging, and Mrs. Vandenburg is a hoot! I also loved meeting Aidan – a teenager who is more than the first impressions he creates – and (most of) the other people of the farmer’s market. There are of course a few rotten apples in the bunch, and a couple of misguided ones, all of which add some rough edges to the plot and balance out the sweetness of Gideon and Fern’s characters & romance. This book is a great introduction to the series, leaving readers excited for the possibilities of what could happen next. Perfect for fans of Shelley Shepard Gray!

(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book)

Gideon is expanding his stand to accompany other sellers driven out due to an expansion. The stands being driven out are being taken over by an organic farm stand. Gideon and the other Amish farmers that are affected by the change have been at the Valley Green Farmer's Market for generations Not only is Gideon kindly planning on accommodating others at his barbecue chicken stand, someone else steps in to help. She is a dear nonagenarian named Mrs. Vandenburg that plays a vital role in each of the five stories I have had the pleasure of meeting in each of the books in this series.

In this first book, Fern's future suddenly seems very uncertain. If her bakery fails, she will not be able to support herself and her family. Not only does she help her parents, but her brother is on a Mission and she has been sending funds to him. The market has both Amish and English sellers, and things seem to be changing rapidly.

Gideon is not only looking after the other sellers being driven out, he employs his widowed sister-in-law. In fact, she and her four children reside with Gideon and his parents and he has been invaluable to her after the loss of his brother. However, his duty and kindness has her thinking that the two might suit.

Not about to happen, as sparks fly between Gideon and Fern. While the two slowly warm to one another, there is another story taking place. More than the organic farm coming to the market, Gideon takes on a surly teen at his barbecue stand. There is a lot of drama and it just might involve the teen named Adian. This adds an extra layer to an already engaging read, thus making this first book in this series an absolutely wonderful read.

Many thanks to Zebra and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

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A very good story. I really enjoyed it. Fern and Gideon are the perfect match, but because of other commitments it takes them awhile to realize this. Also enjoyed the other storylines. I definitely recommend.

Gideon and Fern make such an adorable couple! This story is about grief and tragedy. And how grief can have such a strong hold on someone. Gideon is a strong, proud man who wants to fulfill his promise to his brother’s widow. But at the same time he wants Fern - and a future with her. He just can’t see how to have both.

Looking forward to reading more stories in this series. Hoping for a HAE for Nettie and maybe Caroline’s story.

Cherese Akhavein's review Apr 23, 2021 · edit
it was amazing

An Unexpected Amish Proposal by Rachel J Good is the 1st book in the Surprised by Love Series.
If your a Rachel J Good fan than you won’t be disappointed. As the characters Fern Blauch’s and Gideon Hertzler who both work at the Valley Green Farmers Market quickly become fast friends of yours through each page you turn it will become clear that this storyline is yet another wonderfully crafted book by this author.
If you have not had the pleasure of reading this author yet I’d highly recommend it. This book holds a little mystery, a little romance and lots of good old fashion insight, that if you trust in God’s love, plan and always keep your faith things will work out for the best. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy you won’t be sorry.

An Unexpected Amish Proposal by author Rachel J Good is the book one in her Surprised by Love Series. This sweet story is about Amish marketplace drama.Fern Blauch has a baked goods stand. Her friend, Gideon Hartzler, helps her and others, but troubles continue to arise. Full of mystery, drama, romance, and surprises, this is a wonderful Amish story. The characters are engaging and the story grabbed my attention. I highly recommend it. I received a copy from NetGalley, but these are my honest words.

This is an Amish Fiction with a little suspense mystery, and this is the first book in the Surprised by Love series. I was surprise that I was pulled into this book from the beginning. I have to say the book starts off by dumping you in the middle of some drama, but it is well done. I did not feel like I was lost. I enjoyed all the characters. My favorite character was a side character of the old lady that keeps showing up. I do not remember her name, but her character was so much fun to follow. I also loved so many of the other characters in this book. This book is well-written, and the characters are well done. The storyline/plot keep you wanting to reading and was well done. I really enjoyed the suspense mystery parts, but the suspense mystery parts are not super suspenseful. Their is also a side story of the two main character falling in love, but there is no adult sexy time parts in this book just like most Amish fiction. If you are looking for a light suspense with fun characters this is the book for you. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Zebra Books) or author (Rachel J. Good) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

An Unexpected Amish Proposal is a great start to Rachel J Good's series, Surprised by Love. Four and a half stars.

An Unexpected Amish Proposal by Rachel J. Good is the debut of the Surprised by Love series. I enjoyed reading this entertaining Amish novel. It contains a delightful cast of characters from Fern to Aiden to Mrs. Vandenburg. I like the diverse cast of characters. There are not just warmhearted characters that you will love. The mean-spirited owner of the market who is only interested in money, the grumpy Nick who owns the candy stall, Nick’s son who is going through a rebellious phase, and Nettie, Gideon’s sister-in-law, who wants more than a brotherly relationship with him. Gideon Hartzler is a strong character. He is a man who has taken on a heavy load that has him sacrificing a personal life. Gideon has liked Fern since they were children, but his obligations keep him from courting her. He also has a secret that is weighing him down. Fern is a good balance to Gideon. She has a kind, thoughtful woman with a big heart. Fern is also a wonderful baker who makes cinnamon rolls that Gideon just loves to eat. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters. The dialogue was realistic especially between Nick and Aiden (an angsty teen with a hot headed, grumpy father). Mrs. Vandenburg is a delight. She is a forceful woman who wants to help others. I hope we see more of her in the other books in the series. The Valley Green Farmer’s Market is the central location of the book. The stall owners know each other and some of them have had stalls since the market began. There are regular customers who expect their favorite shops to be there with the items they are used to acquiring especially candy and baked goods. Forgiveness and prayer are the two dominant Christian themes. It is important to not only forgive others but yourself. An Unexpected Amish Proposal is more than a romance. There are a couple of storylines happening at the same time. I like how it all came together into one engaging Amish tale. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. An Unexpected Amish Proposal is feel-good Amish story with scrumptious cinnamon rolls, market stall mayhem, revenue problems, a needy in-law, and succulent chicken.

This endearing story shares marketplace struggles as a large organic business poses a threat to some of the longtime booths, including Fern Blauch’s baked goods stand. Her old friend, Gideon Hartzler, helps her and others but conflicts continue to arise, not only amid them but with the candymaker and his son. Debts, crimes, and suspense add to the drama and keep the pages flying as readers race to discover who is at fault and whether Fern and Gideon will become a couple. The subplots and surprises make this novel a rich read. Whether you’ve read others by this talented author or not, you won’t want to miss this book. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. #AnUnexpectedAmishProposal #NetGalley

This is a wonderful book by Rachel Good. If you are a Rachel Good fan this will be one of your favorites.

This book was not an easy read for me. I love books about the amish, however I had problems with associating with any of the characters in this book. I felt Fern was always in the middle of her parents, brother, Gideon's family and Gideon. There was so much drama gooing on I couldnt keep up. I also had to put it down go read another book and come back.

Rachel did it again such a wonderful book filled with love and faith. I really enjoyed reading this one.
Fern and others have stand's at Valley Green Farmer's Market. Things were going fine until the price of the booths are going up. Fern wonders what she is going to do. How is she going to pay it? How will she be able to make money? Can Gideon help her out any? Will she lose her booth or be able to figure something out to keep it?
Hurry and get your copy so you can find out. You won't want to miss out on this book. Such a wonderful story along with wonderful characters.

Easy comforting read. This was a typical Amish love story. Always nice to read these every once In awhile. Clean, wholesome, feel good story.

This book has wonderful themes of faith and family. Fern’s family has leased a bakery booth in the Valley Green Farmer’s Market ever since Fern was a little girl. Fern has taken over the family’s business. She loves her work and the customers she serves every week. She’s heartbroken when she finds out that she’s lost the lease on her booth, but unknown to Fern, Gideon steps up to help in Fern’s time of need. Fern and Gideon both have a secret crush on each other, but neither have admitted it to the other. Gideon feels that he has too much responsibility to devote time to a wife, so he keeps his feelings about Fern to himself. As they face several different challenges at the market, they begin to wonder if their feelings towards each other might lead to a future together, if they only have the faith to believe that God is working all things together for them.

I admired both Fern and Gideon’s faith and commitment to their families. This story is full of emotional ups and downs, and there were times that I wished that Fern and Gideon would open up and talk to each other. The other unique aspect to this story is that it takes place almost exclusively in the market. This allows us to get to know some of the other venders in the market and made it feel as if I’d actually visited the shops in the market. This is a good start to a new series, and I’m looking forward to reading more.

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

This is the first book in Rachel J. Good's Surprised by Love Series. The next book, "An Unexpected Amish Courtship," will release on July 27.

The two main characters in this book are Fern, who has a bakery stand in an Amish market, and Gideion, who has a barbecue chicken stand in the same market. Changes come rapidly as five of the stand renters who are in the front of market' rent goes up triple for each month. One of the renters is Fern. What will happen to these five people and their livelihoods?

I really did enjoy this book. The author really captured my attention with this story from page one. Forgiveness and love are two of the central themes running throughout this book. As usual, there were quite a few typos in the book. Amish romance fans won't want to miss this book.

So this was my first Amish romance book ever, so I didn't know what to expect.

This book was so wholesome and exactly what I needed after a 923748 thrillers.
The romance is so cute and sweet. It's also very clean, which is not exactly my usual cup of tea, but here it worked so well.
I have lots of problems with Amish and Mennonites communites (I encourage you to do some research on hiding rapes and domestic abuse, and how these communities deal [or rather not deal] with it), but in general the Amish culture is fascinating and when you sugarcoat it this book is what you get. A lovely pair pining for eachother, strong community, strong family bonds, true love etc. I don't want to diss it, don't get me wrong. As I said this book is such a feel-good story, it makes you want to believe that there is good somewhere is this world. Call me bitter, I won't get offended because I am in fact bitter. I rarely believe is goodness of heart and books like this just make me want to believe in it.

The writing is good and compelling, the storyline is interesting. My main problem with it that ca. 85% of the book is pretty slow-ish both when it comes to romance and Market plotline, and then it sort of rushed in trying to fit a lot of action into not that many pages. I'm also sceptical about the whole ending, but hey it's a wholesome story and that's what you should expect. I think.

We have interesting side characters (Nick and Aidan, Bo and Mrs. Rich Friend, Russel), but they're either good or bad. It's not a bad thing per se, it's just not something I'm used to as a reader.

My main concern was that book like this might be too "preachy". I'm not a religious person and preachy books usually put me off, but this one wasn't that at all. We obvs have few mentions of trusting God and praying for a solution or a good outcome, but it's subtle and there's not much of it.

Overall I enjoyed this book very much and if you're looking for a change from your usual gritty reads this one might be for you.

Rachel Good always writes a good novel, and this one did not disappoint! Step into Amish Country, where Fern's family receives financial help from Gideon, who happens to be her crush. When Fern and Gideon begin working together, is it any surprise they grow close?

This story is set predominantly in a market that houses Amish, Mennonite and English businesses. It is interesting to read about this type of atmosphere and business place.
Fern has a bakery stall where she sells products that she bakes at home. The income helps her family finances. The additional expense of supporting her younger brother who is away on an extended mission is a challenge. The new owner of the market has decided to drive her business out of the complex which is a terrifying prospect for Fern.
Gideon has a successful barbecue business and the weight of the world on his shoulders as he runs the stall his brother and he started. His brother has died and Gideon has assumed the financial responsibility for the widow and four children. As he is burdened with debt he knows he can't ever court or marry until he is free from the burden.
Gideon and Fern are two strong and interesting characters. They are devout in their faith and both good-hearted people. They try to do their best to help others as the market challenges grow, including animosity between shop owners and the market owner and manager. Things get harder for the two main characters, A romance is quite impossible and someone is causing severe problems.
I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to the future stories in the series. I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for my advanced copy. This is a story about faith, sacrifice and caring for others.

I got this book from netgalley, I am late on the review. I am sorry.
I always love Rachel J good books! I can alway's get in to them so quickly and never want to put them down.