AN UNEXPECTED AMISH PROPOSAL is the first book in the new series SURPRISED BY LOVE by Rachel J. Good. Ms. Good is one of my favorite authors of Amish romance, and I always look forward to reading her books, which bring me to different Amish communities.

Most of this story is set at the Valley Green Farmer’s Market in Pennsylvania. There’s a lot of drama, and the Amish and Englischers mix in business and shopping. Gideon, who is Amish, is expanding his stand where he sells organic chicken. He cooks this on a rotisserie with his sister’s help (when she’s not chasing after her love interest.) When friends are set to lose their stands thanks to a steep rent increase, Gideon steps in to help, unbeknownst to several of them.

Fern is one such owner. She and Gideon have been friends since childhood. She makes and sells baked goods to support her family. She always has a calming affect on others, and I liked hers and Gideon’s interactions with a troubled Englisch youth with tattoos and piercings. They look past the outside to his inner goodness, although the boy’s father can’t seem to.

The story is filled with business, family, friends, and love. Several characters hold back secrets, and the truth leads to both heartache and redemption. There are also moments of levity. Fern and Gideon are front and center as their attraction grows, but their families also play a part in the storylines. There is a depth to the characters, a nice flow to the story, and wonderful closure with the epilogue. I love the cover and look forward to reading more of Rachel J. Good’s books. If you like Amish stories, give her books a try. You won’t be disappointed!

I rated the book 4.5 stars but rounded to 5 stars here and on other sites.

"An Unexpected Amish Proposal" tells the story of people who sell their goods at a market. When the rent prices rise astronomically, the lives of the people are affected in many ways. Fern and Gideon both run food stalls, and they find a way to work together and to help others who are facing ruin due to the rent increase. They also find their long-time friendship has become a romantic relationship, but many obstacles stand in their way.

The characters are interesting and realistic, and deal with problems common to most people: job loss, income reduction, judgmental attitudes, family squabbles, and guilt over past events. The story never failed to hold my interest. Enough detail was provided to allow readers to use their imagination to picture the market and the people who work there. Surprising twists wrapped up the story and lead into the next novel in the series.

This is a sweet romance, with a clear Christian message. I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

To begin with, I want to say that I loved "An Unexpected Amish Proposal" by Rachel Good. I found the story to be very engaging.

We follows Fern and Gideon, both Amish merchants at a local market. We see how theirs lives are turned upside down by changes in the market, new competative booths, and issues at home. Gideon's generous heart and Fern's soft and gentle spirit bring them closer together. Faith, patience, prayer, and love are at work in this sweet story.
I received a complimentary ARC from Kensington Books/Zebra through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.

This is a wonderful beginning to her next series. Gideon and Fern have grown up together. Gideon is always coming to the rescue of his friends. When things at the market go astray, Gideon rescues Fern from the rising booth prices. By incorporating their booths with his, they are able to afford the new prices. With the attraction between the two growing, will they be able to overcome family obligations and pride? Learning through faith is a constant theme. I look forward to the next in the series. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

This book was really a page turner for me. It is a nice start to a new series and I enjoyed feeling like I was a part of this large marketplace where individual sellers had stands to market their goods.

This story focused on relationships between families and friends. Gideon and Fern were such likable characters. Both of them carried extra responsibilities as they supported their family members. Gideon, especially, took on debts, expenses, and responsibilities that were not his. They weighed him down and made him feel that it would be impossible to have his own romantic relationship.

There was quite a bit of angst throughout this book, from a son and father who couldn’t get along with each other, to a very annoying market manager, and even Gideon’s sister-in-law caused some problems. The behavior of these individuals made Gideon and Fern stand out as truly caring people.

This was a fun story to read and I look forward to more in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This is an engaging story that mostly revolves around activities at a market where the Amish and English sell their wares. Fern and Gideon, both Amish, grew up together, playing at the market while their parents worked their booths. At some point, Gideon started avoiding Fern but she isn't aware why. Now, she is running the bakery booth that her grandmother started and Gideon is working his family's barbeque chicken booth. When the owner of the market triples booth prices on five of the oldest and best situated booths, two left and three were incorporated into Gideon's booth, including Fern's family's and a candy shop that was one of the first of the market. Gideon and Fern are drawn to each other, especially in the close quarters of the booth, and unite to help others embroiled in the undercurrents running between other members of the market and the owner. Gideon's generous heart and Fern's soft and gentle spirit make it obvious that they belong together but Gideon has debts of his deceased brother's to cover as well as his brother's wife and four children to take care of. It will take some unexpected help and God's work to unravel what appears to be some unsolvable issues. Faith, patience, prayer, and love are at work in this sweet story.
I received a complimentary ARC from Kensington Books/Zebra through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.

In this book we meet Fern and Gideon. Both rent stalls at the local farmers market, their families have been doing so for generations. When the man who runs the market puts up the rent for 4 stalls – one of which is Fern’s – Gideon steps in and anonymously pays the rent for these stalls for 2 months.
Once the rent is up, Gideon makes a decision to help not only Fern but another stall holder Nick. This is well received by them both but not by one member of Gideon's family.
Both Gideon and Fern have family issues that they have to work through and with. They are aided by a lovely lady who is such a lovely character.
However, there are a number of not nice characters within this story that for me spoilt it a bit. All in all though a good read and start of a series.

I really enjoyed this sweet Amish read. The story revolves around a group of people who have worked in a market place for many years and with even older family generations who previously sold their wares in their own booths. They are friends who are suddenly surprised with space rental price increases that appears to be a way to push them out of business.
There are lots of issues that occur as a result of this, as well as a blossoming relationship. There are struggles with personalities in the story that unfolds and some "villains" and some absolutely wonderful people, with loving and Christian values. It's a great book and I recommend it! I have enjoyed all the books I have read written by this author.

I received an ebook copy from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

An Unexpected Amish Proposal is the first book in the new series Surprised by Love by Rachel J. Good. I have read other books by Rachel and enjoy her writing style.

Fern loves selling her baked goods at the Valley Green Farmer's Market. She is upset when her rent is increased and she can no longer stay in her booth. She is apprehensive when she decides to switch to organic baked goods to sell at Gideon's stand. Fern is a really sweet character with a heart of gold. She shows wisdom and grace in all her interactions and has a good head on her shoulders. While most people love her, she still manages to get on some people's nerves.

Gideon is running his family's organic BBQ stand at Valley Green Farmer's Market and is drowning in responsibility. That does not stop him from lending a hand to those in need, without thinking through the consequences, adding even more responsibility to his already full plate. Gideon is a somewhat gruff character, with the best of intentions behind his actions. He feels guilt for his brother's death and tries to alleviate that guilt by helping anyone who needs it. While his actions are a bit misguided, his intent is good.

An Unexpected Amish Proposal has quite the motley crew of characters. While there are a lot of characters they are introduced slowly so you get to know them and understand their role in the story. It is very well done. The story is steady, with several surprises mixed in with suspense, making it a quick read. There is a thread of forgiveness woven throughout this story, along with redemption.

I enjoyed this story, from the character development to the well-written plot, everything flowed smoothly. I loved that the Amish worked with Englishers and were even friends with them, which is not something you see in a lot of Amish stories. Usually, there is more separation between them. I could not help but fall in love with several characters and appreciated that they were not all the same age! There is such a wide variety of characters in this story, but each person is unique in their own way. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys light romance written with some Amish and English characters. I would also recommend this to anyone who just wants a good, lighthearted read!

Thank you to Kensington Publishers and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to give a positive review but was happy to do so. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Gideon and Fern were childhood playmates, but they grew apart when they became teenagers. Now they both worked in Green Valley Farmers Market with Fern running her own stand that sold baked goods and Gideon sold barbecue chicken in his stand. When the owner of the market raised the rent on several booth owners including Fern, she soon realizes she will have to close her stand because she could not make any money paying the high rent.
Gideon offers to let her use a section of his stand to sell her baked goods, but soon realizes it makes both of them feel awkward because deep down, they realize they have feelings for each other. When family and financial issues keep them from taking their friendship to a more peronsal relationship, they have to learn to trust in God and learn to lean on each other for support.
As problem after problem presents itself, will the two of them admit their love for each other and try to figure out that together they can overcome these problems or will they continue to keep each other at arms length and face the problems alone?

I could not put this book down because I was anxious to see what would happen next. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest opinion.

This is a unique and exceptional story by Rachel J. Good. The drama that unfold in the first chapter continues throughout the story. Fern, Gideon, Nick stands at the Farmer Market are generational family ones until the new owner decide to put them out of business. Gideon being a caring man and always looking out for others had a brilliant idea. The problem was the owner of the market was overbearing and outspoken only trying to pad his pockets until  Mrs. Vandenburg confronted him. The vandalism, drama, secrets discovered, jealousy and a budding romance in this tale I found myself unable to stop reading. There are several interwoven themes throughout the story that should inspire readers to be more caring, forgiving, see the best in others and offering hope and faith when life looks dark.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an early copy of this book without any obligation to write a positive review. I have expressed my own thoughts. I look forward to reading more books by Rachel J. Good in the future including the next one in this new series, Surprised by Love.

This certainly had a different setting from other Amish books I’ve read. The whole story mostly takes place in a seller’s market. Unscrupulous actions take place by the manager purely for profit. Several seller’s find themselves having up give up their stands that have been in their family’s for generations. At a loss for how they can keep up their finances to support their dependents leaves them in a quandary. As unexpected vandalism strikes there’s more mystery as to who was the culprit.
Gideon was a character that had my heart. He was too good to be true. He took so much on himself in secret that I wondered how he even kept his health. He had many debts, mostly from his deceased brother as did Fern trying to support her mom and dad in bad health as well as her brother on a mission trip. Their faith in God was refreshing even in the middle of such a mess.
This story had several different lessons intertwined among the pages that will speak to many that pick it up to read I’m sure. It did for me!
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through the author and Netgalley but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise. All opinions are my own.

A great beginning to a new series by this author, Surprised by Love.

Taking place in an Amish Flea Market, we meet some very interesting characters who lend friendship, generosity, family relationship problems, and mysterious actions. Each character comes alive causing the reader to want to not put down the book so as to find out how the actions all are resolved.

I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to other readers.

Thanks to Kensington Zebra and NetGalley for the advance copy. A review was not required.

I had so much fun with this story! I loved the characters and the journey they all went on together in the Farmer’s Market. This story has love, purpose, friends, family and second chances. God’s plan and purpose for their lives was also a very important theme in this story.

The characters made this story so great for me. I loved Gideon, Fern, Nick, Aidan and Mrs. Vandenburg. Mrs. V was so much fun and wonderful.

I enjoyed how everyone would come together as a team to help each other when they needed it. It made you think about what it means to be a true friend to someone.

The romance was sweet and clean. I loved the ending.♥️ But more than the romance - I loved the loyalty of the friendships between the characters.

Gideon’s story was powerful and he shows us what it looks like to be a Christian to others in need. No matter what you feel is impossible, God will make it possible. ♥️

Overall, great story - 4.5 stars!

I received this free advanced copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. Thank you for providing this copy for my review. I loved it and will recommend it to my friends to pick up!

What a wonderful start to a new series! This is a well written book that hooks you on the first page. It is a sweet Amish romance that has a touch of suspense. This book was a joy to read and I look forward to the next book in this series. Thank you Kensington Books - Zebra via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book All opinions expressed are my own.

An Unexpected Amish Proposal by Rachel J. Good is a 5-star book in her new series, Suprised by Love.

When there is an unexpected increase in the rent for their booths at the farmer's market, Fern and four other booth owners have no idea where to turn.

Thanks to the kindness of Gideon Hartzler, who offers to expand his business to include deserts, Fern is given a new place to set up her bake goods. Although it seems unlikely Gideon can date anytime in the near future, it is almost impossible for Gideon's interest in Fern not to grow.

This is an interesting, full of adventure, 5-star book that any Amish Fiction lover should read.

Thank you to Rachel Good and Kensington Books for giving me an ARC of this book through Netgalley. I was not required to give a positive review although, I could do nothing less.

Pre-order yours today. Release day is March 30.

A beginning of a new series - Surprised by Loved. I love the setting of a market place in an Amish community. The story is realistically shows the struggles and determination to do the right thing. Fern and Gideon's compassion for others and finding truth was commendable. I love the character Mrs. Vandenburg. Looking forward to the next in the series.

What a great Amish fiction by Rachel Good. This author never fails to please. Her sweet Amish stories takes you into a time where problems are taken to God in prayer, when people are forgiven and learn to love each other again, situations are overcome through hard work. It's nice to set down and read a book that makes you feel good and smile.

I received this book from NetGalley and this is my review of my arc copy.

This is an amazing start to Rachel J. Good’s new series, Surprised by Love. She is one of my favorite authors. I like how she gets you drawn into the character’s lives right away.
I loved Fern and Gideon! The story takes place in an indoor marketplace and their booths are near each other. They are sweet and likable characters, however their business choices leave a lot to be desired. I am looking forward to the other books in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Kensington Books through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

We don't always know why God allows things to happen but He always has a purpose.

Gideon and Fern have known each other since they were able to walk. Unbeknownst they do not know how the other feels. Growing up Amish and their families working at the same market stand, they saw each other frequently and have grown a fondness to each other but for different reasons have put a wall up on their true feelings. Gideon has put a weight on his shoulders since his brothers death. Gideon and his family are now supporting Nettie and their children. Gideon has even taken over the stand his brother Thomas was managing and now learning the debt his brother had accululmated.

Fern is following the steps of her grandmother who was a fine baker and selling at the stand. She had her own dreams of going into the mission field, however, with her brother's lack of faith, her family encouraged her brother Aaron to take her place into missions to strengthen his faith.

Fern and Gideon are now confronted with another faith issue when the stand they are operating puts a wrench in their way of life. Together they overcome the obstacles and with the help of friends discover each other all over again.

What I loved about their story is the relational aspect of friends and family. Gideon with his strong character of making things right. Fern trusting in helping Gideon no matter the cost. They both had lessons of faith to learn in integrity and where strength comes from.

A special thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review