Well done characters, some really charming and sweet, some... not so sweet.
There's a great example of grace and forgiveness, as well as Romans 8:28.

There are parts that really tug at the heart strings, but they don't linger.

An Unexpected Amish Courtship by Rachel J. Good was a delightful, sweet book that drew me into the story from the very first pages. I was provided an advanced copy of the book by the publisher through NetGalley.com. As the book opens, we meet Sovilla and her domineering and overbearing onkel ( uncle). Sovilla’s widowed mamm ( mom) is forced by her unkind brother to sell her home, all of their possessions and move into his home. However, mamm secretly purchased a bus ticket sending Sovilla to live with her estranged sister, Wilma, to care for her as she awaits a hip operation. This is where the plot grows and we start to meet so many wonderful characters. Some of the wonderful characters are Issac, who struggles with lack of self confidence due to stuttering, but admires and then falls in love with Sovilla. Wilma, Sovilla’s cranky, bitter aunt that people in town avoid due to her unkind and nasty ways. There is the kind and generous Mrs. Vandenberg, the owner of the market and a guardian angel who helps sprinkle God’s grace and encouragement to everyone she knows. As we read Unexpected Amish Courtship, we seek clues to the reason why Wilma is so angry and the circumstances that she is unable to reconcile in her soul. When Wilma’s story is finally told, you will cheer with everyone as she finally gets the blessings due to her. God’s message of patience and love demonstrated in Sovilla reached out through the pages of the book to make me a more peaceful person. This the second of three books in a series, but this is a stand alone book. I will certainly be reading more of Rachel J. Good’s books. The stories of both Sovilla and Wilma are a journey of redemption, forgiveness and true love.

This is the second book of this series. I loved the Amish shops in the stories and how things revolve on their work and socialization there.
The main character, Sovilla finds herself being sent away by her mother to an aunt she didn't even know existed. This particular aunt is a struggle to live with and quite hard on Sovilla. They are several different story lines that all tie together as the book continues.

There are family secrets, family difficulties, drama and misunderstandings. There is romance and always the love and dependence on God to get through all of it.

I enjoyed this book very much. There were characters to love and those that you were very unlovable. The book was well written, and I look forward to the third book in the series.

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

"An Unexpected Amish Courtship" by Rachel J. Good
#2 Surprised by Love series
Release date: 7.27.2021

Sovilla Mast left her hometown to runaway from her first love. She moved in with her Aenti Wilma in Pennsylvania to assist her after her aunt' surgery. Much to Sovilla's surprise, her aunt left the faith and has no relationships with family, friends, or neighbors. Aenti Wilma is bitter.

Sovilla begins making homemade pet food and treats to sell at the farmer's market. She meets Isaac Lantz. He has a stuttering problem.

Isaac Lantz breaks Labrador Retrievers and raises puppies with the intention for service dogs. Sovilla and Isaac immediately get along. Isaac is looking for a new puppy raiser, and Sovilla volunteers!

Sovilla and Isaac's friendship grows, but Sovilla guards her heart. Isaac does not know how to gain Sovilla's trust. When Sovilla asks for Isacc's advice about her aunt, Isaac sees his chance to show Sovilla how much he truly cares.

I loved the first book in this series, and this one does not disappoint. Mrs. Vandenberg makes an appearance, and let's face it, who does not appreciate Mrs. Vanderberg's good nature and sharp tongue? What a sweet story.

Thank you, @netgalley, for the opportunity to read in exchange for my honest review.

#bookstagrammer #bookstagram #netgalley #netgalleyreads #netgalleybooks #amishfiction #anunexpectedamishcourtship #racheljgood #christianfiction #amishromance #surprisedbylove

I enjoyed this inspirational Amish story where we return to Pennsylvania and life around the local farmers' market. In this second of the series, we have Sovilla Mast's story. We met her briefly when she helped out at the Green Valley Farmers' Market for Fern as recommended by her aenti Wilma Mast who sells her pickles at the market. Wilma has to have hip replacement surgery and Sovilla is there to help her during her recovery and work at her market booth. She left behind her mamm and sisters as well as a boyfriend in Ohio so she doesn't want to be there with an unhappy and sour aenti she didn't know before her arrival. Her mamm sent her to keep her away from her tyrant onkel Lloyd. Local dog breeder Isaac Lantz was instantly attracted to Sovilla when he saw her at the market but with his stuttering problem he realizes he doesn't have a chance with her. Enter Mrs. Liesl Vandenberg, wealthy older owner of the market, servant of God and matchmaker. Mrs. V is wonderful in how she deals with Wilma, helps Sovilla with all she is going through, and even has advice for Isaac's problem. There is a mystery with why Wilma is so unhappy and it goes back to when she was a teenager. A trip back to Ohio brings resolution and a satisfying end to this story that re-enforces that God's plan is always better than ours and His grace is sufficient for us. Highly recommend this story for those who enjoy Amish fiction and stories of faith.
I received a complimentary ARC from Zebra, Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was good, but not amazing. I liked it, but I can't say that I loved it.

Sovilla is 19, has a steady beau, and lives with her mom and sisters. Until the day her Onkel Lloyd returns to their lives, drops a bombshell announcement, and her entire life is uprooted. She finds herself traveling farther than she has ever traveled before and living with an aenti she has never met before, which is undesirable but still doesn't sound too bad, right?

Except this aenti, whose nickname is Pickle Lady, immediately makes known her disdain for the Amish and is so bitter she’ll probably have the pickles she sells beaten in a Sour Competition. Do not fret though, because this market is where we’re introduced to shy Isaac. Let me rephrase that, shy Isaac who works with cute puppies. Cue ovary meltdown.

The story has a moderately slow burn romance and enough unanswered questions and mysteries to keep the reader turning the pages and saying “just 1 more chapter." Many times, I wanted to reach through my screen and give Sovilla, Isaac, and Pickle Lady (!) a hug. Even though Sovilla stays true to the common Amish trope of humbleness, she isn't a pushover and although Isaac struggles with self-worth issues, his quiet strength and determination complements Sovilla's character well.

Initially, I was going to pace myself with this story, but my intention to read 5 chapters a day flew out the window as soon as I finished the first chapter. By the time I finished the book a few hours later, it was already 3am.

Besides making me stay up way past my bedtime, this story has also made me buy the first book in the Surprised by Love series and after reading the synopsis of the third book that’ll be released in October, I already know I’ll be buying it when it comes out. If this isn’t a testament to the draw factor of An Unexpected Amish Courtship, I don’t know what else is.

Thanks, Kensington Books, for a free copy of An Unexpected Amish Courtship in exchange for an honest review.

A great book. I enjoyed all the various relationships and seeing old issues resolved through God and love. Everyone will love this book.

I would like to thank Netgalley, Kensington Books and Rachel J Good for an e arc copy of this book.
I really enjoyed being back in Valley Green. In this book we meet Solvilla. She has been living with her mother and sisters but a change in circumstances means that she goes across country to help her aunt out – an aunt she has never met. When she arrives, she realises that her aunt no longer lives an Amish life and that she is embittered. Solvilla tries to be kind to her but finds it very difficult. She misses her family and the Amish man she was seeing. Why didn’t her young man write to her in response to the letter her mother said she would deliver?
Solvilla works on her aunt’s stall at the Farmers Market and meets new people. She also catches the eye of Isaac. He is very shy and has an assistance dog. Her aunt is not happy with the growing friendship. Her aunt has to go into hospital and it is the day of the operation that her aunt let’s slip something about her past.
Solvilla confides in Isaac and the lady who owns the Farmers Market (with whom she has become friends and the lady has helped her) and the three of them try to help her aunt by finding someone.
I loved that the whole story was resolved and many questions were answered by the end of the book. I found it interesting that the author wrote some characters that you didn’t like and that didn’t embody what you think an Amish person would be like.
A great read and one that I would recommend.

This is the second and final book in the Surprised by Love mini series by Rachel J. Good. The main characters are Sovilla and Isaac. Sovilla has been sent to Pennsylvania to help her aunt who will soon be having hip replacement surgery, Upon her arrival, Sovilla discovers her aunt to be very cantankerous and to have left her Amish faith behind. While helping her aunt sell pickles at the farmer's market, she meets shy Isaac. Will their friendship grow to be something more? And what secrets is her aunt keeping about her past?

If you've read the first book in this series, or any other Rachel J. Good books, you won't want to miss this one! Love and forgiveness play a key role in this heart-warming, satisfying, read!

I was provided a free copy of this book by Net Galley. All opinions expressed are strictly my own.

#NetGalley #AnUnexpectedAmishCourtship

Loved this book! This was not your usual Amish love story. We meet Sovilla, who is sent to live with her aunt, Wilma. Wilma is also known as The Pickle Lady, which tells you about her personality. While in Pennsylvania, Sovilla meets Issac, a young man who stutters. I loved watching their story unfold. However, the spotlight of the book was Wilma’s story. Wilma is cranky to everyone, including sweet Sovilla. We learn why she acts the ways she does. This is a great book about love and forgiveness.
This is the second book in the Surprised by Love Series by Rachel J. Good. You don’t have to read the first book before this one, but I always recommend reading a series in order. Book three in the series is coming out in the fall!
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Kensington Books through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I loved how the secrets fell here, big time. So much pain and heartache, and why? Well, come along for a journey from Ohio to Pennsylvania, from one Amish Community to another. Why, the journey? Well, some people think they are living their faith, and make some sad decisions, will they repent? You will need to keep turning pages here for answers.

I did enjoy how the author wrapped this book up, how all the facts and answers are revealed, and how those involved are made known.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.

This is a well written book that holds your attention from the first page until the last. It's a very enjoyable read that shows how God can heal the pain from the past and change people from the inside with His love and grace. This is a book you don't want to miss. Thank you Kensington Books--Zebra via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own

The second in the Surprised by Love series features Lovilla, a young woman moving to Pennsylvania to help out her unknown aunt. As her story is told many secrets are exposed but through everything Lovilla remains faithful to God. Lovilla's aunt and uncle were truly despicable at times but the author did a great job showing that there is redemption for all who seek it. Loved Mrs. Vandenberg! Looking forward to the next story. Recommended.

An unexpected Amish courtship by Rachel J. Good is to be published, July 27, I was given an ARC by Kensington Books through Netgalley. All options are mine, and I was not required to give a positive.

Excellent book. Well written from the author Rachel Good. Rachel allows us to visit the Valley Green Farmer's Market through the eyes of Sovilla Mast an dog breeder Isaac Lantz .

Sovilla has come to town to help her aunt Wilma who is have hip replacement surgery. While here, she is to help Wilma run her pickle booth at the market and care for her aunt after her surgery. She had no romantic interest in Isaac although Isaac was certainly impressed with her. He began to stutters even more and is teased by his twin brother.

Forced to return home after her Aunt’s surgery, Sovilla is faced with a unexpected desire to return to Lancaste, but why?

As usual, Rachel tells a great story in an unexpected way. Order your 5-star copy today.

#AnUnexpectedAmishCourtship #NetGalley

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I really enjoyed this book and found myself unable to put it down. I was very glas that I had some extra time as I defintely read longer then planned and finished the book in one sitting. It moved along at a comfortable pace making for an extremely enjoyable book. You will love these characters and after a few pages you feel as though you have known them forever. This is a book that needs to be read. It has to be on your TBR list for the summer no doubt about it.

Sometimes the unexpected are the best surprises. Sovilla Mast and her family have hit hard times. Living under the rule of her overbearing uncle, Sovilla's mother sends Sovilla to live with her sister whom she has never heard of. She has a secret past and she is now English. Sovilla misses her mother and sisters but she knows that God has a purpose for her. Helping her aunt with her market booth among the Amish she meets Isaac Lantz. Isaac has a speech problem and is quite shy. He is a dog breeder for a assistance dogs that help adults with disabilities. I appreciated the work that goes into this type of dog breeder and it speaks against the prejudice of the Amish and puppy mills.

There are several threads going on with Sovilla's story. Her relationship with her aunt. Her aunt is not has bad as her uncle but there is a hurt that goes deep. She has never been married and does not trust many people including Sovilla. Sovilla not only has been sent to her aunt to escape her uncle but also to help her aunt when she goes into surgery. Sovilla with her kind spirit does not dwell on her aunts terrible behavior but wants to comfort her aunt so her heart will heal. With the help of elderly woman that is the tool God uses, Sovilla and Isaac overcome their fears and challenges with the spirit of love and kindness. It is a great reminder how love wins with a pure heart.

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

I enjoyed this book very much. Second in the Surprised by Love series it goes very well with the first book. (It can be a stand alone book too.) You will understand the character of the "Pickle Lady" more after reading the first book.
Sovilla is devastated when her Onkel Lloyd uproots her family and her mother sends her to help her Aunt Wilma to protect her from the man and her cousins. The young Amish woman is saddened by the drastic change in her life when she finds her aunt to be nearly as negative and mean as her brother Lloyd. Shocked that she dresses as a Mennonite but doesn't live the lifestyle and is negative toward God, Sovilla tries to do God's will.
Wilma is known as the "Pickle Lady" at the local market where Amish and "Englisch" sell their products. She is known to be as sour as some pickles. Sovilla accompanies her to the market where she is expected to work. Isaac, a shy man with an in-training guide dog, becomes completely enamored of her. His heart seeks the impossible.
I like how the story weaves around Isaac and Sovilla and the very sad story of Wilma's past. It really shows how one person can seem to destroy the lives of others for selfish reasons. We never truly know what has gone on in someone else's life.
Mrs. Vandenberg, a beloved character from the first book is back and adding her delightful abilities to help others in her service to the Lord.
I love it! I got my advanced reader's copy from the publisher and NetGalley and I thank them. This is my own personal opinion of the book. I can not wait for the next book in the series.

I really enjoyed An Unexpected Amish Courtship by Rachel J. Good. This is the second book in the series and I feel it's fine as, a stand alone but loved that it has continued characters from the first book. I loved Sovilla and Issac. I even liked the Pickle Lady and couldn't wait to see if she would be able to see her way to redemption. This is a clean Christian romance and more. It made me feel all the things. Thank you netgallwy for the complementary arc, the review is simply my opinion..

An Unexpected Amish Courtship is the second book in Rachel J. Good's series, Surprised by Love. I really enjoyed seeing the characters from the Green Valley Farmer’s Market and Auction in a different light. Old characters were noted, just as Sovilla was in book one.

After being sent to live with "The Pickle Lady", her aunt she never knew existed, Sovilla Mast soon discovers that there is a deep underlying hurt from her aunt's past that has altered her personaly. I loved to see Mrs. Vandenberg again and love how the sweet older lady is always willing to reach out and lend a hand to those in need, even if they don't realize they need her help.

I received a copy of this book from Zondervan Zebra publishers and NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.