I could not get into this book


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

I did care for this book. First time i read this author and was disappointed in the flow of the story.

I love stories that take place back when times were simpler. Magdalena is the daughter of a wealthy rancher. She has been in love with Toby since they were young. If only they could court and then live happily ever after. Toby would love to give Magdalena the life she deserves. But with family obligations, he cannot quite meet her father's expectations. When her father arranges a new match, Toby and Magdalena may not see there happy time. Will she go against her father's wishes and marry Toby? Or will Toby let her go? I love the characters in the story. Times may have been simple but sometimes family isn't. I look forward to another by Molly Jebber. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

What I think you should know:
Magdalena’s Choice is the fifth book in the Amish Charm Bakery series by Molly Jebber. While this book can be a standalone I recommend reading the previous books in the series so that you get the stories and back stories that build up to this book. The story is set in 1914 in an Ohio community where Amish families and English families still lived and worked in close proximity with each other. This book follows Magdalena and Toby who we have met in previous books.

What I think about this book:
Jebber once again whisked me away to 1914 Charm, Ohio, a community whose residents have captured my imagination. By the fifth book in a series I feel like I am dropping in on old friends and this book was no exception. Toby’s character captured me before Magdalena’s due to the sacrifices that he has made for his family. I was very excited to see him get his chance at a happy ending. I really appreciate the details that Jebber put into this book and the way that she used some of the supporting characters to show that even though the Amish strive to set themselves apart they still have many struggles that other Christian communities struggle with. This was a wonderful addition to the series, I look forward to reading more about this community in the future.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

This is book 5 of the Amish Charm Bakery Novel series, an Amish romance novel. Magdelena is smitten to Toby and has hopes that he and her will be husband and wife someday. Toby is not ready at this time in his life to propose, his family needs to be taken care, but he has hopes that they will be together soon. When Magdelena's father has another plan of a chosen husband for her, she is forced to make a difficult choice. Will she go against her father's wishes? Can Tony and her be together? What will she do? Can they keep their faith to God and their families?

If you like a fast light romance then this is a good afternoon read for you. It is the typical Amish read, with cozy reading. If you love Amish then this will keep you satisfied. You don't need to read the others in the series, as they can all be read as stand alones.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

Magdelena’s Choice is part of the Amish Charm Bakery Series that is written by Molly Jebber. I have read most of the series, but not all of the books. This book is set in 1914. I love how much detail the author puts into making her story as accurate as possible. I did not realize how common that arranged marriages for the Amish Community was back then. This story focuses on Magdelena. She comes from a wealthy family. She has a crush on Toby. However, Toby does not come from a wealthy family. Toby however is a very hard worker and wants to get his nerves together to ask for permission to court Magdelena. His dad has been sick, and he has been trying to make sure he has enough money to support her the way she is used to.

However, a new family moves to town. This family is more aligned with Magdelena's. By this I mean they are more well off then Toby and his family. Magdelena's family hits it off with the new family - and Magdelena is arranged to marry one of their sons. Magdelena does not want to do this - and wants to marry Toby. Her family will not hear of it.

What would happen if Magdelena and Toby defied what their family wanted. Will Magdelena's family shun her? Will they force her into a marriage she does not want to be in?

I love how the author brought these characters to life. I really felt like I was watching everything unfold. She always does such a great job with this. Her characters are well written, well developed. I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging Program, All thoughts are my own.

While reading MAGDELENA’S CHOICE I became emotionally invested in all of the characters. They are all flawed, real and lovable! Once I started reading, I was instantly hooked. I devoured every page and couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next. A couple of the characters drove me crazy but like Magdelena, I tried to see the best in all of them.


Magdelena has always been smitten with Toby. She comes from a well to do Amish family. Toby wants to make sure he has enough money and a house before he asks Magdelena’s father, Mark, for his permission to court her. Plus, his daed is sick and he must take care of his family. Mark doesn’t think Toby can provide for Magdelena and he is quickly in agreement on an arranged marriage for her with Zach. There is no way this can happen right? Do yourself a favor, grab this wonderful book, your favorite drink, and get on your couch and read it. MAGDELENA’S CHOICE is the perfect way to spend the day!


I quickly flew through MAGDELENA’S CHOCE and when I finished I found myself wanting more. I loved all of the characters and found myself wanting to travel to Charm, Ohio. The tender moments in the story really pull at the readers heart strings. MAGDELENA’S CHOICE is the fifth book in the Amish Charm Bakery series and takes place in 1914.


In MAGDELENA’S CHOICE I loved Toby and Magdelena, the primary characters, but also fell in love with all of the secondary characters as well. Every one of them has an important part to play in this heart warming story and even though I wanted to reach in and shake one or two of them every now and then, they all weaseled their way into my heart. My emotions were all over the place and I was even reaching for the tissues quite a few times. I would love to see this series continue for at least twenty more books. That’s how much I enjoy Molly Jebber’s writing! I can not wait to continue this beautiful series.

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

Great characters, a 'charming' setting, and strong Amish values are all parts of this latest book in the Amish Charm Bakery series. As we return to the gentle and peaceful Ohio community that we've come to love, it is 1914, and there's mention of the Great War that has just begun. In Charm, however, Magdelena Beachy is preparing for her own battle. She knows in her heart that Toby Schlabach is the perfect man for her, but her father has her future planned, and it doesn't include Toby!

Molly Jebber is an author who has a unique talent for drawing us in, and keeping us invested, in her stories of faith, hope, and family, but she also makes us think, and she sometimes changes our views. Magdelena's Choice offers the intriguing aspect of an Amish man who desires material possessions, and even values money, and this is an attribute that I don't usually connect with the Amish simple life. This book is a thought-provoking addition to this entertaining series, and there's an added bonus of three of Magdelena's recipes for us to enjoy. If you like historical fiction and Amish romance, you will definitely want to read Magdelina's Choice!

I received a digital copy of this book from the author via Celebrate Lit & NetGalley. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

Author Molly Jebber has written an outstanding Christian Amish historical romance with Magdelena’s Choice. This is Book 5 in her The Amish Charm Bakery series, but it can be read as a stand alone. It is so different from usual Amish stories. My interest was captured early, and I became invested in the story and characters.

Set in early 1900’s Charm, Ohio, this is Magdelena Beachy’s story. She is a lovely Amish girl, works in the bakery, and helps her family as all dutiful Amish daughters are taught to do. She and Toby Schlabach have had eyes for each other for a long time. She is from a wealthy Amish family but he is just an average guy. He wants to be able to support her before he proposes. Her father does not think Toby will ever be able to do that.

A new family moves into town. They have a lot of money and a son, Zach, that is interested in Magdelena. Her father seizes this opportunity to make some decisions that should be Magdelena’s.

The author has written a story full of timeless life lessons about greed, character, priorities, obedience, submission, love, hope, and trusting God. Characters are vibrant and come to life on the pages. It was easy to become engrossed in the story and be taken to Charm. I felt like I was there as I cheered in some places and shook my head in others.

I highly recommend this Amish novel. Any lover of Amish fiction will be delighted with it. Author Jebber writes realistic Amish books that are fascinating and this one is no exception. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

Book 5 of The Amish Charm Bakery series, "Magdelena’s Choice" by Molly Jebber is perfectly named. Set in 1914, Magdelena Beachy is the oldest daughter of a wealthy Amish rancher. She cares only for Toby Schlabach and hopes he will soon ask her daed‘s permission to court her. She is also best friends with Toby’s sister, Rachel. Both work at the bakery. Rachael & Toby’s family need the money Rachael makes; Magdelena works there because she loves to bake and be with her good friends. Magdelena has always acquiesced to what her parents wanted, even on the occasions she didn’t agree.

And now, as a reviewer, I must be careful not to share too much because this story is too good to have key parts given away too soon. A crucial and essential element to remember is the year is 1914 and the family is Amish.

Characters in “Magdelena’s Choice” are carefully built by the author. In addition to Magdelena, Toby and Rachael, lead characters are:

- Mark & Bernice Beachy, Magdelena’s parents. Mark loves his ranch and as an Amish man should not show pride. However, he is proud of his ranch and the money it generates. He is generous and loves his wife. Bernice is an Amish wife who never disputes her husband.
- Charity Beachy, their youngest daughter, who is a bit of a spitfire. She seems to get away with stuff that Magdelena would not. You’ll like her and her best friend, Peter.
Vernon & Eleanor Schlabach, Toby & Rachael’s parents. Vernon is quite ill and is beloved by his family & the Amish community.
- Aunt Gloria & Uncle Otis. Gloria is Mark’s sister and is close to Magdelena. They live in Mt. Hope.
- Abram & Annie Hook, new to the Charm Amish community. Annie is friendly; Abram is anything but. And he is secretive.
- Ethan & Ida Hilty and their son, Zach (same age group as Toby & Magdelena). The Hilty’s have just purchased a large farm.
- Liza, owner of the bakery, and her husband, Jacob. Peter is their son.
- Andrew, owner of the furniture store, where Toby works making furniture and a good friend of Toby’s.

Ever had a parent not listen to you? Refuse to believe the words you speak? What would cause an obedient young Amish woman to risk shunning? What exactly IS Abram hiding?

I had only read a novella by Molly Jebber before this book. Before I wrote this review, I marked follow (the author) on Amazon & Goodreads. I love an author who takes the time to build a story and the characters within. I have ‘want to read’ on the other books in this series. It is not necessary to have read the previous books to enjoy this one.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Kensington, via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Rating: 5 stars
Cover rating: Weak. Red is not used in Amish homes and the cover does not depict a bakery. The green walls do not feel right either. The cover does not look like a 1914 setting.
Expected publish date: January 25, 2022

#MagdelenasChoice #NetGalley #MollyJebber

Step back in time to 1914 with Magdelena’s Choice, book 5 in Molly Jebber’s Amish Charm Bakery series. It is a charming and inspirational book focusing on obedience, faith and love.

I liked the narrative, and it works well as a standalone as I didn't even notice at first it was part of a series.
Magdelena has a very difficult choice to make, a choice between following her parents and following her heart. However, being an Amish daughter, she doesn't have much of an option but to obey her parents.

Jebber presents Magdelena and Toby's struggles realistically, both because of their current life situations and because of Magdelena's parents' wishes.

Youngsters Charity Beachy and her best buddy, Peter, were a such delight to read about. I'd love to see more of them and their stories in the future, and perhaps even in their own story when they're older!

I received this book from Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. However, my review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.

Magdelena’s Choice by Molly Jebber is the fifth novel in the An Amish Charm Bakery series. Each book in An Amish Charm Bakery series can be read as a standalone. If you read them in order, it will allow you to become immersed in Charm and the lives of the ladies who work at the bakery. I thought Magdelena’s Choice contained good writing, and the story moved along at a steady pace. I like the characters in the story. I thought they were realistic, and their attitudes suited the time period. We get to meet Abram and Annie Hook who have just moved to Charm. Toby and Magdelena befriend the couple. We get to catch up with the characters from the other four novels in the series. I thought this was a clean, sweet Amish romance. I was not a fan of the repetition. Certain details are repeated over and over. I liked the issues raised in Magdelena’s Choice. Sometimes you need to be patient and wait for God’s timing. In the meantime, you must pray and continue to do good works. Charity Beachy was a delight. She is such a precocious child. She certainly knows who she wants to marry when she is old enough. I thought Charity and Peter were adorable together. I like how people supported Magdelena and Toby. It can be hard to be obedient when you want to follow your heart. The delicious items at the bakery will have your mouth watering. You will find yourself craving whoopie pies and snickerdoodles. Magdelena’s Choice is a charming Amish tale with scrumptious pastries, a clever and crafty Charity, an insistent suitor, a forceful father, compassionate mates, and a firm faith.

I am never disappointed with books by this author. I love her characters and how she brings them all in in each book. I do recommend reading this series in order so you get to know all the people that live in this area. This is an Amish romance that is set in 1914. I love that Magdelena and Toby want to honor their parents but they also want to honor how they feel. I love the inspiration that I feel after reading this story. There are lots of emotions happening in the story. I did not want to put this book down. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I love most any Amish story and this one was no exception. It did have a different storyline I’ve never read in any other Amish book. It is set in Charm Ohio, 1914. What a great name for a town!
Magdalena has lived a “charmed” life, excuse the pun. Her dad is a wealthy rancher and although she doesn’t need to work she enjoys her days spent baking and waiting on customers in the town’s bakery. Toby and Magdalena have been close friends since childhood. They both sense that one day they will marry. Toby has family responsibilities. His dad is sick and cannot work so he shoulders the care of his family and also tries to save as much as he can to one day propose to Magdalena.
A wrench is thrown into their plans when her dad announces an arranged marriage to a man she doesn’t even like.
I didn’t understand her dad’s insistence to the marriage knowing his daughter was opposed. It’s 1914 after all and it seems a little old fashioned to me for that time period. Her mother always sides with her husband because that’s what Amish women are supposed to do. The interesting part of the story to me is the lengths Magdalena and Toby take to oppose the arrangement. Will this cause a split in the family? Will Magdalena be banned? This is a must read for all lovers of Amish fiction!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit and Netgalley but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.

I was not a fan of this book, at first I liked it. However I felt like after something happens in Toby's life I found Magdelena become whinny and so selfish and self centered. I liked Toby overall he had a big heart and the relationship between him and Rachel was so sweet. I loved Charity and Peter as well they really did keep me reading till the end. Overall this is a clean read but this book was not for me.

Although I haven’t read the other books in this series I was still able to follow the storyline. In fact I wasn’t even aware that it was part of a series until I was finished the book. I am a huge fan of Amish centered books and this one did not disappoint. It held my interest and there were a few twists and surprises added in. I admired Magdelina and the courage that she walked in by following her heart and what she believed was God’s will for her life. In addition, I also became quite fond of Toby and was drawn to his integrity and the patience that he demonstrated. My rating is a 5/5 and would most definitely recommend it to others that enjoy Amish themed novels.

** I was given a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review and opinion.

Magdelena and Toby were in love in Amish country. However, 'class' distinction ideas overtook Magdelena's 'daed' in very un-Amish-like fashion. He felt 'poor' Toby was not fit for his more well-to-do family. The two love birds strove valiantly to overcome this obstacle of prejudice yet remain obedient to her parents' wishes while not being subservient to them and the boundaries the Amish faith placed upon them.

There is sadness and humor but will there also be victory? I do like how the pair gallantly honor God in how they give their expectations to Him and let Him decide the outcome in His good timing and way. Over all, this has been a very pleasing story for me to read.

Additionally, there are some yummy looking recipes for baked goods nestled at the end of the book. These were referred to in the story, from the bakery where Magadelena worked. I believe I'll give at least one of them a try.

~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~

December 2021

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

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Another great read from Molly. I am always warmed when I read her Amish stories. This one was no exception.

The characters are warm, caring people who go out of their way to help anyone in their community. Magdelina is strong, yet tender-hearted, and close to her parents. Her life is filled with turmoil when she is forced to choose to go against her parent's wishes to be with the man she loves. Is there an answer to keep within the roots of her Amish faith? There seems no way out.

Magdelena's Choice shows a time of struggle, misunderstanding, healing, and finding true love. There are some surprises at the end that I didn't see coming. This book is a wonderfully inspirational and heart-warming tale. I highly recommend it.

Welcome back to the Amish Charm Bakery!! Magdalena, along with her friends Liza, Rachel, Ellie, and Maryann are back! Magdalena loves Toby, but her father doesn’t think they would be a good match. Instead, he arranges a marriage with Zach, a newcomer. There is also a secondary story with new neighbors Annie and Abram Hook. I love how Molly Jebber weaves all of the characters together.
This is a sweet Amish fiction story. The middle grew a little repetitive, but love won in the end. I’m hoping that Rachel will get a story of her own next!!
This is the fifth book in the series. I highly recommend reading the books in order. You will see the relationships grow through the books. I want to thank the author, Zebra Publishers and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

"Magdelena's Choice" is Jebber's fifth book in the Amish Charm Bakery series, & I really enjoyed it. Hold on to your hat, because it's a real whirlwind of activity, and a pager turner, for sure!

Magdelena and Toby have liked each other for a long time. Could their fondness for each other turn into something more? But wait, a newcomer has come to town by the name of Zach, and he's VERY interested in Magdelena, as well as taking over her father's ranch someday. Both sets of parents agree that Zach is the best choice for Magdelena, despite her protests. Can anything be done to avoid this forced marriage and a life of misery for Magdealena? Amish fiction fans won't want to miss this wonderful story, and even more so if you've read the other books in this series.

An ARC of #Magdalen'sChoice was provided to me by #NetGalley==thank you! All opinions expressed are strictly my own.ice" is Jebber's fifth book in the Amish Charm Bakery series, & I really enjoyed it. Hold on to your hat, because it's a real whirlwind of activity, and a pager turner, for sure!

Magdelena and Toby have liked each other for a long time. Could their fondness for each other turn into something more? But wait, a newcomer has come to town by the name of Zach, and he's VERY interested in Magdelena, as well as taking over her father's ranch someday. Both sets of parents agree that Zach is the best choice for Magdelena, despite her protests. Can anything be done to avoid this forced marriage and a life of misery for Magdealena? Amish fiction fans won't want to miss this wonderful story, and even more so if you've read the other books in this series.

An ARC of #Magdalen'sChoice was provided to me by #NetGalley==thank you! All opinions expressed are strictly my own.

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