Oh, how I love reading an ARC of Magdelena’s Choice by Molly Jebber. Magdelena’s Choice is the fifth book in her Amish Charm Bakery series, but can be read as a standalone easily. However, I recommend reading the entire series as the characters are realistic and wonderful caring friends to each other at the bake shop.

Magdelena Beachy was a daughter of a rich cattle farmer who’s dad was prideful and insisted on his way. Toby Schlabach and Magdelena had been friends and admired one another for several years. Toby’s family was hardworking but not as blessed as the Beachy’s family with wealth. His father was one of the gentlest, loving and compassionate individuals Magdelena had known even during his illness plus her best friend was Toby’s sister Rachel. Magdelena’s father did not approve of her desire to court Toby, thus he arranged a marriage with a newcomer Zach, who’s family had wealth. But what extreme action will Magdelena take to be rid of Zach who was prideful, arrogant and only wanted her father’s cattle ranch? Magdelena and Toby knew in their hearts they were meant for each other and their compassion for others shined brightly for others even when they were told to stay apart.

Thank you to Netgalley, Kensington Publishers, and the author for an opportunity to read an ARC of this magnificent book without any obligation to write a review. I have shared my own thoughts and look forward to the next book in this series by Molly Jebber.

Magdelena Beachy loves Toby Schlabach, but her wealthy father arranges a marriage to Zach, who is more like the son he never had. Aren’t wealthy Amish an oxymoron? Her snobby parents are so frustrating, caring more about their reputations and control over her. She and Toby are admirable for not wanting to cross the cardinal Amish line of obeying parents. Toby’s questionable friend Abram turns out to be an unlikely hero. Her aunt and uncle in Mt. Hope are rays of hope in a stressful situation.
I had a hard time getting into the story. Too much repetition of how he’s the man for her, he can’t court her until he boosts his savings. Then suddenly, her parents are best friends with Zach’s, seemingly out of the blue.
This is a historical, set around the time of World War I, but with the Amish lifestyle, it’s hard to tell. Only the sheriff and the doctor reading the newspaper at the bakery where Magdelena works it clear. This is the fifth book in a series. References to friends would make more sense if I’d read the earlier books. Use of Amish words like kinner, haus, and danki make sense, but the words kumme and kumming do not, especially when included in the Englischer doctor’s dialogue. It’s frustrating to have random words in a foreign spelling.

This story takes place in the year of 1914. Things were quite different then and arranged marriages were not uncommon especially among the Amish people. Magdelena Beachy had a crush on Toby Schlabach for quite a while. Toby didn’t ask her father if he could court Magdelena because she came from a wealthy Amish family and his family was poor. Tony was a hard worker and talented at making furniture. As time passed Tony decided to ask Mark Beachy for his permission to court Magdelena.
A new family had moved to Charm Ohio and had bought a pig farm near the Beachy’s ranch. They were also a wealthy family and had a son about Magdelena’s age. The two families soon became the best of friends and their son Sach set his mind on courting Magdelena. When Toby approached Mark Beachy to ask permission to court Magdelena it was already too late. Sach had already asked Mark and had received his blessings and permission to court his daughter and eventually marry her. Magdelena wanted to have a choice in who she would marry but her mother and father thought Sach would be able to support her in the manner that she was accustomed to. Toby and Magdelena loved each other but Mark and Bernice refused to let their daughter marry the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. Zach refused to step back in respect of Magdelena’s feelings. She was being forced to marry a man she didn’t have any feelings for and there didn’t seem to be a thing that she and Toby could do about this arranged marriage her parents wanted for her.
This book completely swept me in from the beginning. The characters just seemed to walk off the page and made the story seem so real. Molly Jebbers books get better and better and this one was definitely her best . I didn’t want to put the book down. It was a page turner and a very enjoyable read.
I recommend Magdelena’s Choice to readers of historical romance and Amish fiction. It’s part of a series and can be read as a stand alone however since the characters are bought over from other books I would recommend that the books be read in order.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Magdelena's Choice is the fifth installment from Molly Jebber's Amish Charm Bakery series. This Amish historical takes a reader back in time to 1914 Ohio. I enjoyed this story and thought it was a pretty good read. I instantly felt connected to Magdelena from page one. I wanted to root for her and was hoping all would end well for her. I just had to find out what would happen with her and Toby next.

I am giving Magdelena's Choice four and a half stars. I look forward for more upcoming releases by Molly Jebber in the future. I highly recommend this one for those who enjoy a good, well written, sweet and clean Amish story.

I received a paperback copy of Magdelena's Choice from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Magdelena's story is full of family drama and emotions. It will keep you turning the pages to see if Magdelena follows her heart or if she does what her parents wants her to do. I really enjoyed this book.
I received a complimentary copy from Kensington Books, Zebra via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

"Magdelena's Choice" by Molly Jebber
Release Date: 1.25.2022

Magdelena Beachy enjoys working her job at the Amish Charm Bakery. She does not need the job but likes interacting with the customers. She listens to her parents and trusts their wisdom. She'd be so happy if Toby Schlabach would notice her!

Toby works hard. With Toby's father sick and his mother and sister depending on him, Toby cannot court Magdelena, even though he wants to. Magdelena's family arranges a marriage with someone other than Toby.

Magdelena knows what her heart wants, and it is Toby. Her family does not believe Toby is good enough for Magdelena. Magdelena must make a drastic decision to determine if her happiness is more important than her loyalty to her family.

This book can be easily be read alone, even though it is the fifth in the series. Magdelena is a strong protagonist, and the story is sweet.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read in exchange for my honest review.

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2.5 stars
Magdelena's Choice
by Molly Jebber
I would have loved this book had it not been marketed as Amish historical fiction. This is not a bad book, it is just not historically accurate or accurate of what Amish life would have been like 100 years ago. I enjoyed the story, but this was not “Amish” in the sense that most Amish readers think of; for example, take out the Amish words and buggies and you have a typical romance with interfering parents.
The emphasis on money by an Amish man is not realistic. One last thing, the book is far too long, as it spends far too much time setting up the next book in the series.
I do not believe I will read anymore by this author.



I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.

Love the town of Charm and the bakery which seems to be the heart of the town. Magdelena has been the dutiful daughter all her life until now. Her father is determined to arrange a profitable marriage but she's in love with another man. Faith, prayer and God's timing resonates in this heartfelt story.

Molly Jebber is another new-to-me author. While this is the fifth book in the series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone novel. I have not read any other books in the series, and I do not feel like I missed anything.

Magdalena (title says Magdalena/story says Magdalena so I am going with the cover just for consistency's sake) is a strong female protagonist, especially given the time period. I like that she stood for her convictions even when it caused division. She knew what God wanted from her and refused to stray from that path.

Toby was also a sweet character who loved and respected Magdalena. He wanted her input and didn't believe that men had the final say, he wanted to discuss things with her, which was also unusual for the time period.

While this is a sweet story it was very slow. There really was not much to keep the story moving at a steady pace. I struggled to complete it simply because it was predictable and I knew what was eventually going to happen.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

Magdelena loves Toby and they plan to wed one day but he needs everything to be perfect before he asks her dad to court her. When newcomer Zach befriends her dad and asks to court her will it be too late for Toby? A true test of a daughters love for her parents and her faith in God.

This is my first book by Molly Jebber and I must say I was entirely engrossed in the story.

Magdelena's Choice follows brave Magdelena who is in love with Toby but her parent's don't approve . Her parents favor Zach who seems to be well suited financially for Magdelena who find him infuriating and has no interest in being with him. This book was mostly about family, choice, marriage and bravery and how far the human spirit will fight for the one it loves. Not only did I find the book's setting interesting but rather the plot was well developed.

I received a complimentary from Kensington Books and NetGalley and thus all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Magdelena always considered her parents wishes. She trusted her parents judgments and valued their wisdom. Magdelena had developed strong feelings for Toby. She has known Toby all her young life. She has seen what he has done for his family. He works hard and considers others before himself. Toby has always been careful with every decision he has made and he wants to be sure that he will be able to care for Magdelena when he is ready to court her. Magdelena's family has a very successful cattle farm. Her family wants the best for Magdelena and Toby is not it.

Her father has a different choice for Magdelena and Magdelena see's Toby has her only choice. There is a real struggle in this Amish family that focuses on pride, trust and faith. To weed thru these emotions and what is right, Magdelena has to make a drastic choice for her family and the man she loves.

I really appreciated the struggle of faith and having a voice in your faith. To be heard in families is not always easy but when done, it brings a redemption that reaps rewards.

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

Magdalena’s Choice by Molly Jeber is set in 1914 in the quaint town of Charm, Ohio. Magdelena is from a wealthy Amish family. Toby Schlabach grew up in a poor family but is working hard to save money so he may ask Magdalena’s daed for his blessing to court her. However, her daed has another suitor in mind. She does not want an arranged marriage. She wants to marry Toby, the man she loves; but can she go against her family’s wishes? This is a story of faith, love, and patience to give God an opportunity to guide Magdalena and Toby in the life He chooses for them. Will it be marriage to each other or will Magdelena abide by her daed’s wishes? This is a nice romance and a quick read

Magdelena is the daughter of a wealthy rancher who wants her to marry a man that can provide for her in the way he has throughout her life. Magdelena's beau is not in her father's plan for her. But Magdelena is determined to be with Toby, until her father arranges a match for her that fits his plans for her. This story takes place in 1914.
This is a really engaging story and I was caught up in it right away. What is Magdelena going to do, follow her heart or her father's choice for her? Going against her father, will cause her serious consequences and she needs to choose. Either way, there are things to lose.

Toby is working hard to find favor with Magdelena's father, but is it enough? I have not read the earlier books in the series, but felt that it was fine as a stand-alone, also. But that said, I wouldn't mind reading the previous books, if they are as enjoyable as this one.

I received a complimentary ebook from the author and NetGalley and was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Charming Story

Magdelena's Choice is a charming story of love, forgiveness, God's will, and even a bit of intrigue. Magdelena Beachy and Toby Schlabach love each other, but there are situations beyond their control and people with different ideas of who Magdelena should be with. As a result, these situations and people are creating bumps in the road for Magdelena and Toby, thus making their journey a very painful. one. So many times I just felt great sad for them, but their relationship was so sweet and caring that other times I found myself smiling, rooting for them and cheering them on. It was an emotional roller coaster for sure, but that's part of what made it a very delightful and charming story. I recommend you read it for yourself. You won't be disappointed.

**I received a copy of the book from Kensington Books, via NetGalley. All opinions and comments are strictly my own.

A charming story for fans of Amish fiction and sweet romances. There were a few lulls, but it balanced out in the end. Jeber creates realistic characters, and it was nice to return to them, like visiting with old friends. Forgiveness, patience, and faith are key themes.

January 25, 2022, will bring a brand new book. Magdelena's Choice, by Molly Jebber. Thank you Kensington Books, Zebra for allowing me to read an ARC of this wonderful story.

Molly brings us another story in The Amish Charm Bakery series with Magdelena Beachy and Toby Schlabach as the love interests in the story. Magdelena is the daughter of a rich Amish rancher and Toby is a hardworking fellow with a talent to build beautiful furniture and has a kind heart with strong Amish values. All this does not seem to be enough for Magdelena's father who has a strong desire for his daughter to marry someone who can give her the future he wants for her and feels she deserves.

How can Magdelena and Toby begin courting when her father is determined to arrange a match with someone else? Will she risk family, friends, and shunning in order to have Toby.

A different story that will hold your interest from the beginning to a surprise ending.

Pre-order your 5-star copy today. Opinions are my own, and I was not required to give a positive review.

Book five in the Amish Charm Bakery series can be read as a standalone but it will be richer if you have read the others. Charm is a wonderful, warm village with wonderful, warm people. At least most of them are. I’d love to visit the bakery! Author Molly Jebber describes it so well that it must be real.

Characters Magdelena and Toby are not only interesting, but they seem real in a 1914 way. Magdalena is looking not only for something constructive to do with her time, but of course she's also looking for that special someone. Toby may be that person but he can’t offer her what she’s used to in material wealth so her daed match makes without considering Magdelena’s desires. I found myself getting really upset with him. Why would a loving father do that? Why does he think he knows better? Oh my ire was up. I had to keep reading to find out what happened!

If you enjoy Amish fiction then you must read Magdelena’s Choice and see if it’s truly her choice.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

A sweet, clean story of Magdelena, who is deeply in love with Toby, even though his family is not as financially stable as hers. He works hard and looks forward to the day he is financially able to court her properly. Unfortunately, a new family moves in, and befriends Magdelena's family. Their son Zach set his sites on Magdelena. Both her family and his arrange a marriage between them, regardless of what she wants. They mostly ignore everything she has to say about it, until she has had enough and she leaves the area altogether. Soon they realize she really does love Toby, and it takes a neighbor's interference to change their minds before they will accept Toby. Great story I enjoyed!

This book deserves 10 stars!!! Molly Jebber did a wonderful job with this book. The story was well-written with plenty of suspense. I could not put the book down.

Magdelena loves her beloved Toby, but her parents reject him because of his financial position. They try to force Zach, a newcomer who shows a great love for her father's business, to marry Magdelena. Zach is overbearing and arrogant and demands Magdelena marry him. Who will yield? Will Magdelena's parents accept Toby? Or will Magdelena be forced into a loveless marriage?

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