The Teacher’s Christmas Secret was a sweet story that is part of a larger series following seven sisters. I have read the two books before this one and although I was happy to see all of the previous family members from the earlier books, I believe that you could jump into this novel and follow along just fine.

I didn’t connect with these two characters as much as I did with the two couples in the first books, however, I did like them and was interested in seeing how things would work out for them. When the story began, Tobit was viewed as grumpy and intimidating by most people in the community. He was fairly gruff and was good at keeping people at arm’s length. I liked the way Cora broke through those barriers and began to see that he had a good heart.

I also liked seeing Tobit begin to recognize his feelings for Cora. However, Tobit had some things hanging over him that he needed to deal with. Guilt from the past had followed him for years and it definitely impacted this story, as well.

I’m looking forward to the future books in this series, as each of the Koffman sisters find their own happily ever afters.

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

This was a fantastic inspirational holiday romance. I liked the plot and the characters were a lot of fun. Very much recommend this book.

Redemption is only true redemption if it's used for good in the world.

Cora Koffman always wanted to be teacher in her Amish community school. She applied for the teacher's job but was bypassed by a new member of the community Tobit Lapp. A widowed father who keeps to himself. However, when a terrible accident leaves him unable to teach, Cora is drawn to the board to apply for the temporary job. Cora attitude toward Tobit is complicated due to the fact he took the job of her dreams because of his sex, however, during her temp job she and Tobit begin to appreciate each other. A attraction comes about however when Tobit shares a secret of his past to Cora, it changes everything.

Cora learns learns grace and redemption is a blessing. Tobit learns that he must face his past so he can go forward with his future for himself and his son.

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

The Teacher’s Christmas Secret by Emma Miller is the next story about the Koffman sisters. This one is about Cora, who has always wanted to be a teacher. When the current teacher has an accident and can’t teach for two months, she agrees to step in and help However, he wants her to report to him, which she finds suffocating at first. But as they spend more time together, the two may discover a hope for the future. If only he didn’t have a secret that could ruin everything.
As always, Miller’s book is sweet and fun, an uplifting story with a good moral and truths about living a godly life. Definitely recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.

This is a Clean Amish Romance, and this is the third book in the Seven Amish Sisters series. I have read the second book in this series before picking up this book, but I think you can read this book as a standalone without any problems. This book is slow moving, and it goes over the same stuff over and over at times. I found this book to be ok. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

A heartwarming Christmas romance, with a full cast of wonderful characters.

Cora has dreamed of being a teacher for as long as she can remember, but the job is given to Tobit Lapp who is new to the community instead. But when he sustains an injury, she agrees to take over his teaching duties, but he is unwilling to let her take full control and insists on overseeing her work.

A enjoyable story with wonderful characters, great interaction and a believable plot. I really liked getting to know the other members of Cora's family, as well as seeing her big heart for others as she helps Tobit.

Well written and engaging, the perfect quick read for Christmastime!

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

The Teacher's Christmas Secret by Emma Miller is the 3rd book in the series Seven Amish Sisters. This book is a sweet and inspirational story about patience, forgiveness, and second chances.
Thank You to Net Galley for an ARC of this book.

Delightful inspirational Amish romance. Cora Koffman, one of seven sisters, has always wanted to be a school teacher. But men teachers are preferred in her community, so when she applied and was rejected for a newcomer in town, the hurt and anger ran deep. Enter Tobit Lapp and and his son Elijah. When Tobit is injured, Cora agrees to fill in and a rocky relationship transpires. Follow these two through ups and downs and when Tobit's secret is revealed, see how the Lord works all things for His glory.

Loved reading this novel, I would definitely recommend it, great writing style. Her books never disappoint!

Description:
Meet Tobit Lapp, a widower raising a son, hired as the schoolteacher and new to the community.
Meet Cora Koffman, who expected to be hired as the schoolteacher, and was very upset that she wasn’t.
But … she volunteers to teach for him when he falls off the windmill. So which has the secret? And could it really bring a halt to a possible romance between Tobit and Cora?

My review …
Emma Miller is a prolific author of Amish stories and an author I’ve read before. But sorry folks, this one was a disappointment, at least for this reader. The setting is current day but in an Old Order Amish community. The plot concerns a secret held by the teacher. The secret has a serious nature and will deeply affect the person who holds it and their family.

My rating is three (3) stars and occurred the INSTANT I read that an (old order) Amish woman enters her kitchen and flips on the light switch. I did finish the book but was alert for every other action by someone Old Order Amish that wasn’t believable. And, unfortunately, there were several.

The characters of Tobit and Cora are okay but I did not find them particularly engaging. Tobit holds himself aloof and separate from everyone but the passages that were meant to let the reader see the “real” Tobit just didn’t quite do that for me. Cora has a stubborn streak a mile wide and seems to hold onto an idea even if it’s wrong. I do not know what to suggest to make Cora more “likable”. I didn’t dislike her but I probably wouldn’t invite her for coffee (until the end of the book).

Again, I caution authors. Please do not “play” with common knowledge about the setting of your story. If your characters are in an Old Order Amish community *THEN* follow what the Old Order Amish use and do not use. If you want to deviate, you have that privilege as a writer but, for goodness sake, give your readers a clue that you are doing so in a Preface or Introduction.

I received a complimentary DRC (digital review copy) of “The Teacher’s Christmas Secret” via NetGalley from the publisher, HARLEQUIN – Romance (U.S. & Canada), Love Inspired. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Rating: 3 stars
Cover: Appropriate.
Pages: 203
#TheTeachersChristmasSecret #NetGalley #EmmaMiller

I really enjoyed this sweet story.
I finished this quick book in one evening it was so good.
I love the unusual name of Tobit. It most certainly is a bit different but I like it.
I like to think that God works in mysterious ways and places us where He wants us at the right time.
Cora is perfect example of where God wants her. Patience comes to those who wait I always say.
I love Cora's big family especially Charlie. He's what made me laugh sometimes.
In many ways I admired Eleanor. What a huge role to undertake! I think I'd go crazy!
I think of all the siblings in the family Henrietta is my favorite. A little on the tomboy side she can do most anything she sets her mind to. I won't say what it is. I don't want to give it away. I'll let you readers find out.
After reading this book I almost feel in a Christmasy mood. It is my favorite holiday and along comes with that is all of the tasty treats "sigh"
After all, Christmas is only 3 months away! Hard to believe isn't it?
5 stars for a job well done. I recommend this book.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own

The Teacher’s Secret is a well written romance. I throughly enjoyed the plot and character dynamics. I definitely recommend this book.

The Teacher's Christmas Secret by Emma Miller, book three in the Seven Amish Sisters series, is a sweet and inspirational story about patience, forgiveness, and second chances. Cora Koffman's life-long dream was to be a schoolteacher, rare in her Old Amish community. She tries not to feel anger toward Tobit Lapp, a newcomer, who was given the job at the local school. The widower and his twelve a year-old son Elijah basically stay to themselves until an accident changes things drastically. The grumpy headstrong man finds he has to accept help while he keeps his secret from those around him. Cora, unexpectedly, agrees to teach for him, while he is laid up, with everything she does needing his approval. Neither expected the sparks between them and of course, not everything will run smoothly; as there is definitely some heartbreak on the horizon. When the long held secrets and lies come to light, hopefully forgiveness will be granted.

Ms. Miller wrote a wonderfully sweet and moving story of love, patience, forgiveness, and second chances. It emphasized the impact and effect secrets have not only on the person carrying them, but also those around them. This inspiring and touching story will stay with you long after you finish reading it. I highly recommend The Teacher's Christmas Secret to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

The Teacher’s Christmas Secret has Cora and Tobit in for a bumpy ride. Cora Kauffman finally gets her chance to be a teacher. Unfortunately, Tobit Lapp, the current teacher, insists on Cora following his lesson plans and letting him grade the papers. The author has created great characters for this series. I enjoy spending time with them. The Kauffman family is always entertaining. I laughed often while reading the story. I like how faith was weaved into the story. We get to see that our timing is not always God’s timing, and that God answers our prayers just not in the way we expected. We also see that untruths and secrets have a way of being revealed despite our attempts to keep them buried in the past. The Teacher’s Christmas Secret is the third book in the Seven Amish Sisters series. It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading each book in this charming series. I am eager for Henry’s story. The Teacher’s Christmas Secret by Emma Miller is a cute story with teaching troubles, boisterous boys, sympathetic sisters, a surprising secret, a Christmas presentation, and a rocky romance.

The 3rd in the series, this sweet love story, set in an Amish town, unfolds between two unlikely people. A grumpy school teacher and the lady who wanted his job.
I had not read the first 2 in the series, but it isn't necessary to! This was sweet & Hallmarkesq. A perfect story for a cozy winter! Looking forward to reading the next in the series

Such a wonderful well written story of 2nd chances, patience and secrets. This book takes you on a journey of forgiveness and hope as well. It definitely kept my interest until the end. It will be published September 26,2023.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All words are my own.

Human nature being what it is Cora Koffman tries not to be upset and jealous when newcomer to their Honeycomb, Delaware Amish school Tobit Lapp gets the teaching job she has yearned for. Getting off on the wrong foot, anger clouds her judgement of widowed Tobit who has a young teenaged son.

When an accident proves disastrous to Tobit and leaves him unable to teach, he reluctantly lets her take his place while he recovers.

I’ve seen this in stories a lot recently, the grumpy and sunshine pair and it actually works in most books including this one.

Having never taught before Cora is nervous but excited about teaching and she excels at it. As she spends more time with him, he sees how smart she is and realizes some of her teaching ideas really are great and they implement them into the teaching program. I enjoyed reading about the Christmas program the teacher and children are putting together.

Cora and Tobit seem to be falling for each other and Cora looks forward to being courted by Tobit until an unbelievable secret comes to light. Will the romance be able to possibly be saved?

I’ve really enjoyed many books by this author in the past. The books feel realistic, and I love her writing style, it is realistic and encouraging. Though a short book the story feels complete and not rushed. I suggest you read the other books in the series though each story is a stand alone.

Pub Date: 26 Sep 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Cora Koffman and her six sisters look out for one another and their widowed father who has dementia. They run their Amish Country Store in Honeycomb, Delaware. Cora's life-long dream has been to be a schoolteacher, rare for her Old Amish community. She tries not to feel anger toward Tobit Lapp, a newcomer, who has been awarded the job at the local school. The widower and his twelve a year-old son Elijah stay pretty much to themselves until an accident changes things drastically. The grumpy headstrong man finds he has to accept help while he keeps his secret from those around him.
I received an advanced reader's copy of Emma Miller's new book from Harlequin Love Inspired through NetGalley and this is my own opinion of the story. It is truly an endearing story. I enjoyed it very much. The characters and storyline are interesting. Cora has to really exercise her faith and let her anger and hurt go when she settles in to help the injured teacher as a substitute in his place. The relationship that develops has a real feel in the writing. When the shocking secret comes out there is a test of love. I like how the author handled the situation. I can't say more as spoilers are no fun! This is one in a series, and I certainly will read more of the books.

Tobit Lapp lives with his son and teaches at the one-room school house. When he is injured, Tobit reluctantly agrees that Cora Koffman can teach the class; however, Tobit will still create the curriculum and grade the homework. Cora is still upset that Tobit was given the job over her, but she agrees to teach until Tobit is able to resume.

As they spend time together talking about the students and school, they begin to let down their guards and become friends. They may even begin seeing one another as more than friends. But, Tobit has a secret, and he must face this secret before Tobit and Cora can even begin thinking of courting.

This was a fast-paced read, and I enjoyed the story. It gave me the Christmas feels and focused on forgiveness and second-chances. It was a lovely story.

Thank you to @netgalley and @harlequinbooks for the opportunity to read in exchange for my honest opinion.

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*****I received this free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

When a new widower comes to town and takes over the job as teacher there are some upset feelings. However, when an accident causes him to be unable to teach it leads to some feelings of romance. However, the teacher has a secret that could change everything.

I really loved this book. Very likable characters and an enjoyable story.