This is the fifth book in The heart of the amish series. I've enjoyed this book. Mary was injured as a child in a buggy accident and has to use crutches to walk. She happily lives in the Dawdi House beside her parents. She stays busy with her work and is happy with her life, she would like to marry one day but doesn't know if that would ever happen. She meets the new doctor in town and they hit it off and become friends. Mary wishes it could be more, but he is Mennonite and she has been baptized into the amish church, but Mary knows if it's God's will it can happen. I'm glad to be given this book by Netgalley to read I wasn't required to leave a review.. It was a good book and I enjoyed it.,

I read Amish books for the sweet innocence and clean lives they lead, not the backbiting nastiness of gossipers.
I was about 40@% in when they couldn't take it anymore. Dnf
1 star

I can't say enough great things about this story and its characters. Mary's Calico Hope is a true page turner.

Love, friendship, nosey neighbors and best of all cats, what more could you ask for?

Just when you think there is no way around what seems like an impossibility, something changes and all is right with the world.

Highly recommend

Amish fiction readers will enjoy this latest book in the Heart of Amish Country series. Mary Yoder and her disability is focused in this heartwarming story. When Dr. King, a Mennonite moves near Mary, she has to make a choice to overcome her fears to have the surgery to walk without pain and crutches. Mary's and Reuben's obvious attraction to each other provides another dilemma. The solution to that dilemma was quite the surprise. Enjoyable! Recommended.

Mary's Calico Hope is the first book I've read by author, Anne Blackburne and I enjoyed it. This engaging Amish romance kept my interest throughout, wondering how the romance was ever going to work out. Several action scenes moved the story quickly along. The emotions and reactions of the characters were portrayed well, especially as Mary, who'd been crippled in a childhood accident, contemplates another potentially unsuccessful surgery. I liked how Mary's parents and friends were supportive and gave wise advice. And a story is always a little better with a gossipy personality in the mix and this community's busy body does not disappoint. Readers who enjoy Amish romance stories will want to be sure to read Mary's Calico Hope. Thank you to NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. I also listened to a library copy of the audiobook and Rebecca Gallagher did a good job narrating Mary and Reuben's story. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions are my own.

Mary's Calico Hope by Anne Blackburne is the fifth book in the Heart of the Amish series. Mary Yoder is content with her life, mostly, despite having to use crutches and having daily pain as a result of a buggy accident at a young age. Entering the scene is Reuben King, a Mennonite medical doctor. There is instant attraction between the two of them. But what hope is there for them to have a lifetime together when Mary is a baptized member of the Amish faith and Reuben is Mennonite? And if Mary has another surgery using new technology on her spine to possibly help her walk better and have less pain, will it really work? Read this engaging story to find the answers.

I really enjoyed this story with its surprise ending. It is connected with "Ruth's Gingersnap Surprise", which I'd recommend reading first.

Thanks to #BarbourFiction and #NetGalley for an advanced epub of this book.

All opinions expressed herein are strictly my own.

#MarysCalicoHope #NetGalley

Mary’s Calico Hope by Anne Blackburne is a warm-hearted tale. Mary Yoder is a special woman. She creates lovely baskets as well raising specialty roosters whose feathers she uses to make unique fishing lures (which fetch a pretty penny). Reuben King is well meaning and determined. He manages to put his foot in his mouth up past his ankle with Mary. It will take fancy footwork to get back on Mary’s good side. I enjoyed reading Mary’s Calico Hope. I liked most of the characters. Mary has caring, loving parents (their fussing may aggravate Mary at times, but they do it out of love). There was a busybody who loved to stick her nose in where it did not belong, spread gossip, and tattle to the bishop. I liked how it was a close community. Faith is beautifully woven throughout the story. The power of prayer, God’s guidance, faith, and trusting in God are a few of the main themes. I know from experience that it is hard to turn our worries over to God and surrender to His plan. I liked catching up with Lydia. Mary’s Calico Hope is the fifth book in The Heart of the Amish series. It can be read as a standalone for those who are new to the series or who may have missed a book. The ending was heartwarming and left me smiling. Mary’s Calico Hope is a special Amish story about resilience, love, faith, and community.

This was the sweetest story! Mary is Amish , and unmarried but has created a wonderful business for herself and has decided she will likely stay unmarried. She has to use crutches and is in lots of pain due to an injury that occurred as a child. She meets the newest doctor in their community. He is single, but Mennonite and of course can not marry an Amish woman. Reuben takes an interest in Mary, first for the woman she is, second because he wants to help her regain her mobility. But the longer they work together to get her approved and ready for surgery...the more they realize they are drawn to each other. BUT if they explored a relationship, he would have to stop being a doctor OR she would have to be banned... neither is a solution they can explore. The more time they spend together, the more the community starts to gossip, and require them to distance themselves.

How sad it is to find love, but can't explore it. Can they find a solution?! Is there any way they can be together?!

Sweet, sweet story. The only reason I gave 4/5 was because at times it was a bit too informational and a slow moving story, too slow at times for me. But all in all, it's a story I could read over and over it was THAT good.

Mary's Calico Hope by Anne Blackburne, book five in the Heart of the Amish series, is full of faith, hope, supportive friends, and romance. Mary Yoder was badly injured in a buggy accident as a child; enduring numerous surgeries on her legs and spine. She continues to lives with the pain and uses crutches to walk. When the new doctor, Rueben King makes a wrong turn and ends up at the Yoder house asking for directions the two meet; it is the beginning of a friendship. Dr. Reuben King, a Mennonite, comes to town, taking over the practice of Doc Smith. After a wrong turn, he meets Mary and her mother; and is a bit smitten with Mary. Reuben is well-meaning and after doing some research, he finds a new procedure that is available that would help her mobility and pain. He presents it to Mary, who is hesitant since the last two surgeries she had did not help at all.

A deep friendship develops between them, but they know there cannot be anything between them since Mary is Amish and Reuben is Mennonite. Rueben was actually raised in an Amish household. His passion and drive to become a doctor clashed with some Amish beliefs, forcing him to become a Mennonite; though he was not baptized in either church. If G-d wills, plays into the decisions Mary must make for further surgery, and Reuben has to make if he wants to return to the Amish upbringing he had grown up with but would require him to give up being a doctor. It seems impossible that they can have a future together with so many obstacles, including a busy body lady in the community who runs to the bishop trying to ruin the reputation of both Mary and Reuben. Many prayers are raised to G-d to see what his will is concerning these parts of their lives. Fortunately, the Bishop is aware of a solution to their struggles and shares with them the good news, as well as set a town gossip straight.

What a beautiful story of a couple who has to overcome great odds in their own lives before finding a way to be together. When it seems impossible they turn to prayer, G-d’s will to guide them. The phrase “G-d’s will”, a phrase seen throughout this book, centers on faith, hope, healing, doubt, fear and romance, and plays a major part of this story.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#NetGalley #Barbour

5 stars, Especially Drawn to This Book

MARY'S CALICO HOPE (HEART OF THE AMISH SERIES BOOK 5)
by Anne Blackburne

Mary despairs of ever finding someone to love and marry and have a family with. She was injured as a child, in a buggy accident and will always have to use crutches, her father also perished in the same buggy accident.

Mary's friend Lydia Coblentz had the last batch of kittens from her beloved cat. She gifts them to local Amish girls who need someone to love. Mary names her calico kitten Hope, Like Mary, Hope has a disability. Mary and Hope get along quite well.

Mary has a full life, living in the Dawdi Haus on her parent's farm. She has a job weaving baskets and also raises beautiful roosters to make trout lures from their feathers.

Mary meets Rueben King, who is a Mennonite doctor. He believes he can help Mary to be in less pain daily and have better mobility. Mary is scared of having another surgery on her back. She has had so many already. They are falling for each other, but Mary doesn't see how they could ever be together, since Rueben is a Mennonite and she has been baptized into the Amish faith.

I felt especially drawn to Mary and Hope's story, since I too have a spinal injury. I'm sure Mary has a much more productive life with her injury, than I will ever have. Her injury happened when she was a girl, so she has grown up with it. My accident happened as an adult and I've had to learn to deal with my limitations.

I like the insertions of Pennsylvania Dutch language that are in this series of books. It makes me feel as if I am learning a second language as I read them. I highly recommend these books.

I received a complimentary copy of #MarysCalicoHope from #BarbourFiction #BarbourBooks #BarbourPublishing #AnneBlackburne I was under no obligation to post a review.

#HeartOfTheAmishSeries #AmishFiction #Cats #DisabledWoman #NetGalley #InspyFiction #ChristianFiction #Inspirational #blessings #hope #strongfemaleprotagonist #standalonebook

Mary’s Calico Hope, the fifth book in the multi-author The Heart of the Amish series, is a heartwarming story of courage, love, faith, and hope. I love this story that centers around Mary Yoder, a young Amish woman, and Reuben King, a young Mennonite doctor. The two are immediately attracted to each other, but the development of their relationship faces what seem to be insurmountable obstacles. The well-written story drew me in from the beginning and kept me absorbed all the way to the end. Richly drawn, true-to-life characters drive the story. The author effectively conveys the emotions of her characters making them come alive and easy to root for, and she paints a realistic picture of the Amish lifestyle. Faith flows naturally throughout the story with reminders of seeking and accepting God’s will. I highly recommend this book especially for fans of Amish romance. Note: Even though it is part of a series, this book can easily be read as a standalone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This Amish romance book was a sweet story with life lessons about not losing hope and trusting God. Mary has been unable to walk normally since an accident at a very young age and must use crutches to get around. Over the years she has learned (or imagined) that there are many things she can't do because of her disability. One of the things she believes will never happen to her is to fall in love and be married. She contents herself with her home life, her family and her chickens but still feels as if something may be missing from her life.
Reuben, raised as Amish, did not baptize into the Amish faith in order to accomplish his dream of becoming a doctor, When he meets Mary he finds her attractive and interesting, but also wonders if there is anything he can suggest as a medical professional to allow her to walk easier and free her from constant pain.
As Mary and Reuben explore the medical options available to her, they become even more attracted to one another, though they realize they can never pursue a relationship because of their faith differences. In order to be together either Reuben would have to give up being a doctor or Mary would open herself to being shunned by her Amish community. But the attraction grows and develops into a love they can't deny but also cannot allow themselves to feel.
Will a surgery help Mary overcome her disability? Will Reuben risk his career for the woman he has come to love? Will the community gossip about them harm any chance of a friendship between them? They are continually reminded to not lose hope by the sight of Mary's cat with the same name. Hope is what Reuben and Mary cling to in the midst of their difficulties.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

This book was so amazing. I loved Mary's determination after all she has been through and deals with each day. She never gives up and is uncertain when offered a chance to change her life. Reuben's character shows that not all doctors are bad and that he is not looking out for himself but trying to help Mary. God teaches them both to have faith and patience.

Mary's legs & back were injured in a buggy accident when Mary was very small. As an adult, she struggles with mobility but does quite well with her independent nature. Reuben King is the new Dr., who is an attractive & single Mennonite. Dr. King brings new info involving a surgical procedure that may help reduce Mary's mobility & pain issues, but she struggles with the thought of another surgery & therapy. Wagging tongues bring unwanted attention to Mary & Reuben from the Bishop. Can their faith survive without compromising their ethics? Mary's Calico Hope by Anne Blackburne is Book 5 of The Heart of the Amish series & is a very endearing read. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Barbour Publishing & was under no obligation to post a review.

Mary’s Calico Hope by Anne Blackburne
Mary Yoder Is Content Despite Challenges Thrown Her Way
Full of faith, hope, and romance, this new series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.
If God wills it, Mary Yoder will do it, even if that means using crutches for the rest of her life. She was badly injured in a buggy accident as a child. Still, she is content living in the Dawdi Haus connected to her parents' farmhouse and with her work weaving baskets and raising specialty roosters whose feathers she uses to make excellent trout lures. She is truly happy at twenty-nine, but. . .she wouldn't mind finding a husband--if the Lord wills it. Along comes Reuben King, a Mennonite doctor. They are attracted to one another, but how could they ever be together? She's a baptized Amish woman, so it seems impossible. Also, he wants her to have surgery to improve her mobility and lessen her day-to-day pain. She's sick and tired of surgeries! But if God wills it, she'll do it. And just maybe there will be a way for these two unlikely souls to connect.
This is Mary Yoder and Reuben King's story.
Careful, Hope, I’ll squish you if you don’t watch out.” Mary Yoder was careful not to set one of her crutches down on the half-grown calico kitten presently making a nuisance of itself by winding around her legs.
“Ach! That cat is going to make you fall, Mary!”
“Maem, don’t worry. I’m fine.” The petite blond woman smiled fondly at her mother as she did her best to avoid the adolescent feline.
“You know I can’t help worrying about you, Mary. I’m sure Hope is a very gut cat, but a fall could really hurt you.”
A firm knock on the kitchen door interrupted and caused Hope to leap to the floor to investigate.
She could make out the shape of a broad-shouldered man through the cream curtains hanging over the window in the door, but that was all.
“Good morning, ma’am. I’m sorry to intrude, but I seem to have gotten turned around, and I’m lost. Can you please tell me where the Hostetler farm is?”
“Thanks. Oh, and my name is Reuben King. Please excuse me for not mentioning it before.”
Edie looked closely at the clean-cut young man. “King, you say? You wouldn’t be the new dokder, would you? Took over from old Doc Smith over in Willow Creek?”
“Yep, that’s me, Mrs …?”
“Ach! My manners. I’m Edie Yoder, and this is my daughter, Mary,” she said, standing aside and gesturing into the kitchen.
I recommend this book.
Mary’s Calico Hope by Anne Blackburne is a 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Anne Blackburne .
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
The Heart of the Amish Series Also Includes:
The Flower Quilter by Mindy Steele
Ruth's Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne
The Quilt Room Secret by Lisa Jones Baker
Courting the Amish Bishop by Mindy Steele

This is a really good story about Mary and Reuben. Mary was in a serious accident when she was 3 that killed her father and left her on crutches.She has has a many surgeries over the years to improve her walking and lessen her pain. Reuben is former Amish who changed to Mennonite so he could pursue higher education and become a doctor. He moves to Mary's community. He wants to help Mary by suggesting a new surgery that might improve her quality of life. They become friends and grow closer as time goes on. However, their differences in their faith prevents them from moving forward. Until Mary's bishop comes up with a possible solution. This book is about faith, love, family and second chances. I highly recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

A sweet book for readers of fiction about the Amish/Mennonite community. Enjoyed the characters and hope for a sequel.

When romance comes knocking on Mary Yoder’s door it isn’t without challenges. Mary is a beautiful young single Amish lady with a disability. She really hasn’t given much thought to romance or marriage in her life because of her limitations. When Doctor King steps into her life they become good friends but soon they are smitten with one another. This can’t become a relationship because Mary is a baptized member of the Amish faith and Reuben is English and worldly. If God didn’t want them to be together why did he bring them together? Could it be that He will make a way for them to have a life together? And what part does Mary’s Calico have in this story? Could the cat be Mary’s Hope ?

I enjoyed reading this warm hearted story. I loved how the community stuck together and helped one another. I thought the book was realistic because there was both good and bad times in the story . Two
characters had decisions to make concerning their health and both needed to learn to place their faith and trust in God. I was drawn into the story and it kept my interest till the ending. This is my first time reading a book by Anne Blackburne and it didn’t disappoint. I hope in the future to be reading more of her books.

I recommend this book to readers of Amish Romance and Christian Fiction. This book is scheduled to be released on 6/1/24. It is part of a series but can be read as a standalone.

I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are entirely my own.

#Mary’sCalicoHope #NetGalley

Mary's Calico HOPE is a story filled with wholesome twists, turns, gasps and a happy ending, what more could you want? I really enjoyed reading this story and learning about Mary, Lydia and Reuben...such wonderful characters. Of course, there was also an antagonist, Amelia Schwartz, who really throws a metaphorical wrench into things! I really appreciated Mary's journey as she decides on whether or not to have the surgery that could improve her life, and how she trust Reuben, who really is a bit overzealous with his desire to see Mary take the opportunity for the surgery. It is a well-rounded story and even though the ending was well done, I still wanted to read more about Mary and Reuben, a sequel perhaps?

Mary’s Calico Hope by Anne Blackburne – Likeable Characters, Faith, Friendship and Hope

I was excited to read Anne Blackburne’s newest book Mary’s Calico Hope, the fifth book in The Heart of the Amish series.

Mary Yoder’s life has not been easy. Daily she deals with the injuries, pain, and mobility issues that she sustained at the age of four in a buggy accident. Despite the daily challenges she faces, Mary has hope and faith and trusts God. She works hard to supports herself. She lives in her own place, yet she also has the support of her family whose home connects to her small dawdi haus.

When the new doctor, Reuben King, meets Mary he investigates a surgical procedure that may help relieve her pain and help improve her mobility. Mary has been down the surgery road one to many times with mixed results. As they continue to interact and get to know one another, Reuben is attracted to Mary. He appreciates not only her outward beauty but also her inward spirit. Will their relationship be anything but friendship, since Mary is Amish and Reuben is a Mennonite?

I enjoyed reading this book and found the characters very likable. Mary and her family and friends were caring, loving and supportive of one another. Reuben was a dedicated doctor, cared about his patients and developed friendships in the Amish community. I appreciated that faith was foundational to Mary and the other characters. They lived out their faith daily. The author brought back some of the characters from earlier novels in this series.

In every town there will always be that person who likes to stir up trouble. Will Bishop Troyer see through Amelia’s critical eye and gossiping tongue? Will he address the sin that is in her heart? Or let her go unchecked?

One thing I struggled with was the characters belief that God was speaking to their hearts, outside of Scripture, and telling them what to. (A belief that is very prevalent today.) As opposed to God speaking to believers through inerrant Scripture alone. Absolutely I believe God directs our steps (Proverbs 16:9).

Some aspects of the Amish faith, I struggle to understand. Like the Amish not being able to become doctors without leaving the faith. I had never heard of the Beachy Amish and found that interesting.

If you enjoy Amish stories that incorporate faith into the storyline, I recommend reading Anne Blackburne’s newest book Mary’s Calico Hope. Anne’s characters are well developed and seem to go deeper than other books. I appreciate how the characters showed love and support to one another and had a reverent attitude towards God.

I would like to thank Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Mary’s Calico Hope by Anne Blackburne. I was provided a complimentary copy of the book, but was under no obligation to give a favorable review. This book will be published June 1, 2024.