Kathleen Fuller, you did it again! Your words make things come alive, and I’m so happy about it. There’s a lot I want to say about Daisy Hershberger and Perry Bontrager. I’m trying not to spill too much, though—I really want everyone to experience this one for themselves because everyone needs to read it.

I was miffed right away about Daisy’s insistence that she was in love with Maynard. I certainly didn’t feel the same. He seemed kind of boring it didn’t even feel like he liked her. And Perry? How did he not realize what was going on with his own feelings?! But honestly, with all the characters and storylines, it was Ferman who completely stole the spotlight.

This book was so clever. I found myself highlighting line after line—not just because they were hilarious, but because they were also surprisingly bold. I still can’t wrap my head around how a kisses-only romance managed to be both lighthearted and…well…steamy in the most unexpected ways. Some of Daisy’s thoughts took me by surprise. First, because you don’t usually expect that kind of inner monologue in an Amish romance. And second, because it acknowledged that Amish women are still women. Like the rest of us, they notice things! And Perry definitely wasn’t clueless either. I mean, the whole ankle-touching thing? Seriously. It blew my mind that something so seemingly innocent could feel both funny and low-key sensual. But it totally worked.

I absolutely loved how Daisy and Perry interacted with Ferman. The way they genuinely cared for him—without obligation or pressure—was incredibly touching. It wasn’t just about doing the “right” thing or sticking to cultural expectations. They wanted to be there. Ferman and Daisy being around all the time gave Perry a glimpse into what daily life could look like in a more domesticated situation. Something he didn’t think he wanted.

Okay, I need to stop myself here before I end up recounting the whole plot—because obviously, Kathleen Fuller tells it way better. If you're looking for something heartwarming, hilarious, and unexpectedly swoony, this should be the very next book you read.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

You don't know what love is. If you did you wouldn't insist on chasing after a man who doesn't care about you. You shouldn't have to beg someone to love you. .

Daisy Hershberger is being fooled. She thinks she loves a boy back home but her mother sees something else. She wants better for her daughter. She sends Daisy to help other family member on wedding plans to give Daisy some space and time a way from Maynard. Upon her her time with family, she meets Perry. I love the way that they got to become good friends so good of friends that they made up a pact. A pact to keep other family members from nagging them about their relationship status. A pact that drew them together and opened their eyes to what real love is.

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

The Marriage Pact is the last book in the Amish of Marigold trilogy. Perry Bontrager is not looking for a wife, but his mother is working hard to find him a match. He is the last single brother of the 11 brothers. Meanwhile in Dover, Daisy Hershberger is sure that Maynard is the one for her, but it is obvious to everyone else that he isn't interested. Her parents decide to send her to her aunt's in Marigold to give her a change of scenery, but tell her that she is needed to help plan her cousin Grace's wedding. She meets their neighbour Perry meet shortly after she arrives and they realize that their parents won't leave them alone until they find someone to court. Not something Amish people usually do, but they pretend to do just that to get everyone off their backs. Daisy is hoping that Maynard will miss her and realize what he is missing while she courts Perry. There is a side story going on with a widower, Ferman, who lives alone and is having health issues. He works for Perry and needs help while he recovers. He moves in with Perry and he and Daisy help him to recover. She cooks for them, does laundry and basically takes care of both of them and the house. This puts them in close proximity with one another, often. Will this fake relationship become something more?

I really liked both Perry and Daisy. They were good together, had fun and were able to be themselves as their relationship was fake. Getting to know the real person had them enjoying themselves together. Daisy's cousin, Grace, was lovely and although she didn't need Daisy's help with the wedding, she liked having her near. They have a great relationship and she was working behind the scenes to make the Perry/Daisy relationship real. I think my favourite character was Ferman. He is 75 and doesn't want to live with one of his children. He tries to work, but has some medical problems. I loved how he worked to get Daisy and Perry together. It seemed everyone could see what they couldn't see. This is a wonderful story about caring people, looking after each other and how feelings develop, whether it is romantic love of friendship love. There is humour, a couple of tropes (fake romance, proximity), family interference, good clean fun and destiny. I will definitely be looking at books from her backlist. If you haven't read any Amish Fiction and would like to give it a try, I recommend this book. You don't have to have read the other two in the series to enjoy this one. I did a read/listen and enjoyed both formats.

This series has been so much fun to read. I love the Bontrager family. Perry is the more introverted member of the outgoing family. When his mother informs him that she is looking for a wife for him, he panics and tells her that he is dating Daisy, his next door neighbors’ relative. I love the fake relationship romances. It is one of my most favorite tropes. Kathleen Fuller’s books always include humor that makes laugh out loud. I definitely recommend this author.

Perry and Daisy's fake relationship is fooling everyone . . . but they're the ones who might be getting fooled. Plot twist story.

Well written story and you will love the characters. I couldn't put this book down. Highly recommend this book. It was a pleasure in reading this book.

Perry Bontrager has four brothers. All of which are married and very happy. They are determined to find Perry a wife. The only problem with that is that Perry doesn't want a wife. He wants his family to leave him alone, as he is convinced he can be quite happy staying single. Perry moves to Marigold. Still close to his family, but hopefully, enough distance between them that they will give up on their matchmaking.
Then, there is Daisy, who is very convinced that Maynard is the man for her. Maynard shows no interest and it is only her prodding that they ever spend time together. Daisy's mother is concerned and makes arrangements for Daisy to go spend some time at her aunt and uncle's house in Marigold. She sent her there under false pretenses that Daisy would be helping her cousin plan her wedding which is some time off.
While there, it is Daisy who is calling Maynard and writing letters. Maynard doesn't have much to say when she is able to reach him on the phone.
Perry is neighbors with Daisy's family, so it was inevitable that they would meet. They eventually confide in each other, and Perry agrees to help Maynard realize what he is missing with Daisy. He gives her tips on writing letters to Maynard, giving her things to write that will shake Maynard up a bit. Daisy, in turn, will pretend she and Perry are a couple. Their hope is that these things will pacify their families and the matchmaking efforts will cease. Read this story to see how it all turns out!
This is a very sweet story from one of my favorite authors, Kathleen Fuller.
I was given an advanced ecopy by the publisher, Zondervan through Netgalley. I was under no obligation to write a positive revew.

I loved the premise of this story. Perry proved to be someone I enjoyed reading about. His family. His life. And THEN there was Daisy. I think I know what Ms. Fuller was aiming at with Daisy. A stubborn, want-to-get-married young woman. A mother who knows Daisy is wrong about Maynard. Daisy got every clue in the book. In the WHOLE library. And she was determined to be just plain ole stupid.

I did not like Daisy from the start, and by 30% into the book, she had done nothing to change my mind.
I admit, I am up in years, but I have not forgotten how fast boys or men run from a girl who chased them. And Daisy chased. And chased. And chased. It did not matter how beautiful the girl was. If she had the marriage banner up the flagpole... so, I couldn't buy that Perry who had a straight head on his shoulders, would fall in love with her.

It never dawned on Daisy that the only reason Maynard came to dinner was to get a free home-cooked meal. After he heard "Did you like this" and "Did you like that". (Repeat both) . Maynard would not have been back. That's the kind of thing that drives a man crazy.

I am not posting this on Goodreads or on my Facebook book review page. Or on Amazon. I am sure others were not as turned off by Daisy's behavior as I was. For me, I HAVE to "engage", "like", the key characters. I want to be able to cheer for the main characters. All I wanted to do with Daisy was plunk her on the head with a 2x4 to get her attention.

I remember growing up, I was quietly taught things about boys and men. It wasn't a long lecture. Information passed from mother to daughter. And that's what her mother never did. She expected Daisy to just KNOW.

With her just walking into a house of a person SHE DID NOT KNOW -- well, that proved she was clueless. Remember those blonde jokes of some years ago? She was like that. Absolutely clueless.

Other readers did not feel the same. But for me, this was a one-star read. I giving it two stars because grammatically it was excellent for an ARC. The plot was a good one. But please, Ms. Fuller, don't make a key character that -- well, plain old dumb.

This was such a very sweet story. I love how the characters showed such compassion and selflessness toward all. This is my first book in the series which I have had the pleasure to read. I found the characters and story line to be both relatable and fun to read. I look forward to going back and reading the rest of the series. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

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


Thank you to NetGalley for blessing me with the gift of reading this book before it's release date! For those of you who know me or follow me on Goodreads, you might be aware that I love Amish romance novels. Maybe a little more than love. Let's call it OBSESSED. This book made a delightful edition to my Amish collection.

Daisy from Dover is in love with Maynard. So much that she wants to marry him. For some reason, Maynard seems to be avoiding her. He's not talkative and he doesn't seem to want to be with her as much as she wants to be with him. When Daisy is sent away by her parents to help her cousin prepare for her wedding, she misses Maynard and is eager to return home as soon as she can. However, she soon begins to question her love for her beau and truly begins to wonder if he was actually the person God set aside for her. Could there maybe be someone else?

Thanks again to NetGalley and the author Kathleen Fuller for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Due to formatting errors in sending the book to my kindle it was quite a struggle to get through the book. I was super excited for it, but the formatting issue was just too much.

The third book in the Marigold Series, Kathleen Fuller gives us another very enjoyable book.
Her characters, Daisy Hershberger and Perry Bontrager, are working towards opposite goals. She wants her old boyfriend and he does not want to be married to anyone.
Daisy’s parents have sent her to her cousins in Ohio to help her plan a wedding for her cousin. Her parents are hoping while she is gone she will realize that her boyfriend, Maynard is not the right person for her,
Perry Bontrager is a single man whose family is trying to find a wife for him.
They are both tired of the meddling in their lives so decide that they will act like they are interested in each other. Little did they realize the possibility of becoming attracted to each other, but what will become of that relationship?
This is a sweet Amish book that I highly recommend to those who like to read Amish books. You will not want to put it down.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and author. The review are my own words.

She slipped her hand into his to seal the pact.

I enjoyed this book so much I have read it twice. I don't think I've ever read a book twice in a year let alone 4 months' time.
I want to thank Harper Collins Christian Publishing/Zondervan and NetGalley for my advanced reader's copy of the book. This is my own unsolicited opinion.

Daisy Hersberger knew the second she laid eyes on Maynard that God intended for them to be a couple. For over a year she has constantly invited him for meals at her parents' home, took part in activities where he was and visited him at work. It's about time for them to make plans.
Perry Bontrager is fed up with his mother's matchmaking schemes. He's the last of the Bontrager men to remain single and he likes it that way. Suddenly Daisy's parents send her to help with her cousin's wedding plans. Perry is a neighbor to her family, and they meet in a comical way. Soon the two make a pact to pretend they are seeing one another to get their parents off of their backs.
Right away it was obvious that Perry has a kind heart. He is a person who does for others. He has a problem with crowds, even a family gathering. Daisy is quite naive and so convinced that Maynard is her future. Assuming she knows God's plan is interesting and a little sad. I like how the two characters change over the course of the story.
There are two more characters in the story that pulled at my heart. Ferman Eash is an older widowed man that is very stubborn. He is such an excellent character. His pain and stubbornness is understandable. Series fans will notice characters from the Bontrager family.
A certain butterfly has a very special place in the story too.
This is the third and final book of Kathleen Fullers' Amish of Marigold series. It can work as a stand-alone, but I want to recommend the other books where more Bontrager brothers meet their romantic matches. This clean, sweet romance is a five-star read for me.

The Marriage Pact by Kathleen Fuller is the third and final An Amish of Marigold Novel. This story can be read as a standalone for those new to the series, but you will want to read all the books in this cute series. I like Kathleen Fuller’s writing style. It is friendly and engaging. I was quickly drawn into the story. The prologue had me chuckling. I like Daisy Hershberger and Perry Bontrager. Ferman Eash was a delight. There was more to the crusty old widower than meets the eye. Lady, the butterfly, was special (almost like a pet). Perry has a large, boisterous family. I could relate to him needing to go off alone in the middle of a family gathering (I would find a quiet corner to read—I always have a book or ereader with me). Perry’s hobby was special. He liked to observe butterflies, draw them, and he helped wounded butterflies. The author’s vivid descriptions allowed me to visualize Perry’s unique guest room. I ended The Marriage Pact with a smile on my face (but sad that this series is over).

Kathleen Fuller wins one again!!! This is a great and fun filled novel. It will make you laugh, make you ponder and make you grateful for possible prayers with different answers and maybe just the right person at the right time.
Have you ever known a well-intentioned overly bearing mother??? Daisy Hershberger has…in fact, she has one! Daisy has her eyes on Maynard Miller…but her parents don’t…enough said? Daisy finds herself on a trip to Birch Creek, Ohio to help her beloved cousin plan her upcoming wedding. What a surprise!

Rounding out this surprise is quiet, unassuming fellow, Perry Bontranger, that keeps to himself and seems to be quite content with his life. However, his mother is not…content that is. She believes she can help him find the contentment she wishes for him to have. Do you know anyone with similar ideas?

As fate (God?) would have it, Perry and Daisy meet and eventually find they have something in common….interfering mothers. As they set a plan in motion, to teach their mother’s a lesson…it becomes apparent that nothing is easy.

Come along to Birch Creek, meet Ferman Esh….we all need a Ferman in our lives and travel alongside of Daisy as she spends her visit trying to help her aunt plan her cousin’s wedding. You will love it! A comfy chair, a sweet warm breeze and nice glass of sweet tea is all I would add to make a very enjoyable evening.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.

I have enjoyed this whole series by Kathleen Fuller so much! The Marriage Pact was fun and sweet. Daisy was so fixated on Maynard (who clearly was not interested in her) so with the prompting of her mom she travels to "help" with her cousin's wedding. She meets Perry whose family has pretty much given up on him finding a wife. Together they concoct a scheme to fake a relationship in hopes that she would make Maynard jealous and appease his mom for a while. I really enjoyed the interactions between Daisy and Perry and watching them figure out what Ferman could see but they couldn't.

Anyone who is a fan of Amish romance will love Kathleen Fuller's latest! The Marriage Pact could be read as a stand-alone but it's richer to read the whole Amish of Marigold series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 6 May 2025

I caught myself laughing out loud more than once while reading this fun Amish romance story. Daisy was so ready to be in love that she convinced herself she was in love with Maynard, a man who had shown no interest in her, and just when she was preparing to have “the talk” with him, her parents caught wind of it and sent her to visit her cousin, Grace, in the town of Marigold where she met Grace’s next door neighbor, Perry Bontrager. Perry’s new employee, an older man named Ferman, had been injured at work and was staying at Perry’s house. Kind-hearted, energetic, and capable Daisy offered to stay with Ferman during the day and care for him while Perry was at work. Eventually Daisy and Perry made a secret pact with one another to pretend they were dating in order to make Maynard jealous and to make Perry’s matchmaking mother quit trying to set him up. Naturally, things turned upside down in the most amusing and entertaining way. I loved it! I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is the third book in the Amish of Marigold Series. If you love fake dating, friends-to-lovers and forced proximity, I highly recommend this book!

Daisy thinks she is in love with Maynard, but he hasn’t shown any real interest in her beyond the occasional dinner at her house. When her parents hear of her plan to confess her feelings to him, they decide to send Daisy to her aunt’s house in Marigold to help her cousin with wedding plans, but it didn’t take long for her to realize that there was more to this impromptu visit. When she arrives in Marigold, she meets her aunt’s neighbor, Perry. He is happy with his single status, but his mother is very eager for him to find someone and marry. As they get to know each other, they agree to a pact to fake date. One, to get Perry’s mother to stop trying to set him up and two, to get Daisy’s mom off her back about Maynard. But as they spend time together and get to know each other’s quirks, Daisy begins to realize that Maynard just might not be the one that God has chosen for her.

I loved so much about this story! I loved how outgoing Daisy is but also how she understood Perry’s need find quiet and peace. I love how they connected over butterflies and how that brought them even more throughout the story. I love how they both stepped up to care for Ferman, Perry’s employee. He such a fun side character! You can tell through the author’s writing what kind and generous hearts both Perry and Daisy have in how they care for those around them and for each other. Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes! This story is full of love, hope and laughter!

I highly recommend this book and the whole series!

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Loved reading the inspirational and entertaining story. When Daisy's parents send her to her cousin's house too help with wedding plans, Daisy doesn't want to leave Maynard especially since she hasn't had the talk with him, she arrives and no one's home, so she goes next door, the doorknob falls off, she goes to leave a note, but Perry comes home to find her in his house. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read engaging story.

The Marriage Pact by Kathleen Fuller
(An Amish of Marigold Novel Book 3)
Perry and Daisy's fake relationship is fooling everyone . . . but they're the ones who might be getting fooled.
When Daisy Hershberger and Perry Bontrager meet, they discover they have one thing in common: both their families are way too eager to see them matched with the person of their dreams. Daisy is convinced that Maynard is the one for her, but her parents have their doubts. And Perry? His family wonders if there's anyone out there for a quirky guy like him. He's also certain that some people--himself included--are destined to be single for life.
After comparing notes, Perry and Daisy agree to a pact. He'll help her make Maynard realize what he's missing, and she'll pretend to be Perry's love interest to keep his matchmaking mother satisfied. For a while, their pact seems to be working.
Maybe their imagined futures aren't exactly what fairy tales are made of, but they're committed to their plan . . . until they realize that a real-life fairy tale is happening where they least expect it. Sometimes, you don't have to pretend to be anything but yourself in order for love to find you.
The final book in the Amish of Marigold series is a heartwarming, cozy inspirational romance featuring a pretend relationship and plenty of small-town charm. A perfect read for fans of Beverly Lewis and Suzanne Woods Fisher.
This is Daisy Hershberger, her parents and her siblings's story.
This is Perry Bontrager, Mamm ,brothers and sister's story.
“Gute mariye.” Daed’s smile was strained and Mamm was practically stretching her handkerchief to the breaking point. “Have a seat.”
Her parents exchanged a look before her father spoke. “We just need to talk to you, that’s all.”
Alarmed, Daisy sat. “Is something wrong?”
“We have some news,” Mamm said, looking a little less stressed, although that might be because Daed was holding her hand now. “Aenti Rosella wants you to help her plan Grace’s wedding.”
Daisy grinned, no longer concerned. She loved planning weddings, and from all accounts, she was good at it. She excelled at organization, from her bedroom to her schoolwork to her cross-stitch supplies, and she had helped plan her four older sisters’ nuptials.
And then there was one . . .
Birch Creek, Ohio
Ten of the eleven Bontrager brothers gathered inside the family’s expansive horse barn on this chilly, early spring day to discuss the latest family quandary. Perry, their only single brother, was about to be in a peck of trouble.
He was back home in Marigold nursing a serious cold while Devon, their oldest brother who lived in Fredericktown, was in Birch Creek on a quick visit. Phoebe, the eldest Bontrager sibling and their one and only sister, wasn’t invited to this particular meeting. She had already tried to help him, to no avail.
I recommend this book.
The Marriage Pact by Kathleen Fuller is a 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Kathleen Fuller.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.