Lois needs something to do in her free time. So when her friend passes on a circle letter she gets excited to meet new people and write about her favorite hobby, birding. She is quite taken with a man called Menno. The two are enjoying corresponding with each other and as much as they try to fight it, there is a huge attraction on both of their parts even though they have never met. Or have they? THE SHOP DOWN THE LANE reminded me of the movie, You’ve Got Mail so much. There are also secrets, so many secrets and when they are exposed feelings get hurt and words are said that prove to be painfull.

I’m not going to say too much about THE SHOP DOWN THE LANE as to not give anything away, but truly, you will love this story if you have the chance to read it! I love how Leslie Gould tells a story and it feels like she is writing directly to me. She kept me engaged from the very first page!

I am so excited to continue this series, Letters from Lancaster County by Leslie Gould. I’m can’t wait to read the second book. I was instantly swept up in all the characters lives, felt their happiness as well as their heartache, as if I was sitting right there at the table with them breaking bread. They have all become my friends and I can’t wait to see what happens next for them all. Leslie Gould writes beautifully and rips away the protective layers of your heart as you are reading. She pulls at your heart strings and doesn’t let them go until the very last page. THE SHOP DOWN THE LANE is the perfect beginning to this series and I can’t wait to continue learning more about all of these wonderful and caring people.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Lois loves her job running a gift shop, so she's horrified when the owner tells her he's selling. And when the new owner turns out to be Moses Lantz, with whom she has a painful history, she's sure it's only a matter of time before she loses her job, despite his agreement to keep her on. Eager for an escape from such thoughts in her spare time, she turns to birding, joining a birding circle letter. under a pen-name. Moses has a plan for his life, and buying the gift shop and building an Amish market behind it is the next step - but Lois seems determined to thwart him at every step. Amidst the turmoil of his new business and maintaining existing businesses, he nevertheless takes time out for relaxation by joining a birding circle letter under a pen-name. But when real life and written life collide, what will be left standing?

I wanted to like this, but to me it ended up just okay. The overall story was fine, but I never really felt like I understood why the characters were reacting as they did - it generally seemed over-the-top. And for Moses to spend all his time building a portfolio of businesses and then suddenly decide to sell most of them? I really didn't understand that. However, some of the birding stuff was interesting, particularly some of the leader's comments (though others felt a bit of a stretch). Overall, while I didn't mind finishing, I doubt I'll be looking for more by the author, as it wasn't really my cup of tea. But I'm sure others will love it.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

Simply a charming heartwarming story.
The shop down the lane.

Lois yoder

a single amish woman living alone.Parents have passed.she works at the shop down the lane. 🐦 she's a birder. a bird watcher simply a bird lover. a young amish girl. The sweetest you will ever find. things that happened in the past reflect on the future.

Becoming pen pals sort of with one of the bird 🐦 people. sometimes you never know who you're really writing too or what will become. the letters I find to be so sweet.

In the end, everything works out as it should. truly a sweet amish story.

I highly recommend this one. It's a perfect read.

This was my first book by this author and I love amish stories. going to pick up a few more by this author for sure.

I always gain a nugget of inspiration when I read Amish fiction, and this one is no exception. In The Shop Down the Lane, I found hope and that things aren’t always what they seem. Lois leads a simple life, one I greatly admire, but sadly, that simplistic existence is due to her parents being gone and her having to figure out life on her own. Luckily, the Amish community flocks together, so she has a lot of support, but her loneliness is felt through the pages. Moses is driven, ambitious, and has a heart of gold, wanting to do right by himself and others. It’s crazy how much Lois and Moses have in common, but the hurts of the past and misunderstandings keep them both at arm’s length.

There are some sweet moments in this story, and it is very reminiscent of You’ve Got Mail, one of my all-time favorite movies. Though Moses and Lois are prickly towards one another, it’s clear, especially through their correspondence, that they are meant to be together, and it was so sweet to see their bumpy travels to happily ever after.

The birding letters were a favorite aspect of mine as I love when characters put pen to paper and express their thoughts through words. It’s truly poetic and something that makes my heart sing. Writing letters is truly a dying art that I wish would make a resurgence. Plus, I got to gain some knowledge on birds and birding in general.

Though there are some scenes that dragged a bit overall, I enjoyed this novel. With likable characters, picturesque imagery, and remnants of one of my favorite stories, The Shop Down the Lane is a great start to the new Letters from Lancaster County series and a read that was a sweet escape.

I was drawn to this because of the bird watcher aspect. Yes, I enjoy watching birds and talking with others who are bird watchers. Along with this being an Amish story that’s a nod to You’ve Got Mail, there were many things I enjoyed reading about.

Author Leslie Gould’s characters, Lois and Moses, are well written and likable, even when I wanted to shake them. Both are dealing with wounds which causes issues between them. Can they be worked out? She wasn’t afraid to deal with things such as dementia in a parent, adoption, etc but does it carefully.

Gould’s descriptions made me “see” what she was talking about. Lois’ apartment, the gift shop, the birds. All were very well done. And the wisdom that was written in the circle letters really made me think, even though this is fiction. If you enjoy Amish fiction with unexpected twists, then I recommend The Show Down the Lane.

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

The Shop Down the Lane, by Leslie Gould, is the first book in the Letters from Lancaster County series. This is a well written story that is easy to read and enjoy. I enjoyed the variety of the characters in the story. Lois is well liked and hard working managing a gift shop. The shop owners decide to retire and end up selling to Moses, a man in Lois’s past. While Moses has plans for the shop and property, the community and customers like the shop as it is, especially with Lois working there.

This is a nice story to just get lost in. It was interesting to read of the feeling of the Bishop and Lois’s brother regarding where and how she lived. I found the background story of Lois and Moses to be intersting. I enjoyed how both enjoyed bird watching. I especially enjoyed the character of his mother, even with her forgetfulness, she remembers Lois and encouraged Moses. This is a delightful story of second chances.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

“She should have quit when Moses first bought Paradise Found, which was Paradise Lost now to her.”

Leslie Gould gives us a humorous remix of “You’ve Got Mail” and “The Shop Around the Corner” in The Shop Down the Lane. When her mentor Scotty sells the Amish souvenir shop she manages, Lois Yoder is doubly upset to discover the new owner. He’s none other than Moses Lantz, former Amish turned Mennonite, and one with whom she shares a past. Unable to bring themselves to be civil to each other, tensions escalate between the two while their individual woes pile up as well. Both Lois and Moses join an Amish birding circle letter separately, under assumed names. As their real life relationship crumples, their friendship on paper becomes a beacon of hope. Gould applies some good twists to this story, and uses birds to teach valuable lessons as well.

Casey and Amy probably tie for my fave secondary characters. Both are incredibly perceptive and wise. Without Amy, Lois probably wouldn’t have had the strength to remain in the Paradise community. Amy may be the closest thing to family Lois has. Casey is a good friend to Moses, but he also holds him accountable for his actions, and makes Moses think about his life’s direction. Casey is also a supportive friend to Lois.

Since I love birds, and novels with twists, this book hit some sweet spots for me. I loved how many different birds are mentioned, along with their descriptions, habits, and habitats. Such a treat for any birder! And Teresa, the Amish woman who initiates the birding circle letter, loves to compare birds to people. “They live by their values, something we would do well to emulate. Everything they do is for a purpose, from their singing to nest building to hunting.” A few times Lois has to stop and consider as she reads these lines, she is not living by her values.

At one point John rather glibly replies to a statement, saying that God had worked out all things. While this may be true, Lois is hurt. Sometimes we hurt others, spouting off Scriptural thoughts blithely, ignoring the pain a friend is presenting. Yes, God does work things out, however-
“Sometimes there was quite a bit of pain before “things” worked out. Sometimes people were stuck in the middle of something for years before it did work out. Or perhaps it never worked out in the way you hoped and you simply moved on, knowing Gott still had a plan.”
God, help me to be careful in offering empty ( albeit true) platitudes!

I recommend this novel!

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“Nurture others, she’d written. But depend on their strengths too. “- Teresa

“Everything we do is motivated by either love or fear,” he said. “We must decide which will motivate us before a trying situation arises. Will we be motivated to love our neighbors or fear them?”

“it was up to management to educate employees into the workers the business needed.”

“Gott made you, just as He made every single bird, to be YOU. Let others see the beauty He created in you, both internal and external.”

“God’s creation is what gives me hope. There’s so much beauty and joy, tragedy and trauma, harmony and hope. No matter how difficult life is, I feel at peace when I’m birding.”

This is a slower-paced story in the best sort of way. The details are vivid and bright, and you can see yourself birdwatching in Paradise.

I love how Lois is both independent and vulnerable at the same time. She lives on her own, but at the same time has trouble standing up to the Bishop or her brother. I didn't care for her brother, Randy, who held very outdated views (even within the Amish community). Although Lois's Bishop did seem to be encouraging Randy in this thought pattern.

Moses is a man with a mission, a good one, but also one that is leading him to value obtaining businesses (and money) over other important things. He seems to have chosen to walk away from the Amish church, not due to his beliefs, but because he holds himself to such high expectations—expectations that don't seem to be popular with the Amish community.

I enjoyed the circle letter aspect of the book—getting glimpses not only into what Lois and Moses were writing but also seeing what the circle letter manager was writing. And especially how the encouraging words from the circle letter leader impacted both Lois and Moses. Because the book was slower-paced, I kept reading and reading, and I'm thinking, when is he going to say something, when is she going to say something? When the ending came, it was so satisfying, but I was also screaming—I want more! Thank goodness this is the first in a series.

There are so many reasons to read this book besides the fact that it's an Amish romance—troubled relationships (both romantic and familial), birdwatching, to see what a loving son looks like, and the great ending. And if you love a series that draws you in at book one, then you have to read this.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the publisher and author. All opinions are my own.

The Shop Down the Lane is the first book I have read written by Leslie Gould, and it was such a joy. The nod to You’ve Got Mail and the bird watching elements was a fun dynamic. I could not put this book down.

The character development was good. I enjoyed getting to know Lois and learn more about her community. It was interesting looking at her struggles of being from a smaller family, having lost both parents, so she is battling figuring out living on her own in the Amish community. Moses was an interesting character. It took a little bit to figure him out, and I’m not sure I really understood him totally. He was Amish and chose to become Mennonite. He is taking care of his mom; she is in an assisted living facility, but he is trying to bring her back home. Which would take a lot out of anybody. Dealing with his past and trying to manage his future is a lot.

The storyline and setting were fantastic. I enjoyed the Lancaster County setting. With the rolling farmland and small Amish community. I enjoyed the You’ve Got Mail feel to the story. I had a personal connection to this story with the bird watching as my family is starting to do a bird watching class. I enjoyed that aspect of the story. It was fun seeing the letter circle. What a fun concept.

The romance element was sweet and clean. Low-spice, slow build, as it was an enemies-to-lovers element. It was perfect.

Leslie Gould did a good job including faith elements throughout the book.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

I’m a big fan of the Tom Hanks / Meg Ryan romcom You’ve Got Mail, so when I heard that Leslie Gould’s new Amish romance The Shop Down the Lane was a nod to this film I absolutely had to read it. Lois Yoder is instantly both likable and empathetic with her warm heart and resilient spirit… even if Moses Lantz does bring out the worst in her. And, despite Moses being a genuinely good guy, Lois brings out the worst in him too. Their relationship since meeting in childhood has gone from enemies to friends to the start of something more … until everything imploded and they went right back to enemies again. Now they’re forced to work together and if you guessed that the sparks will fly, you’d be right.

And we all know that if there’s enough emotion still between them to generate sparks of irritation and anger, that means those feelings could quickly swing back to the romantic kind. I have to say that I really loved watching Moses figure out how to make that happen. A smitten giant of a man is so swoony! Still..both he and Lois had moments where I wanted to just shake them. Then again, they also each had moments where my heart went out to them, and Moses’ arc in particular is quite touching. In fact, this novel would have been worth reading just for his character journey, but as I mentioned before the overall story is also reminiscent of one of my favorite movies. The plot points that mirrored the events of You’ve Got Mail made me smile, and I also loved how Gould reshaped these themes to fit the Amish culture where, obviously, email isn’t a normal form of communication. Her addition of the birding element was lots of fun too.

Bottom Line: The Shop Down the Lane by Leslie Gould is a charming love story between two lonely hearts with a tumultuous past between them that complicates their present and makes their futures uncertain. I loved the You’ve Got Mail and The Shop Around the Corner elements in play across Lois & Moses’ story, though I did feel that Lois’ feelings for Moses could have been a bit more fleshed out before the big romantic moment. I cheered for Lois to maintain her independence, despite her controlling brother’s best efforts to the contrary, and I rooted for Moses to find the answers he begins to seek after an unexpected twists. And oh my goodness, he solidly won my heart as I watched him take care of his precious mother. The Shop Down the Lane kicks off this series in such a fun way, and it has me eager for the books to follow.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

The Shop Down the Lane by Leslie Gould is a charming story. I thought the book was well written with developed main characters. The characters are complex, realistic, and likeable. I enjoyed getting to know Lois Yoder and Moses Lantz. Paradise Found, the gift shop where Lois worked, and that Moses purchased sounded like a delightful place thanks to Lois (a shop that I would love to visit). I especially loved the special tree display with the crocheted birds and the birdhouses hanging from the branches. I liked the bird watching aspect. I have bird feeders in my yard, and I enjoy seeing the different types of birds that visit (we also have a pond in our village, and we get some unique aquatic birds). The bird descriptions were striking which allowed me to visualize them. It was interesting learning about circle letters. It made curious about how many different types of circle letters there are for the Amish. I can tell that the author did her research for this book. The Shop Down the Lane is a story full of emotion. The author’s vivid descriptions allowed me to envision the scenes. I could picture Lois zipping along on her scooter. I am looking forward to the next book in the Letters from Lancaster County series. The Shop Down the Lane is a special Amish story with a blast from the past, a sold shop, circle letters, a soaring scooter, observing birds, courting troubles, and a hopeful future.

The Shop Down the Lane is an inspiring Amish story. Lois Jane Yoder, an Amish clerk at Paradise Found, enjoys her job and the upstairs apartment. Her life swiftly changes when the shop's owners decide to sell it. Lois finds she has to face someone from her past.

The storyline is filled with uncertainty, secrets, lies, mistrust, second chances, and love. I could feel God's love and influence coming through the pages. The main characters, Lois and Moses, have many layers that evolve throughout the story. I enjoyed following both of them as their past and future collided.

The story was mysterious, with some twists that added tension. I enjoyed the birding references, which added another level of interest. The sweet romance didn't come without complications, and the ending wrapped up everything nicely.

I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

When a gift-shop-manager Amish spinster becomes the employee of the Mennonite man who broke her heart years before, can the tender letters they unknowingly write to one another in secret create emotions strong enough to overcome the adversity they feel for one another in person?
With over forty books under her belt, I'm honestly not sure how I've never read any Leslie Gould books before reading The Shop Down the Lane. I'm so glad I have another new-to-me author with a bunch of works to explore! Yes, this story is like The Shop Around the Corner or You've Got Mail, but with an Amish twist. A heartfelt and sweet Amish twist. I love how the letters are centered around a bird watching letter circle...so fun! This story is so engaging, you just want to settle in and read nonstop from beginning to end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.

You’ve Got Mail is one of my favorite movies and I greatly enjoyed this take on the story set in Amish country. I could easily envision the shop with the tree, the apartment, and the birds. As a bird lover myself I adored all the different birds. But the story dragged slightly and seemed a little repetitive, until the sudden end. I would have enjoyed more build up to the conclusion to appreciate it more. Everything was tied up quickly in too perfect a bow.
Overall I enjoyed this book. If you love Amish fiction, I recommend giving it a try.
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When I feel like I’m overwhelmed and want to step off the busy treadmill of life, I find myself reaching for Amish fiction. I’m new to this genre this year and find that reading about the simpler way of life appeals to me when I’m dreaming of a slower pace. It’s also refreshing to know that when I pick one up, it’ll be a guaranteed clean, sweet read.

Author Leslie Gould explores second chance romance, and the importance of circle letters and birding to the Amish community in Paradise, Pennsylvania.

The Shop Down the Lane is the first in the Letters from Lancaster County series and is a charming look at the simple life of Lois Yoder’s Amish community. The first thing I noticed was the value of community. Twenty-five-year-old Lois lacks family support and relies on the kindness of the Plain people, especially Scotty Harris, her landlord and the owner of the Paraise Found: Gift and Tourist Shop where she works. When Scotty announces he’s selling, Lois’s comfort zone disappears and she’s forced to rely on her community.

Gould examines the dangers of secret keeping, the importance of communication and honesty, the differences between the Mennonite and Amish communities, the things we can learn from birds, the hope and peace we receive from God’s creation, and the value of finding our place and purpose. I particularly liked the lesson shared about the starlings in a murmuration.

I was gifted this copy by Bethany House and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review

Living a quiet Amish life in Paradise, PA, Lois Yoder, has her world upended when former Amish man turned Mennonite, Moses Lantz, returns to Paradise, buys the shop she works at, and brings back memories of Moses breaking her heart. As they try to avoid each other she finds a distraction by joining a group of birdwatching pen pals under an alias name. Unknown to Lois, Moses does the same. The story is humorous as the more Lois and Moses avoid each other in real life the closer they become in their pen pal letters. Too funny! Will fireworks ignite once the truth is revealed? Will they be able to work things out, putting the past behind them? The author Leslie Gould is the #1 bestselling and Christy Award-winning author of over forty novels. The Shop Down the Lane will not disappoint.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and author. All opinions are my own.

THE SHOP DOWN THE LANE was a beautifully written story about love, hope, forgiveness and second chances. Moses and Lois captured my attention from the very first page and kept my interest throughout. Both were complex, multifaceted individuals with a lot of personal baggage under their belt. Despite this, or maybe because of it, they both had a lot of love to give as well. Watching them find themselves and then each other made for an uplifting and inspirational read. Leslie Gould’s vivid storytelling shone through this romance. I’m giving it the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!

What a beautiful story! I found myself captivated from the beginning and hated to see the story end. It encompasses friendships and families while showcasing real life hardships in relationships and life. It has a the perfect mix of romance, suspense, and a little mystery.

Lois Yoder is a young Amish woman living on her own in an apartment above her employment. She loves her job, her simple life, and bird watching. Everything was going smoothly until her former friend, Moses Lantz, purchases her place of employment. It doesn’t take long for sparks to fly driving a further wedge between them. Can their love of birdwatching heal the past hurts and begin to bridge the divide?

Leslie Gould is one of my favorite authors of Amish fiction and this book did not disappoint. Likable, relatable characters and a great storyline makes this book a must read! I found the love of birdwatching an enjoyable bonus to the story.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

The Shop Down the Lane by Leslie Gould is an Amish romance that bird watchers will delight in.

Lois Yoder is on her own and living above the gift shop she has worked in for some time. All the customers love her, and she enjoys her life in Paradise, Pennsylvania, until her boss sells the shop to an ex-boyfriend who broke her heart.

Moses Lantz, who bought the shop, didn’t realize that Lois came with it, and her attitude toward him immediately put him off. They both have a past with each other and grudges, which makes things a little tricky when they have to work together.

Both escape by applying to a birdwatcher’s circle letter anonymously. Under their pen names, they fall in love, but in real life, the animosity between them is so thick you could cut it with a knife.

While the relationship between Jane (Lois’ pen-name) and Menno (Moses’ pen-name) was sweet, when it came time for the big reveal, everything for me just fell flat. I enjoyed the bird information and the helpful hints to life and relationships in the circle letter and saw how these hints were helping both characters to grow. However, I felt the characters’ rapidly rekindled feelings were unrealistic, given the author’s extended depiction of their animosity.

While this book was reminiscent of You’ve Got Mail, if the author had lessened the hate and had more of a build-up to the change in feelings the characters had for one another, I think I would have given this five stars.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley for my honest review.

I always get excited when I see this author come out with a new book!
This was sooooo good! I loved every minute of it. I finished this one at 4am in the morning. I loved Moses's and Lois's story!
I've never met two stubborn people in my life! These two are so hard headed when it comes to certain scenes in this book.
There is a surprise in this story but I won't say what it is. I will tell you that in certain things I can relate to Moses and what's going on in his life.
Lois is a work in progress as we all are. Lois is a lot like me too on certain things in this journey called life.
Changes for one. I hate them but I know they need to happen.
Moving stinks! It's no fun at least for me it isn't.
But on a lighter note, I learned a lot about birds. Especially hawks. Birds are like people in a way.
I didn't like Sara at all! I didn't like her personality and the way she went about things.
God does have a way of working things out. It's called timing. Timing is everything and it's so hard to wait patiently sometimes!
Forgiveness is even harder. You can forgive but not forget.
I did find myself rooting for my two favorite people along the way. I kept hoping they'd wake up.
Did they ever realize that things have a way of working out? Did they ever open their eyes and look at what's right in front of them?
You'll just have to pick up this sweet and fun read and read it for yourself.
I did find myself laughing at some of the scenes in this book.
Gould does such a wonderful job at keeping me engaged with her characters that I'm giving this book 5 stars!
I highly recommend it!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.