Hunting For A Husband is part of The Heart of the Amish series. The series focuses on different stories written by different authors.


Leah Wickey was hunting for a husband. Two months ago Leah's intended disappeared into the night. Holding onto her heart for three years and then breaking it doubly fast.


Jacob Lemmon ran an animal sanctuary. He was kind and talked with a slight stutter. Joseph Shetler was a part of Leah's new community. He was a good-looking man with a beard, unlike most single Amish men she knew. He was in a wheelchair. Who would Leah choose?


I enjoyed the Amish setting, along with the bird-watching. The supporting character who caught my attention the most was Joseph. The quality of the writing is clear and concise earning it 5*. I recommend this book to YA and fans of the Amish.


Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including publishers, publicists, authors, the Libby app, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Mindy Steele did a great job with this book. Not only was it a sweet Amish romance but there was a bit of intrigue along with a clear understanding of the hardships involved in living with a disability. Joe was a great character, enough faults to make him real but still full of kindness and a genuine heart for his faith and family. Leah tried so hard to be content where she was, but couldn't quite manage it. My favorite thing about Leah was her willingness to look past Joe's disability and see the person, not the wheelchair. The aspect of the deer farm was so interesting and Mammy's character provided some levity. Overall, a great book, a sweet romance and a picture of Amish life with real problems thrown in.

Mystery and Romance

Leah Wickey thought her future included a certain young man who later bolted and left the Amish community. On top of that her father tells the family they are moving from Pennsylvania to Kentucky where it will be easier and cheaper to raise his deer population.

There she meets Joe Shetler who had a terrible accident confining him to a wheelchair. Although he would like to have a family all the young women seem to avoid him because of his condition. The Wickey family soon experience issues with vandalism and an attack on Leah which puts her in the hospital.

I enjoyed this easy reading book with the adventures and trials they face as well as the family and friend relationships. If you enjoy Amish fiction, you will like this book. I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing and Net Galley and was under no obligation to post a review.

Hunting for a Husband was a beautifully written Amish fiction, full of heart. Joe having a disability and his and Leah's love story was so sweet, tender and believable. You will absolutely fall in love with these characters. A bit of mystery/suspense rounds out this great addition to the Amish fiction genre. Mindy Steele is quickly becoming a must read author in this genre.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #Barbour Fiction for the ARC.

This is a sweet heartwarming story that was a joy to read. Leigh and Joe's story is full of faith, hope love and a dash of suspense and drama.
It has a wonderful cast of characters and a plot that keeps you turning the pages. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Amish romance.
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

5 stars, Thank God for Unanswered Prayers

HUNTING FOR A HUSBAND (THE HEART OF THE AMISH: VOLUME 9)
By Mindy Steele

You never know what God has in store for you. Leah Wickey found this out, after basically being dumped after three years of courting with an Amish man who chose the Englisher world over her. She doesn't know what to do with herself, now.

During a chance encounter at an area wide sale she meets Joe Shetler. He is a disabled Amish man in a wheelchair. He thinks he is less than.

They begin to talk a bit and realize they have some of the same interests.

The book takes interesting turns through Leah's family business. Through it all, she is left feeling that she is less than.

But, come to find out, in God's scheme of life, Joe and Leah both have much to offer each other and others.

The story felt extra special to me, because I am disabled. Thankfully, this happened after I was married for 20+ years, but my husband is a good man who takes great care of us. We give thanks to the Lord who reminds us to be thankful for unanswered prayers.

Once, we had our hearts set on a Mennonite farm, but went home and prayed about it. We were led to the piece of property that we've lived on for more than 20 years. We would have been limiting what God could do in our lives, if we had "settled" for the Mennonite farm.

I thankfully received a complimentary copy of HUNTING FOR A HUSBAND by Mindy Steele I was not obligated to post a review.

#disabled #Amish #love #unsansweredprayers #BarbourFiction #BarbourPublishing #MindySteele #bingedbook #favoritebook #ChristianFiction #inspirational #AmishRecipes #contemporary

Leah Wickey has moved with her family to Kentucky where her father has started a deer farm. She is looking around the community with thoughts of marriage. She wants to settle down with a good man and start a family. She's already marked a couple of the locals off of her potentials list. One in particular shows her interest but all he talks about is the deer farm which is quite odd.
Joe Shetler has a sporting goods business. He has a challenge or two in life because he is wheelchair bound due to a diving accident. He knows in his heart that he can't marry, no matter how much he wants a wife and family.
I want to thank Barbour Publishing for allowing me to read this book which I received through NetGalley. My unsolicited opinion is that this is an excellent story. I've enjoyed every book in this series. It is a sweet, clean romance with a bit of suspense and danger added in.
The facts involving raising deer were quite interesting.
The two main characters are endearing. I particularly liked that Leah looked past the wheelchair and into Joe's good heart.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a clean read with an Amish setting and characters. It's a five-star read in my opinion.

Hunting for a Husband by Mindy Steele, book nine in The Heart of the Amish series, is a reminder that love will find you, even if you weren’t looking or expecting to ever find it or believe you deserve it. Leah Wicky’s family moves from Pennsylvania to Kentucky in order to have more land to raise deer. Leah wants to marry, but her last boyfriend jumped the fence, causing her to question to attract and choose the right man. Joe Shetler runs Shetler Outdoors, an archery and outdoors shop, but a youthful decision has left him in a wheelchair. Chance meetings, sharing rides, and a missing Buck all lead to Leah and Joe to time spent together. All this time with Leah has Joe reevaluating his future, his reliance on the wheelchair, and the possibilities to make changes: an adaptive carriage, a surgery to repair his spine, to accept this chance of having a wife and family.

Shenanigans occur when some prize deer go missing from the Wicky’s farm. Joe helps in finding the culprits, as English hunters who poach and talk too much leave clues for him to follow; when they don’t realize he is listening. Hopefully, this will be enough to prove his feelings to Leah that he wants a future with her. This book has it all, mystery, romance, faith, hope and family.

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

I enjoyed Hunting for a Husband by Mindy Steele. This is book 9 in The Heart of the Amish Series, it has a it if everything starting over in a new state with her family, mystery and romance. Another winner by Mindy Steele. Enjoying this series very much. Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Fiction.

Heartfelt

Before I read a book, I read the description, which gives me an idea of how it will end. Knowing the end is one thing, but the ride to get there is what it's all about. And I can easily say that Leah and Joe's ride was fantastic! It was heartfelt, funny, introspective, full of faith, and at times even painful. I greatly enjoyed getting to know them and loved author Mindy Steele's pacing of their blossoming friendship and more. It was just perfect, as was her descriptive writing that had me visualizing the scenes in my mind and feeling what the characters were feeling.

However, there was more. Along with Leah and Joe's story is a touch of mystery, which played beautifully into the story. It didn't overshadow the main storyline but added more depth to it by making it more intriguing.

I also greatly enjoyed the self-discoveries that Leah and Joe made about themselves. It was so true to life that I found myself saying, "Yah, that's exactly how it is," which added an extra layer of wow to this great story.

Hunting for a Husband is a wonderful and heartfelt story that should definitely be added to your TBR list, and I hope you do just that.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

Hunting for a Husband by Mindy Steele
(The Heart of the Amish Book 9)
Book 9 of 9: The Heart of the Amish
Love Is the Bull's-Eye Leah Aims For
Full of faith, hope, and romance, this series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.
Ten years ago, Joe Shetler took a leap, and it cost him his ability to walk. Accepting that this is God’s will for him, Joe finds his independence running Shetler Outdoors, an archery and outdoors shop.
Leah Wicky moves to Kentucky where her father has set up a deer farm. With a strong desire to marry, she soon sets her sights on Joe who, despite his disabilities, has determination and an easy way about him. A sticky situation finally affords the opportunity for a friendship to form between them.
When the Wickey’s prize buck attracts attention in the community—and attempted poachers—Leah is caught in the crosshairs, and Joe’s fears of inadequacy haunt him when he fails to protect her. A future once bright has dimmed.
This is Joe Shetler's story.
This is Leah Wicky's story.
This book has Romance, mystery and suspense.
Mamm does this at least one a month, Joe whispered beside her. she and many of the other woman fear the younger ones will not keep up ours songs. So they invite friends over to sing.
Leah Wicky moves to Kentucky where her father has set up a deer farm.
The Wickey family soon find themselves at the mercy of poachers.
Leah meets Joe during a storm.
When Leah and Joe are both caught in a rainstorm, they help each other out.
I highly recommend this book.
Hunting for a Husband by Mindy Steeles is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Mindy Steeles.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.

Hunting for a Husband by Mindy Steele is a sweet story. I enjoyed Leah Wickey’s story. I knew there would be someone special for her. I thought the story was well-written with developed characters. I enjoyed getting to know Leah and Joe. We also learn more about the Wickey’s deer farm. Their farm has caught the attention of the wrong type of people. I liked that there was a mystery which added depth to the story. I enjoyed this touching story that had an ending that left me smiling. Hunting for a Husband is the ninth book in The Heart of the Amish series, and it can be read as a standalone. Hunting for a Husband is a heartwarming tale with stuck in the rain without a ride, curious Englishers, breeding deer, a friend in need, and faith in the future.

Leah is sure that the man she thinks is close to being "the one" is truly the one, but then he isn't. Joe had a serious accident as a teen that changed his life. He finds himself in a difficult position and Leah is there to help despite the fact that helping is not so convenient! Then their story begins. It is a sweet Amish love story with some mystery as well. I love some mystery! Keeps me on my seat! It was a good story that will draw you in and touch your heart. Especially for those who know those with special needs and how hopes and dreams are not as easy to obtain. I think you will enjoy this book and the characters! I received an ARC copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Mindy Steele did it again!! “Hunting for a Husband" is the latest in The Heart of the Amish series. Leah Wicky moves with her family to Kentucky. But she’s feeling left out and invisible, that is until she meets Joe Shetler. Joe is the first person who actually “sees” who Leah is. Joe is confined to a wheelchair due to a childhood injury. Can these two work out their differences and hit the bullseye?
Once I started, I couldn’t put this book down. It has a little bit of everything- sweet romance, Christian values and some mystery. I highly recommend it! Many thanks to the author and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#HuntingForAHusband #MindySteele #BarbourFiction #AmishFiction #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BooksSetInAmishCountry #BooksSetInKentucky

After Leah's intended left her and the Amish faith she has been leery of finding a husband. Her grandmother keeps trying to find someone for her but not until she meets wheelchair bound Joe she hasn't been interested. Sweet romance with a mystery to solve.

(thank you barbour publishing and netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review)

❝
“Soll diese nun die letzte sein. Von meinen Lebensstunden. So schliesse mich durch den Glauben ein.” This should now be the last one of my life's hours. So enclose me by faith.
❞

This was my first Amish book and I had such a great time!

Leah Wickey has experienced multiple changes in the last few months. The man she’s been courting disappeared in the night, leaving his home, faith and her after years of false promises. Her two sisters are married and leaving home and her father is moving the entire family to Kentucky. It’s a lot. But she trusts in God’s plan for her.

Joseph Shetler took a leap that cost him his ability to walk. After some years of hatred and anger, he’s accepted his life and now strives for independence from his family. He has his own job and successful business but he secretly longs for a family of his own. Sadly, not many women want to be with a man in a wheelchair.

Then they meet. What starts as neighbours helping each other out in a time of need, grows into a friendship that blossoms into a loving romance.

I ate this up.

Yet another genre to add to my unendingly growing TBR.

Leah Wickey was left at the altar. Well, not exactly. Amish marriages are not performed before an altar, BUT her intended left the community -- in the middle of the night -- without even hinting he was doing so. The last few months had been hard. Her "Daed" (father) moved the family, leaving the people she had always known to move to Kentucky. Daed is confident that his deer farm will do better there and be less expensive to maintain.

Leah felt that every decision she had made in the last two months was a poor one. The plus of the new community was that no one knew her flaws... yet.

At 15, Joe Shelter made a poor decision, and it cost him the use of his legs. Not long after, his life was forever changed with the loss of family. Confinement to a wheelchair has limitations, but he is the owner of his own business, Shelter Outdoors & Archery. His workshop is 'wheelchair capable'. Outfitted so that he could cut, assemble, and varnish without spasming.

All goes well until ... one of the Wickey's prize deer is killed ... by an arrow. And Leah is almost ... And Joe makes archery equipment ...

"Hunting for a Husband" is the ninth in the series, The Heart of the Amish. I have read & reviewed several in this series. (The most recent was "Lizzie's Little Mouse".) I liked #9 and do recommend it. It was a four-star read for me. Perhaps it was the unexpected, if not downright strange, deer farm. The story was also a bit overlong. While I "liked" Leah & Joe, neither of them pulled me into the story, where I had a hard time closing my Kindle.

I received a complimentary DRC of “Hunting for a Husband” via NetGalley from the publisher, Barbour Publishing | Barbour Fiction. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Rating: 4 stars
Series: The Heart of the Amish, book 9
Cover: Fits the story
Pages: 256
Publish Date: 1 July 2025
#HuntingforaHusband #NetGalley #MindySteele #netgalleyreviewer

"There are big bucks in - big bucks." Leah Wickey has several reasons for feeling down. Her 2 sisters recently married, the Wickey family moving to Kentucky to start up their deer farm & her intended leaving the Amish faith. Joe Shetler is beginning his new life in a wheelchair after a tragic accident. The Wickey family soon find themselves at the mercy of poachers & vandals, with Leah caught in the middle. Joe feels he is not protecting her the way he should be because of his handicap. In spite of the vandalism & trials of faith, Leah & Joes friendship becomes something more as they begin to navigate the trials together. This was a very endearing story with characters you can relate to. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Barbour Publishing & was under no obligation to post a review.

Circumstance that you have come to accept can be changed if you take a chance. Both characters are each dealing with their own trials and must step outside their comfort zones to achieve something bigger. Having faith and good relationships lend to this amazing story line.
I was given an ARC copy of the book and I am under no obligation to give a positive review.

Leah Wicky heart was broken when the young man that was courting her for three years left their Amish community for an 'English' life. Her family has moved to Kentucky to have a larger deer farm. Leah is struggling to fit into the new community. Even though Joe Shetler is confined to a wheelchair, he runs a successful archery and outdoor business. When Leah and Joe are both caught in a rainstorm, they help each other out. This is start of a wonderful friendship and maybe more. I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. I like that Leah sees Joe for who he is and isn't concerned about his disability. I also like that Joe appreciates the goodness in Leah. This is a sweet Amish romance.