The Heart's Bidding

Kelly Irvin has done it again. The Hearts Bidding is an absolutely wonderful, sweet love-story between Rachel Lapp and Toby Miller.

The Hearts bidding is a perfectly put together easy read, well-paced, thoughtfully written and one that you won’t want to put down.

I personally can’t wait for the next book to come out! 😉

Rating: 5 Stars
Release Date: August 1, 2023
I received complimentary ARC copy of this story from its publisher and author (Thank you!! I loved being a part of this book) via NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion, I was in no way required to give a positive review.

What a sweet and wonderful read!
Irvin has once again brought wonderful characters to life with realistic challenges that life's journey threw at them along the way.
I didn't want this story to end.
I loved the friendship that was portrayed through Toby and Rachelle.
There were a few times that I wanted to scream at the characters, especially
Toby.. Oh my goodness! that man was
so stubborn, I feel like and selfish. But overall, he's a good guy.
He just needed to let God in and let Him steer Toby in the right direction. Same with Rachelle. However, she is determined to be helpful in any way she can. That's why I like her.
Some tough subjects and wonderful inspirational messages that go along with the subjects.
This was a great read and one that I couldn't put down. I highly recommend it! 5 stars for some excellent writing and a job well done!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
5 stars for a job well done!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own

It's been a long while since I read a book by this author and I really, really liked it. This is book one in the her Amish Calling series. Twenty nine year old Tody Miller works for his families auction company. He travels a lot throughout the year, which has kept him basically the forever bachelor. He thinks no Amish maidel would understand his long stretches away from home that would keep him from being the husband and father he would want to be.
Rachelle Lapp, is a teacher who works with the developmentally challenged students. Both Toby and Rachelle have a siblings that she teaches. She finds herself out of a job when the school board decides to send those students to public school due to better available resources. Both families try a bit of matchmaking but it will take more than that for these two to come together. This is one of those books you keep reading til it's done. Love how well the author tied in the complexities Autism. They are such beatiful, delightful children.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a love story, but not what you think, it's the love and acceptance of everyone.

We are given a girl whose heart loves teaching, and her job is teaching the children with special needs. Rachelle Lapp is a young Amish woman, and is one of 13 children, with a brother being special. She has a gift, and we watch her students bloom under her guidance.

We also meet Toby, a traveling auctioneer, he also has a special needs sister, and these two, Rachelle and Toby and thrown together by matchmaking parents, siblings, and community.

This is a page turner, and a heart warming read, yes, there are ups and downs, but this is a Faith based story, and I loved it!

Now I can't wait for the next book in this series!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan, and was not required to give a positive review.

When I see that Kelky Irwin has released another book, my reading heart gives a little cheer because I know it will be a great read! The Heart's Bidding did not disappoint. It has such interesting characters. I loved the inclusion of children with special needs, and how the Amish cherished them. It was interesting to watch Toby and Rachelle develop a relationship together after going through painful prior courting experiences.

Loved the story of Toby and Rachelle and how they advocate so well for their siblings who have intellectual disabilities. It was interesting to think how the Amish would differ in how they value children with different abilities. Jonah and Sadie were such sweet kids who had such a love for life and those who were their friends and family.

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

I so enjoyed reading about Tom and Rachelle’s lives. It started with learning about Tom’s family auction business and the intricate work that had to be done to keep the business alive and well. When grandpa announces his retirement it unearths some different issues that had never been issues before . In the Amish community things are done a certain way and roles based on gender and order of birth are very prominent in their lives . Tom worries that being away from home for months at a time (due to his auction business ) would be too much for a wife and yet in the back of his mind and heart he yearns for love and companionship. Rachelle enters in. She is an amazing teacher who has dreams of her own and none include Tom until she starts to know him. This books reminds us all that God is in charge of our lives and although sometimes it appears that nothing can be resolved or a relationship couldn’t work with God everything is in possible . This book discusses an interesting topic : those with intellectual and learning disabilities who are Amish and how the entire Amish community work together to help them to help them rise to their potential . It really fascinated me and made me want to learn more.
As a bonus as part of this book Micah and Layla (Tom’s sister ) story begins . I’m excited to read more of their journey.
I enjoyed reading Tom and Rachelles story about finding love and finding where God wanted them and who He wanted them to be with. Beautiful story .

Thank you for the free copy I received from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review .

The Heart’s Bidding is my first Kelly Irvin, but it won’t be my last. I very much enjoyed reading this Amish story. Rachelle’s teaching job that she loves is at an end, and she may have to take a job in a neighboring community. Toby and his family run an Amish Auctioneering company which keeps him away from home for a good portion of the year. Through quite a few difficult circumstances and troubles, Toby and Rachelle try to figure out if God’s plan for them includes them being together.

I enjoyed the main storyline of Toby and Rachelle’s relationship, although Toby’s stubbornness did get a little aggravating. I also really enjoyed the supporting storyline of Toby’s sister Layla’s relationship with the new guy in the community as well as her ability and desire to fill an unconventional job for an Amish female. Toby and Rachelle both also had younger siblings with developmental disabilities, which was another great storyline in the book.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading Amish fiction. And I will be checking out more Kelly Irvin stories for myself in the future.

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

The first book in Kelly Irvin’s newest series will leave you smiling and ready for more! The Heart’s Bidding is the story of Rachelle and Toby. Toby is an auctioneer on the road for six months out of the year. He believes no woman will want to be in a relationship like that. Rachelle is a teacher for special needs students in their Amish district. But the children will be going to an English school and she is at loose ends. The sparks are flying between the two, but both are afraid of what may come. Can they work together and trust God to show them His perfect plan? A delightful story with a message of hope and trust, you won’t want to miss it!