Greta lost her father aboard the Charming Nancy on her way to the new world. Now she must find her place in her 18th-century frontier Amish community. Her neighbor Jacob always seems to be there when something goes awry--like when she fell into a mud puddle or sprained her ankle. Jacob lost his wife and infant son and blames himself for bringing them to the frontier where no midwife was present to potentially save them. Both deny feelings for one another. Both are being pressured by the Amish leaders to marry for the good of the community. As Greta finds a mission in teaching the children, a new family moves in--grandparents who converted late in life and their non-Amish granddaughter Catrina who seeks to find purpose to her life beyond what she found in her parents Philadelphia store. When Jacob begins to heal, will he choose the outwardly beautiful Catrina or the inwardly beautiful Greta? ( )

I've been curious about this new (well, new to me) collection of stories that is becoming popular -- that of the cozy romance and specifically the cozy romances set in specific places, times or cultures -- cozy bookstore mysteries/romance, romances set in an Amish community, cozy bakery stories, etc.

I didn't know if I'd love this genre or think it was odd or over-reaching. I am pleased to say that I enjoyed this book a great deal.

Pros: I was surprised at how quickly I wanted the best for the two main characters. The author told us enough backstory in a simple, uncomplicated way, that made me feel how hard the past months/years have been for them. I wanted to see them find happiness.

I love Greta. She is funny, has a huge heart, is smart and hard-working. The kind of person I'd want to be if I were in that time period and atmosphere. At the same time, she battles with insecurity, pride and jealousy. Hurray! It's good to see an imperfect character that grows in the course of the book.

No spoilers, but it's nice to see how the interactions between Greta and Catrina played out. I also appreciate how the story brought a period of history to life and made me realize the hardships that accompanied people settling in a completely new place, more succinctly than a history book did. That's one of the beauties of literature, isn't it?

Cons: While so excited to get to the end of the book, I was bummed when I finished. Of course, it had a happy ending and maybe that could be considered "corny," but my bummed feeling can be attributed to how I really did want to know what happens next for this family of characters. I can only hope that it being "Amish New World #1," that they'll make appearances in future books!

And maybe we'll hear more about Catrina too?


( )

The author has set this book in the 1730’s Pennsylvania and a founding settlement Amish Community, and we experience it first hand through the eyes of a recent [Charming Nancy] survivor, Greta Scholtz. Life is very basic, and all are trying to survive and have put their faith in God.
We also meet Jacob Miller, a grieving widower, who is not interested in another woman.
I loved this book, and the words flew of the pages, and when it ended I felt a loss. Never thought about how they cooked bread, a communal oven, wow! What we take for granted!
There are a few chuckles here, especially playing the pig pen, and then there are several scary times, but in all I have a good visit here, and hope for more!

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