"A Reluctant Bride"
    By Kathleen Fuller

Synopsis: Sadie, a young Amish girl has declared that she will NEVER marry! While her friends courted and married , SHE was NOT going to follow their example. Content in managing the family business, she is planning to take it over when her parents retire. 
Sadie's plans are sadly interrupted when a reckless driver kills both her parents and injures her younger sister. Hospital bills mount as do worries! A pile of debt her parents left behind add to the concern! Sadie must marry to save her family.  BUT not just marry any man- the one who saw her at her weakest and walked away. 

Aden  knows what his brother did to Sadie many years ago was inexcusable. Every day since the  incident, he has had to deal with his guilt for not intervening sooner. Once again, Aden is faced with the opportunity to protect Sadie. He just can NOT let her down again! 

Working with Aden at the store, Sadie realizes he isn't the terrible young boy who once betrayed her. A marriage can solve her money problems, but is she ready to deal with the implications?? Now, she must save herself as well as her family.

My Thoughts: 
This book is the first in Kathleen's new series , " Amish of Birch Creek". After reading this one, I can hardly wait for the next!

The author has tackled some delicate topics in this story and done so in a caring, sensitive, understanding manner. This is not your typical Amish romance!   Bullying, involving domestic abuse is not the usual topic that you see in this genre. I have always loved the Amish genre, but it is great to read something with a different twist to it. 

The characters in this book are realistic and described in such detail that you easily identify with them. This is a "must" for me to be able to do , in order to call it a great book. If I can immerse myself in a story, becoming one with the characters, I become part of their world. I forget what is going on around me and reality passes me by. Sadie has experienced the unimaginable in the Amish community. She has kept her past a secret for a very long time, holding it all inside. I can only imagine the pain and distress this has caused. To add to her challenges, to lose parents and a sibling is so very painful. 

The plot moves quickly with just enough twists and turns to keep the reader totally engrossed. Emotions are running high. Will the Amish faith and beliefs survive these difficulties? Can there be healing and redemption when  life seems impossible?? 

Kathleen has outdone herself in this new series. Can hardly wait for the next one!!

This book was provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.