"The Amish Candy Maker"
By Laura V. Hilton

About the Book:

Genre: Amish Christian Fiction

Release date: February 5, 2019

Publisher: Whitaker House

Agnes Zook finds herself on her own in a small Amish community in Mackinac County after a tragedy kills her family. Most of the Amish call her “off in den Kopf” (strange) since she’s starting her own business and forging her own way in the community instead of relying on the bishop to take care of her. Since she’s viewed as non-submissive and too-forward for an Amish woman, she’s not courted by young men in the area.
Isaac Mast is on the verge of leaving the Amish church. He’s become a sought-after auctioneer and has a thriving business, but he feels confined by the strict rules. When his brother is severely injured in a wild fire, Isaac receives a letter from his sister-in-law, begging him to come to Mackinac County to help out while his brother is hospitalized. Isaac agrees but is unsure how to manage their young children when he has weekend auctions he’s expected to attend.
Agnes may be the answer to a prayer. Sparks fly when she and Isaac meet. But could their differences help them form a deeper connection to their faith…and each other?

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My Thoughts:

I must admit that I am a lover of the Amish Fiction genre, so when a new book comes out, it goes on my "to read" list. Laura Hilton is one author that I have grown to love. After reading a few of her books, I was hooked!! She is a talented storyteller who puts deep meaning within her works of fiction. The story may be about the Amish but in no way is their life as simple and peaceful as many think. Laura addresses the fact that these Plain People experience every bit as much conflict in life as you and I do.

The main character, Agnes , did not have pleasant memories of her childhood. I felt deeply for her as it became clear that words spoken by her father that she would never be "worthy of any man's life" have a lasting effect on her adult life. How could God love such an insecure, unforgiving person??? Agnes felt totally unlovable!! What a horrible way to live life! As her character developed, my empathy increased for this poor young woman. I felt her every hurt and challenge. She definitely needed to forgive, both the past hurts and herself. Only God could do that for her. Poor choices had been made, however nothing is unforgivable. Isaac also faced many challenges! He is torn between the Englisch and Amish worlds! Although at times, he frustrated me, I learned to love him as someone who also needed forgiveness. Would he and Agnes be able to bond and help each other heal?? Would he be able to stand a woman who very definitely had an opinion and easily expressed each one? Isaac faces his own demons, past events that separating himself from his family that filled him with grief and guilt. This book is NOT just a simple romance! This author deals with mystery as well as the need to be forgiving to others and self.

The plot moves at a steady pace and keeps the reader totally engaged from beginning to end. Twists and turns appear when you least expect them. It is the kind of novel that makes one think and reflect on one's own life. Yes, this is about the Amish community, but how different are we?? Really, not at all.

I highly recommend this book to all readers!!
A five star book that leaves one pondering how we need to change our lives to overcome past events. Looking forward to Laura's next creation!!

This book was received as a gift. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own.

About the Author:

Laura Hilton is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and is a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, with more than a thousand reviews published on the web. Her first series with Whitaker was The Amish of Seymour, comprising Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (2012 Laurel Award winner, first place in the Amish Genre Clash), and Promised to Another; and her second was The Amish of Webster County, comprising Healing Love, Awakened Love, and Surrendered Love. Her next series was The Amish of Jamesport, featuring The Post Card, Snow Globe, and The Birdhouse. Her latest books include The Amish Firefighter, The Amish Wanderer, and Love By the Numbers. Laura and her husband, Steve, live in Arkansas with their five children, whom Laura homeschools.

Guest Post from Laura

RECIPE FOR FUDGE À LA AGNES ZOOK

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Fudge

Courtesy of Laura V. Hilton

1 bag (12 ounces) milk chocolate chips

1 bag (10 ounces) peanut butter chips

2 cans sweetened condensed milk, divided

6 tablespoons butter, divided

20 to 30 miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or six regular-size ones broken into four or five pieces each

For the chocolate layer: Line a greased 8-by-11.5-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

In a double boiler or metal bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, combine milk chocolate chips, 1 can sweetened condensed milk, and 4 tablespoons butter. Stir until melted and smooth.

Pour into prepared baking dish and allow to cool to room temperature, then move to the refrigerator while preparing next layer.

For the peanut butter layer: In a double boiler or metal bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, combine peanut butter chips, 1 can sweetened condensed milk, and 2 tablespoons butter. Stir until melted and smooth.

Pour on to the milk chocolate fudge layer and press pieces of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into the surface. If desired, group candy pieces in a grid-like fashion for easier cutting later.

Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate overnight or until set.

Remove from refrigerator, lift out of the pan by the edges of the parchment paper, and cut into squares, with roughly one miniature peanut butter cup or piece of a cup per square.

Store in the refrigerator.