An Unexpected Amish Proposal (Surprised by Love)

Our Review

AN UNEXPECTED AMISH PROPOSAL is the first book in the new series SURPRISED BY LOVE by Rachel J. Good. Ms. Good is one of my favorite authors of Amish romance, and I always look forward to reading her books, which bring me to different Amish communities.

Most of this story is set at the Valley Green Farmer’s Market in Pennsylvania. There’s a lot of drama, and the Amish and Englischers mix in business and shopping. Gideon, who is Amish, is expanding his stand where he sells organic chicken. He cooks this on a rotisserie with his sister’s help (when she’s not chasing after her love interest.) When friends are set to lose their stands thanks to a steep rent increase, Gideon steps in to help, unbeknownst to several of them.

Fern is one such owner. She and Gideon have been friends since childhood. She makes and sells baked goods to support her family. She always has a calming affect on others, and I liked hers and Gideon’s interactions with a troubled Englisch youth with tattoos and piercings. They look past the outside to his inner goodness, although the boy’s father can’t seem to.  

The story is filled with business, family, friends, and love. Several characters hold back secrets, and the truth leads to both heartache and redemption. There are also moments of levity. Fern and Gideon are front and center as their attraction grows, but their families also play a part in the storylines. There is a depth to the characters, a nice flow to the story, and wonderful closure with the epilogue. I love the cover and look forward to reading more of Rachel J. Good’s books. If you like Amish stories, give her books a try. You won’t be disappointed!