For the Amish of Pontotoc, Mississippi, faith and family are everything—even when they pose the greatest challenge . . . Gracie Glick is known for being the helpful one, always available for a relative in need. But now that she’s longing for a home and family of her own, it’s time to help herself. With few eligible men in Pontotoc, Gracie’s choices, and her time, are limited. So she takes a … limited. So she takes a bold leap of faith: she proposes to Matthew Byler, a handsome, recently widowed, father of five. It’s not until after they’re married that Gracie learns Matthew doesn’t want more children . . .
With his grief still fresh, and his children needing care while he tends to his farm, Gracie is the answer to Matthew’s prayers. But a marriage in name only suits him fine. And when he finally tells Gracie the dismaying reason why, they must decide whether to continue
together—or apart. It’s a choice that will force them both to look deeper into their hearts than ever before . . .
Praise for Amy Lillard and her Wells Landing novels
“An inspirational story of romance, faith, and trust . . . will appeal to fans of Wanda Brunstetter and Beverly Lewis.”
—Library Journal on Caroline’s Secret
“Fans of inspirational romance will appreciate Lillard’s vivid characters and positive message.”
—Publishers Weekly
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Oh my goodness I think this just might be my favorite book in this series! First of all, Gracie is so shy and yet so forward with Matthew! I know it’s in the book blurb, but it still caught me off guard. Here’s the other thing about Gracie – she is such a strong person. Do I totally agree with her reasons for marrying Matthew? No. BUT there’s a point in the story where I wasn’t sure how she was going to continue in the relationship because of something that happens between her and Matthew. And Gracie just got up the next day and went about her business. I loved her character!
The heart of the story though, in my opinion, is the growth in Matthew. He so desperately needed to make peace with his wife’s passing, and Lillard gives you little pieces of that story here and there, at just the right pace. I was flabbergasted when Matthew revealed to Gracie the truth behind his wife’s death – but loved how Lillard weaved it into the story afterwards. It’s something important that I think readers need to understand that Amish are not exempt from. It is certainly a topic that deserves more information in the world – and you’ll find out why I feel this way if you read the story (sorry no spoilers!).
All in all, this was a fantastic read that I devoured in one day. I’ve been waiting for Gracie’s story for awhile, and Lillard did not disappoint! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Amy Lillard’s latest book “A Family for Gracie” is an eye opening story that touches on the saying…be careful what you wish for! Gracie has always wanted a family to love and care for. However, marriage seems to have passed her by. Gracie takes it upon herself to propose to a recent widower with very young children, who could use a wife. Matthew, the widower, is shocked at her proposal and sends her on her way. Gracie is embarrassed until Matthew changes his mind and comes calling. Gracie and Matthew enter into marriage each with their own personal reasons which in time will take its toll.
Amy Lillard is not afraid to write about subjects that cause strife in an Amish family. She makes her characters real people with real problems, broken, angry, confused, and needy. I myself deal with a plethora of human emotions when reading her novels. This is part of Amy’s Pontotoc series but is just fine to read as a stand alone. I highly recommend you add it to your summer reading. It is an excellent book.
I really enjoyed the concept of this story. Most marriages are based on love, but sometimes a marriage is a matter of helping a person out who seems overwhelmed, and needs help with children. Matthew is way over his head with five young children , one which is a baby to raise on his own. I laughed sometimes at the things the children did that made Matthew want to raise his hands up in surrender.
Gracie is a wonderful character who has always wanted a family and to be married. Looks like the perfect arrangement is going to happen to benefit both Matthew and Gracie. A marriage between them seems like a great solution, but is it? They are both in for surprises in this story that brings two people together in a emotional journey to forgiveness, hope and love.
There are many people who are there to give advice to the couple and they all have good intentions but after awhile I think they both just wanted to get married and try to get back to a normal life. The children definitely need a mother to nurture them and Gracie has a heart filled with love for them. The question is, do either her or Matthew feel anything for each other?
The story is sprinkled with wonderful scriptures and wisdom that feels the heart with hope. Matthew and Gracie each will need to discover what God’s plan is for their lives as they blend marriage and family into a place of love and forgiveness. I loved how the author wrote the story with glimpses inside the hearts of two people each wanting to find love. Gracie is a very compassionate woman who finds herself praying for a marriage that is filled with love, while Matthew must come to terms with a tragedy that he blames himself for.
I was captivated by the children in this story and how much they needed guidance and a feeling of knowing they were wanted. They keep Gracie on her toes and at times are stubborn. Baby Grace is a special child that brings two people a renewed hope and reminds us all that God is in every marriage . We must remember not to worry over little things but be thankful for each day that brings us joy and love. I loved this story because it reminds us that family is important and when you don’t give up when things are hard, God is there to open your eyes to unconditional love.
I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.
A Family for Gracie is a beautiful story about forgiveness, acceptance and a second chance love; We start the story with Gracie Glick, who is a 26-year-old spinster (by Amish standards) who has a servants heart and does as much as she can for people in need, but when she saw widower Matthew Byler struggling with his children, she saw a chance to help. But soon that changed into a chance to have her own family, so Gracie became bold and asked him to marry her.
For Matthew, his marriage to Gracie is not going to be a conventional one, as the pain and grief at the loss of his first wife and the raising his 5 children has taken a toll on Matthew and he doesn’t want any more children, which devastates Gracie and to decide if they should continue together or apart.
This is my first Amish of Pontotoc book I have read, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying the book or understanding the character’s predicament. Gracie is such a sweet girl who only wants what everyone else has, a family of her own. Matthew struggle with his first wife’s death and his guilt towards his children. I have to say that I love the complexity of this story, it is so unlike the Amish romances I have read before, but I certainly will start the series from the beginning as I thoroughly enjoyed book three.
A Family for Gracie is the third novel in the Amish of Pontotoc series. It can easily be read as a standalone if you have not read the other books in this series. I thought A Family for Gracie was a sweet, expressive story. It is well-written with engaging characters and a lovely setting. Gracie has numerous relatives, but she wants her own family. She longs for a husband and children. Matthew is a widower with five children. Gracie knows little about Matthew except he is eligible and needs a wife. This makes for an intriguing story as we watch Matthew and Gracie adjust to their new life. Matthew’s children provide humor especially Henry, the mischievous one. Henry and his brothers’ antics had me chuckling. Marriage is hard work, but it is even more challenging when two people do not know each other and there is a lack of communication. Then add in five children who are grieving and confused (their mother is gone and now they have a new woman taking charge). Baby Grace cried constantly because she missed her mother. There are endless chores especially with so many people in one house. I felt for the wee little tike who experienced such loss so early in her little life. Amy Lillard deftly deals with difficult topics (depression for example). She handled them with grace and compassion. Forgiveness, guilt, and depression are a couple of topics addressed. We see the importance of prayer and having a strong faith in God. I liked that I could feel the character’s emotions and I appreciated the epilogue at the end. I was happy that Leah and Hannah were back in this story so we can see how they are doing. That pair also provided some lighthearted moments. Aunt Eunice While the ending is expected, A Family for Gracie is a lovely, heartfelt novel. A Family for Gracie has mischievous munchkins, kind cousins, a chaotic home, a boisterous pup, a benevolent bishop, and a marriage full of possibilities.
This is the beautiful third book in the Amish of Pontotoc series.
Sweet Gracie gets her own story as we revisit this series taking place in Pontotoc,Mississippi.
I love this series by Amy Lillard and was so excited to read this book.
Gracie has always yearned for a family of her own. Matthew needs a wife and mamm for his children after his wife’s death.
He has memories of her in better times before depression hits her.
I really felt for the baby crying constantly missing her mother.
The book deals with some deep issues but the author deals with them with class and compassion.
All marriage is hard work especially when you don’t know your spouse very well and children from a previous relationship factor into the equation.
With Gracie wanting a baby of her own and Matthew not wanting more children it causes friction between them.
When it’s time to let go and let God the importance and family and faith shine through.
Highly recommended!
Expected publication: July 30th 2019 by Zebra.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
This is another wonderful heartfelt and emotional Amish story by Amy Lillard. Gracie feels like she’s going into “Old Maid” status at age twenty six. Most Amish women get married much younger and already have children. And the pickings are slim in her community for an unmarried man. She makes a bold move and takes dinner to recently widowed Matthew and proposes. He initially is shocked but realizes he is at the end of his rope with a young baby and four rambunctious boys to take care of as well as household chores and farm fields needing tending.
The characters, especially Gracie and young Henry, were so easy to care about. Gracie had undertaken a big job with marrying Matthew as a glorified housekeeper and babysitter. No love lost between them, a marriage of convenience. And Henry the second oldest in a five sibling family was all boy. He was always getting into trouble or getting injured but still very lovable. Although Matthew was very gruff and hard to understand he had secrets he held close and shared with no one. Heartbreaking to Gracie was the fact she married Matthew without knowing he wanted no more children when that is one of Gracie’s heart’s desires.
How will this newly formed Amish family survive when divorce is never an option?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the author but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.
In her new book A Family for Gracie, Amy Lillard takes her readers back to Pontotoc to tell Gracie Glick’s story and her desire to have a family of her own.
Gracie Glick is the kind of person who is always doing for others, be it family or someone else in need. What Gracie longs to have, though, is a family to call her own.
Matthew Byler is a young and handsome newcomer to Pontotoc. Matthew is also a widower, who has five children, one which is an infant named Gracie. Matthew is very overwhelmed trying to run his farm and taking care of his children.
Gracie Glick has come up with a solution to Matthew’s problem. Gracie goes out on a limb and proposes marriage to Matthew. Matthew, finding that this will solve his problem accepts and the two enter into a “marriage of convenience”
But what will Gracie encounter after she marries a man who is still grieving the death of his wife and the the mother of his children. What will Gracie encounter with the children, when she is now responsible for their well-being.
Follow this emotional journey that Gracie and Matthew take, as they try to become one family.
A Family for Gracie is another heartwarming story written by Amy Lillard. It is a story of learning to heal, trust, faith and love.
I highly recommend that you read this great book and somewhere down the road pick up copies of the other books in Amy’s Amish of Pontotoc series. I can guarantee that you will love them, as well
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book by it’s author, Amy Lillard and ;her publisher.
Gracie Glick is known for always being available to help those in need in the Amish community of Pontotoc, Mississippi. However, she longs for a family of her own. So, she steps out in a giant leap of faith and decides to propose to handsome and recently widowed Matthew Byler. Matthew needs help with his five children and Gracie feels Matthew is the answer to her prayers. Matthew begins to appreciate the fact that maybe Gracie is the answer to his prayers. Will they realize too late each has a very different idea of what they want from their marriage? Gracie has the family she’s always wanted but is it enough? A delightful story filled with hope, faith, and inspiration. I am a big fan of Author Amy Lillard’s stories and her characters are always well-developed. I especially enjoyed Henry and Matthew’s other children. Grace has her hands full! Don’t miss this one!
I received a copy of this book through Net Galley and the publisher. The opinions are my own.
Families can be created in various ways. This sweet, heartwarming story shows how love, trust, understanding and compassion bring people together. Love this story. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.
A Family For Gracie ( Amish of Pontotoc -#3 )
By: Amy Lillard
A Family For Gracie is book three in Amish of Pontotoc series. I was really proud to see that Gracie got her own story. I was drawn in at the start and did not want to put it down. I loved the story and the characters. I was not disappointed. Gracie is known for the helpful one. Always wanting to help someone in need. She wants her own family, but her choice is not big. I think Gracie is a very brave woman. Matthew is a widowed with five children, and not thinking about having anymore. He has his hands full with his small baby. I loved these two main characters and enjoyed watching them get to know each other. Will Gracie get her a family? This story is about trust, forgiving , and faith.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley and the publisher, but was not told that I had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I was glad to see Lillard write Gracie’s story after being introduced to young Gracie in the first two books of the Pontotoc Mississippi series. Gracie Glick had suffered a lot of loss in her younger years and was always willing to aid others when they had a need. But Gracie had one desire for so long, which was a family of her own. Her proposal to Matthew Byler took him by surprise with an abrupt no. Matthew was overwhelmed with four lively young boys and an infant daughter who cried consistently while he held her, thus he had his hands full. No doubt he needed assistance and realized Gracie had a way with his children especially the baby when she had brought food over.
Matthew and Gracie had a lot to learn in their marriage of convenience. Lillard wrote their story in a way that brought out their strengths and flaws as they learned to give and take. Gracie was resilient and stood strong even with Matthew’s coolness toward her and the children. The young boys were charming in the story. Five year old Henry stole my heart with his determination and smartness even though he was prone to accidents. Baby Grace was a God sent to Gracie but she yearned for her own child. Will confronting the guilt Matthew carried about his wife’s death bring tenderness to his heart for Gracie?
I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a favorable review but have expressed my own sincere thoughts. I look forward to reading more of Amy Lillard’s books as they are released.
“He knew all too well that he could make all the plans he wanted, but God was in charge of all his steps” Matthew thouht.
And with 4 small children, 1 baby daughter, her wife dead for 4 months, he sure has his hands full, and he doesn’t make no more day-plans.
Gracie is a young woman, nice and attentive to the people in need, eager to have a family to her own, because she is an orfan.
Wonderful characters, very well written, haunting and realistic story, I recommend it.
Thanks to author, Kensington Publishing, Netgalley.
Gracie is always helping anyone in anyway she can. She has lost all of her immediate family. She does have her aunt and cousins. It is her hearts dream to have a family of her own. Her plans are to have that with Matthew and his children. He has lost is wife and is left with five children to raise 4 boys and an infant daughter. His boys keep him on his toes and the baby cries a lot. Gracie like a lot of the community are providing meals for him and his children. She proposes they marry so she can help him raise his children. Matthew thinks this not such a great idea, until one of the kids get hurt while he is trying to work. He decides the idea isn’t so crazy . Gracie gets the family she ask for but it is not what she expected. A husband who keep his distance. This book touches on post partum depression, grief and challenges of marriage. It gives the reader a view of the fears and how it affects the spouse. Matthew didn’t understand his late wife’s depression and it has affected life in may ways. Gracie has brought a fresh view and helps him and his children heal. I received this book as an ARC from the publisher for my review.
I loved this story!
Such a wonderful book about stepping out in faith and having the courage to do something you believe is right. Grace and Matthew’s story is one of learning to trust and to have patience. I truly enjoyed the interaction between the characters, and the setting of this book. I do wish that the ending had been a bit more drawn out as I felt that their feelings happen rather abruptly. Otherwise a great book, and I look forward to reading more by this author. I give this book a four out of five stars.
I volunteered to read this book from Kensington Books in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
She got a lot more than she bargained for…
I’ve been waiting for A Family For Gracie since Gracie was first introduced. She was the girl always helping others and wanting nothing more than a family of her own to care for. She seemed lonely and even a bit neglected by her relatives. I was beyond curious about what kind of story she would get. I was actually a bit surprised at the direction, marriage of convenience, that Amy Lillard took. But, it was perfect for Gracie, the storyline allowed her to shine, well, at least as much as an Amish girl can sparkle.
As with every other Amy Lillard book that I’ve read, I sincerely enjoyed A Family For Gracie. I quickly became emotionally invested in the lives of the characters. Seriously, there were several times I wanted to knock some sense into Matthew’s head! Totally not an Amish reaction, I know. The kids were adorable, especially the little scamp Henry, and I couldn’t help but laugh at their antics. For anyone that has read the story all I’ll have to say is “chicken and ducklings.”
Humorous and poignant moments are expertly blended into a lovely, and original, Amish romance that tugs at the heart.
(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)
I really enjoyed reading Gracie’s story. She wanted a family but, wow! She also wanted love in that family. Sometimes it felt like 2 steps forward and 1 great big one back. Enjoyed the way the story showed real emotions and family drama. I was gifted a copy, no review was required.. My review is voluntary,
Gracie and Mathew come together in a most unusual way. Gracie feels old and wants a family of her own. Mathew needs help with his five children. This story brings them together in a wonderful way and then they need to work out all the troubles that come along. I love how they work through their problems. I really like both of these characters. I did not want to put this book down. I also loved the four boys and one girl that Mathew brings to the table. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
A Family for Gracie is a marvelous book. It’s a type of book that will take your mind, heart and soul and keep you interested from beginning to the end. The characters are excellent, especially having some humor. The storyline is different than many books, but that’s one thing bringing more interest. A Family for Gracie is Book Three of the Amish of Pontotoc series, but I believe you could read this as a stand alone book. I highly recommend this book by Author Amy Lillard.
I received a copy from NetGalley, but was not required to review it. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.
A family for Gracie
Matthew lost his wife not too long after having a baby. Gracie decides to ask him to marry her. She wants a family.
I love a book with children in it. Matthew definitely had his hands full. The baby crying all the time. Twin boys and another boy. Henry was accident prone. So Matthew decided he needed help. Gracie has a lot to handle after they got married.
Gracie wants more children of her own but Matthew is scared too. Will he change his mind? Read and see.
I received an advanced copy of the book from NetGalley through the author. This review is my own opinion.