For the Amish of Pontotoc, Mississippi, faith can open minds—and hearts—to create surprising bonds for a lifetime . . . Independent-minded Leah Gingerich has always been outspoken. And even though she is now a progressive Mennonite, she’s rediscovering the joys of family traditions back in her Amish hometown. Yet she can’t help but clash with her handsome new Amish neighbor, Jamie Stoltzfus. … Amish neighbor, Jamie Stoltzfus. He’s too hard-headed and old-line to see that his traumatized young nephew, Peter, needs faith and help—or that a woman who stands up to him may be what he needs to heal . . .
After a devastating tragedy, Jamie moved to Pontotoc with his nephew for a fresh start. Holding fast to his beliefs is the only way he feels he can aid Peter—and himself. But somehow, Leah’s freethinking ways and feisty challenges are sparking a happiness he’s never felt before. Soon, Jamie can’t imagine his life without her. But are their differences ultimately too great to overcome—or can love bridge their way to a future together?
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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A Love for Leah is book two in the Amish of Pontotoc by Amy Lillard. I absolutely loved reading Leah and Jamie’s story. This story is packed with love, faith, devotion, determination, stubbornness and much more. My heart ached for Peter and what he had endured. Amy has a way of bringing the characters to life and making you feel like you are part of the story. I am looking forward to the next story in this series. Be sure to get your copy of A Love for Leah today.
A LOVE FOR LEAH BOOK 2 OF AMY LILLARD’S AMISH OF PONTOTOC SERIES
In a Love for Leah, Amy Lillard takes her readers back to Pontotoc Mississippi, where Leah Gingerich has returned to her hometown Amish community.
Unlike the rest of her family, Leah is independent, outspoken and a member of the Mennonite church.
Jamie Stoltzfus, the Gingerich’s new Amish neighbor, has moved to Pontotoc to start over fresh with his young nephew after a devastating tragedy. The Gingerich family has taken Jamie and his nephew under their wings. The only member of the Gingerich family that Jamie “butts heads” with is the outspoken Leah. The more time Leah and Jamie interact with each other, the closer they become and the issue of Jamie being a member of the Amish faith and Leah being Mennonite causes differences in their developing attraction for each other.
It was nice to reconnect with all the members of the Amish community in Pontotoc and being introduced to new ones. A Love for Leah has twists and turns in the story, and the struggle with two different faiths, a heartwarming love story,
This is another awesome book by Amy Lillard that you won’t want to miss reading. This my true and honest opinion of A Love for Leah, and I would highly recommend reading it
A great story involving life struggles, emotion and physical pain, finding trust again and learning to love. Differences in backgrounds and family life can cause problems, but the way the characters deal with their circumstances is touching and inspiring. I enjoyed this one. I received a copy of this book and this is my personal honest opinion. No review was required.
Falling in love isn’t always easy…
Another great story from one of my favorite Amish fiction authors! I’ve been looking forward to A Love For Leah since I read the first book in the Pontotoc Mississippi Series earlier this year. And as anticipated author Amy Lillard delivered a thought-provoking story of faith, family, and love.
Each of Amy Lillard’s novels takes on everyday topics, and life choices that, face the Amish, and frequently the Englishers alike. A Love For Leah takes on more than one, including the old-as-time question of whether love really does conquer all or if the differences, especially in matters of faith, are insurmountable.
I really enjoyed A Love For Leah and and read it in pretty short order. Even though Amish fiction has not been a go-to genre in awhile I find myself unable to put an Amy Lillard book down. And when I DO have to put it aside I find myself wondering about the characters and pondering what I would do if I were in similar shoes. And, of course, now that I’ve finished I find myself not so patiently waiting to find out if and when their might be some more Pontotoc Mississippi stories.
(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)
This is the second book in the Amish of Pontotoc series. Amy Lillard really knows how to write a book that keeps my attention. A beautiful inspirational story that has heartbreak in it but before the story ends it becomes heartwarming. Lillard gives us a real sense of the Amish, they like us are not perfect but with faith,hope,prayer and God’s wisdom mistakes are forgiven and wrongs are turned around with understanding and compassion. This book gave me a beautiful sense of well being and inspired me to want to do better in life. Readers of Amish fiction will really enjoy this inspiring and hope filled journey.
Pub Date 31 Jul 2018
I received a complimentary copy from the author/ NetGalley through Kensington Books. All opinions expressed are my own.
A LOVE FOR LEAH by Amy Lillard
July 31. NG
Leah, opening her Twice Blessed store, her mantra was “please Lord”.
Her mom was always looking for lost souls, and especially those for marriage, so once again, company for dinner. An uncle and son, after a fire to start over. He questions about her being a Mennonite, yet, it was the closest, to being accepted by the Amish, and her family. Every time she is around Jamie,they clash, and heated words. Though Peter, the young boy was drawn to her, as a need for a mother. Conflict continue to mount, as they are together, till he is asking her to marry. Which means leaving the Amish faith, as she won’t let him. A story that deals into what is the path that God has chosen for each of them. Would it be sacrifices, or a blend of what was important. A powerful story, that readers will enjoy, and one can connect to the people in this. Given ARC by Net Galley and Kensington for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
ELLEN Oceanside
Another amazing book, A Love for Leah, written by Author Amy Lillard. The plot captured my attention immediately with the different struggles happening. I love the characters even though a few were unusual, but the little boy is sweet and fantastic. This book is Book Two in the Amish of Pontotoc series. I’m looking forward to Book Three in this series.
I received a copy from the author, but was not required to review it. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.
Amy Lillard takes us back to the Amish in Pontotoc, Mississippi and to the Gingerich family. This book is book two in the series and follows the life of Leah, Hannah’s twin sister from book one.
Leah has left the Amish faith and has become Mennonite. Even though she feels she has made the right decision, she sometimes wavers in her choice wondering if she did the right thing. Jamie Stoltzfus and his nephew, new arrivals to Pontotoc, enter Leah life bringing with them more anger, hurt, and need than Leah wants to deal with. Leah tries to help but emotions always seem to get in the way.
A Love for Leah takes a good look at faith, compatibility, persistence, and the ability to take a risk. The characters are likeable with well defined personailty traits. The role of family is another shining star in this book. The Gingerich family’s love for one anothers as well as others is evident. I really enjoyed this book and found it as fast read since I couldn’t put it down. Look for it at your local bookstore today!
I loved the second book in this series, and yes you can read alone, but I enjoyed being back with this family that I have really come to know through the words of the author, Amy Lillard.
The first book was Hannah’s and we continue with parts of her life here, but this story is mainly about her twin Leah. We walk in Leah’s shoes through the eyes of the author, and at time you’re going find your world upside down.
Loved the sparing that goes one between Leah and new comer Amish man Jamie, and you wonder how these two could even be in the same room with each other, but then you meet Peter, a young boy who has suffered so much tragedy in his short life.
This book will keep you page-turning, one very Mennonite and clinging to her new church, and the other set in his Amish ways, how can the two ever get together or should they even try.
A don’t miss book by this talented author.
I received this book through the Publisher Zebra, and was not required to give a positive review.
This story was great! It is the second book in the Amish of Pontatoc series, yet I think that it could be read as a stand alone novel if desired. I definitely enjoyed returning to this interesting family. The author did a great job of keeping me wondering throughout most of the story as to how she would pull everything together in the end.
I appreciated these main characters and the way the author delved into the differences between the Amish and the Mennonite faiths. It was very interesting to view the two religions through the minds of the main characters, who had both been born and raised Amish.
I liked Jamie and Leah a lot. It was fun to see how they heatedly clashed for much of the first half of the book, revealing feelings that ran deeper than they realized. Jamie’s character was so interesting to read about, as he began to open to new ideas that he at first viewed as too liberal.
This was such a great story and I highly recommend it and book one of the series, A Home for Hannah, to fans of Amish fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Sometimes heartbreaking but mostly heart touching story. This continues the story of the Gingerich Family of Pontotoc, Mississippi. Leah and Hannah, twin sisters had left the Amish years ago but both had come back home. Hannah was finding her Amish roots once again but Leah had been led to a Mennonite faith. Leah is very opinionated and stubborn. She locks horns with newcomer Jaime, Amish, who is caring for his nephew Peter. My heart went out to Peter. Only six, he had lost his whole family in a house fire, including his faithful dog. He regressed to the point that he will not speak, though there is no physical reason he cannot. Jaime brings him to this new community in Mississippi hoping for a fresh start and new memories.
Although arguing every time they are together, Leah and Jaime both find themselves drawn to each other. A romantic relationship between them will never work because neither are willing to give up their religion.
This story really took me in and I felt the hurts and love written in the pages like I was right there among the characters. I’m really hoping there will be a future story about Gracie.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher but was not required to write a review.
I really enjoyed reading the difference between the Amish and Mennonites. I didn’t realize how much more modern thinking the Mennonites were. It was so interesting to get to know more about their culture. There is a saying I have heard before that fits this story perfectly. The saying is “Opposites Attract.” I just wonder if Leah believes that?
Leah is Mennonite but her family is Amish. She is very independent and sure doesn’t mind speaking her mind. I loved her ability to take up for herself and loved the times she shared with her family. Her shop is prosperous and seems to being going well for her.The question is , is she really happy?
Jamie is a great character and I admired his dedication to his nephew. When they move next door to Leah’s family, they welcome him except maybe Leah. He sure has his hands full trying to make friends with her. They think differently and Leah is quick to give her opinion of how Jamie can best help his nephew Peter. This makes for some heated arguments that cause friction between them. I loved how the author talked about faith and how one of the characters questioned if they had enough faith to trust Him. It is hard sometimes to wait on God, but I find when I don’t I mess things up.
The story gets exciting when Jamie’s ex- girlfriend shows up unannounced. Is that jealousy I see on Leah? Deborah doesn’t take no for an answer from Jamie and continues to persuade him to come back home and marry her. I loved how the author brought out the tension between them and how Jamie turned to God for answers. It’s a great story that shows how much someone is willing to fight for the person they love. Leah has so many reasons why her and Jamie won’t work out, but will she turn to God to help her discover what is best for her?
There is a part in the story that really intrigued me. It’s a very unique way to share God’s word and I thought it was such a great idea that I have decided to do it as well. There is nothing better to know God hasn’t forgotten you when you discover an unexpected word from Him in a way you never expected. Jamie has a lot of anger about his nephew not willing to speak. Can someone show him that God is the answer?
I loved the story for several reasons. The author showed us the differences between Amish and Mennonite beliefs but the bottom line she emphasized is that we all love God. Jamie and Leah came from different backgrounds but the author elegantly delivered the message that God is who they serve and believe in. Is it possible for two different beliefs to come together and marry? I also liked the pulling apart between Leah and Jamie. There were times I thought they needed a time out. It reminds me of my husband. We are so opposite and boy does he have his hands full with me, but unconditional love prevails. I won’t tell you if Leah and Jamie get together, but I will say that this is the best book the author has written.
I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.
A Love for Leah by Amy Lillard is the second book in The Amish of Pontotoc series. Leah Gingerich is opening Twice Blessed, a secondhand store on Main Street in Pontotoc, Mississippi. Leah is an independent Mennonite woman with forward thinking ideas. Jamie Stoltzfus and his nephew, Peter have moved into a cabin on the Gingerich property. Peter lost his parents and baby sister in a house fire six months prior and has not spoken since that day. Jamie is a traditional and stubborn Amish man who has certain ideas on how to live life and raise his nephew. Leah and Jamie clash from the moment they meet and somehow, they keep finding themselves together (I believe there is some matchmaking taking place). Despite wanting to avoid Jamie, Leah feels that God is calling her to help Peter and Jamie. Unfortunately, while Peter enjoys spending time with Leah, Jamie does not want her assistance. Leah is not going to let that stop her. But will a blast from Jamie’s past ruin their chances? Can this unlikely duo find common ground?
A Love for Leah is the second book in The Amish of Pontotoc, and I recommend reading the series in order. It will provide you with a better understanding of the characters, their background, the town, etc. Leah is the twin sister of Hannah whom we met in A Home for Hannah. She is present throughout A Love for Leah. Leah is an independent and strong minded woman who cares for her nephew, Brandon. I like the bond between Leah and Brandon as well as their interactions. It is good that Leah is strong willed because she pushes Jamie to do what is best for Peter. God finds a way to help those in need. With Deborah King (Jamie’s ex-fiancé), the author created a character that readers will love to dislike. She is annoying and full of herself. I thought the story was nicely written and it had gentle pacing. I had trouble, though, getting into A Love for Leah and it failed to hold my attention. While it is a cute Amish romance, I found it to be expected. The story could have used editing to tighten it up and it desperately needed to be shortened (way too long). Some of the Christian themes present are having faith, staying hopeful, and the power of prayer. We get to see the importance of being close to family, having good friends, and allowing love into our lives. I like that we get to see some of the differences between the Amish and Mennonite faith. My rating for A Love for Leah is 3 out of 5 stars. A Love for Leah is an uplifting Amish romance that will leave you with a good feeling in your heart and a smile on your face.
A Love for Leah was a beautiful story filled with characters that were dimensional with imperfections but lovable. It was nice to reconnect with the characters and the community in Pontotoc, Mississippi from book one, A Home for Hannah. Amy Lillard’s characters and their lifestyles drew me in from the start. This tale is Leah’s story (twin to Hannah) and Jamie Stolzfus who recently relocated to Pontotoc with his young nephew, Peter. I appreciated how the Gingerich family reached out to Jamie and Peter. Leah and Jamie initial encounter gave wrong impression to each other, but yet there was an attraction. Leah wanted to ensure she could help Peter but Jamie thought Leah was too worldly with her modern Mennonite church. Jamie was a true Amish man that held tightly to the Ordnung. The true to life struggles of the characters and their personal faith of their culture gave perspective to some of the differences between Amish and Mennonite. The differences between Leah and Jamie increased their frustration with one another but also drew them together with their persistence, focusing on the needs of Peter and the grace of God. There are some unexpected twists and turns and heart break along with seeking redemption and God’s will. Lillard interwove a stronger faith message in this book than some of her other Amish series. Readers of Amish genre will appreciate this latest book by Amy Lillard that can be read as a standalone; however, I highly recommend reading Home for Hannah first.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author without a favorable review being required. I have shared my honest opinion for A Love for Leah.