Both of them have vowed from the bottom of their broken hearts never to love again. Sweet Naomi Byler cooks meals for the guests at The Peony Inn, where Amish sisters and owners of the inn Esther and Lizzie love her like a granddaughter. She’s as happy there as a young woman can be, considering that her fiancé, Thomas, has left her to court someone else. She knows she’ll get over the love of … she’ll get over the love of her life in due time, but she assumes marriage will never be a part of her future.
Amos Lantz and his mother are guests at the inn, visiting town for a cousin’s wedding. Attending a wedding is the last thing Amos wants to do since his own fiancée, Sarah, died tragically just a year ago.
Naomi and Amos understand each other’s grief and become quick friends when they discover their mutual love of painting. As the two begin to paint through their sadness together, Esther and Lizzie play matchmaker–a risky move with the potential to backfire. And when Thomas makes an unexpected return intending to win back Naomi, she realizes she no longer knows her own heart.
In this new Amish series from bestselling and award-winning novelist Beth Wiseman, true love takes root in the deepest of wounds.
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Now, this book was all shades of amazing. Some parts will make you cry, others will make you laugh so much your cheeks will hurt.
The sisters! Esther and Lizzie! My God! These women were just so lovely. I loved their heart! Esther was the quiet, sensible one, Lizzie, the outgoing, and fiesty one. They both complemented each other. I loved the beautiful work they did with their mother’s house, providing hospitality and a place of love and rest for others. They had the good of everyone they met at heart and that endeared them to my heart.
Naomi and Amos! Thier broken hearts could be felt from the pages of the book and it was that same that brought them together. I admired the gentleman Amos was. I loved the place and role Naomi filled in the hearts and lives of everyone around her and her courage to move forward to the beautiful things God had for her.
Gus! Now, this character was a piece of wor!. His story wasn’t told in full but I was sad for the man he had become. Knowing that it was some crude life experience that made him into who he became. I greatly admired Esther’s grace with him. In so many ways she illustrated how to live with and treat difficult people with grace and love.
This story has found a place in my heart. I loved the way the lives of the characters was interwoven together. I loved the grace, love, redemption and second chances I read about in the book.
The Author did a fantastic job.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.
Delightful read, and charming characters.
Naomi works at the Peony Inn for two sisters who are like family to her, she has been burned in love before but when a man who shares her appreciation for art comes to lend a hand at the inn she finds herself rethinking everything.
Lizzie and Esther are two widowed sisters who run an inn together, and dabble in matchmaking. I loved their sisterly squabbles and teasing, and they were my favorite characters of the book. Lizzie’s spirited ways made me laugh, and I admired Esther’s determination and compassion.
This is a fast read, set in a charming Amish community, with fun larger than life characters. I loved how Amos and Naomi got to know each other through a shared hobby, and both were able to open up to each other as they got to know each other. One of my favorite relationships in this book though was the burgeoning friendship between Gus and Esther, with all their bargaining and bickering.
Overall, a highly enjoyable read, with engaging characters, dialogue, strong themes of friendship and forgiveness. I can’t wait to visit the Peony Inn again soon!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This was a lovely sweet Amish book. It is the first in a new series called The Amish Inn Novels. I, for sure, will be continuing with this series. It is really good. The storyline ran smoothly and simply and kind of made me feel as though this was “real life” Amish. It felt comfortable and real. Sometimes I found myself wanting to laugh a bit at the characters and yet there are serious moments. I love Lizzie and her “teeth”. I love how the ladies tried to match make and meddle into the lives of Naomi and Amos. There are a few twists as things are in real life as well.
I love the Bed and Breakfast theme and the humor and love that are shown throughout. A good book! Definitely will be watching for the next book of this series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Zondervan Publishing. All thoughts are my own.
What a fun Amish read. You have to love how Ms Wiseman balances humor with an in depth story that leaves you feeling warm and smiling. I absolutely loved Gus and his grumpy disposition that starts to mellow. I hope we see more of him in the future books to this new Amish Inn series. The characters worm their way into your heart and make them seem like family. I liked that Naomi and Amos were out of the box with their love of painting which made them seem more relatable. The sisters Esther and Lizzie were delightful and quirky and the word descriptions of them made my imagination picture them. I had a smile on my face for hours after finishing. It was like a refreshing breath of air reading this in these troubling times. This book shows to never give up on someone, to have hope that the best is yet to come, to find friendship in unexpected places, and that second chances do exist. I highly recommend even if you aren’t an Amish fan. #mustread
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
A Picture of Love by Beth Wiseman is the debut of The Amish Inn Novels. This was an entertaining Amish story. I found it to be well-written with the story moving along at a steady pace. The characters are developed and lively. Lizzie and Esther are a hoot. I just love the widowed sisters who know each other’s foibles and bicker frequently. They are as opposite as two sisters can be (remind me of my sister and myself). Neither one had children and they consider Naomi Byler a granddaughter. They care for her dearly and want to see her happy again. There are some things Lizzie would love to do to Thomas, Naomi’s ex-fiancé. When Amos arrives, the sisters notice how he looks at Naomi. The sisters decide to give the pair a little push (sometimes a shove) towards love. There are a couple of side stories in A Picture of Love. Esther is having some physical symptoms that have her worried. As much as she dislikes doctor’s, Esther knows she must bite the bullet. Esther gets help from their grumpy renter, Gus Owens. She works a deal out for his help. Lizzie cannot stand Gus Owens. Lizzie and Gus trade verbal barbs quite often (they are hilarious). It turns out that Gus has a daughter he has not seen in over thirty years. She has decided to visit, so Gus wants to spruce up his appearance (it needs it). Mary and John Lapp rent the Dawdi Haus on the property. They have been married five years and unable to conceive. It has begun to affect their marriage. The Thomas situation left me with a few questions that I wish had been answered. I loved the humor in the story. I liked that A Picture of Love was not a traditional Amish romance. I laughed often while reading this amusing tale especially the scene with Lizzie and the kitten. Lizzie provided several laugh-out-loud moments for me. I liked that in A Picture of Love we get to see that you never know what God has in store for you. A Picture of Love is a story of forgiveness, second chances, faith, God’s timing, and love. This was a delightful and engaging story, and I am eager to read the next book in The Amish Inn Novels. A Picture of Love is a diverting Amish story with picture painting, merry matchmaking, pie payment, a cute kitten, hair help, and sister shenanigans.
I think this has to be my favorite story of all time from this author. The emotions can be felt throughout the book and love is definitely in the air. Oh how I loved to reconnect with Lizzie and Esther again. These two sisters are quite remarkable. They have the biggest hearts and so want to help Naomi find love again. I laughed at their shenanigans which gave the story a feel of happiness. The love they have for Naomi is evident and even tell her they think of her as their granddaughter. I want to be part of their family and be surrounded by women like Esther and Lizzie.
Naomi is such a sweet person which upset me knowing someone broke her heart. Naomi does her job everyday at the inn but you can see sadness on her face. It was nice to see how Esther and Lizzie encouraged Naomi not to give up on love. I couldn’t wait to see what was in store for Naomi.
Amos is at the inn with his mother for a wedding but could it be that God brought him there for another reason? But there is a glance, a moment in time that Amos and Naomi’s eyes meet. That one glance had me squealing with glee. Their interest in painting helps them start to become friends. I loved reading how they would meet and paint together. The saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” kept coming to my mind as they shared their art with each other. The loneliness, hurt and pain was expressed by both and with it brought a sense of comfort. A painting can tell so much about a person and makes them vulnerable. That is exactly why I love this author so much. She is able to write a story where emotions pop off the pages and penetrate your heart.
I have to mention Grumpy Old Gus. The poor man is so lonely that he hides behind his anger so no one will know how much he wants to be accepted. His story filled me with tears and I so wanted him to turn to God to heal his heart. It was nice to see Esther reach out to him and I was very intrigued with their unlikely friendship. Gus is someone I hope to read more about. Sometimes love is right there in front of you and you don’t even realize it. I have hopes that we will hear more about Gus and a certain woman in an upcoming book.
The book is a lovely look at forgiveness, love, healing broken hearts and finding a way to move past hurt. The faith element in the story is just the right amount to show that God always has a plan for us. He wants to heal our hearts and wipe away our tears. He loves us unconditionally and wants a relationship with each of us. I found these beautiful words in the story and will end my review with it.
“Sometimes a fresh start is the best way to move forward. And sometimes fixing what is broken is worth it.”
I received a copy of this book from the author and Zondervan. The review is my own opinion.
I listened to this one, and there were many giggle-worthy moments. Lizzie and her ill-fitting dentures provided endless entertainment, but when she lost them and found Naomi’s cat playing hockey with them, that was probably the funniest scene in the book.
Naomi Byler lives and works at the Peony Inn, owned by sisters Esther and Lizzie, who think of her as the granddaughter they never had. Since her fiancé, Thomas, walked out on their engagement to pursue someone else, she’s sure she will never fall in love again, and resists every matchmaking trick the sisters try. When handsome Amos Lantz and his mother come to stay while they attend a family wedding, she isn’t surprised when the sisters redouble their efforts to make her notice him. What does surprise her is the friendship that develops between them.
Amos lost his own fiancée to cancer just a year ago. Still grieving her loss, he doesn’t expect to ever fall for another woman. In Naomi, he recognizes a kindred spirit, someone who is also grieving a great loss. Since neither one of them is looking to fall in love with anyone, what can be the harm in friendship? When he discovers that Naomi is a gifted painter, he can’t resist the pull to paint with her. As they spend time together, Amos begins to realize that his broken heart is mending in her presence, but will Thomas’ return show Naomi that her heart has also healed, and not in the way she expected?
Readers of Amish romance will enjoy this story. I know I did!
What a delightful read! I am still laughing at the antics the two sisters pulled during this novel.
The book focuses on the trials and tribulations of love Naomi has experienced but the true winners are the sweet elderly sisters, Esther and Lizzie, that Naomi works for at the sisters’ inn. They are a hoot. I absolutely adore how Wiseman made them so real. Yes, they are Amish and believe in turning the other cheek and being mild but we all know that sometimes you just have to express yourself. Lizzie will have you rolling on the floor laughing when she spars with Grumpy Gus who in turn thinks she is the grumpy one. Plus, her teeth debacles!
Gus, a tenant on the sisters’ property, shows his tender side with Esther during her medical scare. I really hope we get to learn more about him in future books. I don’t think he wants to be as grumpy as he appears.
This is a must-read for Amish fiction/romance fans. You will want to gobble it up as quick as the Thanksgiving turkey. A clean read that will leave you smiling and holding your tummy from the laughing.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Zondervan, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
Oh my goodness. I can already tell this is going to be a wonderful series and I can’t wait for book two!
Author Beth Wiseman writes a story that will keep you laughing and will tug at your heart strings. It might even get your ire up, as it did with me at times. But I read it as quickly as I could, partly to see what sisters Esther and Lizzie would do next. Throw in a rapscallion for a neighbor as well as an errant boyfriend and you have a recipe for trouble.
If you enjoy Amish fiction then I highly recommend this book. Full of hope, faith, and humor I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
This is the first book in the series The Amish Inn.It takes place at the Peony Inn run by two Amish sisters Esther and Lizzie and their cook Naomi Byler.
Amos Lutz and his mother are guests at the inn to attend a family wedding.Amos and Naomi are both grieving and become friends while sharing their love of painting.
There are other characters in the story which was fun to read.So how about checking it out to see if you like it.I think you will.
I was given this book to give my fair review which I did.
A Picture of Love by Beth Wiseman
(The Amish Inn Novels Book 1)
Both of them have vowed from the bottom of their broken hearts never to love again.
Sweet Naomi Byler cooks meals for the guests at The Peony Inn, where Amish sisters and owners of the inn Esther and Lizzie love her like a granddaughter. She’s as happy there as a young woman can be, considering that her fiancé, Thomas, has left her to court someone else. She knows she’ll get over the love of her life in due time, but she assumes marriage will never be a part of her future.
Amos Lantz and his mother are guests at the inn, visiting town for a cousin’s wedding. Attending a wedding is the last thing Amos wants to do since his own fiancée, Sarah, died tragically just a year ago.
Naomi and Amos understand each other’s grief and become quick friends when they discover their mutual love of painting. As the two begin to paint through their sadness together, Esther and Lizzie play matchmaker—a risky move with the potential to backfire. And when Thomas makes an unexpected return intending to win back Naomi, she realizes she no longer knows her own heart.
In this new Amish series from bestselling and award-winning novelist Beth Wiseman, true love takes root in the deepest of wounds.
This is Naomi Byler and Amos Lantz’s story.
This is Esther and Lizzie Zook’s story.
The Peony Inn, where Amish sisters and owners of the inn are Esther and Lizzie.
Naomi Byler applied for the position of housekeeper and cook, and Esther and Lizzie were excited for her to live in the spare room they’d set up for such a person.
More importantly, Naomi was a young woman nursing a broken heart and had sworn off men. Esther and her sister couldn’t let that continue. Lizzie was as crazy as a rabid coyote and often took things to the extreme, but Esther tolerated her sister’s over-the-top antics. Sometimes young people just needed a little coaxing to find true love.
The sisters had each lived their own love stories. Esther was married to her beloved Joe Zook for fifty-two years before he passed. Lizzie had shared her life with Rueben Glick for fifty-one years.
No one should miss out on the blessing of true love. Especially Naomi Byler.
They heard a car pull into the driveway, and Esther made her way to the window. “It’s Anna Mae Lantz and her son, Amos. They’re here for Suzanne and Isaiah’s wedding on Thursday.”
Lizzie shuffled to the window and pressed her nose to the glass. “We don’t know them, do we?”
“Nee. Distant cousins of Isaiah’s, I think. Anna Mae told me on the phone that they’d be hiring a driver to pick them up from the bus station. They’re planning to stay through the weekend.”
I highly recommend reading.
A Picture of Love by Beth Wiseman is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Beth Wiseman.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I enjoyed being lost in this book, time had no meaning, I needed answers.
We are at the Peony Inn run by widowed sisters, Esther and Lizzie, and a young woman they have taken under their wing and made a part of their family, Naomi.
Enter guests at the Inn, and our widowed sisters radar goes up and the start match making. Now Naomi is nursing a broken heart, she was so close to being married when, well, and then Amos comes with his heart in shreds, no he wasn’t left at the altar, his finance died.
If the sister’s have their way these two will forge a relationship but, the wayward groom returns.
There is also Grumpy Gus, and he does use colorful language, but I’m looking forward to learning more about him in this new series.
You don’t want to miss this series, I can’t wait for the next book!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan and was not required to give a positive review.
Beth Wiseman’s A Picture of Love will delight readers of Amish fiction. Naomi and Amos’s romance is a heartfelt story of love, forgiveness, and second changes. This book has everything readers love about a Beth Wiseman’s story—an authentic portrait of the Amish community, humor, the power of grace and hope and, above all, faith in God’s Word and His promises.
A Picture of Love, Book 1 in the Amish Inn Novels series, is an entertaining, heartwarming read. Ms. Wiseman with her excellent storytelling skills has penned a narrative with a perfect combination of endearing, delightful characters; laugh-out-loud humor; sweet romance; and inspiring faith. The character driven plot flows steadily with a few surprises along the way. The main romantic element of the story focuses on the relationship between two young people, Naomi and Amos, who both have no desire for romance and a shared passion for painting; however, the side story of 70ish widow Esther and Grumpy Gus hinting at a possible romance adds enjoyment to the read. I hope Book 2 returns us to the Peony Inn to see what matchmakers Esther and Lizzie are up to next and to continue the story of Esther and Gus. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in the review are completely by own.
a Picture of Love book review
This is the first novel of Beth Wiseman’s series, An Amish Inn. It’s a fun read, it really is. There are serious moments, too. Mostly, though, a nice, clean,lighthearted
story about Naomi Byler and Amos Lantz, mostly, but we also have Esther and Lizzie, 2 older Amish sisters
who own and run The Peony Inn. Esther Zook and Lizzie Glick, both widows, are amusing in their relationships
with each other, and additional individuals you’ll meet. Lizzie is all spitfire and forthright, Esther is more reserved and diplomatic. Their neighbor,
Gus, is a character I’d like to know a lot more about.
Naomi works at the Peony Inn, and lives there with Esther and Lizzie. She is recovering from a serious boyfriend who jilted her,
and is not looking for another relationship. The sisters, though, try over and over to play matchmaker with her, and so far, have
failed. I found insight, depth, and also a good amount of humor, some of it is laugh-out-loud funny, too!
This novel touches on some serious issues, and I hope Beth Wiseman elaborates on some of them, maybe in another book.
Gus is keeping a secret, something between the sister’s mother and himself. A neighbor Mary, and her husband, John, can’t conceive, and the
wife is showing signs of depression. There’s also the deep thinking of Amos, a guest at the Inn. I was struck hard by something he said, which
was how many days Naomi had lived so far, and how do we SPEND the days, the hours of our life? Each moment is gone in a flash, each day
becomes the past, and what good have we done with those days, weeks, years, that God has graciously allowed us to have on this earth?
The author is very talented, and skillful at bringing important, vitally important subjects up, and making the reader think, ponder.
Beth intersperses her book with mentions of God and prayer, compassion and kindness in her characters. I do recommend this book.
Romans 10:8-13; John 3:16-21