Fall in Southern Maryland’s Amish country is a time of fiery falling leaves, a bountiful harvest, and bracing, frost-touched days. It’s the perfect season for one irrepressible maidel to try an unexpected match . . . Good-hearted and impulsive, twenty-year-old Lizzie Fisher has many chores—and secrets. She’s caring for kittens abandoned by their mother and practicing her drawing talent away … practicing her drawing talent away from disapproving eyes. So the last thing she needs is someone like handsome Stephen Zimmerman constantly “helping” her out of trouble. But when she discovers they both have lovelorn siblings, she has an idea: why can’t she and Stephen bring his older brother and her older sister together? After all, how hard could matchmaking be?
Even though he’s the youngest son of an Old Order Mennonite family, Stephen is used to looking out for everyone else. Yet somehow the romantic schemes he and Lizzie cook up keep going awry—in ways that hint they may suit each other. But their deepening bond is both delightful and complicated. For bridging their differences will take bravery,
compromise—and faith in their hopes and dreams . . .
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I am a fan of the books written by Ms. Simpson for a couple of reasons, first of all her novels are filled with sweet. Likable characters and secondly, I am very familiar with the Sothern Maryland Amish because I live nearby and visit quite frequently. I always feel like I’m visiting friends when I read a book penned by this author.
After having read Lizzie’s Heart I can honestly say this is my favorite book that I’ve read by Ms. Simpson. Lizzie Fisher is sweet, charming and truly has a kind heart for animals and freely gives her time to help others in her community and her family. I thoroughly enjoyed the friendship Lizzie had with an Old Order Mennonite family, Stephen Zimmerman and his mother. I felt like I really knew the Fisher and Zimmerman families and loved spending time with them. There is warmth, love and plenty to smile about.
Overall, I though this was a sweet, fun read with an idyllic setting and a perfect weekend read. It was nice to escape to a peaceful place in a loving community.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
4.5 Stars
Lizzie’s Heart by Susan Lantz Simpson is a heartwarming and inspirational Amish romance about family and God’s perfect timing. Set during the fall time in Southern Maryland’s Amish country, the story follows Lizzie Fisher, a lovely and kind-hearted Amish girl who loves animals and drawing, and Stephen Zimmerman, a Mennonite who meets Lizzie when he follows her into a burning building to rescue kittens. There’s an immediate spark between the two, but they live in different communities and are doubtful that they’ll ever see each other again. A few days later, Lizzie goes to a Mennonite woman’s house to teach her how to weave and is surprised to see that the woman’s son is none other than the handsome blue-eyed boy who helped her rescue her beloved kittens. During her visits to Stephen’s house, their relationship grows and deepens. But will their different religious backgrounds prevent them from having a future together?
Susan Lantz Simpson is a wonderful storyteller. She knows how to keep the reader engaged and turning pages. The setting was beautiful and the cast of characters was well-developed. Lizzie was such a lovable character. You couldn’t help but root for her and admire her determination to stay positive in negative situations. Her family experiences were relatable and realistic. The relationship between her and Stephen progressed at a good pace. I thought they were perfect for each other, and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. Mary was also a wonderful character and her friendship with Lizzie was very heartwarming. I loved learning some of the differences between the Amish and Mennonites. Overall, this was a very enjoyable read, and I will definitely be reading more books by this author.
Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lizzie’s Heart by Susan Lantz Simpson is a sweet, heartwarming Amish novel. Lizzie’s Heart is the 5th book in The Amish of Southern Maryland series. Each book can be read on its own. I thought Lizzie’s Heart was well-written with friendly characters and relatable situations. I enjoyed the descriptions of Maryland. Lizzie Fisher is twenty years old with a knack for weaving, knitting, and sewing. She also has a soft heart where animals are concerned. She has a habit of bringing home strays much to her mother’s dismay (she prefers an orderly, scheduled day). Lizzie also likes to draw but she keeps it a secret. She is afraid that the church elders will not approve and tell her to stop. I liked Lizzie’s upbeat personality and that she tries to see the best in people and situations. Lizzie encounters Stephen when races by him to save the kittens from a burning house. Lizzie has a way of getting herself into sticky situations. Stephen makes wood furniture and raises Golden Retrievers as service dogs. He admires Lizzie’s artwork and Lizzie. But Stephen recently had a bad experience with a woman and is not eager for a new relationship. They each have an elder sibling and attempt to do a little matchmaking. I laughed often while reading this Amish story. I appreciated that the author took the time to explain the differences between Old Order Amish and Old Order Mennonite. I found this fascinating. I enjoyed the interactions between Mary and Lizzie. Mary is such a kind woman who can roll with the punches after raising four boys. I admit that I am fascinated with weaving and liked this being included in the book. It is unique for an Amish novel. Lizzie’s Heart is a heartening and witty Amish tale with cavorting kittens, learning a loom, playful puppies, and matchmaking mayhem.
Such a sweet, fun story! I loved these characters, and kept turning pages to see what “adventure” Lizzie and Stephen would fall into next.
Lizzie is a bright, sweet, and entertaining Amish heroine and I was cheering her on to find her happily-ever-after. With a heart-touching storyline and wonderful characters, this book was a delight to read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I have received an AUP copy of this book for review. It is a terrific book. It is a lighthearted romp through the life of Amish girl Lizzie Fisher. Lizzie is an animal lover and protects them so much she puts her life in danger. She is also very talented and is trying to balance that with the rules of the Amish. She is misunderstood by her more negative family. This is just the type of light reading in these times of corona. I give this book 5 stars. These opinions are my own. Purchase this book releasing May 26,2020. You will enjoy.
Lizzie Fisher loves animals and weaving and drawing, but her passions sometimes bring her into conflict with her mother and her Amish expectations and practices. Her endearing character drew me in and made me care about what happened to her. She struggles with relationships in her own family and with an Old Order Mennonite man she meets. She longs to live pleasing to God but it seems her giftings and desires may conflict with the perception of what such a life means. The first part of the novel developed slowly but blossomed into a beautiful story of hope and acceptance. I think it will be encouraging to readers. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
Another sweet Amish romance with a twist. Lizzie’s admirer is Old Order Mennonite! How will that play out? Will it separate them, or, will their love of animals and Stephen’s mother attachment to this young woman who is teaching her to weave be all the bond they need?
Again, Susan L. Simpson brings her characters to life in the realm of Amish life. With romance and a touch of laughter and a good dose of reality, Lizzie’s Heart is revealed page by page.
I received a complimentary copy of the book but a positive review was not required. My comments are entirely my own.
A chance encounter with a strange, a plain gentlemen, has a life changing effect on Lizzie Zimmerman. Of course this encounter leads to a incident that is almost life ending for the both of them, and it is repeated agin in this book
If you have a love of animals, this one is going to make you smile, and while others in Lizzie’s family do not agree with her, I enjoyed the family dynamics.
You feel sorry for Lizzie’s sister Frannie, but when the facts come out you wonder why she is so prickly, but keep reading!
We get a glimpse into two different plain families, and I’ll have to admit there was one that I would prefer to live in, but you will have to decide for yourself!
Come and get lost in this sweet Amish read!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zebra, and was not required to give a positive review.