After a buggy accident claims the life of her fiancé, Lydia Hershberger makes a fresh start in Jamesport, Missouri, managing a gift store. It isn’t long before she meets the young man hired to handle the bookkeeping—Caleb Bontrager, whose handcrafted cuckoo clocks are sold in the store. // And it isn’t long before Caleb has made up his mind about her: bright and sparkly but not right for him. … right for him. Alarmed by his attraction to her, he determines to settle down with someone more practical. Less sparkle. More logic. But he can’t seem to shake his feelings for Lydia. //
When false allegations by the bishop back home catch up with Lydia and threaten to ruin her reputation, can she clear her name and find lasting happiness? Or will her sunny disposition fade away into heartbreak?
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LOVE BY THE NUMBERS by Laura V. Hilton is the story of Lydia Hershberger and Caleb Bontrager set in Jamesport, MO.
Lydia came to town to run her Aenti Judith’s shop while her aunt and uncle are on a Mennonite missionary trip out of the country. Lydia’s district back home was very strict and she was facing being shunned after being falsely accused of trying to seduce a married man. In actuality all she was trying to do was show kindness to a family that had been through a horrible buggy accident which left the wife paralyzed. She is hoping that coming to Jamesport will mean a new beginning with the rumors of home left behind. She is definitely not looking for a husband – even if it has been 5 months – adequate mourning time – after the accidental death of the fiancée.
Caleb fell for Lydia five months ago at Abigail and Sam’s wedding the moment he saw her. After the wedding where Lydia left suddenly upon receiving the news about her fiancée accident, Caleb tried to find out all he could about Lydia. Everything he heard just made him have stronger feelings for her. However, when he finds that she is the one running the shop that he agreed to do keep books for, she strikes him as all glitz and glitter and trouble with a capital T. Mostly it makes him remember his own failings of when we went astray from his beliefs while on rumspringa with another woman. He came back, joined the church determine to find an appropriate wife for his planned out future. However, he hasn’t learned to forgive himself for his past deeds and the woman he picked wasn’t quite what he thought she was.
The sparks between Lydia and Caleb started from their first official meeting at the store. Each attracted to the other, but putting the brakes on for their individual reasons – he needs a wife that is safe and dependable, she doesn’t feel worthy of marriage feeling she doomed to a life as an old maid. When they were continually drawn to each and start act on those feelings, it leaves them both feeling guilty. She starts to have doubts about herself wondering if she could have actually provoked such unwanted advances in the past and was her flirting with Caleb proof she was a Jezebel? Caleb worries of Lydia’s reaction when he confesses his past. How can she forgive him when he hasn’t found a way to forgive himself.
Caleb’s parents know about the shunning by the bishop in Lydia’s hometown, but find that she is a wonderful young lady that they hope might even become their daughter-in-law. They open their home up to her with love and open arms. Her own parents sent her to Jamesport to get away from such harsh and unjust punishment. They disagree with the bishop so much they are researching selling out and buying a farm in Jamesport. The two families feel strongly about correcting this shunning so Lydia can have the clean slate she deserves. Caleb comes up with a plan that everyone agrees upon. Can Lydia survive a trip back to her hometown and will they be able to right this wrong. Then will Caleb and Lydia be able to think about a future – together?
The author has done it again! Laura V. Hilton has written a story that pulls you in from the first page and keeps you turning pages until the very end. She covers so many subjects – everything from jealousy, lies, physical attraction, unconditional love of family, the power of prayer, faith, forgiveness, second changes, and redemption. Caleb’s Daed’s use of scripture along with his love for his son, finally opened Caleb’s heart to God’s forgiveness. Lydia finally realizes the meaning of the verse her Daed had kept saying to her. Laura’s use of scripture makes the story complete showing that God’s word is the answer if we only open our hearts up to hear the message. I highly recommend LOVE BY THE NUMBERS to those that love an Amish love story that will make you laugh, cry, hope for a happily ever after and maybe even pray. I loved it and I feel you will too!
I need to start out this review with a disclaimer that I don’t read much Amish books. I have been reading more since joining Celebrate Lit Tour but it’s not one of my favorite genres. That being said, this book by Laura V Hilton is a solidly written book. It features Lydia, an absent-minded, beautiful, kind, loving woman from a different Amish community, who comes into Caleb’s community to flee from false accusations and to manage her aunt and uncle’s store while they’re away doing missions. Caleb is a loyal, steadfast, faithful, hard-working, logical Amish man who thinks everything through before acting, yet hides a secret from his past. Though Lydia and Caleb are likable characters, I didn’t connect with them and felt like I was an outsider looking into their relationship instead of being in the midst of it.
Their romance is based on physical attraction first and there is a lot of focus on their attraction throughout the book, which felt somewhat uncomfortable for me. Nothing inappropriate happens, but both Caleb and Lydia spend way too much time thinking about being in each other’s embrace.
There is a wonderful spiritual truth in this book of God’s redemptive and saving grace. He is the God of second-chances and forgiveness. This is made clear in the story via Caleb’s father who is a preacher in their community. The book also touches on how we should be in a community that promotes Biblical understanding and truths as the building blocks of faith instead of people’s thoughts and perceptions being the ruling hand.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher via Celebrate Lit Tour. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
What I liked the most about this book was the details of a shunning. I have often wondered exactly how it works and if everyone is in agreement with it. I loved Lydia and her humbleness. After a tragedy at her hometown , she finds comfort in a new place. Her aunt has graciously asked her to come run her gift shop while she is away. I would be running as fast as I could to get away from all the rumors stirring around me back home.
The question arose for me when I started reading the story, how someone can be shunned without actual proof of what they did? The author does an amazing job of delving into that question with grace and wisdom.I appreciate how griping and honest the story was. I loved that Lydia was welcomed at her new place with warmth and love. There is one person that just got on my nerves. I won’t name who it is because I want you to discover for yourself who it is. I will say this person is vindictive and has a jealous streak that causes a lot of hurt feelings and misguided accusations. I am sure we have all encountered a person like this.
Of course I can’t forget to mention the dashing Caleb. What’s not to like about him? He’s handsome, smart, caring and did I mention handsome. He sure got my attention and believe me I rooted for him the entire story. I understand his hesitation with Lydia, but the author does such a beautiful job of developing their relationship that I wanted to shout from the rooftop. I’m a bit partial to characters who are hurt by gossip and love a knight in shining armor. The details of making a clock was so fascinating I looked up more information on the Internet after I finished the book.
The story is emotional at times and I love how Lydia was willing to help others even when they don’t show grace towards her. This has been one of the best stories I have read about shunning and how God reveals the truth. I asked myself if I have been guilty of blaming someone without giving them a chance? The ending is powerful and I loved how Lydia took comfort knowing that there were people surrounding her that were willing to stand up for her. Don’t miss this story that reminds us that,
“He will never leave you nor forsake you.”
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit for free. The review is my own opinion.
Lydia’s fiancé was killed inn a buggy accident. She goes to Jamesport to start over and gets a job in the gift store.
Caleb is the new bookkeeper and it is not long before he grows an attraction to Lydia. But will he change his mind once the rumors hit Jamestown about Lydia and her reputation?
Lydia’s tan tries to help and you feel for her when you find out what her life was like back home. It would be easy for any of us to fall in the same trap.
Caleb has so much guilt going on can he let it go and have a great life?
These characters were great to read about the I did not put the book down. Love and healing goes a long way.
I read this book voluntarily for an honest review.
Author Laura V. Hilton once again writes a solid book in which she is not afraid to make her characters human. All the feelings are there; love, joy, fear etc. Even hurt and harassment from an Amish community. Through it all they hang on to God’s love and His promises. A great reminder for us.
It was enjoyable to see the different personalities that were drawn to each other. One sparkly, the other more logical, reminding us that opposites do attract and not only make a relationship work, but balance each other.
I will say the one thing that confused me was Ms. Hilton’s frequent use of the word “lust” when describing Caleb’s attraction to Lydia. In my opinion that choice of words didn’t fit well and was a bit distracting. However the story is still enjoyable and if you enjoy Amish fiction you’ll enjoy Love by the Numbers.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
I enjoyed the humor and lightheartedness in this book even in the midst of a difficult situation in Lydia’s life. It deals with past mistakes in the characters lives and learning to forgive yourself and looking forward instead of reflecting on the past. Learning to see yourself as Christ sees you instead of through the pain and shame we feel. Laura Hilton has a knack for not writing your typical Amish book. She is creative and draws you into the characters lives. I could envision the sparkling personality of Lydia that Caleb saw. A very entertaining and emotional read.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Laura V. Hilton has done it again, and I’m so happy to have read this amazing book. Not the ordinary Amish story, and one that will linger long after the final page has been turned.
Can the kindness of one community over come the hurt that has been inflicted by another, or will they injustice of another area prevail over all. Will the effort of Lydia’s Aunt to help her, be enough, and can Caleb return to his roots, and let go of the guilt he has been carrying.
Loved how even without her being there Lydia’s Aunt is helping in matchmaking, and so is the fellow in questioned mother, really so sweet, but as we get caught up in the story you have to wonder if it will all be in vain.
You will be scratching your head at what has happened to Lydia at her home, and found myself walking in her shoes, and had the feeling that I could have gotten caught in the same trap.
The author really has you thinking about forgiveness, easy to say, but hard to do. This is one book you really don’t want to miss, and I am sure glad to have had the chance.
I received this book through the Publisher, and was not required to give a positive review.