In this new novel set in the beloved Oklahoma Amish community of Wells Landing, three generations of women challenge themselves and each other to make a fresh start in faith, family—and love. Jenna Burkhart is tired of being “special” and hearing about what she can’t do. Even though she suffered a head injury in a childhood swimming accident, she wants a life of her own just like any Amish … of her own just like any Amish woman. But now that she, her mamm, and her mammi have moved to Wells Landing, she’s having a hard time fitting in. . . . Until she meets Buddy Miller, a boy just like her, who gives her the confidence to reach for the impossible . . .
Like Jenna, Buddy is used to being the boy no one expects much from, the one people see as “different.” Still, being around Jenna’s lively, kind-hearted ways makes him strive ever-harder to become the self-sufficient Amish man she deserves. But in the face of family disapproval and their own fears, will Jenna and Buddy’s courage be enough to give them a forever happiness 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
“Fans of inspirational romance will appreciate Lillard’s vivid characters and positive message.”
—Publishers Weekly
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I have enjoyed this book. I have not thought about the hearts of (as Amish say with weak brains) and how they just want to be treated normal and be able to experience love like everyone else does.
Great to get a perspective on people with handicaps. They have feel like the rest of us!
Loved this!
It was great.
A story of “special” people who found love.
Good story but drawn out a bit
Mammi, mamm and Jenna went from Kansas to Oklahoma: a bit change in their life.
“How was she ever going to convince her mother that she was old enough to do more for herself? That she deserve love?”
In fact “her mamm wanted to dictate her life and not let Jenna make her any decisions of her own.”
“How could she grow up if no one would let her?”
Oh, what a wonderful, sweet, clean story, realistic, full of emotions, trues to think about.
unfortunately some person understimate people, without know them and let them try.
The storyline and topics caught my attention from the very beginning and kept me interesting throughout the entire story.
Loved It!
Jenna – She remembers some parts of her life before the accident, when all was “normal.” But since the accident, her new normal is being referred to as “simple” or “special.” It would probably be a little easier to handle if people would stop looking at her and treating her as if they feel sorry for her. All Jenna wants is a life of her own, which seems impossible until she meets Buddy.
Buddy – Because he was born with Down Syndrome, Buddy’s normal has always been that he is “special/simple.” Yet people have always treated him kindly and made him feel accepted. However, when Buddy lays eyes on a blue eyed angel, he decides all the more that he wants a life of his own.
I was drawn in by how the author tells the story from Jenna and Buddy’s perspectives. It took me on an emotional roller coaster ride. At times it made laugh, and other times it made me sad, upset and even frustrated with how the actions of others affected Jenna and Buddy. The author’s way of unfolding how their friendship and relationship began and developed was so special, tender and heartfelt. Even when their families couldn’t see beyond their “uniqueness” to allow their relationship to grow, and even when adversities and challenges came their way, Jenna and Buddy remained steadfast and never gave up. They were truly inspirational.
Amy Lillard has outdone herself with Buddy and Jenna’s story. The way she tells the story of these two “special” characters is simply flawless and I absolutely loved it!
*****I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions and are strictly my own.*****
Loving Jenna is a heartwarming story with Buddy and Jenna who both have special needs and their families are very protective of them. Jenna and her mother and grandmother have just relocated to Wells Landing, Oklahoma but Buddy and his family have always lived there on their farm. When they see each other during a church service there’s an instant attraction that is fought by their parents. They are very protective and don’t give either of them the credit they deserve. He has Down Syndrome and she had died in a childhood swimming accident but had been resuscitated and she now has a weak brain.
I loved how Jenna and Buddy really tried hard to show their parents they were adults and when they had setbacks, of which there were many, they just tried something different to prove they could make their own decisions and lead their own lives. They were definitely friends and I loved how they wanted to do things for each other. His brothers treated him nicely and I loved their relationships. Jenna’s grandmother seemed to understand her and want to help her but couldn’t always go against Jenna’s mom. Some of their neighbors were very helpful and treated them well also and saw their potential to work hard and hold a job.
There were twists and turns to the story. There were some laugh out loud moments along with tears and heartache. There was definitely romance and love. This is the eighth book in the Wells Landing series and we were reunited with many of the characters we’ve previously met. I loved that the camels played an important role in the story and loved the antics of Buddy’s dog, PJ. There was wonderful closure and a happily ever after as told in the epilogue and it was more than I hoped for. I love the cover and hope we’ll return again and again to Wells Landing since there seems to be many more characters needing their own stories.
Ms. Lillard has fast become a favorite author no matter what genre she writes. Stories that are filled with family and friends they reel me in from the first page to the last. Give her books a try if you haven’t already! You’ll be glad you did.
The author has captured a sweet story that focuses on two people considered “different.” I loved the way the characters are introduced and how gentle their story is told. The topic of Down Syndrome is one that few books are written about. It is easy to fall in love with Jenna and Buddy. Their connection is pure and filled with joy. Being accepted has always been both of their desires and finding each other really boosts their confidence. Jenna is considered to be “simple” since her accident. Both mothers seemed overprotective and Jenna and Buddy set out to prove their independence.
I didn’t care for Jenna’s mother at all. She never let Jenna do anything and continuously reminded her that she was “special.” Oh how my heart broke for Jenna. Her mother was a bit abrupt with Buddy and her attitude towards his mother made me upset. I began to wonder if maybe Jenna’s mother was angry at God and didn’t know how to get past it. I loved when Jenna and Buddy ran into each other at the bakery. You could feel how excited they were to see each other. When I read that Buddy’s favorite cake was chocolate cake with peppermint frosting I smiled. My grandmother use to make that for my birthday every year. Oh how I loved that cake and how special it made me feel.
I loved getting to read about Jenna and Buddy as their relationship grew. Two people who saw only love with no handicaps at all will warm your heart in this well written story. The author does a great job of showing us how we should not judge others and that family is important. I can’t help but think of how pure God’s love is and that is represented in this story by Jenna and Buddy. It was interesting to see if the families would accept a relationship that they were against. The bond between Jenna and her mother will be tested and trust will play a big part in teaching parents to let go and give their children to God. This story has become my favorite from the author with emotions that grab your heart as you witness unconditional love.
I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion
I was not a fan for this book at all. I felt like for the first 4 to 5 chapters the author spent dwelling and repeating about the way the main characters are “simple” minded it became to the point of annoying. I also felt like the author tries to make these characters be grown up or at least that’s what Jenna and Buddy wanted to be seeing as grown ups but they came off very childish and it just didn’t seem to fit the tone of the book. I will say for the most part it is a clean read there is one scene I am sure someone will be offended by but to each his own. I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review and have given my honest opinion
I love the cover for Loving Jenna. Then to find a sweet and heart touching story inside was a treasure. I was enthralled reading Jenna’s and Buddy’s story. Lillard penned a beautiful story as we watched them blossom with their lives even though they faced challenges, being called “simple” or “special” and others saying they couldn’t do something. Their connection when they first met brought them a lot of determination, fortitude and admiration for one another despite the negative remarks. Jenna and Buddy took a leap when they both wanted jobs to prove their independence. Buddy’s love for animals and Jenna’s gentleness and soothing way with babies brought wonderful results for Titus and Abbie. Will they be able to survive the storm they faced during a conversation?
Fans of The Wells Landing Series by Amy Lillard will not want to miss this book which can be read as a standalone, too. I appreciate how Lillard penned this story from the heroine and hero perspective. Thankfully Jenna’s Mammi and Buddy’s mamm stood up for them as the story progress.
I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book from the author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All thought are my own for this wonderful story.