Captivating Amish romance set in a tiny Appalachian community—where some young women are determined to wed on their own terms . . . Wanted: An Amish mail-order groom willing to live in remote Appalachia. Appearance must be tolerable, though bride would favor a gut mind over looks . . . Everyone in Blackberry Falls knows that Tabitha Stolfus is heir to her daed’s wood carving company. To find a … man who values more than her purse, Tabitha creates an ad and sends it far from home. But from her first meeting with handsome would-be groom Matthew King, Tabitha realizes this may not be the uncomplicated arrangement she expected. Matthew’s true desire is an apprenticeship, not a frau. A talented woodworker, he longs to study with the great Herr Stolfus. Yet it’s more than the kindness and warmth of this mountain community that makes Matthew regret his deception. Tabitha—beautiful, intelligent, resourceful—is all he could ever want in a wife. Can a real marriage ever take root when there are so many secrets between them? Praise for Kelly Long and her novels “Long’s writing style is smooth and engaging, her characters true to the period yet timeless in their hopes and flaws and personal battles.” —USAToday.com “Delivers a sense of escape from today’s hustle and bustle into a gentler and simpler world.” —Publishers Weekly “Long creates storylines that captivate her readers.” —RT Book Reviews
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Marrying Matthew by Kelly Long is the first book in The Amish Mail Order Grooms series. Marrying Matthew not your typical Amish novel. I liked the unusual premise of a mail order Amish groom. I enjoyed the descriptions of Blackberry Falls, Pennsylvania. There are a variety of quirky residents with Bishop Kore leading the pack. I like that there is a mystery which adds depth and suspense. I was turned off, though, by the sexual innuendo and intimate situations. I read Amish and Christian novels because they do not contain that type of content. I was surprised to find it in Marrying Matthew (and so much of it). I was puzzled about the time period. While in Blackberry Falls it seems that we have stepped back in time. I thought it was the early 1800s from the way things were described and the way the Amish spoke. But then they went to the local hospital and were able to watch television. If this had been a clean, Amish novel, I would have enjoyed Marrying Matthew. It has a great premise along with mystery, suspense, a charming town, humor, unique characters, and suspense. If you enjoy explicit romance novels, then you will enjoy Marrying Matthew much more than I did.
Marrying Matthew by Kelly Long
The Amish Mail Order Grooms Book 1
Captivating Amish romance set in a tiny Appalachian community—where some young women are determined to wed on their own terms . . .
Wanted: An Amish mail-order groom willing to live in remote Appalachia. Appearance must be tolerable, though bride would favor a gut mind over looks . . .
Everyone in Blackberry Falls knows that Tabitha Stolfus is heir to her daed’s wood carving company. To find a man who values more than her purse, Tabitha creates an ad and sends it far from home. But from her first meeting with handsome would-be groom Matthew King, Tabitha realizes this may not be the uncomplicated arrangement she expected.
Matthew’s true desire is an apprenticeship, not a frau. A talented woodworker, he longs to study with the great Herr Stolfus. Yet it’s more than the kindness and warmth of this mountain community that makes Matthew regret his deception. Tabitha—beautiful, intelligent, resourceful—is all he could ever want in a wife. Can a real marriage ever take root when there are so many secrets between them?
This is Tabitha Stolfus and Matthew King’s story.
WANTED: An Amish Mail-Order Groom. Age 20–35. Must be willing to live in remote Appalachia and build life in said community. Must love books, horses, and possess good teeth. Appearance must be tolerable at least, though bride would favor a gut mind over looks. Must understand a woman’s sensibilities and not be judgmental. Must realize that Gott is the Third in a marriage. Reply to . . .
Twenty-year-old Tabitha Stolfus knew that she was both the sole heir of her fater’s company and his sole lament.
“If only you’d been born a buwe,” he’d wail at times. “Or if only you’d marry! Why can’t you marry, Tabby? And why must you be so headstrong?”
He was here because of her fater’s woodworking—nee other reason. As I told my bruder . . . she’s incidental and only that. Still, it was difficult to dismiss her beauty, and he watched her perfectly formed lips closely as she prepared to speak.
“According to tradition, a mail-order groom . . . is prepared to marry upon arrival and the meeting of his bride.” She lowered her voice. “Now, tell me, do you find me adequate, Herr King?”
“It doesn’t matter. I’m sick of pounding out the most basic of furniture. I want to learn what only her fater can teach—the art and craftsmanship of woodworking. And Herr Stolfus doesn’t favor taking on apprentices. Marrying the girl is incidental. . . .”
I highly recommend reading.
Marrying Matthew by Kelly Long is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Kelly Long.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.