An Amish midwife and an Englisch doctor must embrace their differences to rescue a baby in need in this uplifting romance that will “warm your heart” (Marta Perry). Kyle Miller never planned on becoming a country doctor. But when he’s offered a medical practice in his sleepy hometown, Kyle knows he must return… and face the painful past he left behind. Except the Amish community isn’t quite … the Amish community isn’t quite ready for Kyle. Especially the pretty midwife who refuses to compromise her traditions with his modern medicine…
The more Leah Stoltzfus works with the handsome Englisch doctor, the more she finds herself caught between the expectations of her family and her own hopes for the future. It will take one surprising revelation and one helpless baby in need of love to show Leah and Kyle that their bond may be greater than their differences… if Leah can find the courage to follow her heart.
“The Amish Teacher’s Gift might have been the first book I’ve read by Rachel J. Good, but it won’t be my last.” — Shelley Shepard Gray, New York Times bestselling author
Rachel J. Good, but it won’t be my last.” — Shelley Shepard Gray, New York Times bestselling author Rachel J. Good, but it won’t be my last.” — Shelley Shepard Gray, New York Times bestselling author Rachel J. Good, but it won’t be my last.” — Shelley Shepard Gray, New York Times bestselling authormore
The Amish Midwife’s Secret by Rachel Good takes us to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Dr. Kyle Miller is surprised when he receives a call from Dr. Martin Hess who is the local physician in his hometown. Dr. Hess is ready to retire, and he is offering his practice to Kyle. After what happened, Kyle is not sure he can face returning home. Leah Stolzfus is a midwife in training plus she is knowledgeable about herbal remedies from working in her families’ herbal shop. Kyle agrees to shadow Dr. Hess for three days, but he did not expect to butt heads to pretty Leah. Dealing with the past is overwhelming and Kyle is going to turn down Dr. Hess’ offer. But when Dr. Hess has a heart attack and needs someone to cover his practice, Kyle cannot say no. Leah fills in for Esther Hess as nurse/receptionist. She thrives in her new role in the doctor’s office and begins falling for handsome doctor. Leah is not willing to give up her family and faith for love until she falls in love with abandoned baby and Kyle is not willing to become Amish. Can Kyle and Leah compromise for the sake of the child?
The Amish Midwife’s Secret can be read alone if you have not read The Amish Teacher’s Gift. Kyle Miller is reluctant to return home because of an incident that changed his life. We learn what happened with Kyle as the story progresses. It is a sad story that is dealt with delicately. It is a wonderful opportunity for him, though, to obtain a doctor’s established practice plus a home. Leah Stolzfus is Amish, takes care of her sick mother, works in the family herbal supply store, and is training to be a midwife. However, Leah cannot become certified as a midwife because the Amish do not allow it (I do not understand the concept). There is drama in the Stolzfus family courtesy of Leah’s brother who jumped the fence and the father has been unable to forgive him. We see how this has affected the family and how they deal with the situation. Leah also has a secret and is afraid to share it with Kyle. I thought The Amish Midwife’s Secret was well-written and engaging. It has steady pacing which makes the story easy to read and enjoy. I like the characters, the setting and the issues addressed. We see how modern medicine can be balanced with herbal medicines if people are willing to work together for the good of their patients. I appreciated that the characters developed over the course of the story. Christian elements include forgiveness of others as well as yourself (harder to accomplish), prayer, having faith, and God’s will. I thought the Christian aspects were nicely incorporated into the story. Everything flowed together into one lovely story. It was interesting to learn about the different herbs and the symptoms/illnesses they can treat. The pair also visit the Clinic for Special Children that has been established (it is a real place) to research, prevent and treat the inherited diseases by Amish and Mennonite. The Amish Midwife’s Secret combines romance, mystery, drama, and faith into one engaging tale.
Kyle left his hometown behind after a heartbreaking young romance and a devasting accident with no plans to ever return. When the local doctor asks him to take over his medical practice, Kyle feels the need to help. What Kyle did not expect was to fall in love with Leah. Leah is the Amish midwife who believes that holistic healing herbs and faith in God are the best healing medicines. Can Kyle and Leah overcome their differences to let love have a chance?
This book kept me up way past my bedtime more times than I can count. I also found myself ignoring everything that needed to be accomplished after work just so I could dive back into Kyle and Leah’s story. You cannot help but believe in love and the power of love when you read this story. I became a little weepy as I read because it was so tender.
I am also more interested in the holistic healing properties of organic herbal teas for chronic illness. I have found a new interest. Leah’s story was very convincing in how well they can work.
This is the second book in the Love and Promises series but each book can be read as a stand-alone. It is a beautiful Christian romance with no obscene sexual overtones or scenes, no foul language and not overly religious (meaning scripture verses on every page). I would feel comfortable giving this to a teen girl or my ninety-year-old grandmother to read.
I received a copy of this book from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
Well written and engaging, author Rachel Good brings her characters to life. Personalities clash in this story of traditional vs homeopathic medicine. You will wonder if they can ever meld together.
This story is full of love and hope, as well as a willingness to surrender all to God’s will. It was really fun to see how things worked out in a totally unexpected way.
Every time I read a book by Good I learn new things about the Amish, and this one is no exception as we learn about some medical issues they have. She always does a great job of weaving together the Amish and English worlds. I highly recommend reading this one!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Sparks fly as new meets old
Kyle struggled with guilt and grief from his past. And he dealt with pride as well. His fresh-out-of-medical-school mentality that medicine was always better than natural remedies and hospitalization is better than treatment at home led to conflict between him and Leah as they were called to the same places to help with delivery and newborn care. Despite this, Kyle was extremely kindhearted and compassionate. His concerns came not only out of thinking he knew better but out of a burden for his patients.
Leah struggled with her deep desire to be a midwife and her beau’s expectation that she would discontinue her practice once they were married. Not to mention the community’s belief that any education beyond 8th grade is prideful.
I appreciated the way the author highlighted the difficulties Kyle and Leah faced without overemphasizing them. There were some unexpected elements introduced and the story was brought to a satisfying conclusion.
I regret having read this before the first two books in the series. While technically I believe this story was intended to stand alone, I have a feeling that a few of the things especially in Kyle’s history that I felt weren’t explained well were covered in those stories.
Read with a Preview and Guest Post at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book for free. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
I love amish books, so when I got this book I was super excited. This book did not disappoint. I love how the amish live, simple lives but also how they really depend on God first and foremost. That is how the author wrote this book. That being said the author wrote an amazing story where everything was not “perfect”, Kyle faced thing in his path that seem to be haunting him and Leah had her own set of secrets that you really don’t see coming even though the author did hit at it a lot in through out the book. I really liked Esther and sometimes she came off judgey but honestly I am glad because it really made her and the other characters more real and less “perfect”. I loved how this is a good clean read and suitable for all readers. I really enjoyed this book over all and can’t wait to read more from this author as this was my first book from her.
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 found Rachel Good’s The Amish Midwife’s Secret to be a heartwarming story of romance, forgiveness and an Amish Midwife and English doctor working together
I enjoyed this book because it’s a well written story that is told from both the Amish Midwife’s perspective as well as the Englisch Doctor, Kyle, who is trying to decide if he wants to take over a rural practice in Amish country. Kyle feels an obligation to Doctor Hess due to reasons that will slowly be revealed throughout the story as we learn about a tragic event that happened years ago that involve Kyle and Leah who is the Amish Nanny. I enjoyed the sweet Amish storyline and learning more about home births was interesting information. The mystery of Kyle’s past and Leah’s part in it kept me guessing throughout the book but I have to say I thought there was too much emphasis on the preparation of food for Kyle’s meals and at times it took away from the more interesting parts of the story. All in all, it’s a good book. I read a complimentary copy of this book provided by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.
The Amish Midwife’s Secret by Rachel J. Good
Rachel J. Good has become one of my favorite Amish authors. Her books are not just your typical Amish love stories, and she always manages to teach me something new about the Amish and their way of life.
When Leah, an Amish midwife in training, meets Kyle Miller, an English doctor with a past secret in the Amish country, sparks fly for sure and not all in a good way. Leah and their Amish community practice holistic medicine as a way to treat their loved ones when ill. Kyle, an English Doctor brought to the Amish country to take over for a retiring doctor, believes in hospitals and English medicine to treat the ill. Kyle decides he can’t stay in Lancaster County, but when circumstances change and he feels he has to stay, both he and Leah have no idea what God has in store for them.
This is a second book in the Love and Promise’s series, but it can definitely be read as a stand-a-lone. I give this book 5 stars and can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, but was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion of this book.
An Amish midwife and a traditional “young” Doctor clash in this story. They both have pasts that keep them a little at odds. When the young Dr. is given an opportunity to take over the retiring towns Dr. office it becomes a process of who will give more to get him to commit to taking over with her staying as the office helper with the Amish. Secrets, opinions and a little romance made this an interesting read.. I was gifted a copy, no review was required. My review is voluntary..
I do not remember ever reading anything else by Rachel J. Good, but this book definitely makes me want to read more by her. I found the storyline to be believable and the characters kept me interested. I could picture the clashes between a medical doctor and an Amish midwife. I think my favorite character had to be Leah Stoltzfus because she genuinely seems to care about her patients, her family, and her community. At the same time, I felt concerned she was trying to be everything to everyone.
Kyle Miller, the doctor, also fit beautifully into this storyline. Even when I did not want to like him, I found myself unable to dislike him. He too seems concerned about his patients.
While tensions remain between Leah and Kyle, I still found myself wanting the two of them to find a way to work together. By the end of the book, I felt the author did an excellent job of bringing the story to a conclusion. Because Kyle is introduced in two other books, I definitely plan on reading those books as well. You can find it in the Sisters & Friends series, Book 1, Change of Heart, and Book 2, Buried Secrets.
I definitely recommend this book and would love to hear what you think about it.
4.5 stars*
Have you ever had life throw you a curve ball? How about five of them? Even young children are aware that life doesn’t always go the way we hope or plan. We have to learn to take what life throws us and adjust accordingly. The Amish Midwife’s Secret is the story of two young adults learning to maneuver the world when nothing seems to go as planned.
What’s difficult about sharing a review for this book, is that much of the content occurs due to the unexpected curve balls thrown Kyle and Leah’s way and I don’t want to spoil any of the story-line! So what I will say in very broad terms, is that I felt the author managed the thoughts and emotions of the characters in a very real, raw, and heartfelt way. She doesn’t shy from their wounds and scars, nor does she hide the healing that doesn’t happen overnight. It’s as if you are processing the emotions right alongside each of the characters.
One thing I noticed quickly in the story, is that “boundaries” played a major part in this story. In both past and present circumstances, the characters learn the value behind appropriate boundaries and how they are not only important, but for their own protection. Learning to respect boundaries is a sign of maturity but struggling with them is also a sign of being human. Often we are able to learn the most from our mistakes.
Forgiveness is another major theme in the story. What’s interesting though is that the forgiveness wrestled with in this story is not in relation to others–but to self. There are times in life where we can forgive others and walk on, but our own personal guilt eats away at us. Both Kyle and Leah learn to realize that in order to move on in their lives and seek joy and contentment, they have to first learn to let go of the pieces of their past that haunt them.
Although this is the second book in a series I read this as a stand-alone. I didn’t struggle keeping up in any way, however I enjoyed this one enough I’d be interested in going back and reading the first as well. I recommend this story to fans of Amish Fiction and those interested in how the medical field is viewed and run by different communities of people. This was my first book by Rachel J Good but I’m sure it won’t be my last!
*I received a copy of this book from the author through NetGalley and Celebrate Lit Tours. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
I love reading books about the Amish. I always think I know everything about them, then an author will write one and I learn new things like I did in this book. The Amish very seldom go to the hospital unless it is life and death. It was interesting to learn more about midwives and how much they are depended upon. I also was intrigued about the Clinic for Special Children in Strasburg, Pennsylvania.
Leah is a very compassionate woman who loves helping the midwife in the community. She also helps run a store that has natural herbs for sale. It always interests me when a book talks about organic herbs for healing. I wonder if we are missing out on using some of these products today that could be beneficial to patients. That will be a subject that I will have to explore more on my own.
When the doctor in the town decides he is ready to retire he calls on someone who used to live there to take over his practice. Kyle graciously accepts the doctor’s offer to come for a few days to look over the practice. There is a deep secret that he has carried for years that may prevent him from staying as the new doctor. As Kyle and Leah work together in the clinic there seems to be little attraction between the two. I was shocked when Leah told Kyle she couldn’t continue as a midwife once she is married. Her soon to be husband will not allow her to.
There are a lot of misunderstandings throughout the story that cause friction between characters. I didn’t realize how strict the Amish were like unmarried women and men are not allowed to be alone together at all. It would take a lot for me to adjust to their ways. I loved getting to know Kyle and Leah and how easy they seemed to work together. Will Kyle stay and take over the practice ? The story is quite emotional when secrets come out. I cried throughout the book as Kyle wrestled with the past. Leah has her own secret and when the two secrets are finally revealed, it brings a deeper understanding of how people struggle with forgiveness. There are a few surprises in the book that I didn’t expect. The author has written a very good story about what happens when secrets are hidden and how much secrets can hurt people. It’s a great lesson about forgiveness and compromise as well. I think this is the best book she has written and I won’t forget how Kyle and Leah both learn what unconditional love is.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
The Amish Midwife Secret
Leah is training to be a midwife and working with the local doctor on some cases. The current doctor wants to retire, he invites Kyle that came from there and going to be a doctor. He wants Kyle to take over for him. There was something that happened before Kyle left town and Leah has a secret about it.
The book is centered around Leah secret but there is so much more to the story. Kyle and Leah has disagreements on the type of care for the Amish. He is an conventional doctor and she is Amish. The Amish like to do things the natural way if at all possible. He learned a lot from her. I really loved Leah’s character, she loved helping people especially young mothers. The character wasn’t too crazy about was Esther the wife of the current doctor. She was always jumping to conclusions. I wanted to yell at her. When you read the book you will see what I am referring to. The book was very interesting from start to finish.
I received an complementary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.
This is the second book in this series that I have read and enjoyed, and am hoping for more!
This is a story of love and compassion and a little bit of sweet romance, but mainly a story of forgiveness, and the hardest of all forgiving yourself.
The author did a wonderful job with the characters and presenting the story, even with the elderly woman who worried about their reputation, and past indiscretions of people in her care.
There are a few bombs that are dropped and surprise secrets unfold, and they sure kept me page-turning.
I loved how this book worked out!
I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.
This was a most enjoyable book to read. Learning more about the Amish is always fascinating and in that, this book does not disappoint. Secrets are something everyone has, I expect, but how many of these change life completely? Such secrets have changed all of the principle characters in this book. Can forgiveness be found? While you or I may go and study to be a nurse, doctor or a midwife, these dreams were not possible if you belonged to the Amish church. Marrying outside of the church was another dilemma if you didn’t want to be shunned by family and friends. A story like this makes me consider how I would react if such barriers were set in front of me. How would my behavior compare to those in this book?
I received this ARC from CelebrateLit and all impressions and opinions are my own.
Kyle Miller, who recently became a doctor, receives an unusual request from an old friend and doctor in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He agrees to extend a small favor. However, he never expected to be butting heads with the highly opinionated and noncertified Amish midwife, Leah Stoltzfus. The two clash over the use of modern medicine versus herbal remedies and both are thankful he’ll only be there a short time.
I enjoyed Rachel J. Good’s latest story, The Amish Midwife’s Secret. The story was well-paced and kept you turning the pages. Often, I guess a story’s ending long before I get there. However, there were so many interesting twists to this tale that I didn’t even try to guess the ending.
Good’s focus on the difficult aspects of life is compassionate and thoughtful. Her characters struggle with making hard decisions, facing shocking truths and accepting losses. I also appreciated the faith theme running throughout the book.
The Amish Midwife’s Secret is the second in the Love and Promises series, but it can be read as a standalone.
I received the book from NetGalley and Celebrate Lit. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.
Magnificent–top notched Amish genre story found in The Amish Midwife’s Secret, book two in A Love and Promises series by beloved Rachel J. Good. This story is filled with characters that are flawed in the Amish community and English world where they need to overcome the past to find forgiveness. Good created an intriguing, heartwarming story that is masterful, picturesque and authentic in her Amish research.
Kyle Miller returned to the Amish community to visit Dr. Hess and the offer he made for his practice. Kyle had other dreams for his medical career, but when some hidden truths are revealed and unpredicted happenings transpire maybe he will discover his way back to God. Leah Stoltzfus dream as a midwife and a family came to a halt in a heartbreaking way. However, another delivery for Kyle and her in a middle of a storm may just bring some joy and blessing. This story is filled with family, faith, forgiveness in multiple ways and so much more. I do not want to give anything away, but this book is a MUST be read one for fans of Amish genre. I look forward to reading The Amish Widow’s Rescue when it’s released in 2019 as the next book in the Love and Promises series.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts expressed are my sincere ones.
The Amish Midwife’s Secret by Rachel J. Good is the second in her Love and Promises series. This captivating book brings to life the story of a young Amish woman who aspires to be a midwife and is seeing a nice Amish man. And along comes a young Englisch doctor who desires to do research at a prestigious facility but is called back to a place he’d rather forget and had vowed to never return to. Could he live in this community with all the memories? As the story comes to a climax, there are several twists and turns to the plot that are quite surprising. The author keeps interest high as she keeps the reader wondering just what is the midwife’s secret and how in the world will these two ever be able to surmount their differences to make a life together. Keeping their feelings hidden from family and friends and even each other proves more and more difficult. The characters are likable and realistic and it is heartwarming to see the growth in their faith and emotions as they begin to forgive, to be forgiven, and allow healing to begin in their lives. Thought-provoking subjects of adoption and the use of natural remedies and transitional medicine are touched on and add considerable interest to the story. Another very intriguing subject she brings out in the story is a Clinic for Special Children where researchers work to prevent and treat inherited diseases that are seen in the Amish and Mennonite communities. It sent me to the internet to look up some of the disorders she mentioned. The Amish Midwife’s Secret is an engaging book about secrets that when seen by the light of day, are covered by the grace and forgiveness.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.
From the very first chapter a secret was alluded to and grabbed my attention to where it was hard to lay the book aside to do mundane everyday things. I read whenever and wherever I could grab an hour or three.
I felt for both characters. Leah was a baptized Amish church member which restricted her somewhat in what she felt God was calling her to do, deliver babies. She also ran her family’s herbal store and strongly believed in natural remedies.
Kyle was just finishing up his studies as a physician and had big plans for his life when he got a call from the doctor in his home town. He was offered a trial period to see how he felt about taking over the practice which included an office and house for free! He had no interest in coming back to his small town. He liked big city medicine. But to appease he came for a few days trial. It seems though that things kept coming up to keep him there.
He and Leah clashed right from the start. They had different ideas in how to treat patients. But they soon discovered an underlying spark of attraction. But he being an English doctor and she being strong in her Amish faith left no room for compromise.
She has a secret she’s keeping from Kyle but the hometown doctor has an even bigger one he’s keeping from Kyle! Wow, the story was great and the writing was superb. Five stars!
I received a complimentary ebook copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.
Dr. Kyle Miller has an offer to take over an established practice in Lancaster, PA where he meets Leah Stoltzfus, a midwife-in-training. One has a past that needs to be faced, one has a secret, and both need forgiveness. Kyle is fresh out of medical school and is taken aback at the natural and herbal remedies Leah is using. Is there a middle ground between his training and what Leah knows the Amish are willing to do? Will Kyle find the forgiveness he needs from others and in the process forgive himself when secrets are revealed? A heartwarming story full of hope and the courage to follow your heart.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. The opinions are my own.