Could this bride’s wedding disaster be a blessing in disguise? Grace Lantz always imagined her wedding day would be a blissfully happy occasion. But after a tornado swept through town, she finds herself relieved that the ceremony is delayed. After all, her groom-to-be hasn’t even bothered to check on her. Instead, it’s the handsome volunteer Zeke Bontrager who selflessly offers Grace his … volunteer Zeke Bontrager who selflessly offers Grace his strong shoulders to lean on.
Zeke came to Hidden Springs to assist a community in need. He didn’t expect to meet his soul mate. Determined to ignore his feelings, Zeke promises to help reunite kind, beautiful Grace with her groom. But after spending time together, Grace confesses that she might not want to marry her fiancé after all. Can Zeke convince her that her true love is standing right in front of her? And can she find the courage to follow her heart?
The Amish Wedding Promise by Laura V. Hilton is the first novel in the Hidden Springs series. I enjoyed this charming story that contained some wonderful life lessons. Grace Lantz was to be married the day twisters tore through leaving devastation in its wake. Truth be told, Grace is relieved which makes her feel guilty. Zeke Bontrager feels that he can do nothing right in the eyes of his father. He is hoping his time in Hidden Springs, Illinois will allow him to be a hero instead of a failure. I found Grace and Zeke to be developed and relatable characters. They both have issues that are bothering them and, while the tornado was a terrible event, it turns out to be a blessing. There are delightful characters in this story that include Grace’s pun loving grandfather, Grace’s special needs sister, Patience and Slush, the family’s Siberian Husky. I just loved how Slush communicated and expressed emotion. It is wonderful that people volunteer to assist others in need. We see how much that help is needed and appreciated. It was wonderful to see the community come together and help each other. It is a shame that this kindness is not present in all areas around the world. Patience is a young lady with special needs, and it was wonderful to see how patient as well as kind her family is with her as well as Zeke. I especially loved how the characters prayed. There were open about their faith and prayer. Lessons about guilt, forgiveness, standing up for ourselves, gossip, and perception are present. The romance was sweet, and I like how it bloomed. The intimacy extends to a kiss or two but that is it. My favorite phrase from the story was when Grace said, “Chocolate can solve the world’s problems”. There is plenty of humor as well that includes farm animals with witty names. The Amish Wedding Promise is a heartwarming story with a maltreated mailbox, superfluity of sandwiches, impatient Patience, twelve protective brothers, and a groom gone astray.
This book is excellent reading and very well written. I loved this book and it was easy to read I hated to put the book down. The book can be used for teaching purposes if children have questions about this type of lifestyle and culture.
I highly recommend this book.
“Fans of Amish romance will love The Amish Wedding Promise by Laura V. Hilton. In Laura’s signature style, you’ll find a swoon-worthy hero battling his own insecurities, a daring heroine longing for the one who fulfills her heart’s desire, and an ever-loving God who can calm the raging storms of life. This book pulled on my heartstrings, but also made me laugh. Another book from Laura that I didn’t want to put down! Once you begin reading this author’s books, you’ll want to read them all. I’m ready for the sequel.” Jennifer Spredemann, Heart-Touching Amish Fiction
THE AMISH WEDDING PROMISE by Laura V. Hilton is the first book in the Hidden Springs series. It’s the story of Grace Lantz and Zeke Bontrager.
One evening a cluster of eleven horrible tornadoes and straight line winds sweep through Illinois with at least one tornado hitting Hidden Springs where the Lantz family lives. The next day was to have been Grace’s wedding to Timothy – a day she had been dreading. In the aftermath, they find the barn it was to have been held in and the groom are both missing. Did God answer her prayers and really intervened to stop the wedding?
The Mennonites from Shipshewana, IN are looking for volunteers to go help with clean up and to assistant the residents of Hidden Springs. Zeke and a couple of his friends are among the first to volunteer. Although he went with the idea of improving his image by coming home a hero and showing his father he wasn’t a failure, he proved what a wonderful hard working young man he was by jumping in with both feet to help those in need without question and finding no job to small giving him the respect of the locals.
Almost from the first glance and surely from the sparks when they touched, Grace and Zeke had a connection and feelings for the other from their first meeting. They both also know it’s couldn’t be. After all, she is promised to another (they just have to find him) and his job with the mission was written in quicksand that there would be NO dating while in town.
Zeke seemed to connect with the Lantz family starting when he brought the family dog back home. (Maybe even before – when Grace’s grandfather placed him with the Lantz family during his stay.) He understood the specialness of Patience – Grace’s special needs sister. He was also determined to help Grace find Timothy, even though he didn’t feel he deserved her. He would be there for support her, give her a listening ear and shoulder to cry on, and encouragement to have the courage to speak up to her father and grandfather about her situation. But could he keep is feelings in check or would he be sent home in disgrace for breaking the rules?
Grace knew she was to be submissive. Her mother said it was just cold feet. All the plans have been made. Did she want to find Timothy? What would she do if she did? How could she marry him and spend her life knowing her heart had fallen for a stranger in less than 24 hours?
Laura V. Hilton succeeded in writing a wonderful love story while bringing the inspirational message through that we need to pray to God and place our trust in Him. Through the story she shows that to make change we have to be willing to stand up for ourselves, face our fears and dare to dream. THE AMISH WEDDING PROMISE not only shows all this, but keeps us turning pages hoping for the happily ever after that Grace and Zeke so desperately want and deserve.
I loved Grace’s grandfather. How can you not love his humor in the names he gives his animals and his great judge of character! Though some consider her handicapped, Patience shows how smart she is with her Bible quotes given with such wonderful timing and knowing from the start how right Zeke was for Grace. Everyone, including me, (all but one man) loves Slush – a dog that seemed to talk with his eyes and knows how to smile.
Highly recommend THE AMISH WEDDING PROMISE to anyone that loves a great story that will have running the whole gamut of emotions and leaving you with a happy heart. It’s more than an Amish story and more than a romance. It’s a delightfully inspirational story that I’m sure you will love every bit as much as I did. I know I will be waiting with great anticipation for book number two in this series – THE AMISH SECRET WISH due out in 2020.
The Amish Wedding Promise has a great storyline. I enjoyed reading this book and recommend reading it.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.
What if a tornado cancelled your wedding, then you learned the groom had disappeared? What a way to start a book! Grace Lantz wasn’t sure she wanted to marry Timothy anyway. Zeke Bontrager comes to the area to help with cleanup and reconstruction, but God may have brought him to the Lantz home for a higher purpose. The story and characters resonate with the reader, and you feel like you’re right there. The tale’s development moves along at a good pace so the lengthy novel doesn’t drag but holds your interest. Surprises jump out too and add to the depth of the book. I liked Grace’s grandfather and his wisdom too. This may be the best I’ve read by the author. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
Besides cold feet? What else might stop an Amish wedding? Well, a tornado that destroys the barn where the wedding was to take place. Relieved yet feeling guilty for wishing it not to happen was made even worse when her fiance doesn’t even show up to see how she survived the storm! When other Amish young men start showing up to assist in the community clean up the story continues. A few hard lessons, a lot of helping friends and a little romance made for a wonderful story. I requested and was gifted a copy through NetGalley, no review was required, my review is voluntary.
As I start this review, let me say this: I very much enjoyed reading this story. Laura V. Hilton has written another excellent Amish romance that has touches of humor, tragedy, romance, and suspense. And yes, even though they don’t seem to go together, all those things do work together well in this storyline. I always love a book that has an unusual plot, and this one certainly has that.
But that’s what makes writing this review a little bit tricky, because there’s a couple of twists in this story that I don’t want to describe, as it will take away from the book as you read it. There’s two storylines that twist together and all the details fall into place at the end. I will tell you this: It does involve a tornado and an Amish wedding and the way life changes in this Amish community from that point. These changes especially impact the character of Grace Lantz, as it involves her wedding day. I loved Grace. She’s kind, loyal, and deeply loves her family. As I read this book, I came to love the whole Lantz family. Daddi Cliff was another favorite character, too.
When you read the book, you’ll understand why I didn’t go into detail with this review. If you love Amish fiction, you’ll enjoy this one.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This author never disappoints me with her stories. I enjoyed reading about Grace and Zeke. I love when she adds the Amish children that have special needs in the story. I loved reading about how other people come to different areas to help out after a bad tornado hit. Both main characters had to work through some doubts about themselves. I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
I like this story it was cute and down to earth. I did however feel like parts of the story did drag on. Without giving much away I wish the main subject or at least it felt like the main subject would have been handled a lot sooner in the book and the secondary situation would have played out sooner so there could be more of that story and less of the other. I loved Zach he felt like wasn’t good enough but he always seemed to keep his head up and keep fighting for what was right. I was not a huge fan of Vernon and I wish we found out more about Jon. I liked Grace a lot to she was reckless, fun, independent and reliable and you could totally feel like you could be friends with her. This book was a good clean read and fun to boot. You can’t go wrong. 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
Jesus still calms the storms
My rating is 4.5 stars
Living in the shadow of his “perfect” cousin, Vernon, who stole his job and his girl, Zeke felt insignificant and as if his daed was disappointed in him. When the two traveled to Illinois to help the community there recover from tornadoes, he was optimistic about becoming a hero. Yet Vernon was the one to find the missing cows and Zeke was simply given the task of trying to find Gracie’s missing fiancé.
I really cared about Zeke and loved the way he interacted with people and animals with such kindness. He had a humility born from his hurts, which showed in all he did. And even when he had a valid reason for blowing up and yelling, he showed kindness and allowed the Lord to work on his behalf instead.
Gracie had spent so many years of her life walking on eggshells to not upset her younger “special needs” sister, Patience, that she held everything inside. Whether she became a people pleaser because of that, or whether she already was, she was so afraid of disappointing others that she felt like she couldn’t speak her mind. I was able to relate to her quite well! She was always putting others’ needs before her own and needed someone like Zeke to care about her! When her family continued to tell her that her doubts about marrying were just cold feet, she faulted herself for struggling with this.
There was so much I enjoyed about this story. The balance of lighter and heavier matters was perfect. It wasn’t so serious to make me sad and the humor was used appropriately and had me laughing often. I loved the punny names of Gracie’s family’s animals and wanted to hug her grossdaadi! Oh, and Patience was so precious I wanted to take her home with me.
I appreciated how well the author took the theme of Jesus calming the storm and wove it through the story. The lessons Zeke and Gracie learned through that were apt and helpful for all believers to learn and remember. And, as in all her stories, the message of salvation was clearly taught and incorporated in a very natural and engaging manner.
While dealing with domestic and substance abuse was necessary to the story, it was very subtle and handled very tactfully.
I highly recommend this story of hope to all readers who enjoy fiction that both challenges them and makes them laugh.
Read my review of The Amish Wedding Promise by Laura V. Hilton at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
Looking at the cover of this book is a compelling reason to pick it up, and also, I love reads by this author.
We are given a story of a young woman, and the book begins on the day of her wedding, and she is having cold feet, wishes she the day weren’t here, and no, she does not have power to control the weather, but a devastating tornado hits Arthur Illinois, and thus help comes from all over, including an Amish community in Indiana.
We also get to meet the new arrivals, and especially Zeke, and with a history of his Dad being unhappy with him, he is out to prove himself, or at least stay out of trouble.
When sparks fly between Grace, the bride, and Zeke, they know it can never happen, and with death and destruction all over here, there are a lot of pressing problems.
Love the wise Grandfather, and the sweet special sister, Patience, and then more disasters happen, more focus is put on loved ones, and we see the love of God and the message of Forgiveness.
A don’t miss read that will keep you page-turning!
I received this book through the Publisher Forever, and was not required to give a positive review.
My Thoughts:
Grace Lantz’s wedding day is interrupted by a horrible tornado. However, instead of being sad, Grace is relieved. Even so, she can’t understand why her fiancé hasn’t checked on her. On the one hand, Grace wonders if the events are an answer to prayer, but on the other hand, she feels somewhat guilty wondering what has happened to her fiancé. Grace is caring, loving, and dedicated to following God’s will. But right now, the events have muddied the waters and she struggles to find answers about her future.
Enter Ezekiel “Zeke” Bontrager. Zeke is part of a team from Shipshewana that has been sent to help in the aftermath of the tornado. Zeke is also caring, loving, and dedicated to following God’s will. What he knows is that God’s will would be easier if Grace were not in the picture. As Zeke and Grace are drawn to each other, both know that due to Grace’s missing fiancé and a rule that forbids relief workers from dating, they must stay in the friend zone.
As the story continues to unfold, you’ll meet some very special supporting characters (one of which is a dog) that add a special touch to the story, without overshadowing the main characters. I especially applaud Laura V. Hilton for including Grace’s sister, Patience. It’s not often that a special needs character is included in a story. Ms. Hilton flawlessly portrayed Patience realistically and with all sincerity which made the story that much more endearing.
The Amish Wedding Promise is not just a story of love. It’s a story of trusting God and fully seeking His will, especially when you can’t even imagine what plan and path He has for you. I recommend you read it for yourself. You will thoroughly enjoy it!
***I received a copy of this book. All opinions and comments are my own.
Postponing her wedding due to terrible storms, a young woman is given time to make different life decisions. She wants to please her family yet her heart belongs elsewhere. A story of love, devotion and finding the right path can be found in this heartwarming story. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.
Laura V. Hilton will attract readers with not only the stunning cover but also the descriptive and enthralling storyline in The Amish Wedding Promise. The setting in a fictional community in Illinois was a treat, since most Amish stories are set in larger Amish communities. Hidden Springs experienced a devastating tornado that delayed a wedding that Grace Lantz had prayed might be stopped. I loved her special needs sister Patience who replied multiple times regarding the situation “Jesus calm the storm” to her and others. Daadi Cliff was another charming character along with the hero and heroine.
Grace Lantz and Ezekiel Bontrager lives are dimensional with all they’ve experienced before they met. Zeke knew he wasn’t allowed to date as a volunteer helping with the recovery but him and Gracie sure seemed to connect. There are pure moments of hilarious laughter with Slush, the dog smiling at Zeke, and twelve brothers being protective. This poignant story is filled with realistic events and dialogue, hidden secrets revealed, letting go and letting God along with plenty of drama, humor, grief, overcoming, finding peace and faith with new beginnings. The unexpected happenings challenged some to admit their flaws and gave hope that God did all things well. The interspersed message of God’s sovereignty, forgiveness, unconditional love, faithfulness and hope will resonant with readers. This is one masterful, winsome, and touching story I highly recommend by Laura V. Hilton. I look forward to the next book in this new series called The Amish Secret Wish.
I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book from the author. I was under no obligation to write a review or compensated in any way. I have expressed my sincere thoughts in this review. Hilton has become one of my favorite authors with the faith message and drama she includes in all her stories.