A sweet Amish romance with lost love letters, a determined matchmaker, and finding love where and when you least expect it. “Her fingertips brushed against something else in the box of doilies. She lifted a bundle of letters, neatly tied with a thin red ribbon . . .” Ivy Yoder hasn’t heard from John King in over a year. She knows it’s time to let go of the idea that they will one day marry, but … will one day marry, but she’s humiliated to be one of the oldest single women in her Amish community of Birch Creek. When quirky Cevilla Schlabach asks her to help clean out an attic, Ivy is grateful for the distraction.
Noah Schlabach isn’t from Birch Creek or even Ohio. His job as an auctioneer takes him around the country and away from a typical Amish life, but he still remains devoted to his family. So when his aging aunt asks him to help clean out her attic, he agrees. Plus, who knows what curious items he might find up there?
As Noah and Ivy work side by side, they come across a different kind of treasure: a packet of letters written during the Korean War. Soon they are swept up in the story of two young people falling in love–even as they remain determined not to fall in love themselves.
- Third book in the Amish Letters series (Written in Love and The Promise of a Letter).
- The books do not need to be read in order.
- Part of the larger Birch Creek Amish community with the Amish of Birch Creek series and Amish Brides of Birch Creek series
- Full-length novel, approximately 75,000 words
- Sweet, clean Amish romance with happily-ever-after ending
- Includes discussion questions for book clubs and list of all the author’s books by series
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A book must be good if you finish it in one day right! The book started a little slow but ramped up quickly. Then I was hooked! The characters are so well developed and the storyline is unique. The author does a great job of giving you information in certain order so you’re kept guessing and wanting to read on. There are events that come out of no where and keep you at the edge of your chair in anticipation. There are sweet love stories. Conflict. Funny moments where you laugh out loud and those around you say “what’s so funny?!” Love stories within a story and this one has a little of that too. There are so many awesome elements of this book. Read it. You won’t be disappointed.
I received a digital copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher. I was in no way required to write a positive review.
Found a new author
The story line kept me reading, always a new and interesting turn. The characters were really great too. I loved the mix of humor, drama, and sweet romance. I will definitely look for another!
If you like Amish books, you’ll enjoy the letter books. Following the life of an older member of the settlement by a younger couple through letters the woman had saved since she was young, moved this romantic story along.
Great book!Enjoyed every page.
Enjoyed this book very much. It was just what I needed to read -something clean and well written. The characters were realistic and to me, well developed. I would read another book by this author.
Love Amish novels due to family values a strong belief system.
This is a gentle story of growing and overcoming heartbreak to give love another chance. I loved how the author wove several plot elements together for a steady pace that kept me invested in the characters and the choices they made. Ivy learns how strong she is as she recovers from disappointment and earns a newfound confidence in herself. Noah is going the opposite direction- full of confidence and success, but a new obstacle is wearing on him and he is at a loss for solutions. His matchmaking aunt is fun and quirky, and the old love letters they find in her attic bring Ivy and Noah closer together in friendship, with attraction simmering beneath the surface. I enjoyed the mannerisms of Ivy and Noah which made them come to life as I read. Another lovely addition to the Amish Letters series, and don’t worry- each book can easily be read as a stand alone or out of order.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
I love how she ties in the letter writing with the stories – it is a very sweet and old-fashioned but incredibly effective way of communication that seems lost in today’s world of texting and emailing. Great romance within an engaging story.
“Old fashioned” love letters, written by hand and stamped and mailed, seem to be a lost art of the past. But the main characters, Ivy and Noah, in Words from the Heart find such a treasure. A stack of letters placed back in their own envelopes and tied with a red ribbon were found in an old stained cardboard box by the pair. They were written to Noah’s Aunt Cervilla and with her permission they opened them and were carried to the past during the Korean War. A lost love but never forgotten. Aunt Cervilla was a strong elderly woman with much wisdom. She was also very strong in her faith. Cervilla’s love for God and her Amish faith is something that can be taken to heart by everyone. She feels God’s whisper that he wants Ivy and Noah together. Both have suffered heartache from the past and shy away from any romantic relationships.
Something happens in Noah’s life that threatens his career that he’s worked all his life for, and Ivy gets a visit from her past “love” who wants to reconcile.
I loved the relationships brought to light and the strong love for God shown in this totally enjoyable novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the Fiction Guild but was not required to write a review.
Kathleen Fuller scores a perfect ten with Words From the Heart. The book holds not just one love story but two. You’ll laugh and you’ll cry…and you’ll cheer for a growing love. The performance is near perfect. Listen closely and don’t miss a word of this sweet and unique Amish story.
I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild. I was not required to give a favorable review. This was another wonderful story from Kathleen. This was a way for two people who have had bad endings to past relationships come together as friends to help Noah’s aunt go through things from her step-mother during her time as a English person before coming back to her Amish community. Each had helped each other but also let Ivy see that she has a chance for finding love through reading Ceville’s letter from a young man prior to her coming back. I loved had the relationship grew through being friends and talking.
As much as I enjoyed the first two books in this series, Words From The Heart is my absolute favorite. I loved the characters of Noah and Ivy and felt like I knew them, but Aunt Cevilla was my favorite. She was witty and funny and her story that is brought to life in forgotten love letters is so heart touching that it made me weep. I also found this book informative on a disease that I had never heard of and learning to cope with the diagnosis. The lost art of handwritten letters is given a voice in this series and you will not want to miss them, but this will work as a stand-alone also. It weaves the present with the past in such a flowing way that you are never lost, but are carried along in the flow. This is not just an Amish lover book, but reaches into other genres that can be enjoyed by all who enjoy a well written story. Highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction Guild. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Words From The Heart is just that, special precious words from the heart that were written a long time ago and put up in an attic that GOD had put away for when HE wanted them to be brought out and seen by whom HE Ivy her to go and help Ivy pack up the Attic of his Aunt’s Attic – guess who else is packing it up? who gave up on love, Noah who’s too busy for it. Aunt Cevilla makes Noah promise wanted them to be use by at the perfect time for a perfect use. HE has HIS perfect HIS perfect plan don’t ya know. Now, you have Ivy who gave up on love, Noah who’s too busy for it. Aunt Cevilla makes Noah promise her to go and help Ivy pack up the Attic of his – guess who else is packing it up? yup you are right, Ivy .and guess what they found – yup the love love letters GOD wants to use. Does it work? Well satan tries to ruin it by causing something to Noah. Will he let it get in the way? Will Noah run or will he let the love letters GOD set away do it’s work? I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.
If you would like to read more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreivewers.blogspot.com
This book is truly Words from the Heart. Kathleen Fuller has captured the true essence of the “Love Letter” era. We don’t have that much anymore and this book is a pure joy to read. Ivy Yoder and Noah Schlabach will win your heart. But the story of Bunny and Cj is the true story in this book. Love Everlasting. Thank You Kathleen for this amazing series.
I loved the book
Words from the Heart by Kathleen Fuller is the third An Amish Letters Novel. Ivy Yoder has not heard from John King in a year. She received one letter from him written right after she returned home. He broke his promise and her heart. Ivy must now move forward with her life and needs a something to occupy her mind. Ivy arrives home from visiting with friends to find Noah Schlabach on her doorstep. Noah is an auctioneer and antique specialist. His great aunt, Cevilla Schlabach has asked that Noah and Ivy clean out her attic. She insists that they do it together. Noah knows Cevilla is up to something, but he is eager to see what is in the boxes. You never know what treasure they will find. The pair slowly go through the boxes and get to know each other during the sorting process (finding numerous doilies and old magazines). One of the last boxes they explore contains some damaged doilies and a packet of letters written during the Korean War. Noah and Ivy get drawn into the story of two people (Bunny and CJ) in love. Ivy develops feelings for Noah, but she is afraid of getting her heart broken again. Noah used to be satisfied with his work, but now he feels that something is missing. Cevilla is certain that Noah and Ivy are meant for each other. She has arranged for them to spend time together, but the rest is up to these two very stubborn individuals. Will they learn from the past and embrace life? Can Ivy move forward and find love with Noah? Will Noah give up his roaming way to settle down in Birch Creek?
Words from the Heart is a touching romantic story and my favorite book in this series. I find it refreshing to read stories that have little to no violence, intimate scenes (just kissing), and no foul language. I found the book to contain good writing and a nice flow which made Words from the Heart was easy to read and enjoy. Words From the Heart can be read alone, but I suggest reading all the book in An Amish Letters series. It will familiarize you with the characters from the previous books which are present in Words from the Heart. I appreciate the author updating readers on what has happened to the people from Written in Love and The Promise of a Letter. I like the characters in this story especially Cevilla Schlabach. She is a delightful older woman that is happy with her life and the choices she has made (spunky, quirky). Many of her scenes have me smiling and chuckling (especially when she decides to attend the school board meeting of which she is not a member). The author provides the right amount of background and detail on the main characters along with supporting cast. Ms. Fuller even brought CJ, one of the letter writers, alive with her words. The Christian elements are present throughout and it enhances the story. Prayer, forgiveness, trusting God and faith are a few of the Christian themes in the book. While the romance element is predictable, it is sweet and heartfelt. It was lovely to watch their (Noah and Ivy) feelings grow for each other over the course of the book (while they each tried to resist). The additional elements that Kathleen Fuller added to the story gave it depth and complexity (upcycling, items they found in the boxes, Noah’s symptoms for example). These items made for a richer story. Reading Words from the Heart is a satisfying way to idle away a Saturday afternoon.
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this clean inspirational Amish romance. Strong female characters made for an enjoyable story. I could feel the love growing between Noah and Ivy on every page.
Words from the Heart takes us back to Birch Creek just in time for Valentine’s Day! No, I don’t mean that this book is about Valentine’s Day. It would make a sweet romantic read in honor of the holiday.
This was my favorite book out of the series and it’s largely because this one included a genealogical mystery! Noah and Ivy have discovered love letters written during the Korean War—an era that I admit I don’t know much about. But, I loved the letters and wanted to know where they came from!
Noah and Ivy were both enjoyable, albeit sometimes stubborn characters that I couldn’t help but love. Their difference in stature made them seem incompatible and yet I was rooting for them from the very first chapter. But it was Aenti Cevilla who stole my heart. That little old woman was quirky and quite the little Amish firecracker. I loved her!
This book was a feel-good romance—a quick, lighthearted read that I really needed.
One interesting concept about this book is that Noah suffers from Meniere’s Disease, a condition that I didn’t know much about until my doctor mentioned that she suspects that I suffer from it. It was so interesting to me to read about a character with a chronic illness and it made me feel connected to him. Perhaps that is silly but it’s nice to be able to relate to someone.
I’m super excited to read more from this author and I’m pleased to know that members of the Birch Creek community will be revisited in Kathleen’s new series titled, “The Amish Brides.”
This book was provided to me by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. All opinions are my own.
In this novel, the author has us reading past and present letters, and they sure are from the heart. The title of this series is Amish Letters, and as we’ve seen in the previous two books there is a bit of romance in the words.
Surprises sure abound in this third book in this series, and I was quickly page turning, from Ivy never receiving promised letters to the old letters found in the attic, and then the passive friendly letters she and Noah start to share after their attic cleaning.
We are also reunited with other dear friends from the past books, and yes this one can be read alone, but you’ll soon want more, and these are the perfect choice.
Wait until you meet Aunt Civilla, and watch her make her way to the school board meeting, how who would turn her away. Made me smile, and think with age comes wisdom, at least as far as she is concerned.
Wonderful character and a great story you don’t want to miss!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.