Pine Creek Marriage

Pine Creek Marriage by Amity Hope is the second book in the Pine Creek series. It can be read as a standalone if you have not indulged in Pine Creek Courtship. Pine Creek Marriage is a delightful story. I opened the book, and I was immediately drawn into the story. I like the author’s writing style (light, easy). The story is told from Samuel Kurtz’s and Amelia Baumann’s point-of-view. Amelia is a widow living with Mary in Pine Creek. She has no intention of marrying again because she cannot stand to have her heart shattered again from loss. Samuel is moving back to Pine Creek with his daughter, Ruthie. He wants to provide a stable life for his daughter which means purchasing a home and establishing a business. Mary is Samuel’s relative and the property she lives on used to belong to Samuel’s grandfather. With Samuel and Ruthie living in the daedihaus, Amelia sees them frequently. Mary likes to push the couple together as well. I like that this is a slow romance (a kiss or hug is the extent of the intimacy). Ruthie is a cutie who adds humor and vibrancy to the story. Mary is another great character. She is a sweet woman who loves to play matchmaker. I loved that the author has Samuel helping with tasks that are traditionally done by the wife or female in the household. The author brought the characters to life in this story. They are realistic characters who have foibles. I appreciated the epilogue that nicely wrapped up Pine Creek Marriage. It was great to catch up with Emma and Levi from Pine Creek Courtship. I like the community of Pine Creek. They are good people who are there for one another. Pine Creek Marriage is a heartwarming story of loss, love, friendship, family, and faith. I hope there will be another book in the Pine Creek series. Pine Creek Marriage is an emotional Amish tale with the adorable Ruthie, the matchmaking Aunt Mary, caring cousins, a meddling mother, Samuel’s secret, a resolute relative, and an appealing Amelia.

It Grabbed Me From the Start I was barely a few paragraphs into the book when I immediately realized that I was going to really, really enjoy. The first thing that grabbed me was that the author's description was so vivid that I could see it all in my mind, and I was immediately hooked. And what a scene it was! In it the reader is introduced to Amelia Baumann, Samuel Kurtz and Ruthie, and it's also where Amelia, Samuel and Ruthie are introduced to one another in a most unusual, unique and amusing way. And that is also where Amelia and Samuel's story begins. I have to admit that although the story hooked me immediately, it took me a bit to get to like Amelia. However, once I got to know her and her story, my heart went out to her. As for Samuel, I liked him from the start, especially because of his tender and caring way with Ruthie. Truth be told, though, Ruthie was just special. Her curiosity, her directness, and everything about her immediately captured Amelia's heart (and mine). Amelia, Samuel, Ruthie and Aunt Mary fall into a comfortable pattern with each other. However, when trouble comes knocking, Samuel comes up with a master plan. He offers Amelia a marriage of convenience. When she agrees, it seems that everything will turn out just fine, until...trouble comes knocking again. Pine Creek Marriage is a wonderful story that combines romance, faith, humor, some tug at your heart moments, some surprises and even a little intrigue. It has a wonderful cast of characters, some of which you'll love and others, not so much. But they all add just the right touch to the story as do their interactions. It's a definite must read and I highly recommend it. *****I received a copy of the book from the publisher, Entangled: Amara, via NetGalley. All comments and opinions are strictly my own.

Pine Creek Marriage by Amity Hope, book two in her Pine Creek series, tugs at your heart, holding you hostage until the very last page. This was a story I could not put down, reading it in one day. This book begins with Amelia and Samuel finding themselves in an interesting situation; one that is filled with suspicion, mistrust and some disapproval. Amelia is a young widow who is living with an elderly family friend, Mary. Samuel, Mary’s nephew, along with his young “daughter”, Ruthie, come to live with Mary; upsetting the balance. Ruthie was adorable; adding depth and color to the story as she stole everyone heart. Amelia and Samuel make an interesting couple; facing obstacles head on, with valuing the importance of rightfulness and family. It was interesting watching their romance blossom after they started out on the wrong foot. They had so many difficulties and emotions to overcome; yet overcome they did. Ms. Hope wrote a wonderfully sweet and moving story that had me feeling all the emotions; smiling, tearing up, crying of heartbreak, and frustrated with some of the characters. The message of love, faith, and forgiveness stood strong; making this sweet and inspiration read one I could not put down, draw me in, making me forget it was fiction. I highly recommend Pine Creek Marriage to other readers. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.