Monday, July 22, 2019

A Family for Gracie by Amy Lillard

It's been 110 degrees in the shade here so it's a perfect time to hide inside with the AC and see what the Amish of Pontotoc, Mississippi are up to.  
In A Family for Gracie we are taken back to Pontotoc.  From the back:
For the Amish of Pontotoc, Mississippi, faith and family are everything--even when they pose the greatest challenge . . . 

Gracie Glick is known for being the helpful one, always available for a relative in need. But now that she's longing for a home and family of her own, it's time to help herself. With few eligible men in Pontotoc, Gracie's choices, and her time, are limited. So she takes a bold leap of faith: she proposes to Matthew Byler, a handsome, recently widowed, father of five. It's not until after they're married that Gracie learns Matthew doesn't want more children . . .

With his grief still fresh, and his children needing care while he tends to his farm, Gracie is the answer to Matthew's prayers. But a marriage in name only suits him fine. And when he finally tells Gracie the dismaying reason why, they must decide whether to continue 
together--or apart. It's a choice that will force them both to look deeper into their hearts than ever before . . .

First, this series gets better and better with every book.  You can read this as a stand alone but to get some references and back story and to better appreciate the book you should read the first two. 

Gracie was super sweet, I was a little worried that her bonnet was on a bit tight in the beginning but when her personality started showing through and I saw flashes of spirit and temper she really grew on me.  On the other hand I did want to yell at Matthew on quite a few occasions in the book, which is the mark of a good storyteller.  If a fictional character gets you that riled up they are doing a good job! I also was a huge fan of little Henry.  

Another reason I have enjoyed this series is real life issues are explored.  The Amish don't just farm and ride around happy in buggies.  Real life tragedies touch them as well.  

So can two people thrown together for the sake of the children find common ground?  Will they find peace and love or disaster.  What will Henry break next?  Pick up your copy of A Family For Gracie and find out.  Happy reading!

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*