The Amish Bachelor's Bride
By Pamela Desmond Wright
Lavinia Simmons is in a serious bind. She just lost her husband and has discovered that he had been secretly gambling (which is against the Amish faith). He racked up so much debt that in order to pay people, Lavinia has to sell her house. She does not want to live with her family, so she ends up agreeing to a marriage of convenience with a young Amish bachelor, Noem Witzel. Noem’s sister, who left the Amish, has just died leaving behind two children. With the local bishop’s help, Noem decides to go through this marriage of convenience in order to give his niece and nephew a mother figure in their lives. Throughout the whole situation, though, Noem and Lavinia start to fall in love with one another. Is it possible that this marriage of convenience could turn into something more?
I am not really a big fan of the arranged marriage theme. I realize this is an Amish novel, but it is weird to read a novel set in contemporary times utilize this theme. Regardless, it is a sweet novel filled with fascinating characters and a strong community that supports this new family.
Next Book to Review: In a Sniper’s Crosshairs