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. ( )

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. ( )

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. ( )