Over the Horizon by Penny Zeller

Wow! I am so glad I picked up this book. The worst part about reading this was discovering that I have to wait for book two, which won’t be released until June of next year. It will be a long wait! Here is the storyline:

A most unusual proposal...

Alone in 1870s Idaho Territory, Paisley Abbott has nowhere to turn. With no other options, she finds herself consenting to an unconventional, but mutually beneficial agreement.

During an unplanned return to his family’s farm, prodigal Tyler Shepherdson inherits three children. When Tyler finds a woman hiding in the back of his wagon, an idea begins to form and he makes a rash decision that results in perhaps one of the most spontaneous marriages of convenience ever.

Despite an unorthodox beginning to their marriage, will Paisley and Tyler trust God as they forge ahead to create a home for three orphans? Will love arise from a desperate situation?

In the first book in the Horizon Series, travel to the late 1800s to the town of Horizon in the Idaho Territory with a cast of unforgettable characters, journeys of faith, and abundant humor.

This is a story that is about as sweet as they come. I was sympathetic to both Tyler and Paisley for the entire book. They were characters that were hard for me not to cheer on. The three orphans were characters I wanted to reach through the pages and give a hug, especially little Mae. Seeing their relationship with Tyler and Paisley develop was a wonderful journey to follow. Ivan was the one character it was hard not to dislike and hope to get what was coming to him quickly.

The writing style was perfect for me. There were some serious moments in the book, yes, but for the most part, the tone of the book was cheerful and easy-going. There was not a lot of arguing and unhappiness. After only reading for a little while, I decided I would like to visit the town of Horizon. It was easy to like the characters who lived there; yes, even Miss Greta.

I found it both interesting and heartbreaking to learn how Alzheimer’s was viewed at this time of history. I was sympathetic to Paisley’s father and the entire family. To think that people were once ostracized from communities because of such a difficult illness was not a pleasant thought.

I enjoyed seeing the spiritual journey both Tyler and Paisley were on for the entirety of the book. The struggles and worries they experienced were difficult, yet they still clung to God and trusted in His goodness to guide them.

If you need a feel good, sometimes humorous, entirely enjoyable book to read, this is one you should place at the top of your list. 4.5/5 stars. Very recommended!

The Amish Matchmaking Dilemma by Patricia Johns

They’re not compatible on paper…

But might be the perfect match.

Amish bachelor Mose Klassen knows what he needs in a wife—someone quiet and traditional, the exact opposite of Naomi Peachy. His lifelong stutter has made him reserved, but when his childhood friend volunteers as his speaking tutor, Mose can’t help but be drawn to the outgoing woman. Naomi’s progressive views mean she’ll never make his matchmaker’s list…but could an unexpected match be his perfect fit?

    Wow! I was not expecting this book to be what it was. It was hard not to like Mose and his stutter. I was so sympathetic to him the entire book. I hadn't ever considered what that must be like, to have that kind of a struggle to speak, but I think it was presented very well in this book. Naomi was a lovable character, as well. She wasn't such a headstrong character that I kept thinking, "Why did you do that?!" throughout the story. No, she was someone who I truly wanted to find her match. The story progresses at a great pace. Humor was found at times, and the tone was never overly serious. All around, this was a book I did not want to put down. 

    For a couple reasons, I think the Amish community in this book is different than most other Amish books I've read. One of those reasons is found with Naomi and her desire to not block out the English from their world so much. She believed that in order to truly show them Christ, they needed to be shown the world of the Amish by allowing them to take more of a part in their way of life (for example, by offering classes on basket weaving/quilting/baking, as well as allowing at risk youth to work on their farms). Her ideas made perfect sense, yet I don't believe there are many Amish in reality who have such views. Still, I found Naomi's beliefs to be refreshing. Another difference I saw was in the bishop. He was very forgiving of everyone and their faults, and while I always encourage forgiveness, I don't believe bishops are typically that lenient with their congregation. SPOILER: the way the bishop seemingly thought there was no sin to be repented of with Claire having a child out of wedlock- and then encouraging her to get back together with the father after he had abandoned her for three years- was not very realistic to me. That is just my personal opinion, and that part of the plot did not ruin the story in any way. 

    Overall, this book was a wonderful read. I give it 4/5 stars. Recommended!