The Amish Wedding Promise

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.