For my second book review of the year, I’d like to talk about a book that lifted my spirits and I enjoyed to the end! Rosanna’s Gift by Susan Lantz Simpson is set in the Amish community in Southern Maryland, and it’s such an uplifting romance story but even more, it’s the story of a young woman’s desire to give a sweet baby a home. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Here’s the back cover copy–oh, and I loved the cover!:
In Southern Maryland’s serene Amish country, one young woman’s life is changed by an unexpected request . . .
“She’s yours.” Until now, Rosanna Mast’s hopes for the future have all revolved around handsome Henry Zook. But when a young Englisch girl places her newborn daughter in Rosanna’s arms and utters those words, shock quickly turns to fierce, protective devotion. Between helping her midwife mamm and caring for her own siblings, Rosanna has plenty of experience with babies. And who wouldn’t love a sweet-natured boppli like little Mollie? Yet to her dismay, Henry has no intention of ever taking on another man’s child. Instead, it is steady, thoughtful Paul Hertzler who becomes Rosanna’s staunch supporter.
Paul knows he should have acted sooner on his feelings for Rosanna. Now, as her dream of adopting Mollie meets unexpected hurdles, he sees a way to help. Rosanna would do anything to keep baby Mollie—perhaps even agree to marriage. But will Rosanna continue to hold him at arm’s length, or see that he longs to offer her the love and family she deserves?
My take:
This book caught my attention from the first chapter, especially when the mother gives Rosanna the baby Rosanna has just helped deliver. Simpson did a great job showing how difficult taking care of a baby was but how Rosanna felt she was worth it. I didn’t like Henry Zook at all and was glad when he showed his true colors. But Paul Hertzler was the perfect hero! This was a sweet book that leaves a great feeling when you finish reading it. If you enjoy sweet romances and fish out of water stories (I mean Rosanna had no idea what she was letting herself in for!), you’ll love this one.
Leave a comment and I’ll enter you in a drawing for a book from my library at the end of the month! Tell me if you’ve ever had a “fish out of water” experience.
You can purchase Rosanna’s Gift at:
Comments 24
You write great book reviews, you have a gift for it. Fish out of water? Gasping? Unable to swim? On a blind date once with another couple who after a nice enough dinner dropped into a club I wouldn’t have entered otherwise. I was young but there wasn’t a second date. Even fish learn to stay in the favorite pools where they thrive rather than get caught and thrown up on the bank.
Author
Thank you, Delores! I enjoyed this book. And that is a great story about feeling like a fish out of water! Thanks for stopping by.
This sounds like a good book. I have noticed it and wondered about it. I guess I have felt like a fish out of water in social occasions or on committees where I didn’t know anyone well and felt awkward and alone. Does that count? 🙂
Author
Absolutley, Gloria! None of us likes to feel like a fish out of water, but it happens a lot. Thanks for stopping by!
I felt like a fish out of water when we moved from New York to Texas. I went from pizza to bbq and reserved to very friendly people. We enjoyed the four years we lived there.
Author
I can imagine, Maryann! But the South is very welcoming! Thanks for stopping by.
Hi, this book sounds very good and the cover is Beautiful! My husband plays his saxophone, clarinet and his flute for different events in our town and in different places. One day I went with him and I really felt like a fish out of water, it was in a different town and I did not know anybody, well, the people were very, very nice and welcoming and so I felt much better, My husband already knew the people that had hired him, he had played for a different occasion for them, it was nice to be welcomed. I will say, it was awkward at first. Thank you for the chance. Have a Great weekend. God bless you.
Author
It’s always hard to step into a place where we don’t know anyone, Alicia. But people usually welcome us if we’re friendly. Thanks for dropping by.
This sounds like an excellent read! I’ve added it to my request list for when the Bookmobile comes to my town! 🙂
Author
It was very good, MS Barb. I really enjoyed it. Always good to ‘see’ you.
This sounds like a good one. I’ve felt like a fish out of water numerous times.
Author
Me, too, Lucy. Thanks for dropping by!
The book sounds interesting. An author I have not read as yet. Have felt like a fish out of water more times than I can count.
Author
I love her books, Joni! She’s a good writer. Thanks for stopping by.
I feel like a “fish out of water” when at a party with people I don’t know.
Author
I know that feeling well, Caryl! Thanks for stopping by.
I need to read this book if for no other reason than the baby has my mother’s name (as my mother would say – it’s even spelled correctly :); it really bothers her when anyone spells her name with a “y” rather than “ie”). It seems I have had more than one “fish out of water” experience in my lifetime, but I can’t think of a specific one right now.
Author
Edward, I really enjoyed this story. It wasn’t your typical Amish story and I think you’d enjoy it!
yes ,many times
Author
Me, too, Shelia! I’ve learned being a fish out of water is sometimes an opportunity to grow. Thanks for stopping by!
Loving the sound of this book!! I feel like a fish out of water when asked to improvise at church when I’m a classical musician with no training in improvising. But I’m learning to play the melody by ear, so that’s a start!!
Author
Oh, wow! Monique. A classical musician! What do you play? I’m in awe since I have no musical ability at all! Thanks for stopping by!
I play (and teach) both violin and piano. Neither of our parents are musically inclined, though Dad’s uncle and granddad both played something. Most of us kids (7/9) play music, and the only reason the youngest doesn’t play is because she’s only just turned 1! Most of us play two instruments, some more. And you’re never too old to learn!! Playing music is extremely good for the brain, and I encourage everyone to play something!
Author
Monique, I would love to learn to play the piano, but with my deadlines, I would never have time to practice! Yours sounds like a fun family!