I’m so saddened by the events of the past two weeks. The only answer is God. Turning to Him. In the meantime, continue to pray for this country.
I’m not certain when this post will go up, but I read Lizzie’s Heart by Susan Lantz Simpson during the second week of our quarantine and it was such a blessing to read. I’m not the biggest fan of Amish fiction, but Susan’s books are so good! And it’s so good to read about someone who is so strong in their faith. I think that’s what draws readers of Amish fiction–the peace that the hero and heroines project and how they depend on God. I particularly enjoyed both Lizzie Fisher and Stephen Zimmerman in this story. But first the back cover copy:
Fall in Southern Maryland’s Amish country is a time of fiery falling leaves, a bountiful harvest, and bracing, frost-touched days. It’s the perfect season for one irrepressible maidel to try an unexpected match . . .
Good-hearted and impulsive, twenty-year-old Lizzie Fisher has many chores—and secrets. She’s caring for kittens abandoned by their mother and practicing her drawing talent away from disapproving eyes. So the last thing she needs is someone like handsome Stephen Zimmerman constantly “helping” her out of trouble. But when she discovers they both have lovelorn siblings, she has an idea: why can’t she and Stephen bring his older brother and her older sister together? After all, how hard could matchmaking be?
Even though he’s the youngest son of an Old Order Mennonite family, Stephen is used to looking out for everyone else. Yet somehow the romantic schemes he and Lizzie cook up keep going awry—in ways that hint they may suit each other. But their deepening bond is both delightful and complicated. For bridging their differences will take bravery,
compromise—and faith in their hopes and dreams . . .
This book captivated me from the first page when Lizzie was on a mission to save three kittens from a burning house. And Stephen helped her even though he wondered if she was sane.
These two were such a joy to read about as they dealt with stubborn and cranky siblings and then Lizzie had to deal with her ma’am who didn’t like animals. Lizzie is a talented artist who feels she must hide her drawings because she fears the church elders will frown upon her talent. It’s one reason she hasn’t joined the church yet. Then she meets Stephen who isn’t Amish but is Old Order Mennonite.
And that creates another problem–he has already joined his church and can’t become Amish without being shunned by his family. So they both fight this attraction they feel toward each other. It’s a compelling story as they struggle with different problems. If you’re looking for a sweet romance and what seems to be insurmountable obstacles, Lizzie’s Heart is for you. It’s a story I’ve found myself revisiting in the days since I’ve read it.
You can purchase Lizzie’s Heart at:
And if you’ll leave a comment, I’ll enter you in a drawing for a book from my library. Tell me why you think Amish Fiction has continued to draw readers. I have my own ideas, but I’d like to hear yours.
The winner for Out Of The Embers is Phyllis Scott!
The May winner for a book from my library is Mindy Houng!
What is it about Amish fiction that readers like? Answer that question at my blog, and I'll enter you in a drawing for a book from my library! www.ptbradley.com/blog Click To Tweet
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Comments 37
Congratulations to the winners. I love the scripture but I wonder how many are actually doing it. I read Amish Fiction because it is encouraging in faith and doing what is right even when our flesh wants something else. I have never read this amish author. Thank you for sharing. Have a blessed weekend.
Thanks for the reminder with the verse. I don’t read many Amish books as they are not a preferred genre. However, the ones I have read, I have thoroughly enjoyed the slow lifestyle, the working together and the sense of community. Perhaps that is something we are missing today…..
Not quite sure how this became a reply to Lucy’s post ♀️
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Totally agree, Betti! The Amish books almost make me think of when I grew up. We had a great sense of community back then, and life was slower.
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Lucy, I love Susan’s books! And I agree that Amish books are so encouraging in faith. You have a blessed weekend, too!
I’ve read a few Amish fiction books, mostly because my late wife was an avid fan, and was always telling me about them. Naturally, the ones I picked had an element of suspense in them. Regarding “Lizzie’s Heart”, I will say that a lady who loves cats gets my attention. There’s been at least one cat in the house since 1989 (it’s up to three now).
Pat, thanks for bringing books to my attention that I would not otherwise be looking for.
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I’m so glad I’m introducing you to new authors, Tim! I really enjoyed this book. As for cats, I never meant to have cats but now I have two. 🙂 One intentional one and one that just showed up and never left. Thanks so much for stopping by.
Never planned for that either, Pat. The first was a neighborhood stray who adopted us. It’s nice to be wanted :-).
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I know exactly what you mean, Tim.
Beautiful picture! I love that verse, but wish I could remember what a well-known pastor had to say about it. I read it several years ago. He pointed out that this verse is a continuation of verse 13, which ends with a comma rather than a period. But how many people ever read what it says in verse 13 and the other verses preceding 14? Sadly, I have forgotten the rest of what he said, but now when I read verse 14 by itself, I stop and wonder if I am missing something. Is this an open-ended promise, or does it apply in certain circumstances as the previous verses may suggest.
I enjoy Amish fiction, but in small doses. I may read a book or a series, and then I’m ready for something else for a while. I think readers are drawn to Amish fiction because there is often a slower, calmer pace than most of our lives. We don’t all need to be Amish but we truly need to slow down and focus on things that are important to God. Too often, we run around frenetically because WE want to do all those things, not because God asks us to.
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I so agree, Edward, about Amish fiction. And while I read 2 Chronicles 7 a couple of weeks ago, now I must go back and read it again to see what your pastor meant. 🙂
Good point, Edward. I just looked up v. 13. It speaks of plagues, and we certainly have that with the virus, and even the hate we’re seeing now. So, the conditional promise of v.14 is one we need to take to heart. We and our land need His healing.
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Absolutely agree, Tim. I’m going to study that chapter tomorrow and Sunday. Would today but I got up at 4 am and brain fog has crept in. 🙂
I think Amish fiction has drawn so many readers because Amish living is not a common way of life for most people. I know the Amish way of life looks attractive, but it has its pros and cons just like everything else.
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I agree, Elizabeth. And I think we are looking for a simpler way of life sometimes.
Thanks for the reminder with this verse – love the picture as well :). I wonder how different life would be if we heeded and lived by that verse. I love the quiet life, the sense of community and the working together of the Amish lifestyle. I don’t read that genre very often but when I do I enjoy it.
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The world would be such a better place if Christians lived by that verse, Betti. I don’t read Amish often, either, and right now I’m wondering why. 🙂
I do like an occasional Amish read, especially suspense. I think that the simple life with focus on what is important is what is refreshing about it. There are certain authors that I enjoy reading, in particular, like Vannetta Chapman, Marta Perry, and Amanda Flower, plus others.
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I’ve read Vannetta and Amanda’s…will have to try Marta Perry’s next, Gloria! And I agree it has to do with a simpler lifestyle being attractive to readers.
I think peoe are drawn to Amish fiction because in a way it hearken back to a simpler time, where people don’t constantly go, go, go like we do. It reminds us there’s more to life than stuff and things.
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Absolutely, Megan! That’s why I read it, I know. Thanks for stopping by!
I like reading Amish fiction as the books focus on their simple lifestyle, great faith and love of family. They still have struggles just as we do.
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Yes, Maryann. I like the way they turn to God for answers instead of always trying to fix things themselves. Like me. 🙂
I like to read them just to hear more about their way of life. I find it interesting since it’s so different from my own
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So do I, Lynn. I have Amish farmers living about ten miles from me and I keep saying I’m going to drop by their furniture store one of these days. In fact, I’m wanting a bookcase so I may go sooner than later. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
I’m not drawn to Amish fiction. It just doesn’t appeal to me.
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Hi Caryl! As I read more Amish books by gifted writers, I’m finding myself liking it! Thanks for stopping by!
love to read about the simpleness of thier lives!
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Me, too, Shelia! Thanks for dropping by!
Congratulations to the winners. I think Amish stories are read because of their beautiful stories and because of how simple they live and are such hard workers. I like Amish stories because they are sincere , and the characters Love God.
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Yes, Alicia! We could all take a page out of their lives! Thanks for stopping by.
Beautiful photo. I like reading Amish stories because of their more simple way of life. Our lives seem a lot more complicated in comparison.
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I think our lives are a lot more complicated, Diana! Thanks for dropping by.
I love Amish fiction! What appeals to me is the simplistic way they live without all the “necessary” stuff we think we need. I also love their strong sense of community & how they take care of one another (especially their elderly). Their strong faith too, they don’t question who God is or what role He plays in their life. I know some sects are more conservative than others so they will worship in differing ways. I know they have their problems like we do, but they have big hearts and treat each other with respect. We could learn a whole lot from them 🙂
I will have to see if I can find Susan’s books on my Overdrive digital library to borrow!
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Trixi, I’ve thought of writing a suspense story involving an Amish story-line, but after looking at how much research it would require, I’ve put it off to a later time. 🙂 But I agree with you on all the reasons you read Amish fiction. Thanks for dropping by!
There are three Love Inspired authors I can name that write Amish suspense fiction: Dana R. Lynn, Mary Alford, and Debby Giusti. I think they do an awesome job of combining the two genres together! I can definitely see where it would take a tremendous amount of research to get the details “just right” though, but I bet you could knock it out of the park Patricia! 🙂