Courting an Amish Bishop - (The Heart of the Amish) by Mindy Steele (Paperback)

You are never too young or old for second chances. A big lesson the two main characters had to learn through misunderstandings and words not spoken. I took to Stella right off. She had a rough growing up with no love but only hardships from her family. She learned all she could about natural healing and foraging for medicines found in nature. Most she learned from her grandparents after moving to live with them. An understanding came to me that man has much to learn about what God has made available to heal ills that brings humans down. Stella also learned much from Bishop Simon Graber. He too suffered tremendous loss in his life after losing his wife and two of his children. Though hard, life continues and God has plans for those who pray and then listen to him. Ellie made a fun addition to the story as Stella’s companion and best friend. A friend that would never let her down. I enjoyed this book so much and was a bit disappointed that it seemed to end so abruptly. A fast read for me and so enjoyable! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review.

What an interesting concept for an Amish book, as I love knowledge and this shows how Dok Stella uses plants and herbs from nature to promote healing and health . I enjoyed the Notes the author shares at the beginning and the glossary as well as recipes at the end. I loved the characters and how Stella learns it is okay to trust and depend on others even though you have been deeply wounded by family. Ellie was the star of the show in my opinion as a faithful companion to Stella and the humor she brought to the story. Simon was a great hero in my opinion as he broke the mold for how you usually feel about an Amish bishop. Watching him grow and heal from the loss of his wife was encouraging especially with the relationship he had with his son. This is very well written and kept me engaged till the end. My sisters also read and like myself they recommend reading also. I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

Courting an Amish Bishop by Mindy Steele is a sweet story. My attention was captured right away. I enjoyed getting to know Stella Schmucker and Bishop Simon Graber. Bishop Graber’s son, Michael added humor to the story. It was interesting learning about the various herbs and their uses. I can tell that the author did her research. Those struck down with this virulent strain of flu in Cherry Grove, Kentucky certainly needed Stella and her knowledge. I liked the fact that Stella and Simon were middle-aged (instead of a man and woman in their early twenties). There are life and faith lessons throughout the story. Courting an Amish Bishop is the fourth book in The Heart of the Amish series, but it can be read as a standalone. This was an enjoyable story to read. Courting an Amish Bishop is a heartwarming Amish tale with benevolent bishop, a pervasive sickness, healing herbs, a cliffside house, a nasty storm, and a close-knit community.

Wow! Practice makes perfect and this is a prime example. Mindy Steele's twelfth book is a captivating Amish story with a middle-aged midwife who believes in the healing power of herbs and a widowed Amish bishop VERY set in his ways. Dok Stella is resigned to never having her own family and Simon Graber carries grief like a mantle! How could they ever imagine a relationship...together? This may be labeled Amish fiction, but it certainly isn't cookie-cutter Amish fiction. Courting an Amish Bishop reminds us that Amish aren't immune to problems, but their pain is often hidden; they may not wear their hearts on their sleeves, but those hearts still love deeply. This poignant story shows us that love has no age limitations, second chances are possible, and healing can be found in unusual places and unorthodox ways. Grab a copy of Courting an Amish Bishop and be prepared to lose yourself in Cherry Grove and Walnut Ridge, Kentucky! I received a complimentary copy but there was no obligation for a positive review!