Mary's Calico Hope - (The Heart of the Amish) by Anne Blackburne (Paperback)

I have really been enjoying reading The Heart of The Amish Series and was excited to read this one. I loved how Mary and Reuben did not give up on their love and the obstacles they faced but believed God would provide a way. Mary is such a strong heroine even though she is left disabled from a buggy accident. She is positive, kind, helpful, and does not let it stop her. She knows how to make the best of her situation. Reuben is so patient and kind as he tries to help her medically but also from a heart full of love. An original and heartwarming Amish story with a busybody who tries to cause trouble, a sweet cat name Hope, supportive family, and an engaging storyline that gives you hope. Pick up a copy and settle in for an enjoyable read. I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

Mary has a fulfilling life in spite of the buggy accident that crippled her at the tender age of four. She has several “irons in the fire” to help support herself as she lives in the Dawdi Haus connected to her family home. Her constant companion is a little calico kitten named Hope. When she meets Reuben King, a Mennonite doctor, he informs her of a surgery that could possibly help her being able to get around better and help with her physical pain. She is torn and worries about the risks. Reuben and Mary grow close but a serious relationship between the two of them is impossible. She’s baptized Amish and he’s a Mennonite doctor. They both rely on God’s plan even though their situation seems unattainable. I loved the characters and the small community. Mary’s strength and positive outlook for the most part impressed me. Seeing how they grew closer to God was also a positive for me. A very heartwarming, lovely story. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review.

Mary's Calico Hope by Anne Blackburne is part of The Heart of the Amish series. Mary Yoder survives in her world. She does not thrive. The tragic buggy accident that killed her father years ago has also affected Mary. Her daily use of crutches to walk is a constant reminder. Mary is content, but life is not ideal. She lives next door to her mother, brothers and stepfather. She makes do. Mary longs for companionship and a normal life. Along comes Reuben King. Reuben was raised Amish, but now is Mennonite. He is also the new doctor in town, replacing the retired former doctor. Mary and Reuben experience an instant, but forbidden attraction. Reuben is Mennonite and Mary is Amish. It is simply not possible for them to be together, or it is? I found Mary's Calico Hope to be an entertaining and enjoyable story. I have read several books in Amish genre and Mary's Calico was unique. I did appreciate the accuracy. You will find there is some Amish jargon, which can be difficult to understand at times, but it does contribute to the story. The twists and turns of the story were enthralling. I found Mary's Calico Hope to be a delightful read and do recommend.

Mary Yoder lives in Willow Creek and handles her disability very well. Since she was little she has been using crutches and even after numerous surgeries she has made peace with the fact she might never marry and live alone for the rest of her life. Dr. Reuben King stops at her parent's home and she just happens to be there when Dr. King says he is lost. Her mother and father welcome the doctor into their home. After some lemonade and cookies, he gets directions and is on his way. He was Amish but to practice medicine, his dream he had to leave his family and become a Mennonite. He is good-looking and thinks he might be able to help Mary possibly have a new kind of surgery to rid her of the crutches she has been using for years. At first, Mary is uncertain of her feelings for the doctor and also curious why he wants to help her. They both seem to form a wonderful friendship but tempting fate as they cannot be together because if she married him she would be shunned. Prayers to god always help and if there is a way for them together they must keep waiting for a sign from him. An enjoyable book and a quick read.

When Mary was a small child, a car hit their Amish buggy taking the life of her dad, and left Mary handicapped. Even though she has had many surgeries, she is in constant pain, and is only mobile with crutches. Despite her limitations, Mary supports herself with multiple sources of income. She tries to do everything, and does not want anyone to help her. Mary has developed a prickly personality to protect herself from hurt. The new doctor, Reuben is very kind and caring. He was raised Amish, but never joined the church. He wants Mary to try a new surgery that might relieve some of the pain, and help her get around easier. Mary is irritated with Rueben about this, but reluctantly agrees to think and pray about it. Rueben sees through the walls around Mary, and sees the wonderful woman she keeps hidden. Rueben is unlike any man Mary has ever known. However, a relationship has no way of working for them. Mary would be shunned if she married a non-Amish man. Rueben would have to give up his medical practice if he became Amish. Additionally, gossip is running wild about Mary and Rueben that falsely accuses them of being in compromising situations, and behaving improperly. One woman in particular delights in spreading talk about them. This is a clean story that seems to have no hope for the star-crossed couple. They are trying to have faith that the Lord will make a way when there seems to be no way (Isaiah 43:18-19), but do not know how that is possible. Fans of Amish tales, and sweet stories will enjoy this five-star book. Thank you, Barbour Books, for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.

This is a heartwarming story of daring to dream while staying true to your beliefs. Author Anne Blackburne introduced Mary in a previous book but this allows readers to learn more about her sweet nature and her unswerving faith. She may have resigned herself to never being a wife or mother but It doesn't take long for her to recognize just how special Dr. Reuben King is or to realize that she's thinking about him more than she should! He's perfect husband material except for the fact that he's a Mennonite man and she's a baptized Amish woman! Their different beliefs make it impossible for their romance to develop. Unless...God's will makes it so! If you enjoy Amish fiction that's filled with family devotion, deep abiding faith, intriguing characters, and beloved feline pets, grab a copy of Mary's Calico Hope. It's a great addition to the series, The Heart of the Amish. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review

Mary’s Calico Hope by Anne Blackburne is a warm-hearted tale. Mary Yoder is a special woman. She creates lovely baskets as well raising specialty roosters whose feathers she uses to make unique fishing lures (which fetch a pretty penny). Reuben King is well meaning and determined. He manages to put his foot in his mouth up past his ankle with Mary. It will take fancy footwork to get back on Mary’s good side. I enjoyed reading Mary’s Calico Hope. I liked most of the characters. Mary has caring, loving parents (their fussing may aggravate Mary at times, but they do it out of love). There was a busybody who loved to stick her nose in where it did not belong, spread gossip, and tattle to the bishop. I liked how it was a close community. Faith is beautifully woven throughout the story. The power of prayer, God’s guidance, faith, and trusting in God are a few of the main themes. I know from experience that it is hard to turn our worries over to God and surrender to His plan. I liked catching up with Lydia. Mary’s Calico Hope is the fifth book in The Heart of the Amish series. It can be read as a standalone for those who are new to the series or who may have missed a book. The ending was heartwarming and left me smiling. Mary’s Calico Hope is a special Amish story about resilience, love, faith, and community.