Gabriel’s Bride by Amy Lillard

Posted by abakersp in Amish / 0 Comments


My Review

This was another great read from Amy Lillard! I am always looking for different storylines when reading Amish fiction and this storyline delivered. Who would think that two Amish people would marry for convenience, and then continue to live as roommates! The idea behind this was refreshing to me.

Poor Rachel. Hired as a housekeeper to widowed Gabriel, she had her hands full from the beginning. Her cooking skills were mediocre at best, mostly because of her tendency to lose concentration on the task at hand. When it seemed like she was finally making some progress, her food was still burnt. Perhaps a meddling son getting in the way? I do not think I could have handled the situation like she did though. I understood her not telling Gabriel, however I was frustrated that she did not at least talk to the boys about it.

I enjoyed the relationship between Gabriel and Rachel. Overtime it seemed as if both had developed some feelings, but both to scared to admit. I felt that Amy wrote this back and forth in a way that was both realistic and relatable. I could see myself having the same doubts as them throughout the book. They both just needed a little nudge, and Amy wrote in little glimmers of hope every now and then to keep your hope alive.

This was a wonderfully scripted story that I recommend to all. I should also note that although this is not the first book in the series, I feel it would be fine as a stand alone. I will admit, however, that now I want to find the first two books and check them out!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review which I have given.

Purchase your copy here


About the Book

Rachel Yoder has two choices: marry Gabriel Fisher or move to Ohio. As an orphan, Rachel doesn’t have much to offer; any match she can make will be a good one. She just didn’t plan on Gabriel with his big hands and permanent frown.

As a widower Gabriel needs help caring for the farm and his six children. But he never thought he’d marry a slip of a girl who barely reaches his chin.

Yet as time passes, Gabriel finds himself thinking about a real marriage. They have spoken vows to God and each other, but can he risk his heart with Rachel?



About the Author

I’m a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.
I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I’ve retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I’m from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son-a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!

I love homemade tacos, nail polish, and romance novels-not necessarily in that order. I’m a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I’m shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.

I believe that God is love. I guess that’s why I love to write inspirational romances. The two go hand-in-hand for me.

I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I’m a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that’s me June Cleaver with a laptop.

I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twlight series (I’ll get to it or I won’t, either way I’m good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I’m alone on this last one, and again, I’m good with it.)

Favorite movies-(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940′s movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven’t seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn’s and Audrey’s.