AUTHOR: Marie E. Bast
DATE: 2019
PUBLISHER: Love Inspired
STARS: ****
When his son breaks one of baker Sarah Gingerich’s prized possessions, widower Caleb Brenneman insists the boy make amends by doing odd jobs in her bake shop. A childless widow, Sarah can’t help falling for the boy…or his farmer father. But Caleb is progressive New Order Amish while Sarah holds traditional beliefs. Though they’re worlds apart, are they a perfect match?
The Amish Baker is more than a romance as it contrasts Old and New Order Amish cultures. I enjoyed learning about the differences and similarities. Both put high value on family ties and traditions, and that’s where Sarah and Caleb’s troubles begin, as they try to ignore the romantic sparks but cannot help dreaming of a future together. Meanwhile, Sarah’s bishop shows his determination to marry her off to a widower—any widower, it seems—since it has been three years since her husband died. Her feelings don’t matter, making her feel as though she herself doesn’t matter. Independent and hard-working, she resists in spite of warnings of discipline.
Sweet and easy to read, The Amish Baker earns four stars. One warning: the descriptions of her delicious baking may cause compulsive snacking! It’s worth the risk, though, as Sarah and Caleb bravely work their various roadblocks to love.
Disclaimer: I was given an advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.