C is for Courting

Title: C is for Courting

Series: Amish ABC's #3

Author: Shelley Shepard Gray

Source: Library

My Review:

First, don't read the description of the book; it isn't accurate, and it gives spoilers.

Second, this series is best read in order, start with book one.

Third, I enjoyed it, but I was also disappointed.

Book two left off on a major cliff-hanger with Beth, so I was super excited to finally read her story and see what happened, and where she would go from there. I was disappointed. Because, while this is her story, it is also Martin's story, which has been developing since the first book.

I didn't feel like Beth's character and story were fleshed out as well as they should have been. While she does have some character growth, it still wasn't what you would expect; it was very surface-level. And, once she gets into a relationship, it isn't fleshed out either. I think the book would have been better if we had gotten more of her story, and either less of Martin's (her brother), or the book was just longer to get it all in. Even Martin's story ended more abruptly than it should have.

I will read D is for Daisy, although I don't know if we will continue to see these same main characters, or if that will start another set of characters.

I do recommend the series, and again, they should be read in order for the best enjoyment.

★★★/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):  

Surprises abound in the latest heartwarming inspirational tale of four English-raised siblings who return to their grandparents’ Ohio community with plans to become Amish—but discover, one by one, that even the simple life has its complications . . .

The second eldest, Beth Schrock always believed herself the most level-headed sibling. After all, in the wake of their parents’ divorce, it was she who emerged as the caretaker and steadying presence. Yet after almost two years in Ohio, Beth’s life remains the most unsettled.

Unlike her younger sister and brothers, Beth has yet to become Amish, or fall in love, much less marry.
Still, she is about to take on the biggest responsibility of them all. She is going to be a mother. A single mother. While she’s not proud of her actions, she is excited, and hopeful about the sense of purpose this change will bring.

When Beth happens to meet family acquaintance Junior Lambright, they bump heads a bit. But after she takes a part-time job at his successful candle factory, it doesn’t take long for sparks to ignite—or for Junior to decide to be the friend Beth clearly needs.

Still, neither expects a romance. Ten years older than Beth, Junior seems content to devote himself to work and his two senior Labradors. And as Beth’s due date looms, she must choose a path. She considers returning to Cleveland and her high-paying, high-stress, realtor job. She could hire a nanny. But she’d miss so much about Walden—including Junior.

And then, Junior proposes.

Beth is sure Junior’s sweet offer is only to save her reputation. . . . Unless, like her, Junior is also yearning for something more. With faith, and the courage to open their hearts, they might soon find out . . .