THE NEIGHBORS OF LANCASTER COUNTY SERIES--beautifully-told contemporary Amish romance from author Leslie Gould

 

Amish Sweethearts (Neighbors of Lancaster County Book 2) by Leslie Gould

 

 

Can These Two Friends from Opposite Worlds Find Love?

 

They've been best friends for years, but as high school ends, Zane Beck can't help but look at his Amish neighbor, Lila Lehman, with different eyes. Her controlling father sees only one future for Lila, though, and arranges for her to be courted by an upstanding young Amish man. When Zane sees the two together, his plans for the future crumble, and he impulsively enlists in the Army, following in his father's footsteps.

However, the passing of years and the distance between them isn't enough to halt their now hidden feelings for each other. If being together used to be difficult, it's now impossible, especially with the Amish opposed to war. Zane's service takes a dramatic turn when he's sent to Afghanistan. Being on the front line and the reality of taking a life has him questioning whether he can continue to serve or not. But all choices have consequences--both his and hers. With Lila preparing to marry another, will these one-time sweethearts ever find the life together that they both still long for?

 

 

 

MY REVIEW:  Author has created a lovely contemporary Amish Romance series with “Neighbors of Lancaster County”, and I recommend reading Book 1, “Amish Promises” for the most reader’s enjoyment before reading Book 2, “Amish Sweethearts”. Both books feature a complex romantic relationship between an Amish woman and an Englisch man, and the conflicts are heightened by each man’s service in the military. In “Amish Sweethearts”, childhood friends Lila Lehman and Zane Beck share their cultures and learn from each other, but as they reach their teens, their feelings of friendship deepen with the promise of something more. When Lila’s stern father initiates the courtship of his daughter by the bishop’s son, a distraught Zane joins the Army and leaves his heart behind with Lila. Years and distance widen the separation between Lila and Zane, and when he is deployed to Afghanistan, the dangerous reality of his military service causes him much contemplation and self-questioning. Lila’s future seems set by her father’s wishes, but can her heart follow what her society dictates? Can the love that began so long ago overcome great obstacles and lead to a happy future for two true sweet hearts?

Review Copy Gratis Bethany House Books

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amish Promises (Neighbors of Lancaster County Book 1) by Leslie Gould

 

 

Journey Down a Quiet Lane in Lancaster County Where Love and Heartache and Friendship and Healing Meet

When Joel and Shani Beck arrive at their new home, they're looking for peace. Shani is thrilled to have Joel back from Iraq, but he needs time to heal, and the quiet of Lancaster seems just the place. They can't imagine any trouble with their Amish neighbors, the Lehmans, but things get off to a rocky start when their son is involved in an accident that injures one of the Lehman boys.
 

Eve Lehman has run her brother's household ever since the death of his wife, but Tim's a stern patriarch. Despite his protests, she's drawn to the new neighbor, Shani, and the two begin to form a strong friendship forged on faith and family. Things seem like they've quieted down until Joel's single and handsome army friend Charlie catches Eve's attention--a man unlike any Eve has ever met. Suddenly life for both families becomes more complicated than any of them could have ever imagined.

 

 

 

 

LESLIE GOULD

 

 

 

Leslie Gould is the #1 bestselling and Christy Award winning author of twenty-two novels. She received her MFA from Portland State University and teaches writing at Warner Pacific College. Leslie enjoys traveling, hiking, and history. She and her husband, Peter, are the revolving-door parents of four children and three cats. Visit her at http://www.lesliegould.com/.