Siblings Martin, Kelsey, Beth, and Jonny are as different as can be, but they have one thing in common. They’re all longing to reinvent their lives. Raised by their divorced, lapsed Amish father and English mother, they only knew real stability and a sense of family when visiting their Old Order grandparents, Josiah and Sylvia Schrock, in peaceful small-town Millersburg, Ohio. Now the four want to try living with them and joining their faith—much to the Schrocks’ surprise . . .

Martin, the eldest, is reeling from a bad breakup, so he’s especially determined to make a fresh start. When he meets his grandparents’ neighbor, Patti Coblentz, he’s immediately drawn to her outgoing, helpful nature—but is so overwhelmed that he appears blunt and rude. Is there any way he can drop his defenses enough to admit she’s captured his heart?

Always self-conscious about the birthmark on her temple, Patti is resigned to never marrying and busying herself with the responsibilities of the large home and property she has inherited. Besides, Martin’s ill-mannered behavior and disconcerting directness make him the last man she’d ever want to wed—no matter how handsome he is.

Yet given time and patience—and adhering to their grandparents’ unexpectedly challenging rules—the whole family might just find what they’re looking for, even Martin and Patti.

Titles in the Amish ABCs series include:  A is for Amish ~ B is for Bonnet ~ C is for Courting ~

This is a clean, sweet Amish romance with perhaps only kissing.

Title:  A is for Amish
Series:  Amish ABCs #1
Author:  Shelley Shepard Gray
Published:  June 25, 2024
Publisher:  Kensington Books
My Rating:  4.5 stars

A is for Amish begins the Amish ABCs series, as we are introduced to the siblings and their desire to turn to their grandparents’ Amish lifestyle.  Although they were raised English, they always spent long periods of time at their grandparents’ home, so they saw the culture and the way of life that their grandparents embraced.  All four have jointly decided that they want to accept the Amish way of life, each for a slightly different reason, yet all fully committed… it seemed, although for some, small doubts would linger.

Martin, the eldest, and his sister Kelsey will be the first to live with their Mommi and Dawdi, becoming educated in the Amish faith and way of life for a year before making their final, life-long commitment of becoming baptised in the faith.  Each will face their own unique reaction to truly living Amish… one with second thoughts, the other with a peace of heart felt nowhere else.  Each will meet someone special within the Amish. 

Patti is the Schrock’s next-door neighbor.  She’s a quiet woman, independent as she’s inherited the farm next door, has her own small business, and doesn’t really see herself ever marrying.  Patti has a birthmark on her neck, one which she’s always been self-conscious about, one that she believes others see long before they know her true self.  There is a slight flash of attraction when she first meets Martin, and there’s also an underlying annoyance at this Englisher’s bold comments, which are never actually rude, but definitely speak his mind.  She’s unaccustomed to anyone not paying attention to that birthmark, and is actually a bit amazed at being seen for herself alone.  Their growing relationship will be filled with emotions and doubts as they second-guess motives and must face some huge decisions about their future.

Kelsey knows without a doubt what she wants… to be Amish in every way possible.  Yes, she might miss some of the things about being an Englisher, but those few things are overridden by the peace she feels in her heart at being with this community.  Now, if only she could get along with one particularly vicious chicken, Anna. (Anna and Kelsey’s rocky relationship provided so many chuckles for me.)  The young preacher, Richard, will captivate Kelsey, and as time moves on, will become her champion in many ways.  They each know their own minds, and the opinions of others won’t matter in the end.

Like any community around the world, the Amish are not without those who love to gossip, cause a bit of drama, or turn out to be the most horrid people one could imagine.  Unfortunately, for these two couples, those challenges will have to be faced as well.

I enjoyed A is for Amish by Shelley Shepard Gray very much.  Frankly, I’ve yet to read one of this author’s stories that I didn’t fall in love with.  It’s well-written, emotional, with just enough obstacles placed in the characters’ lives to make what they’re facing or going through completely believable.  There is what some might call a cliffhanger ending, although I see it as the underlying thread that might be seen throughout the series – time will tell on that opinion, but don’t let the word “cliffhanger” keep you from reading a truly engaging, enjoyable story.

I read this title during the time it was available through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.

This title is available at Amazon (affiliate link)