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 . . .

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

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

Title:  C is for Courting
Series:  Amish ABCs #3
Author:  Shelley Shepard Gray
Published:  October 28, 2025
Publisher:  Kensington Books
My Rating:  4.5 stars

C is for Courting is the third title in the Amish ABCs series, and brings us Beth’s story, which is full of decisions to be made by a woman who doesn’t regret her choice in any way, shape, or form… but longs for that special, unique relationship that she’s yet to find.  She might find what she’s seeking in Junior, a slightly older candlemaker who offers her a job, friendship, and perhaps, exactly what she’s looking for.  Yet, Beth still has decisions to make, and as she searches her heart, the answer might have been right in front of her all along.

Beth is the second eldest of the siblings.  She’s always been considered level-headed, the caregiver of the group, and perhaps, the one with one of the most stressful careers.  She often longs for a simpler life, like what her Amish grandparents have, and although she believes she can embrace the Amish life, there’s a part of her that, as a soon-to-be mother, begins to see that the choice she makes will affect not only her but her baby as well.  She “could” go back to the English way of life that she’s lived with all of its stress, but also with the financial stability a child needs.  She could hire a nanny, but she’d miss so much of her child’s life… and she really does feel more comfortable here in this caring Amish community, especially with Junior.  She didn’t count on the quiet love of a man who is caring, non-judgmental, and sees her for who she truly is deep within.  Love is the answer to her questions; she simply has to be brave enough to see her own worth as just Beth.

Martin and Patti are the second couple highlighted in C is for Courting.  We met them in the first story, and now we’ll see what the ramifications of Martin’s decision will be for them both.  I don’t want to give any of that away… but it is emotional, and true to themselves.

I enjoyed C is for Courting by Shelley Shepard Gray so much.  We get updates on all the members of this family, including a person we’ve only known off-page up to this point.  Each sibling’s story has been told with love and a balance of what their lives were and what they could be should they embrace the Amish life.  I’ve loved the journey thus far, and certainly hope there will be more to come.  If you enjoy a well-written, emotional romance filled with life decisions mixed with laughter, and finding that just right person for you, then you’d enjoy this one.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust.  It is my choice to leave a review, giving my personal opinion about this book.*

This title is available at Amazon (affiliate link)