Hannah’s Courtship
Emma Miller

Book Summary: Amish widow Hannah Yoder never intended to marry again. Yet when her friendship with veterinarian Albert Hartman begins to bloom into something more, Hannah wonders if perhaps she's finally ready for a new love. Albert waited his whole life to find the right woman, only to realize Hannah was there all along. But there's more than their friendship to consider. Albert is a Mennonite, born-and-bred, and Hannah cannot—will not—leave her Amish faith, not even for him. Does Albert have the courage to give up his modern life for Hannah…and will Hannah have the courage to let him? 
Hannah's Daughters: Seeking love, family and faith in Amish country

Review: When I first got the book I was excited. Than I started to read it and had mixed feelings. Than about page 7 I got more interested than I ever thought I would. Ms. Miller did a fantastic job of mixing the themes of maturity and liveliness. At no time did I dwell on Hannah being a mother of grown children or a grandmother. The romance was complicated in the eyes of the Amish religion. I really liked the tie in with Albert’s nephew and Hannah’s daughter Grace. It makes me long to read all the previous books. Someday I hope to do that .
I would like to thank Net Galley and Harlequin for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone. ( )

Looking back over her life, Hannah Yoder could see how blessed she's been. She had married Jonas, the love of her life, born a house full of daughters, five of whom are presently married with Rebecca preparing to be married in the Fall. That left her with Susanna, her special Down's Syndrome child, and Irwin, her foster son. She lived in a two-hundred-year-old farmhouse on a prosperous farm in an Old Order Amish community in Delaware. Now she was a widow at fifty. To supplement the farm's income and to remain somewhat self-sufficient, she has taught in the local Amish school for the past five years. She is surrounded by good friends, family and a close-knit community. But even with all that, sometimes she felt something was missing.

Albert Hartman was Seven Poplar's veterinarian. He had worked hard to study for and establish his practice in this community. Time has slipped by before he'd hardly noticed, and now he was in his mid-fifties, unmarried and alone, only months after his father had passed. He loved his work, sharing the responsibilities with his nephew John, but the spark had gone out from his life. What was all that effort for anyway? What did he have to live for? John and his wife Grace had suggested he take up a hobby. He gave it some thought and felt he would enjoy raising alpacas for fun.

The author, Emma Miller, has given her readers an intriguing glimpse into an Amish community and how they handle unique circumstances. Some of her other books are about Hannah's daughters: Courting Ruth, Miriam's Heart, Anna's Gift, Leah's Choice, Redeeming Grace, Johanna's Bridegroom, and Rebecca's Christmas Gift. With deep insight into human nature, first hand acquaintance with country life in Delaware, and understanding the special dynamics that accompany large families, this story stirred my heart. I could feel with Hannah the ache of a mother's heart over a special child with the desire to hold on too tightly, and to be overly protective.

What I found most compelling about this story was the sweet romance that developed between Hannah and Albert. Hannah is wise and kind, and Albert is strong, responsible and head over heels in love with her. It was heartwarming to read just to what lengths he would go to marry her. If you enjoy reading Amish books and good romance stories, then you will love this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from NetGalley on behalf of Harlequin Love Inspired. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ( )