The second book in the Berlin Bookmobile series is just as charming as the first. The only constant that carries over from book one is the librarian, Sarah Anne Miller. She starts to fall for one of her library patrons and agrees to go on a date with him - she hasn't been on the dating scene since before she was married and she's very nervous. Some of her library patrons are also having some difficulties. Miriam and Calvin have tried for years to have a baby and it's taking a toll on their young marriage. When Calvin strikes up a friendship with a ten year old foster kid he starts dreaming of growing their family through adoption, but he knows that his wife isn't on the same page. What will it take to make her see the situation differently? And what about poor Miles, he's been a foster kid for so many years - will he ever have anything to look forward to? Charming and predictable. Nice clean fluff. ( )

This sweet Amish story was a poignant one which I feel will certainly touch your heart. I did not have the chance yet to read book 1, so I can say that it is a good stand-alone.
The story line was one that was realistic and contemporary. I could feel Miles' pain as he is told his foster parents could no longer have him stay. Feeling rejected and alone, Miles wonders what he could have done to let him stay and why no one has ever wanted to adopt him.

His friend, Calvin, has come to be very fond of Miles and Miles hopes that Calvin's home will be his next home, but it is not Miriam's plan and Calvin wants to keep the peace in his still childless family. Lots of feelings and emotions that surround this Amish family.

I really enjoyed this book and will plan on reading book 1! The characters were endearing and the story was heartwarming.

I received a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own. ( )

Sarah Anne Miller is a librarian but she doesn't always work in a building. Instead, she offers books, and so much more, when she drives her bookmobile around Berlin County. An Amish Surprise is the second book of The Berlin Bookmobile Series, and Sarah Anne is still taking books to her patrons who live in rural areas. She's played matchmaker before, but now, Sarah Anne gets a chance to experience romance herself, and it's a charming look at a 60-something widow getting back into the dating game. As she tries to determine if she's ready for a second chance at love, Sarah Anne continues to interact with the Amish community, and it's apparent that her weekly visits are bright spots in their lives. It's especially touching to witness the special relationship that she develops with a ten year boy who dearly loves the bookmobile. Miles is in foster care, and she realizes that he is especially taken with a young Amish farmer who also frequents the bookmobile. Her intuition recognizes that young Miles and Calvin Gingerich share a special bond, but is the bond strong enough for them to become a family? Calvin's wife Miriam is against adoption...can Sarah Anne work her magic?

I love this book because it centers around a bookmobile, and this was a part of my life as a public librarian. Many people have never seen a bookmobile, so they are are unaware of the importance that a library on wheels can really be, but author Shelley Shepard Gray shines a special spotlight on this valuable service. She has an unique talent for entertaining readers, touching their hearts, and pulling on their heartstrings, and it's very clear in this book. Her sensitive and tender portrayal of a young boy shuffled around in the foster care system is beautiful to read, but she also also shares some fun, because each chapter begins with a tip from Sarah Anne Miller's Guide to Dating After Age Sixty. If you enjoy Amish fiction, and you're looking for an enjoyable read, An Amish Surprise is the book for you!

I received a complimentary advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. I was never obligated to write a favorable review. These are my own thoughts. ( )

An Amish Surprise by Shelley Shepard Gray is the 2nd book in The Berlin Bookmobile Series. This story can be read as a standalone if you have not read A Perfect Amish Romance. This is such a sweet story with multiple storylines. Calvin and Miriam Gingerich have been married four years. Miriam has conceived before, but she has not been able to carry a child to term. The doctor gives them a slim chance of Miriam conceiving a child. The couple has decided to leave it in God’s hands. Miriam is a worrier who feels she has disappointed her husband and she wonders if he is straying. Calvin meets Miles, an Amish foster child, at the bookmobile and they bond. Calvin tries to meet the bookmobile as often as he can so he can spend time with Miles. Calvin would like to adopt Miles, but he knows how Miriam feels about adoption. Sarah Ann Miller finds herself attracted to one of the bookmobile patrons. She is not sure if she is ready to date nor does she know how dating works after all these years. Miles is ten years old and has been in a number of foster homes since his grandparents passed away. His current home is chaotic and Miles wonders how long he will there. Miles also wonders why no one ever picked him to adopt. The point-of-view alternates between the characters (Sarah Ann, Miles, Calvin, Miriam, and Pete). An Amish Surprise is well-written with charming characters. I just loved Miles and felt bad for this sweet boy. I also adored Miriam and Calvin’s dog (such a cutie). Faith, compassion, a second chance at love, patience, God’s timing, and all children deserve love are some of the themes in the book. An Amish Surprise is a touching story. I like how the author addressed the issues of infertility, foster children, and late in life dating. There is a good blend of Englisch and Amish. Sarah Ann Miller is a fun character and I like how the bookmobile fits into the story. One of my favorite phrases is, Faith is what happens when the Lord gets tired of you making silly plans.” I am eager to read the next book in The Berlin Bookmobile Series. An Amish Surprise is a heartening tale with rowdy youngsters, the rambling bookmobile, late in life romance, a surprising secret, a quiet foster child, and a bounding hound. ( )

This second book in the series is quite a delightful tale. I really appreciate the way the author has blended two stories, one Amish and one English, into a cohesive tale, with both parts being equally entertaining. Sarah Anne drives a bookmobile, and she really offers more than books. Giving advice and introducing people seem to go hand in hand with delivering books. This is how Calvin meets a group of foster kids. Miriam and Calvin long for a baby, but even after four years, Miriam has been unable to carry a baby to term. Calvin knows Miriam is not in favor of adopting a baby, but when he meets a ten-year-old boy being fostered by an Amish neighbor, his thoughts wander to what it would be like to be a foster dad. Meanwhile, Sarah Anne has developed quite a crush on Pete, another bookmobile patron. They finally begin dating, but just when things are going well, suddenly, they aren’t. This tender story about foster care, new families, and finding love when it wasn’t expected is sure to warm your heart. The well-written characters seem quite real, and readers well hope they get the happy ending they deserve. ( )