The Heart’s Bidding by Kelly Irvin is a sweet Amish story. I thought the story was well-written with developed characters. I enjoyed getting to know Toby Miller, an auctioneer, and Rachelle Lapp, an Amish special needs teacher. We first get to meet Toby and his family. They have an auctioneer business that keeps the men on the road during the warmer months leaving the women and kids home. Toby has been yearning for someone to love. However, Toby cannot see leaving his wife and, eventually, his children home while he travels. The family business works well with three generations of Miller men taking care of the work. But then Toby’s grandfather announces his retirement, and their well-run business gets off kilter. Rachelle loves children and enjoys teaching the special needs children in their district. Rachelle is surprised when the school board announces that in the fall, Rachelle’s pupils will be going to an Englisch school that has more resources available for the children. Rachelle is thrown for a loop. There are no openings for teachers in her community. Toby and Rachelle’s relationship has a rocky beginning. Their love for their siblings, Jonah and Sadie, helps draw the two together. Toby and Rachelle will see that God is in charge of their lives and with Him anything is possible. I like how the Amish regard children (and adults) who have learning and developmental disabilities. They see them as special gifts from God. Toby and his family learn that while traditions have their place, sometimes you need to try new methods. I like how faith is woven throughout the story. The Heart’s Bidding is the first An Amish Calling Novel. I look forward to reading the other books in this touching series. The Heart’s Bidding is a heartwarming tale with precious children, looking for love, retirement predicament, account confusion, an unconventional solution, and a faithful family. ( )

This is a love story, but not what you think, it's the love and acceptance of everyone.

We are given a girl whose heart loves teaching, and her job is teaching the children with special needs. Rachelle Lapp is a young Amish woman, and is one of 13 children, with a brother being special. She has a gift, and we watch her students bloom under her guidance.

We also meet Toby, a traveling auctioneer, he also has a special needs sister, and these two, Rachelle and Toby and thrown together by matchmaking parents, siblings, and community.

This is a page turner, and a heart warming read, yes, there are ups and downs, but this is a Faith based story, and I loved it!

Now I can't wait for the next book in this series!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )