Courting Emily by Amy Lillard

Return to Wells Landing, the close-knit Amish community in Oklahoma, where a hopeful young woman struggles to find true love while staying true to her faith. . .

Emily Ebersol is the bishop's daughter, and everyone--including Emily--assumes she'll marry a faithful Amish man and live out her days within the community. But her childhood sweetheart, Luke Lambright, fell in love with racing cars during his rumspringa and decided to leave Wells Landing. Emily prays for his return, but as the months go by, she begins spending time with another young man--a man who may not be as exciting as Luke, but perhaps he's exactly what she needs. . .
Elam Rhiel knows that Emily has always been in love with Luke--but he is certain he could be the loyal, steady husband Emily deserves. Then, just as Emily begins to fall for him, Luke returns and complicates her feelings. Now, they all must learn that the greatest love requires the greatest sacrifice.



About The Author

I'm a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.

I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I've retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I'm from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son--a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!

I love homemade tacos, nail polish, and romance novels--not necessarily in that order. I'm a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I'm shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.

I believe that God is love. I guess that's why I adore romances.

I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I'm a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that's me June Cleaver with a laptop.

I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twlight series (I'll get to it or I won't, either way I'm good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I'm alone on this last one, and again, I'm good with it.)

Favorite movies--(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940's movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven't seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn's and Audrey's.

Amazon


My Review

I just enjoyed my second visit in Wells Landing, and can’t wait and hope for another visit here. This story could be in any culture, where your love of many years decides to leave and find himself, this just happens to be an Amish community.
Emily Ebersol has been love with Luke Lambright for as long as she can remember, when he decided he needed to go English, she is devastated, and although she cannot leave her life and family, keeps hoping that Luke will return. We then meet an Amish man a few years older than Emily that has been in love with her for as long as he can remember. Is this the chance that he has been hoping for? Emily’s father is the Bishop and doesn’t approve of Luke, even more so now, and he likes Elam Rhiel.
As we live among the Amish in this community I loved the interactions between Emily and Elam’s father James. Such caring and love here, and they sure loved the color purple, and the purple party, so very sweet.
In the end will Emily agree to leave with Luke who has come back to get her, or will her faith be strong enough, and she be mature enough to stay and maybe find a new love? You won’t regret reading this one, as it is awesome.

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