Where the Heart Takes You (Amish New World #1) by Virginia Wise

In this sweeping new historical series by Virginia Wise, a young woman finds a new life in America’s first Amish settlement—and discovers that love requires a special sort of courage . . .

Pennsylvania, 1737. Greta Scholtz braved a perilous journey—and the loss of her beloved father—to find religious freedom in America. With two orphan children she's taken under her wing, she's trying hard to survive this rugged new world. So she won't let settlement elders pressure her into marrying reserved widower Jacob Miller. She and Jacob simply can’t agree on anything—even if the unexpected feeling between them is proving an irresistible force . . .

After losing his wife and baby, grief-stricken Jacob keeps everyone at arm’s length. Duty is the only reason he began helping the headstrong Greta make a life for herself and her charges. Yet he’s grown to admire her, especially her strength in the face of obstacles—including him and his wounded ways. But wrenching misunderstandings and a jealous rival could separate them forever. To find harmony—and perhaps even a future together—Greta and Jacob must take a leap of faith and risk opening their hearts.

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About The Author

After Virginia’s oldest son left for college and her youngest son began high school, she finally had time to pursue her dream of writing novels. Virginia dusted off the keyboard she once used as a magazine editor and journalist, to create a world that combines her love of romance, history, and Plain living.

Her Amish New World series takes readers on a journey into the 18th century Pennsylvania wilderness and the pioneering days of the first American Amish. Each carefully researched novel brings a bygone era to life and connects readers to this forgotten time by weaving familiar Amish romances into an historic frontier setting.

Virginia Wise's favorite pastimes include wandering Lancaster County’s Amish country and exploring history museums that inspire her stories and help her connect readers with the past. When she’s not writing, Virginia enjoys painting and taking long walks in the woods.

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My Review

The author has set this book in the 1730’s Pennsylvania and a founding settlement Amish Community, and we experience it first hand through the eyes of a recent [Charming Nancy] survivor, Greta Scholtz. Life is very basic, and all are trying to survive and have put their faith in God.
We also meet Jacob Miller, a grieving widower, who is not interested in another woman.
I loved this book, and the words flew of the pages, and when it ended I felt a loss. Never thought about how they cooked bread, a communal oven, wow! What we take for granted!
There are a few chuckles here, especially playing the pig pen, and then there are several scary times, but in all I have a good visit here, and hope for more!

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