💕 👶🏻 “Bonding Over the Amish Baby” (Texas Amish Brides #2) (2023) 👶🏻💕

MY REVIEW

Series: Texas Amish Brides (Book #2)
Paperback: 224 Pages
Publisher: Love Inspired (October 24, 2023)
Language: English
ISBN 10: 1335596976
ISBN-13: 978-1335593970
⬅️ Click Photo for Order Information

“Two perfect strangers

Brought together by a tiny bundle of joy

After he wrecks his car, Dr. Caleb Sutter finds himself stranded in an Amish community in Texas. What he didn’t count on is becoming the temporary co-guardian to an abandoned newborn, along with pretty Amish teacher Rebecca Schroder. But the baby soon raises questions about his own family history, catching Caleb at a crossroads between his past—and the love he never expected to find.”

Thank you in advance to the author, Pamela Desmond Wright, for providing a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not required, and all words are my own.

NOTE ➡️ Any formatting (margin errors) or grammatical errors were beyond the control of the author. Due to a miscommunication, this went to print before final editing was completed. These errors do not, in any way, affect the story or its progression. I barely noticed anything as I’ve seen other books with “wonky margins” (less centered) and even a few typos (wrong punctuation, misspelled words). I’ve read books where a character’s name changed mid-story, only to change it back to what it was in the beginning.

Minor errors, to me, are just that – minor. They can happen to any author and book.

With that out of the way …

There are mentions and depictions of baby abandonment (the reason Rebecca and Caleb are together), domestic violence (Florene and Zane), reference to dementia, as well as adoption. These might be bothersome for some readers. There is also a mention of opioids and a slight lead-in to potential abuse and addiction. These are more or less hinted at, but not about or towards a main character.

Now …

To quote most reviewers, it’s been too long since we visited Oak Burr, Texas and the Shroder ladies; roughly two years (2021). The first book was the author’s debut – The Cowboy’s Amish Haven. While it isn’t listed as a series, that is book #1 in Texas Amish Brides. I highly, and quite strongly suggest reading that one prior to this one. It introduces Gail, Levi, and Sammy. Some of the events in that book are referred to in this one.

It can be found on it’s own (link at the bottom of the blog), or as a 2-in-1 – Their Amish Second Chance. The cover is the same as Desmond’s first book, but the image is reversed:

In the first book, Desmond introduced readers to:

👒 Gail Schroder-Wyse

👨🏻‍🌾 Levi Wyse

👒 Rebecca Schroder

👒 Amity Schroder

📱 Florene Schroder

🚓 Sheriff Evan Miller

In this book, she introduces:

🛻 Zane Robbins (Florene’s Englisch boyfriend)

🩺 Caleb Sutter

Readers who enjoyed the first book will be happy to know Desmond brought back everyone for another round. And, despite this being Rebecca and Caleb’s story, most of the characters enjoy equal time.

As far as why it took a long time to return, this was due to “timing” between the author’s debut and second book. Information was included with the “Dear Reader” letter at the back of the books. In short, Finding her Amish Home (Humble Blessings #1) was the first book the author wrote, but had to put it aside due to editing issues. The first book in this series was sold before the author’s actual second book (the first book in a different series), and from there … we’re here. A bit confusing, but it sorts out.

Since we’re here now …

This story begins with Rebecca heading to town and an SUV speeds past her. She happens upon a wreck down the road – it is the SUV, thankfully the driver is okay – in more ways than one. He’s not hurt, and he is attractive.

Dr. Caleb Sutter immediately apologizes, especially for tearing up the fencing on her family’s property. He admits that he has a lot on his mind. He’s heading to California to take up practice, also hoping to have more time in his life. As an ER doctor – he doesn’t get much downtime, and he’s hoping that will change.

He offers to replace the fence, and also asks for a ride to town. Rebecca drives him into town to not only talk to a mechanic, but get a rental. The only thing available – a cargo van. But, the clerk there goes into labor. However, she wants nothing to do with the baby, and the Sheriff can’t get ahold of social services. Given the infant’s condition, Caleb agrees to watch the little guy, while Rebecca offers up the Schroder/Wyse home.

Despite Florene’s rather “anti-Amish” attitude and attire, Caleb is drawn to the family’s hospitality and simple life. And, they readily accept him as a guest in their home.

It is the infant’s plight that gets him to thinking about his own background and childhood. Caleb feels compelled to help the infant. He also likes Rebecca, but he isn’t Amish. There’s nothing against them being friends, which is what they agree to be ... for now.

When the doctor who delivered the baby falls ill, Caleb steps in temporarily. But, he soon learns there may be more to the doctor’s exhaustion than meets the eye.

While Caleb is trying to find some purpose, and Rebecca is caring for the baby they’ve temporarily named Matthew – Florene is really sowing her oats for her rumpsringa (Pennsylvania Dutch: “running around”) [Link to info below ⬇️].

Around 62% in, Florene’s Englisch boyfriend is showing his true colors – which will segue into the third book coming in August/September 2024. Florene’s story will be #4 – date and title TBD, which the author is currently working on. A fifth book is also in the planning, but I have no information past that 🤫

The more time Caleb spends in Burr Oak, the more he sees a need for his services. He also becomes quite fond of Rebecca, especially seeing her with Matthew. He also learns a secret she’s been hiding, one that would affect her “value” in the community and is the reason Noel “dumped” her. To Caleb – she’s perfect. And, Rebecca adores him, especially his way with the baby and even Florene.

Caleb thinks he’s being given a chance there, but, perhaps he isn’t. Then again, what he wants most he can’t have, and Rebecca won’t give up what she values most. It’s not going to be an easy road, then again, nothing truly is.

This is a sweet, inspiring read that really brings out all the emotions – from laughing to being frustrated, to crying – Desmond really kept my attention right up until the end with all the surprises, one was a plot line that didn’t go the way I thought it would. I didn’t see that coming. Though, I do hope readers get an update.

The author has such a descriptive way of writing that I was literally starving while reading about the food being served. I could almost smell it, and really wanted some pork chops and apple pie 🥧Make sure you’ve eaten before reading this 😋🤣

I had to smile when Rebecca talked about reading and books being like gifts. I feel the same way – though my bank account and likely town home wish I didn’t 🫣 While she referenced Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and talked about Mr. Darcy, I had to disagree with that. I am more of a Sense and Sensibility girl, especially after seeing the 1995 movie. Alan Rickman as Colonel Brandon? Swoon! I even bought two copies of the book – one was a cutesy pink version, another was a 2-in-1 hardcover Waldenbooks edition that is 40+ years old. Yes, that has Pride and Prejudice.

Getting back to my review of this wonderful book …

While I enjoyed it, some discontent was with some of the ideas that presented real challenges for me. But, the author had a gentle way of addressing modern-day issues, even in the Englisch life. She doesn’t take a stance, but has a balance.

Because of her courtship and engagement to Noel, Rebecca quit her job as a teacher. This is because the frau oversees the household, but in doing so, it didn’t make her less important. She offered that women worked as hard as men, if not harder.

On the other side, Caleb’s adoptive mother was a career woman, but relied on housekeepers and nannies to run the house and take care of her son. That really bugged me. And, it might be a source of contention for readers depending on their views of “career working moms”.

His mother wanted a baby (since she adopted him) and worked, as a result she needed housekeepers to take care of the home since she was working, and was also paying for childcare. That never made sense to me to choose to do that – especially when it isn’t needed. There are, in real life, couples who choose to do one-income as opposed to two since childcare would wipeout one of the incomes (doesn’t make much sense).

While he enjoyed his SUV and phone, Caleb saw that except for the modern conveniences – electricity, internet, and cars – the Amish lived a full life and didn’t want for anything. They had a tight and supportive community.

The author realistically portrays medical students’ finances. My mother worked at a county hospital for 25 years, and yes – she heard the residents talk about their rather dismal housing, and also eating Top Ramen and noodle cups to get by. Some even ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to get through medical school and their internships.

Earlier this year, one of the ER doctors that treated my mother, admitted to still living with her parents and had student loans she was paying on. This was NOT an intern or a student – this was an actual ER doctor, much like Caleb (only she wasn’t the lead doctor).

It is little wonder a younger doctor would want to take a position with low pay despite the greater good? Medical school loans are harsh, and then add in interest? Extremely brutal. There is also quality of life issues with small towns and access to certain services, which is also highlighted in this book.

With regard to the child services angle, in reality, there are so little resources for the youngest people. Rebecca noticed a need for mothers like Mary that have no place to go for support if they don’t have a family. Yet, Desmond also points out what happens in a stricter Amish community with girls who are similar to Mary. The reality and balance doesn’t overwhelm, but highlights in a compassionate and entertaining way.

Given what’s coming in Amity’s book, as well as Florene’s – I am DEFINITELY going to keep reading these books!

I also saw something towards the end of this book that has me “hoping” it MIGHT be leading to another romance (perhaps this is where book #5 is coming from); especially with the way the story ended. Either that, or the author really knows how to keep a reader on their toes.

Those who’ve enjoyed the author’s books so far will definitely enjoy this read. I know I was drawn right in and read it inside of a day. Then again, books of this size usually are a day read for me, about 8-12 hours. It does have “shorter” chapters for the line, and the writing is not a slow-pace, nor does it feel rushed either.

As far as her return to the HUMBLE BEGINNINGS books that were in the middle of this series – there is no information as of this review. I am hoping she will return to that after this series. I look forward to returning to Wisconsin.

Since this is from Love Inspired and features Amish characters, there will be some references to God and the church. These are not overt tones, but more subtle. The faith tends to lead more towards the characters and not story-driven, though most Christian fiction is inherently that way.

A small note about the cover art – while absolutely adorable, is a bit “misleading”. The baby featured is not even close to being a newborn, so that might throw some readers off. For the most part, the publishers do great work with the art, but sometimes it can be a bit of a fail. This is not the author’s fault in anyway as many do not have a final say in it.

Rumspringa information: https://www.britannica.com/topic/rumspringa

RATING:

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html; update: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2022/07/what-goes-into-my-reviews-2022-edition.html)

Previous Book in the Series:

Series: Texas Amish Brides (Book #1)

Paperback: 256 pages

Publisher: Love Inspired (August 24, 2021)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1335758747

ISBN-13: 978-1335758743

⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information

“Her home and her heart are on the line…

On the same day Gail Schroder’s faced with losing her Amish family ranch, her old crush Levi Wyse shows up on her doorstep. He doesn’t know that when he left ten years ago he'd taken Gail’s heart with him. Now Levi’s her only hope of keeping a roof over her head. But can this cowboy teach Gail the ropes in time to save her home?”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Like the Amish, Pamela Desmond Wright is a fan of the simple life. Her childhood includes memories of olden days: old-fashioned oil lamps, cooking over an authentic wood-burning stove and making popcorn over a fire at her grandparents’ cabin. The authentic log cabin Pamela grew up playing in can be viewed at the Muleshoe Heritage Center in Muleshoe, Texas, which was donated to the city after the death of her grandparents.

You can also find her on the following social media accounts:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamDWrites

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamdwrites/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PamDWrites

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