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| Katie's Choice |
B&H Publishing, 2013
Reviewed
by Diana Flowers
~5
stars*****
Heartwarming Amish Fiction!
In this
heartwarming Amish tale, author Amy Lillard takes us on a special journey—where
two people from very different worlds find new hope, faith, and healing for
their broken lives.
Zane
Carson, a war correspondent, has received a strange assignment and certainly
not the one he was hoping for. Having his heart set on going to Juarez, Mexico
to cover the war on drugs, he receives the news that he is to travel to the
Amish country of Oklahoma instead. Before he leaves he asks his beautiful
girlfriend, Monica, to marry him when he gets back from his three month
assignment there.
Katie
Rose has given up on her dream of being an Amish wife and mother of a houseful
of children. After the love of her life, Samuel Beachy, leaves the Amish and
joins the Englisch world six years prior, a heartbroken Katie Rose feels it is
God's call on her life to take care of her widowed brother's children and teach
school. Neither Katie nor Zane can stop the undeniable attraction between them,
but both know nothing can become of it. Zane is "almost" engaged and
Katie is Amish and never the twain shall meet. Especially when Samuel Beachy
returns to the community wanting Katie Rose back and Monica says
"yes"...
This is
my first novel by Amy Lillard, but certainly not my last. She covers some tough
issues such as breast cancer, PTSD, and Down Syndrome with finesse, and I found
myself alternating between tears and laughter at the trials and antics of the
main and secondary characters. Yes, the conclusion was rather predictable as I
have read so many Amish books, but the journey there was superb!
************************
A copy
of this book was provided by Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion.
GIVEAWAY:
Amy Lillard has generously offered a copy of Katie's Choice to one blessed
commenter -- winners choice of ebook or paperback! Please remember to leave your email
address.
I definitely have this book on my wishlist! I read another book by her and LOVED it! I couldn't put it down until I had read the last page. Yes, I read that book (about Gideon) in one day. I would love to win this book!!! Amy is a gifted writer! Thanks for this opportunity!
ReplyDeletesusanlulu@yahoo.com
I missed Gideon's story, SUSAN! :( Amy is a great talent, I agree!
DeleteThanks so much, Susan and Diana. Gideon will always have a special place in my heart, but I do have a soft spot for Zane Carson. :)
DeleteI would love to win a copy of this book.
ReplyDeletesandicoughlin@yahoo.com
Gotcha entered, SANDI!
DeleteThanks, Sandi!
DeleteWould love to win and read this book.Thanks for the chance.jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteHoping for a win for you, JACKIE! :)
DeleteThanks for stopping by, Jackie!
DeleteThis sounds like a very interesting read. I would love to win a copy for my collection. Please accept my entry. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteIt's a wonderful read, MARY ELLEN! Please come back by and leave an email addy! :)
DeleteI know Mary Ellen, Diana. If she doesn't come back and she wins I can always message her on Facebook. :)
DeleteI have seen the name in cyberland, AMY, so I figured we could find her. ;) What's tough is when they put anonymous and don't leave an addy. That leaves them sooo...anonymous. lol
DeleteDIANA once again you have made me want to add just ONE more book to my leaning tower of books. lol
ReplyDeleteThis is a great one, TERESA! Love that pink cover which is not a cover you see on Amish books at all!
DeleteThanks! The cover has an interesting story. I wanted the pink because the heroine is Katie ROSE and I wanted to reflect that. But when I got the proof it was more orange than pink. Still a very pretty color, but not what I had envisioned. Of course I'm not going to be a diva and tell them that I wanted *pink* and technically there was nothing wrong with the cover so I kept my mouth shut. Then some research was done with readers who said the cover was too drab. So when my editor emailed me about changing the cover (updating it so it wasn't as drab) I took the opportunity to share my vision. Viola--beautiful ROSE colored cover. :)
DeleteWhat an interesting story about the color, AMY. I'm glad you got a chance to pick the color of your choice...also breast cancer is a topic in the book so the pink cover worked perfectly in more ways than one!!
DeleteLove to win
ReplyDeleteJbernadt1@windstream.net. Love to win
DeleteGlad you came back...for a moment you were REALLY anonymous! lol Best of luck to you!
DeleteThanks for entering! :)
DeleteMe too, me too klaskin@frontiernet.net (Cammie Klaskin)
ReplyDeleteLOL, CAMMIE! Ok, I've got you entered, too! :)
DeleteDiana, book sounds amazing. Would love to win. Thank you for opportunity.
ReplyDeleteJanna, brs882@yahoo.com
Thanks, Janna! Good luck!
DeleteThhis books sounds Awesome!!!!Would love to win and finish it. Thanks for giving me the chance to win it!!!!!cindyba_1994@verizon.net
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming by, CINDY! It is an awesome book...can't wait to read the next in the series!
DeleteThanks, Cindy! And Diana...next book will be out 2/14. I'm so excited about it! Readers can go to my website and read the first chapter of it. www.amywritesromance.com Amish romance, Clover Ridge Series, Gabriel's Bride, then Gabriel's Bride again. :)
DeleteI have seen the cover on this one---spectacular!
DeleteAmy Lillard is a new author to me - and I would really love to read this book! Please enter my name in the giveaway. Thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteShe was to me, too, CAROL. I sure enjoyed getting acquainted with her great writing!
DeleteI need your email addy so I know where to contact you in case you are our blessed winner!
I'm a new author to most! LOL but it is a great blessing to write Amish fiction! I LOVE it! Good luck Carol!
DeleteI just received this book from the library, but would still like one for my collection. So far the story is intriguing.
ReplyDeletejosieringer(at)gmail(dot)com
I read this one on my Kindle, MARTHA, so don't have a copy with that pretty pink cover for MY library either! lol The story just gets better and better IMO!
DeleteI'm in the library? Sweet! And I have to admit as much as I love my Nook and want a Kindle, I love paper books the best! Thanks, Martha...and good luck!
DeleteThis is a book that has to go on my must read list..... tedinger4given@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteMaybe you'll win a copy here, Terri! Keep your fingers crossed...;)
DeleteGood luck, Terri!
DeleteThis book sounds so good! I love Amish books! Bgauthier49@live.com
ReplyDeleteYou and me both! Good luck to you!
DeleteAdd me to the list! :) They are fun and interesting books to read and write! Good luck!
DeleteI would love to win, Enter me!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway and God Bless!
Sarah Richmond
sarahrichmond.12@gmail.com
N.C.
Thanks, Sarah!
DeleteAnd thank you, Diana, for the wonderful review. One of my favorite movie scenes is the end of Romancing the Stone when Jack tells Joan that he's read one of her books. Her reply is "Now you know how they all end." Sigh...the best thing about a romance is the happy ending! Thanks for hosting me today! What great readers you have here! :)
ReplyDeleteYW! It was a wonderful book with a wonderful ending. Thank you for writing it and for being with us today!!
DeleteThanks for your review! Enter me in the giveaway- this one's going on my to read list :)
ReplyDeletecolorvibrant[at]gmail[dot]com
Hi, HEIDI! It's truly a wonderful reading experience!
DeleteI'm not familiar with Amy's writing. Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeletepattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
I wasn't either, PATTY. I'm sure glad I "found" her! lol
DeleteI love Amish books!! This book sounds fantastic!! Great review! Thank you for sharing and please enter me in the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteBarbara Thompson
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com
Aren't they just the best! Thank you and much luck to you in the giveaway!
DeleteThis sounds like a wonderful story! I would love to win a copy of KATIE'S CHOICE! Thank you for the chance and for the introduction to Amy Lillard!
ReplyDeletetexaggs2000 at gmail dot com
You're welcome, BRITNEY! I hope you get a chance to read it ASAP!
DeleteHey Diana and Amy . Just wanted to pop in and say hi . Amy Lillard has written two very Awesome books here . Saving Gideon and Katie's Choice . I have read both and they are great books . I am proud to have both books in my collection . Can't wait for the next one . Love your books Amy .. Keep writing .
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Thank you, ELIZABETH! I'm sure AMY will appreciate your kind words of encouragement! It's really nice of you to drop by!
DeleteI would love the opportunity to read Katie's Choice. I am keeping my fingers crossed for the win and thank you for the chance.
ReplyDeletemelback at cebridge dot net
MELANIE, so great to see you here at OWG! Keep your fingers crossed, your legs crossed, your arms crossed, but not your eyes. My mom always told me they would get stuck that way! lol
DeleteAmy is a new to me author. I found the review to be inviting and I hope to win a copy of this book.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity to enter the contest.
cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you, CINDI! Hoping for a win for you, gf!
Deleteplease enter me in your book contest. love my amish fiction ladydipap@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI sure will! You will enjoy this one!
DeleteThanks for having the contest. Your books have been added to my wish list, love this genre of books.
ReplyDeletesweeps4us at gmail dot com
Hi, Tina! Some Amish books are the same old same old. But I love the fact that Amy's story was a little out of the box. I'm just glad the conclusion turned out the way I hoped it would!
DeleteThanks for the contest Amy is great! You must read Gideon it was wonderful.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
joeym11@frontier.com
Hi, DIANA! I have a stack of paperbacks sitting here beside me for reviews so maybe when/if I ever catch up? ;)
DeleteI always enjoy Amish fiction. KATIE'S CHOICE is firmly on my reading list.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Seems like I never get tired of it, MARY, even though I am so in love with historical fiction as well. Two opposite genres for sure!
DeleteBTW, I enjoy the fact that more authors are combining historical fiction with the Amish, MARY! I get the best of both worlds that way. ;)
DeleteThat really sounds good. This was a good review and makes me definitely want to read this. Great job!
ReplyDeleteThank you, SONJA! I hope you will get a chance to read it asap!
DeleteGreat review!!! Have not read a book by Amy Lillard, yet! Look forward to...:)
ReplyDeleteLinda Ortiz
strgth4yu@hotmail.cm
I hope you get a chance soon, LINDA! :)
DeleteI think this book would be a welcome addition to my library! Thanks
ReplyDeleteRhonda
nashhall@aol.com
I think it would as well, RHONDA!! :)
DeleteThis is a beautiful write up for this novel. It compels me to want to read it, now! I believe this will be quite the interesting tale to read. Thanks for sharing about the book & for the opportunity to win a copy of it. Kathleen Harrison of jkmharrison@shaw.ca
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, KATHLEEN! If you don't win a copy here, please do something nice for yourself and order a copy! I believe you will really enjoy it! Hoping for a win for you here, tho!
DeleteThanks Diana for a god review. The book sounds a little different, but made me want to win it. Please enter my name.
ReplyDeleteMAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com God bless all of the OWG girls. Love ya'
God bless you TOO, Maxie!! We love you!
DeleteIt is a little out of the box and that's what makes it so intriguing. More and more authors of Amish fiction are including major issues that we all struggle with instead of sugar coating things as though the Amish live this idyllic life with no problems but romance. lol
DeleteWe love you, too, MAXIE, and it's always a joy to talk to you and see you here!
DIANA, I made it!! Better late, than never right? ;) What a great review, and like Maxie says, it sounds quite different and VERY intriguing, and I want to read this now, too!! And I don't even normally read Amish stories.. :)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! I missed my cohort yesterday! This is indeed a great story and I hope you get the chance to read it. It'll make an Amish book fan out of you yet, NOELA. ;)
Deletethanks for chance to win a copy of this book
ReplyDeleteABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
You're welcome, APPLEBLOSSOM! Nice to see you here at OWG!
DeleteWould love to read her book, I haven't gotten a chance to read hers yet and it sounds like a wonderful read! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLiz
northerncountrygrl26(at)gmail(dot)com
Liz, I'm certain you will love what's inside as much as the lovely cover!
DeleteOh wow! I love Amish Fiction but haven't read any of Amy's books. DIANA, you have me drooling over this one :) Count me in, if it's not too late!
ReplyDeleteYou made it in plenty of time, ANNE! Here's a kleenex to wipe that drool off your chin. lol
DeleteI would love to win this book. I like how it deals with issues a little different than normal Amish books. I also like books tackling hard issues and having laughter in them too. Thanks for the chance to win
ReplyDeletestephanie(dot)craig(at)ymail(dot)com
Nice to see you here at OWG, STEPHANIE! Amy does a nice job of incorporating the realities of life...which include tears and laughter.
DeleteLove books about the Amish & love this storyline - would love to become acquainted with Amy's writing by winning a copy of this book! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
ReplyDeletebonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
This is a wonderful storyline, BONTON! I'm sure you'll enjoy reading it when you are able to get a copy...perhaps here? :)
DeleteI love reading Amish fiction and have many books in my library along with many Amish cookbooks. I used to live around the Amish when I lived in Indiana, and found my peace when I was with my friends back there.
ReplyDeleteI have not had a chance to read anything by this author as this is the first time that I have heard of her. The write up has me hook, line and sinker. The main character Katie Rose caught my eye as did the information that the book deals with PTSD, Breast Cancer and Down Syndrome.
My daughter, Katie Rose was in the Army and has PTSD. My father passed from Breast Cancer and my best friend has a daughter who has Down Syndrome. So the whole thing is close to home for me. I can't wait to read it! Would love to win it ~
Hope that y'all have a wonderfully Blessed day!!
Vickie ~
VickieLee59@gmail.com
How interesting that you have a daughter named Katie Rose and all of the other coincidences! This book sounds definitely right up your alley.
DeleteI'm terribly sorry about the loss of your father. :( Blessings, VICKIE!
I would love to win. Sharma Darby
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming by, SHARMA!!
DeleteThis sounds like a wonderful story, thank you for the chance to win this book.
ReplyDeletewfnren(at)aol(dot)com
I already drew a winner, but please come back by OWG! We have some good giveaways and reviews upcoming, WENDY!
DeleteI would love to win Katie's Choice. I've seen some really good reviews and would love to read this one. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteKatie J.
johnsonk133ATyahooDOTcom
I drew a winner already, KATIE, but do be sure and read this one when you get the chance! :)
DeleteCongrats to CINDI ALTMAN! You have won a copy of Katie's Choice! I just sent you an email! Thanks to all of you who came by...we have the best viewers here on OWG!
ReplyDeleteThank you!!!
Delete