When Love Finds You by Virginia Wise
Publisher & Release: Zebra Books, December 31, 2019
Time and setting: 18th Century, Pennsylvania
Genre: Historical Romance/Amish Fiction
Length: 352 Pages
Rating: 5 Gold Crowns
Book Description:
In the latest novel in Virginia Wise’s stirring historical saga about America's first Amish settlement, a once-privileged woman in a very different new world soon finds that hope—and love—are worth the challenge . . .
Scandal drove Catrina Witmer from her life as a wealthy Englischer's pampered daughter—to reluctant membership in Pennsylvania’s thriving new Amish settlement. Surprisingly, Catrina finds contentment and peace in this promising new land, though she won't risk telling anyone about her past. But the unexpected sparks between her and bashful warm-hearted farmer Eli Webber suddenly have her dreaming of an impossible chance at happiness—as his wife.
Eli never imagined such a spirited woman would look his way. Or that he could ever deserve her, given his own guilty mistakes. But Catrina's vivacity and kindness have him impulsively proposing. Unfortunately, his over-righteous sister, and the consequences of secrets on both sides, threaten to tear their marriage apart for good. Now Catrina and Eli must try forgiving themselves and finding strength in their bond if they are to have a joyous future together . . .
Scandal drove Catrina Witmer from her life as a wealthy Englischer's pampered daughter—to reluctant membership in Pennsylvania’s thriving new Amish settlement. Surprisingly, Catrina finds contentment and peace in this promising new land, though she won't risk telling anyone about her past. But the unexpected sparks between her and bashful warm-hearted farmer Eli Webber suddenly have her dreaming of an impossible chance at happiness—as his wife.
Eli never imagined such a spirited woman would look his way. Or that he could ever deserve her, given his own guilty mistakes. But Catrina's vivacity and kindness have him impulsively proposing. Unfortunately, his over-righteous sister, and the consequences of secrets on both sides, threaten to tear their marriage apart for good. Now Catrina and Eli must try forgiving themselves and finding strength in their bond if they are to have a joyous future together . . .
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Vikki’s Musings
Thanks Goes to the publisher, via Net-Galley, to read and review When Love Finds You by Virginia Wise in advance of publication. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.
When Love Finds You is a beautiful romance with heartfelt characters and a plot that touched me greatly. The writing flows beautifully and Ms. Wise gives the reader the right amount of information concerning the environment and characterization of the Amish to add authenticity to this book.
Catrina Witmer’s character grew up Englisch, and the pampered daughter of a Philadelphia merchant. She leaves under a cloud of scandal and goes with her grandparents to a thriving Amish settlement. She wants a chance to start over where no one knows what happened. I could feel her fear that her new life would disappear if anyone finds out what happened. I liked her character a great deal. I’m a firm believer in second chances.
Eli Webber is a wonderful hero. He’s a humble man, and not gorgeous, which is a breath of fresh air since in most romance novels, the hero is. He’s not the typical Amish man. He’s a weaver, not a farmer and is fairly clueless about establishing a homestead on the edge of the wilderness. He’s devoted to his sister, who definitely see the glass half empty. His patience with her is amazing!
The romance between Catrina and Eli is sweet and develops slowly yet is very satisfying. I love the innocence in Amish romances. A relationship between them is not based on physical attraction, but on the substance of the characters. As I enter my golden years, I understand that is so much more important than physical appearance. I really wanted to see Catrina and Eli find their happy ending!
If you enjoy novels with engaging characters and a heartwarming romance, then you will love When Love Finds You. I loved the spiritual message in this book, and I have to read the first novel in this series. Happy reading!
Author’s Notes:
Thanks goes to Virginia Wise for approving the inclusion of some of her research.
When did the Amish come to America? Why did they risk everything to start a new life in a strange land?
The Amish trace their history back to the 16thcentury Protestant Reformation, when the European Anabaptist movement began. Two foundational beliefs set Anabaptists apart from other reformers: adult baptism and a “Free Church,” with no government interference.
Considered radicals and heretics, the Amish were persecuted for their beliefs by both Catholics and Protestants. They were hunted down and imprisoned, tortured, burned at the stake, and exiled.
In the aftermath of persecution, the Amish looked to the New World for refuge. The first major wave of Amish immigration took place in 1737, when the Charming Nancy sailed into Philadelphia with 21 hopeful families.
These Amish pioneers settled on the Pennsylvania frontier to scratch out a living from an untamed wilderness. More families followed and formed farming communities in what would eventually become known as Pennsylvania’s Amish Country. Another, larger wave of Amish immigrants arrived in the early to mid-19thcentury. Many of these families settled in the Midwest, New York State, and Ontario.
Today, the Old Order Amish have disappeared from Europe completely. But, their North American communities continue to thrive and grow!
Germanic Roots
The first Amish settlers in America hailed from Germany and Switzerland. They brought their language and customs with them in addition to their religious beliefs. Their dialect of German evolved over the years, developing into the Pennsylvania Dutch spoken today. In this case, the word “Dutch” does not refer to people from the Netherlands. Instead, it is a corruption of the German word “Deutsche,” which means German.
Author Bio:
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.
Social Media:
Website: https://www.virginiawisebooks.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmishNewWorld
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virginiawisebooks/
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, 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 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 wr
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