A Reluctant Bride

September 1, 2015

After Sadie Schrock's parents are killed in a tragic buggy accident, her determination never to marry is derailed when Bishop Troyer demands that she marry his son or forfeit her parents' lands and the store they worked so hard to build. Deciding upon marriage as the lesser of two evils, Sadie and Aden work to keep the business afloat in spite of the tremendous debt left by her parents. Laboring side by side they develop feelings for each other that are quickly doused when Sol, Aden's unscrupulous brother, reappears on the scene. VERDICT This promising series debut from Fuller ("Middlefield Family" series) is edgier than most Amish novels, dealing with difficult and dark issues and featuring well-drawn characters who are tougher than the usual gentle souls found in this genre. Recommended for Amish fiction fans who might like a different flavor.

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from September 15, 2015
Fuller launches the Amish of Birch Creek series with the story of Sadie Schrock, who, after a tragic accident claims the lives of her parents and seriously injures her sister, knows the only way to keep the family solvent is to marry. Reluctantly, she weds Aden Troyer, who abandoned her in her time of need years ago. When given a second chance to protect Sadie from his family's manipulation and threats, Aden is determined to prove his loyalty to her and win her heart forever. Fuller writes unapologetically about the darker side of Amish community life and issues of abuse, sexual harassment, and shame. Aden and Sadie's life in an unwanted arranged marriage is explored with such gentleness that the reader feels the delicacy of the looks and words passed between them. In this way, it is remarkably passionate even without the couple physically touching, and readers will wait breathlessly for the emotional fulfillment of the story. Frightening, shocking, and redemptive, Fuller's inspirational tale portrays complex characters facing real world problems and finding love where they least expected or wanted it to be.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)