About the Book

Title: The Amish Candy Maker
Author: Laura V. Hilton
Genre: Amish Christian Fiction
Release date: February 5, 2019
Publisher: WhitakerHouse

Agnes Zook finds herself on her own in a small Amish community in Mackinac County after a tragedy kills her family. Most of the Amish call her “off in den Kopf” (strange) since she’s starting her own business and forging her own way in the community instead of relying on the bishop to take care of her. Since she’s viewed as non-submissive and too-forward for an Amish woman, she’s not courted by young men in the area. Isaac Mast is on the verge of leaving the Amish church. He’s become a sought-after auctioneer and has a thriving business, but he feels confined by the strict rules. When his brother is severely injured in a wild fire, Isaac receives a letter from his sister-in-law, begging him to come to Mackinac County to help out while his brother is hospitalized. Isaac agrees but is unsure how to manage their young children when he has weekend auctions he’s expected to attend. Agnes may be the answer to a prayer. Sparks fly when she and Isaac meet. But could their differences help them form a deeper connection to their faith…and each other?

Click here to purchase your copy.

MY REVIEW:

This is the second book in the series. It’s a standalone book if you haven’t read the

first book, Firestorm.”

I’ve read a lot of Amish books in my days and I have to say Agnes Zook and Issac
Mast are the most colorful characters I’ve encountered in this genre.

Agnes Zook lost her whole family in a firestorm that injured and killed many in her community awhile back. She has been living with Bishop Miah’s family since her home was destroyed.

Agnes recently opened a candy shop to help support herself as she doesn’t forsee herself ever getting married. Some people in her community think she’s a bit off. She is known to say it how it is. Not a common trait in the Amish community among the women.

Isaac Mast comes into her store before he meets his nephew and nieces for the first time. He wants to get them a sweet treat. Isaac reluctantly is supposed to care for his brother’s children while he is receiving treatment from the wildfire that badly injured him. The kids are staying with Bishop Miah until he arrives.

Isaac has been estranged from his family due to some tragic events. Isaac hasn’t been able to forgive himself for what happens. His life as an auctioneer keeps him moving around to different Amish communities and it suits him as he does not want to settle down. At first I wasn’t too keen on Isaac as I thought he was self centered. That changed after the story progressed along and seen that he was just haunted by his past.

Isaac and Agnes hit it off immediately and neither one of them are confident in themselves to open up their eyes and see that they are meant to be together. Some parts of the story drag while the plot is playing out. Bishop Miah is a tender hearted Bishop that has a lot of wisdom when it comes to Isaac and Agnes.

A fun story and I love how quirky Agnes is. She is just a keeper and I hope to hear more about her in the next book.

I received a free copy of this product from Celebrate Lit Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this information accordance with the FTC Regulations.

About the Author

Laura Hilton is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and is a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, with more than a thousand reviews published on the web. Her first series with Whitaker was The Amish of Seymour, comprising Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (2012 Laurel Award winner, first place in the Amish Genre Clash), and Promised to Another; and her second was The Amish of Webster County, comprising Healing Love, Awakened Love, and Surrendered Love. Her next series was The Amish of Jamesport, featuring The Post Card, Snow Globe, and The Birdhouse. Her latest books include The Amish Firefighter, The Amish Wanderer, and Love By the Numbers. Laura and her husband, Steve, live in Arkansas with their five children, whom Laura homeschools.

Guest Post from Laura

RECIPE FOR FUDGE À LA AGNES ZOOK Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Fudge Courtesy of Laura V. Hilton 1 bag (12 ounces) milk chocolate chips 1 bag (10 ounces) peanut butter chips 2 cans sweetened condensed milk, divided 6 tablespoons butter, divided 20 to 30 miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or six regular-size ones broken into four or five pieces each For the chocolate layer: Line a greased 8-by-11.5-inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a double boiler or metal bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, combine milk chocolate chips, 1 can sweetened condensed milk, and 4 tablespoons butter. Stir until melted and smooth. Pour into prepared baking dish and allow to cool to room temperature, then move to the refrigerator while preparing next layer. For the peanut butter layer: In a double boiler or metal bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, combine peanut butter chips, 1 can sweetened condensed milk, and 2 tablespoons butter. Stir until melted and smooth. Pour on to the milk chocolate fudge layer and press pieces of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into the surface. If desired, group candy pieces in a grid-like fashion for easier cutting later. Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate overnight or until set. Remove from refrigerator, lift out of the pan by the edges of the parchment paper, and cut into squares, with roughly one miniature peanut butter cup or piece of a cup per square. Store in the refrigerator.

Blog Stops

Christian Author, J. E. Grace, February 5

My Devotional Thoughts, February 5

Carla Loves To Read, February 5

Among the Reads, February 6

Girl’s In White Dresses, February 6

Britt Reads Fiction, February 6

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 7

The Avid Reader, February 7

Random Thoughts From a Bookworm, February 7

Emily Yager, February 8

Quiet quilter, February 8

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, February 8

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 9

Maureen’s Musings, February 9

Bibliophile Reviews, February 10

Vicky Sluiter, February 10

Through the Fire Blogs, February 11

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 11

Daysong Reflections, February 11

Texas Book-aholic, February 12

Janices book reviews, February 12

Carpe Diem, February 13

A Baker’s Perspective, February 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 14

SusanLovesBooks, February 14

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 14

Blossoms and Blessings, February 15

Stephanie’s Life of Perseverance, February 15

Inspiration Clothesline, February 15

Inklings and Notions, February 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 16

Pause for Tales, February 16

Have A Wonderful Day, February 17

For the Love of Books, February 17

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, February 17

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, February 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 18

Bigreadersite, February 18

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Laura is giving away a grand prize of a large and small spatula set and a $10 Starbucks gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below or the graphic to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d9a6/the-amish-candy-maker-celebration-tour-giveaway