A friend sent me this book after she'd read it. I was recently complaining that so many of the Amish fiction books seem similar. This one was different.

Instead of it being Amish youth in their running around period, it seems the two main characters from this book are a bit older. It wasn't clear to me if Aaron had joined the church, then left the community--I guess he must have since he feels he has to confess and ask to rejoin them when he returns. Sally has settled into teaching. I didn't quite understand why her brother and sister-in-law felt they had to move in with her while Sally's parents were gone. Sally seems old enough to be on her own (even if that is not the norm for a single woman of her age in that community), especially if it was only to be temporary (which remains to be seen).

Unlike some Love Inspired books, in this case, the two main characters had known each other while growing up. I'm not quite sure how many years Aaron was away, but at least the short time span of this book is somewhat mitigated by the previous relationship. ( )

The Promised Amish Bride by Marta Perry is the third installment in Brides of Lost Creek series. Aaron King is returning home to Lost Creek, Pennsylvania where his family has a dairy farm. He feels like the prodigal son, but he is not sure if her will be sticking around. Aaron had been working for Mr. Winfield training race horses, but an incident caused him to leave without explanation. Aaron encounters his childhood friend, Sally Stoltzfus on the way home. She is having trouble with her new buggy horse, Star and Aaron helps calm the animal down for her. Sally had a crush on Aaron when she was a teenager and the old spark returns when she encounters him. Sally gets Aaron to agree to train her horse and she helps him with the process. It gives her a chance to get to know Aaron again and find out what is bothering him. While Sally’s parents are out of town, her brother and sister-in-law are staying with her. Elizabeth, Sally’s sister-in-law, is an observant person (always watching out the window) and has no bones about speaking her mind. Sally wonders if there is some reason behind her sister-in-law’s caustic tongue. Aaron settles into life on the farm and appreciates the guidance of his Uncle Zeb. He feels conflicted and unsure of his place in life. The more time Sally spends with Aaron, the more she is sure that Aaron belongs with his family and the Amish community. It is up to God, though, to open Aaron’s heart and let him hear the truth.

I thought The Promised Amish Bride was a heartwarming story. The Promised Amish Bride is a well-written and engaging story. I like Marta Perry’s writing style. She has a way of drawing the reader into her tale and keeping their attention. The Promised Amish Bride has friendly and realistic characters who are experiencing everyday problems. Sally and Aaron feel an immediate attraction to each other, but they each resist for different reasons. Aaron is unsure if he will remain in Lost Creek and Sally does not want her heart to be broken when Aaron ultimately leaves town. The romance is inspiring and clean (only kissing). There are good life lessons included in The Promised Amish Bride. We can see how pride can get in the way of happiness and running away only puts off the inevitable. Forgiveness of oneself and others as well as prayer and listening to God are emphasized in the story. Aaron must do some soul searching if he is to discern the path God wishes him to follow. While The Promised Amish Bride can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the Brides of Lost Creek series in order. The Promised Amish Bride is a sweet, Amish romance novel that will gladden your heart. ( )