Loving Jenna by Amy Lillard is a very special Amish novel. It is the ninth novel in A Well’s Landing series, and it can be read as a standalone. Jenna Burkhart along with her mother and grandmother have moved to Well’s Landing, Oklahoma. A swimming accident when she was a child left her with brain damage. She is tired of people calling her “special” and being told what she cannot do by her mother. Jenna wants the same things as other young Amish women (a husband, a home, and a family), but her mother tells her that it is not possible. Then Jenna meets Buddy Miller who has Down’s syndrome. Buddy has had similar experiences to Jenna with people not expecting him to hold down a job, live on his own or marry. Jenna and Buddy fall in love, but they are met with opposition. The pair set out to prove they can be self-sufficient so they can marry. Will they succeed in the face of their family’s disapproval? Will their fears and doubts get the best of Jenna and Buddy? Loving Jenna is a charming Amish story. It is unlike any other Amish book that I have ever read. I like that authors of Amish fiction are branching out into different subjects (very refreshing). Loving Jenna is well-written with developed characters. The author provided expressive depictions of Well’s Landing and the Amish who live there. I think it is funny that they drive tractors to get around except on Sunday’s when they can only use horse and buggy. Jenna and Buddy are truly special people. I enjoyed watching their romance progress. They were trying so hard despite discouragement from their parents. You will find it hard to put down Loving Jenna once you begin reading. Loving Jenna is a touching and unique tale with a poignant conclusion. ( )

This was one of my favorite stories by Amy Lillard. I loved how she wrote about a young man with Down Syndrome and a young girl who had a brain injury and almost died. This shows how these characters interacted with their friends and their families. I laughed and cried. I really liked Jenna and Buddy but didn’t always care for either of their mothers. The mothers had to learn that even though Jenna and Buddy had some handicaps they were still becoming adults. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

The author has captured a sweet story that focuses on two people considered “different.” I loved the way the characters are introduced and how gentle their story is told. The topic of Down Syndrome is one that few books are written about. It is easy to fall in love with Jenna and Buddy. Their connection is pure and filled with joy. Being accepted has always been both of their desires and finding each other really boosts their confidence. Jenna is considered to be “simple” since her accident. Both mothers seemed overprotective and Jenna and Buddy set out to prove their independence.

I didn’t care for Jenna’s mother at all. She never let Jenna do anything and continuously reminded her that she was “special.” Oh how my heart broke for Jenna. Her mother was a bit abrupt with Buddy and her attitude towards his mother made me upset. I began to wonder if maybe Jenna’s mother was angry at God and didn’t know how to get past it. I loved when Jenna and Buddy ran into each other at the bakery. You could feel how excited they were to see each other. When I read that Buddy’s favorite cake was chocolate cake with peppermint frosting I smiled. My grandmother use to make that for my birthday every year. Oh how I loved that cake and how special it made me feel.

I loved getting to read about Jenna and Buddy as their relationship grew. Two people who saw only love with no handicaps at all will warm your heart in this well written story. The author does a great job of showing us how we should not judge others and that family is important. I can’t help but think of how pure God’s love is and that is represented in this story by Jenna and Buddy. It was interesting to see if the families would accept a relationship that they were against. The bond between Jenna and her mother will be tested and trust will play a big part in teaching parents to let go and give their children to God. This story has become my favorite from the author with emotions that grab your heart as you witness unconditional love.

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion. ( )

I loved this book, and found myself rooting for these young adults, yes, they have disabilities, but they are trying to break the chains of their limitations.
What a beautiful inspiring story the author gives us, and found myself walking in both the mom’s and their children’s shoes.
I do know that a child with “special” needs are so wanted, loved and treasured, especially in their Amish community, but these young adults object to the “special” term. Love how these moms are ready to do battle to keep their offspring safe, but when do the kid gloves come off? Probably never, but we get to see how these people deal with their children spreading their wings.
I love that old friends reappear in this stand-alone read, and we are back in Wells Landing Oklahoma, and our tractor driving Amish

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )