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.

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.

The Amish Candymaker by Laura V. Hilton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

First of all, this is a clean romance with nothing offensive within its pages. Also, there are definite Christian principles included in the framework of the story. Furthermore, if you are not familiar with the Amish vernacular, the author has included a nice dictionary/glossary for your convenience at the beginning of the book.

I consider myself a lover of Amish fiction, and I have read quite a few of these Amish romances in my time. While it is true that there are some tender moments (and even some that are rather sultry but still squeaky clean in nature) and some moments of high tension, I cannot call this book one that I would place on my absolute favorite list. The characters are indeed likable, and redemption and forgiveness are emphasized. I appreciate those themes. And there are a few cute moments throughout.

However, I was expecting a little more of a traditional Amish community that pushed the boundaries a bit, but didn’t completely overthrow the basic rules. Yes, it was an Amish community, and I know things are changing, but for me, the charm of Amish fiction is reading about communities that come together and learn how to live within this modern world. I have no problem with them implementing some modern technology or interacting with the Englisch, but I felt like this Amish community was filled with so much non-traditionalism that I struggled to see the principles of the Amish culture within it. This was not a deal-breaker for me, by any means. But I suppose I have been spoiled by other Christian authors in this genre.

Something else I wish had been emphasized more was the plan of salvation. I realize that many Amish communities are traditionally a bit more works-based, and some are far too legalistic to even discuss the gospel in great detail. But since this was a non-traditional Amish community, I was hoping for more emphasis on the plan of salvation. I appreciated the Biblical passages included, and I understand the spiritual journey the characters were taking. Yet if there had been a little more emphasis on the gospel message, I would have been a bit happier.

As a disclaimer, I was not aware that this was book two in the series when I began reading. I now understand why the book seemed to be so abrupt in the beginning and dove into the action. While the book can be read as a standalone book, I do not recommend doing it that way. No doubt, if I had read the first book in the series, I would have had a richer experience in reading.

I am comfortable in giving this book a three and a half star rating. There are many redeeming qualities, and the story was entertaining enough for anyone. But perhaps my expectations were a bit skewed. Nevertheless, if the issues I raised do not bother you, I would recommend starting this series from the first book rather than this one.

View all my reviews

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

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 to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d9a6/the-amish-candy-maker-celebration-tour-giveaway

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