Review+ GIVEAWAY: Change of Heart

Change of Heart
By Molly Jebber
Keepsake Pocket Quilt, #1
Zebra, 2015


Summary

A modern new century brings a young Amish woman an unexpected new life—and a chance to discover love's true way home…

Ohio, 1899. Soft-spoken midwife Becca Yost lived by her Amish faith's strict rules—until her fiancé jilted her before their entire community. She's never been away from home, but the bustling Englischer town of Massillon, Ohio, is a welcome unexpected refuge. Especially when she goes to work for Dr. Matt Carrington, who shares her passion for healing those in need. His outgoing spirit and gentle strength show Becca a surprising new world of choices—and irresistible love. But there is one formidable obstacle: Matt's wealthy mother is determined her son will marry a society woman.

With her newfound resolve challenged, Becca decides that she and Matt must not be destined for each other after all. She accepts that she will have to forge a life alone—until a wrenching crisis and life-changing revelations teach her that true faith lies in all things, especially impossible second chances.


My thoughts

Change of Heart is a historical Amish romance that opens in Massillon, Ohio, in the year of 1899. I liked that it focuses on Becca’s relationships – with her sister Ruth, Dr. Matt Carrington, and Matt’s mother. And the story is different from what you would expect from an Amish novel in that Becca comes to live with her sister, who has already left the Amish faith, and makes the same transition herself. Neither has left their faith in God, however, just the trappings of the Amish beliefs and lifestyle. That being Amish makes them who they are is very evident.

The strongest character is Mrs. Carrington, Matt’s mother – not only strong, but overbearing, manipulative, doggedly persistent in her goals of achieving the “proper” marriage mate for her son. Matt and Becca are sweet, sympathetic characters. One of the story’s strengths was some of the secondary characters, such as Grace, Becca’s friend from back home, the patients she and Matt treated, but most especially the young child, Benjamin. I also loved the pocket quilt theme where letters were placed for the recipient.

The writing was somewhat formal and stiff, making me wonder if that had to do with the historical time period. Also, some of the actions and decision making happened quickly, without much development. Change of Heart was still an interesting read for me, one that fans of Amish fiction should enjoy. And the title is especially meaningful!

Change of Heart can be purchased at Amazon.

Thank you to Molly for generously donating a copy of Change of Heart to one of you, details at the end of this post.

_________________________

Molly Jebber is an educational, motivational, and Women's Christian Connection speaker. She was raised in a small town in the Midwest, and insists if you had blinked twice, you would've missed it. She loves God, her family and friends, sunshine, swimming and traveling to the Amish communities.  Creating historical Amish characters and throwing them into difficult situations and joyous times has been challenging and fun for her. The greatest reward she’s experienced in becoming an author is meeting wonderful people from all over the world who've been encouraging and supportive.

Find Molly online at mollyjebber.com, Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Thank you to Molly Jebber and Celebrate Lit for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

____________________

GIVEAWAY

To enter the drawing for A Change of Heart, leave a comment and, if possible, go to my Facebook page and share.

BE SURE to leave your name and your email address in a safe format - [at] and [dot] - for the drawing. E-mail required for entry. Contest ends at midnight PST on Sunday, December 6. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and contacted by e-mail.

Eligibility: US residents