Gabriel's Bride by Amy Lillard

Rachel Yoder's life has been full of disappointments. She lost her family in a buggy accident--one of the real dangers of being Amish. The aunt that raised her has died leaving her with...nothing. Her one joy is her goats--caring for them and making artisan cheese. And she's really good at it. Now she is faced with losing her little flock, as her Ohio relatives are willing to take her into their home-- in exchange for help with their eleven (gulp) children--sans goats...

Gabriel Fisher needs a housekeeper and offers Rachel a job taking care of the home and five boys, the youngest having downs syndrome. She gets to keep her beloved goats...but the elders must quell the gossip that erupts at a young, unmarried, woman moving in... so they get married. Each promising the other that it is just a marriage of convenience.

I loved the way Amy Lillard developed this story. Rachel tries hard to win the respect of Gabriel whose gruff exterior belies a tender heart, but three of the boys feel that, if they welcome Rachel into the home, they will forget about their mother who died giving birth to Samuel, the little guy with Down's.

Gabriel's Bride is a wonderful read. With a timeless Sound of Music style, this one is a keeper that stands on its own, though you will want more! 

Please read on for more about Amy Lillard and Gabriel's Bride. :)

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Gabriel's Bride

B&H Books (February 1, 2014)

by

Amy Lillard

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

I’m a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.

I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I’ve retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I’m from Texas. (?)  Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son–a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!

I love homemade tacos, shoes, and romance novels–not necessarily in that order. I’m a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I’m shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.

I  believe that God is love. I guess that’s why I adore romances.  

I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I’m a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture.  I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that’s me June Cleaver with a laptop.

I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twilight series (I’ll get to it or I won’t, either way I’m good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I’m alone on this last one, and again, I’m good with it.)

Favorite movies–(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940′s movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven’t seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn’s and Audrey’s.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Rachel Yoder has two choices: marry Gabriel Fisher or move to Ohio. As an orphan, Rachel doesn’t have much to offer; any match she can make will be a good one. She just didn’t plan on Gabriel with his big hands and permanent frown.

As a widower Gabriel needs help caring for the farm and his six children. But he never thought he’d marry a slip of a girl who barely reaches his chin.

Yet as time passes, Gabriel finds himself thinking about a real marriage. They have spoken vows to God and each other, but can he risk his heart with Rachel?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Gabriel's Bride, go HERE.