Thursday's Bride by Patricia Johns (2020)

Synopsis:

Overwhelmed by grief and tending twin baby daughters, Rosmanda Lapp is without options. She still blames her brother-in-law, Levi, for her husband's accidental death--but she and her aging in-laws need him to keep their farm going. Yet as Levi takes on his responsibilities with a new determination and steadiness, she can't help but regret that she chose his serious-minded brother over him. For Levi is still very much the passionate man she loved--and Rosmanda now has even more reasons to keep him at arm's length . . .

Levi can't blame Rosmanda for staying clear of him. He has mistakes to make up for and must finally do right by his parents. Still, he never got over his brother stealing Rosmanda away. And he can't deny the feelings that even now tempt them back to each other. And when a mistake from her past threatens her reputation, Levi will do whatever it takes to help her--and trust that faith and courage will at last help them claim a future together...

Review: 

We met Rosie (aka Rosmanda) in ‘The Bishop’s Daughter.’ There she was 16 and foolish, particularly in her choice to date Jonathan Yoder, an Amish boy who was engaged to someone else (Mary). It didn't end well. Jonathan married Mary when it's revealed that Mary's pregnant. Her heart broken, Rosie went to live with her aunt to escape the scandal and have a fresh start.

Beginning again, Rosie was determined to be a good Amish woman but her heart was caught by Levi Lapp. Because Levi had a rebellious reputation, Rosie chose to marry Wayne, a good, solid man who happened to be Levi’s brother. Levi had a hard time with that rejection.

Our story picks up after Wayne is killed by a drunk driver. Rosie is left caring for their very young twin girls. Rosie is overwhelmed and struggles with feeling she’s a burden on her in-laws. Things get complicated when Levi returns home to help his dat with the farm. There’s bitter feelings on both sides: Rosie's husband was killed on his way to get a drunk Levi and Levi can’t get over Rosie's marrying his brother becuase he wasn't good enough.

This was a good story with real people dealing with grief and loss. It isn’t always pretty. It’s people dealing with all the emotions that come when someone dies tragically. It’s also a story about the fear of rejection: by their peers, their community, and most importantly, by the one they love. But it’s also a story of hope and love. Love for family and community. Love and acceptance of self, being brave enough to try. How love helps you forget your past and brightens the future. How fighting for love can win you the woman you want to grow old with (even if she is 18 years older than you are). (Okay, that’s referring to a romantic subplot between Levi’s aunt and his friend, but you get the idea.) This is another great book from Patricia Johns.

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars