B is for Bonnet

In this heartwarming and inspiring new series from the beloved New York Times bestselling and award-winning author, four English-raised siblings take a genuine leap of faith when they return to their grandparents’ rural Ohio community with a plan to become Amish—and one by one, discover more about themselves, and about love, than they ever expected. For fans of Amish romance and wholesome fiction.

Raised by their divorced, lapsed-Amish father and English mother, siblings Jonny, Martin, Kelsey, and Beth can’t wait to reinvent their lives. The four don’t have much in common, but they long for the stable sense of family they felt when visiting their Old Order grandparents, Josiah and Sylvia Schrock, in peaceful Holmes County, Ohio. And the Schrocks couldn’t be more surprised when the grandkids want to try living with them—and joining their faith  . . . 

When Jonny hears startling news about his health, he knows it’s past time to change his life. Quitting college, he unexpectedly finds the fulfilling job of his dreams. And he’s instantly smitten with cafe owner Treva Hershberger, whose baked goods are as warm and delicious as her lively personality. But no matter how hard Jonny tries, he can’t seem to get past her secret sadness and distrust. Can he prove that his feelings for her are for real—and forever—in time? 

A bad breakup left Treva heartbroken—and resolved to be independent without relying on anyone ever again. Exhausted from pouring everything she’s got into her cafe, she’s stunned by Jonny’s easygoing ways—and drawn to his optimistic nature. But when she thinks his real interest is in becoming Amish, she’s even more determined to stay focused—and keep her heart safe . . . 

Soon, deep secrets and hidden family truths will test Jonny and Treva in unexpected ways. And with help from his warm-hearted grandparents, he and Treva might gain the happiness they secretly long for—with each other.

My Review:

Shelley Shepard Gray is one of my favourite Amish fiction storytellers. I love the complexities in her characters and the family dynamics she creates that are so relatable. She’s all about redeeming dysfunction and I find that so inspiring.

This series centres around four siblings who have had an unorthodox upbringing with borderline negligent, definitely emotionally detached parents. Their one constant and only security during their childhood was the summers they spent on their grandparent’s farm – their Amish grandparents.

Fast forward a decade or so and we find Martin, Kelsey, Beth and Jonny making an unusual pact. They’re ready (or so they think) to leave their complicated ‘English’ lives behind for the simple pleasures of plain living. Naturally, it’s not that simple and each book will feature a different sibling.

This time it’s Jonny’s turn. He is trying to come to grips with a concerning potential medical condition at the same time that he’s transitioning to Amish life. Living with his grandparents is both a blessing and a trial which makes for some entertaining reading.

And then there’s the whole falling for the local cafe owner that complicates Jonny’s life even more. Seems like tracking his progress with Treva has become the favourite topic of the community grapevine which is both funny and frustrating. Their two steps forward, one step back romance is both hindered and helped by well-meaning bystanders.

There’s also a secondary plot featuring Jonny’s somewhat estranged father. I love the way the author used him to weave themes of redemption and forgiveness into the story.

As with the first book in the series, this one ends on a bit of a cliffhanger which sets the stage for ‘C is for Courting’ which means I’ll be back for a visit to the Schrock farm soon!