This author has not lost her touch, what a great story full of aching hearts, loss, faith and love. Yes this is a must read book!!!!!

"We can't choose whether or not storms come. But we can choose where we stare during the storm." (p 86)

An out-of-the-box Amish romance full of pathos and humour. Love the unique flare Hilton brings to this genre. Not sure quite how to describe it -- a little bit edgy and sometimes unexpected? Anyway, it's refreshing and riveting and I'm a fan. Excited to see this is the first in a new series too! Can't wait for more Hidden Springs novels!

So, before you start in on this read you need to be aware that this is definitely a love-at-first-sight, whirlwind kind of romance. I know some people are not fans of this concept and they might find The Amish Wedding Promise disappointing because of that. Not me. I'm an equal opportunities romance lover. Second Chance, Reunion, Friends to Lovers, Love at First Sight....I love 'em all. So, I was thrilled with Gracie and Zeke's story and MERRILY swooned my way to their happily ever after.

Swoon, being the optimum word. Because -- whoosh -- there are some toe-curling scenes and an air of such desperate yearning for something that seems so impossible. (Happy shivery sigh!) Both Gracie and Zeke grow a lot over the course of a few days. They are tried and tested and forced to face their weaknesses even as they discover their strengths. As they grow in their faith, they also grow closer together.

Hilton doesn't make it easy though. Lots of trouble and strife and plenty of action to keep a reader in a rapid page-turning frenzy!

Laura V. Hilton will attract readers with not only the stunning cover but also the descriptive and enthralling storyline in The Amish Wedding Promise. The setting in a fictional community in Illinois was a treat, since most Amish stories are set in larger Amish communities. Hidden Springs experienced a devastating tornado that delayed a wedding that Grace Lantz had prayed might be stopped. I loved her special needs sister Patience who replied multiple times regarding the situation "Jesus calm the storm" to her and others. Daadi Cliff was another charming character along with the hero and heroine.

Grace Lantz and Ezekiel Bontrager lives are dimensional with all they've experienced before they met. Zeke knew he wasn't allowed to date as a volunteer helping with the recovery but him and Gracie sure seemed to connect. There are pure moments of hilarious laughter with Slush, the dog smiling at Zeke, and twelve brothers being protective. This poignant story is filled with realistic events and dialogue, hidden secrets revealed, letting go and letting God along with plenty of drama, humor, grief, overcoming, finding peace and faith with new beginnings. The unexpected happenings challenged some to admit their flaws and gave hope that God did all things well. The interspersed message of God's sovereignty, forgiveness, unconditional love, faithfulness and hope will resonant with readers. This is one masterful, winsome, and touching story I highly recommend by Laura V. Hilton. I look forward to the next book in this new series called The Amish Secret Wish.

I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book from the author. I was under no obligation to write a review or compensated in any way. I have expressed my sincere thoughts in this review. Hilton has become one of my favorite authors with the faith message and drama she includes in all her stories.

This author never disappoints me with her stories. I enjoyed reading about Grace and Zeke. I love when she adds the Amish children that have special needs in the story. I loved reading about how other people come to different areas to help out after a bad tornado hit. Both main characters had to work through some doubts about themselves. I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Looking at the cover of this book is a compelling reason to pick it up, and also, I love reads by this author.

We are given a story of a young woman, and the book begins on the day of her wedding, and she is having cold feet, wishes she the day weren't here, and no, she does not have power to control the weather, but a devastating tornado hits Arthur Illinois, and thus help comes from all over, including an Amish community in Indiana.

We also get to meet the new arrivals, and especially Zeke, and with a history of his Dad being unhappy with him, he is out to prove himself, or at least stay out of trouble.

When sparks fly between Grace, the bride, and Zeke, they know it can never happen, and with death and destruction all over here, there are a lot of pressing problems.

Love the wise Grandfather, and the sweet special sister, Patience, and then more disasters happen, more focus is put on loved ones, and we see the love of God and the message of Forgiveness.

A don't miss read that will keep you page-turning!

I received this book through the Publisher Forever, and was not required to give a positive review.