If you read the intro to Gabriel’s Bride, you’ll see right away that it was written at a particularly difficult time for Amy Lillard.

Instead of letting the events she was dealing with at the time deter her, she made the brave decision to forge ahead and, while she did not allow the sadness to make this book depressing, she did allow her feelings to fuel a deeply emotional story that is the best of this series – at least in my humble opinion.


Amy Lillard is a truly gifted author.

This is a book that everyone should read, whether they enjoy Amish fiction or not.

It is a story of loss, yes – but it is also a story about redemption and the amazing wonder of life and love.

I don’t know what Amy has planned for her next book but I really hope she plans to write more about this series, these people.

And I know her website says this book is the last in the Clover Ridge series but Clover Ridge has become a favorite place of mine and I hope Amy finds a way to share more with us in some way or another about the wonderful community of Clover Ridge.

I received this book free in exchange for an honest review. ( )

Gabriel’s Bride by Amy Lillard is the third and final book in the Clover Ridge series. Gabriel Fisher is the father of five children and is raising them without his wife. His wife, Rebecca died in giving birth to their youngest son, Samuel (he has Down’s syndrome). His sister, Katie was helping him raise the children, but she has moved back home while being courted by Zane (according to Amish custom in their area). Gabriel’s eldest daughter, Mary Elizabeth, left during the night. She left a note stating she wanted to experience life in the Englischer world and see about getting more schooling. Mary Elizabeth wants to be able to work with animals. In addition, Gabriel is the new deacon and will be having more responsibilities that will keep him away from the farm and his children. Gabriel decides to advertise for a housekeeper.

Rachel Yoder is twenty-six years old. She lived with her Aunt Katherine since the death of her parents and brothers when she was ten years old. Rachel had lived in Florida and was raised Beachy Amish prior to coming to Clover Ridge (which is Old Order Amish). Rachel assumed she inherited her Aunt’s home and that is where she would stay quite happy with her goats and the business she has created (making goat cheese). Rachel’s bubble is burst on the day of the funeral. She is told that her aunt did a reverse mortgage on the property. The bank now owns the home. Rachel’s only option is to go live with a cousin in Ohio who needs help raising eleven (way, way too many) children! Rachel would not be able to bring her goats with her.

Gabriel needs a housekeeper and Rachel needs a place to live. The perfect solution is for them to help each other. Rachel will do the cooking, cleaning, and watch after the children. Gabriel will give her a salary, a room on the second floor (his is on the first), and her goats get to come with her. Things get off to a bumpy start when Rachel’s goats arrive and she puts them in the wrong area (three years of Gabriel’s research just went into the goat’s bellies). Rachel’s cooking is not the best (evidently Aunt Katherine did the cooking). Rachel forgets she has something on the stove or in the oven when an idea comes to her about goat cheese or she is out checking on the goats. Her cookies always come out burnt. Of course, someone may be helping her food to burn. Looks like not all the children are happy to have Rachel in the house. Then the Bishop and minister show up! Poor Gabriel is not having a good month. It seems it is not appropriate for Rachel to live in the house with Gabriel and the children (I did not quite see their reasoning, but to each his own). Gabriel can marry Rachel or Rachel can go to Ohio (with no goats and eleven children). Will Gabriel and Rachel get married? Can they come to love each other? Will the children be able to accept Rachel?

You will need to read Gabriel’s Bride to find out! I give Gabriel’s Bride 4.25 out of 5 stars. The series is wrapped up nicely at the end of the book (it wraps up Gideon and Anne, Zane and Katie Rose, Mary Elizabeth). Such a lovely story with the right amount of humor mixed in. You will not regret reading Gabriel’s Bride or any of the books in the Clover Ridge series.

I received a complimentary copy of Gabriel’s Bride from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own. ( )

Looking For a Great Book to Read? This Is It!

Gabriel’s Bride is the third book in this series. I want to add, if you haven’t read Saving Gideon and Katie’s Choice I strongly suggest you do before reading this one. This could be read alone I suppose but you don’t want to miss out on knowing the characters from the previous books.

Goodness, where shall I begin. Author Amy Lillard made this book come to life for me. I immediately fell in love with Rachel Yoder; perhaps it is because she reminds me of what I have been through and I can sympathize with her.

Gabriel Fisher, he frustrated me through-out most of this book. I must say that Rachel did too at times. They could not see what was right there in front of them. Have you ever talked to characters in a book before? I most certainly was trying to talk some sense into both of them!

One character that captured my heart and held it during this story was Samuel Fisher. Oh the innocence of little children. I know you will agree with me when you find out what I am talking about. No spoilers here!!

Being stubborn, lack of faith, being afraid of unknown circumstances, and being afraid to step out of our comfort zone was evidenced in this book. Being a Christian I loved how my beloved characters learned how to put their faith and trust in God through Bible scriptures and prayer.

Amy Lillard, I loved this whole series but Gabriel’s Bride is my favorite. Thank you and B&H Publishing Group for graciously giving me a copy of this book to read and review. I loved it and I am giving it a 5 star rating!

The opinions written in this review are mine alone. ( )

What a wonderful story, and a refreshing visit with some old friends. I loved being back in the Oklahoma community.
This is the third book in this series, and although you don't have to read the first to to read this one, I would recommend you do.
Come along with people who really live their faith. Rather than go against their beliefs, they form a marriage of convenience. I cannot really imagine myself doing this, but it was at the time the only option available. Or was it? Was this the will of God?
I loved the interaction between Rachael and Samuel, you could see their bond and love grow. The other boys were little devils, messing with the house and her cooking! Then their are the jumping amphibians and grasshoppers, can you imagine the mess in the house. We also the joy that is brought forth by being a family.
Come a long for a sweet visit, once you start you won't want to leave.

I received this book Net Galley, and the Publisher B & H Books, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )