A Marriage of the Heart by Kelly Long ~ review

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson; Reprint edition (November 6, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401687563
• ISBN-13: 978-1401687564

This book is also available as an e-book.

Publication Date: November 6, 2012

Three Stories That Share the Adventures of First Love and Second Chances.

A Perfect Secret—Rose Bender’s betrothed, Luke Lantz, is safe and dependable, maybe a little too much so. Or so she thinks until she sees him in the woods one night and discovers a secret he’s been keeping. Now his secret haunts her. She wasn't sure about marrying a man she knew too well. But should she marry a man she doesn't understand at all?

Christmas Cradles—When Anna Stolis takes over for her aunt, the local midwife, Christmas night heats up with multiple deliveries, three strangers’ quilts, and unexpected help from the handsome and brooding Asa Lapp.

A Marriage of the Heart—Since her mother’s death, Abigail Kauffman has lived alone with her father. She longs to escape the emptiness of the farmhouse that has never felt like home. Joseph Lambert is a newcomer in their close-knit community. Only after suddenly marrying do they begin to understand the tender truths of life-long love.

My take on this book:

"A Marriage of the Heart" consists of three short novellas written by one of my favorite Amish authors Kelly Long. Short and satisfying is how I would describe them. 

"A Perfect Secret" Rose Bender was certain that she knew her fiance Luke Lantz, but when she discovers a secret that he has been keeping, it causes her to question what she really knows about him? 

"A Marriage of the Heart" is the story of Abigail Kauffman and Joseph Lambert. When a lie forces these two to be married, they decide to make the best of things. 

"Christmas Cradles" ~ Anna Stolis is a midwife who is filling in for her aunt Ruth while she takes a much needed vacation. With a snowstorm, and babies wanting to be born, Anna needs someone to drive her, and help comes in the form of Asa Lapp.

I had actually read "A Perfect Secret" in another collection, but actually enjoyed re-reading it. While I enjoyed all three of these short stories, easily my favorite had to be "A Marriage of the Heart." I really enjoyed the characters and because of the way the marriage started out I wasn't sure how it might turn out but really hoped for the best, and I wasn't disappointed. While each story is short enough to read in one sitting,the author provided enough information to draw me in and allow me to connect with the characters. I always expect satisfying Amish stories whenever I read anything by Kelly Long, and she always delivers. Fans of Amish fiction will certainly enjoy this collection, and the cookie recipes included are an added bonus. 

A complimentary copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.