Courting an Amish Bishop by Mindy Steele

 💖💖💖💖💖/5

Simon and Stella’s story in Courting an Amish Bishop by Mindy Steele, book four in The Heart of the Amish series, is a reminder that love will find you, even if you weren’t looking or expecting to ever find it. Amish Bishop Simon Graber, became a bishop much younger than most men. A widower, he is focused on two things: taking care of his Cherry Grove community and his sixteen year old son, Michael. During a bad outbreak of the flu Simon travels to Walnut Ridge to get help from the local doctor. Stella Schmucker is a healer, a ‘dokter’, whose life centers around her ability to heal naturally. Her earlier life and growing-up years were not easy. The only love and acceptance she received was from her grandparents, whose home she now resides in. Stella, unaware that Simon is the bishop of Cherry Grove and always one to put others before her own needs, is happy to help and goes with Simon to treat his son, Michael first before seeing to the rest of the sick in the community. After a freak storm destroys Stella’s grandparent’s home, she is unable to return until it is rebuilt. This offers Simon the opportunity to give Stella a temporary home, staying with his mother until her home is rebuilt, giving both the opportunity to get to know one another.

These two are perfect for each other in their willingness to always put the needs of their community before their own and serve with such joy. There were several moments when I was hoping Simon would get a move on and propose to Stella as almost everyone could see they were perfect for each other. It isn’t until the chance of losing each other to finally come clean and admit their feelings.

 

Ms. Steele wrote a wonderfully sweet and moving story of love and second chances. This delightful story exemplified and reminded that one should be who they were created to be, and not be concerned with what others think. It was nice to read a middle-aged couple, each enjoying serving their community but thinking there is no chance left for the lives they wished they had. Only this time, G-d offers them a life they never expected, only if they are willing to step out of their comfort zones and take it. Stella was a unique individual, which is especially difficult for an Amish person who does not fit expectations.