The Amish Marriage Bargain

A sweet story!

The Amish Marriage Bargain by Marie E. Bast takes readers on a journey to Washington County, Iowa. May Bender has been carrying for her niece, Leah along with her brother-in-law, Thad Hochstetler since the death of her sister, April a year prior. It has been difficult since Thad broke her heart when he stopped courting her and married April. May now has an opportunity to work with her aunt in Indiana and she will inherit the business. It will be hard, though, to leave Leah who she loves so dearly. Then she learns that her family farm is in dire financial straits and there is a chance that Thad will lose it. Thad needs May, but, for her to stay living there, May will have to marry the man who broke her heart. Can they reach a bargain that will keep May’s safe from heartbreak? The Amish marriage Bargain is a sweet story. I like Marie E. Bast’s conversational writing style. It engages the reader and draws them into the book. I could understand May’s feelings toward Thad and her current situation. She is angry, frustrated, and heartbroken. May ends up taking care of the man she lost, but the bright spot of her life is her niece, Leah. May knows that she must forgive Thad and she tells him that she does. However, it takes time to feel the forgiveness in your mind and in your heart. I admit that I was surprised in the story that May and Thad slept in the same house at night since they are both single and there is no chaperone. The story would have been more realistic if Thad had slept in the Dawdi haus. Thad knows how May feels about him and it hurts his heart. He had reasons for his actions, but Thad feels he cannot share them with May. Thad’s mother, Gretchen is a critical woman who seems to find fault with May’s work. I enjoyed how that storyline played out. Thad and May marry for convenience and you could feel the tension between the pair. Thad hopes to change May’s feelings for him which will take time and a whole lot of patience. I assumed that May and Thad slept in separate rooms after they wed, but it was never addressed. I wish the author had added this element to the story. I like how the story developed and the revelations May uncovers. I enjoyed reading this heartwarming and inspiring story. The Amish Marriage Bargain is a touching story about second chances and forgiveness.