Thursday's Bride by Patricia Johns

Thursday's Bride Reviews

• 
  Natalia R

  4.5 Stars
  
  Thursday's Bride by Patricia Johns is a sweet and touching Amish romance. It follows the love story of Rosmanda and Levi. Rosmanda moved to Abundance, Pennsylvania to live with her aunt after a scandal in her community ruined her chances of finding a husband. When she met Levi Lapp, there was an immediate connection between them and it didn't take long for them to fall in love with each other. But the rebellious Levi was far from the proper Amish husband that Rosmanda needed to repair her reputation. So when Levi's far more suitable older brother, Wayne, asked her to marry him instead, she accepted his proposal and has never looked back.
  Rosmanda, now a mother of twin baby girls and widowed, blames Levi for her husband's tragic death. When he moves back home to help her aging in-laws, will they confront the past? And can they have a future together?
  The author's writing style pulled me in right from the start and kept me engaged until the end. I enjoyed reading about Amish daily life and the characters were well-written.
  Forgiveness and second chances are the main themes in this heartwarming story. Readers will fall in love with the characters of Rosmanda and Levi and cheer them on as they overcome their problems and struggles and learn to forgive themselves and each other. I loved their interactions and their journey to a happy ending really touched my heart. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
  
  I received an ARC from Kensington Books through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
• 
  Shirley Chapel

  I thought this story was very good. I enjoyed the characters and was swept in quickly. Unfortunately parts of this book had too much sizzle for this reader and I felt uncomfortable with it. It's a me thing and that's why I sometimes think books should be rated.
• 
  Patricia

  Patricia Johns has written another great book! This book has some of the same characters as "The Bishop's Daughter," but focuses on one of the smaller characters in the previous book, Rosamunda, the younger sister who is constantly getting into trouble! I enjoyed the familiar ones while getting to know the new major characters.
  
  In "Thursday's Bride," there's conflict between the young widow Rosamunda wanting to be perfect (to fix past wrongs) but knowing she's attracted to the "wrong" type of Amish man. She loves her twin daughters intensely, and wants to be the perfect mother too. It is very well written, with good character development--I love the satire of the town name, "Abundance," when the main character thinks she has lost almost everything.
  
  There are many details about Amish life in this book, such as caring for animals, work around the house, hitching up buggies, the "community" bringing casseroles and women gathering to quilt together and talk of starting a quilting business. As I have traveled through Amish country and enjoyed visiting with the ladies in the shops, and because I'm curious, I hope future novels will include more details about Amish daily life.
  
  Another thing I enjoyed about this book is the romantic storyline, clean but intense. I thought I knew who the "right boy," was, but how he would "get the girl" was not too predictable, and the multiple stories were refreshing as well.
  
  Thank you to Patricia Johns and Kensington Publishing Corporation for the advance copy I received. This review reflects my own opinions and thoughts.
• 
  Maureen Timerman

  I loved this book, it really was a book to get lost in, and I did.
  We all get lost in our heads and over think things, and we all make mistakes, yes, there is not one who doesn't.
  If I walk in Rosie's shoes, I don't think I would make it very far, a young mother widow with infant twin daughters. Then we are given a young man who has been a disappointment to his family and community, and most of all to Rosie.
  There is a side story here, and you want to shake all of these characters, they are being offered a gift, and no the grass isn't greener on the other side of the fence!
  The author also shows us a selfish man, he seems like he never grew up, and we hope he comes to his senses and goes home to his wife and family. We also hope that the other characters will find the love they so desperately want, and hold their heads high in their Amish community!
  I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.
• 
  Lynda

  Can both see beyond their personal baggage?
  
  She had married a safe man.
  
  He had loved her but lost her to his brother.
  
  She had made a huge mistake when she was 16. And that mistake hung over her like Poe's pendulum.
  He drowned his loss by finding the bottom of bottle.
  
  When her husband died tragically, you'd think these two would now be free to love each other. The problem is a mountain of baggage each carries.
• 
  Robin Loves Reading

  Rosmanda Lapp is still dealing with grief over the loss of her husband, while also trying to be a good mother to twin infant daughters. Currently living with her in-laws, Rosmanda knows that she must soon marry lest she continue being a burden to her deceased husband's family. When her brother-in-law Levi comes back home to help with his father's farm, Rosmanda finds herself confused and distracted. Her feelings are mixed towards Levi, as she blames him for her husband's death, yet she finds that old feelings she had towards Levi are resurfacing.
  
  As Levi and Rosmanda tread uncertain waters, they are forced to consider their pasts and why Rosmanda chose Levi's brother to marry when she clearly loved Levi. What is more is that Rosmanda is forced to examine her own heart - and this does affect her faith. With her efforts of striving to be responsible, Rosmanda does her best to push strong feelings for Levi aside.
  
  As things turn out Rosmanda is not the only one fighting feelings. Levi recognizes the draw as well. Yes, she married his brother, but he still has very strong feelings for her, but he is wracked with guilt over his brother's death. How will he and Rosmanda get past these barriers? Will the pair use their faith to guide them to make the right decisions?
  
  This touching second chance romance has a nice balance of character development and a wide range of emotions. The conflicts were real in this well-written story, with forgiveness and hope finding a path to Rosmanda and Levi's hearts. This sweet story by Patricia Johns will be with me for a long while.
  
  Many thanks to Zebra Books and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.
• 
  Pamela Pavkov

  Thursday's Bride is a truly inspiring story written by Patricia John's. I enjoyed this story because the characters are well developed and very likeable. The storyline is slow moving in the first couple of chapters but when it really kicks in it is hard to put down. This story is filled with love, family, loss, forgiveness, and second chances. The secrets throughout this story really keeps the readers interest.
  
  Rosemanda Lapp is a widow left to raise twin girls while living under her in laws roof. When Levi Lapp returns home to help his aging father run the farm Rosemanda is shocked and dismayed because she blames Levi for her husband's death. The conflict between the two is very strong but an underlying love really creates a difficult situation. Rosemanda is still covering the reason for her move from Morrisville several years ago. With a threat of her secret being revealed Rosemanda is overwhelmed. Levi is also carrying a secret that could threaten his standing in the community. As these two characters reconnect and try to deal with the loss of love for each other they end up confiding in each other. Which of the two secrets is worse is for the reader to decide. How the two deal with the disclosure surely demonstrates how strong their faith is. I enjoyed how this story played out.
  
  I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others. The author has done an amazing job creating a story like none other.
  
  Congratulations to Patricia John's on releasing another enjoyable story for her readers.
• 
  Rhonda

  5 Stars: 5/5 Star Rating
  Rosmanda and Levi stole my heart. I can certainly feel a great deal of empathy for both of the characters. Both are grieving the loss of Wayne, one, his widow and one, his brother. But they also feel an attraction that they can't deny for each other and it's causing problems for them in the here and now!
  Can Rosmanda and Levi ever move past the hurt they feel and resolve their feelings towards each other? How can things ever be settled with them living under the same roof? Both of them are being pressured to marry someone and yet, they truly feel the strongest attraction for each other but Rosmanda feels it's forbidden to her.
  I loved this book, it kept my interest and added some surprises along the way that the reader will love! I am finding lots of time to read during our time of social distancing during the Covid-19 Pandemic and this book really warmed my heart and made me feel hopeful. It also renewed my faith in God and in love.
  I received a digital ARC of this book from netgalley and Zebra Publishing. All opinions expressed are my own.
• 
  linda hole

  Age gap romance. second chance romance. a. past that can ruin her. wrong choice. The lost son coming back. This book has all The tropes I love. But did I love this book.? It was Just an ok but for me I am Sad. to say. why? It was too. similar to all The other amish books I. have Read (56 I counted). so a 3.5 star. But thanks. to.netgalley and the. Publisher for. letting me Read. this book
• 
  Kristina Anderson

  Thursday’s Bride by Patricia Johns is a sweet, heartwarming Amish novel. Rosmanda Lapp moved to Abundance, Pennsylvania from her hometown after a scandal ruined her chances at marriage. She was attracted to the charming and rebellious Levi Lapp, but he was not the proper Amish man she came to marry. When Levi’s older brother, Wayne proposes to Rosmanda, she accepts because he is a respectable Amish man (aka boring but kind). Rosmanda is a now a widow with twin daughters who lives with her in laws. Levi is needed to help with the farm work, so he returns home knowing that Rosmanda blames him for Wayne’s death. Disagreements begin immediately, but they need to find a way to be friends for the sake of the family and their community. There is a definite attraction between Levi and Rosmanda. The sparks fly between them especially when they are disagreeing. I thought Thursday’s Bride was well-written with developed characters. The story is told from Levi and Rosmanda’s point-of-views. It switches between them which allows readers to see things from each of their perspectives. I always find that intriguing because men and women see things differently. I liked the characters in this story. They were fleshed out and brought to life which made them feel real to me. We get to see what it is like for a widow to live with her in laws and the importance of community. Rosmanda felt like she was a burden to the Lapps. She wants to earn money, but it is not easy with twin girls to raise. I enjoyed the description of Rosmanda’s beautiful mourning quilt. After the death of a loved one, you want life to stop so you can grieve. Unfortunately, the world continues moving. Chores must be done, children taken care of, food prepared, and so much more. You continue to grieve while trying to move through each day as we see with Rosmanda. The Amish world is very different from our own. They cannot just think about themselves when making a decision. They must think how it will affect their community. A reputation can easily be tarnished at a young age. Levi and Rosmanda struggle to overcome the past and move forward with their lives. Their interactions were electric at times. I enjoyed following their journey in Thursday’s Bride. The ending was special and left me smiling. There is a preview of Patricia John’s next novel, Jeb’s Wife at the end. Thursday’s Bride focuses on forgiveness, faith and second chances. Patricia Johns provided an appealing Amish story that will keep you engaged from beginning to end. Thursday’s Bride is a heartening Amish novel with toddling twins, a headstrong horse, a cute calf, secret sins, rapid rumors, and finding forgiveness.
• 
  Jeanie

  Pride stood tall and unique. But community-the kind ordained - was about accepting your limitations.
  
  Levi Lapp has come home to help his parents after his brother died in a tragic accident. He blames himself for his brother's death. His brother was on his way to rescue him from his own bad choices. Levi is filled with guilt, remorse, anger, and bitterness toward his brother. It was his brother that stole his soul mate Rosmanda and married her. He had stayed away from home because his feelings from Rosmanda runs so deep. Levi has always been the black sheep of the family and now that his brother is dead, he wants to make it up to his parents and he wants Rosmanda to see him has a man that is responsible.
  
  Rosmanda has her own past that she is running from. Since her marriage, she wanted to be the best wife and mother. She did not want to fall in the trappings of her past. Levi reminded her of the woman she did not want to be. She blamed Levi for her husband's death because of her own unresolved emotions. When the past comes to visit, Levi takes the opportunity to stand by Rosmanda thru it all.
  
  Their story was a reflection on marriage in community which powerful and sobering in the Amish community. It answered questions and it gives life to marriage and community when reconciled to God's good will. It represented the gospel in a strong way that marriage is designed to. Highly recommend.
  
  A Special Thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
• 
  Becky

  Rosmanda was living with her mother and father-in-law after her husband was killed in an accident going to bring his brother home from a drunken binge. She did everything she possibly could to help out on the farm, but her efforts weren't quite enough. And that's when her in-law's other son shows up. It was because she'd had history with Levi that she resented his presence. It took a while for the two of them to come to a rather tense but peaceful truce.
  
  Rosmanda came to Pennsylvania to escape a past indiscretion from her teens. When her past shows up in Indiana, she has to tell what happened with the situation, and face the judgment of a whole new community. It becomes apparent that she needs to move back to Pennsylvania to her parents' home.
  
  Patricia Johns knows much about the Amish lifestyle as well as how to use the knowledge to put together a readable novel with compelling plots and likable characters. This is a book worth four strong stars.
  
  Kensington Books and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
• 
  Kimmie

  Such a compelling story :)
  I loved the themes of forgiveness and second chances throughout this story. I thought that Patricia Johns did a good job describing her characters, from their reactions to grief, finding happiness and finding their purpose in life. It was an engaging read that had a good storyline. I thought that the characters reacted well to the situations they were put in and some of those situations were quite awkward (I mean imagine having to interact with a former beau!).
  I give this book 4 stars for the creative characters, second chances, and overall story development that kept me engaged throughout the book.
  *I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
• 
  Michelle Morgan

  Thursday’s Bride by Patricia Johns
  
  Join Rosmanda aka Rosie on a ride that is full of soul searching. Rosie has struggled to live a life of a proper Amish wife, mother, woman and now widow. She has lost so much of herself trying to be proper and perfect. Levi has made so many mistakes, bad choices and alcohol have nearly destroyed him. But he is on the road to recovery. Can she let go in order to marry her true love. Their journey is a sweet one of faith and trusting when it’s hard. Patricia Johns has done a fantastic job of telling Rosie and Levi’s story. It is a five star, well written, fast paced read.
  
• 
  Diane

  An Amish widow denies herself a happy life when she marries one brother while denying her true feelings for his younger brother. Rosmanda has learned the hard way that in an Amish community everything you do will be scrutinized and trying to leave her mistakes behind proves foolhardy. This dramatic story ponders public scrutiny from all angles as Rosmanda and Levi must come to terms with the people they are now and their desire for each other. A well written story and a hard won happily ever after. I read an early copy of this book through NetGalley and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.
• 
  Debra

  Rosmanda Lapp is a widow.....an unexpected widow who now must care for her twin infant daughters alone. Feeling she is a burden, to her husband's family, Rosmanda must figure out a way to ease that burden....but how? Her husband has a brother, that she thought would be her beau, when she was younger and unmarried. But, Levi left the community and Rosmanda married his brother, who is now gone. Do their hearts still hold the same feelings.....should she marry out of financial need.....will she be able to trust him, after he jumped the fence?
  
  This is another wonderful book, by the author, Patricia Johns. I have enjoyed her books before and this one did not disappoint!
• 
  Tammy Moldovan

  Just an okay read for me
  
  I have mixed opinions about this book. I liked the themes of second chances, forgiveness and healing along with the small secondary romance of age gap. The writing evoked lots of feels and I liked and connected to most of the characters but I had some difficulty connecting to Rosmanda as she was a bit unlikeable to me. In addition, there was a bit more steam than I am used to in Amish romances, though it was still super light. Despite my concerns, the book was well written, the characters had dimension and the storyline was engaging. This book may work better for others, it just was not right for me. 3.5 stars.
• 
  Vanessa

  A nice light Amish book.
  Actually seems to be a longer story than I've read in the past.
  Rosmanda is a young widow with twin daughters, who lives with her inlaws and is trying to help them and also move on.
  She struggles with forgiveness towards her brother in law, who was with her husband and his brother when he died, as he went out to help his brother, and died as result.
  Deep down she still loves Levi, but her past and her heart try and tear her in another direction.
  
  Of course love rules, and past secrets come out, but in true Amish fashion, things are solved in a peaceful way.
• 
  Karen Mcnicol

  Patricia Johns has done it again. You will be pulled into this Amish families life and want to fix it for them. We all no the one we loved and lost, usually it was always for the better. You can feel the pain that Rosmanda feels both for the love of her husband and for the girl she was at 16. This books shows us that the mistakes we make in the past, don't have to be the mistakes we drag into the future.
• 
  Donna

  This extraordinary story revolves a young Amish widow and her twin daughters living with her in-laws. She has to deal with old secrets, past loves and the idea of marrying again. This book was just a delight to read. The author developed the characters in a deep and realistic way that has the reader thinking that she not only "knows" the characters but understands the way they think! She has woven a sweet story that is guaranteed to delight anyone who loves to read an endearing tale!
• 
  Paula

  Thursday's Bride is a well written story that kept me wondering until the end! Rosemanda married Wayne, but she was in love with his brother, Levi. Wayne died, and now she isn't sure how to deal with Levi being so near. It's a great story with a happy ending, dealing with forgiveness. I enjoyed it very much!
• 
  Ann

  This is a well written book that holds your attention. It's a wonderful story about forgiveness and second chances. This book was a wonderful read that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. Thank you Kensington Books/Zebra via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
• 
  Wendy

  Touching and Real Amish Romance
  
  The book crept up on me slowly until I suddenly found myself caring deeply about Rosie and Levi. These chats gets are real—they struggle with their choices and feel deeply. I enjoyed the book quite a lot.
• 
  Edith G Shearer

  Great story, very hard to put down. Highly recommend.
  
  Great story , some what different , but shows all people are not perfect. Everyone has their own problems, nothing and nobody is perfect.