Amish Weddings

Gould’s third Neighbors of Lancaster County novel (after Amish Sweethearts) draws readers back into the joy and heartache of faith, family, and friendship. Rose used to be the wild child of her family, but at age 18 she decides to reform her ways and join the church. She quickly sets her sights on Reuben, the man whose heart was broken by her sister Lila. While she’s certain that Reuben returns her interest, her head is turned by a visiting Englischer, Trevor. To complicate matters, Rose’s newfound maturity is tested even further when Lila is involved in a serious accident, leaving Rose to step up and take over the running of her father’s household and care of their younger sister, Trudy. The narrative flows beautifully through the differing narrations of Rose, Lila, Reuben, and Zane, Lila’s intended. Each voice is well defined and brings a balanced perspective to a complex story that digs deeply into Amish culture and shatters some preconceived notions about Amish interactions with their non-Amish neighbors. Gould evokes true emotion as she examines contemporary situations through a critical, yet loving, lens. Agent: Chip MacGregor, MacGregor Literary Agency (Jan.)