Emma Blooms at Last

Quiet, shy Emma Graber is afraid love has passed her by now that her childhood crush has married someone else. Romantic happiness is everywhere she looks: her brother James is settling down with her best friend, Abby (star of Abby Finds Her Calling), and Amanda and Wyman Brubaker (from Amanda Weds a Good Man) are also merging their families. Emma is startled and skittish when handsome, confident Jerome Lambright starts flirting, and she tries to freeze him out. Jerome has always been carefree, but having to work for Emma’s regard helps him settle down and plan for the future. Meddling matchmaker Amanda dispenses common-sense advice as Emma struggles with a number of life changes. The focus of Amish romance is always on the family, but families in King’s fictional Cedar Creek feel more real than most: they’re big, joyful, and loyal, and they have their faults as well. The family scenes are heartwarming and tender, making each expression of love all the sweeter. (Nov.)