An Unexpected Amish Courtship

This disappointing Amish romance from Good (His Unexpected Amish Twins) centers on a woman finding unexpected love. After the death of 19-year-old Sovilla Mast’s father, she is sent to live with her Englischer aunt, Wilma. Once Sovilla arrives, stern and demanding Wilma forces her to work at a farmers market. There, Sovilla meets Isaac—an identical twin from a large family who doesn’t speak because he has a severe stutter. The two develop a friendship as they learn more about each other’s burdens. Isaac’s brothers, Sovilla’s cousins, and aunt Wilma all prove to be remarkably cruel, and the level of verbal abuse and meanness described can be overpowering. The characters tend toward the simplistic and their motivations are often questionable, as when Sovilla is shockingly quick to forgive Wilma. The one-note secondary characters don’t do the narrative any favors, either. The romance between Sovilla and Isaac, which unfolds sweetly under the pressure of their families, is the only ray of light. Fans of Amish romances can pass on this one. (Aug.)