Patchwork Dreams by Laura V. Hilton

Book Description:
Ever since returning from her rumspringa pregnant and unwed, Becky Troyer has been a pariah in her Amish community in Missouri. Even after the young mother confesses her sin and rejoins the church, her peers continue to shun her, and she despairs the unlikelihood of marrying for love. It seems that her only hope is to eventually marry a widower with a family of his own.

Becky's world changes when Jacob Miller arrives at her family's farm with the understanding that he will help with chores during the summer and then return to Pennsylvania. What Jacob does not know is that his father, who disapproves of Jacob's sweetheart, Susie, sent him away as part of a plan to introduce new blood into the Amish community of Seymour. In addition to his work around the farm, Jacob undertakes the task of cheering up the lovely yet listless Becky, inviting her to various youth gatherings and offering her the only unconditional friendship she's known.

As their relationship grows, the two find themselves inexplicably drawn to each other. Will Becky and Jacob overcome their insecurities and self–doubts so that their love can grow, or will Jacob keep his pledge to Susie and turn his back on Becky, as so many others have done?

My Thoughts:

I very much enjoyed this book. It's been a little while since I have read Amish fiction so it was nice to get a good story! Becky has decided since she has shamed her family by having a boppli out of wedlock that she will either become a spinster or have to marry someone who needs a wife. She couldn't possibly marry for love. Jacob is sent to Missouri by his family in Pennsylvania, he thinks to help out a distant relative and is shocked when he discovers he is part of a 'marriage swap'. He has a girl back home and isn't interested in marrying anyone else...well except for maybe Bex.

I loved Jacob. He was a strong, if sometimes confused, character. He thought he knew what he wanted out of life only to have that drastically change when he met 'the one'. Becky was a good character as well, the author did a wonderful job of portraying how timid and hurt she would be after what happened to her. I honestly think her father, Daniel, is my favorite character! He is a matchmaker and seems almost like a troublemaker! :) All the supporting characters were very personable and I loved every one of them. I can't wait for the next book!

5/5. This book teaches lessons as well as being a great story line!

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.