Lizzie's Heart

Susan Lantz Simpson

May 2020 · The Amish of Southern Maryland Book 5 · Zebra Books

About this ebook

Fall in Southern Maryland’s Amish country is a time of fiery falling leaves, a bountiful harvest, and bracing, frost-touched days. It’s the perfect season for one irrepressible maidel to try an unexpected match . . .
 
Good-hearted and impulsive, twenty-year-old Lizzie Fisher has many chores—and secrets. She’s caring for kittens abandoned by their mother and practicing her drawing talent away from disapproving eyes. So the last thing she needs is someone like handsome Stephen Zimmerman constantly “helping” her out of trouble. But when she discovers they both have lovelorn siblings, she has an idea: why can’t she and Stephen bring his older brother and her older sister together? After all, how hard could matchmaking be?
 
Even though he’s the youngest son of an Old Order Mennonite family, Stephen is used to looking out for everyone else. Yet somehow the romantic schemes he and Lizzie cook up keep going awry—in ways that hint they may suit each other. But their deepening bond is both delightful and complicated. For bridging their differences will take bravery,
compromise—and faith in their hopes and dreams . . .
  
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Ratings and reviews

Lizzie’s Heart by Susan Lantz Simpson is a sweet, heartwarming Amish novel. Lizzie’s Heart is the 5th book in The Amish of Southern Maryland series. Each book can be read on its own. I thought Lizzie’s Heart was well-written with friendly characters and relatable situations. I enjoyed the descriptions of Maryland. Lizzie Fisher is twenty years old with a knack for weaving, knitting, and sewing. She also has a soft heart where animals are concerned. She has a habit of bringing home strays much to her mother’s dismay (she prefers an orderly, scheduled day). Lizzie also likes to draw but she keeps it a secret. She is afraid that the church elders will not approve and tell her to stop. I liked Lizzie’s upbeat personality and that she tries to see the best in people and situations. Lizzie encounters Stephen when races by him to save the kittens from a burning house. Lizzie has a way of getting herself into sticky situations. Stephen makes wood furniture and raises Golden Retrievers as service dogs. He admires Lizzie’s artwork and Lizzie. But Stephen recently had a bad experience with a woman and is not eager for a new relationship. They each have an elder sibling and attempt to do a little matchmaking. I laughed often while reading this Amish story. I appreciated that the author took the time to explain the differences between Old Order Amish and Old Order Mennonite. I found this fascinating. I enjoyed the interactions between Mary and Lizzie. Mary is such a kind woman who can roll with the punches after raising four boys. I admit that I am fascinated with weaving and liked this being included in the book. It is unique for an Amish novel. Lizzie’s Heart is a heartening and witty Amish tale with cavorting kittens, learning a loom, playful puppies, and matchmaking mayhem.

Loved it!

About the author

Susan Lantz Simpson has been writing stories and poetry ever since she penned her first poem at the age of six. She has always loved the magic of words and how they can entertain and enlighten others. Her love of words led her to earn a degree in English/Education from St. Mary’s College of Maryland in St. Mary’s City, Maryland. She has taught students from pre-kindergarten to high school and has also worked as an editor for the federal government. She also holds a degree in nursing from the University of Maryland at Baltimore and has worked in hospitals and in community health. She writes inspirational stories of love and faith and has published a middle grade novel (Ginger and the Bully). She lives in Southern Maryland and is the mother of two wonderful daughters. She’s also a member of ACFW. When not writing, she enjoys reading, walking, and doing needlework.