Rosanna's Gift

Susan Lantz Simpson

Dec 2019 · The Amish of Southern Maryland Book 4 · Zebra Books

About this ebook

In Southern Maryland’s serene Amish country, one young woman’s life is changed by an unexpected request . . .

“She’s yours.” Until now, Rosanna Mast’s hopes for the future have all revolved around handsome Henry Zook. But when a young Englisch girl places her newborn daughter in Rosanna’s arms and utters those words, shock quickly turns to fierce, protective devotion. Between helping her midwife mamm and caring for her own siblings, Rosanna has plenty of experience with babies. And who wouldn’t love a sweet-natured boppli like little Mollie? Yet to her dismay, Henry has no intention of ever taking on another man’s child. Instead, it is steady, thoughtful Paul Hertzler who becomes Rosanna’s staunch supporter.

Paul knows he should have acted sooner on his feelings for Rosanna. Now, as her dream of adopting Mollie meets unexpected hurdles, he sees a way to help. Rosanna would do anything to keep baby Mollie—perhaps even agree to marriage. But will Rosanna continue to hold him at arm’s length, or see that he longs to offer her the love and family she deserves?

Ratings and reviews

Rosanna’s Gift by Susan Lantz Simpson takes us to an Amish community in Southern Maryland. Rosanna Mast is training to be a midwife by working alongside her mother. She fancies Henry Zook and hopes that he will take her home from a singing. An Englischer who gives her name as Jane comes to them in labor and they deliver her little girl. Jane surprises Rosanna when she states that the baby now belongs to her and has papers giving up her parental rights. Jane scoots out the window and into a passing car while Rosanna is fetching her mother. Rosanna names the little girl Mollie and is happy to discover that the legal paperwork she received is all in order. Then Rosanna learns that Henry will not raise another man’s child especially a child that was born to an Englischer. Rosanna wonders if any man will want to marry her. Paul Hostetler has admired Rosanna from afar and regrets not having acted on his feelings sooner. He can see that Rosanna and Mollie are meant to be together and supports her decision to adopt the baby. But then something unexpected happens that could derail the adoption. Paul has a suggestion, but he is not sure that Rosanna will be receptive. Rosanna’s Gift is a sweet, heartwarming Amish romance. I liked this unique story with charming characters and the adorable little Mollie. I thought the story was well-written and it moved along steadily. Rosanna is a kind, thoughtful woman with a big heart. Her love of Mollie and her family was evident. Paul is such a sweetheart. He is a thoughtful, caring man who will make a wonderful husband and father. I like how Paul was there for Rosanna. I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop over the course of the story. We get a glimpse at the life of Amish in Southern Maryland. Faith, love and family are the prevalent themes in Rosanna’s Gift. My favorite line was Rosanna’s Gift is, “Life is full of surprises, for sure and for certain.” There was one character that I found entertaining (I cannot say more because I do not want to spoil the story for you). She was quite unique and humorous. Rosanna’s Gift is heartfelt story with an unexpected blessing, a stalwart friend, a supportive family, an unforeseen hurdle, and a contented conclusion.

very good

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.