Jeb's Wife

Blurb:

Patricia Johns’ sensitive storytelling brings depth and heart to this tender story of second chances, as an Amish woman embarks on marriage with the gruff farmer next door . . .

Once, Leah Riehl prayed for a husband. The man she loved chose another, wanting the children that Leah can’t provide. But she’s found a measure of peace, keeping house for her brother, Simon, and teaching in a nearby town. Now though, Simon’s debts to an Englisher gambling ring have left Leah with a desperate dilemma—and a surprising offer from her scarred, reclusive neighbor. Jebadiah King needs to marry in order to claim his family farm. A union, for appearances only, will help them both.

Jeb knows his scars make him a less than ideal husband, but he can be a useful one. It’s the least that Leah deserves. But despite the promises he made to himself, Jeb can’t help longing for his lovely, warmhearted new wife. His first marriage brought heartbreak, but Leah’s gentle smiles spark hope again. Are they willing to take the leap that love requires—and open themselves to all the challenges and joy a true marriage could bring?

Thoughts:

I had decided that this year I would read books that help me learn, think, and grow. I started off with books that I thought would do that.

Then life and work happened. While dealing with the stress associated with all that, I wanted a book as an escape. It had to be sweet, clean, and with a happily-ever-after ending.

Jeb’s wife was that book. I have no clue where I got it from, as in whether I was given a free copy in exchange for a review. It seemed perfect for my purpose – this was my escape read.

It is a clean romance that has its characters finding their place in the community, marrying for convenience, daring to love for a second time, getting another chance at love, and learning to trust people again.

Although it was supposed to help me escape, it made me think of what we hope for and expect from life and what we end up with. For example, I did not like that Leah thought of her life as having less meaning if she didn’t marry and have children.

However, I reasoned that maybe it was because she belonged to a community that values such things or because she longed to be needed and accepted. That was how I explained her attitude towards her lazy, immature brother.

I understood why Jeb was cautious in his interactions with others. He was burned physically and emotionally. He was then shunned because the community didn’t ever hear his side of things.

With such different attitudes and personalities, Jeb and Leah were certainly not an ideal match. I reckon, opposites probably attract or complement each other. As they got to know each other better, they fell in love despite the friction caused by others.

Johns writes well in that she turns an ordinary story into one of depth and meaning. I liked the fact that not only the hero and heroine but others in the community also changed as they realized that what they did was wrong.

Would I read Jeb's wife again? No.

Would I read other books by Johns? Maybe.