Another spring reminds the Amish of Cedar Creek, Missouri, that for everything there is a season.
Zanna Lambright is finally marrying Jonny Ropp, and friends and family have come from far and wide to celebrate. Among them is young widow Rosemary Yutzy, mother of toddler Katie, whose husband was tragically killed last fall. With a willing heart Rosemary has taken over care of her in-law’s family and continued to run a baked goods business from home, but privately she still mourns her lost Joe...and is unprepared for the changes that are coming...
Rosemary’s father-in-law wants to merge his lamb-raising business with Matt Lambright’s—a move that will require the Yutzys to relocate from their nearby town to Cedar Creek. Moreover, it will bring Rosemary into constant contact with Matt, who is making no secret of his romantic interest in her. The challenges of contemplating a future unlike any she expected are overwhelming for Rosemary. And although Matt is strong and kind, his courtship is so persistent, she often wants to run the other way. As Rosemary struggles to see beyond her immediate joys and sorrows, will she embrace the outpouring of welcome and support from the people of Cedar Creek...and accept this new chance to open her heart to a more abundant life?
I liked this book, but I wish I would have read the book that came before. I felt like I couldn't connect to all of the characters as quickly because there was a lot of back story that wasn't there, and it felt like I should have already known about their history, but I didn't. It took me longer to get into the story. I love this author's writing, but this is a book that will be enjoyed more if you have read the first book in the Home at Cedar Creek series.
As far as the story, it was a journey for the young Amish widow Rosemary who had lost her husband and had a young daughter. Then we meet Matt who is looking for love, and falls immediately in love with Rosemary the first time he sees her. He comes on very strong and actually scares Rosemary a little. She says she isn't ready for a new relationship. Matt doesn't give up, but ends up winning over her daughter. This in turn wins over Rosemary.
The other storyline involves characters Abby and James. Abby has loved James for a long time, but he first fell in love with her sister, Zanna. I almost loved this part of the story the best. It was great to see how James's eyes are slowly opened to what a wonderful women Abby really is. It made me so glad to finally see James realize that he was in love with her.
In conclusion, I really love reading about the Amish people. They have their heads on straight and live good lives of industry and high values. They put family and God first in their lives. This is why it is always a breath of fresh air to read a novel about them. Naomi always gets this part right portraying the Amish. I would always pick up a novel written by this author. She also writes Amish romance novels under the name of Charlotte Hubbard and I have reviewed her books under that name. If you like books about the Amish, you will like Rosemary Opens Her Heart, but I highly suggest reading the first book in the series first, because you will know all of the characters better, and won't feel like you are coming into a movie half way in.
