Can a wedding-date deception…

Become true love?

Tired of being seen as a lonely workaholic, advertising exec Jill Wickey promises to bring her “casual boyfriend” to her sister’s Valentine’s wedding.

Too bad he doesn’t exist!

Then Thom Miller, a carpenter working at her aunt’s Amish B&B, offers to be Jill’s fake boyfriend—if they turn the lie into truth.

But dating Thom in idyllic Amish country makes Jill wish their temporary arrangement could last…

Titles in The Butternut Amish B&B series include — Her Amish Country Valentine —♥— A Single Dad in Amish Country —♥— A Boy’s Amish Christmas —♥—

This is an adult romance that does not contain graphic violence, swearing, or sexual situations beyond kisses.

NetGalley ARC

Title:  Her Amish Country Valentine
Series:  The Butternut Amish B&B #1
Author:  Patricia Johns
Genre:  Amish Romance (Contemporary)
Published:  March 28, 2023
Publisher:  Harlequin Heartwarming
My Rating:  4.5

Her Amish Country Valentine begins The Butternut Amish B&B with a delightful romance between a couple who, on the surface, seem to have far different goals in life… but love finds a way in when it’s exactly what they each need.

Jill has returned to her great-aunt’s bed and breakfast in Amish country for her younger sister’s wedding.  Although she has Amish relatives, Jill’s family tree descends from a brother who chose the English way… but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t love her Aunt Belinda to pieces and returns when she can.  A true workaholic aiming for a promotion and a corner office, Jill doesn’t have time for long visits or romantic encounters.  She’s here for a wedding and maybe to get a few contacts for work included.  She’s a city girl, and while being in the quiet Amish community is a good reprieve once in a while, she’s not planning on staying… but her life is about to change, and perhaps her mindset as well.

Thom loves country living.  The slower pace, the actual knowing who your neighbors are, and the caring of the close-knit community he often finds work with suit him just fine.  While he may not be Amish himself, he can appreciate the lifestyle, the commitments, and the connections he sees around him on a daily basis.  He has no desire for the city, and that’s been proven to him on a heartbreaking level.  He won’t lie, but he wouldn’t mind a few casual dates with Jill in order to be her plus-one at her sister’s wedding.  A favor for a friend and a woman he’s quickly beginning to have feelings for, even if her life is far away in the city.

I loved Her Amish Country Valentine.  While Jill and Thom seem to be opposites they connect on such a deeper level, although it might take a stubborn donkey named Eyeore, a matchmaker aunt, and a hard look at priorities before they are willing to take the risk to their hearts that will be necessary for a happy ever after ending.  I also loved the secondary characters, especially Aunt Belinda; my grandmother would have called her a “hoot”. (grins)  I look forward to continuing this series.

If you love a well-written, engaging, emotional romance with all the feels you could wish for then start The Butternut Amish B&B series with Her Amish Country Valentine right now.

This title releases on March 28, 2023.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own -good, bad, or indifferent.*

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