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Tuesday, February 12, 2019

The Amish Candy Maker FB Banner

About the Book

The Amish Candy Maker Cover
Title: The Amish Candy Maker
Author: Laura V. Hilton
Genre: Amish Christian Fiction
Release date: February 5, 2019
Publisher: WhitakerHouse
Agnes Zook finds herself on her own in a small Amish community in Mackinac County after a tragedy kills her family. Most of the Amish call her “off in den Kopf” (strange) since she’s starting her own business and forging her own way in the community instead of relying on the bishop to take care of her. Since she’s viewed as non-submissive and too-forward for an Amish woman, she’s not courted by young men in the area.
Isaac Mast is on the verge of leaving the Amish church. He’s become a sought-after auctioneer and has a thriving business, but he feels confined by the strict rules. When his brother is severely injured in a wild fire, Isaac receives a letter from his sister-in-law, begging him to come to Mackinac County to help out while his brother is hospitalized. Isaac agrees but is unsure how to manage their young children when he has weekend auctions he’s expected to attend.
Agnes may be the answer to a prayer. Sparks fly when she and Isaac meet. But could their differences help them form a deeper connection to their faith…and each other?


About the Author

Laura pictureLaura Hilton is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and is a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, with more than a thousand reviews published on the web. Her first series with Whitaker was The Amish of Seymour, comprising Patchwork DreamsA Harvest of Hearts (2012 Laurel Award winner, first place in the Amish Genre Clash), and Promised to Another; and her second was The Amish of Webster County, comprising Healing LoveAwakened Love, and Surrendered Love. Her next series was The Amish of Jamesport, featuring The Post CardSnow Globe, and The Birdhouse. Her latest books include The Amish FirefighterThe Amish Wanderer, and Love By the Numbers. Laura and her husband, Steve, live in Arkansas with their five children, whom Laura homeschools.

Guest Post from Laura

RECIPE FOR FUDGE À LA AGNES ZOOK

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Fudge
Courtesy of Laura V. Hilton

1 bag (12 ounces) milk chocolate chips
1 bag (10 ounces) peanut butter chips
2 cans sweetened condensed milk, divided
6 tablespoons butter, divided
20 to 30 miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or six regular-size ones broken into four or five pieces each
For the chocolate layer: Line a greased 8-by-11.5-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a double boiler or metal bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, combine milk chocolate chips, 1 can sweetened condensed milk, and 4 tablespoons butter. Stir until melted and smooth.
Pour into prepared baking dish and allow to cool to room temperature, then move to the refrigerator while preparing next layer.
For the peanut butter layer: In a double boiler or metal bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, combine peanut butter chips, 1 can sweetened condensed milk, and 2 tablespoons butter. Stir until melted and smooth.
Pour on to the milk chocolate fudge layer and press pieces of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into the surface. If desired, group candy pieces in a grid-like fashion for easier cutting later.
Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate overnight or until set.
Remove from refrigerator, lift out of the pan by the edges of the parchment paper, and cut into squares, with roughly one miniature peanut butter cup or piece of a cup per square.
Store in the refrigerator.


Review.jpg


It was hard not to crave candy as I read this book. The author really piqued my interest in making fudge as one of the main character's owns a Candy Shop. It was easy to like Agnes because she was thoughtful, giving and a hard worker. She has been through a tragedy and now is on her own. I  loved reading about her shop and I could smell the aromas of chocolate and other delicious flavors floating throughout her shop. A lot of Amish stories seem to be centered around bakeries or restaurants, so this was a very refreshing setting.

It was easy for me to like Agnes because I could relate to her struggles. She has a hard time believing that God loves her, and I struggle with that same issue. Her father was a bit hard on her and left a lasting impression that if she didn't marry Gabe  she would be  alone forever. It must have been heartbreaking for her when Gabe married someone else. Her self-esteem really needed a pick me up. Have you ever thought that no one would want you? Agnes doesn't see herself as God does. She has believed all these years that she is not worthy to be loved. 


Isaac comes into the story when his brother is severely injured . His  brother and sister- in -law need to travel to a hospital for a period of time for him to receive treatment. I wasn't sure about Isaac for awhile. He was arrogant and way to flirty. He seemed to be put off having to take care of his nieces and nephew while his brother is away. He has an attraction to Agnes right away which didn't set well with me. I wanted to tell him to back off and worry about what he came to town for. Does he like Agnes because he needs help with the children? 

As the story progresses, the author gives us insight into two hurting people both wanting answers from God. I can't tell you how many times I have prayed about something, only to get no reply. It can be discouraging and a feeling of loneliness can set in. Agnes is seeking acceptance and Isaac is looking for forgiveness. The story is emotional at times and shows that everyone at some point in their life struggle with their faith.   it is a great book with  characters many can relate to. 

I loved the story and how the author used scriptures at just the right time in the story to emphasize a point. There is much wisdom in this book with lessons in forgiveness, acceptance and trusting God. 

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Carla Loves To Read, February 5
Among the Reads, February 6
Britt Reads Fiction, February 6
The Avid Reader, February 7
Emily Yager, February 8
Quiet quilter, February 8
Maureen’s Musings, February 9
Bibliophile Reviews, February 10
Vicky Sluiter, February 10
Daysong Reflections, February 11
Texas Book-aholic, February 12
Janices book reviews, February 12
Carpe Diem, February 13
SusanLovesBooks, February 14
Inklings and Notions, February 16
Pause for Tales, February 16
Have A Wonderful DayFebruary 17
For the Love of Books, February 17
Bigreadersite, February 18

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Laura is giving away a grand prize of a large and small spatula set and a $10 Starbucks gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d9a6/the-amish-candy-maker-celebration-tour-giveaway

4 comments:

  1. The book sounds great.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you for your review on "The Amish Candy Maker" by Laura V. Hilton and for being part of the book tour.

    Just love this author's books and how she can work words of faith and forgiveness into her stories so well. Really like this cover with the how subtle the chocolate is in the background.
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love peanut butter fudge, but never tried making it before. So fun that this book has a recipe to go with it!

    ReplyDelete