One does not normally equate Machiavellian and Amish in the same story, but Patrick E. Craig in the Amish Heiress, the first book in the Paradise Chronicles, does just that. I must admit I’ve grown weary of Amish romances. They’re usually predictable to the nth degree. But then the romance genre insists on formula. Craig doesn’t break the rules, but he sure does stretch them. I was drawn into this story in spite of myself—and ended up loving his treatment of the genre.
Rachel Hershberger lives in Paradise, PA. She’s not happy with her Amish life because her father, lost to the family for many years, makes life difficult for her. Rachel desires most to leave—her home, her upbringing, and her faith. Her best friend, Daniel, tries his best to dissuade her, but she determines to do so anyway.
Fate intervenes. Augusta St. Clair, who must be a distant relative of Machiavelli, has been enjoying the money and prestige of the St. Clair fortune she gained access to through marriage. Pregnant by one St. Clair brother, who spurns her, she turns to the other brother and marries him, convincing him he fathered the baby. Subsequently, he dies, leaving her with her son … and the fortune. To keep the fortune, her grandson, Robert, must marry a woman who has the key, a key-shaped birthmark above her heart that indicates she her St. Clair heritage.
Hence Augusta starts a search for that woman, possibly the child of her son she callously turned away years ago. And likewise, Rachel starts a search for a way to escape, to rid herself of her Amish trappings and get out from under her father’s untenable discipline. You’ll love the story. Craig fits all the pieces together deliciously. Augusta reminds me of misers, rubbing their hands together anticipating more gold. Rachel reminds me of Cinderella, dreaming of a day when she can escape her presumed drudgery. Five stars—and for me to give that score to an Amish romance means the Amish Heiress is extra special.
Patrick E. Craig says he’s a lifelong author and musician. He has been a pastor, worship leader, and seminar speaker. Craig writes both nonfiction and fiction, including middle-grade books and Amish romances. He and his wife, Judy, live in Idaho.
The author gave me a copy of the Amish Heiress, but I was in no way obligated to write a review.