Someone to Trust

Someone to Trust by Patricia Davids is a cute Amish novel. Wanetta Burkholder has married into a family with four daughters of marriageable age and she knows her cousin in Maine has four bachelor sons. The two women decide that Wanetta and her step-children should visit which gives them the chance to do a little matchmaking. Gabe Fisher is too busy working to have time to court and Esther Burkholder, who is deaf, does not want a hearing husband. The matchmaking venture seems doomed from the start. I enjoyed this engaging Amish novel. It is the 4th book in North Country Amish, but it can be read as a standalone. I thought Someone to Trust was well-written with steady pacing. I liked the characters especially Gabe and Esther. An Amish deaf woman is a unique concept. I like how the author dealt with the topic of deafness. Esther was a strong character who did not let her deafness keep her from enjoying life. She lived a full life with a job she loved, good friends, and special talents (sketching and sewing). Esther is also a smart woman who came up with some great ideas for helping Gabe's leatherworking business. Faith and God are beautifully incorporated into the story. It is wonderful that the Amish view children with disabilities as gifts from God. There were some sweet, tender moments in the story along with some humorous ones. Jonah, Esther's younger brother, provided some of the amusing ones. He is an honest little fellow. It was interesting learning about the leatherworking trade. This is my favorite book by Patricia Davids. Someone to Trust is a heartwarming Amish tale with matchmaking mamas, fetching flowers, stunning sketches, wandering walks, a woman satisfied with self, a compassionate man, and surprising romance.