The Amish Widower (Volume 4) (The Men of Lancaster County) by Virginia Smith


The Amish Widower (Volume 4) (The Men of Lancaster County)
Title : The Amish Widower (Volume 4) (The Men of Lancaster County)
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 0736968652
ISBN-10 : 9780736968652
Language : English
Format Type : Paperback
Number of Pages : 320
Publication : Published April 1, 2017

Is It Time for This Widower to Give Love One More Chance? After the devastating loss of his second wife, Seth Hostetler believes a lasting love is beyond all hope. A year has passed, and his mamm and sister are determined to see him happily married once again. But how can he open his heart to another woman when their relationship could end in tragedy?

On an outing with his family, Seth comes across an Amish potter hard at work and jumps at the chance to take a seat at the wheel. He takes quickly to this creative outlet, pouring his long-buried emotions into each piece he shapes. Unfortunately, the fancy nature of his art draws the disapproval of his district's leadership.

His work puts him in the path of Leah, an Englisch woman employed by the Amish to sell their wares to tourists. Despite her aloofness, something about her speaks to Seth's wounded soul. But what is he to do when the things he wants most threaten to pull him away from the life he's committed to live?

A compelling novel of second chances and the power of God to redeem hearts and dreams, set in the inviting Amish community of Lancaster County.


The Amish Widower (Volume 4) (The Men of Lancaster County) Reviews


  • Elaine

    This is an emotive story, exploring grief, guilt, love, loss, the power of forgiveness and moving on through the points of view of several characters and Amish beliefs. Don’t let that put you off, though, even this is the fourth book in the series, I have to say it works brilliantly as a standalone as I thoroughly enjoyed it despite not having read any of the previous stories in the series.

    The story starts as Seth Hostetler and his young wife are travelling from the Sunday service when a tragedy happens, killing both his wife and their unborn child. This is the second time Seth has become a widower and he vows not to take a third wife in case tragedy strikes again. A year later his family and the Amish community of which they are part seem determined that it is time for him to take a third wife. He’s already struggling to determine his role in life as a younger son but when he braves driving the horse and carriage again to take his Mamm and sister shopping he discovers an Amish potter who offers to teach him how to make some of his wares. Seth has found a much needed and appreciated outlook for his creative talents. He enjoys developing new skills and working with the elderly potter. The potter’s granddaughter, Leah, works in the potter’s shop, selling their wares. She was brought up to be Amish but has chosen not to follow their ways after a traumatic event, so a relationship between the two should not happen. The story follows their life journey and that of Robbie, an Englisch teen who volunteers to drive Seth and his family anywhere they need to go. As the story unfolds, the deeply held beliefs of Seth will be sorely tested and only through forgiveness will any of them come to terms and move on in their lives.

    This definitely wasn’t what I’d expected in this story - it was so much more powerful. It reveals aspects of the characters as the story unfolds, bringing them to life in the reader’s imagination. One of my favourite characters has to be Seth’s grandmother, she’s definitely well worth looking out for, a loving but determined matriarchal figure in the family, a lady who will stand for no nonsense! This is a moving story of overcoming grief and guilt, helping others and being able to forgive others as well as yourself. Living in England, I’ve never had any contact with members of the Amish community and this gives an insight into their ‘Plain’ lives. I’ve found this intriguing and very interesting. I’m not sure I could do it as I’d really miss using my car, Kindle and computer, however, other aspects of their lives are very appealing and the very sense of community something that is very powerful. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will certainly be reading more by this author and other books about the Amish in future. I highly recommend this insightful, moving and heartwarming story to anyone who enjoys escaping into a emotive romance and gain an insight into the beliefs and practices of the Amish whilst you do so!

    I spotted this book was available to request on NetGalley and am very pleased to be given a copy by the publishers without obligation. This is my honest opinion after reading the story.

  • Deanne Patterson


    A continuation of the original series, The Men Of Lancaster County created by Mindy Starns Clark and Susan Meissner.
    Tragedy doesn't care who we are it comes knocking on all of ours doors at some point!
    Amish widower Seth Hostetler has had his share of tragedy. He has had the unbelievable sadness of trying to cope with the death of not one but two wives. He has moved back to his parents house after his second wive's death and no longer has the confidence to drive a buggy. His second wife died in a buggy accident that he feels he should have been able to prevent. Feeling like a fifth wheel at his parent's house because there are so many people already living there doing the chores he decides to take up a hobby. Pottery making becomes important to him when he takes it up. It's his way of relaxing and it clams him and helps him to forget. He needs a ride there since he doesn't drive anymore and his neighbor, Robbie offers to be a driver for the members of his family. His family is grateful for this. When he meets Robbie, he notices he has anxiety and his hands shake. As he and his family get to know Robbie, his anxiety lessens and they come to like him. Later in the story we find out what secret Robbie hides and how it affects his whole life.
    Forgiveness is a balm to the soul and is mightily shown here!
    Excellent book!
    Pub Date 01 Apr 2017
    Thank you to NetGalley and Harvest House Publishers for a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

  • Maureen Timerman

    When this book opens we learn that Seth had lost his first wife and now is happily married and expecting a baby, but this world is not about to last, and a tragic accident happens and he looses his second wife.
    We travel in Seth’s shoes as he goes about his everyday life, and trying to avoid what his family and the community wants, him to remarry, he just can’t do it as he blames himself in a way for the demise of his loved ones. How is he ever going to be able to settle down and have a family, and he decides he isn’t.
    A chance meeting with a potter and a new course in his life is set, and a young man shows up in his family’s yard one day looking for a job. Robbie soon becomes Seth’s driver, now from this point on I realized or speculated on who he was, and you will have to read to find out if I’m right.
    We also have another struggling soul, the potter’s granddaughter Leah, a former Amish woman, and now struggling, and these two have a lot in common, they need to forgive. Easy to say, but hard to do, and will they ever be able to be at peace without it?
    I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harvest House, and was not required to give a positive review.

  • Julia

    The Amish Widower by Virginia Smith is a wonderful Amish tale focusing on the theme of forgiveness.
    Life can be hard. We receive knocks we weren't expecting. We have a choice... run to God or run from God. Both scenarios occur in the novel. Life without God equates to lack of peace. Questioning one's faith in times of hardship is not wrong. "Did no one know how often I had questioned my faith?" It is in the trials, the tribulations, the questions and the doubt, that we grow.
    Withholding forgiveness can warp our lives as we become bitter and fearful. If we hold on to unforgiveness, we risk the sin of hubris. God forgives and we must too. Without forgiveness, we risk a life of pain that will destroy us from the inside out. "Forgiving is what we do when we can no longer stand the ain of not forgiving." Forgiving is a choice. Sometimes a choice that we have to choose to do again and again. Forgiving is not easy. The hardest person to forgive, is the one in the mirror. We may think we do not deserve forgiveness and we would be right... no one deserves forgiveness but that is where God steps in and extends grace and forgiveness to all who truly repent. " If a man receives only what he deserves, we are all doomed."
    Guilt is another theme. Guilt weighs us down. It is a heavy burden to carry when our guilt is linked to our unforgiveness of ourselves. We need to release our burden to God and let Him work in our lives.
    There is the theme of healing - both physical and spiritual. The latter can only be done by God if we let Him in. "Gott cannot heal you from something you hold so tightly."
    Everyone has scars. Some are visible. Others are not. The novel deals with the theme of PTSD, showing how both prayer and health professionals are needed for healing.
    There is a wonderful motif of a potter and his clay. God is the master potter. We are the clay. We are shaped and refined by Him individually and uniquely. Each one of us is a person of beauty in the hands of God.
    The theme of prodigals is present in the story. The reader waits with baited breath to see if any return.
    There is a wonderful family feel to the novel. Community is important too. Bonding over food made this reader feel decidedly peckish!
    The Amish Widower was written in the first person from a male point of view. In spite of being female, he was easy to empathise with. It was a wonderful read, with many godly themes, and I loved it.
    I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

  • Lori

    I for the most part enjoyed this novel. I love this type of story anyway.
    I can relate to Seth in more ways than one but then, so can everyone else.
    I too have lost loved ones that are dear to me and I miss them even to this day.
    Time has a way of healing and soothing the soul. But you never get over missing them. In some ways, I think the Amish are wrong in deciding a year is long enough. Your see, grief has no length of time or about when its over.
    Forgiveness is another issue. Even this I find hard to do. Hate will eat away at you until you are left bitter and unforgiving.
    I think it goes like this without forgivingthe other person our Father will not forgive us.
    Seth is a lot like me. I let my anger issues get out of control at times to the point where I even throw stuff.
    I also believe that are thirds at a chance at love. Maybe this was Gods way of letting Seth know that He had other plans for him.
    when we are young, oftimes we do foolish things. Without doing these foolish things we don't learn from our mistakes as young Robbie soon learns.
    I had to admire Robbie. It took courage for what he had to do. E manned up and took charge of his mistake.
    I find this interesting because he carried around an awful lot of guilt before hand.
    I also find it kind of wrong not to take justice in because of what went on with Leah. But, at the same time I admire the Amish for that. They live in the world but not of it. Or at least they try to set themselves apart from it.
    I was happy for Seth as the story went on.
    I've never had to have counseling but I often times wonder it actually does help.
    I will say that this a different type of Amish story. I like it because of the twists and turns that it has. I gave this a 5 stars for this reason.
    Ginny did a fabulous job in bringing the characters to life and making them have real life issues that we can all relate to.
    I recommend this strongly recommend this book.
    I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley.
    I was not required to give a review. These are my own words.

  • Kristie

    (I would actually give this 4.5 stars if I could...)

    Following the death of his wife, Rachel, Seth Hostetler feels lucky to have found love again with his second wife, Hannah. When an accident takes Hannah from him, Seth gives up on love and marriage, and he finds some solace in his family and his Amish faith as well as working with clay and learning to be a potter. Although the pottery he creates gives him an outlet for his grief, Seth still has a lot of anger and guilt to sort through, but many in his family and his Amish community think that he has mourned long enough, and that it is time to make a third attempt at a family. Seth disagrees, though he DOES feel a certain pull toward the young woman, Leah, who works in the pottery shop….

    THE AMISH WIDOWER by Virginia Smith follows Seth’s journey from Hannah’s death to the mending of his heart through the power of friendships, family, faith, and forgiveness. Seth is a great character: he’s smart, talented, and flawed, and none of the decisions he makes through the course of the book seem forced. The story develops naturally, and although I could see the eventual outcome for each of the main characters early on in the novel, I was invested in each of these carefully drawn individuals, and I wanted to see how they would get where they were going. A special bonus to the book is learning more about the Amish and about making pottery. Although THE AMISH WIDOWER is fiction, the author appears to have researched all aspects of it extensively to make sure there aren’t any glaring errors to throw readers off.

    Kudos to Virginia Smith for a well formulated story and a well-written book. And my thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

  • Teresa Snyder

    I'm not a big fan of Amish books, reading them occasionally. This one is very well written - almost too detailed for my liking. You truly feel as if you are there, peeking in the window as the story unfolds.

    The main characters have each suffered a life altering experience. Seth feeling responsible for the death of his two wives. The secondary characters are equally good. You'll find yourself pulling for Robbie.

    The ending and epilogue --- well, they're great!

  • Laura

    THE AMISH WIDOWER is written in first person and shows how Seth suffered from the loss of two wives, Despite attempts at matchmaking, Seth remains uninterested.... But God works in mysterious ways and I absolutely loved this story!



    Must read. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

  • Sandy

    Great story about forgiving those who don't deserve forgiveness. Also forgiving ourselves when we don't live up to our own expectations.

  • Kristina

    The Amish Widower by Virginia Smith is the fourth book in The Men of Lancaster County series. Seth Hostetler lives in Lancaster County with his second wife, Hannah. They are on their way home from Sunday services when a car with two teens inside start causing trouble. The boys hollering and honking causes the horse to spook and the carriage ends up flipping over. Hannah is flung from the carriage and dies on impact. Seth vows he will not marry again and endanger another woman. A year later Seth is living on the family farm and he has yet to get over the loss of Hannah. The woman in his family, though, have decided that it is time for Seth to find a new bride. When Seth takes the ladies on a shopping trip, they stop at Plain Man’s Pottery owned by Elias Beachy. Elias offers Seth a lesson and it turns out that Seth has a knack for pottery. Seth finds it soothing and a chance to escape from his family’s matchmaking. Elias’ granddaughter, Leah works in the shop, and there is something about her that attracts Seth. They both have suffered losses. One day a young man stops by the Hostetler farm. His name is Robbie Barker, and he offers to be a driver. Seth is not comfortable driving a buggy since the accident and uses Robbie’s services. Robbie is nervous around Seth in the beginning, but they soon become friends. Robbie has a secret that he needs to share with Seth, but it will change the relationship between the pair. In addition, it could send Seth’s temper spiraling out of control. Find out what happens by reading The Amish Widower.

    The Amish Widower is a beautifully crafted novel that captured my interest immediately. Seth is a man struggling with the loss of two wives, and he feels responsible (though he had nothing to do with either of their deaths). We get to see him work through his grief and anger (he has trouble controlling his temper). It was nice to see him find an outlet in pottery. The author takes readers through process of creating the pottery (which I found fascinating). I loved the descriptions of Seth’s creations especially his unique candleholders. I felt that The Amish Widower has a great flow and good writing. The story develops naturally and easily. I give The Amish Widower 4.5 out of 5 stars. While The Amish Widower is a part of a series, each book can be read alone. The ending is expected, but I still enjoyed reading the book (I did not want to put it down). I appreciated how Ms. Smith shows the healing power of forgiveness. We can see how forgiveness helps both parties. The Amish Widower is my favorite story in The Men of Lancaster County series.

  • Pamela Pavkov

    The Amish Widower is a novel written by Virginia Smith and is included in The Men of Lancaster County series. This is a new author to me but she has written many novels. I enjoyed this book immensely and I highly recommend it to all readers who enjoy the Amish genre along with romance.

    I enjoyed getting to know all the wonderful characters that were chosen for this story. The main character Seth Hostetler has loved and lost twice over and claims he will never remarry. When Seth's mother and sister purpose insist he drive them to town, Seth comes up with many excuses not to. While on this journey to find the perfect wedding gift for a family member Seth takes his family members to an Amish Pottery Shop. While the women shop Seth meets the Amish man who is responsible for all the amazing things in the shop. When offered a free lesson in pottery Seth decides he wants to try this! It is at this point the story really takes off. Will Seth find a new occupation? What other things will he discover about himself while on this journey?

    There is a smaller storyline that is woven into this book that also involves Seth but he is unaware of it. When he discovers that a new friend has been deceiving him what path will Seth choose to follow? Is Seth's faith strong enough to help him thru his personal turmoil?
    Can Seth also help a young Amish girl who has left the Amish turn her personal struggle into a reunion with her faith and God?

    I enjoyed all the information that I learned about making pottery from start to finish. If I could find a pottery class I would join because of this book. The author definitely did her homework on pottery and including this in the story really added more excitement to Seth's character.


    I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. All statements and opinions expressed are strictly my own. I highly recommend this book to all readers! I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of an outstanding book filled with love, faith, and friendship.

    Congratulations to Virginia Smith on releasing an amazing book for all readers to enjoy. I hope there will be another book to follow this one. I will be watching. for it!

  • Cherese Akhavein

    This is the fourth in the Men of Lancaster County Series by Virginia Smith "The Amish Widower"
    Seth Hosteler is a Amish man who has suffered much heartache, his first wife died during childbirth and his second wife was killed in a terrible buggy accident. Now a year later his community has decided it's time for him to move on, so together with his family they work toward making him come to terms with his past and find happiness again. However Seth wants nothing to do with their plan, he is determined to never marry again and to not cave to their plans.
    Leah an English woman who left the Amish years ago now works for her grandfather who is Amish at his pottery business. Seth is drawn to the pottery business and soon finds himself talking classes, along with developing a friendship with Leah.
    Seth realizes he needs to come to terms with his past and his anger, at the same time he also realizes he needs to see things for what they are.
    This book is about forgiveness at its highest form, It's about looking at that forgiveness through the eyes of the other person, it's a real look at how one struggles on a daily basis with forgives and how if we fail to forgive how it drags us down roads we really don't want to go.
    You really don't want to miss this book! I love this entire series!

  • Kelly Tyree

    The Amish Widower is about a 26 year old Amish man, Seth Hostetler. He has suffered the devastating loss of two wives. He blames himself for their deaths, despite the fact that neither death is his fault. He has vowed he will not marry again for fear that he will kill his third wife. Seth has trouble figuring out where he fits into his family. He is not the eldest son so he feels like just an extra in the home despite the love and support his family shows him. Seth discovers a pottery shop that is run by an Amish man and his granddaughter. He begins to learn the art of pottery and finds he really likes it and soon begins to apprentice in the shop.

    He becomes friends with Leah, the granddaughter who works at the pottery shop. She has suffered tragedy in her past and has chosen to deal with it by leaving the Amish community. Both Seth and Leah are in pain but have chosen to cope with their pain differently. As they become friends, they both help one another heal and begin to have feelings for one another. A relationship is not possible because Leah has left the Amish faith. With Seth reassuring words and support, he tries to show her that the healing and support she desires is available to her in their community.

    The Amish Widower is a book that moves with a steady pace. It is very well written and you begin to get to know the characters and see the journey they are both on. It has twists and turns that add to the story but the tenderness Seth shows during times of testing show that there is hope for the hopeless and that love finds us when we least expect it. I have to say Seth's grandmother was my favorite character. Her relationship with Seth was beautiful. I love how feisty she is as well. You have to read the book to gain the appreciation of my description of her.

  • Carol

    The Amish Widower is a touching book - one that changes you if you let it. It is a book of love, intense grief, forgiveness, reconciliation, trust, guilt and most importantly repairing relationship with GOD. Seth lost everything one day as he was driving his expectant wife (in a horse and buggy) - this was his second wife he lost. He is determined not to have another one so as not to get hurt and lose another one that way or any way for that matter. After a year the community thinks its time for him to move on and find a third time, of course he did not. He got involved with a potter who got his creative side going - his granddaughter was around running the shop - will things grow between them? will he trust GOD? she is not Amish - she chose not to be - will she choose to be for him? This story will pull at your heartstrings - and teach you allot about the Amish if you did not know. I received a copy of this from Harvest House. All the opinions are my own.

    If you would like to read more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com

  • Jane

    Seth Hostetler lost two wives. One day after a year of grieving, his pregnant sister-in-law and Mom ask him to drive for them. Seth doesn't want to drive buggy again. While out they go to a new shop where Seth meets an Amish potter. He decides to try the wheel and finds he loves the feel of clay. He decides to take a class. He learns to love making pottery and the feel of the clay. He eventually becomes an part of the shop working there to sell pieces he makes. He meets Leah, the granddaughter, of the owner. She is English even though her grandparents are Amish. A young man comes to Amish community and asks to drive for the Hostetlers. Seth and Robbie soon become friends. Seth has no idea the secret Robbie has. It about destroys their friendship when he finds out. There are other things people face and Seth finds it hard to control his anger over loss of his wives. A delightful read. All Virginia's books will hold your interest all the way through them.

  • Victoria Zigler

    This works as a continuation of the series, also as a standalone. It’s a fantastic read, which explores grief and the emotions associated with it very well. It’s definitely my favourite of the series, even though I was a little disappointed by how little we got to see connections with the characters from the three previous books; I had hoped we would get a proper update on certain situations from the previous books, but did not let the fact we did not spoil the book for me.

  • Pamela

    Excellent

    Loved this story really addressed the difficulty with forgiveness but shows how it changes is and frees us. This is the first book I have read by this author but it will not be the last.

  • Pam

    Amish romance.

  • Robin L

    I didn’t know until close to the end that this was religious propaganda. How disappointing. F this book.

  • ANNETTE

    A very touching story. Great characters with forgiveness and love.

  • Julia Luebke Wesche

    This may be my favorite out of the series. Real human, Christian, struggle with anger and forgiveness. Beautiful story.

  • Gilbert Ang

    I randomly found this book on Libby. I took the challenge to read it to find out if I like it. I love it. Virginia writes with a flow to keep you interested.