cover image Home to Stay

Home to Stay

Loree Lough. Kensington, $7.99 mass market (352p) ISBN 978-1-4201-4924-1

A newcomer sparks the interest of a popular member of an Amish community in this charming tale from Lough (All He’ll Ever Need). Max Lambright has rebuilt his life after losing his entire family to two accidents. Now a successful building contractor, he has many friends in the community of Pleasant Valley, and when he meets Willa Richards, his business partner’s new live-in helper, Max is struck by Willa’s assertiveness and her respect for Amish living. He also notices the love Willa has for her baby daughter, Frannie, and her intense desire to escape her hardscrabble beginnings. Willa is a hard worker, genuinely cares for her employer, and begins to feel like a part of their family. But she is afraid her abusive ex-boyfriend will come looking for her and Frannie. As she and Max embark on a relationship, they both confront their fears to trust anew and move forward in faith and love. Lough’s endearing tale will appeal to fans of Wanda Brunstetter. (May)