Thursday's Bride

Written by Patricia Johns

Narrated by Christina Moore

For a proper young Amish widow struggling to begin again, encountering her reckless first love will test her
forgiveness, resolve—and heart …

Overwhelmed by grief and tending twin baby daughters, Rosmanda Lapp is without options. She still blames
her brother-in-law, Levi, for her husband’s accidental death—but she and her aging in-laws need him to keep their
farm going. Yet as Levi takes on his responsibilities with a new determination and steadiness, she can’t help but regret
that she chose his serious-minded brother over him. For Levi is still very much the passionate man she loved—and
Rosmanda now has even more reasons to keep him at arm’s length …

Levi can’t blame Rosmanda for staying clear of him. He has mistakes to make up for and must finally do right by
his parents. Still, he never got over his brother stealing Rosmanda away. And he can’t deny the feelings that even now
tempt them back to each other. And when a mistake from her past threatens her reputation, Levi will do whatever it
takes to help her—and trust that faith and courage will at last help them claim a future together …

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 31, 2020
• ISBN: 9781980056188

Patricia Johns

Patricia Johns writes from Alberta, Canada where she lives with her husband and son. She has her Honors BA in English Literature and writes for both Harlequin and Kensington books. She loves prairie skies and time with her family.  

Reviews for Thursday's Bride

[ladyofthelodge · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

"Thursday's Bride" tells the story of Rosmunda and Levi, two young adults who might rekindle a past relationship after a tumultuous past. Rosmunda tries to continue life with her twin baby girls after the death of her husband, who was also Levi's brother and Rosamunda's past love. When Levi returns to help with his father's farm, where Rosamunda also lives, past conflicts and secrets resurface. Several minor characters also play a role in this novel and struggle with community perceptions and expectations, as do Levi and Rosie. This novel seemed different from most of the Amish novels I read and review. A dark undercurrent seemed to flow beneath the plot from the outset. The characters were not youngsters, but adults dealing with adult problems and grappling with serious life questions. I am not even sure I liked the characters very much, although the twin babies were adorable. Issues found in this novel include alcoholism, manipulation, and premarital sex. The novel was predictable, but took some twists and turns to get to the ending,in which loose ends were wrapped up and hidden issues revealed and resolved. This is a clean novel, without Strong language, overt violence, or adult situations, although there are hints at romantic entanglements. I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

[kris_anderson-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Thursday’s Bride by Patricia Johns is a sweet, heartwarming Amish novel. Rosmanda Lapp moved to Abundance, Pennsylvania from her hometown after a scandal ruined her chances at marriage. She was attracted to the charming and rebellious Levi Lapp, but he was not the proper Amish man she came to marry. When Levi’s older brother, Wayne proposes to Rosmanda, she accepts because he is a respectable Amish man (aka boring but kind). Rosmanda is a now a widow with twin daughters who lives with her in laws. Levi is needed to help with the farm work, so he returns home knowing that Rosmanda blames him for Wayne’s death. Disagreements begin immediately, but they need to find a way to be friends for the sake of the family and their community. There is a definite attraction between Levi and Rosmanda. The sparks fly between them especially when they are disagreeing. I thought Thursday’s Bride was well-written with developed characters. The story is told from Levi and Rosmanda’s point-of-views. It switches between them which allows readers to see things from each of their perspectives. I always find that intriguing because men and women see things differently. I liked the characters in this story. They were fleshed out and brought to life which made them feel real to me. We get to see what it is like for a widow to live with her in laws and the importance of community. Rosmanda felt like she was a burden to the Lapps. She wants to earn money, but it is not easy with twin girls to raise. I enjoyed the description of Rosmanda’s beautiful mourning quilt. After the death of a loved one, you want life to stop so you can grieve. Unfortunately, the world continues moving. Chores must be done, children taken care of, food prepared, and so much more. You continue to grieve while trying to move through each day as we see with Rosmanda. The Amish world is very different from our own. They cannot just think about themselves when making a decision. They must think how it will affect their community. A reputation can easily be tarnished at a young age. Levi and Rosmanda struggle to overcome the past and move forward with their lives. Their interactions were electric at times. I enjoyed following their journey in Thursday’s Bride. The ending was special and left me smiling. There is a preview of Patricia John’s next novel, Jeb’s Wife at the end. Thursday’s Bride focuses on forgiveness, faith and second chances. Patricia Johns provided an appealing Amish story that will keep you engaged from beginning to end. Thursday’s Bride is a heartening Amish novel with toddling twins, a headstrong horse, a cute calf, secret sins, rapid rumors, and finding forgiveness.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book, it really was a book to get lost in, and I did.We all get lost in our heads and over think things, and we all make mistakes, yes, there is not one who doesn't.If I walk in Rosie's shoes, I don't think I would make it very far, a young mother widow with infant twin daughters. Then we are given a young man who has been a disappointment to his family and community, and most of all to Rosie.There is a side story here, and you want to shake all of these characters, they are being offered a gift, and no the grass isn't greener on the other side of the fence!The author also shows us a selfish man, he seems like he never grew up, and we hope he comes to his senses and goes home to his wife and family. We also hope that the other characters will find the love they so desperately want, and hold their heads high in their Amish community!I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.