Book 5 of The Amish Charm Bakery series, Magdelena’s Choice by Molly Jebber is perfectly named. Set in 1914, Magdelena Beachy is the oldest daughter of a wealthy Amish rancher. She cares only for Toby Schlabach and hopes he will soon ask her daed‘s permission to court her. She is also best friends with Toby’s sister, Rachel. Both work at the bakery. Rachael & Toby’s family need the money Rachael makes; Magdelena works there because she loves to bake and be with her good friends. Magdelena has always acquiesced to what her parents wanted, even on occasions she didn’t agree.
And now, as a reviewer, I must be careful not to share too much because this story is too good to have key parts given away too soon. A crucial and essential element to remember is the year is 1914 and the family is Amish.
Characters in Magdelena’s Choice are carefully built by the author. In addition to Magdelena, Toby and Rachael, lead characters are:
- Mark & Bernice Beachy, Magdelena’s parents. Mark loves his ranch and as an Amish man should not show pride. However, he is proud of his ranch and the money it generates. He is generous and loves his wife. Bernice is an Amish wife who never disputes her husband.
- Charity Beachy, their youngest daughter is a bit of a spitfire. She seems to get away with stuff that Magdelena would not. You’ll like her and her best friend, Peter.
- Vernon & Eleanor Schlabach, Toby & Rachael’s parents. Vernon is quite ill and is beloved by his family & the Amish community.
- Aunt Gloria & Uncle Otis. Gloria is Mark’s sister and is close to Magdelena. They live in Mt. Hope.
- Abram & Annie Hook, new to the Charm Amish community. Annie is friendly; Abram is anything but. And he is secretive.
- Ethan & Ida Hilty and their son, Zach (same age group as Toby & Magdelena). The Hilty’s have just purchased a large farm.
- Liza, owner of the bakery, and her husband, Jacob. Peter is their son.
- Andrew, owner of the furniture store, where Toby works making furniture and a good friend of Toby’s.
Ever had a parent not listen to you? Refuse to believe the words you speak? What would cause an obedient young Amish woman risk shunning? What exactly IS Abram hiding?
I had only read a novella by Molly Jebber before this book. Before I wrote this review, I marked follow (the author) on Amazon & Goodreads. I love an author who takes the time to build a story and the characters within. I have ‘want to read’ on the other books in this series. It is not necessary to have read the previous books to enjoy this one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Kensington, via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Rating: 5 stars
Cover rating: Weak. Red is not used in Amish homes and the cover does not depict a bakery. The green walls do not feel right either. The cover does not look like a 1914 setting.
Expected publish date: January 25, 2022
#MagdelenasChoice #NetGalley #MollyJebber
