A Daughter’s Dream audiobook

This is the second book in The Charmed Amish Life series, and we are back Charm Ohio, and back with some old friends that we made in the first book.Darla and Lukas are now married, and living with Lukas’s family, all except Levi, and no one seems to knows where he is. Lukas gives his sister Rebecca a chance to follow her dream of becoming a teacher, and as she is trying to find her footing, we follow her around. While filling in at the school she meets a newly orphaned girl Lilly, and her Uncle Jacob, who has taken over the job of raising her. While Rebecca has lost both of her parents, she tries to help Lilly, but we find her failing.Will Rebecca be able to fulfill her dreams of teaching, and will she end up making a difference in Lilly’s life? Will the sparks that I noticed between Rebecca and Jacob amount to anything, or will one of the other men at the factory who have an eye on Rebecca win her heart?I loved being back with these friendly and kind Amish families, and they are really on the road to recovery after the devastating fire.I received this book though Litfuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.

A Daughter's Dream by Shelley Shepard Gray is an Amish romance and book number two in the Charmed Amish Life series. It can however be read as a stand-alone.There are a great many themes within the novel and a major one is grief. Grief comes in many forms, none of them are right or wrong. Everyone grieves in different ways. Lukas and Rebecca are still coming to terms with the loss of their factory owning father (book one). Lilly Yoder is recovering from the sudden death of her parents. The town is still feeling the effects of the loss of the men in the factory fire (book one). Everyone needs support and in a small close knit community, they all try to help each other.Families are another major theme. Family members stick together. They help each other. The extended Amish community seems particularly good at supporting and loving its members.The novel also deals with the topic of dreams. Sometimes one is so busy trying to please others that one loses sight of one's own dream. Sometimes dreams change or what we thought we wanted, we find we are unsuitable for. The most important thing is to follow your heart and to be the person God intends you to be.Within the novel, the reader becomes acquainted with the Amish school children as part of the novel is set in the school. Here the reader experiences the highs and lows of teenage life. The friendships and the fallouts!Education is of utmost importance. It is vital that we live up to our God given potential. Education can bring choice. Education does not only happen in the classroom. Some youngsters learn best with books. Others gain their education through work experience. Neither is better nor worse than the other. We all learn differently.A Daughter's Dream deals with sacrifice and love. There are times when we sacrifice who we are for our love of others. God does not want us to try to fit ourselves into someone else's mould. Laying down who we were meant to be in order to help others is admirable but at a cost to our personal happiness. We function best when we are who God called us to be.There are several blossoming loves within the novel. It is delightful for the reader to watch them pan out.A Daughter's Dream was a lovely gentle offering from Shelley Shepard Gray. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can highly recommend it.I received this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review. No monetary compensation was received and all views expressed are my own.

Shelley Shepard Gray creates characters that feel like friends and warm heartfelt stories that you don’t want to end. She’s done so again in A Daughter’s Dream.The first book in The Charmed Amish Life series, A Son’s Vow, was emotionally intense and swoonily romantic. And while A Daughter’s Dream does indeed have both emotionally intense and swoonily romantic moments, it is much more relaxed and low-key than its predecessor. That’s not a bad thing, either. For Rebecca and Jacob – and their personalities and stories – the tone was exactly right.The relationship between Jacob and Rebecca is sweet and gentle & made me smile. It’s the kind of romance that makes you curl up and settle in to see how it plays out. Nothing terribly toe-curling or breath-taking but the kind that sneaks up on you gradually and naturally, even with the attraction at first sight that they experienced. Jacob did have his swoony moments, though, never fear! Check out pages 198-199 (ohhhh might as well keep reading through 201 too) for one of my favorite scenes and then his speech on pages 236-237? Dreamy sigh. One of my favorite romantical speeches I’ve read lately. Very swoonworthy. (Speaking of relationships, the friendship between Peter and Lilly was another fave for me in this book! I really enjoyed watching it develop and would love to see them show up in their own series or at least a follow-up novella!)Bottom Line: A Daughter’s Dream will make you smile. It will make you hug your family tighter and reflect on your dreams and God’s dreams for your life. It will treat you to a sweet romance and some charming humor as well as heartfelt reflections on life and love and relationships. Always-engaging characters, written with Shelley Shepard Gray’s trademark warmth and wit, leap off the page and become old friends, and you will definitely be looking forward to the rest of the series to catch up on their lives. Each book always ends too soon, and there are never enough books in a series… the sign of a great author! A Daughter’s Dream is a fun and gentle and uplifting portrait of relationships – with family, new friends, and God. A must-read for fans of Amish fiction! (I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)Read my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower

A Daughter’s Dream by Shelly Shepard Gray is indeed a must read for all. The story instantly pulled me into the plot and sucked me in whole. There are struggles that each character has to face and a connection of the same kind of loss that seems to pull them into each other’s lives. Rebecca is a young woman who lost both her parents and is struggling with her dream career. Is she really mean to be a teacher or to work at her family’s lumber mill…and then there’s a new student and her uncle. Both are struggling with the loss of family members and dealing with their new life. Lily lost both her parents in a car accident and is now raised by her uncle Jacob Yoder. Jacob Yoder has moved back with his parents to raise Lily and to help them out…however, he’s not cut out to be a farmer and loves carpentry. Rebecca’s brother Lukas has offered Jacob a job at the mill. It’s now up to Jacob to see where he should be. But where there’s pain there is also love. Rebecca and Jacob have felt an instant spark towards one another and have recently started becoming good friends…then, there’s Jacob’s niece who is becoming fast good friends with Peter who makes her feel good about being smarter than the rest of their classmates. Peter really likes Lily. A Daughter’s Dream is a Christian romance that melted my heart and inspired me. I loved the characters and their troubles. The family, work, and friendships were amazing and very realistic. It was easy to connect with the characters on every level. Overall, I highly recommend this beautiful tale to readers everywhere.

A DAUGHTER'S DREAM is the 2nd book in Ms. Gray's The Charmed Amish Life series, but it easily stands alone. Fans will want to read A Son's Vow to get the story about Luke and Darla. I am anxious to read the next book (coming in the fall of 2016) A Sister's Wish to read about Amelia and Simon. Jacob is new to charm, giving up all he loves and holds dear to help his parents raise his brother's daughter after a terrible accident claims lives. Lily is a gifted child, struggling in a new community, and clearly further ahead than most of her classmates. Rebecca was tired of working at the mill, she had to be a teacher, so she volunteered as a helper then decided she hated it and wanted her old job back. All the characters had the same voice, and Lily seemed a lot older and worldly than only thirteen. I did get a bit put out at Rebecca, threatening to fire the woman her brother hired to replace her. She didn't have the right - and she was the one who told her brother she wanted to quit and then changed her mind a short time later. There is some drama in the book. A naughty goat, a jealous man, an over-protective husband, two accidents at the mill, and more that will keep the pages turning, and I loved Rebecca's turtles at the pond. So sweet!!!

I read this on the kindle This was a good book which is the 2nd book in the series I am a bit disappointed with this firstly there was no mention of Hannah who was a nanny for an Englisher family and looked like there may be a romance between her & the family's next-door neighour Secondly you have a budding romance between Rebecca & Jacob but it doesn't fully conclude So while you guess what will happen it's not said if you have a book with a storyline mostly about one person then it should at least finish better before going on to another member of the family even if they are mentioned in following books in the series I know that there is at least two more books in this series I just hope that Hannah's story is told/mention other wise she shouldn't have had her story start to be told

"Keeping twenty-five schoolchildren reasonably happy and on task for a solid hour was harder than it looked."This is the first sentence that opens the second novel, A Daughter's Dream from best selling author, Shelley Shepard Gray, in her Charmed Amish Life series. I've been taking notice of how an author choices to begin each novel and what draws them to write that first sentence. This one immediately draws you into this amazing novel. Rebecca Kinsinger, has always had a dream to become a teacher in her Amish community of Charm, Ohio. Now she is filling in for Rachel Mast, from time to time when she needs to be gone for an hour or two or merely helping out when she is there. The one thing she can't quite figure out is why she is having such a hard time connecting with the students, if this is truly her dream job. Just as things are about to get out of control, Rachel returns and sets things to right. Jacob Yoder finds that trying to fit in as a farmer now that he has moved back with his parents isn't working out as well as he hoped. Now he has taking over raising his thirteen-year-old niece Lilly after she lost both of her parents in an accident. She is barely talking and moving her away from her old school and friends probably isn't helping much. All he knows is he has to try. Lilly finds school boring and now being saddled as the new girl is about all a teen can handle. It's not enough that everyone is trying to help, but they just don't understand what she is dealing with. The only one who is really trying is another boy at school, Peter who seems to know just what she needs and right now that is a friend she can count on. Rachel Mast loves that Rebecca wants to become a teacher soon, since she discovered she is pregnant and her husband Marcus insists that she quit her job as soon as possible. Not only that he wants her to refrain from seeing the Amish mid-wife and instead seek care under a real doctor and make plans to have their baby at the hospital. He can more than afford it, but how can Rachel convince Marcus that teaching is something she loves to do, and she knows she will quit when the baby comes. It just seems like everyone knows what they want to do and what they think is best for her as well. I received A Daughter's Dream by Shelley Shepard Gray compliments of Avon Inspire, a division of Harper Collins Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest and personal opinion. The best thing about all of the novels I've read of Shelley's is that when you begin them, it's as if you have moved to one of her Amish towns and are learning about the people living there. At some point, it stops being a story and you find yourself actually living among the characters she introduces you to. While this is part of a series, you can read it as a stand alone, but trust me, you will want to go back and read a little more detail about Lukas life and how he met Delia! I can't wait for the next novel in the series which readers get a peek at in the conclusion of this one. There are even some great discussion guide questions for book clubs, a recipe for delicious granola bars, and an authors note from Shelley that takes you into the very heart of Charm, Ohio. This one easily garners a 5 out of 5 stars and a must read for Christian Amish Romance fans!

About the Book:In Shelley Shepard Gray’s second book in her Charmed Amish Life series, a young teacher and farmer discover they have much in common, especially when it comes to healing old wounds from the past…and finding love in one another.Rebecca Kinsinger has always dreamed of being a teacher. But when she’s given the opportunity she’s been waiting for at Charm Amish School, she’s dismayed to discover that teaching is hard work—work she’s afraid she’s not very good at.That is, until Lilly Yoder joins the class. A thirteen-year old who’s just lost her parents, Lilly is in need of someone like Rebecca. For the first time since starting her new job, Rebecca feels a sense of purpose. But when she meets Lilly’s uncle, Jacob, his good looks and sweet, easy-going temperament are hard to ignore. How can she even entertain romantic thoughts of Jacob when his niece is her student?Suddenly becoming Lily’s sole caregiver, Jacob Yoder never thought he’d be a single parent—or a farmer. Having been living in Florida as a carpenter, Jacob feels more at home wielding a hammer than a backhoe. The only bright spot in his life is Rebecca Kinsinger. As Lily and Rebecca develop a bond, Jacob’s fondness for the pretty teacher grows, too.But when a fateful accident brings them together, Rebecca and Jacob must choose between duty and desire. Will they follow the path before them? Or set out to find true happiness…and true love? My Review: Rebecca seems to have her life all planned out. She took on a job that looks like it is proving to be too much for her. But soon as she gets to know these children she sees a side of them that others get to rarely see and I believe that is what draws her to them all the more. While this is going on, she falls in love with Lily and Lily's story touches her heart. But that's not the only one that's tugging at her heart strings.Shelley Shepard Gray's books always bring the two main characters to a crossroads where they have to decide that the romance between them is worth considering or should they just walk away. It's like your very own Amish soap opera. Shelley seems like such a nice quiet author but the things that she writes seems that there is another side yo her all together. But one thing is for certain she believes in love and romance even for the Amish. I enjoy her version of love and romance and her writing is impeccable.**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author.

I enjoyed this second book in the Charmed Amish Life series. It can be read as a stand alone as an explanation of what happens in the first book is included in the narrative, but I recommend reading A Son's Vow first if you have it so the story isn't spoiled (I rated it 5 stars- it was excellent!). A Daughter's Dream is definitely more laid back than its predecessor. Rebecca's journey along the path of life is one she took willingly, and as she explores other options for her future, she keeps a positive attitude when things don't go as she imagined. Her blossoming friendship and romance with Jacob is so sweet and void of tension, it developed quite naturally with special moments that were a pleasure to read. Lilly is the character that I felt was portrayed with the most angst, yet even her path seemed to smooth out quickly with the support of her family and friendship with Peter. Some of the story is also told from the perspective of Rachel, the schoolteacher, but I didn't feel that it added much to the plot. The themes of healing and seeking God's will for one's life were heartfelt and I loved being back in the Amish community of Charm. Something that stands out to me about this series is the noticeable lack of interaction with church leadership. I don't think it's a bad thing, just very different from other Amish fiction I've read. The characters seem more independent and willing to handle their own problems, and there isn't the feeling of pressure to conform to standards a particular bishop sets. I recommend this series to fans of family sagas and Amish fiction.(Thank you to Avon Inspire and Litfuse Publicity for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Does everyone get the opportunity to follow their dream? Rebecca had a dream that she was determined to pursue. Her brother, Lukas, was so focused on running the family business that he never realized she had a dream of her own. Then there was the new guy in town who had been living his dream in Florida and gave it up to come to Charm to help his parents raise their granddaughter after her parents were killed in an accident. I enjoyed reading about the interactions between Rebecca and the various other characters of the book, especially Lilly, Lukas, Amelia, Rachel, and Jacob. I was taken a bit off guard to see Peter’s protectiveness of Lilly after he was so disrespectful to Rebecca. I found a good mix of entertaining moments, romance, suspense, faith, and family togetherness. As in Book 1 of The Charmed Amish Life series, the author again reveals that the Amish life is simpler in many ways but it is far from perfect. I recommend you read the book to learn what happens to each of the characters and enjoy some tidbits of wisdom shared through them by the author. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

I'm going to keep my Review fairly short but only because I don't have much to say except buy this book(and in case you are wondering, yes I even bought(pre-ordered actually) my own copy!)Okay...so maybe you should also buy book one to read before you treat yourself to this one too!Again, maybe it's because I'm a total fan girl(and I've only read two books total by Ms. Gray) but I really love these books.Just like the first book in this series, I was totally "charmed" by it. Ms. Gray writes a well written, easy to read, thought provoking and inspiring novel. I didn't want to put it down. Again, the characters and town are well developed(boy, do I want to visit!)Ms. Gray also handles a serious subject with grace and in a realistic, honest manner. I do wish that more time was spent on Rebecca and Jacob's relationship however, I'm guessing some of the other plot points are going to play out in the next book (can't wait!)ARC PROVIDED BY EDELWEISS IN EXCHANGE FOR MY HONEST REVIEW AS PART OF THE TASTY BOOK TOUR

I enjoyed going back to the town of Charm and catching up with the Kinsinger siblings. This book is Rebecca's story and has such a great lesson of following your dreams and letting God tell you what to do with your life. A sweet love story as well. * I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. *

Love this book and series.

Rebecca always dreamed of being a teacher, but instead, she went to work at her family’s lumber yard. She gets the chance to volunteer and help out in the classroom, but things don’t go well for her. She fears her dreams and her abilities may not lie in the same direction. Newly-arrived Jacob knows what he likes to do, but that doesn’t correspond to what he feels he should do. How these two resolve their problems makes for some interesting reading. Adding to the mix is Jacob’s recently orphaned teenaged niece, who also came to live with Jacob’s parents. Well written characters people this interesting tale, the second in The Charmed Amish Life series.

A love story that will make you smile.

What a lovely story. I have fallen in love with the Charmed Amish Life Series by Shelley Shepard Gray.I have had the pleasure of reading Book one and Book two and I look forward to more of this series!A little about the book from the back cover . . .n Shelley Shepard Gray’s second book in her Charmed Amish Life series, a young teacher and farmer discover they have much in common, especially when it comes to healing old wounds from the past…and finding love in one another.Rebecca Kinsinger has always dreamed of being a teacher. But when she’s given the opportunity she’s been waiting for at Charm Amish School, she’s dismayed to discover that teaching is hard work—work she’s afraid she’s not very good at.That is, until Lilly Yoder joins the class. A thirteen-year old who’s just lost her parents, Lilly is in need of someone like Rebecca. For the first time since starting her new job, Rebecca feels a sense of purpose. But when she meets Lilly’s uncle, Jacob, his good looks and sweet, easy-going temperament are hard to ignore. How can she even entertain romantic thoughts of Jacob when his niece is her student?Suddenly becoming Lily’s sole caregiver, Jacob Yoder never thought he’d be a single parent—or a farmer. Having been living in Florida as a carpenter, Jacob feels more at home wielding a hammer than a backhoe. The only bright spot in his life is Rebecca Kinsinger. As Lily and Rebecca develop a bond, Jacob’s fondness for the pretty teacher grows, too.But when a fateful accident brings them together, Rebecca and Jacob must choose between duty and desire. Will they follow the path before them? Or set out to find true happiness…and true love?And I thought . . . I didn't want to put it down. Although this is book two in the series if you haven't read the first book you'll still enjoy this installment. I enjoyed it even more because I had read the first book. It was like coming home. The sub-characters in the story and Rebecca the main character of this story were introduced in book one. The main characters Rebecca and Jacob 'hit it off' when the first meet. Their romance is sweet and fast. Jacob's young niece Lilly even has a little budding romance going with Peter a boy in her school. Peter is a little bit of a 'rebel rowser' but seems to get his head on straight once he meets Lilly. Even before meeting her though he begins to mature when he gets a job at the lumber mill in town which is a focal part of the series. I am looking forward to the next book which is comes out in September. This story is about Rebecca's sister Amelia and promises to be another great read! An excerpt/sneek peek is at the end of A Daughter's Dream. The author also included a little background information and tells the reader about how she became an author. For more information about the author and her other writings visit her website. The Charmed Life is a great series. You won't be disappointed. A Daughter's Dream deserves my 5 star rating. I received a complimentary copy of this book from LItfuse in exchange for my honest review. This book is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Christian Book (dot) Com visit one of these retailers to read more reviews or purchase. Click on the bold type for a direct link to retailers.