Matters of the Heart

by Kelly Irvin Narrated by Lauren Berst

Overview

He's the community's jokester auctioneer. She's the serious caregiver for her siblings who also works at the local plant nursery. What future could they have together?

Declan Miller has always had feelings for Bethel King. Back when they were in school, she was the smartest girl in the class and, in his opinion, by far the prettiest. Now the two of them are in their twenties and while the attraction is still there, Declan is as hesitant as ever to let Bethel know how he feels. His corny jokes and wisecracks cover a heart that's afraid of rejection.

Bethel can't deny Declan is nice, funny, hardworking, and pleasing to the eye--a perfect match if you asked any Plain girl in the area. But marrying Bethel would also mean marrying into her family. Two of her younger brothers have a rare form of muscular dystrophy, and her sister Claire is now showing signs of having it as well. Fiercely loyal and nurturing, Bethel has promised herself her siblings will always come first. With a good chance that she carries the gene and could pass it on to her children, Bethel has tried to convince herself marriage and family just aren't in the cards for her.

When a devastating diagnosis of his own turns Declan's world upside down, he looks to Bethel for understanding, compassion, and a realistic outlook. As they share their dreams and fears and grow together in faith, a bond begins to develop between them. Perhaps their combination of optimistic extrovert and thoughtful introvert really isn't such a bad thing--perhaps it's actually a part of God's beautiful design.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

05/06/2024

An unlikely pair finds love amid challenging circumstances in Irvin’s wrenching latest (after The Heart’s Bidding). Auctioneer Declan Miller has had a crush on Bethel King since the two were in high school together. While she’s charmed by his “sunny smile and sweet attitude,” 24-year-old Bethel has bigger things on her mind: her 13-year-old sister has recently begun to exhibit symptoms of muscular dystrophy, which also afflicts Bethel’s two younger brothers, whom she spends much of her time caring for. Eager to prove he’s matured since his class clown days, Declan makes an effort to keep Bethel’s brothers in good spirits, and she begins to see humor’s value “in the midst of trials.” Just when she’s started to change her mind about Declan, however, his own health takes a turn for the worse, threatening his livelihood, the pair’s chances at a future, and Bethel’s faith in a God who would permit such suffering. Irvin gracefully braids together themes of sorrow and faith with a sweet opposites-attract romance. Though the message that disabilities and illness are “Gott’s will” won’t resonate with all readers, this is sure to tug on the heartstrings. (July)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940160335209
Publisher:	Zondervan
Publication date:	07/16/2024
Series:	Amish Calling , #2
Edition description:	Unabridged