5-Star Review of "More Than Friendship"

Review of More Than Friendship

(Wells Landing Quilting Circle #1)

by Amy Lillard

Love is worth every challenge.
Woven deeply into the Amish community of Wells Landing, Oklahoma, a women’s quilting circle is a place to share everything from recipes to hopes and dreams, especially when love is in the air...

The youngest member of the quilting circle, Clara Rose Yutzy has her whole life ahead of her. And it’s just beginning, with plans for a wedding to her longtime beau, Thomas Lapp. Everything is falling into place, which is why Clara Rose resolutely ignores her newly warm feelings for her best friend, Obidiah Brennaman. There’s never been a hint of romance between them, and no reason to pay attention to such nonsense now...

Steady, sturdy Obie feels differently. He’s never thought too hard about his future, but the news that Clara Rose is about to be married is strangely unsettling. Convincing Clara Rose to take another look at their friendship may not be easy, but Obie is certain God intends for them to be together. He’ll do whatever he must to make Clara Rose see how much he loves her, and with the Lord’s help, before it’s too late...

MY REVIEW:  

"You can't marry Thomas Lapp," he said again, 

as if those simple words explained it all.  

"Why not?" Clara Rose shot back. 

 Her words echoed in the alcove of trees where they stood.  

He shook his head and took her hands into his. 

 "I have a bad feeling about this.  Just don't marry him, Clara Rose.  Promise me."

Amy Lillard has written a quick-to-read fun and sweet novella to accompany the Wells Landing series, but the best part is learning more about quilting circles as the Amish ladies do their best sharing over the quilting frame.   Clara Rose Yutzy is preparing for her upcoming marriage to Thomas Lapp and can hardly wait for the day they stand before the bishop to repeat their vows.   Clara's best friend, Obie, has other ideas though.  He is determined to convince her not to marry Thomas Lapp!   Clara is very confused and seeks the advice of her grandmother who urges her to think about it and she will surely figure out what Obie means. 

Talk about throwing a monkey wrench into a girl's plans!  Obie surely does that!    He is persistent too.   This novella is such fun that I couldn't help but feel sympathy for Clara and Thomas as well as Obie as they all try to move on with their lives.  I have always wanted to attend a quilting party and this was such fun to see what goes on at one. I wish my family had grown up doing quiltings.  My own mom completed one quilt on her quilting frame using a quilt-top that my grandmother had made for them before her death.  

I rated this novella 5 stars and will be eagerly watching for the next one in the series.   

I received a copy of this novella from netgalley in exchange for my honest review. 

About the Author:  

I'm a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.

I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I've retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I'm from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son--a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!

I love homemade tacos, nail polish, and romance novels--not necessarily in that order. I'm a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I'm shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.

I believe that God is love. I guess that's why I adore romances. 

I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I'm a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that's me June Cleaver with a laptop.

I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twlight series (I'll get to it or I won't, either way I'm good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I'm alone on this last one, and again, I'm good with it.)

Favorite movies--(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940's movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven't seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn's and Audrey's.

Connect with Amy at:  http://www.amywritesromance.com/