Being back in Pinecraft, Florida is such a treat! Her Only Wish is the second novel in the A Season in Pinecraft series and it is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. The characters are so bright and magnetic, the setting is dreamy, and the overall vibe is easy to get lost in.

Sweet Betsy is the focus of this story, which I was excited about as she was one of my favorite characters from the first novel. Betsy has a life list and she is bound and determined to achieve as many goals as she can and not let her disability hinder her. With the help of some new friends as well as her own determination, she embarks on a journey that leads to a life she could’ve never imagined.

I love how Betsy’s life list not only inspired change in her own life, but also affected everyone that she surrounds herself with too. Seeing the ripple effect of positivity and seeing this from a different perspective is something to be admired, and something we need in our world right now. Watching all of the relationships grow and blossom is great, but the parts with Danielle, Annie, and Betsy were some of my favorites, most likely due to the sister dynamic and my love of swimming. I also loved all the golf talk, since that is something my husband and I are into. The selfishness of Austin’s missionary parents is astounding. Neither can see themselves and accuse poor Austin of the very thing they are doing. This part tore at my heart so much, as Austin is such an amazing guy and doesn’t deserve to get treated like this by his parents.

I felt like I was curled up in a sun-warmed blanket when I read this novel. There is tension, but really only coming from Austin’s nearsighted parents. Otherwise it was a very uplifting and positive reading experience that has me thinking of my own “life list.” I love this series so much!

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the publisher through NetGalley. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own. ( )

Second book in author's new series. Readers are returned to Pinecraft, and this time they get the sweet tale of Betsy and her Amish friends in Pinecraft.

After twenty-three years of overprotective parents, critical health problems, and a secluded Amish upbringing, Betsy Detweiler has decided to step out of her comfort zone and truly live. She has created a “Life List”, all the things she has missed out on doing growing up. Many of these might seem odd to someone who has had a normal childhood: learning to play golf, riding a bike, learning to swim, but to Betsy they are new experiences. She heads to Pinecraft, Florida to fulfill her ambitions. Her indomitable spirit did more than just complete her list! She became an inspiration to those whose lives she touched.
I loved being a part of her vacation and journey of self-discovery! Betsy’s courage and determination was a surprise to me. She clearly saw her weaknesses and faced them head on. She still harbored doubts and fears to the point of considering giving up, but she didn’t!
Each of the other characters were facing fears they had not overcome in their lives. August Troyer, her golf instructor, had struggled with his parent’s pressure to follow in their footsteps as a missionary. He love his parents but this was not the direction he felt led. Could he honor his parents and not give into their wishes?
Anna and Danielle, Betsy’s swim instructors held back creating new lives because of painful failed marriages. They were afraid to move ahead and even have healthy relationships with each other and their families. Could they overcome their pasts?
As with any positive effort to change, many more doors of opportunity open; ones that would have otherwise remained shut. Betsy never dreamed of all the beautiful things that would happen by simply following her simple dreams.
I can’t wait for the third book in this series!
I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own. ( )

Her Only Wish is book 2 in the Pinecraft series. This book centers on Betsy's story but her two friends from Book 1 are also part of the story. This book can be read as a standalone with no confusion.

Betsy has always been sheltered by her parents due to a medical issue. She decides to take a month's vacation in Pinecraft, a town in Florida where Amish people go to vacation. She has a list of things that she wants to accomplish while she is there - she is eager try some activities that she's never been able to do. First thing on her bucket list is to learn to play golf. When she goes to the golf course, she meets August who runs the course for his aunt and uncle. He usually doesn't give lessons but makes an exception for Betsy. He's very impressed with her determination to try new things. The other activities on her list are to learn to swim, learn to ride a bike and go fishing. With August's help and the help of new friends, she starts new activities until it all comes to a halt when she's rushed to the hospital. Betsy is surprised to add another unexpected thing to her list -- to fall in love. The more time she spends with August, the more their relationship strengthens. When her parents arrive with the plan to take her home after she is released from the hospital, she needs to make a decision whether to return to the sheltered life with her parents or to continue to stay in Florida with August.

This is a sweet book with interesting characters. Betsy was a pretty brave woman to want to try all of the things that her illness had kept her from accomplishing. This is a sweet Amish romance and a great summer read. ( )

This was such a fun second installment to the A Season in Pinecraft series. I saw such a fun side to the Amish that kept me smiling while reading. Betsy is such a charming character willing to step out of her comfort zone and explore a life list. That list includes learning to golf where she meets August and swimming where she touches the lives of Anne and Danielle. She is inspiring to everyone whose life she touches. I fell in love with these characters and Pinecraft in book one and was so glad to revisit. The descriptions make me want to visit. It was nice to see Betsy and August grow throughout the story and seek the lives they wanted. I look forward to book three. In the meantime grab a copy and settle in for a book that leaves you smiling inside.
I was blessed to win a copy from a blog. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required. ( )