The Return of the Monarchs (An Amish Romance) by Beth Wiseman

From a bestselling and award-winning author who has sold over 2.5 million books.

Janelle Herron isn’t interested in having a boyfriend. She wears black clothes, dark makeup, and sees herself metaphorically as a caterpillar who hopes to transform into a butterfly someday. She hopes that she will grow into a vision of herself that she can live with, and she has her reasons—reasons that only her parents are aware of—but her metamorphosis doesn’t include having a romantic relationship. But when she sees a handsome Amish man being harassed by bullies, she gets involved and she becomes friends with Thomas Schrock. He’s safe. They can never be together romantically because he’s Amish.

Thomas Schrock is intrigued—and a little embarrassed—when a Goth-looking young English woman intervenes in a one-sided fight Thomas is about to be lured into by three bullies. Janelle is spunky, brave, and might even be pretty behind all the dark makeup she wears. She is easy to talk to, fun to be around, and as they spend more time together, he begins to understand some of the reasons she dresses the way she does. But as Janelle and Thomas’s feelings begin to lean toward romance, Janelle holds tightly to a secret she has no intention of sharing. Her plan is to stay on course and leave for college at the end of the summer.

But will a magical meadow filled with monarchs and a little divine intervention turn things around for Janelle? Will she finally share her secret with Thomas and become the butterfly she’s always wanted to be?

My thoughts:

This may be a short story, but Ms. Wiseman has filled each page with fantastic characters and an engaging story.  I loved Janelle and Thomas, there is a huge difference between the girl who dresses in black, wears makeup and the young handsome Amish man who being bullied and a bit naïve

I loved how the monarchs were included in the storyline and the transformation in Janelle.  This is such a delightful story with charming, unforgettable characters with the bonus of recipes.  Suitable for readers of all ages and a sweet quick read.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are my own.