The Matters of the Heart

In this moving Amish romance by bestselling author Kelly Irvin, a quiet caregiver to siblings with genetic illness finds herself drawn to the community jokester auctioneer, but can she open up her heart to him and learn to trust in God and in love when fear has clouded her heart for so long?

"Sure to tug on the heartstrings!" --Publishers Weekly

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.

Matters of the Heart explores the burden and fear of the caretaker of a family, especially a family with genetic illness and the concern that comes with potentially being a carrier. Perfect for readers who enjoy stories with characters dealing with real struggles and happy endings that don't come easy.

Matters of the Heart is book two in the Amish Calling books (Heart's Bidding, Matters of the Heart, With All Her Heart), a series of standalones that feature women at various crossroads in their lives and that must trust in love and in God to help them find their way.