A Family for Gracie is the third novel in the Amish of Pontotoc series. It can easily be read as a standalone if you have not read the other books in this series. I thought A Family for Gracie was a sweet, expressive story. It is well-written with engaging characters and a lovely setting. Gracie has numerous relatives, but she wants her own family. She longs for a husband and children. Matthew is a widower with five children. Gracie knows little about Matthew except he is eligible and needs a wife. This makes for an intriguing story as we watch Matthew and Gracie adjust to their new life. Matthew's children provide humor especially Henry, the mischievous one. Henry and his brothers' antics had me chuckling. Marriage is hard work, but it is even more challenging when two people do not know each other and there is a lack of communication. Then add in five children who are grieving and confused (their mother is gone and now they have a new woman taking charge). Baby Grace cried constantly because she missed her mother. There are endless chores especially with so many people in one house. I felt for the wee little tike who experienced such loss so early in her little life. Amy Lillard deftly deals with difficult topics (depression for example). She handled them with grace and compassion. Forgiveness, guilt, and depression are a couple of topics addressed. We see the importance of prayer and having a strong faith in God. I liked that I could feel the character's emotions and I appreciated the epilogue at the end. I was happy that Leah and Hannah were back in this story so we can see how they are doing. That pair also provided some lighthearted moments. Aunt Eunice While the ending is expected, A Family for Gracie is a lovely, heartfelt novel. A Family for Gracie has mischievous munchkins, kind cousins, a chaotic home, a boisterous pup, a benevolent bishop, and a marriage full of possibilities.

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