Never an Amish Bride by Ophelia London is the first novel in the Honey Brook series. Honey Brook, Pennsylvania is a cozy town in Lancaster County. Gossip spreads quickly in this small Amish town. Esther Miller was to marry Jacob Brenneman two years ago, but he died a few weeks before their wedding day. After Jacob passed, no one would talk about him or how he died. Esther is struggling right now especially with her faith. Esther's younger sister, Sarah is getting wed in November and she has roped Esther into planning the event as well as sewing the wedding dress. It is the last thing that Esther wishes to do. Lucas Brenneman left town when he was sixteen on a mission and he returned six months ago. He wonders about his family and if he has made the right choices. I thought Never an Amish Bride was well-written with developed main characters. The characters are realistic with their struggles involving family, faith, and tragedy. The romance is sweet and progresses at a gentle pace. I enjoyed the way they could talk to each other and their playful banter. There is humor in the story and light moments that I enjoyed. I love the three kids (baby pygmy goats) that were dressed in various costumes. I could just imagine them in Christmas sweaters. I loved the Anne of Green Gables references where Esther likens Lucas to Gilbert Blythe. Esther made some wonderful soap. I would not mind her clove soap myself. I like how the soap played into Esther and Lucas' romance. I thought the author should have included a recipe at the end (or tips for making soap). Never an Amish Bride is a delightful Amish story and I wish that we did not have to wait for spring for The Amish Cowboy's Homecoming. I appreciated the epilogue at the end. Never an Amish Bride is a charming Amish tale with soap bar battles, a wayward wagon, plush pygmy goats, wedding woes, soaring scents, a dress dilemma.

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