A Daughter's Choice By Kelly Irvin

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by thr mercies of God, to present your bodies as a loving g sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.   Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:1-2 ESV)

"Faith, family, community, then self", is the central theme of Kelly Irvin's newest book, A Daughter's Choice.  Dying to self, surrendering in faith, and trusting in our Heavenly Father even when his ways are not our ways are all important truths Irvin weaves throughout this contemporary Amish romance (through the eyes of her characters as they walk through the hills and valleys of life).  As believers, we dont always like to sit and rest in God's sovereignty.   Scripture teaches through the life and example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that true joy, peace, and contentment flow from this.

Henrietta and Nicholas learn this and many other valuable lessons throughout their story.  Henrietta is struggling with her faith (believing it to be weak) as she is grieving the loss of her baby brother and her mother.  Central to the Amish faith is accepting Gods will even in suffering.   Her and her father also butt heads throughout as he strong desire to own goat herds and business is contrary to what her dad wants for her (an Amish marriage and family).   God shows throughout the story and especially in the development of these characters, that God's ways are not our ways.  His plans are not our plans, but He is always working.  Henrietta had to mature that the desires and talents that God has given and placed in our hearts are for His glory and in His time.   Also his ways and plans are always greater than anything we can hope or imagine.  I was reminded of the following lyrics from Elevation Worshipsson "Trust in God"  
                 "Perfect submission
                 All is at rest
                 I know the author of tomorrow
                 Has ordered my steps"

Enter Nicholas, the new assistant to the local veternarian - a job Henrietta desperately wanted; but one her dad would not allow her to have.  Nicholas and his sister are sent to take of their aging grandfather suffering with dementia.  Nicholas is also struggling with his faith.  He desires to ve a vet, even though he knows that path would cost him his faith, family, and community.   He can only focus on these desires until he hears some wise words from the local bishop (who also happens to be Henrietta's father) "God is sovereign.  We are only His vessels - nothingnmore, nothing less."

Both Henrietta and Nicholas have to grow up in their faith and stop allowing the lies of the enemy to consume their thoughts and desires.   In the beginning their thoughts are all "what I want instead of what God wants for you."  Throughout the story with the beloved secondary characters speaking truths into their lives these two kind hearted individuals will truly learn what it means to die to self.  They will grasp the importance of faith, family, and community and can see that the true desires of their heart from God can be met within these parameters.  They will also learn that even admist the suffering there are many blessings.  (This book also reminded me of the song, "Blessed be your Name" by Tree63).  In complete surrender and trust Henrietta and Nicholas will see that God truly works all things for His glory and that the blessings are much greater than the sacrifice.

Fans of Kelly Irvin, Amish fiction, and animal lovers alike will want to read this amazing book!  Not only is this a sweet and sentimental romance, but Irvin sprinkles and weaves deep spiritual and theological truths throughout the story.  Your will grow and begin to find the best place to be is the center of God'will.  Like Henrietta and Nicholas, readers will see that God places people in our lives to speak the truth in love.  While Henrietta's father seems tough, un-bending, and even a bit cruel readers will come to understand the depth of His love and his desire for his beloved daughter to experience life to the fullest; while obeying and surrendering to God.

Simba loved this book and readily gives it four paws.  He especially loves Tigfer, the cute orange-striped tabby kitten that makes appearances throughout the book.  This is that perfect swert, inspirational romance to curl up on a Saturday afternoon and be transported to a place where faith, family, and community are valued.  Happy reading!!  And remember, "Joy comes with the morning."

A special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC tobread and review.  All opinionsbare my own.  Available for purchase on November 1, 2025.
  

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