Minding Molly (The Courtships of Lancaster County)

Leslie Gould has an appealing knack for capturing the emotional roller coaster many young women encounter in the spiritual journey to find God's will in a traditional, collectivistic culture where the good of the community is valued more highly than an individual's personal goals. Her skill is clearly evident in Minding Molly. The story traces "Miss Molly" Zook through the turmoil of family grief for the loss of her father, the shocking revelation that their farm has been financially unprofitable, the fear of the consequences of her mother's undiagnosed illness, and the bewildering quagmire of her mother's demand that she marry Mervin, her best friend's vacillating boyfriend. Molly is an organizer whose scheduling skills reduce stress for her, but increase stress for those around her. Into the midst strolls (or gallops) a tall, handsome cowboy, Leon Fisher. Molly falls fast and hard. What can I say? I understand her completely; after all, he's a Fisher!Through it all Leslie weaves the theme of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, including in the details a storm in the forest, the wedding of a prominent couple, and an impish toddler named Robbie. It was fun to anticipate how she could bring it all about followed by the surprise of a very unique story. Even the title has an ambiguous twist. A quick skim of the story might lead one to think that everyone is minding Molly, but in truth, Molly is minding the farm and her mother. She tries very hard to turn the farm around metaphorically speaking without upsetting her family. She is an admirable heroine.I also enjoyed reading the update of the Miller family and all their friends introduced in the first book in the series. It was like reading a letter from an old friend. Novels on an Amish theme do not appeal to everyone, but I'm sure readers who have delighted in Leslie's earlier works will not be disappointed in Minding Molly!

I am still LOVING this series, so YES, I loved this book too. I did not want to see it end and I can not wait for the fourth book to come out "Becoming Bea" in late fall.Leslie Gould does an amazing job at writing and her descriptions are so detailed that she brings the characters to life along with their surroundings. If you like experiencing books like this then this series is for you.This book deals with a lot of different happenings, experiences, but it's how the Amish characters handle that overwhelming everyday life with their trust in God along with romance thrown in the mix. Being friends with our best friends and trusting them. Making the right choices for one's self, for one's family, for one's business, for one's future. One choice can change the whole course of life. Can change the course of others around us. Making the right choices for yourself and for your family is challenging, but are we willing to listen to God and follow his path for our lives?Minding Molly is just that minding Molly. Molly has mostly been in control of her life and whether others in her family knew it or not she was controlling them too. When her fathers passed away, Molly stepped up the plate in taking care of the business in the everyday operation of running a nursery farm.When Molly's mother, Anna, calls in her step-son, Ivan, to look at the books to see how they are financially in the business. They all get a shock, but Molly is set with a big determination. But will she be given the chance to prove herself that she can make money?Does Molly push her family and friends away with her big determination?

This is a gift

In my opinion the books in the series The Courtships of Lancaster County are not Leslie Gould's best work. I did not like how Molly was portrayed and felt like the teasing of her friends was very unkind. I would not want to be friends with Hannah, Beatrice or the twins.

I’ve read the first 3 books in the last 10 days! I just can’t put them down! I can’t wait to read the next one!

The book really kept me interested through out it. When a read a book about the Amish from an awesome author, I feel like I am living the life along with the other families in the book. This book had a very good storyline to me, and if you like reading about the Amish life, I think you will enjoy reading it.

Keeping track of the characters in this four part series is much easier when the books are read in order. Molly is faced with unique problems when her father dies. Wonderful descriptions, interpersonal relationships and character development are all hallmarks of Leslie Gould's outstanding writing.

This is a warm interesting story.Molly the main character is delightful. I enjoyed the way she showed so much faith and care for her family. Read this good book and enjoy a truly great story.

Read this on the kindleI enjoyed this one, did think that Molly was a bit bossy like her sister saysBut you could see how she was trying to do things for the familyI am hoping that Things start to have a happy turn out for Cate (she was the one who the first book was about in this series) as she keeps having miscarriagesI can recommend this on & will look forward to the next one in the series due out later in the year

very good

Good read

great.

beautiful read