Agnes and Isaac are not the typical Amish young adults. Neither of these characters conform to what a perfect Amish person would be. These two meet after each had family members injured or killed in a tragedy. Can these two help each other while caring for three small children. I loved the characters and the story. I especially loved the Bishop. He is a great character. This is not as clean as most Amish fiction stories. This definitely has a bit more flirting than usual. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

The Amish Candy Maker is the second book in Hilton's The Amish of Mackinac County series. The story all about true love, faith, and determination. We are taken on Agnes Zook and Isaac Mast life journey of their struggles with the past and finding their way back to their faith.

We see Agnes Zook an unmarried woman who has no self-worth and has survival guilt that took the lives of the rest of her family. She decides to open up her own candy shop. Her community looked down on her for that. She dreams of having a husband and a family.

Isaac Mast a well sought after auctioneer. He travels all over the United States holding auctions. Due to all of his traveling he doesn't really have time to settle down and get married. He is full of guilt for being responsible for killing three people. After receiving a letter from his sister-in-law begging him for help when a fire caused major burns on his twin brother. He returns.

Isaac first meets Agnes when he goes into her candy shop. During the first time they met, Agnes was robbed at gunpoint causing Isaac to be the hero. They start flirting. They created a business agreement to help one another - one supplying labor and the other providing childcare.

Will things work out? Will another tragic accident have them going their separate ways? Can they both find peace in their faith? Will they get married? If so, will Bishop Miah allow it?

The Amish Candy Maker contains likable and relatable characters. As well as faith, love, determination, perseverance, and even moments of sadness. It is full of twists and turns. It is a heartwarming love story. We see growth in both the main characters, Agnes Zook and Isaac Mast. She even gave the character a humorous side.

Hilton is great at taking you into their world. Her descriptions of the locations and characters made it very easy for me to see the story in my brain. One of the locations in the book is Mackinac County.

Throughout the book, there are Amish proverbs and Biblical references.

I would suggest reading the first book, Firestorm, to get an idea of their Amish community and all they experienced. just because Hilton's books are really good, but this book can be read as a stand-alone too. I love how Hilton threw in a special surprise recipe at the end of the story. If you love Amish Fiction stories and Christian Fiction then these books are for you. I would highly recommend reading this series.

I received a complimentary e-book of The Amish Candy Maker from Celebrate Lit. This is an honest opinion. ( )

The Amish Candy Maker is a sweet Amish romance. Agnes Zook lost her entire family the night of the fire along with her home and is now living with Bishop Miah and his wife. The proceeds from the sale of her family’s land has helped her start Sweet Treats, a candy shop that features her fudge and rock candy (recipes at end of book). Agnes’ father was a preacher who frequently told her that if she did not marry Gabe (who picked another) then she would remain single. Agnes is determined to provide for herself and not be a burden on others. The night of the fire, Sam Mast suffered devastating burns and has been in a hospital ever since then. Isaac Mast is a traveling auctioneer who is in demand and his sister-in-law’s letter just caught up with him. Jenny, Sam’s wife, has not left her husband’s side and their three children need Isaac along with their farm. The last thing Isaac wishes to do is watch children after the tragic accident several years ago. Plus, Isaac has many weekend auctions lined up and cannot watch the kids full-time. When Isaac encounters Agnes, he believes they can reach an amicable solution. Agnes is an entertaining character who speaks without thinking which leads to some humorous and embarrassing situations. The electricity between Agnes and Isaac is immediate, but they each have issues standing in the way. Bishop Miah is a wise man who provides insightful and thoughtful advice along with his snarky quips. I like that the people do not have a smooth road on their journey. They must deal with a robber, medical emergency, flirtatious women and their own internal demons and insecurities. Agnes and Isaac need to learn that God is always there for them in good times and bad. He never leaves us nor forsakes us. I liked the inspirational thoughts and scripture verses included in The Amish Candy Maker. The Amish Candy Maker has mischievous children, a wise Bishop, a busy auctioneer, mouthwatering confections and a quirky candy maker. ( )

It was hard not to crave candy as I read this book. The author really piqued my interest in making fudge as one of the main character's owns a Candy Shop. It was easy to like Agnes because she was thoughtful, giving and a hard worker. She has been through a tragedy and now is on her own. I loved reading about her shop and I could smell the aromas of chocolate and other delicious flavors floating throughout her shop. A lot of Amish stories seem to be centered around bakeries or restaurants, so this was a very refreshing setting.

It was easy for me to like Agnes because I could relate to her struggles. She has a hard time believing that God loves her, and I struggle with that same issue. Her father was a bit hard on her and left a lasting impression that if she didn't marry Gabe she would be alone forever. It must have been heartbreaking for her when Gabe married someone else. Her self-esteem really needed a pick me up. Have you ever thought that no one would want you? Agnes doesn't see herself as God does. She has believed all these years that she is not worthy to be loved.

Isaac comes into the story when his brother is severely injured . His brother and sister- in -law need to travel to a hospital for a period of time for him to receive treatment. I wasn't sure about Isaac for awhile. He was arrogant and way to flirty. He seemed to be put off having to take care of his nieces and nephew while his brother is away. He has an attraction to Agnes right away which didn't set well with me. I wanted to tell him to back off and worry about what he came to town for. Does he like Agnes because he needs help with the children?

As the story progresses, the author gives us insight into two hurting people both wanting answers from God. I can't tell you how many times I have prayed about something, only to get no reply. It can be discouraging and a feeling of loneliness can set in. Agnes is seeking acceptance and Isaac is looking for forgiveness. The story is emotional at times and shows that everyone at some point in their life struggle with their faith. it is a great book with characters many can relate to.

I loved the story and how the author used scriptures at just the right time in the story to emphasize a point. There is much wisdom in this book with lessons in forgiveness, acceptance and trusting God.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )

The author has given us a compelling page turner, and once you begin the pages begin to fly, the story is that good, and I needed to find the answers.
We are back in Mackinac and with some old friends, and this is Agnes Zooks story, as she is beginning her endeavor to have her own candy shop. We also meet Gabe’s brother, Isaac, and see him deal with his daemons.
Can there be a relationship between these two main characters? Surprises abound here and there are new relations and many make me wonder why I really liked some of the previous characters, yes this is the second book in this series, but you can read this as a stand-alone, but you might want to read the first book in this series!
The theme of forgiveness is prevalent here, both by others and by oneself, this needs to be one before anyone can move on.

I received this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to give a positive review. ( )