Green Pastures

Author: Patricia Johns
Genre: Amish Romance
Series: The Amish of Shepherd's Hil
Pages: 336
Release Date: March 18, 2025
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Tabitha Schrock's return to Lancaster County shakes the foundations of her family and community. After her departure during rumspringa and a recent divorce, Tabitha faces the challenge of reintegrating into Amish society while pursuing her dream of working as a veterinarian. Meanwhile, her sister Amanda, whose own prospects were dimmed by Tabitha's leaving Shepherd's Hill, decides to seize her chance at love by pursuing a man with a shadowed past. And their youngest sister, Rose, despite her beauty and romantic hopes, faces the harsh realities of matrimony, grappling with the weight of vows made before Gott and her community.

As the sisters navigate the intricacies of love, faith, and tradition, they are bound by their commitment to uphold their Amish way of life. But as they strive to keep their promises, how much are they willing to sacrifice to remain true to themselves and their community?

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Reviewer: Heather L. Jones

Green Pastures, by Patricia Johns, is a story of the three Schrock sisters and their lives within the Amish community. 

Tabitha Schrock, a veterinarian, has returned to her home after ten years, having left the community—known as “Jumping the fence.” Tabitha fell in love with and married an Englisher, only for him to leave her for another woman and causing Tabitha to divorce.  

As a consequence of returning to the Amish community, she will never be able to remarry, and will have to regain the trust of her people. Tabitha brings her wonderful ability in taking care of the animals to her family and her neighbors. She also has a soft spot for one of the family horses, who suffers from digestive issues.  

Rose is married to Aaron, and takes great care as a homemaker and gardener. Unfortunately, all is not what it seems to be, and the couple is very unhappy. However, Rose is concerned about their troubles reaching the community.    

Amanda is single, and longs for a home and family of her own. Unfortunately, Tabitha’s departure left a cloud over Amanda’s chances and, as she is in her late twenties, Amanda is all but resigned to a life of spinsterhood.     

Their father, Abram, is a kind and caring father, who also nurses a long-held grudge against a community member. Menno is a sweet natured young man who is a recovering alcoholic and works hard on his home and farm. He hopes to marry one day, but feels the stigma of his past, because his brothers and their late father have also dealt with alcoholism. This caused their mother to run away. The most important thing of all is that they trust Gott (God) in all they do.     

I truly enjoyed this book, and learning a bit about the Amish. It’s a wonderful story, and I look forward to a sequel! I highly recommend this book and give it five stars!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Beverly Laude

I am a retired Veterinarian, and I also enjoy reading books set in the Amish community. So, I jumped at the chance to read this book. 

Tabitha Schrock has returned to her Amish community after “jumping the fence” and marrying an Englisher. Unfortunately, her husband cheats on their marriage and she is now returning to her Amish community as a fully trained veterinarian. But, the road to being able to fit in will be a long one and she is determined to work hard at being accepted, both as an unwed Amish woman and a veterinarian.

Her younger sister, Amanda, has felt the effects of Tabitha’s choice and now longs to be a wife and mother. But she is having difficulty in finding a suitable man to fulfill her dreams. Then, there is the other Schrock sister, Rose, who is supposedly happily married. But it soon becomes apparent that looks can be deceiving!

I especially enjoyed reading about Tabitha’s veterinary cases and how her community comes to accept her expertise. It is wonderful to see the budding romance between Amanda and former wild boy Menno evolve into something truly special.

Throughout the book, the ideas of faith, community and relationships are explored and provide some emotional and uplifting scenes. As the characters discover:

“There was strength in community. Gott was the Gott of second chances. The treasures - it’s us. Relationships. People.”

This is a well-written book, with great characters, a touch of romance and wonderful reminders of what a deep faith in God will do for anyone who asks.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Jeanette Durkin

This is a fantastic book! It was very thought-provoking. So many issues were brought up. Infidelity, alcoholism, and abandonment. There’s also a sweet and tender love story!

I really connected with all the sisters. As their relationship is stretched and pulled in different directions, they must learn to really listen, not just with their ears, but also their hearts. It’s awesome that Tabitha is able to continue in her vocation as a vet. Her knowledge and patience are extraordinary. Menno really touched my heart. He’s trying so hard to turn his life around. He finds security when his community offers him help.

It was interesting to me that the author didn’t paint the Amish as the all perfect people like they usually are. The characters chose to forgive and even get help when needed. I know that I’m going to love this series, and I eagerly look forward to the next book!

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Lori Parrish

Just finished this delightful novel.

Johns does a wonderful job with her characters. I love how she brings them to life.

This book may trigger some emotions like the mention of abuse, alcohol, divorce and many other things.

Some of these characters I really wanted to scream at, especially hardheaded Tabitha. Oh, I liked her well enough, but I liked her sister Amanda much better. Amanda was a delight in getting to know. I’m happy for her.

Menno is the one I feel sorry for. Poor man.. I found myself praying for him and that he’d come out on top.

This story is one that I will think about for a while. I hated to see this story end. It was full and satisfying.

5 stars from me. I highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary eBook from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Elizabeth Eckmeyer

This is a beautifully written story of the Shrock sisters. This story has it all. Second chances, romance, a marriage on the rocks, healing from the past, and redemption. This is the first book in the series and I’m looking forward to more. This author is talented at her writing. 

Tabitha Shrock left the Amish years ago to marry an Englisher. She became a certified veterinarian and had plans on her future with her husband. When it is clear her husband was cheating on her, she had to end the marriage. She decided to go home because being Amish was where she belonged. She then had to heal and become who God chose for her to be. 

Amanda Shrock is a twenty-seven-year-old maid. She always wanted to get married, but never had the opportunity. When a man in the community with a questionable past is looking for a wife, Amanda makes the decision to get to know him. The romance and second chances in their relationship are so sweet. 

Rose and her husband Aaron are freshly married. Both are young and in love but are struggling to learn to be married. 

I loved every moment of this story. It flowed so well. The characters were so real. One situation after the other is an opportunity to seek God. It reminded me to do that more in my own life. It’s definitely a must read. 

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.

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