Katie Miller longs for a place to belong, a place where she can have a future without a constant reminder of her past. By opening a quilt shop in Pleasant Valley, she hopes for that new beginning. To make matters a little more complicated, she has been left in charge of her somewhat troublesome younger sister, though she is greatly appreciative of the extra hands for the shop. Unfortunately, her business venture gets off to a rough start, but hers is not the only business in town suffering. Katie employs some unconditional methods to bring in business and aids other business owners in coming up with a plan to bring in tourists and hopefully jumpstart the local economy. Will their plan bring in new clientele? Or will Katie's hopes and dreams disappear with the dwindling tourists?

Caleb Brand has always felt like an outsider in his community. Rumors still swirl about him for an incident long ago forgiven by the church. His woodworking shop brings him a peace unlike any other, or at least it did until the quilt shop opened up next door. Now his solitude is interrupted by constant female chattering. Add in the fact that Katie wants to bring in more business including tourists, and he knows his peaceful days are at an end. Caleb soon realizes that while they both belong to the Amish community, they are treated as outsiders. It is his obligation to include her in the community. Is there any way for him to make Katie feel more welcome? Can he be a little more lenient in his headstrong ways?

Marta Perry pieces together a delightful tale of forgiveness and second chances. Katie is a strong business woman. She knows that it will take all of her ideas to make her store thrive, but someone seems to be set against her succeeding. Caleb is a recluse who cherishes his solitude. His world has been turned upside down and nothing will set it right again. Their tenuous friendship is strengthened by their struggles, and soon they are left wondering where it will lead them. I quickly was caught up in their lives, watching them come to grips with their past, and learning to truly forgive and forget. Ms. Perry gently reminds us that sometimes in order to move on, we must look back and release whatever is keeping us in place. KATIE'S WAY blends English and Amish together, mixes in a bit of suspense, and sprinkles in the ingredients for a romance. I adore Pleasant Valley and I greatly look forward to visiting it again soon.

Book Summary

A quilt shop brings Amish and English together, and trouble follows...

After a thwarted romance, Katie Miller starts over by moving to Pleasant Valley and opening a quilt shop. Soon Amish and Englisch turn the store into a lively spot...to the consternation of Caleb Brand, who crafts furniture next door.

Then Katie's sister joins her, to escape rumors of her wild rumspringa, and Katie feels the burden of responsibility for a restless teenager. Even worse, her efforts to bring more people to Main Street arouse resistance among local businesses.

When acts of vandalism threaten Katie's shop, she turns to Caleb for comfort, and their friendship deepens. But will Caleb's secret past prevent him from embracing a future with Katie? Or will their fragile romance develop the strength to last a lifetime?

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