The Marriage Pact

By Kathleen Fuller

Daisy has decided that Maynard is God’s pick for a spouse for her. So much so, that she tries to make the relationship work towards that end. But is it really God’s plan for her? Why has Maynard not shown an attraction in the eighteen months she has known him? He is so unavailable, spending very little time with her.  He does love her peach pie, but does he love Daisy?

Daisy’s mom puts this relationship to a test when she tricks Daisy into going to Marigold to help her cousin plan her wedding which is many months off. When she arrives, no one seems to know why she is there, but are glad to see her. During her visit, she meets next-door neighbor, Perry, a bachelor. Both are transparent that they are not interested in a relationship: Daisy because she is “Maynard’s” and Perry because he was badly hurt when a prior courtship dissolved.

Daisy and Perry’s mutual caretaking for Perry’s elderly assistant in his farrier business leads them to learn more about each other. The interfering of both of their mothers leads them to a fake dating pact to relieve the maternal pressure. Deceiving others does not go easy on them, however, and guilt is ever present.

The Marriage Pact is a sweet, gentle, clean romance. Perry’s assistant Ferman, Daisy’s cousin Grace, and Perry’s secret hobby add threads of interest that impact the major plot. I typically delight in Kathleen Fuller’s books, and this one was the expected enjoyable read for me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Rating: 4/5

Category: Christian, Religion, Romance

Notes: 1. #3 in the Amish of Marigold Novel series, but could be read as a standalone. The crossover of characters is minimal and minor in understanding the plot.

    2. A Family Tree is included, but I did not need to refer to it.

    3. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book.

Publication:  May 6, 2025—Zondervan

Memorable Lines:

She also always assumed it was the man’s place to get the romance ball rolling. That’s what her sisters said when they met their husbands…What if he was waiting on her to make the first move? His shyness had to be getting in the way of moving their relationship forward. I should have realized that before now.

Daisy woke up the next morning primed and ready to talk to Maynard. She decided last night that being straightforward was best, although she did briefly entertain being coy and flirtatious only to nix the idea because she had no clue how to flirt or be coy.

He was discovering firsthand what an exceptional man Perry was, and Daisy already had a special place in his heart. Not that he would reveal that tidbit to anyone. Or even out loud to himself. He respected her backbone, her refusal to let his stubborn petulance get to her.