Cover Image: An Amish Christmas Love

An Amish Christmas Love

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

This is a very enjoyable set of four Christmas novellas. These are all sweet and make you cry.
The first book is Winter Kisses by Beth Wiseman. This is a story of romance between neighbors. Will the three generations of women fall in love with the three men who rent the David Haus from them.
The second book is The Christmas Cat byAmy Clipston. Emma learns to appreciate the true meaning of Christmas again.
The third book is Home for Christmas by Ruth Reid. Ellie is a wonderful character. She has to decide what she will do with her life.
The fourth book is Snow Angels by Kelly Irvin. I liked Molly. I don’t know if I would have been quite so patient.
I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Was this review helpful?

Literary Foursome Strikes Gold!

When Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Kelly Irvin, and Ruth Reid get together, you know you’re in for a treat. What a group of stellar authors to collaborate! And these collections are so satisfying – you can read for a while and already have finished a story. The latest collection, An Amish Christmas Love, does not disappoint.

Here’s a brief synopsis on each novel, as well as my take on each one.

Winter Kisses by Beth Wiseman tells of three generations of Amish women living together: Naomi, who is young but has already given up on marriage; Barbara (Naomi’s maam), who is widowed and uncertain about ever marrying again; Ruth (elderly widowed mother-in-law to Barbara)…who is as spry as a Cheshire cat – and constantly on the hunt for a man!

When three eligible men rent the women’s’ daadi haus for a month, is there a love match for each?

My Take: A wonderful novella full of fun and a bit of intrigue. Each character is winsome and worth knowing!

The Christmas Cat by Amy Clipston tells of newly widowed Emma Bontrager, who is experiencing her first Christmas without her beloved of 45 years. When a plump orange cat appears at her doorstep, she tries to scram the critter away….until he finds a way into her home and her heart. Then on Christmas Eve, four youths appear at Emma’s home to bring her some Christmas cheer. As the five gather around, Emma reminisces about the love of her life.

My Take: This was such a heart-warming novella. I really enjoyed the love of the younger generation towards Emma – if only more youngsters were that way!

Snow Angels by Kelly Irvin shares the story of David Byler, who couldn’t decide which world he wanted to belong to, has finally found sweet, endearing Molly Shrock. But when his red-boot-wearing, Englischer ex-girlfriend, Bobbie McGregor comes back home – she wants David back. Now David can’t decide what world – or what girl. And what about poor Molly?

My Take: Fans of Irvin’s Amish of Bee County series will be thrilled to finally flesh out David’s story. It was also great to catch up with Lupe and Diego. A satisfying end to David’s storyline.

Home for Christmas by Ruth Reid tells of dog-loving Englischer Ellie Whetstone, who heads to her deceased aenti’s home that she inherited. When her GPS takes her to Amish Ezra Mast’s house, he is quite surprised to find an Englischer and her large dog in his home! How will this story resolve, especially since Ezra has a child with an exceptional health problem. Read and find out!

My Take: This was a very charming novella. I was hooked in as soon as Ellie plopped her RV behind Ezra’s barn. The characters – including (if not especially!) the dog – are fantastic. Definitely my favorite of the four novellas.

I was given An Amish Christmas Love in exchange for my honest review. I found the stories engaging – to the point that I wanted to keep reading to find out more about each character! This literary foursome has struck gold again – add this to your TBR pile – even if you don’t get to it before Christmas!

Was this review helpful?

Very sweet collection of Christmas themed love stories! Short enough to read a story in an afternoon but long enough to give a well rounded out story. Very happily ever after feeling. Loved each story. Felt some parts of the stories were a bit rushed but still liked the book.
I received a digital copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

A great collection of enjoyable Christmas stories that enthusiasts of Amish fiction will thoroughly love!

Winter Kisses by Beth Wiseman
Such a sweet, fun story of romance for three generations of women! With some cute comedy thrown in for enjoyment, this entertaining Christmas story about healing and love after heart break is worth the read. As always, Beth Wiseman does a great job writing wonderful characters that you’ll love!

The Christmas Cat by Amy Clipston
Amy Clipston can always be depended on to give us a great story, and this one is no different. The endearing characters in this book will give you that warm Christmas feeling, as Emma deals with her loss and discovers that friendship comes in all shapes and forms.

Snow Angels by Kelly Irvin
We can’t always run from our past, and author Kelly Irvin does a wonderful job of showing us that, as well as showing us that the past can be forgiven and we can move on. You’ll find yourself rooting for Molly and shaking your head at David. But hang in there. The ending is worth it!

Home for Christmas by Ruth Reid
This incredible story has a lot of substance and includes the tough subject of a child prone to seizures. Author Ruth Reid doesn’t try to “hide” that subject but faces it squarely. A series of mix ups as well as twists and turns gives this story a “what next” quality that made it hard to put down.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

Was this review helpful?

An Amish Christmas Love is another anthology of novellas from publisher Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction. Like the other Amish collections, this one compiles four stories from four different authors. If you're a fan of Amish fiction, authors Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Kelly Irvin and Ruth Reid are familiar names. With the theme of Christmas in the background, we can expect the warmth that is simultaneous with the season.

In Beth Wiseman's Winter Kisses, it is so endearing to see how three generations of the Stolfuz women live together under one roof, and find love with the help of each other. Ruth is just hilarious. I don't know what to expect from this grandma figure who also happens to be quite forward in her romantic ways, but her story was the one I was most keenly interested in because of it. LOL.

Amy Clipston's stories have always captured my heart with its emotional connection with life's mundane. And in The Christmas Cat, a connection with a feline friend led to happy memories. It was just so heartwarming to see Hank the Cat soothe Emma's heart during her first Christmas without her husband of 45 years. How the youngsters in the community took time to be with Emma so she won't be alone was also sweet. There's something special about reminiscing the moments in your love story.

"May you discover a wealth of faith and the power of God. . . . Prayer is a powerful too. Not everything you ask will be answered immediately, but know God is listening. His Word is without void." (Home for Christmas)

Next we have Kelly Irvin's Snow Angels, which brings in the trepidation of what it means to be "equally yoke" between the Englisch and the Amish. In all honesty, I was quite annoyed with David. It's one thing to be unsure of your feelings, but to string along two girls, and let things go far, it's just not right. Despite that, Molly's character is a highlight, and it's quite nice to know her in this story.

And finally, but not least, Ruth Reid's Home for Christmas connects with me. I just love the involvement of Lulu, the dog that shone throughout the story. Her connection with Allison was endearing. Her resolve to protect her was just outright tear-worthy. As a proud pup mom myself, I just love this portrayal of a dog in a story that have quite the substance, and debunking the misunderstanding of the beautiful companionship of a canine family member.

In all, An Amish Christmas Love Novella Collection brought together family in time for the most magical season of the year. Heartwarming, sweet and definitely a time to share, it's a collection worthy to be read.



Disclaimer: I received a digital ARC of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

My review is only for the first story as I did not read the others. If a story doesn't hook me from the beginning it usually doesn't at all, and this was one of them. I love reading about the Amish and Christmas stories but I found this one to be slow and uninspiring.

Was this review helpful?

Thoughts:

AN AMISH CHRISTMAS LOVE: Four Novellas by Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Ruth Reid, and Kelly Irvin uncovers Amish Christmases with affections blooming within each community to make our holiday hearts even warmer as the light shines even brighter!

Falling in love with the Amish, we’ll learn more about their traditions, their history, and their healing hearts, but we will glow with the embers of love as we follow their forever-changing lives.

These four stories will bring us from marriage to death, from pain to healing and from state to state with merry themes plus heartwarming reminders. Could love be found during the most painful of times in life—while traveling on a completely different path than expected or while struggling with grief or fear of the unknown?

***This opinion is my own.***

Preview:

Within AN AMISH CHRISTMAS LOVE: Four Novellas, the high regard inside the communities show through in WINTER KISSES by Beth Wiseman, THE CHRISTMAS CAT by Amy Clipston, SNOW ANGELS by Kelly Irvin, and HOME FOR CHRISTMAS by Ruth Reid!

Christmas is inside each story as the celebration of the holiday is already there or it is on the way. When hope is hard to find or when the sad times of life come to stay, how will all fare?

Was this review helpful?

This was a wonderful set of four Amish Christmas novellas by four of my fave authors.

They were not connected to one another, but each independent stories of love, trust and an abiding trust in God. I loved reading each and every one of them. I did have a fave, however, and that was the final story in the book by author Ruth Reid.It was entitled "Home for Christmas". I loved the warm, wonderful feelings that it left me with.

If you want a truly inspirational set of stories to read this holiday season, this is the set!

I know you will love it!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Amish Christmas love is one special book – and yes you did see me use the S word – special – I honestly don't remember describing a book with this word . I was laughing, my heart was beating fast , I felt feeling like the characters did , that is how dog gone good this book is – each story totally different from the other, each pull at your heartstrings and the corners of your mouth awesome – no – phenomenal , yes I definitely reread this again and how GOD is relied on is so very special to me . This is worth your view – your hearts view . Even if it had to do with Christmas – it wasn't shoved down your throat you could read it year-round .

Was this review helpful?

This one was fun! I think the thing I like the most was the variety I guess...each story was a Christmas story and a love story but each was so different and I loved that! I'm not sure which story I'd say was my favorite, let me think on it for a few, cause I like them all for different reasons...

Winter Kisses was about three generations and each finding love. I loved the slightly crazy grandma and was pretty happy with the way everything turned out!



The Christmas Cat was kinda a love story flash back, a widowed reminiscing on her past on her First Christmas alone and some kids from the community coming to spend Christmas with her in hopes of cheering her up. I loved this take on a Christmas love story and the way It played out.



Snow Angels, I liked it but sometimes the love from the past coming back and confusing the man character story line can get a little old. everything turned out in a way that made me happy but I wasn't sure there for a bit

Was this review helpful?

Winter Kisses by Beth Wiseman

Three generations of Stoltzfus women are all living under the same roof. At twenty-five, Naomi has never been married, and both her mother, Barbara, and her grandmother, Ruth, have recently been widowed. Each nursing broken or lonely hearts, they also each have potential suitors. When a storm on Christmas Eve forces the three couples to take shelter in the basement of the Stotlzfus homestead, secrets are revealed, hearts are opened, and all three potential grooms drop to their knees for very different reasons a proposal, a prayer, and an epiphany.


I loved this story so much! Many times you have a love story that involves a young woman but rarely do you have a love story involving an elderly woman! In fact, this is a sweet three-for-all with a quirky old grandma, her daughter in law and her granddaughter all finding love. Grandma Ruth was a hoot. I had so many laughs with this one!



The Christmas CatThe Christmas Cat by Amy Clipston

Emma Bontrager is spending her first Christmas alone after her husband of 45 years, Henry, passed away in July. Although the Amish don t normally allow animals in their homes, a big, fat, orange barn cat keeps coming into Emma’s house. She shoos the cat away, but it continues to appear in her house, settling on Henry s favorite wingchair. But the cat isn’t the only Christmas visitor: a group of young people help bring the Christmas spirit to Emma, reminding her that love and hope abide.


Ahh! Amy Clipston hit it out of the park with this one! I was totally expecting this sappy love story involving a cat. I mean, not that there is anything wrong with a sappy love story. But, I loved that this one wasn't really a romance so much as a memory. It had such a sweet, cozy vibe. I seriously wanted to curl up with one of my cats and watch Christmas movies after reading this!



Snow AngelsSnow Angels by Kelly Irvin

As a young man enjoying his rumspringa, David Byler gave his heart to an Englisch girl, but he eventually realized he couldn’t give up his Plain faith and family for her, so he let her go. He s found a new love in his Bee County Plain community, Molly Shrock. Molly has been patient, waiting for the man she loves to love her back. Just as he is ready to propose, David makes a startling discover: Bobbie McGregor, his Englisch love, is back. Will Molly’s prayers for a Christmas love be answered?


This was a sweet story of love and redemption but I also felt like it was slightly rushed. I wanted to like the characters but David fell from love to lust and then back into love faster than I had time to really process. I'm unsure of how David could work through his confusion so fast. He was clearly attracted to Bobbie and I don't think it's so easy to turn your feelings. At least, not so fast. Otherwise, I appreciated imperfect characters finding love and grace in this story.



Home for Christmas by Ruth Reid

When a misdirected GPS sends Ellie Whetstone to the wrong address, she inadvertently finds herself breaking into the home of Amish man, Ezra Mast. Ellie hopes to fix up the house left by her aenti and sell it quickly, but a series of run-ins with Ezra and his young daughter have her questioning whether a hasty sale is the right move. Could this new place with its slower pace be the right home for Ellie?


I loved this story too much. Usually I hate it when there is instant love in a book but within a novella you have to give a little. I love that Ruth included a child with a disability in this book. I don't often see that in Amish books but she tugged at my heart. I so wanted Ellie and Ezra to fall in love so that they could parent his daughter together. I was slightly disappointed that I didn't find out what was causing Allison's seizures. I really hope that Ruth includes these characters in another book sometime. I need to know that she is okay!



A complimentary copy of this book was provided by The Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

A fun collection of 4 Amish Christmas novellas by some of today's top Amish writing authors. I really enjoyed these stories and they are guaranteed to put a smile on your face while reading them.
Pub Date 12 Sep 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson--FICTION for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

A collection of four heartfelt novellas in one book. I had trouble putting it down, even losing track of time one day! Even though the stories were about love, the author's made sure to include a little bit of comedy as well, which made for a lighthearted read. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading Amish fiction or even clean romance.

Was this review helpful?

Unexpected visitors bring love, happiness, and a chance to move on in this collection of four novellas. Although, not everyone was readily accepting these "gifts". The stories take place around the Christmas season.

Here's a short description for each novella from cbd:
Winter Kisses – Beth Wiseman
Three generations of Stolzfus women find love, faith and inspiration.
The Christmas Cat – Amy Clipston
A special cat visits a grieving woman in her time of need.
Snow Angels – Kelly Irvin
David must choose the love of an English or an Amish girl.
Home for Christmas – Ruth Reid
Ellies’ GPS sends her to the right place after all.

The following aspects are what made each story interesting to read for me. In Winter Kisses I enjoyed the comic relief of Ruth, the eldest of the women. The Christmas Cat went back and forth from the present to the past. Snow Angels had a young man facing his past to live in the present. In Home for Christmas an Amish man helped an English woman and vice-versa, which is not always acceptable. This story touched my heart the most and would be a great full length novel I think.

In each novella God brought people into the characters lives at the right moment. But they had to figure out if they were going to follow God's leading or their own ways and desires. Characters had to decide how to handle the passion/feelings they had - all of them weren't sure what to make of their notions but two in particular were quite reckless about it in one of the stories. With novellas things have to happen quickly due to their length. That being said, there was a story that still left me feeling disconnected, I feel I needed more of the back story. Each novella is unique to its author and can be read in one sitting. I would recommend reading this Christmas-themed collection. I was provided a complimentary review copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Was this review helpful?

A must read this holiday season!

This set of four Christmas Amish novellas, written by Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Kelly Irvin, and Ruth Reid, will warm your heart, make you tear up, and even laugh out loud. All had a great set of characters and storylines.
My absolute favorite was The Christmas Cat by Amy Clipston. It dealt with the difficult part of Christmas and just the holiday season in general for many people, the first Christmas without a loved one. I don't know what moved me more, her memories and love for her late husband and the fact that she was kind of lost without him, or the impact the young people from her community had on her, just by taking time to remember her all alone on Christmas Eve.

I received a copy of this book from the author and Netgalley, but was not required to give a positive review.

Was this review helpful?

I couldn’t be more excited to read this collection of heart warming, holiday inspired stories. I have enjoyed reading many books by each of the authors and was pleasantly surprised how each of their novellas in this collection turned out.

Hands down my personal favorite came in the form of a story with a furry companion. A sweet little cat in need of a home. How does this animal lover and book lover not love such a combination? Amy Clipston has never failed me as an author with how her stories touch my heart and this one was by far the dearest to me. It touched a memory in me that I had forgotten but it is amazing what a shelter seeking critter can do.

If you are wanting a Holiday collection that we’ll have you ready for the real meaning of the season and ready to share your heart, this collection is just right for you.
If you need a gentle reminder about love and kindness, and are will to look in a collection that may be new to you. I highly suggest reading this collection.

Was this review helpful?

Winter Kisses by Beth Wiseman
Three generations of Stoltzfus women are all living under the same roof. At twenty-five, Naomi has never been married, and both her mother, Barbara, and her grandmother, Ruth, have recently been widowed. Each nursing broken or lonely hearts, they also each have potential suitors. When a storm on Christmas Eve forces the three couples to take shelter in the basement of the Stotlzfus homestead, secrets are revealed, hearts are opened, and all three potential grooms drop to their knees for very different reasons a proposal, a prayer, and an epiphany.


My thoughts:  I liked the characters in Winter Kisses and the close-knit relationship the ladies had.   My favorite of the three is Ruth. I loved her stubbornness and her flirtatiousness.  She added some  lightness to the story. The three gentlemen that rent the  daadi haus brought added income and friendship.   Overall, I enjoyed this novella quite a lot.  If this had been a full length novel, I think I would have liked even more,  I would have liked a less hurried ending,


The Christmas Cat by Amy Clipston
Emma Bontrager is spending her first Christmas alone after her husband of 45 years, Henry, passed away in July. Although the Amish don t normally allow animals in their homes, a big, fat, orange barn cat keeps coming into Emma s house. She shoos the cat away, but it continues to appear in her house, settling on Henry s favorite wingchair. But the cat isn t the only Christmas visitor: a group of young people help bring the Christmas spirit to Emma, reminding her that love and hope abide.

My thoughts:  The Christmas Cat by Amy Clipston is absolutely my favorite in this collection!  I think she captured the very essence of Christmas. The season is reflected perfectly by welcoming a stranger (in this case, a cat) into your home and providing warmth and comfort.  I loved Emma and I could imagine how she must feel spending her first Christmas without Henry.  It's always difficult spending time without your loved one, no matter what time of year it is.  To keep the spirit of giving and sharing, four young people surprise Emma with a much-needed visit and dinner.  I promise that if you read this novella, you will not be disappointed and you'll feel the true meaning of the holiday season.
Snow Angels by Kelly Irvin

As a young man enjoying his rumspringa, David Byler gave his heart to an Englisch girl, but he eventually realized he couldn t give up his Plain faith and family for her, so he let her go. He s found a new love in his Bee County Plain community, Molly Shrock. Molly has been patient, waiting for the man she loves to love her back. Just as he is ready to propose, David makes a startling discover: Bobbie McGregor, his Englisch love, is back. Will Molly s prayers for a Christmas love be answered?

My thoughts: It took me awhile to get interested in Snow Angels by Kelly Irvin, but as I kept reading, I started to enjoy it more than I thought I would.  I liked Molly and of course, I liked Lupe and Diego from the other Bee County books.

Home for Christmas by Ruth Reid
When a misdirected GPS sends Ellie Whetstone to the wrong address, she inadvertently finds herself breaking into the home of Amish man, Ezra Mast. Ellie hopes to fix up the house left by her aenti and sell it quickly, but a series of run-ins with Ezra and his young daughter have her questioning whether a hasty sale is the right move. Could this new place with its slower pace be the right home for Ellie?

My thoughts:  Home for Christmas by Ruth Reid was my second favorite in this collection. I loved the characters, although I had a special fondness for Allison.  I loved that precious little girl so much.   Ellie and Ezra were very  entertaining at times and I liked both of them equally.   I found the subject matter very interesting and I think that anyone reading this novella will agree.

This is a definitely a keeper and I will read it again during the Christmas Holidays.  I highly recommend this one to fans of Amish and Christian fiction.  It would make a great gift, too.
I received a free copy and was not required to write a positive review.  All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Whether it is reading about three generations of Stoltzfus women living under the same roof, a cat and a group of Christmas visitors that help a recently widowed Amish woman, the return of an Englisch love, or a misdirected GPS An Amish Christmas Love offers a nice variety of stories by bestselling authors (Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Ruth Reid, and Kelly Irvin).

I always look forward to these novella collections as they allow me to take a different pace in my reading through shorter stories. I get to experience a variety of settings in one book, which is something I enjoy. I also like reading stories from some authors I haven’t read before.

This novella installment was another great addition to my collection. One of the stories I was really excited to read was my friend Amy Clipston’s. I know Amy loves cats and I thought the concept of The Christmas Cat was really neat.

While this story was sad, it was also uplifting as a group of young people went to spend time with a recent widow. I was reminded to think of others around Christmas and try to bring joy to them.

The stories were all unique in this collection, which made for a nice variety as I was reading. I enjoyed all of the stories, each for different reasons.

Was this review helpful?