The Christmas Heirloom: Four Holiday Novellas of Love Through the Generations

Four Christmas novellas by four different authors, all connected as the stories are all about a broach that brings the wearers true love. The stories are all in different era’s yet still connected by the broach that has been passed from Mother to Daughter for almost two hundred years. I loved all of the stories, each so different yet connected. The stories were rich in content and well written characters, the stories linked together and so heartwarming! Each a holiday story with a feel-good ending!! I give this book 5 stars. I truly enjoyed the stories.

I received this book through NetGalley.com for promotional purposes. I’ve decided to write this review of my own volition as I loved the book…..#NetGalley #TheChristmasHeirloom #KristiAnnHunter #KarenWitemeyer #SarahLoudinThomas #BeckyWade
Description as found on NetGalley.com:
Perfect for the Christmas season, four beloved authors bring their bestselling, award-winning talents to a multigenerational collection of romantic holiday novellas. In stories ranging from 1820s Regency England to present-day Washington state, readers will be treated to Christmas tales of an heirloom brooch passed from mother to daughter for almost two hundred years. Will the family legend claiming the brooch brings love to its recipient hold true for these women separated by the years but bonded together by the ties of family?

in Kristi Ann Hunter's "Legacy of Love," Sarah Gooding never suspected returning a brooch to an elderly woman would lead to a job . . . and introduce her to the woman's grandson. While he may be far above her station, she can't help but notice that his desire to make this Christmas special for his grandmother matches her own.

in Karen Witemeyer's "Gift of the Heart," widow Ruth Albright uses the family brooch as collateral for a loan from the local banker. But the more she comes to know the man behind the stern businessman, the more she hopes for a second chance at love as the holidays draw near.

in Sarah Loudin Thomas's "A Shot at Love," Fleeta Brady's rough-and-tumble childhood means she prefers hunting to more feminine activities. She never expected her mother's brooch might be how a fellow hunter turns her attention from competition to romance one December.

in Becky Wade's "Because of You," Maddie Winslow has spent years in love with a man whose heart was already spoken for. When a church Christmas project brings them together and she stumbles upon an old family brooch, might it finally be her turn for love?

Cute, but different story. It was nice to read a story about an Amish woman who held a job outside the home and a community that supported her in doing this

** ARC received from Netgalley **

A wonderful story set during Christmas that leaves you filled with the spirit of the season and grateful for the journey the book took you on.

#The Christmas Remedy#NetGalley
I loved this book, it took me awhile to get reading it but once I started it was hard to put down, Holly was doing all she could to educate her community, and avoid falling in love. It was good to see her bishop letting her get more education than the typical Amish in order to help her people. Being in the pharmacy and delivering meds helped in making her community feel comfortable in getting the help needed.

This Amish fiction book was a bit different from normal. This one showed that not all Amish are as strict as others. I was happy to see this. I love all the characters in the story and love the whole story idea. I could not put this book down. I loved the romance and the problems that Holly had to overcome. I received a copy of this book from Waterbrook and Multnomah for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Since her father's death, Holly has been able to live a different life for being Amish. She started working at Green's Pharmacy in town and she realized she loved being able to help her people with health questions. Her bishop has allowed her to get her GED, become a pharmacy tech and now take classes to become a licensed practicing nurse. This will allow her to answer customer questions when it comes to her deliveries of their medicines. She knows her love for her job will keep her from getting married or so she thinks. Holly did not expect to find someone like Joshua.

Joshua knows Holly from some local singings but then she disappeared. He never expected to run into her on her worst day. He runs to Greene's Pharmacy to pick up his mother's new diabetes medicine but when he gets there the pharmacy is closed. Holly returns from her deliveries and becomes concerned when the pharmacy is still closed. As she opens up she finds Mr. Greene laying in the floor. With Josh's help she able to get Mr. Greene the help he needs.

What will happen to the pharmacy and can Holly control her heart when Josh is around? Will her career stop before it even began?

I could not put this book down. The idea of an Amish being able to follow her calling without having to leave the faith was a wonderful change. If you think about it what could be better. We all trust those most like us, it is human nature. Holly understands their hesitancy to take medicine and go against the belief of "it is God's will". Her goal is to prevent deaths that were preventable if they had just gone to the doctor and took their medicine as prescribed.

I applaud the Woodsmall's for creating an Amish male character that is open to change and seeing the woman not just as a homemaker. Josh understands that Holly is invested in her community and is willing to give up a life with another to help keep her community healthy.

A beautifully written tale of romance and change. If you like Christian fiction pick this book up. You won't be disappointed.

I received a complimentary copy from WaterBrook & Multnomah through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

Every year I buy books to get me into the holiday spirit. I love a good Christmas story but so often I am disappointed. Not this time! The Christmas Remedy is the perfect holiday story. The story itself is intriguing and I learned so much more about the Amish. I'm not sure if the storyline could happen in the real Amish world but it sure works in the book. Holly, an Amish girl, is a pharmacy technician for a local pharmacist. Didn't see that coming did you! The pharmacy along with the town and all the characters are believable, likeable and we'll written. I want to meet all of them. Add in a major catastrophe after the pharmacist has a stroke and it all makes for a great story. Someone is trying to sabotage this quaint hometown pharmacy that everyone, especially the Amish, rely on. Holly and Josh are determined to help save the pharmacy. But being together so much creates its on problems for Holly. Unlike most Amish women she wants a career, not marriage and babies. The story is beautifully written. From descriptions of decorations, family gatherings and the feel of snow and crisp winter air I was completely immersed in the surroundings. I think the Christmas Remedy should become a required holiday reading.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from Netgalley.

Holly Zook lives an unusual life... that is, if your Amish. Holly is unmarried, pursuing higher education, and works at a locally owned pharmacy. After her father died, Holly dedicated herself to helping the Plains community through health management and disease prevention. Her greatest joy is teaching her people how to live healthy lives and avoid her father's fate.

When pharmacist, Lyle Greene, suffers a stroke, his son Brandon returns home to help in the family business. Studying to be a pharmacist himself, Brandon wants nothing to do with Green's Pharmacy. After watching his parents struggle and feeling displaced by his father's affections for Holly, Brandon is determined that his time at home will be brief. Till one day a horrible accusation leaves Holly and Brandon fighting for the future of Green's Pharmacy. What really happened the day of Lyle's stroke? And who is behind these painful accusations?

I've been a big fan of Cindy Woodsmall for a long time and this is the second book that I've read where she's teamed up with her daughter in law, Erin Woodsmall. Both women have a way of story telling that really draws in the reader. While I had my suspicions about who was behind all the pharmacies troubles, the resolution wasn't too obvious and in fact, left me guessing for quite awhile. There were also two romantic storylines woven through out the book, but it might not be who you'd expect at first. And although the book toggles between different viewpoints, the authors do a good job of developing each "voice" so as not to confuse the reader.

This was a sweet book to delight readers and fan during the holiday season. Perfect for curling up with a hot cup of tea, and remembering the bond of family and the magic of Christmas.

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Perfect for the holidays or any time of year. This was a differennt spin on the Amish. I really enjoyed reading about an Amish woman who wanted to make a difference in the health field. Holly Zook is a pharmacy technician which is unusual for an Old Order Amish woman. The bishop of her community has allowed her to further her study so that she may be helpful to the Amish families in her district.. Holly's choice comes at the expense of her personal life or lack there of. When a Lyle, the hometown pharmacist finds himself in possible legal trouble, Holly does all she can to help, even if it means spending time with a former young man who cared deeply for her.
Great story, likeable characters, and a real life situation that needed to be handled carefully.

4.5 stars. Terrific Amish fiction with a bit of mystery and romance thrown in. I enjoyed the characters - Holly's passion for her calling is inspiring. I also enjoyed how all the pieces came together in the end. While the cover makes this seem like a Christmas book, it actually takes place from October to December. There are several holiday scenes in the book, but Christmas is not the primary focus. That is a little misleading. I really enjoyed this one and highly recommend it.

An unusual Amish romance

My rating is 3.5 stars

The Christmas Remedy provided a different aspect of the Amish life than the ones I have typically seen depicted. The aspect of the way that they regard medical care, especially preventative type exams was one that was new to me. Because the death of her father when she was a teenager could have been prevented if he had simply gone to the doctor for treatment, Holly was dedicated to teaching her people the importance of medical care.

I appreciated the relationship between Holly and Lyle, the pharmacist who had allowed her to work for him even when she was only fourteen. Their friendship was misinterpreted by his son, who felt displaced by her.

The mystery of the missing patient was handled well. I had a suspicion about who the culprit was, but the identity was not overt. The way that Joshua helped Holly as she sought the “missing” patient despite the way she had rebuffed him was very sweet.

I did find that I was not drawn into the story as much as I had expected. It was good, though not absorbing. I found that while I liked Joshua, I was a little indifferent about Holly. I also felt like the speech of the Amish sounded much too much like ours.

If you are a lover of Amish fiction, you might enjoy this unique story.


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I was given a free copy of this item. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.

Holly wanted to help her Amish community to trust English medicine so she worked in a pharmacy owned by kind man named Lyle. He took her under his wing when her father passed away. In her community it is unusual for Amish women to work a job as she does. Josh who is Amish is concerned for his mom who is diagnosed with diabetes. He goes to the pharmacy to get medication for his mom. He sees Holly and realizes she is a girl he had been interested in but did not return the interest. Lyles son Brandon who is in school for pharmacy comes home after Lyle is found at the store after suffering a stroke. This book tells the story of 2 different communities pulling together to right a wrong and sve the pharmacy. It has mystery , family and love. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. This book was given to me as ARC for my honest devices

This is such a heartwarming story. It has a bit of mystery and romance mixed together. This is my second book by this author and I really enjoy the writing. It is an easy read. Sweet book. Read it!!
I was given an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

Holly went into the old pharmacy as she wondered how a building could be so dear to her. The timeworn store store held hope that medicine brought to her Amish community. Lyle was already in the pharmacy filling a prescription when Holly came in. Holly did morning deliveries and would be back by ten when the pharmacy opened. There was a health fair this weekend and Lyle reminded Holly how much she had to do after her deliveries and not to worry about him, he just had a headache. Holly had worked for a year toward this goal- first getting the unanimous permission from the Amish church leaders to hold the fair and then getting her people interested in attending the fair. Based on recent feedback and people signing up for classes, the Health Fair was going to have a fantastic turnout, After years of proving to her bishop, deacon, and preacher they had agreed to let her get her GED and she had done that one year ago and then they approved of her furthering her education if she could pass the entrance exam into nursing school she would become an LPN. Holly had to be an LPN to share the information on the Patient Package Inserts. Until then any patient questions had to go through Lyke. SHe could offer some basic health care to Amish patients in their homes He father had died when Holly was fourteen - ten years ago. Each year holly and Lyle were making a difference in the lives of the Amish. They were pushing past indifference and lack of understanding. Indifference and ignorance had stolen her dad's life and there hadn’t been a more intelligent man in Raysburg. What a horrendous waste, if he’d only gone to the doctors sooner. Joshua was willing to do all he could for his mom’s diagnosis of diabetes but for now he had to focus on something he could control was keeping the chicks he had coming alive-Easter chickens who someone had canceled the order of and Joshua was asked to take and raise them - they would be his. Holly knew as she tried to call Lyle how odd it was with her Amish ways and dress but carrying a cell phone. Holly had worked for Lyle for ten years and started carrying a cell phone shortly after to call him about their patients questions about their medications. She tried calling Lyle with no luck. Her last delivery was her favorite person- John and his wife Ruth and John had a new medication and he had a question that Holly knew the answer but legally could not say anything and couldn’t get a hold of Lye so she said she would return and left to get back to the pharmacy. Joshua/Josh saw Josh of al people. Holly had gone with Ivy to a singles event in another district and she met Josh at the event. .They’de enjoyed six months of camaraderie during the socials after the singing and and at singles functions. Then Josh asked her out Holly out and Holly was taken back by his question Holly realized how deeply attracted to him she was. She then stammered through what she hoped was a polite decline and vowed never to go to another singles event. Holly had to help her people.If you marry babies came and running the home was all a woman was allowed to do. Holly could barely keep up with the pharmacy and her education. Lyle ended up in ICU he had a stroke and since Holly wasn’t family she had to wait until Lyle’s son Brandon got there before she found out more. Brandon was already studying to be a pharmacist but didn’t want to take over for his dad but to stay in the city. Lyle and his wife Bev had taken Holly under their wing when her dad died from sesis. They gave a fourteen year old Holly a job. Four years later Bev passed away and Holly tried to help Lyle through that. Holly called Josh as some hard copies of five prescriptions couldn’t be found and they were all for one man and his name was Sam Miller which was very common. And if the prescription aren’t found Lyle could be charged a very large fine and the pharmacy could be closed from anywhere to a few days to a few years. Josh and his parents are willing to help as much as they can. Holly and Lyle only had six weeks to try to find the right sam Miller, Holly realized she enjoyed Josh’s company. Then Holly felt she couldn’t let Josh think there could be more than friendship. Then Holly came up with the idea Ivy would be good for Josh. Holly liked Josh a lot but that wasn’t the point. If she married the church leaders wouldn’t let her continue with her education. Ivy caught on to Holly’s plan and told Josh who did take Ivy home and asked to be able to Holly for a short ride to talk to her. Holly did go out and went for the ride with Josh.
I really enjoyed this book . I really liked that Holly wasn’t a traditional Amish woman to a degree as she went to school to get her GED and planned on becoming an LPN, that she was dedicating her life to her people, change their mind about going to the doctor and taking their medication. I loved Josh and Holly together and how they interacted with each other. I loved Holly and Lyle’s relationship/ I also really liked how patient Josh was with Holly and stayed true to his feelings for her and how he accepted her for herself. I loved how Lyle who wasn’t Amish did everything for his Amish patients that he could. This was a just a really good heartwarming read. I loved the pace and plot. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend it.

The Christmas Remedy is a lovely story of faith, romance and healing of family relationships and friendships. Holly Noelle Zook feels a calling to help her Amish people get health care that they normally would not seek. She works as a pharmacy tech for Greene's Pharmacy in her small rural town in Pennsylvania and has worked hard to plan a health fair for the community, in particular the Amish. Lyle Greene is the owner of the pharmacy and has devoted his life to help Amish and others who can't afford the medicines they need, get them, even if his business suffers. Julie is a nurse practitioner who could be earning more money in the city but feels led to help the rural population, including the Amish.
When Lyle has a stroke, his son, Brandon, has to come home to help out the pharmacy, even though he is in the middle of studying for his pharmacy state board exam. He has hopes of working for a large pharmacy in the city. Lyle and Brandon need to heal their relationship that has been strained since the death of their wife and mother.
When Joshua goes to pick up medicine for his mamm who has just been diagnosed with diabetes, he ran into Holly. The two enjoyed a light friendship through events in the church until he asked her out. Holly's calling to help the Amish means that she can't marry and have a family and work because the church prohibits it, so she avoids a relationship with Joshua.
When someone turns in the pharmacy for filling some prescriptions without a doctor's script, everyone starts working to solve what happened. The date of the prescriptions was on the Sunday before Lyle's stroke and he doesn't remember that day and no hard copies can be found to show what happened. A few fill-in pharmacists are working at the pharmacy to help since Lyle's stroke. Could one of them be involved in turning Lyle in? It is said that things happen for a reason and maybe God allowed the events to happen to bring people together to mend their relationships and see what is really important, especially at Christmastime. This is an uplifting story of putting others first with some romance and mystery interspersed.
I received an ARC from WaterBrook Publishing through NetGalley. Thoughts and opinions stated for mine only.

The Christmas Remedy by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall is An Amish Christmas Romance. Holly Noelle Zook has an unusual profession for an Amish woman. She is a pharmacy technician at Greene’s Pharmacy in Raysburg, Pennsylvania and studying for admission to nursing school. Holly wants to bring better health care to the people in her community. She wants to make sure they have access to medication and doctors. Holly is determined that what happened to her father ten years ago will not happen to anyone else. Holly is aware that to achieve her goals she must sacrifice having a husband and children since Amish woman quit working once they get married. Holly returns to Greene’s one morning after her deliveries to find Joshua Smucker standing outside. She enjoyed socials and other youth events with him for six months until he began to get serious. Holly is attracted to him, but she will not give up her goals. Inside the pharmacy, they find Lyle Greene on the ground after suffering a stroke. Lyle’s son, Brandon, who is close to becoming a licensed pharmacist, moves home to help care for his father until he is back on his feet again. Lyle and Brandon do not have the best relationship, and Brandon does not plan on working at Greene’s after graduation. He wants to work at a large chain pharmacy where he can earn more money. Then the pharmacy board inspector pays a visit bringing a serious matter to their attention. Holly and Joshua with help from Brandon and Graham have six weeks to resolve the problem. If they do not succeed, the community could lose Greene’s Pharmacy forever.

The Christmas Remedy is a unique Amish story. Holly Zook is a spunky, intelligent and determined woman with one goal in mind. She is a progressive thinker for a baptized Amish woman. Holly is willing to give up a future with Joshua to achieve it. But is there another way? Brandon is estranged from his father, and he plans on working at a large chain pharmacy to earn a bigger paycheck. Time at Greene’s Pharmacy and in Raysburg gives Brandon a different perspective. I found The Christmas Remedy to be well-written with with a lovely small town. The thoughtful characters suited the story. The author explained Holly and Brandon’s motivations, and we see how circumstances as well as time can alter their viewpoint. I like the mystery that is included. It adds more interest and depth to The Christmas Remedy. Readers get to see how the Amish view healthcare and how they manage without insurance. I have insurance and can still barely afford to visit a doctor with the high co-pays. Many Amish prefer herbal remedies over modern medicine. Holly wants to educate the Amish on their options and know when to visit a doctor. Preventative care is important to staying healthy and finding a serious illness in time. Readers also get to learn more about pharmacy operations. They are governed by rules and regulations just like any business except they have more oversight and reporting (the laws vary from state to state as well). There is Christmas tidings and romance as well in The Christmas Remedy. I hope we see more Amish books like The Christmas Remedy with females in unique professions. Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall created an intriguing Amish novel in The Christmas Remedy.

A different Amish story, and a young woman who lives her faith, but willing to forego love and family to help her fellow man. While she is willing to sacrifice all, someone has the opposite in mind and is sabotaging the local pharmacy, but who and why?
This story is a great collaboration between these two authors, and when the last page is turned, I still wanted more, and my mind was putting conclusions to maybe other romances.
I loved how so many pulled together to find out answers to what happened, and if they will be able to save the much-needed pharmacy, or if the owner will have to retire due to health reasons. So many questions, but yes there are answers here, and a sweet enjoyable read.

I received this book through the Publisher Waterbrook, and was not required to give a positive review.

A heartwarming story with a little romance and mystery wrapped up with a Christmas bow.
An Amish woman working at the local pharmacy strives to bridge the gap between her community and their health care needs. However, someone is trying to close the pharmacy and end its service.

This was a well-written, steady paced story centering on people, family relationships, communication, and people's motivation to succeed. Caring about people more than profit or wealth was a dividing point. The main character, Holly, is an admirable young woman, focussed on her goals for education, and sacrificing her own future to serve others. Feeling alone and without options, she pushes away any possibilities for love. I liked how her conflict resolved once she trusted God more for His plans for her life. The traditions and values of the Amish community were interesting, and how their women aren't usually allowed to work outside the home. The details of how pharmacies run and the law seemed carefully researched, and gave a solid base for the mystery.

Readers who enjoy stories based in the Amish community, with hints of clean romance, should enjoy this. 4.5 stars

This story is as lovely as the book cover. The storyline revolves around a much-loved drug store in the Amish community. Holly, the main character in this book, is a young Amish woman who has dedicated her life to educating her Amish neighbors about the need for good health care. As the owner/pharmacist works to overcome a major health crisis of his own, a legal issue arises that threatens to close the much-needed pharmacy. Holly, Joshua, and Brandon must work together to find the proof needed to keep the pharmacy open.

The characters in this book, both Amish and English, are relatable and perfectly fit the small-town setting of this story. Holly’s own story kept my interest. She struggles with remaining single and pursuing her career in healthcare, or marrying Joshua and settling into the role of an Amish wife and giving up her career. The pacing of this story is great, and builds to a very satisfying ending.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

A very different Amish novel! A beautifully blended story of Amish and English working together to bring health information to the Amish community. Holly was a very determined young Amish woman who cared deeply about her community has been allowed to become a pharmacy tech. Lyle, a pharmacist had a ingrained desire to help those who could not afford medicine. Between the two of them, Greene's Pharmacy served the community well. But when Lyle has a stroke their are serious issues. What will happen to the pharmacy? Highly recommended!