Ivy Weaver cares for her grandfather and works hard outside the home, but it is hard dealing with all the changes in her life. Her mother recently remarried and moved to another community and Ivy is left trying to care for her elderly grandfather who is having memory and judgement issues.
Zeb Brenneman and Ivy were dating unofficially two years before, but he moved to Florida when things didn't work out. He is part of a more liberal community of the Beachy Amish, but returned home to spend Christmas with his family. When he sees Ivy and her grandfather are having problems, he jumps in to help, hoping to rekindle their relationship. Meanwhile, Ivy wants to find out more about the local retirement home, so stops by for a visit. She meets a resident, Ethan Dallas and they become friends. Ivy often visits Ethan and they share their faith and beliefs. He helps Ivey see that God loves her no matter what and he will forgive her, but she also needs to forgive herself.

This is an emotional and moving story of love, friendship, forgiveness, grace and realizing our worth in God's eyes. It was beautiful to watch Ivy grow in her faith and belief that God loves her no matter what. She doesn't have to earn that love. I also enjoyed watching Ivy's and Zeb's relationship grow and their feelings for one another rekindle. Ivy has a lot of issues to deal with and because of that, there was some angst, but Zeb does not give up easily. Zeb also has some baggage to deal with, and he also needs some healing. I enjoyed this story. Although the story is set at Christmas, is is more about relationships, romantic, familial and deep friendship. I like how Ivy takes comfort and spirituality from the many lights around Christmas. Even though it is long past Christmas, with Easter coming, I enjoyed this faith based story. I recommend it to those who enjoy Amish Fiction and romance.

An amazing Christmas story that show how forgiveness will change hearts and bring joy to the main characters. Loved this story

I read this book in two days, which is pretty quick for me. I always take on too many Christmas romances, but got this one finished near the beginning of January 2020. I loved the reunification of Zeb and Ivy in this Amish romance and her grandfather was an interesting character. It was interesting to see the push and pull between Zeb and Ivy who take on new opportunities that throw them together at Christmas time for a magical romance. It was a great and emotional story of love and forgiveness. I felt very invested in the characters and it was heartwarming in every sense of the word.

Last week, I read (from start to finish!) A Wells Landing Christmas by Amy Lillard. This was the first book I’ve read by this author. I realized at the end of the book that it’s actually #8 in the A Wells Landing Romance series by Lillard. The author did a good job of making this a stand-alone book, so I understood it all without having read the previous seven books (although of course there are mentions of previous main characters from other books).

I like reading Amish fiction and I LOVE Christmas, so it was a fun read overall. I had never read an Amish book set in Oklahoma before (usually they’re set in Pennsylvania or Ohio). So that was a different twist. Also I had never heard of the Beachy Amish before - I thought it was because they lived in Florida lol! But then when I googled it, I realized that this more liberal Amish sect is named after a Bishop Moses Beachy. So it was interesting to learn about them and their belief system.

Anyways, the book is about young Ivy Weaver. She’s only 22 but that’s already considered an old maid in her conservative Amish community. Her father passed away unexpectedly a few years before, and then her mother decides to remarry and move with her new husband to an Amish community in Indiana. Ivy is left in Wells Landing, Oklahoma, to take care of her aging grandfather. As the story progresses, it becomes apparent that her Dawdi is suffering from dementia/Alzheimer’s. Ivy works full time to support the two of them, but is called away from work several times to come get her grandfather who has wandered away or gotten lost. And other times she arrives home after work to find her grandfather missing. The situation gets more and more stressful to Ivy as time goes on.

Ivy had fallen in love with Zeb Brenneman a few years before, but because neither of them had joined the church yet, they were not allowed to date. (I don’t think I had realized this about the Amish religion - that the young adults must join the church before they can even be allowed to date, let alone be married!) So they ended up sneaking around behind everyone’s backs, and eventually fall into temptation. Zeb eventually joined the church, but Ivy missed the baptismal classes (which are only offered every-other-year - good grief!!). Then after some unexpected turns of events, Ivy and Zeb broke up and he headed off to Florida and joined the Beachy Amish. Heart-broken, Ivy goes on a wild rumspringa and develops a very bad reputation in Wells Landing, to the point that basically no one in the community will have anything to do with her. In the Amish religion, a member of the church must confess before the entire congregation their (major) sins. Ivy technically doesn’t have to do this because she hasn’t joined, but she feels incredible guilt. And she knows that Zeb, as a member of the church, would have to confess their sins publicly. She just can’t bring herself to admit to everyone what they’ve done. It becomes a vicious cycle and she still hasn’t joined the church.

Right when Ivy is at her wits’ end as to what to do with her ailing grandfather who keeps on disappearing or getting lost, Zeb shows back up in town for the holidays. He offers to help take care of Dawdi so Ivy can work. Ivy wants nothing to do with Zeb, but realizes she needs the help.

Ivy also volunteers at a local Englischer nursing home in town, and becomes particularly close with one old man, who is dying. Ivy feels like the nursing home is the only place where she is accepted, because her Amish community certainly does not make her feel welcome.

Zeb tries to draw her back into their Amish community, but it is easier said than done. There are so many words left unsaid and unhealed wounds from years back.

I won’t say more, but this was a good book overall. I’d give it 3 out of 5 stars. I felt like it was slow / repetitive for a majority of the book. Zeb reaches out to Ivy, Ivy spurns him and tells him they can never be together, Ivy is wracked with guilt over the past, repeat. Then at about 85% through the book (I was reading on my Kindle thus I know the percentage lol!), things picked up speed and got super complicated. The last 15% of the book was jam-packed and went lickety-split! I have no idea why the author tried to cram sooooo much into the last couple chapters of the book. It felt rushed and unruly. I really wish she had not had so much repetition in the first 85% of the book and then made a mad-dash to the finish line at the end. It was just unnecessary, and not good writing style / technique. I’m really surprised an editor didn’t catch this major flaw.

That being said, it was still an enjoyable book for the most part. If you want to read this, I would recommend reading the first seven books in the series before, so that this one makes a little more sense.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

I have enjoyed Amy Lillard's Amish genre books in the past. Especially the book set in the fictional town of Wells Landing.
I look forward to one day actually reading this book.

I received a free copy from NetGalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book. The setting, storyline and characters were so good. I was sucked in from the beginning. I will definiltey read more from this author.

This book was such a delight!!
To me, this is Amy Lillard's best yet!!
I read it in almost one sitting because I couldn't wait to turn the page and see what happened to Ivy, Zeb and Dawdi next.
The author sure could write like I was with the family. I enjoyed their company and plus the food.
The Amish are wonderful cooks!!
Ivy is a lot like me. She stubborn and wants no help from no one. I also like her because she's a loner like me, but unlike me I didn't do what she did. I do enjoy people to a certain extent.
I loved Dawdi because he reminded me so much of my own grandfather. Especially towards the end of his life. This is where I admired Ivy a lot. I couldn't imagine taking on a whole lot like that.
Dawdi made me laugh throughout this book. This is especially why I loved him.
Zeb is beginning to grow up and take on a lot of responsibilities in which I admired. But like they always say, you can run but you can't hide. Especially from God. He always sees.
There were some repetitive phrases that I didn't like. People can deny things all they want. But really what it all boils down to is God's plan for you. It's His will for He has a bigger plan for all of us.
I recommend this book for anyone who feels like they can't handle what life throws your way. Read what Ivy goes through. This book has some uplifting scenes and a few Bible verses as well.
You won't want to put it down!!

Amy Lillard has written a beautiful story of an Amish girl who is seeking to not only find her place in their Amish society, but is also seeking peace and forgiveness. Ivy is struggling with how to provide care for her aging grandfather, who has dementia, and still keep working to provide an income for both of them. She’d love to be married to Zeb, who has returned to their community after being away for sometime, but Ivy thinks that mistakes in their past can’t be overcome.

Ivy’s story is an emotional one and kept me completely absorbed in this book. The author did a great job of communicating to the reader Ivy’s loneliness and confusion, and this made for a heart-tugging story. I also loved the way she worked into the storyline that salvation is by faith in Christ and not works alone. This is a great story for the Christmas season and it’s true meaning for all of us.

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

I loved this book. I am a huge fan of Ms Lilliards books. This story is very emotional. I love a real heartwarming Christmas story, make it an Amish story and I am hooked. Thank you netgalley for the arc of this book, the review is my opinion.

Zeb and Ivy were at one time a couple in love. Zeb left and moved to Florida but has returned home. Ivy is working to trying to care for her Dawdi after her Mom remarries and moves away. A lot of hurt has passed between the two from their past. Struggles with Dawdi brings them together to help. Dawdi has a soft spot for Zeb and keeps telling Ivy how much Zeb loves her. Dawdi is suffering with memory issues. Ivy is trying to make a decision whether to keep him at home of place him in a nursing facility. She goes to visit a nursing facility and the visit will change her life. She meets a gentleman named Ethan who will teach her to forgive others and herself.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I had not read any of Amy's books but look forward to in the future,

A Wells Landing Christmas by Amy Lillard is the eighth book in A Wells Landing Romance series. Ivy Weaver lives in Wells Landing, Oklahoma where she has a reputation for wearing jeans, driving a car and kissing at least three boys (shocking). Ivy has been taking care of her grandfather, Yonnie since her mother married and moved out of state two years prior. She has yet to join the church because she does not feel worthy and she would need to confess her sin before the congregation. Ivy has her hands full taking care of Yonnie who has begun to lose his memory and act oddly. Zeb Brenneman broke her heart when he left and moved to Pinecraft. The last thing she expects is to see him back in Wells Landing. Ivy is rushing home after a call from her neighbor about Yonnie when she spots Zeb walking towards his family home. Zeb knows that leaving Ivy was a mistake and he wants to make amends. Zeb wants to prove to Ivy that he is trustworthy and earn her forgiveness along with her love. After Yonnie becomes hurt one day, Ivy visits the local nursing home, Whispering Pines. She meets Ethan Dallas who talks to her about God’s love, forgiveness and grace. Ivy begins to feel that there is hope for herself, her life and her relationship with Zeb. Can Ivy and Zeb find their way back to each other? Is there a chance for a Christmas miracle in Wells Landing?

A Wells Landing Christmas is nicely written story about forgiveness, love, hope, and grace. Ivy needs to forgive herself, but she has not been able to do it. She has a secret that keeps her from allowing people to get close. She feels left out of her community and is overwhelmed with caring for her grandfather. It is serendipitous that she visits Whispering Pines and finds someone who can understand her struggle. It is sweet how Ivy takes care of Yonnie. She is patient and understanding with him. She does not want to leave him alone, but Ivy must earn a living to pay their bills. You can feel Ivy’s emotions come through the pages (heartache, sadness, tension, loneliness, love). Her biggest struggle is unable to forgive herself for a sin. Zeb knows he made a mistake leaving and wants to atone plus earn his way back into Ivy’s heart. The path to love is bumpy, but it is rewarding. We all feel unworthy and need to remember that God will forgive us for our sins. All we must do is ask. I find it amusing that the Amish in Wells Landing cannot drive cars, but they are allowed to drive their tractors all over town. It seems a dangerous and loud mode of transportation with limited seating (how can it be safe). We get to see how gossip can harm a person’s reputation (no matter who started it). Gossip is not the truth, but people treat it as such. There are good life lessons in A Wells Landing Christmas. I like how the author handled the subjects of illness in elderly and their care. I wish the author had eliminated the repetition. Personally, I find it annoying when the same details are repeated throughout a book. A Wells Landing Christmas can be read as a standalone. A Wells Landing Christmas is a sweet, heartwarming Christmas story that will touch your heart.

This story is an emotional roller coaster filled with joy, tears, forgiveness and hope. I love how the author makes the characters so real. I felt like I was sitting with Ivy as she takes care of her grandfather who is ill. Christmastime is suppose to be joyful but Ivy doesn't really feel a part of the celebration. Wells Landing is filled with festive parties and family togetherness. My heart went out to Ivy as she sensed herself not part of the joyous celebrations going on.

We all make mistakes, but for Ivy her mistake caused her to become an outsider. It angered me that Zeb had deserted her and left her to face the community alone. The question now is why has Zeb come back after being away for so long? Will he try to find a way to get close to Ivy again?

I loved the part where Ivy realizes she needs to forgive God and herself. That can be so hard when you feel alone and miserable. Ivy has suffered for so long for her sin and I was on pins and needles waiting to see what she would do. When a crisis happens, Ivy has no choice but to ask Zeb for help. It was so nice to read how willing he was to help Ivy even though he knew she hadn't forgiven him for the past . With Zeb helping maybe Ivy can see that he has changed and wants to start over.

One of my favorite parts of the story was the friendship between Ethan and Ivy. She visits him at the nursing home and their connection is heartwarming. Ethan is a wise man and shares his faith with Ivy. I loved his examples that showed Ivy that people in the bible sinned and were forgiven. Ivy likes visiting Ethan and knows he is very ill. This part in the story was very touching and it reminded me of going to the nursing home to see my mother. I always felt so sad for the people who never had visitors. I'm so glad Ivy took time to befriend Ethan. He will instill in her much wisdom and comfort as the days go by.

What a wonderful story the author has written about forgiveness and trust. I loved how she talks about how important family is and how hard it can be to care for an elderly family member. Ivy and Zeb have much to work through. Christmas will be a new beginning for some in Wells Landing and for others a reminder that love conquers all.

" What a person wanted and what they ended up with were sometimes miles apart."

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.

I loved the book and would recommend this book to everyone. Awesome book to read.Ms Amy is a awesome writer and awesome person.

I love this author’s books and A Well’s Landing Christmas was no exception. Great plot, setting and writing. Fans of Amish fiction will enjoy this book. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my digital arc this is my unbiased review.

As readers return to Wells Landing, Ivy and Zeb struggle with past mistakes. Can they heal enough to rekindle their relationship that ended with Zeb moving to Florida for two years? I found that the tidbits given about the Beachy Amish's difference from other Amish interesting. I loved that Ivy visited the nursing home and made a special friend who help her see the truth is salvation. This is a great book about forgiveness set during Christmas time. Highly recommended!

I have never been disappointed in a book by Amy Lillard and again I loved this book. Ivy and Zeb must learn many lessons before they may think about being together. I love to find out how every Amish group is a little different from another. I received a copy of this book from The author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

We are back in Wells Landing and with some of the characters that we have come to love, and yes there are wonderful updates, but this is Ivy’s and Zeb’s story.
Can you go back to a relationship? Some of these individuals don’t really think so, and one of these characters has purposely wrecked their reputation, but why? Well, as we learn the facts here, and want to hug each of these individuals, and shove them together, but it doesn’t look like they will make it.
Enter a new hunk of a man, a man with a heart for God and his fellowman, but he is English, but will our girl forsake her beliefs and leave?
This story has so much going for it, you are going to love Ivy’s grandfather, and we hope he doesn’t end up killing himself, or letting a woman grab him.
Wow! Just a quick taste of what you are going to experience once you turn the covers of this book, and now I want more!

I received this book through Zebra Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.

A trip back to Wells Landing, Oklahoma at Christmas was a beautiful experience connecting with the community and characters in this latest book by Amy Lillard. I was invested in the story and stayed up to finish it late last night. Ivy Weaver and Zeb Brenneman had a past but Ivy had her hands full making a living and caring for her Dawdi, who was struggling at times with memory loss. This book is filled with old and new characters including some special English ones—I fell in love with Ethan Dallas and his perspective on life. This story is filled with friendship, heartbreak, forgiveness, second chances along with discovering unexpected kindness and learning to accept the past and God’s amazing grace and love. “Now is Not the Time for Tears” given to Ivy by Ethan gave her a lot to consider and ponder. There were some accidents, willing hands to aid and serious conversations to bring an absolute exquisite ending to this beautiful Christmas story. I would enjoy seeing future stories surrounding the hero and heroine along with Dawdi Yonnie.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the complimentary copy of this book. A positive review was not required but I have expressed my sincere thoughts. An ARC copy of this book arrived finally after being lost in the mail from the author.

Wells Landing is my favorite Amish fiction series. This is a lovely addition to it. All my favorite characters peek back in. Lillard’s special gift is highlighting the humanity of the Amish over the treacle, cartoon image many authors foster. I found this book warm and the characters complex. There is also some solid theology built in about salivation and differences amongst sects. Very heart warming.

This book kept me up reading it til after 2 a.m. last night. I really couldn't stop turning the pages as I read Ivy and Zeb's story. This is a very appealing story that has all the warm fuzzy feelings of Christmas with the elaborately delicious dinners to the garland and warm fellowship. I was invested in the book and felt as though Ivy was a friend sharing tea and pie with me while we talked over her worries and fear of being accepted by the community. There are so many layers of this book like a delicious dessert the further I read the better it gets. This is by far my favorite Amy Lillard book it left me with a great feeling and I feel like just hugging the book! Hmmm, would that be like hugging the characters, after all a book is not just a book the characters become family! The ending was superb and I really hope to see Ivy,Zeb and Dawdi in a future book.
Pub Date 25 Sep 2018
Thank you to the author/Zebra for a review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.