This book was well-written, with introspection and a search for something 'more.' The depth and unrest of each character shaped them into relatable friends and neighbours. The setting of the Amish society with its differences highlighted and similarities paralleled, the author hits notes of belonging and community. It's not my favourite genre, but it was a sweet, worthwhile read - heartwarming and wholesome.

What do you do when you sister is ill and not getting treatment? It took over hearing a conversation to figure out she is expecting. Arlan decides its in Magda's best interest to get her help. He has heard of a drug store just beyond their community that can help before she gets any worse. His family is part of a very strict Amish community and his parents do not wish for anyone to know about her pregnancy.
Ivy is wanting to leave her family farm and the Amish life to plan parties for the English . She tells her Mamm and she isn't happy. Her Mamm is wants her children to be happy. Her son Red has moved to another community to marry his girlfriend and her daughter Holly is getting married around Christmas. How will she keep the farm afloat.
Arlan and Magda make it to the next town. Not the way they expect to show up , crashing into the pharmacy. After they get Magda medicine and fluids. They are ask to stay to make sure Magda is well. They come and stay on the Zook's farm. With all these situations with everyone's help may just work out. Dreams, family , love and God's love will carry all where they need to be.

I just finished reading The Christmas Remedy and happened to see A Christmas Haven was available on NetGalley. What a wonderful surprise! A beautiful written Amish Christmas romance. It was definitely wonderful to follow characters from the first book in this story, a story of family, friends and lots of love.
Very uplifting, heartwarming Christmas story. I would recommend A Christmas Haven if you enjoy Amish holiday romance stories.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read and review this book and give my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Let me begin by saying to please not let this title mislead you. While it has the word Christmas in the title, the story does not center around Christmas time, and will be a great read any time of year. The theme of the book does center around grace and how God's grace helps believers to find their identity in Him. Ivy whose family belongs to an Old Amish Order community, and Arlan whose family belongs to an even stricter and more conservative Swartzentruber community both struggle with coming to terms with practicing their Amish faith. Read to find out how their growing understanding of God's grace brings peace to their lives. Cindy and Erin Woodsmall have crafted a delightful story with great wisdom. I am grateful to have received a copy of A Christmas Haven from WaterBrook via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

Not your typical Amish story. Arlan, Ivy, Magda and Holly are dealing with different aspects of their Amish faith. God meets each of them right where they are and gently guided them, asking all four to trust his divine plan for each. I'm a warm, loving Amish farm, a Christmas haven is found.

I received an ARC copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. I absolutely love reading Amish books and this one was very good. It was interesting to learn about the different orders in the Amish community. Ivy wanted to move out of her district and pursue her career as an Englisher. Arlan left his strict community with his sister who was ill as their strict parents were refusing medical attention for her. Very good book.

This is another sweet Amish Christmas story by Cindy Woodsmall. I loved getting to read Ivy and Arlan’s story plus we see more of Holly, Josh and the other characters from “A Christmas Remedy”. In “A Christmas Haven”, Ivy is planning to leave her Amish community to start a new life in the English world and have a party planning business with a friend when she meets Arlan. They come to care about each other as they grow in their walk with God and learn more about His grace.

If you enjoy sweet Amish romances, you’ll definitely like “A Christmas Haven”.

Thank you Netgalley for a chance to read and review this book.

Title: A Christmas Haven
Author: Cindy and Erin Woodsmall
Genre: Romance, Christian, Amish
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Ivy Zook is Old Order Amish and is tired of milking cows when what she really wants is to leave her old life behind and get her party planning business off the ground. But it’s hard to build her business when she’s stuck without internet and other modern tools. Even worse, if she leaves too soon, she’s afraid she’ll ruin her sister, Holly’s wedding.

When a car crashes into Greene’s Pharmacy, where Holly works, things get even worse. The driver is Arlan, a Swartzentruber (ultra-conservative) Amish, and his sister Magda, who is very ill. Arlan and Magda are hiding a secret, but he’s determined to keep his sister safe, even if it means staying on the Zook’s dairy farm and working. Arlan wants to return to his home and Ivy wants to leave hers, but soon they realize what home really means.

I must admit, I had never heard of Swartzentruber Amish—I didn’t even realize the Amish had more sects than Amish/Old Order Amish, so this was an interesting read just for that reason alone. But the characters in this novel are wonderful, and I loved the journeys they all took: Ivy, Arlan, Magda, and even Holly (I think I liked her strength, courage, and faith the best). A wonderful read!

Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times and CBA best-selling author who writes Amish fiction. A Christmas Haven is one of her newest releases.

(Galley courtesy of WaterBrook via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)

A Christmas Haven is one story that will have your heart endured to the characters in the story. Ivy stresses over staying Amish and running her party planning business and not disappointing her mom by moving out. Her Sister Holly that we met in The Christmas Remedy last year must give up working for Greene's pharmacy according to the Bishop of her new district when she marries. We meet Magda and Arlen who are dealing with their own problems. Arlen and Ivy's relationship causes issues but will they be able to compromise their relationship. Well written with forgiveness, regrets, love and faith.

I received this book and I am under no obligation to leave a positive review.

If you enjoyed The Christmas Remedy last Christmas you will enjoy A Christmas Haven. It is filled with friends, family, and romance along with a lot of hope and kindness.

Woodsmall has taken the time to research the Swartzentruber Amish sect and how it differs from Old Order and written a romance that leaves you all smiles.

Ivy’s progression from short-sided adult to one who sees the picture is a beautiful journey.

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

This is a delightful Amish Christmas book, giving the reader a look into two different Amish sects. Swartzentruber (ultra-conservative sect) raised, Arlan, runs from his strict home when his parents devise a plan to punish his very ill, pregnant, unmarried sister, Madga. During this “escape”, he meets Old Order Amish (conservative sect) raised, Ivy Zook.

The Zook family lets Arlan and Madga stay in their home. Arlan works on their farm in exchange for their food and board, as well as pay other debts incurred.

During this time, Arlan comes to feel that his ultra-conservative lifestyle may not be what he really feels is how God meant for him to live, but still wants to have a relationship with his family.

Ivy is also questioning her conservative lifestyle, wanting to leave and live as the English live.

As Arlan and Ivy become friends, they come to understand much more about themselves, their families, their faith, and each other.

This Christmas season leads them to new answers. This is a great holiday read for all.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com and was not required to leave a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

A Christmas Haven by Cindy and Erin Woodsmall is an uplifting Christmas read though not totally focused on Christmas. This is a continuation of The Christmas Remedy though there is enough background information that you won’t feel confused if you haven’t read the first story. It is great so I recommend you read it first. In this story the focus is on Ivy Zook, Holly’s little sister. Old Order Amish, Ivy struggles with how to build up her party planning business without modern conveniences such as the Internet and is considering leaving her faith and family. They own a small dairy farm and she does not enjoy the work but leaving would probably mean her widowed mother will have to sell the farm. Arlan and Magda crash into the lives of the Zook’s, literally crashing into Greene’s pharmacy where Holly works. Magda is pregnant and very ill so they agree to stay with the Zook’s for two weeks. Arlan wants to go home to his very strict family at some point so he and Ivy are often at odds over their beliefs. Both are trying to focus on God’s plan for their lives and to follow the teachings of the Bible. What surprises will await as Christmas approaches?
This is an excellent story. I had read the first book focusing on Holly and loved it too. I feel I know the Zook family and other major characters. It is a quick read, well for me, I couldn’t put it down and heartwarming. I give this book 5 of 5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

One wants to leave. The other wants to return. Ivy Zook loves throwing a good party, complete with all of the "fancy" decorations. She loves it so much she is willing to leave her Amish community in order to pursue it as a career. Arlan Keim wanted only to get medical help for his pregnant younger sister, but to do so he had to defy his father's edict. In doing so, he also put his future in the Swartzentruber Amish community in jeopardy. When Ivy's present and Arlan's collide, can either see the other's heart through all of the regulations binding them to the church?

I really enjoyed this follow-up to The Christmas Remedy. Many of the characters are the same in both books, and it was interesting learning about the Swartzentruber sect of the Amish faith. (I didn't realize that there were such extreme differences among the Amish. I knew that there were some that were stricter, but this sect is SUPER strict.)

Readers of Amish fiction will enjoy this book with a light dose of romance. Cindy Woodsmall fans will not be disappointed.

I enjoyed this story, which includes some ultra-conservative Swartzentruber Amish. The characters have to deal with faith and seeking God’s will, just like we all do. Ivy, who plans to leave the Amish, and Arlen, who strongly believes in the old ways may clash most of the time but maybe they’ll draw each other closer to the middle too. The book covers about half a year so it’s not really a Christmas story, but it does end sweetly with that holiday. I liked watching the character development of these dear people who seem so real. I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

“A Christmas Haven” tells the story of dreams, the people who dream them, and how they overcome obstacles to make their dreams a reality. It also tells the story of disappointments, and giving over one’s will to God. Arlan and his sister Magda run from a restrictive household, and find help and love in a new home and family. Ivy finds a way to honor her Amish heritage and keep her dreams of running a party planning business. Holly and Josh (from “A Christmas Remedy”) begin their new life together, but must overcome narrow viewpoints and misunderstanding before they achieve their dreams. Everything becomes clear for the characters of this novel, once they focus on what is truly important in life. The plot moves forward at a pace that keeps readers engaged. The likeable characters deal with adversity and find joy in life.

I liked the portrayals of the Amish women as strong and capable, with dreams and life goals of their own outside traditional roles. The men are portrayed as equally strong and capable as leaders of their homes and businesses. I also appreciated how the authors highlighted problems and adversities as normal parts of Amish life as well as Englisch life, without sugarcoating or pitting groups against one another. I look forward to additional stories featuring these characters.

Readers who enjoyed “A Christmas Remedy” will find delight in revisiting the families they met, and meeting new characters. I highly recommend this novel for any time of the year, but the Christmas viewpoint adds interest to the story.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

This was a wonderful story about characters that that come from different Amish communities. I love reading the difference between the two. It was intriguing to learn that one of them is very strict and almost seems like they can’t really be themselves. The rules become a problem for Arlan and his sister Madga. I admired how Arlan stood up for his sister and was willing to risk being shunned to keep his sister safe.

Ivy was a great character and shows readers how Amish do question what they have been taught. Ivy wanted a taste of the English life but struggled leaving the Amish. When her world collided with Arlan and Madga it was not by accident. I believe God places us at the right time. I liked how Ivy and her family opened their home to Arlan and Madga. It was hard for Arlan to see how things were a bit more relaxed in the Amish community that Ivy is a part of.

The story was a nice insight detailing how we all question our beliefs at some point. We all search scripture to make sure we are following God and sometimes it is okay to question when it is not lining up with the Word of God.

Madga had sinned and her family didn’t want anything to do with her. That broke my heart to read how a family could turn their back on someone . We all sin but the good news is God forgives us. I related to Madga because I have been judged before in a church and everyone turned their backs on me. It was like losing a family as I felt alone and ashamed. This story has struggles, judgment, forgiveness, a bit of romance and a wonderful message of forgiveness.

I received an arc copy of this book from the authors. The review is my own opinion.

Love this Amish Novel. So wonderfully traditional with a modern kinda- ish twist or wish. Very enjoyable and even better than expected.

Every time I see a new release from Cindy Woodsmall, I leap at it. And this Christmas novella, A Christmas Haven, was well worth that leap. Although technically a sequel to The Christmas Remedy, this story can hold its own without causing confusion. Readers will become immersed in the tale of two people trying to find their way amid the pull of the modern world verses different Amish orders. With the palpable tension between desire for belonging, the rigor of legalism, and the torment to choose a path that is true and honorable, Woodsmall delivers a powerful story full of complex characters seeking answers. Whether you enjoy Amish fiction or not, this is a story that will pull you in regardless. Relatable, endearing, witty, heart rendering, and eye opening, this book has it all.

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

A Christmas Haven by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall picks up shortly after The Christmas Remedy ends. While A Christmas Haven can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading The Christmas Remedy first. There is a cast of characters at the beginning of the book. I found the book to be well-written with developed characters and thoughtful pacing. Ivy Zook finds the rules of her community restrictive and she believes going Englisch will allow her to be free to pursue her dream of having a party planning business. Arlan Keim gives up everything to help his sister, Magda get the medical treatment she needs and save her from the future her parents have planned for her. I liked how Arlan saw Ivy’s way of life in a totally different light. Someone from the outside can give you a different perspective as Arlan did for Ivy. The story is filled with hope which I found uplifting. I like that we get to catch up with Holly and Joshua from The Christmas Remedy as well as Red Zook. There is a sweet epilogue that gives a look at Ivy, Josh, Magda, Red, Arlan, and Holly’s lives a year later. A Christmas Haven has hope, love, heartache, joy, and forgiveness. We see that you never know what God will have in store for you. You just need to be patient, pray and follow His lead. I like how Arlan and Ivy bonded over books. I was shocked to learn the Swartzentruber Amish do not read fiction. My favorite phrase from A Christmas Haven is “Who I am can’t be defined by breaking bonds with my family. It can only be defined by blooming right where He planted me.” A Christmas Haven is a fulfilling novel with party planning, an auto accident, a benevolent bishop, restrictive rules and a wonderful wedding.

A Christmas Haven by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall
An Amish Christmas Romance
For fans of holiday romances and Amish life comes a new Christmas tale of surprising expectations and discovering miracles.
Old Order Amish Ivy Zook is wrestling with her need to shed her community's ways so she can grow the business of her dreams: planning parties. As long as she's stuck living without modernization, she can barely get her business on its feet. But if she leaves too soon, she'd cause trouble for her sister, Holly, who is planning her wedding to Joshua Smucker. All of their plans become twice as complicated when an old car crashes into the storefront of Greene's Pharmacy, carrying a Swartzentruber (ultra-conservative sect) Amish man, Arlan, and his very ill sister.
For fans of holiday romances and Amish life comes a new Christmas tale of surprising expectations and discovering miracles.
The Zooks take in Arlan and Madga, tending to the woman's illness and Arlan begins helping around the family farm. Ivy and Arlan are on different tracks, one wanting to leave her community and the other to return to his. But both young people are trying to discover what God has in store for their futures and what miracles might lie around the corner this Christmas season.
trouble for her sister, Holly, who is planning her wedding to Joshua Smucker. All of their plans become twice as complicated when an old car crashes into the storefront of Greene's Pharmacy, carrying a Swartzentruber (ultra-conservative sect) Amish man, Arlan, and his very ill sister.
This is Ivy Zook and Arlen and Madga Keim's story.
This is Holly Zook and Joshua Smucker's story.
She smiled. What a beautiful setup for a party. Stacy, the mom-to-be, would be thrilled. A good recommendation from Stacy’s family would help Ivy and Tegan get their fledgling party-planning business off the ground. She looked around the room and saw a few family members of the mom-to-be who had come to help Ivy with the preparations.
“Ivy?” Tegan pointed at the empty punch bowl. “Should I go ahead and fill the bowl with the punch?”
Ivy glanced at the clock. “I’d give it ten more minutes. We don’t want our punch-flavored ice melting too quickly.”
Arlan Keim takes his unwed pregnant teen sister, Magda, away to get the medical attention she needs.
The Zooks are Old Order Amish and the Keims are Swartzentruber Amish which are ultra conservative.
All of their plans become twice as complicated when an old car crashes into the storefront of Greene's Pharmacy, carrying a Swartzentruber (ultra-conservative sect) Amish man, Arlan, and his very ill sister.
I highly recommend reading.
A Christmas Haven by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
more books by Cindy Woodsmall
Amish of Summer Grove
1. Ties That Bind
2. Fraying at the Edge
3. Gathering the Threads
by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall
A Love Undone
The Gift Of Christmas Past with Erin Woodsmall
As the Tide Comes In with Erin Woodsmall
The Christmas Remedy with Erin Woodsmall
A Christmas Haven with Erin Woodsmall
The Englisch Daughter