Four well-written Amish stories by four great authors. Each story has likable characters and a nice plot. All stories are quick, easy reads.

If you happen to be a fan of Amish fiction, you will certainly enjoy this book featuring four of the top Amish fiction writers. Each of the stories revolves around life at a bakery during the Christmas season. The first story show how easily you can become distracted by the activities of the season and lose sight of the meaning of the season. Alyssa Baker finally realizes that she has found someone special. It is wonderful to see love blossom during such a special time.

Each of the additional stories incorporate love, food, and the gentle reminder that we need to remember the season for all that it brings us. Every author’s work complements the other in a book that should be enjoyed with a cozy couch, a warm blanket, and a cup of cocoa. Reading this book might become a new holiday tradition.

I really enjoyed these stories. They were a very enjoyable read. I enjoyed that the had characters from other books. They were a fast easy read and the ideal book for when you want to escape.

Thank you netgalley and Zondervan Fiction for allowing me to read this title for an honest review.

What is better than one Christmas book? FOUR Christmas books! I love each of these authors and was not disappointed by any of them this time through either. If you are in the Christmas mood, do yourself a favor and read this book!

The four stories in this new book are written by four different authors and even though they are all different, they are all centered around Amish bakeries and they all have the common themes of love, friendship, and the importance of family. I appreciate that there are discussion questions at the end of each novella and I liked that I could choose to read one story at a time, as my schedule allowed. I will admit, however, that I found myself wanting to keep reading because all of them are so good!


Cookies and Cheer
Amy Clipston has a way of placing readers right into the time and place that she is writing about and I love that her faith shines through her stories. In Cookies and Cheer she reminds us that it is easy to forget just what we are celebrating as we become so wrapped up in the materialism of Christmas celebrations. Alyssa Byler realizes that 'I was so caught up in the craziness at the bakery that I lost sight of what Christmas is about.' She also recognizes that there is a special young blacksmith who deserves some attention and I enjoyed watching her relationship with Kyle Smoker develop!


Loaves of Love
Katie Swartzentruber takes on the job of running her family's bakery by herself while her mother recuperates from surgery. As the season rush continues and she finds herself overwhelmed, she considers adopting some liberal practices that are frowned upon by her Old Order Amish community. 'Gott, what should I do? I wish I hadn't made changes to the bakery. Please send me guidance about how to make it right.' Katie also feels a deeper connection between her and her childhood friend Henry Hershberger but misunderstandings may stop this from developing. As Katie feels guilt and frustration, she wonders how to make things right again.

I enjoyed the scenes between Katie and Henry and I could feel her frustation with the other young man who was so "forward" in his interaction with her. Katie truly lived up to the standards of a young unmarried Amish woman.


Melting Hearts
Mattie Shetler has arrived in Birch Creek to help her aunt Carolyn for a few weeks as the Christmas rush began. She was excited because she loved to travel, she loved to bake, and she especially loved Christmas. Much to her dismay Peter Kaufmann also shows up in Birch Creek and he isn't any happier to see her than she is to see him. And then, her aunt and uncle discover that they are to become parents and they both are in their late forties. Mattie and Peter both offer to help these expectant parents and they find themselves thrown together at work and at night. They agree to call a truce and I enjoyed seeing their animosity turn to respect, friendship, and perhaps, something more? "Mattie, Christ tells us to love one another, and that's what I see in you." These words from Peter suggest that this might be the case.


Cakes and Kisses
At 30 years old, Ambrose Hershberger felt that he had a good life but it was a life alone. He didn't have a wife or children but 'a simple man like himself couldn't expect to be a husband and father. He wasn't smart enough to be in charge of anything.' Yes, Ambrose believed he was simple and many others thought this also but Martha Ropp discovers that this is far from the truth.

This is a story of finding love when your heart is still raw and tender from losing a loved one. The anniversary of the death of Martha's mother is fast approaching and even as Martha successfully keeps their family bakery going, she is still grieving for her loss. When she accepts the challenge of making a wedding cake for her friend Carina, it is Ambrose who steps up and helps her the most and Martha realizes that this man is anything but simple!

I especially loved this story and one quote struck me especially. As Martha and her English friend cry together on Carina's wedding day, Martha tells Carina not to cry because she will mess up her makeup. "Today is a day for laughter, not tears" and Carina replies "Life is like that. Bitter and sweet often dance together."

You will love this sweet story of love and healing.

An Amish Christmas Bakery is a wonderful collection of inspirational Christmas stories and it will put you in the holiday spirit long before the days actually come. These four novellas stress the need for hope and joy and they all share the true reason for celebrating the season known as Christmas!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but I wasn't required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts.

I totally agree… these four delicious novellas are perfect for celebrating love, joy, and the holiday season. You can almost smell the aroma of fresh baked bread and sweets as the stories take place in the bakery. I enjoyed the helpfulness and caring attitudes of the main characters and their Amish families. The true meaning of Christmas definitely came through in these delightful novellas.

An Amish Christma Bakery is a set of Novellas that have the common theme of Amish Bakeries. It contains the following stories:

Cookies and Cheer By Amy Clipston
Loaves of Love by Beth Wiseman
Melting Hearts by Kathleen Fuller
Cakes and Kisses by Kelly Irvin

In Cookies and Cheer Alyssa is such a hard working and talented baker, but allows herself to become overwhelmed. I understood her dedication to completing a task that she has committed to. I also felt sorry for her working so hard. Clipston did a great job of writing a book filled with Christmas cheer and Scripture.

Loaves of Love was a great story with Katie who has been left to run her family bakery alone during the busiest season. I felt so bad for her trying to get everything done. It was a fun story as it showed the differences in Amish orders.

Melting Hearts is a story of how bullying and deception can color your perception of yourself and others. Mattie was such a great character, I would love to read more of her story.

Cakes and Kisses is the story of a man who has given up on a love of his own due to being different. This story was harder for me to read, I hated to see him hurt, but all over I enjoyed the story and how it shows how he has the same hopes and dreams.

Each of the stories were unique and entertaining, I would enjoy reading more of each story and more from each author. These were a great Christmas treat!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

A "sweet" collection of stories by four authors. I love any story, book or movie about the Amish. I received this to review and was immediately immersed in the Christmas season within the Amish community. I was in the mood for Christmas with 9 inches of snow on the ground and the fireplace making it nice and cozy inside. I grabbed my cup of tea to enjoy and enjoyed I did.

The stories were all based in bakeries as the title indicates. Who could resist reading about pies, cookies and cakes? I was remembering my visits to Amish bakeries in Shipshewana. I have never gone at Christmas but this book made me realize I am missing out.

I enjoyed all the stories. Each one was a Christmas gift to read. Cookies and Cheer reminds us to not let the true meaning of Christmas be lost in the Christmas madness. Loaves of Love tells us to remember who you are and don't get caught up or trapped by the Christmas rush. Melting Hearts expresses the true gift of Christmas is love and forgiveness. Cakes and Kisses clarifies that GOD makes no mistakes.

Psalm 139:13-16
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.


I received this book for free from Celebrate Lit to review.

An Amish Christmas Bakery is a collection of four charming novellas that is sure to put the reader in the mood for Christmas, and for the yummy treats that are associated with the holidays. Written by some of my favorite authors and a new-to-me author, I enjoyed each of these stories about young women and their work in Amish bakeries during the Christmas season. Despite similar settings, each story has a different focus. In Cookies and Cheer by Amy Clipston, readers find Alyssa overwhelmed with the business of the bakery with all the Christmas orders. Will she remember the true meaning of the season and the importance of time with family and maybe find love as well? Beth Wiseman tells the charming story of Henry who loves Katie but then there is Clara who is beautiful and fun to be with. Katie loves Henry but then there is David who is so handsome and so very helpful. Will they end up missing out on true love because of these other relationships? In Melting Hearts by Kathleen Fuller, readers are introduced to Peter and Mattie, not quite enemies but definitely not friends. Could they call a truce--maybe give friendship a try? The last story, Cakes and Kisses by Kelly Irvin, is a delightful romance between Ambrose and Martha, two people who are surprised by love. Each story has its own interesting twist as the authors each touch on different aspects and issues of life. Second chance marriages, unexpected babies, developmental disabilities, bullying, and old girlfriends all keep the pages turning. This collection of stories is truly heartwarming, and readers who love Amish romance will not want to miss it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required, and the opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.

An Amish Christmas Bakery is a collection of heartfelt Amish stories. Each story is well-written. These writers: Amy Clispton, Beth Wiseman, Kelly Irvin, and Kathleen Fuller know what inspires and motivates readers to read more. I love each group of characters I got to met within these tales. Christian faith is felt the moment I opened to page one and all the way until the end. The Amish are a great people to read about. I found their customs, rules of living, and the depth of their love so endearing. As I dug further into this book, I could not stop reading.

Amy Clipston's story was the first one I read. It's sweet and relatable. Following two young Amish people following their hearts is the greatest journey. They need to find their way both faithfully and inside their hearts. When their minds and hearts align with their faith, the feels come on-and it's a beautiful firework display. The ending is unforgettable. I want to read what happens next with this couple. Maybe, Amy Clipston, will surprise readers with a follow up story. One can only dream and hope right?

Each story after that was just as good! Finding the Christmas spirit and new beginnings with every page.

My Thoughts on An Amish Christmas Bakery:
I love a good Amish romance and these definitely fit the bill. These four short stories are fast reads that will fill you with warmth. They go best with a hot cup of chocolate or coffee read next to an open fire while it snows outside.

Okay, so that might be how they read best, but I read them while nursing a semi asleep baby in a hard wooden rocking chair looking out into a bleak, windy, and cold, snowless world while my older children watched a Home Alone movie that they earned by bringing in firewood. But my house was toasty warm thanks to a woodstove!

I loved these books and read through all four of them in two hours time. Helps when the baby only semi wakes up to switch sides and you can just keep reading!

I would say my favorite novella was Loaves of Love. The 12 loaves baked to for Christmas was so symbolic and has me wanting to go bake a dozen loaves of my own to gift this time of year. All the prayers and love that go into that kind of work really do work. I also really just loved the storyline and couldn’t help by laugh about that silly propane oven!

While all four are wonderful to read Loaves of Love was definitely the one that read the fastest for me as well. That said, I loved all four of the novellas and can’t wait for the next compilation to come out.

But now you’ll have to excuse me because reading this book yesterday made me have this immense need to bake all the things today. I’m craving sugar cookies shaped like cows now!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

My thoughts:
First don’t you just love that cover? It makes me think of all the wonderful smells associated with the Christmas season. 🙂

Cookies and Cheer by Amy Clipston

This was a really cute story based around nativity cookies. Kind of a girl next door vibe to it, even though it is Amish. I enjoyed the characters and the way they interacted with each other. The story flowed well, and the secondary characters helped make this story. I think that the theme was great in this one, slowing down and taking time for family and friends because they are what truly matters.

Loaves of Love by Beth Wiseman

In this book, we get to see a young woman overwhelmed by the Christmas rush. We see her step out of her comfort zone and try new things, making new friends along the way. The main characters were fun and relatable (I mean who here has never burned something in a new oven?). I liked how they dealt with the situations they were faced with. I think that this story felt a little rushed, however, it is a short story so that’s to be somewhat expected.

Melting Hearts by Kathleen Fuller

Kathleen Fuller wrote a true enemy to friends’ story. She did a great job not overdramatizing the events and feelings of the characters. By the end of the book, you genuinely feel like you understand both character’s perspectives. It was a very well written story, all centered around a bakery at Christmas. I also liked how Kathleen got her point across about not always taking something at face value but looking underneath to what is real.

Cakes and Kisses by Kelly Irvin

This was my favorite story in this collection. It was a very sweet story, about a woman who just lost her parents and she finds love right in front of her. The characters in this story seemed very realistic, and they dealt with different issues in a no-nonsense way that I really liked. I believe that this is the first story I think I’ve ever read that deals with someone with special needs finding love. I absolutely enjoyed this unique idea and hope to read more like it in the future.

Overall this set of stories was fun, it made me laugh and smile. It really helped me get in the Christmas mood. Especially thinking about all the different baking this book talked about. I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars for all the stories revolving around bakeries, the creative characters, and the warm feeling I got when I read them all. I thought that this was a great Christmas read.

*I did receive a copy of this book in exchange for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed with in are my own.

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. I love celebrating the birth of Jesus, my Savior. Everyone seems to get into a holiday mood and becomes a bit nicer. The sights, sounds, and smells of the season are exhilarating.

Reading Christian romance books about Christmas is the best in December. Add the Amish genre, Christmas baking, sprinkle on some inspiration and you have a captivating winter book. That is what I found in An Amish Christmas Bakery.

Four Amish novella, each standing on its own and unrelated, are penned by well-known Amish authors. The stories are sweet, engaging, and entertaining. All were page turners and easy in which to become invested. Characters were simple Amish folk with distinct characteristics. Each one had good points as well as flaws which made them relatable and believable.

Each tale was well written. The authors all have smooth writing styles that are easy to read. Descriptive prose took me to Amish Country where I could almost smell the sweet treats my imagination envisioned. This book made me want to take a trip to see the shops myself. I really enjoyed it.

I highly recommend this book. It is a nice way to sample each authors work. This would be a nice gift for that reader in your circle. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars. Pour a cup of your choice hot beverage, sit by the fire, and grab this collection of four novella. Everything will be cozy and right for a while in your world. It was in mine!

Four Sweet filled baking story, brimming with lots of Christmas cheer. Each of the four stories is well written and filled with friendships, joy, a touch of love, and all things Christmas. These sweet Amish novella's by four fantastic authors are perfectly made for a cozy winter/Christmas afternoon read. Of the four, I personally don't have a favorite because each one is so unique and beautifully written. I loved every one of them.

I enjoyed all four of these sweet Christmas novellas! Each one kept my interest and all four novellas had good storylines that were enjoyable to read during this holiday season.

These four stories are not connected to each other. Some of the novellas are set in locations where other books by those authors are set, however, it is not necessary to have read any of the other stories to enjoys these novellas. They all stand on their own nicely.

For fans of Amish fiction, who are looking for enjoyable and unique Christmas stories, I definitely recommend this collection.

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

I always enjoy a Christmas novella collection as a way to get me in the holiday mood, and this year, An Amish Christmas Bakery was the first one that I read.

One thing that is always fun with these novellas is the theme between each story and the differences in each storyline. For example, the bakery setting was central to each story and was a fun theme. I've had the chance to shop at a few Amish bakeries, and I was excited to see what insights the authors would give in this book.

While each story was unique to the author and featured different characters, it was fun seeing how different characters got ready for Christmas and the role a bakery played in that.

An Amish Christmas Bakery was another great novella collection from four bestselling Amish fiction authors that was perfect for kicking off the holiday season!

Cookies and Cheer by Amy Clipston

Alyssa Byler wants to build a sugar cookie nativity scene for her bakery’s Christmas window display—all she needs is the right cookie cutters. She turns to handsome blacksmith Kyle Smoker. Using Kyle’s handmade cutters, Alyssa created a striking display that brings more customers than she can handle. She soon realizes she’s been too busy to focus on the true meaning of Christmas—and too distracted to explore her feelings for Kyle. Together, they put aside the holiday rush to celebrate the season that brought them together.

My thoughts: Amy Clipston is known for her super-sweet bakery stories and this one fits right into her brand. Alyssa is a hard worker but she's so busy she forgets the important things about Christmas, such as family and friends. There is a weak faith message, a very sweet young love romance, and a good lesson for everyone during this busy hustle and bustle time of the year.



Loaves of Love by Beth Wiseman



Katie Swartzentruber has been left in charge of her family’s bakery, but she soon finds herself overwhelmed with orders during the holiday season. She is tempted to move her Old Order family into the modern world by using propane ovens. Meanwhile, her childhood friend Henry Hershberger is trying to find the courage to tell Katie that he’s harbored a secret crush on Katie for years. As the demands at the bakery intensify, both Katie and Henry must find the courage to go after what’s important.




My thoughts: Beth Wiseman pens a love pentagon. Five individuals. To quote a country song: Who's seeing who, who's cheating who, who don't even care anymore. Wiseman is a hit or miss author for me but I enjoyed this story and actually like and care for the characters. Especially Clara. This was a really good novella. I was glad for Katie's final decision.

Melting Hearts by Kathleen Fuller



When her aunt Carolyn begs for help during the busy Christmas rush, Mattie Shetler eagerly packs her bags and heads to Birch Creek. She doesn’t know her uncle has also asked for help with the bakery’s new expansion from Peter Kaufman, Mattie’s sworn enemy. As the two work together, Mattie discovers not all is as it seems. With Christmas just around the corner, Mattie and Peter open their hearts for the greatest gifts of the season: forgiveness and maybe even love. My thoughts about Melting Hearts by Kathleen Fuller; Another hit or miss author, Fuller tells rather than shows resulting in this read feeling disconnected with the characters. I also disliked how hateful Mattie & Peter were to each other. The story got a lot more interesting when they declared a truce and Mattie started to discover the truth.





Cakes and Kisses by Kelly Irvin



Martha Ropp works hard at her family’s bakery, making cakes and pies for community celebrations. To help during the busy Christmas season, Martha’s mother hires Ambrose Hershberger to make deliveries. Martha remembers Ambrose as a gentle giant from her school days. But the more they work together, the more they want to spend time together outside of the bakery. When both are too timid to make the first move, the town matchmakers step in.

My thoughts: Set in Jamesport Missouri I kept expecting to run into characters written by two other authors: Laura V Hilton and Charlotte Hubbard. Of course, I didn't. :) I got the initial impression Ambrose is special needs... and he is but high-functioning, A very special story that rose through the ranks to becoming my favorite in this collection. Sweet!

Overall thoughts: A good read by four popular Amish authors -- this would make a good gift for the Amish reader on your list -- or for yourself. Good for any time of the year.

Cookies and Cheer – 5 stars

Aww, this was such a cute short story that had my heart pounding. I loved Kyle and Alyssa. They were really cute and I loved seeing their relationship blossom throughout this story. This Christmas story also reminds us of the importance of remembering the true meaning of Christmas. Though the holiday season may get busy we must remember Christ’s birth and family during this crazy holiday season.

Loaves of Love – 4 stars

This was a sweet story too. I didn’t like it as much as the first but it still was super sweet. I loved Katie, Clara, and Henry but David made my blood boil and is the reason why I probably did not enjoy this story as much. I wanted to punch him quite a few times. However I did really enjoy the ending of this cute story!

Melting Hearts – 5 stars

Awww, this story was too cute!! I loved everything about it! I knew that this one was going to be fantastic because enemy to lovers is my favorite romance trope and this one was beautifully written. I loved Mattie and Peter so much. They are perfect for each other and we’re perfect for this story. I loved the theme of forgiveness that was woven throughout this whole story. I honestly could have read a whole book based on this story, I enjoyed it so much!

Cakes and Kisses – 3.5 stars

Although this wasn’t my favorite, this story was so sweet and so beautiful. As an older sister to someone who has mental disabilities, this book really touched my heart. Ambrose was a sweetheart and Martha honestly is the best thing he could ever have. Though I didn’t really connect with the story all that well, I still enjoyed watching their romance bloom. The story I thought could have been written a bit better but I still enjoyed it!

*FTC: I received this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.*

This wonderful collection of Christmas stories talks about lots of Chistmas cheer, love or s condition chances at love, believing in yourself and a whole lot of baking involved.

In Cookies and Cheer, the author emphasizes the importance of being with family especially around the season of Christmas. Alyssa almost missed out on that one n her desire to help her boss make Christmas a wonderful time for others but she learned quickly.
In Loaves of Loves the author talks about childhood love. Both Katie and Henry have been in love with each other for as long as they can remember but too shy to try and see if there's more to the relationship. It takes a wrong relationship and mistakes on Katie's part with her family's bakery to bring them together.
In Melting Hearts, the issue of second chance at love is brought forth. Mattie and Peter are always at each others throat mostly because Mattie believes Peter to be rude and ungentlemanly. When circumstances bring them together and they have to spend the holidays together at her at her Uncle's place, she realises it's not all as she thinks and has to learn to forgive and not judge a person based on heresay.
In Cakes and Kisses, there's a helping of matchmaking, to push two shy souls together and the understanding that we are all created by God in His image and we are valuable to him.
This was delightful read definitely recommended
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Celebrate Lit for a blog tour

This book contains four novella's by four different authors. I enjoyed reading each of these sweet Christmas novella's. Once I started reading I didn't want to put the book down. I didn't the stories to end I wanted them to continue. They held my attention from start to finish. Go grab your copy today you are going to love it.