It is with great honor that I introduce a book filled with hope, forgiveness , trust and unconditional love. These amazing authors have gathered to bring four stories that weave emotions throughout the book as readers fill their hearts with encouragement and joy. I love reading books where author‘s collaborate to give readers a taste of different writing styles. I loved reading about the different places the characters had a picnic at and the delicious selections of food. Now it’s time to sit back, get comfy and enjoy your adventure to Amish country.
Baskets Of Sunshine by Amy Clipston
I loved following Phoebe and Kevin as they start to get to know each other. The author explores how two young people learn to trust a God as they make decisions about their relationship. It was interesting to see how Kevin struggled with the age difference even though I didn’t find it to be such a big problem. Kevin is guarded around Phoebe which cause a little friction as they develop a relationship. I loved the picnic they went on and all the fun activities they joined in as Kevin slowly starts to open his heart to love.
It’s funny how two people who like each other can have such bad communication between them . It is so easy for us to think someone doesn’t like us and allow thoughts to push us away from them. Kevin and Phoebe’s story is sweet and filled with hope.
“We’ll take everything step by step and in God’s time.”
Candlelight Sweethearts by Kelly Irvin
I fell in love with Esther Marie right away . Having a speech problem makes her shy and uncomfortable. Oh how I wanted her to find courage and strength to know she was loved by God. I couldn’t wait to see where the author would take us as the story unfolded.
Jasper finds himself helping out at the deli when his father becomes ill. He sure seemed a little on edge with customers and Esther Marie. This story made me chuckle because Jasper really likes Esther Marie but is a bit scared to say it. His pride and stubbornness is going to get in the way of happiness if he is not careful. I liked how the author emphasized that looks aren’t as important as a pure heart. The story is a wonderful look at trusting God and letting go of insecurity.
“God was made strong in His weakness.”
Reeling in Love by Kathleen Fuller
Oh how nice to realize that you are in love with the young man you always were friends with. Nina and Ira have a standing date to go fishing together every Saturday. They have been friends forever and enjoy each other’s company. Something changes one day and it hits Nina how much she cares for Ira. Nina is feeling a little uncomfortable as she realizes she is not like most Amish girls. She would rather be fishing than baking or cleaning like most her age like to do. Is that why Ira doesn’t want to court her?
Nina has big plans Saturday as a surprise picnic has been planned so she can tell Ira how she really feels about him. Well you know the saying, “the best laid plans.” Nina is in for a big shock as she goes to their favorite fishing spot. The author does a great job of sharing how a misunderstanding can lead to heartbreak. Nina’s heart is broken and her conversation with her Grandmother is very special as she shares that God will mend her broken heart. It is a great lesson in not giving up and realizing how important you are to God.
“What seems impossible can be possible with God.”
Picnics and Prospects by Vannetta Chapman
A good way to feel old is to be a chaperone to those younger than you. That is just what Faith and David find themselves doing in this fun story about picnics, mystery and romance. I couldn’t wait to find out what is the package they found as they rescued a puppy while on an outing. I loved the addition of the dog and how it fit so well into Faith’s life.
The author really piqued my interest in the letters that were found. What I really liked was how those mysterious letters find Faith and David spending time together as they try to figure out who the letters from 1970 belong to. Faith’s anxiety about closed in spaces has caused her to shy away from going places. Perhaps with a mystery to solve she will find confidence to let go of her fear and learn to trust others as well as God. The story is full of surprises and I loved learning about Tiny Houses. They play a big part in the story as well as the letters. It was wonderful to read about lost love and finding hope.
“God has designed us in His image.”
I really enjoyed the stories and learning new things about the Amish. I think I will plan a picnic with my husband and make memories to last forever.
I received a copy of this book from Kelly Irvin and Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

An Amish Picnic by Amy Clipston, Vannetta Chapman, Kelly Irvin and Kathleen Fuller contains four heartwarming tales. The four stories are Baskets of Sunshine by Amy Clipston, Candlelight Sweethearts by Kelly Irvin, Reeling in Love by Kathleen Fuller, and Picnics and Prospects by Vannetta Chapman. The picnic theme is carried out through each sweet story. I like how the author’s tied romance and picnics together. We get to see a man and woman who are attracted to each other, but there is something standing in the way of them getting together. Fears, misconceptions and miscommunication abound in each delightful Amish tale. I enjoyed reading novella collections because it is an opportunity to sample each author’s work and a story from each of their series. While the novellas may be part of a series, each can be read on their own. I liked that Christiana’s sister, Phoebe from The Bake Shop by Amy Clipston got her own story. We get to catch up with Christiana and the rest of the Kurtz family as well. Baskets of Sunshine was a cute story that shows you that it takes time to truly get to know a person. In Picnics and Prospects there is an Amish tiny home builder which I thought was unique. Faith and David find a packet of letters from the 1970s along with a puppy. They set out to solve the mystery of the letters. I like it when Amish stories have mysteries in them. It adds another level of depth to this romantic novella. Candlelight Sweethearts features Esther Marie who suffers from a severe stutter. We get to see how people treat her and the comments they make. There is one person, though, to whom it does not matter. Reeling in Love shows that friendship can develop into something more. It is an appealing, humorous story. An Amish Picnic has four Amish love stories that share a common theme but reflect each author’s writing style. An Amish Picnic contains four charming novellas that feature sunshine, warm weather, good food, fun and couples falling in love.

An Amish Picnic contains four stories of love by 4 excellent authors.

Baskets of Sunshine by Amy Clipston
Kevin and Phoebe’s story of struggling with the question of age differences. It is up to them to decide if love is enough to be worth the risk.

Candlelight sweethearts by Kelly Irvin
This is Ester and Jasper’s love encounter. Although they have known each other since school Ester has to overcome her stuttering and Jasper has to overcome his uncomfortable feeling of talking to people. While working in the store, power is lost and they are forced to face their worst fear, each other.

Reeling in Love by Kathleen Fuller
Nina Stoll and Ira Yoder are fishing buddies. They have not an idea of how to share their new feelings with each other. With a little help from friends in the community, they finally realize that maybe there is more to their friendship, and that's OK.

Picnics and Prospects by Vannetta Chapman
Although Faith Troyer and David Lapp's first experience with dating did not go well, with the discovery of some letters f from back in the 1970s, they begin to look for the answer to some mysteries they uncover. After a while, the decision to reconsider the possibility of a future together.

These stories are excellent and each author has done a great job. This is a must reading for all readers of Amish fiction.

Thank you, ladies, for some wonderful stories.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This Amish collection from Zondervan is a collection of four novellas from authors who are each known for their wonderful Amish stories. Each novella is about 100 pages long so they are perfect for when reading time is limited. So did I read one and then put the book down? No, I kept on reading because the stories in An Amish Picnic are so good! All four of the stories center around picnics and the anticipation of eating good picnic food while being outside and enjoying nature. In these four stories, there are also some mysterious happenings, lots of misunderstandings, and best of all, romance and love.

The first novella is Baskets of Sunshine and Amy Clipston gives Phoebe Kurtz, a young girl first mentioned in The Bake Shop, her own chance to shine. Phoebe is interested in an Amish man who works for her father but Kevin Weaver believes that she is too young for him. He is also afraid of risking his job if he gives in to his own romantic feelings. Will Kevin allow fear to influence his life?

Kelly Irvin touched me with her tale of Esther Schrock, a young Amish woman who has a stuttering problem. It is even more pronounced when she is around Jasper Cotter, the man she has known since childhood. Jasper might not seem a hero to most but he is in Esther's eyes and a picnic might help their relationship. But can you have a picnic during a thunderstorm? Candlelight Sweethearts offers the answer.

Reeling in Love features two fishing buddies who truly value their friendship. Other people see the possibilty of a romance between Ira Yoder and Nina Stoll but they themselves question this. Is a courtship worth losing your best friend? Not to mention your fishing buddy! Kathleen Fuller once again gives readers a fun story.

Vannetta Chapman shares a little mystery in Picnics and Prospects and I enjoyed the efforts of Faith Troyer and David Lapp to uncover the secrets of some letters that were written 100 years ago. As they work together, they discover a special connection that has somehow eluded them in the past. I especially enjoyed the mystery of the letters and this story is a reminder that misunderstandings can change lives forever!

All four of these novellas have the faith messages and Amish values that we have come to expect from these authors. I highly recommend An Amish Picnic to all who enjoy Amish fiction and Christian romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. A positive review was in no way required and these are my own thoughts.

Who's ready for warmer weather and picnics? I am for sure.
This book has a very lovely cover and features 4 best selling Amish fiction authors writing stories about romance and picnics.
I've read books by all of these authors and some of the characters in the novellas are from the author's other books so it's wonderful to catch up with them in these stories.
Love isn't always easy, it was fun to see how the romances started and sometimes I wondered if the romance would even take off at all.
All the stories have a picnic in them somewhere and I really enjoyed the summer setting of each story.
The book was so much fun to read and now makes me look forward to enjoying some potato salad and sandwiches soon at a lovely picnic.
This book was a lot of fun to read and I highly recommend it!

Published March 3rd 2020 by Zondervan.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

There are 4 novellas in this book. They are all in Amish communities and have a picnic in each. These are written by 4 of my favorite authors. Amy Clipston writes Basket of Sunshine. Kelly Irvin writes Candlelight Sweethearts. Kathleen Fuller writes Reeling in Love and Vannetta Chapman write Picnics and Prospects. Besides the picnic each of these stories has characters that think they are going to never find love and they each learn differently. I really enjoyed each story and always look forward to many more books by these authors.

I really enjoyed reading this book, four different stories by four different authors, all revolving around a picnic or two.
We find there are a lot of places to have a picnic and some of them here are disasters, and others turn out wonderful, or at least they are able to get the attention of the person they want to notice them.
The picnics tie these stories together, but each author has different people involved, and some of them are old friends from previous books that I’ve read.
I love when I novellas to read, sometimes just a few minutes and I’ll read one, but all two quickly this book disappeared and the last page was turned.

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

This was a great collection of Amish romances. Each story had a different flavor that added to the joy of reading.
Baskets of Sunshine showed that love does not have an age requirement. First impressions are hard to change when they are embedded in our thoughts. I liked seeing how those impressions can change with the right combination.
Candlelight Sweethearts was a story about a couple that had to overcome challenges. Both had given up on the chance of a family until circumstances threw them together. Both had to let their guards down to see that they were right for each other.
Reeling in Love was a fun story of friends that develop feelings for each other. This story had me laughing out loud at times. A series of misunderstandings threatens a life-long friendship.
Picnics and Prospects was a fun story of a couple that had a rough start. They were forced together to solve a mystery. I enjoyed the intrigue and the developing romance that bloomed.
Overall this was a sweet collection of romances with varying issues that appear in life. I recommend this to anyone that enjoys sweet Amish romances.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan Fiction through Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.

This is a delightful collection of heartwarming Amish romances. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through Netgallery. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. All of them have a picnic as part of their story, whether an outside picnic in a social setting, an inside picnic during a storm, or a picnic with a proposal. I love all the stories especially Reeling in Love, which has a story of a best friends from the An Amish Brides of Birch Creek series and Candlelight Sweethearts which has a sweet girl, who stutters and a young socially awkward man. The other two stories are also enjoyable to read. Both contain misconceptions between the couples. In Baskets of Sunshine, Kevin believes initially that Phoebe is too immature and in Picnics and Prospects, David is struggling to understand Faith's claustrophobia as well as help her solve a mystery. I don't want to spoil the stories by describing them further. I really like this anthology because it introduced me to new authors that I can read in the future.

I really enjoyed reading the Four short stories about Amish couples bonding together while attending picnics all in one book. Combing of four authors gives readers an opportunity to read the stories and have an understanding of the different writing styles about the Amish relationships with each other and God.
Baskets of Sunshine by Amy Clipston. The story about Kevin and Phoebe a age difference of a couple of years which is his barrier in forming a relationship. It is a great story that demonstrates that the age difference between them does not matter.
Candlelight Sweethearts by Kelly Irvin. Esther Marie likes Jasper but a stutter is a small setback for her. All they need is a push in the right direction and learn the subtle hints they are showing each other that they are interested but unsure on how to say that they like each other. This story shows that having a speech impediment can make an impact on a person and just needs a little faith and encouragement to improve.
Reeling in Love by Kathleen Fuller. Judah has been hurt in the past and does not want to be hurt again. Ira is in love with Judah and is scared to let Judah know on how she feels. With the help of others and issues occurring at planned picnics makes them both wary. This story demonstrates that it takes a special person to help with fears of being hurt.
Picnics and Prospects by Vannetta Chapman. David and Faith is brought together to find clues on finding who wrote some old letters and if they can find the owners of the lost letters.
My review is posted on Amazon.com.au, Christianbook.com, goodreads, Barnes and Noble, kobo, googlebooks and iBooks. Run date of 25 February 2020 on Netgalley and on other sites 03 March 2020. A link to my review is also on my Facebook blog page, is https://www.facebook.com/BlueFalkon95-Readers-blog-104660277776984
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#AnAmishPicnic #NetGalley

An Amish Picnic
By: Amy Clipston, Kelly Irvin, Kathleen Fuller, & Vannetta Chapman
Baskets of Sunshine, by Amy Clipston
Candlelight Sweethearts, by Kelly Irvin
Reeling In Love, by Kathleen Fuller
Picnics and Prospects, by Vannetta Chapman
An Amish Picnic is made up of four different novellas by four wonderful authors in the Amish Genre. These novellas are all about picnics and romance. I love the way the authors ties the picnics and romance together. Each one of these novellas is about a couple who has some difficulties trying to get together. I really enjoyed this book.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and an author. All opinions are my own.

It's almost picnic weather where I am, and it is making hungry for picnic foods, especially since I read this collection of novellas where love finds its home through picnics. Each of these authors is known for her Amish fiction and reading these stories is like becoming reacquainted with old friends.

All of the stories have characters from series the authors have already published, and it made the novellas feel like chatting with old friends.

One thing I'd like to see from these particular authors is that they collaborate on a series together, using the same characters throughout. With the pooled talent of these four, especially, it would make an Amish novel beyond any reader's expectations.

This is a five star collection, with two thumbs up, and a picnic basket full of fried chicken.

Zondervan Fiction and NetGalley.com provided the galley for me to read and review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

This faith-based collection contains gentle romance reads each with its own tropes and “problems”. Clipston’s Kevin and Phoebe have multiple misunderstandings that might frustrate some readers, but the end wraps up in the best way. Some readers will be pleased to know it is a spinoff of “The Bake Shop”. Similarly, Irvin’s story is connected to “A Long Bridge Home” and a featured character enters the store. The plot beyond the unique romance offers a perspective on the condition of a speech disorder. Those who just finished Fuller’s “Amish Brides of Birch Creek” series will love revisiting the community and seeing the conclusion of a “friendship to love” story. The last story was part mystery, part second chance romance. Chapman’s contribution features slightly older, single persons and information about an anxiety disorder. How does a misunderstanding in the past bring two sets of people together? All stories are short enough for one seating. The picnic theme is fun, used for dates or making up, and is in different settings including an adorable one in a grocery store! I would recommend this collection to those who love these authors’ writings or want to try this subgenre. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the e-galley.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this title. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

These novella collections are always so enjoyable, and this one is no exception. The authors are four of the best in Amish fiction. The stories are not connected, but they work well together. Picnics do tie the stories together. Each story contains characters who are flawed, so they're very relatable ... even to "Englischers." :) I really enjoyed the fact that each story contained characters with a physical or mental issue. If you're looking for a quick, sweet read, this is a book to add to your TBR pile.

While each novella is charming, my two favorites were: "Baskets of Sunshine" by Amy Clipston and "Reeling in Love" by Kathleen Fuller (which reminded me of fishing with my grandpa). It's the perfect collection to help the reader focus on the upcoming spring and summer weather.

What a wonderful book! This book has four novellas by four different authors and all of the novellas are well written and hold your attention. The stories are heartwarming and sweet. If you like Amish fiction you will love this book. Thank you Zondervan Fiction via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own

Four short stories by four of the best authors in Amish fiction? What's not to love here?? An Amish Picnic focuses on four couples, and each romance is furthered in some way by a picnic.

Amy Clipston starts things off with her "Baskets of Sunshine". Kevin Weaver has been living with his brother and his family but longs for a house of his own. When his boss' daughter, Phoebe Kurtz, invites him to join other young people for an outing, he feels out of his depth, and sees the group's hijinks as immaturity. Can Phoebe make him see that maturity doesn't mean not having fun?

Kelly Irvin is up next with "Candlelight Sweethearts". Esther Marie Shrock has tried everything to lose her stutter but nothing seems to work. The one thing she does well is fill orders at the local grocery store. When her boss has a heart attack leaving his son, Jasper to run things, she isn't sure about being able to work with him. Jasper is a farmer, not a businessman. He hates feeling so inept, but he especially doesn't like looking bad in front of Esther Marie. Can these two see that maybe their future is together, even though they both have been overlooked by others?

Kathleen Fuller brings "Reeling In Love", a short story tied to her 'Amish Brides of Birch Creek' series. When Nina Stoll has the startling revelation that she is in love with her best friend and fishing buddy, Ira Yoder, she's not sure how to behave anymore. When her sister-in-law and pushy grandmother get involved, comedy ensues, as does eventual heartbreak. Will Ira ever realize that what he feels for Nina could be so much more?

Vannetta Chapman rounds out the book with her "Picnics and Prospects". David Lapp builds cabinets and tiny houses. Proud of his work, he tries to show one of his houses to Faith Troyer, only to have her collapse in terror. Her claustrophobia kicks in to embarrass her once again in David's presence. He never understood years ago when their date to the carnival ended with her curled up in terror in the hall of mirrors. In fact, he laughed which is the most hurtful thing he could have done. Can David redeem himself in Faith's eyes and show her that he is worth risking her heart?

I loved so many things about these stories. Each features a couple that has somehow been 'left on the shelf'. Either their appearance, or an impairment, or simply their past experiences have always gotten in the way of romance. I loved that each of these imperfect people found their own perfect someone.

If you love Amish Romance, you will love this compilation. I read it in a day. Each story can be read in a few hours. I definitely recommend!

A cute book all has something to do with a picnic. This book has 4 novellas all with great stories. First story written by Amy Clipston is called Baskets of Sunshine Kevin Weaver lives with his brother Freeman and his sister-in-law. Kevin lived with them since his parents died. His dream was to work hard so he could build a home and get out on his own and someday marry and have a family. He gets a apprenticeship with Phoebe Kurtz's dad. Phoebe is younger than Kevin and helps her sister in a market selling baked goods. When she meets Kevin she invites him to a youth gathering. When Kevin goes he gets upset when he feels they are to childish and lives the youth group. Can Kevin and Phoebe find love or is she to young for Kevin. Book 2 Candlelight sweethearts by Kelly Irvin. Esther Marie Schrock stutters from childhood. She works for the Valley Grocery Store which she loves. Jasper Cotter is the owners son and does not like to be around people. Esther always had feelings for Jasper but Jasper could be cold. When Jasper is forced to run the store due to a heart problem his father has he hates it. Jasper and Esther seem to butt heads a lot. When a storm comes and they are forced to stay in the grocery store will they finally find love? Book 3 Reeling in Love by Kathleen Fuller. Nina Stool and Ira Yoder have been friends and fishing buddies since they were kids. When Nina starts to have feelings for Ira she does not know what to do. Will Ira see Nina differently and will their attraction bloom into more than friendship. Book 4 Picnics and prospects by Vanetta Chapman Faith Troyer is claustrophobic. David Lapp builds tiny homes . Many years ago they had a date that ended badly. David and Faith chaperone youth folks for gatherings. When Faith and David find a puppy and a mysterious box filled with letters will feelings start to stir up. Love each of these stories. Characters are cute and each story drew you in wanting more.

This book is so sweet! I love the quick stories of love and simple living. One of my takeaways from this particular book is that because of four separate authors, I was able to read four separate writing styles. I was familiar with two of the authors, but two of them I had never read their work. Now I know, I will also begin reading their stories as well! I definitely recommend this sweet book to anyone who loves reading Amish fiction.

Four well known authors of Amish romances, each with her own novella, all packed into one book - what's not to like? I admired the way each story developed quickly, pulling me into the lives of the characters.

This book is made up of four novellas by favorite authors, Amy Clipston, Kelly Irvin, Kathleen Fuller and Vannetta Chapman.

Each book’s main characters are seeking their life mate, but feel that challenges in their lives may never allow them to achieve their dreams of life as an Amish husband/wife, and parent. Each have been friends for many years, and we get to share with them as they spend time together, in work, in outings of fishing and adventurous picnics.

Each book is every delightful and very easy and fast reading. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading Amish romances