Cover Image: An Amish Holiday Family

An Amish Holiday Family

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Member Reviews

What a wonderful and heartwarming story! An Amish Holiday Family is an engrossing and delightful story with excellent characters and an engaging storyline. The ending felt a bit rushed to me, however I was thrilled with how everything worked out for these amazing characters.
Imagine suddenly finding yourself being the guardians of 3 young children, including one that, in the beginning, is not very personable. Beth Ann, the main character, handles the situation in a very patient and wonderful way, all the while falling in love with Robert, a man she has just met, and helps her with the children. Robert has deep demons that he fights everyday and has made him convinced that he would never make a good husband or father.
This is the perfect story for Christmas or anytime of the year. It will grab you from the beginning until the final word is read. I loved it!

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This is a beautiful Amish story about finding a purpose for life; a place to belong; and a family for a lifetime. Beth Ann Overholt came to Evergreen Corners to help with the rebuilding of homes destroyed in a flood, but she also came to find her purpose in life. Robert is there to help with the rebuilding, but he also is trying to find his next step in life. There are three children who desperately need a family. As Beth Ann and Robert come together to to help these children, they begin to dare to dream that their place might together in Evergreen Corners. There’s multiple difficulties ahead before God’s will is revealed to Beth, Robert, and the children.

This book is heartwarming, but it also has its moments of drama. I appreciated Beth Ann’s steadfast faith and her desire to be of help to those around her. If you like reading Amish fiction, you’ll enjoy this compelling book.

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

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A community comes together to give three children a safe place to stay for the the holidays, but could this family of convenience become a permanent one?

A heartwarming tale of family and new beginnings just in time for Christmas. Beth Ann is a Mennonite midwife, she comes down to Evergreen Corners to help with the flood relief, she has a big heart for others, and I loved how she was willing to selflessly give. Robert Yoder has always been handy, so he also volunteers to help in the aftermath of the flood. I love how Robert is patient and takes time to teach the children new skills, he is thoughtful and kind, even though he fears that he would never make a good father.

The children are very sweet and protective of each other, I Tommy is just adorable, and I like how Dougie looks out for his siblings.

Overall, this was a heartwarming tale of an unlikely family. I loved getting to know all of the children and seeing Robert and Beth Ann work together as they grow in their friendship. A enjoyable read with a great sense of community.

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

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This was a cute Christmas book and I am so glad that I had the chance to read it. I usually really enjoyed Love Inspired Books, so I decided to take the chance on An Amish Holiday Family by Jo Ann Brown. Mennoite Beth Ann Overholt never expected that she would take in three abandoned children when she went to Evergreen Corners to help rebuild after a flood. Nonetheless, she finds herself the guardian of three children, but she doesn’t have to raise them alone, Amish balchalor Robert Yoder has offered his help. However as she spends more time with Robert and the children, she begins to wish that these temporary Christmas arrangements could become permanent.
Beth Ann was such a strong and kind woman. She took in the kids although it would be more trouble for her. And she cared for them without complaining. She was a lovely character and I really liked her, she wasn’t perfect but she tried her best. I thought it was cool how she had learned to overcome despite the prejudice of others because of her disabilities. I loved her character and her growth as she cared for the three children who were put into her care.
Robert was an interesting character. I felt bad for him but I didn’t connect with him as much. I felt bad for him as he tried to learn how to control his emotions. He was a broken character but he was kind. I learned to like him more as I read more about him and it was so cute to read about his interaction with the kids.
Dougie, Crystals, and Tommy were so sweet and I loved reading about them. I was so worried as Beth Ann and Robert tried to figure out what would happen to the children after all it was only a temporary situation. However, I was happy with the ending. The characters were really fun and I loved the storyline. I ended up staying up way too late to finish this book. An Amish Holiday Family was a super cute, sweet read! I would definitely recommend it!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

I posted my review on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes and Nobles, and Bookbub on 11/26/2020. I will post my review on my blog on 11/28/2020

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Well, An Amish Holiday Family certainly was a emotional read at times. I think I shed more then a few tears while reading this beautiful, inspiring Christmas story.
I truly loved the main character, Beth Ann. What a a beautiful woman with so much love to share. I also loved Robert....even with all his emotional battles from being raised by a abusive father, he is a good man. Trying to overcome his childhood demons, Beth Ann is there to show him it can be done.
From Beth Ann’s disability to history on covered bridges to 3 children needing help....so emotional and heartwarming.
A beautiful Amish Christmas story that has so much emotion and heart throughout it.
God shows you the way even though it seems it will never happen.
An Amish Holiday Family is surely a book you need to read to get into the Christmas spirit.
With a little help from God......miracles can happen.
Many many thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin and author, Jo Ann Brown, for the honor to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

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3.5 stars

There are so many things to love about this book, from the holiday spirit to endearing children to relatable lead characters. And the incorporation of covered bridges and Beth Ann's disability? That sealed the deal for me, as those are two things I don't often read about in Amish fiction.

Beth Ann is an easy character to love. She has a beautiful spirit. Robert's growth throughout made him a good match for her. And as he battles his insecurities, you can't help but root for him. The overall theme is a reminder that God has placed each of us right where we need to be, even if we don't see it at the time. It's an emotional read, particularly in relation to the children and their living conditions. But, it's heartwarming to see how things all come together for everyone.

This book is part of a series, and there are some familiar characters, but it can totally be read and enjoyed as a standalone novel.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

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Who are Beth Ann and Robert? Who are the Henderson children? How do Beth Ann and Robert meet each other? Where are they each from and where are they at now? Why? Who are Douglas, Crystal, and Tommy? What and how do we learn about them? What struggles do we find for the adults and children in the book? Who is Kim and what is her role in everything that is happening? I felt bad for Kim. I was sad for Douglas, Crystal, and Tommy more than anything. There were a few spots where I could not help but laugh and others where I could do nothing but cry. Read and see what happens in this story!

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Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary copy of An Amish Holiday Family by Jo Ann Brown for the purpose of reading and reviewing prior to publication. My opinions are my own, and no one had influenced them.

An Amish Holiday Family is a lovely, heartwarming Christmas tale with endearing characters and a touching plot. I always love stories with children, and there are three delightful little ones who stole my heart.

Beth Ann Overholt’s character has all the traits I most admire. She kind, loving and loyal. She takes in the three young children without hesitation, offering them her love and support. I loved her patience with our reluctant hero.

Robert Yoder is such an amazing hero. His background has convinced him he can never have a family, but there’s no way he can turn his back on the heroine and the three youngsters. His growing love for Beth Ann and the children scares him witless since he’s inherited his father’s violent temper. He worries that he would strike out in anger as his parent had done with him and his siblings. My heart ached for his great fears.

As with Amish fiction, the romance is sweet between Beth Ann and Robert, centered on God’s love and the nurturing of family. I loved how Beth Ann shows her love without shouting it to the roof tops. Her gentle, guiding way is very touching. I really wanted them to find their happy ending.
If you enjoy Amish fiction with a great message and that shows strong family values, then you will love An Amish Holiday family as much as I did. I will be looking into the other books in this series. Happy reading!

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An Amish Holiday Family by Jo Ann Brown is the fourth installment in the Green Mountain Blessings series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but they are a pleasure to read as a whole. I thought An Amish Holiday Family was well-written with developed, realistic characters. Beth Ann Overholt is a remarkable woman. She is at a crossroads in her life. Beth Ann had been a midwife helping Amish women deliver their babies under the care of a physician. Circumstances have left her without a job and then her grandmother passed. Beth Ann was raised by her grandmother and feels the loss heavily. She is in Evergreen Corners to help with the reconstruction which is in the final phase. Robert Yoder came to town to visit the sister he has not seen in twenty years. She escaped their abusive father as soon as she was able and never returned. Robert is carrying a heavy burden and it is not something he wishes to share. He does, though, want to find a way to rebuild the damaged covered bridge. Then comes along three children who need Beth Ann and Robert’s help. They are living in squalid conditions without adult supervision. Douglas, Crystal, and Tommy Henderson were delightful especially little Tommy. They provided humor in the story. There are some sections, though, that are sad (have your tissues handy). We get to see if Beth Ann and Robert can come together to help these three children. With a little help from God and the good people of Evergreen Corners, there might be a Christmas miracle. There is a mystery in the story as well. Tools and decorative items are disappearing from the job sites. The individual is sneaky and manages to disappear quickly. I liked that the characters from the previous three books are in An Amish Holiday Family. We get to see what is happening in their lives. I like that Evergreen Corners is a close-knit community. I can see why people who are visiting chose to stay. I loved the epilogue that wrapped up the story beautifully. An Amish Holiday Family is an emotional novel with a covered bridge conundrum, a tricky thief, a grocery gift giver, a surplus of laundry, and holiday happenings.

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I loved this book, and so enjoyed being reunited with past read characters! We get to see how they are going on with their lives, and how things are going in the Green Mountains devastated by two hurricanes.
This is Beth and Robert's story, but also three darling children, they might have had a different outcome if it hadn't been for these two.
You heart is going to break when you see the conditions these children are living in, and who is taking care of them? There are also so great smiles, and a few laughs with these lovable young ones.
Can two broken individuals form a permanent relationship? Will these poor children end up with stable lives? The answers are coming, and you will be quickly page-turning for answers!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.

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I enjoyed this story very much. I liked how the whole community got together to help these children regardless
of their circumstance. Also I could really appreciate how Beth and Robert really needed each other

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I must say I am blown away by this book. My heart really went out to those kids but in my opinion they got the better end of the deal. They ended up being my heroes.
I certainly understand Robert's passion for covered bridges. They're beautiful and I hate to see any of them destroyed. Too me, they add charm to the town they were built in.
I think that the true hero is Robert. Beth Ann is an Angel in my opinion. God has put her where he needed her to be.
I'm like her so I connected with her in that way. I wonder sometimes what God has in store for me too. What purpose does He have for me. Why am I here?
Do y'all ever ask that?
This book is so good that you won't want to put it down until it is finished. I loved it so much!
I always look forward to a Joann Brown book because I think the messages she writes throughout it is a gentle reminder that God puts us whenever He needs us at the moment and that life is never easy.
There were a few places in this book I didn't like because I wanted to cry and I don't like to cry.
Other places the way this author has written made me ask myself what would I do if I were Beth Ann. She's a character to be admired.
I highly recommend this book. It will begin to get you into the Holidays like it did me.
My thanks to Netgalley/Harlequin for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

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I love the inspirational line of Harlequin. This one is so good. We meet Beth Anne and Robert. They are both rebuilding after the flood that destroyed the community in Vermont. This is also a Christmas book, which is an extra bonus. I know my patrons will love it.

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