Cover Image: An Amish Winter

An Amish Winter

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Due to personal reasons I have altered the genres I am reviewing and I will not be finishing this book. I'm sure it is an enjoyable read however it is not for me.

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Very disappointing. This is two books in one - which sounds great except they’re incredibly short. Just as you’re getting into it - it’s done.

The first one felt very forced and rushed.

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This is two sweet Amish novellas. The first book in the two Novella book was so good. I loved the characters, and I cannot believe they where so developed in this short Novella. I really liked the second book. There was parts of it I loved, but some parts I did not loved. The characters where fun and I loved them. I did not think the second book was as developed as the first one. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Love Inspired) or author (Vannetta Chapman and Carrie Lighte) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

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Who are Jonathan, Esther, Leah, and Rebekah? Where is Shipshewana? Who is Elijah and why is he there? Who is Faith? Where does Elijah find her? Who is Hannah? How does Faith meet Leslie? Why? What does she agree to with regards to Faith and Hannah? This was a very sweet, unconventional romance. My eyes got misty after it ended as I was not ready for the book to be over. You should read the story and enjoy the journey! I loved reading about Faith's passion with regards to work!

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Sweet, predictable, enjoyable novellas about human need, unexpected love, and the power of a helping hand. Comforting and cozy, and just what you need to decompress during those times that real life is a downer.

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This book includes two sweet stories that have wonderful values about caring for others and having faith in difficult circumstances. Written by two very talented authors, the characters in both stories drew me into their stories and had me cheering for the main characters to each find their happily-ever-afters.


In Vannetta Chapman’s story, “Stranded in the Snow”, I had compassion for Faith Yoder. She finds herself in almost desperate circumstances, but the kindness of a stranger starts the beginning of a new life for Faith and her baby. Elijah has been asking God for a wife. Could this unexpected meeting with Faith be the answer to that prayer? Faith’s story is heart-touching and I loved reading it.


In Carrie Lighte’s story, “Caring for the Amish Baby”, Leah shows true unselfishness as she gives up a much anticipated vacation in Florida to take care of her best friend’s baby when that family’s whole household becomes ill. As Carrie and Jonathan care for the family and the farm, they find they have much more in common than they first thought. Leah finds that sometimes giving up something you cherish leads to something completely unexpected and wonderful.


This book is a good one to read when you want great storyline with a mix of faith, hope, and love.


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

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Two Amish couples find lasting love in the midst of a snowstorm.

This book contains two novellas, in Caring for the Amish Baby, Leah has helped raised her siblings and is now helping her siblings raise their own children, she is thrilled to get the opportunity to go on vacation in Florida and visit her friend who has just had a baby. But when her friend and her husband take sick, she extends her stay to help care for the baby along with her friend's brother-in-law, Jonathan.

I liked how the timing played into the story, giving them a chance to get to know each other. Jonathan doesn't make the best first impressions,

Stranded in the Snow follows Faith Yoder and her daughter, who find themselves stranded in a snowstorm. Elijah King has decided that this is the year that he will get married, but for a bachelor there aren't many single women his age. Elijah helps Faith find a place to stay during the storm, and as he get's to know them wonders if it could be more.

This was a sweet heartwarming read, and I loved Leslie who Faith and Hannah board with, she is kind and not ready for the daadi house just yet.

Overall, this is a sweet 2-for1 bundle, I loved how both the stories focused on an Amish couple with faith in common, and that were more mature than the typical Amish couples, and how God's perfect timing brought them together. A cozy read for winter!


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

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An Amish Winter contains two heartwarming Amish stories. I enjoyed reading Stranded in the Snow and Caring for the Amish Baby. I thought both novellas were well-written with good characters and steady pacing. Vannetta Chapman gave us two stubborn individuals with Faith Yoder and Elijah King. I thought the author provided us with developed characters for such a short tale. I liked seeing how people in the community helped Faith. There is humor and good life lessons in Stranded in the Snow. Caring for the Amish Baby is the first book I have read by Carrie Lighte, and it will not be my last. I thought it was an amusing tale (I chuckled frequently while reading this story). It was such a lighthearted, charming tale that brightened my day. It is wonderful how Leah gave her something so important to her to help her friend. I also appreciated the author delving into seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It is important for people to realize that it is an illness that affects around 3 million people each year. I could understand why Leah wanted to visit Siesta Key. It is a great beach. I like how Caring for the Amish Baby ended. An Amish Winter has two uplifting tales that are perfect to read on a cold afternoon (while snuggled under a warm blanket).

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This book has not just one but two contemporary, Amish romances and both heartwarming reads, even though they're largely set in winter!

Stranded in the Snow has widowed single Mum, Faith Yoder, being stranded during her journey to make a new life for her and her daughter away from her father-in-law. She is rescued by Elijah King, who takes her to his Bishop. He believes her to be his soul mate but will she stay long enough for them to get to know each other?

Caring for the Amish Baby has Leah Zehr visiting a friend on her way to a much anticipated holiday. Unfortunately the friend and her husband both fall ill, so Leah stays to look after their young baby, ably assisted by her friend's brother-in-law, Jonathan Rocke. The two initially clash but working together helps them get to know each other. However, she is only supposed to be stopping for a week . . . .

Thanks to Harlequin and NetGalley for my copy of the book which I have voluntarily read, thoroughly enjoyed and honestly reviewed. These are two gentle romances, truly living up to their Love Inspired genre, filled with faith, hope and love.

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First sentence of Stranded in the Snow: Snow fell heavily as Elijah King directed his horse toward the center of Shipshewana. The streets were virtually empty of buggies and cars. Most sensible folks were already tucked in for the night.

Premise/plot: Elijah King, our hero, spots a young woman and her baby out in the cold waiting for a bus, I believe. He offers her a buggy ride to the local bishop whom he is sure will offer her hospitality for the night--or for however long she may need. The weather has caused all the roads to close, I think? Faith Yoder, our heroine, is skeptical but determined. Recently widowed, she knows she needs help but fears becoming too dependent. She knows that she needs to stand on her own two feet if she's to raise her baby daughter on her own. She doesn't want to rely on the kindness of strangers--not long term, not when she has the skills she needs to make her own way. But will she convince a reluctant town that she knows what she's doing. She's an accountant with a gift for making long-term business plans. Elijah, for one, needs a little convincing. Will these two come together at last?

My thoughts: I liked this one for the most part. I will admit I don't know all that much about the Amish community. But Elijah's business of installing solar panels for the Amish seemed a bit questionable? I'm not saying that it definitely could not happen--maybe Amish people really want solar panels on their roofs? But it seems a little too modern and contemporary. But again, what do I know???

First sentence of Caring for the Amish Baby: Leah Zehr clipped her seat belt buckle into place and waved to her niece, nephew and sister-in-law Catherine as the van pulled down the driveway. Catherine was frowning but Leah could hardly contain her glee. One month. She would be gone for one marvelous month.

Premise/plot: Leah is off to Florida to vacation for one whole month....or is she???? On her way she stops over at her sister and brother-in-law's house. They have a cute little baby, but, both parents are very ill. Leah doesn't really "like" children--one reason why she doesn't ever ever want to marry--but she knows a lot about babies. And it's the sisterly thing to do, right? To stay a week or two or three until they are well enough to care for their baby. Helping her out is the baby's uncle--her brother-in-law's brother, Jonathan. The two of them have an incredible amount of fun in just a few weeks. But she senses that all is not right with him. Can she help him live his best life ever?

My thoughts: Again, I liked this one for the most part. I liked seeing Leah and Jonathan work together. I loved the scenes of him caring for the baby AND doing the housework. More romance novels like this, please! But it definitely had the feel of a "problem novel." And the problem in this one is mental health. Which I suppose is a good topic--always--to address. And perhaps dealing with mental health in the Amish community is something that needs to be encouraged? Perhaps there is still a lot of stigma and shame attached?

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I loved this book, two sweet Amish novella's, the only problem was they were page-turner's and finished way to fast.
Both take place in the winter, snow flying, and involve darling babies, and broken spirits.
There are surprises and ahh ha moments in each book, and somethings you won't see coming.
Great cozy reads to get lost in!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Love Inspired, and was not required to give a positive review.

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If you want a lighthearted read then I recommend this one.
The first story is written by one of my favorite authors and the 2nd one is a new to me author.
One of the reasons I love Amish books is the inspirational themes that are Weaver into each story without being too preachy.
Another is the theme of togetherness, belonging, family and most of all I love the idea of being a community. Always ready to help each other in need.
These two stories has all of this and more!
Of course there are always certain parts of a story that I don't/won't like. But, that's with any story.
Each author has done an awesome job in making each character realistic and believable.
Some you feel like you know all your life and others are harder to know but in the end I didn't want to say goodbye.
I really enjoyed these two stories.
I recommend this book. You'll love it as much as I did.
My thanks to Netgalley/Harlequin publishers for a copy of this book.
I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

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