This is such a charming book. This just may be my favorite of The Berlin Bookmobile series. It was such fun seeing the bookmobile librarian have the right book suggestion for each patron just when they needed it.
How delightful this book is, it has two courting couples in it. One a teenaged couple who has admired each other for quite some time and the other is a widowed woman and a man who really hasn't had time to court before. Each couple, just like all couples have their misunderstandings and problems but they don't give up on each other. There is love,compassion,forgiveness,understanding and strong faith here.
Taking place at Christmas time adds to the charm of the story . I enjoyed getting to know the characters and their likes and dislikes. The faith message woven in was reassuring and comforting.
I look forward to reading whatever the author has out next.

Pub Date 26 Oct 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

This is the third book in the Berlin Bookmobile series but no trouble reading as a stand alone in my opinion. Alte is a confirmed bachelor but he is interested in his widowed neighbor who is a mother of 3. Alte goes to the bookmobile looking fo a book on courting and comes away with a romance novel suggested by the librarian. I loved this book. I was provided a copy of the book by Netgalley but it did not affect my review.

A Christmas Courtship by Shelley Shepard Gray

This is a story of strength, grief, friendship, and love.

Sadie Mast has a lot on her plate being a widow with three children. She would like Atle to
build her son Cale a bedroom in the barn as his Christmas present complete with a new bed.

Atle would like to court Sadie but he knows nothing about the process so he seeks out the Bookmobile and the lady who runs it. This is quite an addition to the story.

Cale had to get a job to help his mom pay the bills. His employer has a daughter that likes him. This side story may be like a memory to some.

Please enjoy this story about families some are hard to read others a gem.

Sweet, sweet story of two lovely souls who make their way to each other. You’ve got to have patience for this love story, because though the writing is excellent and the story moves forward at a perfect pace, the romance itself is slow … probably just as it should be! In this story, the librarian is a hero of sorts, as librarians are in everyone’s life I imagine.

I very much enjoyed A Christmas Courtship, and am thankful for the opportunity to read and provide a review. Ms. Shepard Gray's story about Sadie and Atle's gradual courtship is sweet and touching- and shows that romance can happen at all stages in life. Atle's attempts to court Sadie and build her trust and that of her children's, are charming and will make readers smile. I also enjoyed the conversations and relationship that take place between Atle and Sadie's older son, Cale, as Atle builds a new bedroom for and with Cale, taking opportunities to be a mentor to him. I highly recommend A Christmas Courtship.

This was such a fun romance with two couples finding love as Christmas approached. One courtship was between two teens who had long admired each other and the other courtship was between a man and woman who were in their middle years. This is the third book in the Berlin Bookmobile series, however, I had not read the earlier two books and I had no trouble enjoying this one.

Atle was such a wonderful hero in this novel. He started out a bit awkward and was extremely nervous around Sadie. He had never courted anyone, yet had admired Sadie for awhile. Sadie was a widow with three children and the backstory for her family was complicated. Her husband carried a lot of anger and she and her children suffered through years of abuse. I really appreciated that Atle was compassionate and caring about this fact in the way he approached the entire family.

Hope and Cale were the young couple and they had a trying situation to overcome in the story. I really liked this couple, too, and think that what they went through made their courting relationship stronger.

This story was a fun addition to my Christmas reading this season. I liked the way the author incorporated snippets from the romance book that Atle read as he learned how to court Sadie. It was very clever. The only thing I wished for at the end was a bit of an epilogue a year or so into the future. But I hope that maybe there will be more books in the series and I can see these characters again.

(4.5 stars)

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

The Berlin Bookmobile is back! This time, confirmed bachelor Atle Petersheim is looking to court his neighbor, longtime crush Sadie Mast. Sadie is a widowed mother of three children. She is doing her best to take care of her children and keep her family afloat. Atle goes to the bookmobile to find a book about dating and gets a romance novel. I love how Shelley Shepard Gray starts each chapter with a paragraph from the romance novel.
This is a great book that shows us it’s never too late for a new start. You will love this sweet romance. I want to thank the author, Gallery Books and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I liked it, but I didn't love it. It didn't feel like her other amish books. In fact, it felt like a contemporary romance. With very little effort buggies could be swapped for cars, clothing, appliances, etc.

This latest installment in the Berlin Bookmobile series features two courting couples. Readers of the previous books in the series will remember the characters from the earlier books. This novel can also be read as a standalone.

Cale and Hope have been friends for years and are both in their "running around" times as Amish teenagers. After attending a party that ends in a disaster, Cale is certain that he will not be allowed to court Hope. When each of them learns to stand up for themselves and for what is right, their relationship takes a happier turn.

Sadie is Cale's mom, and wants to give him a Christmas gift that will provide more independence and privacy from his younger siblings. When she hires Atle to construct the gift, Atle decides to make a bold move and let Sadie know of his growing feelings for her. Sadie and her children still struggle to put aside their past with their abusive husband and father, but with Atle's help, they move forward. Special gifts exchanged by the couples show their regard for each other.

Readers who enjoy a sweet holiday read will find this one sets a charming tone. The story is set in an Amish community, and the characters are elegantly portrayed. One cannot help hoping things will turn out and cheering the couples on while reading. This novel is a sweet and clean romance read, lacking in strong language, violence, or graphic intimacy. The Christian message is clear but not preachy. Readers should be ready for the cliff-hanger ending though! I certainly hope the author continues the series so the two romances can be resolved.

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

A Christmas Courtship by Shelley Shepard Gray is the next book in the Berlin Bookmobile series and it is just as enjoyable as the rest! In this one, our wonderful neighborhood bookmobile driver, Sarah Ann, tries to help Atle find the best way to court Sadie, a widow with three children. When she suggests that he reads a romance novel, he is sure that there is no way that will work. However, he really wants to get Sadie to notice him, so he tries it out. Sadie, for her part, is trying to navigate the roads of single motherhood with two teenagers and an eleven year old. She is also trying to run a business and help her children recover from the lives they led with their abusive father. A wonderful story about finding hope in the midst of pain and heartache, it will not only make you laugh out loud, it will help you to remember what is the most important thing of all: Jesus.
A great book, just in time to get me ready for Christmas! Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read it.

I really enjoyed this book. The relationships that grew seemed very real but I was glad they resolved the past issues. Also enjoyed the supporting characters in the book, especially Viola.
We will be purchasing this book for our library.

I enjoyed this novel but then again, I enjoy anything this author writes!
I particularly loved this series of second chances and family all rolled into one.
The way this author wrote made feel like I was a part of Sarah's family. I really miss the family feel since all mine is gone now..that's why I didn't want to put this story down.
Sarah has been my favorite character from the very beginning. She's such a sweetheart so I felt that she deserves a second chance. Her occupation is my favorite thing about her I'll be honest.
My 2nd favorite thing is that she's a very caring person and wants to help others. For that, I admired her very much!
What I didn't like was the subject of abuse. It can happen to anyone and anywhere. But I did like how the author referred it as past tense but even then it can and sometimes still affect the person. That's why I admired these characters.
Atle Petershiem is another character that I greatly admired. He's a wonderful man. He has a great personality. I loved how very supportive he was!
I didn't want the book to end because it offer such hope not only for the characters but for us readers too.
Thank you for another wonderful story and for getting me in the Christmas mood.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Sarah Anne Miller Canon is a newlywed at sixty-two and enjoying her career as a bookmobile driver. Sarah Anne does more than dispense books in her compact vehicle. Atle Petersheim has admired Sadie Mast for a long time, but as a bachelor at forty-two, he has no idea how to court a woman. He asks Sarah Anne to find him a book that will help him with the task. Sarah Anne come sup with an unusual solution. Cale Mast is sixteen-year-old who works hard to help his widowed mother, Sadie. He would like to court Hope Overholt, his boss’s daughter, but Cale is unsure how to go about it. Cale also is pondering his future and the career that would be for him. A Christmas Courtship by Shelley Shepard Gray is a sweet heartwarming story. I enjoyed reading it very much. I had just finished reading a couple of lackluster books and needed a pick me up, A Christmas Courtship did the trick. A Christmas Courtship is the 3rd tale in The Berlin Bookmobile Series. It can be read as a standalone, but I do recommend the two previous books. I thought the book was well-written with engaging characters. The characters are realistic and developed. The book moved along at a good pace and was over much too quickly. There are some good life lessons about forgiveness and dealing with painful memories. The story does discuss domestic abuse. I like how the author handled this difficult subject. A Christmas Courtship is a story of faith, hope, and love. I love A Berlin Bookmobile Series and I hope there will be more adventures with Sarah Anne. A Christmas Courtship is a heartfelt, entertaining tale that made me smile and laugh.

A Christmas Courtship
By Shelley Shepard Gray ~

“A Christmas Courtship” is such a delightful story. A wonderful addition to Christmas as well as Amish reads. It is the third of Shelley Shepard Gray’s Berlin Bookmobile series. The first two books in the series are on my Want-to-Read list. I found this book enjoyable as a standalone.

The print version has 317 pages which the author uses wisely to build the story so that it remains interesting throughout. The book does not drag; the book does not rush. The story just weaves its way and feels believable.

Such great characters in this list which should help set the story:

There is Sarah Anne Miller Canon (Englisher), who drives the bookmobile and is a bride, even if she is 62 years old.
- Atle Petersheim (Amish) who you will like immediately. A bachelor in his 40s but not a “confirmed” bachelor if you get my meaning. He asks Sarah for a reference book on ‘courting’.
- Sadie Mast (Amish), a widow not quite 40, runs a baking business selling through stores in town.
-- Cale, 16 and the oldest is very aware of the financial strain and works hard. But Cale also feels a great deal of responsibility for his mother and siblings. His plans of being on his own at 18 may not happen now.
-- Viola who is 14 wanting to be 16 and not afraid to voice her discontent. Her discontent is rarely directed to her 'mamm'.
-- Jason is 11 and well, opiniated, a bit spoiled but will, at times, make you chuckle if not laugh out loud.
- Hope Overholt (Amish), also 16 and hopes Cale will notice her someday.
-- Hope’s parents who are gut people but tend to treat her as if she was much younger than she is.
- Animal characters — I personally enjoy animal characters. They tend to add charm to a story. There is Prudence the sheep who is contrary as can be but especially around Cale. And Bonnie, a mare, and her companion, a silly, sweet goat named Gwen.

Be aware that Sadie’s husband was abusive not only in words but in his actions toward her and her two oldest children. The abuse is only in past tense and in reference to how it has affected Sadie and the children. It is important to the story; descriptions are minimal.

Another ‘different’ approach is the book Mrs. Canon recommends to Atle — each chapter of “A Christmas Courtship” begins with a bit of the "reference" book. You will smile at Atle’s reading of the “reference” book.

This is SUCH an enjoyable read and takes place at Christmas time. But for me, the story’s emphasis was on learning to trust again. I highly recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Gallery Books through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Rating: 5 stars
Cover rating: 4.5 stars. A particularly good cover but not sure how the objects held in her hands have to do with the story.

#AChristmasCourtship #ShelleyShepardGray #NetGalley

What a beautifully written story! It hooks you on the first page and will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. Loved it!
I received a complimentary copy from Gallery Books via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my on.

This is the third book in this sweet series, the Berlin Bookmobile, and we are back with newly married Sarah Anne Miller, and she is still giving her advice!
This is Atle Petersheim’s story and his quest to learn courtship and maybe attract Sadie Mast. We are also with Cale and Hope, and their love beginnings as 16 year olds.
This story does touch on some tough subjects such as abuse, and teenage drinking, and the author does a great job with how they are handled.
Come and watch these two new romances and they have help with Sarah’s advise and a book entitled Finding Love’s Fortune!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Gallery, and was not required to give a positive review.

Shelley Shepard Gray has outdone herself! I thoroughly enjoyed book 2 of the Berlin Bookmobile series but this book is now my favorite! We get to revisit bookmobile librarian Sarah Ann, catch up with some of her patrons that we've already met, and glimpse Sarah Ann with her new husband, Pete. A Christmas Courtship introduces us to Atle Petersheim, Sadie Mast, Sadie's three children, and fun pets Bonnie the mare and pygmy goat Gwen!
This book satisfies the desires of so many readers! There are wonderful characters, unforgettable romance, the emotions associated with the Christmas season, and many references to prayer, faith, and hope. A Christmas Courtship is a lovely, heartwarming book and I recommend it to all who enjoy Amish fiction and Christian romance.

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

I love this addition to the Berlin Bookmobile Series. Atle Petersheim has loved Sadie Mast for very long time. Finally able to court the widow Sadie, Alte turns to bookmobile lady Sarah to direct him on how to court a woman. Sarah does one of the least Amish things and gives him a romance novel to read for advice. Say what? However, this proves to be interesting. Will Atle and Sadie find romance? This is a story of love, forgiveness, and finding ones path. Working through emotional turmoil to get to the other side. I love how the characters are so real and the story is so inviting. You won't want to put it down. Plus the setting at Christmas adds to the magic. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

This was such a refreshing book! Shelly Shepard Gray brings us back to bookmobile librarian Sarah Ann. Being recently married Sarah Ann is all about romance. So when Atle Petersheim comes to her for help she obviously turns to books. But giving an Amish man a bodice ripper on romance isn't exactly what he had in mind. But does it work? A Christmas Courtship is a simple story of love old and new. Sit back, relax and enjoy this book on Christmas and how it can help heal past sorrows and bring excitement about the future.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from NetGalley.

I don't think I have read an Amish book by SSG yet that I have not loved. They are clean, wholesome, romantic reads that make your heart happy. Definitely, books that Atlee should read for romance ideas. This entire series has become a favorite that I will reread in the years to come. The covers are gorgeous and inviting.

The only aspect I did not like in this book was I thought Sadie's children were very spoiled and whiny. BUT, I am not sure I would have raised my children any different after the abuse they experienced with their father. Yes, you read that correctly. Abuse. It touches every community even the Amish. Again, a great book to teach us not to judge. You never know someone's entire story and you never know how you would react until you experience their life.

You can read the series in any order as each book is written as a standalone.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed above are entirely my own.