Rating: 4.25 stars ~ Genre: Amish, Christmas ~ Publish Date: 1 Sep 2024

Lucy's Christmas Sunbeam by Anne Blackburne ~ 4 stars

A delightful novella. A sweet story about a little three-year-old girl and her loving sister. And a man who chooses alcohol and seeks to ruin other people's lives while he trashes his own. There are some wunderbar scenes, BUT ... the title of this set is "A LANCASTER Christmas. Lancaster, Pennsylvania is primarily Old Order Amish, and readers assume Old Order unless the author states otherwise. In one scene, a man wants to go look at quilts in the afternoon. He is considering expanding his business to sell them. The problem???? The day is Sunday. I doubt even the progressive Amish would even suggest doing that. In this case, looking at quilts equals business. Sadly, that wasn't the only scene that did not fit Old Order Amish. The story itself is enjoyable and I loved reading it.

A Bird-in-Hand Christmas by Amy Clipston ~ 4 stars

Again, remember the title "A Lancaster Christmas". I found the lead female's name, Makayla, to sorta sound Hawaiian. But after a bit of research, in Hebrew, it means "who resembles God?" You will enjoy this novella as much as "Lucy's Christmas Sunbeam". Engaging characters. Nothing left hanging at the end. But ... please authors writing Amish stories, if your characters need more "freedom", please, please, PLEASE indicate they are not Old Order. Zippers!!!! Old Order do NOT use zippers. Zippers are hochmut, proud, not "plain". Again, the story is lovely but errors like this jump out at me. It stops the flow of the story.

Christmas Lily by Amy Lillard ~ 4 stars

I loved seven-year-old Jacob Bontrager's character. He thinks his new teacher is perfect. A perfect teacher and would be perfect as his new mamm. It's a cute story. My problem is a key plot development. What happens when the teacher ends up spending several days at their house? Despite a good reason. BUT nothing is said or done by the bishop and ministers. And there certainly would be. This novella didn't grab me and keep me reading like the previous two. You'll still enjoy it, I think.

Leaving Lancaster by Mindy Steel ~ 5 stars

The last novella started a tiny bit slow for me; but, it just got better and better. No errors involving Amish doing something they wouldn't do. Let's just say the move to Kentucky wakes up some semi-plodding young men. And two sisters. By the way, there is a recipe at the end for Christmas Jam called "Winter's Delight." It would not be that hard to make.

All four novellas are an enjoyable read. A wonderful, I should say wunderbar. read for Christmas. And despite the issues found, I recommend this tetralogy (not a 'quadalogy'). Tetra is Greek meaning 'four'.

I received a complimentary DRC (digital review copy) of A Lancaster Amish Christmas via NetGalley from the publisher, Barbour Publishing Barbour Fiction. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Rating: 4.25 stars [(4+4+4+5)/4] rounded to 4 stars for sites using whole numbers.
Cover: Beautiful
Pages: 451
Publish Date: 1 Sep 2024
#ALancasterAmishChristmas #NetGalley #ShelleyShepardGray #AmyClipston #AmyLillard #MindySteele

4 short Amish novella about finding love and family. My favorite was the last story. Good short reads. I would recommend for fans of Amish books

A Lancaster Amish Christmas: Four Romance Novellas by Anne Blackburne, Amy Clipston, Amy Lillard, and Mindy Steele is collection of novellas that are filled with sweet Amish romance and will put you in the mood for Christmas.

If you enjoy reading clean Amish Christmas fiction, this book is for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for an advanced e-pub of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

A Lancaster Amish Christmas is four novellas written by four outstanding authors. Each of the stories are set at Christmas time. A time for love, healing and second chances. Anne Blackburne's story tells the story of Lucy who stepped into the Mother role for her special needs sister after her mother's passing. With her boyfriend not interested in a ready made family, Lucy is content to be an old maid until she meets the hardware store owner. Amy Clipston brings us Makayla. She finds that her boyfriend Wyatt is seeing another. Moving across state and marrying, Makayla finds herself a widow. Returning to visit her parents, Makayla learns that Wyatt is still single and very much interested. In Amy LIllard's story, Jacob feels the need to find his widowed father a new wife. Who best fits the bill? His recently relocated teacher, Lily. However, none of his matchmaking is working. It takes a major snowstorm to move love along. Finally, Mindy Steele brings us the Wicky family. When their dad sells the land for their deer farm and plans to move the whole family to Kentucky, Louise, Beth and Leah fear for their futures. Louise has a thriving jam business while Leah is afraid her boyfriend and future will not make it. Beth is ready for a new adventure but life may have other plans for her. I loved all four stories. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

"I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley to honestly read and review."
I truly enjoyed three of the four novellas in this book. This was an easy read and nothing overly heavy to wade through. The second chance romances and second chance at love throughout was heart warming and so uplifting. I will be buying a copy to add to my shelves at home and look forward to reading the novellas written by Anne Blackburne, Amy Clipston and Mindy Steele. My only complaint was the third novella in this book. It felt too rushed and not thought out enough. I think if it had been a full length novel I may have liked it more. If you enjoy Christmas feel good stories and Amish fiction this is the book for you!

This book was amazing!! I was familiar with author Amy Clipston but that was the only one. All the authors did a great job in setting up the stories where you felt you were there. I greatly appreciate the opportunity of reading this book because I am a huge Amy Clipston fan. I would definetly recommend this book to others.

🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
What a treat! Four of my favorite authors joined forces for a heartwarming Christmas book. These stories will definitely get you in the holiday spirit!
Many thanks to the authors and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

A Lancaster Amish Christmas: Four Romance Novellas by Anne Blackburne, Amy Clipston, Amy Lillard, and Mindy Steele is a sweet collection of novellas that are is filled with sweet Amish romance involving the Christmas Spirit.

Lucy’s Christmas Sunbeam by Anne Blackburne brought tears to my eyes. When her parents suddenly died, Lucy stepped into the mother role for her infant sister with Down’s Syndrome. But Lucy’s boyfriend wasn’t interested in a readymade family. Living in the dawdi house on her brother’s farm, Lucy is happy with life; until she literally runs into the hardware store owner, Jacob who returns after the death of his brother, and desire for romance returns.

A Bird-in-Hand Christmas by Amy Clipston is a second chance story for widowed mother Makayla who leaves her home and returns to her family for Christmas. In leaving she also leaves her fiancée which was her passed husbands business party whom she does not love but wants her son to have a Dat. She discovers the man whom had broke her heart and made her flee in the first place, Wyatt, is still single and working for her father. When her five-year-old son instantly bonds with Wyatt, Makayla starts to hope for a second chance at love.

Christmas Lily by Amy Lillard is an enemies to more story for the Amish. Lily Kate Troyer moves to Lancaster to be a substitute teacher for a short period of time. She meets Simon when he saves her from being hit by a car, not that she believes she needed to be saved. Seven-year-old Jacob Bontrager is working hard to help his lonely widower father, Simon, find love again. He believes his pretty new teacher who has just moved to the community is perfect, but none of his matchmaking works until a snowstorm hits and strands Lily Kate at Simon's farm; being in forced proximity things begin to shift and Jacob’s wish has a chance of coming true.

Leaving Lancaster by Mindy Steele is the story of a large family uprooting themselves to move in order to expand the family deer farm. The Wicky sisters didn’t expect their father to sell their thriving deer farm with plans to move them to Kentucky without their input. Always obedient Louise fears for her growing jam business. Beth cannot wait to start a new adventure while her twin, Leah, is running out of time for a happy-ever-after. They have only one Christmas left in Lancaster, yet G-d is busy delivering Christmas miracles for all three
Anthologies like this offer readers a chance to experience different writing styles and storytelling within a common theme. If you enjoy Amish romance or inspirational fiction, "A Lancaster Amish Christmas" may provide a delightful reading experience with its collection of love stories set against the backdrop of Amish life.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#NetGalley #Barbour

Lancaster Amish Christmas is an amazing book with four individual stories written by four authors, Anne Blackburne, Amy Clipston, Mindy Steele, and Amy Lillard have written individual stories in their own unique writing style. Each story will definetly keep the readers interest and are very inspirational. This book will make an amazing gift to be read around the holidays. The beautiful cover will also draw the readers interest.

I did read an advanced copy of this book through Netgalley but I was not approached to post a favorable review.

This book is comprised of 4 novellas by a wonderful group of Amish fiction authors. Each book centers around Christmas and the traditions that the Amish have for celebrating our Savior's birth. Each novella centers around their faith, family, relationships, second chances and forgiveness. Each novella has a happy ending. I enjoyed this book. It is an easy read that is inspirational and uplifting. I received a complimentary copy of this book but was a not required to leave a review. #netgalley #barbourfiction

I don't know why it took me SO long to pick up this book and read it, but I am so glad I did! I won't share was synopsis since the stories are short and I don't want to give anything away.

Every single story was wonderful!
To be fair, since it was a collection, I'll rate all of them separately:

Lucy's Christmas Sunbeam: 4 stars
This story is incredibly sweet, I just felt it wrapped up quickly near the end. All in all a sweet story.
A Bird in Hand Christmas: 5 stars
The ultimate second chance romance. I loved this story!
Christmas Lily: 5 stars
A snowed in, forced proximity story that just had me binge reading to find out how it ends.
Leaving Lancaster: 5 stars
This story tells the story of more than one romance and I loved BOTH couples stories!

All in all, I want this in print! Thank you netgalley for this early copy. The review wasn't required and it is all my opinion.

5 stars, Delightful

A LANCASTER AMISH CHRISTMAS: 4 ROMANCE NOVELLAS
by Anne Blackburne

This delightful collection of novellas are just the thing to put you in the mood for Christmas, no matter the actual time of the year.

LUCY'S CHRISTMAS SUNBEAM by Anne Blackburne

Lucy Beiler, age 21 is raising her baby sister Millie, age 2. They have lots of other, older siblings, but Lucy feels called to raise her precious sister.

Amos Fisher, age 28 and his family own a local hardware store. He's busy working in their store and visiting with the customers.

I like the believable way these two loving Amish people come together against all odds. This is a novella, but you feel like you are there experiencing their lives with them.

A favorite quote: ...she's one of Gott's (God's) special sunbeams...

A BIRD-IN-HAND CHRISTMAS by Amy Clipson

Makayla, a widow and her five-year-old son Lukas are getting ready for Makayla's marriage to Thomas, the business partner and best friend of her deceased husband Markus. Makayla doesn't love him, but she believes the feelings will develop, with them spending the rest of their lives together. But, there are exceptions.

Wyatt Mast is Makayla's first love, but they split up years ago and Makayla doesn't want to revisit the past with him.

Makayla and Lukas travel to her childhood home to visit her parents for Christmas. All kinds of things are likely to happen.

CHRISTMAS LILY by Amy Lillard

Lily Kate Troyer moves to a new town to become their fill-in school teacher for a few months.

Jacob Bontrager is enamored with his new teacher. He just has to convince his father Simon that she is someone special.

Simon Bontrager is a widower and knows that he needs to remarry for his son's well-being. He simply can't bring himself to meet new women and find one that he likes.

Cute quote: ...the sassy jaywalker...

LEAVING LANCASTER by Mindy Steele

Louise Wickey , age 25, a single woman who lives at home, and has a jam and jelly business. Her parents have sold the family farm and are moving and would like all of the children to go also.

Daniel Fisher, a single young man who has had his eye on Louise for many years, which is convenient since she lives right next door.

Memorable quote: ...had so many spices in it, I had to drink two cups of milk to make it go away.

Highly recommend.

I am thankful to have received a complementary copy of #ALancasterAmishChristmas #FourRomanceNovellas from #BarbourFiction #BarbourPublishing I was under no obligation to post a review.

#HEA #contemporary #novellas #Amish #HappilyEverAfter #Romance #inspirational #ChristianFiction #AnneBlackburne #AmyClipson #AmyLillard #MindySteele Read less

A Lancaster Amish Christmas is a book of four novellas by four popular authors of Amish fiction--Anne Blackburne, Amy Clipston, Amy Lillard, and Mindy Steele. In it, you'll find four delightful Christmas stories that will cool you down if you're reading them on a sweltering day, as I did one of them.

My favorite novella was Lucy's Christmas sunbeam By Anne Blackburne, which is the story of Lucy and her sister, Mildred, who has Down Syndrome. Lucy has raised her from the beginning, when their mother died in chilbirth after having Mildred. Will any man be interested in marrying Lucy when he realizes that Lucy and Mildred are a package deal?

If you enjoy reading clean Amish Christmas fiction, this book would be a good fit for you!

Thanks to #NetGalley and #BarbourPublishing for an advanced e-pub of this book.

All opinions expressed herein are strictly my own.

#ALancasterAmishChristmas #NetGalley

My shelf is full of close to a hundred different Amish Romance books and novellas that I have been reading since I was a teen. I have LOVED the stories told about the plain people for so many years and I feel like the ones that do it right do it SO well that you can easily catch the ones that miss the mark.

I am sad to say this missed the mark for me unfortunately. It took me over a month of start stops to push myself to finish this collection. I love and have read most of the authors in this collections full length books and the plot and pacing is fantastic. These novellas.. not so much. The rush to tell a love story in a short number of words is very felt here. ESPECIALLY in Lucy’s Christmas Sunbeam and A Bird-in-Hand Christmas. It is not only rushed but the conflict was a joke at best. Calling CPS?! That is a huge misstep and so out of no where. Hearing a "friend" say your boyfriend cheated on you and then go disappear into the night? No. I'm sorry. I waited for what felt like forever for that reveal and that was it?! The school bully told you he cheated? Come on now girl.

The remaining two stories did not hold my interest enough to rank the collection higher than a 2 and I truly do hate that. Especially since many in the series are all old enough to "know better". It felt very rushed and very teenage over all. I apologize.

A Lancaster Amish Christmas
4 Romance Novellas
by Anne Blackburne; Amy Clipston; Amy Lillard; Mindy Steele


Lucy’s Christmas Sunbeam by Ann Blackburne

Lucy is Surrogate mom to her younger sister, mildred. Lucy and Mildred‘s mom died in childbirth, and Lucy assumed the role of caregiver of Mildred, who has down syndrome. Lucy‘s fiancé refused to have anything to do with the child And left them. Lucy had given up all hope of marriage and a family until Amos came into the picture.

As the story progresses, we see the evils of the spoken word, in the form of gossip. We also see how God can make lemonade, out of lemons.

Ms. Blackburne tells a great story around realistic characters. And as always leaves us wishing for more. She is a wonderful author.



A Bird-in-the -hand Christmas by Amy Clipston

Makayla fled from her hometown years ago with a broken heart. She now as a widow and had a son. She was going home for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but would return after Christmas to marry her husband’s best friend.

This story is well written, and brings home the point that we should depend on God for answers to our problems and never make a decision without asking his guidance. It is possible for God to offer second chances.

The story is well written and you will love the realistic characters. Mahayana and Wyatt are great, but her son, Lucas, steals the show.

Ms. Clipston writes a wonderful story, and keeps you turning the pages.



Christmas Lily by Amy Lillard

Such a cute Christmas miracle story. Lily Kate had come to town to be the substitute teacher. She just needed to get away from home.

She really had no idea she would be thrown together with her student Jacob and his widow dad for a surprise Christmas.

Simon, Lily Kaye and Jacob are such adorable characters. Each one so unique they add their own special flavor to the story. As the storyline develops you can’t help but see God’s hand in events.

Ms. Lillard tells a really good story. You can’t wait to read the next page.


Leaving Lancaster by Mindy Steel

Again, we have a wonderful story, Leaving Lancaster, from Mindy Steele, who tells the best stories ever.

The Wicky family is moving to Kentucky and two of the girls are made keenly aware of what they might be leaving behind. We follow them as the family prepares to spend one final Christmas in Lancaster.

The characters are perfectly described and makes them very realistic.

The plot and storyline moves smoothly and keeps you wishing for more.

As in all of Ms. Steele’s stories, the perfect life plan is accomplished by following God’s plan for our lives.


This collection is 5-stars all the way. Thank you Barbour publishing for allowing me to read an ARC of this wonderful Christmas collection. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own

Readers who enjoy Amish and Christmas will love these sweet stories included in this book. This is a great way to sample each of these author’s works. Sweet characters, wholesome stories and the magic of Christmas! Great way to get into the Christmas spirit. Recommended!

This is a darling Halloween inflatable. It inflates in a flash (make sure the zipper is closed). It comes with ropes, metal ground stakes, and a storage bag. The metal stakes do not work in the Florida sand (they slide right out of the ground). It is made from waterproof polyester that can handle being out in the elements (I own over eighty inflatables, so I am familiar with the materials—I decorate for every holiday and season). I like the rotating magic light inside the ghost. There are white LEDs inside the cat and pumpkin. When the holiday is over, just unplug and unzip which will allow it to quickly deflate. It can then be rolled up and put inside the included storage bag. This cute inflatable is going to be next to my door as the greeter (I like the ghost’s raised hand and friendly expression). I cannot wait for the first of October to arrive so I can set up this cute Halloween inflatable.

Great Combo

This is such a great combination of stories written by some wonderful authors! Each story shares the themes of Christmas, romance, and faith. However, that's as far as the common thread goes. Each explores those themes in a different and unique way.

Lucy’s Christmas Sunbeam by Anne Blackburne
This story is such a unique blend of themes. Aside from the romance and faith, it has a little touch of intrigue thrown in. It also includes a sweet and very special child who adds a very important element to Lucy and Amos's story. It is an incredibly sweet and endearing story.

A Bird-in-Hand Christmas by Amy Clipston
Assumptions are never good, are rarely accurate, and their repercussions often carry a great price. Such is the case for Makayla and Wyatt. How they recover from it all is a beautiful story of second chances, forgiveness, and new beginnings.

Christmas Lily by Amy Lillard
I've often thought that child psychology is more about what the child does to impact the behaviors of adults. And I fully believe that little Jacob Bontrager is a master of it. His innocent and well-meaning meddling was just the right push to get Simon, his father, and Lily, his teacher, on the right track. That special touch made this enemies-to-more an exceptionally sweet story. 

Leaving Lancaster by Mindy Steele
What do you do when the future you thought you had gets thrown out the window? Such is the case for the Wicky sisters. Their parents' announcement of a move to a new state has just totally rocked their world. It's also done the same for a few others who realize that keeping their thoughts to themselves was not a good thing, and time is running out. As the moving day approaches, Louise, Leah, and Beth begin to see things they had missed that were there all the time. The result is an endearing friends to more story that is sure to touch your heart.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC copy. All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.

What a sweet compilation of stories perfect for the Christmas season! Some of your favorite Amish authors came together and did not disappoint with this book. I was wondering if the stories would be over the top Christmas themed and take away from the overall effect, but they did not and I was sad when I turned the last page. Definitely pick up a copy and snuggle up for a sweet, cozy read.

I think the one about Lucy and her sister will be my second favorite read.
I really appreciated how she stood up to take care of her sister Millie. I loved Millie right away! Her outtake on life was awesome.
I really didn't like the troublemaker in this story but the author has done a really good job with him.
This story offers hope, love and support for each of the family members.
I loved the stories though. Each one brought something special and lessons that come along with it.
Christmas is my favorite time of year and this book helped me get into the Christmas spirit.
My favorite was Leaving Lancaster.
I loved the 2nd chances and how the timing is right on everything. God knows what He's doing.
My favorite thing was the Kentucky setting. I can go home without leaving the comfort of my home.
I read this through in one setting wow!
Some of it had me holding my breath and other weeping for joy in Leaving Lancaster. I knew just how these sisters felt.
I always enjoy this authors stories. Steele does a wonderful job with her characters.
This is a story that will leave you thinking about it long after the story is over.
5 stars for holding my attention all the way through.
I highly recommend
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.