A patchwork of Christmas stories -- An Amish Christmas Quilt

When I saw An Amish Christmas Quilt bearing the names of two of my favorite Amish fiction authors -- Charlotte Hubbard and Jennifer Beckstrand -- I was sure this collection of Christmas stories would be a good read.

Charlotte takes her readers back to Willow Ridge and characters familiar from her Seasons of the Heart series.  Seth has shown up in previous stories but gets his chance here as a main character. 

Jennifer provides another visit with Anna and Felty and their exploits in matchmaking for their grandchildren.  Because of the shorter length of the novella format, readers don't get to spend as much time with the Helmuths, but the fun characters still get their chance to shine.

I very much enjoyed revisiting "old friends" in both of these fun Christmas stories.

Kelly's characters are connected to her Ice Mountain stories, books I have not yet read.  As is the case with some of her other stories, Kelly's style is a little edgier than the others and might not be considered acceptable for younger readers.

Amish fiction fans should enjoy these stories at Christmas time -- or at any other time, for that matter.  Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

About the book:

With all the warmth of a cozy quilt, three authors stitch together Amish tales of hearts joined, friendships patched, and the bright joys of Christmas tradition . . .

A Willow Ridge Christmas Pageant
Charlotte Hubbard
Seth Brenneman didn't expect his holiday would include rescuing pregnant young Mary Kauffman and her two children. . .or having unexpected feelings for the still-grieving widow. But when they must play the leads in an impromptu live Nativity pageant to help his Amish community, will their roles reveal their hearts--and work a miracle for a lifetime?
 
A Christmas On Ice Mountain
Kelly Long
Matthew Beider and Laurel Lapp's secret wish to marry is a gift their feuding fathers definitely won't accept. And trying to settle their dats' long-standing quarrel is making their holiday anything but merry. Can rediscovering the joys and friendships of Christmas past finally turn their families' futures bright?

A Perfect Amish Christmas
Jennifer Beckstrand
Anna and Felty Helmuth's grandson, Gideon, plans to spend Christmas on a beach in sunny Mexico. But Anna is quite sure he'd rather be with them, snowshoeing, ice fishing--falling in love. And she knows the perfect girl. Not only is Dottie Schrock an excellent quilter and baker, she's having a party. There's just one complication--Gideon is not invited. Dottie has her reasons, but Anna trusts that the spirit of Christmas--and true love--will change her mind, and her future.

About the authors:

Drawing upon her experiences in Jamesport, the largest Old Order Amish community west of the Mississippi, longtime Missourian Charlotte Hubbard writes of simpler times and a faith-based lifestyle in her new Seasons of the Heart series. Like her heroine, Miriam Lantz, Charlotte considers it her personal mission to feed people—to share hearth and home. Faith and family, farming and food preservation are hallmarks of her lifestyle, and the foundation of her earlier Angels of Mercy series. She’s a deacon, a dedicated church musician and choir member, and when she’s not writing, she loves to try new recipes, crochet, and sew. Charlotte now lives in Minnesota with her husband and their border collie.

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Jennifer Beckstrand is the bestselling author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series and the Forever After in Apple Lake series, set in two Amish communities in beautiful Wisconsin. She has always been drawn to the strong faith and the enduring family ties of the Plain people and loves writing about the antics of Anna and Felty Helmuth. Jennifer has a degree in mathematics and a background in editing. She and her husband have been married for thirty years, and she has four daughters, two sons, and two adorable grandsons, whom she spoils rotten. Readers can visit her website at jenniferbeckstrand.com.

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Kelly Long is the author of the acclaimed Amish Patch of Heaven series and has been a finalist for the coveted Carol Award from the American Christian Fiction Writers. Her novel Lily's Wedding Quilt was a Goodreads Favorite Book of the Year in 2011. Born and raised in the mountains of Northern Pennsylvania, she’s been married for 28 years. 

A light, but thought-provoking, read -- A Question of Destiny

Whenever I write a review of a book by Anita Higman, I usually use two words:  fun and quirky.  And those two words once again fit her latest (available only in ebook form) -- A Question of Destiny.

Lucy O'Brien, Andrew Whitfield, and multi-millionaire Ian Chalmers are all fun characters with their own individual quirks.  The premise around which the whole story is based was a fun one to ponder as I read:  How would my life change if I suddenly was handed ten million dollars with very few conditions put on how I used it?  Watching Lucy deal with the benefits and challenges of the sudden changes in her lifestyle kept me engaged in the story.  The various characters in her life -- both old and new connections -- and the different ways they reacted to her wealth made for a very entertaining story.

I would recommend A Question of Destiny to anyone looking for a quick, fairly light read with some important principles woven in -- things like discovering what is most important in your life. 

Thanks to Anita for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

About the book:

Lucy O'Brien is about to be given ten millions dollars and a chance to live a life she never imagined. Will this newfound wealth be Lucy's undoing, or can she rise above the temptations within high society and choose to become a nobler version of herself? And will the solitary Andrew Whitfield—a man who watches over Lucy as she adapts to her new lifestyle—cause her to close the door on her dreams or be the key that opens the rest of Lucy's destiny?

About the author:

Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She's been a Barnes & Noble "Author of the Month" for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.

Connect with Anita at www.anitahigman.com.

A new Mennonite series -- When Mercy Rains

The first books I ever read by Kim Vogel Sawyer were the three volumes in her Mennonite series, The Sommerfeld Trilogy.  She won me over with those stories, and I have grown to appreciate her work more and more as I've read her historical novels through the years.  I have a hard time picking favorites in almost any category, but Kim would definitely be on my short list of favorite authors!

When Mercy Rains begins another great trilogy of stories in a Mennonite setting -- The Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy. 
As that label suggests, restoration is an important theme running through this first book.  Secrets have led to deep hurts on the part of many of the characters, but the truth finally comes out, bringing with it mercy and healing.  From beginning to end, the characters are very real and draw you into their stories.  Some elements of the story are easy to predict as the book progresses, but Kim provides several twists and surprises which keep things very interesting.

Fans of stories about Plain life or great Christian fiction in general should enjoy When Mercy Rains.  The book has a nice ending, but there is still plenty of room for the story to continue.  I look forward to seeing where Kim takes us next in When Grace Sings, book #2 in the series, which should be available soon.

About the book:

She left, heavily weighted with secrets. But God reveals all things, in His timing. And He redeems them.

Suzanne Zimmerman was only seventeen and pregnant when her shamed mother quietly sent her away from their Old Order Mennonite community in Kansas. With her old home, family, and first love firmly behind her, Suzanne moved to Indiana, became a nurse, and raised a daughter, Alexa, on her own.

Now, nearly twenty years later, an unexpected letter arrives from Kansas. Her brother asks her to bring her nursing abilities home and care for their ailing mother. His request requires that Suzanne face a family that may not have forgiven her and a strict faith community. It also means seeing Paul Aldrich, her first love.

Paul, widowed with an eight-year-old son, is relieved to see Suzanne again, giving him the chance to beg her forgiveness for his past indiscretion. But when he meets Alexa, his guilt flickers in the glare of Suzanne’s prolonged secret—one that changes everything.

Suzanne had let go of any expectation for forgiveness long ago. Does she dare hope in mercy–and how will her uncovered past affect the people she loves the most?

About the author:

Kim Vogel Sawyer is a best-selling, award-winning author highly acclaimed for her gentle stories of hope. More than one million copies of her books are currently in print. She lives in central Kansas where she and her retired military husband, Don, enjoy spoiling their ten granddarlings.

Learn more about Kim at her website http://kimvogelsawyer.com or on Facebook.

 

Kim Vogel Sawyer is a best-selling author highly acclaimed for her gentle stories of hope. More than one million copies of her books are currently in print and have garnered awards including the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Kim lives in central Kansas, with husband Don and their four feline companions. She enjoys spending time with her three daughters and ten grandchildren. - See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/author-spotlight.php?authorid=162648#sthash.svA8lPGF.dpuf

Sweet Christmas Stories -- An Amish Second Christmas

An Amish Second Christmas is a collection of four sweet Amish stories, all connected in some way to the Amish tradition of "Second Christmas" -- celebration with family and friends on the day after Christmas.  Each of the four authors provides a fun story filled with loveable characters who find love in unexpected ways.  These quick-to-read, enjoyable stories of healing and growing at various times provide both tears and smiles.  And a very nice bonus appears at the end of the book with delicious recipes from each of the stories.

Fans of good Amish fiction should enjoy reading these stories at Christmas or at any other time of the year.

Thanks to BookLook Bloggers for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

About the book: 

Celebrate Second Christmas, a treasured, lighthearted time of community, with four Amish romances. 

“When Christmas Comes Again” by Beth Wiseman
Katherine knows the first Christmas without Elias will be hard for her and the children. But when a mysterious Englischer appears with photographs of her late husband, Katherine  begins to wonder what other blessings Christmas could have in store.

“Her Christmas Pen Pal” by Ruth Reid
Joy was expecting a wedding proposal from Henry; what she got instead was news of another woman. But when her heartfelt letter to a cousin ends up in the hands of a young cabinetmaker, an unexpected correspondence between two strangers gets interesting fast.

“A Gift for Anne Marie” by Kathleen Fuller
Anne Marie and Nathaniel have been best friends since they were kids. Now things are evolving . . . in ways everyone else predicted long ago. But when her mother suddenly decides to remarry in another state, Anne Marie’s new chapter with Nathaniel looks doomed to end before it begins.

“The Christmas Aprons” by Tricia Goyer
Vanilla crumb pie has been Esther’s mem’s calling card for decades. But when Esther finally gets her hands on the secret recipe, she discovers that vanilla crumb pie is more than just dessert . . . it’s bachelor bait.

About the authors:

Award-winning, bestselling author Beth Wiseman is best known for her Amish novels, but she has also written several successful contemporary novels, set primarily in her beloved Texas, including Need You Now and The House that Love Built. Both have received glowing reviews. Beth's The Promise is inspired by a true story. Website: www.bethwiseman.com Twitter: @bethwiseman Facebook: Fans-of-Beth-Wiseman

Kathleen Fuller is the author of several bestselling novels, including A Man of His Word and Treasuring Emma, as well as a middle-grade Amish series, The Mysteries of Middlefield. Website: www.kathleenfuller.com Twitter: @TheKatJam Facebook: Author Kathleen Fuller

Ruth Reid is a CBA and ECPA best-selling author of the Heaven on Earth series. She's a full-time pharmacist who resides in Florida with her husband and three children. Facebook: Author-Ruth-Reid Twitter: @authorruthreid

USA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer is the author of 35 books, including the three-book Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series. She has written over 500 articles for national publications and blogs for high traffic sites like TheBetterMom.com and MomLifeToday.com. Tricia and her husband John live in Little Rock, Arkansas where John works for FamilyLife. They have six children. Twitter: @triciagoyer Facebook: authortriciagoyer

Sweet, faith-filled love story -- Love Without End

Love Without End is a sweet story of two hurting hearts finding the courage to love again after past failures.  In her usual style, Robin Lee Hatcher, has crafted a story filled with characters you come to know and care about from beginning to end.

I enjoyed the chance to read Chet's story of a second chance at happiness, after first meeting him in Robin's A Promise Kept.  It was also fun to revisit King's Meadow, the welcoming setting from the previous book.  Nana Anna's tale from the past woven into the present-day story was another delightful element in the story.

This book is well worth the short time it takes to read.  I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a sweet, faith-filled love story.  Like many good books, it tells the whole story but leaves you not quite ready for the last page.

Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for providing a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

See what other readers think of Love Without End here.

About the Book:

Chet and Kimberly have both failed when it comes to love. Will they risk their hearts to love again?

Chet Leonard's life was forever changed when his 17-year-old son died and then, soon after, his wife walked out on their family. Over two years later, all he wants to do is hold onto his horse ranch and raise his remaining sons to be honorable men.

Kimberly Welch, widowed mother of Tara, a rebellious 15-year-old, has reached the end of her finances and nearly the end of her rope. She and Tara come to King's Meadow to try to piece their lives back together again. Kimberly has no intention of becoming involved with the residents of this remote mountain community and certainly not with any man.
When octogenarian Anna McKenna returns to King's Meadow and to the Leonard ranch, she becomes an agent of change and healing for the two hurting families. With her help, Kimberly and Chet may discover that true love has no end. 

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/EjjGc

About the Author:

 

Best-selling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heart-warming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, two RT Career Achievement Awards, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over sixty novels.

Find Robin online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Heartwarming conclusion (with a giveaway) -- Emma Blooms at Last

(Please note a giveaway at the end of this post!)

Emma Blooms at Last is Naomi King's heartwarming conclusion to her Home at Cedar Creek/One Big Happy Family series.  If you've read the previous books in these two connected series, you've probably already fallen in love with the Lambrights, Grabers, Brubakers and other recurring characters.  All those families continue to play important roles in this latest story -- but as the title suggests, Emma finally gets a chance to bloom.

Without giving away any spoilers, this is how one of the book's characters (you'll have to read to find out who) sums up the person Emma finally shows herself to be:
  

"You look really pretty today, Emma.  Like a rose blooming in midwinter.  You've got that kind of strength and determination, you know -- to bloom where you've been planted, no matter what the season or the situation."

I found myself shedding a few tears of joy as pieces seemed to fall into place in God's perfect timing for many of my "friends" in Cedar Creek and Bloomingdale.  And it seemed very appropriate at this time of year for there to be a special Christmas element woven into the end of this sweet story.

Fans of Amish fiction should snatch up a copy of Emma Blooms at Last for a great read.  I would suggest, though, that you would enjoy the story more if you read the other books in the series first.

Thanks to Naomi and her publicists for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

Romance is in the air during the fall wedding season in the Amish community of Cedar Creek. But while one loving couple prepares to tie the knot, Amanda and Wyman Brubaker’s large family faces a threat from outside their happy circle…and must learn to pull together.

Recently wed Amanda and Wyman Brubaker are thrilled that their children from previous marriages have blended together to form a strong family. But when the construction of Wyman’s new grain elevator is delayed, making the project more expensive than anticipated, Amanda’s determination to rally the kids into taking on work to improve the family’s finances comes into conflict with Wyman’s sense of responsibility as head of the household….

Meanwhile, as James Graber and Abby Lambright prepare for their long-awaited nuptials, folks gather from far and wide. Amanda’s nephew Jerome has long been smitten with James’s sister Emma and wants to seize this chance to woo her. But Emma’s been burned once and is twice shy of trusting the fun-loving, never-serious Jerome. As Emma and Jerome struggle to understand each other, and find the courage to make a leap of faith, the Brubakers face a bigger challenge than they first anticipated and begin to discover just what it means to fight…the Amish way.

About the Author:


Drawing upon her experiences in Jamesport, the largest Old Order Amish community west of the Mississippi, longtime Missourian Naomi King (a.k.a. Charlotte Hubbard) writes of simpler times and a faith-based lifestyle in her new Seasons of the Heart series. Like her heroine, Miriam Lantz, Charlotte considers it her personal mission to feed people—to share hearth and home. Faith and family, farming and food preservation are hallmarks of her lifestyle, and the foundation of her earlier Angels of Mercy series. She’s a deacon, a dedicated church musician and choir member, and when she’s not writing, she loves to try new recipes, crochet, and sew. Charlotte now lives in Minnesota with her husband and their border collie.


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