A diverse collection of Amish stories -- An Amish Harvest (with a giveaway)

(GIVEAWAY ENDED!!! Be sure and read to the end of this post for a chance to win a copy of the book.)

For the most part, I enjoy full-length novels, and even series of novels, where you really get to know the characters and follow their stories in detail.  I have found, though, that the Amish novella collections that come out periodically are usually great for a change of pace from the longer books.

An Amish Harvest is no exception to that rule.  Of course, I expected good things, having read and enjoyed multiple books by each of these four authors.

The connecting element of the four novellas is the setting in autumn, around the time of harvest.  Although they all involve Amish characters and locales, the individual stories are diverse in style and subject matter.  They also each bring in the flavor of their varied geographical settings.

Beth Wiseman's and Kathleen Fuller's stories deal quite sensitively with what could be difficult topics -- domestic abuse and special needs.  It was not surprising to find that Vannetta Chapman's story revolved around a mystery; and the historical details were an added bonus.  Amy Clipston's story highlights some of the conflict between Amish and English ways of handling difficult events.  Each novella included a romantic thread, something that has to be rushed a little in the shorter format, but which each author did an excellent job at developing.  And several recipes appear at the end of the book for the readers' enjoyment.

Fans of Amish fiction should enjoy this sampling of great stories.  If you haven't read anything by these authors, the book will provide an excellent introduction to some of the best in the genre.

I was provided a copy of An Amish Harvest in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:

Faith, hope, and love remain forever in season in this collection of four richly absorbing novellas set amidst the wonder of an Amish autumn.

Under the Harvest Moon, by Beth Wiseman

When Naomi Dienner is suddenly widowed, she never expects to find love again . . . until she meets Brock Mulligan, an English family friend hired at harvest time. As a sinister presence begins to threaten Naomi, Brock seeks to prove himself trustworthy while struggling with growing feelings for Naomi and her children. Will God open Naomi’s heart—and give Brock his own second chance at love?

Love and Buggy Rides, by Amy Clipston

Janie Lantz is a cashier at Lancaster Souvenirs and Buggy Rides, where Jonathan Stoltfuz is a buggy driver. A frightening accident brings Janie and Jonathan together in a blossoming friendship, yet daunting obstacles stand between them and something deeper. Can love kindle into flames that burn away fear and regret—and lead them to a life together? 

A Quiet Love, by Kathleen Fuller 

Dinah Hochstetler, quiet and bookish, longs for marriage but hides in her shyness. Amos Mullett, a simple farmer, knows he’s different but aches for a loving wife. As Dinah and Amos navigate a budding romance, will the power of love—and the blessing of God—be enough to overcome their doubters?

Mischief in the Autumn Air, by Vannetta Chapman 

When items start going above market value at his auction house, Eli Wittmer is first thrilled, and then puzzled. But when the house is broken into, Eli and his new bookkeeper, Martha Beiler track down a trail of clues. Will they solve the mystery before the fall festival ends—and discover an unexpected new love?


About the Authors:

Beth Wiseman is the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. Having sold over 1.5 million books, her novels have held spots on the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) Bestseller List and the CBA (Christian Book Association) Bestseller List. She is a two-time winner of the Carol Award in, a three-time winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and an INSPY Award winner. In 2013 she took home the coveted Holt Medallion. This is Beth’s fifteenth novel, and she has also published thirteen novellas that appear in various Thomas Nelson collections. 

Amy Clipston is the award-winning and bestselling author of the Kauffman Amish Bakery series. Her novels have hit multiple bestseller lists including CBD, CBA, and ECPA. Amy holds a degree in communication from Virginia Wesleyan College and works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, and three spoiled rotten cats. Visit her online at amyclipston.com Facebook: AmyClipstonBooks Twitter: @AmyClipston

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. Visit her online at www.kathleenfuller.com, Twitter: @TheKatJam, and Facebook: Kathleen Fuller.

Vannetta Chapman is author of the best-selling novel A Simple Amish Christmas. She has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving over two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. In 2012 she was awarded a Carol Award for Falling to Pieces. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania.  Visit Vannetta's website: www.vannettachapman.com  Twitter: @VannettaChapman  Facebook: VannettaChapmanBooks

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GIVEAWAY ENDED!!!  Giveaway!  I have an extra copy of An Amish Harvest that I would be happy to share with a lucky reader.  Comment below by midnight Sunday, September 4, and I will randomly choose a winner.  Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you are the winner.