Unlikely Suitor: An Amish Christmas Story (Unlikely Series Book 6) by Jennifer Spredemann

This was a sweet story around Jaycee Parker, all grown up. This was a sweet and realistic story.  Things that happen in real life.  The story tells of Jaycee and his meeting Lauren. Jaycee is all a young woman could want. He and Lauren have had lives that were not always easy. As Jaycee shares his faith with Lauren, it is clear that God has His hand in their new paths in life.  The search for Lauren's family reminds me so much of my search for my mother's family.

His sister and her boyfriend are a sub-plot, with their story as well.  It is a fast moving story of love, forgiveness and family unity.  But life happens and things aren't always perfect.

I love how the characters from the previous Unlikely books still come into play and add richness to the story.  This book has a real engaging plot that you can't put down.  I highly recommend this book and all the previous ones!  I have loved them all!

I received an ARC of this book for which I am most grateful.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Preorder The Orphan's Amish Christmas by Tracy Fredrychowski

 You’ll love this holiday novella if you like sweet Amish Christmas stories and simple holiday festivities with a little mystery to solve.

Pick up your eBook copy here>> https://readerlinks.com/l/3710811 

The Christmas Quilt by Vannetta Chapman

 

I just finished reading The Christmas Quilt and really enjoyed this.  I would gladly say that the author wove together a beautiful story of peace, forgiveness and family ties. This is a reprint from 10 years ago, so if you missed it, here's your chance to read a wonderful Amish story just in time for the holidays.

The story begins as two young Amish women are preparing for their marriages on the same day.  Annie and Leah share their feelings of joy and happiness at the coming of this happy event.  The story progresses as both women, now married, are both expecting a child, or in the case of Leah, twins.  Leah is married to Annie's brother and as her pregnancy advances she is no longer feeling the closeness to her husband and their marriage does not appear to be as happy as she had hoped or expected it to be at the time of their wedding. 

Leah's pregnancy starts to have complications and some serious problems associated with it.  As time progresses, her husband, Adam, finds her curled up on the floor in the middle of the night.  Realizing that she needs more help than he himself can provide for her, he contacts Annie and her husband, Samuel, for help.  Samuel having some medical knowledge, himself, realizes that he too must call for help and an ambulance is summoned.  Leah is brought to the hospital and after a time, it is realized she must go to yet another hospital for the care her two unborn children are so in need of.  This will take her farther from her family but it seems there is no option.

Annie realizing that Adam needs to care for their home and continue to work to help pay for the hospital expenses, finds a place near the hospital where she can stay and take care of Leah's needs. 
Each day she works on a quilt for Leah.  The quilt takes on significant meaning as the two share scripture time together and special stories together.  The two become close as the time progresses and Leah realizes how much Adam still means to her and Adam finds he too, greatly misses his wife.  As the two await their child, their Amish community comes together to find ways to help them with their expenses due to the extended hospital stay.

The stories and scriptural references begin to bind the two women together and help to calm Leah's fears and apprehension of the expected earlier birth of their children.  With each day the tender feelings between Adam and Leah seem to be returning.  This story gives wonderful hope that we can all  find ways to heal wounds that have torn us apart from those that are the most important to us in our lives.  It is a sweet book that helps us mend our souls.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to give a positive review.  All thoughts are my own.

An Amish Christmas at the Apple Blossom Inn by Debra Torres and Tracy Fredrychowski (An Amish Christmas Novel)

I so enjoyed this book!  It was good from the first page till the last page!  I loved the way the characters all interacted and I loved Jubel!  He seemed like the perfect guy.  The storyline was full of activity and there were no drawn-out parts.  It was an enjoyable page turner book!  I loved the family togetherness, despite their loss of parents. And I loved how they worked together after a bad incident at the inn. Two sisters share their tale and authors, Tracy and Debra just can't stop now!  They are on a roll!  

I have read books from both of these talented authors.  But to put their heads together on one book could be both a blessing and a challenge.  I loved how they combined their talents and came up with an absolutely delightful book.

I highly recommend this book which I received as a complimentary ARC copy.  All thoughts are my own.

A Lancaster Family Christmas by Kate Lloyd

City girl meets Amish country for Christmas!  This was a really sweet contemporary Amish Christmas fiction,  Diana and Betsy go to Amish/Mennonite country for a Christmas with Betsy's family.  The story is honest and open.  No families are perfect, not even the Amish.  Diana also has past family issues that need to be dealt with.  This is a sweet story of overcoming trials, forgiveness and of course, love.  

I really enjoyed this wonderful and engaging book.  It was filled with Christmas peace and good feelings.  I enjoyed Diana's story and the changes that came into her life. If you want a good Amish Christmas book, you will love this one.

I received a complimentary ebook from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

The Amish Christmas Secret by Vannetta Chapman and The Amish Widow's Christmas Hope by Carrie Lighte

This is a two in one book set and can be purchased here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08MLDSP2S/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i3_nodl

The two stories are different and by different authors.  I enjoyed them both very much!

 Book 1. The Amish Christmas Secret by Vannetta Chapman

This is a sweet Amish romance written by one of my favorite Amish authors. I loved the two strong personalities that appear in both Daniel and Becca as they get to know each in their own way.  Daniel is holding back, while Becca is open and caring.  I even loved the appearances of "Cola".

I got a kick out of Becca's "projects" and her sweet personality.  The characters were such that you could really enjoy them as they interacted with one another.  I love how the community was caring and helpful.  That is something special that would be great asset to all communities coming together.

This was a very enjoyable book and a definite feel-good story, which is a great thing for Christmas and this year of 2020!

Book 2. The Amish Widow's Christmas Hope

This is another sweet story of a widow who inherits an uncle's house and in the town of a former sweetheart, Walker.  Its a story that pulls the heartstrings.  You will have a hard time putting the book down and how will things proceed with Walker?  This is a story of forgiveness and hope.  A very enjoyable read!

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

An Amish Baby for Christmas by Vannetta Chapman

 

I loved this story.  Abigail has lost her husband and is expecting her first child.  Her husband left her with a financial burden that is going to make the times very difficult for her.  Her Bishop arranges to have Thomas Albrecht help her with her work on the farm and other duties.  Although she is hesitant, she realizes, that yes, she does need help.

They each have some issues that cause them to consider their future paths as the days pass.  

This is a sweet Christmas story that will make you feel good, happy and blessed by reading  it.  As they work towards healing, they both need a little nudging in the right direction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand

All the Huckleberry Hill Amish stories have been wonderful.  I enjoy them so much.  And this one tells how it all began!  It's like going back in time to the beginnings of this lively and ambitious Amish couple's own young lives. I loved reading this enjoyable book.  Felty has just returned after he served in the Korean War, despite the beliefs of his Amish community and religious teachings.  Yet Anna sees him for the person he really is and perhaps this will be her perfect match even though there is definitely some opposition to deal with.

I think this was a book that needed to be written to love Felty and Anna even more!  They are all about love!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Author and NetGalley and was under no obligation to give a positive review.

Christmas Comes To Morning Star Guest Post by Charlotte Hubbard and a Giveaway!

Hello friends!

I am so excited to welcome Charlotte Hubbard to my blog today!  She is definitely one of my go - to authors for a wonderful Amish book!  You will love her realist views on living the Amish lifestyle!  Thanks so much for being here, Charlotte, and sharing your thoughts with my readers.
 

You’d Like to Be Amish? Hmm…

             Over the years, I’ve heard so many readers say, “Oh, but I’d love to be Amish!”

I smile. While I believe these folks are sincere, I think they’ve read so much Amish fiction and perhaps visited Lancaster or Holmes Counties or other Amish communities and gotten the idea that the Amish lead idyllic, trouble-free lives that are far removed from the hectic world most of us deal with.

            Myself, although I greatly admire and respect the Amish for their work ethic, their unquestioning faith in God, and the way they’ve kept their families and social network intact in the modern world, I could not join the Old Order church or live as a real-life Amish woman does. I mean no disrespect towards these fine people! But here are reasons I couldn’t convert to their faith…even if they would vote me into their fellowship after I made the enormous life changes such a conversion would require.

            First, I don’t speak PA Dutch or German. When you’re reading stories or visiting Amish shops, everyone’s speaking English—but at home, at church, and amongst themselves, the Amish speak a language that’s tricky to learn, partly because PA Dutch isn’t a written language.

            Second, I can’t imagine cooking for families with six or eight kids without basic small appliances like a mixer or a toaster! Most of us would probably benefit from living a more “unplugged” life, but the absence of electricity means you don’t have air conditioning, an automatic washer/dryer—and you probably brush your teeth before bed with the help of a flashlight! It’s true that many Amish embrace solar power these days, but it’s mostly for businesses. Women at home aren’t allowed to plug into a rooftop solar panel to run any appliances. I could probably adjust to living without Internet or a computer—but that means I’d no longer be a novelist!

            I would also have trouble tolerating a male-dominated society where husbands and church leaders always have the final say. While it’s true I’d be better off if I kept my opinions to myself more often, I would really bristle if my husband didn’t give me permission to do things the way I thought was best. I also like to think that women have something to contribute to church life besides food for the meal following the service!

            Another major stumbling block for me: a religious faith that insists “it’s God’s will” when horrible things happen. For instance, I don’t like to blame God when drunk drivers crash into buggies, or when other human error/meddling causes great misfortune. I also have trouble with a faith that won’t allow expression of artistic or musical talent, as is true in many conservative Amish communities. This has become a theme in many of my stories! I also dislike shunning, and the way conservative Amish churches consider it “an unforgiveable sin” if baptized members leave the Amish faith. The Amish aren’t encouraged to read the Bible for themselves, either. They rely on their bishop’s/preachers’ interpretations of Scripture—and those men tend to preach on the verses that support such viewpoints as wives submitting to their husbands.

            Most of my issues stem from living in more permissive English/non-Amish society, of course. Folks who are raised Amish seem quite content to obey their district’s “rules” because it’s what they know—the 85% retention of their young people certainly supports that. And they don’t seem bothered by rules that have no apparent connection to faith in God. For instance, why must married men grow beards, but they’re not allowed mustaches (which are considered “military” in appearance)? Why are they not allowed to use zippers in their clothing?

            Given the turmoil and upheaval in our lives these days, I totally agree with readers who believe the Amish have found a better way to live, apart from hatred and violence. And I would probably be a far better person if I did more blending in and less expressing of my opinions!

            I also deeply appreciate the readers who follow my Amish series and characters! I love researching and writing stories about the Amish, and I thank you for reading this post, and for your interest in my books!

 Christmas Comes to Morning Star

by Charlotte Hubbard

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

GENRE:   Amish/Inspirational romance

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 BLURB:

 

Founded by five unmarried and enterprising Amish maidels, the new Morning Star Marketplace in small-town Missouri is preparing for a joyous Christmas season. But will the holiday also bring
unexpected tidings of love?

Twin sisters Molly and Marietta Helfing are eagerly anticipating Christmas, with Marietta fully recovered from cancer and their noodle making business thriving. But Molly clearly misses having former tenant Pete Shetler and his rambunctious dog, Riley, around. Marietta can’t ignore Molly’s feelings for Pete—or the anxiety it stirs within her. Convinced her illness has made her unmarriageable, Marietta wonders what kind of life she’ll have if her sister marries—despite Molly’s promise never to leave her behind. . .

Then a fire destroys the home of Amish neighbors and Molly and Marietta graciously make room for widower Glenn Detweiler, his dat, and his two young boys. When Pete returns to help the family rebuild, Molly relishes her reunion with the handsome carpenter, while Marietta delights in mothering Glenn’s boys—and is surprised by her poignant bond with their quiet, brooding father. Soon everyone is wondering if this season will bring the blessing of a merry double wedding to Morning Star . . .

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 EXCERPT

“I like that smile on your face, Jo. You’re happiest when you’re baking, ain’t so?”    

Jo’s stomach fluttered when Michael stepped into her shop. His evergreen wreath suggested that he had something other than flirtation in mind, and that was just as well, wasn’t it? “That fresh wreath smells just like Christmas,” she said. “I suppose you and your dat make those at your Queen City greenhouse, jah?”

 “We do,” Michael replied. “And we’ve brought enough of them to hang on everyone’s shop entry for the holiday season.”

 Jo stopped stirring her frosting to gaze at him. “That’s very generous. “You fellows have gone all out to decorate The Marketplace for us, and I really appreciate it.”

 The blush that tinted Michael’s cheeks told Jo that he felt every bit as shy around her as she was near him.

“It’s been a boon to our nursery business, selling our plants here,” he said with a dimpled smile. “But more than that, Dat and I, well—we’ve really enjoyed coming to Morning Star to spend time with you and your mamm. And—and my invitation to come to Queen City and see our greenhouses full of poinsettias still stands.”

 Jo swallowed hard. How many times had she dreamed of taking Michael up on his offer? “I—we’ll see,” she hedged. “Baking for the Christmas season is keeping me busier this year—”

“But if you can spare a couple of weekdays in early December, the sight of all those bright red poinsettias will take your breath away,” Michael insisted.

Jo’s heart was pounding so hard that Michael could probably hear it. What a joy it would be see those greenhouses filled with such vibrant Christmas flowers.

As she once again noticed how slim and attractive he was, however, Jo was even more aware that she probably outweighed him by thirty pounds. A guy like Michael would never see beyond her thick glasses—and even though he’d never met her deceased dat, there was no getting around the fact that Jo had been created in Joseph Fussner’s image.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 In 1983, Charlotte Hubbard sold her first story to True Story. She wrote around 70 of those confession stories, and she’s sold more than 50 books to traditional or online publishers. A longtime resident of Missouri, she’s currently writing Amish romances set in imaginary Missouri towns for Kensington. She now lives in Omaha, NE with her husband of 40+ years and their Border collie, Vera.

www.charlottehubbard.com

Facebook -- www.Facebook.com/Charlotte.Hubbard1

 Zebra Books •• ISBN-13: 9781420151831 •• ISBN-10: 1420151835

Print: •• Amazon •• Amazon UK •• Amazon Canada •• Barnes & Noble •• Books-A-Million •• Chapters Indigo •• IndieBound ••Kensington •• Target •• The Book Depository ••Walmart •• 


Ebook: • Kindle •• Kobo •• Google Play •

 

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION:

Charlotte Hubbard be awarding a $15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. In addition to the GC, the author would like to select one female reader's name to use in her upcoming book, HIDDEN AWAY AT PROMISE LODGE.

Here's the link to the Rafflecopter

Blog Tour:

Founded by five unmarried and enterprising Amish maidels, the new Morning Star Marketplace in small-town Missouri is preparing for a joyous Christmas season. But will the holiday also bring unexpected tidings of love?

Twin sisters Molly and Marietta Helfing are eagerly anticipating Christmas, with Marietta fully recovered from cancer and their noodle making business thriving. But Molly clearly misses having former tenant Pete Shetler and his rambunctious dog, Riley, around. Marietta can’t ignore Molly’s feelings for Pete—or the anxiety it stirs within her. Convinced her illness has made her unmarriageable, Marietta wonders what kind of life she’ll have if her sister marries—despite Molly’s promise never to leave her behind. . .

Then a fire destroys the home of Amish neighbors and Molly and Marietta graciously make room for widower Glenn Detweiler, his dat, and his two young boys. When Pete returns to help the family rebuild, Molly relishes her reunion with the handsome carpenter, while Marietta delights in mothering Glenn’s boys—and is surprised by her poignant bond with their quiet, brooding father. Soon everyone is wondering if this season will bring the blessing of a merry double wedding to Morning Star . . .

August 23: All the Ups and Downs
August 23: Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews
August 24: Rogue's Angels
August 24: The Adventure of a Travelers Wife - review
August 25: Literary Gold
August 25: Viviana MacKade
August 26: The Avid Reader
August 26: Southern Gal Loves to Read - review only
August 27: Sunnie Reviews - review
August 27: Hope. Dreams. Life... Love
August 30: Fabulous and Brunette
August 30: Splashes of Joy - review only
August 31: Uplifting Reads - review
August 31: Notes From a Romantic's Heart
September 1: Iron Canuck Reviews & More - review only
September 2: Lisa Everyday Reads
September 2: Read Your Writes Book Reviews
September 3: D'S QUILTS & BOOKS - review only
September 3: Long and Short Reviews

The Amish Christmas Candle by Kelly Long, Jennifer Beckstrand and Lisa Jones Baker

This book was published 3 years ago and I have just gotten around to reading it.  I love Amish fiction, but the first story of the 3 was too suggestive, definitely not in the Christian category.  And not the type of Amish I enjoy, which is clean, sweet and Christian.

The story written by Jennifer Beckstrand, was about her character Bitsy Kiem who is not your regular Amish character, with pierced ears, dyed hair and temporary tattoos, but she is funny and enjoyable.  This was the best story in the book and I really enjoyed it.

The final story was also enjoyable and clean and easy reading although didn't hold my attention.   

Unlikely Santa An Amish Christmas Story by Jennifer Spredemann

 I was so lucky to have won this book in a giveaway!  I enjoyed very much reading this sweet Christmas story.  Shannon's parents were killed in an accident, leaving her and her much younger siblings to find their way.  Things are difficult both financially and otherwise.  Her son meets an Amish man while shopping and their lives begin to change.  At work, Shannon meets a handsome young man and another God-planned change begins as well.  

The story is very nice to read and makes a great addition to Christmas reading.  Although the Gospel doctrines taught in the story are somewhat different than my own Gospel teachings, I see the values that are shared and loved how the story developed.   There were some unexpected twists and turns to add interest to the story.  

It was a easy to read book and gets you in the holiday Spirit!

I received this book in a giveaway and was not required to post a review.

An Amish Christmas Wedding by Amy Clipston, Kelly Irwin, Kathleen Fuller, Vannetta Chapman

Four wonderful Amish wedding stories by four talented authors.  Each was a heartwarming Christmas themed story.  They were delightful reads and each told interesting, attention holding tales.  They were  very enjoyable and light reads that brought out delightful characters and Christian reading themes.

You will definitely enjoy these stories of love, forgiveness and Christmas weddings!

I received an ebook copy through NetGalley.  All thoughts are my own.

The Amish Christmas Gift by Laura V. Hilton

Riddled with guilt and sorrow, Levi leaves his fiancée, Elsie,  and becomes determined that he can never marry. Elsie is heartbroken after he leaves her.  

She has a very hard time keeping jobs and perhaps that is because God had other plans for her.  When Levi's sister asks her to be the Christmas elf for Levi, a disorganized toy maker, she finally agrees, knowing full well that they would be seeing each other on a regular basis because of this job.

This was a sweet, heartwarming Christmas book with clear lessons to be learned but all involved.  Levi continues to blame himself for his situation.  It's a nice story of forgiveness of one self,  which is probably the hardest act of forgiveness.

I enjoyed the story and it continued to get more interesting as the book continued.

I received a copy from Forever and NetGalley.  All thoughts are my own.

  

Amish Christmas Twins by Shelley Shepard Gray, Rachel J. Good and Loree Lough

I really enjoyed the Amish Christmas Twins, 3 novellas in a "twin" theme.  I am very familiar with two of the author's works, but was new to Loree Lough.  I enjoyed all three.  It was fun to read about twins and all that surrounds them, especially the mischief!

The stories deal with loss, Christmas Spirit and are all heartwarming and enjoyable.  Christmas is a joyful time, and these stories all included happy endings.  I love Amish fiction and these stories were definitely good examples of this. I especially liked the second story.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley.  All thoughts are my own.

The Amish Christmas Secret by Vannetta Chapman

This is a sweet Amish romance written by one of my favorite Amish authors. I loved the two strong personalities that appear in both Daniel and Becca as they get to know each in their own way.  Daniel is holding back, while Becca is open and caring.  I even loved the appearances of "Cola".

I got a kick out of Becca's "projects" and her sweet personality.  The characters were such that you could really enjoy them as they interacted with one another.  I love how the community was caring and helpful.  That is something special that would be great asset to all communities coming together.

This was a very enjoyable book and a definite feel-good story, which is a great thing for Christmas and this year of 2020!

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

Amish Christmas Miracles Collection

I had the pleasure of reading another story in this book written by Jennifer Beckstrand.  This story was entitled Peanut Butter Christmas.

It was featuring the 8 year old Petersheim brothers, Alfie and Benji, a delightful set of twins that have been wonderful matchmakers.  They are full of fun, mischief and all about adventures!  The author is known for her wit and humorous reads that are very enjoyable, as was the case with this story.  This story is very enjoyable and filled with Christmas Spirit.

I am sure this collection of stories will delight any readers of Amish fiction.  The stories are very fun to read!

I received this from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

Amish Christmas Miracles Collection - An Unexpected Christmas Gift By Jennifer Spredemann

 I have read an early copy of Jennifer Spredemann's story 'An Unexpected Christmas Gift', one of the stories included in the Amish Christmas Miracles Collection' releasing November 10, 2020. This book is a compilation/anthology of 14 different stories by 14 authors.  Some are new to me and some are old faves! I am now anxious to read the rest of the stories! 

This was such a sweet story of an older Amish woman who thought perhaps she was beyond the normal marriageable age.  Through a mysterious gift she finds that God's mercy and His hand have a most incredible way of guiding her in the direction her life should take.  Without giving away the story, I will say that this book was a sweet reminder of God's attention to our personal lives and that His hand is in all things.  

I really enjoyed the message that was shared in this book and the story was fresh and new.   I really loved the story. 

I received an ebook copy of this book from an author of this book.  All thoughts are my own.

Jennifer Spredemann

The Amish Christmas Letters by Patricia Davids, Sarah Price and Jennifer Beckstrand

This is a sweet Christmas collection from three talented authors.   The stories start with a letter to a member of Marybeth's Circle letter group telling the others of the latest events.  The letters make the rounds among all those on the list. 

The stories are romances and the romances are fun to read.  There are times to laugh and the letters are encouraging to each other as the three stories are not separate but are of each of the writing circle recipients.

I really enjoyed the stories and they all seemed to have enough length to be able to enjoy each story fully.

I recommend this book.  I really liked all three stories!

I received an ebook copy from NetGalley.  All thoughts are my own.