A Very Merry Match by Melinda Curtis

Doesn't the cover of this book just grab your attention?  So cute and fun and sooo Christmasy! This was a very enjoyable read.  I loved the characters and how Mary Margaret has a rather unusual 2nd job to take care of "issues" she found herself stuck with.  Her 2nd job is not considered one that a school teacher would expect to have and so she must be careful in relationships, etc.  But! The local matchmakers have different ideas.

You will become engaged in the story!  A great Christmas read!

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

Once Upon a Dickens Christmas by Michelle Griep

This book consisted of three stories  in a Christmas compilation.  It was really a fun read and I enjoyed the stories very much The stories took place in the Victorian period England.  I especially enjoyed the second story in the book entitled A Tale of Two Hearts. I guess you could say it was my favorite one!

The stories were all delightful reads and bring you into the holiday mood.  Two stories had been previously published as single novellas, but I really like the combined stories as one book.

Michelle Griep is  a talented author and has a real way with words in the stories clearly bringing you back to the Charles Dickens times.  It was a good clean, Christian read.  Very entertaining. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Our Christmas Promise by Tara Randel

Best friends.  Forever.  This story was really a great Christmas theme.  Makes you happy!  Loved the story.  Seems like maybe there will be a sequel???  This series is a connected one, which I really like.  the village of Christmas Town has many characters that come into play in a continual story.  Love it!

I loved how they were such good friends and that perhaps to one of them that foundation was growing.  I recommend this very sweet and happy story.  It will put you in the Spirit!

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

The Amish Christmas Cowboy by Jo Ann Brown

This was the first time for this author and I liked it.  It was a clean, sweet Amish book.  There was a good story line and good characters.  I enjoyed it and will probably read more from the author.

A Christmas Carousel Proposal by Melinda Curtis and Cari Lynn Webb

This is the book which starts the fun of the series called 12 Days of Heartwarming Christmas.  These stories connect and this should be the first story to read to best enjoy the series.  I am happy to have read it.  As a prologue, it is a quick read, but has lots of warmth, love and good holiday spirit.

I enjoyed it's message very much as I saw two people, who loved each other very much.  And did what they felt was best at the time.  The story will make you happy and ready for a wonderful Christmas season.

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

12 Days at Bleakly Manor by Michelle Griep

I have enjoyed other books that I have read from Michelle Griep, So was happy to have a chance to read this book.

This retake on Charles Dickens was an interesting and engaging book.  With an invitation to a 12 Day stay at Bleakly Manor, 500 English pounds to the person that stays 12 days.  Would you do this?  Probably if the money was of need and importance to you.

The story of Clara and Ben was enjoyable and throughout the book there are events that add to the mystery and the intrigue.  I love old house stories and so that created a fun book for me.  I am sure I will be reading more from this author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Christmas At Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard

I am loving the Promise Lodge series and enjoyed this book so much.  It is a great book to get anyone into the Christmas mood.  Charlotte Hubbard is such a good author.  Her characters are unique and so interesting that it is hard to stop reading the books.  She is amongst my favorite Amish authors and I hope to read as many of her books as I can.

The Promise Lodge is about a new start-up Amish community and the trials, happiness and struggles that come with it, and some sweet romance to add to the mix.

This light and fun read will be a great addition to any reader's collection of Amish books.  Ms. Hubbard knows the Amish and has some very good insights to the day to day life of this group of people.  I am very anxious for the next book in the series!  Can't wait!

I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.

You can find this book at Amazon!

The Christmas Secret by Wanda E. Brunstetter

This novella by Wanda E. Brunstetter was a nice read, although shorter in pages, it still was just as enjoyable as a longer book.

Elizabeth and David are getting married at Christmas, or so was the plan until an unexpected turn of events which made it necessary for Elizabeth to make a hard decision in her life.

I liked the story although it seemed in some ways a familiar story line to me.  Perhaps because I have read similar stories in the past.

I did like it, but perhaps it was just a little too short.  I am a big fan of Wanda's but this probably wasn't my favorite of her writings. But it is definitely a nice Christmas story.  And some recipes are included at the end.  They sound great!

You can get this at pre-order at the following link.

I received an ebook copy of this from NetGalley for my honest review.

Christmas at Harmony Hill by Ann H Gabhart

This book was a combination Shaker story and Civil War story.  Loved the combo and the characters.  The story about Heather, a washerwoman for the Union Army, for which her husband is fighting, tells how she followed the soldiers so that she would not be separated from him during this time.  As her time to deliver a child approaches, she realized she must return home only to be sent away by her father, a Confederate who resents her supporting the "other" side.

As she finds herself in the Shaker village, lots of interesting things occur, which I won't write about.  However, I love a historical novel, a Christmas story and those about people that I know very little about, but through this book have gained some new insights into a totally different cultural and religious group.  I found it an interesting read, and look forward to reading more from this author.

The only thing that I noted was that the end wrapped up rather quickly, perhaps otherwise that would have made it just a bit better.  But I would recommend this book for readers that enjoy historical novels.

A Secret Encounter by J.E.B. Spredemann

Synopsis:
Shunned in his late teens, Joseph Bender has lived a difficult life the past few years. He's convinced he's finished with the Amish and God, until he meets kindhearted Anna Smucker. Life on the streets has proved to be a stark contrast to the comforts of an Amish community. Will Joe be able to overcome the trials set before him to find a new life of love? Can a secret encounter change his life forever? Inspirational Christian Fiction

I received this book in an "Audible" format.  I loved it.  It was a really interesting read.  I loved the fact that I could just plug in my earphones and listen as I went to and from work and relax and just enjoy this book.   I really loved the very unique and different storyline of this book.  Not like so many others that I have read.  This one was different and so very interesting.  

Anna Smucker is the female heroine of the story who takes on a personal calling to help two down-on-their luck street men.  Not your ordinary Amish tale.  The book is about more than just one Secret encounter, but you will have to read or listen to the book to find out what those are.  

I enjoyed how the author incorporated some very good scriptures which fit so wonderfully in the plot format.  It really was touching and moving at times.  The author also talks about her "Project Vagabond" and explains how she wants to help those less fortunate in a safe yet caring manner.  I think she has some great ideas and is very compassionate.  

The narrator, Lisa Larsen, did an excellent job of telling the tale with lots of expression to add interest to the book and the characters that were portrayed.

This is definitely a 5 star book that readers of Amish fiction will enjoy very much.  The Audible version was a really nice bonus!

Disclosure:  I was given an Audible copy of this book from the author for my honest review which I have given.

The Christmas Cradle by Charlotte Hubbard

The Christmas Cradle is from the Seasons of the Heart series.  I have read most of these and was so happy to be able to read this book as well.

Book Synopsis: The Christmas Cradle

For the peaceful town of Willow Ridge, November presents an early holiday surprise. Stranded in the snow, 18-year-old Lena Esh and her boyfriend Josiah Witmer need more than a place to stay for the night. Lena defied her strict family and their judgmental beliefs to run away with Josiah and have his baby. But she's starting to wonder if he can prove as responsible as he is passionate. And she isn't sure how—or if—they can ever find a place to truly call home.

Expecting their own miracle baby, Miriam and Ben Hooley rally the town to help the young couple, and Lena draws strength from their unexpected support. Though trouble may come calling, in this season of joyous rebirth, a little child will lead them. And two couples will see their dreams of forever family come true . . .

My review:

Thus far in the series, I have loved each of the books that I had read.  So I hoped I would love this one too!  And I did.  I love how the memories of the characters from the previous books came back as I read about nurse Andy and the others which carry through in the series and become one happy family, rather than just friends.

It was a pleasure to read and see the growth in the characters and how each struggles with some little aspects in life that are hard to get over, but through time, friends and family and the every-presence of God, the problems work for our good.  The reminder of forgiveness carries throughout this book as I read each page.  Ben and Miriam are the perfect examples as they go through life with struggles and try to overcome them.  Even some that are very hard to overcome.  The book is the perfect Christmas story and I would highly recommend reading it.  And as in her previous Seasons of the Heart books, she includes some wonderful recipes which I look forward to trying

Charlotte Hubbard is a great Amish fiction writer!  She never disappoints!  I look forward to her next series called Promise Lodge Series which is scheduled for March 2016. A little preview is at the end of this book as well!

Connect with Charlotte Hubbard at this link!

Charlotte Hubbard, Author

Disclosure: 

I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review which I have given.  

Her Tycoon Hero by Narelle Atkins

A fun read by Narelle Atkins!  Cassie has changed, found that she no longer wants to be the party girl, finds religion and wants a new life.  She is now a career oriented young woman looking for career advancement in the event planning business.

She meets Ryan Mitchell, brother of someone she had hoped to keep in her past.  Sean, Ryan's brother means trouble and Cassie is trying to avoid that at all costs.  Yet her new religious faith has her wanting to help him so that he too can find a new and better life.  She and Ryan don't quite agree as it comes to Sean, or Cassie's father for that matter.

How is it possible to forgive all the things of the past?  This book is a story of forgiveness and second chances taking place in Australia.  I enjoyed Narelle's book.  It is the second book I have read from this author.  I enjoy the Christian threads that clearly come through in her writings.

Author Narelle Atkins.

You can grab thChristianBook.comis book at 

An Amish Family Christmas by Marta Perry and Patricia Davids

I recently read this double Christmas novella book by Marta Perry and Patricia Davids.  I have read books from both of these authors and was delighted by these two stories, as well.

Heart of Christmas was Marta Perry's contribution and as all the books of Marta's that I have read, it was really enjoyable.  And a nice way to prepare for the holidays ahead.  

Susanna Miller, Amish school teacher for many years, has pretty much decided that she won't be marrying.  Toby Unger had been her beau who left her shortly before their wedding.  She had a very hard time reconciling with those feelings.  However, after years she finds that Toby's wife, mother of his two children has passed away.  His father, has also had an accident and needs Toby's help in his business.  Toby returns home to find that Susanna is the teacher of his children's Amish school.  His children, having suffered the trauma of their mother's death each face problems in adjusting, with his daughter becoming very shy and unresponsive and his son, William, becoming a troublemaker.

Toby briefs Susanna on his children's problems and she struggles to help them.  As the holidays approach, it is time to prepare for the yearly Christmas Program.  How will she cope with helping the children, seeing her former fiance and dealing with a harse school board member, Mr. Keim?

This book is very heartwarming.  I loved it!

Author Marta Perry











A Plain Holiday is Patricia David's portion of the book, and it too was a wonderful holiday read.

Sally Yoder left the Amish community during her Rumspringa time, but her heart is still with her people, her family, community and Amish ways.  She has always loved Ben Lapp, but she is a much different person, and has become strong as an individual, probably not the type of woman Ben would have in mind or find acceptable.

As a nanny for two Englischer children, grandchildren of an Amish woman who left the fold, she finds herself in her Amish community showing the children this area.  As she encounters Ben again, stirrings of her heart are still apparent and she tries to hold them back.

Ben plans a sleigh ride with the children and it is suggested that Sally go as well.  An unexpected snowstorm brings a challenge to all, and brings them under the same roof for the duration of the snowstorm.

Enjoyed this story very much!  These are absolutely wonderful authors.  Must reads for this holiday season!

Author Patricia Davids

The Nativity Bride by Miralee Ferrell

Continuing with the 12 Brides of Christmas series, I have just finished reading The Nativity Bride by Miralee Ferrell.  This is the first thing I have read from this author and I have to say that I do enjoy her writing style very much.

In this story 16 year old Deborah is courting 18 year old Curt Warren.  They are happily together and feeling that they plan to spend the rest of their lives together.  Curt is contemplating his future and the fact that he does not want to continue to farm as his father has done throughout his life.  He feels the talent of wood working driving him in a different direction.  His father is very unhappy and Curt leaves home to apprentice in The Dalles as a woodworker despite his father's feelings and advice.

Five years pass and Deborah has had merely two letters from Curt.  She has courted others but no one fills the hole in her heart.  Curt returns after these 5 years and the feelings he once had for Deborah still remain.  But after all this time, will Deborah have feelings for him?  Deborah's mother is also a factor in their future as she has poor health and needs to be cared for by Deborah.  As Deborah helps Mr. Warren, Curt's father, go through his wife's belongings after her death, she uncovers some items that hold the keys as to whether Curt and his father will ever reconcile.  One of the items is a beautiful handmade nativity set.

This story was very uplifting and shows the importance of forgiveness in each of our lives.  I will be watching for other works by this author.

I have received a ebook from the publisher for my honest review.

The author, Miralee Ferrell

The Christmas Visitor by Linda Byler

This was last year's Christmas book by Linda Byler.  Unfortunately, last year my to be read pile was very tall and I never got around to reading it.  So this year as the holiday season is approaching, I decided it was time to read this book.
The story is about Ruth, a young widow with six children.  Her youngest still a babe in arms, finds herself lonely and in need of help for herself and family.  She hates to burden her parents of the parents of her late husband, but prefers to be self-reliant in providing the needs of those who depend on her.
She comes in contact with a Amish man who has recently purchased a very large home and feelings seem to awaken in her heart.  Yet he is engaged to marry another making it necessary to suppress those stirrings.  And in her heart she feels that it is too early to have these feelings since the death of her husband.

As time passes and money runs out, she finds boxes of surprises outside her door, exactly when it seems she has no recourse other than to ask others for help.  Who is the mystery person leaving these wonderful gifts?  Is it her best friend or someone else in their community?  Perhaps an Englischer has provided them with means to continue.

As Christmas nears, she finds out who her benefactor is and will this bring changes to her life?

This is such a basic sweet and emjoyable book. It is simply written and brings a sweet Christmas spirit.  This book is available at this link.  I hope that you will have a chance to read this book which will share with you the true meaning of Christmas.

About the author;  Linda Byler grew up Amish and is still a member of the Amish faith.  She has authored three Amish series, Lizzie Searches for Love, Sadie's Montana, and Lancaster Burning.  I have read books in each of these series and can feel the true Amish spirit coming through.  You will enjoy all her books which are all very well written.

An Amish Christmas Quilt by: Charlotte Hubbard, Kelly Long, Jennifer Beckstrand

If I understand correctly the Novellas included here are an extension of their own Amish series and characters.

This lovely Christmas book is a set of 3 novellas written by the above authors. 

The book begins with Charlotte Hubbard’s A Willow Ridge Christmas Pageant.

Mary, a pregnant widow returns with her two step children to her Amish community of Willow Ridge after having lost her husband.  The story starts out immediately as Mary’s baby decides it is time to come.  Help arrives in the young Amish man, Seth, with whom she soon is befriended.  The story continues around the Christmas pageant that is planned by the Amish school. 

This story was so sweet.  I loved reading it and it brings a beautiful feeling of peace and love.  It is a great read and I enjoyed it very much.

 A Christmas on Ice Mountain by Kelly Long. 

Laurel Lapp is secretly being courted by Mathew Beider, a son of her father’s most disliked person.  The two father’s have disliked one another for years, yet their children have fallen in love.  Somewhat of a Romeo and Juliet theme here, revolves about Matthew searching for Laurel in a terrible storm and nearly freezing and they both needing to spend the night on Ice Mountain.  A very engaging storyline and an entertaining read with love, forgiveness and trials. 

A Perfect Amish Christmas by Jennifer Beckstrand

Because I have read the other Huckleberry Hill series books written by this author, I was very familiar with some of the characters in this story, as well.  Anna and Felty Helmuth are serial matchmakers and a very sweet and likeable pair.  Their grandson, Gideon, is requested by Anna to come and help Felty, yet she has ulterior motives, good ones, at that.  Dottie and Gideon would make a great match, or would they?  Anna is convinced, yet things don’t always go as Anna plans.  A great story, wonderfully engaging characters and as always, a fun and humorous tale crafted by Jennifer as only she can!