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.   

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

This book consisted of 3 Christmas novellas.  I always enjoy Jennifer Beckstrand's comedic relief in all her Huckleberry Hill books.  The 3 stories were clean and nicely written.  I have not read anything previously from Lisa Jones Baker.  It was an enjoyable story. 

Although not Christmas time, I grabbed this one at the local library and enjoyed it.  It was a quick read and enjoyable.

The Amish Heart of Ice Mountain by Kelly Long

This book from the Ice Mountain Amish series was not my choice of Amish reading.  I found it too explicit and definitely does not fit into any Christian book category.

Looking at the cover one would think that it is your typical "sweet" Amish book.  Not for me.

The Amish Christmas Sleigh Novella Compilation

I was lucky to be able to read this very enjoyable Christmas compilation.  Below are the three book synopsis for the book.  There are three great Amish authors that have contributed to this set.

A SLEIGH RIDE ON ICE MOUNTAIN
Kelly Long 
For solitary toy-maker Sebastian Christner, hiring Kate Zook as his new housekeeper is simply the right thing to do. Now she can support her special-needs brother. But one taste of her independent spirit is showing him undreamed-of holiday joy—and making him long to give her a home for always . . .

My thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book as I read about bachelor Sebastian and the toys that he created and gave to the children.  He was a renowned toy maker, even having a computer to take orders. The bishop might not be happy, but it was worth it for him to see the kids' faces light with happiness.  Needing a housekeeper, Kate fits the bill and her longing for a real family finds peace in taking care of Sebastian's home until...  (you'll have to read it!)

There is a little bit of sexual tension in this book, but it didn't go beyond that.  It was a great way to start the holiday with a book that has warm feelings and brings a happy holiday spirit.

A MAMM FOR CHRISTMAS
Amy Lillard
Bernice Yoder has far too much to do to entertain holiday dreams. Even if she can help Jess Schmucker outwit his three mischievous young daughters, it's impossible to imagine the handsome widower can see her as anything but a scolding schoolteacher. He never guesses how a magical Christmas Eve will open his eyes to love or how Der Herr will awaken their faith and hope. 

My thoughts:
Amy Lillard has quickly become one of my favorite Amish authors.  I always know that the story will bring out the true spirit of Amish fiction.  As the daughters secretly plot in this story you will become engaged in their cause and be rooting for them.  It is a story of hope and happiness, perfect for a great holiday read!  I loved it and it even brought a few tears to my eyes.  Great story!

AN UNEXPECTED CHRISTMAS BLESSING
Molly Jebber
As much as Charity Lantz's children need a father, the young widow isn’t sure her new neighbor Luke Fisher can ever be the right choice. They’re having more disagreements than snowflakes in December. Besides, he's never given a sign he wants to be more than friends. Can Gott show them a way past their misunderstandings to a forever love?

My thoughts:
This is the second work of Molly Jebber that I have read and reviewed.  I enjoyed the first book very much and this one as well.  The story is engaging and fun.  Above all, I enjoy the Christian values.  Great job, Molly!  I will be reading more of your books!

You can pre-order this Amish book set at this link.  I know you will enjoy it.

The Amish Bride of Ice Mountain by Kelly Long

I received this book from the publisher Kensington books.  It was a really different take on Amish fiction then what I have been reading in the past.  The book grabbed me from page one.

Mary is an Amish woman living in what is considered the Mountain Amish community.  It appears that they are perhaps quite different than the Amish I have learned about in other regions, such as Lancaster.

In this book, Mary becomes acquainted with Jude, a professor who is studying the Amish mountain people on Ice Mountain.  They have some romantic encounters and are forced by her father to marry, although their encounters were very simple kisses.

After their marriage, they remain celibate and return to Jude's home, where many difficult interactions with Jude's father occur.  And with some misunderstandings, Mary returns under the guise of homesickness.  The book is very engaging and I enjoyed the storyline, but was surprised by a little more physical tension between the two than I had before read in an Amish book.  I kind of tend to lean towards the less "physical" types of Amish writings.  That was my only reservation on the book, other than this, I thought is was very good.

You can find a complete list of Kelly Long's books here.

Disclosure:  I received this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given.

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!