An Amish Christmas Star (Blog Tour and Giveaway!) by Shelley Shepard Gray, Charlotte Hubbard and Rosalind Lauer

An Amish Christmas Star

by Charlotte Hubbard

 

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

 

GENRE: Inspirational Romance (Amish)

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

 BLURB:

The crisp fragrance of pine trees and the warm spice of fresh cookies aren’t the only blessings that Christmas brings, and no one knows more about happy homecomings than three couples who are celebrating the greatest gift of all . . .

 

STAR OF WONDER by Charlotte Hubbard

When Raymond Overholt comes to Promise Lodge, hoping to sell the barnboard signs he’s painted with stars and Christmas messages, spirited young Mennonite Lizzie Zehr is intrigued. But any courtship between them will face fierce opposition from the bishop of Raymond’s Old Order community—unless someone can convince him that at the heart of faith lies love . . .

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

 EXCERPT:

With the girl’s laughter still dancing in his head, Raymond Overholt tried to refocus his thoughts. If he didn’t convince Mr. Kraybill to sell his handmade plaques, his past several weeks of work would be for nothing. He’d have to return home to Coldstream with his tail between his legs, and face a long, dreary lifetime of milking his dat’s cows. Running a dairy was honest, necessary work but Raymond didn’t enjoy spending his early mornings and late afternoons in a smelly barn disinfecting udders any more than the Holsteins liked having him around. Worse yet, if he overslept, his older brothers did the milking and left the hosing down and mucking out of the stalls for him.

       

“If your customers like these plaques, I can make more,” he assured the steely-haired storekeeper. “I—I really appreciate having the chance to sell them here in your new store. Our bulk market in Coldstream is dim and overcrowded with merchandise, and even if the owner there had display space, he wants nothing to do with artwork. It’s that Old Order thing.”

          

Mr. Kraybill smiled knowingly. “Jah, Amish stores don’t usually carry much that appears English even if they have a lot of customers come in from outside their community to shop,” he acknowledged. “But your plaques carry a solid Christmas message—‘Wise men still follow His star’ and the lyrics to ‘We Three Kings’ are meaningful reminders about following our Lord’s holy light. Thanksgiving always kicks off the Christmas buying season, so we’ll give it a shot, Raymond.”

           

He hoped his grateful grin didn’t appear too adolescent—or desperate. Raymond gazed around the store, where a gal in a pleated Amish kapp was stocking shelves in the rear. A few early shoppers were pushing carts into the grocery section. “If you need some extra hands when things get busy these next few weeks, I’d be happy to help, sir,” he offered. “I’ve not worked in a store, but I’m gut at tallying sums and I’m a quick learner.”

           

“I’ll keep it in mind,” Kraybill said with a nod. 

           

Raymond heard probably not in the storekeeper’s words, but he’d dealt with people’s dismissals before. If he’d dressed in dark broadfall pants with a plain shirt and suspenders—and if he’d chosen glasses with conservative frames—Kraybill might’ve taken him more seriously. But until he had no other choice than to submit to Old Order ways and join the church, Raymond was determined to wear clothing he liked.

           

“I’ll be back in a few days to see how my signs are selling,” he said. “Denki for giving me a chance.”

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

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 60 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

 Buy Links:

 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Amish-Christmas-Star-Shelley-Shepard-ebook/dp/B09PJ348C8

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/an-amish-christmas-star-shelley-shepard-gray/1140825147

Kensington Publishing:  https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/9781496734273/an-amish-christmas-star/

 Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/An-Amish-Christmas-Star-Paperback-9781496734259/385381250

 Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/an-amish-christmas-star/id1602867197

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 My Review:

Well, I just really enjoyed this sweet romance.  It was so enjoyable to watch the characters change and grow in the their own respective ways.  Becca had a goal to travel and needed to train a replacement for her job at the Amish Market.  Gideon's father sent him from Texas to Indiana to fill Becca's shoes.  He is missing Texas and his smaller community of Beeville.  As the story continues, the love story starts to bloom. Going from friends to falling in love in a sweet way was fun to see.

It was interesting to read about her plans to join the Mennonite Disaster Services and to find out about what they do to help others.  I love Amish Markets and shops so it was a fun read.

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

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

Charlotte Hubbard will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

Please have fun and follow the tour and comment on all the blogs to better your chance of winning! Thanks for being here and share the tour links with your friends!

To Follow the Blog Tour please click here

To enter the Rafflecopter:

Enter Here!

Dog Days of Summer (Gone to the Dogs Mysteries Book 2) by Kathleen Y'Barbo

Trina is a Nashville Country Singer who purchases a Texas ranch in the hopes of helping with a dog rescue facility.  And before this even gets going trouble comes.  And so the mystery begins!  The book is read in first person, Trina.  

Her friend from school days, Wyatt, tries to help her solve the mystery that keeps you guessing till the end.  If you read book 1, you will love seeing the familiar characters that were in that book as they appear in book 2. And there are newbies in the book, as well. This book blended in well to where book 1 ended. The book has mystery and some romance!  What could be better! I really enjoyed this cozy mystery and look forward to book 3!

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

When You Kiss Me by Melinda Curtis (A Kissing Test Novel Book 4)

So I love Grandma Dotty.  A little crazy yet very loveable matchmaker!  And she's back in this story.  As she wants to see some little babies coming along, she wants to make sure that her grands are happily married!  This is a romantic comedy that is sure to keep you laughing throughout. Violet is her target and if you like a little Shakespeare, this is a must-read for you!  Grandma Dotty has some crazy plans and you will be totally engaged!  The storyline was such fun and keeps you reading!  It is a clean romance.

Dottie is taking exercise class and has a goal of being a model.  Can you just visualize her doing hip-hop?

So grab a copy of this fun story and you will have some enjoyable reading!  I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

You can grab your copy here!

Wyoming Rodeo Rescue by Carol Ross

 I love this Blackwell Series!  This was the third book and it was so sweet!  The author did a great job of developing the "cast of characters!"  Summer is an equestrian rider who appears early to the "rodeo" and finds herself in the midst of preparations and she digs right in, although she was not expected and yet she will take over as the main event of the rodeo!  Levi and Summer seem to not hit is off at first meeting.  She appears to early for him and she doesn't seem to appreciate his reactions to her being there.  But the story continues and you will just love how it turns out.  Levi's daughter and Summer seem to hit it off wonderfully from day one and they instantly click.  There is some "strife" as ex-wife appears and she and Levi can't seem to agree on what is best for their daughter.  But the story continues and you will just love how it turns out.  This book is a winner.  I couldn't put it down. Can't wait for the next in the series.  It just keeps getting better!

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

Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends No Waste Cookbook

I have loved Wanda's Recipe books and this one had some very nice and simple recipes.  I have gone down one person in my household and this gives nice casseroles that could be used a couple of nights for my now small household.  The Cheeseburger Bacon Pasta sounded like a winner to me!  As did the Pizza Casserole!  Can't wait to try them.  I need to a way to use the leftovers that I always seem to have in the fridge and somehow often end up just throwing away. And this book seems to fit the bill perfectly. The dessert items looked so nummy!  I can't wait to start baking and cooking these wonderful looking foods.  The artwork was great and everything looks wonderful. 

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

The Amish Matchmaker by Amy Lillard (Paradise Valley Book 2)

This was such a cute story!  I just loved it.  The characters were all so engaging.  And it was a book that once you started, you kept right on reading.  It was such a fun book.  The book took right off from the beginning to end.  No dull moments as Astrid becomes the matchmaker for Imogene, a widow with twin boys who needs a husband and father to help her.  Astrid is a romance writer and is surprised at Imogene's request to help her find her match. But she's right on the job!  

I loved the storyline, love, friendships and a few laughs along the way.  It was a really enjoyable tale and I loved the humor when confusion hits! I loved the characters of the twin boys, Mattie and Mahlon who helped to add humor and a little chaos to the story.  All in all, this book is a sure winner for all who love Amish fiction.  Can't wait for book 3!

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

A Lady of Refinement by Linda Weaver Clarke (Audible Version)

Another sweet and clean and definitely enjoyable book by Linda Weaver Clarke.  I love the cover and have to admit, the look of a cover really influences my first thoughts of a book. The narrator was a talented speaker as she told the sweet story.

I love how the author weaves her ancestors' stories into her fiction.  What a wonderful way to preserve your ancestors' stories while writing an engaging and interesting story.  I loved the way the character of Jonathon grew throughout the story and how he learned to impress the woman he was hoping to court. I loved how Serenity was not as "refined" as her Welsh auntie had hoped for her to be.

It's a great story and I am so happy to have read it.  I enjoyed it so much!

I received an Audible copy from the author without being required to give a positive review..  All thoughts are my own.

An Amish Proposal for Christmas By Vannetta Chapman (Book 1 of 2 Indiana Amish Market)

 

Well, I just really enjoyed this sweet romance.  It was so enjoyable to watch the characters change and grow in the their own respective ways.  Becca had a goal to travel and needed to train a replacement for her job at the Amish Market.  Gideon's father sent him from Texas to Indiana to fill Becca's shoes.  He is missing Texas and his smaller community of Beeville.  As the story continues, the love story starts to bloom. Going from friends to falling in love in a sweet way was fun to see.

It was interesting to read about her plans to join the Mennonite Disaster Services and to find out about what they do to help others.  I love Amish Markets and shops so it was a fun read.

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

An Amish Christmas Star by Shelley Shepard Gray, Charlotte Hubbard, Rosalind Lauer

 

An excellent set of three Christmas novellas written by three excellent Amish authors.  I really enjoyed them all, despite the fact, Christmas is still a few months away! These stories will definitely set the mood for happy holidays.

Each story was different from the others and it is hard to see the stories end.  These would all be great characters for their own novel.

The first story is about two Amish people needing to get to certain destinations and their various rides give them definite problems along the way.  As they travel together, despite many setbacks, they find their way.

The next story was about Raymond and Lizzie whose relationship is hindered by a Bishop whose own personal feelings cause problems for his congregation, including Raymond and Lizzie, of course.

The final story is about a newlywed couple whose life is disrupted by a job which keeps them apart from one another. 

These are all great stories and so enjoyable to read.  loved them all!

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

Anna's Amish Fears Revealed by Tracy Fredrychowski Book 3

I loved getting to read book 3 of this series.  The Amish women of Lawrence County series always seems to have a good Christian theme and this one has as well.

Anna is living in a world of anxieties and after her faith is stretched to the limit, family and friends hopefully will give her the support she needs.  After Simon leaves just before their wedding, how will she be able to trust again? After he returns, will she be able to have a life with him?  With God's help the decisions will become clear.

I really enjoyed this book, as I have the previous books in the series.  I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author with no requirements of a positive review.  All thoughts are my own,

Calm in the Mountain Storm by Misty M. Beller (Call of the Rockies Series) Book 9

 This book grabbed my attention from page 1.  I am a real fan of this amazing author.  She writes the most amazing historical books.  I knew that I would need to read this book, too!  So glad I did.  This is an author who understands the history for the time period she writes.  

The book is a wonderful addition to this series.  There is always adventure, and of course, romance in her books.  This one did not fail in these categories. I love the missionaries and the trust in God.

There is sadness in the book and it is very touching.  If you like these features in a book, I highly recommend it.  Any of this author's books, actually.  You won't want to miss a single book!.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author without expectation of a positive review.  All thoughts are my own.

A Cowboy Thanksgiving by Melinda Curtis

What a fun addition to this series.  I loved to get to know these characters as they were so amazing in their own ways.  Bo Monroe feels a bit inadequate as far as "Monroes" go.  But wants to show that he too, can shine.  He assumes "Max" is a male and is surprised to learn at the airport, it is "really" Maxine who he is picking up to have Thanksgiving with the family.

This is a great finish to the series and a beautiful story in and of itself.  As the relationship between Bo and Max begins to grow, you find yourself reading a wonderful and endearing love story.  And lets not forget Luna, Max's daughter, who also is an amazing character and addition to a great book!  You will enjoy it so much.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author without being required to write a positive review.  All thoughts are my own.
 

The Bride of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep

 This book was such fun to read!  There were lots of features that I enjoyed about it, such as mystery, as I am a big fan!!!  And there was romance, of course.  There was crime and it has a hero!  There are some twists, some turns and the unexpected, making is such a good read.  

This author has always entertained me with her enthralling books.  This book was a book I can truly recommend.  Don't miss this one!

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

Escape From Amsterdam by Lauralee Bliss

 This is a book that I was so lucky to read!  I loved it.  It is a wonderful addition to the Heroines Series.  Helen and Erik meet and their attraction begins.  It is the time of German occupation and their lives engaged me completely.  They were brave and do all they can to help the children to be safe from the Nazis.  This is not without trials, but God is present.  Their faith is evident as they help the Jewish children.

An excellent book and one that is very close to my own heart.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing without being required to post a positive review.  All thoughts are my own.