Friday, February 20, 2015

An Amish Christmas Quilt

Title: AN AMISH CHRISTMAS QUILT    
Authors: Charlotte Hubbard, Kelly Long, and Jennifer Beckstrand
Publisher: Kensington Books
November 2014
ISBN:   978-1617735547
Genre: Amish Christmas novellas

A Willow Ridge Christmas Pageant by Charlotte Hubbard

Seth Brenneman didn’t expect his holiday would include rescuing pregnant young Mary Kauffman and her two children….or having unexpected feelings for the still-grieving widow.  But when they must play the leads in an impromptu live Nativity pageant to help his Amish community, will their roles reveal their hearts—and work a miracle for a lifetime?

My thoughts: This was a cute novella, kind of an Amish play on the birth of Jesus—even the baby has the name Emmanuel, which made me want to sing Christmas carols. I enjoyed reconnecting with some of Ms. Hubbard’s previous characters and the fledgling romance between Seth and Mary. 4 stars.

A Christmas on Ice Mountain by Kelly Long

Matthew Beider and Laurel Lapp’s secret wish to marry is a gift their feuding fathers definitely won’t accept. Can rediscovering the joys and friendships of Christmas past finally turn their families’ futures bright?

My thoughts:  Wow. Kelly Long was one of my favorite Amish authors, but this one took the sensuality too far. The story about John and Luke was great and I loved the history and the resolution there, but Matthew and Laurel’s romance went into a bit too much detail in some places. Not up to Ms. Long’s usual standards for sure, but still well written. 4 stars.

A Perfect Amish Christmas by Jennifer Beckstrand

Anna Helmuth knows that Dottie Schrock is the perfect girl for her grandson Gideon. Dottie is an excellent quilter and baker and she’s having a party. There’s just one complication—Gideon is not invited. Dottie has her reasons, but Anna trusts that the spirit of Christmas—and true love—will change her mind, and her future…

My thoughts: Jennifer Beckstrand is a new author to me. I read one of her books this past month, but they intrigue me enough so I probably will look for earlier ones. I enjoyed getting to know Gid and Dottie and revisiting Ana and Felti. This was the best story of the book. So cute. Dottie is a bit high maintenance, but she has her reasons for wanting everything perfect. I love Gid’s sense of humor. Great story. 5 stars

Over all this was a good Amish novella collection. I love that more publishers are doing them. I enjoyed each of the stories – even around Valentine’s Day, when I read them. The mention of special holiday treats made me think of the ones my own Amish grandparents and Mom made for Christmas every year.

If you haven’t read AN AMISH CHRISTMAS QUILT you’ll want to pick up a copy. Great read.

 Overall, 4.75 stars

Available in ebook and paperback.  288 pages.


1 comment:

Jennifer said...

Laura,
Thank you so much for the nice review! Valentines is a perfect time to read these novellas because they're so romantic. And who doesn't love a little Christmas in February?

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